I see that there is free time scheduled nearly every day (10 days in Italy tour October 16 2023). And also, every website including Rick Steves, suggests buying tickets for places well in advance. My question is when do we find out our actual free time? Like am I free from 1300 on a certain day etc? Many of these places have timed entry and I don't want to guess on what times I will be set free from the planned tour activities. Thanks in advance
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9347 posts
geenat, are you referring to free time on an RS tour? Assuming so, it would help if you mention which one you're on and people can tell you their experiences.
Our experience is that they're not exactly predictable. There are some variables (like changed entry times, distance from hotel, the speed of a local guide) that could be different on every tour. Often, the free time started with us being left somewhere on a morning sight visit (like inside the Louvre, or inside St Peters) and its up to you decide whether to stay and see more, or take off on your own. And you can always skip put of a tour activity if you need to, as long as you tell the tour leader.
Probably something you'll want to ask the tour leader when you get there.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
I did mention the tour! Ten Days in Italy (Venice, Florence,Rome) beginning October 16. I was more asking if they give you a more detailed itinerary before you get there. I would rather have most of my tickets for big things purchased in advance is all.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2954 posts
No, you won't get a more detailed itinerary before the tour. Things can change without much lead time. If a free time thing is very important to you, I would contact the office to see if they have an idea of a reasonable expectation of time.
BTW, there is a specific section here for the tours, so posting there and mentioning the tour name and date in your title will help you get better advice.
Enjoy your tour!
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks! I appreciate the tips!
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9347 posts
genet not everyone would recognize "10 Days in Italy" as referring to the RS Venice-Florence-Rome tour so it helps to add details. Not everyone on this forum is familiar with, or travels with RS tours, and not all questions are from people strictly on RS tours.
On our VFR tour, there were a number of changes in the schedule due to unexpected events, so the start of free time was mostly fluid. You also dont know where you will be when free time starts. Sometimes, it starts with you being on your own for lunch miles from the hotel, so it's even more up to you.
For example, we were not tied to the tour as soon as we entered the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, to spend as much time as we wanted in there at our own pace and onward into St Peters. Lunch on our own with a meet up time in Trastavere for dinner. Crowds and security lines are also unpredictable.