I recently went on a free walking tour led by Samuel (Sam for short) and I was with my very good friend from work. Overall, the experience was satisfactory, though it had room for improvement. Samuel was knowledgeable about the city's history and key landmarks, providing interesting tidbits and facts that enriched our understanding of Rome. His friendly demeanor, occasional jokes, and enthusiasm for the city were evident, which made the tour pleasant. However, there were a few drawbacks. Samuel's speaking volume was a bit low at times, making it difficult for those at the back of the group to hear clearly, especially in noisier areas. Additionally, while his information was accurate and relevant, his delivery sometimes felt a bit rehearsed, lacking the spontaneity and engagement that make tours memorable. He also forgets to count how many of us are still following him, but he is forgiven since a daft couple brought their actual TODDLER on a walking tour which was a bit excessive and mildly inappropriate for the length of the tour we had. The route Samuel chose covered many significant sights, hidden gems like the 5th century church we started off in, giving a good overview of the city's highlights. He was accommodating when it came to answering questions and provided helpful recommendations for restaurants (I asked for the best gelato in town but he didn't really elaborate where it was) and other activities. In summary, Samuel provided a decent tour experience that was informative and enjoyable, despite some minor issues with presentation style. For a free tour, it was a good way to get acquainted with the city, would very much recommend but you have to brush up on your reading to get Sam's favour 😅.
