8 Best Tour Operators in Italy For a Package Holiday in 2023
When choosing a tour operator for a package holiday, it is important to choose one that meets your timing and budget. You want to find a tour that shows you highlights as well as hidden treasures while still leaving you plenty of time to explore.
The best Italy tours have experienced guides, a balance of sightseeing and free time to explore, and include extras like meals, transportation, and hotel stays. To help you choose the right Italy tour, here are 8 of the best.
1. Tour Dragon
Tour Dragon is a reputable and trustworthy name in the travel industry, and they have a wide range of packages to suit every budget. They also provide comprehensive customer service and are happy to answer any questions you may have. Their staff can help you plan your perfect Italian holiday, from the smallest of details to the grand finale.
They also offer a few unique and innovative activities for travelers of all ages, including a wine tasting party in the heart of the city, a truffle hunting experience in the Tuscan countryside, and a culinary class in a historic restaurant. The company has a well-designed website, and its mobile app is a must have for those traveling on the go. The site features a handy itinerary planner, which will help you create a bespoke travel itinerary to fit your specific needs.
There is no shortage of things to do and see in Italy, but one of the best ways to explore a new country is to take an organized tour. These will usually be led by a knowledgeable guide, who will know all of the best places to eat, drink, and shop in each city.
2. Fat Tire Tours
Founded by Texas native David Mebane, Fat Tire Tours began with one simple mission: to create smiles and memories that last a lifetime. Now 20 years on, the company has expanded throughout the world and is known for their exceptional customer service.
Fat Tire’s tours are safe, fun and memorable experiences that put the excitement back into sightseeing. They specialize in mapping out routes that are ideal for cyclists, often using dedicated bike lanes away from the hustle of city traffic.
For families traveling with kids, Fat Tire offers bike rentals with child seats, trailers or tandem attachments. These bike tours are a great way to get the whole family active, and you’ll be sure to see more in a shorter period of time than you would on your own!
Fat Tire also offers Skip the Line at attractions like the Eiffel Tower, which isn’t always an option for travelers who don’t speak French. With their expert guides, you’ll be able to avoid the long lines and gain immediate access to the top floor of the Eiffel Tower, which gives a great view over Paris.
3. Livitaly
Livitaly was founded in 2009 when world-renowned Italian tour guide Angelo and Swedish logistics expert Kristin fell in love (ask them about that) and decided to build a sustainable tourism company focused on the country where they were born. Their mission is to provide quality, personalized tours while respecting the rich, cultural environmental heritage of Italy and sharing it with travelers around the world.
They offer small group and private tours in all major Italian cities. Book your tour today and you can be sure that you’ll see the best of what this beautiful country has to offer!
Their Florence Art Tour is a must-do for any Renaissance art enthusiast. It includes a visit to some of the most well-known museums in the city, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery. You’ll be able to appreciate the Birth of Venus by Botticelli and David by Michelangelo in an entirely new light!
For families looking for a more interactive experience, you can try Livitaly’s exclusive Treasure Hunt Tour. It will let your kids explore Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace in a fun and exciting way without waiting for the long lines.
4. Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel has been around since 1988 and has grown into a well known and popular tour company. Their tours focus on small group travel and authentic local experiences.
Their itineraries are designed to give you plenty of time to explore on your own and also have structured activities that will keep you busy. Their packages are suitable for all ages and budgets.
They carbon-offset their tours and aim to use less fossil fuels, support local communities and respect the culture. Their tour guides are local leaders born and raised in their destination, they have a strong understanding of their country and can tell you about the real life behind the tourist trail.
Their tours are all low impact by design and include staying in locally owned accommodation and eating at locally run eateries. They also ensure that their trips are carbon neutral by investing in renewable energy projects.
5. Trafalgar
Trafalgar has been creating exceptional, hassle-free guided vacations for almost 70 years. With more than 300 trips across seven continents, they make it effortless to connect to people, places and unique experiences.
They offer trips to the United States and Canada, Europe, Central & South America, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East. All tours include accommodations, most meals, in-depth sightseeing with a local specialist or travel director and fast-track entry to many sights.
In addition, their ‘Be My Guest’ experience allows travelers to dine with a local family in their home, sharing stories and gaining a deeper understanding of the culture. Designed for families, these trips are fun and educational and create memories to share for generations to come.
They also take health and safety seriously, ensuring that their customized luxury coaches are sanitised before they leave the hotel. They follow the latest hygiene protocols and abide by the requirements of COVID-19.
6. Insight Vacations
Founded in 1978, Insight Vacations offers luxury escorted tours that are ideal for people looking for a leisurely pace. Their carefully planned itineraries include must-see sights and exclusive experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Insight Vacations offers a range of packages, including premium guided tours and luxury gold trips. Travel with them to see the best of Europe or North America, including iconic cities and must-see attractions.
The Insight Vacations team prides itself on the quality of its itineraries and hotels. They provide 4.5+ star accommodations and have fewer travelers on each departure than most other operators, meaning they can offer higher levels of comfort.
Insight Vacations also offers Regional Journeys, which allow travelers to see a particular location in Europe they’ve always wanted to visit. On these itineraries, travelers can get to know a specific region or country better and learn about its culture and traditions.
7. Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a well known tour company and specialises in tours with small groups. They focus on responsible travel and hire local leaders who know their destinations back to front, from every backstreet bar to every hidden gallery.
They also use public transport, support local businesses and encourage one-to-one exchanges with local people. They also have their own foundation which supports over 50 non-government organisations in the countries they visit.
For the adventurous, Intrepid offers a range of active tours in Italy such as hiking, biking and sailing. There are a wide range of packages available from 7 day sailing trips to 30 day adventures.
Intrepid attracts mainly female travelers over 30 who prefer a guided trip but appreciate free time to explore on their own. They’re committed to responsible travel and their tour leaders have in-depth personal knowledge of the destinations they visit.
Intrepid Travel have a range of whirlwind overview tours of Italy that don’t leave out the major cities such as Venice, Rome and Florence. They are ideal for first-time visitors and seasoned travellers alike who want to see the main highlights and experience some of Italy’s most beautiful sights.
8. Rick Steves
Rick Steves, an American traveler, guidebook author, and television host, has been a pioneer in bringing the world’s most beautiful and intriguing places to his fans in a fun and affordable manner. He does this by producing best-selling guidebooks, hosting a public television series and radio show, and organizing small-group tours that take over 30,000 travelers to Europe each year.
When he’s not traveling the globe, he enjoys reading, playing piano, and spending time with his family at their cabin in the Cascade Mountains near Seattle. He also leads the way in promoting public service through his signature pledge drive, which raises millions of dollars each year for stations across the country.
Rick Steves’ most illustrious accomplishments include the best-selling guidebook series (over 1 million copies sold), a popular TV and radio show, and a plethora of educational media including a mobile app and several television specials. He also is an advocate for solutions to homelessness, drug policy reform, and a good ol’ fashioned civic engagement. You can find more information about Rick Steves on his website.
8 Best Tour Operators in Italy For a Package Holiday in 2023
When choosing a tour operator for a package holiday, it is important to choose one that meets your timing and budget. You want to find a tour that shows you highlights as well as hidden treasures while still leaving you plenty of time to explore.
The best Italy tours have experienced guides, a balance of sightseeing and free time to explore, and include extras like meals, transportation, and hotel stays. To help you choose the right Italy tour, here are 8 of the best.
1. Tour Dragon
Tour Dragon is a reputable and trustworthy name in the travel industry, and they have a wide range of packages to suit every budget. They also provide comprehensive customer service and are happy to answer any questions you may have. Their staff can help you plan your perfect Italian holiday, from the smallest of details to the grand finale.
They also offer a few unique and innovative activities for travelers of all ages, including a wine tasting party in the heart of the city, a truffle hunting experience in the Tuscan countryside, and a culinary class in a historic restaurant. The company has a well-designed website, and its mobile app is a must have for those traveling on the go. The site features a handy itinerary planner, which will help you create a bespoke travel itinerary to fit your specific needs.
There is no shortage of things to do and see in Italy, but one of the best ways to explore a new country is to take an organized tour. These will usually be led by a knowledgeable guide, who will know all of the best places to eat, drink, and shop in each city.
2. Fat Tire Tours
Founded by Texas native David Mebane, Fat Tire Tours began with one simple mission: to create smiles and memories that last a lifetime. Now 20 years on, the company has expanded throughout the world and is known for their exceptional customer service.
Fat Tire’s tours are safe, fun and memorable experiences that put the excitement back into sightseeing. They specialize in mapping out routes that are ideal for cyclists, often using dedicated bike lanes away from the hustle of city traffic.
For families traveling with kids, Fat Tire offers bike rentals with child seats, trailers or tandem attachments. These bike tours are a great way to get the whole family active, and you’ll be sure to see more in a shorter period of time than you would on your own!
Fat Tire also offers Skip the Line at attractions like the Eiffel Tower, which isn’t always an option for travelers who don’t speak French. With their expert guides, you’ll be able to avoid the long lines and gain immediate access to the top floor of the Eiffel Tower, which gives a great view over Paris.
3. Livitaly
Livitaly was founded in 2009 when world-renowned Italian tour guide Angelo and Swedish logistics expert Kristin fell in love (ask them about that) and decided to build a sustainable tourism company focused on the country where they were born. Their mission is to provide quality, personalized tours while respecting the rich, cultural environmental heritage of Italy and sharing it with travelers around the world.
They offer small group and private tours in all major Italian cities. Book your tour today and you can be sure that you’ll see the best of what this beautiful country has to offer!
Their Florence Art Tour is a must-do for any Renaissance art enthusiast. It includes a visit to some of the most well-known museums in the city, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery. You’ll be able to appreciate the Birth of Venus by Botticelli and David by Michelangelo in an entirely new light!
For families looking for a more interactive experience, you can try Livitaly’s exclusive Treasure Hunt Tour. It will let your kids explore Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace in a fun and exciting way without waiting for the long lines.
4. Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel has been around since 1988 and has grown into a well known and popular tour company. Their tours focus on small group travel and authentic local experiences.
Their itineraries are designed to give you plenty of time to explore on your own and also have structured activities that will keep you busy. Their packages are suitable for all ages and budgets.
They carbon-offset their tours and aim to use less fossil fuels, support local communities and respect the culture. Their tour guides are local leaders born and raised in their destination, they have a strong understanding of their country and can tell you about the real life behind the tourist trail.
Their tours are all low impact by design and include staying in locally owned accommodation and eating at locally run eateries. They also ensure that their trips are carbon neutral by investing in renewable energy projects.
5. Trafalgar
Trafalgar has been creating exceptional, hassle-free guided vacations for almost 70 years. With more than 300 trips across seven continents, they make it effortless to connect to people, places and unique experiences.
They offer trips to the United States and Canada, Europe, Central & South America, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East. All tours include accommodations, most meals, in-depth sightseeing with a local specialist or travel director and fast-track entry to many sights.
In addition, their ‘Be My Guest’ experience allows travelers to dine with a local family in their home, sharing stories and gaining a deeper understanding of the culture. Designed for families, these trips are fun and educational and create memories to share for generations to come.
They also take health and safety seriously, ensuring that their customized luxury coaches are sanitised before they leave the hotel. They follow the latest hygiene protocols and abide by the requirements of COVID-19.
6. Insight Vacations
Founded in 1978, Insight Vacations offers luxury escorted tours that are ideal for people looking for a leisurely pace. Their carefully planned itineraries include must-see sights and exclusive experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Insight Vacations offers a range of packages, including premium guided tours and luxury gold trips. Travel with them to see the best of Europe or North America, including iconic cities and must-see attractions.
The Insight Vacations team prides itself on the quality of its itineraries and hotels. They provide 4.5+ star accommodations and have fewer travelers on each departure than most other operators, meaning they can offer higher levels of comfort.
Insight Vacations also offers Regional Journeys, which allow travelers to see a particular location in Europe they’ve always wanted to visit. On these itineraries, travelers can get to know a specific region or country better and learn about its culture and traditions.
7. Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a well known tour company and specialises in tours with small groups. They focus on responsible travel and hire local leaders who know their destinations back to front, from every backstreet bar to every hidden gallery.
They also use public transport, support local businesses and encourage one-to-one exchanges with local people. They also have their own foundation which supports over 50 non-government organisations in the countries they visit.
For the adventurous, Intrepid offers a range of active tours in Italy such as hiking, biking and sailing. There are a wide range of packages available from 7 day sailing trips to 30 day adventures.
Intrepid attracts mainly female travelers over 30 who prefer a guided trip but appreciate free time to explore on their own. They’re committed to responsible travel and their tour leaders have in-depth personal knowledge of the destinations they visit.
Intrepid Travel have a range of whirlwind overview tours of Italy that don’t leave out the major cities such as Venice, Rome and Florence. They are ideal for first-time visitors and seasoned travellers alike who want to see the main highlights and experience some of Italy’s most beautiful sights.
8. Rick Steves
Rick Steves, an American traveler, guidebook author, and television host, has been a pioneer in bringing the world’s most beautiful and intriguing places to his fans in a fun and affordable manner. He does this by producing best-selling guidebooks, hosting a public television series and radio show, and organizing small-group tours that take over 30,000 travelers to Europe each year.
When he’s not traveling the globe, he enjoys reading, playing piano, and spending time with his family at their cabin in the Cascade Mountains near Seattle. He also leads the way in promoting public service through his signature pledge drive, which raises millions of dollars each year for stations across the country.
Rick Steves’ most illustrious accomplishments include the best-selling guidebook series (over 1 million copies sold), a popular TV and radio show, and a plethora of educational media including a mobile app and several television specials. He also is an advocate for solutions to homelessness, drug policy reform, and a good ol’ fashioned civic engagement. You can find more information about Rick Steves on his website.
