Previous My Way Italy Tour travelers

My way tours just provide transportation and hotels, everything else is up to you, that's why they call it "my way" tours. Now, after saying that I have heard that some of the tour leaders are helpful in advising tour members where to eat, where to get tickets for some sites, etc. But, you are responsible for planning your daily agenda and getting around the town that you are in.

We took the Italy My Way tour 6 years ago and loved it. You are pretty much on your own to see major sites. Before leaving home, I made reservations in Florence to see David and the Uffizzi. In Rome we had two tours booked with Walks of Italy for the Colosseum and the Vatican. I did some homework on ideas for the other towns but wanted flexibiity to enjoy and wander. It worked well for us.

There are a few place that require tickets for admittance.

There are, And not just tickets, but advance, timed-entry reservations, which means you have a specific day AND time slot for entry. if you are traveling spring/summer/fall to Italy's more popular tourist destinations, you'll need to make those before you go.. A few of those would be the Colosseum and Galleria Borghese in Rome, and Uffizi in Florence. Advance, timed-entry tickets for the Vatican Museums are also STRONGLY recommended to avoid long ticket lines. A guided tour may also be a good option for that one.

This is an "un-guided" tour — giving you the freedom (and responsibility) to manage your daily sightseeing schedule and meals
A small, friendly group of 24–28 people will share our big, comfy bus during the trip, but not do organized sightseeing together
A Rick Steves tour manager will coordinate the group's transportation and hotels and provide advice for sightseeing, meals, etc.
https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/italy/my-way-italy

Not sure what sort of 'pre-tour assistance' you are seeking

Unfortunately the 'trip service/consulting' they once had has been suspended
Currently, we're not offering consulting services because our staff is supporting our tour program as we get back on the road.
We do not expect this to change throughout the 2023 travel season. Please check back in 2024 when we hope to resume this service.
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-help/plan-your-trip-with-our-expert-consultants

We took the tour last year and loved it, especially because you determine your own pace. Our guide held the initial meet up and had us choose our tour buddies, which is standard. The tour started in Venice and we asked at the initial meeting if anyone wanted to share a gondola. Another couple was interested and the guide then told us where he thought the best place to get one and went by and told the gondola guides to expect us. He held morning hours daily at breakfast and could also be found frequently in the lounges and lobby as well as running into him in the smaller towns. During our bus time he would give suggestions for the upcoming town and helped arrange laundry in Cinque Terre.

You are expected to do your own research, book any tickets yourself and make your own dinner reservations. Because last year’s tours were the first post pandemic, the guide was careful about recommending restaurants as he hadn’t been in awhile.

We were impressed by the level of camaraderie the group achieved and how much value we got from the guide’s suggestions.