We’re signed up for the Best of Italy in 17 Days tour whose dates are listed as September 26-October 12. Just want to confirm that Day 1 is September 26, since we’re planning to contact the first and last hotels and don’t want to err re dates. (Some tours call the travel to and from Europe the 1st and last days). Thx!
Posted by
Dallas, TX area
198 posts
If you have signed up and received your confirmation with hotels you can go to your tour account and check the exact itinerary . Most RS tours meet the first day sometime in the late afternoon. Since you are responsible for your own travel RS doesn’t include it in the tour dates. I would definitely get to Europe a minimum of one day early,both to deal with jet lag but also in case of travel delays.
We flew to Rome one day before our Venice,Florence Rome tour and took a train to Venice. I would have flown in one day earlier if I had to do again. That was too long a travel day.
Posted by
1089 posts
Yes, you will be checking into the hotel (as a tour group) and meeting up with your group on day 1, September 26.
When you reach out to the first hotel; let them know you will be part of the RS tour which starts on Sept 26; and inquire which type of room you should book for your independent arrival day and earlier stay, so that you may remain in the same room the entire time.
Posted by
Massachusetts
1205 posts
If you look at the itinerary listed for this tour, Day 1 is when the group meets in the afternoon and tour officially begins.
Day 1: Welcome to Italy
We'll meet at 4 p.m. at our Venice hotel, deeply nestled amidst the canals, bridges, and alleyways of this magical, preserved-in-amber city. After introductions, we'll set off on an orientation walk and then enjoy getting acquainted over a traditional Venetian dinner together.
https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/italy/best-italy#tour-dates
Posted by
Idaho, USA
8073 posts
It can be confusing when some other tour companies refer to Day 1 as the day you’re flying. They probably do that because they have the option of booking your flights, so they’re responsible for your trip as of “Day 1”. The Rick Steves tours have you take care of your own flights, so “Day 1”is the first day they are meeting with you. Usually it’s mid-afternoon. Have a great time!
By the way, we took this tour several years ago, and it was such a great itinerary!