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italy tour--operator bankrupt, new arrangements
Hi! I rarely post, but I'd be grateful for any help.
DH and I were booked on a tour to Italy. I received notification this morning that the tour operator is in bankruptcy and that the tour will not occur. I have submitted a claim to the travel insurance company and called the cc company. The cc said they will dispute the charge. Is there anything else I should do? Our airline tickets are outside all of this. I think they would qualify under the travel insurance, but the cost of the tickets and tour would exceed the maximum insurance amount pp and therefore equal no refund. I haven't cancelled them yet.
We are considering keeping the airline tickets and just making our own arrangements otherwise. W were going 13 days at the end of August. The reimbursement of the tour cost would be $5k, so that's what we're looking at for accomodations, etc. Suggestions/advice? TIA.
Re: italy tour--operator bankrupt, new arrangements
well dont worry. pompeii is close to rome and there are many reputable compaies that can take you if you dont want to go alone. i've used walks of italy for the vatican and a friend of mine just used them for the same, the colisseum, the forum, a florence walk and a day trip to san gimignano and siena.
so focusing on rome and florence-there is a 90minute train direct from rome to florence. it's pretty inexpensive, you can purchase tickets in rome at either a travel agent or at the train station. you prepay and get assigned carrage and seats so no worry about not getting a seat.
so why not do this? split the time between either rome and florence and take a few day trips to the surroundign areas? on our 2nd trip to florence in 2010 we hired a driver to take us out for the day (many days) to different areas that way we didnt have to worry about driving after wine tastings or getting lost. it will cost you but imo it was worth the extra as compared to driving (and parking!!).
i realize he didn't want to do independently by rail but seeing the situation I think you should keep your tickets and just split between the 2. perhaps save venice for another time to ease his not wanting to do by train alone.
when are you supposed to travel?
the good news-the euro just hit an all time low!!
Your suggestion is a distinct possibility. Where did you acquire your driver? Did you do it when you were there or before?
8/23-9/5.
it was so easy for the driver. i emailed the hotel before we got there (a month or 2 away i guess) and asked if they could recommend one. and they did. and it worked great!!
you can also check tripadvisor.com there are a ton of great reviews.
First of all, I am so sorry you have having to deal with this! But you'll find lots of helpful people on this board!
We were in Rome last September and used a company called Rental In Rome for an apartment rental which we had an awesome experience with. They contract with dozens and dozens of different apartments in Rome so you should have no issues finding a place to stay.
I have multiple entries in my travel blog on Italy if you would like more information:
Venice, Italy (Accommodation & Dining)
Thanks. I read through a few of those previously. I'm going to peruse the rest tonight. I think we've decided to take the suggestion above and do Rome and Florence. I'm definitely going to check out those apartments. Here's hoping they have something on such short notice.
I appreciate everyone's help today. You've been great.
Great!! please come back and let us know how the planning's going, if you have questions and most importantly-after you come back how it went
what a crappy situation but you'll definately make the best of it!!