SylviaS

I would like to take a group escorted tour to Italy in March. Maybe do Rome, Florence, and Amalfi Coast. Or Rome, Florence, and Venice. My preference is for a small group (20 or less) with a focus on sights and culture of the area. I would like a tour with experienced travellers (i.e. aged 40 - late 60ish). I want really good hotels, but they do not have to be lavish.

Most of the groups that I have checked start in April. I am hoping for some ideas of tour groups that you might have used so I can check their websites.

Thanks

annhig

hi Sylvia,

most of the people here prefer to organise their own trips rather than use tours, but it may be you will get some recommendations.

most tour companies organise tours to italy throughout the year. but I'm pretty sure that you are unlikely to find tours that include the Amalfi in March.

which tour companies have you looked at? apart from the dates that were available, were there any that you liked? what is your budget? what do you mean by a really good hotel that isn't lavish?

BTW, just because people are in the 40-60 age-bracket does not mean that they are experienced travellers. and most tours will have a focus on sights and culture of the area.

doug_stallings

I'd recommend Tauck, but their tours are expensive. You might check Perillo, but I think they do large groups only; the same with Brendan, a quality company that does mostly large group tours. Perhaps Queenslander? But I confess I don't know much about their tours, though they have been discussed in these forums. It's true that most posters here will nt be able to elp because Italy is actually very user friendly, and this route is very easily done on your wn.

Reading54

If you want a small group and upscale hotels, check out Odysseys Unlimited at http://www.odysseys-unlimited.com

And I agree that Rome, Florence and Venice are very easy to do on your own. Get a good guide book to start with.

adrienne

You should really state what groups you've looked at.

The only trip I know of that does only Rome, Florence, and Venice is Rick Steves. There may be other tour companies that only cover these cities but most tours add other towns.

I'm not recommending a Rick Steves tour but advising you that these tours are available in March.

http://tours.ricksteves.com/tours/pages/search.cfm

nytraveler

Yes - but Steeves will not be really good hotels. He makes a point of hauling tours around to quite basic places - as part of his "how to live in europe" - including eating you lunch on the go from cheese markets etc.

adrienne

Sylvia - I think your criteria is too rigid for a tour company. The small group tours I've looked at have a maximum of 24 people and you only want a group with a maximum of 20 people.

Plus you want a certain age group, not to exceed late 60s and a tour that only goes to Rome, Florence, Venice (or AC).

You should either plan your own vacation or relax your requirements.

Road Scholar has a trip to Rome, Florence, and Venice but I don't know if it fits your other criteria. This organization often has groups of people who are older than 60s. You can call them and ask details (size of group and hotel info) but there is no way they will know how old people are on the tour. You'll never know people's ages on any tour until you meet the group.

http://www.roadscholar.org/n/program...px?id=1-4PBJNK

worldinabag

Hi

I have taken 2 Insight tours and can highly recommend them. Maybe this tour is to your liking - http://www.insightvacations.com/au/b...aly-2013?tab=2. Whatever tour company you use ask your travel agent to book a Guaranteed Departure date (GD) otherwise the company reserves the right to cancel. The tour above fits your criteria but you will share with 25 - 29 other guests. I wouldn't worry about the number, you will be well looked after.

mbloggs

italiantours.com.au/ an Australian based tour company who will pick you up in Italy. It's run by Luca, a native Italian, and his partner Philippa. The tours are for small groups and focus on slow travel and culture. They also do language learning tours. Have a look at their website.

mbloggs

That web address in my previous post isn't displaying the .au on the end so won't work!

italiantours.com.au/

SylviaS

Many thanks to all of you who have given information. I will check out the websites that you provided.

I didn't intend to sound rigid on age nor exact size. Even though I am from the USA, I have done many tours with Ramblers Holidays and HF Holidays ... and loved them. Unfortunately, they don't offer any trips in March.

I have traveled to Italy about 5 times and have always done my own preparations. This time I am taking my grown daughter (in her early 40s) and want someone else to select everything to take the pressure of planning off me ... hence a tour group that might be recommended.

So .. all thoughts truly appreciated. I might "bite the bullet" and just plan it since not many tours are available for early-mid March.

deedeedee

Try Tauck Tours.. They stay at really nice hotels & locations. Once you start your tour, you never deal with your luggage, they do it for you. I did many of their tours with my mother & enjoyed ALL of them. Perillo & Insight do not get the best reviews. I also have taken their tours. Hotel location & quality was not good. Either was the food. Tauck is a little pricey, but you get what you pay for. Good luck ... Trip Advisor might help you with reviews ...