I am looking for recommendations for tours in Italy. Would appreciate input on Globus, Perillo, Trafalger, or any others. We are active seniors, and want to spend as much time as possible sightseeing. Also, what is the best time of year to travel to Italy. <BR>Thank You

This is the same answer as I posted on another recent similar thread.<BR><BR>An option - - which might not occur to many people seeking a tour - - is a small group trip organized through acquaintances over the internet. I have helped to plan, organize and lead one such tour, derived from people who got to know each other from exactly a message such as yours, here on this forum. What month do you have in mind? Any other travelers besides yourself who might be interested in traveling with you?<BR><BR>Providing such information might lead to others identifying themselves to you. There are a number of experienced travlers on this board who might be available to help plan, organize and/or lead such a trip.<BR><BR>I'm sorry that I have no first hand experience about Perrillo Tours to share with you, but they consistently get good remarks here.<BR><BR>Use the search box and type "Perrillo" - - you'll find lots of comments, almost all of them positive.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex Bickers<BR>Westerville, Ohio<BR><BR>

Try Grand Circle. We took 2 tours with them: 1 to Rome, San Remo, Florence, Merano & Venice; the other to Rome, Sorrento, & Taormina.<BR>Both were in the Fall, which I think is a great time to travel in Italy.

I second Susan's opinion. I took a Grand Circle to Spain - very good. I am about to go to italy with them.<BR>

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Had a fantastic two-week American Express tour "Romantic Italy" four years ago. Superb guides. Nice people on tour.

We took a Perillo tour and were very happy with them. We're also active seniors. Also suggest you look in search for Perillo - there have been other posts.

Regarding Rex's suggestion of putting together a group from people you meet on the Internet, do you really want to be responsible for making all the arrangements for not only yourself but for others? Or do you want to trust to someone who doesn't do this for a living things like hiring a bus or arranging for transportation in a foreign country? It is one thing to rent a villa together; conducting a tour is quite trying for professionals. The reason you take a tour is for someone else to coordinate, plan, take responsibility, etc.<BR><BR>Right now I am planning a trip to Russia with a few friends, and already I have had to lay down the law regarding deadlines, basic tour outline, and the like--and that is only for two-three other people who have similar interests and travel styles.

To Marc David:<BR><BR>If I have learned anything in three years here - - it is that my idea of a small group trip, made up of people who get acquainted (initially) only via the internet - - has appeal only to a very, VERY limited number of people. Not one in a hundred who visit here, I suspect. And then, only a small fraction of those would be interested in the same place, the same time of year. And an even smaller percentage of them would want to be the leader and have the experience and interest in doing the plan, organize, lead role. <BR><BR>That doesn't mean it isn't a viable option. And I will continue to mention it as a possibility since it clearly is an uncommon choice. And I have the experience to talk about how it can be done - - enjoyably, affordably (to all, equally), without glitches - - even nine days after a major global terrorist attack.<BR>

tt

Do NOT go on Globus.<BR>

In the Detroit area, there is a club called The Nomads who own their own plane and take trips all over the world. Check them out: www.Nomadstravel.org

Tom -Why not Globus?

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pharah <BR><BR>Rex does have a good idea. I took him up on his offer last year. No regrets. A great time was had by all. If anyone has any questions, e-mail me, take out the obvious in the address.<BR><BR>PS Rex, Looks like I'm going to make China this year after all.<BR><BR>Claye

Great to hear, Claye.<BR><BR>Gosh, do we have some catching up to do!<BR>

I have not gone on these trips personally, but I've heard Maupintours and Tauck World Discovery (www.maupintours.com and www.tauck.com) are excellent. Very expensive, but no additional costs once you get where you are going. You might want to check out the tour section of this site.

pharah<BR><BR>I took a tour of Italy with Trafalgar and it was perfect for me. I went on the Bellisimo Italy for 12 days and we stayed in Rome, Capri, Assisi, Montecatini and Venice. Incredible memories!!!<BR><BR>Sue

Hi pharah, my first trip to Italy was with Perillo and it was fantastic! The bus is very comfortable and the tour guide had some personalty! We were about 40 people on board. We saw so much, and waited on NO LINES! We never felt rushed and they also give you plenty of free time to roam about & shop as you please! All hotels & restaurants were excellent! We were in Rome, Florence, Venice, Verona & Milano.<BR>I recommend Perillo to everyone!

some questions about tours again tonight.<BR>