The Decision
Choosing the Trip
After hearing Rick speak at the travel show, my interest was definitely piqued about exploring Italy. Rick’s enthusiasm and passion for Italy, his appreciation of its quirks and everything that makes it magnificent, intrigued me.
I grabbed a tour catalog and studied it (as well as the Ricksteves.com website). The Tour Experience DVD was a great way to get an idea of what to expect from a Rick Steves tour. I knew that I needed to give Florence its proper due, so I chose the itinerary that gave me the best exposure to seeing this city and the major highlights of Italy. The verdict: Best of Venice, Florence & Rome in 10 Days.
When Mom heard about the trip, she was really excited and we decided that we would now make it a mother/daughter trip. I shared our travel plans with my sister who is serving overseas in Germany and the timing worked for her family to meet us during our dates in Rome. The wheels were now in motion and we would make this a progressive mini-family reunion, wrapping up the trip in Germany, with a quick visit to Belgium. All-in-all, it would be 20 days. The pieces were falling into place and I couldn't wait for it to start.
I grabbed a tour catalog and studied it (as well as the Ricksteves.com website). The Tour Experience DVD was a great way to get an idea of what to expect from a Rick Steves tour. I knew that I needed to give Florence its proper due, so I chose the itinerary that gave me the best exposure to seeing this city and the major highlights of Italy. The verdict: Best of Venice, Florence & Rome in 10 Days.
When Mom heard about the trip, she was really excited and we decided that we would now make it a mother/daughter trip. I shared our travel plans with my sister who is serving overseas in Germany and the timing worked for her family to meet us during our dates in Rome. The wheels were now in motion and we would make this a progressive mini-family reunion, wrapping up the trip in Germany, with a quick visit to Belgium. All-in-all, it would be 20 days. The pieces were falling into place and I couldn't wait for it to start.
Going the Tour Route:
Having traveled to Europe, Asia and Latin America on my own for both work and fun, I have usually felt pretty comfortable traveling independently but for some reason, I was a little intimidated with the idea of Italy. As I contemplated my next trip to Europe, it made sense that a Rick Steves' tour might be the way to go. Here are my 'Elite 8' reasons why:
1. Great itineraries
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