Looking for the best Italy tours scheduled for 2025 and beyond? There is a vast array of options on offer. But, how do you choose the right trip?
The best tours of Italy will show you highlights as well as hidden treasures. And balance sightseeing with free time to explore. They will meet your timing and budget but have extras included to ensure your trip is special. Whether you choose a large operator or boutique tour company, you want to make sure your trip exceeds your expectations.
Here at Untold Italy, we recently launched our very own small group tours of hidden regions of Italy full of all the magical experiences we cherish and talk about on our podcast. If you love food, wine, getting off the beaten path and experiencing true Italian hospitality then we’d love to have you join us on tour.
Summary: Best Italy tours: highlights packages
We reviewed the market and major operators to bring you this breakdown of the best tours of Italy available in the coming months and years. This article includes highlights journeys, itineraries by region and interest, and those suitable for families.
Tour name | Tour operator | Duration Availability | Major stops | Group Size Age group | More info |
Best of Italy | Trafalgar | 13 days Year round | Rome - Sorrento - Venice - Lake Maggiore - Florence | 40 - 45 people Aged 50+ | Click for departures and prices |
Ultimate Italy | G Adventures | 14 days Year round | Rome - Florence - Cinque Terre - Lake Como - Venice | 12 - 16 people 30+ female travelers | Click for departures and prices |
Simply Italy | Contiki | 15 days Year round | Rome - Florence - Cinque Terre - Milan - Venice - Amalfi Coast | 40 people Young adults aged 18-35 | Click for departures and pricing |
Italian Scene | Costsaver | 10 days Year round | Rome - Venice - Italian Lakes - Pisa - Florence | 40 people Aged 40 - 60 | Click for departures and pricing |
Highlights of Italy | Intrepid | 8 days April - November | Venice - Cinque Terre - Florence - Rome | No more than 16 30+ female travelers | Click for departures and pricing |
If you want to compare tour prices and itineraries yourself, have a browse of Tourradar and Stride Travel. These sites are where tour operators list their upcoming trips until 2026. You can read reviews by people who have experienced the tour and they often have great deals on early bookings and late departures.
Our pick and reviews of the tours we think offer the best value in terms of inclusions, accommodation, and itineraries are below.
Best Highlights of Italy Tours
Most first time visitors to Italy want to see the tried and true highlights – Rome, Venice, and Florence, so you’ll find many tours catering to that wish. Here are some of the top tours on the market and what to expect
Trafalgar’s Best of Italy
Best for: first time visitors to Italy on a moderate budget
This classic and very popular tour of Italy covers all the highlights and contrasts of the country over 13 days. From the historic grandeur of Rome to coastal Sorrento, the lakes, Venice and Florence, this is a great introduction to Italy for first time visitors.
The tour price includes all breakfasts, some evening meals, including 1 Be My Guest. and 1 Make Travel Matter experience, and complimentary airport transfers. Accommodation is mostly 4* hotels, plus the unique experience of sleeping in a converted Franciscan monastery. Expect VIP entry to some of the major attractions and detailed briefings of the history and significance of the major sights.
Most passengers who choose Trafalgar are in the 50+ age group and who enjoy cultural activities over fast-paced adventure. Solo travelers are welcome however a supplement may apply.
With plenty of free time built in and the opportunity to choose optional extras, this trip is one that will give you a perfect taste of Italy and have you planning your next visit as soon as you arrive home.
At a glance:
- Major stops: Rome – Sorrento – Venice – Lake Maggiore – Florence – Assisi
- Tour length: 13 days
- Departs: All year
- Group Size: 40 – 45
- Average age: 50+
- Accommodation: 3-4 star hotels
- Travel method: Coach
If you like the look of this itinerary but absolutely must see the Cinque Terre as well, check out Globus tours Italian Treasures with Sorrento
G Adventure’s Ultimate Italy
Best for: Solo female travelers with wanting a small group experience
Join G Adventures on their Ultimate Italy highlights trip for adventure across several regions, taking in some of the most celebrated places in the country. Over 14 days you’ll explore the best of the center and north of Italy from Rome to Venice with stops in Florence, the Cinque Terre, the northern lakes and Venice.
This small group tour will have a maximum of 16 participants so you are guaranteed a more personal experience. Included in the tour price are all transportation, smaller tourist level (2-3 star) hotels, and breakfasts. As with all G Adventures tours, there is plenty of free time to explore and they make it easy to add your interests into the itinerary – some of these come at an additional cost, however.
G Adventures s itineraries attract travelers aged over 30 who are interested in traveling as part of a group but appreciate free time to explore on your own. The company is dedicated to responsible travel and hires local tour leaders with in-depth personal knowledge of each destination. Solo travelers are warmly welcomed however supplements may apply.
At a glance:
- Major stops: Rome – Florence – Lucca – Cinque Terre – Lake Como – Venice
- Tour length: 14 days
- Departs: April to October
- Group Size: 12 – 16
- Average age: 30+
- Accommodation: 2-3 star hotels
- Travel method: Train plus private transportation
Contiki’s Simply Italy
Best for: Younger travelers (18 – 30) wanting an action-packed itinerary
Contiki’s Simply Italy tour takes you on a whistle-stop tour of all the highlights from Rome to Capri, Pompeii and the Cinque Terre. This 15 day itinerary will give you the perfect taste of Bella Italia and have you planning more adventures in pasta and gelato before you can say That’s Amore!
This large group tour of up to 50 people is bound to be social. Hotels are around 2 star, breakfasts and some meals are included plus 20 activities making the trip a great value option for younger travelers on a budget. Optional activities such as the Burano island cruise with dinner in Venice are reasonably priced and fun.
Contiki is the tour company of choice for younger travelers, so expect a fast-paced itinerary stopping at all the best Instagram-friendly spots, wifi on board your coach, late nights and early starts.
At a glance:
- Major stops: Rome – Florence – Cinque Terre – Milan – Venice – Amalfi Coast
- Tour length: 15 days
- Departs: Year round
- Group Size: around 40
- Average age: 18 – 30
- Accommodation: 1-2 star hotels
- Travel method: Coach
Best Small Group Tours of Italy
Exploring Italy beyond the major cities, towns and tourist routes is one of our favorite things to do. Here you discover a slower pace of life, beautiful landscapes and fascinating stories of people who have lived there for generations. Not to mention amazing regional food and wine.
Untold Italy’s small group tours take you to some of our favorite hidden regions of Italy including Sicily, Umbria, Piedmont, the Dolomites and Puglia. With only 10 people in each group, we’re able to take you on a journey of discovery to the family-run vineyards, olive groves and hilltop towns that you’ve been dreaming of.
These places can be difficult to reach without a car so a group tour means you can relax while we handle the logistics and plan out your days with incredible experiences that it’s difficult to organize on your own. Of course, we all love to explore, so there’s plenty of free time to wander on your own or relax as you prefer.
View Untold italy trips for 2025 / 2026We think the perfect way to enjoy your time in Italy is to combine a small group experience in a hidden region of Italy with time in the major cities like Rome or Florence where it is easier to explore on your own.
Italy Tours on a Budget
Looking for value on a small budget? These Italy tour packages offer some of the best value trips on the market. With great value inclusions and action-packed itineraries, your dream of visiting Italy is possible on a modest budget.
Costsaver’s Italian Scene
Best for: Value conscious travellers wanting a full highlights of Italy package
Offering a north to south overview of the best Italy has to offer at a wallet-friendly price, Costsaver’s Italian Scene tour is a great choice for those looking for a tour packed with value. Stopping in the iconic cities plus smaller towns like Verona and Pisa, this tour will give you a true taste of the country without breaking the bank.
With a full itinerary covering many of the highlights of Italy, generous inclusions such as breakfasts, several dinners and 1 Make Travel Matter experience, the Italian Scene tour offers lots of value. You can add optional activities or choose to spend your free time at leisure. Popular with travelers aged 40 – 60, you’ll find the tour group social and interested in culture and history.
Costsaver is owned by Trafalgar so you get all the benefits of their itinerary planning and infrastructure at a price well below the tours offered by their parent company. The main point of difference is the location and standard of hotels. Costsaver accommodation is usually a little out of town and will not have the same level of amenities.
At a glance:
- Major stops: Rome – Sorrento – Assisi – Venice – Florence
- Tour length: 10 days
- Departs: Year round
- Group Size: around 50
- Average age: 40 – 60
- Accommodation: 2-3 star hotels outside the city center
- Travel method: Coach
Intrepid’s Highlights of Italy
Best for: The best budget small group tour of Italy
If you want the small group experience with lots of free time built into your itinerary, Intrepid’s Highlights of Italy tour will suit you perfectly. This itinerary is part of Intrepid’s Basix range which delivers great value budget tours without sacrificing experience. You’ll see Venice, Rome, Florence and the stunning villages of the Cinque Terre on this journey with a group of no more than 16 other travelers.
Your tour leader will ensure you are familiar with the places you visit and conduct orientation walking tours. You can then explore on your own or take advantage of the well-priced optional activities offered. Some breakfasts are included and you can expect basic accommodation at 1-2 star hotels or hostels.
Intrepid’s itineraries attract mainly female travelers aged over 30 who are interested in traveling as part of a group but appreciate free time to explore on their own. The company is dedicated to responsible travel and hires local tour leaders with in-depth personal knowledge of each destination. Solo travelers are warmly welcomed however to keep costs down, you will share a room with a person of the same gender.
At a glance:
- Major stops: Venice – Cinque Terre – Florence – Rome
- Tour length: 8 days
- Departs: April to November
- Group Size: No more than 16
- Average age: 30+
- Accommodation: Budget hotels / hostels
- Travel method: Train plus some private transportation
Best Southern Italy tours
If you’re dreaming of a summer vacation and la dolce vita on the Italian coast, head to Southern Italy and explore the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Sicily and the legendary isle of Capri.
Trafalgar’s Southern Italy and Sicily
Best for: exploring the magical Sorrento, Capri and Sicily
Southern Italy will capture your heart on this 10-day tour stopping at Pompeii, Sorrento, and towns in Sicily. The heady combination of incredible scenery, hundreds of years of history and of course delicious food and wine is irresistible. Trafalgar’s Southern Italy and Sicily itinerary covers all the highlights of this beautiful part of the world and includes local experiences that you’ll cherish forever.
Your tour price includes all breakfasts, some dinners, 1 Be My Guest and 1 Make Travel Matter experience and complimentary airport transfers at set departure times. You’ll stay in mostly 4* hotels and enjoy VIP entry to major attractions. Your tour director will provide detailed briefings of the history and significance of the major sights. Optional excursions include visits to some of the quaint fishing villages of Sicily and a boat cruise around Capri.
Most passengers who choose Trafalgar are in the 50+ age group who enjoy cultural activities over fast-paced adventure. Solo travelers are welcome however a supplement may apply.
This trip covers all the highlights of Southern Italy and uncovers hidden gems you’ll be talking about for years to come.
At a glance:
- Major stops: Rome – Sorrento – Taormina – Palermo
- Tour length: 10 days
- Departs: April to October
- Group Size: 40 – 45
- Average age: 50+
- Accommodation: 4 star hotels
- Travel method: Coach
Highly recommended
Interested in visiting the up-and-coming Puglia region? Insight’s Country roads of Southern Italy and Sicily trip includes visits to all the highlights of Southern Italy including Alberobello, Matera, Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and the famed isle of Capri!
Best Family Tours of Italy
Want to take your children to Italy but want the convenience of a tour with assistance on hand when you need it? These tours are specifically designed with families in mind. You can expect fun activities aimed at engaging your kids in the culture and beauty of the Italian cities and countryside. Relax and enjoy your travels as the logistics and bookings are taken care of.
Trafalgar’s Gladiators, Gondolas and Gold family tour of Italy
Best for: Families wanting a first fun taste of Italy
Make history and culture come alive for your family on this fun tour of Italy’s major cities with Trafalgar. This well-thought-out itinerary has inclusions to keep the whole family entertained. From pizza making in Rome to taking photos with the famous Leaning Tower in Pisa, this will be a trip to remember.
Your tour price includes hot breakfasts, several dinners including 1 Be My Guest, and complimentary airport transfers. Accommodation is mostly 4 star hotels. This itinerary includes plenty of fun experiences including 1 Make Travel Matter experience, however it is designed so you can set your own pace too. Perhaps some members of your group would like to explore the fountains of Rome while others take a nap. It’s up to you.
Trafalgar have designed an itinerary that works for the whole family with plenty of free time built in. The only question is, will your kid’s favorite moment be their ride on a gondola down Venice’s Grand Canal or the gladiator school in Rome?
At a glance:
- Major stops: Rome – Florence – Venice
- Tour length: 10 days
- Departs: May to September
- Group Size: 40 – 45
- Average age: Kids from 5 – 17 years of age plus accompanying adults
- Accommodation: 3-4 star hotels
- Travel method: Coach
Intrepid’s Northern Italy Family Holiday
Best for: Exploring Venice to Rome as a family with like-minded travelers
Intrepid’s family tour of Northern Italy is full of adventure and fun experiences for the whole family. Starting in Venice and visiting the Cinque Terre and Pisa before finishing in Rome, this tour gives the perfect taste of Italy. You’ll wonder at the beauty of the Venetian canals, make pesto in Liguria, and go on an art safari in Rome!
Your group of no more than 16 other travelers is led by an expert guide who knows how to keep the kids entertained. Intrepid have also included lots of exciting activities along the way such as mask-making in Venice and pesto-making on the Cinque Terre. Of course, there will be plenty of time for gelato stops at each destination.
Breakfasts are included on most days as well as some dinners. You can take advantage of well-priced optional extras such as a Cinque Terre cruise. Expect 3 – 4 star hotels and train transportation.
Intrepid’s itineraries are well thought out and are ideal for those wanting a guided experience but appreciate free time to explore on your own. Responsible travel is an important value held by Intrepid. They hire local tour leaders with in-depth personal knowledge of each destination, use mainly public transportation, and support local businesses.
At a glance:
- Major stops: Venice – Cinque Terre – Pisa – Rome
- Tour length: 8 days
- Departs: April & June to September
- Group Size: No more than 16
- Average age: Kids from 5 – 18 years of age plus accompanying adults
- Accommodation: 3 – 4 star hotels
- Travel method: Train plus some private transportation
Last Minute Trips to Italy
Did the stars align and you suddenly find yourself with time to spare for a trip to Italy? If you’re thinking of joining a tour we recommend browsing Tourradar and Stride Travel. These sites are marketplaces for multi-day tours where you can find great last-minute bargains as the tour companies strive to fill their last remaining seats.
They are authorized tour resellers with direct relationships with the tour companies and strive to assist clients to make the best choice of tour for their travel style.
Tourradar has great deals on tours by Trafalgar, Globus, Intrepid, and many other smaller tour companies. You can access their online travel experts dedicated to finding a tour that suits your timing, budget and interests, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – click here to browse tours of Italy on Tourradar
Stride Travel has the best deals for Perillo tours as well as some of the most popular luxury tours of Italy including Abercrombie and Kent and Tauck Tours. You can compare the inclusions, prices and itineraries of different tour companies and enlist the services of their travel experts to find the right tour for you – click here to browse Italy tours on Stride
5 Reasons to Choose a Guided Tour of Italy
- Get your bearings and build confidence for traveling on your own – this is a great approach for first-time visitors to Italy who can use their tour as a launchpad for further adventures
- See many sights within a short timeframe without worrying about logistics or finding and booking your hotels – guided tours of Italy have this all planned out so you can relax and enjoy your vacation
- Access in-depth knowledge and local experiences – your tour guides are there to make sure you enjoy the best Italy has to offer. Many companies now add special local elements such as farm dinners and special stays to ensure your tour is packed with special memories
- Meet like-minded travelers and form lasting friendships – tours are a great way to expand your social circle and meet people from all over the world
- Manage your costs – often if you tried to do all the things included in the tour on your own, you would find the costs are much higher
How to Choose Your Italy Tour
Firstly, decide when you want to go and how long to stay in Italy. Deciding when to go to Italy is often a challenge so read our guide to the best time to visit Italy to help you make your plans. It includes the best months for sightseeing and visiting the beaches and popular cities. Spoiler alert – we like late May and early October!
The length of your trip is also a consideration. Most tours run for between 7 and 10 days. Don’t forget to factor in transit time to and from your home country into your plans. You might also like to add a few days on your own to explore a little at your leisure.
Next, determine your budget. Most tours include land transportation only (not flights). So you’ll need to add the cost of your flights to Italy into your budget.
Click to search flight deals on skyscanner
As a general rule, large tour groups generally involving travel by bus are the most cost-effective. Smaller groups will attract higher prices but you will get more personalized service. Private and customized tours attract the highest rates.
Most importantly, know your travel style and how much assistance you want from a tour guide. There are fully guided tours and independent package tours for Italy to suit your preferences.
Things to look for
- early morning starts and packed agendas – are you happy to be starting your days at 07:30 am or do you prefer a more relaxed pace with lots of time to explore on your own
- hotel standard – are you prepared to save some money on hotels or do you like some luxuries
- hotel location – if you’re hoping to explore, a hotel out of town may not be a great option
- group meals or free time to organize your own dinners
- inclusions vs optional extras – would you like to choose additional activities or be led the entire way – there are advantages to both approaches
Best sites to look for deals
Keep an eye on the tour company sites and sign up for their news. Offers are released regularly throughout the year. If you are trying to decide between a few tour companies and itineraries you can compare tour prices and trips on Tourradar and Stride Travel. These sites have trip listings for departures up to 2026. You can read reviews by people who have experienced the tour and they often have great deals on early bookings and late departures.
Best Italy Tour Companies Reviewed
When you’re planning the trip of a lifetime, make sure you choose a reputable company for your tour of Italy. Here are some of the best and most trusted tour operators:
Trafalgar – with over 70 years of experience worldwide, Trafalgar is a popular choice for good reason. The company is expert at designing itineraries that visit the highlights of Italy in the most efficient way in terms of cost and covering a lot of ground. The company makes sure that you can enjoy local experiences as well as sightseeing. For example, you can take advantage of their Be My Guest program, and dine with local families in their homes. Expect group sizes of around 40-45 and travel by coach.
Insight Vacations – with a more leisurely pace and clientele in the 60-70 age bracket, Insight Vacations are more upmarket than Trafalgar. Hotels are 4.5* and their buses have been designed to allow much more legroom than on standard coaches.
Intrepid – the world’s largest small group tour company, Intrepid are one of our favorite providers. With group sizes averaging only 10 people, you can expect more personalized service and the ability to get off the beaten path. Intrepid have been recognized for their commitment to responsible travel and offer inclusive tours for all ages. They have over 50 itineraries for Italy with three different tour styles – Basic, Standard and Comfort.
Monograms – if you want to travel independently and plan your own spare time but want a set basic itinerary then Monograms is for you. They provide ground transportation, hotels and a brief tour at each place you visit. This unique service also includes a brief city tour and destination concierge who can help with dinner suggestions and other on-the-ground questions. With a variety of packages throughout Italy, this is a great solution if you’re finding researching your own trip overwhelming.
Contiki – aimed at the youth market aged between 18-35, Contiki tours generally attract under 30s making their first trip abroad without their parents. Fast-paced and intense with early starts and late nights, these trips are definitely made with a young party crowd in mind. Contiki offers a great budget alternative to DIY travel but if partying is not part of your travel style then think twice about joining a Contiki tour.
Rick Steves – if you’re a fan of America’s favorite Europhile, his company also offers group tours of Italy. With mid-sized tour groups of fewer than 30 travelers, they are a more intimate experience than the larger group tours. The price range reflects this midpoint. People traveling on these tours are usually American, aged 50+ and are interested in history and culture.
Onwards Through Italy
We hope you have found a tour of Italy to suit your travel style, timing, and budget. If you can spare a few extra days, why not add some additional time to the end of your trip to explore at your leisure? Your tour will give you the confidence to discover treasures of your own. If you’re looking for something more bespoke, there are many reasons to consider a private tour of Italy. Whatever you decide, Italy is waiting.
Buon viaggio!