Anyone here ever take a Rick Steve's tour?

[Paper Roses]

Big changes in my life these last 18 months. I have been thinking lately that I would like to go to Italy while I am still able.

My late husband and I planned to go this spring but life has a way of changing your plans. He died unexpectedly and I am now alone. Yes, it is lonely and I miss him terribly but I think he would approve.

We would have gone as independent travelers but since I will be alone, I have been thinking about a tour. Not interested in the hop-on-the-bus, if it's Tuesday it must be Belgium type of tour. I would like to go with a group that is willing to truck around and see the sights. I am a Senior but, at least for now, I am in good health and can walk and lug a suitcase as necessary.

The RS tours are not cheap but seem to get pretty good reviews. I am thinking of the Venice, Florence, Rome tour.

Any thoughts?

[alstephenson]

1. Go for it!

I've watched his show, but don't know anyone who's been on one of his tours. If you go, please let us know if you enjoyed yourself. I'm so sorry for the loss of your husband - and of course he would approve. Take care.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

2. I'm single and have taken two group tours, neither of them Rick Steves

The second one, to attend a music festival in England, was great. We toured during the day, but it wasn't a follow-the-guide type of tour. Instead, the leader gave us a lecture while on the bus and then turned us loose at each stop, saying, "Be back here at x o'clock."

I hate being herded around, so it was perfect for me.

The advantage of taking a group tour as a single is that you always have someone to talk to and have meals with. The disadvantage is that you don't interact with the locals as much.

[raccoon]

3. What companies were these tours with? nt

[northoftheborder]

4. Your post was months ago, but I just found it, and wanted to respond>>>

in case you are still looking for trip ideas. I want to recommend Road Scholar Tours. They used to be called Elder hostel. They are geared toward middleage to seniors who love to travel as well as learn things about the culture. I often have to travel without a partner, because my friends often have husbands who are ailing, they are ailing, or not able to get around very well, and other reasons. I am still in pretty good shape, and not finished with traveling. Often there are other single people on these tours. They are inexpensive when compared to many other tours, usually stay in reasonably priced hotels, not luxury, have in-country guides, and I have found the people who go on the Road Scholar tours to generally be the most fascinating and interesting people. You have to pay a single supplement for a private room, but it is not unreasonable. Check into Road Scholar. It is online, and has hundreds of tours going on year around, around the world.

[elleng]

5. SO HAPPY you posted about RoadScholar, north!

Just took one to Paris, had a fine time, and looking forward to others.

Think I'll do a p.m. to original poster.