Rome Florence Venice
(25 Reviews)
100% Recommended
Daniel Oppliger
Davis, CA
Group Travel Expert
Travel Specialist in River Cruises in Turkey and China. Dan Oppliger knows all about group travel, as he has hosted group tours the world over. He has visited 60 countries, and has guided tours extensively throughout Chile, China, Costa Rica and ...
Travel Specialist in River Cruises in Turkey and China. Dan Oppliger knows all about group travel, as he has hosted group tours the world over. He has visited 60 countries, and has guided tours extensively throughout Chile, China, Costa Rica and Turkey.
As a travel agent and adviser, he has also managed group travel to destinations in Argentina and Chile. As a travel agent and tour guide, Dan specializes in river cruises with top vendors, such as Avalon. He likes Avalon, as it features roomy cabins and beds that face the water. For groups, Ama Waterways makes it real easy to reserve and hold you space until you get organized.
Therefore, Dan can help you with all your group travel needs, as he knows how to balance out an itinerary. He will help your group avoid the tourist traps while including fun activities on your travel schedule, such as evening shows.Ask Dan about activities, such as yachting adventures, bicycle rental, or specialized programs.
He can assist with group travel for both large and small groups – private and organizational. In his role as travel agent specialist, Dan can make any tour more casual and exciting. He can find just the right suppliers to cater to your travel needs, whether you travel with a group or on your own. Do you want to visit the floating markets of Asia?
Maybe you want to sample Turkish cuisine. In either case, you can book a vacation that will give you the opportunity to realize your travel dreams.Dan knows how to negotiate with vendors so you can get a river cabin or hotel upgrade without paying extra. Seek his advice and guidance to book a one-of-a-kind river cruise or to plan a unique travel experience.
Contact him today for all the details.
Can Be Reached At
1-915-280-2922
Pizza and Salad in Venice. Yes we are lost.
We have personally travelled this route and have booked clients on it, so I want to say a few words and drop some hints. This can be done as a couple or as a group tour with one of Travel Leaders suppliers.
To Rome. Spend the money and take a transfer from the airport to your hotel in the city center. Most locations are good as you will be moving around in Rome. The area near the train station is the low rent district, you may not want to stay there.
On individual tours a ticket on the Big Red Bus, or Green bus is usually included. You do a big loop of Rome and hop on/off at the Parthenon, Spanish Steps, Coliseum, The Vatican, Trevi Fountain and so forth. It is best to have your travel advisor arrange you tours to St. Peter's and the Sistine Chapel in advance. You will have a skip the line ticket and a set time for you visit. The lines are very long otherwise. With a coach tour this will be included and they will have extras such as pre-pubic entry or maybe a meal served in one of the historic buildings.
At the train station arrive about 30 minutes before departure. Validate your ticket and be very aware of your surroundings. Gypsies abound and pretend to be very helpful to older couples. Do not stop and engage them and guard your things. This is why a coach tour may be better. We have had clients do the train trip without problems, but we tell them about the gypsies. Also plan a mid-day trip. Fares are lower and besides that you hotel wants you out by 11:00 and you cannot check into the next place before 3 pm.
In Florence you can walk to your hotel or try a taxi or Uber. Private transfers are pricey here and in Venice. In Florence you will have a walking tour, probably some coach tour to nearby Pisa, San Gimignano, Sienna, Assisi or Cinque Terra. There are plenty of places to dine at all price levels. Soak in the history and art work. Again, we can arrange you museum visits ahead of time, or on a coach tour you have no worries. There are a wide variety of tours available from Florence including cooking classes and evening foodie tours.
Into Venice by train is a snap. Getting to you hotel may be tricky. Streets are narrow and not well marked. Keep looking and you will see a name painted on the side of buildings. Get a map. It is a good idea to have a phone with gps and maps that can access the network without roaming fees. We use T-Mobile and have no roaming fees for data. Getting lost in Venice happens to all. Okay, you can have a porter walk you to your hotel, or take a water taxi to the correct station and walk the rest of the way. Private transfers are expensive. If you are on a coach tour, they will stop at the bus station and get you too your hotel.
In Venice there is a lot of walking, stairs, places to eat. Some tours are pre-set if you are by yourself to give you an overview of the city. The water ferries are easy to work as long as you do not arrive on a Sunday when the information booths are closed! It is best to take an intro tour by water or walking. They you can explore on your own your second day there.
To leave you need to find your way back to the bus station and take a bus to one of the two airports. The bus station is across from the train station over one of those bridges with ramps and stairs. A suitcase with wheels is important. If on a coach tour, they manage all these logistics for you.
The food is great. They have three/four course dinners at a set price with wine at many places. There is always pizza or pasta with salad. Coca-Cola with real sugar and wine to drink.
These three places are great to explore. Allow a minimum of 2 nights in Rome and Venice and three in Florence. Allow more time in Rome and Florence if you have it.
Italy is a great place to visit.