Best of London vs. Best of Rome

Haven't been on either tour, but have been to both cities and they are totally different. Suggest the group get together, look at a number of videos of each, do some reading about each, and see if there is a consensus of interest. They are such differnt cities, that the only advantage of one over the other, is that in London, they do speak English -- althought some will say their's is a different language.

Also consider the weather. But wow, it would be harder to pick 2 more different cities. Chalk and cheese, as the Brits would say.

Definitely watch videos about both, not just Rick but also Rudy Maxa and Samantha Brown. Perhaps even Stanley Tucci. Only you will be able to decide which is best.

Also be mindful of the RS itineraries. They give a score each day for how much walking there will be and how difficult it will be. Frankly I doubt if an 80 year old could keep up with the group, just waying.

I loved my 20 days in Rome in February-March 2023, but there were some very iffy sidewalks I had to traverse. Not usually right near the main sights, I will say, but the streets were not always well lit (and days would be even shorter in December), and that made it difficult to spot the unevenness.

I'd prefer the December weather of Rome to the December weather of London, though. Here's the key statistic for me:

Average monthly hours of sunshine for full month of December:

Rome 147
London 55

The average daily high temperature for the month is about 7 degrees (F) higher in Rome. Of course, the latter part of the month will probably be chillier than average in both cities.

We have never taken a Rick Steves tour. But we have traveled in both cities during the Christmas and New Year holidays and it was difficult . On 12/24 and 12/25 it is difficult to find places to eat. But that is Rick’s problem not yours! I love both cities and either one would be wonderful but London weather would be less desirable then than Rome’s.

If wanting more Christmas ‘spirit’ on your trip is important, then choose London. Having been there twice in December and also twice in Rome in early December, London does Christmas superbly.

Edit: I just looked at the London tour dates and it starts December 26. You will have some logistical challenges for transportation and meals Dec 24-26.

We've done both: Rome in October, 2023, and London in June, 2023. Check the itineraries and "what's included" for each tour. This is especially relevant in Rome since the 2024 RS tours no longer include a group visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. It's impossible to recommend one over the over; we wanted to see both and were lucky enough to do so. Each city offers incredible things to do and see. What's important to you and your family?

Have been to both cities but not on a tour and not over the holidays. Just taking a look at the Rome itinerary, I'd be interested to see how they're going shift the plan to accommodate Christmas. The tour starts on Sunday Dec. 22 (Day 1) so Day 3 is Tuesday, Dec 24th, which is Christmas Eve. The itinerary is for St Peter's in the morning (It closed at 2:00 this past Christmas Eve to ready for the evening service) and "The remainder of your day is free to explore more of the Eternal City on your own, including the nearby Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and more of Rome’s artistic, historic, and cultural heritage." If the museums/Sistine were high on your list for this day, last entry for the is 1:00 PM with complete closure at 3:00 - they'll likely start shooing people out at 2:30 or so - and will be closed on Christmas Day and the day after (25th and 26th). What with shortened hours for the 24th + 2 closures days, I'd guess tickets will be a challenge to get.

https://www.museivaticani.va/content/dam/museivaticani/pdf/utilities/calendario_musei_2024.pdf

Group dinners are not on the itinerary for Day 3 (Dec. 24th, Christmas Eve) or Day 4 (Dec 25th, Christmas Day) and dinner reservations are highly recommended for both days. I also doubt that the cooking class will happen on Day 4 (Christmas).

I'm very sure that they DO shift some of this stuff around to accommodate but it's just an example of some of the things to be aware of if visiting Rome during the holiday season. Let's just say that if Rome appeals you might ask how they're planning on altering the published itinerary so you can do some advance planning? Also the meal situation for the 24th and 25th such as suggestions for places open and taking reservations.

Given the crush of travelers over the holiday, I'd plan to arrive in Rome at least a day if not 2 before 22nd.

Thank you everyone for the replies!

My family and I are interested in both cities. I have visited both cities before, but this was over a decade ago, and I spent only about 3 days in each city (I was doing a study abroad program).

I'm definitely considering the weather/temperatures during that time of year, and I am personally leaning towards Rome as it might be a bit more temperate and mild than London.

I'm also thinking about the activity levels of each tour - London is labeled as highly active, and Rome is more "moderatively" active. My dad is 80 but has done a bunch of group tours with Gate 1 before so I am not too too worried about that.

I would say my biggest concern is what would be open on Dec 24/25/26 in Rome since that's a huge chunk of our time that we are there. I have my sister sending an email to RSE tours to see if they are altering the itinerary in any way due to Christmas.

I would say my biggest concern is what would be open on Dec 24/25/26 in Rome since that's a huge chunk of our time that we are there.

Well, you're on a tour so I would be very surprised if RS hasn't figured out where to take you / suggest you spend your free time & suggest restaurants. Do you know the name of the hotel and area?

Everything should be open Dec 24th until at least 5PM for shops, it will be crowded with people out shopping just like in any other city!
Dec 25th - That might require some planning for meals. If it's not Saturday after sunset, the Jewish Ghetto will be open and restaurants will be hopping. Churches will all be open! You could easily just wander the centro storico in your free time & visit famous, wonderful churches.
We arrived Dec 26th into Rome in Dec 2023 & I was surprised how many restaurants were open.

As a Brit whose been to both London and Rome a lot. Both of fantastic but I would pick Rome. If you are just going on the one trip London is more similar to the USA than Rome is.