We tend to be independent travelers - usually do things on our own.  I would recommend buying tix online in advance from home - and then going it alone.  Do some research - often there are entrances that are less well known to tourists - I remember that we entered the Louvre (with advance tix) from the Rue de Rivoli - no line at all.  A more expensive option is to hire a private guide who has access and is able to cut lines.  Although I must say - we have done those hop on/off buses in a number of cities - and though touristy - they are often quite fun!!  And one final thought - in Rome - don't miss the catacombs on the Appian Way - definitely a highlight!

Posted Jan 04, 2011

I prefer to do a panoramic sightseeing tour when I arrive in a city for the first time.  No stops are included.  I make a note of what I want to see again and I go back on my own  It orients me..  Sometimes, in the case of say Notre Dame tour buses are not allowed on the Ile de la Cite so they let you off a block or so away and you walk to the cathedral.  Might be the same situation in Venice but I haven;t been there.

Posted Jan 07, 2011

I am always against taking organized tours, because I feel like then you only see the "version" of the city they want you to see. If you do decide to take a tour in order to be able to skip lines, please make sure you take a day to just walking around, going from neighborhood to neighborhood on your own. You will find the best stuff--the small streets, the hidden local restaurants--that way!

Posted Jan 03, 2011

On your own you'll be waiting in lots of long lines, at the Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, Vatican City, Uffizzi, Duomo etc.

When I visited with a tour group, we were spirited away past the lines as soon as our bus arrived, so we were able to get in to the main attractions very quickly.

So in your case, I think you might want to opt for a tour circuit if you don't want to miss the highlights. But make sure you give yourself time to breathe and explore each city's treasures too. That can often be even more fun and rewarding than the big-ticket sights.

And whatever you do, try and find a small and unobtrusive restaurant that isn't too close to any big tourist spot. The big boisterous restaurants nearest tourist attractions are nearly always overpriced and don't serve good nor authentic food.

Posted Jan 01, 2011

i prefer to do things on my own as well, but i DEFINITELY recommend booking with some sort of tour guide for the Vatican museum.  You will avoid the line (which is blocks long), and they will give you some great information that you might not get on your own.  (I didn't find the plaques particularly helpful.)  Many places are also starting to allow you to book tickets online in advance, so definitely check that out.

Posted Jan 04, 2011

Christopher:

   Good question.  In each of those locations I have engaged an English speaking guide, either as part of an organized tour or in a private car.  In my opinion, there is nothing like hearing a heavily accented English with a local as a tour guide.  You and I cannot possibly understand the history or culture of a place by reading a guide book or trying to interpret a foreign culture through an independent American filter.

   If it is possible, book a private car or taxi for a half day tour.  This one-on-one or two-on-one setting enables you to ask engaging questions, listen to the "flavor" of the place and go where you want plus guide the progress of the itinerary.  Second best is a half day tour bus.  Yes, you get a canned presentation, but, again, it is from a local, cultural and historic point of view.   There is a distinctive reason "tourist" places are on every tour...they are THE highlights of any place and should not be missed.

   As any traveler likes, independence is part of the adventure.  My recommendation is to gain a perspective first from a local tour, then launch out on your own to fill in the blank spots that are a fit for you.

    Lastly, if you are staying in a hotel, enlist the help of the Concierge.  He/she can help you gain entrance to museums and other crowded venues, often knowing how to bypass lines, plus let you know when the "best" times, i.e., the shortest line times will be to visit a place.

Very Happy Travels,

Lance Johnson

Posted Jan 05, 2011

If you're pressed for time, definitely go the tour route.  but if you have some time - and especially if you're traveling there this time of year (winter) - you won't be fighting the summer crowds at least.  just get up early, get a nice coffee, and get in the lines before they get crazy.  it's especially handy if there are two of you; then you can spell each other and one can wait in line and the other can wander around; then just reverse :)

Posted Jan 09, 2011

I think it depends on the destination. For instance, I wouldn't have gotten anything out of the Roman Forum without a guide. Similarly, St. Peters would have been less interesting without a guide. It also seriously depends on the guide.

Posted Jul 31, 2011

I would not recommend trying to get tickets in Firenze for the Uffizzi by standing in line. You will never get it. Do it in advance. Personally I prefer to do things on my own and not via an organized tour.

Posted Jan 01, 2011

Have checked out sites on my own without issues. Honestly don't recall any significant lines in Paris or Rome, including the Vatican. Obviously crowds depend on the time of year you're travelling & what time of day you turn up at the sites.

Posted Jan 01, 2011

Definitely check out the Uffizzi Gallery and the Statue of David in Florence.  They are absolutely 'must see'

Posted Jan 02, 2011

As mentioned above, it depends on the time of year. If you're going in October I imagine that's a pretty good time of year. You'll still have good weather but probably not too bad of lines. The Vatican I know you can order tickets ahead of time (online?) but I think it can be a pain. I remember my dad tried to do it by fax or something when he visited Rome and it didn't work out. It was also right around Easter, though.

Overall, though, I think it's much better to do it on your own. It can be nice to have things like this arranged for you (for example when I went to the Colosseum it was part of an introductory tour included in my study abroad program), but while it may be nice to skip the lines, you also might feel rushed in a place you really enjoy and would like to take your time exploring (as I felt in the Colosseum instance). Alternatively, if you really enjoy learning every little fun fact about a place, a tour can be useful (though many places these days also have those little electronic tours, and there are even iphone apps like this -- I can't comment firsthand on how useful and interesting these really are).

If your biggest concern is lines, then I wouldn't worry. Outside June-August I don't think it's so bad. I even went to the Eiffel Tower in May and didn't find myself standing in line for too long. Unless you're on a really tight schedule, I'd say take your time and do it yourself. Oh and in Venice, prepare to get lost! But it's part of the experience :)

Posted Jan 03, 2011

Go it alone.  Ask the concierge to get all tix in advance.  take a bus tour as soon as you get there so you know the lay of the land.  enjoy every minute.  lots of espresso and gelato.  t

Posted Jan 03, 2011

The only times I've hopped on the tour bus is when I'm at a destination for a very short amount of time. Since you say you're not pressed for time, then go ahead and find the main spots on your own. You'll definitely see wonderful hidden things along the way.As far as ticket lines go, I don't think you should be too worried, unless you're there during the free admission days. I found that security checks are the time consumer, especially at the Vatican. Like others have pointed out, buy your tickets on line if you can, if not, just allow some extra time. Have fun!

Posted Jan 05, 2011

The hop-on, hop-off bus in Rome and Pairs is a good way to get an overview of the city and for transportation to the major sights/areas but isn't the best way to tour a city.  Touring with any type of guide....personal, small group or even with a guidebook...gives you so much more appreciation for what you're seeing.  With small tour groups, you're usually given priority entrance to museums,  The tour guides are often college students with an appreciation and understanding of art or history.  We've always found great value in local tour companies.

Posted Jan 17, 2011

We usually always book a private tour for our first day - to get the lay of the land, determine where to return and what we want to prioritize. In Paris we took a nighttime bike tour the day we arrived. It started just before dark and ended with a great spin around the Louvre glowing at night. After that first day - it all on our own and I make it a point of trying to get a little lost - walk away from main areas - talk to people, wander and sit and people watch with wine in hand. Have a great trip.

Posted Apr 17, 2011

We did Rome, Tuscany and Venice on our own last October. We booked hotels ahead and got a one country Eurail Pass. The only things we booked ahead were a walking tour of the Jewish Ghetto in Rome and a half-day tour of Murano, Burano and Torcello. Both were booked through Viatours and were great. Getting trains was no problem that time of the year and I would recommend going for the first class rail pass it's worth it. At the colosseum there were many guides hawking tours that would bypass the lines and the one we choose was very informative and entertaining. Stay away from eateries near attractions and plan on getting lost in Venice, that's half the fun.

Posted Jun 24, 2011

My advice is to go it alone and then for the vatican and for florence, get a local guide. They are worth their weight in gold!

Posted May 16, 2012

Hi Christopher, I think it's always best to go it alone. That being said, when I was in Rome we did use two tour companies who I had a really great experience with.

The Vespa Tour at night with Viator was one of the most enjoyable tourist activities I've ever done. Our food tours of the city with Context were a version of the city I could not have had without booking through them. Definitely check them both out.

Posted Jul 17, 2012

If you are young, sure. You are doing major cities that are accustomed to tourists . You will find people who speak English to help you if you are lost. The off the bus on the bus thing is good to get your bearings. A city tour is good as well. Or just go for the adventure. Florence is a walking city so you cat get too lost there.(though I get lost everywhere and im still here to answer this question) Do research though, so you can see what to get tickets in advance for, what days certain museums are closed, what times things open and close etc I havent written about those cities yet but my travel blog is http:// www.havefunflysafe.wordpress.com/ if you want to check it out. bon voyage

Posted Jul 24, 2012

This summer, I did just that! Travelled throughout Rome, Venice, Florence and Paris completely without preplanned travel options. We just bought tickets as we went, and spent most of our time walking on foot. A lot can be seen in a short amount of time, but we didn't hit up everything we could have if we were on a programmed tour. Either way is fabulous, from what I have heard from friends who have down the hop-on-hop-off tours, but if you're looking for a more personalised approach, I would reccommend going at it yourself. However, book tickets for Florence ahead of time. That was a bit of a clincher for us!

Posted Aug 30, 2012

A great way to orient yourself and get great history and insider knowledge (while not being trapped in a bus) in Paris, would be the Day Tour or the Night Tour with Fat Tire Bike Tours. I especially love the Day Bike Tour because you're seeing the heart of the city from the saddle of a California beach cruiser, and on sidewalks and bike lanes the majority of the trip. You'll also have lunch in Tuilleries Gardens that lead up to the Louvre.
In Florence, you're covering less ground and walking really is the best way to do it. It's such an intimate experience (in contrast with the sprawling feel to Rome). I feel the same way with Venice, as well as encourage you to take a few water taxis to help you cover some more ground and see that charmed location by the perspective of the waterways- very special experience.
Enjoy!

Posted Apr 15, 2013