Italy Budget Trips & Packages Tours & Trips

What travelers are saying

"We booked in February via TripMasters for a trip to Italy in June. Everything was confirmed in February, after our payment. However, in May, right before our trip, we were told that our hotel in Venice had become unavailable. This is from the email sent by TripMasters : "We were just informed that Sant`Antonin Hotel will not be able to honor our reservation that is why our vendor is offering the following alternative properties that is a free upgrade to 4 stars Hotel: 1st Option: Novotel Venezia Mestre Castellana - Upgrade to 4**** Via Alfredo Ceccherini 21, Mestre, VE, 30174, ITA Room type: Family Room, 1 Double Bed with Sofa bed Bedding type: 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed 2nd Option: Hotel Mercure Venezia Marghera - Upgrade to 4**** Via Malamocco 14, Mestre, VE, 30175, ITA Room type: Starndar, Multiple Beds 2 Twin Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed Note that these rooms are not booked yet. We need your approval. Please let us know if you accept, or if you need further information do not hesitate to contact us." Neither hotel has the traditional style we were looking for, so we declined and scrambled to find among the much more limited inventory than when we booked our trip in February an acceptable alternative. It's only until we finished our trip and got to know the area better did we realize how far away the two alternative options TripMasters are from Venice (>1 hour each way to Venice via public transportation) and how much cheaper they are compared with our original choice (right in the center of Venice and has stellar reviews). We just felt lucky that we didn't take the bait and fell into their trap. Otherwise, our trip would have been ruined. It's quite blatant when they had the gut to mention this in their email: "a free upgrade to 4 stars Hotel" without disclosing the much different location of the two alternatives. We dislike being treated so dishonestly and will never use them again."

What travelers are saying

"A fabulously run tour company, offering top-notch cultural itineraries. We just returned from Vivaldi in Venice, where the program was excellent in every way."

What travelers are saying

"We had a wonderful holiday thanks to Gianni who organised a private tour of the Le Marche region for my husband and I. Arriving in Ascoli Piceno from Rome we relaxed into our 16c Hotel Palazzo with beautiful frescoes and a historic court yard, setting the scene for the historical sights and unique experiences ahead. Riccardo was our local guide, friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about his region. We travelled with ease to Pesaro, Urbino, San Marino, San Leo, Gradara sampling local produce and wines along the way. Travelling this way enabled spontaneity (we turned left, had a beautiful lunch in a country restaurant with a cellar that was built into a cave just below Mussolini’s hotel room!) and in each city Riccardo knew to inform my husband of the local caffe corretto inc., caffe Meletti, Moretta Fanese, Completo etc., We really enjoyed every day and evening - thank you !"

What travelers are saying

"We booked in February via TripMasters for a trip to Italy in June. Everything was confirmed in February, after our payment. However, in May, right before our trip, we were told that our hotel in Venice had become unavailable. This is from the email sent by TripMasters : "We were just informed that Sant`Antonin Hotel will not be able to honor our reservation that is why our vendor is offering the following alternative properties that is a free upgrade to 4 stars Hotel: 1st Option: Novotel Venezia Mestre Castellana - Upgrade to 4**** Via Alfredo Ceccherini 21, Mestre, VE, 30174, ITA Room type: Family Room, 1 Double Bed with Sofa bed Bedding type: 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed 2nd Option: Hotel Mercure Venezia Marghera - Upgrade to 4**** Via Malamocco 14, Mestre, VE, 30175, ITA Room type: Starndar, Multiple Beds 2 Twin Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed Note that these rooms are not booked yet. We need your approval. Please let us know if you accept, or if you need further information do not hesitate to contact us." Neither hotel has the traditional style we were looking for, so we declined and scrambled to find among the much more limited inventory than when we booked our trip in February an acceptable alternative. It's only until we finished our trip and got to know the area better did we realize how far away the two alternative options TripMasters are from Venice (>1 hour each way to Venice via public transportation) and how much cheaper they are compared with our original choice (right in the center of Venice and has stellar reviews). We just felt lucky that we didn't take the bait and fell into their trap. Otherwise, our trip would have been ruined. It's quite blatant when they had the gut to mention this in their email: "a free upgrade to 4 stars Hotel" without disclosing the much different location of the two alternatives. We dislike being treated so dishonestly and will never use them again."

What travelers are saying

"We booked in February via TripMasters for a trip to Italy in June. Everything was confirmed in February, after our payment. However, in May, right before our trip, we were told that our hotel in Venice had become unavailable. This is from the email sent by TripMasters : "We were just informed that Sant`Antonin Hotel will not be able to honor our reservation that is why our vendor is offering the following alternative properties that is a free upgrade to 4 stars Hotel: 1st Option: Novotel Venezia Mestre Castellana - Upgrade to 4**** Via Alfredo Ceccherini 21, Mestre, VE, 30174, ITA Room type: Family Room, 1 Double Bed with Sofa bed Bedding type: 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed 2nd Option: Hotel Mercure Venezia Marghera - Upgrade to 4**** Via Malamocco 14, Mestre, VE, 30175, ITA Room type: Starndar, Multiple Beds 2 Twin Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed Note that these rooms are not booked yet. We need your approval. Please let us know if you accept, or if you need further information do not hesitate to contact us." Neither hotel has the traditional style we were looking for, so we declined and scrambled to find among the much more limited inventory than when we booked our trip in February an acceptable alternative. It's only until we finished our trip and got to know the area better did we realize how far away the two alternative options TripMasters are from Venice (>1 hour each way to Venice via public transportation) and how much cheaper they are compared with our original choice (right in the center of Venice and has stellar reviews). We just felt lucky that we didn't take the bait and fell into their trap. Otherwise, our trip would have been ruined. It's quite blatant when they had the gut to mention this in their email: "a free upgrade to 4 stars Hotel" without disclosing the much different location of the two alternatives. We dislike being treated so dishonestly and will never use them again."

What travelers are saying

"I just returned from spending 8 phenomenal days in Greece and Turkey. Our guide Yannis couldn't have been more knowledgeable, efficient, fun, funny and FRIENDLY!! There was 12 of us traveling together and he never lost his patience although some days he may have felt like he was herding cats... The hotel, ship, tours and local guides left us wanting nothing! Thank you for providing us the framework for such amazing memories!!!! Efxaristo!!!!!!"

What travelers are saying

"Everything about Olde Ipswich gets high marks, including helpful, personal attention prior to selection of the trip, and successful efforts to accommodate personal needs during the trip. The small group size in the Dordogne trip (7) worked well. The itinerary was creative and thoughtful, providing interesting locations and activities, always with a personal and local touch. This was true of the restaurants and accommodations as well. We would highly recommend the Dordogne trip and working with Olde Ipswich for future trip plans. Marilyn Hotch and Jack Brown"