Seeing the World thru Rick's Eyes
About Us
BUON GIORNO!
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Welcome to my experience on the Rick Steves' Heart of Italy Tour. First an introduction, my name is Pat and my husband is Pete. I am an Optometrist (thus the Eye reference) and my husband is a projectionist from the Chicago area. I have long dreamed of touring with Rick Steves. Every Saturday I would watch Rick on WTTW PBS, and we saw him at the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show. Pete and I have traveled on one of those not to be named river cruises, but felt too separated from the culture. I fantasized about backpacking across Europe, especially Italy, and Rick's Tour took me there in September of 2019. Follow me on our journey from Rome to Florence with a side trip to Siena to experience La Dolce Vita!
Seeing the World thru Rick's Eyes
Click the eye icon throughout our scrapbook to check out Rick's Heart of Italy Tour!
Rome
The Eternal City
Volterra
Etruscan Hill Town
Lucca
Tuscan Walled City
HEART OF ITALY TOUR - 9 DAYS
As per Rick: This tour is his personal Best of Italy tour. Beginning with the "must-see" sights of the Eternal City of Rome, your Rick Steves guide will help you experience the very heart of this remarkable country: the Tuscan hill-town ambience of Volterra, the pedestrian-friendly streets of Lucca, harbor-hugging villages of the Cinque Terre, and the amazing art of Renaissance Florence. Along the way, you'll enjoy Italy's distinctive culture, wine, and cuisine. Join us for the Heart of Italy in 9 Days!
Rick's Travel Philosophy
RICK'S TRAVEL TIPS
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Updated guidebook – Rick sent us his Italy 2019.
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Pack Light – Take home memories not cheap souvenirs.
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Local hotels – save the Hilton for at home.
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Prioritize – spend money to save time. Vacations are too short.
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Avoid lines – spend to skip the line.
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“Cultural Chameleon” Immerse yourself in the culture – Aperitivo time, Passeggiata, and Espresso.
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Eat Family style – Half group dinners and half on your own trying Rick’s restaurant recommendations.
WHY WE PICKED A RICK STEVES' TOUR
Rick’s Ten Tour Commitments:
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He designed these tours based on 40+years of experience.
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Best value - Smartly designed to maximize experience and decrease stress.
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Unique Experiences and Memorable meals – Group Sightseeing, All breakfasts, Half the dinners, and Free Time.
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Educational and ethical – The best quality tour guides passionate about their cities and culture.
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100% small group – Size is 24-28 – friendlier, family atmosphere.
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Active tours – Physically - Walks and Socially – Lively Talks.
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Centrally located hotels – usually family run and cultural immersion.
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Guaranteed prices - once you book fees are set.
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Flexibility – Ability to switch dates or destination.
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Rick Listens to YOU and keeps the tours updated.