I'm planning to go on one of these tours in May 2005. If anyone has been on one, please share your thoughts -- hotels, sightseeing, breakfast, etc. Thanks!

Hello Cafelatte,

You will find most Fodorites plan their own independent trips. Is there a reason why you want/need to do a tour?
First time to Europe? Traveling solo?

Hi Dayle,
Monograms is a non-escorted independant trip, so it's not a typical tour. But since it's a package, the air, hotels, and train are included. My husband and I chose this for its convenience, and have never been to Italy before. I have used Globus tours before, but don't have any experience with Monograms or know of anyone who has has, so was hoping someone here would be able to provide some insight. Thanks!

I guess a lot would depend on the quality and location of the hotel options, especially in Rome where it's more spread out. Did you try pricing it a la carte?

The hotels included in this package are: Rome - Claridge, Florence - Jolly, Venice - Venice-Carlton & Grand Canal. Does anyone have any experiences with these, good or bad?

As MFNYC said, the key to these inexpensive packages is usually hotel location. I've checked all three and think you could do better location-wise.

Rome: Hotel Claridge is located northeast of Villa Borghese in a residential district, at least one kilometer from the center.

Florence: Jolly Hotel is located according 1.5 miles from all the central sights.

Venice: Carlton Grand Canal is located directly opposite the train station on the busiest, noisiest part of the Grand Canal.

You have to decide how you feel about these locations. Go to tripadvisor.com for hotel reviews.

ellenem--Thanks for your help! i think we'll have to reconsider this one because location is pretty important to us.