my way italy tour

Sherri, I haven't been on that particular tour, but have a good idea how the tours work as I've taken five so far. I'm assuming the routine will be the same as the fully guided tours. You'll probably depart the Cinque Terre at about 08:30, and according to the Daily Itinerary you'll drive straight through to Florence. There will be at least one compulsory rest stop, both for the driver (they're on a Meter) and the tour members but you should arrive in early afternoon. After checking into your Hotel, you'll have the rest of the afternoon and evening for sightseeing. If you're planning to visit the Uffizi or Accademia, reservations would be a good idea. You should be able to make those at the start of the tour (on the net?), or perhaps when you arrive in the C.T. (the tour Escort will be able to advise). I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time! Happy travels!

Sherri, Which dates are you going? I'm on the trip that starts 9/2. Ken - thanks for the info.

Hi Ken - thank you for your information. We are supposed to get a list of hotels and tour participants about August 3rd, but don;t know if that includes the tour guide. I will post a trip report - have wished to see more feedback on that tour but there is just a little bit that was put on in the past week or so. I think the tour we were looking at of David was about 35 Euro, which might be too much - and it was at 1:30 so I am a little hesitant to schedule it Alternatively we can just reserve a time and go ourselves and use Rick's guide - I have not been successful with either the web site or the phone number for reserving tickets. The reason I am interested in the time the first afternoon is that we booked at tour of the Tuscan countryside with a food and wine tasting for the following day so we want to at least hit some of the high point of Florence that afternoon. We are skipping the Uffizi this time - we can overdose really quickly on art museums but hope to get back to see it on another trip. We shceduled an early morning tour of the Sistene chapel and Vatican museums, and a tour in Assisi of Assisi and Spello with Anne's Italy. That's it so far for guided things. Any recommendations for Rome will be appreciaated - we are staying 1 extra day there.

We are going on the September 2nd tour. Counting the days! Was thinking of signing up for a 1:30 PM tour of Accademia, but I'm guessing that may be too early

This is a My Way tour. The tour provides the transportation and lodging and the rest is up to what the traveler wants to do on their own. As such, the individual books and pays for their own activities.

Sherri or Frances, Be sure to post a "Trip Report" when you get back, as others here may be interested in the My Way tours. Do you know yet who your "Tour Escort" will be? Cheers!

When you find out what hotel you are staying you can ask them to schedule the Accademia for you. Have them do it a bit later in the afternoon to be sure you have arrived in time. You can tour on your own with Rick's podcast...much less expensive.

Whoa steady girl!......35e!!! I think that's way too much! Download Rick's audio podcast tour on itunes....it's free. That's what we did and were extremely happy. The Accademia is one of the most pleasant museums in Florence - nice, quick and to the point. You do not walk out of there overwhelmed or dizzy! Don't know if you will get to Milan or not but if you do, go to the Penacoteca Ambrosiana – Open 10-5:30 T-Sun. Piazza Pio XI 2, 39-02806921 – 10e. Easy walk from Duomo. They have a DaVinci there, plus it's housed in the most wonderful building....a former library....the inside is wonderful. Uncrowded and peaceful.....another venue that won't blind you with so much that you are ready to give up museums all together!

Thank you all for your help. I decided to go it on our own without the expensive tour, and finally was able to get thru to the reservations phone and make a reservation for 4 that afternoon. Can't wait to get there!