FidiTrip

Hi there!

I've been looking at GoAhead Tours and Sti-Travel so far, but really havent heard anything about them or any others. Does anyone have any advice on which companies to use or where to look for ratings? Specifically for a escorted tour to Italy.

Delaine

If your budget permits, I would recommend Tauck. They have lots of itineraries, and I have always been very pleased with them. Their website is www.tauck.com.

BigRuss

Your age, interests, preferred group size, budget in actual dollars?

And if you're going on a tour to Italy, why are you asking about French food?

nytraveler

"Best" can mean a lot of things. IMHO Tauck has an excellent reputation and generally has better hotels that are more centrally located and food that is less americanized and more authentic - although you still really need to eat in local restaurants for that. But they will cost way more than a budget tour.

For a useful answer you need to provide much more info - and also determine if the tour companies have an itinerary that meets your needs.

Gretchen

It could even be Elderhostel.

historytraveler

If any of the National Geographic trips /expeditions offer what you want, they are absolutely the best. Far better than Tauck but more expensive too.

Finecheapboxofwine

My mom and dad took a few Smithsonian tours abroad and were always pleased.

travelologie

I think that Odysseys unlimited is fantastic. Every detail is taken care of, groups are small, guides and itineraries are great, and accommodations are superior. The prices are fair for the experience.

GoAhead (which is less expensive) has some great itineraries but the accommodations are on the budget side. I haven't used them.