We are really struggling here. We like the idea of a full day tour (Roberto, Sunshine, Slow Days, etc.) but with only 4 days in Tuscany we are worried we are giving up too much time. We have a rental car, GPS and a Rick Steves book - this is how we usually travel. After reviewing some itinerary's on some of the above tour companies it appears that we could essentially do the same itinerary on our own. I'm not so worried about the Euros/cost, but the time. Any sage advice on this? Are there wineries that are only offered with a tour? What about restaurants or other sites? I can't imagine sites would be off limits to "do it yourself" travelers but if anyone has any thoughts on the subject it would be most appreciated. Thank you!
Posted by
Little Rock, AR
105 posts
We did the rental car/GPS/Rick's Guidebook last fall and loved it. Although the tours are nice, I think that you can lose some spontaneity. We enjoyed the freedom and ability to make changes at the last minute if we wanted. We were never turned away from anywhere because we were not part of a tour, and, in fact, got to do more, because we were not on someone else's time schedule.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
Definitely agree with Ted... Tuscany is one of the easiest places to travel on your own and embrace spontaneity while exploring. There might be a winery only open to tours, but I cannot imagine them turning away good customers. It's the only way to find your own 'back doors.'
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10715 posts
I agree with the other two. Do a tour only if you want someone to make all the decisions for you. I loved having a car and GPS. I felt like I could wander and not worry about getting hopelessly lost. We also had control of where we went and how long we wanted to stay there.
Posted by
OP
Austin, TX, USA
51 posts
Thanks Ted, Terry and Andrea for your feedback.
Posted by
Jericho, NY
79 posts
Last summer my wife, daughter and I spent a couple of weeks in Italy (Venice to FLorence to Rome). We decided to spend one of our TUscany days on a full-day tour. I had been to Italy several times but neith my wife nor daughter had, so I thought a tour guide might hit the highlights for Siena and other spots. ALso I thought it might be nice for a change to sit back and let someone else worry about the itinerary and the transportation. It was a HUGE mistake. The days we had a car and a GPS were immeasureably more enjoyable. First of all, the tour was quite expensive. Secondly, we traveled in van with a small group that included some classic "touristy-type" folks we probably would not have chosen to spend a full day with. The winery tour, which included lunch, was nothing more than an hour and a half sales pitch (our tour guide on the bus, who was a nice, intelligent young man, clearly received a piece of every case of wine sold). I would have much preferred a quick lunch and more time in Sienna or one of the other stops. Skip the tour...you won't regret it. Bob
Posted by
St Louis
411 posts
We took a trip with Roberto in May and it was one of the highlights of our trip. No sales pitches, and a small group( I believe they limit the group to six people). I would recommend one of his tours to anyone, and hope to take another tour with him when we return to Tuscany next May.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
A tour with a good guide can add a lot to the pleasure of your trip, it's something to consider. You won't need a tour every day, so you should still have time to do a lot on your own.