For anyone who has taken this tour, could you advise what hotels you stayed at and reviews? I am considering this one next spring....or possibly doing one on our own to Siena and CT so that we can spend more time in each area.
Posted by
TN, USA
2115 posts
Went on the Heart of Italy tour two years ago, and all the hotels were small locally-owned, clean, nice, beautifully located, and had fabulous staffs. Since Rick's company sometimes varies what hotels are used for the same tour, I would suggest calling ETBD (Europe through the Back Door, his company) or emailing them to find out which hotels will be used on the tour you are considering. In the Cinque Terre, our group was split between two hotels (common ownership)....one half at a hotel up on the hill (great views) and one group at the hotel right by the water (also great view). www.tripadvisor.com is a great place to read the reviews of travelers. Once you know which hotels might be used for the trip you are considering, check them out there (or repost here, and you'll get great feedback, I'm certain). Re: going on your own vs. a tour. If all the places on his itinerary interest you, and if the pace sounds like the pace you like to keep, it is really hard to beat the value of his group tours. You will see a lot, won't have to stress about making arrangements, and you'll travel with fabulous fellow tour-goers. And, a big advantage of using his company, is you will have reservations at the great hotels he uses (which might otherwise be sold out because his company books so may rooms with them). Recommended the Heart of Italy Tour to friends who just got back, and they LOVED it, too......gushingly so!!!!
Posted by
OP
Illinois, USA
97 posts
Thanks so much for the input. My only concern about the tour is not enough time in each place....I would love to have at least 3 nights in Siena and 3 in CT in order to have time to absorb everything and not be rushed trying to see it all. Could your friends advise what hotels they stayed at?