Italy Escorted Tours & Guided Holidays

Italy touring holidays - Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best tour for a first-time visitor to Italy?

The best part about an Italian holiday is that every region offers something unique. Depending on your preferences, you could relax by the unspoilt northern lakes or enjoy stunning vineyards in the Tuscan countryside on a guided Tuscany holiday. You can explore traditional towns on a Puglia holiday, soak up the sunshine in Sardinia or discover Greek and Roman history in Sicily. You might also consider our tours of Pompeii, Paestum and Herculaneum. Art lovers should look into our Treasures of Tuscany and Florence tour to see some stunning examples of Renaissance art. For an Italy tour that includes a bit of everything, look into our Grand Tour of Italy, which combines Rome, Florence, and Venice with the countryside and coast. The best bit? Whichever you choose, we take care of the logistics – flights, transfers, hotels and expert guides – so you can simply enjoy Italy.

What are the best places to visit on a holiday to Italy?

Everything in Italy is a highlight with one memorable moment after another – and here are just some of the incredible places waiting for you to experience on our perfectly planned Italy tours.

• Venice – Wander between quiet campi and grand squares, then see St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace with a Local Guide. A gondola ride is optional – and memorable for the view at water level.

• Italy’s lakes – From iconic Como to the calmer shores of Iseo and Ledro, expect glassy mornings, mountain backdrops and boat trips between elegant towns.

• Rome – Enjoy must-see sights such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon, lively piazzas and authentic regional dishes. You could experience all this and more in our Grand Tour of Italy for first-time visitors.

• Tuscany – Visit the idyllic countryside, home to world-famous vineyards, and see medieval treasures in Siena and Pisa. Florence’s Renaissance masterpieces at the Uffizi and the Accademia are a must for culture-lovers.

• The Amalfi Coast – Explore this picture-perfect region, featuring dramatic cliffs, pastel-coloured villages and sparkling seas. Pompeii offers an unmissable glimpse into Roman life.

• Puglia – You’ll fall in love with the whitewashed towns, miles of olive trees and rugged Adriatic coastline.

• Sicily – Explore ancient Greek and Roman history as you take in views of the dramatic Mount Etna on the horizon. Enjoy the unique blend of cultures here, including Arab, Spanish and Greek influences, as you explore and browse lively markets and fishing villages.

• Sardinia – Enjoy crystal-clear turquoise coves along the famous Emerald Coast and explore charming medieval towns like Alghero. Visit artists’ villages like San Pantaleo and wander through fascinating local markets.

• Sorrento – Watch the Bay of Naples turn golden at sunset while sipping local limoncello in this stylish resort. Stroll through the charming town centre, and explore nearby treasures like Pompeii, Capri, and the dramatic Amalfi Coast.

With expert Holiday Directors, well-located hotels and well-timed itineraries, it’s easy to relax into the rhythm of each place.

When is the best time to visit Italy?

Italy is beautiful, no matter the season, but the best time to visit Italy depends on your personal preferences and the type of tour you enjoy.

Spring, early summer, and autumn are the best times for touring Italy, as it is generally warm everywhere. However, the temperatures in the evenings can be cooler.

In April and May, the weather is warm without being hot, and cities feel open and easy to explore. Summer suits travellers who enjoy heat and long evenings by the coast or in resort towns. September and October are comfortably warm, with cooler evenings. The weather is more wintery from October to March, and you should expect conditions similar to those in the UK, especially in the north of the country. 

As Italy is such a large country with such varying temperatures, it is always best to check weather forecasts before travel. Please check our current Italy escorted tours and Italy holidays to pick the itinerary that fits your preferred time of year.

What should I eat in Italy?

Eating out in Italy is a pleasure, from marble-topped bars to family-run trattorie. Mornings are simple: a cappuccino and a warm pastry at the counter. Lunch might be quick – a panino or salad – or a leisurely plate of pasta. Dinner is later, especially in summer. Start with antipasti, then a primi of pasta or risotto, then a secondo of grilled fish or meat, and finish with gelato or seasonal fruit. Your Italy tour Holiday Director can point out some favourite local spots.

It’s the chance to try regional favourites – look to sample pizza Napoletana in Naples, pesto in Liguria, cacio e pepe in Rome, ragù alla bolognese in Emilia-Romagna, arancini and cannoli in Sicily and culurgiones in Sardinia. Your Holiday Director will happily point out good local spots.

What should I pack for a holiday in Italy?

Pack comfortable walking shoes, light layers for warm days and a jacket or wrap for cooler evenings and air-conditioned interiors. Add sunglasses, sun cream and a hat. For city evenings, simple smart pieces – a dress, a well-cut shirt and tailored trousers – work well.

You might also want to include a small day bag, a reusable water bottle and a universal adaptor in your luggage. If the coast or lakes are on your itinerary, don’t forget your swimwear. Many churches observe modest dress codes – cover shoulders and aim for knee-length shorts or skirts.

What are the visa requirements for travelling to Italy?

UK citizens don’t require a visa for trips to Italy lasting up to 90 days within any 180-day period, as Italy is in the Schengen area. Passports must be issued within the last 10 years on the day of entry and valid for at least three months after your planned departure. Bear in mind that border officers may request proof of onward travel, accommodation details and sufficient funds. Always check the latest guidance from the UK government and the Italian authorities before travelling.

What is the time zone in Italy?

Italy is one hour ahead of the UK. Both countries change clocks on the same dates, so the difference stays the same throughout the year.

What is the currency in Italy?

Italy uses the euro (€). Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small purchases such as counter-service coffee and markets. Use bank-branded cash points (Bancomat) for the most transparent fees.

If a card terminal offers to charge you in pounds, consider choosing euros to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion.

Do I need to tip in Italy?

Tipping isn’t expected in Italy, but a small tip is always very much appreciated for good service, especially in tourist areas. You might round up the bill for casual meals or leave €1-2 per person. If you’ve enjoyed exceptional service, 5-10% is the norm, and it’s best to tip in cash, even if you’re paying by card.

It’s also common to round up the bill in taxis. You might tip housekeeping or hotel porters €1-2.

What plugs are used in Italy?

You will need European plugs. Most sockets take type C or F, and you will also find Italy’s three-pin type L in some hotels and older buildings. Bring a compact universal adaptor that covers C, F and L. Mains power is 230 V at 50 Hz, which most phone and laptop chargers can handle.

What’s included in a Travelsphere Italy holiday?

Direct return flights from the UK, smooth airport transfers, and hand-picked, well-located hotels. Breakfast is included, with additional meals as per your itinerary. Transport during the tour is fully arranged, from comfortable coaches to rail or boat, with essential taxes and charges included. Guided sightseeing is led by your expert Holiday Director and our Local Guides make excursions extra-special with their local insight and insider knowledge.

Days blend planned excursions with free time, so there is space to wander and pause for the moments that matter. Check your chosen Italy tour page for exact inclusions.

Why choose a Travelsphere Italian tour?

See Italy without the hassle! An expert Holiday Director smooths every step and adds local insight. Groups are typically 15 to 35, which allows for a balance of socialising and personal space. Our escorted Italy tour itineraries feel personal and flexible, with time built in to experience a fantastic view or enjoy a long lunch. You will travel with like-minded people – our guests are typically in their 40s, 50s and 60s, but all ages are welcome. What unites everyone is a love of curiosity and the joy of exploring somewhere new.