Just returned, terrific trip
We thoroughly enjoyed this trip. We have traveled to Italy many times and have spent a considerable amount of time in Venice. Nonetheless, this was an excellent tour for us. I won’t give a blow by blow report as the itinerary has been well described. Here are a few highlights and learnings:
Our TD was Theresa an American who married a Venetian and has lived in Venice for thirty years. She was top notch. During the tour a guest fainted in the bathroom sustaining a head wound. Theresa spent the entire night with her in the hospital returning at 5AM. Nonetheless she was back on duty at 8. She had great suggestions at every turn and her approach to laggards who occasionally held up the group was fair but firm. Local guides were excellent.
Hotels and meals: the hotels were top notch. The breakfast buffets over the top. Meals at the hotels were generally good although we enjoyed our group meals out a bit more. We were given a reservation time and went as small groups. Wine flowed freely at every meal. The Hotel Gritti Palace in Venice was over the top in every way. If you are a Marriott member give them your number and you’ll get points for the incidentals.
The tour: we arrived in Milan 2 days early. We found out just before departure that this was fashion week. Many celebs and influencers none of whom we recognized. Our first meal was at Paper Moon and was one of the best of the tour (thank you @sherry_schare !). We managed to see the Last Supper but this was not easy as tickets are being scooped up by the tour companies. The duomo
climb was fun but our legs ached for days. People watching was the best. The tour visits Lake Como, Stressa, Verona, Bologna and Venice. While in Venice we found the Hotel Flora where we had stayed in 1989 while spending a week cooking with the late Marcella Hazan. We wanted to get a photograph of us in their delightful courtyard-garden where we dined for breakfast back when. Well, I don’t think the employees we encountered were alive in 1989 but they were thrilled with our story! Not only did they take our photo they insisted we stay for complimentary coffee and pastries. We nearly cried. What a happy morning!
Bus: the time on the bus was pleasant and the rest stops were enjoyable for snack shopping.
Dress: I’ve spent too much time on this forum so succumbed to bringing a sport jacket. This meant a checked bag which quickly filled with other things we really did not need. I was the only one on the tour with a sport jacket. Unless required on future tours I’ll not do that again. The weather was mild to cool. We wore jeans every day as did other tour members, nicer slacks at night. If you are a fashionista leave room in your luggage. The clothes in Italy are beautiful!
Tippping: Our TD said this: tip the driver in Euros. Getting dollars is a huge burden. Because of anti money laundering efforts it involves going to a bank where they photograph each bill one by one front and back. Then there is a delay while they run a check of sorts only to charge a terrible fee for the exchange. We visited an ATM for his tip. Her we tipped in USD as she said that’s fine as she returns to the States often.
Italy is wonderful. If you can’t find something to love there, then you can’t find it anywhere. This tour gives you the opportunity to see places less visited (except Venice) but be prepared for crowds anyway. Travel is in full force.
Fell free to PM me for questions! Ciao!
Comments
So glad you had a wonderful time, Folsomdoc, and great photo! Because of this same trip that we did in 2018, my husband and I returned for 9 days in Bologna in May and loved exploring the city and region by train. We look forward to returning to other areas in Northern Italy on the Piedmont trip later next year. My goal in life, as long as I am able, is to return to Italy every year. (If you haven't been on the Sicily trip, you would love it!)