Amazing sights, great food, but accommodations/communication leave a lot lacking I took this trip expecting to see a lot, four countries in 10 days. Knowing we'd be on the move was expected and I was looking forward to getting to see so many locations on one trip. My trouble started early on tho, with a delayed flight causing me to miss my transfer to the airport. I'd communicated with the tour company, who insisted it was my fault and I had to take a taxi at my own expense to the first hotel. Not a great way to start a trip. The hotel we stayed at started an unfortunate trend, as every one is far outside the city center and quite dated. Black mold in showers was common, as was one power outlet per room and no air conditioning/windows that didn't open. I understand options to lodge so many people may be limited, but moldy bathrooms and hot rooms aren't acceptable at this price point. The locations being far from city centers prevent you from going out in the city at night to have nice meals/shop, and there are often no/very limited food options near these hotels and even they may be closed by the time you reach hotels. Perhaps an upgrade to nicer hotels could be offered. Also unfortunate is the bus that you are sometimes on for 5+ hours at a time to reach different countries has no wifi, even though its advertised to have it, and there are no power outlets at your seat. Having said all this, I felt the sites themselves were beautiful and amazing. I loved the cities we saw, and felt this trip helped me plan where to come back to and spend more time. Grindelwald and the Alps were a big highlight.
This was my absolute favorite of the 3 tours i took. Pete is very smart and passionate about all things in Rome. I am definitely returning and hope to take more tours with Pete.
Great walking in an area where there are few foreign visitors. Puglia and Matera are areas that are not well known in Canada. We booked the trip based on the interesting walks amongst olive orchards and vineyards that were advertised. What we didn't realize is all the history in the area. From the cave dwellings of the Sassi to the Trulli houses of Alberobello it is a different world. The hiking routes were quite quiet with few other walkers encountered. It was a nice break from some of the busier areas of Italy. The food and drink in the area is fantastic. Marinella took us to some amazing restaurants (and created fantastic picnics) that only a local would know. All in all it was a fantastic trip. My only regret was that it was only a week. We could have stayed longer.