Travelers' reviews about Italy

4.5
20 reviews
Susan
5
Italy
Couple
Florence was very busy. We would not do the food tour again on the first day as much of what we did was repeated later. We did choose this but a Hop On Hop Off bus may have been a better choice. We liked our day trips out. Our guide to Sienna was particularly good at looking after seniors. We liked the private pickups from Pisa to Florence and from Florence back to Pisa.
Best parts:
It was well organized. Enrico's planning was faultless. He delivered everything we asked for.
Worst parts:
Also, the train from PISA to Rome was a bit challenging given we had a lot of luggage and are older and there were lots of steps to navigate. We found it hard to find the ****** Hotel ********* as there was another ****** Hotel close by. Once we found the right hotel it was a very good choice.
Snapshots
5
Italy
Solo
Under Evaneos' guidance and care, I visited Florence, Cinque Terre, Rome, Amalfi, Pisa, Tuscany, etc. It seemed like a whirlwind tour, but I had the time that I needed at every location! Well, like I said before, instead of 2 weeks, I should have spent 2 months! But I will, and Evaneos will DEFINITELY be the travel planner that I work with!!
Best parts:
Evaneos planned my trip to Italy so well that there was little for me to worry about! They made sure that I made it to every location on time with no stress. And the locations that they helped me choose were wonderful!! What I liked most about my trip was the visit to a vineyard. Oh my goodness! It was so wonderful!!
Worst parts:
I hated that the trip ended after only 2 weeks. One could spend 2 months in Italy under Evaneos' care and planning. When I retire, I intend to have Evaneos plan a 2 or 3 month stay in Italy (or any other location that I choose)1
Evaneos
We are so happy to read your feedback and look forward to speaking to you again in the future for your next adventure! :)
K&BRochester
5
Italy
Couple
Finding destinations was largely up to (a) information from Enrico and (b) our guides and transport partners. Top moments: hard to specify. Italy was all-new to us and one fascinating excursion after another.
Best parts:
We liked virtually everything about this trip (Including the spectacular weather particularly during the last few days). The guides on every outing were not only extremely knowledgeable but also fun to be with (and also flexible); the variety of Italian high points was a wonderful cross-section, culminating in the breathtaking Cinque Terre. A particular commendation for Enrico; an unfortunate event in our lives caused a last-minute change in our calendar, and he re-set the whole thing with patience, concern and thoroughness. Just a couple of slip-ups which were our own doing!
Worst parts:
Just one instance (from Pisa back to the Uffizi Gallery visit, Wednesday 9/26) where the connection in time between the two was too tight. Anything else (a lost jacket, for example) was our own fault.
First time
3
Italy
Solo
It was our first time to Italy. Rome was not what we expected, it’s dirty and full of graffiti. As above, driving through Naples isn’t a tour. Pompeii is very interesting, enjoyed the city. Again, not so much the tour or the guide. We loved Venice. It’s a beautiful city. We will go back to Venice some day.
Best parts:
The hotels were perfect, especially the one in Venice.
Worst parts:
The tour company (the local supplier) was extremely disorganized. I wouldn’t go with them again. The time at each destination was rushed and disorganized. Also including Naples as part of the tour is a big stretch as driving through the city doesn’t count as s your in my opinion.
Vacation of a Lifetime!
5
Italy
Couple
While we enjoyed everything about Italy, the opportunity to invite our two adult children to accompany us for a week so they too could get a glimpse of their heritage and see where their grandparents and great grandparents lived was priceless. For us the most satisfying part of our trip. All the while, Enrico stayed in touch by email to see how things were going and to get us lined up for the coming day's events. Well done, Enrico!
Best parts:
Beautiful country to visit. We saw many unique and amazing historical sites and artistic masterpieces. Enrico did a great job in lining up hotels within our budget and tours to many wonderful places. Food was fantastic! Service for the most part was very good. Prior to starting our tour in Roma, we were able to visit our home village in Abruzzo (Castel del Monte) with our children and had an opportunity to show them a little about their heritage. We all want to go back there again some day as the people were so friendly and welcoming.
Worst parts:
While most tours were great and the guides friendly, knowledgeable and professional, there were a couple of things we think could be improved upon: 1) Our first tour, Main Square of Rome. We were to meet at the Piazza del Popolo in front of the church of Santa Maria del Popolo. We did not expect there would be 3 churches there all named Santa Maria and so we waited at the twin churches there not knowing there was another church across the piazza and consequently we missed out on the tour. We tried to call the emergency number provided but there was no answer. We would suggest the directions include more detailed information so that this does not occur on future tours. 2) In Venezia, we went on a boat trip to Morano, Burano and Torcello. While they were beautiful islands to visit we felt very rushed to stay on schedule. We ended up eating a sandwich on the run to catch the boat and barely got to see any of the islands' sites. We might suggest either allowing more time for this tour or only visiting 1 or 2 islands. 3) While we requested small group tours some of the tours numbered over 100 participants. Please understand, we are not complaining, but only offering our observations in the hopes that these tours can be made a little better.
MasstoItaly2018
5
Italy
Family
This was the first time to Italy for 3 of the 4 travelers so everything was a new experience. Venice and Cinque Terre were the favorites, but Lake Como (Bellagio) and Siena were a very close second. The Leaning Tower of Pisa was something you had to see but it was really too commercialized. We saw Italy by train, boat, car and foot - very unique.
Best parts:
Everything was wonderful. All reservations, tour guides, tickets, etc.. were as expected. The tour guides were informative and prompt. It was extremely helpful to have had the train tickets pre purchased and seats reserved. All hotel rooms had Air conditioning - and it was needed as it was very hot!
Worst parts:
If I had one complaint it would be that one of the tour guides (for Siena) didn't set us up with a recommendation on where to eat. There are so many places and so many people. All of the other tour guides that we have had great suggestions - and one even joined us for lunch.
Ann from Canada
4
Italy
Couple
Three weeks in Italy. Carpineto Romano, Venice, Florence and Tuscany, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Rome. Wonderful!
Best parts:
Discovering so many new things, in a country completely new to me. Having all our transportation needs arranged for us (by Evaneos). The courtesy and attentiveness of our agent to our requirements.
Worst parts:
We found that we had overestimated our energy level when it came to the day tours. After our first 10-hour day in Tuscany, we had ro forego the next day's tour (which would likely have been even better) because we were so exhausted. We did, however, take the third day tour to Pisa and thoroughly enjoyed it. Keep in mind, we had already spent over a week in Carpineto Romano and Venice, walking, walking..... Lesson learned :-)
Evaneos
Hello Ann, Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback regarding your recent trip to Italy. I am happy to hear that overall your experience was great. Sometimes visiting many sights can become exhausting, sounds like you still enjoyed your time despite having to forego one of the tours. Hoping to see you in the future here at Evaneos :) Regards, Philip
Laura Donati
5
Italy
Family
We arrived to Rome in the morning and we started to know this beautiful city, for three days we enjoyed the monuments, paintings and sculptures. We loved the fountains, coliseum and the pantheon. Then we take the train to Venice we’re enjoy the water taxi and the gondola. Was really beautiful the food and the people was great. After 2 days we take the train to Florence ( my favorite city) everyday something amazing 😉 the food, the little towns, the people and the views was stopped breathing! We have the life time trip 😊 and we planning the next. Thank you so much to Enrico, he make this trip unforgettable.
Best parts:
We love everything! Nothing was wrong!
Evaneos
Hello Laura, Thank you for positive feedback regarding your trip to Italy. Looks like the agent created the perfect itinerary for you and your family :) Hoping that we can be of service to you for any of your future travel plans. Best regards, Philip
Lisette
5
Italy
Friends
We were a group of three that traveled to Palermo, Sorrento and the Amafi Coast. We stayed at the new BnB In Centro, which was a more contemporary hotel that had a big, spacious room for us and staff that was absolutely fantastic. They really made our trip special in Sicily. We then had a special one day trip from Naples to Sorrento and then onward to Amafi where our driver introduced us to his hometown restaurants, sites and experience. We could not have asked for a more special ride, as the local stories and tips were memorable. The trip ended in Amafi with a stay at Hotel Antico Convitto. This hotel was centrally located with extremely nice staff.
Best parts:
Every part of the trip was well planned and exactly what we were looking for. BnB In Centro in Palermo and Hotel Antico Convitto in Amafi were wonderful hotels. The staff were friendly and extremely accommodating to all of our needs. We really appreciated the personal touches and local tips as we traveled across Sicily and the Amafi Coast. I would highly recommend Evaneos and the local agency to any traveler looking to create their own tailored adventures.
Sammi
5
Italy
Family
We concentrated on Florence and Rome with side trips to Sienna and Cassino. Though the weather for the first 1/2 was a bit rainy, it did not slow us down. Our hotel in Florence was absolutely spectacular. I don't think there could be a better one that addressed our needs! 2 blocks from il Doumo (we could see the dome) and yet super quite as we faced away from the street. We walked everywhere. Our day guide for Florence was wonderful and informative. Our wine tour and dinner into Chianti was lovely. Our driver from Florence to Italy was absolutely amazing. He talked us into a quick stop at San Gimignano, and we are over the top happy that he did. Not to be missed! We then spent time in Sienna and it all just made us want to come back for more. Rome was Rome. Big, bustling, exciting, lots of people and sights to see! Our guide for the Vatican was also wonderful, as was the one that took us on our last evening tour of the squares. Both super informative. We did visit the Coliseum and Forum as part of a 'small group'. it was still about 15 people and though totally acceptable and expected, we both realized we had been totally spoiled by the private tours! One of our highlights was by the Exclusive wine pairing dinner. Though my mother had been tired from a day of walking all over, this was simply not to be missed and are so happy we included it in our experience! The Casa Bleve was simply outstanding in every respect. From appetizers and Prosecco in their wine cellar next to the 1st century Roman wall, to the cacio e pepe, to the phenomenal service, to the guide (Alessandra)...all beyond expectations! I am grateful the date mix up was corrected for so as not I've attached a few photos from the trip. So other than the two issues I mention above, all else was fabulous!
Best parts:
That it was almost thought free. With all the pre-planning done and receiving of emails the night before with who our guide would be for the next day...it was effortless. Also, personal guides for just my mother and I were absolutely amazing and totally spoiled us!
Worst parts:
There were 2 issues with the planning: 1. On 16 May, we were scheduled in the evening for an exclusive dinner and wine paring. When we met the guide from Carrani, she said that they did not have us booked for that night, but for 16 JUNE! After about 15 minutes on the phone with the restaurant (Casa Bleve), it was agreed that they could bring 2 extra people, but it was very close that they could not. This was distressing at the time. 2. On the final day, 19 May, we were supposed to have private transportation using 'modern and luxurious cars and limousines' as quoted on our voucher. The driver showed up in an ordinary shuttle van. Quite disappointing way to end an otherwise spectacular trip.
Evaneos
Dear Jacqueline, Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on your trip to Italy. Seems that overall your trip was fantastic, other then the couple of hiccups experienced with the one dinner and wine pairing evening and the transport at the end of your trip. This type of feedback allow both Evaneos and our agent to to investigate these issues, so that they do not happen in the future. Best regards
Honeymoon
5
Italy
Couple
We had a great honeymoon. Arrived in Rome, went to Florence, went to Venice, ended in Milan. All in all it was a once in a lifetime trip for us.
Best parts:
The private tours were great!
Worst parts:
Some of the group tours had way too many people, and one of them didn't have a tour guide.
TexasItalians
4
Italy
Couple
We wove our way down from Milan down to the bay of Naples, visiting lots of small towns along the way.
Best parts:
We loved the sites / towns selected to visit. We used a driver every day and that worked out well. The hotels were centrally located.
Worst parts:
Part of the plan was not efficient. We drove through Perugia on our way to Siena, yet our travel agent had us scheduled to return to Perugia, Cortona and Assisi on another day from Siena. It wasn't efficient. We were unhappy with one of the hotels selected - Michelangelo in Sorrento.
Italia Italia
5
Italy
Couple
Everything was well arranged and all services on time. We thank Enrico and his team for their efforts.
Best parts:
My wife and I both believe that trip along Amalfi coast and Capri were the best part of our vacation. Sorrento and area are beautiful and we hope to return there again.
Worst parts:
we were not satisfied with our hotel in Florence. If that was a 3 star hotel then next time we should go for a 4 star.
no photos
5
Italy
Friends
Hotel was great
Best parts:
THE GUIDES AND DRIVERS WHERE ALWAYS THERE AND ON TIME.
Worst parts:
Crowds
Italy2017
5
Italy
Couple
An amazing trip filled with tours and lots of history. Not having to worry about anything and having our agent Enrico accessible via email was also a bonus. Italy was beautiful and we hit all the recommended key areas all previously organized for us.
Best parts:
Not having to worry about anything. Having it all organized. From pick up to tours and hotels. Amazing.
Worst parts:
Nothing.