It was AMAZING! This tour really opened up a lot of opportunities for my husband and me to learn, explore places, meet and keep new friends and grow not only as a couple but as individuals as well. Matt is probably one of the most patient and knowledgeable tour leader I've met (not to mention, the tallest person I know). Zoltan is a great driver! He can get the coach thru the tightest spots with ease! (Zoltan! Zoltaaaan!) Definitely, the best 12 days ever!
My expectations were exceeded, and this vacation allowed me to see the Italian countryside and culture in a way that would be difficult to duplicate on my own. It felt secure. The accommodation was clean and good quality The trip is made enjoyable and memorable by the tour leader. Well worth the money.
As past reviewers have stated, this is a fast-paced tour. I do have a couple of regrets: we didn't get to visit the Louvre in Paris because it was closed on the day we were there. Secondly, we had to leave Pisa, Italy exactly when the Leaning Tower was opening. I reeeaaalllly wanted to go inside, though. However, everything is timed on this tour, as it has to be, so delays do affect subsequent destinations. Still, it does sting to know that I got all the way to the Leaning Tower, but couldn't go in. My "misgivings" notwithstanding, this tour was well-organized. When I think of the logistics of planning such a trip, there is just no way I would have seen and done as much as I did if I had gone on my own. Expat eliminated all the stress by taking care of the details--the devil's details. ;-) Optional tours and experiences: I went to all except the cabaret show in Paris. For those balking at the extra cost, just ask your tour leader what the must-see optional experiences are and go from there. To me, it's all worth seeing. Our tour leader, Master Luke (yes, because that is how I choose to address him), was outstanding in his knowledge, expression, energy level, interaction with passengers, and willingness to assist as needed. Our driver, Chris, was THE BOSS. I highly recommend this tour--5 stars!
