<BR>Has anyone used the Tauck tour company for a tour in Italy? How was it? What was the average age of your fellow tourists? etc. etc. Thanks for any info.

Joe - I have relatives that exclusively use Tauck - they are fabulous, cater to the rich as their prices are expensive, stay in the best hotels, and go tothe top tourists spots. The biggest perk is that they take care of everything for you. Hope this helps you!

Tauck is an excellent tour company, but why do you <BR>want to ride the bus with an average age of your <BR>parents. You can do your own thing with some help <BR>and homework for alot less---and you have a good <BR>name---do you speak any Italian?? <BR>If you want an upscale experience, they are good.

We have been on several Tauck Tours, U.S. and Canada. They were superb in every way...I'd guess the average age was 50-55...everyone very lively, no old fogies at all. We like Tauck because we can fully focus on all we are seeing and hearing without any worries...it is all taken care of for you. Also, because you do stay at more expensive hotels, it is nice that most meals are included...and, you can eat whenever and with whom ever you wish at all meals, except possibly lunches when you are traveling.

Hey, Bob the Navigator: Wait a minute, I'm 52 and what's wrong with that? I'm a lot of fun, a lot more that some of you 30 and 40 year olds, let me tell you! There are some great advantages to a tour and of course there will always be some trade-offs. But with any kind of traveling, one will have both the good and the bad. We do both kinds of traveling (independent and escorted) and have enjoyed each for what they offer. Especially in unfamiliar territory with somewhat of a language barrier and hotels at a premium during peak traveling, tours definitely have a place for some. I remember well driving around a town in the dark getting very nervous that we weren't going to find a vacancy, with our son in the car. Come on Bob, lighten up. How old (young) are you, anyway? You're certainly well-informed about traveling. Don't tell me you're in your twenties!! <BR>

I would definitely recommend Caravan over Tauck Tours in Italy. I have travelled with both companies, but my Italian tour was with Caravan and it was wonderful. The tour guide who I understand is still with them (Jan) was one of the best I have ever travelled with. Caravan is in the same price range as Tauck but I have had far better experiences with them. I have taken 6 Caravan tours and have never been disappointed.