Italy Extreme Tours & Trip Packages

Italy Extreme Tours & Trips

1,704 Italy trips. Tours from 237 tour companies. 6,717 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

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Extreme
Peru In Depth and the Inca Trail
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4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Extreme

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Arequipa, Cusco, Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, Lima, Machu Picchu, Nazca, Ollantaytambo, Pisa, Puno, Sacred Valley, Urubamba

Highlights

  • Comprehensive journey visiting Peru's stunning highlights
  • Walk the classic Inca Trail route to Machu Picchu
  • Experience a night on Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca

Themes

Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"Great trip, great tour leader, thoroughly enjoyable packed a lot into a short time"

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Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Extreme
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Alps, Chamonix

Highlights

  • The Tour du Mont Blanc is undoubtedly on of Europe’s most iconic and beautiful long-distance treks. Enjoy a week of hiking to the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, lakes, glaciers and mountain pastures.
  • Comfortable and clean hotels & lodges are included each night, offering hearty meals and truly magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Take a load off – literally! Your luggage will be transferred between your accommodation each day, meaning you’ll only have to carry a day pack, and your luggage will be waiting at your hotel.
  • Filling breakfasts, picnic lunches and hearty dinners are included on each walking day – fuelling up for your explorations couldn’t be easier (or more delicious!).
  • With an experienced and highly qualified International Mountain Leader by your side every step of the way, you can rest assured that you’re in safe hands.

Themes

Hiking & Walking, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Annapurna Circuit Trek
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Extreme
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Kathmandu, Pisa, Pokhara

Highlights

  • Take in stunning himalayan views
  • Trek along the kaligandaki gorge; one of the deepest gorges of the world
  • Traverse thorong la pass and view the stunning annapurna ranges from the top
  • Stay the night in the narchyang community homestay
  • View a sunrise from poon hill

Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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Trekking Mont Blanc
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Extreme
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Alps, Chamonix , Geneva

Highlights

  • Hike the soul-stirring mont blanc massif
  • Witness alpine meadows and rocky peaks
  • Conquer windswept cols and steep trails
  • Earn that delicious mountain meal
  • Stay in remote mountain refuges

Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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Italy: Puglia, Alberobello & Lecce
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
Their unique emphasis on immersive cultural experiences combined with active exploration with personalized cycling experiences.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Extreme
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Alberobello , Bari, Lecce, Puglia

Highlights

  • Stay overnight in the white-washed city of Ostuni, in a 13th-century palace turned into a small intimate hotel
  • Cycle the Ionian and Adriatic coastlines at your own pace, stopping to explore whatever and whenever you wish
  • Stay in the seaside towns of Santa Maria di Leuca and Otranto, rich in ancient history and legend
  • Enjoy ample opportunities to swim at sandy beaches and Mediterranean coves tucked under limestone cliffs
  • Ride into Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South” for its exuberant Baroque architecture

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"This trip is unbelievably fantastic. Two of the best rides of my life, were on this tour. The guides were very good and this was just the start, when we met them, at the hotel in Cortina. Cortina was the site of the 1956 Olympics, and is a small pretty village. Nothing was open the two nights we were there, so probably bad timing. Hotel was a typical ski village hotel, good Italian/German food, and very comfortable. Second day of biking was up an old railroad spur that is now a ski trail about 15-20 K up to a mountain pass called Cimabanche Pass, which is beautiful. We rode up in a snow storm, then rain, then finally clear skies. This was the number two best ride of my life. Starting out from the hotel in Cortina, up the old spur, through single track bike trails, past babbling brooks, up to this fabulous mountain pass. This is now where the fun starts. Mostly downhill on paved roads very little traffic, at good speeds, through the most spectacular valleys you would ever see on a bike ride. Breathtaking. It had to end back at the hotel for a big dinner. The best ride of my life was the last biking day out of Merano. We were bused up 1500 K, about 85-90 miles to Lake Resia, high up in the Dolomites, then rode around the lake, down, back to Merano. High mountain peaks, many valleys,small towns, many grape growing farms, scenery, the best, and cool brisk weather. This was truly a great bike tour, one I will never forget. The trip is rated easy, but maybe easy/moderate is closer. The Hotel in Merano is excellent, middle of old town, modern, has a thermal bath, rooms were very good. The town of Merano is a must see if in the area, small, beneath the high mountains of the Dolomites, good restaurants, lots of tourists."

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Italy: Southern Tuscany & Giglio Island
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their unique emphasis on immersive cultural experiences combined with active exploration with personalized cycling experiences.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Extreme
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Capalbio, La Parrina, Magliano, Orvieto, Pereta, Rome, Scansano, Tuscany

Highlights

  • Savor fresh farm cuisine during stays at fattorie lodgings
  • Dip your toes, lounge in the sand, or swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea
  • Learn from a Tuscan chef how to prepare cantucci almond cookies
  • Taste locally pressed olive oil at a local oil mill
  • Walk a panoramic trail with a local guide on Giglio Island

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"This trip is unbelievably fantastic. Two of the best rides of my life, were on this tour. The guides were very good and this was just the start, when we met them, at the hotel in Cortina. Cortina was the site of the 1956 Olympics, and is a small pretty village. Nothing was open the two nights we were there, so probably bad timing. Hotel was a typical ski village hotel, good Italian/German food, and very comfortable. Second day of biking was up an old railroad spur that is now a ski trail about 15-20 K up to a mountain pass called Cimabanche Pass, which is beautiful. We rode up in a snow storm, then rain, then finally clear skies. This was the number two best ride of my life. Starting out from the hotel in Cortina, up the old spur, through single track bike trails, past babbling brooks, up to this fabulous mountain pass. This is now where the fun starts. Mostly downhill on paved roads very little traffic, at good speeds, through the most spectacular valleys you would ever see on a bike ride. Breathtaking. It had to end back at the hotel for a big dinner. The best ride of my life was the last biking day out of Merano. We were bused up 1500 K, about 85-90 miles to Lake Resia, high up in the Dolomites, then rode around the lake, down, back to Merano. High mountain peaks, many valleys,small towns, many grape growing farms, scenery, the best, and cool brisk weather. This was truly a great bike tour, one I will never forget. The trip is rated easy, but maybe easy/moderate is closer. The Hotel in Merano is excellent, middle of old town, modern, has a thermal bath, rooms were very good. The town of Merano is a must see if in the area, small, beneath the high mountains of the Dolomites, good restaurants, lots of tourists."

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Italy: Piedmont, Langhe & the Italian Riviera
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their unique emphasis on immersive cultural experiences combined with active exploration with personalized cycling experiences.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Extreme
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Langhe, Nice, Turin

Highlights

  • Join a farmer and his trusty dog on a hunt for precious truffles on the trails of one of the last unspoiled woods in the area.
  • Enjoy a two-night stay at the historic Tenuta di Fontanafredda, whose winery was founded by a king.
  • Sip Barolo where it was born when you head into a majestic underground cellar, named one of the 100 most beautiful in the world.
  • Learn to prepare pesto as the locals do during a fun and informative cooking class.
  • Relax at the private beach at your Riviera hotel, where you spend three nights.

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"This trip is unbelievably fantastic. Two of the best rides of my life, were on this tour. The guides were very good and this was just the start, when we met them, at the hotel in Cortina. Cortina was the site of the 1956 Olympics, and is a small pretty village. Nothing was open the two nights we were there, so probably bad timing. Hotel was a typical ski village hotel, good Italian/German food, and very comfortable. Second day of biking was up an old railroad spur that is now a ski trail about 15-20 K up to a mountain pass called Cimabanche Pass, which is beautiful. We rode up in a snow storm, then rain, then finally clear skies. This was the number two best ride of my life. Starting out from the hotel in Cortina, up the old spur, through single track bike trails, past babbling brooks, up to this fabulous mountain pass. This is now where the fun starts. Mostly downhill on paved roads very little traffic, at good speeds, through the most spectacular valleys you would ever see on a bike ride. Breathtaking. It had to end back at the hotel for a big dinner. The best ride of my life was the last biking day out of Merano. We were bused up 1500 K, about 85-90 miles to Lake Resia, high up in the Dolomites, then rode around the lake, down, back to Merano. High mountain peaks, many valleys,small towns, many grape growing farms, scenery, the best, and cool brisk weather. This was truly a great bike tour, one I will never forget. The trip is rated easy, but maybe easy/moderate is closer. The Hotel in Merano is excellent, middle of old town, modern, has a thermal bath, rooms were very good. The town of Merano is a must see if in the area, small, beneath the high mountains of the Dolomites, good restaurants, lots of tourists."

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Italy: Sicily, the Noto Valley & Syracuse
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their unique emphasis on immersive cultural experiences combined with active exploration with personalized cycling experiences.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Extreme
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Sicily, Syracuse, Taormina

Highlights

  • Explore baroque Scicli with a local guide, and venture outside the city to the lovely Noto Valley.
  • Tour an organic winery and olive maker in the canyons of the Iblean upland.
  • Join your hotel chef for a hands-on demonstration of Sicilian cooking.
  • Discover the fishing village of Marzamemi, recently restored to its 17th-century glory.
  • Complement your cycling with basking in the sun or swimming at the beach.

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cycling & Biking, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"This trip is unbelievably fantastic. Two of the best rides of my life, were on this tour. The guides were very good and this was just the start, when we met them, at the hotel in Cortina. Cortina was the site of the 1956 Olympics, and is a small pretty village. Nothing was open the two nights we were there, so probably bad timing. Hotel was a typical ski village hotel, good Italian/German food, and very comfortable. Second day of biking was up an old railroad spur that is now a ski trail about 15-20 K up to a mountain pass called Cimabanche Pass, which is beautiful. We rode up in a snow storm, then rain, then finally clear skies. This was the number two best ride of my life. Starting out from the hotel in Cortina, up the old spur, through single track bike trails, past babbling brooks, up to this fabulous mountain pass. This is now where the fun starts. Mostly downhill on paved roads very little traffic, at good speeds, through the most spectacular valleys you would ever see on a bike ride. Breathtaking. It had to end back at the hotel for a big dinner. The best ride of my life was the last biking day out of Merano. We were bused up 1500 K, about 85-90 miles to Lake Resia, high up in the Dolomites, then rode around the lake, down, back to Merano. High mountain peaks, many valleys,small towns, many grape growing farms, scenery, the best, and cool brisk weather. This was truly a great bike tour, one I will never forget. The trip is rated easy, but maybe easy/moderate is closer. The Hotel in Merano is excellent, middle of old town, modern, has a thermal bath, rooms were very good. The town of Merano is a must see if in the area, small, beneath the high mountains of the Dolomites, good restaurants, lots of tourists."

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Other trips you may like [sponsored]
Walking in Tuscany
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Pisa, Tuscany

Highlights

  • Enjoy five wonderful walking days through the idyllic mountains of Tuscany
  • Stay in a beautifully situated Tuscan farmhouse with a swimming pool
  • Opportunity to visit Lucca on the free day

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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Best of Italy
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cinque Terre, Florence, Lake Como, La Spezia, Lucca, Milan, Pisa, Portofino , Rome, Tuscany, Vatican City, Venice

Highlights

  • Take to the Tuscan countryside and cycle along the Serchio River in Lucca, working up an appetite for the region’s delicious local food and renowned wines.
  • Spend a free day exploring the beautiful villages, estates and gardens dotted around Lake Como, criss-crossing the lake by ferry, and consider exploring the grounds of Bellagio's grand Villa Melzi.
  • Head with your local leader to a quaint rural village in the heart of Piedmonte to sample world-class local wines from unique grapes grown only in this region – saluti!
  • Test yourself on the hilly trails of the Cinque Terre, stopping by the picturesque pastel colour villages of Manarola, Riomaggiore and Vernazza. If you get tired, just jump on the train for the rest of your day!
  • Italy’s iconic Rome, Florence and Venice are a haven of renaissance architecture and historic sights. With plenty of time to discover at your own pace, you have the power to decide what you’d like to see.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Great Italian Cities (Summer)
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By Trafalgar
preferred
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"I thought all was very good except disappointed in Paris tour. Moulin Rouge excellent but city tour could have been shown more and closer up to landmarks."

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Gourmet Food & Fine Wine Tuscany Tours
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By Alma Italia
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
14 reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They focus on creating unique and exclusive experiences including one of a kind private tours, tastings of rare wines and local cuisine.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Florence, San Gimignano, Siena, Tuscany

Highlights

  • Swim in the stunning outdoor pool with a panoramic hilltop view overlooking the Chianti scenery
  • Enjoy a full-day tour that combines a cooking class and wine tasting
  • Enjoy a traditional Tuscan dinner in a trattoria in Florence
  • Enjoy cycling at your own pace on peaceful country lanes

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"My first trip to Italy was beyond my expectations. Alessio (Alma Italia Travel) is knowledgeable, accommodating, and his love for his country is apparent in how he guides guests through each exquisite destination. Alessio thoughtfully coordinates and plans out each day and is respectful of the guests requests for adjustments to the agenda or rest time to truly take in the beauty of Italy. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't long to return to Italy and breathe in that Tuscan air, sip on the rich olive oils and bright wines, and watch the sun rise and fall through the hills. I highly recommend booking your trip of a lifetime with Alma Italia. You'll be gifted a true authentic experience!"

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Classical Sicily
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Agrigento, Bar, Catania, Cefalu, Mount Etna, Sicily, Taormina

Highlights

  • Visit the best preserved Greco-Roman sites in the Mediterranean
  • Discover spectacular scenery, from its picturesque coastline to Mount Etna
  • Absorb Sicily's distinct culture and sample delicious food and wine

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Great trip, great tour leader, thoroughly enjoyable packed a lot into a short time"

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12 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Extreme

Italy Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
6,717  Reviews
See all Italy tour reviews
Excellent
2,988
Great
938
Average
149
Disappointing
32
Terrible
19
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Some people might be misled in thinking this is a walk in the park, before booking, it should be entitled trekking in the mountains of Tuscany

A brilliant experience and can't wait to go on the next one. Having walked up a mountain, with sweat pouring out of me, breathing deeply, with the sun beating down ...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Fantastic!

Exodus holidays are only as good as their leaders and Sara is fantastic, super knowledgeable and full of enthusiasm. The area and accommodation ensure you feel fu...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Excellent trip

It was a fantastic trip with some relay amazing walks and views. The mountains the open space and the views are breath taking. The views the open space I would r...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Walking in Tuscany

What a fantastic trip,the weather,the acomadation,the scenery,Trek Leader & her Dog ( Elvis ) only one word to describe it. BEAUTIFUL !! All of it !! Sara wa...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Walking in Tuscany

This was one of the best trip I ever had! Beautiful scenery, friendly people, great home cooking, but most importantly - our incredible guide Sara. She was taking ...

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Italy Tour Selection Trips

Prepare for your Italian adventure with these essential travel tips:
  • Learn basic Italian phrases to facilitate communication.
  • Validate train tickets before boarding to avoid fines.
  • Be wary of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas.
  • Respect dress codes when visiting churches and religious sites.
  • Use caution when crossing streets, as traffic can be chaotic.
  • Stay hydrated and carry a refillable water bottle to save on costs.
  • Check for local holidays and events that may affect your travel plans.
  • Familiarize yourself with Italian dining etiquette, such as not asking for substitutions.
  • Purchase tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the lines.
  • Be mindful of siesta hours when planning activities, as many shops close in the afternoon.

Additional details

Tours to Italy very often visit the “Big Three” that is Florence, Venice, and Rome. These are classic must sees for first timers but also always reveal something new for second and third time travelers to Italy.

Choosing an Italy Tour

When choosing your tour to Italy, consider how you want to spend your time. Many Italy tours have a heavy focus on art, history, and archaeological sites. If this doesn’t interest you as much, look into tours that have more of a cultural bent, and perhaps spend more time in the countryside or visiting local towns.

Traveling to Italy, an FAQ: 

  1. Are there Italy tour packages that include airfare? The short answer to this is: not many. Because of how widely airfare can vary depending on your departure dates and where you leave from, it is unlikely that your airfare will be included (unless you are requesting a custom tour). However, one of the benefits of Stride is that you can compare the trips that do! Our search feature allows you to easily view the Italian Tours & Trips that include airfare.

  2. What kinds of accommodation exist in Italy? This largely depends on the style of tour you are taking, and what level of luxury it is. If you are taking an active, budget-friendly tour, you may be staying in low end hotels, or some of the country’s hostels (hostels in Italy -- as in much of Europe-- are a safe and popular way to travel). Higher-end tours may stay in cute, local inns or various hotels. 

  3. Is food included on Italy group tours? Food is one of the best aspects of traveling to Italy, so it makes sense to wonder if you will have a say in what you eat! The answer to this question depend on the tour, though the majority of tours will have a couple scheduled meals, like maybe having a group breakfast at the hotel on the first day of your trip, and let you decide on others. If food is your main concern, perhaps consider going on a culinary tour of Italy

  4. Where should I exchange money in Italy? We recommend that you exchange money ahead of time if you can at all. However, there will be multiple opportunities to use your credit or debit cards within the country, just make sure you are using a card with low or no international fees! Also, as you should contact you bank before you travel abroad, so they don’t see your international spending as suspicious activity and cancel your account. 

  5. What is the weather like in Northern Italy? The climate in Northern Italy varies depending on where you travel precisely, and what time of year. In the Alps, the wintertime can be very cold with a lot of snow. Summer in the mountains is mild, reaching a maximum of 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and but getting a little chilly at night. It also can be quite rainy during the summer, so pack a rain jacket! The coast of Northern Italy is quite a bit warmer than the Alps, and has mild winters and its known for its hot, dry summers. 

  6. What is the weather like in Southern Italy? The climate in Southern Italy is known for its mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. In the summer, temperatures are on average around 80 degrees. In the winter, make sure to pack a rain jacket, but don’t worry about the snow -- in Southern Italy, this only rarely accumulates on the tops of the Apennine Mountains. 

  7. How do I prevent thieves and pickpockets in Italy? Boasting some of the most famous and popular tourist destinations in the world, it makes sense that Italy is also known for its pickpockets. While these do not present any real safety issues, it can be extremely frustrating and upsetting to lose your passport, money, or any jewelry that you have. The best defense you have against pickpockets is to be aware, especially when you are in a major tourist area, whether that be an attraction or the airport. Try to carry only a day’s worth of money on you at a time, and keep it in fanny pack (or money belt), or in the inside pocket of a jacket. If you do carry a bag, do not leave it on the back of your chair or put it on the ground when eating at a restaurant. Do not discount anyone of being a thief -- pickpockets can be children, well dressed individuals, or even a woman holding a crying baby. Be especially on alert if you are approached by a group of people, or someone carrying a sign at chest level. 

  8. Is public transportation safe? Yes, using the bus and train systems in Italy is safe for tourists to use. Just exercise caution as you would in any other context -- be careful when traveling alone at night, for example.

Visiting Archaeological Sites on your Italy Tour

Italy is home to some of the most popular archaeological sites in the world, and your Italy tour is sure to hit up one if not more of these wonders.

However, when visiting archaeological sites, it’s important to be flexible. At certain times, large portions may be under construction for conservation, or under excavation by real archaeologists. These specific areas will be off limits to tourists, but it does demonstrate a wonderful collective respect for our past and preserving these sites to the best of our ability.

Food, Coffee, and Wine on your Tour of Italy

Food - Even if your Italy tour is not an official “culinary tour” enjoying long meals is a quintessential part of Italian culture. Meals in Italy tend to be homey, simple yet delicious, utilizing local ingredients and making everything from scratch, often utilizing old tried and true methods from centuries before. Food is incredibly regional and diverse in Italy, with seafood dominating in the south and more earthy fare dominating the northern regions.

Coffee - If your tour director knows their stuff, they should properly instruct you on how to order coffee in Italy. American travelers in particular may miss sugary concoctions with syrup - coffee in Italy sticks to the standards. And the idea of lingering over coffee is foreign to them - espresso bars are set up for busy commuters or those who need a 5 minute pick-me-up in the middle of their work day. Learning this system is part of visiting Italy, so go with it and “be Italian” on your tour!

Wine - Both red and white wine are common and regularly consumed with meals. Italy tours will often visit a wine region or two, particularly the micro regions in Tuscany and perhaps Piedmont, for some sweeter wines. Be sure to exercise proper wine tasting etiquette when visiting vineyards: don’t feel the need to complete each taste, ask questions, and be open to learning about the region!

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