Europe and Britain | Destination Guides

Italy 29 ways: pick your perfect Italy vacation

Italy isn’t just a country you visit—it’s a place you feel, taste, and experience with every sense. From the sun-soaked coasts of the Amalfi to the rolling hills of Tuscany, any Italy vacation feels like it is straight from a postcard. And best of all, this iconic European nation is varied from north to south, city to countryside.

Whether you’re interested in history and culture, or natural beauty and food, all the good things in life seem to converge in Italy. If you’ve already explored the ancient streets of Rome, then perhaps Naples is calling. If you’ve bathed in Tuscan sunshine, then Sicily should be next.

Here at Trafalgar we have 29 (yes, 29!) tours that will take you through Italy on vacation. So which one is right for you? From famous cities to countryside gems, we’ve handpicked some of the most unforgettable and unique Italian tours to help you find your perfect Italy vacation. 

For lakes and mountains: Best of the Italian Lakes

Italian Lake District

While the idea of Italy might conjure up pictures of drinking an Aperol spritz by the sea or wine tasting in the hills or Tuscany, there are so many versions of Italy to explore. Up in the north of the country you’ll find the serene beauty of Italy’s most enchanting lakes, framed by towering mountains and charming villages.

Trafalgar’s Best of the Italian Lakes will take you through the stunning landscapes of Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, and the glistening waters of Lake Como. See the elegant towns of Bellagio and Stresa, promenade along the lakeside, and take boat trips across the alpine lake waters. This italy vacation centers around Lake Maggiore, Italy’s largest lake, as a base for exploring the romantic streets of Verona and food culture of Modena.

TAKE THE TOUR: Best of the Italian Lakes

For exploring off the beaten path: Colors of Sicily

At the opposite end of the country lies Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean. Here you’ll experience a unique blends of cultures — Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman — which can be felt in the architecture, food and history. On this 9-day trip you’ll discover the island’s character, from the coastline to ancient ruins.

Feast on street food in Palermo, and gaze in awe at the grandeur of the UNESCO-protected Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Get caught up in the glamour of hilltop Taormina, and taste wines grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. 

TAKE THE TOUR: Colors of Sicily

For a family-friendly twist on history: Gladiators, Gondolas & Gold

Take the kids a step back in time and explore the wonders of Italy’s ancient past with Trafalgar’s family tour, Gladiators, Gondolas & Gold. Together you’ll explore the ruins of the Colosseum in Rome, where gladiators once battled for glory… here you’ll wield your own gladiator’s sword and learn to battle!

Between exploring Venice, Florence, Pisa and Rome you’ll join fun and engaging experiences, learning how to make authentic pizza, crafting your own Carnival mask in Venice, and dining with a count at his estate. 

For iconic Italian cities: Italian Holiday

One of the most famous sights in Italy, the leaning tower of Pisa stands tall in Pisa, Italy.

Explore some of Italy’s most celebrated cities, where history, art, and culture collide. From the timeless charm of Venice and its canals to the Renaissance splendor of Florence Trafalgar’s Italian Holiday is the perfect one-week Italy vacation for those short on time but ready for adventure. 

Pack your bags and prepare to stroll through streets of Rome, where you’ll see the ancient Colosseum and grand Vatican City, stand in front of Juliet’s balcony in Verona, and hold up the famous tower of Pisa on this trip that blends iconic sights with city experiences. Fro an extended trip, look to the Great Italian Cities tour.

TAKE THE TOUR: Italian Holiday

For art, architecture and wine: Rome & Tuscan Highlights

Vineyard in Italy with lake and rolling hills in the background.

Tuscany is a place that reserves a special spot in our imaginations… with endless hills covered in vines and olive groves, only interrupted by medieval stone villages and farmhouses. Make those dreams a reality on Trafalgar’s Rome & Tuscan Highlights tour. 

The journey begins in Rome, the Eternal City, where you’ll see iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican. Take in the city’s artistic heritage and architecture, then set off into the countryside. This tour uses Montecatini as its Tuscany base, a thermal spa town filled with character. From here you’ll explore the Renaissance treasures of Florence, including Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli masterpieces in the Uffizi Gallery. You’ll visit vineyards for long lunches and wine tastings, where postcard-perfect are part of the package!

For touring by train: Contrasts of Italy

Rooftop view of the Florence skyline, featuring the Duomo

There’s something extra romantic about touring by train, watching the landscape whizz by your window as you tuck into a good book or soak in the countryside blasting by. While Trafalgar usually travels by bus, we have one fantastic Italy by rail tour – Contrasts of Italy.

Using Italy’s ever-extending network of high-speed trains, your 10-day sojourn will glide from ancient Rome to artistic Florence and end in at romantic Venice. At each destination you’ll explore different parts of Italian culture, from history to local cuisine.

TAKE THE TOUR: Contrasts of Italy 

For coastal beauty and romance: Italian Concerto

Colorful buildings nestled on rugged cliffs above a turquoise sea with a white boat floating near the shore, under a cloudy sky in Italy.

The charms of coastal Italy are to be cherished and enjoyed! Fall for the romance of the Bay of Naples, Capri Island, and the Amalfi Coast with Trafalgar’s Italian Concerto tour. Starting in Rome, you’ll stroll the sun-kissed streets the capital before venturing south. Pop into Pompeii for a fascinating glimpse into ancient Rome frozen in time, then reach the Amalfi Coast, a dramatic region famous for its colorful cliffside villages, lush terraced gardens, and fragrant lemon groves.

After, you’ll continue north to Florence and Tuscany, where you’ll join Count Miari Fulcis for a sunset dinner at his 15th-century organic olive oil estate, before reaching Venice.

Where are you planning to visit on your next Italy vacation? Leave us a comment….

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