explore Italy on a budget
May 21st, 2015, 12:41 PM
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explore Italy on a budget
I am 30 years old, and I am looking for an 8-12 day trip to Italy, specifically Rome, Venice, and Florence. I want to take my time and be able to explore destinations on the itinerary. I want to meet other young between the ages of 25-40. Also I want a trip to include air fare if possible, as well as having a private room, whether its a hotel or hostel. Any place where I spend the night does not have to be fancy or expensive. What is a good travel group. I have looked at contiki, gate 1, trafalgar tours, etc. What group would best fit my criteria
May 21st, 2015, 01:33 PM
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If you're on a budget - trying to save money - then you might want to avoid an organized tour and do this trip independently: book your own airfare and lodging. Fly into Venice, out of Rome (or vice versa but probably better to arrive in Venice than have to depart for an early fight from Venice.
Those three cities are extremely easy to see yourself - very tourist-friendly. You can join a walking tour (or more than one) in each city. Train travel between them is easy and efficient.
With some research you can find cheap lodgings like you describe. Booking.com has a variety of places and good cancellation policies. You might find some good budget options in all three cities on the site www.cross-pollinate.com . (I have used them in the past for Italy.) Or look on the big hostel-booking websites. Some hostels do have private rooms/private bathrooms. But at a hostel, as you might guess, you are more likely to meet other travelers your age.
If you think it's worth spending the extra money for the simplicity of an organized tour, I guess I'd google for reviews of the various tour groups and tour companies. While are likely to get to know some of people on an organized tour, I'd guess they are less likely to be your age, perhaps a bit on the older side.
Those three cities are extremely easy to see yourself - very tourist-friendly. You can join a walking tour (or more than one) in each city. Train travel between them is easy and efficient.
With some research you can find cheap lodgings like you describe. Booking.com has a variety of places and good cancellation policies. You might find some good budget options in all three cities on the site www.cross-pollinate.com . (I have used them in the past for Italy.) Or look on the big hostel-booking websites. Some hostels do have private rooms/private bathrooms. But at a hostel, as you might guess, you are more likely to meet other travelers your age.
If you think it's worth spending the extra money for the simplicity of an organized tour, I guess I'd google for reviews of the various tour groups and tour companies. While are likely to get to know some of people on an organized tour, I'd guess they are less likely to be your age, perhaps a bit on the older side.
May 21st, 2015, 01:34 PM
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You say "I want to take my time and be able to explore destinations." If that is what you are looking for, you would likely be unhappy with a group tour. Group tours generally move rapidly from place to place, give you little time to explore a place, and often put you in hotels far outside the central area of cities, making it difficult or you to explore on your own.
If you want to explore Rome, Venice and Florence, you would need a minimum of three to four days in each city. With travel time, that means to have three day sin a city, you need to spend four nights there. Plan to fly into one city and out of another, which saves time and money on getting back to your arrival city.
Traveling independently means you need to do some research, but it is cheaper and ultimately, more satisfying.
If you can book domestic plane tickets for yourself, you can book an international ticket.
If you want to explore Rome, Venice and Florence, you would need a minimum of three to four days in each city. With travel time, that means to have three day sin a city, you need to spend four nights there. Plan to fly into one city and out of another, which saves time and money on getting back to your arrival city.
Traveling independently means you need to do some research, but it is cheaper and ultimately, more satisfying.
If you can book domestic plane tickets for yourself, you can book an international ticket.
May 21st, 2015, 02:47 PM
#4
If you want to take your time and explore, you don't want to join an organized tour.
Those three cities are easily done using the train. Just reserve a hostel in each city. And go on your own.
Those three cities are easily done using the train. Just reserve a hostel in each city. And go on your own.
May 21st, 2015, 03:07 PM
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Look, if one of your main criteria is "I want to meet other young between the ages of 25-40," then traveling by yourself may not be the best option, especially if you're not outgoing. The Gate 1 and Trafalgar tours will have tons of old buggers (people who can call me "young man" with more than a decade to spare).
I took Contiki's Simply Italy trip when I was a little younger than you are now (yes, transoceanic flights were available then) and had a blast. It was NOT a partypartyparty trip - the single-country Contiki trips tend to be a bit more sedate (of 40 people, we had 5 couples and no Aussie dudes, which cuts the crazy factor). And the included meals were decent because: Italy.
Fact is, there was at least an afternoon if not more to putter about each town and see something you really wanted - in Florence we had a full day and the second half of our arrival day after a short walking tour; in Venice essentially the same; in Rome we had a long afternoon after a trip to the Vatican, and our arrival day. If you want more time, you can tack on a day before or after the trip.
Single rooms optional.
I took Contiki's Simply Italy trip when I was a little younger than you are now (yes, transoceanic flights were available then) and had a blast. It was NOT a partypartyparty trip - the single-country Contiki trips tend to be a bit more sedate (of 40 people, we had 5 couples and no Aussie dudes, which cuts the crazy factor). And the included meals were decent because: Italy.
Fact is, there was at least an afternoon if not more to putter about each town and see something you really wanted - in Florence we had a full day and the second half of our arrival day after a short walking tour; in Venice essentially the same; in Rome we had a long afternoon after a trip to the Vatican, and our arrival day. If you want more time, you can tack on a day before or after the trip.
Single rooms optional.
May 21st, 2015, 03:23 PM
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These 3 cities and taking time to explore are mutually exclusive. This would be moving fast and missing many major sights.
And I'm not sure that a tour would help - in fact I think it might be worse depending on the itinerary and the loctiton of the hotels (often at the end of hell and gone).
I would do the trip yourself and stay in hostels to meet other young people - assuming you are young. If you are 40 you aren't old and can certainly stay in hostels would would likely be closer in age to the parents of many of the guests. But this is a good way to find people to do things with - with the caveat that you will be in each place for so little time not sure how much that would be.
As for specific recos on where to stay - you really have to give us a nightly budget in euros.
And I'm not sure that a tour would help - in fact I think it might be worse depending on the itinerary and the loctiton of the hotels (often at the end of hell and gone).
I would do the trip yourself and stay in hostels to meet other young people - assuming you are young. If you are 40 you aren't old and can certainly stay in hostels would would likely be closer in age to the parents of many of the guests. But this is a good way to find people to do things with - with the caveat that you will be in each place for so little time not sure how much that would be.
As for specific recos on where to stay - you really have to give us a nightly budget in euros.
May 21st, 2015, 03:26 PM
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Hi, dlisker. My husband and I visited those 3 cities for our first Italy visit. We flew into Rome (one day lost in flight, 1/2 getting settled into hotel) and stayed in Rome 4 days, took train to Florence and stayed there 3 days (lost 1/2 day for travel), then to Venice for 3 (losing 1/2 day to travel the last day to flying out).
At the end of the trip, we wanted more time for all the towns. I agree that you will not encounter so many folks your age in most tours. At age 30 though, you might not enjoy hostels either. Only you can answer that.
Perhaps consider googling cycling, wine tasting, cooking tours (or anything that calls out to you) as a vehicle for meeting people with shared interests? I have called the airlines and asked about flight/hotel combos and gotten good results.
Please report back about what you end up doing.
At the end of the trip, we wanted more time for all the towns. I agree that you will not encounter so many folks your age in most tours. At age 30 though, you might not enjoy hostels either. Only you can answer that.
Perhaps consider googling cycling, wine tasting, cooking tours (or anything that calls out to you) as a vehicle for meeting people with shared interests? I have called the airlines and asked about flight/hotel combos and gotten good results.
Please report back about what you end up doing.
May 21st, 2015, 06:45 PM
#9
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I do want to go on a group tour. What travel group would be the best for a young adult like me. I want take my time or 2 days exploring each place in italy and not being on a bus all the time.
May 21st, 2015, 08:03 PM
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With most tour groups, you share a room or pay a big supplement fee. Contiki would fit your desire to be with young people, but they do share rooms.
There are tons and tons of travel groups (companies). Each company offers itineraries from leisure to fast paced. To get some ideas, ask the company about groups they are putting together agewise.
gAdventures, AESU, budget tours of Italy, stay and Visit Italy, all geared to young adults. Look at their itineraries and their single costs.
Trafalgar, GoAhead, Passports, Cha, GoToday are mixed - depends on the groups they are putting together. If they have itineraries that appeal, ask about the group age.
Might you find a friend or two to form you own little tour? You plan it, then propose it to them. You could make it really budget.
There are tons and tons of travel groups (companies). Each company offers itineraries from leisure to fast paced. To get some ideas, ask the company about groups they are putting together agewise.
gAdventures, AESU, budget tours of Italy, stay and Visit Italy, all geared to young adults. Look at their itineraries and their single costs.
Trafalgar, GoAhead, Passports, Cha, GoToday are mixed - depends on the groups they are putting together. If they have itineraries that appeal, ask about the group age.
Might you find a friend or two to form you own little tour? You plan it, then propose it to them. You could make it really budget.
May 21st, 2015, 10:49 PM
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Budget and young people - you can't go wrong with Contiki.
The only problem is the length of time in each place but it will give you an immersion and you can revisit destinations you like and wish to explore further.
Check Contiki's programs as they have some slow pace tours.
http://www.contiki.com/destinations/...avel/easy-pace
The only problem is the length of time in each place but it will give you an immersion and you can revisit destinations you like and wish to explore further.
Check Contiki's programs as they have some slow pace tours.
http://www.contiki.com/destinations/...avel/easy-pace
May 23rd, 2015, 04:05 PM
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Look at the Contiki tour called Italian Espresso. It is 8 days and goes to Rome, Florence, Venice. It is listed as an easy pace. They do some side trips from Florence, but you would not have to go on them, just stay in Florence if you wish.
May 23rd, 2015, 04:29 PM
#15
>>I repeat I do want to go with a group on a planned itinerary at a calm pace. Also I would like to include air fare if possible<<
You want something that is REALLY difficult to find.
Inexpensive tours don't go at a 'calm pace'. They try to cram in as much as possible with a lot of time on the bus.
Contiki's Itilian Espresso is described as "Easy Pace" but it is 8 days total and that includes flights and is only 7 nights in Italy. Plus the hotels are mostly outside the city centers, and one is expected to share.
It gives you 1.5 days in Rome, 2.5 days in Florence (but one of those is spent driving around Tuscany and visiting wineries), and 1day in Venice. You spend the travel day between Florence and Venice first in Pisa and then at an outlet mall. And it includes a sightseeing tour in each city so you'd have almost no time on your own. That is NOT calm in my book. And IMO would be a real waste of money for someone who wants to see anything in depth.
There are some great tours that provide more time in each city, with well located hotels, and travel at a slower pace . . . but they tend to be high end/more expensive.
You want something that is REALLY difficult to find.
Inexpensive tours don't go at a 'calm pace'. They try to cram in as much as possible with a lot of time on the bus.
Contiki's Itilian Espresso is described as "Easy Pace" but it is 8 days total and that includes flights and is only 7 nights in Italy. Plus the hotels are mostly outside the city centers, and one is expected to share.
It gives you 1.5 days in Rome, 2.5 days in Florence (but one of those is spent driving around Tuscany and visiting wineries), and 1day in Venice. You spend the travel day between Florence and Venice first in Pisa and then at an outlet mall. And it includes a sightseeing tour in each city so you'd have almost no time on your own. That is NOT calm in my book. And IMO would be a real waste of money for someone who wants to see anything in depth.
There are some great tours that provide more time in each city, with well located hotels, and travel at a slower pace . . . but they tend to be high end/more expensive.
May 23rd, 2015, 05:24 PM
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Janisj, I totally agree with you.
Also, to the OP, Janisj makes a good point about where hotels are located.
I just scanned a couple of groups to show the type of tour they are likely to find in their age range and budget. 12 day tours with the same companies were not more leisurely, they just covered more ground.
What I hoped to do was get the OP actually looking at some tours, to see what is available in their price range, what age groups, etc. I think they are hoping someone here finds the perfect tour for them, at the perfect budget price, in their age range, but I think they have to do some research. It is not going to be easy.
Budget group tour and leisure do not often go together. Some of the more self-directed, two or three city tours, might work for the OP, but they are insistent on a group. Leisurely paced tours seem more expensive with more older adults.
Some more to look at.
gotoday.com Italian Highlights is 9 nights, Rome, Florence Venice. Have no idea what the groups are like.
Join Travelzoo and see what deals they offer. They look for companies offering good packages.
When you find some tours you like, you might get some feedback here, the pros and cons of different ones.
Kind of too bad you are completely tied to the idea of a group tour because you could easily do these three cities on your own, meet people and have the leisure you want. But, you know what suits you best.
Good luck
Also, to the OP, Janisj makes a good point about where hotels are located.
I just scanned a couple of groups to show the type of tour they are likely to find in their age range and budget. 12 day tours with the same companies were not more leisurely, they just covered more ground.
What I hoped to do was get the OP actually looking at some tours, to see what is available in their price range, what age groups, etc. I think they are hoping someone here finds the perfect tour for them, at the perfect budget price, in their age range, but I think they have to do some research. It is not going to be easy.
Budget group tour and leisure do not often go together. Some of the more self-directed, two or three city tours, might work for the OP, but they are insistent on a group. Leisurely paced tours seem more expensive with more older adults.
Some more to look at.
gotoday.com Italian Highlights is 9 nights, Rome, Florence Venice. Have no idea what the groups are like.
Join Travelzoo and see what deals they offer. They look for companies offering good packages.
When you find some tours you like, you might get some feedback here, the pros and cons of different ones.
Kind of too bad you are completely tied to the idea of a group tour because you could easily do these three cities on your own, meet people and have the leisure you want. But, you know what suits you best.
Good luck
May 23rd, 2015, 05:29 PM
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I'm confused. You don't want to go with a tour but you want a "travel group". I don;t know what a travel group is if not a tour.
Either you go with a tour or you go by yourself.
If you go yourself there are options for buying packages (as in Gate 1 will sell you air, hotels and airport transfers - all based on the number of days you want in each place and what hotel - but balancing location and amenities with price) - but they don;t put you with other people. You are on your own to do what you want in each city. You can buy a tour for a day or a specific place (Vatican museums for example) once you get there.
Can you explain what a "travel group" is. Do you mean a travel agent? Again they won;t put you in a group with others.
Either you go with a tour or you go by yourself.
If you go yourself there are options for buying packages (as in Gate 1 will sell you air, hotels and airport transfers - all based on the number of days you want in each place and what hotel - but balancing location and amenities with price) - but they don;t put you with other people. You are on your own to do what you want in each city. You can buy a tour for a day or a specific place (Vatican museums for example) once you get there.
Can you explain what a "travel group" is. Do you mean a travel agent? Again they won;t put you in a group with others.
May 23rd, 2015, 05:49 PM
#18
dlisker: not sure where you are from, but one place where you may find a suitable trip is Ramblers Holidays out of the UK ... their trips are not like standard commercial tours. Google them and see what you think.
If you like hiking and being active google REI adventures in the US
If you like hiking and being active google REI adventures in the US
May 23rd, 2015, 06:35 PM
#19
nyt: >>I'm confused. You don't want to go with a tour but you want a "travel group". I don;t know what a travel group is if not a tour.<<
I read it as dlisker DOES want to go on a tour
>> What is a good travel group. <u>I have looked at contiki, gate 1, trafalgar tours, etc</u>. What group would best fit my criteria<<
>>I repeat I <B>do</B> want to go with a group on a planned itinerary at a calm pace. Also I would like to include air fare if possible<<
dlisker seems to be using <i>tour</i> and <i>group</i> interchangeably
I read it as dlisker DOES want to go on a tour
>> What is a good travel group. <u>I have looked at contiki, gate 1, trafalgar tours, etc</u>. What group would best fit my criteria<<
>>I repeat I <B>do</B> want to go with a group on a planned itinerary at a calm pace. Also I would like to include air fare if possible<<
dlisker seems to be using <i>tour</i> and <i>group</i> interchangeably
May 24th, 2015, 06:04 AM
#20
>>>> Passports, Cha<<<
These two are student tours, not regular tours. They are mostly middle school/high school students with their teachers. They may offer a few college age tours, but these companies will cancel or change your tour (put you on a different tour) if they don't get enough people signed up.
>>>gotoday.com Italian Highlights is 9 nights, Rome, Florence Venice. Have no idea what the groups are like.<<<
Gotoday, Gate1 or Virgin Vacations offer some escorted tours along with independent packages, but you will need to select at least an 11-12 day tour that just covers your three cities. It's likely most people on those tours will be 20+ years older than you. It's also likely their hotels won't be centrally located so it might be difficult (or costly) to explore on your own free time.
These two are student tours, not regular tours. They are mostly middle school/high school students with their teachers. They may offer a few college age tours, but these companies will cancel or change your tour (put you on a different tour) if they don't get enough people signed up.
>>>gotoday.com Italian Highlights is 9 nights, Rome, Florence Venice. Have no idea what the groups are like.<<<
Gotoday, Gate1 or Virgin Vacations offer some escorted tours along with independent packages, but you will need to select at least an 11-12 day tour that just covers your three cities. It's likely most people on those tours will be 20+ years older than you. It's also likely their hotels won't be centrally located so it might be difficult (or costly) to explore on your own free time.
