Luggage

A backpack is handy when you have to carry bags up stairs in hotels and train stations and Venetian bridges, as you will do several times on that tour. But more people tend to use either the wheels or the backpack and seldom take the time to make the conversion while they're on the go.

Another strategy for the Cinque Terre train stations and Venetian bridges is to lighten up your bag on those days, moving some gear into a separate bag to leave under the bus. Your guide will probably suggest this.

Rick's Rolling Carry-On (no straps) and Convertible Carry-On (no wheels) both have higher capacity, plus an expansion feature for bringing home more than you started with. The dedicated backpack is lighter and more comfortable than the Rolling Backpack.

"Another strategy for the Cinque Terre train stations and Venetian bridges is to lighten up your bag on those days, moving some gear into a separate bag to leave under the bus. Your guide will probably suggest this."

Yes! This! I always have a bus bag for Rick Steves tours which I use for a rain layer, guidebook, iPad, snacks, etc for the days we are on the bus. I used that for going in to Venice and CT on the various tours I've been on. It works so much easier!

I have both the convertible bag and the roller bag. I was able to pack the convertible so heavy that I could barely lift it at the end of my trip a few years ago. I downsized to the smaller roller bag and altho it is heavier than the convertible empty I like it a lot. It is still light enough that I can carry it up a couple of flights of stairs if I need to.

I just got back from 3.5 weeks in France with the roller bag. I carried on going over and was able to lift it up into the cargo bins on the airplane as well as managing it on and off the train in France. Whichever you choose, you'll need to do some test packs to make sure you can manage it.

Tip: Scarves turn out to be heavy! I bought 8 the year I couldn't lift my bag at the end, lol!!