We are thinking about an "Italy's Great Cities" tour in September 2005. We have never taken a Globus tour before. Has anyone taken this tour? What were the positives? Negatives?

Did you go on the tour? Interested in your comments. Planning to take trip April 2005

My Mother, Aunt and I just returned from this tour last week. I am currently living in Europe and when they decided to come for a visit, I considered taking them to Rome and Florence myself using public transportation, etc. I am so glad that we decided to take the Globus tour. It was wonderful! The tour was extremely well organized and the timing for each city was great. I have traveled extensively throughout Europe and I can tell you that this tour was outstanding because the time you would normally spend standing in line is virtually eliminated. Our Tour Director, Stefano, was absolutely outstanding - very knowledgeable, extremely professional and very kind. The hotels were very good (especially in Venice) and I thought they were the best "triple" rooms I have ever had in Europe. If you doubt that you could do better on room rates, just check them out on the internet yourself. Remember, hotel rooms in Europe are not like the Hyatt in Chicago. The locations of the hotels on our tour were fine, really. Just take a taxi is you don't want to walk. Remember, the closer you are to the center of the city, the rooms get more expensive and usually more noisy. Everything is taken care of for you - this is especially nice in Venice because I can tell you it is no fun to drag luggage around there upon arrival. The optional tours (dinners out with the group and evening excursions) were great and reasonable. If you did it yourself, you would have to pay for a taxi, find a restaurant, etc. Take the Gondola ride in Venice - it is less expensive than doing it yourself and you have music.
All in all, I thought this was a marvelous tour. Our Tour Director made this an exceptional experience for all. Have fun!

I have this tour booked for June this year and I was wondering what the qualily of hotels were like?

The hotels are fine. Of course, European hotels are not always to American standards, but they are fine. I am distressed that often Americans feel they were treated poorly by hotel staff because these hotels cater to tours, however, my experience has been if you are polite to them, they will be helpful. You will have a great time on this tour. I would go again in a second -

My wife and I are doing this Globus tour of Italy's Great Cities this coming April 2005.

What's the typical age group on one of these tours?

I've done a Contiki tour once years ago when I was younger
and single and it was a load of fun, but the hotels were way out
of the center of town.

From what I'm reading the hotels on this tour are centrally located.

Can anyone verify this??

We are booked for this trip in September, 2005. We have been on numerous cruises, but never a tour like this. My question is, how much extra money will we probably need for food and tipping, etc. I have no idea how much to budget for (and budget I am having to do). . Also, what type of clothing will we need. Any help from you experienced people would be appreciated.

Has anyone perhaps done the tour a week in Rome with Globus?

For Theresa: I do have a couple of hints for you - first, be sure and have access to Euro when you arrive. Normally, Globus greets you immediately upon your arrival and you may not have time to exchange money at he airport. If you are arriving early for the tour, no problem, but if you are getting in Saturday afternoon, remember the banks will be closed and you will need Euro. Exchange at home if you have to. Try to put most things on a credit card - this really is the best way to pay. You will be charged a 2 or 3 % conversion fee on your credit card statement, however, it is cheapest in the long run. Your budget depends on what you want from the trip - are you there to shop or to learn? Your hotel, transportation and a few dinners are already covered. I am a big advocate of the optional tours. I strongly believe they are reasonable and often include sites that you will want to see, especially in Rome. I would suggest skipping the optional dinners in Venice. You will want to spend the two nights there exploring the streets - restaurants are everywhere and re not that expensive. Do take the gondola ride with Globus - someone said above it was cheaper and you will have a singer. That is true. You will love it. As far as clothing - take comfortable walking shoes. One dress up outfit (blazer/skirt) is enough and you probably won't wear it until the last night (the farewell dinner). . We wore jeans/khakis the enitre time. I think the suggested tip for the tour director is below what it should be. Our tour director was excellent and we tipped 3X what Globus suggests - of course, that depends on your experience.