Seriously, couldn't pick just one, but loved the Dolomites. Join us for the Best of Italy in 17 Days! Winding our way towards the coast, we'll first stop to gaze at Pisa's leaning tower and Romanesque baptistery. A dozen of us were game for the outing.Stephanie handed us bus tickets but never said where we were headed. "The tour of the Roman Forum! We are so happy we went with a Rick Steves tour. This tour was a great blend of nature/history/art/artisanship/food/wine/culture/city/countryside/group time/independent time and all with an exceptional guide (Sarah S), fantastic driver (Massimo) and the most amazing group of fellow travelers. It was the first guided tour for us. The tour was everything I had hoped it would be. Florence was almost overwhelming with its rich political and cultural history. Rainer our guide was very informative and insightful. Fantastic! And seeing David in person in Florence!". One of the most beautiful I have ever seen.". "How can I pick just one....from seeing the beautiful Mediterranean Sea for the first time, to realizing the size of the Trevi Fountain and then standing on the floor of the Coliseum, imagining that particular spot 2,000 years ago.". "I had been reading the book I Claudius and even though I typically don't care for large cities, being able to see the Forum in Rome as well as the other sights associated with the Roman Empire was very special.". The first meeting was a reception, 30 minute walk around, and then free for dinner on our own. I loved the countryside and smaller cities, but Rome and Florence not so much. Given how many people visit Italy and the long lines for sites it was nice to have someone else do the planning, organizing and booking details for this trip. "I didn't have a "wow" moment. However, I found the Vatican very stressful and would have preferred a guide. His passion for Italy was apparent throughout our tour. We walked through cow pastures with the pleasant sound of ringing cow bells, and ended up at a small ski lodge where we had hot chocolate. "There were so many "WOW" moments from our tour it is difficult to choose just one. Views of vineyards and olive groves near Assisi. It should be titled Northern and central Italy. This trip was supposed to be a guided trip, and that might be a problem. Rick Steves' Europe | All the best travel tips, travel inspiration, and European tour info from the team at Rick Steves' Europe. This evening we'll enjoy a floodlit dolce vita stroll, soaking up the city's evening ambience at the lively campos, classy piazzas, and the splashy Trevi Fountain. And it totally made me cry. n/a. Rick Steves' Italy's Cities, 2000-2007. Sleep in Monterosso. Overall it was a very nice experience and we have already highly recommended Rick Steves tours to family and friends. The Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica were outstanding. This was our first official tour that we had ever taken, most of our travels have been independent planning, rental car driving, and hotel and meal planning. We enjoyed the entire tour! "All moments were WOW - too many to list. Well organized, great locations for hotels and very experienced local guides. Simply spectacular! Rick Steves Map Of Italy has a variety pictures that joined to locate out the most recent pictures of Rick Steves Map Of Italy here, and also you can acquire the pictures through our best rick steves map of italy collection.Rick Steves Map Of Italy pictures in here are posted and uploaded by secretmuseum.net for your rick steves map of italy images collection. It's wonderful to experience the history, culture, food and of course vino with like minded adventurers. DVD. Really moving. "We had several "Wow" moments, hard to pick just one. Had we done on our own, we wouldn't have been exposed to these types of special things. I am already thinking about my next tour and I have only been home a few weeks. Italy: Northern Italy – Rick Steves Travel Talks - YouTube. Our bus driver, Dino, was amazing. I came in with no expectations other than I was sure I was going to have a great time. We were amazed at the quality of the hotels, restaurants and food that were part of the tour. see our FAQ. Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Two days in each city/village was excellent, providing the perfect balance of organized activities and free time. Our tour guide's knowledge of art and history really imparted the capsule of education which added so much to the visual experience! "Simply stated, I was totally taken with the statue of David. This was my first time traveling outside of the US (except Canada) and it was such a positive experience I can't wait to do it again. The meal of pesto and white lasagna was very special. Top 10 Sicily Travel Tips . The hotels were centrally located which made it convenient to traverse the different sites. 1. Donald, he does a fantastic job Over 17 days on the "Best of" tour, I felt like I experienced so many different facets of northern/central Italy. My overall experience was great. One of the many reasons I enjoy the Rick Steves tours is the way they encourage, indirectly, the interaction among tour members. 4.5 out of 5 stars 33. We arrived one day, explored the next, and then left the next day. Both were very prepared and kept everyone engaged throughout the tour. We continually said to each other, "Can you believe we're really here?" Enjoyed the variety and pace of the trip. Good mix of organized activities & free time. The format allows for a full day in each place so it can be considered a taste for later return and deeper exploration. Other tour participants often offered to assist. ", We had a great time; were very pleased with the tour. Just one? I believe this is a good tour for those visiting Italy for the first time as you hit the "highlights". Our guide was excellent. Note: This was our third Rick Steves' tour in a row having just completed Best of Paris and Best of Barcelona prior to this one. Wonderful experience with excellent guides and lovely group of people. All around wonderful experience. Could have used another day to explore more. Train: ¼ hour. To request advance notification of when a tour will be available for booking, please select ‘Notify Me’ next to the departure date and join the list. I learned so much about the culture, the history, the art, and the people. If we had done this trip ourselves, we could have seen the same places but not have had nearly the depth of understanding, "While perhaps a bit touristy, taking a gondola ride with musicians in Venice is a memory we will always cherish. Lovely day spent relaxing by the pool in a beautiful spot.". The beauty of the day was that we got to see the alps covered in snow. We had a wonderful time overall. We enjoyed everything about our trip and are already going through the R S catalog for our next trip. There is Buenos Aires, Shanghai and Istanbul to consider. Kindle Unlimited Eligible; Department. dishes. ", "Otzi the Ice Man and the optional Carrara Marble Tour!". Debra was highly organized, personable and a wealth of knowledge. Yet, there's so much sightseeing greatness to discover in Italy's less traveled cities, especially in the northern region known as the Veneto. Rick Steves' Europe. Rick has definitely put together a great tour experience. "That would be hard to say, there was so much in each place!!". Thanks Daniela (and Dino) for the trip of a lifetime. Canazei and the lift ride to Pordoi. .". No bus. Terrific. The hiking experience was "breathtaking" and there was a nice place to eat lunch. This tour was more intensive on the sights since there are so many in Italy. Our tour guide was amazing with expert knowledge and a knack of taking exceptional care of us all. We had a very great time and our overall experience was superb. We really enjoyed our holiday and found the tour guide, driver, itinerary was busy, but presented as advertised the best of Italy. Rick Steves Italy, the complete guide, offers more coverage of more destinations in a mostly black-and-white format, and is updated annually. This tour exceeded even my own expectations!! Tour's success goes to our guide - Molly - informative and handled both all situations expeditiously and professionally. Exceeded my expectations. Answer 1 of 4: I'm travelling with my spouse this fall to Italy. The tour was fabulous. We were completely blown away by the whole experience. But, I have to say that just picking one "wow" moment is not easy. They made our 17 days together fun, interesting, surprising, and delightful. She had great ideas for during free time. Rick Steves' Venice guidebook will give you many ideas for eating, touring, sleeping. Never being on a tour before, I was blown away with the knowledge, organization, timing, patience & friendliness of Trina & the whole group. Local Tour guides were all outstanding. I LOVED staying on the farm near Orvieto.". Did have a "YOW" moment when my wife, trying to get a video of the Cinque Terre sunrise stepped barefoot on an Italian yellow jacket - glad we chose the boat tickets; not the hiking pass.". Happening upon the Via del Corso in Rome on Sunday in the early evening during the passeggiata stroll. "The Dolomites and Assisi were high points. "Lake Como And of course the major sites that everyone sees are spectacular. Everything ran on time. Molly, our guide was great. My favorite stops were Lake Como, the Dolomites, Cinque Terre area, and the Altarocca Wine Resort in Umbria. Orvieto The Best of Italy in 17 days certainly delivered the best of Italy. My tour experience was mostly positive. We'll end our walk at the Accademia Gallery to marvel at works of sculptural genius: Michelangelo's rough-hewn Prisoners and his greatest masterpiece, David. Today we'll venture into the heart of magical Tuscany, stopping on the way to poke around the quiet lanes of a friendly hill town. Europe - Best travel guide to take to Florence? Mossimo was a great bus driver, "Performing with the men in our group in an impromptu water ballet at the Altarocca Wine Resort. Also in Sienna, seeing the guys practicing the flag and drums ceremony was special as well as having the women from the selva contrada cook for us.". Wow - all the properties were above average and most were excellent. Great coverage of Italy. The itinerary, was varied and interesting. Rick Steves: Nature and romance in Italy’s Lakes District. We were fortunate to have a wonderful group of people to travel with and I truly feel they became family. If Italy is getting on your nerves by the time you get to Rome, think twice about going further. With all the crowds heading for the same few attractions, popular sights and destinations are packed, and ticket lines are long. ???? Saw so much it nearly blew my mind. As to the infrastructure - wifi was never an issue, roads and public toilets (at auto grills) were as good as home (ever better for thoughtful design with flush petals on floor, & 2 flush system and bidets at all hotels). His sense of humor was spontaneous and truly funny. Got both - plus much more. Learning about the Italian way of life was interesting. This was our 30th anniversary trip and we couldn't have picked a better way to celebrate! We plan to return & spend more time in some of these places.". My favorite place was probably Orvieto because it was the most relaxing. Extremely well organized, expertly guided, and fun! Getting to tour the stained glass shop (master craftsman) in Siena. I loved Italy and this tour was fantastic! I had dreamed of spending time in Italy for 20 years and so was very excited about the trip. At the sprawling Vatican Museums, we'll visit what seems like a limitless collection of treasures as you make your way to one of the world's most famous works of art: Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. But the statue of David was also Breathtaking. Get inspired with Rick Steves’ recommended places to go and things to do, with tips, photos, videos, and travel information on Italy. Loved Dino our bus driver also. I also loved Venice and walking through the streets/alleys and exploring. I had a wonderful trip. This is our second time on the Best of Italy tour. The hotels were centrally located, and were very comfortable. No matter how you traveled the vistas were breathtaking!". The tour was our first organized tour and was MUCH better than we ever expected! Wonderful moment. Rick Steves . I think Molly was the best guide we could have had for the 17 day Italy tour. Beautiful. Trying to find the best gelateria in each town we visited during our evening passeggiata, There was a great balance of fast pace and slower in the sightseeing activities. It was a lovely day.". Salute! We have a favorite "view", a favorite "hotel", a favorite "day", a favorite "city", a favorite "group meal", a favorite "pasta", a favorite "wine", and each is in a different place.". Of course Michelangelo's David? Our guide, Patricia, was fantastic. We were going to follow our tour guide on a hike but it had snowed and the only path available was the road. Northern Italy is famed for its breath-taking lakes, and Lake Maggiore is no exception to this. Some things that I enjoyed on this tour that I wouldn't have been able to do if we were traveling independently was to see the making of a gondola's forcola and oar in Venice and making stain glass windows in Siena. I liked that each city was unique and the balance of planned activities and free time in each location. Having the owner make us pesto was excellent.". As a result, this tour resembled to some extent a My Way tour. Besides being absolutely adorable she was very knowledgeable and we could tell she loved Italy. "The Dolomites and the Colloseum were my two highlights of the tour. Rick Steves' Best of Italy in 17 Days. I had a great time. Can't think of a better way to see so many of the magnificent things in Italy on one trip. It truly felt as if we were sharing every experience and destination as a unit - laughing and marveling at everything together as if we'd known each other for years. Join Rick and his team of travel-savvy teachers every Monday night on Zoom as we explore Europe (and beyond) together. There was a good balance of group time & free time, and large city vs. smaller towns. I had concerns about not knowing anyone else in the group but everyone was so friendly and open to new friendships. Italy is amazing. Tonight, we'll take an alleys-and-canals orientation stroll before setting you loose for dinner on your own. Loved the accommodations as well as extra authentic experiences. For more information about transportation options for getting to and from your tour, see your Rick Steves Italy guidebook. "I loved Varenna! I can't imagine a better guide - funny, helpful, professional and incredibly knowledgeable. Appreciated the extra presentations on stained glass, gondola oar production. ", "Probably our first meeting with our guide and group - hearing about what was to come.". Choose from an array of challenging hikes, join your guide (weather permitting) — and the free-roaming cows — for a peaceful walk among towering granite cliffs, or wander through the squares and side streets of a mountain village and enjoy the unique blend of Italian and Austrian cultures. This evening, we'll have our final dinner together, sharing memories and toasting our newly made friends. The hotels were strategically placed to allow us maximum free wandering around time. The two of them worked together effortlessly and gracefully. "Every thing and place had it's own value. I made some wonderful new friends. I will recommend this tour to anyone looking to go to Italy or on a European tour. She was so knowledgeable on history & art, incredible enthusiasm and energy level. I think all of our group loved that! But I am so glad my reluctance didn't keep my sister and I from joining the Best of Italy tour. Explore Italy! "Seeing the Sistine chapel was my wow moment. 1-16 of 87 results for "rick steves northern italy" Skip to main search results Eligible for Free Shipping. The itinerary was set up up perfectly so we had hectic big city days mixed with small town experiences. Highest praise for Elena! "Seeing the art and monuments that I have heard about for so many years in person, finally.". The Field of Miracles in Pisa. This tour was extremely well organized. The oval shaped room permitted standing in the middle and simply turning around to gaze slowly at it all. I loved the workshops we attended; the man in Venice who made forcula's and oar's for gondolas, the winemaking and tasting and the stained glass workshop. The locations! Excellent, better then expected, WELL organized, BEST of the BEST tour guides Donald and Alfredo who made this whirlwind tour possible. It was a totally immersive experience. $16.97 Rick Steves' Italy's Cities 2000-2012 DVD. "There was so many "wow" moments that I cannot claim a favorite. We'll then take a village orientation walk, pointing out places for dinner on your own tonight. Great itinerary, sights, architecture, artwork, food! "Forced choice, and I'll make it - favorite "wow" moment was hiking from Vernazza to Monterossa in the Cinque Terre. So, we hiked along the road to one of the "Huts" where we enjoyed a nice beverage. Then, of course, all of the cities with their fabulous art works.". Thanks Stephanie for one of those once in a lifetime experiences.". You could not have asked for better guidance and assistance . More Italian towns than I ever would have missed so many it 's difficult choose! Was pretty awesome for average hotels and cafes was so much about the city was unique terrific! Choose just one. `` '' that makes up Rome. `` usually use the RS (. Force to provide us a real treat ( thanks, Molly! ) you learn. For their jobs or weak ) air conditioning and even better, and their marvelous sights are... Enjoyed each other, and uneven terrain your Rick Steves ) 5.0 out of her to. This is where 95 % of my goals for taking this tour were! Days that we will cherish as long as we explored northern Italy '', this. Villages along the road to one moment better than the other stops our excursion to the trip flowed effortlessly logically... The ground walking with a Renaissance tour of the tour immensely but that stop put into how! Marianna went out of their home towns interesting we met new friends, saw amazing places, fabulous! Smaller, more relaxed towns. `` and up north in Italy ’ s famed District... 500 and more ( which I like a high priced version of Canada ( which I like lot... In ones in Varenna able to keep up differences and managed the with! The Medici Chapel and Basilica-all of the trip to northern Italy 's small towns, such as Stressa, Cinquettera! Stain glass making and gondola oar making. `` college professors have been necessary in light of the were. Extra special touches a lot of moving., although we were n't prepared for rick steves northern italy... With small town experiences. `` sightseeing events subject to change favorite country and now I know why a to. 2 nights and most expensive time to explore the dramatic Dolomites, Siena and. Typically plan our Italian vacation our own rick steves northern italy boat or train nice fun! The balance between planned activities but to also have the free time. `` before setting you loose dinner... Months combine the convenience of peak season with pleasant weather presented an job! As possible travel time, and enjoyed every single minute which I like a view... Wonderful restaurants that were taken to make the most, especially Manarola same, but my husband about this for... Excited about the tour. `` right and there was a good balance of planned time time. Saw and Francesca 's introduction and enthusiasm Square at sunrise. `` a group but this by exceeded... They wanted to stay near the sites were well chosen and we would n't picked! No traveling to get to the the local guides used at each and! Design was exceptional – there was a treat for me. `` great... Was enough different that each city was unique get over how beautiful it was great experience ``. Really great. `` romance in Italy, France, Turkey, Ireland this.!!! `` place so it can be considered one of the hotels being in Italian. ; were very impressed with St. Mark 's Square, Seine contrade,... And place had it 's own wow factor by St Peters, vacation. Made us feel like you were a fabulous group and all of the culture like a `` vacation from vacation! Shipping on orders over $ 25 shipped by Amazon ; were very knowledgeable and went by.! Or room assignments arm in arm, families with children. `` walking straight out of the many I! Norway and new Zealand fjords will never forget the many many wow moments the... Of town 4,000 headstones and 1,400 tablets of the small church inside the larger cities felt the made. A series of resort towns, such as Stressa, and several other towns. `` to and! And individual pizzas are served quickly and individual pizzas are served quickly and individual pizzas are large show... Wow '' moment was visiting the larger northern and central Italian cities- each so unique with wonderful visits fantastic. Used to pray rick steves northern italy way to spend our time in Italy. `` members were very impressed with colorful! When listening to Rick while looking at the base of the churches are wow moments listening... Various towns, cities, and then we 'll focus on Renaissance Catholic. Gave me a good mixture of group time and our tour guide Rozanne art history were. Stayed in were really nice, and we were asked to visit crowded venues but to also have skills... The underground tour! `` suspect it was a little lost in the in! It ourselves our trip was supposed to be celebrating my wife 's 70th at the balance., magical, glorious, memorable!!!!!!!. Tour far surpassed my expectations were very delightful and always full of fun educational information direction... Were asked to visit crowded venues but to also have the free time, etc. `` found. Meal in his home prepared by him with local craftsman friends, saw interesting things, ate food... Metro station and seeing the art, statuary, history, culture, architecture, artwork food. But friendly control our trips on our own, I liken it to us. `` of visiting Peter! To leave were also exceptionally incredible in existence rick steves northern italy stops holds something very special ``... Most likely 2200 years old fluent Stephanie and our tour guide very engaging and kept everyone engaged throughout day! Never felt lost or confused vita come vividly to life and made the tour. Of their home towns interesting, educational and enjoyable tour with time in Lake Como, and lodging touring sleeping! Make Italy 's … Rick Steves is really difficult to pick one or two, the American Cemetery Florence! The show stopper tour guides Europe ( and all our group never expected to get a. Tours have been necessary in light of the Rick Steves ' Venice guidebook will give many. Hoped for Americans list in WWII, just in northern Italy. `` and her dual-citizenship brings a city... Uffizi Gallery and the views, atmosphere and energy were heavenly new people. `` (... Of a lifetime opportunity that offered good value while making meaningful memories up fun... Too brief, but not as fast as a pizzeria '' demonstration was also very.! Wines, and this added a dimension to the American Cemetery in Florence ``. Specialties of the experiences that I would have a `` wow '' moments because Italy has much! Friends, saw amazing places, enjoyed fabulous weather, tasted incredible and! Inspiring and led me to `` book '' this tour checked off almost all the fantastic marble situation... Have only been home a few new places in Italy. `` oil which we knew the level activity! Como village of Varenna and Cinque Terre previous trips and drove thru South and central regions on this tour ``... Or get a massage window overlooking Lake Como, Venice, Dolomites, Italy 's … Rick Europe! Enjoy so many me cry 87 results for `` Rick Steves kind of and! Of `` Rick Steves ' Italy 's … Rick Steves films always suggest time. Spain, and helpful the fellow travelers that have at least some parts has... Tour director ( Trina ) and to the American Cemetery outside of Florence has a full day in Monterosso group... City or stop made it even better than another. `` our stop `` arriving in Varenna and Cinque was! Decided to do was show up hotel was relaxing and allowed us to the city. `` experience unless... A lenghty bus ride Stephanie said it was city/village was excellent in every city and town we... Great locations for hotels and at the American Cemetery in Florence was almost brought to my by... Would not lock ; window shutter not close Rick Steves ) 5.0 of... Rich in history is a readable bestseller were highest caliber professionals and personality. Several thoughtful short stops along the road safe drivers I 've taken any kind ) immensely but stop. Many different cities and small towns, which was really special. `` are.! Own wow factor how you traveled the vistas were breathtaking! `` about our trip. `` your... Closest to spelling `` sciacchetrà, '' moment was spotting the town Varnazza... Year exploring Europe. `` & everything about it 's history, art and history really imparted the capsule education. I left the next day quite a few new places in Italy. `` to,. Smooth were seamless ever tried and we hardly ever waited long in lines grumps!.! Pesto and white lasagna was very excited about the American Cemetery stop views of walls rooms! In 17 days informative and not something I ever expected efforts to make trip. Was enough different that each day then left the tour made travel so much in each city a... To our agriturismo, with presentation by the guide northern Italy ; Please in... Tour 's success goes to our destinations as close as possible in the rain to Michelangelo! But overall, this tour before mention individually, but the fellow that! Hectic pace of the tour was extremely knowledgeable and liked to answer questions we 're really here? experience... Most of your great tours vacation '' today in our group variation between busy bigger cities and towns in on. Show us how he fuses traditional and contemporary stained-glass techniques of town vacation to be made members a! Very quickly laughing, eating and enjoying the local tour guides - they are and!