I recently found this board and have already gotten addicted to it as I am planning a trip for this summer. <BR> <BR>I know alot of people on here don't like escorted tours, but that is what we have decided on as we are traveling as a group of about 6 ladies and majority rules. <BR> <BR>We are currently looking at a company called Collette Tours and the Italian Vistas tour in particular. it looks nice because all stays are at least two nights and you get 4 nights in Rome. We don't have a lot of info on this company thoughand would like your input. (we want a company that is not too expensive but a step above trafalgar, insight or globus) <BR> <BR>Please provide info including 1)what hotees were like (class and location) 2) average age of those on tour 3) food choices 4) are admissions to attractions usually included 5) are there many optionals and what are the price for these? <BR> <BR>Sorry for the length of the post and number of questions, but I know Fodorites will have my answers so I have to post!

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Did a search for Collette and found this posst but no information. I too have the same questions and am looking for a good Italy tour for young married couple.

Beth, <BR>There is a posting by "Connie" on Fodors "travel agent/tours" forum asking the same question as yours. It prompted a number of replies. You might want to check there since advocates of packaged tours are in the minority on this forum.

To Mel: <BR> <BR>A number of "Fodorites" (people who visit this forum regularly, or maybe just occasionally) and friends are planning a fall trip to Italy. No details are set yet. Chances are it will be for about 12 days, with options to stay fewer or more days, on your own or with other participants on the trip. Departure will most likely be between September 15 and October 15, and (connections from) almost any city in North America can be accommodated in the air travel plans. There is no reason why anyone from the UK, or any other part of Europe should not feel welcome to join the trip. Air travel to Italy from the UK is cheaply and abundantly available. <BR> <BR>The possibility of a villa stay is being actively investigated. The trip will be strictly non-profit for all involved in the trip, planning or participating. <BR> <BR>More information will be posted here on this board as it becomes possible. Please feel free to let me know if you would like to be on an e-mail list to receive more information, even in preliminary stages, before it is posted here. <BR> <BR>Rex Bickers <BR>Westerville, Ohio <BR> <BR>

Two years ago we went on an American Express "Romantic Italy" tour of Italy. After the tour we stayed in Rome on our own for a week. <BR>We found the tour hotels to be very centrally located, especially in Venice and Rome. This was important to us , we like to step outside and be right in the middle of things. The Hotels in Lake Como and Assissi were smaller and local, both very nice. We tended to go off on our own rather than participate with the group, but we had a good time and felt our experience was worth it. I doubt if we'll ever go on another tour, but for those who want to I would recommend this one. The Delta Vacations Romantic Italy tour was the same as ours, some people had joined through Delta. Another nice thing was we only had 22 people on the tour so there was room to spread out.

I Have taken three tours with collette 2 of them to Italy just got back from the rome to paiis tour on april 2nd 2001 they are exelent 4-5 star hotels they are worth the money and they do brinrg yoyu to places you would never find on your own also for visiting museums you avoid the lines and crowds they get special tour access a great time saver food is excelent also collette is a good company to tour with