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Tours-Planning Ahead for Tours in Italy

I have seen some older postings recommending Walks of Italy as a site for purchasing tours. We did book their Vatican tour. Has anyone taken their 5 hour tour of Florence that includes the David, Duomo, Uffizi and a walking tour? Do you think it is worth the expense? We are also considering the tasting tour of Florence. Thoughts on Walks of Italy tours or tours with any other sources?

Also, is a tour recommended for Venice or can you go it alone successfully in Venice by purchasing gondola tickets ahead and then guiding yourself?
Thanks,
Marianne

Posted by
771 posts

We did the all day Walks of Italy tour in Florence covering David, and a walking tour of Florence in the AM, and the Uffizzi in the PM. (Also their Vatican and Underground Colosseum tours in Rome.) We definitely thought they were all worth the expense. We never waited in line for anything, the guides were great--extremely knowledgeable and friendly, the groups were small, and while the subject matter was vast, we felt they focused on the highlights.
On the other hand, we did things on our own in Venice. Except, of course for the Rick Steves audio guides. We tried to listen to the audio guides the night before we went places, then again as we were there--San Marco, Frari church, and the Grand Canal. I had read mixed reviews for the Secret Itineraries Tour, so we just got the audio guide there.
PS The Florence tours can be done on the same day or on separate days. We chose the same day because the next day was a holiday with the museums closed.

Posted by
11613 posts

In Venezia, you may want a vaporetto pass, cost depends on how long you stay. A gondola ride (not the 5-minute traghetto ride across the canal) is pricey, you will not be taking gondolas everywhere. A single vaporetto ticket is about €7, but the pass as soon as you get to Venezia and validate it on every ride (tap or swipe it at the machine).

Posted by
4152 posts

Personally, I couldn't do a 5 hour walking tour. I also wouldn't want to cram in all those sites in such a short time.

You could book a tour of the Vatican museums and St. Peter's basilica directly through the official vatican website. These tours are very good and last between 2-3 hours. They also allow you to bypass all ticket lines when entering.

Donna

Posted by
11294 posts

If you like guided tours, you can certainly book with Walks of Italy or others. But you don't need a tour for Venice or Florence, particularly if you have Rick Steves Italy. He has all the logistical details, like buying tickets, getting there, what to see, etc. The 5 hour walking tour of Florence you mentioned is more useful for those just seeing Florence for the day from a cruise ship. If you have more than a day, you'll probably want to space out the sights more.

And for Venice, you don't mean gondola tickets, but vaporetto tickets. Yes, a vaporetto pass for the duration of your Venice stay is a great investment; since individual rides are €7, a pass pays off fast. But much of your "transportation" in Venice will be your feet. A gondola ride is a one-time luxury splurge - not routine transportation (unless you're loaded). Again, Rick (or other guidebooks) will have all these details.