italy holiday tours

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Ciao Bella Italia!

Whether it’s old-world traditions and wonderful culture, cuisine, history, fashion or natural beauty, Italy is special to many people for different reasons. Few other countries boast so many legendary cities. There are also many charming hill towns and coastal villages that showcase Italy’s amazing natural beauty. From the big cities to the small towns, there is always something exciting to see in Italy. With so many reasons to visit, the rest is up to you!

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Destination must-see's.

Cinque Terre:

Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which means that it is a valuable and protected place on earth. Feel like you have stepped back in time when you visit this collection of colorful medieval villages sitting high on the edge of the sea.

Visit a place that was frozen in time in the summer of A.D. 79. Soak in 2,000 years of history at the excavated ruins of Pompeii as a local expert provides you with a detailed view of this incredibly preserved archaeological site.

The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built and perhaps one of the most recognizable places on the planet. It sits right in the center of Rome and was constructed by emperors of the Flavian dynasty. Imagine being there in its day!

Go off the beaten path to see the Castello Sestiere area with a local guide and get to know authentic Venice. You’ll be able to walk canal by canal through streets lined with historic buildings and old churches. See how the locals live every day with each step you take in this unique city.

Destination Must-Do's

Get a Taste of Sicilian Street Food:

Each region of Italy has its own dishes of renown, and Sicily has a rich street food culture. Chickpea fritters (panelle), fried potato croquettes (crocchè) fried risotto balls (arancine/arancini), and cannoli are just some of the items you may find while sampling the local fare.

Tour Lucca:

The fascinating medieval city of Lucca is surrounded by 16th-century Renaissance walls. Choose to see it by bike or on foot, but either way will bring you to see the Cathedral of San Martino, the Piazza Napoleone and the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, all sites you simply should not miss.

Visit Capri:

On a beautiful day, take a boat trip from the stunning Amalfi Coast to the lovely Mediterranean island of Capri. There, a local expert will bring you on a tour of a dreamy place that can only be described as paradise on earth.

Drink wine:

Just about anywhere you go in Italy, you’re going to encounter fantastic wine. Whether you’re in Tuscany, Stresa, Piedmont, Umbria or any other region of this beautiful country, taste the wine. Buy a few bottles and bring it home to enjoy with friends and family.

Expert Advice

Some of what you think of as traditional Italian foods are actually American interpretations and not widely available there. Some examples are heavy cream sauces such as alfredo, spaghetti and meatballs, and chicken parmigiana (however, you may find these items in more tourist-oriented restaurants).

Featured Tours to Italy

Southern Italy & Sicily featuring Taormina, Matera and the Amalfi Coast

Italian Vistas

Best of Italy

Shrines of Italy

Reflections of Italy

Rome & the Amalfi Coast

Northern Italy and Its Lakes featuring Lake Como and Venice

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Vacations in Italy

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Most popular italy flight and hotel deals, all inclusive vacation packages to italy, last minute vacation packages to italy, search by stars, search by review score, search by board, search by price, search by freebies, when to book a vacation in italy, tips for finding italy package deals.

• There are loads of types of vacations in Italy and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $453; Family vacation $398; Romantic vacation $509; Luxury vacation $503; Budget vacation $357.

Why should you book a vacation package to Italy?

The most popular Italian cities include Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome. Another great option, which encompasses art, historical buildings, and incredible food, is the island of Sicily, just off the toe of Italy's boot.

When should you book a vacation package to Italy?

The best season for visiting is the early spring before Italy's many tourist attractions begin their expensive and busy season. One of the most popular events in Italy continues to be the Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball which celebrates Fat Tuesday in late February.

Where should you stay in Italy during your vacation?

For any vacation type in italy:.

Grand Hotel Via Veneto next to Villa Borghese Park features an on-site restaurant, meeting rooms, and an impressive city spa. Sitbus and Terravision both offer discounted shuttles from Rome Fiumicino with several drop off points throughout Rome.

La Griffe Roma - MGallery By Sofitel's location next to Vatican City makes it the perfect home base to explore from while also offering meeting rooms for those who may be travelling to Rome on business. La Griffe Roma is easily accessible by train from Rome Fiumicino and near to the Roma Termini transportation hub.

For family vacations in Italy:

The Duke Hotel in Rome is a 4-star hotel that offers 23 family suites in a quiet and safe section of the city so you can rest easy on your next Italian vacation. The best option for transporting your family around Italy is via rental car from Rome Fiumicino International Airport.

QC Terme Roma Spa & Resort near Lago Triamo checks all the boxes on your list: close to the airport, sprawling grounds, therapeutic spa services, and a buffet curated with healthy food options. A rental car from Rome Fiumicino is one of the best ways to travel between the airport, hotel, and downtown city center.

For romantic vacations in Italy:

Hotel Villa Morgagni will have you feeling like royalty with it's 19th century architecture, tasteful ambiance, and intimate location tucked away from Rome's crowded main streets.

Aldrovandi Villa Borghese in Rome features underground soaking pools, professional massages, and luxurious facials to pep up your romantic holiday. Located adjacent to Bioparco, this relaxing hotel is easily accessible via airport shuttle from any of the main domestic or international airports in Rome.

For luxury vacations in Italy:

Hotel Raphael - Relais Chateaux at Navona Square is a true museum of art with modern decor, classical architecture, and a rooftop restaurant just a few streets away from the famous Roman Pantheon. Consider renting a taxi for the most private and straightforward trip from Rome Fiumicino Airport.

Ambasciatori Palace prides itself on a long history of welcoming elegance with timeless décor, modern international cuisine, and luxurious spa services. Private car transfers from Rome's many airports can be arranged directly with Ambasciatori Palace upon booking.

For budget vacations in Italy:

Hotel Splendide Royale offers grand views over the historical Medici estate and gardens within a short walk of the Spagna metro stop, which connects you with other parts of the city. This hotel offers airport shuttles which you can arrange upon booking your Italian vacation package.

Hotel Panama Garden is a pet-friendly hotel which offers a retreat away from Rome's bustling city center while still maintaining walking distance to most tourist attractions. Use those extra savings to splurge on a rental car to easily transfer from Rome Fiumicino Airport and explore the surrounding Italian countryside.

Where to stay in Italy

Italy vacation information, other popular package vacation destinations.

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• Italy Tours

Italy Tours and Trips 2024/2025

The mention of Italy conjures up ideas of romance, fantastic food and cobbled streets. Explore the museums and the vineyards on Italy group tours . Learn about Renaissance heritage on Italy culture tours . Go for an adventure with a guide to take on the unfamiliar terrain and trails on Italy escorted tours .

• Italy Travel Guide
• Things to do in Italy
• Best Time to Visit Italy

+300 Trips in Italy with 1,811 Reviews

• Starts Venice, Italy
• Ends Rome, Italy

Highlights of Italy

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Art and architecture City sightseeing , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Countryside and village visits & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='3759'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Hostel & Guest House
• Transport Train, Boat & Bus
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,965
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 295
• Total Price from: US$ 1,670
• May 11 Only 7 seats left
• May 18 Only 5 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Rome, Italy
• Ends Amalfi Coast & Campania, Italy

Rome to Amalfi

• Activities City sightseeing & Art and architecture City sightseeing , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Volcanoes , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Cruise 'data-more-tripid='3784'>+4 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Villa, Resort & Hut
• Transport Boat, Train, Bus, Private Vehicle & Ferry
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,750
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 412
• Total Price from: US$ 2,338
• May 12 Only 6 seats left
• May 19 Only 3 seats left

• Ends Florence, Italy

Gems Of Rome & Florence

• Activities Art and architecture & Food tours
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Train, Coach & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 10-99 yrs
• Operated in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,408
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 211
• Total Price from: US$ 1,197
• May 15 10+ seats left
• May 16 10+ seats left

Italian Express: The Best Of Italy

• Trip customizable
• Tour Type Private Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture & Trekking and Hiking 'data-more-tripid='19728'>+2 more
• Transport Private Vehicle, Train, Boat, Ferry, Coach & Bullet Train
• Age Range 4-99 yrs
• Operated in English, Spanish

• Ends Venice, Italy

Ultimate Italy

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Countryside and village visits Cultural, religious and historic sites , Countryside and village visits , Sailing, yachting and motor boating , Walking tours & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='4952'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Villa
• Transport Train, Boat, Bus & Taxi
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,499
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 700
• Total Price from: US$ 2,799
• May 12 Only 1 seat left
• May 15 Only 2 seats left

• Starts Naples, Italy
• Ends Bomerano, Italy

Highlights of the Amalfi Coast

• Activities Food tours & Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Transport Boat, Bus & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 16-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,323
• Special Deal (6%): - US$ 148
• Total Price from: US$ 2,175
• May 18 Only 1 seat left
• May 25 Only 3 seats left

• Starts Catania, Italy
• Ends Palermo, Italy

Small Group Food & Wine Tour of Sicily

• Free cancellation
• Activities Food tours & Wine tasting tours Food tours , Wine tasting tours , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Countryside and village visits & Local culture 'data-more-tripid='22521'>+3 more
• Transport Minibus
• Age Range 1-89 yrs

Trending Destinations in Italy

Europe Escape

• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities City sightseeing
• Transport Coach, Boat, Taxi & Train
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,335
• Special Deal (33%): - US$ 1,086
• Total Price from: US$ 2,249
• May 19 Only 5 seats left
• Jun 02 Only 2 seats left

Italian Delights

• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='37627'>+1 more
• Transport Coach, Taxi, Train & Ferry
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,765
• Special Deal (33%): - US$ 908
• Total Price from: US$ 1,857
• May 21 Only 5 seats left
• Jun 04 Only 6 seats left

Jewels of Italy

• Activities Adventure
• Transport Coach
• Age Range 5-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,250
• Special Deal (14%): - US$ 170
• Total Price from: US$ 1,080
• May 12 Only 9 seats left
• May 19 Only 6 seats left

Best of Italy

• Activities City sightseeing & Art and architecture City sightseeing , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Museum and gallery visits , Cruise , Countryside and village visits & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='3788'>+5 more
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,580
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 456
• Total Price from: US$ 4,124
• May 13 Only 6 seats left
• May 16 Only 5 seats left

European Highlights

• Activities Mountains & City sightseeing
• Transport Coach, Boat & Train
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,560
• Special Deal (28%): - US$ 726
• Total Price from: US$ 1,834
• Jun 02 Only 4 seats left

• Starts Matera, Italy
• Ends Lecce, Italy

Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy

• Activities Food tours & Local culture Food tours , Local culture , Museum and gallery visits & City sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='7470'>+2 more
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,617
• Special Deal (5%): - US$ 132
• Total Price from: US$ 2,485
• Jun 01 Only 3 seats left
• Jun 15 Only 6 seats left

Italian Discovery

• Activities Explorer
• Transport Bus, Coach, Boat & Ferry
• Age Range 6-80 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,100
• Special Deal (6%): - US$ 186
• Total Price from: US$ 2,914
• May 19 10+ seats left
• May 26 10+ seats left

Traveling to Italy? Chat with a local travel specialist in Italy who can help organize your trip.

Italy Tour Reviews

• Lynette Lee

Traveller Photos for Trips in Italy

Italy — Tour Highlights and Travel Tips

Tour Highlights

• Marvel at the Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome.
• Head to Siena and watch the annual horse race.
• Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
• Explore Venice on a gondola ride.
• Dine a margherita pizza in Naples.

Travel Tips

• For authentic Italian cuisine, look for a restaurant with a full Italian menu instead of those catering only to tourists.
• Italians take great pride in their food, so do not make any special food requests.
• Make sure you are full before 7 PM. Italian restaurants rarely open after that.
• Keep your belongings safe as some Italian cities have a bad reputation for pickpocketing.
• Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting churches and other holy sites.
• The best tourist spots are less crowded in the mornings.

Popular tour types in Italy

• Italy budget tours: Traveling on a shoestring budget? See all the big hitters on one of our Italy budget tours . Take a ride along the canals of Venice, hike the Amalfi Coast, or gaze in wonder at the Colosseum in Rome. Designed to suit tight budgets, these tours give you the most bang for your buck.
• Italy guided tours: Looking for a more structured experience? Our Italy guided tours have been designed to make you feel safe and informed while giving you the pleasure to take in some of the country’s most beloved sights, including Cinque Terre, the Trulli huts of Puglia, Tuscan vineyards, and more.
• Italy luxury tours: Sometimes you just want to treat yourself to the finer things of life. We have you covered with our Italy high-end tours . Staying in four- and five-star accommodations, you can wake up refreshed and in the heart of the action. Whether that is exploring the Uffizi in Florence, wandering around Pompeii, or learning more about the Vatican.
• Italy private tours: We get it, sometimes you need something that’s just for you. That’s why we have created our Italy private tours . Book safe in the knowledge that it will just be your family or friend group traveling around this beautiful country, learning more about the cities and towns, like the intriguing modern history of Palermo.
• Italy group tours: Some of our most popular trips are our Italy group tours . Designed to bring people together with newer travelers in mind, you can explore vineyards, islands, and cobbled streets with like-minded people who will soon become your lifelong friends.
• Italy customized tours: Know exactly what you want but cannot quite find it? Want to combine a ski trip in Bardonecchia with a culinary jaunt around Bologna? We can make it happen. Create a trip to your exact specifications with our Italy tailor-made tours . Simply give our experts a few details and we will make the perfect Italian tour for you.

Activity-based Italy Tours

• Italy culture tours: With Italy being so jam-packed with history, it is no wonder that there are so many Italy culture tours to choose from. Learn as you travel, taking in the culture of the towns and cities around you, all the while admiring the historical sites like the Doge’s Palace in Venice, the Forum in Rome, or Pompeii.
• Italy hiking tours: Want to explore Italy on foot? With the Dolomites, Appian Way, and plenty of gorgeous coastal trails, our Italy hiking tours range in location, duration, and comfort level to give you the flexibility you need. Think of all the pasta you can eat at the end of each day.
• Italy bicycle tours: If you want to cruise around Italy on a two-wheeler, our Italy cycling tours are a great place to start. With different itineraries ranging from mountain trails in the Dolomites, to flatter Roman trails like Sentiero della Bonifica, to a combination of the two, you can be active and explore this beautiful country.
• Italy cruise tours: If you prefer to explore Italy at a more leisurely pace, our Italy cruise tours are just the thing for you. These tours are designed to take all the logistical hard work out of the equation. Sit back as you are dropped at your next outstanding destination, from Venice, to Rome, to Naples and beyond.
• Italy city sightseeing tours: With more UNESCO heritage sites than any other country in the world, there is a reason we have so many Italy city sightseeing tours . Rome alone has dozens of attractions to experience. We will take care of the logistics so that you can focus on your tour.
• Italy food tours: One of the main reasons many of us visit Italy is because of the food. On our Italy food tours , you may be sampling limoncello on the Amalfi Coast, tearing into a traditional pizza in Naples, or going on a gastronomic Balsamic journey in Modena. Bring your appetite and perhaps some baggier clothing.

Popular durations for an Italy trip

Italy tours — Top destinations to visit

• Dive into the culture in Tuscany: Greeted by the Tyrrhenian sea in the west coast, Tuscany is a land of cultural awakening. From superbly crafted fine wine in the vineyards to the incomparable Renaissance art of Florence, a trip to Tuscany will feel like paradise to a culture nut. The region presents one of the most authentic tastes of Italy and is one of the most fascinating and popular tourist destinations in the country.
• Enjoy the beautiful coasts of Puglia: Highlighted by traditional countryside villages and a beautiful coastline, Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, is an amazing tourist destination. Whether you choose to take a dip in the swimming coves or the clear waters of the Adriatic, explore traditional trulli culture in old villages and cottages, or feast with the locals in the many bars in Piazzas, there is something for everyone in Puglia. Head to the olive groves where you can enjoy plenty of sunshine to cap off your vacation in Puglia .
• Relax on the beach in Sicily: Coastlines and beaches make Sicily a nature lover’s dream. This popular island on the Mediterranean sea is home to some marvelous archeological sites and fine Italian cuisine. But that is not all, the ancient Roman amphitheater and the ruins of the temple of Athena also allow visitors a peek into the country’s history. Add the churches and cathedrals in Palermo, black-sand lava beaches in Aeolian islands and the majestic Mount Etna and you have a perfect Sicilian vacation .
• Follow the hiking trails in Cinque Terre: A landscape covered in beautiful terraced hillsides, Cinque Terre is a popular walking destination. Here, you can enjoy gorgeous views of the colorful villages built on cliffsides while exploring the interconnected hiking trails in the region. A holiday in Cinque Terre can also give visitors a glimpse of the medieval era, as it is home to ancient seaside villages along the Italian Riviera.
• Go skiing in the Dolomites: Home to the Italian Alps, the Dolomites is a hiking and skiing haven for adventure seekers. This is where you will get to familiarize yourself with the Ladin culture and discover a blend between Italian and German cultures. Stay in luxury resorts, visit open-air museums, and dine on delicious cuisine every night. These are some of the reasons why the Dolomites are popular not just in Italy but the whole of Europe.
• Bask in the sun in Amalfi Coast: If you are seeking out sunshine, lemons, and time relaxing on the beach, you are going to want to visit the Amalfi Coast . Famed for its stunning coastlines with accompanying clifftop hiking trails, zingy limoncello, and archeological wonders, such as Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast has something for everyone. From Capri's classy elegance to Naples's winding side streets, to Sorrento's sandy beaches, no two days on the Amalfi Coast are ever the same. Popular with travelers of all ages and from all over the world, there are plenty of reasons why visitors come back here.

Peak Season and Low Season Tours in Italy

• Italy in March
• Italy in April
• Italy in May
• Italy in June
• Italy in July
• Italy in September
• Italy in October
• Italy in November
• Italy in December
• Italy in January
• Italy in February

Popular Italy trip travel guide

If you are planning a trip to Italy, you will want to know about the best time to visit Italy as well as checking out all the available Italy tours. You may also wish to learn more about the top things to do in Italy . Once you are sure about some of the activities you wish to experience in Italy, along with the destinations you want to visit, you may want to consider how many days to stay in Italy . We generally recommend to stay at least 10 days in Italy , but to get the most out of your trip to Italy you can stay 2 weeks in Italy or more.

Next, we recommend you start thinking about the money you can allocate to the trip to know whether you should be looking for a budget tour, a luxury tour, or perhaps a completely customized tour to Italy . If you are in doubt, check all our Italy tours at the top of this page.

Italy is an amazing country to visit, and there may be other key factors that you wish to consider before traveling there. Please check our “ Italy travel guide ” which will give you a lot of relevant information about traveling to Italy.

Tours in Italy - Questions and Answers

Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, and Japan can visit Italy (along with the free-movement zone of Schengen in the EU) for 90 days as tourists without requiring a visa.

While it is true that Italy is not an expensive destination, it is not exactly a budget destination either. Your vacation funds will go much further in Italy than they would in Scandinavia or the UK, with daily budgets of around USD150 per person sufficient for mid-range travelers who do not want to miss out on any of the country’s most important sights. Most banks have ATM machines (called bancomat) with English language options. All you need to do is look for the US or the UK flag. Plus, most machines accept both Visa and Mastercard. Please keep in mind that you will withdraw your cash in euros, with EUR1 slightly more than its USD equivalent.

The best time to visit Italy is between the months of April and June as well as from September to October. The weather on the Italian Peninsula during these months is ideal for going out on sightseeing tours, hiking, and exploring treasures stretching from Palermo to the lagoons of Venice. Traveling to Italy during July and August is avoided by many because of the summer heat and crowds, while the period between November to March sees the fewest visitors in big cities. However, these months coincide with the prime skiing season in the Alps, while southern parts of Italy, such as Sicily, remain relatively warm during this time of year. Find more information here .

It was not too long ago that finding anyone who spoke English in Italy was an ordeal. This is not the case anymore. Most people in the cities have some understanding of the language, although numbers decrease as you move further into the countryside. Therefore, it is better to know a few basic phrases in Italian (per favore means please and grazi means thank you) if you are heading for the country. This will not only make your stay in the country easier but also ensure that you show respect to the people and their culture. 

The duration of your vacation in Italy depends on the ground you want to cover. It is possible to enjoy a city break in Rome that lasts just three days, while one week in Italy will give you the chance to tick the country’s top sights off your bucket list, be it the countryside around Tuscany, the highlights of Florence and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. However, we recommend Italy trips of no less than ten days . This will allow you to take in the country’s iconic landmarks as well as explore off-the-beaten-track destinations , such as the medieval hamlet of Barbarano Romano,  the Dolomites , and Mantua in the Lombardy region.  In two weeks , you can add Sicily to your itinerary. Read our travel article on how many days to spend in Italy .

There is no specific order in which you should cover the destinations in Italy. But many choose to start their Italian sojourn from the capital city Rome , given the number of attractions it has as well as the convenience of transport it offers. The  Tuscan countryside, with its rolling hills sprinkled with olive trees, is a crowd favorite, while Umbria offers similar panoramas but with fewer tourists. A tour in Sicily feels very different from mainland Italy because of its distance from Rome, while Apulia, located in the heel of Italy, and Veneto, outside of Venice, offer some of the most authentic experiences and best regional cuisine.

Traditionally trips to Italy have involved sightseeing in cities such as Naples or Milan. However, the country’s long coastline means there are plenty of sea-based activities to enjoy, from kayaking between the islands of Venice to ferry trips to Capri. Hiking is becoming increasingly popular in Italy’s countryside, given the wealth of ancient footpaths that wind among hills and mountains. A road trip is another option, with the cliffside roads of Cinque Terre a dreamy place to spend a few days driving through. Find our Italy tours and trips here . 

Public transportation in Italy is excellent. High-speed trains connect major cities, traveling at speeds of up to 150 mph, while slower regional trains connect towns with a small population. Even tiny villages have bus routes, although there may only be one or two services per day in either direction. Driving is not for the fainthearted, since Italian drivers can be aggressive and can change lanes or directions without warning. Italians drive on the right-hand side of the road and use their horns frequently.

• Italy budget tours
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• Italy family tour packages
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• Italy private tours
• Italy self-guided tours
• Italy small group tours
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• Italy tailor-made vacation packages
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Popular Destinations

• Amalfi Coast & Campania Tours
• Catania Tours
• Chianti Tours
• Cinque Terre and Liguria Tours
• Florence Tours
• Lucca Tours
• Matera Tours
• Naples Tours
• Palermo Tours
• Puglia Tours
• Salento Tours
• Sardinia Tours
• Sicily Tours
• Siena Tours
• Taormina Tours
• Trentino-South Tyrol Tours
• Tuscany Tours
• Venice Tours

Popular Activities

• Adventure tours
• Art and architecture tours
• Bicycle tours
• City sightseeing tours
• Countryside and village visits tours
• Cruise tours
• Cultural, religious and historic sites tours
• Explorer tours
• Local culture tours
• Museum and gallery visits tours
• Natural landmarks sightseeing tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Trekking and Hiking tours
• Walking tours
• Wine tasting tours

Upcoming Departures

• Spring 2024/2025
• Summer 2024/2025
• Winter 2024/2025
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• August 2025
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7 Day Italy Tours & Trips

Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 7 day Italy tour with TourRadar. Choose from 412 trips with 2,259 customer reviews, that range from 4 up to 7 days.

250+ Italy 7 day tour packages with 2,259 reviews

• In-depth Cultural

Sardinia: Magic Tour

Best service.Thanks to them for those good tour guidelines.

• Christmas & New Year

ITALY MUST-SEE (Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Florence, Cinque Terre & more...)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Coach / Bus

Rome, Florence & Venice

The tour guide was amazing Alessia, she knows a lot of History about Rome, Pisa, Florence, Verona and Venice. The accommodation was just good, the meals included were very poor, the breakfast was extremely poor, the extra tours were very very expensive. The transportation was very good, the driver Ivan was the best!

Italian Holiday (7 Days)

This tour was a once in a lifetime experience....Fantastic! Would definetely recommend it to anyone!

Discover Italy end Milan

There were a lot of positives. The tour guides were excellent and they knew how much to say and how much free time to give folk to explore. I cannot fault the places we visited and the length of time in each. It was really good to allow a full day for groups to explore Rome on their own. We had a taster of the other places, enough to whet the appetite for future visits. Though I enjoyed the tour very much and would use TourRadar again, I do have two criticisms for future reference. Firstly, though the hotels were of a very good standard, they were too far away from city centres and in some there were very few opportunities to go out at night to eat away from the hotel. That is not good enough for those where eating expensively in the hotels was a real drain on the pocket. Secondly, bearing in mind it was the Winter season, it was not much fun exploring places in the dark and so some flexibility should have been included to prevent silly late arrivals at the hotels, often nearly 8pm. However, those concerns besides, it was a lovely holiday and thank you for all your careful planning and organisation. Please extend my gratitude to the wonderful guides!

• Local Living

Local Living Italy—Tuscany San Gimignano

Veronica is exceptional as a guide. She is very organized, knowledgeable and fun to be with.

• Food & Culinary

Taste of Salento-Authentic Culinary Experience

Continued.. Besides both Carla and Emilios own knowlege and history of each place they had Profesional guides to take you around to the other places. Nice to be in a private car. Great food like I said before. Emilio really takes care and you can see the passion in every dish he makes. Very well put together tour. Loved my stay at the farmhouse learning about the olive trees. Overall a Wonderful experience during my week in brindisi. Will visit again! Crystal

Local Living Italy—Sorrento

I was a wonderful tour. We had a guided Tour in Naples, Pompei and a wonderful hike, garnished with interessting facts about history and the people living there. The family at the lemon farm was great and the food provided was really yummy. Luigi gave us a little tour around the property andbecame my personal hero, when he demonstrated how to make limoncello. Chiara was a very helpful and lovely guide. We already miss her :-)

• Train & Rail

Italy By High-Speed Train

The itinerary was very interesting, we got to see 3 cities in only one week. Some of the guided tours were interesting, but you can also book them for cheaper with the hotels. The hotels were really good, but I think the overall value of the package is okay. It's good for a first visit to a new country.

• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Magical Sicily - 7 Days

The destinations were well thought out. We were very grateful that our chosen hotels had swimming pools I found having a bilingual tour very hard to hear sometimes and a lot of time is wasted from the tour guide having to give 2 lots of instructions. It was disappointing that 2 of the tours were cancelled because of the heat. One of these was for Mt Etna (our main reason for choosing this tour). Our tour guide did kindly arrange a driver for us to get to Mt Etna. When we got to Mt Etna there were so many other tours with 1000’s of people there and the weather much cooler that we were surprised ours was cancelled. We then had to pay our own entrance fees/tour for which we had already paid as part of the tour. We also had to pay an extra 50 euro to the driver because our tour went longer than expected due to the long lines of people. This all added an unnecessary expense for what should have been already included in the tour. Our tour guide was concerned because of the heat and she was worried as her own home in Palermo had lost power. Our tour guide was otherwise well organised and approachable but did seem annoyed that our tour to Mt Etna went longer than expected

7 Days NORTHERN LAKES AND DOLOMITES TOUR - from Milan

I’m so pleased that I have the opportunity to write a review about our trip. At the end of our trip, I was given just a few lines on a piece of paper to give my opinion, and I told our tour guide there and then, that I HAVE TO make sure and get online to write a detailed review! Our trip was fantastic all thanks to Tour Radar! There wasn’t any day where I felt lost or out of sorts with what to do and how to get about. Even for hiccups like suddenly getting sick, their staff was so kind and understanding. One quick call, and they’re always available for your littlest of questions. Our guides took good care of us and were so gentlemanly! Special thanks to Guido for making our trip extra comfy and easy going, and sharing his tips on finding the best/reasonable restaurants. Also, thank you to Alessandro for tolerating our pickiness and indecisiveness, and allowing us to customize the trip of a lifetime! This was such an amazing and memorable experience, and we’d be sure to retain your services again!

• Sightseeing

Best Sicily Tour: UNESCO Treasures

Sicilian Fantasy

The sightseeing places were beautiful and would have liked to have spent more time in each place felt a little rushed with no time to enjoy each sight, too much to see in 5 days. Bus should be only 20 or less as too many people created some stress for the leader and 3 languages, became a headache at times. Choices of the first 2 hotels were great ????, the last one felt over crowded and food was not good. Our tour guide was wonderful she was helpful and very patient in the stressful times.

Picturesque Solo Italy by Rail Tour

Northern Sicily: Islands & Volcanoes

What people love about 7 day italy tours.

Excellent private tour, comfortable accomodations, fine meals, knowledgeable tour guides, exceptional tour service.

It was a good trip except the two dinners.

Everything about this tour was outstanding! I have no comment only praise!

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• Accommodation

Optional Excursions

Tour overview.

Our signature Italian holiday takes you on an incredible journey from Venice in the north to Sicily in the south. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants to discover the best of Italy in one all-encompassing adventure.

The perfectly paced itinerary takes in everything from iconic cities - think Pisa, Florence, and Rome - to Pompeii and the spectacular scenery of the Sorrento Peninsula and brooding Mount Etna. You’ll stay in four-star hotels, all carefully chosen so that you have a comfortable and well-located place to relax at the end of every day.

The trip includes a mix of guided tours, so you can tick off all the famous sights, and free time that you can spend in a way that’s right for you. You might choose to watch the world go by from a café, explore a museum or visit a cathedral, it really is up to you. If you prefer the convenience of having everything planned, simply ask your Holiday Director for recommendations, or join one of our exciting optional excursions.

Your Holiday Includes

• Return flights from London
• 14 nights in 4-star hotels
• 23 meals: 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 8 dinners and welcome drink
• Travelsphere Holiday Director and Specialist Local Guide
• Overseas transfers, other transportation and porterage

Included Holiday Highlights

• Welcome dinner featuring a buffet of local specialities
• Take a walking tour in the floating city of Venice
• Spend an evening in the charming town of Treviso
• Visit the historical city of Bologna
• Enjoy an ice-cream from a famous parlour
• Admire the Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Discover Italy's 'art city' Florence
• Visit the fortress town of Orvieto
• Explore Rome and its historical sites
• Step inside Montecassino Abbey
• Explore the ruins of Pompeii
• Visit Taormina for views of Mount Etna

Day 1 UK - Venice

Your all-out Italian adventure is about to begin! After flying to Venice, we’ll drive you to your first hotel in Preganziol. A converted 19th-century villa surrounded by gardens, it’s a lovely place to relax and unwind after your journey. Once you’ve settled in, we'll get together for a buffet-style welcome dinner, which features food typical of the Veneto region.

Day 2 Venice

Today's the day you'll get to explore the floating city of Venice. We will begin our journey by coach and then board a boat to take us across the lagoon into the city. Our guided walking tour starts in St Mark’s Square, where the famous Doge’s Palace and magnificent St Mark’s Basilica are located. We’ll wander the maze of narrow streets and alleyways, see the picture-perfect Rialto Bridge, and climb the spiral stairs of Scala Contarini del Bovolo to admire spectacular views over the rooftops of Venice. Now that you’ve got your bearings, you’re free to discover more of the city at your leisure. Go for a stroll and find an inviting café, step inside one, or more, of the historic buildings or browse a local food market – the options are endless.

This evening, after you’ve had time to freshen up, we’re going to head to the beautiful town of Treviso. With its cobbled streets and medieval walls, it has a lovely, relaxed vibe and you’ll have some free time to enjoy dinner and a glass or two of Prosecco here if you would like.

Day 3 Bologna - Montecatini

This morning we'll head off into northern Italy and Tuscany's glorious countryside. Our journey takes us through Bologna, where we'll stop and join a Local Guide for a sightseeing tour. The city is known for its two leaning towers and the central square, Piazza Maggiore, is lined by impressive buildings including the Basilica of San Petronio, a vast Gothic cathedral. Our tour ends with a tasting of delicious ice cream at the famous Sorbetteria Castiglione and then you will have some free time. Why not head to the Quadrilatero and browse Italy’s oldest market. Wander the narrow streets and discover aroma-filled shops and stalls selling a tempting array of local meats and cheeses, homemade pasta, and freshly baked bread. This evening we’ll reach Montecatini Terme, our base for the next three nights.

We’re going to spend the morning in Pisa, where you can take the obligatory photos of yourselves holding up the famous Leaning Tower! Standing 58 metres tall, the tower started to lean soon after construction started in the 12th century. It forms part of the city’s Field of Miracles, a lovely green space that is also home to the Cathedral, Baptistery and Monumental Cemetery. After your visit to Pisa, the rest of the day is yours to do as you please, or you may want to join an optional excursion to Lucca this afternoon. With its intact Renaissance city walls, narrow alleyways and pretty piazzas, this attractive city is a lovely place to wander around.

Day 5 Florence

Today, you'll visit the 'art city' of Florence for a tour with a Local Guide. You’ll see highlights including the vast Gothic cathedral with its white façade and red-roofed dome, and the striking Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s most famous bridge. We’ve left this afternoon free for you to make your own discoveries in Florence. Those who would like to see the remarkable collection of sculptures and paintings in the city’s renowned Uffizi Gallery can join an optional tour with 'skip-the-line' admission and guide.

This evening, there will be an opportunity to attend the Montecatini Opera Festival and enjoy a performance in one of the town’s atmospheric venues.

Day 6 Orvieto - Rome

We're heading south today, to the region of Lazio and Rome. We’ll make a stop at the impressive fortress town of Orvieto where you will have free time to look around. Admire the spectacular cathedral with its ornately decorated façade and stroll through the winding streets of the town’s historic centre before finding the perfect spot for a coffee. You could also take a tour of the Orvieto Underground, a series of caves used as refrigerators, wine cellars and even bomb shelters during the Second World War.

Later we’ll continue our journey to the awe-inspiring city of Rome and after settling in at the hotel, we’ll head to a nearby restaurant for dinner.

Let's set off and explore the magnificent sights of Rome on a guided walking tour. You’ll see the stunning Trevi Fountain with its ornate Baroque statues, and another unmissable highlight, the beautiful Spanish Steps. If you decide to climb this sweeping 18th-century stairway, you’ll be rewarded with fabulous views over the city.

This afternoon is yours to do as you please. You could step inside some of the city’s museums, art galleries or churches, or just while away the time people watching in the magnificent Piazza Navona, an elegant square with attractive fountains.

The evening has also been left free for you to check out Rome’s tempting array of cafés, bars, restaurants, and ice cream parlours. Your Holiday Director will be on hand if you need some advice and recommendations.

Day 8 Rome - at Leisure

Today you can head out and explore Rome independently. Perhaps you’ll choose to step inside the mighty Colosseum, where Roman gladiators battled in front of jeering crowds. Another option is to visit the Roman Forum, a fascinating complex of ruins that once formed the centre of Ancient Rome.

If you would like to visit the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, you have the option of pre-booking an exclusive skip-the-line, two-hour guided visit with timed admission. During the tour, you will see the Vatican’s extensive collection of centuries-old artwork and learn about the history and symbolism of some of its masterpieces. Inside the Sistine Chapel, there is time to admire spectacular frescoes and marvel at the exquisite beauty of Michelangelo’s ceiling.

You have another chance to soak up Rome’s unique atmosphere tonight with another evening at leisure.

Day 9 Pompeii - Sorrento Peninsula

A full day of exploration begins with a visit to the Montecassino Abbey. Sitting on a hilltop overlooking the town of Cassino, it’s an imposing sight, and you’ll have time to admire the views and wander around independently. Next, we arrive at the ruins of Pompeii and after free time for lunch, we’ll meet up with a Local Guide for our walking tour. Sharing their knowledge, they will help us explore this remarkable city that was buried under a blanket of ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD. We’ll step back in time and imagine what life was like for the people who lived here and see some of Pompeii’s best sites. These include villas decorated with frescoes, the Temple of Apollo, the Forum and even a bakery.

Later, we'll arrive at the scenic Sorrento Peninsula, where our hotel for the next three nights is centrally located in the town of Vico Equense.

Day 10 Sorrento Peninsula - at Leisure

After a few busy days of sightseeing, today you can relax at your hotel. It has a private beach with chairs and umbrellas, the perfect place to relax with a good book.

If you want to continue exploring, an optional excursion takes you on a boat trip across the Bay of Naples to the glamorous island of Capri. We’ll begin by exploring Capri Town and the hillside village of Anacapri on a guided tour, and then you will have free time to do your own thing. Perhaps take the chair lift to the highest point on the island for spectacular sweeping views or while away the time in the exclusive boutiques of Capri village.

Day 11 Sorrento Peninsula - at Leisure

Enjoy some time to yourself today. The elegant town of Sorrento, with its enticing cafés and restaurants, is a short train ride away, or if you prefer, you can simply relax at the hotel.

There is also the chance to discover the beauty of the Amalfi Coast on today’s optional excursion. It begins with a stunning drive along twisting clifftop roads and the opportunity to admire breathtaking views of the dramatic landscape. You’ll want to have your camera at the ready to capture pictures of steep cliffs plunging into the sea, and picture-perfect villages clinging to the hillside. Next, we’ll visit the beautiful town of Amalfi, where you’ll have free time to explore. Look out for the impressive cathedral, set at the top of a grand stairway, and make time for a spot of lunch if you wish. We’ll then drive high up the cliffs to Ravello, a town perched above Amalfi with sensational views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. With time to make your own discoveries, you might choose to visit the gardens of Villa Rufolo, where colourful displays of flowers are set against a backdrop of Moorish architecture. Another option is to explore Ravello’s town centre, the main square is home to an interesting cathedral and an array of cafés serving delicious coffee and ice cream.

Day 12 Pizzo Calabro - Sicily

We're leaving mainland Italy now, and heading to Sicily, the island off the tip of Italy’s boot. On the way, we'll stop for lunch in Calabria and then a short ferry ride takes us to Messina, with an onward drive to our final hotel in Giardini Naxos.

Day 13 Taormina

Taormina sits on a sheer cliff, perched above beautiful beaches and close to Mount Etna. Imagine the views you'll see today when we head there to explore. The city’s highlights include an ancient Greek amphitheatre overlooking Mount Etna and a delightful public garden with sensational views of the shimmering sea. With plenty of free time to make your own discoveries in Taormina, why not a stroll along the pretty main street Corso Umberto or head to Piazza IX Aprile, a lovely café-lined square.

Dinner will be served in the hotel’s restaurant this evening.

Day 14 Giardini Naxos - at Leisure

It’s the last full day of your holiday, so why not relax and enjoy the inviting pool at your hotel. Alternatively, having gazed at Mount Etna from afar, maybe now's the time to see Europe's highest volcano close up on our optional excursion. You’ll travel by cable car to a height of around 2,500 metres and then head off on a 16-seater jeep adventure with an Alpine Guide for amazing views of the crater area.

At your hotel tonight, we'll get together to enjoy a farewell drink in the bar.

Day 15 Catania - UK

After a fabulous two weeks, your epic Italian journey comes to an end. We’ll take you to Sicily's Catania airport, where you’ll check in for your return flight to the UK.

Favourite Moment

Lose yourself in Venice and it's just a matter of time before you'll find a pretty courtyard away from all the crowds.

Accommodation (as specified or similar)

Villa pace park hotel bolognese.

Villa Pace Park Bolognese is set in a historic 19th-century building in the middle of rich parkland. The hotel features a new renovated wing, which is connected to the main building, next to panoramic corridors overlooking the park. The spacious rooms feature parquet floors, classical or modern furnishings and a satellite TV.

Grand Hotel Francia & Quirinale

Grand Hotel Francia & Quirinale was built in 1908 in Liberty style and the four-generation owners still live here and welcome guests with warmth and exceptional hospitality. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and poolside bar, Wi-Fi throughout. Hotel rooms feature flat-screen TV, air-conditioning and safety deposit box.

The Palladium

The Palladium Hotel features a panoramic rooftop bar, free Wi-Fi throughout and rooms with classic-style décor. This centrally located hotel is a short walk away from many famous attractions, such as Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, The Colosseum, Rome's Opera House and many more. Hotel rooms feature classic wood furniture, satellite TV, air conditioning and grès porcelain or parquet floors. The bathroom includes hairdryer and toiletries.

Hotel Sporting

Hotel Sporting, perched on a cliff in Vico Equense, is overlooking the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. It features a panoramic restaurant and a private beach equipped with deckchairs and umbrellas. Each air conditioned room comes with decorated tiled floors, simple light wood furniture, and a private bathroom with toiletries and a hairdryer. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby.

Sant Alphio Garden Hotel & Spa

The Sant Alphio Garden Hotel & Spa is located in the heart the Giardini Naxos, just a few steps from the sea on the east coast of the Ionian Sea. The hotel has an on-site restaurant serving regional and international cuisine, a bar, a freshwater outdoor swimming pool and private beach. Hotel rooms are furnished in modern style and have private facilities, TV, air-conditioning, phone and Wi-Fi.

Experience even more of your destination by adding one or more optional experiences to your holiday before you set off. Take a look below at the extra trips you can enjoy on this tour

Guided "Skip the line" entrance to Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel in Rome

Guided "Skip the Line" entry to the Uffizi Gallery Museum in Florence

Italy - Sicily - Discover Mount Etna by cable car

Italy - Sorrento - Drive along the Amalfi Coast

Italy - Sorrento - The Beautiful Island of Capri

Italy - Sicily - Discover Mount Etna by cable car and off road vehicle

Italy - Montecatini - The walled town of Lucca

Italy - A night at the Montecatini Opera

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Prices shown are based on twin occupancy of a double or twin bedded room with private facilities unless otherwise stated. Single occupancy supplements will apply. Travelsphere have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the hotel images provided on this website and images of room types displayed may vary to those offered on your tour. Therefore due to the possibility of inadvertent errors we do not guarantee their accuracy. Accommodation, airlines used and flight times are subject to change and will be confirmed in your final documents.

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13-Day Italy Sightseeing Tour of Rome, Lake Como and Sorrento

13 days, 2 countries and 15 cities

Accommodation

12 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners

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Discover the Best of Italy, from the ancient treasures of Rome to Renaissance Florence and everything in between. Imagine staying overnight in a renovated Franciscan monastery in Assisi, lapping up the chic lifestyle on Capri, and taking a private guided visit to Pompeii to see a Roman city frozen in time.

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Day by day itinerary

13 days itinerary trip from Rome to Rome visiting 2 countries and 15 cities

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About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Fast-Track to the Vatican Museums

Explore Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Assisi and Florence with a Local Specialist

Discover Venice, Milan and San Gimignano

Visit Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the excavations at Pompeii, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, a glassblowing factory in Venice, Lake Como and the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial

View Juliet's Balcony in Verona, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, the Cathedral and La Scala Opera House in Milan, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Duomo in Florence

See the ancient sites of Rome and the Abbey on Monte Cassino

Scenic Cruise Ferry to the Isle of Capri, private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Return cruise to the Isle of Capri

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

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Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

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Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

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You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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Italy Tours & Holidays

Cruise canals, peruse piazzas, veer towards the Vatican and polish off the perfect pizza.

Italy may be one of Europe 's most-visited countries, but finding your way around Venice’s canals, choosing the best place for gelato in Rome, and knowing your agnello from your agnolotti are skills best learnt from locals. Our Italy tours & holidays  are all about strolling down cobbled lanes in city backstreets and ancient walled villages in search of la dolce vita. Once here, the opportunities are endless – from tasting balsamic vinegar in a traditional acetaia in Modena and sailing past pastel-hued cliffside villages on the Amalfi Coast , to sampling local wine in Tuscany's vineyards  and admiring lesser-known Renaissance art in Florence . One thing's for sure: you won’t be going hungry.

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Rome to Amalfi

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We also travel to

Italy at a glance, capital city.

Rome (population approximately 2.87 million)

Approximately 59 million

(GMT+01:00) Amsterdam, Berlin, Bern, Rome, Stockholm, Vienna

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth) Type L (Italian 3-pin)

Learn more about Italy

Culture and customs.

The Renaissance, opera, Vespa, Valentino, slow food, espresso, the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel, the culture of Italy is as rich as its food. And with iconic cities like Rome, Venice, Florence and Naples showcasing historic gems around every corner, it's easy to see why Italians are so very proud of their heritage. Italy drips with sensational artwork, ancient icons, ornate architecture and historic sights. The streets are filled with people and places that exude character and charisma, and the famous Italian artists, inventors and public figures that have contributed so much to the world are openly adored and celebrated.

In general, Italians value family, food and the enjoyment of life. Good quality food made with the best ingredients is preferred over processed products and fast food. Eating is a pleasure to be enjoyed with friends and family, not a necessary inconvenience. Respect for the family unit is paramount, with many families choosing to live close to each other for life. Community is also an important element of Italian life and this can be seen in neighbours enjoying a passeggiata (an after-dinner stroll and chat).

Italians certainly live their lives with passion, and this is evident in their zealous approach to driving, passionate following of football (soccer) matches and exuberant social life. It's common to see Italians debate politics, fashion, sport and current affairs with ferocious verve, which can sometimes be quite confronting for people from meeker cultural backgrounds. But lying underneath the bold, animated exterior of most Italians is a deep, passionate love of life itself.

History and government

Rise of the empire.

The rise of the Roman Empire has been the subject of much fascination, intrigue and interest from scholars, artists, travellers and students around the world. The modern world owes a lot to this civilisation, with many important scientific inventions, art movements, architectural triumphs and philosophical ideas being born from Roman civilisation – most notably during the Renaissance.

Founded sometime around 750 BC, Rome is still considered one of the most important and enduring cities in the world. Home to such famous citizens as Julius Caesar, Emperor Augustus, Claudius, Nero, Mark Antony and Marcus Aurelius, Rome has enjoyed the great highs of dominating the Mediterranean region and the artistic triumphs of the Renaissance, but also the lows of the Great Fire of Rome, which ended up destroying a large part of the city. Rome has survived natural disasters, political turmoil, feuding families, plagues and fierce wars.

Spanning centuries, the story of Ancient Rome is full of dramatic twists and turns, and explains how tourist icons like the Colosseum, Pantheon, Circus Maximus and Palantine Hill came to be.

The Renaissance

The time of the Renaissance in Italy (15th to 16th century) marked the clear transition from the Middle Ages to Modernity. The social and cultural revolution began in Florence, which was under the rule of the Medici family, and spread south to Rome. During this time, there was a reinvigoration of the arts, literature, science, invention and political theory, which influenced all of Europe – all centred in Italy.

People in protest

After the Renaissance, Italy was unified with Sardinia in 1861, becoming the Kingdom of Italy. After World War I, Italy came under the fascist rule of Benito Mussolini, who ruled until 1943. Siding with Nazi Germany in World War II, the Italian Army suffered many losses and ultimately surrendered in 1945. After a referendum in 1946, Italy became a Republic and flourished during the 1950s and 1960s. The post-war period marks a time of economic progress for Italy, also largely reflected by the rest of the world's increased economic stability during a period of relative peace.

From the late 1960s, Italians lived with political upheaval and uncertainty, marked by the ‘Anni di Piombo’ or ‘Years of Lead’. This time was marked by conflict and public protests, and in the years to follow, corruption, organised crime, terrorism and government debt was prominent in Italy. This led to extremist incidents of political terrorism and crisis on the left and the right, with one terrorist group – le Brigaterosse (or the Red Brigade) – a key player in the turmoil.

In 1994, media mogul Silvio Berlusconi was elected to the office of Prime Minister but was forced to step down later in the year after losing support from his political partners. Social unrest died down a little after the turn of the millennium, but Italy’s political system remained fraught with instability. Undeterred, Berlusconi regained power on two separate occasions, both times amid controversy and scandal.

Currently, Italy is run under a unitary parliamentary republic system, and has been since 1946. The final downfall of Berlusconi has marked a shift in Italian politics, with many parties vying for office, and alliances and coalitions the only way to do so.

Top places to visit in Italy

Oh, Venice. The city of romance, gondolas, Piazza San Marco and an endless maze of canals. With plenty of free time to eat, drink, shop and stroll, you’ll lose all sense of direction – but remember, getting lost in Venice is the whole point! Don't forget to sample a big slice of tiramisu (coffee-soaked sponge cake), the region’s specialty.

Explore Venice on our 14 day Best of Italy tour, on our 8 day Highlights of Italy tour, or on our 8 day Italy Real Food Adventure.

2. Cinque Terre

The footpaths between the villages on the enchanting Cinque Terre were once the only way to travel in the region. Hike along the rugged clifftops and discover olive groves, vineyards, breathtaking vistas and five pastel villages perched on the coastline – each more colourful than the last. If hiking isn’t your thing, don’t worry – just jump on the train!

Fall in love with Cinque Terre on our 15 day Barcelona to Rome tour, on our 8 day Cinque Terre: Hike, Bike & Kayak tour, or on our 8 day Northern Italy Family Holiday tour.

3. Amalfi Coast

Discover southern Italy’s dazzling coastline of cliffside villages and rugged terrain by land and sea. You might like to hike the famous Walk of the Gods, sip Campari in Sorrento, or tuck into traditional pizza in Naples – the birthplace of pizza.

Adventure along the Amalfi coast on our 10 day Explore Southern Italy tour or on our 8 day Amalfi Coast: Hike, Bike & Kayak tour.

There's much more to Tuscany than Florence's impressive Renaissance art and architecture – though there'll be plenty of time to explore this! From rolling hills and fruitful vineyards to charming fortified towns with their relaxed vibes, the Tuscan countryside is the Italy that continues to draw you back; the one you fall in love with.

Marvel at Tuscany's picturesque countryside on our 10 day Italy Experience tour or on our 8 day Cycle Tuscany tour.

Italy’s enduring capital, the epicentre of the fierce Roman Empire – Rome is a living, breathing history book. Dive deep into the city’s most iconic sites – the Forum, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps – and stumble upon the country within a city: the Vatican. Or simply sip espresso at one of the tiny streetside cafes and watch life go by.

Absorb Rome's history on our 8 day Rome to Amalfi tour or on our 8 day Highlights of Italy in Winter tour.

6. Taormina

If mainland Italy is the boot, Sicily is the football. The further south you go, the more relaxed Italians get – so immerse yourself in an island culture full of charm, and a cuisine packed full of arancini and granita. Take a day trip to the charming city of Taormina and visit the world-famous Greek theatre and cathedral, take a dip in pristine coves or enjoy lunch while looking at the imposing Mt. Etna.

Visit Taormina on our 24 day Rome to Sicily adventure.

Eating and drinking

Italy may be the food capital of the world (not exaggerating), but sometimes it can be difficult to know what to eat and where to go.

When eating and drinking through Italy, be sure to walk a street or two away from the tourist attractions to find a restaurant, as they often are cheaper and much more authentic than the ones close by. Be sceptical of menus entirely in English and those with pictures, as this is, again, not the authentic way. Also, bigger is not always better – often the ‘hole-in-the-wall’ restaurants produce the best food. But above all, go with your gut and follow your eyes and nose, and you will be satisfied.

Sample and sip your way through the best flavours Italy has to offer on our 8-day Italian Real Food Adventure Tour

Must try dishes and drinks in Italy

• Antipasto If any country knows its way around cured meat and vegetables, it’s Italy. Discover salami, olives, artichokes, anchovies, cheeses, grissini and more, with each board changing depending on what region you find yourself in.
• Pizza If you were asked to describe Italy in one word, chances are someone would yell ‘pizza’. This carby dish of 100% joy is found all over, with regional specialities everywhere you go. And if you’re vegan? No stress – just ask for one of the vegetarian pizzas ‘senza formaggio’ (without cheese) and you’ll be set. Expect to be crucified if you ask for pineapple, though. 
• Pasta Different shapes, different sauces and different preparations make this one of the world’s most versatile dishes. From a fiery penne arrabbiata and a creamy spaghetti cacio e pepe to a baked gnocchi alla romana, you really can’t go wrong.
• Gelato Traditional Italian flavours like bacio (chocolate hazelnut), amarena (sour cherry) and limone (lemon) are the perfect accompaniment to sightseeing on a hot summer's day. Stack the gusti (flavours) up on a cono (cone) or in a copetta (cup) for a quick snack.
• Wine Italy produces some of the world's best wine, so savour a glass (or three) of Chianti or Sangiovese with dinner. Most regions of Italy produce their own wine, but the area that everyone talks about is the one and only Tuscany.
• Aperitivo A classic Italian pastime, aperitivo hour calls for two things: to find a local restaurant or bar in the early evening, and to order yourself a drink. This is usually a light and dry tonic, but can be wine or a cocktail. It’s usually accompanied by some complimentary nibbles.

Read more about what to eat in Italy

Read more about what to drink in Italy

Geography and environment

Sharing borders with Switzerland , France , Slovenia and Austria , Italy also encompasses the independent territories of San Marino and Vatican City and includes the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.

Home to mountains, volcanoes, islands, beaches, spectacular cliffs and expansive stretches of coastline, the natural landscapes of Italy provide dramatic scenery as well as popular places to explore and relax for travellers. The major cities of Italy, although industrialised, still retain buildings, churches and relics from the past. It's quite common to see modern shops housed in historic cobblestone streets and new Vespas perched beside piazzas.

In smaller cities and more isolated areas, rural life is a whole lot slower. Permaculture remains popular, with many Italians growing fruit and vegetables in their backyards. The traffic and frenetic pace of the cities give way to idyllic olive groves, vineyards and farmhouses.

8 iconic Italian landscapes

• Capri Be blown away by the shimmering beauty of this sun-bleached island that sits in the middle of a mass of deep blue water. Home to luminous sea caves, stunning cliff faces and whitewashed buildings, Capri is the perfect setting for a romantic escapade, relaxing boat ride or some serious sun-worshipping.
• Tuscany An enchanting mix of rolling green hills, vineyards, simple farmhouses and charming villages, Tuscan landscapes are effortlessly beautiful. Whether you're cycling around vineyards, hiking through the countryside or lying in a field of golden grass, Tuscany is made for life in the slow lane.
• Lake Como Lake Como is considered one of the most picturesque slices of Italy. A vast expanse of deep blue water set to a stunning mountainous backdrop dotted with rustic villas and wildflowers, Como is the sparkling jewel of Italy's north, naturally polished to perfection.
• Mount Vesuvius Sitting on the Bay of Naples, the austere beauty of brooding Mt Vesuvius offers a contrast to the luscious green landscapes of the Mediterranean. Mt Vesuvius is still active, but a hike to the summit is possible – and worth it for the views of the bay below.
• Amalfi Coast A journey along the winding roads of the Amalfi Coast offers panoramic sea views, alluring towns perched on cliffs and beaches bathed in sunlight. Admire landscapes dotted with lemon trees and olive groves and enjoy the gentle sea breezes.
• Sicily Sitting under the watchful eye of moody Mt Etna, Sicily is a taste of authentic Italy. Surrounded by a sea of turquoise speckled with volcanic islands, Sicily boasts diverse landscapes of rocky mountains, rural pastures, ancient ruins and villages steeped in history.
• The Dolomites Carpeted in wildflowers during summer and covered in a blanket of white snow during winter, the Dolomites are a breathtaking sight in any season. Whether you're hiking the trails during summer or skiing downhill during winter, you’ll soon realise why the Dolomites have such a mighty reputation.
• Le Cinque Terre A quintessential Italian sight, the Cinque Terre, or Five Lands, is a destination to be cherished. Walk the rocky path over steep cliffs and past character-filled villages perched beside the sea. Wander past shady trees, gardens and groves as the sea reflects the sun’s rays. This is panoramic perfection!

Italians are known for their style and this is reflected in their designer fashion and furniture. Be prepared to part with money – shopping in Italy can get quite expensive – but the quality of handmade and tailored items is generally exceptional.

Things to buy

• Clothing Milan, Rome and other big cities are packed with high-end designer fashion boutiques, chic outlets and tailors. Wherever you are in Italy you're guaranteed to get the latest fashions straight from the catwalks of Europe.
• Colourful ceramics Vibrant, hand-painted ceramic bowls, jugs and glasses can be found in the shops and markets of the Amalfi Coast and Sicily – a perfect reminder of the Mediterranean. If you do happen to head to the island of Murano in Venice, be sure to check out their renowned glassware.
• Masks Venice is filled with shops selling elaborate, handcrafted masquerade masks. These colourful creations look great hung on walls and are a true Venetian keepsake.
• Leather footwear, bags and accessories Florence and Rome are hotspots for sourcing gorgeous handmade leather items. Splash out on an 'investment purchase' – a leather handbag that will last a lifetime. You deserve it.
• Italian foodstuffs Now, this one you’ve got to be careful with, but if you know your limits, you’ll be eating and drinking authentically when you arrive home. Infused olive oils, syrupy balsamic vinegar, local dried pasta, limoncello and more – all (likely) fine to pack carefully in your luggage and take home. Be careful with anything fresh or unsealed, though, or you might be in for a hefty fine if you try to get them back home.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand, in particular, have strict quarantine laws.

Top Italian events and festivals 

Keep the ‘festa’ (or party) going in Italy with festivals and events all around the country. If there’s something going on in Italy, you know that food and drink is somehow involved, too.

1. Regata Storica di Venezia (Venice Historical Regatta)

For four days, Venice’s romantic gondolas take second place on the scenic canals to races featuring the world’s best rowers. Dating back to the 13th century, this historic event is held on the first Sunday of September each year.

2. Natale di Roma (Rome’s Birthday Celebrations)

Every April, Rome throws itself an epic birthday bash and parties like it’s 753 BC. Gladiator battles, historic re-enactments, equestrian events, parades and concerts are all part of this three-day throwback to ancient Roman times.

3. Pasqua (Easter)

Beautifully decorated shop windows, colourful painted eggs, church services, parades, feasts and fireworks make Easter a wonderful time to visit and be immersed in traditional Italian cultures. A huge Easter celebration mass is held at St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, followed by an address from the Pope at noon. There are many festive recipes rolled out for Easter too, including the colomba – a dove-shaped cake flavoured with almond.

5. Carnevale

Each city may celebrate differently, but Carnevale festivities in the lead-up to Lent are always a raucous affair in Italy. Venice celebrates with masked parties. Viareggio opts for parades featuring floats, costumes and enormous papier-mache puppets, and Turin hosts the Battle of the Oranges – a spectacular food fight with, you guessed it, oranges.

6. Verona Opera Festival

The country that gave the world opera hosts the oldest opera festival in Verona each summer in the historic Verona Arena, a massive first-century Roman amphitheatre.

Read more about festivals in Italy

Further reading

For inspiring stories to prepare you for your Italy adventure, check out these books:

• The Name of the Rose – Umberto Eco
• I’m Not Scared – Niccolo Ammaniti
• The Divine Comedy – Dante Alighieri
• Naples ‘44 – Norman Lewis
• Call Me By Your Name – Andre Aciman
• The Sicilian – Mario Puzo
• Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire – Simon Baker
• A Thousand Days in Venice – Marlena de Blasi

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Italy travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do you need a visa for Italy?

Generally, you will not need a visa to travel to Italy for a period of up to 90 days. Some citizens of a select few nationalities may need to obtain a Schengen visa before travelling to Italy. For more information, contact the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country.

This page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. 

Last updated: 06/06/2023

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Is tipping customary in Italy?

Tipping isn’t customary in Italy, but it is appreciated. Feel free to leave a small amount if the service has been particularly good. Some restaurants will add a cover charge or ‘servizio’ to your bill.

What is the internet access like in Italy?

Italy, like the rest of Europe , is well connected. Wi-fi is almost always available at larger hotels and guesthouses, either included in your room price, or for a small additional fee. Some smaller accommodations, such as rural guesthouses and homestays, may not have wi-fi available, or the signal may be patchy.

Many fast food chains, bars and restaurants also offer wi-fi connectivity, often with an access code located on a purchase receipt. Look out for the international wi-fi symbol, or politely ask a waiter if the option is available. Some major Italian cities also offer public wi-fi hotspots with registration.

If you do not have your own device, there are still some internet cafes in Italy’s major cities.

Can I use my mobile while in Italy?

Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Italy. Your best (and often cheapest) option is to purchase a local SIM card when arriving in Italy if your phone is compatible and unlocked.

There is also the option to activate global roaming with your service provider before leaving home. Check the roaming charges before you leave home, as this option can often be highly expensive.

What are the toilets like in Italy?

Western-style flushable toilets are the norm in Italy.

Public toilets are not in abundance in Italy, so your best bet is to use the facilities in museums, galleries, department stores, train stations and restaurants. You may have to pay a small fee to use public toilets – ranging from around EUR 0.50 to EUR 2.

What will it cost for a…?

Italy’s unit of currency is the euro (EUR). Here's what you can expect to pay for a:

• Cup of coffee = EUR € 1.50
• Small gelato cone = EUR € 2-3
• A glass of beer = EUR € 4-5
• Bottle of wine in a restaurant = EUR € 10
• Mid-range meal at a restaurant = EUR € 30-40

Can I drink the water in Italy?

Drinking water from taps in Italy is generally considered safe. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Italy?

Major credit cards are widely accepted by stores in Italy. Smaller cafes, shops and markets may not accept credit cards, and smaller museums or galleries may charge an entry fee in cash only, so ensure you carry enough cash to cover small purchases.

What is ATM access like in Italy?

ATMs are common in Italy, so finding one won't be a problem in most towns and cities. Beware of transaction fees that ATMs charge and the conversion rates they may offer, as they are often much worse than what your card offers.

What public holidays are celebrated in Italy?

• 1 Jan: New Year’s Day (Capodanno)
• 6 Jan: Epiphany (Epifania)
• *Mar/Apr: Easter Sunday (Pasqua)
• *Mar/Apr: Easter Monday (Pasquetta)
• 25 Apr: Liberation Day (Giorno della Liberazione)
• 1 May: Labour Day (Festa del Lavoro)
• 2 Jun: Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica)
• 15 Aug: Feast of the Assumption (Ferragosto)
• 1 Nov: All Saint’s Day (Festa di Ognisanti)
• 8 Dec: Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Festa dell’Immacolata Concezione)
• 25 Dec: Christmas Day (Natale)
• 26 Dec: St Stephen’s Day (Festa di Santo Stefano)

Please note, Italy public holidays may vary.

Is Italy safe for LGBTQIA+ travellers?

Italy is mostly a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers. Same-sex relationships are legal and are largely accepted, with civil unions entrenched in law since 2016. Same-sex marriage is currently not legal. There are some anti-discrimination laws to protect sexual orientation and gender identity.

In more rural and regional areas, overt displays of affection can attract negative responses in smaller towns, which tend to be more conservative. Rome, Milan and Bologna have the largest gay scenes, and Florence and Naples have a handful of LGBTQIA+-friendly venues too.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex  or  ILGA before you travel.

If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.

When is the best time to visit Italy?

Italy enjoys a temperate climate most of the year, with June, July and August the warmest months. Popular tourist spots get very busy and crowded during the European summer, but don’t let that deter you – the sun will be shining, and the gelato will be served icy cold.

The shoulder seasons of April–May and September–October offer great conditions for travel, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds at main sights and beaches. Even though it’s not as hot, you’re still set for some warmer conditions and more pleasant temperatures to walk around the cities like Rome and Florence.

It can get quite cold in the winter months, especially in the north, with cities like Milan, Turin and Venice often seeing snow, fog and rain in December and January. Major coastal tourist spots like the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre can be very quiet during winter with many establishments closing at this time, so it might be best to visit in the warmer months if these places interest you.

What is the weather like in Italy?

As you can tell from a world map, Italy is a pretty long country compared to its European neighbours. This gives it one of the more diverse climates in Europe , with mountainous zones in the north and dry arid landscapes in the south graced with all different types of weather.

Much of the inland northern regions have harsh winters and hot summers, while coastal areas of Liguria, Tuscany and the south of Italy generally fit that Mediterranean stereotype, with hot and dry summers and mild winters. The east coast of the Italian peninsula is not as wet as the west coast, but in winter, the east coast is usually colder.

Generally, Italy’s hottest month in the south is August and can reach upwards of 40°C, while the north hits its peak in July and has slightly milder maximums. January is the coldest month throughout the country.

What to pack for Italy?

You’ll need to consider the time of year you want to travel, plus the places you’re travelling to so you can work out what you should wear in Italy.

In summer, loose-fitting cotton clothing like light t-shirts and shorts or light trousers, is recommended no matter what part of the country you’re in. During the transitioning seasons of April-May and September-October, packing a jacket and long pants is encouraged so you can layer, if needed.

Winter brings snow and sub-zero temperatures to the north of the country, so if you’re travelling in Milan or the Piedmont region, pack warm clothing, such as thermals and thick jackets. A scarf and gloves are encouraged too. For the south, you may not need all the heavy stuff, but having warm, windproof and waterproof gear is advisable.

If you wish to visit the Sistine Chapel and other churches and religious sites in the Vatican City and beyond, it is highly recommended that men and women wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees, any time of year. If you are found to be wearing immodest clothing by security guards or staff, you will be denied entry.

Read more about weather in Italy

Is Italy accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, whatever physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help choose the most suitable itinerary and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Despite Italy’s charm and old-town feel, travellers with mobility and sight or hearing impairments may find it difficult to travel around the country independently. Old cobbled streets and pavements blocked by parked cars are the norm, making it difficult for wheelchair users.

Despite this, much of Italy’s public transport system is mobility friendly. The service ‘Sala Blu’ (Blue Hall) is provided to travellers who require assistance at the 14 main train stations around Italy. These services include providing a wheelchair, a representative to accompany you to your train, another to meet at the other end, lift service to get on and off the train, and free use of baggage trolleys.

Many of Italy’s most-visited attractions, like the Colosseum, Vatican museums and the Uffizi Gallery, are almost entirely wheelchair accessible, with ramps and lifts available. Venice may be considered the least accessible, but it is possible. Bridges between canals should be avoided, but vaporettos (or water taxis) can be used, especially the routes along the Grand Canal.

If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

How do I stay safe and healthy while travelling?

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

How will I be travelling around Italy?

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport – which usually have less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in Italy, you may find yourself travelling by bicycle.

Whether it’s riding through fields of grass scattered with wildflowers or past quaint buildings down cobblestone lanes, taking a quick spin around town or tackling the towering Dolomites, two wheels open up so many options.

What better way to see Italy’s island of Sardinia or the Amalfi coast than on a small-group sailing adventure? Cruise past idyllic islands to fabulous shore stops dotted around the Mediterranean.

What kind of accommodation will I be staying in?

Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When travelling with us in Italy you may find yourself staying in a:

Agriturismo (farmstay)

Your time in Italy is further enhanced with an agriturismo, or farmstay, experience. Immerse yourself in a picturesque setting overlooking the countryside, with food and relaxation the main focus.

Does my trip to Italy support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveller. Trips to Italy directly support our foundation partner, Cooperativa Coraggio.

Cooperativa Coraggio

Cooperativa Coraggio set up agricultural projects on unused public land to create local jobs and produce organic food in communities in Italy. Donations help their regeneration project on 22 hectares of land at Borghetto San Carlo Estate, located on the outskirts of Rome.  

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

What is it like travelling on a small group tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or you’re about to embark on your first trip, travelling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organising amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), travelling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

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Create a tailor-made self-drive itinerary for a trip to immerse yourself in outdoor life.

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Dubai: Jewel of the Emirates

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Italy Holidays

Neapolitan Riviera

Italian Lakes

• Aeolian Islands
• Puglia & Basilicata
• Tours & Multi-centres
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Romantic and historic, our holidays to Italy charm with their extraordinary natural diversity, world-renowned art, rich cultural heritage and mouth-watering cuisine.

With outstanding natural landscapes, a world-famous artistic heritage and a culinary soul that’s quite simply off the charts, it’s no surprise that Italy is one of our most sought-after holiday destinations. Once the epicentre of the Roman Empire and the birthplace of the Renaissance, Italy is a country that bursts with a wealth of historic legacies. Head into any of its well-loved cities and you'll discover large, medieval piazzas, frescoed churches, world-renowned art museums and extraordinarily haunting ancient ruins.

From the southern coast of the chic Riviera to the rustic mountain scenery of the northern Lakes, our hand-picked holidays to Italy offer you the chance to explore the extraordinary cultures, history and natural charms of each unique Italian region. Home of ‘la dolce vita’, where else can you while away hours people-watching outside a pretty streetside café, or idle around cobbled backstreets until you stumble across a giant amphitheatre?

Whether you’re a foodie, art-lover or looking for something well off the beaten tourist track, we can tell you all about the best spots in Italy. Get in touch and we’ll help craft your perfect Italy holiday.

Italy - Perfect for

Heritage-packed cities.

Layers of time are revealed in the country’s beautiful and iconic metropoles.

Jaw-dropping landscapes

Explore the country’s lakes, towering peaks and glorious rolling hills.

Food, wonderful food

From pizza to pasta and every mouthwatering delicacy in between.

Coastal wonders

Follow the coast of Sicily, sip cocktails on rivieras or retreat to the emerald shores of Sardinia.

Italy Regions

Our recommendations for the best places to visit in Italy

Neapolitan Riviera Holidays

On holidays to the Neapolitan Riviera, the most romantic of towns hang to the cliffs in spectacul...

Italian Lakes Holidays

Decadent evenings in Michelin-starred restaurants and days spent sailing the shores on a luxury y...

Sicily Holidays

Steaming craters, scorching countryside, ancient ruins and clear blue waters – Sicily holidays ar...

Aeolian Islands Holidays

A dreamy cluster of volcanic islands off the coast of Sicily, with quaint harbour towns, therapeu...

Sardinia Holidays

An exclusive Italian island with a super yacht lifestyle to match, discover swathes of white sand...

Rome Holidays

Discover Italy’s iconic capital on holidays to Rome – a time capsule of centuries old history and...

Venice Holidays

Discover a golden era of Gothic palaces and Venetian romance on holidays to Venice as you glide b...

Florence Holidays

Renaissance art and phenomenal architecture meet high fashion on holidays to Florence.

Verona Holidays

Discover medieval marvels, Italian romance and outstanding opera on dreamy Verona holidays.

Milan Holidays

A sleek Italian city full of glamorous boutiques, coffee bars, art museums and architectural show...

Tuscany Holidays

Our handpicked Tuscany holidays are all creamy coastline and Tuscan countryside driving through I...

Liguria Holidays

A glamorous playground of Italian Riviera towns, hidden coves, hiking trails, fairytale castles a...

Puglia & Basilicata Holidays

Discover an off-the-beaten-track taste of southern Italy on Puglia and Basilicata holidays, celeb...

Merano Holidays

More regions, forte village.

• Lake Maggiore
• Rural Tuscany

Tuscan Riviera

Holidays in italy.

A historic and romantic hotel in the heart of Florence.

Urban relaxation with traditional touches in the heart of Milan.

A favourite with families featuring spacious cottage-style rooms.

Perched on the water’s edge, views of the lake are available around almost every corner.

Excellent wellness and sports facilities as well as exemplary service make this hotel a regular favourite.

Surrounded by magnificent parkland, experience the opulence of staying in an historical building.

The striking views over the water and Mount Vesuvius make this hotel a real Neapolitan Riviera gem.

This peaceful hotel is surrounded by Ischia’s most exclusive villas.

Stunning views, sophisticated décor and exceptional hospitality come together at this luxurious hotel.

A wonderful mix of old meets new in this former farmhouse which is characterised by pure Tuscan style.

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• Portugal, Madeira & The Azores
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The best beaches in Italy

Discover Italy's diverse beaches, from Amalfi's dramatic cliffs to the glamorous Tuscan Riviera and Sardinia's white coves. Get insider tips from our Italian travel expert, Angelo Davino.

Why visit Ischia?

Meet Ischia, a secret Neapolitan Riviera island with thermal baths, sprawling gardens and an authentic-Italy vibe. We share four reasons why you should stay here on your next Italian adventure.

Why you need to visit Italy

What makes a perfect holiday? History, culture, romance, beaches, world class food & wine? Italy offers you all of this with a little extra passion...

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Tuscany Self-drive

Tuscany’s cities are surrounded by some of the most beautiful – and famous – rural landscapes in Europe. Spend time in Florence and Siena and the surrounding countryside before retreating to the golden sands of Viareggio.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

This is an exquisite overnight journey on board the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express through some of Europe’s most mesmerising landscapes. Enjoy the uncompromising luxury of the authentic period carriages, world-class service and sumptuous cuisine on board this iconic train before discovering one of Italy’s most captivating cities – beautiful Venice.

Verona & Lake Garda

If romance is what you seek, then this holiday’s for you. Begin in Verona, the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet and one of Italy's smaller cities, then head to Lake Garda taking in the incredible mountain-meets-lake landscapes and getting lost in the narrow lanes of waterside towns.

Lake Garda & Lake Maggiore twin centre

Holidays to the Italian Lakes feel like a deliciously clandestine north Italian affair, in a fairytale world of lemon trees and bougainvillea, where castles and Italianate gardens sit on their own islands and chalky-coloured houses almost fall into vibrant blue glacial waters. Some lakes are studded with luxurious resorts and the private homes of European aristocracy and Hollywood celebrities, while others back onto mountains and invite you to play on the water.

Sorrento & Ischia, Italy

Combine a stay in sophisticated Sorrento with a few days in Ischia. In Sorrento, wander through the delightful Old Town with its winding medieval lanes, stroll down Via San Cesareo for a taste of limoncello from artisan makers and find a spot to people watch in one of the bustling pavement cafès in Piazza Tasso. Take a drive along the breathtaking coastline – a coastal road runs from Sorrento to Ravello via Amalfi and Positano and it's lined with charming fishing villages and scented lemon groves. Ischia is Capri's larger, and more down-to-earth neighbouring island. There's the beautiful 8th- to 18th-Century ruins of Castello Aragonese in the old town, the lovely seaside piazzetta at the heart of Ischia's social hub and the picturesque pastel coloured fishing village of Sant'Angelo on the south coast. Head to the west coast for the best beaches, Ischia Porto for the glittering nightlife and Corso Vittoria Colonna for the designer shops. Hike up to the lush Mount Epomeo - the island's highest point - for panoramic views of the Med. We've based this multi-centre holiday on what we feel allows the right amount of time to explore Sorrento and see some of the local coastline before heading off to Ischia for a more relaxed pace. If you have more or less time, talk to us and we can recommend an alternative itinerary to meet your requirements.

Hidden Florence

Appreciate the exquisite garden architecture of Florence on a half-day tour of the city's ancient heart. On this private tour, you’ll tour Florence's parks and secret gardens with expert insight from your guide. You’ll visit the Gardens Giardino de’ Semplici, a botanical garden created for medicinal plants in 1545 that’s among the oldest gardens in the world. A visit to Boboli Garden shows you the classic Italian garden style, dotted with ancient and Renaissance statues and beautiful grottos and fountains. You’ll stop for a delightfully authentic Tuscan lunch served with wine.

• Daily departures from Florence • Operates year-round • Private experience

The Wines of Florence

Taste the best of Florence’s food and famous Chianti on a half-day private tour. Your experience begins by walking through the old Florentine traditional winemakers, peeking into the city’s wine windows. These small arched windows were first used to serve food and wine during the bubonic plague in the 17th century and give insight and historical context into Florence’s long winemaking history. Some expert insight and the opportunity to taste wine follow on a visit to a palace of the Renaissance. You’ll join a professional wine-tasting session with the local gastronomic specialities and local canapes.

Florence: Home of the Medici

Delve into the lives of the famous Medici family on an illuminating morning, reliving the splendour of 15th-century Florence on a private walking tour. The legacy of the Medici family is found in Florence’s monuments, piazzas and historic buildings. On a private tour, you’ll be let in on the family secrets and their stories of love and hate as you hear about Lorenzo the Magnificent and other family members as you walk through the most beautiful streets of the city, including the Duomo Square, the characteristic district of San Lorenzo with Palazzo Medici and Piazza Della Signoria, up to the Ponte Vecchio. Your walk concludes with an aperitif in one of the cafés in the centre of this beautiful city

Gelato Making Class

Dedicate two hours to learning how to make authentic Italian gelato from the experts in the heart of Florence. Over a memorable morning, you’ll meet a master gelato-maker at an authentic family-run gelateria in the centre of Florence to learn the art of making delicious ice cream. Hear the secrets of genuine Italian gelato and learn how fresh, seasonal ingredients are the only way to make the perfect flavours.

• Daily departures from Florence • Operates year-round • Group experience

Tuscan Leather and Perfume Experience

The skilled craftsmanship in Florence is world-renowned. Join a half-day walking tour to discover two of the city’s most famous crafts: leather and perfume. Your tour begins with a visit to the Florentine Leather School in the Santa Croce district to learn about the history of the work procedures and the Gilding and watch a demonstration of craft techniques. Next, you’ll visit a perfume laboratory where intoxicating aromas fill the air, and you’ll have the chance to shop for your favourite scents.

Tuscan Cooking Class

Spend an evening learning how to create traditional Italian dishes and enjoy them with wine over a memorable dinner. During a private cooking lesson in a palace in Florence, you’ll create a menu you’ve decided on in advance. Under the expert guidance of a chef, you’ll get an introduction to traditional Italian dishes along with the appropriate pairing of wines. After preparing the dishes, you’ll sit to enjoy your meal paired with wine.

San Gimignano Cooking Class

Join a half-day or evening group cooking class at a country wine estate in the rolling hills around San Gimignano. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the winery staff and the chef for a walk in the vegetable garden to choose and harvest the seasonal vegetables for the dishes. Led by Italian chefs, you’ll prepare a delicious four-course menu in the open air, using only the freshest ingredients for homemade pasta, typical sauces, meat, and dessert. The menu may vary by season and will be paired with a selection of wines from the estate.

• Daily departures on self-drives from Florence • Operates year-round • Group experience

Religious Rome

Rome’s religious buildings are incredibly special. During this half-day locally guided experience, you’ll get to understand the depth of religious importance in the city and see some of the most elaborate art and architecture in the world. Visit the Vatican Museums, which display a colossal collection of religious artefacts. The highlight is the Sistine Chapel, where the 16th-century Michelangelo-painted ceiling will take your breath away. The final stop will be the huge St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most important Catholic churches, said to be built on the burial site of St. Peter the Apostle.

• Departing Monday - Saturday from Rome • Operates April – October • Group experience

Good to know Includes entrance fees and ‘skip the line’ entry. Transfers not included. St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel are closed to the public on Wednesdays and during religious holidays and special events.

Archaeological Wonders of Rome

Feel as though you’ve taken a step back in time as you explore Rome’s historical attractions with an expert local guide. On this insightful half-day experience, you’ll start with a visit to the Colosseum: the largest amphitheatre built during the Roman Empire. More than 2000 years after it was inaugurated, this iconic structure is still Italy’s most popular attraction. You’ll then head to Palatine Hill – one of the seven hills of Rome towering above the ancient city with panoramic views – before discovering the dramatic ruins of the Roman Forum, once the hub of daily life in Rome.

• Departing daily from Rome • Operates April – October • Group experience

Good to know Includes entrance fees. Transfers not included.

Rome By Night

Explore Rome on foot after the sun has set with a knowledgeable local guide. At night, the city takes on a different guise as iconic buildings are beautifully lit and the skyline is reflected on the surface of the Tiber. Wander through the 16th-Century Roman Ghetto, a Jewish neighbourhood with a rich heritage and beautiful architecture. You’ll pass the Pantheon with its towering pillars and head onwards to the ever-popular Trevi Fountain and the Piazza di Spagna, the setting of the Spanish steps. The night draws to a close in the best possible way: with a traditional and tasty frozen treat from a local gelateria.

• Daily departures • Operates June to October • Group experience

Villas of Tivoli

Eighteen miles to the east of the capital lies breathtaking Tivoli, a town of palatial villas, rolling hills and thundering waterfalls. You’ll travel out of town and head for the UNESCO-listed Villa d’Este, one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture and inspirational landscape gardening. The second World Heritage villa of the day will take you even further back in time – this time to the 2nd Century AD. Villa Adriana was built for the Roman emperor Hadrian as a retreat from the chaos of Rome.

• Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday departures • Operates April to October • Group experience

Encounter Capri from Rome

Feel the sea breeze and experience the sophisticated vibes of Capri on this day out of the city. Travel south to Naples (approx. 2½ hours by road) and hop on board a ferry which will whisk you over to this pint-sized island in the Gulf of Naples where you’ll be joined by a local guide. The highlight of the trip is the visit to the Blue Grotto, a natural sea cave that you’ll access through a low entrance on a small wooden boat.

• Daily departures • Operates May to October • Group experience

Discover Pompei

Sitting in the shadow of the mighty Mount Vesuvius is the city of Pompeii, a settlement frozen in time following the volcano’s 79AD eruption. You’ll explore the streets, public buildings and homes of the settlement’s doomed inhabitants with a local guide and learn what happened on those two autumn days over a thousand years ago. A traditional lunch of Neapolitan pizza will break up your day of discovery.

• Daily departures • Operates April to October • Group experience

Mount Etna Soft Trek

Add a touch of adventure to your Sicily holiday with a scenic walk up part of towering Mount Etna. Etna is Europe’s highest volcano, standing 3350 metres high, and it has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013. Your trek will begin at Rifugio Sapienza, the guardhouse at the base of Mount Etna located 1900 metres above sea level. From here, you’ll head off on a soft trek to see the most recent lava flows and the now-extinct impressive Silvestri craters.

• Departing Monday and Friday from Taormina • Departs year round • Group experience

Good to know Transfers are not included – trekkers will make their own way to the Taormina Bus Terminal. We recommend bringing warm clothing and suitable shoes. This soft trek may be too challenging for younger children. This experience is on a request basis and is subject to itinerary and operating schedule changes that are outside of our control.

Mount Etna & The Crater Zones

Explore Europe’s highest volcano on a trekking and train ride adventure through beautiful valleys up to the craters. Mount Etna stands 3350 metres high and has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013. We’ll trek to the stunning Alcantara Gorges, carved by the Alcantra River, stopping for a scenic short rest before boarding the ‘Circumetnea’: a traditional narrow-gauge train that runs around the foot of the volcano and up to Adrano. We’ll then head to Rifugio Sapienza, the guardhouse at the base of Mount Etna located 1900 metres above sea level, to head off on a soft trek to see the most recent lava flows and the now-extinct impressive Silvestri craters. After time for lunch, you can take the cable car up to 2,500 meters and continue by Jeep to the authorized crater zones at 3,000 meters with the assistance of licensed Italian Alpine Club guides. You’ll be rewarded with views out over the summit craters.

• Departing on Wednesday & Saturday from Taormina • Operates year round • Group experience

Good to know Lunch and transfers are not included – trekkers will make their own way to the Taormina Bus Terminal. We recommend bringing warm clothing and suitable shoes. This soft trek may be too challenging for younger children. This experience is on a request basis and is subject to itinerary and operating schedule changes that are outside of our control.

Syracuse in a Day

The city of Syracuse showcases Sicily’s timeless beauty – prepare to feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you explore some astounding historical sights. This ancient Greek colony was once the largest city of the ancient world and today it is thoroughly deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage status. We’ll take you to archaeological areas dating back to the 5th Century BC, including the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Altar of Hieron II and the Latomies of Paradise with the Ear of Dionysius. Then we’ll head to the historical centre: the small island of Ortigia, where sights such as the Temple of Apollo, the Cathedral and the Fountain of Arethusa with its famous papyrus plant await.

• Departing on Tuesday from Taormina • Operates year round • Group experience

Good to know Lunch and transfers are not included – guests will make their own way to the Taormina Bus Terminal. Entrance fees are at extra cost (free for EU citizens under 18 with proof of ID).

Sicilian Cooking Class

Get a better understanding of authentic Sicilian cuisine and learn how to cook like a local. Your cooking experience will begin with a trip to a market in Taormina to buy the fresh ingredients that are staples of Sicilian cooking. You’ll then head to a local restaurant, where the chef will talk you through the recipes before you start to prepare your hand-made pasta and other traditional dishes. Once your meals are ready, you can tuck into your creations and toast your achievements with a wine tasting session.

• Departing Monday to Saturday from Port Messina Arch • Operates year round • Group experience

Good to know Transfers are not included – you will need to make their own way to the Port Messina Arch.

Pizza Making Class

Sicily has a pizza style all of its own; even if you’ve made pizza before, you’ll be in for a treat at this pizza-making class. First, you’ll learn the secret of how to make a great pizza sauce before creating ideas for fun toppings and baking your pizzas to perfection. Enjoy your pizza with a Bruschetta mix, washed down with a glass of delicious local wine.

• Departing daily from Port Messina Arch • Operates year round • Group experience

Good to know Transfers are not included – guests will make their own way to the Port Messina Arch.

Private Mount Etna Soft Trek

Explore Europe’s highest volcano on this private guided trekking and train ride adventure up towering Mount Etna. Mount Etna stands 3350 metres high and has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013. Your trek will begin at Rifugio Sapienza, the guardhouse at the base of Mount Etna located 1900 metres above sea level. From here, you’ll head off on a soft trek to see the most recent lava flows and the now-extinct impressive Silvestri craters. Alternatively, there's the option to ascend to the main craters at 2900 metres above sea level. A tasting and light lunch at a local winery is also included.

• Departing daily • Operates April to October • Private experience

Good to know We strongly recommend warm clothing and suitable shoes.

In the Footsteps of the Godfather

This is the ultimate Sicilian experience for movie buffs; follow in the footsteps of Marlon Brando and Al Pacino to the movie locations made famous by Francis Ford Coppola’s epic movie The Godfather. Plus, a private car and driver means you’ll have the freedom to choose how long you spend in each traditional Sicilian town. In Savoca, you can drink coffee in Bar Vitelli: the same bar where Michael Corleone asked Apollonia to marry him, then wander through the narrow streets to the church of Santa Lucia, where their wedding scene was filmed. While you’re here, it’s worth also visiting the Monastero dei Cappuccini to see the crypt that houses mummified bodies of Savoca’s monks and nobles. In the village of Forza d’Agrò, visit the beautiful little Basilica of Saint Peter and Paul. Within the narrow alleyways of this medieval centre, all is quiet and time seems to stand still. This is precisely the atmosphere that inspired Francis Ford Coppola to shoot some of the scenes for his iconic movie here, as daily life continues behind closed doors.

Good to know Entrance fees are not included. You’ll have a private car and driver for a maximum of eight hours.

Highlights of Venice

This insightful morning tour will introduce you to some of Venice’s top attractions. Your knowledgeable guide will take you through the history of the ‘Serenissima Republic’ (‘Most Serene Republic’) as you wander through the city’s charming streets. Visit St. Mark’s Square, where you’ll hear about the history and architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, Bell Tower, Clock Tower and Procuratie; then head to Santa Maria Formosa and listen to anecdotes about this characteristic square. In Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo, see the ‘Pantheon of Venice’ before venturing to Marco Polo’s House and the Malibran Theatre.

• Daily departures from Venice • Operates year round • Group experience

Discover Venice

This afternoon walking tour takes you away from the crowds for a different perspective of Venice. With your expert guide, you’ll explore the less-touristy area between St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, strolling through typical narrow Venetian streets and squares. Highlights include Calle Larga XXII Marzo, one of the largest and most picturesque lanes in Venice, lined with high-end shops; Baroque-style San Moisè Church; the dramatic Opera House La Fenice; and the Stairs of Bovolo: a unique spiral staircase that winds up the façade of a tower and offers wonderful views over the historical centre. Your final stop will be the Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge crossing the Grand Canal.

Good to know This tour does not include sightseeing in St. Mark’s Square.

Venice Waterways by Gondola

If it’s your first time in Venice, a gondola ride is a must. From the gondola station, hop aboard one of these traditional rowing boats and relax as your gondolier steers you along the canals. You’ll cruise through the city’s most secluded waterways, passing under small bridges and the most charming sights, to appreciate the unique beauty of this floating city.

Good to know Winter season timings: Noon - 12.30pm, 2.30pm - 3pm, 4.30pm - 5pm

Venice Waterways by Exclusive Gondola

Add a more romantic spin to your gondola ride on this private boat journey. From the gondola station, hop aboard one of these traditional rowing boats and relax as your gondolier steers you along the canals. You’ll cruise through the city’s most secluded waterways, passing under small bridges and the most charming sights, to appreciate the unique beauty of this floating city. On this exclusive gondola ride, there’s total flexibility, with a choice of departure times to suit you.

• Daily departures from Venice • Operates year round • Private experience

Good to know 01 November to 31 March timings: any time from 10.30am - 4pm.

Venice Waterways by Night

See the twinkling lights of Venice from the water on a private evening gondola ride. From the gondola station, hop aboard one of these traditional rowing boats and relax as your gondolier steers you along the canals. You’ll cruise through the city’s most secluded waterways, passing under small bridges and the most charming sights, to appreciate the unique beauty of this floating city. On this exclusive gondola ride, there’s total flexibility, with a choice of evening departure times to suit you.

Good to know 01 November to 31 March timings: any time from 4pm - 6pm.

Ghosts & Legends of Venice

This after-dark adventure offers fun for all the family. Venice has a fascinating history, and dusk is the perfect time to hear its tales of mystery and intrigue, as told by an expert guide. Head off the beaten track to explore the dimly lit narrow alleys and cross quiet canals while being entertained by ghost stories and legendary tales. You’ll even get to discover a secret passage.

• Departing Tuesday, Friday, Saturday from Venice • Operates April to October • Group experience

Venetian Island Traditions

Jump on board a motorboat and take to the water to explore the charming islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. From St. Mark’s Square, you’ll cruise out to Murano, where you’ll be able to appreciate the art of glassmaking at a glass-blowing factory. Next up it’s beautiful Burano, known for its colour-pop houses, fishing industry and lace-making traditions. Completing the trio of traditional islands, visit Torcello’s old Cathedral and soak up the atmosphere of bygone Venice.

Good to know 01 November to 31 March timings: 11am - 3pm, noon - 4pm and 2pm - 6pm

Historical Venice

Feel as though you’ve stepped back in time as you explore Venice’s top historical attractions with a private guide. Meet your guide in St. Mark’s Square and head to the Basilica, where you can admire its grand domes and glistening mosaics before venturing inside to look around its oldest mosaics – some lined with gold leaf – and remarkable gemstone-studded altar. Visit the Doge’s Palace Prisons and then look out over the enclosed Baroque-style Bridge of Sighs that spans the canal between the Doge’s Palace and the prison.

Good to know This experience includes entrance fees to the Basilica (‘skip the line’ entry included except from 01 November - 31 March) and Doge’s Palace (‘skip the line’ entry included). When visiting the Basilica, we recommend wearing respectful clothing that covers your knees and shoulders. No bags (including handbags) are allowed inside the Basilica. The Basilica may be closed to visitors at certain times.

Hidden Venice

Spend a memorable couple of hours exploring some of Venice’s lesser-visited sights with a private guide. Your experience begins at the iconic Rialto Bridge, where you’ll walk up to the Grand Canal for the best view of the bridge. On the way to the church of Santa Maria de la Misericordia, we’ll pass many typical canals and small bridges before continuing to the Gothic church of Madonna dell’Orto. Further highlights include passing by Tintoretto’s house and the Palazzo Mastelli – a palace full of myths and legends – until you arrive at Fondamenta della Misericordia and its small canal lined with authentic drinking spots where locals meet for a Campari spritz. The final stop is the city’s oldest Jewish district in the Venetian Ghetto and the Bridge of Guglie that spans the Cannaregio Canal.

Good to know This tour includes entrance to the Madonna dell’Orto and a refreshment.

Venetian Mask Making

Master a new skill and gain an understanding of Venetian culture on a mask decorating course that’s suitable for all. You’ll get to unleash your creativity while receiving a fascinating insight into the days of Venice past, discovering a wealth of facts, anecdotes and practices that are rarely shared with the public. You’ll be able to choose from over 50 different mask models and embellish your chosen mask with all kinds of decorations, from glitter to feathers and embroidery. It’s the ultimate hand-made souvenir to take home from Venice.

Street Food of Venice

Taste your way through Venice and discover some of the best food spots in town on this mouth-watering private guided walking tour. Your first stop is the Rialto Market, where your guide will take you around stalls brimming with fresh produce before stopping off for a glass of wine and a few cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at a local bacaro (bar). Head into the history-rich district of Cannaregio – overlooked by many visitors – to see the house where Marco Polo was born and admire some of the city’s oldest churches. Hop on a gondola to cross over the Grand Canal for a trip to the secretive lanes of San Polo, passing through areas once notorious in medieval times.

• Departing Tuesday - Saturday from Venice • Operates year round • Private experience

Walkways & Waterways of Venice

Get the best of both worlds, exploring Venice from the water and on foot during this private guided tour. Meet your expert guide in St. Mark’s Square, first visiting the exterior of the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, constructed in 1602 to connect the palace to the prison. As you wander along Venice’s small passages and over ancient bridges, your guide will share their historical and local knowledge with you, allowing you to form a deeper connection with the city. Campo Santa Maria Formosa is the next stop, where you can learn about Venetian architecture as you admire the church's Baroque and Renaissance façades. Venture through the city’s backstreets into the Cannaregio district, where you’ll see the famous Rialto Bridge before taking to the water aboard a traditional gondola. Steered by a talented gondolier, you’ll have a memorable journey as you glide through the winding canals.

• Departing Monday - Saturday from Venice • Operates year round • Private experience

Good to know This experience includes entrance fees to the Basilica (‘skip the line’ entry included except from 01 November - 31 March) and exterior of the Doge’s Palace. When visiting the Basilica, we recommend wearing respectful clothing that covers your knees and shoulders. No bags (including handbags) are allowed inside the Basilica. The Basilica may be closed to visitors at certain times.

Cruise to Villa Balbianello

Afternoons don’t come much more picturesque than cruising across Lake Como to a beautiful 18th-Century villa. On the tip of the Lavedo promontory, Villa Balbianello sits in the most spectacular spot on the lake. It now belongs to FAI (the Italian equivalent of the National Trust) and has beautiful fragrant gardens. Explore the lavishly furnished interiors and see the collection of pre-Columbian objects, Chinese porcelain and terracottas, reverse-glass paintings, tapestries and carpets that belonged to previous owner Count Guido Monzino – a keen explorer who climbed Mount Everest in 1973. If you think the villa looks familiar, it might be because it starred in Casino Royale and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.

• Departing set Sundays from Lake Como hotels )please call for details) • Operates May to September on specific dates • Group experience

Bernina Express to St.Moritz

There’s something particularly charming about travelling by train. The Bernina Express is Switzerland’s ultimate scenic train – despite its ‘express’ name, it leisurely navigates mountain twists and tunnels. Your adventure begins with a drive along northern Lake Como to Tirano, where’ll we stop for coffee before crossing into Switzerland to board the Bernina Express train for the most scenic part of its route. Our one-hour train journey from Poschiavo to Diavolezza takes in the sights of the White Lake and the Black Lake, as well as breathtaking glaciers. We’ll continue by road to the iconic ski resort of St Moritz on the southern side of the Alps where highlights include crystal clear mountain lakes. There will be free time to wander around the beautiful town of Chiavenna before returning to Lake Como.

• Departing Monday and Wednesday from Lake Como hotels • Operates on Mondays on 10 and 24 April and from 8 May-23 October 2023; departs on Wednesdays from 24 May-20 September 2023 • Group experience

Good to know You’ll need to bring your passport as this experience crosses the border into Switzerland.

Private Cruise Around the Villas of Lake Como

Perfect for those who want a private boat trip to see the villas of Lake Como. Board an idyllic private cruise to admire the glorious villas of Lake Como in all their splendour, including Villa Balbianello, whose gardens were used as a backdrop in Casino Royale, and Villa Cassinella, one of the most prestigious private villas of the lake. You’ll also see Comacina Island, famous for its dramatic history and fascinating legends.

• Daily departures • Operates year-round • Private experience

Highlights of Venice from Lake Garda

The City of Bridges is one of Italy’s most iconic destinations and it’s just a couple of hours from Lake Garda. Speed through the countryside as you travel by train and arrive in Venice for a private two-hour tour. Later, there’ll be time to explore on your own, getting lost down charming canalside streets, drifting through the waterways on a gondola or marvelling at the majesty of St Mark’s Square and the busy Grand Canal.

Good to know You will need to make your own way to Verona train station. Lunch and any entrance fees for museums and attractions you wish to visit are not included.

Highlights of Verona

‘Fair Verona’, a city that will forever be associated with Shakespeare’s ill-fated characters, Romeo and Juliet, is a joy to explore. On this short guided tour, you’ll explore the characterful old town, see the riverside Castelvecchio castle, the ancient Arco dei Gavi and Juliet’s house, and wander along narrow streets that wind their way between café-lined squares including the Piazza Brà, home to the iconic Verona Arena.

• Departs Monday-Friday • Operates year-round • Private experience

Good to know Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

Verona In Depth

Get to know Verona on a full day visit from the shores of Lake Garda. On arrival, join a private 3-hour tour – the perfect way to get your bearings for the rest of your city explorations. With a local guide, who will pass on their extensive knowledge, walk through the network of streets and squares in the old town and see Juliet’s house and the striking Verona Arena. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace; a VeronaCard, which gives you access to a variety of museums and city attractions, is included so you can pick and choose the spots you’d like to visit.

• Departs Tuesday to Friday • Operates year-round • Private experience

Good to know Lunch and any entrance fees to attractions that are not part of the VeronaCard are not included. The guided tour itinerary may change depending on the guide, the traffic or other conditions. Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone, Desenzano and Sirmione.

Sunset Canoe Paddle on Lake Garda

Experience the calmness and quietness of the lake and see a stunning sunset on an unforgettable sunset paddle. You’ll make your way under your own steam on a one- or two-person canoe and take in the beauty two of the lakeside gems: Baia del Corno and Punta San Vigilio. Then make your way back to the lively town of Garda and the sun dips below the lake’s western shore.

• Departs Tuesday, Thursday and Friday • Operates April to October • Private experience

Good to know This canoe trip is suitable for everyone and has a difficulty level of easy. Transfers only available and included from Bardolino, Garda and Malcesine.

Lake Garda Cooking Class

Learning a skill is a wonderful way of extending your holiday once you’re back home. During this cooking class in Lazise, a town in the south-east corner of the lake, you’ll learn how to make the most classic of Italian staples: pasta. The experience begins as you shop for the fresh ingredients, as well as some wine to complement your creation. You’ll then head to a local kitchen to create your dish under the guidance of a skilled chef.

• Departs Monday to Saturday • Operates March to October • Private experience

Good to know On Monday, Wednesday and Friday the dishes made will be gnocchi and tagliatelle and on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday the dishes will be risotto and ravoli. Includes transfers from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

Private Lake Garda Cruise

The landscapes of Lake Garda look their best from the water, so we highly recommend spending a relaxing couple of hours on a private boat. You’ll have the services of a local skipper who will create a route that’s unique to you and your wish list of places to see.

• Daily departures from Garda, Bardolino, Desenzano and Sirmone • Operates year-round • Private experience

Good to know Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda and Malcesine.

Lake Garda Sunset Cruise & Prosecco

Sunset is a special time of day on Lake Garda as the sipping sun casts shadows, creates a golden glow over the surrounding landscapes and makes the surface of the water sparkle. Step on board the only remaining two-mast sailing boat on the lake, San Nicolò, cruise along the lake shore and raise a glass of Prosecco or Bardolino Chiaretto to your incredible Italian Lakes adventure.

• Departs Friday and Saturday • Operates May to October • Private experience

Lake Garda by Vintage Sailing Ship

There’s nothing quite as fittingly atmospheric and romantic as cruising around Lake Garda on a beautiful antique ketch. Step aboard the two-masted San Nicolò, the last of its type in the region, and let the power of the wind transport you past towns, villages and beautiful lakeside villas.

• Departs Monday to Friday • Operates year-round • Private experience

Art & Wine Tasting in Valpolicella

Winery. You’ll get to explore the winery’s rolling vineyards and the glorious 14th-Century manor house which features rooms that are adorned with faded renaissance frescoes. Finally, you’ll have the change to taste four of the region’s best wines: Valpolicella Classico 2019, Valpolicella Ripasso 2017, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011 and Recioto della Valpolicella Classico 2017. Each glass will be served with local delicacies which enhance the aromatic flavours.

• Departs Monday to Saturday • Operates year-round • Private experience

Good to know Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione. This experience is on a request basis and is subject to itinerary and operating schedule changes that are outside of our control.

Picnic in The Moraine Hills

Dine al fresco with stunning views at a vineyard in the rolling Moraine Hills to the south of Lake Garda. Make your way to the Monte del Frà winery, which is located near the town of Custoza, and join a knowledgeable guide for a winery tour. Then sit down to your picnic which is packed in a charming wicker basket; the meal includes locally sourced delicacies, wine and water and is perfectly complemented by far-reaching vineyard vistas.

• Departs Wednesday to Saturday • Operates year-round • Private experience

Good to know transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione. Please let us know if you have any food allergies or intolerances.

Lake Garda Hills Wine Tasting by E-bike

Combine beautiful vistas, great food and wine and a bit of a workout on a cycling trip through the Moraine Hills. Pick up your e-bike at the meeting point: the beautiful Monte del Frà winery which is located close to the town of Custoza. You and your group will then set off into the rolling hills, passing vineyards and cypress-line lanes on the way to the hamlet of Oliosi where you’ll have a picnic packed with local specialities. Return to Monte del Frà for a tour of the cellar and a tasting of four of their wines.

• Departs Tuesday to Saturday • Operates year-round • Group experience

Explore the Dolomites

To the north of Lake Garda are the towering peaks of the Dolomites, a mountain range in the breathtaking Alps. Join a daytrip from Lake Garda and head up into the hills for a full day Alpine adventure. Follow the scenic winding road between the Fiemme and Fassa Valleys and travel up to the Pordoi Pass where you could take the cable car up to the Sass Pordoi at 2950 metres above sea level (optional and at extra cost). From here, the tour continues to the Gardena Valley, where you’ll pass through typically South Tyrolean villages. There’ll be some free time here to soak up the views, either while sipping on a coffee or enjoying a short walk.

• Departs Monday & Friday • Operates year-round • Group experience

Good to know The tour itinerary may change depending on the traffic and weather conditions. The weather can change quickly so pack suitable clothing and footwear. This experience is not recommended for those with health issues, and particularly those with epilepsy, breathing issues and heart problems. A minimum of 15 guests is required for this excursion to run. Transfers only available and included from Bardolino, Garda and Malcesine.

Horse Back Wine Tasting

Take to the saddle and see the Italian countryside from a different angle on this great outdoors experience. You’ll mount your horse at Cicco’s Ranch and head into the vine-cloaked Moraine Hills to the south east of Lake Garda. Enjoy the peace as you ride between the vines and in the shadow of cypress trees, taking in the rolling views as you go. A highlight of the experience is the stop at Monte del Frà winery where you’ll try three wine varieties alongside plates of locally sourced and produced cheese and cold cuts of meat.

• Departs Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday • Operates year-round • Private experience

Historical Pompeii

Fascinating Pompeii is an ancient city where a moment was frozen in time. For over a century and a half, the Roman settlement was buried under four to six metres of ash and pumice following the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius as well as subsequent eruptions hundreds of years later. During a two-hour guided tour of the public monuments and private homes, you’ll learn about the 18th-Century excavations, the lives of subjects of the Roman Empire and secrets that they continue to uncover to this day.

• Departs Monday, Wednesday and Saturday • Operates May to October • Group experience

Good to know Includes transfers and entrance fee to Pompeii ruins. Please bring ID with you. This tour is not recommended for wheelchair users or those with walking difficulties.

The Preservation of Pompeii & Herculaneum

On this insightful day trip, a local guide will introduce you to the astonishing archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum. You’ll soon understand why these are must-visit destinations from Sorrento. Once prime Roman cities, Pompeii and Herculaneum were destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted back in 79 AD – both places are well-preserved, but you’ll get to understand how the eruption affected them differently. After a guided visit of Pompeii’s main public monuments and ruined homes, you’ll stop for a delicious Neapolitan lunch at a local restaurant before travelling on to Herculaneum to see parts of houses and even household objects that have been remarkably preserved.

• Departing Monday, Thursday and Sunday from Sorrento • Operates May – October • Group experience

Good to know Includes transfers, entrance fees in Pompeii and Herculaneum, and lunch. Please bring ID with you. This tour is not recommended for wheelchair users or those with walking difficulties.

Cruise the Sorrento Coast & Capri

You’ll sail to Capri along the Sorrento Coast from the port of Piano di Sorrento. Along the way, admire the colourful fishermen's village of Marina Grande, the ruins of a Roman villa near Bagni della Regina Giovanna, and a natural waterfall. When you reach the shores of Capri, you’ll tour the island by boat, stopping to visit the Marvellous Grotto, the White Grotto, and the Green Grotto. Admire the Natural Arch, Villa Curzio Malaparte, the coastal stacks known as the Faraglioni rocks, and the Lighthouse of Punta Carena. There’s a chance to swim and snorkel, with snacks and drinks offered on board before some free time to explore the island at your own pace. You’ll depart Capri and enjoy a limoncello tasting on your way back to Sorrento.

• Daily departures • Operates April to May • Group experience

Good to know Includes transfers, snacks and drinks. Entrance fees not included. A visit to the Blue Grotto is not included in this experience.

Get to know the beautiful country of Italy and those all-important practicalities – such as how to get around, where to go, what to see and what to eat – when planning your perfect holiday.

GMT +1 hour

Approximately 3 hours

Christianity (Roman Catholic)

Where is Italy? In southern Europe, in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Italy is made up of the Italian Peninsula and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. It’s a country of regions, as diverse as they are similar, where you can venture from the ancient ruins of obliterated Pompeii to the sculpted rolling hills of Tuscany in just a few hours.

History Italy’s had a great influence on Europe, Arabia and North Africa has been substantial with empires and republics ruling beyond the country’s modern borders. Today, you can explore the heart of these once-great powers without really trying – reminders of the past can be seen at almost every turn. Rome is the ultimate living museum but destinations such as Verona, Sicily and Sardinia are all packed with ancient architecture. Slightly more modern are the Medieval and Renaissance relics of Tuscany and Florence, the 14th-Century trulli houses of Puglia and the Middle Age wonders of Venice; Italy is a time capsule on a national scale.

Multi centres You don’t need to limit yourself to just one destination per holiday – Italy is a great place to widen your horizon and choose two (or more) stops. There are plenty of quintessential combos: Milan and Lake Como, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, Florence and Tuscany, and Sicily & the Aeolian Islands to name but a (very) few. We can take you between towns and cities via group or private transfers; alternatively, you can hit the open road in your own car and dictate your own schedule or take the train and take in those stunning views outside your window as you’re rolling past.

Self-drives Hiring a car is one of the best ways to discover all that Italy has to offer. It gives you the freedom to explore historical sites and beautiful landscapes at your own pace. Driving around Italy opens up a world of fascinating sights and scenery, from the winding clifftop roads of the Amalfi Coast to Tuscany’s glorious countryside and medieval towns, and the majestic peaks that border the romantic shores of Italy’s lakes.

Train travel In Italy, one of the most efficient and best-value ways to travel from city to city and further afield is by rail. The country’s high-speed rail network links our featured cities of Rome, Florence, Verona, Venice and Milan with few or no stops in between. You can also reach Tuscany, Puglia, the Neapolitan Riviera and beyond. Sit back as you speed through the Italian countryside and arrive right at the heart of your chosen destination.

Food & Drink Eating in Italy is serious business. Italian cuisine is a regional affair so there’s plenty of variety. If a Mediterranean-style diet tickles your tastebuds, we recommend heading down south. There’s lots of olive oil, vegetables, fresh fish and fruit used in this region, and with the humble pizza originating in Neapolitan cuisine, Naples produces some of the best pizzas in the world. In central Italy, food is simplistic, and often more rustic. You’ll find lots of meat, beans and pasta on the menus, as well as delicious regional wines. Up north, the diet becomes much richer and more substantial – pasta is replaced with creamy risottos and polenta, and you’ll find lots of truffle and pesto used on the menus.

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From the multi-award-winning Kuoni

Italy Flavours Tour

17 day touring package.

Experience soulful Italy on a whistle-stop tour, featuring Rome, Venice, Florence, Salerno, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Italian Lakes, Pisa, Pompeii and more. Discover the diverse cuisine, stunning landscapes, fashionable cityscapes, unparalleled classical art and the ‘dolce vita’. Explore San Marino, Lucca, Cassino, Assisi, Gimignano, Siena, Umbria Region and Verona. Savour your Italian journey with us, as we taste the best of this renown gastronomic and wine haven. Connect to the essence of Italy and a passion for life, beyond the iconic pasta, Vespas, Ferraris, pizza and fashion. Explore the epicentre of the Roman empire and birthplace of the Renaissance. Immerse yourself in this incredibly diverse land. Discover the instantly recognisable and our special hidden gems. Explore the seemingly limitless wealth of attractions of Italy. History is all around you as we encounter the everchanging landscapes, cultures, stories, art, architecture, cuisines and wines Uncover the real Italy with HolidayMax’s immersive luxury touring.   Themes include: Europe, Europe Touring, Lazio, Salerno, Veneto, Departs from Rome, Luxury Coach, Returns from Siena. + Show more

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Amazing experiences:, day 1 depart australia for italy, day 2 arrive in rome, day 3 tour rome, day 4 tour rome, day 5 explore rome & welcome dinner, day 6 rome to pompeii to salerno (amalfi coast), day 7 explore salerno and the amalfi coast, day 8 sorrento to montecassino to assisi, day 9 assisi to san marino to venice, day 10 explore venice, day 11 venice to verona to italian lakes, day 12 italian lakes to cinque terre to pisa to northern tuscany, day 13 northern tuscany to florence to southern tuscany, day 14 southern tuscany to san gimignano to siena to rome, day 15 explore rome, day 16 say goodbye to rome, day 17 arrive home, escorted tour details, escorted coach touring, videos & images.

* Starting holiday costs, per person, for 2 people sharing, on selected travel dates (off-peak). Travel on other dates attracts a surcharge. As prices vary based on travel dates, be flexible with dates to get the best deals! Itinerary and vehicle types subject to change without notice. Subject to limited availability at these prices, after which higher prices apply, book now. Some governments and service operators have Covid vaccination requirements. Your included flights advised via email with 24 hours to select alternative flights, routing or airline (alternatives may be at a higher price). Included flights may not be the most direct routing. Arrive earlier/stay longer for specified airports only. Stop-overs are not possible. Subject to Booking Conditions, see Important Information before booking. © DISCOVER AUSTRALIA Booking Code: mp 489

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without requirements to quarantine or other Covid travel restrictions. There is now a trend of countries fully ending Covid border restrictions (eg scrapping test requirements etc), such as the United Kingdom and Scandinavia. More countries are expected to follow since all governments have detailed strategies to live with Covid and to enable their tourism industry to flourish again. # Relax - we will provide you with assistance with identifying any pre-travel requirements still remaining.

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Insurance cover can be very inexpensive, like only $150 for three weeks in Europe # . We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance with Covid cover. Following are some insurance companies: Medibank | TID | AHM | NIB Book now to secure the best deal and biggest savings. Use part of your Early Bird savings to pay for your travel insurance!

#Peace of Mind Guarantee valid for new bookings confirmed from 10 February until withdrawn. See Booking Conditions for details, inclusions and exclusions. #1 You can choose to postpone your holiday to a future date; since prices vary by travel date some alternative dates may be at a higher price. Choosing to postpone closer to travel may incur supplier change fees, but no fees from us. #2 If your holiday is disrupted due to Covid by us (or a service provider) you will receive a Travel Credit to re-book a holiday. #3 HolidayMax will offer a service to help assist you to identify your pre-travel requirements. The information provided in relation to insurance and travel requirements is believed to be accurate and is provided in good faith without responsibility taken for it. Official national websites detail exact and current requirements, that can change. We don’t sell insurance or recommend any particular insurance company. As always study the relevant insurance PDS to see what cover matches your needs.

More From Forbes

Travel to italy like an insider with the best local experts.

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A trip to Italy is too special to get wrong. Here's how to do it right. (San Gimignano, Tuscany)

I absolutely love Italy, for many different reasons. But I hate the way in which many Americans go about planning trips there. Survey after survey shows it is the number one dream destination for U.S. leisure travelers, but the way those travelers get their information and advice gives me nightmares.

Throughout the years I’ve heard people say over and over that “I was told to do this in Italy,” or “I was told not to do this in Italy.” By who? “A friend.” I have close friends who recently planned their entire 12-day trip on the basis of another couple they knew who gave them advice—after their first visit. I’ve heard of many people who skipped Rome because “we heard it was too busy, just another big city.” Or passed on Venice, one of the world’s most magical destinations, because, “I heard it was touristy.”

There are American tourists who say you should skip Venice. They are wrong.

It goes on and on, but suffice to say, I have been to Italy in the neighborhood of two dozen times, summer and winter, for food, wine, skiing, golf, hiking, cycling and more food, from north to south and east to west and islands too, and I know a lot about Italian cuisine, but I still ask real experts for advice every time I go. I specifically ask for advice on where to eat, what to see, and who to choose as guides. And by experts, I mean people how live in Italy, specialize in particular areas of travel, and know their subject matter.

“We get multiple guests a year who want to wing it,” says Cherrye Moore, owner of My Bella Vita travel. Moore moved to Calabria two decades ago after falling in love with the region on a visit, and opened a bed and breakfast, learning about what her visitors were looking for. Her company now specializes in planning trips—especially foodie and ancestry trips—to the area in Southern Italy where many Italian Americans trace their heritage. “They say, ‘My neighbor just showed up in their family’s hometown and it went great for them,’ or, ‘Our friends went to Italy last year and said we don't need a driver.’ It’s true that you can rent a car and drive to your family’s hometown, but that experience is vastly different from having a dedicated driver and a heritage specialist who has done research on your family’s history, who has already identified the home your grandfather was born in, and who has arranged meetings with locals upon your arrival.”

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Anyone can tour the Vatican, but only the right guides can get you a private visit.

I just got back from an exploration of Turin followed by a weeklong hiking trip in surrounding Piemonte, Italy’s most prestigious wine region, which included multiple winery visits. For restaurants and guides and sightseeing in Turin I used an Italian-based travel specialist that is the choice of many of the best luxury travel agents/advisors in this country (the best travel agents are savvy enough to know what they do not know and regularly rely on local experts). For the hiking trip, I used an Italy-based active travel specialist that does nothing else, and does it with a food-centric spin. It was another fantastic Italy trip, one amazing day after another, featuring many meals, wineries and experiences I never would have found by myself, especially by asking random friends or watching You Tube influencer videos by people with far less Italy experience than myself.

“We don’t focus on stars or diamonds, we focus on really special one-of-a-kind experiences and lodging that lets you discover our Italy,” said Heather Dowd, who lives in Turin and along with her Italian husband Beppe Salerno. They run Tourissimo , the active travel company we used. We had several friends hiking with us who were on either their very first or second trip to Italy, and when we reviewed our experiences at the end for the trip, one place we stayed, an 18 th century castle turned boutique hotel, was the overwhelming favorite. It did not have whirlpool tubs or Frette linens, it did not have a concierge or room service, but it had excellent food and beautiful gardens in which we had an epic dinner. It had cooking classes, a great location, a fun aperitivo evening cocktail session, and most of all, incredible charm..

Everyone wants the perfect meal in Italy, but not everyone knows where the locals go to find it.

It was exactly what my first timers dreamed Italy would be like, and it was a place we never would have found online. It was perfect, and even in Italy not every place is, but the reality is that Heather and Beppe and their guides spend a lot of time behind the scenes visiting small hotels and vetting them, way more time than the people who rate their stays on booking websites. One of my friends was so impressed he is already planning an extended family hiking trip to Sicily with Tourissimo next year.

If you want to have an insider experience in Italy, and see the places locals go, you need a local insider to help you out.

“Our goal is for guests to experience Calabria like we do, so we’ve built experiences that aren’t available online,” said My Bella Vita’s Moore. “Nowhere else can you find a multi-course lunch hosted at Zia Pina’s or a picnic prepared and delivered by Signora Francesca. Lunch in the home of our friend, Chef Massimo, isn’t available on Google. When creating or reviewing experiences I always think of my sister in Texas. If she were visiting, would I take her here? If that answer is yes, I know we have a winner.” That is exactly the standard by which I’d like my Italy travels to be judged.

A trip to Italy is a beautiful, special, and almost sacred experience, so don’t screw it up by taking bad advice. I do not know every local specialist—and I hope to keep finding more—but I know several experts I would recommend for different kinds of travel. Or use a good travel advisor, something I recommend for all travel (Read my article Why You Need A Travel Agent More Than Ever here at Forbes ), and communicate with them to ensure they are on the same page in terms of sourcing these kinds of local experts. If they are good, they will already be familiar with several of these companies.

Active Travel

All of Tourissimo's cycling and hiking trips in Italy emphasize food and wine, which is how it ... [+] should be.

Italy has long been the dream destination of cyclists, with Tuscany atop the Bucket List for global road riding destinations. But for the past few years the fastest growing sector of cycling has been “gravel grinding,” and with hundreds of miles of its stunning unpaved “white roads,” Tuscany has also emerged as the world’s top travel spot for gravel lovers. There are also plenty of other amazing places to ride in Italy, including Piemonte, Sardinia, Puglia, the Lakes region, and many other areas. World class hiking abounds, especially the stunning Dolomites—a UNESCO World Heritage Site of beauty unmatched by most other mountain regions on earth. Beyond this there are the Alps in the east, the Cinque Terre, Sardinia, and many other great options.

Italy is so well known for cycling and hiking that every major active travel company in the world runs trips there. But for my last two active trips, one hiking and one biking, I chose a tour operator that is actually based there, founded by an Italian with a passion for cycling and food. Tourissimo may be Italian, but they cater to the American market, and founder Beppe Salerno worked for am American cycling company as a guide before realizing he could do the real Italy better himself—to me, the perfect startup rationale. Over the years since, Tourissimo has grown its library of offerings, with both with an array of scheduled group trips and private custom options. While they do mostly road riding, they are notably one of the only tour operators scheduling gravel trips, and can also arrange custom mountain biking itineraries, with years of expertise in cycling and hiking.

Superstar Chef Mary Sue Milliken has led about galf a dozen Chef's Cycling Tours in Italy for ... [+] Tourissimo.

In addition, Tourissimo has also been a pioneer in “Active Culinary Travel,” a hot new category I have written about here at Forbes (and for other magazines and newspapers). They offer an annual series of six group rides (and a hike) each hosted by an acclaimed chef like Mary Sue Milliken, an award-winning chef, restaurateur, cookbook author (five!) and co-host of the popular PBS cooking show Two Hot Tamales . She is also an avid cyclist and has led the Tourissimo Chef Bike Tours for several years, along with other big names. These trips are a unique option for serious foodies who also ride, while the other trips cater to just about anyone. Otherwise they offer several styles of trips, from Bici Basics for new riders to Ambitious Tours for the more hard core.

Tourissimo puts a focus on local, choosing small and often historic hotels that they have curated and vetted (like the castle I just stayed at in Piemonte), places that you would never be able to distinguish from hundreds of other non-chain options online. Same for restaurants, wineries, and all the other ways they take you behind the scenes and into their real Italy. Their Mission Statement? “We don't want to be the biggest adventure travel company. We want to design and run the best tours in Italy. We strive to be the most authentic and the most beneficial to local communities.” Fantastico!

Bellagio on Lake Como is one of the most famous destinations in Italy — and the perfect place for a ... [+] food-centric bike tour!

Bike It! Bellagio offers another insider biking experience on a much different scale, providing a great one-day experience for visitors to Italy’s most famous lake town. This bike shop on Lake Como is run by a former pro racer and his wife. They rent bikes (road, mountain and e-bikes) out, but also offer one-day guided tours with multiple food and drink stops. Given that the owner grew up here and knows everyone, it’s not surprising that the food and drink spots are insider picks. The shop sits near the iconic Madonna del Ghisallo climb, the most famous in the Giro di Lombardia, a race more than a century old, and several days a week the shop offers guided group rides with a climb of the pass, on road or e-bikes—Bianchi bikes of course!

There are scheduled tours Monday through Saturday, as well as wide range of customizable private tours. These are often taken by families with mixed ages, but for more aggressive riders they offer longer road tours, mountain biking and gravel riding, along with a wide range of less demanding e-bike tours, including some even more focused on food and wine. They also offer a handful of multi-day tours and can put these together as custom on demand, usually for groups, including an iconic coast to coast traverse of Italy. If you are a guest of one of the many stunning (and pricey) ultra-luxury hotels around Bellagio, and ask the concierge to arrange a bike tour, they are likely going to call this shop anyway (and mark it up) so just do it yourself.

Luxury Travel in Italy

From planning your entire itinerary with flights, hotels, and transfers to just booking the best tours, guides and VIP access (often to non-public highlights), it pays to use a top local specialist.

Last year I attended the annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, which has been called “the Oscars of the travel industry.” Virtuoso is the leading global luxury travel consortium, and many of the best travel advisors on earth belong, So does just about every top hotel, resort, safari lodge, cruise line, and luxury tour operator. Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch was explaining the many advantages of using a travel advisor (I wholeheartedly agree) and something he said really stuck with me. He explained that with all of the new online tour booking companies, it was easier than ever to book a tour or guide in just about any destination on earth, but harder than ever to judge the quality. The caveat was that, “you can book a guide, but you can’t book my guide.”

One of Italy's greatest hidden gems, Turin was the nation's first capital and a Winter Olympic host. ... [+] It's worth getting a good guide if you visit.

The Vatican is the Vatican and the Colosseum is the Colosseum, so when you opt for a guided tour, what really matters and makes it a good, bad or great experience is the guide—and their special access, like a tour of the Vatican when no one else is there.

For my recent trip to Turin, I called Imago Artis Travel , an Italy-based luxury travel specialist. They are what is known in the travel industry as a destination management company or DMC, the same companies luxury travel agents call to arrange local details for their clients. There are great DMCs all over the world, and local knowledge is valuable everywhere, but many of them do not deal directly with travelers, while in Italy the best ones do.

I wanted a private day tour of Turin and its surrounding attractions for my wife and I, most importantly the Reggia di Venaria Reale, aka the “Italian Versailles” (one of two places in Italy with this lofty but accurate nickname). The guide they got for me was a licensed guide, and lifelong resident of Turin, and spoke excellent English, which was all good, but she was also an architect, which was great in a city where so much is driven by architecture. That’s not so easy to find on global tour aggregator website. Imago Artis also gave me a list of their favorite restaurant recommendations, which were spot on, then made my reservations for me. At a minimum this eliminates the language barrier of calling or the technology barrier of booking through often tricky (or non-functional) Italian restaurant reservation websites, but in many cases it also gets you a better table and instant VIP treatment—which definitely does not happen when I book myself.

Italy is rich in world-class crafts, and companies like Imago Artis can take you behind the scenes ... [+] to meet the makers.

Imago Artis Travel is a Virtuoso member, which means when you book through them, if you book your luxury hotel, you get extras like room upgrades, late checkout, spa credits etc., one of the big advantages of working with Virtuoso travel advisors. If you have a bigger budget than I do, they can handle all sorts of luxury transport, private jets, helicopters, boat charters, and also offer VIP Meet and Greet services at just about every airport in Italy. They can even arrange private security details. On a more accessible luxury level, they specialize in exclusive experiences, unlocking historic buildings and art collections not open to the public, and taking you behind the scenes with many artisans of Italy, from custom shoemakers to sculptors to jewelry designers. They know food, they know the guides, and I especially like their mission statement, “Our mission is simple: Getting You to the Heart of Italy.” That’s what it is all about.

Another top luxury DMC that is also a member of Virtuoso that I have used in the past with great success is IC Bellagio . They offer a similar array of luxury services and are very well connected, but they also specialize in Villa rentals as well as 5-Star hotels. Differentiating villas in Italy may be the single biggest challenge, more so than restaurants, with so many options and so few valid reviews. IC Bellagio has also boldly acknowledged the overtourism problems some of the most popular parts of Italy face, and are pushing “Slow Season Travel,” which varies in each of the country’s 20 regions but is something they are expert in. Last winter I went to Venice in the off-season, and it was spectacular, and I just traveled in a slow season to Piemonte. It was much, much better than fighting the crowds.

Skiing in Italy is awesome, and it's the best place in the world to stay in mountain rifugios — but ... [+] you need help for the perfect trip.

Skiing in Italy remains a bit under the radar for Europe, especially compared to France and Switzerland. Well, let the crowds go to other countries, because Italy has two different major ski regions, both of which have hosted the Winter Olympics, and the Games are returning to Milan and Cortina in 2026. The interconnected Dolomiti SuperSki lift and trail network in the Dolomites is arguably the largest “ski resort” in the world, and inarguably one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes on the planet. The towns are charming, the food is great, there are spectacular hotels from non-chain independent hidden gems to world-class luxury (Aman, Mandarin Oriental, Relais & Chateaux, etc.) and it’s cheaper than much of the rest of Europe. Did I mention the food?

I first went to the Dolomites to go hiking, and was so wowed I thought, “I have to come back and ski here.” I came back the next winter and skied, and the following year I got a group of friends together and went back. I have skied all over the U.S., and all over the world and never had the same compulsion to return to the same place immediately. That’s how good skiing in Italy is ( read much more in my Italy skiing piece here at Forbes ).

I’ve only used one company for ski travel in Italy and see no reason to switch gears, especially since the local logistics (a great guide/instructor, transfers, the best on-mountain meals and staying a couple of nights in the region’s unique on-mountain rifugios) is very hard to organize on your own. The company is Dolomite Mountains , a specialist in both resort ski vacations and backcountry touring trips (using skins and alpine touring or AT gear). They too are a U.S. facing company with mainly American clientele.

Like many active travel companies, they offer both group trip scheduled departure options and private custom trips to fit whatever you want. The group option is called the Dolomites Ski Safari and is a 7-day trip mixing stays in amazing rifugios with in-town hotels (4 and 5-stars on the Italian system) and includes all breakfasts and dinners, a full-time guide, ski pass, luggage transfers and more. Custom options include the same kind of trip for your own group, or anything you want, and while its name suggests local expertise—quite true—Dolomite Mountains also handles ski trips in the rest of Italy, like Courmayeur, and connected border regions of France, Switzerland and Austria, as many lift systems here know no national boundaries (ski with your passport!). They are also a Virtuoso member.

Calabria & Southern Italy

Many Italian Americans trace their ancestry to Southern Italy's Calabria, and if you want to visit, ... [+] make sure you do it right.

My Bella Vita travel focuses on this area, including both small group trips and custom privates. Their specialties include “Heritage Tours” for those interested in their ancestry, and a food focus for the rest of us. For instance, Taste of the South is a 12-day gastronomic journey through Calabria, Basilicata and Naples—the birthplace of pizza! Food & Wine of Calabria is an 11-daty trip and just what it sounds like.

These are some of the scheduled small group tours offered, but the rest of their business is private trip planning and custom options.

“Italy is deceivingly large, and travelers think two weeks is enough time to see everything. It isn’t,” insists Moore. “You can’t even experience all of Calabria in two weeks. Our team collectively spends about six months a year scouting new hotels, restaurants, and experiences in Calabria and we are constantly re-evaluating and tweaking our recommendations.”

There are some other Italy specialists I have not personally experienced, but that come highly recommended by some of my other experts:

My Bella Vita’s Cherrye Moore says, “ In Sicily, I recommend Lucia Davies of Sicily Tour , one of a trio of British expats who have lived in Siracusa, Sicily for decades.” A family-owned tour-guiding company based in Siracusa, they have nearly 40 years of experience on the island and create trips fostering cultural exchange between Italy and English-speaking visitors, specializing in small group and custom tours.

Food & Wine

Life is too short to go to Italy and not eat well.

Beppe and Heather Dowd of Tourissimo recommend Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures , a company that has also earned kudos from other travel industry folks I know. Owner Francesca Montillo grew up in Southern Italy where her father was greengrocer. An Italian-American cookbook author, she launched the company a decade ago, and she personally leads the tours. She does numerous scheduled tours to different regions each year, and also offers custom private itineraries.

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A gentler side of the Dolomites: a summer break in Italy’s Adamello-Brenta natural park

Its peaks are a big draw for adrenaline junkies, but this natural park’s newer attractions offer more inclusive family activities

T he pool was empty – perhaps because at about 22C, the water was too cold for Italians. It was also about to close. Whatever the reason, we had the glorious Biolago di Pinzolo, a spring-fed, plant-filtered swimming lake, to ourselves. As my son and I swam, we could just make out the tiny red-roofed hermitage of San Martino on the forested slope above, where, according to legend, a hermit survived on bread provided by a tame bear.

We’d come to the mountains of northern Italy for an alternative family break, away from the honeypot cities and beach resorts further south.

After our swim we strolled through Parco Pineta, where families were picnicking and teens were making the most of the many sports pitches and skateboard bowl. There seemed to be something for everyone – even the local insect pollinators were catered for with a roped-off patch of wildflowers and a bee hotel.

It might seem odd to rave about an artificial pool in a neatly landscaped public park when the surrounding mountains offer a giddy array of activities in a more dramatic setting, but Biolago di Pinzolo is one of several recent attractions designed to broaden the appeal of the Adamello-Brenta natural park in summer.

Straddling the Italian Alps and the westernmost part of the Dolomites, with the Rendena valley forming the border between the two, the area is a Unesco-listed geopark thanks to the geodiversity of the two mountain ranges. This means the area encompasses fir forests and meadows, glaciers and waterfalls, valleys and stark rocky peaks. Yet relatively few people outside Italy holiday in this northern enclave, opting instead for the more famous Tyrol close to the Austrian border: 80% of tourists in the natural park in summer are Italian, and the foreign visitors who do come tend to head straight into the mountains to brave the via ferrata or climb the rock faces. My 13-year-old son and I were there to discover the natural park in a gentler way.

Our base for the first few days was Pimont Alpine Chalet , a three-bedroom guest house two miles from Pinzolo. One of a cluster of seven stone buildings that were once home to families who tended cattle on the mountainsides, the chalet was converted by Chiara Maestri and her forest ranger husband, Loris Panizza, in 2021. Using the original wood where possible to maintain the spirit of the old farmstead, the interior is stylish but pared back – letting the setting provide the drama, and the food and hospitality the warmth.

Opening mid-pandemic was far from ideal but Chiara used the time to teach herself to bake, and the results are delicious. Breakfast at the chalet is a feast of local produce – yogurt from a nearby farm, berries from the garden, honey from the chalet’s own hives and homemade cakes that are so light it feels perfectly acceptable to have at least two slices for breakfast.

Sitting at 1,000 metres (3,280ft), the chalet has walks from the doorstep into the Nambrone and Rendena valleys. One path leads to the Amolacqua trail, a recently built circular route that runs along the crystal clear, trout-filled Sarca River, over raised wooden paths through the forest and past the Amola waterfall. At just under a mile in length and flat and wide enough for buggies, it is aimed at families and gave us a brief but intense introduction into a green-blue wonderland that surrounds the chalet.

Another new development aimed at families is the Montagnoli adventure park . Set around a turquoise lake that provides water for artificial snow in winter, it’s like the UK’s Go Ape on steroids. My son threw himself into the course with vigour while I gamely followed him until we reached the hardest level and my fear of heights got the better of me. Still, I forced myself to do the zip wire over the lake, squealing all the way. Afterwards, we braved the water, to the bemusement of the school group on the shore.

The symbol of the Adamello Brenta natural park is a bear and I was curious (OK, anxious) to know whether we were likely to come across one on our hike the next day. Over breakfast at the chalet, Alessandro Beltrami of the Madonna di Campiglio mountain guides insisted that sightings are extremely rare. Reassured, we took the Grostè cable car on the outskirts of Madonna di Campiglio, with my son declaring: “This is the first time I’ve ever been excited about a walk.”

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The evening before, Alessandro had driven us up to the Cornisello alpine hut, a newly revamped restaurant with rooms, where we dined on cane derli (cheesy bread dumplings) and polenta gnocchi, followed by apple strudel – hearty mountain fare for those who have spent the day burning calories on the slopes. Our visit coincided with a storm, so we could barely see the path outside, let alone the spectacular sunset. Instead, the hut appeared to be floating in an ocean of cloud.

Happily, the sky was clear for our hike from the Grostè pass. At 2,440 metres, the landscape is bare and arid but the views across the Brenta Dolomites are majestic – stark, jagged peaks against a blue sky. We set off following a rocky path down to Rifugio Tuckett, one of a network of refuges linked by trails and via ferrata. Run by the local alpine association, it has 120 beds and a restaurant where we grabbed a snack as Alessandro pointed to a red dot on the rock face opposite, which turned out to be a friend of his scaling a popular climbing route. From the 2,272-metre Rifugio Tuckett, we continued our descent, shrubs and wildflowers giving way to trees as we entered the valley, stopping repeatedly to take in the panoramic views of forested valleys and snowy peaks.

From Rifugio Casinei , where we stopped for more starchy mountain food, the path led back into Madonna di Campiglio. A favourite retreat of the Habsburgs in the late 19th century and site of one of the first hotels in the area, Relais des Alpes , the resort has retained its upmarket air, with fancy shops and Michelin star restaurants. But its less glamorous neighbours are catching up. We dined at Il Rendenèr in Pinzolo, opened in December 2021, which celebrates local produce, with dishes such as grilled brown trout with creamed celeriac, and venison with seared black cabbage.

Our final two nights were spent at Pra de la Casa , a centuries-old chalet surrounded by wild meadows. There was some respite from the rich mountain food when we joined Eleanora (Noris) Cunaccia on a foraging tour. Noris is an expert in wild plants, which she uses to make all kinds of compotes and syrups (sold online at primitivizia.it ). Setting off from Pra de la Casa, we walked in silence across the meadow and into the sun-dappled wood.

Along the way Noris stopped to show us a tiny herb that tastes like cucumber, a yellow flower that can be used in place of rennet to make cheese, a thistle that she uses in risotto, and wild strawberries no bigger than my little fingernail but packed with flavour. On our return a table was set with white linen and a bottle of Ferrari sparkling wine, pickled dandelions and local cheeses – delicious with mugolio , a barrel-aged syrup made from pine cones.

Sitting down to this forest feast was a moment to reflect on what this mountainous enclave of northern Italy has to offer. Yes, there are dramatic peaks and sheer rock faces for adrenaline-junkies, but there are other ways to immerse yourself in nature – whether it’s floating in a natural pool, clambering through the treetops or plucking aromatic leaves to add to a summer spritz.

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As tourists move in, Italians are squeezed out on holiday island of Capri

By Crispian Balmer

CAPRI, Italy (Reuters) - Famed for its blue seas, breathtaking views and cove-studded coastline, the Mediterranean island of Capri has been a tourist haven since the early years of the Roman empire.

Unlike in the imperial heyday, when emperors made it their exclusive playground, Capri now attracts visitors from around the world, clogging its narrow alleys, packing the piazzas and blocking the beaches during the hot summer months.

As many as 16,000 tourists a day pour onto the rocky isle in peak season, outnumbering the 12,900 residents. Most are day trippers, but increasing numbers stay the night as ever more homes are given over to holiday lets, bringing its own problems.

"Capri is becoming a dormitory for tourists," said Teodorico Boniello, head of the local consumers' association. "There are more people coming than we can cope with and families can't set down roots because they can't afford to stay."

Capri is a microcosm of many European holiday hotspots. Locals depend on visitors for their livelihoods, but the advent of mass tourism risks turning their picture-perfect beauty spots into blobs of shuffling humanity.

Some Italian towns and islands are starting to push back, albeit gently.

Venice last week became the first city in the world to introduce an entrance fee for visitors in peak periods, Florence has banned new holiday lets in the city centre and the Cinque Terre park on the Italian Riviera started charging 15 euros for access to a popular coastal footpath to tackle overcrowding.

Capri has doubled its own visitors' fee from 2.5 euros to 5 euros, which outsiders pay when they catch a ferry from nearby Naples or Sorrento from April through to October.

"We are looking to persuade more people to visit during winter," Capri Mayor Marino Lembo told Reuters, sitting in his office with the smog of Naples hanging far in the distance.

But such a fee looks unlikely to dissuade tourists from travelling to an island which has more than four million tagged photos on Instagram, drawing in an endless flow of visitors eager to add the same views to their social media pages.

Moreover, locals say it will do nothing to help ease the housing crisis, which forces many essential workers, including teachers and medics, to live on the mainland.

EARLY STARTS

Antonio De Chiara, 22, wakes up every morning at 5.20 a.m. in his hometown near Naples in order to be sure to catch the 7.00 a.m. ferry, which takes 50 minutes to reach Capri. Around 400 other commuters join him on the ride across the bay.

Barely out of Naples, those on a tight schedule start queuing in the aisles to ensure they are first off the boat to grab a seat on one of a handful of small buses that head up the hill to town. Stragglers risk a lengthy wait.

"It would be lovely to live in Capri, but it is very difficult. Even if I could find a place, the rent would take up all my salary," said De Chiara, who recently got a job as a child therapist on the island.

Stefano Busiello, 54, teaches maths in a Capri high school but lives in Naples and has commuted back and forth for 20 years. "I have never even tried to find a house here. I could never afford one and things are getting harder."

Only 20% of staff in his school actually live on Capri, he said, with everyone else arriving on the ferries -- a daily grind that means most of his colleagues stay no more than two or three years before seeking a transfer to mainland schools.

Roberto Faravelli, who runs a Bed and Breakfast near the port, says people like himself might be willing to rent their properties to workers if the region offered incentives to close the gap on lucrative holiday lets.

"The government needs to encourage homeowners to offer long-term rents. What we lack is anyone trying to resolve these problems," he said.

But mayor Lembo did not expect the authorities to intervene. "It is unfortunate, but this is the market economy at work."

POST-COVID SURGE

Vacation rental platform Airbnb lists more than 500 properties on Capri against around 110 in 2016. This is just the tip of the iceberg, with local families renting out their properties during the summer months on unregulated portals.

"This short-term rental market is chaotic. There are no controls," said Lembo.

Despite obvious resentment over the lack of viable housing, Capri has not yet witnessed the sort of protests seen elsewhere -- such as Spain's Canary Islands, where thousands took to the streets this month to demand limits on tourist arrivals.

The end of the COVID pandemic has seen tourism surge across Europe as global travellers seek to make up for lost time.

Italy had near record overnight stays in 2023, according to data collated by the Florence centre of tourism studies, and was the 5th most visited country in the world in 2023, with tourists drawn to its quaint villages and culture-rich cities.

But none were built for mass travel.

In the morning during high season, a fleet of ferries disgorge up to 5,000 visitors into Capri's tiny port in just two hours. Everyone wants to head up to the town of Capri and the smaller Anacapri, but the buses can only carry 30 people at a time and the funicular 50.

"You can easily wait two or even three hours to get up the hill in summer. The quays get packed. Noone can move," said Boniello, flicking through videos on his phone of people crammed one against the other.

Lembo acknowledges the problems, but denies tourism is ruining an island his ancestors have lived on for centuries. "I don't agree with nostalgics who say Capri was more beautiful 100 years ago. There was misery and poverty back then. Now there is wealth, and that is thanks to tourism."

($1 = 0.9381 euros)

(Reporting by Crispian Balmer; Editing by Toby Chopra)

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These are the cheapest European package holidays for summer 2024

The likes of Spain, Greece and Italy are surprisingly some of the most affordable, according to Which? Travel

Plenty of us love the freedom of browsing for the most convenient flights and then for the perfect little hotel. However, sometimes it’s nice to save on time, faff and money by booking a package holiday  – and thanks to a new ranking, we now know exactly where to go for the cheapest package trips across Europe .

The experts at  Which? Travel have analysed over 4,500 holidays that are still available to book for this summer, and compiled a list of the ten cheapest destinations offering a package deal. 

And the best value deals might not be where you’d expect. Places such as Bulgaria and Türkiye  have garnered quite the budget-friendly rep, but classic holiday hot spots such as Greece , Spain and Italy actually boast some of the cheapest options for 2024. 

Claiming the top spot is Kalymnos , a lesser-known Dodecanese island in Greece characterised by secluded little coves and ridiculously blue waters. The cheapest holiday was £794 per person, but the average here is £847 (€987.50). Given it’s around a 40-minute boat ride from Kos, that’s a pretty good deal. 

In fourth place, it’s the Costa Brava in Spain – we know, we’re shocked too. The gorgeous stretch of coast just north of Barcelona has some cracking beaches, and the package holiday price here is around £952 (€1,110) per person. 

But the biggest and maybe most pleasant surprise of all is that the Amalfi Coast has made the top 10, in spot number six. At around £977 (€1,139), this typically expensive region actually boasts a couple of low-key resorts such as Minori and Maiori , which are great options for a cheaper getaway. What ’ s more,  the region will soon be getting an airport , finally !

These are the 10 cheapest European package holiday destinations, according to Which? Travel

• Kalymnos, Greece (£847, €987.50)
• Thassos, Greece (£862, €1,005)
• Lefkada, Greece (£935, €1,090)
• Costa Brava, Spain (£952, €1,110)
• Venetian Riviera, Italy (£965, €1,125)
• Amalfi Coast, Italy (£977, €1,139)
• Skopelos, Greece (£985, €1,148)
• Costa de la Luz, Spain (£994, €1,159)
• Campania, Italy (£998, €1,164)
• Malta (£1,006, €1,173)

More on budget-friendly travel

Looking for an affordable break this year? From this roundup of the most affordable holiday destinations for 2024 from the Post Office’s Holiday Money Report , to this one from WeThrift , or this one from Skyscanner , there are plenty of rankings to help you decide where to go. 

Did you see that Italy has implemented a one-way system for some hiking trails ?

Plus: Venice will start charging day-trippers an extra fee to enter this week . 

Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news.

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Three classics — spaghetti carbonara, Venetian shrimp, and chicken salmoriglio — that offer a tour of Italy

Milk street sends you on a roman holiday, without leaving the house..

From the bustling streets of Rome to the canals of Venice to the sun-drenched coasts of Sicily and Calabria, these dishes bring the flavors of Italy to your kitchen. For our spaghetti carbonara, we learned to lighten up the Roman classic by using whisked egg yolks to create an airy foam that melds with pecorino Romano cheese to create a creamy sauce. Next, our quick-yet-elegant skillet dish captures the essence of the Veneto region with succulent shrimp and a garlicky tomato sauce, finished with a sprinkling of toasted bread crumbs. Finally, we dress chicken in bright Mediterranean flavors with an herby, citrusy sauce made from lemons caramelized on the grill.

Roman Spaghetti Carbonara

Makes 4 servings

This brighter take on carbonara came from Pipero Roma in Rome, where the chef whisked the egg yolks until cooked and slightly foamy, creating a sauce that is much lighter in texture than most carbonara recipes. Mixing the yolks with water and cornstarch ensures the cheese won’t clump up when tossed with the pasta.

Bacon cannot be substituted for the pancetta. The smokiness of the bacon will overwhelm the cleaner flavors of the egg-based sauce.

3 ounces thinly sliced pancetta, chopped

6 large egg yolks

2 teaspoons cornstarch

6 ounces pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated (3 cups), plus more to serve

12 ounces spaghetti

Kosher salt and ground black pepper

In a 10-inch skillet set over medium heat, cook the pancetta, stirring, until crisp, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Measure out and reserve 3 tablespoons of the rendered fat; if needed, supplement with olive oil. Set the pancetta and fat aside.

In a large pot, bring 4 quarts water to a boil. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, whisk 1¾ cups water, the egg yolks, and the cornstarch until smooth. Add the cheese and stir until evenly moistened. Set the pan over medium-low heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer and is airy and thickened, 5 to 7 minutes; use a silicone spatula to occasionally get into the corners of the pan. Off heat, whisk in the reserved pancetta fat. Remove from the heat and set aside.

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Stir the pasta and 1 tablespoon salt into the boiling water and cook until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta very well. Return the pasta to the pot and let cool for about 1 minute.

Pour the pecorino-egg mixture over the pasta and toss with tongs until well combined, then toss in pepper. Let stand, tossing the pasta two or three times, until most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 3 minutes. Crumble in the pancetta, then toss again. The pasta should be creamy but not loose. If needed, toss in up to 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency. Transfer to a warmed serving bowl and serve, passing more pecorino and pepper on the side.

Venetian-Style Shrimp in Tomato-White Wine Sauce

From the coast of Veneto, Italy, gamberi alla busara is a dish of whole shell-on prawns in a garlicky tomato sauce spiked with white wine. For this weeknight version, we use shelled shrimp, but we prefer them jumbo-size (21 to 25 shrimp per pound) so the dish has heft and substance.

Browning shrimp on both sides can cause them to become rubbery and overdone in the finished dish. Instead, we sear only one side to develop flavor from caramelization, not to fully cook the shrimp. They will finish cooking in the sauce at the end.

Some recipes for gamberi alla busara include bread crumbs that thicken the sauce. We, however, prefer to toast some panko bread crumbs and sprinkle them on top to add crispiness and texture.

Serve with warm crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.

5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

½ cup panko bread crumbs

8 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided

1½ pounds jumbo tail-on (21-25 per pound) shrimp, peeled and deveined, patted dry

6 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1 medium shallot, finely chopped

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

½ cup dry white wine

28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand

In a 12-inch nonstick skillet set over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of oil until it shimmers. Add the panko and cook, stirring often, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons of parsley and ¼ teaspoon each salt and black pepper; set aside.

In the same skillet set over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon of the oil until it shimmers. Add half the shrimp in an even layer and cook without disturbing until golden brown on the bottoms, 1 to 2 minutes; transfer to a large plate. Repeat with another 1 tablespoon oil and the remaining shrimp; set the shrimp aside.

In the same skillet set over medium-high, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil until it shimmers. Add the garlic, shallot, and pepper flakes, then cook, stirring constantly, until the garlic is light golden brown, about 30 seconds. Add the wine and cook, stirring, until the liquid has almost evaporated, 30 to 60 seconds. Add the tomatoes with juices and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is slightly thickened, 6 to 7 minutes.

Add the shrimp and accumulated juices to the pan, along with the remaining 6 tablespoons parsley. Cook, stirring, until the shrimp are opaque throughout, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with the toasted bread crumbs.

Grilled Chicken Salmoriglio

Extra virgin olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs constitute salmoriglio, a sauce/marinade from southern Italy (specifically, Calabria and Sicily). Grilling the lemons before juicing them mellows their sharpness and acidity, adding a subtle sweetness to the sauce. Our version is made with grated zest in the marinade; we then add the juice to finish the sauce just before serving.

If you opt to use a mixture of bone-in chicken breasts and thighs or drumsticks (or leg quarters), keep in mind that the white meat is done at 160 degrees and the dark meat at 175 degrees, so the breasts may finish ahead of the legs.

Use tongs rather than a fork to move the chicken pieces on the grill. A fork creates holes that allow juices to escape, resulting in drier meat.

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

2 medium garlic cloves, finely grated

1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled

3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken parts, trimmed

¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Grate 2 teaspoons zest from the lemons, then halve them crosswise and set aside. In a small bowl, stir together the zest, oil, garlic, oregano, 1¼ teaspoons salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Transfer ¼ cup of the mixture to a large bowl, add the chicken, and turn to coat. Marinate at room temperature while preparing the grill.

Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for indirect cooking.

For a charcoal grill, ignite a large chimney of coals, let burn until lightly ashed over, then distribute the coals evenly over one side of the grill bed and open the bottom grill vents. Heat the grill, covered, for 5 minutes, then clean and oil the cooking grate.

For a gas grill, turn all burners to high and heat, covered, for 15 minutes, then clean and oil the cooking grate; leave the primary burner on high and turn the remaining burner(s) to low.

Place the chicken skin side up on the cooler side of the grill. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Using tongs, reposition the chicken so that the pieces farthest from the fire are now closest; keep the chicken skin side up. Re-cover and continue to cook until the thickest part of the breast, if using, reaches 160 degrees or the thickest parts of the thighs and drumsticks, if using, reach 175 degrees, another 5 to 10 minutes.

Using tongs, flip the chicken skin side down onto the hot side of the grill. Cook until the skin is lightly browned and crisp, 1 to 2 minutes, moving the chicken as needed to avoid flare-ups. Transfer the chicken skin side up to a platter and let rest for about 5 minutes.

While the chicken rests, grill the lemon halves cut side down on the hot side of the grate until grill-marked, 2 to 3 minutes. Squeeze 2½ tablespoons juice from 1 or 2 of the grilled lemon halves, then stir the juice along with the parsley into the reserved garlic-lemon oil to make the salmoriglio. Serve the sauce and the remaining grilled lemon halves with the chicken.

Christopher Kimball is the founder of Milk Street, home to a magazine, school, and radio and television shows. Globe readers get 12 weeks of complete digital access, plus two issues of Milk Street print magazine, for just $1. Go to 177milkstreet.com/globe. Send comments to [email protected] .

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Inside the bougie US holiday destination where people spend £600 per day

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It’s no secret that visiting the US can get pretty expensive, but certain locations undoubtedly cost more to travel to than others.

And there’s one town in America in particular that is known for being incredibly expensive, and those who’ve visited have shared a ‘warning’ for others thinking of going.

We’re talking, of course, about Aspen, a ski resort town in Colorado that was revealed as the world’s most expensive ski resort in 2023 by German real estate company, Engel & Völkers, with chalets selling for a staggering £60,000 per square metre.

If that weren’t enough, the town has also just been named as one of the most expensive holiday destinations in the US by Optimos travel.

Optimos Travel found that a week long trip costs holidaymakers and ski enthusiasts on average £4,217 ($5,330) per person.

The daily cost for one person in the opulent town is a whopping £602.48 ($761.39). Hotels or rental chalets will set travellers back on average £391.34 ($494.56) with food alone costing around a hundred dollars.

But is it worth it? While one Reddit user described it ‘a billionaires mall’ with ‘absurd’ prices, another warned that it was so good ‘You’ll be ruined…no other ski resort will ever be able to compare’

Celebs such as Goldie Hawn, Mariah Carey, Kendall Jenner, and Leonardo DiCaprio are all known to be big fans of the resort town. Here’s everything you need to know about it…

@kaylaseah your sign to take a ski trip with friends❄️ #aspen #aspenskiing #skitrip #wintervibes #aspencolorado #skioutfit ♬ som original – Lana🌸

@avantgardeaspen Aspen, Colorado Christmas #aspen #aspencolorado #aspenchristmas #aspencolorado #aspenholidays #aspenco #aspensnowmass #aspenmountain #holidays #holidays2023 #holidaydestination #holidaytiktok #holidayvibes #holidaymodeactivated #holidaylights #holidaydecor #christmasinaspen ♬ Carol of the Bells – Instrumental – Russell Davis & Roy Vogt & Michael Green & Marty Crum & Jeff Kirk & David Angell & Carrie Bailey & Steve Patrick & Nancy Allen & Ginger Newman & Sarah Valley

@thrillist Spend 24 hours in Aspen with us 🏔️ #24hoursin #aspen #colorado #mountaintown #skitown #skiing #snowshoeing #food #music #apresski #coloradolife #travel #traveltiktok #traveltok #skitok ♬ Storytelling – Adriel

Things to do in Aspen 

Although Aspen is known as a winter resort, it’s also beautiful in the other seasons too. In the summer it comes alive with colourful wildflowers whilst in autumn it’s a peaceful golden leaved escape. Though it is most magical in the winter, with fresh snow glittering on the trees and the town strewn in fairy lights.

There are four different ski resorts in Aspen – Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Snowmass and Aspen Highlands with something to suit all skill levels. 

While Aspen Mountain has exhilarating vertical drops, Snowmass is more family friendly and a perfect place for beginners. Buttermilk similarly is more sprawling whilst the Aspen Highlands are known for being rugged and in places steep. 

The good news is you can try all four (or as many you like) of the ranges as they’re all available when you purchase a life ticket for any resort. The bad news is a lift ticket costs £192 ($239) per day for adults and £139.85 ($174) for children per day.

If you’d like to get out in nature but skiing isn’t your thing, there’s a wide range of winter outdoor activities to try including ice fishing, hiking, birdwatching and snowshoeing.

There’s also a rich arts and culture scene in Aspen, with a trip to the free Aspen Art Museum being a must see for art lovers.

The Wheeler Opera House is a stunning 133 year-old Victorian theatre which nowadays hosts everything from comedy shows and concerts to festivals and dance performances. 

If shopping is more your sport than skiing the town is home to many high end brands such as Ralph Lauren, Prada and Gucci. But there’s something for everyone with gorgeous antique stores and little bookshops lining the streets. 

For foodies, the town is known for Roaring Fork Valley is known for deep flavours such as Colorado lamb and grilled escarole. There many cafes and restaurants around the different ski resorts for a bite to fuel your day or adventure where you can ski in and out of. But there are also more chill cookhouses and taverns to people watch from and enjoy some delicious seafood. 

A budget-friendly alternative to Aspen...

If you’re looking at this and are dreaming of a ski trip but can’t afford Aspen, then don’t worry as there are plenty of budget-friendly destinations you can head to.

Borovets in  Bulgaria  may not be as well known as Aspen, but it’s a fabulous choice for  travellers . Research by the foreign exchange company, eurochange, has found that this ski resort in Bulgaria is the cheapest for the cost of food and drink during après, ski hire, lift passes and accommodation. 

A beer there costs just £1.17, and a lift pass costs £29 per day. Compare that to €8 (£6.90) for a beer in Chamonix, and you could save some real cash.

Borovets is located in the Rila mountains in southwest Bulgaria, and offers luxury amenities at very reasonable prices. It’s relatively easy to get to, situated 12km from the nearby town of Samokov and 72km from Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia.

A car is perhaps the easiest and most comfortable mode of transport. However, there is a bus transport system from Sofia’s South Station to Samokov which leaves every four hours. The journey lasts an hour-and-a-half and is a steal at around £1-£3, according to Rome2Rio. From Samokob you can catch another bus to Bavorets, which departs hourly and takes 30 minutes.

Set among pine forests covered in snow, there are scenic slopes lined with trees and various après to enjoy, from clubs and bars, to traditional Balkan pubs.

Skiers can make a beeline for the Borosport Snow Park to rack up some much-need time in the snow without splashing too much cash. With a length of 520m it is made up of three different lanes at different levels of difficulty and is said to be well suited for both newcomers and freestylers. 

Other more affordable options for skiers include Jasná Nízke Tatry in Slovakia, and Poiana Brașov in Romania.

How to get to Aspen

Whilst Aspen has it’s own airport, from the UK you need to fly via Denver. With a stop off in the neighbouring state the flight is around 12 hours from Heathrow and according to SkyScanner will cost around £13,00.

Best time of year to go to Aspen

If you love skiing the best time to go is from December to April, when temperatures average around -8C.

However there’s lots to do in the other months too, but be warned you shouldn’t expect a scorcher.

Your Daily Horoscope

Daily horoscope today: April 29, 2024 astrological predictions for your star sign

The average temperature for July is around 15c and September around 10C.

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