Italy Local Immersion & Homestays Tours & Trip Packages

Italy Local Immersion & Homestays Tours & Trips

1,639 Italy trips. Tours from 237 tour companies. 6,652 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

144 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Local Immersion & Homestays
Best of Italy
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Highlights of Italy
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cinque Terre, Florence, La Spezia, Pantheon, Rome, Tuscany, Vatican City, Venice

Highlights

  • Explore rocky coastal pathways and pastel-coloured villages with a Cinque Terre day pass, which allows you to hike at your leisure and use the coast's public transport.
  • Get lost in the floating city of Venice and wander the city's maze of alleyways, canals and lagoon islands, and choose whether to enjoy an optional gondola ride.
  • Spend two days in Florence, a city known for its beauty and rustic Tuscan cuisine, and choose to discover the cities culinary traditions on optional food excursions.
  • Mind-blowing squid ink spaghetti, rich Tuscan soups, a slice of pizza eaten while you gaze on centuries-old architecture – the food culture in Italy inebriate your soul.
  • Discover the landmarks of Rome with your leader and wander aroundthe Spanish Steps,Trevi Fountain the Pantheon andPiazza Navona.
Show more

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."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Sicily Magnifica Tour
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.9/5 Excellent
75 reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They offer a unique way to enjoy a classic destination by combining active travel with authentic cultural experiences.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Palermo, Sicily

Highlights

  • Palermo’s amazing Arab-Norman architecture, including 9 buildings recognized by UNESCO
  • Guided visit to Monreale Cathedral
  • Corleone: the rebirth of an iconic mafia village
  • Wine tasting at Planeta Winery
  • Picnic with Poggioreale Antica inhabitants
Show more

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"Great routes, guides, hotels and bikes!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Easy Pace Italy (Winter, Classic)
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They really care about everyone's individual needs on each tour and they have an incredible attention to detail.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Florence: Stand beside Michelangelo's monumental statue, 'David', in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world's most famous sculpture.
  • Florence: Take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce and immerse yourself in the essence of la dolce vita of Florence while you enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local café.
  • Florence: Enjoy a stroll through Renaissance Florence and admire the medieval buildings that gave birth to this new style of architecture.
  • Pisa: Your Local Expert will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th century cathedral and of course, the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles.
  • Venice: With your Travel Director cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica.
Show more

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"excellent travel director Maria Dias and the driver Nuno."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Easy Pace Italy (Winter, Small Groups)
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They really care about everyone's individual needs on each tour and they have an incredible attention to detail.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Florence: Stand beside Michelangelo's monumental statue, 'David', in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world's most famous sculpture.
  • Florence: Take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce and immerse yourself in the essence of la dolce vita of Florence while you enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local café.
  • Florence: Enjoy a stroll through Renaissance Florence and admire the medieval buildings that gave birth to this new style of architecture.
  • Pisa: Your Local Expert will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th century cathedral and of course, the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles.
  • Venice: With your Travel Director cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica.
Show more

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"excellent travel director Maria Dias and the driver Nuno."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Easy Pace Italy (Summer, Small Groups)
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They really care about everyone's individual needs on each tour and they have an incredible attention to detail.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Rome: During your orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, including Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, scattered throughout the city.
  • Florence: Stand beside Michelangelo's monumental statue, 'David', in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world's most famous sculpture.
  • Florence: Take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce and immerse yourself in the essence of la dolce vita of Florence while you enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local café.
  • Florence: Enjoy a stroll through Renaissance Florence and admire the medieval buildings that gave birth to this new style of architecture.
  • Pisa: Your Local Expert will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th century cathedral and of course, the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles.
Show more

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"excellent travel director Maria Dias and the driver Nuno."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together

  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
  • ... and much more
Join community
Easy Pace Italy (Summer, Classic)
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They really care about everyone's individual needs on each tour and they have an incredible attention to detail.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Rome: During your orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, including Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, scattered throughout the city.
  • Florence: Stand beside Michelangelo's monumental statue, 'David', in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world's most famous sculpture.
  • Florence: Take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce and immerse yourself in the essence of la dolce vita of Florence while you enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local café.
  • Florence: Enjoy a stroll through Renaissance Florence and admire the medieval buildings that gave birth to this new style of architecture.
  • Pisa: Your Local Expert will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th century cathedral and of course, the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles.
Show more

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"excellent travel director Maria Dias and the driver Nuno."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Barcelona to Rome
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.8/5 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

Arles, Barcelona, Cinque Terre, Florence, La Spezia, Nice, Pisa, Rome, Siena, Tuscany, Vatican City

Highlights

  • Spend your free time in Barcelona visiting Gaudi's modern basilica, La Sagrada Familia – a Gothic masterpiece that embodies the city’s artistic and progressive heart.
  • Hike in the majestic Spanish Pyrenees mountains, revelling in the fresh air, panoramic views and an exhilarating sense of freedom.
  • Explore the idyllic Provencal landscapes of southern France and gain an understanding as to why this part of the world is so adored by artists.
  • The Leaning Tower may be Pisa’s most iconic image, but there’s so much more to discover – The Piazza dei Miracoli and Pisa Baptistry are masterpieces in Medieval-Italian architecture.
  • Enjoy plenty of free time in Rome to discover the ancient Colosseum, stroll through Vatican City and gaze up towards the gods inside St Peter's Basilica.

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."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip
144 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Local Immersion & Homestays
...

1

2

3

4

5

...

Italy Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
6,652  Reviews
See all Italy tour reviews
Excellent
2,988
Great
938
Average
149
Disappointing
32
Terrible
19
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

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

Great Holiday and Superb Walking

A great holiday with excellent walks which were enjoyable as well as being physically quite demanding. Liz, our guide for the week, made the holiday extra special ...

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

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 ...

Write a Review

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!

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 1639 trips to Italy and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!