I have gone on a Smartour in 2013 to South Africa and loved it. I am looking into an Italy trip with my sister. I am 34 and she is 29. I find that a lot of people use Smartours for more less traveled countries- Africa, India, Japan etc. I have also looked at Rick Steve's tours and they look good. Does anyone have any suggestions either way????
thanks,
Rachel
Looking to go summer 2017
Rachel,
I went on the Best of Italy in 17 Days tour in October, 2016 and had a wonderful time. My tourmates were very friendly and the guides top notch. This particular tour is a highlights overview of the history, art, culture and natural beauty of Italy. It begins on Lake Como, goes to the Dolomites, then Venice, Florence and Rome, as well as Cinque Terre, Orvieto, Siena, and several other hilltowns. As you can see, the big cities, hilltowns and natural spots of beauty are sprinkled throughout. It goes at a pace of 2 nights in each location so packing lightly and organized is a must to keep your sanity. But, you will appreciate the amazing diversity of what Italy has to offer: food, wine and its warm people. It's hard not to use hyperboles in speaking of Italy. I am going back to Rome in 2 days, on the RS 7 Days in Rome tour, leaving 3/24. I know it will be another great RS enriching, enlightening experience.
Take the plunge and sign up!
Judy B
Thank you so much for your reply. I had been looking at the two 9-day tours, have you heard anything about those? I'm just not sure if my sister can get so long off from work or not.
I've done both companies and I like them both. Smartours tends to be less expensive. They stay in larger tourist hotels. You can be in a group of up to 48 - I had 48 in Turkey with them but only 18 on my China tour. They have more of those shopping stops than RS tours. I like the RS tours as well - I tend to like their itineraries a little better. I do think that the hotels are a mix on RS tours - I've only done one with RS and I liked that they were smaller.
On both tours, I felt I could have chosen better lodgings on my own but I think that's just a cost of having the convenience of a tour package.
People on both company's tours were very nice. I had great guides on all 3 tours I did between Smartours and RS.
I think you're fine with both companies. RS is more expensive so perhaps you can choose based on price. I don't think you'd go wrong either way.
Rachel,
The 9 Day Heart of Italy tour covers both Florence and Rome and some smaller hilltowns and the Cinque Terre so if your time is limited, this might be the perfect one for you. The good part is it begins in Rome so you could arrive early a day or two which is recommended anyway to overcome jet lag and do some sightseeing on your own. The tour ends in Florence which is also a perfect point to add some days of independent traveling for one or both of you. It combines a little bit of the best of the best Italy has to offer.
Now, if you and your sister love cities, I suggest the 10 Day tour of Venice, Florence and Rome, feedback on this forum is enthusiastic. You won't be disappointed in any decision you make re: Rick Steves tours, are excellent.
Judy B
Rachel,
Just happened to check the tours on sale and the 9 Days Heart of Italy tour is on sale for the May 28 - June 5 tour. You will save $200 on your booking per person, the price being $2,595 - net $2,395! Good deal. I hope this will work for you.
Judy B
Heart of Italy was my first RS tour. I went with a family group and we picked that one because that fit the amount of time one of my nephews could get off work. We had a terrific time! I loved the distribution of small towns and big cities.
I'm not familiar with Smartour so don't know what they cover. Be sure to compare apples to apples. Note what the RS tour covers including museum entrances at different places, all tips covered, local guides, etc.
