Hello all! I am contemplating on whether it is worth it to spend money to go on guided day trips from Rome (example to Orvieto)and if it is worth it to pay for that or if going up there on my own and doing my own thing is not only more economical(obviously) and if I can figure out what to see on my own. Basically is it worth it to do a "guided" tour where hey have all the sights, transportation, and lunch set up ahead of the time? Any thoughts?
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
It's never been worth it for me. I prefer to do things on my own and figure out exactly what it is I think is important and what is not. We are all different so this is probably one of those questions only you can answer. Donna
Posted by
San Diego, CA, United States
864 posts
This past Fall we took an all day tour to Tivoli (Hadrian's Villa) and Villa d'Este outside of Rome. Getting there by bus was time consuming and wasted to much of our day. We thought it was a fair deal. We're of the "time is money" school of travel. Wouldn't do it twice but wanted to see both sites after going to Rome for all these years. Anyplace you can get to by train is a good choice time/money wise. Our tour did not include lunch - that was on your own. We had a picnic lunch we brought with us. Gelato for dessert of course! Would recommend it to others interested in those two sites.
Posted by
San Diego
1540 posts
I also prefer to do it on my own, get a good guide book ( I like the RS books) and I use public transportation and have had some wonderful day trips....not only in Italy, but other places I have been.
Go for it !!!!
Posted by
Lafayette, Colorado
82 posts
I like planning and executing my own tours using a good guide book. But I also have had great experiences with hiring a local guide at least once during each trip to Europe. I have booked suggested guides from the Rick Steves guidebook and have been very happy with the results, often being a big highlight of the trip. So I would suggest splurging on a private guide during your trip but it's up to you as to when and where.
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
1054 posts
Orvieto is a easy train ride from Rome. Go on your own and explore. I think the only benefit of those tours is some now take you to Civita. Without a car you have to take the public bus from Orvieto to Civita. But I would do it my own and not with a tour
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
I agree Orvieto is easy on your own. However, I did Ostia Antica on my own and know I would have appreciated it far more with a guide. They were out of the maps/guide booklets at the ticket office (a not uncommon issue in Italy). I tried using the RS guidebook but took a wrong turn somewhere and never again figured out where I was. I was able to recognize some buildings, but never really "got it" in terms of the overall site. I've done archeological sites on my own many times, always with good results, but this was very different. I will eventually visit Ostia again, but will definitely do it with a guide.
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
Orvieto is easy to do on your own. A guided tour of Tivoli would be beneficial for the transportation connections. The day we did Tivoli on our own we waited forever for buses - but maybe it was just a bad day! Ostia Antica is easy do on your own, just download Rick's free audio guide for a tour: http://www.ricksteves.com/news/travelnews/0602/italy-audio-tours.htm