Why Italy

Travel to Italy..?

A friend and I are looking to go to Italy probably in the summer of 2009, but we really have no idea how far in advance we should book, what travel agency to use, etc. We are are in our mid-30's and would like to travel with the same age group (ages no higher than 45), anybody know of a compatible tour group? I have searched on-line but can't really find what I am looking for. Thanks in advance for any info!

Public Comments

1. If you decide to travel independantly, you won't be able to get flight tickets more than a year in advance. You don't say where you are based, what you want to do in Italy or how long a tour you are looking for, so my answer may not be suitable, but... I suggest that you check out the websites of Explore Worldwide and also Exodus - they each have a variety of trips in Italy They do have quite mixed age groups on their tours, but they tend to be active so you won't be on tour with a group of elderly people who can barely walk. The majority of passengers fall into the 30's & 40's age range and groups are no larger tha 16-20 people. What are your reservations about travelling with folks older than 45? - I've been on some great trips where the older people (I'm in my 30s) have been more fun and outgoing than some of the youngsters.
2. I would like to suggest that you travel independently. You will hook up with plenty of American tourists and won't feel isolated. The tour guides all speak English. You can pick and choose which groups you want to be with in each city - you are not stuck with the same people all the time. When I was in Italy with a tour group I only ate one meal with them. The food at some of these contractual places is "Americanized" and awful. Me and my friends went in a group to some off the beaten track places and had the most wonderful food experience in the world. I'm not saying travel alone. Never do that. And you may even want to check in with the American Embassy when you arrive and before you leave. Italy is a fantastic place to visit. You have to experience a gondola ride in Florence. Those drivers put on a show. They are a hoot. Have fun. Oh, and I think the Northern Tuscan food is better then the southern.