Help!! which tour company is the best for group tours in Italy?
Dec 22nd, 2014, 06:05 AM
#41
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Both Walks of Italy and Context have been recommended to me. I have been emailing with Walks of Italy and am hopping to arrange one or two of their small group tours.
The one thing I am running into is I am too far a head if the game haha. My trip is in May and a few of the your companies do not have their dates and times picked yet (specifically the colloseum underground tour) So there is good news you have TONs of time to plan since you are traveling in September.
Start with airfare and lodgings. My favorite resources have been Fodors (of course) trip advisor (for Hotel and b&b reviews) and google maps (for mapping out major sites, hotels, etc and narrowing down lodgings based on location)
It really is fun to plan it yourself... Although I have had my moments of being a wee bit overwhelmed. At that point I take a bit of "time off" from planning and in a day or two my energy is restored. This has been #1 on my bucket list too and is also my first international trip. You are not alone.
The one thing I am running into is I am too far a head if the game haha. My trip is in May and a few of the your companies do not have their dates and times picked yet (specifically the colloseum underground tour) So there is good news you have TONs of time to plan since you are traveling in September.
Start with airfare and lodgings. My favorite resources have been Fodors (of course) trip advisor (for Hotel and b&b reviews) and google maps (for mapping out major sites, hotels, etc and narrowing down lodgings based on location)
It really is fun to plan it yourself... Although I have had my moments of being a wee bit overwhelmed. At that point I take a bit of "time off" from planning and in a day or two my energy is restored. This has been #1 on my bucket list too and is also my first international trip. You are not alone.
Dec 22nd, 2014, 06:16 AM
#42
@adrienne - I have seen a number of GCT and OAT reports from one-time posters. They are usually rapidly deleted, which is probably why you haven't seen them. There have also been some from hardly disinterested people posting their discount code.
I once took a tour with OAT, GCT's small group sister company. It was so bad I swore I would never travel with them again. Nearly turned me off tours for life, so I am very careful about which company I use. For Europe it has been Rick Steves. If I get decrepit enough for a river tour, it will not be with GCT.
I once took a tour with OAT, GCT's small group sister company. It was so bad I swore I would never travel with them again. Nearly turned me off tours for life, so I am very careful about which company I use. For Europe it has been Rick Steves. If I get decrepit enough for a river tour, it will not be with GCT.
Dec 22nd, 2014, 08:57 PM
#43
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I think that if you want to take a tour, then I'd look into some of the small group tours available (e.g. 12 people instead of 40). They tend to allow for more flexibility. They are not necessarily more expensive.
The other thing I would say if you are tempted by independent travel is that it takes time to get used to a new place - learn where things are, how to buy a ticket, which bus to catch - so if you can stay in fewer places for longer you may have a more relaxed time.
The other thing I would say if you are tempted by independent travel is that it takes time to get used to a new place - learn where things are, how to buy a ticket, which bus to catch - so if you can stay in fewer places for longer you may have a more relaxed time.
Dec 23rd, 2014, 12:15 AM
#44
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Hi Erin222. I think you have made the right decision.
For anyone else picking up on the title of this topic I can say that a couple of times I've stayed privately in a hotel in Tuscany used regularly by GCT and can confirm that their tours are indeed regimented, involve early starts and plenty of shopping stops, all as mentioned above.
I think you'd have to be a very sociable person (I am decidedly not) to enjoy this sort of tour. Evenings seem often to be spent in the hotel lobby relating one's life story to anyone willing to listen!
For anyone else picking up on the title of this topic I can say that a couple of times I've stayed privately in a hotel in Tuscany used regularly by GCT and can confirm that their tours are indeed regimented, involve early starts and plenty of shopping stops, all as mentioned above.
I think you'd have to be a very sociable person (I am decidedly not) to enjoy this sort of tour. Evenings seem often to be spent in the hotel lobby relating one's life story to anyone willing to listen!
Dec 23rd, 2014, 05:53 AM
#45
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We did the Gate 1 tour this past May. Visited Venice, Florence and Rome, just what you are looking for.
I thought it was great given it was our 1st time to Italy. Yes, you get up early every day, but the payoff is you see a lot in 9 days. That tour even visits Assisi and Pisa. Also, whoever posted about the hotel being outside of Florence, is incorrect. We were right in the heart of Florence.
Have a wonderful trip, no matter how you decide to visit Italy it amazing!
I thought it was great given it was our 1st time to Italy. Yes, you get up early every day, but the payoff is you see a lot in 9 days. That tour even visits Assisi and Pisa. Also, whoever posted about the hotel being outside of Florence, is incorrect. We were right in the heart of Florence.
Have a wonderful trip, no matter how you decide to visit Italy it amazing!
Dec 23rd, 2014, 07:47 AM
#46
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Check out Monograms Vacations. They are a division of Globus and are like a package instead of a tour. They arrange your air and hotel and your transportation and a city tour and the rest is up to you.
Dec 23rd, 2014, 02:50 PM
#47
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Thank you again for all of your great suggestions!!
I really appreciate it all!
Just looking into airfare and hotels now!
Perhaps someone may have some tips on how to avoid jet lag!?
I really appreciate it all!
Just looking into airfare and hotels now!
Perhaps someone may have some tips on how to avoid jet lag!?
Dec 23rd, 2014, 03:29 PM
#48
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Regarding airfare and hotels, look at several alternatives rather than going linearly only one route.
Hotels have different rates and occupancy rates so when you land in each city can have price and availability differences. So are flights: your favorite carrier, departure time to and from, arrival time, layover considerations, and finally the price.
Minimum, look at flying into VCE, home from FCO as well as flying into FCO, home from VCE keeping in mind that it usually takes longer to travel to VCE airport from Venice if your leg includes a boat.
Also, I would at least glace at round trip to FCO, travel to VCE immediately or roundtrip to VCE, travel to FCO immediately. While this require additional train fare and more travel, if your arrival to FCO or VCE is super early, it still makes sense if you have considered all cost and time considerations especially new development like http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...t-12142014.cfm . People are also reporting significant discounts landing in MXP and train directly to VCE.
Hotels have different rates and occupancy rates so when you land in each city can have price and availability differences. So are flights: your favorite carrier, departure time to and from, arrival time, layover considerations, and finally the price.
Minimum, look at flying into VCE, home from FCO as well as flying into FCO, home from VCE keeping in mind that it usually takes longer to travel to VCE airport from Venice if your leg includes a boat.
Also, I would at least glace at round trip to FCO, travel to VCE immediately or roundtrip to VCE, travel to FCO immediately. While this require additional train fare and more travel, if your arrival to FCO or VCE is super early, it still makes sense if you have considered all cost and time considerations especially new development like http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...t-12142014.cfm . People are also reporting significant discounts landing in MXP and train directly to VCE.
Dec 23rd, 2014, 04:53 PM
#50
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Jetlag is very individualistic. It depends on your capability to deal with sleep time changes, which time zone you are departing vs. the destination, when you wake up to catch flight to Italy, how well you sleep on the plane, etc.
The goal is to sync to the local time as soon as possible.
It is "usually" easier to push sleeping time later than moving forward on the arrival day. Unless you are a type noted above, who can take a long nap in the afternoon on arrival day, but also can sleep on arrival night and wake up the next day at local breakfast time, it is best to avoid taking a long sleep before the "bed time" on the arrival day. In my case, I did this on my first trip. I continued to wake up at 2am several nights and got sleepy by 5pm. I never repeated this mistake again. I force myself to stay up until 7pm or later.
If you can sleep on a plane, you can take advantage of this and leave home later in the day if such flight exists. If you cannot sleep on a plane, leaving late would be a torture. You are already so tired yet you cannot sleep on the plane. If you arrive early, your hotel might not be ready, and you have to wander around in a zombie state. Doing a sit down activity such as a cruise would be a killer.
The goal is to sync to the local time as soon as possible.
It is "usually" easier to push sleeping time later than moving forward on the arrival day. Unless you are a type noted above, who can take a long nap in the afternoon on arrival day, but also can sleep on arrival night and wake up the next day at local breakfast time, it is best to avoid taking a long sleep before the "bed time" on the arrival day. In my case, I did this on my first trip. I continued to wake up at 2am several nights and got sleepy by 5pm. I never repeated this mistake again. I force myself to stay up until 7pm or later.
If you can sleep on a plane, you can take advantage of this and leave home later in the day if such flight exists. If you cannot sleep on a plane, leaving late would be a torture. You are already so tired yet you cannot sleep on the plane. If you arrive early, your hotel might not be ready, and you have to wander around in a zombie state. Doing a sit down activity such as a cruise would be a killer.
Dec 23rd, 2014, 05:39 PM
#51
I'm totally different than thursdaysd . . . If I take a nap I'm done. Takes me days to sync my body clock.
I press on, lots of fresh air, light walking/sightseeing, semi early dinner and in bed by 9 or 10 PM. And the next morning I'm good to go.
But every person is different - what works for one, kills the next person. Unfortunately, you sort of need to work it out on your own.
I press on, lots of fresh air, light walking/sightseeing, semi early dinner and in bed by 9 or 10 PM. And the next morning I'm good to go.
But every person is different - what works for one, kills the next person. Unfortunately, you sort of need to work it out on your own.
Dec 23rd, 2014, 06:02 PM
#52
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Appia, about GCT...you are mistaken on two counts. Travelers often have activities for the evening or they explore the town. No, usually not shopping stops but yes for bathroom breaks or snacks. But yes, sometimes early starts.
Dec 23rd, 2014, 07:08 PM
#53
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My parents did a Rick Steves "My Way" tour of Italy last summer and loved it. For my parents, it was the perfect combination. The logistics (hotels, transportation, etc...) were all taken care of, but the sightseeing, meals, etc... were all on their own. They also had the benefit of a wonderful tour guide who could help them with suggestions and advice if needed.
My Way tour of Italy in 13 days:
http://www.ricksteves.com/tours/italy
My Way tour of Italy in 13 days:
http://www.ricksteves.com/tours/italy
Dec 23rd, 2014, 07:35 PM
#54
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These ideas are good!
Never travelled more than an 8 hr flight back to Canada from the Dominican Republic and stayed up the whole 8!! saw 4 movies!
I have never been able to sleep in a plane or a car, EVER!
it is frustrating, but hearing the advice here, I would probably just stay up till local bedtime!
My husband on the other hand, can fall asleep on a bed of nails! he's fallen asleep at the opening credits at the movie theater and he even fell asleep on "It's a small world" in Disneyland.....please!
at least he will be rested!
Never travelled more than an 8 hr flight back to Canada from the Dominican Republic and stayed up the whole 8!! saw 4 movies!
I have never been able to sleep in a plane or a car, EVER!
it is frustrating, but hearing the advice here, I would probably just stay up till local bedtime!
My husband on the other hand, can fall asleep on a bed of nails! he's fallen asleep at the opening credits at the movie theater and he even fell asleep on "It's a small world" in Disneyland.....please!
at least he will be rested!
Dec 23rd, 2014, 07:47 PM
#55
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Re: Jet lag afternoon nap strategy. You realize even if you are this type, the strategy hinges on the availability of a place to nap. This has been all over the map. Sometimes I arrived at 8 am and lo and behold, no one used the room the night before and I could check in early. Another time, a UK soccer fan contingent practically booked the entire hotel and did not check out until the last minutes. Even though the house keeping went frantic getting rooms ready, they could not give me a room until 5 pm.
Unlike Dominican Republic to Canada where you traveled south and traveled to whatever is your Canadian time zone to the Atlantic Standard Time, you will be traveling east across many time zones.
Unlike Dominican Republic to Canada where you traveled south and traveled to whatever is your Canadian time zone to the Atlantic Standard Time, you will be traveling east across many time zones.
Dec 24th, 2014, 02:11 AM
#56
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Osarksbill: I'm glad the tour worked for you, as I'm sure it does for most people. I was only passing on in good faith what some tour members told me on more than one occasion.
Indeed, some of the more elderly tourists had found the GCT Tuscany tour (coming right after a visit to Venice) just too rigorous and had given up, preferring to spend a quiet day or two in the hotel. Hence our little chats.
The obvious advice is just make sure you know what you are letting yourself in for and don't overestimate your staying power!
Indeed, some of the more elderly tourists had found the GCT Tuscany tour (coming right after a visit to Venice) just too rigorous and had given up, preferring to spend a quiet day or two in the hotel. Hence our little chats.
The obvious advice is just make sure you know what you are letting yourself in for and don't overestimate your staying power!
Dec 24th, 2014, 06:04 AM
#57
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I think you made the right decision to do it on your own. It is so much easier to plan trips now with the help of this forum and other sites than it was even 15 years ago. Between reviews and photos and this forum you can plan a trip to the tiniest detail - you can even map out where the rest rooms ("WC"in Europe) are if you want. And if you aren't on a tour there probably won't be a line of 30 people in front of you (unless you are unfortunate enough to run into a tour group - and then you will be glad you are not on it!).
Unless it makes a huge difference financially I would try to start in Venice and end in Rome. Venice is such a shockingly different place - and since the city itself is the main 'site' you can just wander around on your arrival day - a good way to get over jet lag - rather than trying to see any major museums or sites. It makes a great introduction to Italy.
If you only have ten days and want to see those three cities you don't have time to add in anything else. But especially if your husband is not a 'city person' you might consider doing a day trip from either Florence or Rome to a small town. You aren't going to be able to see 'all' of those cities in three days anyway, so if you want you can prioritize a day trip over seeing more museums/churches. An easy day trip from Rome is Orvieto (by train) and an easy day trip from Florence is Siena (by bus). Now neither of those are 'small' towns - they are more like small cities but they offer a contrast to the big three of Venice/Florence/Rome. You will also be able to find organized bus tours to smaller towns, especially from Florence, if you don't want to do a day trip on your own. Then you'd get a taste of a tour and probably be glad the majority of the trip was on your own.
Unless it makes a huge difference financially I would try to start in Venice and end in Rome. Venice is such a shockingly different place - and since the city itself is the main 'site' you can just wander around on your arrival day - a good way to get over jet lag - rather than trying to see any major museums or sites. It makes a great introduction to Italy.
If you only have ten days and want to see those three cities you don't have time to add in anything else. But especially if your husband is not a 'city person' you might consider doing a day trip from either Florence or Rome to a small town. You aren't going to be able to see 'all' of those cities in three days anyway, so if you want you can prioritize a day trip over seeing more museums/churches. An easy day trip from Rome is Orvieto (by train) and an easy day trip from Florence is Siena (by bus). Now neither of those are 'small' towns - they are more like small cities but they offer a contrast to the big three of Venice/Florence/Rome. You will also be able to find organized bus tours to smaller towns, especially from Florence, if you don't want to do a day trip on your own. Then you'd get a taste of a tour and probably be glad the majority of the trip was on your own.
Dec 24th, 2014, 09:12 AM
#58
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Thanks Isabel,
your response makes total sense and yes, I am now glad that I have scrapped the tour idea.
I have found quite a few nice hotels and B&B's to choose from and yes, I wanted to go to Venice first and work our way down to Rome. I am not set on the 10 day thing now either as I thought on a tour , that was all my hubby could endure!
We may now take an extra day in each city so that we could do a bigger excursion, say to Pompeii or Pisa etc.during on of our stays. There are numerous small tours to choose from!
Still early in the planning stages but it is exciting to do it our way!
your response makes total sense and yes, I am now glad that I have scrapped the tour idea.
I have found quite a few nice hotels and B&B's to choose from and yes, I wanted to go to Venice first and work our way down to Rome. I am not set on the 10 day thing now either as I thought on a tour , that was all my hubby could endure!
We may now take an extra day in each city so that we could do a bigger excursion, say to Pompeii or Pisa etc.during on of our stays. There are numerous small tours to choose from!
Still early in the planning stages but it is exciting to do it our way!
Dec 24th, 2014, 10:27 AM
#59
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Before you commit to the routing, make sure the "nice hotels and B&B's" have room availability at acceptable prices on TARGET DATES before committing your air. On my first trip, I book air first them rooms like many newbies would do, but OMG, I ended up in Paris on the final day of Tour de France!!! What a mistake!!
Since then, before I book flights, I probe the room offerings and avoided being in Frankfurt on FIFA day when the room rates were more than 4 times the regular rate at places I would not thought of staying, avoided being in Munich on the first day of Oktoberfest when I was not interested in part of it, and avoided landing in Amsterdam during some kind of mega convention when all left were uninteresting hotels at more than twice the regular rates. Now, I actually make concealable hotel bookings before air to ensure if I book the air, the accommodations would be assured. I cancel and rebook hotels as I find more attractive places to stay.
Since then, before I book flights, I probe the room offerings and avoided being in Frankfurt on FIFA day when the room rates were more than 4 times the regular rate at places I would not thought of staying, avoided being in Munich on the first day of Oktoberfest when I was not interested in part of it, and avoided landing in Amsterdam during some kind of mega convention when all left were uninteresting hotels at more than twice the regular rates. Now, I actually make concealable hotel bookings before air to ensure if I book the air, the accommodations would be assured. I cancel and rebook hotels as I find more attractive places to stay.
