We just returned from a Best of Italy tour in October 2005 and the weather was great. It only rained the two days we were in Rome. We never really needed a jacket except for the rain days. The tour director was a drill sargent on our tour and was tipped accordingly.

Cheers

General Max

The one thing we did not like about Italy was that every where you went the italians had their hands out for a tip.

Cheers

General Max

Hi everyone. I noticed this message board while I was surfing attempting to find out about bus tours. We are thinking of the "Highlights of Italy" tour with Insight. Its a 13 day tour which includes nearly all the important sites of northern Italy. We've never toured. We're cruisers but with the price of a Med cruise, the cost of this tour ($1600 per person) can't be beat. I have several questions:

1. How often do these buses stop between major cities. I have this nightmare of traveling for 6-8 hours at a time with nothing in between.

2. It seems that all the tours you would need are included. Are there optional tours you would recommend and when?

3. How much more can we expect to spend for the meals that are NOT included.

4. What, if anything, is available on the bus when you are traveling between stops.

5. Has anyone taken this tour. If so, what were your likes and dislikes.

6. Has anyone toured with Insight and what were your likes and dislikes. What would you recommend to make it a better experience?

7. Given the itinerary, would you recommend another tour company?

6. What about security?

1. How often do these buses stop between major cities. I have this nightmare of traveling for 6-8 hours at a time with nothing in between. APPROX. EVERY TWO HOURS. STOPS ARE USUALLY AT THE AUTOGRILLS IN ITALY.

2. It seems that all the tours you would need are included. Are there optional tours you would recommend and when? BUDGET 40 to 50 EUROS PER DAY FOR OPTIONALS. MANY INCLUDE DINNERS.

3. How much more can we expect to spend for the meals that are NOT included. BUDGET 50 EUROS PER DAY IF THEY AREN'T OFFERED ON OPTIONALS

4. What, if anything, is available on the bus when you are traveling between stops. NO FOOD IS AVAILABLE ON THE COACH. THE BUS DRIVER ALSO DOES NOT LIKE PEOPLE BRINGING FOOD TO EAT ON THE BUS. HE HAS TO CLEAN IT EACH NIGHT. THERE IS AN EMERGENCY TOILET ON BOARD.

5. Has anyone taken this tour. If so, what were your likes and dislikes. NO

6. Has anyone toured with Insight and what were your likes and dislikes. What would you recommend to make it a better experience? WE HAVE TAKEN TWO INSIGHT TOURS AND HAVE ENJOYRD THEM.

7. Given the itinerary, would you recommend another tour company? STICK WITH INSIGHT. WE JUST TOOK A GLOBUS TOUR AND THE TOUR DIRECTOR WAS A DRILL SERGEANT.

6. What about security? WATCH OUT FOR THE PICKPOCKETS IN ROME AND STAY AWAY FROM THE GYPSIES.

Cheers

General Max

General Max. Thanks for the reply. Could you answer the following:

1. What are "autogrills?" Like a McDonald's? Also, do they travel on major highways or through countryside.

2. How much does a Euro equate to in American dollars?

Sorry, but we are very nieve. The closest we've been to Europe is JFK Airport visiting New York!

General Max. Thanks for the reply. Could you answer the following:

1. What are "autogrills?" Like a McDonald's? Also, do they travel on major highways or through countryside.

2. How much does a Euro equate to in American dollars?

Sorry, but we are very nieve. The closest we've been to Europe is JFK Airport visiting New York!

General Max. Thanks for the reply. YOU ARE WELCOME. AVERY. HERE ARE SOME MORE ANSWERS.

1. What are "autogrills?" Like a McDonald's? Also, do they travel on major highways or through countryside. THEY ARE MUCH BETTER THAN MCDONALD'S; THEY OFFER HOT MEALS, SANDWICHES, A GIFT SHOP AND FUEL SERVICES. BUT BEST OF ALL, THEY PROVIDE CLEAN RESTROOMS.

THE TOUR COACHES PREDOMINANTLY TRAVEL ON THE MAJOR HIGHWAYS AND EXPRESSWAYS.

2. How much does a Euro equate to in American dollars? ONE EURO IS APPROXIMATELY $1.27 US SO THAT 100 EUROS IS ABOUT $127.00.

Sorry, but we are very nieve. The closest we've been to Europe is JFK Airport visiting New York!

1.00 EUR Euro = 1.20068 USD United States Dollars
As of 2:47pm et 12/14/05

Autogrills are excellent and inexpensive. From paninnis to pasta and meat dishes.

Went on our first guided tour "Best of Italy" and picked Insight because it had more included rather than options. Had such an excellent time that I doubt we would go with another tour company.

[quote="general Max"]We just returned from a Best of Italy tour in October 2005 and the weather was great. It only rained the two days we were in Rome. We never really needed a jacket except for the rain days. The tour director was a drill sargent on our tour and was tipped accordingly.

Cheers

General Max[/quote]

Why don't these people realise that if they act like eg, "a drill sergeant" on a tour that they will not encourage to be given a decent tip, in fact in some cases probably none at all. They really ought to get their act together!!!

Regards,

Possum

Took the Italian Escapade tour with Insight in May of this year-the tour director was terrific,the bus roomy and comfortable-overall a great trip.I would not hesitate to use Insight again . .

Insight does have a number of people who are outstandingly loyal to them including Mrs. Max and myself.

Cheers

General Max

General Max:

I seem to be following you around the world -- unintentionally, of course. After a lovely trip on the Ryndam along the Alaskan coast last August, my father-in-law is now treating his daughter (and me) to a trip to Italy.
We will be taking the Italian Escapade in August. I hope that things go as well for us as they appear to have for Player.
I know it will be hot, but thay may compensate for the 50-degF weeks we spent in Alaska (not to say that we didn't have a great time -- we did). . And this time, Grandpa (who no longer feels like travelling) is footing the bill for all three grandkids. Guess who's the most popular guy around the house these days?


I have done a great deal of research and Insight seems to compare well to similarly-priced tours. We have not travelled to Europe before, and the entire family is very excited. Hope to continue to exchange good information with you.


Landlubber54.

Landlubber54, you will thoroughly enjoy Italy and you will have an exceptional tour director. Insight uses some very fine ones for their Italy tours.

You will also wish for those 50 degree fahrenheit Alaska summer temperatures if the Italian Hotel air conditioning is broke. Also, some hotels do not have air conditioning over there. Check with your travel agent.

Cheers

General Max

Has anyone been on easy pace italy tour? i am planning a trip and a little nervous, after reading about hotel switches. I am okay with the hotels listed on itinerary, but am afraid that we will be placed in different, lower quality hotels.