Italy Tours & Trips

This region gives you Italy's most dramatic coastal scenery along the Amalfi Coast. You'll see clifftop villages that look out over the Mediterranean. Pompeii is the crown jewel for history lovers. You can take guided walks through Roman streets and homes that are remarkably well preserved. South Italy is different from many coastal destinations because it combines world-class archaeological sites with authentic food experiences. Think wood-fired Neapolitan pizza in Naples and fresh sfogliatella pastries in seaside towns. When you visit Capri, boat trips will show you hidden grottos and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming. Local agriturismos offer cooking classes where you'll learn about regional specialties like limoncello and traditional pasta dishes. This gives you hands-on cultural experiences that go way beyond typical sightseeing.

Lake Como shows off Italy's Alpine beauty. You can take boat trips to elegant Bellagio, which is framed by snow-capped peaks and historic villas. The Bernina Express gives you panoramic train travel through Swiss Alps territory. You'll see mountain views that most Italy itineraries miss completely. Wine lovers will discover intimate tastings at family-run Franciacorta vineyards. Here you'll learn production techniques that families have passed down through generations. Northern Italy is different from southern regions because it mixes Italian charm with Alpine influences. You can see this in both the architecture and the food. Cooking experiences focus on northern specialties. Local chefs will teach you authentic carbonara preparation and regional wine pairings in traditional settings.

Rome and Florence anchor this region with world-famous art and architecture. You'll see everything from the Colosseum to Michelangelo's David. Cinque Terre offers coastal hiking between five colorful villages. This gives you Mediterranean views that are completely different from typical city tours. Tuscan wine country features cellar visits and tastings at family estates. Local vintners will share traditional winemaking methods with you. Central Italy is different from other regions because it balances major cultural sites with smaller medieval towns and countryside experiences. Cooking classes in Florence teach traditional techniques using local ingredients. Rome offers guided tours of ancient forums and underground catacombs that you can't access on your own.

Sicily really shines with three experiences that our travelers keep raving about. Mount Etna takes center stage - you can trek its volcanic paths and drop by the wineries that dot its slopes. The Aeolian Islands offer something special, especially when you sail past Panarea and watch Stromboli light up the night sky with its natural display. What makes Sicily particularly interesting is how different historical periods come together - one moment you're walking through ancient Greek temples and theaters in Syracuse, the next you're admiring Norman castles and baroque piazzas. Food is deeply woven into daily life here; our guests particularly enjoy joining local cooking classes, exploring morning markets and finding the best street food spots in old neighborhoods. We've found that April-May or September-October hit the sweet spot - the temperature's just right and you'll dodge the summer crowds, which means more genuine interactions with locals and easier visits to popular attractions.

Italy's waterways give you a completely different view of famous destinations. River cruises let you reach both well-known cities and quiet riverside towns in comfort. You'll float past Venice's historic neighborhoods without fighting the crowds on foot, then dock right in Milan's cultural center. River boats can navigate inland waterways to places that ocean cruises simply can't reach since they're stuck at coastal ports. This creates a nice, relaxed pace where you only unpack once.

The Dolomites offer incredible alpine adventures from cozy valley towns. Well-marked trails take you to dramatic limestone peaks and crystal-clear mountain lakes. You can choose gentle valley walks or challenging climbs to the top, including routes with viewpoints over 2,000 meters high. Southern Italy gives you something totally different along the Amalfi Coast. Here, clifftop paths connect old fishing villages as you walk through terraced lemon groves and climb ancient stone steps carved right into the dramatic coastline.

Puglia mixes culture with easy physical activities throughout this unique southern region. Small group trips combine walking tours through UNESCO trulli villages, cooking classes at working farms, and visits to fascinating cave homes carved into limestone cliffs. You'll spend some days actively exploring baroque town centers and others relaxing at family-run olive oil farms for tastings. This approach takes you well beyond the usual tourist spots for a real taste of the region.

Tuscany's rolling hills are perfect for cycling. Quiet back roads connect hilltop medieval towns through cypress groves and vineyard landscapes. You'll follow ancient pilgrimage paths and farm tracks while avoiding busy highways. This gives you access to family wineries and olive estates that most visitors miss. The climbs are manageable and you're rewarded with long downhill stretches. Your stops include working farms where you can watch traditional cooking demonstrations and taste wines between riding segments.