Disney vs. Globus (and italy with kids)

[imlazar]

We're looking at Disney vs. Globus for a family trip to Italy next year. Globus seems far cheaper for 2007, and has tours catered to families. Has anyone else been on a globus tour?

Also, can anyone recommend good resources for booking trips with kids in Italy? E.g. discussion forums, books, web sites, etc.?

Thanks!!

 

[Camicar]

I don't know if you've visited
www.epinions.com
but if you do a search for "Globus" there are 26 reviews, including some of the Italy tour.

 

[ga9497]

Here are some websites to help you along, some are general information but should help

http://www.slowtrav.com/
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/notes/general/pat_kids.htm
www.fodors.com - click on the talk tab on top, choose the country on the left
http://www.travelwithyourkids.com/
http://travelwithkids.about.com/
http://www.travelforkids.com/
http://www.kidseurope.com/
http://www.initaly.com/regions/kids/kidintro.htm
http://travelwithkids.about.com/cs/italy/l/blvenicewkids.htm
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g187768-i20-Italy.html

There are also books about traveling to Europe with kids, check your local bookstore

Hope this helps some
We have traveled to Europe twice with our kids (not on tours though) and both times they have loved it. We have gone to Italy, London and spent a day in Paris while in London. First time they were 4 and 6 and just this spring they were 12 and 10

We are planning another either in 2008 or 2009

 

[TheTexasKid]

Yes, I have. The Globus tours that are dedicated to families are called "Bridges."

Having been on both, both "Bridges" and "Adventures by Disney," I heartily recommend both.

Which one you take depends upon cost. Some of "Bridges" tours were cheaper, but sometimes "Adventures by Disney" was cheaper.

Where you want to go. Sometimes "Bridges" and "Adventures" went to the same locations, but sometimes they both went to different locations. And sometimes, even if they went to the same locations, the places they stopped, and the routes they took were different.

And be sure to check out all the websites listed for this post.

Happy traveling!

 

[mwebsite]

Isn't it the Tauck Family Tours that are called "Bridges", not Globus?

 

[Joan1]

That is correct Tauck family tours are called "Bridges"

The other thing to consider when comparing is to look for the word "optional" in descriptions of the tours. A lot of companies list places you "can" see while you are there but are not necessarily included in the price. With Disney everything listed is included in your price

The last thing to compare are the hotels that are offered with the different companies
With Globus family tours in Venice you are staying at Venice Lido not Venice proper. I could be wrong on this but I would take it to mean that if you don't return with the tour to the hotel you have to pay for the vaporetto to get to the center of Venice from the Lido

Here is a photo of the map to show you where the two are from each other

Here is an example of things being options which means you have to pay extra for them
http://www.globusjourneys.com/product.aspx?content=itin&trip=7ZH

Day 7At Leisure in Venice
(Sat.) A whole day to explore Venice on your own: join the locals and ride the Vaporetto, have a cappuccino at a sidewalk café, or wander through the narrow streets and discover Rialto Bridge. To top it all, why not join an optional cruise to the charming island of Burano, followed by dinner with local specialties to celebrate the success of your Italian vacation. (BB)


Just some things to consider and take into account when looking at the prices

 

[TheTexasKid]

You are right, mwebsite. It is the Tauck family tours that are the Bridges tours. Not the Globus tours. How I got the two mixed up, I'll never know. But, thank your for your correction.

Actually, while I have been on several Globus tours, and enjoyed them, I don't think I've ever been on one of their family oriented tours. Still, that does not change my opinion of neither the Tauck Bridges' tours and/or the Adventures by Disney tours. I still recommend both of them highly.