Average age of others in tour ?

I've heard about a wide range in ages. I'm 26 myself! :)

Why join a tour group ? Get the Rick Steves Guide to Italy & do your own.

I have personally done in singular trips France, Paris-Nice-Rome-Florence-Venice with no problems.

This summer its Paris-Loire Valley- Brittany-Normandy-Paris & Rhine Valley.

So much more fun exploring in your own.

I don't plan on a tour due to the huge price. Also, I was thinking tours are maybe for alittle older crowd --I'm 39 wife 34 --- I am just looking for advice on hotel rooms in rome/venice because of the high prices that i've seen. I just need a nice,clean room with a minimum queen size bed preferably king bed. I finally bought the guide boiok and now i'm starting my search. I am planning on a early April 08 trip to Venice,Rome ----

Last year I stayed in Rome at the Adler Hotel, very nice, safe, & simple. The same building houses the Belle Suite & Residenza Cellini...which are both *** I think.

I found a lot of good tips using both the Rick Steves Guide Books & www.tripadvisor.com.

However, I also use the Eyewitness Guide Books which give you more info plus detailed street maps. These have been great in Paris, Rome, & Florence. However, in Venice I don't care how many maps you have, you simply will get lost