Italy Tour Packages

The classic Italy itinerary links Rome, Florence and Venice, expanded with Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre, the lakes or the south. Each region feels like a different country, which is why Italy rewards repeat visits.

A few practical notes make any Italy trip smoother. The currency is the Euro (EUR), and Italian, with English spoken in tourist areas and hotels. The high-speed train network links the major cities superbly and is often faster than flying; a hire car is best for Tuscany, the lakes and the countryside. Pack for the season and carry a little local cash for markets, tips and small vendors.

Italy's unmistakable boot shape reaches from the Alps down through the vineyards and hill towns of the centre to the sun-baked south, with the islands of Sicily and Sardinia offshore and nearly 8,000 km of coastline.

Italy has a temperate, largely Mediterranean climate: hot summers, mild springs and autumns, and cooler winters, with Alpine conditions in the north.

The best times to visit Italy are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), with pleasant weather and thinner crowds than the hot, busy peak of July and August. Winter suits the cities, Christmas markets and the ski resorts of the Alps.

Italy is the cradle of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance, and its cultural riches are unmatched — more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country. Yet its real magic lies in daily life: the espresso ritual, the evening passeggiata, and a passion for regional food and family.

The classic Italy itinerary links Rome, Florence and Venice, expanded with Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre, the lakes or the south. Each region feels like a different country, which is why Italy rewards repeat visits.

Whether you are after culture, scenery, food or simply time to relax, Italy rewards travellers who give it a little time. Our packages combine the signature sights with quieter corners most visitors miss.

Some of the best things to do in Italy:

• Explore the Colosseum and Vatican in Rome
• Stand beneath Michelangelo's David in Florence
• Ride a gondola through the canals of Venice
• Tour Tuscan vineyards and hill towns
• Drive or cruise the Amalfi Coast
• Eat your way through Bologna and Naples

The best times to visit Italy are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), with pleasant weather and thinner crowds than the hot, busy peak of July and August. Winter suits the cities, Christmas markets and the ski resorts of the Alps.

Because the seasons shape the experience so much, tell us when you can travel and we will tell you honestly what Italy will be like on those dates — and shape the route accordingly.

The places most worth your time in Italy:

• Rome — the Colosseum, Vatican, Forum and Trevi Fountain
• Florence — Renaissance art, the Duomo and the Uffizi
• Venice — canals, St Mark's and the islands of the lagoon
• Tuscany — hill towns, vineyards and Siena
• Amalfi Coast — cliffside villages above a turquoise sea
• Cinque Terre — five colourful villages on the Ligurian coast

Italian food needs no introduction, but the joy is how radically it changes by region — pizza in Naples, ragu in Bologna, seafood in Sicily, truffles in Piedmont.

Dishes to seek out: pasta and pizza, risotto, fresh seafood, gelato, regional cheeses and cured meats, espresso and wine. On our tours we are happy to steer you toward the best local food and to cater for any dietary needs — just let us know in advance.

Italy's calendar bursts with events, from the Venice Carnival and the Palio horse race in Siena to countless local food and saint's-day festivals, plus Easter and Christmas celebrations of great beauty.

Italy is part of the Schengen Area; many nationalities enter visa-free for short stays, while others need a Schengen visa arranged in advance. Visa rules vary by nationality and change from time to time, so always confirm the current requirement for your own passport before booking. If you travel with us, we will guide you through exactly what you need.

A little courtesy goes a long way in Italy. Dress modestly to enter churches (shoulders and knees covered), validate train tickets where required, and embrace the slower pace of long meals.

Do dress respectfully at religious and cultural sites, ask before photographing people, carry small change for tips and markets, and stay hydrated. Don't drink tap water unless it is confirmed safe, flash valuables in crowded areas, or rush — the best trips here are unhurried ones.