Tour Guide Q+A: Meet Marisa in Rome

We interviewed a number of long-term guides on ToursByLocals recently to get under the skin of what it means to be a tour guide: what challenges do they face, and what makes it a job worth getting up for in the morning? We loved the thoughtful answers that came pouring in, and will spend some time in the coming months sharing some of our favourite stories.

Today, we get to know Marisa in Rome, Italy. Marisa has been a guide with ToursByLocals since 2011, with an impressive 880 private tours under her belt.

Tour Guide Q+A with Marisa in Rome

I started by chance! I was searching for a job in my field (archaeology), but I had never thought about guiding, since I'm naturally quite shy. But sharing my love and knowledge of Roman archaeology became my passion. I started as a guide 10 years ago and definitely this is my path. I really love to be a guide.

What do you think travellers remember most about a tour with you?

In addition to my historical knowledge (which is a basic requirement for any guide), according to my reviews travellers remember my tours for my ability to explain ancient times and "make history come alive". And for my sense of humour!

Is there a type of traveler you enjoy touring with most?

I love to meet people interested in discovering the history of my city, with respect and patience. I like to see enthusiasm in my clients' eye. I'm not the biggest fan of "want to see all in one day" – there is just too much to see and understand it well.

Do you have a favourite memory you've made on tour?

Two years ago, I escorted in the Vatican a nice couple of seniors. They had visited Rome several times, but unfortunately every time the Sistine Chapel was closed. Once we arrived inside the Sistine Chapel, they both had tears of joy in their eyes. They were holding hands and crying with joy. Their love and joy was so intense that I had tears in my eyes too.

What is the most special tour you’ve organized and why?

I occasionally arrange unique tours, with special access to archeological sites and monuments. Once I took a very Catholic family to see the excavations underneath St. Peter's Basilica, the so-called "St. Peter's Tomb". It's a catacomb, and required a special permission to access. Another time I took a history buff to see the House of Augustus, the Roman Emperor.

How do you think ToursByLocals is different from other tour companies out there?

During the years, I've tried different companies before arriving here. The main difference is that ToursByLocals promotes the GUIDE, not just the tour. The other companies are selling the itineraries, without a word about the provider, the guide. So you cannot choose the guide, like here. Instead, I like that the clients selected me for my profile, for my background and who I am, and after learning about me, they choose the tour.