Italy Tours

It depends on the trip type, and each itinerary states which it is. Fully guided group tours have a tour director throughout, including trips such as Rome, Florence & Venice over eight days. The largest block is partially guided coach touring, which means a driver and local guides at the main sights with free time in between, as on the Grand European routes from Rome.

Between eight and 11 days covers the classic circuit comfortably. Rome, Florence & Venice runs eight days, La Dolce Vita covers 11, and Venice to Florence, Naples & Rome is 11 days as a private trip. Shorter breaks exist, including Italian Expresso at five days and Rome to Venice Express at four, while the longest routes stretch to 21 days. Under a week, it is better to pair two cities than attempt three.

April to May and September to October are the strongest months, with warm days and lighter crowds at the major sights. Summer is hot and the Amalfi Coast and Sicily are at their busiest, with many city businesses closing in August. Winter is mild in the south and cold in the north, and the quietest time to travel.

Yes, and the private range in Italy is substantial. Private trips are exclusive to your own party and run on set departure dates. A large share are self-guided, giving you a booked route with hotels and transport arranged so you travel at your own pace, while others include a guide and driver throughout. Venice to Florence, Naples & Rome is a popular 11-day private option.

Accommodation, transport between destinations and the main sightseeing are arranged, with timed entry handled in advance where it is needed. The Vatican features on the majority of itineraries, with Pompeii and Capri on a large share of the southern routes. Most tours include some meals, typically breakfast daily with selected dinners, and free time is built in for independent eating and wandering. Exact inclusions are listed on each itinerary.

Sorrento, Amalfi & Capri is an eight-day fully guided tour based on the coast, also available in a four-star version. Rome, Sorrento & Amalfi Coast runs 10 days and combines the capital with the coastline. Italy's Wonders Rome to Naples Expedition covers 14 days for a slower route south. Sorrento is the usual base, with Capri reached by boat.

Yes, both regions have dedicated trips. Sizzling Sicily runs seven days from Palermo and Sicilian Explorer eight days from Catania, both fully guided. Perfect Puglia is an eight-day fully guided tour starting in Bari. These work well as a second Italy trip once the classic cities are done, or combined with a few days in Rome.

Yes, and they usually start in Milan. Lake Maggiore, Como & Garda runs eight days across the three main lakes, Italian Lakes, Alps & Dolomites covers nine days, and Venice, North Lakes & Milan links the lakes with Venice over eight days. Several lakes itineraries cross briefly into Switzerland for the alpine scenery and the Bernina Express.

Yes, and there is a dedicated rail range rather than a single trip. Best of Italy by Train is an 11-day fully guided tour from Venice, while Rome, Florence & Venice By Train over eight days and Rome to Milan by Train over 11 days are private rail itineraries. Regional options include Puglia by Train at seven days and Dolomites by Train at eight. Rail suits the main city corridor particularly well, as journeys are short and the stations sit centrally.

Yes. Italy and Switzerland is the main combination, taking in Milan, Lake Como and the Italian Lakes alongside alpine scenery, with trips including Lake Como & the Swiss Alps at six days and Italian Lakes, Alps & Dolomites at nine. Longer coach journeys extend into Austria, France and beyond, and shorter routes link Venice with Croatia and Slovenia.