The dynamics of group travel

It's good to be reminded, that the entire tour will be considered and navigated based on a group, never an individual. We have a schedule that the EF guide has to follow because of reservations at sites, restaurants and transportation that he has to pay attention to. Each day, we'll set out knowing exactly where we are going, unless it's a free day but even then everyone will have a chance to get their plan in place with the guide. There will be unavoidable circumstances at times, lines that could not have been predicted, etc. and our guide will do his best to work around these and keep us on schedule, while still affording us the space and time to enjoy what we need. Everyone needs to remember that we are seeing a lot, in a relatively small number of days. The idea is that if you never get back to Italy, you'll have seen the most important aspects of each city we visit but there is no way for us to see it all. Your free days are designed to allow those of you that really want to see something in greater depth, or see/do something that isn't on the structured/guided days to do just that. I would also recommend jotting down places or experiences you might miss but would like to see again if you return to Italy. Essentially, when my friend and I traveled to Italy in 2007, we saw a lot of Florence but blazed through Rome and Venice, in only a couple of days such as our tour. We saw a lot; enough to be satisfied but also enough to know that I'd like to return again to see some things we missed. It's unrealistic to think you'll see every single thing each city has to offer but I am positive you will see the things every tourist should see and you will be amazed. Most importantly, I'd ask each of you to think about the group first, self second. Be on time, be prepared, be generous in spirit, find your cup half full and be flexible. If you can do these things, you are going to have the time of your life.