Italy Group Tours?

[SMgal]

My husband suggested that we go to Italy on a group tour (probably to save money)- I'm not CRAZY about the idea (afraid of getting stuck with people and stuff I don't like), but am up for any kind of travel right now- especially to ITALY! Has anyone done a group tour to Italy or Europe that they could recommend? Maybe I'm being neurotic, but I'm scared to just pick ANY tour off the internet!

[Sashi]

Me and my DH are going to Italy in May 2007. We decided against a tour group because it's our 'honeymoon' and we didn't want to be bothered either. I don't know if it was a great idea to not use a tour as we aren't great travelers but I've been told that the following companies are ok:

ABC Tours (cheapest but you have to belong......pm me if you want me to forward you their catalog)
Trafalgar (i was told these guys get you first in line everywhere)
Globus (my travel agent rated them #1)

Everyone has told me that the majority of people on these tours are ages 50+ and everyone that has told me about these tours have been 50+. I did read a while back on WC a girl went on a tour of Italy for her honeymoon and it was a younger group that let you explore on your own and just got you from destination to destination, i don't know the name of it and if I did, we would have gone with them. Good luck.......sorry that i'm no help!

[meatpie]

I think Sonicstef went to Italy with trafalgar? But I could be wrong...

I know a high-end tour company but it is more geared toward active travelers. That could lower the age limit, but if you don't like to walk or bike may not be for you. Plus, it's really expensive...

http://www.butterfield.com/
Sample Italian itinerary:
Never heard of Piemonte (aka Piedmont)? You’re not alone, and we’re thrilled about it – because it means we’re virtually alone as we pedal small roads through the most prestigious vineyards in Italy, stay in elegant small hotels, and eat the kind of luxuriously rustic food that has earned this region more Michelin stars than any other in the country.

In spite of the renown of its Barolo and Barbaresco wines, Piemonte is relatively undiscovered – and maybe that’s why the people seem so relaxed and modest. Of course, all modesty dissipates when they’re waxing poetic about their land; the spectacular beauty of the Langhe and Roero hills, and the abundance that hails from them. On an unforgettable afternoon with a real trifulao, you’ll hunt for the greatest bounty of all: the prized white truffle of Alba.



Trip Highlights:
•
Enjoy Turin, Piemonte’s capital city and host of the 2006 Winter Olympics
•
Bike among orchards and forests in the Monferrato hills
•
Enjoy Michelin-starred meals and visit the birthplace of the Slow Food movement
•
Bike to the hill town of Mango, where a lunch and tour await in the town’s formidable castle
•
Enjoy a grape- or wine-based treatment at Relais San Maurizio’s luxury spa

Trip Length: 6 days/5 nights
Start/Finish: Turin/Turin

[SMgal]

Thankyou ladies!

Your suggestions have been helpful! :)