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I checked out that link.
I clicked on Independent Vacation, Europe, 14 days, any tour company.
Globus came up, with the suggested brochure quote of $2949, and "their" price of $2654. Also this: All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators.
I also googled Globus and found what I expected to find: some glowing reviews, some under-whelmed reviews--the base price is not necessarily what you end up paying, because of the "optional supplements." Frommer's had quite a bit of info. More info
I really don't consider myself a control freak, and I do think there are times and places when it might not be such a bad idea to use a tour company.
However, if a person is under 80, reasonably able-bodied and healthy, and has any sense of adventure, I can't understand why they would want to be herded around Italy, and would *not* want to choose where they eat and sleep.
But that's just me.
Yeah, I guess my issue with tour groups is that I am NOTORIOUS for getting sick (headcolds) while traveling. I would just HATE to spend all that money booking a tour, then have to totally miss out on they day in Florence (or wherever) because I was too sick to go out.
If my husband and I go on our own, and I get sick, I can sleep it off for a morning (or even a whole day) and try to get back on track the next day without feeling like I missed my one and only chance to see a particular site/city.
I also really don't like the feeling of being herded around, and I prefer to take things at my own pace rather than being told - you have 1.5 hours to see the Basilica... GO! I would rather get lost in a museum all afternoon, then wander down the street until I found a nice cafe for dinner.
As you only have 1.5 week I think you already made the right choice by selecting just one country instead of numerous. Italy is beautiful but hot and crowded in summer, especially August as most Italians have their holiday then as well. Better try to go in the spring.
Go with the suggestions that others made as well: do your own trip instead of a tourgroup. The best part of going by yourself is that you have chance of seeing something that you probably would have mist going by an organized tour as they will only go to those places you find in every tourbook ever written. Another nice thing: you have a better chance of meeting locals that might give you suggestions of where to go or where to eat.
You have plenty of time planning for your trip if you do not intend to leave prior to 2010, just go for it and enjoy the planning, that's part of the holiday to!
As you only have 1.5 week I think you already made the right choice by selecting just one country instead of numerous. Italy is beautiful but hot and crowded in summer, especially August as most Italians have their holiday then as well. Better try to go in the spring.
Go with the suggestions that others made as well: do your own trip instead of a tourgroup. The best part of going by yourself is that you have chance of seeing something that you probably would have mist going by an organized tour as they will only go to those places you find in every tourbook ever written. Another nice thing: you have a better chance of meeting locals that might give you suggestions of where to go or where to eat.
You have plenty of time planning for your trip if you do not intend to leave prior to 2010, just go for it and enjoy the planning, that's part of the holiday to!
Thanks - I really wish we could go in the spring, but my husband is a teacher, and there's no way he could miss that much time during the school year. School's not out until late May/early June around here, so the earliest we could concievably go is early/mid June. July is more likely.
I would rather get lost in a museum all afternoon, then wander down the street until I found a nice cafe for dinner.
That is the ideal day for me, as well.
Now, the spouse is not so big on museums, but we compromise.
One thing that might be a timesaver for you is to do at least one night train.
This would get you to from one destination to the next without you paying for lodging. I probably wouldn't do it more than once on a ten day trip, though.
Don't forget, before boarding your train, to validate your ticket in the orange-ish-yellow machine at the platform.
That is the ideal day for me, as well.
Now, the spouse is not so big on museums, but we compromise.
One thing that might be a timesaver for you is to do at least one night train.
This would get you to from one destination to the next without you paying for lodging. I probably wouldn't do it more than once on a ten day trip, though.
Don't forget, before boarding your train, to validate your ticket in the orange-ish-yellow machine at the platform.
I think many tours are geared toward seniors. Why not look into a 4-5 day bike tour of an area? You are not riding all day, and you can see gorgeous countryside. Ive used Backroads, and there are others in europe.
Location: Pittsburgh--Home of the 6 time Super Bowl Champions!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Austinitegirl
I am taking my first trip to Europe in 2010 (probably summer) and was hoping to get some suggestions. I can only take about 1.5 weeks off from work, so I'm thinking of sticking to just one country and only about 2-3 cities within that country.
My husband is going with me and he's been to Europe about a dozen times, so he has "pre-conceived ideas" about where we should go, but I'd kinda like to go somewhere he hasn't yet visited.
He's only been to Italy once, so I'm thinking that might be a good country to start with for my first (but hopefully not last) trip. I want to see history, culture and scenery - I'm thinking Italy's the place. Rome, Florence and Tuscany.
Any ideas/suggestions/advice?
Also - my husband wants us to go with a tour group - I think that sounds kinda lame, but he doesn't want to have to worry about which hotel to stay in, rental cars, etc. I think planning all of that stuff is fun. Anyone been on a tour - with a group??
And finally - what are the best tips for finding budget (but not CHEAP) ways to travel - airfare, rental cars, trains, accommodations?
THANK YOU!!!
Do yourself a favor and buy "Europe through the back door" by Rick Steves. Great advice in there.
Italy: Rome-Tuscany-Venice are 3 of my favorites. As Minniemouse said, Naples can be dangerous, but I don't regret going there. I saw the most beautiful thing there....the veiled Christ carved out of stone! I also took a ferry to the Isle of Capri and then a ferry to the "Grotto Azzuro" The blue Grotto. You rowboat into the grotto--one of the most beautiful sights. The Malfi coast of Italy is beautiful.
Actually, Italy is known for petty crime--pick pocketing. Do not carry a purse or a wallet in you pocket. The purse will be ripped from your arm, your wallet will disappear. Get one of those money bags that you can wear under you clothing and keep your $$$ and credit cards in it. I lived in Sicily for 1.5 years so if you have any questions regarding there, just DM me. Sicily is beautiful.
I loved Switzerland--I was way up in the Alps. Gorgeous scenery. You'll appreciate this being a Texan--I took a cogwheel train up into the Alps to visit Jungfrau Mountain. 1/2 there the train stopped at this little tourist shop and the owner had this HUGE TEXAS flag flying!! I asked him about it. He said "my brother moved there and sends me all this Texas stuff...someday I will visit him there."
Munich--another great place to visit.
I didn't care for Paris--I found the people (natives) rude. I went to Normandy and everyone was friendly there.
Last edited by TexasGirl@Heart; 03-20-2009 at 02:29 PM..
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