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Grand Italy and Sicily

Operated by: Insight Vacations

17 Days from $5,975 per person
APR - OCT 2023
View of Isle of Capri with flowers in foreground, Italy

Countries Visited

Italy, Vatican City ...more Italy, Vatican City

Locations Visited

Rome, Vatican, Pisa, Santa Margherita Ligure, Cinque Terre, Portofino, Baveno, Lake Maggiore, Venice, Florence, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, Sassi di Matera, Matera, Alberobello, Villa San Giovanni, Taormina, Palermo ...more Rome, Vatican, Pisa, Santa Margherita Ligure, Cinque Terre, Portofino, Baveno, Lake Maggiore, Venice, Florence, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, Sassi di Matera, Matera, Alberobello, Villa San Giovanni, Taormina, Palermo
  1. Day 1 Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome

    Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Transfers depart from Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport for your hotel at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:30.Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director at 17:30. Get to know your fellow travellers over a delicious Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.

    meals Dinner with Wine
    hotel Hotel St. Martin, Rome.
  2. Day 2 Vatican City and Rome with a Local

    A Local Expert leads you through the priceless art collection of the Vatican Museums, culminating beneath Michelangelo’s famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Your priority visit includes fast-tracked entry to the museums and a behind-the-scenes look at the Bramante Staircase. Later, continue to St. Peter’s Basilica. Cross the Tiber river to enjoy ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus. Come up close and personal with the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine, walking on the ancient pavement. Discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum as you stroll around the exterior of this amazing structure.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Hotel St. Martin, Rome.
  3. Day 3 Pisa and Santa Margherita Ligure

    Enjoy a delightful drive to Pisa through rolling countryside dotted with cypress trees, passing vineyards and olive groves.With a Local Expert, view the incredible Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. See the splendid cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble.Your journey continues to the pretty seaside resort of Santa Margherita Ligure.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure.
  4. Day 4 The Charms of the Cinque Terre

    Head to the famous Cinque Terre, which translates to Five Lands. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on a gorgeously wild yet hospitable part of the coastline. With a Local Expert we approach one of the fishing villages by boat before spending some time exploring the medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach in Monterosso. Later, discover the resort town of Portofino, famed for its colourful houses. Browse the boutiques and stay a while in the cafe bars on the piazzetta, watching the yachts moored in the harbour. Should weather permit, return with a cruise along the rugged Ligurian coast to your hotel in the resort of Santa Margherita.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure.
  5. Day 5 Lake Maggiore Relaxed Start

    Head north to beautiful Lake Maggiore in the Italian Lakes District and the town of Baveno, noted for its narrow cobbled streets and charming 16th century square. On arrival, settle into your hotel and take in the magical scenery. In the afternoon, why not join an optional cruise to Isola Bella to explore the palace and admire the stunning and immaculate Italian style gardens.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Hotel Simplon, Baveno.
  6. Day 6 Onto Venice Relaxed Start

    Your travels continue pass the Soave vineyards, passing Padua and on to the canals of Venice. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel NH Venezia Rio Novo.
  7. Day 7 Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima Relaxed Start

    Your private boat takes you past historic churches and 13th century palaces to St. Mark's Square. The first sight is the gilded facade of St. Mark's Basilica. Turn the corner, and view the pink marble of the Doge's Palace, connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. It was from here that Casanova made his daring escape. Afterwards, board a traditional gondola for a serenade along the romantic canals. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional arts centre. See how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel NH Venezia Rio Novo.
  8. Day 8 A Scenic Journey to Florence

    Bid farewell to Venice and begin your journey to Renaissance Florence. Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum to see Michelangelo's David. Alternatively, wander through the market stalls on a guided shopping tour. Walk to the Cathedral and see Giotto’s bell tower and the Gates of Paradise on the baptistery. Wander through the open-air gallery of Piazza della Signoria, gazing at statues such as Neptune, Hercules and Cacus, along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Your exploration will finish in front of the basilica where Michelangelo lies buried in Piazza Santa Croce.Enjoy a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak dinner paired with delicious local wine, a specialty not to be missed.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli.
  9. Day 9 Florence, Birthplace of the Renaissance Relaxed Start

    Start the day with a traditional Florentine leather-work demonstration, then there is plenty of time to shop with the rest of the day at your leisure. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to explore the hilltop town of San Gimignano?

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli.
  10. Day 10 Ill-fated Pompeii and on to Sorrento

    Journey south through the volcanic hills of Frascati to Pompeii, which was buried in A.D. 79 by Mount Vesuvius' catastrophic eruption. Walk with a Local Expert through the preserved cobbled streets for a glimpse into the daily life of civilisation during the Roman Empire. Follow the clifftop road to the resort town of Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Hotel Isabella, Sorrento.
  11. Day 11 Capri, the Isle of Dreams

    Meet your Local Expert and cross the Bay of Naples to reach the beautiful Isle of Capri, a rock rising sheer from the Mediterranean! For 2,000 years, Capri has beckoned visitors from Tiberius Caesar to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri town by one of the island's iconic open-top taxis. Explore the narrow alleyways and descend to the port by funicular railway for the return to Sorrento. Later perhaps explore Positano on the Amalfi Coast.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Hotel Isabella, Sorrento.
  12. Day 12 Sassi di Matera and Alberobello

    After breakfast, discover two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. First, visit Matera for an in-depth guided exploration of the extraordinary Sassi, ancient troglodyte dwellings and churches dug out of the rock. These are the most extensive example of their kind in the Mediterranean and were inhabited by about 20,000 people up until 1950. Matera was also used as the setting for the film 'The Passion of the Christ'. Continue to Alberobello, the second UNESCO World Heritage Site and your home for the next two nights.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello.
  13. Day 13 The Trulli of Alberobello Relaxed Start

    Admire another of Italy's record number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a Local Expert. The Trulli of Alberobello are circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within. They are built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar. In the evening you are welcomed into the home of a local for a freshly prepared meal, typical of the region. Dine with the family and learn more about their life.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello.
  14. Day 14 Sicily and the Taormina Riviera

    The local roads will take you south, following the shores of the Gulf of Taranto to the mountainous Calabria region. Travel along the Purple Coast to the very 'toe' of Italy and board your ferry bound for Sicily. According to ancient legend, it was here at the Straits of Messina where the twin whirlpools of Scylla and Charybdis carried unwary seafarers away to their doom! After disembarking, continue to the Taormina Riviera.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina.
  15. Day 15 Taormina and the Dawn Coast of Europe Relaxed Start

    Join a Local Expert for a visit to the Greek Theatre, graced with the most spectacular of backdrops. Stroll on to the Palazzo Corvaja, Taormina’s grandest building. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to Mt. Etna?

    meals Breakfast
    hotel RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina.
  16. Day 16 Palermo, Capital of Sicily

    Head to the Sicilian capital of Palermo. On arrival, your Local Expert will show you the highlights of the capital. Palermo Cathedral has been altered over the years and a venture inside will help you to appreciate the composite architectural styles. Next, head to the amazing Palatine Chapel in the Palace of the Normans. With the outside completely covered in glittering 12th century mosaics, it provides an insight to what's within.Join your travelling companions and Travel Director at a local restaurant for an unforgettable Celebration Dinner of delicious local cuisine and wine.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel NH Palermo.
  17. Day 17 Depart Palermo

    Your journey draws to an end. Departure transfers arrive at Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport at 06:00 and 08:00.

    meals Breakfast
Grand Italy Sicily Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Dining Summary

  • 8 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 16 Breakfast (B)

Choice Highlights

  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Florence: Stand beside Michelangelo's monumental statue, 'David', in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world's most famous sculpture.
  • Florence: Wander through the market stalls and browse for local Italian souvenirs and leather goods on a guided shopping tour.

Additional Included Highlights

  • : Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • : Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • : We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • : From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • : Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • : If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Authentic Dining

  • Rome: Enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travellers at a uniquely Roman local restaurant.
  • Florence: Enjoy a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak dinner paired with delicious local wine, a specialty not to be missed.
  • Alberobello: After embracing the town as its natives do, you are welcomed into the home of a local for a freshly prepared meal, typical of the region. Dine with the family and learn more about their life.
  • Palermo: At a local restaurant, enjoy fresh, rustic dishes served with local wine at your Celebration Dinner.

Insight Experiences

  • Vatican: Gain priority access into the Vatican Museums and admire the famous Bramante Staircase. Witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and view the splendid dome of St. Peter's Basilica.

Make Travel Matter

  • Venice: Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's master craftsmen teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft.  The workshop advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Top Rated Highlights

  • Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a passionate local. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, and stand beside the Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.
  • Pisa: Your Local Expert will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th century cathedral and of course, the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles.
  • Cinque Terre: Led by your Local Expert, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site with dedicated time to explore two of the five charming fishing villages.
  • Portofino: Visit this elegant fishing village and admire the coloured houses and yachts moored in the harbour.
  • Lake Maggiore: Step out with your Travel Director to experience the charming traditional social ritual of la passeggiata. All across Italy, in cities, towns and villages people leave their houses to gently walk streets, from babies in strollers to the most senior citizens. Savor a gelato or glass of wine along the way and observe, as new romances, new babies and new shoes are all put on display. Note the ever-stylish Italians love to dress up for the occasion so feel free add a touch of flair to your outfit!
  • Venice: With your Travel Director cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica.
  • Venice: Delight in the magic of this charming city as you are serenaded, travelling through the atmospheric canals by gondola.
  • Florence: Stand beside Michelangelo's monumental statue, 'David', in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world's most famous sculpture.
  • Florence: Wander through the market stalls and browse for local Italian souvenirs and leather goods on a guided shopping tour.
  • Florence: Join a Local Expert to view the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square. See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods.
  • Pompeii: Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
  • Sorrento: Perched upon the cliffs, lookout to see the mighty Mount Vesuvious across the Bay of Naples.
  • Capri: Cruise by jetfoil to this famous isle through beautiful blue Mediterranean waters to meet your Local Expert.
  • Capri: Explore Capri town with your Local Expert and see the whitewashed houses, winding alleyways, small cafes, fashionable boutiques and artisans studios.
  • Capri: Relax and enjoy the views as you are driven in an iconic open-top taxi.
  • Matera: With your Local Expert explore this town that Mel Gibson chose as the setting for his film 'The Passion of the Christ.'
  • Alberobello: Led by your Travel Director, explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the Trulli of Alberobello. Circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within, built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar.
  • Alberobello: Led by a Local Expert, explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the Trulli of Alberobello. Circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within, built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar.
  • Messina: Cross the Straights of Messina to Sicily by ferry.
  • Taormina: Visit the ancient Greek Ampitheatre with your Local Expert. Set on a cliff, open to the sky, take your seats and enjoy the view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna.
  • Taormina: During your orientation with your Travel Director, visit the courtyard of Palazzo Corvaja, seat of the first Sicilian parliament, and stroll along Corso Umberto to Piazza IX Aprile.
  • Palermo: Discover the Sicilian capital with your Local Expert. See Pretoria Square and the 16th century fountain. View the composite architectural styles of the Palermo Cathedral and visit the Cathedral of Monreale.

Well-being

  • : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

Online Booking Process

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June 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jun 23 Fri
Jul 9 Sun
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Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$6,025
August 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Aug 4 Fri
Aug 20 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$5,975
Optional Add-Ons

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Rome

Available on Day 2

Piazzas & Fountains

With our Local Expert, let's take a "passeggiata" (stroll) to enjoy the backstreets and secrets of pedestrian Rome. Be amazed at sights such as the fascinating Pantheon and the beauty of 17th-Century fountains and beautiful Piazzas. Come and enjoy the Rome of the Romans.
Adult Price: € 37

Available on Day 2

Roman Dinner Party

Enjoy an evening of delicious Roman cuisine with drinks and a great Italian ambiance.
Adult Price: € 62

Italian Lakes

Available on Day 5

Isola Bella

The premier attraction of Lake Maggiore is the Borromean Islands. We'll take a private boat over to Isola Bella, the largest and most famous island, renowned for its incredible palace and stunning Botanical Gardens. Our Local Expert will take us on a guided tour of this privately-owned palace, with free time to admire the gardens. A must!
Adult Price: € 49
Note: This optional is only able to be operated between mid-March and the end of October.

Available on Day 5

Dinner on Isola dei Pescatori

This evening escape to the charming and tranquil island of Isola dei Pescatori. A short boat ride from the shores of Lake Maggiore, this fisherman’s Island is inhabited year round by only 50 permanent residents. Stroll through the small piazza, surrounded by tight and winding alleys, to enjoy dinner at one of the Island's restaurants.
Adult Price: € 73

Venice

Available on Day 6

Magical Venice

Venice can be Europe's most romantic city in the evening, offering dramatic landscapes with buildings that dazzle as the sun sets and the lights go on. Sit back and take it all in as private water taxis take you to the centre of it all, Piazza San Marco, where we have seats reserved outside a famous Venetian cafe, in front of a live orchestra and in view of those illuminated St Mark's sights. Our private water taxis will also take us the length of the Grand Canal, under the Rialto Bridge, seeing Venice at its most magical.
Adult Price: € 55

Available on Day 7

Burano Excursion & Meal

Leave the hustle of St Mark's Square behind on a delightful private cruise around the islands of the Venetian lagoon. Alight at the island of Burano, a photographer's paradise, famous for its candy coloured houses, artisan lace makers and leaning bell tower that would give Pisa a good run for its money. Enjoy a superb meal sampling the local specialities with wine included. An excursion not to be missed!
Adult Price: € 72

Available on Day 7

Hidden Venice

To only experience Venice's big set pieces - St Mark's Square; the Rialto; the Grand Canal - is to miss out on a hidden world full of surprises! Join a Local Expert for a fascinating walk through some of the lesser known quarters of Venice. The back lanes and ‘campi’, small squares, where tourists seldom tread are full of history and great places to sample local life.
Adult Price: € 34

Florence

Available on Day 9

San Gimignano Excursion

A wonderful excursion with our Local Expert to Tuscany's most famous hill-top town! Visit San Gimignano, considered a medieval Manhattan, due to its towers which dominate the skyline. Soak up the unique atmosphere of this ancient gem which has remained intact since the 14th century and today is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Adult Price: € 36

Available on Day 9

Tuscan Dinner & Cooking Demonstration

Florence and Tuscany are renowned for their rich gastronomic heritage. Tonight we'll travel into the hills near Florence to the northernmost part of the Chianti, where a local chef will introduce you to the dishes that make Tuscan cuisine famous throughout the world. This wonderful cooking demonstration, with superb food and wine, will provide warm and genuine Tuscan hospitality.
Adult Price: € 71

Available on Day 9

Tuscan Dinner at Villa Machiavelli

Through the Chianti hills, we'll drive past vineyards to a delightful hamlet. Our destination is the ancient stone house of Machiavelli, where the great political theorist wrote his immortal work, ‘The Prince'. After a welcome drink and a visit of the villa and its wine-cellars, we'll enjoy the best of Tuscan cuisine accompanied by great music and drinks, including of course, Chianti from the Villa's own vines.
Adult Price: € 68

Sorrento

Available on Day 10

Sorrento Evening

A chance to enjoy a delicious dinner of local specialities. We arrive at one of the area's unique local restaurants for an incredible dining experience featuring some of the famous dishes of this region!
Adult Price: € 63

Available on Day 11

Amalfi Coast Drive & Positano Visit

Drive along the clear blue waters and picturesque resorts of the Amalfi Coast, arguably the most glamorous and scenic stretch of coast in Europe. Minibuses wind their way down serpentine roads to the exclusive artists' paradise of Positano, clinging to the cliff face, as if about to cascade into the turquoise waters below. Spend time exploring the elegant shops, watching the artists at work, or enjoying an 'aperitivo' in a beach side cafe.
Adult Price: € 59

Available on Day 11

Island Tour of Capri

Experience the spectacular cliffs and famous turquoise waters of Capri during a relaxing cruise to the most beautiful part of the island, the southern side. View the beautiful grottoes and unique coastline before ascending to Capri town. This optional experience is weather dependent and may be replaced by a minibus tour of the Island with a visit to Anacapri and the Villa San Michele.
Adult Price: € 47

Alberobello

Available on Day 13

Ostuni

In the company of our Local Expert experience the town of Ostuni which is reminiscent of a North African Arab Medina. Admire the stark white-washed buildings, narrow cobbled streets and arched stairways. Set against three hills, 'The White Town' is a photographer's delight.
Adult Price: € 29

Taormina

Available on Day 15

Dinner in the Clouds

With one of the most incredible rides of your lives, you will arrive high above the sea, a world apart from the areas that tourists tread. You'll arrive in your terraced authentic local restaurant for a truly educational meal of delicious regional specialties, with accompanying local wines.
Adult Price: € 75

Available on Day 15

Mt Etna

Where myth and legend merge to reality! With a Local Expert we'll drive up Mt. Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. Ascend through the fertile foothills, bypassing small villages, lush forests, ancient craters and lava flows to see amazing lunar landscapes and houses surrounded by lava. Admire astonishing panoramic views over the eastern Sicilian coast and Ionian Sea whilst discovering the history of Sicily’s most popular attraction and its eruptions.
Adult Price: € 56

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Trusted Customer
Review date: Sunday, May 28, 2023
Service
Ease of booking
Vacation
Excellent Tour Guide, very knowledgeable
Kathy Tanis
Review date: Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Service
Some conflicting answers when compared with other participants. No information was available regarding extra excursions.
Vacation
Trip was great. Tour guide was excellent. Guide was knowledable, funny and made the trip outstanding. Took time to assist us in resolving some personal issues that arose during the trip. Bus driver had amazing driving skills.
Grace Abreo
Review date: Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Service
Very professional and great answering our questions. They informed us when we needed to do any particular action that was needed for the trip
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your Grand Italy and Sicily tour. Hopefully, you returned home with memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for choosing us to help you plan and book your vacation. We appreciate your business, review and feedback. Happy Travels!
Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Vacation
It was everything we hoped for and more. Ernesta our guide was terrific, knowledgeable and great personality. Always looking out and checking on her group of travelers
Patricia Mott
Review date: Monday, May 23, 2022
Service
My trip was booked in the fall of 2019. I felt there was not very good communication through Covid. We were having to make calls to check on things instead of your company reaching out to us to keep us informed. Also, I had many friends who had booked trips prior to Covid and when Covid happened they were able to rebook or get their money back. Because you held on to our money for 2 1/2 years, I will think twice about booking with you in the future.
Vacation
It was a good trip overall. I feel I saw most all of Italy, which was great. I felt optional experiences were very expensive and next time will probably arrange my own at a lower price. The food was ok, but I feel the meals should always have a choice of entree. Most of the special tour guides were good. Our bus driver and tour director did a good job with us. We had several people over 80 including one woman who used a walker and another who had trouble walking. Both the bus driver and tour director were great with them.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Sunday, October 13, 2019
Service
Lauren Vejar was excellent! Every detail was explained and she was available to answe any questions. The trip was smooth traveling from beginning to end.
Vacation
Sara and Claudio were the best guides ever! They took care of every detail so we could enjoy the beauty of Italy . We learned and saw so much of each area. The food was soo good!
Helen Valentinelli
Review date: Sunday, June 25, 2017
Service
The guides and bus driver were all well adapted to the job and made my learning experience about the people and places excellent.
Vacation
This trip was well planned and all the information about people and places was exceptional.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you for your kind words and for uploading the beautiful photo! We hope to be able to help you plan another trip very soon.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Laura Mckenna
Review date: Sunday, June 18, 2017
Service
Booking the tour was easy. The seats on the plane to Italy were poorly located and I paid $250 to upgrade. The flight schedule for our return trip was poor and I think we could have had a more direct flight. We took 2 flights to Italy and 3 flights home which didn't seem reasonable as it made for a 30 hour day at the end of a great vacation. The tour was great but the add on options cost $1500. I would have preferred to know about this expense up front or have a higher initial price with all options included. We really enjoyed our tour Director Vinenzo Tassone and our driver Mario was such a patient and skilled driver. This was a great tour to see so much of the Italian country side. We feel like we really saw much of what Italy has to offer.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Flying to the US from Palermo always requires 3 flights.  Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid it.  We do book the most direct flights available at the time you make your reservation, but can always take your preferences into consideration if you have a favorite airline or departure city.  We appreciate your feedback.
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Vacation
We saw so much! The tours were well orchestrated!We feel like we really got to experience a lot of Italy.
Richard Dawes Jr
Review date: Sunday, May 14, 2017
Service
We had a wonderful tour director named Francis Touchek. We arrived late on our first day and he paid for our cab. He brought in everyone's luggage and made sure that we all felt comfortable whenever we checked into a new hotel .Francis was very professional and extremely helpful. He was there to smooth the way and to make our tour as enjoyable as possible. He was very knowledgeable concerning the history of Italy. We both feel that we know so much more than we before the tour, about this beautiful country Our coach driver was a wonderful driver. We were amazed how well Benito could maneuver the coach around tight curves. He kept the coach clean and assisted us when we misplaced items. He and Francis were a great team. I was a little disappointed in some of the hotels that we stayed in. Many were far away from tourist attractions. The food on many of the optional experiences was not worth the price we paid. We did feel that the optional tours were worth the extra expense. We felt that it was a great tour and we enjoyed meeting so many nice people from other countries. We would recommend this tour to everyone. I would tell them to do a lot of walking before the tour because it was strenuous at times. One day we walked over ten miles. We climbed a lot of hills and walked down slippery steps! Get in shape before you sign up for this.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We're sorry to hear that you were delayed in arriving into Rome, but glad to see that your Travel Director had the issue well in hand.    We appreciate your honesty about some of the hotel locations, quality and the food quality.  We will be sure to pass this information on to our Quality Control Team for immediate review.
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Vacation
Some hotel rooms were very small. Several hotels were very far from the cities we were touring. Some optional dinners were very average and not worth what we paid for them. On the night of the Dine Around in Capri we all agreed that all three restaurants were below average choices.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Friday, October 28, 2016
Service
First time user and very likely not the last. Maybe spoiled by having Brad McEwen. The only criticism is the flight arrangements thru you could have been better scheduled. We had to wait in airport nearly 3 hours to get transferred on arrival and longer on the departure.
Vacation
Very comprehensive and like the idea that the tour director make own arrangements for optional dinners, since they were much better than the included dinners at the hotels.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Sunday, October 16, 2016
Service
This was our first organized international tour--the trip did not disappoint.
Vacation
Every day was a new wonder of scenery and experiences.
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