Rome, Naples, & the Amalfi Coast - 9 Days
Italy
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Apr 1 - Apr 8, 2023
Local guides were quite wonderful and very knowledgeable. Giuseppe, who was our guide for Roman Colosseum, Amalfi coast and Pompeii and Vesuvius was beyond great. Paolo was knowledgeable but challenging to understand. Roberto, who gave us our tour of the Vatican Museum, was just okay. Darrio, who gave us Roman food tour, was outstanding.
Communication from Eleni could have been more timely (we got info like a day or two before) in terms of final tour details. We also felt we should have been better informed about long walks to hotels. We DID NOT get bus drivers to/from Rome who gave us details on the trip as the itinerary suggested.
Overall, we felt it was well-planned but lacking in those "special" details that would have really made a difference.
Hotel Reviews
Staff was fine, but hotel facility was less than ideal. Shower was very small. Breakfast that was promised was some rolls and pastries in a bag on our hotel door. This was not a breakfast - not even a Continental bkfst.
If in a large group, your van or bus will not be able to bring you to hotel. You will need to walk a fair distance, uphill, on cobblestone roads, to arrive. Breakfast was high quality. Reception staff could have been more helpful.
Giuseppe, at front desk, was amazingly helpful and knowledgeable. Room was high quality. Comfy bed.
Activity Reviews
Guide was excellent and so were the food choices.
This guide was so knowledgeable and friendly, well-adapted to dealing with issues as they arose, sensitive to our group's needs.
The Vatican Museum, St. Peter's Basilica, and contents are simply breathtaking. Having a guide is worth the cost just for the opportunity to skip lines.
Lemon Grove experience is not to be missed
Pompeii and Vesuvius were great. The winery experience was just okay, a bit basic. I would have preferred a quick lunch somewhere and more time at Pompeii, Vesuvius and Herculaneum.
The San Severo Chapel and Duomo are not to be missed. The Veiled Christ may be one of the most amazing art items you will ever see. The walking food tour could be better organized in terms of what food we received - less touristy and more of the food that locals would eat.
Pizza guide, Claudio, was simply amazing. He was kind, engaging, knowledgeable, funny, comfortable and inspiring. You might think you know how to make a pizza, but you have much to learn from this experience.
