Northern Italy Including Cinque Terre Reviews

Although there were some good features of this tour overall I was not happy with it. The tour relied on too many optional extras. The optional tours/activities were very good but expensive and more of them should have been included in the high price paid for the tour. Included visits to ham and cheese factories were not interesting and involved too ...read more much uncomfortable standing around for ages in cold, uncomfortable conditions. A lot of the time I felt that I was paying to be tortured. The hotel for the final night was not near public transport so required an expensive taxi fare to get to the station. The tour guide worked very hard to help people and her organisation was very good. She was very conscientious, enthusiastic and kind.

The accommodation offered on this tour was exceptional except for just one destination. The meals included were adequate except for Be My Guest Dinner - don't know who they think they were kidding! I felt there were more inclusions on the previous Trafalgar 'Imperial Europe' tour we did a couple of years ago. I couldn't see the point in busing from ...read more Varese to Milan and walking past the beautiful Milan Gothic Cathedral without visiting, but that is one persons' opinion. Perhaps more advantageous if this tour's starting point was Milan instead of wasting much of the first day arriving and then transferring to Varese only to return to Milan the following day for sightseeing and free time! We paid approx. AUD $670 extra for 4 optional tours which I may add we totally enjoyed, however at least 2 of these perhaps should have been included. Just an opinion.

Covered lots of ground in a short time... Quick paced !!!! Included all that the various places offered and were known for and then some. Certainly the Welcome Dinner was a surprise with all the food and grog that was laid on. Parma tastings were such fun and the local tour guides were excellent.. but could not go past our most helpful, thoughtful ...read more and informed Trafalgar Guide who was originally from South Australia !! How good was that ?? Her knowledge on all was more than through and she did not dwell on excess history, but more of what we were all interested in... Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta are not to be missed. Islands close enough to enjoy and see all at leisure and Lake Orta very unspoiled. Everyone should make time to see the Cinque Terra a bucket list MUST!! A broad group of travellers from all over who all mixed so very well making a perfect week's holiday!! Georgie's help prior to leaving was most helpful and I do thank her for her time and efforts. Altogether a pleasant experience and to continue for weeks after the tour in Northern Italy during Expo was a joy.

The tour was interesting and very well organised, all the optional tours were excellent. The trip encompassed much more than the program indicated. Lake Orta option was outstanding, time in Stresa and Genoa interesting, even poor weather in Cinque Terra was overcome so we had great views. Our guide Deborah was efficient and helpful always. Coach was ...read more cramped on right hand side and exit steps at back extremely steep with poor handrail or grip on one side only. Accommodation excellent except in La Spezia which was basic with poor noise insulation. Food was always good and plentiful. All in all a very good tour, well organised and not rushed.