“Max was the best of a 17 day European vacation”
Reviewed on September 8th 2012 
Written by RhondaPr
Boston, Massachusetts
We had such an unbelievably fantastic experience I had to write this review. However you should know that I travel, live in the US and I have used Tripadvisor for years because I love the honest reviews you get. However, I have never before felt compelled to post a review. That in itself shows how motivated I am to share our story about Max, our tour guide, and owner. He is going to be my first review ever. I picked him because after extensive research I felt the reviews about Max had the greatest ring of “truth” to them. In addition, the reviews were especially appealing because a few mentioned how good he was with teenagers. We were traveling with two of them (12 and 16). I also tested the waters asking him questions via email and I was impressed with his responsiveness, English and knowledge. So before I write more, let me right give you my conclusion in case you don’t want to read more: “If you are traveling to Rome and want an unbelievable experience OR if you are traveling with teenagers, stop looking for a tour guide now and write to Max. Then, pray he can accommodate you.” Now I will give you more details. We were traveling through a number of countries as a family for 17 days. During the time we had many private tours in other countries but Max was a standout for both us and the kids. First, he is very smart, very organized, and very good with people. His use of visual aids (through his ipad) gave the stories and sights deeper meaning and context. He picked us up promptly at our hotel in an new, clean air conditioned car. In the summer it is so hot that Rome could be the “worst” part of your trip not the best. In my head I figured I wanted a private tour of the Colosseum and the Vatican and the rest I could do myself. I know many people who do these “biggies” by themselves but they are really being penny wise and pound foolish. If there is anywhere you want a private tour it has to be the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. Many friends who went and took a group tour or rented the earphones can’t believe how much more we saw and learned. Since we were traveling with kids I could not stomach the thought of their being bored which in turns ruins our time. Also, I had asked the hotel about a private tour for each and their prices were so inflated compared to calling Max directly. When I added up the two private tours, Max’s price made more sense AND he drove us to the sights. Remember, you end up doing more with Max than just those two sights. Our tour started at the People’s Piazza which Max explained oriented us to the city. This was very smart of him and really did give us a sense of where everything is in Rome.
He explained the beautiful Piazza and engaged the kids so they were very interested in what he had to say. Then we were off to the Vatican. We arrive and the line to enter was about 3 hours long. It was almost 100 degrees and people looked miserable. We were dropped off right at the door and we were inside, ready to tour, in less than 10 minutes! My husband looked at me and said that alone was worth double the money we paid Max! Because of this, the kids were not restless or hot or complaining . Waiting on line is a waste of time and draining. Why do that? As we all know Vatican City is huge and you need someone to make some decisions for you about what to see. Obviously, you want to get to the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museum and St. Peter’s Basillica so what is the best use of your time and attention? Max was just perfect. We loved what he picked. We loved what he explained. We loved the pace he kept us at (not to fast not too slow). We loved everything. We saw so much more than we would have ever seen on our own. Once you get to the Sistine Chapel you can’t believe the crowds but I honestly felt like we were the only ones there. Also, how long can you look up at a ceiling without feeling uncomfortable or know where to look? Well I won’t tell you Max’s secrets on how he gives you this tour because he so smartly figured out exactly where to put his customers and how to explain everything that I won’t spoil it for you. Also, I don’t want anyone else to figure it out. Just let me tell you that we were in the Sistine Chapel for about 30-40 minutes and all of us would tell you it seemed like we were there for 10 minutes. I did not get a sore neck or feel rushed or crowded! Max made the time fly. My kids listened to everything. He is like a magician. We were at the Vatican a total of 2.5 hours and we saw more than most people do in double that time. After you are done at the Vatican, Max runs to get the car for you as you look around the outside. What a treat. We then went to lunch at a casual but delicious place. You can take as much or as little time as you want. We then went to the Colosseum. Again, how he organizes the tour maximizes your learning, your interest and your time. He had us stand in the shade most of the time when everyone else is wondering around with sweaty dazed looks on their faces. Before the day ended, we went to the best gelato store (and he was not kidding), the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and down the rodeo drive of Rome. We ended the tour at our hotel and we were so sad to see him leave. MAX was so personable you can’t help but feel like you have just made a friend. I have to tell you all of us learned so much and he was the seed that made us all fall in love with Rome. I think my children learned more in that one day than they did all year. The the best part is they never knew they were learning. If you have any doubts, leave them at home. I can’t wait until the day I can return and have another tour with Max!
He explained the beautiful Piazza and engaged the kids so they were very interested in what he had to say. Then we were off to the Vatican. We arrive and the line to enter was about 3 hours long. It was almost 100 degrees and people looked miserable. We were dropped off right at the door and we were inside, ready to tour, in less than 10 minutes! My husband looked at me and said that alone was worth double the money we paid Max! Because of this, the kids were not restless or hot or complaining . Waiting on line is a waste of time and draining. Why do that? As we all know Vatican City is huge and you need someone to make some decisions for you about what to see. Obviously, you want to get to the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museum and St. Peter’s Basillica so what is the best use of your time and attention? Max was just perfect. We loved what he picked. We loved what he explained. We loved the pace he kept us at (not to fast not too slow). We loved everything. We saw so much more than we would have ever seen on our own. Once you get to the Sistine Chapel you can’t believe the crowds but I honestly felt like we were the only ones there. Also, how long can you look up at a ceiling without feeling uncomfortable or know where to look? Well I won’t tell you Max’s secrets on how he gives you this tour because he so smartly figured out exactly where to put his customers and how to explain everything that I won’t spoil it for you. Also, I don’t want anyone else to figure it out. Just let me tell you that we were in the Sistine Chapel for about 30-40 minutes and all of us would tell you it seemed like we were there for 10 minutes. I did not get a sore neck or feel rushed or crowded! Max made the time fly. My kids listened to everything. He is like a magician. We were at the Vatican a total of 2.5 hours and we saw more than most people do in double that time. After you are done at the Vatican, Max runs to get the car for you as you look around the outside. What a treat. We then went to lunch at a casual but delicious place. You can take as much or as little time as you want. We then went to the Colosseum. Again, how he organizes the tour maximizes your learning, your interest and your time. He had us stand in the shade most of the time when everyone else is wondering around with sweaty dazed looks on their faces. Before the day ended, we went to the best gelato store (and he was not kidding), the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and down the rodeo drive of Rome. We ended the tour at our hotel and we were so sad to see him leave. MAX was so personable you can’t help but feel like you have just made a friend. I have to tell you all of us learned so much and he was the seed that made us all fall in love with Rome. I think my children learned more in that one day than they did all year. The the best part is they never knew they were learning. If you have any doubts, leave them at home. I can’t wait until the day I can return and have another tour with Max!
