Village Italy Tour - Any advice??

Lisa, I haven't gone on this tour but have gone on a different RS tour. One bit of advice I'd pass on is to read thru the guidebook they sent you in advance of the trip to try and think of some things you'd like to do in the free time they give you. A lot of people on my tour didn't look at it until they were on the tour. On the one hand you're paying for the convenience of RS making all the arrangements and a guide who will give you suggestions. On the other hand, there are IMHO more productive ways to spend the time you have on the tour then figuring out how to spend free time.

It went on the Village Italy tour a few years ago, but the itinerary has changed as bit since then. As far as packing, it was mostly casual, but take along a sweater and such that can be put on to dress up an otherwise causal outfit as needed. Your guide will have great restaurant and gelato suggestions, but here are a couple I would recommend: Assisi - lunch at La Pallotta (just off main square) and Orvieto - lunch or dinner at Trattoria del Moro Aronne and gelato at Pasqualetti (on Piazza Duomo). When you visit the winery near Orvieto, be sure to buy a couple of bottles of their excellent wine to enjoy as you continue your travels. Which reminds me - several in my tour group formed an informal wine club. We took turns buying wine, and sat down in the evening for a glass or two while we talked about our day and other events of interest. It was great fun, and a nice way to end each day.

Thanks, Frank! Those are all great suggestions!

I took this tour in 2008. I have taken 3 other RS tours since and this is still my favorite. You will have a wonderful time. I started my trip with a week-end visit to Venice, then took the train to meet the tour in Padova. Definitely pack light as there are several hotels where you will be transporting luggage from bus to hotel. Scarves are a great way to dress up an outfit in the evening. I agree with the suggestion to buy wine at Cecilia's winery near Orvieto. Our group, too, loved to gather for shared wine and goodies in the late afternoon and it was one of the most outstanding memories of my trip. Be sure to hike at least part of the trail in Cinque Terre!

Good to hear, Laurie! I, too, am starting in Venice and taking the train to Padua. Will definitely follow the wine advice!!! What time of year did you go? I'm wondering about weather in Sept. It looks like it is still warm, but I will probably take a couple of long sleeved things to be safe.

I was there in late April, early May, but last year I was in southern Italy and Sicily in mid to late Sept. and it was still quite warm. I would pack for warm/hot weather and bring a sweater to layer for the cooler evenings.