Chuck

Help! I'm having difficulty trying to make a final decision for our trip to Italy next year. I think I have narrowed it down to the 12 Day Enchanting Italy with Gate1 or Best of Italy with Insight. Comments on either of these companies? My husband and I are active mid 40's-50's and I was at the airport and saw a Globus Tours group where all appeared to be in their late 60 - 70's. Is this what we are going to find with all escorted tours? Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

richard j vicek

Good afternoon, Chuck <BR>Personally from taking about three or <BR>four escorted tours in the beginning of <BR>our EUR adventures, found taht the more <BR>costly the tour, better hotels, etc. <BR>found the age did increase, the least <BR>costly had younger people, and mid aged couples. This is just my opinion. <BR>Richard of LaGrange Park, Il...

grace

Chuck, Don't know specifically about the companies that you are considering, but call them and ASK about the ages of your group for the dates you want, or if your dates are flexible, the general range. I've only been on one group tour (in Asia), with a very varied range--18-70+. However, I've been considering a biking vacation, and many if these companies, at least, seem to emphasize that they will help you to choose a group that will be comfortable for you (eg in terms of age/marital status/ability). And Fodors and other guides advise that a good tour company should be able to provide you w/ this type of info...though of course the impressions of other travellers is helpful also. Good luck!

Donna

Chuck, <BR> <BR>I have used Insight for a three week tour to Israel, Jordan and Egypt and it was first class all the way. The age range was 25-80 and everything in between, and some of the oldsters were the life of the party! I think you will find the age range pretty normal for all the tours. I enjoy a mixture of ages and nationalities because of the ideas and interests it brings my way. We've met wonderful people from all over the world that have made our trips very memorable. Donna

Christine

C - I just booked the 12 Day Enchanting Italy with Gate One. They offered everything I wanted and alot of research found only good comments about this company. I did find alot of negative comments about Insight - particularly poor customer service - not even answering their phones. We are leaving April 29th = can't wait! <BR>(PS - we are 48 and 49)

xxxx

Message: I Have taken three tours with collette 2 ot them to Italy just got back from the rome to pairs tour <BR>on april 2nd 2001 they are excelent 4-5 star hotels <BR> they are worth the money and they do brinrg yoyu to places <BR> you would never find on your own also for visiting <BR> museums you avoid the lines and crowds they get <BR> special tour access a great time saver food is excelent <BR> also collette is a good company to tour with www.collettetours.com do a search on collette you will see more post on this form

Hal

I am 45. I just came back from Italy. I did not take a tour because I did not want to stay in bad hotels, eat bad food, go on tours were the guide does not have command of English. Tours are excellent for senior citizens.

Anita

Chuck, <BR> <BR>I have taken a Globus tour to Italy and the age range was from mid 20's to a couple who was 95 years old and we all had a great time. It is true that the more costly the tour, you will usually get older people because they have more money. However, I am taking Globus Paris and Provence and I am not "older", I just like to have my conveniences and willing to pay for it. Whatever you choose, have a great time.

Philip

I'm late 30's and I have taken a couple of Globus tours and each time there were a few people under 55. But I can tell you that on each of these tours there were people that were over 65 that were a hoot to be with and some I couldn't keep up with. What I'm trying to say is don't underestimate the over 60 crowd, they let loose when on vacation!!

RO

richard is right the older the people the more costly the tour taken. my husband and i are 50ish and we are taking a globus tour sept. 7th and cant wait. ive had more fun with people older than us than people younger. the younger ones we found to be sticks in the mud with no personalities. older people know how to enjoy life and dont worry about anything. enjoy yourselves. thats the most important thing. age is a matter of mind.

Anita

Ro, <BR> <BR>Which Globus tour are you taking on Sept. 7th? I am taking the Paris & Provence on that same day. Maybe we are taking the same tour? Thanks.

Carmen

The age range also depends on the tour itself. We were on a Globus tour, but most of the people were in their forties or younger. The tour involved a lot of walking. Globus classified it as one of ther "on the go" tours, so it really appealled to the younger age range.

ZORRO

hal why tours for senior citizens???? are they supposed to enjoy bad food, bad hotels and guides who cannot speak english??? are we thoought to be so senile and without an intact sensorium that this is a special treat. there is a special place in hell for people like you- oh by the way just email and i will give you the name of a good tour company to get you there

30something

Why would age matter? who cares? are you two swingers or what? why discriminate with regards to age? it does not make sense, I am in my 30's, and met some wonderful people in their 60's in Africa. The woman was the first to jump on the camels back, hold the snake, and jump in to every situation with zest. Because one is older does not make one less interested, active, curious and so forth. Another all American youth orientated bias. get a life.