One of those passionate experts is former New Yorker Lauren Caramico, owner, Davvero Rome, which provides a full menu of eating and drinking experiences in the Eternal City. And these are truly experiences: Apertivo and bevi strolls visit small, upscale bars where guests mingle with locals; food walks include wine and, rare for roving tours, a place to sit and enjoy what you’re tasting. Caramico has made a lot of friends in the industry, so expect fun extras like tableside chats with restaurant owners and impromptu wine tastings.

© Anantara

History majors sometimes have to get creative if they want to work in their field. Art historian and certified guide Isabella Calidonna, who holds a Ph.D. in art history, gets bonus points for ArcheoRunning, which leads runners (Calidonna also happens to coach runners for the Italian Olympic Committee) on tours of everything from Rome’s architectural marvels to the Appian Way. Along the way, Calidonna points out the hidden frescoes, public works by Michelangelo and other bits of history that speckle the city. She’ll also go at your pace — even if that’s a slow shuffle — with as many stops as you need.

Hotel concierges have always provided a terrific point of contact for tours; today they go a step further and work with locals to create tours and experiences not available anywhere else. At Anantara Palazzo Naiadi, for example, an exclusive culinary experience starts with a visit to Rome’s iconic Esquilino Market before returning to the hotel to transform the market’s bounty into a traditional Roman meal with executive chef Heros de Agostinis. Guests at Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese Hotel can embark on a photo tour of Rome led by @DoorsofItaly founder and travel photographer Ryan Neeven. The multiday experience combines exploration with instruction on how to professionally photograph Rome’s scenes, sights and people. “Revealing Rome’s hidden beauty to our guests is my passion,” said the hotel’s head concierge, Agostino Sità, who developed the hotel’s experience program.