We are in the process of planning our trip Venice, Florence and Rome for this fall. Since we novice travelers, we are thinking a small group trip might be the best for us. The Rick Steves reviews look great. We'd like to get some input from others who have already taken this trip regarding the hotels used. I know they are three star rated. Just wondering... Were they clean, centrally located (near sights and restaurants), have private baths, AC, elevators?? Since hotel transfers were not included, did you have any difficulty getting to your hotel? Also, regarding luggage, I see that they recommend taking only a carry on! I am not a diva and will certainly try to pack light, but is it realistic to be able to pack for ten days using only a carry on? What did you do?? Your input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Leslie
Posted by
31 posts
Excellent choice. VFR is an amazing way to start. The hotels that are used vary, however are always centrally located and clean. All that I have stayed in had in suite bathrooms. There may or may not have AC or elevators but all will have charm. Once you book your trip you will receive instructions on how to get to your Hotel. I would highly recommend arriving a few days ahead of the tour and stay a few days after if you possibly can. The hotels that you arrive at may give very good directions on how to get there, mine did. In Venice there are many extraordinary things to see that are not included on the Tour. Do plenty of research ahead of time. I cannot stress this too much look at Ricks packing list you will not need more that what he suggests. I arrived 3 days prior and stayed 2 days after and had no problem with clothes. Have a wonderful trip. You can PM me if you like.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14042 posts
I've not taken this tour but I've done 11 RS tours. I have visited all 3 locations on various RS tours.
Getting to your hotel from the airport is actually easier than you think. Depending on where the tour hotel is you can often take the Alilaguna water ferry to a dock near your hotel. No need to purchase tickets ahead. You'll receive detailed instructions but the folks on here can also help you if you have questions.
All the hotels on this trip have private baths. The itinerary page will indicate whether any of the hotels have the possibility of shared baths under the tab "Physical Demands." The only ones that do are the 21 Day Best of Europe in one of the Switzerland hotels they use and possibly one of the Scandinavian tours. No problems on this tour. All RS hotels I've stayed in in Italy had AC. Most did NOT have screens on the windows so best to keep them shut especially in Venice where I got chewed by mosquitoes - I am a magnet!
All the hotels were clean and RS generally tries to have his tour hotels in the central parts of any city so you can easily go out on your own for restaurants and sightseeing.
Yes, I've packed for up to 8 weeks in Rick's 22" carryon. It takes some practice but for 10 days you can do it. My packing formula is 3 pr bottoms (pants and possibly capris for Italy), 4 SS shirts at most for 10 days and a long sleeve layer plus pjs and underwear. I always pack a waterproof jacket. I take 2 pr athletic shoes but usually only wear one. Toiletries take up a lot of room so start now doing a trial to see how much shampoo/conditioner you will need for your length of time. I can do 3 oz shampoo for 4-6 + weeks but I have short hair and have figured out how to use as little as I can. I started out with a 3 oz bottle at home and measured how long I could make it last! For Italy I also add a long sleeved sunshirt (or sunsleeves) and either pack a sunhat or pick one up there from one of the many vendor carts. Cheap and cute souvenir!
You will have to haul the bag on/off the water transport in Venice so go as light as you can. I've settled on a 22" wheelie now. I've used Rick's 21" rollaboard for many years as well. I can lift either one up and down several flights of steps. I check my luggage on the plane as I don't want to fool with it on transit stops but I also give myself time ahead of the tour in case of luggage that's gone astray.
Will you plan to arrive a day or 2 ahead? If you have the time you'll probably enjoy your trip more if you give yourself time to flex in case of travel delays and to get over a bit of jet lag. I usually try to go at least 2 nights ahead and I just stay in the tour hotel because I don't like to change locations. There is ALWAYS plenty to do in the tour start towns!