Suitcase size

We've been on many RS trips and most people had bags that approximated that size give or take a little. But there have been people who had larger bags. It seems to be a case of bring what you want but lug what you bring.

I'm not aware of the tours not allowing a larger bag. Those measurements and weight limits may apply to your bag being allowed as a carry-on for the flight rather than checking it. But as far as I understand it, as long as you can handle it yourself up stairs if necessary, walking over some rough terrain, etc then it is allowed. The buses can carry larger bags in their luggage compartments.

I think that is the "standard" recommendation and not a hard rule. You could go a little larger but not substantially bigger. Big and therefore much heavier suitcases can be a real pain in the butt and lower back.

Follow Rick Steves' packing list, and you can make it in a 22" rolling bag--indefinitely.
When we go on trips, that's all I will allow. It sounds a little cruel, but I refuse to handle anyone's luggage when traveling.

I saw my father come back from a tour of the Holy Land with a hurt back after lifting a bunch of giant luggage for all the elderly ladies on the trip. As a young retiree, I'm saving my back for a long traveling future.
My wife and I can make it just fine on a 20 pound 21" roller and a small backpack/shoulder bag.

I recommend that you stick to that size, since it's not hard to squeeze in more than you need and more than you can carry without going bigger. Very few people's bags will come in under 20 pounds, but it's a nice goal. 25 pounds is about my limit for easy handling. Many bags in this size range have an expanding feature, for when you're ready to go home with all your souvenirs.

Of course, a small day bag is extra. In addition, you may have some items that you want to put in "deep storage" under the bus until you reach Rome and it can be helpful to bring a light, collapsible bag like Rick's Hideaway Tote for that purpose.

Take the activity parameters seriously for this tour: Carry/roll your luggage over uneven pavement (several blocks possible) and up stairways to reach your hotel; then up several flights of stairs to reach your room. Even where available, older Italian elevators can be very small and temperamental.

If you look at the yearly scrapbooks, you can see the various sizes of the luggage that people take along. It seems a lot of people might do a 22" suitcase, but they will then overdo on their personal item, IMO...just from looking at the photographs of the extra bags people have. I have yet to take one of these tours myself, but soon! As said, it seems if you can carry it, you can take it.

Jill, if you want to take a larger, heavier bag, I recommend that you fill it with what you plan to take (or similar), then get out and walk around the block with it. Climb some stairs, too. Don't forget to have a smaller bag or purse slung over your shoulder, and maybe a camera or day bag around your neck. If you can make it around the block and up the stairs, good for you.

Just being able to pick the bag up is not enough; you have to be able to carry it for some distance even when you're tired or in a hurry. And not just once! You'll be changing hotels every couple of days or so. Practice first, so you're not unpleasantly surprised on the tour.

Why would you want to take a bigger bag? A 21 inch bag is plenty big for 2 weeks. Actually for me I could travel for months with a 21 inch bag. However I usually take a backpack of about 1400 cubic inches.