We are preparing for a 2 week tour of France and Italy. We have our own schedule, not a package. I am trying to decide between exploring cities on my own from comments from this and other sites or hiring tour guides through various websites.
I see the fun in exploring things on our own, I see the benefits of the guides to tell me what I am seeing and the history behind it. I know there is a cost, is it worth it for the tour?
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Like you we are self starters and compulsive researchers and are not at all interested in taking tours. That having been said, our style of travel is not for everyone and, for those who are unable or do not want to travel and explore the way that we do tours are propbably the only way to go.
If you choose to do it on your own, the most improtant thing to do is to start your research as early as possible, put together - and read - a serious %26quot;library%26quot; of guides to the area(s) to be visited and to remember to use the TA Forums to help you as you plan your trip. This last advice is especially important as so many people try to see way too much and by doing so really see nothing except as a blur.
My vote: NO TOURS !!!!!!!!!!!!
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As last posting.... D.I.Y. - do it yourself.
You can find all the info you need if you search, you are not tied to times, itineraries, etc. Go enjoy and experience it without the formality and restrictions. Go to the local Tourist Office for a %26#39;Plan de la Ville%26#39; and other info (free or minimal cost), and work from there. If you arrive somewhere and it seems more than your research has prepared you for - ask at the Tourist Office, or take a guided tour.
The exception is a specific place, where the location, history, people, events, future concequences, may be interconnected and brought to life by a knowledgeable guide. But still most of the experience is simply from being there.
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