GLOBUS FRANCE & ITALY
Jun 26th, 2004, 03:02 PM
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GLOBUS FRANCE & ITALY
We are taking a Globus tour "Best of Italy & France" the end of September. This is our first trip to Europe, so have many questions. Has anyone taken this tour? We will be visiting Rome, Venice, Florence, Nice & Paris. What is the weather like that time of year? We could use some advice on what to see & do (do they give enough free time on those tours?. What to pack/what not to pack. Are those cities still very crowded that time of year? Would love any and all tips, suggestions and advice.
Jun 26th, 2004, 07:42 PM
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Most of the posters on this board do not take or they do not admit taking packaged tours. I do. The type of advice found here might not fit into the schedules set up by your tour. Also your hotels and transporation are set. If you have weather questions, go to www.worldclimate.com or somesuch. Packing tips might be useful, but you will be advised to get 3 weeks worth of stuff into a 21-in roller bag plus a carry-on. Anything you ask about what to wear will bring on a torrent of fashion advice on how not to look like a tourist. Like, what are you? A French native following around a perky young guide with closed umbrella held high?
But it is fun and informative to read about half of the stuff.
I bring up some of the negative character of this board because you are new & your post will walk right into several of the resident buzz saws.
Have a wonderful time.
But it is fun and informative to read about half of the stuff.
I bring up some of the negative character of this board because you are new & your post will walk right into several of the resident buzz saws.
Have a wonderful time.
Jun 27th, 2004, 07:52 AM
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Mgmargate, as someone who has travelled on both escorted tours and independently, I can say from experience that many escorted tours give people independent time to explore on one's own. If this is the case for travelbugs04, the question is very valid.
Travelbugs04, I have taken several Globus Tours and, for the most part, they have been very good. It really depends on the itinerary and your escort. Last year we went on back to back tours in France and I experienced the best in one, and the worst in the other.
The first of the 2 tours was a Globus "At Leisure" tour during which we had mostly 3 night stays at lovely, central hotels, with plenty of free time to explore. We also had a FABULOUS escort -extremely professional, knowledgeable, flexible, and personable. We absolutely loved this tour!
We weren't as fortunate with the second tour. We knew this tour would be going at a less leisurely pace, and that the hotels would be less deluxe. It was also less expensive, so you get what you pay for. We liked the itinerary however, and it fit in with our vacation schedule, so we went for it.
For the most part, it was exactly what we had expected, except that I was very disappointed with the escort. Did he ruin our experience? No, of course not. But after just completing a tour with the best escort we had ever had, the difference was glaring. He definitely not up to the usual Globus standards.
I have to add, though, that globus customer service is excellent! Their representatives in the main office are extremely accommodating, and I have always found Globus to be a very reliable company.
As far as your question as to whether you will have enough free time, only you can answer that. It depends on how much exploring you wish to do on your own. Since this is your first trip to Europe, however, I am sure it will be a very exciting and enjoyable trip for you -no matter how much free time for exploring you have. You will visiting wonderful cities!
If you have any more specific questions, I will be happy to try to answer them.
Travelbugs04, I have taken several Globus Tours and, for the most part, they have been very good. It really depends on the itinerary and your escort. Last year we went on back to back tours in France and I experienced the best in one, and the worst in the other.
The first of the 2 tours was a Globus "At Leisure" tour during which we had mostly 3 night stays at lovely, central hotels, with plenty of free time to explore. We also had a FABULOUS escort -extremely professional, knowledgeable, flexible, and personable. We absolutely loved this tour!
We weren't as fortunate with the second tour. We knew this tour would be going at a less leisurely pace, and that the hotels would be less deluxe. It was also less expensive, so you get what you pay for. We liked the itinerary however, and it fit in with our vacation schedule, so we went for it.
For the most part, it was exactly what we had expected, except that I was very disappointed with the escort. Did he ruin our experience? No, of course not. But after just completing a tour with the best escort we had ever had, the difference was glaring. He definitely not up to the usual Globus standards.
I have to add, though, that globus customer service is excellent! Their representatives in the main office are extremely accommodating, and I have always found Globus to be a very reliable company.
As far as your question as to whether you will have enough free time, only you can answer that. It depends on how much exploring you wish to do on your own. Since this is your first trip to Europe, however, I am sure it will be a very exciting and enjoyable trip for you -no matter how much free time for exploring you have. You will visiting wonderful cities!
If you have any more specific questions, I will be happy to try to answer them.
Jun 27th, 2004, 11:52 AM
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Hi travelbugs
I wasn't sure which of your threads to post on. Be sure to check responses to both.
Weather: mild; cool at night.
Packing: you're only there for 10 days, you won't need that much clothing. Take slacks and tops, a skirt or dress for dinner, sweater and jacket.
Cities crowded: yes, cities are usually crowded. You won't have time to get off the beaten track and avoid the crowds.
Enough free time: if you take the optional tours than you will have very little free time. Even if you don't take the optional tours then there is very little free time. I'm not trying to be mean but didn't you read the itinerary before you booked the trip to see how much free time you would have? In some places (Assisi and Pisa for example) you'll have no free time since you'll want to take the group tour (that's what you're paying for) and have to be back on the bus to get to the next place.
Based on the Globus itinerary here are some sightseeing suggestions:
Rome: the only free time is your arrival day. I would start at the Spanish Steps and walk south and see Piazza Navonna, Trevi fountain, Pantheon, Il Gesu (church), St. Ignatius (church) and end at Campo di Fiore. Then take a taxi back to your hotel for your 6:00 welcome get together.
Venice: Take a vaporetto ride on the grand canal at sunset or in the evening after dinner to see the palazzi lit up ? it's wonderful. Start at Rialto Bridge and end at St. Mark's where you can listen to the orchestras play. If you sit at an outside table the drinks will be very costly. You can grab a gelatto (ice cream) from one of the take out shops and walk around listening to the music.
Florence: If you like churches I'd suggest Santa Croce. If you prefer museums try the Ufizzi (you can reserve tickets ahead but if your itinerary changes then you're out of luck). Some other must sees in Florence are the Duomo Museum, Bargello Museum, Medici Chapel, take a cab to Piazzalle Michelangelo for a beautiful view of Florence. There's a café there where you can sit and have a snack or drink. There's shopping, of course, on the Ponte Vecchio (jewelry) and the San Lorenzo area. Eat gelatto!
Nice: wander the old town or see one of the many museums.
Paris: I could write volumes on things to do in Paris. Tell us more of the things you like to do. I wouldn't do the cabaret show Globus suggests. After dinner either walk to one of the bridges on the river and look at the lights or take a Seine river cruise (1 hour).
I wasn't sure which of your threads to post on. Be sure to check responses to both.
Weather: mild; cool at night.
Packing: you're only there for 10 days, you won't need that much clothing. Take slacks and tops, a skirt or dress for dinner, sweater and jacket.
Cities crowded: yes, cities are usually crowded. You won't have time to get off the beaten track and avoid the crowds.
Enough free time: if you take the optional tours than you will have very little free time. Even if you don't take the optional tours then there is very little free time. I'm not trying to be mean but didn't you read the itinerary before you booked the trip to see how much free time you would have? In some places (Assisi and Pisa for example) you'll have no free time since you'll want to take the group tour (that's what you're paying for) and have to be back on the bus to get to the next place.
Based on the Globus itinerary here are some sightseeing suggestions:
Rome: the only free time is your arrival day. I would start at the Spanish Steps and walk south and see Piazza Navonna, Trevi fountain, Pantheon, Il Gesu (church), St. Ignatius (church) and end at Campo di Fiore. Then take a taxi back to your hotel for your 6:00 welcome get together.
Venice: Take a vaporetto ride on the grand canal at sunset or in the evening after dinner to see the palazzi lit up ? it's wonderful. Start at Rialto Bridge and end at St. Mark's where you can listen to the orchestras play. If you sit at an outside table the drinks will be very costly. You can grab a gelatto (ice cream) from one of the take out shops and walk around listening to the music.
Florence: If you like churches I'd suggest Santa Croce. If you prefer museums try the Ufizzi (you can reserve tickets ahead but if your itinerary changes then you're out of luck). Some other must sees in Florence are the Duomo Museum, Bargello Museum, Medici Chapel, take a cab to Piazzalle Michelangelo for a beautiful view of Florence. There's a café there where you can sit and have a snack or drink. There's shopping, of course, on the Ponte Vecchio (jewelry) and the San Lorenzo area. Eat gelatto!
Nice: wander the old town or see one of the many museums.
Paris: I could write volumes on things to do in Paris. Tell us more of the things you like to do. I wouldn't do the cabaret show Globus suggests. After dinner either walk to one of the bridges on the river and look at the lights or take a Seine river cruise (1 hour).
Jun 27th, 2004, 03:18 PM
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I forgot to tell you what I consider the number 1 must see in Paris - Ste Chappelle, not far from Notre Dame. It's an exquisite 13th century High Gothic chapel. The lower chapel is beautifully painted in aqua with gold fleurs-de-lys and the upper chapel has wonderful stained glass.
Jun 29th, 2004, 06:58 PM
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Sorry for posting twice (and for what some think are dumb questions) but I am new at this. Thank you all for the great info and tips, it is greatly appreciated. I did in fact read my itinerary, but they are not specific about times, which is why I am asking for input from others that may have taken the tour before. Thanks Adrienne for the tip about the Paris show, I was undecided on that. Overall what are everyones thoughts on the optional excursions? Worth the money? I realize that they would take up most of what little free time we have. Again, thank you all for the input, I will be back with more questions.
Jun 29th, 2004, 07:19 PM
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travelbugs04 - I don't think you should feel bad about posting twice. I am also new at this and have found most people to be very helpful and polite. But there are some... Anyway we are also taking a tour in September, however with Cosmos, which is connected to Globus. I agree with you the itinerary doesn't tell you alot. Like today we are going to ..., however doesn't give information as to how long some of these sightseeing events take.
Hope you enjoy your trip. Have Fun!!
Hope you enjoy your trip. Have Fun!!
Jun 30th, 2004, 01:57 AM
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Travelbugs,
Check with Globus but I believe when they use capital letters for a sight that means that you stop and go inside; when the sights are listed with initial caps then you drive by and look at them. That will give you an idea of timeframes.
In Rome, guided tours of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's are often half a day. Since an optional excursion is listed for that day it leads me to believe they've split the day into 2 parts - the morning activites as they list them for day 3 and the afternoon optional tour. If you do both you'll have no free time except to grab a bite for lunch.
Day 4 - Rome to Venice. The train from Rome to Venice takes 4.5 hours. You'll be traveling by bus and stopping in Assisi so the trip will take longer than 4.5 hours. I'm guessing you'll have about 2 hours in Assisi which will give you a quick look at the basilica, a quick lunch and bathroom break, and maybe some shopping time.
In Paris it looks like the only place you'll see is the Eiffel Tour. The others will probably be drive-bys. It should take no more than 2 hours to do the tower, depending on how many people are there and how long you'll have to wait for the elevators. I see you only go to the second level with the group. If you want to do the third level then you'll have to purchase an additional ticket and go on your own. However, if you choose to take the optional trip to Versailles (highly recommend this), then you won't have time for the third level at the Tower.
When you're with the group you don't have any free time. You have to stay with the group or leave and go off on your own if you want free time (if you do this please let your tour guide know).
You also have to be prepared for last minute itinerary changes. The tour guide will let you know what these are at your welcome get together.
Perhaps if you post the things you want to see with your free time then we can help you make decisions on the optional tours.
Check with Globus but I believe when they use capital letters for a sight that means that you stop and go inside; when the sights are listed with initial caps then you drive by and look at them. That will give you an idea of timeframes.
In Rome, guided tours of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's are often half a day. Since an optional excursion is listed for that day it leads me to believe they've split the day into 2 parts - the morning activites as they list them for day 3 and the afternoon optional tour. If you do both you'll have no free time except to grab a bite for lunch.
Day 4 - Rome to Venice. The train from Rome to Venice takes 4.5 hours. You'll be traveling by bus and stopping in Assisi so the trip will take longer than 4.5 hours. I'm guessing you'll have about 2 hours in Assisi which will give you a quick look at the basilica, a quick lunch and bathroom break, and maybe some shopping time.
In Paris it looks like the only place you'll see is the Eiffel Tour. The others will probably be drive-bys. It should take no more than 2 hours to do the tower, depending on how many people are there and how long you'll have to wait for the elevators. I see you only go to the second level with the group. If you want to do the third level then you'll have to purchase an additional ticket and go on your own. However, if you choose to take the optional trip to Versailles (highly recommend this), then you won't have time for the third level at the Tower.
When you're with the group you don't have any free time. You have to stay with the group or leave and go off on your own if you want free time (if you do this please let your tour guide know).
You also have to be prepared for last minute itinerary changes. The tour guide will let you know what these are at your welcome get together.
Perhaps if you post the things you want to see with your free time then we can help you make decisions on the optional tours.
Jun 30th, 2004, 02:04 AM
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By the way, I check on your hotels. You won't be staying in Venice buy in Mestre, about a 15 minute train ride outside Venice. Check the train times between Venice and Mestre so you can go into Venice in the evening and know the train times coming back to Mestre. Here's the Italian train web site. Use Venezia rather than Venice.
http://www.trenitalia.com/home/en/
http://www.trenitalia.com/home/en/
Jun 30th, 2004, 07:50 AM
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travelbugs04- What a treat! Glad you're planning your first trip to Europe. I have traveled independently and have also taken several tours. For your first trip, I think it will work out great. However, I suggest you stay away from the optional tours and do your own thing. You will most likely be with a large group of close to 40 for the majority of the time. By all means,take the opportunity to wander on your own and see things apart from a large group. Part of the fun is experiencing the unexpected and doing what YOU want to do. Check your itinerary and then do research (such as this board or guidebooks)and see what interests you.
Have a wonderful adventure!
Have a wonderful adventure!
Jun 30th, 2004, 12:29 PM
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Well, good luck! Looks like you've gotten some good tips already. I always say that travel includes three parts...planning in advance incl. reading and anticipation, the trip itself, and the memories with perhaps photos, diary notes, etc. (To beter remember things I like to use a small tape recorder for guide's comments, also my own, and IDing photos).
We've been on a number of escorted tours incl. Globus through Europe some years ago. Since then have been 3 X with Grand Circle, and once with Elderhostel, plus several others. All were fine.
Globus will offer you optionals which do jack up the price. Mostly you will want to choose these though you can opt out and have free time. You don't need to worry about accomodations and transport even if with a larger group. With Globus, Trafalgar, Comsos and such it does mean you are on the go seldom staying more than a night or so in one place. It's the old suitcase out the door at 6 a.m. routine and back on the bus! One possibility...on our Globus as others tours we work in extra stay over days (like in London) to relax and be on our own.
Can corrspond further on details...
Bill at [email protected]
We've been on a number of escorted tours incl. Globus through Europe some years ago. Since then have been 3 X with Grand Circle, and once with Elderhostel, plus several others. All were fine.
Globus will offer you optionals which do jack up the price. Mostly you will want to choose these though you can opt out and have free time. You don't need to worry about accomodations and transport even if with a larger group. With Globus, Trafalgar, Comsos and such it does mean you are on the go seldom staying more than a night or so in one place. It's the old suitcase out the door at 6 a.m. routine and back on the bus! One possibility...on our Globus as others tours we work in extra stay over days (like in London) to relax and be on our own.
Can corrspond further on details...
Bill at [email protected]
Jun 30th, 2004, 12:55 PM
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Don't forget your vitamins! As the above poster said, your days will start early, and you might be tired and worn-out. My parents did a Globus trip a few years ago and said some travelers started catching colds from one other--all that time together on the bus!
Jun 30th, 2004, 03:57 PM
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Travel, go through old messages, search this board for "packing". Use clear plastic zip-lock bags, 2 gallons, so you don't have to unpack everything each night. Have a carry-on to take with you on the bus, put your pajamas and toothpaste in it, so you can pack your suitcase the night before and no rush in the morning.
Jul 1st, 2004, 05:40 PM
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Glancing through what adrienne says I haven't seen the schedule but agree with most everything recommended...the churches/museums in Florence, skipping the cabaret show in Paris (we went to Louvre instead), and on arrival day you might do as we did and go down to the Forum to walk around.
Enjoy your trip!
Ozarks Bill
Enjoy your trip!
Ozarks Bill
Jul 1st, 2004, 05:56 PM
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Since this is your first European trip I want to mention that you need to cover your shoulders and knees in churches, especially in Italy. You will be visiting 2 churches that will turn you away if you're not properly covered - St. Peter's in Rome and the basilica in Assisi. If it's warm and you're wearing something sleeveless then bring a shawl or scarf to cover up while in the churches.
