My husband and I are going on the "Grand Tour of Italy" on September 18.
Is anyone out there going on this tour or has gone before?
We need advice on what to pack...
Laundry
How much walking there is
optional tours that are recommended.
We won't be returning with the tour, but staying to visit relatives in Montauro... (Calabria)
Is(has)anyone doing(done) something like this?
Thank You!!!

Hi bevecu,
It's a shame no-one replied to your request.
How did you find this tour ? I'm going on it in May 2008. I've already searched the hotels listed for laundry facilities & Milan seems to be the only option....crazy if they expect you to keep a small bag. Oh well I'll manage. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Bye.

Hi Keen Traveller,

re laundry on tour - most people do handwashing in their room. If your tour has 2-3 night stops - they are the places to do your laundry (on the first night, so that it's dry in time).

cheers,
ClareS

Hi Keen Traveller,

I agree with ClareS. Most people do handwashing in their room.
I did the Grand Tour of Italy in Aug/Sept last year. I washed my clothes on the 2 night stops that we had. As it was hot at the time of the year that I went, the clothes dried very quickly. I personally wouldn't use the laundry facilities as I find they are a bit pricey. Though every person is different and may prefer the laundry services.
If you would like to know a bit more about the tour feel free to read my tales in the Tour Tales section.

I agree with others - far easier to do laundry in your room before or after dinner than spend time looking for & sitting in a laundry.

My daughter and I are joining the Grand Tour of Italy in May also. And laundry seems to be a major issue. We have been trying to find "parachute" materials which are easy wash, non-wrinkling, etc. They were very popular a few years agao but are much more difficult to find now. I am opting for an uncrushable skirt that I can stuff in my bag and put on at a moment's notice - in case I find myself inappropriately dressed somewhere.

Faye R....which tour date are you on in May, same as me ?
I've done both laundry each night & using hotel facility in the past. I don't waste time in the laundry room, I leave & go have a shower or dinner while on cycle, never had a problem. Parachue material, yeah my mum has that stuff, she last got it at Millers Fashion, but you can't get it now days. Enjoy your trip if I don't see you. It'll be nice to compare notes on return.

Hi Keen Traveller We are leaving Canada May 2nd, arrive Rome May 3rd. but we're not taking the Trafalgar flight - we booked our own. We'll will be joining the tour at the airport in Rome. I'm getting very excited! Can't wait to see and do. Since I have never been to Europe before nor done a tour like this, I really have no expectations.

Hiya, I've just returned from this trip & strongly recommend you change your trip to another tour....it is too busy & there's no free time & no time for swimming in pools. Unless you don't do the optionals. I'd do small trips & join them all up.

quote:

Originally posted by Keen Traveller:
Hiya, I've just returned from this trip & strongly recommend you change your trip to another tour....it is too busy & there's no free time & no time for swimming in pools. Unless you don't do the optionals. I'd do small trips & join them all up.

Keen Traveller, can you please give more detail of why you would strongly recommend to change this tour? I did this one last year, though there were a few hicups, I would still recommend it.