I'm not a group tour person usually, but I'm planning to go to Italy with my mother and for various reasons, she'd like to be part of a group tour. Has anyone taken any group tours that they can recommend? I'm in my early 30s (female) and mom is in her late 50s. It's her first trip to continental Europe. We'd like to hit Rome, Florence, and Venice...any other stops (amalfi coast, Tuscan hill towns) would be a bonus. Not to be too cliche, but time to shop would be great. Many thanks!

Hi Okra,

Perhaps you could convince Mother that Venice, Florence, Rome is about the most well trodden path in the world, and that the two of you could easily plan your own itinerary without being committed to a tour group.

(Unless she doesn't want to be alone with you. )

>any other stops (amalfi coast, Tuscan hill towns) would be a bonus.

How many days do you have?

Hi Okra,

I know this would be considered heresy in this forum, but some groups can be an absolute delight. The key is *not* to be with a group of 40 being herded around by bus, rushed in and out of various sites, etc.

If you are both active, you might enjoy something like a Backroads hiking trip (perhaps sandwiching your tour in between some independent traveling).

Another possibility is a tour company like Tauck Tours. They organize their tours so that you don't feel like you're being herded around as part of a big group. You dine at your own table in restaurants, on your own time, etc.

Have a look at Tauck Tours. They do a Classic Italy tour that covers Rome,Venice and Florence as well as the Almafi Coast.They also offer a reasonable amount of free time in each location.

Thanks for the thoughts. I'll look into Tauk. My mom is energetic but can't walk for miles and miles--her knee gives her trouble on occaision. Ira, time-wise we are looking at 9-11 days, so we prob. will have to stck to the big 3.

Any thoughts on Gate 1? They have both rail and guided bus options, which is interesting.