Italian Riviera Itinerary and Tuscany Trips with Collette

10/13/2019

A Memorable Family Vacation

Service

Collette delivered on their promises. A delightful and memorable family vacation!
Tour

The trip along the Italian Rivera was exceptional and the weather was fantastic !

10/13/2019

Service

I thought it was an excellent tour and our guide Sibila Cincotti was phenominal! We covered sooo much in the short amount of time we were there. One of our first stops allowed for about 4 hours of shopping and I felt that was just too much time. The only thing I really wanted to express is that the bus driver should have assisted more people (older) with a hand off the bus. Also, some of the local guides did a good job accounting for people, however, there were older individuals in our group that struggled to keep up even after asking the guide to slow the pace just a bit. At times the guide would stop at different intervals to wait for them to catch up but only to immediately continue on once the slower individuals managed to catch up. This never gave them time to recover and I felt bad for them!
Tour

I had always dreamed of going to Italy and this tour did not disappoint. I also enjoyed the fact that our 20 people +/- from the Zimmer Radio Group connected with another 20 or so people from different areas and we all got along so well.

07/23/2019

Service

Dario was a great guide! His knowledge, competence and humor greatly enhanced our tour! And the wine I ordered was delivered to my doorstep in exactly two weeks, as promised!
Tour

For a short tour, we visited many great sites without feeling rushed.

07/08/2019

Absolutely wonderful, our guide was the best and informative

Service

Very knowledgeable regarding this trip, our guide Matteo was the best, would do this again in the future. The only bad experience was when the trip was canceled and moved to a later date.
Tour

Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera was the best..

06/10/2019

FABOULIS

Service

Yes I would purchaseCollette again just had a wonderful experience.The guides were very knowledgeable & very personal.Just a great time.Thank you all.❤
Tour

FABOULIS,just a wonderful experience.Love the guides.❤

06/03/2019

Our trip went without a hitch!

Service

The trip went without a hitch. When I called Collette US I had great customer service.
Tour

Our Tour Manager, Savio Ucello was EXCELLENT!! Personable, problem solving, great fun. He hired excellent local guides.

06/02/2019

Service

It was an excellent tour, the guide was very knowledgeable, the driver was excellent, the hotels and food were very good, the arrangements were excellent.
Tour

already did onb previous page

06/02/2019

Service

This trip to Italy was such a marvelous experience, I wanted for nothing, Collette provided for us like we were royalty, the accommodations were first class and our tour guide should win a hospitality award, he was always willing to help in any situation. Loved this trip and looking forward for my next adventure with Collette.
Tour

Savio our tour guide was the best, he always had our itinerary reviewed and updated, explained the details and was so knowledgeable of all our locations, he made the trip fun.

06/02/2019

Overall, a very good experience.

Service

All travel materials showed up in a timely manner. The website had good information for us to plan our trip. One area that I feel could be improved - and this may be more of a matter of the way that Auburn University Alumni Assoc. set things up. Anyway, we had the impression that this trip was just for Auburn alumni. However, we didn't find out that was not the case (only 3 travelers out of 40) a few days before trip departure. Also, it was not clear (to me at least) that the outbound airport transportation was originating in Auburn, AL......I believe the literature just stated "local" airport transportation. To me, local is local to me. Well, we live in Atlanta area, close to the airport, and it would make no sense to drive 2.5 hours to Auburn just to ride a shuttle back to Atlanta airport. When I called Collette to find out when we would be picked up at our house - I found out that local meant Auburn, AL. So, I canceled that part of our trip, and did receive a refund. I think the "local" details could have been communicated a bit more clearly. I think I am fairly intelligent, and traveled for a living until recently, so I don't think it is an issue of me not understanding the situation - but, it could be!!
Tour

Departure dinner on last night.

05/26/2019

Slightly disappointing.

Service

The start off meals and accommodations were first rate. The second hotel was on par to the Red Roof- staff was useless -Food was awful. Pace was hurried. Not enough time to really enjoy any of the venues. Our witty guide, Kathleen made the trip more bearable. Unfortunately, I am used to traveling solo with my backpack and a Lonely Planet guide. I felt it was way overpriced for the actual experience.
Tour

I thought we would taste more local food and wines. Everything was tailored to American tourists. Best part was breaking away to explore with another adventurous traveller.

Thank you for traveling with Collette on our Tuscany and the Italian Rivieratour. We're sorry to hear about the issues you experienced with the hotel in Sestri Levante and the pacing of the tour. Your feedback will be reviewed by the Product Design Team in order to improve the overall touring experience for our guests.

Collette Support

05/06/2019

Amazing experience!

Service

The accommodation and transportation was great. Our Tour Manager was the best and did s great job of keeping us together and on schedule.
Tour

It was a great time and will go back !

05/05/2019

Service

The driver was late getting to pick us up and then had to stop for gas. When we got to the airport he tried to let us off at delta rather than Kim
Tour

Too fast of a pace and not enough shopping or free time

04/28/2019

Beautiful tour. A bit disappointed that we weren't able to dress for dinner

Service

Overall everything was great. I would recommend them.
Tour

My favorite part of the tour was the Cinque Terre area. I loved that area.

04/28/2019

Best trip ever. Collette is number one!

Service

The best tour company on the market. Excellent tour. Outstanding tour director Alexa D. And local tour guides were knowledgeable and professional and educated. Great hotel accommodations and overall best tour ever. I have used Collette many times and highly recommend them to my business associates and friends. I will be back. Linda Cantrell. Welcoming reception was exceptional and farewell dinner was owner the top . Thanks Collette
Tour

All of the tour was Fantastic. Loved the Italian Riveria and cinque terra villages. Portofina was my favorite. Linda Cantrell

01/25/2019

Service

The Italian tour guide (Vitoria Corallo) escorted with us the entire tour, including communications before and after the tour. Excellent planning and running the tour was a top notch experience.
Tour

The entire experience of the Italian Rivera was great.

01/20/2019

Service

Had a great time. Everything went very smoothly.
Tour

I had a Wonderful experience.

01/19/2019

Service

Everything went well & we loved Italy. The only glitch was the 1st day we arrived there was a problem with the bus picking us up from airport... no air conditioning & we had to wait at a truck stop for several hours ( why couldn’t we have just waited at airport)... not very organized/planned out!
Tour

Ivan was a great tour guide!

01/18/2019

Enjoyed the best of Tuscany.

Service

Our trip to Tuscany in September of 2018 was a wonderful experience. The transfers, guides and hotels were well - planned. The meals and locations were over the top! I also loved the time we were given on our own to explore. The schedule was not too rigid that I felt stressed or pressured.
Tour

There were times that a member of our group monopolized the tour guides.

01/18/2019

Service

Everything was very well organized and accommodating.
Tour

Very relaxing because getting around was made simple.

01/18/2019

Service

Vittoria was great. Splendid trip. Loved the whole experience.
Tour

Great time wonderful accomadations

01/04/2019

It was a very enjoyable tour for our first visit to Italy

Service

Very well organized. Good meals and local guides. Elena our tour manager was great. I would use Collette again.
Tour

We were able to experience a great deal of Italy in a limited amount of time. Although we have discussed many times the trip and all of the scenic and historical highlights, we are unable to say definitively which part was our favorite. We loved the tour and looked forward to each day's new adventure.

01/04/2019

Service

The connecting flight from London to Pisa did not give us enough time at Heathrow to make the connection even though the plane was on time. Collette should have known that connections in Heathrow need time.
Tour

We had good hotels and saw a lot. The guide was knowledgeable.

Thank you for traveling with Collette to Italy. Your feedback will be reviewed by our Air department. We have sent out a letter of apology and a future travel voucher as a customer service gesture for your flight scheduling issues.

Collette Support

01/04/2019

Ready to go with Collette again!

Service

The guide was wonderful and became a friend to us all. She worked well with the local guides and helped anytime there was a glitch in a situation. She was great at keeping us moving and seeing all we could while in a specific area.Transportation was on time. Bus driver was great. We had a wonderful first time experience in Italy. I can't brag on her enough. The tour was more than we expected.
Tour

Great value for all you get. Visited many sites and experienced things that I did not know was available. I can't wait to go again.

11/25/2018

Service

I enjoyed my tour guide and the local tour guides. The bus driver was excellent. Yes, I would take another Collette tour.
Tour

I loved the small towns. The only problem was when we finished the guided tours, the shops were closed and we left the areas before they opened again.

10/31/2018

Move this tour up on your bucket list!

Service

The tour manager, Dan, was exceptional. Of course, it didn't hurt that the places visited (Tuscany and the Italian Riviera) were also exceptional! But, Dan was the one who made 43 people a cohesive group excited to be where we were. He called me to introduce himself 4 days before the tour started - that was heart-warming that he thought to do that and made me feel welcome and in the right hands. His attention to detail was extraordinary and he even stayed up the whole last night of the tour to ensure that everyone got off on time - and we all left at different times.
Tour

Favourite memorable experience was the winery and tasting in Tuscany. The wine and the owner were great, but it was the typical Tuscan view from the winery that made it all worthwhile!

10/28/2018

Amazing tour and company!

Service

First of all our tour director, Daniel Boghen was absolutely amazing! He took care of everyone and everything down to the tee. He was so knowledgeable and we would do any tour again if we knew he would be in charge. The hotels and restaurants were all wonderful as well as the sights that we toured.
Tour

This whole tour was amazing but our favorite experience was the winery tour and tasting and Cinque Terre for it’s beauty

10/28/2018

Sensational. Organized. Great bus service and sight selections!!

Service

They ran an excellent tour. Chose great places to visit and stay. They were very organized and prompt. They took us to fabulous places. They were accommodating as I have trouble walking distances. And they provided the best tour guide, Daniel Bohden. Excellent!!!!
Tour

Everything was so well done!!!! Wow!!!

10/28/2018

Service

All travel details were accounted for Daniel was awesome
Tour

Travel to the coast visit to small villages

10/28/2018

Service

The hotels were clean and the staff were friendly, helpful and the food was good. The manager was very professional friendly and has a lot of knowledge on the different cities that I saw. The coach was always very clean.
Tour

My favorite part of the trip was going to the winery in Tuscany and learning and sampling different organic wines, olive oils, cheeses, bread. I also enjoyed Cinque Terre especially Vernazza, Manarola.

10/16/2018

Great return to Italy.

Service

Provided a wonderful visit. Knowledgeable tour guide and driver. Wonderful meeting with parties to the trip. All locations were breathtaking. Hope to be able to return someday.
Tour

Worth every penny of what I paid for the experience I had.

10/08/2018

Service

Everything was perfect! The guides were outstanding. The hotels were wonderful! Each day was a new adventure! The meals were great!
Tour

The outstanding weather had a lot to do with this. As I said above, each day was a new adventure and we spent a lot of time outside.

09/16/2018

An adventure that far exceeded my expectations!

Service

The tour guide Mattia De Carlo was very knowledgeable and professional. The bus driver, Enzo Della Corte was attentive and was impressed with his driving skills, especially on the narrow crazy roads and highways and he should get a medal for his safety awareness. The staff for both hotels were very courteous and professional and all of the food was delicious!
Tour

Mattia De Carlo the tour manager is very professional, entertaining & knowledgeable! Enzo Della Corte, our bus driver deserves a medal for navigating on the narrow and crazy Italian roads and highways. Hotel staff very attentive and friendly.

07/15/2018

Perfect vacation!

Service

Excellent organization, outstanding tour director, interesting sights, loved the accommodations........Everything was PERFECT! I am VERY IMPRESSED w/ Collette's service!
Tour

Outstanding tour director and driver! They were extremely knowledgeable and personable

06/04/2018

Overall venue met all my expectations. No hot water in Sestri hotel a.m.

Service

Well planned and organized tour considering it was a fast paced tour. The hotel in Artimino was in an idyllic location and suited the ambiance of Tuscany perfectly. Steve Walker, our Tour Director has a great comedic personality and at the same time completely in control of any guests who may not be timely and ensured they understand how important it is to be on time.
Tour

Visiting Cinque Terra and experiencing 3 towns, each with their unique beauty

04/16/2018

Possitively would go Collette every time .

Service

YES ,From the travel agent Duane MacCeachren to the best of the very best tour guide that was so full of not just where we were going or where we were Evin was like a whole encyclopedia of information and history as well as so up on current events taking place where ever we toured. On a scale of 10 being the highest rating Mr. Kilgore deserves a 1,000. What a fabulous personality as well. Our bus driver Raffaelle was not just an amazing well talented driver but had the most wonderful personality. We 48 passengers got together and tipped our tour manager Mr Kilgore and Raffaele far over expected and we saw the shock and gratefulness as well as verbal from them both. Our hotel stays were excellent so was the foods served and the overall tour was absolutely a wonderful memorable experience.
Tour

Excellent and every second of my tour was a wonderful experience.

10/31/2017

Service

Have travelled with Collette previously and have found their service to be excellent, with friendly, knowledgeable and efficient staff.
Tour

Favourite place was Lucca.

10/29/2017

Service

Customer support was excellent from the time I booked my trip until I arrived home. I've traveled with other companies and their focus on customers once trip was booked was poor.
Tour

I loved the location of the hotel in Tuscany. It was so peaceful. One thing I disliked but not something that Collette can control were the aggressive panhandlers trying to sell you scarves and purses in Florence and Pisa. Some would even follow even though I said I wasn't interested.

10/01/2017

Wonderful!

Service

The trip was wonderful from beginning to end.
Tour

All we had to do was enjoy the trip. Our tour manager coordinated everything and was always there to help.

07/21/2017

Great trip

Service

Very prompt picking us up from airport. Tour director very helpful and attentive.
Tour

Some cities were repeats for us, but never mind seeing them again, especially with the local guides that were very informative. Not enough time in Siena. cinque terre was a highlight for me. Always wanted to go there and was not disappointed

07/10/2017

Outstanding Trip--Disappointed Hotel Experience

Service

The Tour Director was excellent. he was clear, concise and very informative. He went out of his way to assist everyone for whatever needs that they had. The tour itself was excellent. It was high paced with a great deal of walking. Plenty to see. All of the meals that Collette arranged were very good to outstanding. The only criticism that I have and the reason that I did not rate the trip "Outstanding" is because of the terrible communication and lack of response at the Hotel Artimino. We went there one day early and tried to make arrangements in advance to go to Florence to see "David'. They promptly replied to my e-mail and said that they could arrange it for us upon arrival. When we arrived, they had no idea what I was talking about and I showed them their e-mail. They said that they would check and get back to me. It never happened!!! Very disappoined!!! We wasted a day.
Tour

The Tour Director was excellent. he was clear, concise and very informative. He went out of his way to assist everyone for whatever needs that they had. The tour itself was excellent. It was high paced with a great deal of walking. Plenty to see. All of the meals that Collette arranged were very good to outstanding and the restaurants were all "Top Shelf" with wine Included.

06/05/2017

A great mother - daugher trip, lots of memories made.

Service

It was an amazing tour!!! Our guide and bus driver went above and beyond to make sure our tour was memorable. Very knowledgeable about the area, with lots of added bits that made you want to visit again.
Tour

I enjoyed the winery tour, very impressive plus great wine.....and Lucca. There was just something about the city (town) that made it truly what you thought an Italian town would be like. And the scenery was everything I thought it would be.

10/19/2016

Warn people ahead of time as to who will greet them at the airport.

Service

We were told that the Tour Manager would meet us at the airport but instead a non Collette employee shuttle bus driver met us. This person was very rude and lacked the most basic interpersonal skills. He never told us who he was, we did not meet the "real TM" until me arrived at our hotel. Although this was not a Collette employee, it was our first impression upon starting the tour, so it still reflects on Collette as a company. If we had been warned ahead that it could be a Tour Manager or an outside company meeting us at the airport, that would have set the right expectation.
Tour

Overall the tour was amazing, the sites were incredible. The various personalities of the people on the tour provided, additional flavor, fun and excitement to the experience. The pacing of the tour could have been better. For example, after a red-eye flight, we only had a half hour before the welcome dinner. (and our flight was on time) This trend continued throughout the week where there was not enough time to change cloths and freshen up before dinner.

10/16/2016

Too much walking!

Service

We made the mistake. The Italy trip was rated a "4" activity, and we found that too much sightseeing was put on too few days. We must have walked 3-4 miles per day and were simply exhausted at the end of the tour. I have since been suffering through a terrible cold since arriving home.
Tour

Too much walking, guide seemed not to give us a lot of information regarding what we were seeing, bus driver was veru fliracious with other guests. Highlight? Seeing Siena, Lucca, Portofino

10/16/2016

Excellent plan for the trip! The tour manager *************** was outstandi...

Service

Excellent plan for the trip! The tour manager *************** was outstandibg.She was very clear about the daily plans,knowledgeable and personal.
Tour

Absolutely beautiful and the accommodations were perfect!

10/16/2016

Wonderful Experience

Service

The pace was good, the sites chosen for us to tour were outstanding, Collette took care of all the details, our Tour Manager was outstanding and took good care of all of us. What a wonderful experience!
Tour

Walking the streets of Vernazza, browsing its shops, and having lunch on the water was magnificent!

10/02/2016

Average service by Collette US

Service

The hotel rooms were lacking. Food fair. Tour guide. Wonderful
Tour

Tour guide was terrific Cinque Terre. Was beautiful.

10/02/2016

Enjoyable trip

Service

Overall an excellent trip, let down slightly by the poor quality dinner we had at the second hotel
Tour

Would have liked a bit more free time at the first hotel, so that we could have used the pool.

10/02/2016

A near-perfect tour

Service

Very nice tour - thank you. The only disappointment was Cinque Terre. Not sure why this is included. Perhaps just one of the 5 locations should be visited.

07/10/2016

Service

Good tour, need better air conditioning in hotels, should have included tickets for David in museum in Florence
Tour

Should have included Tickets for the David inside museum