I hear guides make commissions by recommending merchants?
As a matter of fair practice, ICON has a very strict policy of not allowing our scholars to engage in accepting commissions from restaurants and shops. We will never divert our guests into a souvenir shop, or restaurant where they feel obligated to buy something. Many of our staff members are as passionate about food, wine, and fashion as they are about Art and History. We are always on the lookout for new discoveries, bargain prices, and great food. We are happy to recommend truly great places to explore, shop and eat, away from the tourist traps. These are the places we visit in our free time, and enjoy as a part of daily life in Rome.
