Karen

My husband and I are going to Italy for two week next June 2002. We want to spend 3 nights each in Rome, Venice, Florence, and the Tuscany region. We are looking at tours from Perillo, Globus, CIT, Trafalgar, etc. It seems easier to let someone else worry about all the tranfers etc., but I don't want to be one in a throng of tourists. I really want to experience Italy, in a memorable way. Need any and all suggestions on tours pros and cons, and nice(I'm not into roughing it) convenient places to stay. Any personal E-Mails will be greatly appreciated. Any one else going the first two weeks of June 2002? We are in our forties and very excited. Thanks for all your expertise.

sandi

You might also try a word search on this forum...maybe under "Italy tours" or just "tours". There have been a lot of posts in the pasts about the pros and cons of being part of a tour group. Just a thought.

John

Most folks exploring this forum expect to help direct an individuals thoughts. It appears that you have already concluded that a tour would be for you. <BR> <BR>If not, you may want to rephrase your question, and open end your options. <BR>

pam

This forum is not just for independent tourists. Although most of the posters seem to be interested in independent travel, the most savvy will tell you that there are times and places and situations where tours can be wonderful. <BR>If you have definately decided on a tour (and I'm not going to talk you out of it), I would definately try Tauck. <BR>They are pricey, but worth the money as they have small tours and the itineraries are well thought out and the hotels and meals-high quality. <BR>My first trip abroad was solo and independent. If you are really worried about transfers and such, you can write to me: I had no problem with this and can recommend some people who might make your independent (if you decide) travel, much easier. <BR>Buon Viaggio!

Surlok

I agree with the poster above. Tauck groups are smaller, their hotels are the best and always centrally located, and you're relatively free, since you can choose the restaurants most of the times. Their itineraries are also wonderful. <BR> <BR>The problem with tours is that they usually give you very little freedom. Although they give you some free time, the hotels are usually so badly located, too far from the touristic sites, that you can hardly sight see on your own. <BR> <BR>Surlok <BR> <BR>

Cindy

Hi Karen- <BR>We're also going to Italy next June, for about 10 days I think. Haven't made definite plans yet, but I think we'll fly into Rome arriving on a Thursday morning, spend Thurs & Fri in Rome, then pick up a rental car at the airport and drive to Tuscany on Saturday, where we plan to rent a small villa or apartmentfor a week, then spend the week touring Florence, Siena, Lucca, etc., leaving Tuscany the following Saturday to Venice and staying there until Monday departure. I wouldn't pick a tour because we'd much rather be on our own schedule. We were in Italy once before (on our honeymoon) so I'm really looking forward to this trip with our two sons (17 and 21). If you want, we could e-mail each other as our plans develop..that would be fun!

Marj

I don't have any tour experience but from what you've said I think you would have to compare some basic things: how much time is spent in each location, how much of that time you'll be on your own vs escorted, how many meals are included, hotel locations. In my opinion, to really 'experience' the location, you need to be able to wander around, unescorted, explore different neighborhood and eat in different restaurants. WHichever tour you choose, should allow that kind of time, especially in the larger cities. Also, figuring 3 nights in a location, depending on the tour schedule of when you arrive and depart can end up being only 2 days worth of site-seeing. I would make sure that in a place like Rome, you have at least 3 full days (you can easily spend a week just there). Also, as already mentioned in other posts, the location of hotels do vary. Sometimes 'tour' hotels are in inconvenient locations. The may be very nice hotels but if they're not near restaurants/sites etc., it may be disappointing, especially if your time is limited in a location. I think for a 2 week period you should be able to find a tour that meets your needs without making you feel rushed.

Jim Tardio

One of the problems I have with tours is that they usually want you to leave your bags outside your hotel room the night before you leave. While this is not a big hassle, you still have to have your clothes ready the night before. <BR> <BR>The other problem is that they just do not give you enough time to explore. <BR> <BR>Italy is an easy country to do on your own. I don't think it gets any easier. And you have plenty of time to read and organize for yourself. My first time, I booked with Italiatours. They offer full, escorted tours, but also tours where you just get the airfare, hotels and transfers. This was very convenient to get aquainted with Italy. Give them a try. <BR> <BR>One of my great joys in Italy is wandering around lost. That's the best way to experience it, IMO. <BR> <BR>I have lots of Italy photos on my website at: <BR>http://www.jimtardio.com/italy.html

PamR

There are some other options in addition to taking a tour or doing it on your own. You can take a tour, but then schedule several days at the end on your own. By then you'll have confidence, know the money, and be comfortable. I think the time on your own will be the most memorable. We visited Italy last year by flying into Florence, where we spent several days; taking the bus to Siena, again several days; then returning to Florence and continuing onto Venice, where we spent the last several days. We flew out of Venice. (All in all we spent a little over 2 weeks) That was really easy to do, so you might consider. But the place you'll miss that way is Rome. I've been there several times, so I didn't mind missing it. You might disagree. It's more complicated to tie Rome into a self-guided itinerary, especially if you're not driving.

mike

We just returned from Italy and Spain we did it on our own. Rome and Venice in Italy. The best kept secret is Bancotel checks, the hotel Boscolo Grand in Rome.

Cheryl Z.

<BR>Karen - here's my just basic list of pros and cons for tours (have done only one tour, and lotsa independent travels): <BR> <BR>Pros: <BR>l.as you said, someone else does all the planning (worrying), <BR>2.AND the driving, parking (more worrying), <BR>3. AND handles/carries the bags (backaches etc.) <BR> <BR>Cons: <BR>l. Usually spend no more than one-two nights in a city. <BR>2. Generally have to get up at crack of dawn to go on to next place. <BR>3. Generally always have dinner at your hotel. <BR>4. The buses, however big, may still be very crowded. <BR>5. There is SOME free time often designated but a tight schedule is generally adhered to. <BR> <BR>Having said this, you've come to the right place to glean info for your decisions. As mentioned above, much info has been posted on here in the past about tours which should help you greatly. And let me just add that Italy is not that difficult to do on your own. Have a wonderful trip and tell us about it.