Scandinavia Art and architecture Trips

Fantastic itinerary, we had so many amazing experiences, we learnt a lot about the culture, history and people. We experienced many things that we would not have if we had travelled alone. Our guide was passionate and entertaining. He was a font of knowledge and added to our enjoyment I have not felt as relaxed travelling solo, knowing that all the transport, porterage etc was taken care of allowed me to enjoy the experience without the stress.

1. Loved Murano Glass, felt they should have let us know they had discounted stuff in the lower level--believe more $$ would have been spent by the group. 2. LOVED the serenaded gondola ride. It felt magical and awesome!! 3. Loved the tours in Rome, but felt the Vatican did a terrible job of crowd control, and could have designated lanes for timed entry. It was scary when the crowds pushed and everyone shifted because we were so tightly packed in as we waited. And our group, dispite having a leader holding a "flag" was splintered into 3 as we struggled to move forward. Some not so nice people attempted to "snake" their way through the crowd by holding hands, moving single file and pushing forward. I had terse words with a man and his group that were doing that. Would NOT choose to go back in a Jubilee year again. 4. Disliked the hotel on the canal in Venice--can deal with no A/C by opening the windows, but we were on the second floor (convenient for walk up from lobby) but with windows open and no bars on the windows-someone could have climbed out onto the ledge that was on our side of the second floor-traveled down to our window, and climbed in through our bathroom---so I felt vulnerable going to sleep with the windows open, and and was uncomfortably warm with them closed. 5. LOVED the Castello del Trebbio visit. Pasta making was a fabulous and memorable event and tasted just as fabulous. Their environment was "happy-sigh" inducing. I was glad I volunteered to cut the pasta. The chef was informative, and collaborative, and did a great job teaching the pasta making class!! In the future, Collette could consider offering entry to the Duomo, or other Pay-entry churches as choices for excursions. 6. LOVED walking Assisi. 7. LOVED walking Cortona and Perugia. 8. LOVED the hotel in Perugia-Sangallo Palace Hotel 9. LOVED the hotel at Lake Como--Hotel Barchetta Excelsior. Would definitely go back to Italy again. Even though this was our second time to visit Rome-I was amazed that we saw different things this time.

The tour manager and individual tour guides did a wonderful job of giving us a good overview of each site we visited. No long rides - and in most cases good time on our own to discover each site. It would be nice to have more time in Florence - as in around 6 hours we only scratched the surface of the beautiful city and its museums and other sites. More specific recommendations on where to dine would also be helpful. The group activities were much more enjoyable than expected. The hotel was good (the one in Rome, even better.) All transportation went extremely well.

We had the most amazing tour guide! And we got to see so many places in such a short amount of time! Infinitely better than any trip I could have planned on my own, and cheaper! I made memories that will last a lifetime and got to connect with people from all over the world. Truly an experience I will treasure forever.

It was a fantastic itinerary, particularly because of the flexibility to join optional outings or take an extra day to explore on your own after you have seen the primary sights. We like to explore on our own but also appreciated that the tour took care of the details for the big attractions that we did not want to miss like the Vatican and colosseum. We also appreciated the warmth wit and knowledge of our guides.

Overall it was a great trip. However, the second hotel in Florence was not as comfortable as the first and last hotels. All three had their pluses and minuses, but were clean and had charm. The guides were personable and helpful, but on excursions could’ve allowed for more shopping time and help with suggestions and traditions. Of course they knew the areas, but the older people were more prone to getting off the beaten path. Maybe text or give out maps of the areas where we’d be left to have free time. Our bus driver was great, both helpful and professional.