Venice, Florence, Rome...what guided tours are a MUST? We have an idea of sites to visit...but wondering which sites we need to make sure we only seriously consider having a paid guide with us. Any experienced recommendations of certain guides?
(Unfortunately our trip time frame didn't coordinate with any of Rick's Best of Italy tours...so self planning trip it is for us).
First time visitors, spring trip, with an average of two days in each location.
We are a family of four with teenagers that are use to hiking in the mountains.
I want to make sure we make the most of their, maybe, once in a lifetime historical lesson :-) MANY Thanks!
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2421 posts
hey hey Hiking Family
how many days, age of teenagers, when is trip, it's very busy in spring with spring breaks and easter. transportation by train only, and most important sites for family to see? moving from place to place takes at least half a day, check in is usually 3 to 4pm and check out is 10 to 11 am, do you have hotels booked already and are they family room to fit all four of you since rooms are small? you will have to either drop off luggage if hotel has baggage storage, most due or be lugging them with you
have them be involved in what they want to see. pack light. if it's 2 days, it means one full day to see city which is not much time
are you multicity airfare? where are you flying from? a must tour is so different for everyone. your whole gang needs to decide if jet lagged and groggy first day there. you've pick cities that will be busy and crowded.
aloha
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8339 posts
We often take "Free Walking Tours of _____" that we find online. This is where the tourguides work for tips. And in many cities, they've got to be licensed and capable.
Those without children can also come back at night and take their Nightlife Tour of _____ where they show you where reasonably priced restaurants and the best bars are. They charge for that tour, and it's worth every cent.
It's a shame you only have 2 days/nights for those great cities. They're certainly all worthy of more time than you have to see them. Rome alone is a 4 day minimum town. Florence is a 3 day minimum town--as is Venice.
Posted by
Florida
276 posts
If you're planning on visiting one of the state museums of Venice (Doge's Palace, Correr Museum, Ca' Rezzonico, etc), I highly recommend the family tours they offer.
https://www.visitmuve.it/en/educational-services/for-families/
We took the Lion Hunt tour at the Doge's Palace this past summer (our kiddo was 5 at the time), and could not have enjoyed it more. It's a private tour of just your group, for only 80 euros - which includes your museum admission!
If those tours are too 'young' for your teenagers, we've also heard great things about the Doge's Secret Itinerary tour. If our child had been old enough at the time, we would have seriously considered that at well.
Given the extremely short time you have in each location, taking a walking tour in each city would be a good way to get the highlights.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11956 posts
Unfortunately our trip time frame didn't coordinate with any of Rick's Best of Italy tours.
Did you check out this tour--- https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/italy/venice-florence-rome
average of two days in each location.
Does this mean 3 nights to make 2 full days?
We have an idea of sites to visit...but wondering which sites we need to make sure we only seriously consider having a paid guide with us
What sites are you planning to see? Hard to offer useful advice about the need for a guide, not knowing where/what .