Small group tours
 

Has anyone been on any tours with Caravella Itallia? Iexplore.com, GAPtours?
Or any other SMALL group tour companies in Italy with a good reputation, moderate price, decent accomodations. Age range 30's to 50's or so? I am 44, single, relatively active, looking for cultural, food, wine, type trip perhaps even staying at villas. I am not looking for strenuous trip. I am not looking for a motor coached bus tour witch is attended by seniors. (Maybe I will later though :) )) Opinions please for active small group tours in my age range.

I am the one person here (to my knowledge) who has simply put together a small group tour "among ourselves". I did most of the planning, and served as amateur tour guide, van driver and banker. Six of the seven people who went were single (I am married,; my wife did not go. The age range was mostly 30-49, with one 28 and one 65+). Many of the elements of the trip were discussed publicly here on this forum, or through a series of group of e-mails - - including our decision to stay in a big villa on Lake Garda for 7 of the 13 nights.

I didn't charge for anything I did, and I paid the same as every other person, and received no "kickbacks" or any other side benefits beyound the trips itself and the camaraderie. It was a great success, even though our departure date was just 8 days after September 11, 2001.

I am eager to do a similar trip again in 2005 or beyond. I have previously done nine such group trips, but the 2001 Fodorites' trip was my first with "strangers", arranged here in "cyberspace". We did get to know each other fairly well by e-mails, phone calls, and/or some face-to-face meeting, before the trip.

What season do you have in mind? What duration? Any particular focus in Italy?

And no doubt, there are other Fodorites capable, willing and interested in doing something similar. I am not actually looking to return to Italy as my first choice of next trips to Europe (which will be my 25th) - - but I wouldn't rule it out either.

Best wishes,

Rex Bickers
Floyds Knobs, Indiana

Rex, thanks for the info, but I dont have time to plan that now, that is why I am looking for a tour. Found La dolce Vita and GORP last night as well. Any feedback from people is appreciated...
Leanne

Okay, you're welcome. It wouldn't require any planning on your part beyond saying what some of your preferences are - - but I understand if it is not what you are seeking.

You might try www.imaginative-traveller.com. They have a tour in Italy that involves staying in a villa and walking. We didn't do this tour, but a Japan tour with this company, and it is our tour guide in Japan (an Australian woman) who told us about this other tour that she has lead. Enjoy planning!

How about Rick Steves? They are smaller groups, in vans not huge motor coaches, and the age traveler you are looking for?

If I were you, especially being single, I would look at Rick Steves' tours. They are more than I usually spend, and you have to add airfare, but if I was in your age group I would definitely do it. Check out his website and see if it fits.

You could also look at OAT (10-16 people). The age is not a big deal; most tours attract "older" people as they're the ones that can afford it. However, on the few tours I've been on, no one is a "drudge." Don't worry that much about "ages," it's usually just people that enjoy travel. And, remember, you don't have to go everywhere the tour goes; that is, you can split off just making sure you get back to the meeting point or hotel.

I use Adventures Abroad.
www.adventures-abroad.com
Small group tours and they do have a walking tour of Tuscany if you are interested in that.
Yes the people are older for the most part but I started traveling with them in my mid 40's and don't feel it is a problem because the trips have alot of walking and I applaud the older people that can keep up.
I only hope I am that good in my older years.

Thanks for all the replies here! Most of Rick Steves tours are booked at this late notice, but I will definatly keep that in mind for future travel. Now I am checking out the GORP - www.GORP.away.com , GAP - www.GAPadventures.com and Adventures abroad - www.Adventures-Abroad.com
Thanks. More feedback oappreciated if anyone has heard of those too.

Have a look at http://www.tartarugatours.com/ - Disclosure: She's a friend of mine! But does seem to fit the bill for you.


best regards,
Deirdré Straughan

http://www.straughan.com