Tours of Rome, Florence, Venice
 

Has anyone ever had experiences with Escorted Italy Tours? They seem to offer a lot of "down time," which appeals to me (this is for my parents, who are in their 60s but are pretty youthful). I am also considering just booking nice hotels for them in Rome, Florence, and Venice and arranging for half-day tours through Context or one of the other companies often recommended here. Any feedback on these ideas is welcome.

I have heard Conext Rome is very good but a bit "technical" - not necessarily a bad thing, but could be more detail than your parents are looking for? I have not heard of Escorted Italy Tours, but I can highly reccommend http://www.bellavitaitalia.com for trip planning and tours. It's a small husband (Italian) and wife (American) team from Liguria who organize Italian vacation. Everything is customized to what you (or your parents) want to do...

We were in Italy 10-03-06 thru 10-15-06.
Venice 3 days.
Florence/Tuscany 4 days.
Rome 6 days.
We used CONTEXT in Florence for 1 tour
and in Rome for 3 tours.
They were fabulous.Having a maximum of only 6 people on the tour is well worth the extra money.
We only plan on using Context on our return to Italy.

For the record, I think Context does a great job and have happily used them in the past...

I don't know about or have heard of Escorted Italy Tours so I can't give you a "hands on" opinion. As a tour company they will be fairly regimented which is certainly the right thing for some and constraining for others. My only piece of advice is go with what seems right for your parents.

BUONA FORTUNA!

Hello,

Have you checked with Monograms? They are a sister company to a major escorted tour operator and do independent travel programs. Their programs are a middle ground to a formal escorted tour and a customized private tour. Guests have some structure with hotels, transportation, sightseeing opportunities with a local contact if they need assistance. However, they do not have the tour guide, driver and other guests on their trip.

It is an excellent compromise for people who want to be independent, but not completely on their own in Europe. There is a program for Rome, Florence and Venice.

Best Regards,
Julia