Tips for Best of Italy 17 day tour

Posted by Kathy C (Detroit, MI) on 07/12/25 09:38 PM

This will be our first organized tour of any kind, and ours starts October 5. We will arrive a few days early in Venice and stay a few days longer in Rome and I've planned a couple private tours in each city before and after the tour.

I'm interested in the day to day details: what time each day begins, how walking tours are run, how is the time on the bus, you get the idea. Amy tips you might have are very welcome, including packing for the October time frame.

I'm very excited about a RSE tour as we are big fans of his and his philosophy. We have some decent travel experience just none of it with a group.

Posted by margie

Bend, OR

07/13/25 12:10 AM

1515 posts

The itinerary for your tour is in your tour account. What time the tour starts each morning will depend upon what you’re doing that day. Not every tour is exactly alike but most days it normally would start around 8 or 8:30, some days a bit earlier, some days a bit later. For walking tours a city guide usually meets the group, you put on your whisper system and you head out. On occasion the RS tour guide has conducted the city tour. On the bus, the RS tour guide may talk about varying topics of their choosing. Ours did a history of politics in Italy as it applied to the different regions. The one thing our tour guide mentioned numerous times was nothing on the tour would be set in stone, she said “dependo” many many times…..it’s a wonderful tour, have a great time. And you’re going to be in the Dolomites and in Rome, I would pack layers for the variety of temperatures.

Posted by Mary

Massachusetts

07/13/25 12:54 AM

1420 posts

Hi Kathy, Have you browsed through the tour scrapbooks, which were created by former tour members? They provided lots of insights and details on a typical RS tour and may be helpful as you prepare for your tour.

https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/scrapbooks/tour-alum-scrapbooks

Posted by KD

07/13/25 12:56 AM

1425 posts

Usually on day 1, you meet up with your group; have a meet and greet; orientation on how things work, then you usually have a walking tour and a group dinner. All subject to change of course.

Morning start times vary by day. Your guide will post the next day's itinerary the night prior in the hotel lobby. You'll always know what time breakfast service begins and end. You go on your own between that certain time period. If it's a day of changing locations, you'll know what time you need to be down in the lobby with your luggage, etc.

As for the bus; it will be nice and roomy. Breaks will happen about every 1 1/2-2 hours; whether it's a restroom break or meal or destination, etc. You can plan to take your daypack on the bus with you, but can leave things on the bus for the day. Ex. You have your rain jacket and umbrella, but then decide you don't need it for the next stop; so you just leave it on the bus at your seat (or on the shelf above the seat.) I always put a small crossbody bag in my daypack with my phone and wallet, so I can always take those with me but leave the day pack on the bus if I don't need it at the moment. Just remove everything on the bus at the end of the day.

How walking tours are run...just follow your guide. You will have whisper system earbuds for the duration of the tour, (always bring them with you each day) so you just listen and walk where lead.

Your itinerary should be in your portal if not now, soon. Changes definitely can happen. There's a general itinerary on the website. Have a wonderful trip!