Just back from a fantastic family trip to Italy (Rome / Florence / Vernazza / Venice) and appreciated the information I learned from these forums. The four RS pocket guides we had were also invaluable in all four locations we stayed. We also downloaded and utilized several of the RS audio tours and really enjoyed those free resources.
The only issue and frustration with the trip I wanted to share was related to two of our three Walks of Italy tours and the worst customer service follow up I have ever experienced. First, our guide for the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica tour was fantastic. Unfortunately, that was the only one of our family’s three tours that did not have significant problems.
From Rome, our Pompeii and Amalfi tour was extremely disappointing as the tour leader announced after the bus had departed Rome that we would be going to Pompeii and then Sorrento and not Positano as the tour had been scheduled. In the weeks before the tour Walks had sent an email regarding an option to “upgrade” to a tour that departed earlier in the day and would spend more time in Pompeii, however when I called to discuss this with a Walks representative, they informed me that this “upgrade” would go to Sorrento after Pompeii and did not include Positano. I declined the “upgrade” and confirmed my original booking and itinerary to Pompeii and then Positano would be honored and was told over the phone that it would be. Additional Walks ineptitude was shown the day of the tour as we gathered at the meeting place prior to the tour leaving and as I chatted with a Walks representative about how excited I was to see Positano that day, no mention of an itinerary change to Sorrento was even mentioned. This was extremely disappointing.
Our Venice in a Day with St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and Gondola Ride tour was interesting, but certainly not exceptional. The frustration regarding this tour came afterwards dealing with Walks’ lack of response and insulting attempt to reimburse me. Venice had recently enacted some restrictions impacting guided tours which apparently impacted our tour. As a result, touring the inside of St. Mark’s Basilica did not occur. While I understand this ban was not something Walks can control, what they could control is how they handled it. We were informed there would be a reimbursement credit for this portion of the tour. Of the $536.40 I spent for my family of four, Walks eventually credited me $8.53. Furthermore, I later then spent an additional €120 (approx. $140 U.S.) for us to enter St. Mark’s on timed entry tickets.
After sending email communications and having several conversations with Walks representatives (who apparently aren’t authorized or empowered to resolve situations) over the phone, I asked for a supervisor or manager to get in touch with me to discuss these issues, there has been absolutely no response. There is no excuse for this kind of customer service and I will never use this company again, nor recommend them to anyone else. I am extremely disappointed with this company’s lack of response to resolve issues.
I would certainly recommend utilizing the fantastic Rick Steves' materials as much as possible and if booking a tour to certainly consider alternatives to Walks based on my recent experiences. Have a fantastic trip!