Hi, I'm planning on taking a train from Rome to Ireland, and I was just curious as to whether anyone is doing the Tuscany tour and then the Southern Ireland tour. Because travelling by train, underground chunnel, and ferry are pretty awesome, considering the scenery I'll be seeing. JUst wondering if anyone was taking a big leap like I have.

Hi, I'm also planning to do the Tuscany tour on the same dates in May and travel by train to London afterwards for independent travel. I've done the Simply Italy tour several years ago with Contiki and loved it, but want to explore more of Tuscany as its such a gorgeous area.

Is there any chance, you'd like to travel together? It's probably safer than alone.I'm leaving the day the Tuscany Tour ends and taking the Eurorail for a couple days from Rome - Milan - Paris - Liverpool - Dublin. Ferry and chunnel in there as well. Going to Dublin won't be a problem for me. But if you'd like company until London, I'd be happy and greatful for it.

Hi, I'm still fighting with dates to match up with the Tuscany tour (as I will be travelling in Spain prior to the Tuscany tour). I'm definitely interested in having a travelling buddy from Rome to London, so will let you know as soon as I have my commitments firmed up.

That would be awesome. I don't mind travelling alone, but it is safer traveling in pairs, we can dodge creepy men together, or double team them with our purses. Hopefully you get your dates organized. I had a little bit of trouble organizing mine, but taking the train gave me extra days.

So far my dates are looking OK. I will hopefully finish a tour in Spain on the 28th April and then make my way across to Rome. It is definitely much better travelling with someone else - even if it is just to dodge the creepy men! I did contiki on my own about 8 years ago and it was a bit daunting, with it being my first international trip too. I went from Rome to London on the train on my own and it was a little scary, but at the same time liberating. So once I get myself together and decide what on earth I'm doing I'll let you know. By the way, I'm 35 years young, female from Oz (this will be my last contiki as I'll be too old soon...boo hoo!!).

Hey there, I forgot to ask how much time you will be spending in Milan and Paris before heading to London/Dublin?

I wasn't planning on spending any time cause I am going to be hauling huge luggage with me, but I might be flexible with hanging out. It's not a big deal for me to ride the train by myself. Even if it is my first time travelling to Europe, and by myself, but liberation is good. I'm 18, you being "old" as you say, does not bother me. I'm told I'm mature for my age. (That's what they think!) Spain sounds like fun. I keep trying to travel to countries where I can actually speak the language.