Good introductory cross-section in major cities. Good balance of scheduled vs. free time. Would like a little more emphasis on art--especially Uffizi Gallery and Pisan Camposanto--plus entry into St. Mark's/Doge's Palace and Duomo church (rather than some of the shopping stuff). A little too much commercial, too little history/art. (Some of guides under-informed, including one who said Galileo discovered the "two planets" around Jupiter!).
Great itinerary and tour director. Suggest: a slightly slower pace - limiting yourself to 1 optional experience/ day to avoid too/ long days -exhaustion, provide more suggestions for authentic food / restaurants on ‘free’ days.
It was a great way to see and learn about the Tuscany and area. We received great tips for when we ventured out on our own. These were very helpful. The activities were timely but yet gave us the opportunity to be on mood own.
Three of us girlfriends decided it was time for an Italian cultural recharge, and we picked the rail tour to hit the highlights with ease.
We explored Rome and saw the Coloseum as we opted for an optional tour. Florence was also beautiful.
Venice was pure magic. Our shared gondola ride under the Bridge of Sighs (with just six in the gondola) felt cozy and unforgettable . We spent afternoons discovering boutique shops and colorful squares.
For us, this tour struck the perfect balance. Relaxed evenings with wine and laughter. The train travel was a breeze, everything was well-coordinated.
The Hotel were ok but did not cater to the tourist. The rooms did not have the use of the fans and found the air stagnant. A little air moving would helped.
The Hotel in Sicily in Jiardini Naxos, Caeser palace, found the hotel desk determinitly unhelpful.
Our trip was absolutely wonderful! I would like to thank our tour guide, for taking great care of everything. We had something planned every day and the group that travelled with us was so friendly. Everything worked out beautifully. We made memories that will last a lifetime!
Best bang for your buck. The only way to see as much of Europe as we did in 18 days. Often times you do not have very much time in certain cities/towns, but the travel directors do their best to make sure you hit the highlights and have a good experience. You just have to know going in that this is an introductory trip to all the wonders of Europe. That being said, we had a fantastic time. No real complaints other than feeling short on time in some locations,, as expected. Would highly recommend for someone’s first experience in Europe and I even enjoyed it as a repeat traveler as this tour went to some unique places such as Saint Paul de Vence and Colmar. Optional excursions were also all excellent and included meals at hotels were surprisingly good.
It was a great experience with many highlights throughout our tour. We particularly enjoyed the many immersive stops (i.e. wine tasting, weaving, truffle hunting, pasta making, etc.) in addition to our guided tours. Our tour guide, was very well versed, knowledgeable, and helpful and provided good insights and tips throughout our trip. I can't imagine someone else doing a better job than she did! The local experts were also on top of their games.
Get ready to see some of the most famous landmarks, fascinating attractions, and architectural sites in Southern Europe with this 12-day tour of Italy! Your journey will begin in Rome, home to the world-famous Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. Take a trip to Vatican City, where you will visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world. From there, you will travel to Florence, the Birthplace of the Renaissance. Head over to the hilltop Piazzale Michelangelo, situated by the banks of the River Arno, to uncover the best views of Florence in the city. Make your way west to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa and drive through Cinque Terre, a World Heritage Site consisting of five Italian villages, known for its scenic trails stretching along the coast of the Italian Riviera. Take the train to Levanto to explore the Genoa Old Port and visit Santa Margherita Ligure. Lay back in the Riviera Region in Portofino before you travel to Milan, the fashion capital of Italy. From there, you will explore the Italian Lakes Region with breathtaking trips to Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore, and the Borromean Islands. Your next destination will be Verona, the home of Romeo and Juliet. Head on a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square in Venice, the City of Canals. Stop in Padova before you travel to the Adriatic coast to see San Marino, an independent country sitting atop a fortified mountain. Pass by Gubbio, home to the Palace of Consuls, and travel to Perugia, surrounded by the valleys and mountains of Umbria. Explore Assisi and see the Basilica of St. Francis before you make your way back to Rome, where your tour of Italy will come to an end. This well-rounded itinerary is perfect for those seeking immersive and unforgettable Italy vacations.
