samantha1

The day with All Around Italy was great too. The only thing that I was initially disappointed with was we were supposed to stop at Sorrento but stopped along the way on the Amalfi Coast instead for a taste of lemon ice and pictures. However, instead of Sorrento we ate lunch at a wonderful restaurant Da Constantino I think in Positano (not included in the tour price) and it was an unexpected surprise. It was a highlight for my husband. Also, we had an issue getting back to port on time. Our tour guide got us back to port in plenty of time but for some reason the traffic getting to the ship itself came to a standstill. No one was moving. (might have been because the new RC ship with 6000 passengers had to be back at the same time???) When we were directed out of port after sitting there for 1/2 hour, the guide ditched the car and literally walked us to the ship.

As far as the Vatican, we had a private tour of the Sistine Chapel, St. Peters Basilica and the museums. We were there for about 2.5 hours. You could spend days. We had purchased the tickets on our own for a timed slot but she handled all the logistics when we got there. It's definitely cost effective when you have that many people. You'd end up paying that much for other tours and this was more personal. Unless you just get their walking tour...

Thank you again for all this great information! Based on your review, I’ve booked a Easitalytours for a private tour of the Vatican Museum and St Peter’s Basilica. Like you said, I will purchase the tickets for a time slot!

Looking forward to next July! Now we just need a hotel walking distance to the Vatican Museum!,

We used AllaroundItaly in Florence and loved the tour! Ask for Fabricio if you can get him. He was fantastic, so friendly, and he made history very entertaining. Tailored the tour to our wants and needs, which was great as my daughters were younger at the time. It was like seeing Italy with your Italian cousin. Would not hesitate to book with him again.

Thank you! It’s wonderful that we can read reviews and ask our fellow travelers questions! I’m excited about our choice! We are traveling with our kids and grandkids, and they are so excited! Looks like I made a good choice!!

Hi

Actually it was one of the best days we had and it worked out perfectly. We actually ended up having a third couple join us right before we left as their tour got cancelled and she had seen my postings on the roll call and the tour co. accommodated all six of us and luggage. The price was 550 euros for pickup at port, the colosseum tour, drive to Vatican and vatican tour of all pertinent bldgs. We got picked up at 7:30 am and dropped at hotel around 3 pm ish. Luckily the hotels were in same area otherwise it might have been more for extra stops. They also drove us around a bit to see some of the other sites as the add-on couple only had that day in Rome and had this arrangement in an email. Not sure if it was part of the deal but they did it. Also, they took us to a restaurant that was really good (we all paid--not incl). The tour guide was amazing and very animated and passionate about what she knew. We were at the Colloseum by 9, before it got really hot and crowded. Lines weren't bad. Right into the Vatican (timed ticket). We split it 3 ways, 182 Euros per couple and then added tip so around 200 euros. It would have cost a little less than that for just ride from port. Everyone that we spoke to on our ship was sorry that they didn't arrange something like this beforehand. The ship's excursion was similar but more money per person and sold out and didn't do both sites completely. We used Easitalytours.com. Silvia was very helpful. Unfortunately right now I can't remember the guide's name. The price didn't change with more people so definitely worth it to split. I think I heard someone say that the lines weren't bad at the Colloseum in the afternoon on that free Sunday but again, you'd be doing it on your own. The tour guides bring it alive. I did learn a valuable lesson. No matter how much research you do, in big cities, a tour like this is invaluable for the ease of travel and information and I'm usually a very frugal (not cheap) person. If you are going to see it, see it right. It's hard to read stuff in a book. I hope this helps you. Definitely see if you can share the cost. Your situation is identical to ours. Good luck. We used All Around Italy for our tour to Positano from the Naples port and they were very good too. Didn't price this tour with them as I booked Rome first but maybe they would have done something similar.

Glad it all went well! Quick question; we booked a Livorno (Florence) and Naples tour with All Around Italy; based on the good reviews of Trip Advisor. How did you like them? Also, when you say Vatican tour, did you mean Vatican Museum? Did you have a private tour? We are going to be traveling with our son and his family (7 of us in all).

Thank you for your review!

We are looking for a hotel walking distance to the Vatican. We plan to tour the Basilica in the morning before heading off to Civitavecchia for a cruise. Looks like there are many choices.....just hoping for recommendations! We are a multigenerational family traveling together....3 children and 4 adults. Thanks in advance!

We are going to be in Rome next July pre-cruise. We want to be walking distance to St.Peter’s Basilica. We will be with 3 children under 13. Any good recommendations?

Just got off of Equinox this morning and since we were "walk offs" I cannot confirm the timing of putting out luggage but I CAN confirm the 7am room vacate notice.

WE are on a Celebrity cruise in June, and just found out our return flight was moved up a few hours. When you are a walk-off, does that mean you can walk off with your luggage between 7-7:30? We need to get off the ship asap!!

Thanks!

After much research, we also decided to rent a car in Juneau, drive to the Shrine, and Mendenhall Glacier! We will have plenty of time to drive around and explore! We leave for Alaska on Monday, June 23rd, so we are very excited!!

We are just starting to research an Alaska cruise, and was wondering which route is the best one for someone who has never been to Alaska. Also, which land tours have you all liked best.

Thanks