Recommendations for Tours of Italy?

[pinky]

Does anyone have any recommendations for organized tours of Italy? My cousin and I are planning to go in a few months, sans DBF's, and we would like to start planning. Since neither of us has ever been, we wouldnt mind the "touristy" stuff at all - we're planning on going again after all of the touristy stuff is out of the way ;) and that means Rome, Venice, and probably Florence for us. It would need to be an all inclusive package, probably - I know of Globus, but would like some more economical options if they exist :p Thanks so much in advance!

[lonetree1353]

One of my friend's daughters went on a tour with Contiki Tours. She had a great time and enjoyed because it wasn't "all old people" (her words not mine :D ) It is for 18-35 year olds.

I don't know how to do the here and link it to the site but it is:www.contiki.com Hope that helps you.

[HejazSunKat]

I've never taken an organized tour myself so I'm not able to recommend a good tour company however when DH and I have been traveling we've noticed alot more tour groups with headsets and some kind of receiving device clipped to their belts now so that everyone can hear the tour guide no matter where they're standing in the gaggle. I thought this was an awesome idea and not just because I'm hearing impaired and always having to think about where I sit or stand to get the best 'reception' for my ears. That may be one thing you want to look for when considering packages. Ok, maybe I do have one tour company to recommend but not knowing what your budget is I don't know if it's what you're in the market for. We took one tour (to Kenya and Tanzania) with an outfit called Abercrombie and Kent and they were awesome. We weren't with a big group but they facilitated all of our getting about on our itinerary, meeting us at the airport, taking us to our hotels, booking excursions, dinner reservations, making sure we had everything we needed etc. If we needed anything we had a contact in whatever place we happened to be in but we were basically free to do whatever we wanted so it was like a safety net in a strange place. I would imagine they also run group tours where you're with an assigned group for the entirety of your visit. Whoever you decide on have a wonderful time.

[ellielk]

Several years ago, my daughter and I used Grand European Tours and were very happy with the tour itself. Not all the other people on our bus were as personable as others but that's life. Italy was one of several countries we visited. They also do what they call 'Leisure Tours' that stay longer at each stop. In Italy we were in Rome, Florence and Venice.

There's also a company that you might consider but they don't exactly have guided tours. This is Untours. They set you up in an apartment for two weeks and you travel the area on your own. I think they have a preliminary meet and greet with other tourists in the same area so you can have someone to possibly pal around with.

[misskitty100]

I've known several people that have gone to Italy with a Rick Steves group and really enjoyed themselves. His groups are usually smaller and don't usually entail big buses or big hotels.

His website is www.ricksteves.com.

[KGL]

How about the Cooking Light Olive Harvest Tour in the Molise region of Italy in November that's co-sponsored by Colavita oil? My husband and I are going and it sounds amazing- visiting ancient ruins, tours of a pasta factory and olive oil factory, olive picking, truffle hunting, a tour of a winery and a few days sightseeing in Rome, in addition to, of course, some fabulous eating/dining experiences. And the representatives from both Cooking Light and Colavita have been a pleasure to deal with thus far. We're soooo excited! This is our reward now that we'll be empty nesters.

[Basil87]

Here are two:

La Dolce Vita Wine Tours offers epicurean and active tours through Italy. (888) 746-0022. www.dolcetours.com.

Boundless Journeys offers several active adventures to wine-region destinations like Rioja and Tuscany. (800) 941-8010. www.boundlessjourneys.com.

If you check them out and choose to go with either of them, please let me know so I can let them know that I sent you. Thanks!

[fci5767]

My aunt plans guided tours of Europe that are absolutely amazing. I haven't been yet but my father has gone twice. I'll post the link to her website below. There are sample tours listed but I know that she also plans customized tours in different price ranges depending on what you are looking for. Whatever you choose to do, have a wonderful vacation. I'm hoping to go on a study tour of Reggio Emilia, Italy next spring. If only my school would be able to pay for it....

www.travelfrancewithcarol.com (http://)


Beth