Northern Italy Small Group Tours
Exploring northern Italy with a small group is a great idea. Imagine Venice’s canals, Lake Como's villas, Cinque Terre's coastal villages, and the Dolomites' peaks. Northern Italy mixes Alpine scenery with Italian culture in brilliant ways. You'll taste regional wines that differ from Tuscany, explore cities tourists often skip, and discover northern Italy's distinct character whilst going at your own pace.
10 best Northern Italy small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Italy travel expert at TourRadar
- Lakes, Lagoon & Mountains: Lakes Como, Garda, Bernina train & Venice. Small Group Tour
- Italian Tour Gondola Ride & Cinque Terre Visit
- Lakes & Lagoon : Lake Como, Lake Garda & Venice, 6 days private tour
- Enchanting Northern Italy: Milan to Verona
- 7 Days Northern Lakes and Italian Riviera Tour - from Milan
- From Florence to Venice & Milan: 8 Days Northern Adventure
- Gay Opera Vacation in Italy – Venice, Verona & Milan A Unique Gay Opera Tour with Italy Gay Travels
- Venice and Treviso Short Break
- 5-Day Venice the Heart of Italy
- Alpine Splendor: A Journey Through the Dolomites, South Tyrol, and Lake Garda
Seven days cover 8 Northern Italy locations including Milan, Como, Bellagio, Brescia, Sirmione, Verona, Padua, and Venice. You'll ride the UNESCO Bernina Red Train through Swiss glaciers and alpine meadows, see Juliet's Balcony in Verona and the Rialto Bridge, then visit Padua's Basilica of St. Anthony.
Duration 7 days Destinations Italy, Switzerland, Albania Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Taotravel From
- US$4,243
Italian Tour Gondola Ride & Cinque Terre Visit
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“What a great trip, we loved Italy!!! They took care of any hiccups we had with the delay in arrival.”
Constance, traveled in September
Northern Italy's treasures unfold for small groups of 12-15 travelers. The intimate size creates perfect conditions for navigating Venice's narrow canals, accessing Florence's cultural sites, and engaging in authentic local experiences.
Duration 8 days Destinations Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, Venice Age Range Ages 8+ Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $1,599
10% Off- US$1,439You save $160
Lakes & Lagoon : Lake Como, Lake Garda & Venice, 6 days private tour
34 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The chosen hotels were excellent. We were delighted with the services included in the package.”
VictorTerry, traveled in September
Northern Italy's treasures unfold before intimate groups of 2-6 people, offering personalized guidance through Brescia's Loggia Square and Padua's artistic heritage. The small setting creates opportunities for authentic local dining and exclusive hotel stays.
Duration 6 days Destinations Milan, Como, Bellagio, Brescia, Garda, Verona, Padua, Venice Age Range Ages 8+ Group Size Max Group Size 6 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Taotravel From
10% Off- US$8,106
Groups of 8-15 travelers visit Northern Italy's gems, perfectly sized for accessing Milan's Duomo terraces and Verona's historic center. The intimate setting allows quality time at family-run Valpolicella wineries and Lake Garda boat tours around Sirmione's peninsula.
Duration 7 days Destinations Milan, Lake Como, Verona, Sirmione, Lake Garda Age Range Ages 8+ Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type Private Operator Omega Tours From
10% Off- US$1,877
Groups of 20 travelers or less enjoy privileged access across Northern Italy's lakes. The intimate setting enables up-close visits to Sirmione's castle, Catullo's Grotto, and Bergamo's Città alta, with personalized attention from multilingual guides and private boat tours.
Duration 7 days Destinations Milan, Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore, Como, Bellagio, Bergamo, Sirmione, Garda, Verona, IseoSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 30 Group Type Group Operator Europeando Europa From
10% Off- US$4,396
From Florence to Venice & Milan: 8 Days Northern Adventure
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The tour was very knowledgeable and kept our attention.”
Eight days connect Florence, Venice, Milan, Lake Como, and Turin by high-speed train with groups of 15 travelers or fewer. Guided boat tours take you to Bellagio and Varenna, but there's plenty of free time to find hidden restaurants in Venice Mestre or relax at Turin's historic cafés along the Po River.
Duration 8 days Destinations Florence, Venice, Milan, Como, Turin Age Range Ages 18-41 Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator Italy on a Budget Tours From $1,891
15% Off- US$1,607You save $284
Intimate gatherings provide exclusive access to Northern Italy's cultural gems, from Venice's La Fenice to Verona's Arena. The small group format creates personalized experiences in Milan's Brera district and Lake Como's scenic villages.
Duration 8 days Destinations Venice, Milan, Lake Como, Verona Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Italian, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Italy Gay Travels From
15% Off- US$3,534+$47 local payments
Groups of 12 travelers max ensure personal attention during the bike ride through Conegliano's vineyards and orientation walks in Treviso and Venice. The small size makes it easy to connect at the welcome dinner featuring Treviso's famous Tiramisu and during the cicchetti tour at Venice's bacari wine bars.
Duration 4 days Destinations Treviso, Santa Caterina, Conegliano, Venice Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,935
10% Off- US$1,742You save $194
Groups of 9 travelers or fewer get personalized attention during the lagoon islands tour with English-speaking guides. Early morning access to the 1340 Gothic Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica lets you see both landmarks before crowds arrive, with headsets so everyone hears clearly.
Duration 5 days Destinations Venice, Murano, Burano, Torcello Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type Group Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,744
18% Off- US$1,430You save $314
Journey through Northern Italy with dedicated attention in small groups. Private transfers from Venice to Cortina include intimate Prosecco tastings. Optional small-group tours explore Merano's Trauttmansdorff Castle and Valpolicella's family-run wineries, ensuring personalized experiences throughout.
Duration 8 days Destinations Venice, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Bolzano, Lake Garda, Verona Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Flag Travel Holidays From $4,570
20% Off- US$3,656You save $914
Reviews of Small Group tours to Northern Italy
- Italian Tour Gondola Ride & Cinque Terre Visit
Hannah, Lily, Rose, Wendy, Alberto, and Sam were wonderful to work with. We loved the Venetian tour with Denise too!
- Lakes & Lagoon : Lake Como, Lake Garda & Venice, 6 days private tour
Usually we participate in group tours because they are cheaper, this time we let ourselves be persuaded to buy a private tour for 6 people. The itinerary was beautiful, the service we received was excellent. We must thank Filippo our driver who was always at our disposal. The guide (only for us) was very nice and with an excellent knowledge of the area. Recommended tour and we recommend not to exceed 6 people
- Hiking in the Dolomites
What an excellent adventure! Our leader, Andy, was just top notch! So, knowledgeable and accessible. I highly recommend this trip!! Jan
What our customers ask about Northern Italy Small Group Tours
What is the best season for small group tours in Northern Italy?
Northern Italy welcomes small group tours throughout the year with the most popular time running from April through October. The Dolomites provide excellent hiking conditions from June to September while Lake Como and Venice work well in spring and fall with milder temperatures. One TourRadar traveler commented: "Our small group could easily find outdoor cafe tables in Bellagio in September which would have been impossible with a large group in peak August."
How far in advance should I book a small group tour to Northern Italy?
Given the limited spots available (usually 8-16 travelers) small group tours to Northern Italy require booking well ahead. Most tours need securing 6-12 months in advance particularly for trips between April and October. Sought-after accommodations like Hotel Regina in Gravedona and Villa Barbarich in Venice tend to reach capacity early. A TourRadar traveler advised: "Book at least 6 months ahead to get your preferred dates as the best small group tours fill fast due to limited space."
What are the accommodation options for small group tours in Northern Italy?
The accommodations on Northern Italy small group tours range from local boutique hotels to authentic family-run guesthouses and countryside agriturismos. Hotel Marina in Sestri Levante offers an intimate experience with just 15 rooms while Hotel Tschurtschenthaler in Dobbiaco represents the perfect blend of Alpine tradition and modern comfort. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The small family-run hotels gave us such a authentic experience - much better than large chain hotels."
What unique experiences are available on small group tours in Northern Italy?
The small group format opens doors to special experiences that larger tours can't access. Groups can join private tastings at family Prosecco vineyards take part in small cooking classes in Bologna and visit restricted-capacity historical sites. The Pietrovecchio winery in Valdobbiadene welcomes intimate groups for personalized tastings and wine education. Boutique stays like Hotel Villa Gaia in Cortina d'Ampezzo create opportunities for genuine local connections. As one TourRadar traveler noted "the intimate group size meant we could visit small family-run restaurants and get personalized attention from local guides that wouldn't be possible with larger groups."
How does the pricing compare between small group and large group tours in Northern Italy?
Small group tours in Northern Italy run between USD 330-500 per day while larger group tours typically cost USD 200-300 daily. The higher rates at select properties like Hotel Regina in Gravedona or Villa Lorenzi in Cortina reflect enhanced personal attention boutique lodging and specialized guides. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The small group experience was worth the extra cost for the intimate local experiences and flexibility we wouldn't get with a large group."
What is the typical age range and demographic on small group tours in Northern Italy?
These tours attract a diverse mix of active travelers from 30 to 70 years old with most participants in their 40s to 60s. The small group size of 8-16 people naturally encourages socializing among solo travelers couples and friends. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "Our small group of 12 ranged from 35-65 in age but bonded quickly over shared interests in food wine and culture."