We are two couples,all in our early 50's and are thinking of a tour of Italy. The Perillo tours have been mentioned to us, and wondered if anyone has used them. We have traveled in Great Britain and Ireland on self- drive vacations. Is it difficult getting around and getting info if we tried a self- drive in Italy? We are thinking Rome, Florence & Venice. Any great places that we shouldn't discount? Thanks.

Linda, <BR>We are 4 couples going to Italy next month and we're doing it on our own. I'm having a great time planning the trip. We are flying into Rome, spending 3 days and renting cars to drive through the hilltowns of Tuscany for 4 days. Then we drop the cars in Florence, spend 2 days and take the train to Venice for 2 days. Next, we are traveling on a panoramic train from Venice to Lake Como -staying in Bellagio- for our last 3 days. We fly home from Milan. I think this is the better way to go - we are free to spend as much time as we wish in each town, eat wherever we want, pick our own hotels, etc. I did everything over the internet. Very easy! Have fun planning yours.

Eileen, thanks for the note. I did our Irish trip over the internet, so I know it can be done. Would you be willing to share the hotel info and could you give me an idea of the cost of the flights? We live in up-state NY. The trains..did you have to make prior reservations or is it possible to do it at the time you are there? Any good web sites would be valuable. Thank you for your time.

Hi Linda, <BR> <BR>Last Spring was our first time in Italy & we took a Perrillo Tour! and we were very pleasantly surprised!!! Everything was done, including Vatican passes, no lines!! We saw all important sights in Rome, Florence, Verona & Venice & Milan! <BR>We also had plenty of time on our own to shop & explore & go out after dinner, but usually too pooped! We were 40 people, mostly in 40-50's age group, some younger, some older. Everyone was in great spirits and no problems. The resterants were all very ,very nice and our accommodations were all excellent!! <BR>We have stayed in touch with several of our tour friends and have even gotten together for dinner on 3 occassions since the trip!! I think the tour made a lot of sense the first time, but this year we planned it all on our own & will be returning to Italy next month!!

The highways and roads in Italy are excellent. As with all cities, city centers are congested, Italian drivers are aggressive and parking is limited. Suggest driving in non-city areas and use public transportation in city centers. <BR> <BR>If you plan to travel before European Holidays and are interested in relaxation, art, history, museums etc. you may want to include Naples and the area South of Naples. <BR> <BR>Suggest: <BR> <BR>1. Museums in Naples <BR>2. Pompeii and Herculaneum just South <BR>3. Sorrento if you like music boxes. <BR>4. A night in Capri <BR>5. Don't miss the Amalfi Coast - stay in one of the unique cities such as Positano. <BR>6. Paestum as the Southern most point for great Greek ruins. (Try the Best Western there for great accommodations, a private beach, and super service - the lowest price/value equation in the world)

Hi, Linda. <BR> <BR>If you want to e-mail me, I'll be happy to share info on hotels, etc. Let me know what your approximate hotel budget is. <BR> <BR>Eileen

Linda! In Italy, do it yourself! You'll love it. For a description of 3 different trips to italy, check out my web site: <BR>http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/5733 <BR>

dear linda, <BR> <BR>if you are looking for accommodations in italy, you should visit http://www.charmingitaly.com they have sites that covers all the places that you where talking about. <BR> <BR>regards <BR>bea