Help! My family (6 of us) are trying to decide between the Best of Rome tour or the Best of London tour, for this upcoming Christmas season. I believe Rome is Dec 22-Dec 28 and London is Dec 26-Jan 1st. Has anyone been on both of them, and would you recommend one over the other? We are a wide range of ages, 34-80, so I am really looking for something that has a nice balance of sightseeing and time to explore on our own. Thank you for your time.
Posted by
Land of La
8680 posts
Have not been on either but have spent Christmas in both cities.
Personally I love London but do know public transport on Christmas Day does not exist. Will there be Ubers? (Yes charging premium rates ) but no busses or Underground trains. Many restaurants will close BUT many ethic restaurants will stay open for those who do not celebrate Christmas.
On my Christmas stays in London I’ve rented apartments and Airbnb’s with kitchens.
Lots of shopping options pre and post Christmas. Department stores, street markets, and my favorite spots for unique gifts, museum gift shops. You should see a traditional panto if one is being performed, and pre book Christmas at Kew Gardens.
So my vote is London.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2388 posts
I haven't been to either at Christmas time, but after many RS tours, I doubt that there would be much difference in the "looking for something that has a nice balance of sightseeing and time to explore on our own" question.
Posted by
Utah via SF Bay Area
314 posts
I haven't been to either city for Christmas, but have traveled to both. Both are great cities.
My vote would be Best of Rome. I'm biased- we wanted to do that tour but then covid hit and there went that plan. I wanted to go to the Vatican to see Christmas Eve mass.
In London you could get that Dicken's vibe, and you get to celebrate the New Year there which would be cool.
Have you thought of calling the RS office and finding out if they have special plans for Christmas Day or New Year's Eve? That may influence your decision.
I looked at both Itineraries and they both offer great things to do. You are asking a difficult question-it's like do you like chocolate or vanilla better?! If I had to choose, I'd go to Rome because of Christmas and the traditions in Rome.
Posted by
Atlanta
4853 posts
Please see my suggestion on Italy Board re same question.
Posted by
11159 posts
We were in London over Christmas and many restaurants were closed. Rome over New Years was some better as far closures. If you are on a tour they will feed you but I wouldn’t travel to Europe over the holidays again. Too many hassles with closures.