Tour or Independent Travel?
Feb 14th, 2010, 11:06 AM
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Tour or Independent Travel?
Hello everyone,
I was wondering if independent travel is the best way to see Italy or would a guided tour be better? My family and I are planning to visit Rome, Florence, Venice, etc. Cost-wise, a group tour sounds cheaper and plus they have everything scheduled out for you, but we also want to have time to explore the cities without having to worry about getting back in time for the bus. If anyone knows of a tour that is based on a loose schedule with lots of free time, but also settles everything else for you (hotels, dinners, transportation), I would REALLY appreciate it.
But, if you think independent traveling is better, could you please post your opinion on why and what is the best way to go about it? How do we pick out the best hotels and know the best way to get to places?
And about buying tickets in advance for say, the Sistine Chapel or any other museums, can we really avoid all the lines and the hassle?
Sorry for all the long questions, just trying to be prepared. Thanks in advance, everyone!!
I was wondering if independent travel is the best way to see Italy or would a guided tour be better? My family and I are planning to visit Rome, Florence, Venice, etc. Cost-wise, a group tour sounds cheaper and plus they have everything scheduled out for you, but we also want to have time to explore the cities without having to worry about getting back in time for the bus. If anyone knows of a tour that is based on a loose schedule with lots of free time, but also settles everything else for you (hotels, dinners, transportation), I would REALLY appreciate it.
But, if you think independent traveling is better, could you please post your opinion on why and what is the best way to go about it? How do we pick out the best hotels and know the best way to get to places?
And about buying tickets in advance for say, the Sistine Chapel or any other museums, can we really avoid all the lines and the hassle?
Sorry for all the long questions, just trying to be prepared. Thanks in advance, everyone!!
Feb 14th, 2010, 11:45 AM
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I've traveled on larger tours, independently, and on private tours where I set the entire itinerary myself, and there are advantages and disadvantages to all three ways. We did a tour of Italy with Globus that gave you at least a day of free time in the cities you mentioned, but I also extended our stay on both ends and did independant touring or touring with a private guide, so I was sure to get in all of the things I wanted to see. For me personally I like a private guided tour - the transportation, hotels and some meals or at least meal suggestions are taken care of, but you can totally dictate where you are going and what you are seeing. It is the least economical way to do it however.
Feb 14th, 2010, 11:49 AM
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I always travel independently. I like the freedom. I like doing what I want to do, when I want to do it. I like chosing the smaller, more individual hotel or pension, rather than a big impersonal place. I like eating where, when and what I want.
I get at least one travel guidebook, usually two. I read the books, look at suggested hotels that are in my price range, then I check Trip Advisor to see how travelers who've stayed in that particular hotel have rated it. I make the arrangements on the internet.
I often rent a car because I'm comfortable driving in Europe, but at times I travel by train. I seldom buy tickets ahead of time on the train. I think most people do make those arrangements, but I'm too lazy. I'd probably save money if I didn't just bop up to the ticket counter and buy them shortly before the train leaves.
In my case, I don't think a tour is cheaper, but then I don't pay much attention to costs. By that I mean that I do what I want and then pay for it later if I exceed my budget. I do try to find inexpensive hotels, but I often end up paying more than I really want to because comfort is more important to me than price.
I use my guidebook to decide what sights I want to visit.
I am a very experienced traveler, so I'm comfortable making my own arrangements and traveling independently.
When I've traveled with my sister, she has made many of the arrangements ahead of time, but I don't do that when I travel alone.
I get at least one travel guidebook, usually two. I read the books, look at suggested hotels that are in my price range, then I check Trip Advisor to see how travelers who've stayed in that particular hotel have rated it. I make the arrangements on the internet.
I often rent a car because I'm comfortable driving in Europe, but at times I travel by train. I seldom buy tickets ahead of time on the train. I think most people do make those arrangements, but I'm too lazy. I'd probably save money if I didn't just bop up to the ticket counter and buy them shortly before the train leaves.
In my case, I don't think a tour is cheaper, but then I don't pay much attention to costs. By that I mean that I do what I want and then pay for it later if I exceed my budget. I do try to find inexpensive hotels, but I often end up paying more than I really want to because comfort is more important to me than price.
I use my guidebook to decide what sights I want to visit.
I am a very experienced traveler, so I'm comfortable making my own arrangements and traveling independently.
When I've traveled with my sister, she has made many of the arrangements ahead of time, but I don't do that when I travel alone.
Feb 14th, 2010, 12:10 PM
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<< Cost-wise, a group tour sounds cheaper >>
An escorted tour may appear to be less expensive than independent travel but you have to read the fine print. Exactly what is included. Many sightseeing trips are extra that can add up to lots of money. Many meal may not be included and free days mean you will pay for sightseeing and transportation costs. Where is your hotel located - near the sights or outside of towns/cities which means that if you want an evening in town you have to pay to get there.
<< How do we pick out the best hotels and know the best way to get to places >>
Please define what you mean by "best." Price, location, amenities?
The first thing you should do if you want to travel independently is to check out some guidebooks from your local library. Plus search on this board or other forums for other travelers' recommendations.
Decide what you want to see in each city and then schedule your time accordingly. It will be work but the trips I remember most are those where I did the research before the trip and was knowledgeable about the places I visited.
An escorted tour may appear to be less expensive than independent travel but you have to read the fine print. Exactly what is included. Many sightseeing trips are extra that can add up to lots of money. Many meal may not be included and free days mean you will pay for sightseeing and transportation costs. Where is your hotel located - near the sights or outside of towns/cities which means that if you want an evening in town you have to pay to get there.
<< How do we pick out the best hotels and know the best way to get to places >>
Please define what you mean by "best." Price, location, amenities?
The first thing you should do if you want to travel independently is to check out some guidebooks from your local library. Plus search on this board or other forums for other travelers' recommendations.
Decide what you want to see in each city and then schedule your time accordingly. It will be work but the trips I remember most are those where I did the research before the trip and was knowledgeable about the places I visited.
Feb 14th, 2010, 01:05 PM
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Will you be traveling in the summer? with school aged children?
The first time we went to Europe we flew into Brussels and out of Venice. The only reservations we had were for the rental car in Brussels, a hotel in Veinna and the train ticket for the trip Vienna to Venice. I also had a road map with the route we planned to take marked.
Well, we didn't exactly follow the plan because we kept finding things that we wanted to see and detours we wanted to take. We stopped at the Big"I" in the center of the towns we wanted to spend the night and, with their help, picked out and booked rooms each night. We had a ball. This was in the fall and it was just the two of us.
We returned several years later with our teenaged son and a friend of his during the summer. Same drill, reservations for the car, hotels in major cities and train tickets. It is harded in the summer finding rooms and especially two rooms, so we learned to stop earlier.
We have traveled in Europe using the same plan many times since.
Most recently, this past May in Italy. We flew into Frankfurt, rented a car and drove to a house we had rented for a week outside of Cortona in Tuscany. We spent the week exploring the hilltop villages from there and then drove to Florence for two days. From there we continued on a big loop through France back to Frankfurt.
I highly recommend DIY. You will love the freedom to go where and when you want and to pick some neat little B&B or local inn instead of the big impersonal tour bus hotels. You will not be at the mercy of "it is Fri, must be Pisa!" Nor will you have to have your bags out at 6AM or be back at the bus in 10 minutes when you have just found a great little galery or cafe!
We have never found the group tours cheaper. Now, I have used a group tour itinerary that appealed to me as a guide for where to go, how long to stay and hotels(mainly location in the city) to stay.
Now days. you can get tickets to the major sites ahead of time on-line and, in the cities, you can arrange for small group or private tours to the major sites once you get there. Many sites are easy to see with just a good guide book and there are some great city maps for tourist with walking tours already marked. We really like those.
You could easily fly into Rome and out of Vience on an open jaw ticket. You can book this your self. A very easy first trip would be a few days in Rome, train to Florence for a feways, then train the Vience. All you need to arrange for are you roundtrip flight, a hotel in each city and train tickets between the cities. Check on line with the major sites and museums, see if you can get your tickets ahead of time. Some of the major sites have guides you can hire as you enter, again check on line. There are great walking tours that you can do yourself again, check on line, on this board and in guide books.
Or if you are willing to do some driving....stay a few days in Rome rent a car and drive through the beautiful country visiting some of the small Tuscan towns and villages between Rome and Florence. Spend a few nights in Florence then train to Vienna. In Florence there are several day trips you could take by train or bus. Read through the Italy trip reports posted here for some ideas.
Bacily, you can spend lots of money traveling or go very cheaply and only spend money on what you really want to, doing it yourself with a little research. With a tour, you will pay for things that you really could do with out and miss some things you find you really would like to do. Plus, you will spend your whole vacation with people you may or may not enjoy.
The first time we went to Europe we flew into Brussels and out of Venice. The only reservations we had were for the rental car in Brussels, a hotel in Veinna and the train ticket for the trip Vienna to Venice. I also had a road map with the route we planned to take marked.
Well, we didn't exactly follow the plan because we kept finding things that we wanted to see and detours we wanted to take. We stopped at the Big"I" in the center of the towns we wanted to spend the night and, with their help, picked out and booked rooms each night. We had a ball. This was in the fall and it was just the two of us.
We returned several years later with our teenaged son and a friend of his during the summer. Same drill, reservations for the car, hotels in major cities and train tickets. It is harded in the summer finding rooms and especially two rooms, so we learned to stop earlier.
We have traveled in Europe using the same plan many times since.
Most recently, this past May in Italy. We flew into Frankfurt, rented a car and drove to a house we had rented for a week outside of Cortona in Tuscany. We spent the week exploring the hilltop villages from there and then drove to Florence for two days. From there we continued on a big loop through France back to Frankfurt.
I highly recommend DIY. You will love the freedom to go where and when you want and to pick some neat little B&B or local inn instead of the big impersonal tour bus hotels. You will not be at the mercy of "it is Fri, must be Pisa!" Nor will you have to have your bags out at 6AM or be back at the bus in 10 minutes when you have just found a great little galery or cafe!
We have never found the group tours cheaper. Now, I have used a group tour itinerary that appealed to me as a guide for where to go, how long to stay and hotels(mainly location in the city) to stay.
Now days. you can get tickets to the major sites ahead of time on-line and, in the cities, you can arrange for small group or private tours to the major sites once you get there. Many sites are easy to see with just a good guide book and there are some great city maps for tourist with walking tours already marked. We really like those.
You could easily fly into Rome and out of Vience on an open jaw ticket. You can book this your self. A very easy first trip would be a few days in Rome, train to Florence for a feways, then train the Vience. All you need to arrange for are you roundtrip flight, a hotel in each city and train tickets between the cities. Check on line with the major sites and museums, see if you can get your tickets ahead of time. Some of the major sites have guides you can hire as you enter, again check on line. There are great walking tours that you can do yourself again, check on line, on this board and in guide books.
Or if you are willing to do some driving....stay a few days in Rome rent a car and drive through the beautiful country visiting some of the small Tuscan towns and villages between Rome and Florence. Spend a few nights in Florence then train to Vienna. In Florence there are several day trips you could take by train or bus. Read through the Italy trip reports posted here for some ideas.
Bacily, you can spend lots of money traveling or go very cheaply and only spend money on what you really want to, doing it yourself with a little research. With a tour, you will pay for things that you really could do with out and miss some things you find you really would like to do. Plus, you will spend your whole vacation with people you may or may not enjoy.
Feb 14th, 2010, 05:36 PM
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You can travel independently and ust hook onto day tours in ecah city.
Or you can buy a package that gives you air, hotel (as many nights as you want and you pick the hotel plus airport transfers).
But if you want preorganized meals (not sure why you would - and do realize that even with tours many meals are optional or on your own) a fully guided tour is really the only way to go. do realize there is a lot of time spend on the bus, a lot "shopping" wether you want to or not, and a lot of early am starts (bags outside your door by 7 am).
Also, you don;t say who the family members are (many tours won;t take kids below a certain age - often 12).
Or you can buy a package that gives you air, hotel (as many nights as you want and you pick the hotel plus airport transfers).
But if you want preorganized meals (not sure why you would - and do realize that even with tours many meals are optional or on your own) a fully guided tour is really the only way to go. do realize there is a lot of time spend on the bus, a lot "shopping" wether you want to or not, and a lot of early am starts (bags outside your door by 7 am).
Also, you don;t say who the family members are (many tours won;t take kids below a certain age - often 12).
Feb 14th, 2010, 07:35 PM
#8
Most people on this board are DIY. The think I dislike the most about tours are the included meals which are rarely good or authentic. You usually end up with hotel food. If you book a tour, try to pick one that stays at least three nights in each cities and has centrally located hotels. I've noticed quite a few companies have cut back this year on the number/type of tours offered.
If you decide to DIY, post which cities you would like to visit, what you want to see and hotel budget.
You can book tours directly with the Vatican for the Vatican Museums.
http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/z-In...zi_Visite.html
You can also just get entrance tickets without a tour and rent an audio guide.
http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/z-In...nfo_Orari.html
If you decide to DIY, post which cities you would like to visit, what you want to see and hotel budget.
You can book tours directly with the Vatican for the Vatican Museums.
http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/z-In...zi_Visite.html
You can also just get entrance tickets without a tour and rent an audio guide.
http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/z-In...nfo_Orari.html
Feb 14th, 2010, 10:23 PM
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You say you are travelling with your family. Does that mean kids? If so check Intrepid Travel's Italian family tour. It will be more expensive than travelling on your own if you budget but leaves the organising to others. This tour travels using local transport. If you have children, I would avoid a bus tour like the plague!
Travelling independently in Italy is very easy, allows you to choose where to spend your time and is likely to be cheaper if you're careful with where you spend your money. Tours take some of the hassle away. And can give you some ready-made company if needed.
Travelling independently in Italy is very easy, allows you to choose where to spend your time and is likely to be cheaper if you're careful with where you spend your money. Tours take some of the hassle away. And can give you some ready-made company if needed.
Feb 15th, 2010, 02:31 AM
#10
A few years ago, at about the same time, I helped two separate couple plan a trip.
I asked each if they would have a problem spending several weeks doing research on the internet. I asked each if they had a problem carrying luggage on and off a train or in and out of a car to a hotel. I asked each if they didn't mind being on somebody else's tight schedule, get up and onto a bus early in the morning, etc.
One couple did it themselves and the other chose a tour. They each thought they had the greatest vacation.
I asked each if they would have a problem spending several weeks doing research on the internet. I asked each if they had a problem carrying luggage on and off a train or in and out of a car to a hotel. I asked each if they didn't mind being on somebody else's tight schedule, get up and onto a bus early in the morning, etc.
One couple did it themselves and the other chose a tour. They each thought they had the greatest vacation.
Feb 15th, 2010, 04:12 AM
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You've received some great advice so far. I thought I would add my 2+ cents. Taking an organized tour over DIY shouldn't save you any pre-trip planning. Check out many tour companies, itineraries, reviews, local transportation in your cities, and so on. Go to the hotels websites for locations and reviews (tripadvisor.com) is great for that. I've had lots of experience traveling both ways, and both have their pros and cons. Biggest con for me with tours is the included meals. I like tours that offer few to none. I'd rather find a great restaurant on my own, as opposed to what feels more like a hotel wedding reception meal.
Optional excursions are great, because they are just that - OPTIONAL. You can pre-plan your own on the internet, or do as you go.
Having hotels and transportation covered is great.
Having a tour director there to help for assorted reasons is great (emergencies, questions etc).
If you are like me, up and out by 8 AM, you'll be happy.
If you are a people person, you'll meet some great folks. Every tour also includes a few characters.
Once in a city you can have plenty of free time. Just let the tour director know that you tend to wander on your own.
Either way you go, the more pre-planning you do the better time you will have.
I've never bothered to compare cost, but if you take an expensive tour with included meals and excursions, and end up eating out, and touring locally on your own, you will have wasted lots of money.
So, pre-planning is the trick. Have a wonderful time.
Optional excursions are great, because they are just that - OPTIONAL. You can pre-plan your own on the internet, or do as you go.
Having hotels and transportation covered is great.
Having a tour director there to help for assorted reasons is great (emergencies, questions etc).
If you are like me, up and out by 8 AM, you'll be happy.
If you are a people person, you'll meet some great folks. Every tour also includes a few characters.
Once in a city you can have plenty of free time. Just let the tour director know that you tend to wander on your own.
Either way you go, the more pre-planning you do the better time you will have.
I've never bothered to compare cost, but if you take an expensive tour with included meals and excursions, and end up eating out, and touring locally on your own, you will have wasted lots of money.
So, pre-planning is the trick. Have a wonderful time.
Feb 15th, 2010, 06:05 AM
#12
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Thanks everyone! We really appreciate the advice. This was alot of help (taking notes as we speak!). I think we'll look at itineraries for tours and use that as a guide to go independently. Another question: If we were to rent a car from Rome to Florence, how long is the drive (or where can I find out) and is traffic extremely busy/dangerous? We are from a really small town, so just wondering if that is something we should try to attempt. 
Feb 15th, 2010, 07:01 AM
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I would definitely take the train from Rome Rome to Florence. It's easy, fast and comfortable. Traffic is terrible in both cities and driving in either place, IMO, would be dangerous if you are not experienced with intense traffic.
Feb 15th, 2010, 08:42 AM
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If you question if you'd be safe driving, take the train!
I'm one of the few people on these forums who enjoys tour groups and even I would suggest going through Italy independently. Use various tour itineraries as a guide for ideas, use trip reports from this forum and use guide books for things you find interesting to play your trip. Figure out your budget, and anything set in stone for dates or places you want to see and then start a topic to ask for ideas/opinions on lodging and places to visit while in each city. Food can be an adventure but again read through trip reports for places people liked or hated.
I would suggest adding more time than the tours plan for. If a tour of Rome, Florence and Venice is 10 days, plan for 12 or 13 for a better trip. Sometimes going independently takes a bit more time for various reasons, but you can spend your time on only the things you want to spend it on. Don't forget that you can join day trips or individual site tours.
I'm one of the few people on these forums who enjoys tour groups and even I would suggest going through Italy independently. Use various tour itineraries as a guide for ideas, use trip reports from this forum and use guide books for things you find interesting to play your trip. Figure out your budget, and anything set in stone for dates or places you want to see and then start a topic to ask for ideas/opinions on lodging and places to visit while in each city. Food can be an adventure but again read through trip reports for places people liked or hated.
I would suggest adding more time than the tours plan for. If a tour of Rome, Florence and Venice is 10 days, plan for 12 or 13 for a better trip. Sometimes going independently takes a bit more time for various reasons, but you can spend your time on only the things you want to spend it on. Don't forget that you can join day trips or individual site tours.
Feb 15th, 2010, 09:10 AM
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Oh, gosh! A mention of shopping reminded me of the time I was on a tour (back in the 60's) of the middle east. We were in Lebanon and on our way to see Baalbek. The tour stopped at a carpet shop and we spent a couple of hours there.
I didn't want to buy a carpet, and I hadn't expected this stop so I hadn't brought a book to read to pass the time. I felt that the reason we were there was that the tour leader was getting a kickback from this shop. I was bored and I was furious!
I didn't want to buy a carpet, and I hadn't expected this stop so I hadn't brought a book to read to pass the time. I felt that the reason we were there was that the tour leader was getting a kickback from this shop. I was bored and I was furious!
Feb 15th, 2010, 11:55 AM
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Check out Untours. They combine the support of a tour company with the flexibility to set your own itinerary. We've used them in Greece and will use them again this summer for Italy. We were very pleased with the arrangement.
Feb 15th, 2010, 12:03 PM
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I was just about to say what Carla said. Untours is great. They arrange your apartment, a car, meet you at the airport, take you to get the car, and then take you to your apartment. They have an orientation meeting and lunch and provide you with an incountry rep to help out if you need help. They provide lots of info about what to see and do and you have all the time in the world to explore on your own. We used them for two weeks in Southern Tuscany last year. You can do a week in So. Tuscany and a week elsewhere if you like. Harriett, the incountry rep., was wonderful.
Feb 15th, 2010, 02:48 PM
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Have you thought about working with a travel agent who can help you plan an itinerary; book flights; arrange hotels & travel insurance; advise you on train travel; as well as prebook museum/gallery entry times? If you can find an agent who specializes in Italy, even better! Know that that a travel agent may charge you fees for his/her service, so clarify this on the outset.
This will give you support in planning a multi-city itinerary <b>and</b> the freedom of independent travel!
Good luck!
This will give you support in planning a multi-city itinerary <b>and</b> the freedom of independent travel!
Good luck!
Feb 15th, 2010, 05:49 PM
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A travel agent that will do all that will definitely charge you an hourly rate - since none of the things they will book (except luxury hotels) pay them commission. If you can afford this fine - but you must find an agent who has traveled extensively in europe - not one who specializes in selling packages to Disney and cruises.
