We are doing the Heart of Italy tour and were wondering what time the tour dinners usually were. The first night we meet at 3 and head off to explore Rome and then have a welcome dinner. What time is dinner?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23340 posts
Direct your question to the Rick Steves' office.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11240 posts
Not done that tour, but given when dinners tend to be on the tours and what the pre-dinner walk entails, I would expect arriving at the restaurant between 6-7PM
Posted by
San Diego, California
4867 posts
When we were on the Venice, Florence, Italy RS Tour, the dinners were around 7-8pm, and lasted quite awhile, per local custom. We found that somewhat difficult, especially with the early start times. The tour was excellent, but we were not accustomed to eating so late- just a personal quirk, I'm sure. The early start times were to get us into the museums, Vatican, etc., before the crowds, which made sense.
Enjoy your travels!
Posted by
Seattle Suburbs
107 posts
We have done six tours with RS. And even though we eat at fairly consistent times at home I never found the times where we did group dinners to be uncomfortable. Remember you will be adjusting to new time zones. Also you will be enjoying the local cultures. Your days will be busy and interesting. New Acquaintances, time to explorer on your own, and you will be amazed at the availability to enjoy the food. Relax and enjoy.
Safe travels
Posted by
Temple,Tx
417 posts
Most Europeans eat their evening meal later than I do. (My husband and I usually eat between 5:30 and 7:00). Our big meal of the day is usually around noon. You will be doing a lot of walking so don’t worry about gaining weight. When we have been on Rick Steves tours we usually eat a large breakfast, have a very small lunch or none at all. Because dinner is late, we usually would eat a smaller evening meal. It’s ok to leave food on your plate. The food in Italy is all very fresh and delicious, but it isn’t heavy. I haven’t done that tour, but I took the Best of Italy in 17 days. You will love Italy. I hope I get to return some day.
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
2332 posts
We haven’t done the tour, but we’ve found that many (most) restaurants in Italy don’t open for dinner until 7 or 8:00. This was an issue when we travelled with an infant who went to sleep at 7:30. We ate as early as possible, and he often fell asleep during dinner.
I wouldn’t count on dinner being earlier than 7, and I would count on it lasting longer than in the US (1.5-2 hours, easy).
Posted by
Los Angeles by way of Providence and Rome
560 posts
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Sorry, couldn't resist.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14043 posts
This tour only has 4 dinners included so if you wind up eating later than usual you can make up for it the next night, lol.