I'm thinking of doing an escorted tour to Italy and tacking on an independent trip to Pompeii.

[raccoon]

Anybody here ever done something like that?

[Paper Roses]

1. No, but would love to. What company are you considering? n/t

[raccoon]

2. I haven't picked one out yet. I'm looking at trips about 7-9 days,

that go to Rome, Florence and maybe Venice.

[Paper Roses]

3. If I can ever go, it will be on an RS tour. Rome, Florence and Venice.

I think they call it the 10 day tour. 2 Meals included(that is all I eat anyway). They are more expensive but they are set up the way I like to travel. If it included are fare, it would be better but...

I don't want to be seen as one of the over-packed Americans lugging a huge suitcase. I can travel light and keep up.

It will probably never happen for me but I can dream.

I hope you can go, I've followed your postings for ages.

[raccoon]

4. An RS tour? Elucidate, my dear Paper. nt

[Paper Roses]

5. Rick Steve's. His tours are great for anyone who is agile.

Not for the faint of heart or foot. You do a lot of walking. They are guided, small # of participants. All sights well explained.

You should take a look at his web site.

http://tours.ricksteves.com/tours10/product.cfm/rurl/code/VFR10/215

This link is the 10 day Rome, Venice, Florence tour. If I can ever afford it, this is that I will do.

Check out the graffiti Wall for great chats about the tours, questions and help. This particular tour is almost $3000.00 plus air. From what I have heard, it is head and shoulders above the rest.

I have no idea what any others cost. Can't be too far behind however.

Even tough I an older than stone, I'd never take a tour where all the old folks get off the bus, run around for a minute and herded back on the bus the the next sight. These RS tours are of greater depth. All come with an English speaking Native Italian so you never get befuddled.

On Edit: PS, I think there is an option available to extend your stay beyond the tour dates. You would be on your own for as many days as you want. Just plan your tickets in accordance with your plans.

[elleng]

6. Just grabbed this one; 'Tauck's' a big name

(and was a client of Dad's years ago.)

http://www.tauck.com/tours/europe-tours/italy-tours/travel-italy-ih-2010

And these. Don't know your demographic.

http://www.roadscholar.org/Programs/search_res.asp?Type=A&CountryCode=Italy

[47of74]

7. I did an escorted tour of Italy last year

I went with Trafalgar. It was a short one week trip though in August and it was very, very hot then. But I loved every minute of it. The tour took us to Rome, Venice, the Lakes, and Florence.

I'm going back in a few weeks for a longer trip, again with Trafalgar. In addition to seeing Rome, Venice, and Florence again I'll get to also see Naples, Assisi, Verona, Siena, and Pisa.

Depending on your tour, they may include a trip to Pompeii in the base package or may have it as an optional excursion.