Top 15 Tours of Italy for Your Upcoming Adventure

Exploring Italy in a single journey can seem daunting, given the nation’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Even a lifetime of travels might not suffice to experience its full grandeur. A thoughtfully organized guided tour can simplify your journey through Italy’s treasures while enhancing your appreciation for its unique offerings. Whether it’s the historic wonders of Rome, Florence, and Venice or the idyllic vineyards and charming villages of Tuscany, Italy is an ever-revealing gem.

Some of Italy’s most enchanting experiences await those who venture beyond the tourist trails, such as the culinary delights of Parma, Modena, and Bologna; the picturesque streets of Matera; or the natural beauty of Abruzzo, home to roaming wolves. Alternatively, indulge in a sojourn through prosecco country, soaking in the rich history of Veneto’s villages. No matter your interests—be it art, cuisine, history, or nature—there’s an ideal tour waiting for you. Here are our top selections.

1. Ravenna: Mosaics and Marble, Cox & Kings

££ | Group size 12-18

During a visit to Ravenna in April 2025, King Charles and Queen Camilla explored the tomb of Dante Alighieri and the stunning mosaics of the Basilica di San Vitale, alongside a pasta-making experience. This historical city, located in northern Emilia-Romagna, was the capital of the Western Roman Empire in 402AD, just an hour from Bologna. In this four-day tour led by art historians Sally Dormer and Rowena Loverance, participants will admire captivating mosaics at Sant’Apollinare in Classe, Galla Placidia’s Mausoleum, and San Vitale. The journey also covers Dante’s tomb and contemporary mosaics in the city museum, plus leisure time in Ravenna’s charming squares and bars. The package includes travel, accommodation, and some meals.

2. Walking the Amalfi Coast, Exodus

£ | Group size 4-16

This eight-day trek covers one of Italy’s most captivating coastal regions, the Amalfi Coast. Discover medieval villages, charming coves, and dramatic cliffs while hiking. Experience iconic locations like Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi, explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, and traverse the Path of the Gods, all while enjoying stunning views of the coastline. The price encompasses accommodations, transport, most meals (including packed lunches), and a tour leader’s guidance, but excludes flights.

3. Puglia, Lecce and Vieste – Undiscovered Italy, Riviera Travel

£ | Group size maximum of 36 (classic tour); or 25 (signature)

Discover Puglia, one of Italy’s hidden gems, celebrated for its cuisine and agricultural heritage, during this week-long excursion. With influences from various historical rulers, Puglia boasts an array of cultural sites, including Spanish castles and Romanesque churches. Tour Lecce’s medieval streets and the UNESCO-listed cave dwellings in Matera. There’s also an opportunity to wander through Alberobello, known for its unique dry-stone huts, and relax in Vieste, a serene coastal town. Expect to enjoy exquisite regional gastronomy, with the package covering flights, transfers, seven nights of accommodation, and several meals.

4. Florence and Tuscany, Riviera Travel

£ | Group size maximum of 36 (classic tour); or 25 (signature)

Tuscany is the epitome of Italy’s allure, and this tour captures its most breathtaking landscapes along with lesser-known locales. The adventure begins in Florence, exploring its magnificent cathedral and the Uffizi Gallery filled with masterpieces. Visit Lucca, Pisa’s Leaning Tower, and experience the ancient craft of alabaster carving in Volterra, followed by a trip to the medieval town of San Gimignano. Conclude your Italian journey in Siena, home to the famed Palio horse race. This eight-day itinerary includes return flights, transfers, various meals, and accommodations.

5. Lake Como, St Moritz and the Bernina Express, Riviera Travel

£ | Group size maximum of 36 (classic tour); or 25 (signature)

This eight-day journey weaves through the stunning landscapes of northern Italy and Switzerland, offering majestic mountain vistas and charming old-world towns. The schedule includes stays by Lake Como with daytime boat trips to lakeside villages, visits to St Moritz, gardens at Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore, and scenic views on the Bernina Express railway. The tour includes flights, transfers, and accommodations (half-board for classic tours).

6. Rome, Ninfa and Castel Gandolfo, Brightwater Holidays

£££ | Group size 10-25

Venture into some of Italy’s most exquisite gardens, particularly the lush landscapes of Ninfa and Castel Gandolfo (the papal summer residence). Just south of Rome, the medieval ruins of Ninfa present a breathtaking experience surrounded by flowers and rivers. Castel Gandolfo captivates visitors with its picturesque scenery and historical backdrop. Additionally, the itinerary includes the Renaissance gardens of Villa d’Este in Tivoli, the “City of Popes” Viterbo, and iconic sites in Rome, including the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Square, and the Trevi Fountain. This four-day tour covers coach travel, accommodation, and some meals, excluding flights.

7. Lucca and the Lucchese Hills, Kirker Holidays

£££ | Group size average 22

Lucca is a stunning Tuscan town that demands more than just a fleeting visit. On this four-night guided adventure, delve into the town’s rich medieval and Renaissance history. Discover charming artisanal shops along Via Fillungo, the stunning Duomo, notable as the home of Puccini’s family, and the impressive ramparts encircling the town. The tour includes trips to Pistoia and Pisa, with the package covering flights, transfers, accommodation, and some meals.

8. Gastronomic Tour of Sicily, Peter Sommer Travels

£££ | Group size maximum 10

Savor the culinary delights of eastern Sicily, where dishes are reminiscent of the region’s diverse heritage. This week-long adventure includes visits to farms, a pasta-making workshop, tastings of Modica chocolate, and exposure to local wines, including a visit to a winery on Mount Etna. Guided tours will also take you to beautiful historic sites like Syracuse’s archaeological park and Noto, a charming baroque town. The package includes accommodation, most meals, and airport transfers (flights excluded).

9. Treasures of Sicily, Esplora Travel

££ | Group size maximum 12

This luxurious 12-day excursion through Sicily encompasses major attractions while exploring off-the-beaten-path locations. Expect to admire the Palatine Chapel in Palermo, Monreale Cathedral, the ruins of Agrigento’s temples, and the ancient Greek theatre in Taormina, finishing with a winery visit and market stroll in Ortygia. The package includes accommodation, most meals, and airport transfers, excluding flights.

10. Italy’s Prosecco Hills, Ramble Worldwide

££ | Group size average 12-14

Combine scenic walks in Italy’s lush countryside with tastings of prosecco in this week-long trek that focuses on the Prosecco region of Treviso. Starting from Venice, the journey’s base is Conegliano, known for its historical charm and prosecco production. Guided explorations will include vineyard tours, Treviso’s charming streets, views from Asolo, and the picturesque 16th-century watermill of Molinetto della Croda. The package includes accommodation, some meals, flights, and transfers.

11. The Apennines: Italy’s Abruzzo National Park, Naturetrek

£ | Group size maximum 14

Embark on a remarkable adventure in the enchanting Abruzzo National Park, nestled in the central Apennines. Join expert naturalist guides for scenic hikes and discover the region’s wildlife, flora, and fauna. Seek out red deer, chamois, golden eagles, and the elusive marsican brown bears amid breathtaking views. The eight-day tour, ideally planned for May to enhance bear sightings, includes accommodation in a family-run hotel, all meals, and round-trip travel.

12. Calabria Tour, Esplora Travel

£££ | Group size 5-12

Calabria, located at the southern tip of Italy, is often overlooked but offers a seven-day itinerary rich in history and natural beauty. The tour explores the Riace Bronzes, medieval villages in the Sila mountains, historical castles and monasteries, along with coastal towns like Tropea and archaeological sites along the Ionian coast. Highlights include well-preserved Greek temples at Paestum. Starting in Reggio Calabria and concluding in Naples, the journey covers accommodations, transfers, and all meals, with flights not included.

13. Treasures of Florence, Jules Verne

£ | Group size maximum 18

This five-night tour immerses participants in Florence’s renowned art and architecture. Enjoy priority access to galleries like the Uffizi and Accademia, where Michelangelo’s David is housed. Marvel at dazzling frescoes and mosaics in the city’s grand churches, including Santa Croce, the resting place of greats like Michelangelo and Galileo. Stroll through magnificent buildings from Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Rucellai. The tour includes accommodation, flights, and transfers, all on a B&B basis.

14. Trulli & Sassi, Jules Verne

££ | Group size maximum 20

Experience Puglia and Basilicata on this seven-night tour. Explore historic ports, striking baroque architecture, and unique trulli dwellings in Alberobello, known for their conical roofs. Venture into the ancient Sassi neighborhoods of Matera, visit Lecce’s Roman amphitheatre, and enjoy an appetizing private dining experience in a palazzo, hosted by an owner who shares its captivating stories. The package includes flights, transfers, and B&B accommodations in Bari, Lecce, Matera, and Alberobello.

15. Flowers of Italy’s Gargano Peninsula, Naturetrek

£ | Group size maximum 14

Embark on leisurely walks through the vibrant Gargano Peninsula, known for its stunning orchids and diverse plant life. Highlights include the medieval town of Monte Sant’Angelo, adorned with beautiful flora, and Peschici, a traditional fishing village serving as your base for exploration. Each walking tour will feature enjoyable picnics with local delights. The package covers flights, transfers, family-run hotel accommodations, and all meals.

Additional reporting by Louise Roddon