Hello,

I am new to this panel, actually just registered today!

My mother and I are planning a first trip to Italy Mid-September for 10 days.. .. ..and then on to Great Britain to visit family. We are from California.
According to Rick Steves (travel novelist and host of his own show), He recommends to see the main Cities for a first visit (Rome, Florence, Venice). . I have heard about the thieves in Rome and Florence.

We are considering BRENDAN TOURS, as we like their travel itinerary.. .. .. ..just dont get to pick your own hotel tho. I did check them out on the Internet, standard 3-4 star Hotels. ROME - STARHOTEL METROPOLE / TUSCANY -GH BELLAVISTA PALACE AND GOLF AT MONTECATINI / VENICE - RESIDENCE PALAZZO SELVADEGO . . Anyone know of these?


My mother is 75, tho a lot of energy, and I am in my mid forties. I would like to make my own itinerary and pick our own hotels, but thought this would be a smoother way to go.
Does Brendan have good tour guides and a good reputation? We looked at TRAFALGAR TOURS, but they did not have the Itinerary we wanted.

Thank you,

Gwen Stewart