Budget Tour; going solo to italy

[JetSet]

I was originally going on a trip with my boyfriend but he doesn't have the funds and I still really want to go, SO...

Are there any land-only budget tours for Europe. Mainly Italy?
I found some great airfares (British airways) and I don't see the fares included in tour packages to be cheaper.

I found some land-only tours but they're mainly for older adults and cost over $2000 for around 8 days.

I've also looked into Contiki but theyre just as expensive. Tours are $1000 less when it's land only, but even after that, the tours are $1500+.

Any suggestions would be great. Are there also Europe based tour groups that people have heard of?

THANKS.
Heidi

[ivybell]

You could probably go on your own for less. Do you really just want to travel with a group or would you be comfortable on your own? If you stay in hostels you will meet lots of people who you could travel with, or just to hang out with in the evening.

Contiki is the main one, really, a quick google will bring up alot. I've never used a tour of any kind so can't really help you in that regard.
_________________
In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It goes on.
Robert Frost

[JetSet]

My main concern is that I end up staying in my room at night with nothing to do. I figured if I joined a tour, I could meet people or the tour would organize some event.

The day travel I can handle on my own.

I looked at Contiki's Italian Espresso tour, which isnt much of a tour to begin with. It's mainly free travel and meeting up twice (the inital orientation and once more for a night trip in Venice). For their price, I can arrange bus trips between cities on my own and save muuuuch more.

Do you recommend any hostels in Rome where I can meet people? I'm going in January so I dont expect it to be flourishing with tourists..

[zack_bircher]

Although you are travelling off peak, I expect many people to be travelling at any hostel you choose, excluding smaller towns. You are bound to meet up with people who want to go out on the town, etc in hostels providing you ask and dont just hide in your room. And join tour groups wherever possible - you are bound to meet even more people there.

[ivybell]

I was in Spain last January, and while it wasn't really busy, there was no shortage of people in the hostels. It's pretty rare to just sit and do nothing. Though sometimes that's fun thing to do. Most places have bunches of books, and the people who are there almost always want to chat.
_________________
In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It goes on.
Robert Frost