Rick Steves Italy Tour - return & Money belts

I hope those two people were wearing theirs...

Melanie, I'd be interested in your impressions of the tour and of the three cities you visited (ie: a short "Just Back" report). Who was your Guide? Hopefully your reminder about the pickpockets will encourage more people to wear Money Belts. I always wear one when travelling in Europe, especially on the Metros in Rome and Paris. The fact that one in your group can't remember where they were victimized, is a good example of how skilled the pickpockets are! There was an article in yesterday's paper regarding a ring of thieves that was caught in Paris this week. Nineteen people were arrested in eastern France and Italy, allegedly as they forced teenagers from Eastern Europe to beg and steal, using rape and violence to coerce them. The ring reportedly netted $1.7 Million last year, so this is NOT "petty theft". The group was run by a 58-year old "ringleader" and his Sons. Welcome back!

Rick Steves tours are well run. Our guide was Ben Cameron, an enthusiastic, nice guy who knew his stuff. The days were packed with activities but with enough time on our own so we could soak it in. My expectations were almost universally exceeded. The local guides in each city were a highlight. Venice - we stayed at the Hotel Mercurio. The location was outstanding. The room itself was just ok and reflective of its two star rating. Very good beds, a lot of street noise. No elevator. Basic continental breakfast. Venice was lovely and had more tourists than I expected for off-season. Still, it was much less than I'd seen before during the summer. Most everyone spoke English. 3 days in Venice is perfect to me. A day to get lost and wander. Two days for sights and more wandering. It is romantic and so unique. The food was only so-so and very expensive. I enjoyed the unique flavor of Venice but doubt I'll go back as I feel that I've seen what I wanted to see there after two visits. Florence - Hotel Silla. Very nice hotel, best of the tour. Hard beds, but a generous room, very good breakfast and great staff. Location is 15-20 min walk from heart of town. Florence sort of blew me away. The city is just gorgeous and there is so much to do. I would go back to Florence in a heartbeat. Art & history galore. 3 days there will get you a taste of the highlights, but I think 5-7 would have been better. cont'd...

continued... Winery in Orvieto - one of the best things we did. The scenery was beautiful and it was nice to be in a non-city environment. Worth a stop to see that side of Italy. Rome & Vatican - Hotel Sonya - Solid 3 star place. Very well run and close to the Termini. Rome had so much to do we barely scratched the surface in 3 days. I can see what so many people love about it with its endless list sights and such an incredible history. On the other hand, it felt a lot like a lot of other big cities. Noisy, crowded, crazy drivers, expensive. Ostia Antica - ruins just outside of Rome. Easy half day looking at ruins, cafe, and gift shop. Worth the time and money. Overall, great trip! I'm sure we'll be back to Italy someday.

Melanie, Thanks for the details about your trip. Sounds like you had a fantastic time! I imagine your local Guide in Rome was Francesca? Now that you've had a brief exposure to Italy, I imagine you'll be starting to plan to return as soon as possible (I always seem to fit Italy into every trip to Europe). Cheers!

Right, Ken, Francesca was our local Rome guide. She ROCKED. I should have mentioned in my notes on the tour that we did Ostia on our own the day after the tour ended so it wasn't part of the Rick Steves tour. I'm sure I'll be back to Italy someday - though I think it will have to get in line behind some other locations I have a hankering to see.