Help! Florence OR Rome with itaiatours?
 

I have decided to live on the edge and try one of the italiatour packages (advertised in the NY Times travel section)to Rome or Florence for 5 nights at $699. I say for $699 why not give it a try? BUT I am skepticle about the lodgings and the tour company, has anyone ever heard of them? <BR> <BR>Now for the real dilema, I have always wanted to go to Florence but everyoine is telling me for a first time visit to Italy I must go to Rome instead. What are some seasoned travelers opinions for 4 28 yr olds first trip to Italy? What should we see, eat, and will the language barrier be a big obstacle? Also, in order to accomodate our school schedules we must go in the end of January burrrrrr, what will the weather be like for us seasoned New Engladers? <BR> <BR>

I think that if you have always wanted to go to Florence, than that is where you should go. Not where "everyone" says you should go. But ask your self this question: are you more interested in the Renaissance, Michelangelo and Botticelli, or ancient times, Caesar, Nero and Vespasian? If the answer is the Renaissance, go to Florence. If the answer is ancient Rome, well then go to Rome. <BR> <BR>I think Italiatours is the packages associated with Alitalia. They include air and hotel, not much else. From my research their were a fair number of hotel choices, and some of them were quite good and centrally located. <BR> <BR>You should not find the language a barrier at all. In Florence you should eat bistecca fiorentina at Buca Lapi, and the risotto milanese at Paolo (well, those are just my suggestions, anyways :-) ) <BR> <BR>I'm not positive about the weather, but I think it will be milder than what we New Englanders are used to. in the 40's and rainy is my best guess.

Hi Erin: Good for you--living on the edge is the way to go. I strongly disagree with Beth re Florence and Rome. Rome is much much more than just classical ruins--it's the Baroque and the Renaissance too--and a very much more exciting city for 4 28-year olds than Florence. Florence is a small town really; Rome is one of the greatest cities in the world. On the other hand if what you really want to do is art art art art, Florence is a feast beyond belief. <BR> <BR>Italiatours is run by Alitalia. The s package does not include any escorted tours, but there's a company in Rome called Scala Reale with a website www.scalareale.com and they do 1/2 day walking tours there which are not too expensive. I suspect the less expensive hotels in the package are not right in the center of town but not in the suburbs either. Generally, somone in this forum has heard of most hotels and you should be able to get some kind of feedback if you ask here re the name of the hotel. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time wherever you decide to go. <BR> <BR>There won't be a language barrier in Rome or Florence. Everyone speaks a little English. You should learn some key phrases in Italian. It will melt their hearts.

Good afternoon, Erin <BR>My daughter took one of these tours for <BR>5 or 6 nights to Florence. They enjoyed <BR>it very much as they were on their own, <BR>the hotel CORONA D ITALIA was very good <BR>and very well located. We personally <BR>have not taken one of these tours,but have been to Italy many times, however you can't hardly beat the price.They give you a selection of hotels available and if I can help you locate drop me an email and will reply <BR>promptly. Richard of Hickory Hills, Il... <BR>them, do not hesitate to e mail me <BR>direct

Good afternoon, Erin <BR>My daughter took one of these tours for <BR>5 or 6 nights to Florence. They enjoyed <BR>it very much as they were on their own, <BR>the hotel CORONA D ITALIA was very good <BR>and very well located. We personally <BR>have not taken one of these tours,but have been to Italy many times, however you can't hardly beat the price.They give you a selection of hotels available and if I can help you locate drop me an email and will reply <BR>promptly. Richard of Hickory Hills, Il... <BR>them, do not hesitate to e mail me <BR>direct

Hi Carol, <BR>actually I don't disagree with what you said at all. Rome is certainly more than the classical ruins. I just meant to simplify the choice, if your first love is Renaissance art you shouldn't miss Florence. Generally I agree with you about Rome overall being the more interesting city. <BR> <BR>Also, a second vote for Scala Reale. They are great guides, and very helpful. Especially for seeing aforementioned classical ruins. I loved the walking tour of the ancient sites.

We used Italiatour a few years ago and it was fine. It is the tour branch of Alitalia and offers various levels of hotels. Rome will be warmer and offers more variety to my mind than Florence - but Florence has such a medieval qualilty that is indescribable. You can't go wrong with either. Why not extend your trip for a few days and see both?