The tour guide was largely indifferent…
The tour guide was largely indifferent to the group. The plans kept changing. When we were told that it was a five minute walk, it was actually a 15-20 minute walk. 15 minute walks were around 45 minutes. We were turned over to local tour guides who did not take us to interesting or photogenic sites, but droned on about how buildings were constructed. We were not there to learn about structural engineering.i know there is nothing that can be done about the temperatures, but when people are getting sick from dehydration and nearing heat exhaustion, adjustments need to be made. I was sickened by the heat and excessive walking, as was a friend on the trip. Several people had falls. Thankfully, none serious. As a result of dehydration, I’m now under medical care for blood clots. One in the group referred to our daily routine as “the death march.” We were left at a restaurant at 10:00 PM , to walk back to the hotel on our own. In a foreign country, not speaking the language. We were told that the hotel shuttle could only take a few people, and only make two trips. REALLY??? We were not given porter service Italy is a beautiful and interesting country, but I feel our group was cheated out of what could have been a phenomenal experience. This was the most haphazard and unorganized trip I have ever taken. I have traveled a lot, both domestically and overseas. This is without question the worst travel experience I’ve ever had.