My name is Marco Carrino and I’m a tourist guide.

I was born in Naples, Italy, where I still live. Since I was a child I enjoyed studying Literature, History and Latin. That’s why when I was 18 years old I chose to study Classic Literature, Ancient History and Archaeology at the Federico II University of Naples.

During my studies at university I used to go visiting the best archaeological sites and museums around the area where I live.Step by step I developed a deeper knowledge of Pompeii, Herculaneum, the Phlegraean Fields. I remember that the first times I visited Pompeii I used to stay long time inside the ruins, looking at every detail. I learnt a little bit more talking with some elder colleagues too, trying to catch every secret of Pompeii and Herculaneum. I wish I could have worked as archaeologist abroad too, but working as tourist guide is very exciting too.

Beginning of my activity

After I graduated I thought about the best job for me. I had two possible choices: to teach or to work as tourist guide. I really preferred meeting tourists from all over the world instead of teaching in very noisy classrooms. Since I’ve decided I began to follow some expert tourist guides working in the area, trying to pay attention to their precious explanations.

In 2009 on September 30th I took the exam to become an official guide of Campania Region and I passed it at the first attempt. I was very happy.

Studying abroad

At the beginning of 2010 I started to work as a tourist guide especially in Pompeii and Herculaneum, but there was the last obstacle to overcome. The majority of my tourists were English speakers. I wanted to become a perfect guide, knowing the history of my country but speaking English as well as possible too. At the end of 2010 I went to Manchester, England, and I spent three months there studying at the Academy of English of Manchester and receiving a certification. I had already studied English at school, but I wanted to improve.

This was only the first step. Two years later I went to New York and I spent three months there studying really hard to improve. I received one more certification at the Embassy School of New York.

My experience there was really exciting. I have been in the States twice and I have actually understood the mentality and the life style of that country. I work with people from United States or England every day and I think I understand their mentality better now.

My activity

During these almost 8 years of activity I have worked with schools and people from cruise ships. I have done private tours with small families and led big groups too. I have worked with people of every age. I have worked in Pompeii, Herculaneum, on the Amalfi Coast, in Naples, in the Phlegraean Fields, in Caserta, Capri, in the museums and every experience was nice and exciting.

The enthusiasm in my job

I love my job and I want my clients to be happy and satisfied at the end of the tour. It’s nice when you have a conversation during the tour.

I think that it’s important to stay relaxed because it’s holiday time, it’s time to enjoy the tour. Working with students it’s interesting because they have a lot of questions to ask; it’s interesting with adults too to share your personal experience and to have a conversation too. It’s so pleasant to walk through the ruins of Pompeii looking at arches and columns or to admire the breathtaking view on the Amalfi Coast or to have a walk around the streets of Sorrento between gardens of lemon and orange trees and local shops. Sometimes a tour can be a romantic experience.

I can talk about the history of my area in the streets of Herculaneum, while I show how the Romans used to get cleaned in the hot room of the public bath or staying in the middle of the huge amphitheater of Pozzuoli or sitting in the car from Naples to Sorrento, showing the view, the plantation and explaining at the same time or just staying in silence in the middle aged church of Santa Chiara in Naples.

Personal preparation

Our job is nice, because I work in beautiful places, and even if sometimes is stressful , it’s always a pleasure to show our beauties and monuments. Anyway, when I don’t work I go to the museums and to the archaeological sites to be prepared for the next tours, if there is a new exhibition or a new project to show. I try to improve every day to offer the best quality in my job.

This is my story. I love my job and I love meeting new people every day. That’s why I’ve decided to create my personal website to share my experience. I hope to give all my best and to show you the attractions of our country.

Thank you for visiting.