crefloors

I learned a lot about getting around on the tour I took. It was Globus but much slower and I don't see it offered anymore.

As for the Polident crowd, we had a young girl of 13 traveling with her parents, two sets of young "honeymooners", one young guy traveling along (he was usually going off doing his own thing), two young girls in their 20s, two girls in their 30's and the rest were i the 50 to 60's range.

I think the young guy probably took the tour for perhaps price and convenience.

We had every afternoon free if you wanted OR you could take an additional tour.

thursdaysd

Rather than a mass market big bus tour I would look at Intrepid Travel. They max out at 16 people, usually have quite a mixed demographic, and often use local transport.

See: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/italy/

There are some other companies taking smaller groups, like Imaginative Traveller and Adventures Abroad.

PalenQ

If a college grad your alumni association probably sponsored trips abroad - using an established company and theymay attract a more mixed age group and often include some trappings of educational things - univ profs may be on the trip as experts, etc.

PalenQ

another thread tells how Rick Steves' tours attract an active crowd of all ages but mainly younger folks - mentioned far above - check it out.

pariswat

We took a tour for our honeymoon, back then...
It was in Thailand and we loved it.
Europe is easier to plan on your own, but I don't see anything wrong in doing it with a tour.
Europe is easier to plan yourself but some just like the idea of oding it with a tour.

MelJeq

Hello! For those that have actually taken the Globus Best of Italy and France Tour, which optional dinners/tours did you take and were they worth it?