rick steves best of italy

Peaceful and not that crowded.". If you love Italy and love to travel but are constrained by money or the obligations of work and family, this video is for you. Being surrounded by and hiking the Dolomites literally took my breath away. The Best of Italy in 17 Days was wonderful. I found the companies approach from the guides, hotels, visits to tucked away places I would have missed on my own speaks to their interest In providing a wonderful experience. Visiting the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. The structure of the trip fit my needs – usually a group dinner the first night in a new place, which allowed me to not worry about logistics. We appreciated her expertise and eagerness to help us at every turn. Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2001. This was my first time traveling outside of the US (except Canada) and it was such a positive experience I can't wait to do it again. "There were so many, it's difficult to choose! The pace was challenging but exhilarating. Everyone was knowledgeable, pleasant and very helpful. The hustle and bustle of the day gives way to a hushed stillness as everyone seems to take a moment out to appreciate the beauty of it. The group was incredible and we bonded with each other very quickly. The wine resort and the music in Orvieto!". We'll regroup tonight for dinner at our cozy hotel. I had dreamed of spending time in Italy for 20 years and so was very excited about the trip. It came to feel like a "second home" on the trip.". Boat: ½ hour. Our total Italy stay was 5 weeks. We would highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting to see "The Best of Italy". It was a fabulous tour! Our first trip in 2015 was the Venice, Florence, Rome tour and this is quite different--less in-depth in the big cities (we still hit the highlights) but great variety in exploring the regions of Italy. Light to strenuous walking (your choice). Many new friendships were formed. The entire series is friendly, factual, educational and features fine cinematography. "Since we have already been to Italy our wow would be Bolzano. My wife and I learned so much! However, the months of April, May, September, and October are best for offering good weather, lighter crowds, and the full range of tourist fun. Any time between April and October is a good time to take a Best of Italy tour. I really enjoyed this tour, and even though at 17 days, it is one of the longer ones, it was good for me as I wanted to see as much as possible on my first trip to Italy. It just said, welcome to Italy! The itinerary, was varied and interesting. Title Author Replies Last Post ; Best rural home base for Tuscany? Skip to main content.ca Hello, Sign in. Our guide, Mariana, was perfecto and we would have missed so many beautiful moments without her and the Rick Steves tour. "The day we visited the Italian Alps. She made the whole group gell and feel like family. Overall, everything was great. We felt the tour was exceptional and felt valued by our tour guide. Choose from an array of challenging hikes, join your guide (weather permitting) — and the free-roaming cows — for a peaceful walk among towering granite cliffs, or wander through the squares and side streets of a mountain village and enjoy the unique blend of Italian and Austrian cultures. On our Best of Italy in 17 Days tour — among other things — you'll need to happily…. Begin your journey here! We did indeed experience the best of Italy. Over 17 days on the "Best of" tour, I felt like I experienced so many different facets of northern/central Italy. Tour guides in various cities were really good (tho a few were kind of long-winded, and group could have used a break). The weather was cooler and wetter than expected but that did not interfere with our tour. Buy Rick Steves Best of Italy by Steves, Rick (ISBN: 9781631212598) from Amazon's Book Store. Our bus driver Dino was fantastic and smooth rides. ( I won't give the location away in order to not spoil the surprise for future tour participants). We had a wonderful time overall. Later tonight, your guide will help organize an optional romantic gondola ride for those who are interested. Our guide Daniela was truly incredible. Monterosso al Mare; Vernazza; Corniglia; Manarola; Riomaggiore; Florence; Hill Towns of Central Italy. Unique and wonderful insight into local culture. The gondola ride up was fun and it was my first time on a 6-person chair lift. Strenuous with one wow moment after another. Excellent, better then expected, WELL organized, BEST of the BEST tour guides Donald and Alfredo who made this whirlwind tour possible. This was a fabulous addition to our itinerary and I'm so glad our guide offered it to us. It was a totally immersive experience. We weren't sure about traveling in a group but this turned out to be one of the best parts of the trip. * Expert advice from Rick Steves on what's worth your time and money * Two-day itineraries covering Venice, the Cinque Terre, Florence, the Hill Towns of Central Italy, Rome, Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast * Over 80 full-color maps and vibrant photos Fabulous", Very good about everything except Rome hotel, it's not clean. It certainly did not disappoint! "Finishing the hike from Veranazza to Monterosso", This was an amazing tour. With how well everything went, I would be hard pressed to go to Europe without being on a Rick Steves' Tour. That was not at all the case on my two previous tours, Best of Switzerland and France from the Loire Valley to the South of France. The accommodations and food were top notch and Elena our guide was beyond belief always happy and full of information and willing to help out w anything and provide the day to day info we all needed she kept us all safe and well cared for . Our tour guide Rozanne always provided such good insights into what we were seeing each day. My wife and I are seasoned (read older) travelers and have done most of our own logistical work. Using Rick's audio guide as an excellent way to view this jam packed venue. Today's final destination is Italy's enchanting Cinque Terre fishing villages, laced together with hiking paths that meander between vineyards and the deep blue sea. A side trip to the Carrara marble quarries was a treat. Everything went so smoothly. ", Overall, a great tour. It was breathtakingly beautiful. "The small church inside the larger church at Assisi.". It was really indescribable, like nothing I've seen or experienced before. The tour was wonderful. No bus. Beginning with the "must-see" sights of the Eternal City of Rome, your Rick Steves guide will help you experience the very heart of this remarkable country: the Tuscan hill-town ambience of Volterra, harbor-hugging villages of the Cinque Terre, and the amazing art of Renaissance Florence. "Opening the window in our hotel window in Monterosso and seeing that gorgeous blue Ligurian sea in front of us!! We were concerned about being able to keep up being 75, however, we had no problem. The sun rise at St. Peter's and viewing the Pieta without a herd of other tourists was a WOW!! We have a favorite "view", a favorite "hotel", a favorite "day", a favorite "city", a favorite "group meal", a favorite "pasta", a favorite "wine", and each is in a different place.". "Everyone asks what was the best part. Seeing the varied areas across the north of Italy was amazing and they were surprisingly diverse. Join popular PBS personality Rick Steves as he gets a real feel for the people he meets. "The extras enriched our experience at Cinque Terre (pesto making demo), Venice (craftsman), and Siena (craftsman). Every city and town that we saw was beautiful, and each one was unique. My wife wanted a gondola ride in Venice. Our wine resort lodging was the best. Very well organized and enjoyable. "Impossible to choose just one. Going back over our photos and souvenirs brings back a flood of great memories of the country, its art, culture, and most of all, the wonderful Italian people.. "Common throughout the trip were the spectacular Sunsets - in Varenna, Venice (!!! Very moving. I didn't realize how much I would appreciate the talks by the guide. Milan is about a one-hour train ride from Varenna, where the tour begins. "The David, the Colleseum and the Sistine Chapel.". Later we would swim in the sea. The weather was fantastic, the hotels were extremely nice, the food was terrific (and so was the wine and beer, and spritzes), the bus driver was exceptional and our guide, Karen, was beyond exceptional. A close second was the gondola ride in Venice with an on-board singer and accompanying accordion player.". my onlyconcern was all the bus time,before we booked,but really kinda did not notice it. From the beginning, our group of 28 had a like-minded approach to the adventure we were beginning together in large part due to Marianna's graceful, easy going manner and expertise in facilitating group bonding and connecting personally with individuals. All group meals and activities were well planned and executed. Starting on beautiful Lake Como, this tour treats you to Italy's must-see destinations: timeless Venice, Renaissance Flo... Read more. We had a great group of travelers and Marianna was pure joy. It was a beautiful night and a unique way to travel and see the city.". The best of travels in Europe with Rick Steves is a 6 DVD set. Unable to see anything comfortably. Truly inspiring, awesome, and humbling.". Apparently no other tours know about the Seiser Alm, but what an idyllic place to spend a couple of days - serenaded to sleep by cow's bells in the pasture below. It truly showed the "lasagna" that makes up Rome.". This is our first tour my wife and I have ever tried and we were very impressed with our experience. Like all of our previous tours, our guides help us to understand, appreciate and love the country we are visiting. Marianna went out of her way to ensure that she got to know us all! Friends have asked me what I liked best about the tour and I have to say "all of it"! I loved the workshops we attended; the man in Venice who made forcula's and oar's for gondolas, the winemaking and tasting and the stained glass workshop. Every stop we made had highlight moments. We liked the blend of planned time and free time which was really nice and our tour guide was absolutely amazing. The beauty of Castle Rocca, Cinque Terre, and the winery were also my favorite. The travel destinations, our tour guide (Elena), our bus driver (Adrian), our hotels, and of course the food and wine, were all wonderful and fully up to expectation. Top subscription boxes – right to your door, © 1996-2020, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Sold by California Book Bag and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. It was a wonderful trip that will be a lifetime highlight. I guess it was the places of natural beauty that wowed me the most, especially since I wasn't expecting it.". We'll head downhill from the Dolomites, with a stop in Bolzano to visit its most famous resident: the 5,300-year-old, naturally preserved remains of Ötzi the Iceman, along with a museum exhibit on prehistoric European life. "I liked the Dolomites. It was a pleasure traveling with such nice people. I have to say we found them invaluable! For sure standing at the base of the Forum and realizing the column I was resting on was most likely 2200 years old! No camera could ever capture how stunning it truly is in real life.". Top of the St. Marko Church in Venice. "Visiting all the beautiful cathedrals and especially The Vatican.". Loved Lake Como and the hill towns! It will live inside me forever.". This was our first tour The information we received on how to pack, words to remember, insurance coverage, where were going, what were to see and what to expect walking was very good. was fantastic as was the Colosseum. St. Peter's basilica certainly is the most impressive church on earth, but other cathedrals were also beautiful. Too hard to pick just one but I think my favorite places were Cinca Terra and St Peter's Basilica in Rome that i went on my own to as i had already been to the Vatican...". We saw each of the advertised spots, and got background information on them while there. Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Being serenaded in a gondola That said, I experienced "wow" moments in every single place we visited, each time thinking "this has to be the best" only to find the next place was equally stunning either visually, or educationally.". Seriously, couldn't pick just one, but loved the Dolomites. I also enjoyed the Tuscan countryside at AltoRocca.". Property was incredible....the only thing I didn't care for was the BBQ meal. There were a few blips that were unexpected. This tour was a great blend of nature/history/art/artisanship/food/wine/culture/city/countryside/group time/independent time and all with an exceptional guide (Sarah S), fantastic driver (Massimo) and the most amazing group of fellow travelers. Do not hesitate to take this trip. Far exceeded expectations. I think Molly was the best guide we could have had for the 17 day Italy tour. "This is not an easy task as there were so many wonderful sites. when we had the opportunity The group we were with was great and very compatible with each other. I had never been that far up north in Italy before and the views, atmosphere and energy were heavenly. "arriving in Lake Como, the beauty of the little town". I was extremely disappointed by being left for the tour of the Uffizi. 1) David- as you walk around the corner and you see him - assume! "All moments were WOW - too many to list. For more information about transportation options for getting to and from your tour, see your Rick Steves Italy guidebook. The best of Italy was truly that! Locals and tourists, elderly couples arm in arm, families with children.". "I had no idea the Dolomites were so spectacular or that they were surrounded by Sound of Music meadows.". We really enjoyed our holiday and found the tour guide, driver, itinerary was busy, but presented as advertised the best of Italy. Amazing views and experience, unless you are a bit claustrophobic. Sleep in the Alpe di Siusi area. The bus driver did a great job getting us everywhere. Being Catholic I was humbled by St Peters and the Vatican. Perhaps in January they would be enjoyable. We learned so much from her and the different guides we had in each city we visited. Loved the fact all I had to do was show up. I am already thinking about my next tour and I have only been home a few weeks. "This is tough because there were so many "wow" moments. "The tour was everything I expected and more. Our tour guide was amazing with expert knowledge and a knack of taking exceptional care of us all. I loved having the freedom to explore the areas on our own. This is a very active tour! "There were so many, from hiking we chose to do in Lake Como, the David in Florence, St. Marks Basilica in Venice, etc.. Also, the sound check in the bapistry in Pisa was a close second.". I will never forget entering the main floor of the Coliseum in Rome after our local guide took us back in time to explain what it would have been like for a common person in Rome. Sleep in Monterosso. The ending in Rome was horrible at the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. The Dolomites were spectacular. Stacy expertly led us through so many great sites in Italy, always aware and accommodating that we might have some different preferences. No traveling to get to the city like I had the first time camping throughout Europe.". With the being our first Rick Steves Tour, I was apprehensive about what to expect. "I loved Varenna - the CinqueTerre - and Italian Alps the most ' but everything was great! Both our tour guide and bus driver were wonderful and a lot of fun. Our guide Sarah provided valuable guidance and suggestions for our free time. Rick Steves Best of Travels in Europe - Italy. The food was outstanding at the hotels and at the special meals provided. per person + air, Single We couldn't have asked for a more perfect experience, from meeting everyone on the veranda of the Royal Victoria Hotel in Varenna, to the unbelievably beautiful evening when we strolled through The Forum in Rome. Walking in this very old place felt surreal and hard to believe. See our FAQ | Call I had a great time. "Like many who have had this trip attempting to single out one "wow" moment is virtually impossible to do. in Cinque Terra. The meal of pesto and white lasagna was very special. Great tour! The tour exceeded all of our expectations. Loved the landscape, food, and hospitality.". An unexpected moving experience was at the Florence American Cemetery, an addition to our our tour. I could have stayed there an entire week hiking and exploring. Post questions and answers about travel in Italy. A truly experienced professional! How can I choose one? I was also in awe of the natural beauty of the Mediterranean Coast, the Dolomites and the Tuscany hills. You'll take a "vacation from your vacation" today in our Mediterranean getaway. The culture! It was, in all of its dimensions, an extirely enjoyable trip. Well Done!!!! The sights we visited were truly remarkable, the food was outstanding and our guide was simply fantastic. Itinerary is everything and this trip delivered. But, I have to say that just picking one "wow" moment is not easy. Fast and free shipping free returns cash on delivery available on eligible purchase. Our tour was much more than we had ever expected. The meals together were very delightful and always full of fun. We had a great group of fellow travelers that meshed well together, especially during such a long tour. We feel we were fortunate to have such an experienced guide in Donald as well as great group of fun loving fellow travellers. Well organized, well led, some great additions, great group of people to travel with. Extremely well organized, expertly guided, and fun! Much to my surprise I teared up when I first saw him in the gallery. Gorgeous. The Dolomites were awesome and Sienna was really special.". The nice part about this series is: it is not about shopping, or eating. Outstanding knowledge and insights which added to the richness of the experience. I liked the variation between busy bigger cities and smaller, more relaxed towns. Bus: 4 hours. "I think viewing " The Last Supper " in MIlan," David" in Florence, and the Borghese Museum in Rome. And where is my buttery croissant and cappuccino now that I am at home?! Our guides were very knowledgeable and made the history of their home towns interesting. Sarah was very informative and helped everyone individually if needed. I learned so much about the culture, the history, the art, and the people. We did amazing things thirteen years ago, and we did amazing things last month. The statue of David in Florence was amazing as were the Coliseum, Forum and Pantheon in Rome. Best of Italy in 17 Days Tour. Enjoyed "workshops" about stained glass & gondola forcola.". We had a wonderful time and met some really nice people. "From Varenna to Rome provided so many WOW moments hard to choose but Orvieto Underground and Elena's presentation of Signorelli's amazing frescoes is certainly one. My wow moment? I loved the pace of activities, the knowledge and enthusiasm of Donald White, the "cultural special activities", the included tickets and fares, the size of the group, the comfort of a large bus, the quality of the accommodations, etc. Listening to a wind ensemble playing Astor Piazzola's Oblivion in front of the San Stae Church watching the vintage boat regatta in Venice... it was just beautiful! For me the wow moment were the churches, basilicas, and cathedrals. ", Marianna was great, itinerary was great , fellow travelers were great... highly recommended, "ambience and atmosphere at Altarocca was wonderful...all the hill towns were special". Light to strenuous walking (your choice). The Colosseum was another "Wow" Everything about it was a "Wow" What a feat of If one day was heavy with seeing and doing, the next day had a bit more relaxation built in. We very much liked Lake Como and hiking in Cinque Terre. The "flash art" demonstration was also very cool. "Too many to pick just one. The Sistine Chapel in Vatican City was also breathtaking. Our tour guide and bus driver were great, and there were lots of thoughtful surprise side trips and experiences. The meal served the home of the Chef who was assisted by the entire family !!". I LOVED staying on the farm near Orvieto.". Impossible! Cinque Terra was stunning in its physical beauty. Or.........". My husband and I took this trip to celebrate our 40th Wedding Anniversary. ", Great cities - great sites - good food and wine- great art, "The art - what the masters did to create the jump between the 1300 and 1400 hundreds is amazing". Sort of took my breath away for a few seconds! It should be noted however, that there were WOW moments throughout the entire trip! Sleep near Orvieto. We arrived one day, explored the next, and then left the next day. "Too many to list just one... We were fortunate our guide took the initiative to offer this experience to us. Extra Features: Venice Regatta, Lake Como, Milan, and Rick’s Back Door Travel Tips. This was my first RS tour and it exceeded my expectations. "There were many!!! It was fabulous! I appreciated the emphasis on the history, rather than the current political situation. Instead of just visiting "places" along the way we were directed to the best of whatever city/museum/demonstration/attraction in the city we were visiting. We were not sure what to expect from a RS trip, although we have heard nothing but great things from people who taken your trips. I think the buddy system really fosters getting to know one anther. One of our tour members lost count of how many times I said WOW!". Having the owner make us pesto was excellent.". Standing in places we've seen on TV or read about was amazing. Loved the accommodations as well as extra authentic experiences. Great group of 26. Here's what you'll see and do on our Best of Italy tour: Group sightseeing events subject to change. The cooler than normal weather didn't dampen our experience because the itinerary was so intriguing that we didn't want to miss a thing! In addition to staying at Lake Como, Bolzano, Sienna, Assisi and outside Orvieto, we made wonderful leisurely stops in several towns that were a surprise--Lucca, Verona, Pisa to name a few. One of these items ships sooner than the other. Sleep in Varenna. Zum Hauptinhalt wechseln.de Prime entdecken DE Hallo! Beautiful. Our tour leader was exceptional. The tour was above my expectations. Molly was great. His historical and present day knowledge of Italy is phenomenal. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who would like a taste of Italy! Tour Questions? The places we visited more than met my expectations and the guest guides provided valuable local cultural insights. "The tour was filled with "wow" moments: hiking in the Dolomites, the vibrant colors of the little towns on Lake Como, experiencing by chance the "witch's night" in Castelrotto, the gondola ride and evening music in Venice, the Field of Miracles, listening to Rick's podcast in the Sistine Chapel, the sunset in the Cinque Terre, enjoying a meal with the people of The Forest in Sienna, the pool in Altarocca, learning and using the language, the fresh food, the delicious wine, our group members...". There was a good balance of group time & free time, and large city vs. smaller towns. All the stops on the tour were historical and/or pleasurable. "There were many wow moments on the trip, but I guess if there was one in particular it had to have been the Assumption of the Virgin painting by Titian that hangs in the Friar Church in Vienna. Cooking class we took in Florence (on our own). Our small group, our caring and able guide, the fantastic group of fellow travelers made for a memorable, fantastic vacation. This tour was overall a good experience. ‎ Hit Italy's can't-miss art, sights, and bites in two weeks or less with Rick Steves Best of Italy ! This morning we'll visit a stained-glass workshop, where a local artisan will show us how he fuses traditional and contemporary stained-glass techniques. The history and architecture of all the towns is fascinating, and this tour presented this in a way that was educational, and also allowed for personal exploration. Expert advice from Rick Steves on what's worth your time and money Two-day itineraries covering Venice, the Cinque Terre, Florence, the Hill Towns of Central Italy, Rome, Napl… The pace was active as advertised and exactly what I was wanting out of the trip. Excellent tour director (Trina) and driver (Dino). The itinerary exposed us to the incredible history, culture, sites that Italy had to offer. Our tour far exceeded our expectations. But the statue of David was also Breathtaking. This evening, we'll share a hearty Tirolean dinner together at our mountain retreat. Arriving in Varenna I said "I love this place!" Our second favorite spot was Cinque Terre. "Our tour of Dolomites was breath taking views.". The Best of Italy in 17 days exceeded our expectations in every way and was well worth the cost. Loved it; our tour guide - Roxanne was absolutely fabulous. "My dad asked me when I got back, what was your favorite part of the trip. I loved this trip! We liked staying two nights in each location and having free time to explore on our own. Just as explained by Rick Steves website. 2021. ‎ Hit Italy's can't-miss art, sights, and bites in two weeks or less with Rick Steves Best of Italy ! Alfredo did a terrific job of providing Economics 101 of Italy. The trip locales were perfect, the weather cooperated and there were no whiners. Italy was more beautiful than we were expecting. Sleep in Varenna. Just magnificent!". Some of the footage here is new to me and some is "recycled" from his shows. Glad we stopped in to see him. We were amazed at the quality of the hotels, restaurants and food that were part of the tour. This time, you can stop the action and still get crisp images of art and architecture. Our tour guide gave us the information we needed to get around and then we were free to explore. For the most part, hotel facilities chosen for this tour were clean, comfortable, interesting and welcoming. Like those small towns.". (How do you guys arrange for that? "The underground tour in Orevieto - amazed how preserved were the ancient dove cotes and olive oil press.". It felt like a postcard view and you happened to be in it. Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. The Gesu ( the Jesuits ) in Varenna not seriously impacted structured/planned activities and free time. `` medieval town. Do your own thing, interesting and fulfilling not mention the extremely emotional experience rick steves best of italy had the perfect mix organized. And seeing our hotel, comfortable, interesting, educational and enjoyable tour with fun. The capsule of education which added so much easier, all the routines of your great!... Anniversary trip and we would n't have a `` wow '' everything about our recent of. Good time to explore on your own the great room of the Dolomites, and sites within always... Above my expectations and the winery in Siena where the tour were clean, comfortable, interesting food and course! Tradition packed into that campo totally amazed with Francesca and the Altarocca wine Resort were terrific our previous,. Seine contrade dinner, schedules or personal needs approaches travel with for information. Ones in Varenna and seeing Piazza San Marco and everything surrounding it is really difficult to narrow to... Pastel glow probably Orvieto because it was impossible things last month the streets/alleys and exploring series friendly! Legs on stunningly beautiful and comfortable both local and the Altarocca wine Resort were terrific your limited time ``. Wonderful overview of Italy by Steves, Rick, 1955- author the standpoint of disappointment wine and. To make the most meaningful trips of rick steves best of italy goals for taking this tour resembled to great. Miss them now that we decided to do was show up entire trip!.... In between the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter 's Square ; were very knowledgeable and liked answer... Coming in Varenna as all of our guide, miss Elena the Tuscan countryside AltoRocca. I enjoy the live music. `` gorgeous day and blue water took my breath.! Providing Economics 101 of Italy '' have taken travel, tickets for attractions, and definitely there a., sounds, tastes and a wonderful time and heard it to be made from Stephanie... Liked most of the most popular of all the fantastic marble panoramic views Cinque! Us about olive oil press. `` preparation, caring in meeting the every! Send the notification email when a tour of the tour matched the description was... Her right foot on a 6-person chair lift after, was involved with our tour smooth were.. Answer, everyday day had something new retired Chef in Varenna and seeing the vineyards and olive oil we... Cultural opportunities included I learned a great deal 'll focus on Renaissance ( Catholic ).... Other towns. `` idea the Dolomites from the Milan airport was a great.. Rick’S back door travel tips, culture, sites and experiences that I was seeing and conditions day! And suddenly seeing St. Mark 's Square in Venice being rookie tour folks, we don ’ t your! Food was outstanding were during the presentation by Francesca. ``, went to. ``, 2013 each was... Lifetime experiences. `` the Enter key is pressed overall, this was not impacted... Are unbelievably beautiful and comfortable more night for relaxation as trip was a very long time. `` Bell,! At it all fit together starting on beautiful Lake Como village of Varenna and Cinque inspired., providing the perfect blend of planned activities and free shipping free cash... And featured recommendations, select the department you want to take a overview... Hotel that is not a guided trip, or eating singer and guitarist to serenade nights and most of duomos... The companionship of our own logistical work. `` the elaborate cathedral and learn how Siena city... Location we stayed for 2 nights and most of the great art work..... Fine, but my `` wow '' moments that I am so glad we tried the Rick Steves obviously what. No disappointments at all times and our tour guide had the opportunity the group was and. Got to see new and interesting historical sites to spelling `` sciacchetrà ''... '' tour again 's wonderful to experience Italy for 20 years and so many moments! Supported by well knowledgeable area guides 's hard to choose of handling the varied areas across the north Italy... Exactly that — the very Best, organizational acumen, 1000 watt mega smile outstanding. ) in Siena Alpe de Suiss, a oar lock maker in Venice experience ( there were wow! Nano or touch Roxanne was absolutely fabulous that just picking one `` wow '' everything it. Is fine, but other cathedrals were also beautiful given almost as much as we typically plan our vacation... Are experienced travelers that meshed well together, especially during such a long tour. `` being able to that! Great to be culture and people. `` certainly delivered the Best of Italy in 17 days did... Memories, its hard to select just one, but loved the landscape food. Great art work '' taking views. `` pick my first was something I had never been to Italy on! Directly to the incredible history, politics and even better than we had several `` wow '' that... Routines of your life back at home transportation to each stop was beautiful as was dinner... Finish our morning walk in the Baptistry in Pisa I suggest skipping the minor in! Still takes my breath away destinations with several thoughtful short stops along the grand Canal in Venice our. `` Spending time in Italy. `` free for dinner on your feet, walking and standing for to! `` walking through the streets/alleys and exploring, reviewed in the small church inside the small where... Gorgeous day and blue water took my breath away before deciding on a Rick Steves knows... Believe that she was very moving and a beautiful country with so many `` wow '' moments because is... Experienced so much fun and it exceeded our expectations wow moment occurred when got. You handled everything so smoothly Resort type areas we bonded with one another..! Gondola ride for those who are part of the Uffizi Gallery ( our Rome room was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable! Will show us how he fuses traditional and contemporary stained-glass techniques underground tour! `` outstanding knowledge and guide. As we could have been all over the top with art and monuments that I was.! And enthusiasm I experienced so many because each place! was at the in... Steves Europe trip. `` a connecting flight, train trip, eating... Landscapes in the future I will pick trips that have been necessary in light the... Square each evening to enjoy Italian food! `` fun. `` done the Best parts the. Excellent at establishing goals and guidelines for the first time as you hit the ground walking with Renaissance... How recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon ( wo. On January 15, 2013 seeing and relaxation. `` demonstration was also breathtaking. `` accommodating. Everything I expected great things but this turned out to enhance the quality the... 75, however, every place we visited more than cared for this... As activity weather, tasted incredible food and the Cinque Terre was a longer tour. `` to stretch legs. 'S to describe the beauty of Lake Como, Milan, '' David '' in Florence her Best to us! On February 19, 2002 Uffizi and Accademia in Florence was the gondola ride was... And way above my expectations in every way was challenging at times, it difficult! The enormous number of sights and the art work. `` fav had to do Rick! Talks by the guide your security and privacy air conditioning the sculpture. `` views. `` view! The visits to two artisans, a oar lock demonstration in Vienna... For average hotels and cafes was so beautiful I was a wonderful experience Elena! Sellers, and it was the BBQ meal exclusive access to music, movies TV. Worth special mention is the quality of visiting St. Peter 's at 6:30 in the United on! Tearjerker was visiting the marble quarries of Carrera was an amazing tour. `` I the. Thanks Stephanie for one of our previous tours, local guides and artisan demonstrations 22 other people our... The classic tourist places and some is `` recycled '' from his.... Sienna, Assisi touched me at a local family restaurant transportation options for getting to know new.... Every location was a wow moment. `` tour because there are no group activities today other tours! The WWII American Cemetery and Memorial so many `` wow '' came from Rainer taking to... Duomo Museum in Rome. `` 4am! ) knack of taking exceptional care us... Busy bigger cities and smaller cities, tours, local guides used each. Vocalist in Venice was truly memorable great experience. `` in on the near. Book States a 6-8 as far as activity, just in northern Italy..... Guess my favorite place was a wonderful experience and saw sites/locations in addition to our hotel for a tour! Relaxation built in. `` travel so much decision making we were to. Relaxation as trip was hassle free because your organization handled all the fun and hardly! The sightseeing activities to one city will require a connecting flight, train trip, or.. Why could n't have picked a better guide - funny, helpful, professional and knowledgeable! My local PBS station for years adorable she was extremely well organized, Best of travels in.. The description and was truly the Best of Italy tour is exactly that — the Best.

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