Italy Small Group Tour Guru

Tour Captain Journal Blog Launches

2010-09-01T23:17:00.000-07:00

Follow Me: The Adventures of the QueensLander Tour Captains.

As tour directors traveling throughout Italy, we have the opportunity to see the country’s great cities over and over. But no matter how many times we visit, we always seem to find some amazing detail we never noticed before, or learn a little piece of history that enriches our experience.

We’d like to share our experiences with our guests, so in every issue of The Traveler (our Newsletter, sign up at www.QLTours.com), you can follow the adventures by clicking on the "Follow Me" link!

qtitaly.blogspot.com

Delights of Tuscany Tour Launches

2010-09-01T23:14:00.001-07:00

QueensLander Tours announces the launch of its newest deluxe tour for 2011: Delights of Tuscany Tour. It's a 9 day, 8 night deluxe tour of Tuscany including Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra, Montepulciano, Montalcino, Cortona and Florence. Guests can save $500 if they book by Sep 15th.

http://www.queenslandertours.com/tuscany/

Small Group Italy Tour Company Announces Early Bird Savings

2010-07-13T22:47:00.000-07:00

QueensLander Tours, online at http://www.queenslandertours.com, announces its Early Bird promotion for its Small Group Italy Tours (Italy's Great Cities Tour and Italy's Lake Como to Cinque Terre Tour) in 2011. You can save $450 off if you book by July 21, 2010.

QueensLander operates a "true small group" Italy tour of 16 guests or less with all admissions and gratuities included.

Their hotels are located in the hearts of the Italian towns and cities, their dinners are at real restaurants (not hotels), all admissions are included (no upselling while you're on tour) and of course their small group approach says it all!

Visit them today at www.QLTours.com

True Small-Group Italy Tours

2010-05-04T20:41:00.001-07:00

We have an incredible tour to Italy in our small group. The itinerary is:

Venice,

Florence,

Tuscany: San Gimignano, Castello delle Paneretta and Cortona

Umbria: Assisi

Rome

Amalfi Coast: Ravello, Amalfi, Positano and Sorrento

Visit QueensLander Tours' web page at www.QLTours.com/qtt/Italy.htm

Venice's Gondola Tradition

2010-01-19T05:21:00.000-08:00

Cruising along the canals of Venice each evening you will find a variety of Gondoliers who both sing and those who do not ~ on QueensLander Tours' 2010 Italy Tours we feature our new included Gondola experience complete with the traditional singing Gondoliers of Venice ~ their voices carry, sometimes hauntingly, sometimes humorously down the canals but regardless of their intonation the song is the heartbeat of Venice at night. I invite you to visit Italy with us on our True Italy Small Group Tour experience. Visit us online at http://www.queenslandertours.com/qtt/italy.htm for our Great Cities Tour or Lake District tour.

Black Friday $500 per person Announced

2009-11-26T12:03:00.001-08:00

BLACK FRIDAY SALE: See details below on how to save big on our 16 Guests or Less Tours to Italy!

Black Friday Sale on 2010 Small Group Tours to Italy

JUST RELEASED: Call on Friday, Nov. 27th: Save $500 off per person between the hours of 9am to 12:00pm Mountain Time (11am to 2pm Eastern) when booking any Grand Deluxe Small Group Italy Tour for 2010.

Rules:
Black Friday Options
Pay in Full: Call between 9:00am and 12:00pm Mountain Time, Nov. 27, 2009, and pay in full your land portion and receive a promotional discount of $500 per person. This is our best sale of the year! All calls prior to 9:00am or after 12:00pm Nov. 27, 2009 payment in full discount will be $200 per person. Black Friday Offers are not good with any other promotion or discount offered by QueensLander Tours. Black Friday promotion does not apply to triple occupancy. Available only on Nov. 27, 2009 for a limited time. Check or Credit Card payment accepted.
Pay Deposit Only: Pay your deposit of $500 per person and receive $175 per person Black Friday promotion. Not applicable with any other promotion or discount. Available only on Nov. 27, 2009 for a limited time.

NOTE: If you reach our voice messaging system, simply leave your name and number. All calls are time date stamped and will allow you to qualify for the Black Friday promotion.

Eligible Tour: Go to Tour Webpage: Italy's Great Cities Tour: Venice, Florence, Tuscany, Umbria and Rome

Eligible Tour: Go to Tour Webpage: Italy's Lake District Tour: Milan, Lake District, Lake Como, Lake Orta, Cinque Terre and optional Nice/French Riviera ending. Also features a pre-tour Venice option.

For details, contact QueensLander on Friday, Nov. 27th on 1 877 865 6711
If phone busy on Friday or if you're redirected to voice mail, we will call you back as soon as possible.

Winery Resort on QueensLander's Great Cities Tour

2009-08-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

Presenting a find: Villa Dievole, in the heart of Tuscany on our Italy's Great Cities Small Group Tour. It has everything. I'm sure some of the Falbo family could attest for as they enjoyed the estate in summer 2009.

Find out more details at www.queenslandertours.com/qtt/italy.htm

Italy's Lake and Cinque Terre Tour

2009-08-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

We have just added NICE on the French Riviera to our Italy's Lake District and Cinque Terre tour for 2010. Check out the itinerary online at www.queenslandertours.com or www.qltours.com/qtt/italycuisine.htm

New Hotels

2009-08-16T14:46:00.000-07:00

We've added new hotels to our portfolio of Italy Small Group Tour deluxe properties from QueensLander Tours (online at http://www.queenslandertours.com/qtt/italy.htm). The include the Relais Corte del Sole in Tuscany (oh my!) and the Grand Hotel Plaze (their refurbished rooms). The hotel in Rome has an incredible history in both the movies and celeb fame and now she's making a return to the grand 5 star level that earned her a grand reputation.

Our other hotels include:

Florence - Helvetia & Bristol

Venice - Saturnia & International

Sorrento - Belair

Until later, ciao!

Flying to Italy Today

2009-07-02T03:41:00.001-07:00

Leaving the family bound for a wonderful destination like Italy is always a bittersweet experience. The obvious screams. I will desperately miss my wife and precious baby son. But I hope in leaving them for a short while I can further my company and the overall well being of the family for the long haul. To Italy. Rome. When describing modern day Rome it is impossible to accurately portray what we're talking about. For you see Rome is both modern and ancient and literally spans centuries of time and history. And the results of what Caesars did and what the nomadic original settlers thought and how they acted is still apparent today....literally layers of history unfold before our eyes. My stay in Rome will be one night in preparatory work before heading to Venice to welcome guests!

Ciao and buon fortuna (good luck!).

Mark

http://www.queenslandertours.com/qtt/italy.htm

Prepping for Italy Tour

2009-06-30T07:37:00.000-07:00

Ciao again everyone! After a year and a half hiatus from Italy due to the birth of Young Master Story (aka Jack William Lee Story, now nearly 7 months), I have been called back into duty to fill in for one of my very capable Tour Captains who had to return to the family home front for duty. Though I shall miss seeing my Wife and Baby everyday I am excited to show Italy to another QueensLander touring group. It truly is "Disney Land for Adults."

My first stop is Thursday and I will arrive Rome for some pre-tour research and confirmation work. Then I'm off to Venice to welcome guest arrivals. It's a custom itinerary, sort of our Italy's Great Cities Tour expanded with a visit to Venice, Florence, Tuscany, Rome and the Enchanted Amalfi Coast. I will strive to update you on a regular basis, if not daily.

Ciao until Friday!

Shopping in Italy!

2009-06-15T13:09:00.001-07:00

SHOPPING

You will find local open-air markets to be some of the best places to shop for a bargain. There are good markets available in Florence and Venice. A small painting or some other remembrance of a specific place may be in order. If you have a larger budget to spare, you may want to shop at some of the finer Italian designer establishments in Rome or Venice. For gentlemen, setting a little money aside for a hand-tailored suit can be a worthy investment, or ladies might like to have a pair of shoes designed especially for their feet and shipped home. Otherwise, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to waste money on t-shirts, sunglasses, and other items that can easily be purchased at home. Spend the money on lodging and dining out instead. But if shopping for that special item is your thing, enjoy yourself. Just ask your Tour Captain to set some time aside for your shopping pleasure. http://www.queenslandertours.com/qtt/italy.htm

Italy's Cuisine: The Food Man, The Food!

2009-06-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

RESTAURANTS AND EATING OUT

During your Queenslander Tour you will have a certain number of meals that are provided for you, but there will be times when you are free to go wherever you like. On nights that a meal is not provided for you, you will be invited to go with your Tour Captain to a local restaurant. However, if you choose to go it alone, stay away from chain-type establishments. Instead, opt for the local experience. If you are uncertain, ask your hotel clerk to recommend a good place that’s close by. Stick with a “ristorante” or “osteria” for your evening meal.

For daytime, a “trattoria” or “café” is generally a safe bet. Even rest stops along the highway can have a nice choice of sandwiches and other fare. Some even have a wonderful selection of hot, home cooked meals. Don’t be surprised, however, if you have to stand in rest stops or coffee shops along the way. Most people in Italy will stand at the counter to have their coffee. If you want to sit outside, you may have to pay a small fee for the pleasure. In Venice, at the Piazza San Marco for example, you will probably pay a fee or “Musica Supplemento” of at least 5 Euros to enjoy the live music. Hey, it’s Venice! Spend the extra money, and don’t worry about it. Life’s too short not to enjoy these extra delights.

Thanks to the advent of Starbucks, most Americans are now familiar with ordering a latte, mocha, or cappuccino, but in Italy it’s generally bad form to order a cappuccino after 11 a.m. If you prefer a more American-style coffee, simply ask for a “café Americano”, which is basically an extra shot of espresso mixed with hot water. This was a local adaptation to accommodate the American GI’s during World War II. If you only order water to drink, you may be asked if you want your water “with gas” (carbonated) or “still”, meaning regular or “naturelle”.

When visiting these establishments, you will sometimes find that the restroom is cared for by an attendant. They may sit outside the door with a plate or dish and expect to receive a small tip. A few small coins will do, but don’t feel overly pressured to tip. If it feels appropriate to tip, please do so.

Keep all receipts. A Revenue Official may ask to see your receipt within feet of an eating establishment to make sure you’ve paid. You can potentially be fined if you cannot produce it. http://www.queenslandertours.com/qtt/italy.htm

Italy's Local Tour Guides

2009-06-15T13:06:00.000-07:00

LOCAL TOUR GUIDES

One of the great features of a QueensLander Tour is the wealth of knowledge and experience you will get from your local tour guides, who work with your Tour Captain to make sure you have a great experience. These are people who live in the area and make their living by showing you around their city and country. They may even give you hints or tips about great places to eat or shop on your downtime. You will come to appreciate these people for the great professionals they are, and you will remember them fondly when you look back at your vacation photos. So, treat them with the courtesy and respect they deserve. They will do the same for you. And while all base tips are included in your tour, you may wish to go beyond that to show your individual appreciation. http://www.queenslandertours.com/qtt/italy.htm

Getting around safely in Italy

2009-06-15T12:55:00.001-07:00

GETTING AROUND

When needed, you will be met at your hotel in the morning by your tour bus, usually a large van or mini bus, and your local tour guide. You will rely on them primarily for transfers to your next destination, or day trips away from town, such as a side excursion down the Amalfi Coast, etc. Otherwise, you will meet your local guide at a location within walking distance of your hotel. And, unless you are engaged in a group activity, you are free to get around as you wish. In Rome, the subway system is clean and efficient. Otherwise, you may wish to try a Vespa, or scooter. But beware, traffic in Italy is crazy, and you can easily get run over if you don’t know what you’re doing. Do not allow yourself to get distracted by looking around. Keep a clever, watchful eye on traffic at all times. In Florence, taxis are probably the way to go for staying in town, or you may want to rent a Smart Car for a day trip to the Cinque Terre. Sidewalks in Florence can be extremely narrow, and cobblestone streets a hazard for certain lady’s shoes. In Venice, you will rely on boats and walking. And yes, be prepared to do a fair amount of walking throughout the trip. Comfortable shoes are in order! Once you get to your destination by transport, you will still be walking a lot to see places like the Coliseum or the Roman Forum. A little exercise routine prior to your Italy trip is not a bad idea just to get in shape. It will only improve your overall experience.

As far as amenities go, you will usually find modern toilet facilities readily available in the large cities. However, as you get out into the countryside and smaller communities, amenities can be substandard. You may find a ceramic “hole in the ground” to be the best toilet facility you can find, so be prepared for that event should it come. When you have to go, you have to go! http://www.queenslandertours.com/qtt/italy.htm

Italian Hotels: Your Small Group Italy Tour

2009-06-15T12:54:00.001-07:00

HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATIONS

On your Queenslander Tour, you will probably be staying in a four or five-star hotel, unless you are on the budget package, and then you will probably be at a 3-star hotel. Italy and Europe have different rating systems than America, so anything below a 3-star property can be highly questionable. If you are on the “Italy on a Budget” package and staying in a hotel apart from the majority of the group, be sure to have your Queenslander Tour Captain resolve any questions or problems you may have at the time of check-in, or before they leave you for the night.

In Europe, you will find that the first floor is not the ground floor, as it is in America, but rather what we would call the second floor. Elevators are usually much smaller than in the States, so if you are claustrophobic, you may prefer to take the stairs. However, you should find your room in the deluxe hotels to be spacious and comfortable, with high ceilings and large windows. You may even feel like the Pope in Vatican Square as you gaze out your window! And, to put you at ease, there should be at least one channel in English on the TV, such as CNN or the BBC.

You will generally find that extra towels, especially washcloths, can be in short supply, so you may want to pack a few just to have on hand. Also, don’t be surprised to come back to your room at the end of your first day to find a white cloth spread out on the floor beside your bed. This may seem an odd custom, but it’s merely so you have a place for your bare feet when you get out of bed.

Your deluxe hotel should also serve a very nice breakfast in the mornings. You will probably want to arrange to meet your tour group so you can dine together. Generally, there will be eggs and bacon, pastries and croissants, fruit, juice, yogurt, and cereal. Coffee or tea may be brought to your table by a waiter unless otherwise specified.

When you leave your room at the beginning of each day, be sure not to leave valuables behind. Lock your luggage when unattended. If you do have valuables, such as money and jewelry, that need to be safeguarded, have them locked up by hotel management in advance of your departure for the day.

Your hotel will be situated in the city centre for easy access to most sites and other conveniences, but do remember that a certain amount of walking cannot be avoided. http://www.queenslandertours.com/qtt/italy.htm

Arriving Italy and What to do on your Small Group Tour

2009-06-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

ARRIVAL TO ITALY

When you touch down in Rome or Venice on the first leg of your trip, you should be met at the airport by your Queenslander Tour Captain, who will make sure you get to your hotel conveniently and safely. Your cab fare and tip are already covered by pre-arranged transfer.

However, if you are arriving alone with different arrangements, you should be able to get to your hotel without too much trouble. Generally, there will be transportation options available when you exit the airport, such as a train terminal within walking distance, or a taxi service. If you go by taxi, just tell the driver the name of your hotel and the street address, such as “Hotel Dei Mellini”, “Via Muzio Clementi, 81”. You may wish to have this written out in advance to simply hand to the driver. The word “Via”, meaning “place” or “by the way of”, will precede most street names. The street number appears at the end of the address. Be prepared to give the driver a nominal tip, but check the exchange rate first. Remember, it’s not play money, and you don’t want to tip too much. A polite “Grazie” (pronounced GRAH-tsee-eh) or “thank you” should also be rendered. http://www.queenslandertours.com/qtt/italy.htm

About Air Travel to Italy

2009-06-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

AIRLINES

For international departures, be sure to arrive at the airport at least three hours in advance. Allow yourself plenty of time for arrival, check-in, and getting through security checks.

If you are flying a reputable foreign airline such as British Airways, KLM, or Lufthansa, many times these carriers will partner with a U.S. airline, so be sure to take advantage of any miles you can earn through these partnerships. Do some homework on this beforehand, and always be sure to ask about it at the check-in counter. It’s always harder to get these miles credited to your account after your trip is over, and less likely that you will take the extra time to do so.

Of course, today there is less and less value in airline travel unless you are prepared to pay for it. Especially on the European legs of your flight, don’t be surprised to pay up to 3 Euros for a cup of coffee, or even 8 Euros for a small breakfast plate. Visit QueensLander Tours for Small Group Tours to Italy: http://www.queenslandertours.com/qtt/italy.htm

Italy Tours: Money Before You Leave

2009-06-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

MONEY

Traveler’s checks are no longer a good option for overseas travel! They are used less and less today in our increasingly electronic society, and we do not recommend them. It is becoming nearly impossible to find anyone that wants to bother with them, so do yourself a favor and get Euro currency before you leave. Your bank should be able to assist you with that, and ask them to serve you as a good customer and not charge you a fee for the exchange. It’s always a good idea to have some local currency on hand once you arrive in Italy, otherwise use your credit or bank debit card at an ATM instead. As usual, there will be a fee for withdrawals, most likely from both banks, your bank at home and the bank in Italy issuing the cash.

If you do have some old traveler’s checks you wish to cash in, there should be a currency exchange booth located in the international departures terminal from which your flight departs. That way you do have some cash on hand when you arrive, or to purchase food items while on layover in a European hub.

If you do need to visit the bank while in Italy, Deutche Bank, Banca di Roma, or some other large bank should be easy enough to find. However, you will not simply be able to walk in off the street. Most will have a revolving glass door that you will enter from streetside or just after you enter the bank. Security will check you out and then allow you to enter. Of course, be sure to have your passport with you for identification.

Be aware of pick pockets and other thieves, especially around bus stations, train stations, or any other public space where large crowds are likely to gather, such as Trevi Fountain in Rome. A money belt is a good idea for men. Wallets or money clips should be carried in the front pocket only. Never put money, passports, or other valuables in your backpack, where they can easily be pinched. Women should purchase some type of money pouch that can be worn about the neck.

Watch out for the “Roma” or “gypsies”. They can often be spotted with a small child or baby to gain your sympathy. Beware that they may be working a racket with someone who is prepared to step in and take your money without you even knowing. Another recent scam involves thieves who will jump on a train just before it leaves and steal bags from the luggage compartment. It has been recommended by some that a bicycle lock is a good way to secure your items to the baggage hold, thereby avoiding this potential problem. Chances are you will have no trouble at all in Italy, but it always pays to be prepared. Visit http://www.queenslandertours.com/qtt/italy.htm for a great Italy Tour Vacation.

Before You Go to Italy Small Group Tour

2009-06-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

Before You Leave For Italy,

Just A Few Tips Regarding

What to Expect

and Know About…

PASSPORTS

Be sure to check the expiration date on your passport well in advance. Most will expire within a 10-year period, so if it’s been awhile since you left the country, you will need time to get with your local passport office. In some cases, a new passport may have to be issued from a city afar like New Orleans or San Diego, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to avoid a deadline crunch.

Make a copy of your passport and leave it in a safe place or with someone you know. It may come in handy if you lose the real one. When you check into your hotel in Italy, the desk clerk will ask to see your passport, so be prepared to hand it over. Most likely, they will keep it overnight to check with Immigration and Interpol, so don’t be alarmed. They are not trying to steal your passport or identity.

MEDICAL CONCERNS

Before you travel, make certain to visit your general practitioner or family physician. You may even wish to schedule a full physical to make sure you are fit to travel. Otherwise, check with them to make sure you have any shots or prescriptions you may need. Fill prescriptions in advance, and make certain you will have enough to sustain you throughout your trip. If you are traveling alone to rendezvous with your tour group, keep a list of any medical requirements on you in case of an emergency.

This will be mentioned again later, but be advised that you will walk quite a bit on your trip. It is minimized as much as possible, but it cannot be avoided entirely. This can be somewhat difficult for older travelers, so be prepared in advance the best you can. In the end, you know what your limits are, and we will do whatever we can within reason to assist you with your particular situation.

PACKING

Learning to travel lightly is always the goal, but often hard to accomplish. Aim for one suitcase, one rucksack or backpack for day trips or getting about, and one expandable bag to carry items you’ve purchased when traveling back home. Pack the expandable bag away in your suitcase, and only use it for your departure back to the States. This should be all that anyone needs. Of course, the lighter you can travel the better. If you can get by with less than this, go for it. While in Italy, Venice is not accessible by car, only on foot or by boat, so you will be thankful you decided to travel lightly when you get to Venice!

Of course, be sure to abide by all packing regulations of the Transportation Security Authority or TSA. In addition, you may wish to do an internet search for specific recommendations for maximizing your packing space. Also, think about packing clothes that allow you to dress in layers so you can easily adjust to seasonal or climate changes. And always pack an umbrella or rain jacket. Unexpectedly finding yourself having to purchase a cheap umbrella on the street for 10 Euros is not a fun way to spend your hard-earned money.

July 2009

2009-06-15T11:51:00.001-07:00

Unbeknownst (spelling?) to my clients, I am going to surprise one of our July groups with a fantastic tour manager in the form of your's truly. Not humble you say? Alas, I am in love with Italy and I am the perfect gent to show my clients a good time. Now of course Tour Captain Dan Dieckhaus has had to retreat to the homefront for a bit and he will return. But this allows your's truly to resurface on the Italian Touring scene and provide a respite to those average excellent tours. :-) Small Group Italy Tours by QueensLander Tours online at www.QueensLanderTours.com/qtt/italy.htm provide groups of 12 to 16 travelers to Venice, Florence, Tuscany and Rome with exciting extensions to the Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi Coast is one of those places you want to take your spouse to and explore for days on end. Beautiful views of the ocean, and wonderful hotels with balconies that look over the sea! Wow.

Small Group Italy Tour: Possible?

2009-05-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

The simple answer: yes, but be careful. We found QueensLander Tours (yes, a very Aussie sounding American company based out of Denver) to provide what we'd consider a world-class Italy tour experience. 16 passengers or less guaranteed. Lots of walking - the only way to see Italy, deluxe hotels right where you'd want 'em, and the best cuisine experiences you can find.

Off the beaten path is how I'd describe QueensLander's Italy Tour experience. The restaurants were truly little, quaint holes in the wall...but located in the most unique places with the most exotic and delectable menu items. The real Roma Tomato comes to live on this tour. We did their Italy's Great Cities Tour that visited Venice, Florence, Tuscany and Rome.

In Tuscany, we had a wonderful experience at a little placed called Villa Dievole. A tour of their winery facilities with heavy appetizers and delicious wine pairings that flowed!

I'd recommend it. Visit them online at www.QueensLanderTours.com and I believe their Italy page is found here: http://www.queenslandertours.com/qtt/italy.htm

Buon Fortuna until next time.