Rome Frequently Asked Questions

What is the relationship between Scala Reale and the network of Context organizations?

Scala Reale and Context Rome—the first of our organizations—formed a partnership in the Spring of 2002 combining the strengths of the two companies in order to work more efficiently. In the fall of 2003, they officially merged into one company and took the name Context Rome. In September 2004, the websites were merged. You can think of them as one organization.

Do you do tours of the Scavi under the Vatican?

No. These are organized by the Vatican itself. You need to email them directly at uff.scavi@fabricsp.va.

I would like to attend the Papal audience. How do I go about doing so?

The Pope addresses a general audience every Wednesday at 10 am. You can make reservations through us by looking under Concierge Services or you can call the Vatican prefetura at +39 06.69883017. Be forewarned that the Papal address creates a “stadium style” spirituality. It’s not the intimate engagement that people may expect, as hundreds of pilgrims are in attendance within St. Peter’s square.

More Vatican FAQs

Please visit our blog to view all of our Vatican Frequently Asked Questions.

Can I drink the water from the fountains?

Yes. Emphatically yes. The water constantly flowing from Rome’s many fountains comes direct from mountain springs and is quite drinkable.

What’s the Roman etiquette in regard to tipping?

Tipping in the U.S. is mandatory because waiters and waitresses are paid below minimum wage. The first 8-10% of a U.S. tip simply brings the waiter up to living wage. This is not the case in Rome. Waiters make living wage by law. Thus, tips are intended to signal approval. I generally consider what I would tip in the U.S. and subtract 10%. So, if service was good, I give 5% instead of 15%. If it was exceptional, I give 10% instead of 20%. Don’t believe waiters who tell you that service isn’t included. Technically, they may be right: There is no “tip” specifically in the bill. But you need to think of the wider social picture.

Does Context:Rome have an office in Rome?

Yes. We have our branch office in Monti, which is a medieval neighborhood just off the Forum. Petulia, Jessica, or Megan are usually there from 9-5 PM, Monday through Friday, and can answer any questions you might have. Telephone: 06.482.0911, emergency cell: 347.677.3076

Where can I find a wheelchair in Rome? Do you have wheelchair accessible tours?

One can rent a wheelchair (the Italian term is sedia a rotelle or carrozzella) from numerous shops called Sanitaria. The cost is about $40 for a month, at least from the one we spoke to. They prefer not to rent for less than a month, but you might be able to find someone who does. On the whole, it would be more advisable to bring your own wheelchair. If you’re in a wheelchair, only our evening tour is perfectly barrier free. In the Vatican we could arrange for a wheelchair, but you would need to book a private walk. We would be happy to organize a special day tour with complete wheelchair accessibility. We did this a few years ago and were surprised how accessible much of the city really is.

What about crime?

Italy has an absurdly low violent crime rate. There were around 70 murders in the entire country last year. Your chances of being attacked are so outrageously low, don’t even think about it. Petty crime, on the other hand, is a serious problem. As you’ve certainly read elsewhere, pick-pocketers are a problem. Here are some tips that will assist you in picking out the pick-pocketers, and keeping your wallet as safe as yourselves:

• 1. Always maintain your personal space. Do not let a stranger come into close or personal body contact with you when possible.
• 2. Watch out for any beggars with newspapers and/or pieces of cardboard: this is a dead give away that they are pick-pocketers. They use the cardboard as a devious device to cover the operations. Generally they place the card-board over your purse, and while you are distracted and their hands are covered, the dig for your wallet. Again, if you see anyone with cardboard approaching you, immediately make movements to maintain your space. e.g. Fling your arms about in exaggerated walking manners, quicken your pace to match the local stride, instead of vacationing stroll, and always be ready to cry for help, or create any alarm with your voice.
• 3. Do not pull out large amounts of money while using public transportation. The subway and certain bus routes can literally be the thieves’ den, so take precautions while using these great transportation services. Pickpockets don’t really choose their victims by their ethnic origin. They will generally prey on weaker, slower, or more distracted people. Families with children, confused tourists, or older people are pretty popular, therefore, traveling with your mother might make you a pretty good target. But be confident, look alert! Keep your valuables well hidden. Finally don’t be afraid to meet the gaze of someone you find suspicious and look as though you know exactly what he or she is thinking. Bluffing goes a long way in this town. So does any sign of determination.