Hi- My trip is booked from Sept. 22 - Oct. 2. Just wondering when I can expect to receive more details on the actual trip itineary ie: hotel info, packing guidelines time frame of tours? Also, can anyone advise on how helpful the tour guides are in directing people to sites during free time? Thanks

Hey Laura,

I am booked on the August 30 tour ... but what I have been hearing is that you don't receive your travel documents until about 30 days before your trip. For what I have been reading, and from a girl on my tour who has been on a trip with Contiki, the guides are really knowledgable and helpful in guiding you to great spots, inexpensive resaurants and cafes, etc. Hope this helps. have a great trip.

Shawna

Thanks, you too!!

Laura,

I did this tour in July 07 and had a blast. The tour manager was awesome.

I'm a big fan of Italian Soccer and wanted to get to stadiums in almost every place we stopped. He was able to give me train and bus timetables with what stops to get on and off, directions to and from the train and bus stations and also what cafe's and restaurants are in the area when we got there.

You will find that the tour will take you most places you would expect to go unless of course there is something in the niche you want to see or do.

In terms of restaurants, cafe's, pubs/bars and clubs, you'll go to a couple of the Contiki places but the tour manager will give you directions to other local hot spots.

If you're into shopping (mainly in Milan) the tour manager will take you quite close to the shopping district that is usually near the main sites anyway (again, especially in Milan). Girls on my tour went nuts spending in Milan but it is quite expensive.

If you're going to be out all night clubbing, make sure you take a business card from the front desk at your hotel so the cab driver knows where to take you and you don't have to worry about poor or no Italian. You get a bit of free time but not a great deal 'cause the tour is full on with a lot to see in a 2 week period.

Hope this helps,

Al