I am planning a trip to Italy in 2001 for a group of 10 family members. I lived in Rome for several years and still remember enough Italian to get along. I also have a good idea of our itinerary and plan to use many of the suggestions from this forum for places to stay in places other than Rome. However, I am nervous about the logistics of moving such a large group of people around! None of them have ever been to Europe, so they will definitely be following my lead. Has anyone organized a trip for a group of this size? Any advice on how to make it go smoothly, i.e. hotel reservations, dining reservations, trains and car rentals, etc.?

If I were trying to deal with a group this large, I believe I would try to get a travel professional involved -- maybe call a reputable tour organizer and see if they can set up a special package. Probably the biggest consideration is how are you planning to travel from place to place within Italy? If not by public transportation, you have a major logistics problem. And how many of your group are self-reliant? how many can be counted on to function independently? You need to hand out preparation or research assignments to the ones that you can count on. Fortunately, you have more than a year to get it worked out; I think you will need it. Good Luck.

bo_jack, you have confirmed my own feelings. Now, do you have any suggestions for this "reputable tour guide?" The couple of local travel agents I have contacted in the rural area where I live have not been helpful on prior trips. Their only hotel suggestions, for example, are for the large chains. Actually, my group will all be able to get from Point A to Point B independently if they have to. If we rent vehicles, we'll have two drivers. But five people per vehicle are still quite a few, with luggage. Does anyone know about renting vans in Italy?

Karen---Don't try to do everything yourself. Identify the tasks that need to be done and see who in your group has the skills and can assist you reliably. Leave some days off in between for independent sightseeing. Choose central locations for lodging. Use the train or contact a local company in Rome that arranges daily group tours for group rates. <BR> <BR>Elvira, a frequent and outstanding contributor to this forum, seems to have a very good handle in group travel (per recent posts). I strongly recommend you e-mail her and then, try to assess whether you are going to need professional assistance or not. It is a challenge, but with good planning I believe you can do it. <BR> <BR>In Rome, we stayed at the Sheraton at a great rate because we use the Entertainment book (50%discount on numerous hotels throughout Europe). They had a huge van that would take (and pick) guests to the area of the Roman forum. An excellent breakfast buffet was included. It was not a central location, but it was definitely very accesible (train station down the block), quiet, nice with a courteous staff.

Hi Karen <BR>I second the recommendation of checking with Elvira--she's done this group thing several times, she keeps binders and files and is all around a witty expert. <BR>

You folks are so helpful. I read some of Elvira's previous posts, and I can see she's the one I should talk to. I've already e-mailed her. I really don't mind doing the planning myself. I have a large library of tour books and maps, and I love the internet, of course. I'm just stuck on how to move 10 people around the best way!