Gate1 travel to Italy in late August- Sept 2013
Jun 25th, 2013, 07:00 AM
#1
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Gate1 travel to Italy in late August- Sept 2013
has anyone used Gate1 travel to Italy? I am considering using them and would appreciate any info. Were the hotel locations good or too far from centers? Was there a lot of travel time on bus? Did they allow ample time for stops and exploring? Were you happy with the included excursions or did you have to add on to truly see everything?
Jun 25th, 2013, 07:33 AM
#2
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We have used Gate 1, but not to Italy. We went to China. Gate 1 was fantastic for our 10 day trip.
You can find a lot of answers to your questions by going on to the Gate 1 website and clicking on an itinerary. It will list the hotels as well as a detailed daily itinerary. You can then look at a map or use Via Michelin to see the distances between stops to see if they are tolerable for you. You can also look up the hotels to see their location.
Please remember that even with a very good tour operator your time is very limited in each location that is on the itinerary. You will most definitely feel rushed at times and disappointed because you had to move on to the next stop.
Our first trip to Europe was 13 weeks and I so remember visiting all the tourist attractions and being able to linger and admire while the tour groups were rushed on through. I felt really bad for some of the people. They just wanted to sit and admire and they were told it was time to leave. I like to take my time though. What is your particular reason for wanting to do a tour as opposed to going on your own?
We used Gate 1 for China because I got a fantastic price and I felt a bit intimidated by going on our own for such a short trip. It was the best choice for us for that particular trip. Additionally,we have traveled all over Europe extensively and have done it all on our own.
Italy is VERY doable on your own. Public transportation is great. What places are you interested in seeing? You can rent a car for a couple days here and there to see the countryside but other than that stick with the trains. You are in control of the time you spend in each area.
Give us a bit more info and we can collectively help you make an informed decision.
You can find a lot of answers to your questions by going on to the Gate 1 website and clicking on an itinerary. It will list the hotels as well as a detailed daily itinerary. You can then look at a map or use Via Michelin to see the distances between stops to see if they are tolerable for you. You can also look up the hotels to see their location.
Please remember that even with a very good tour operator your time is very limited in each location that is on the itinerary. You will most definitely feel rushed at times and disappointed because you had to move on to the next stop.
Our first trip to Europe was 13 weeks and I so remember visiting all the tourist attractions and being able to linger and admire while the tour groups were rushed on through. I felt really bad for some of the people. They just wanted to sit and admire and they were told it was time to leave. I like to take my time though. What is your particular reason for wanting to do a tour as opposed to going on your own?
We used Gate 1 for China because I got a fantastic price and I felt a bit intimidated by going on our own for such a short trip. It was the best choice for us for that particular trip. Additionally,we have traveled all over Europe extensively and have done it all on our own.
Italy is VERY doable on your own. Public transportation is great. What places are you interested in seeing? You can rent a car for a couple days here and there to see the countryside but other than that stick with the trains. You are in control of the time you spend in each area.
Give us a bit more info and we can collectively help you make an informed decision.
Jul 7th, 2013, 09:57 AM
#3
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thank you. I still haven't booked anything. Your suggestion makes sense, however,I don't have time to plan everything on my own, so I'm opting to go with an escorted tour. I want to stay 3 nights each in Rome, Venice, florence, and Sorrento and maybe lake Como. Has anyone used another tour group that they were happy with?
Jul 7th, 2013, 10:11 AM
#4
Most people on Fodor's plan their own travel. If you are looking at Gate 1 packages (not escorted tours), you can create your own itinerary. Even with their escorted tours, I think you can extend your flights a few days (either at the beginning or end) to tack on some cities not included. I don't think you can change the gateway.
Jul 7th, 2013, 11:12 AM
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Check out Trafalgar, Globus, Cosmos, and Insight. I have done all of those at one time or another and they are all reputable. Decide what is important for you to visit, then compare itineraries. Be sure to read the itineraries very carefully, as the tour will do only what is written down there.
Jul 19th, 2013, 08:22 AM
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If you are still questioning this, please let me know. I have been on two guided Gate1 tours. Went on Gate1 Classic Italy (Venice, Florence, Rome) in November 2012. Fast paced. Great optionals. Good for the price, but I prefer Rick Steves tours (more expensive) for many reasons. Two kids in college makes my budget tight right now, though.
Last month did an INDEPENDENT Gate1 trip (by rail) to Budpest, Vienna, and Prague. Loved it!
Again, if you are still interested, I will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Last month did an INDEPENDENT Gate1 trip (by rail) to Budpest, Vienna, and Prague. Loved it!
Again, if you are still interested, I will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
