mlglazer

Need honest choice for a tour group for our FIRST TRIP to Italy in 2012. We are healthy active seniors in need of some good advice.

We have read review after review and have settled on either Tauck from what we read is "the best of the best" or Perillo known as the tour group who is considered the "best for Italy" and has "very good reviews".

We would like to maximize our dollars but do not need to go "on the cheap".

We plan to go "off season" like October or even November to avoid crowds and hot weather.

We would appreciate any and all advice, comments and thank everyone in advance.

azzure

If you are fit, I really recommend Rick Steves' tours. They require a lot of walking, but are "small group" and really top-notch.

qwovadis

smartours.com best values BBB.org A plus rated

perillotours.com excellent Italy expertise

Good experience with Tauck in CR and Globus in Europe

in the past. affordabletours.com great comp site up to 40% off

If interested in Custom upscale tours Zicasso.com is great

take some bids... Happy Hunting!

adrienne

I would choose Tauck for their reputation.

Depending on which trip you'll be taking, October and November could be rainy and cold, especially around the lakes (in the north) or the coast. I understand about disliking traveling in hot weather but a bit earlier in the year may be better such as late September, early October.

If you need advice on specific tours you're considering, post a link on this thread. Both Tauck and Perillo have a variety of tours and I hope you're considering a 2 week tour.

You might also want to look at Road Scholar tours (formerly Elder Hostel) for a leisurely/educational tour company.

http://www.roadscholar.org/

bobthenavigator

If you do a tour group then Tauck is the standard I am told.
Also look at the unique offerings by Untours.
Either way, try not to go after 15 Oct. Nov. is rainy and chilly.