My husband and I are planning a trip to Italy in May. Since it's our first trip, we want to go via a tour. Has anyone heard of Insight Vacations based in Boston? The brochure for their 14 day trip seems nice. Any info would be appreciated. <BR> <BR>Thanks

Hi, Joyce, <BR> <BR>We did a week with Tauck Tours and they are first class all the way - highly recommend. We then did a week on our own. It was a first time for us also. <BR> <BR>We have friends who used Insight and they were happy with them. <BR> <BR>If you want more info, e-mail me directly.

- <BR>I'm a 'do-it-yourselfer' when it comes to my European jaunts, so I can't speak from personal experience. But from friends/family who have opted for a tour, I know you need to ask specific questions and understand exactly what is and is not included. For instance, alot of tours offer "optionals" --- what do they cost? And when they provide you with a daily itinerary, what time do you have to have your suitcase packaged & outside your door? ( A friend who was not an early riser realized this was a question he should have asked prior to his tour expedition to Peru / Macchu Pichu). <BR>How large is the tour? Limited to 24? More? Also ask about the hotels --- and that's something that you can easily get info on as to their quality/location either thru this forum or other websites on the 'net. <BR> <BR>I did pull up the Insight website. <BR>http://www.insightvacations.com/ <BR> - their catch phrase 'touring in style' does sound attractive, but I'd like to know a bit more of the details. <BR>

a tour might be great but don't underestimate yourselves and how easy it is to get around Italy. My first trip to Europe/Italy was last year by myself was so much fun seeing what I wanted to see on my own schedule. Not to mention the fun in researching and planning. <BR>Whatever you decide, have a great time.

We have always been independent travellers. It is a lot easier to do this now with the internet and forums like this one where people share their experiences freely. You might enjoy the freedom of travelling on your own, but still getting the cultural and historical highlights of each city by taking a guided city or walking tour whenever you get to a new place. By the way, May is a lovely time to travel in Italy.