Hi Nonni,
We're going on the same tour on September 28. I'll reply when I get back which will be Oct. 13.
Mimi642

Thanks, looking forward to any information you would give us. Especially interested to hear about the optional tours that Globus offers. We were wondering whether the Mt Etna optional Tour actually goes up to the start of the chair lift, and if it is worth the time spent to go. Looking forward to hearing from you.

[quote="nonni"][b]Is there anyone out there going on the Grand Tour of Italy and Sicily on October 19, 2006? We have a group of eight adults going from the Atlanta Area. Has anyone been on this tour that could give us some helpful tips?[/b][/quote]

We just returned from the Grand Tour of Italy and Sicily. It was great but very physically demanding. Very much walking, stairs, and very little time on your own for shopping. Be sure to pack light but be prepared because we never had the opportunity to do any laundry unless you are rich enough to use the hotel service! An adapter to convert their 220 volts to 110 volts to recharge cameras is a must. Don't plan on cell phone service unless you arrange it ahead of time with an international phone.

We took all the side excursions offered and loved them. Our tour director was the "Best" ever. His name was Remo Beretta and has been with Globus for 22 years.

Hope you have a great time and enjoy. Also, if anyway possible, fly first-class on the long flight to Rome.

Thanks for the info. Did you do the optional tour to Mt. Etna? How was it? Did you find good restaurants in Venice? Did you go to Murano? I'm full of questions. Thanks for your help.

[quote="nonni"]Thanks for the info. Did you do the optional tour to Mt. Etna? How was it? Did you find good restaurants in Venice? Did you go to Murano? I'm full of questions. Thanks for your help. [/quote]

We did the trip to Etna. It was interesting and informative. There was a chairlift to carry you to a higher elevation, but as with most things on the tour, time doesn't permit. You probably want to coordinate things like this with the tour director and make them aware of your desires.

We had a wonderful dinner cruise in Venice (optional) but not really time to explore local resturants on our own. We took a boat ride to Murano and a glass factory tour. Had the opportunity to purchase Murano glass but didn't realize how expensive it is. Very impressive though of the history and quality of the Murano Glass.

Good Luck!

Thanks for your help. I am glad that you had a good time. Fran

I just returned from this tour on 9/22 & I must say, it's hectic but wonderful. I too had Remo Beretta as a tour director & without a doubt, he is the best! He is very knowledgable, friendly, warm, organized, got us to all the entrances first, bought roses for all the women at the farewell dinner. He also volunteered to help me contact my aunt in Sicily, who speaks no English. He makes an effort to know everyone and make everyone feel very welcome. Italy is spectacular, but Remo made it an unforgettable experience. I would strongly suggest that you ask to be in his group. You can request a specific tour director & I doubt that you'd find anyone more enthusiastic and knowledgeable as Remo! Enjoy the trip. I can't wait to go back!!!

Hi Nonni,
Just returned from our trip yesterday! All of the things that you have been told are true. It was a wonderful trip, but physically demanding as you are up and out of the hotel early and there is lots of riding and many places to visit. The hotels were all fine but I felt that the hotel food left alot to be desired. My husband would disagree. He thought it was OK. The boat trip to Murano is included and it was interesting. You can buy glass and jewelry at the factory. Friends took an optional in Venice and liked it. We went out on our own and found a nice canal side restaurant near the Rialto Bridge. It was good. Quite a few people on our trip went to Madonna's in Venice. Reviews were mostly good. We did go on the Mt. Etna optional. I think it was worth it. It is a nice ride and a very nice local guide offers lots of interesting volcano information. We did the "Sorrento Evening" optional which I didn't care for. The food was not so great. There are wonderful restaurants in Sorrento. If I could re do my days there, I would try them. One popular one was "Z Antonio's". . People raved about the food there. "The "Farewell Dinner" was lots of fun, but again the food was fair. If you go to the "Farewell Dinner" you also get the Illumination Tour of Rome which is beautiful. It includes a visit to Trevi Fountain where you have about 10 short minutes to pick up a last minute gift. My favorite spot was Florence but the time is really short there. If you ever thought of buying a leather coat, that is the place. Also, the following day we stopped at Pisa and there is a huge flea market by the Leaning Tower. I bought my daughter a leather purse there for a good price and she loved it!! Nice 18 kt. gold in Taromina and also some in Sorrento. Assissi was beautiful and you have a little free time there to browse. As you see, I love to shop!!
Have a wonderful time. Sit back and let Italy enchant you. It's so old and so full of art and history that you can't help but love it.
Mimi 642

Mimi,
Thanks for taking the time to share your tour experiences with us. Your tips were very helpful. We are looking forward to our trip to Italy on Oct 19.
Fran