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Best of Italy in 17 Days Tour
The Rick Steves Best of Italy tour is exactly that — the very best. Starting in timeless Venice, this tour treats you to Italy's must-see destinations: beautiful Lake Como, Renaissance Florence, St. Francis' Assisi, and eternal Rome. You'll also soak in Italy's quieter side: hill town vineyards, mountain-ringed alpine meadows, cliff-clinging Cinque Terre villages, and cozy fishing harbors — all accompanied by memorable meals and local wines. And Rick's guides will make Italy's art, history, and la dolce vita come vividly to life. Join us for the Best of Italy in 17 Days!
Dates & Prices
2025
2026
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- May 30–Jun 15 (Fr–Su)
- $5,795 + Air
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- Jun 1–Jun 17 (Su–Tu)
- $5,795 + Air
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- Jun 6–Jun 22 (Fr–Su)
- $5,795 + Air
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- Jun 8–Jun 24 (Su–Tu)
- $5,795 + Air
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- Jun 29–Jul 15 (Su–Tu)
- $5,795 + Air
Sale! Save $200 on new bookings!
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- Sep 12–Sep 28 (Fr–Su)
- $5,995 + Air
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- Sep 19–Oct 5 (Fr–Su)
- $5,995 + Air
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- May 2–May 18 (Fr–Su)
- $5,995 + Air
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- May 4–May 20 (Su–Tu)
- $5,995 + Air
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- May 9–May 25 (Fr–Su)
- $5,995 + Air
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- May 11–May 27 (Su–Tu)
- $5,995 + Air
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- May 16–Jun 1 (Fr–Su)
- $5,995 + Air
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- May 23–Jun 8 (Fr–Su)
- $5,795 + Air
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- May 25–Jun 10 (Su–Tu)
- $5,795 + Air
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- Aug 27–Sep 12 (We–Fr)
- $5,595 + Air
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- Aug 29–Sep 14 (Fr–Su)
- $5,595 + Air
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- Aug 31–Sep 16 (Su–Tu)
- $5,795 + Air
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- Sep 3–Sep 19 (We–Fr)
- $5,995 + Air
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- Sep 5–Sep 21 (Fr–Su)
- $5,995 + Air
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- Sep 7–Sep 23 (Su–Tu)
- $5,995 + Air
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- Sep 10–Sep 26 (We–Fr)
- $5,995 + Air
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- Sep 14–Sep 30 (Su–Tu)
- $5,995 + Air
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- Sep 17–Oct 3 (We–Fr)
- $5,995 + Air
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- Sep 24–Oct 10 (We–Fr)
- $5,995 + Air
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- Sep 26–Oct 12 (Fr–Su)
- $5,995 + Air
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- Sep 28–Oct 14 (Su–Tu)
- $5,995 + Air
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- Oct 1–Oct 17 (We–Fr)
- $5,795 + Air
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- Oct 3–Oct 19 (Fr–Su)
- $5,795 + Air
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- Oct 5–Oct 21 (Su–Tu)
- $5,795 + Air
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- Oct 10–Oct 26 (Fr–Su)
- $5,795 + Air
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- Oct 12–Oct 28 (Su–Tu)
- $5,795 + Air
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- Oct 15–Oct 31 (We–Fr)
- $5,795 + Air
What's Included
You'll get at least 24 group sightseeing events — at no extra cost!
Here's what you'll see and do on our 2025 Best of Italy tour:
- Venice walking tour
- South Tirol Museum of Archaeology (Ötzi the Iceman)
- Lake Como ferry pass
- Renaissance Florence walking tour
- Florence's Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo's David)
- Uffizi Gallery
- Pisa
- Pesto-making lesson
- Orientation for "vacation" day in the Cinque Terre
- Tuscan hill town
- Siena walking tour
- Siena Duomo
- Siena contrada visit and dinner
- Artisan workshop
- Assisi walking tour
- Basilica of St. Francis
- Umbrian wine tasting
- Orvieto orientation and San Brizio Chapel
- Ancient Rome walking tour
- Roman Forum and Colosseum (exterior*)
- Pantheon
- Rome backstreets walking tour
- Trevi Fountain
- Evening walk through Rome
Plus you'll get all this, too.
- A small, friendly group of 24–28 people — half the size of most tour groups
- Full-time services of a professional Rick Steves guide and local experts who will make the fascinating history, art, and culture of Italy come alive for you
- All group transportation from Venice to Rome
- 16 nights' accommodations in memorable, centrally located hotels
- All breakfasts and 8 other meals
- All tips for guides and driver
- A tour kit including a guidebook and a moneybelt
- Guaranteed tour price, locked in the moment you make your deposit
- Tour alum discount of $50 for each tour you've taken with us
- Flexibility should you need to transfer or cancel your tour
Fine print: You are responsible for the cost of your drinks and free-time sightseeing. See our Tour Conditions for important details regarding everything listed above.
*This tour does not include visits to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, or the interior of the Colosseum. See details on how to visit during your free time.
Group sightseeing events subject to change.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Italy
We'll meet at 4 p.m. at our Venice hotel, deeply nestled amidst the canals, bridges, and alleyways of this magical, preserved-in-amber city. After introductions, we'll set off on an orientation walk and then enjoy getting acquainted over a traditional Venetian dinner together.
Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain. No bus. Sleep in Venice.
Day 2: Exploring Venice
Our local guide will join us this morning for a historical walking tour — with a modern Venetian's-eye view — through the backstreets of Venice. Along the way, we'll learn about the city's remarkable past and its challenging future. We'll finish our morning walk in St. Mark's Square, then the afternoon and evening are yours to explore the glittering St. Mark's Basilica or the imposing Doge's Palace, take in a church concert, waltz on St. Mark's Square, or pub-crawl your way through this unique city. Later tonight, your guide will help organize an optional romantic gondola ride for those who are interested.
Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. No bus. Sleep in Venice.
Day 3: Scenic Drive to the Dolomites
Today we'll hit the road and drive high into Italy's Alps (the Dolomites), home to Europe's largest (and arguably most beautiful) alpine meadow, the Alpe di Siusi. Here where the locals speak German first, Italian second, we'll experience a unique blend of Austrian and Italian culture. This evening, we'll share a hearty Tirolean dinner together at our totally-yodel-y home base.
Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Boat: ½ hour. Bus: 5 hours. Sleep in the South Tirol area.
Day 4: Hiking the Alpe di Siusi
Today is all yours to explore the dramatic Dolomites, Italy's hiking and skiing mecca. Choose from an array of challenging hikes with unforgettable vistas (weather permitting), take a leisurely stroll through rolling green pastures and befriend a free-roaming cow or two, or rub elbows with the locals while wandering through the squares and side streets of a mountain village.
Light to strenuous walking (your choice). Bus: 2 hours. Sleep in the South Tirol area.
Day 5: The Iceman and Lake Como
We'll start today with a visit to the most famous resident of Bolzano: the 5,300-year-old, naturally preserved remains of Ötzi the Iceman, along with a museum exhibit on prehistoric European life. After some free time for lunch, we'll set a course for the lovely Italian lakes district and our home base near dazzling Lake Como. We'll take a village orientation walk, pointing out places for dinner on your own tonight.
Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain. Bus: 6 hours. Sleep in Lake Como area.
Day 6: Cruising Lake Como
Equipped with your included Lake Como ferry pass, you'll have the entire day and evening free to explore the villages and waterways of romantic Lake Como, including the elegant town of Bellagio. Or, hike up into the alpine foothills for unforgettable vistas. At breakfast, your guide can help you plan your day.
Light to strenuous walking (your choice). No bus. Sleep in Lake Como area.
Day 7: Florence and David
We'll drive straight to Florence this morning and hit the ground walking with a Renaissance tour of the city's historic center. We'll see and learn about Brunelleschi's magnificent cathedral dome, Ghiberti's Baptistery doors, and other creations that helped define this world-changing era. We'll end our walk at the Accademia Gallery to marvel at works of sculptural genius: Michelangelo's rough-hewn Prisoners and his greatest masterpiece, David.
Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Bus: 6 hours. Sleep in Florence.
Day 8: Renaissance Florence
This morning we'll devote our time to the breathtaking Renaissance art of the Uffizi Gallery — home to the finest collection of Italian paintings anywhere, including works by Leonardo, Botticelli, Michelangelo, and more. The rest of the day is yours to stroll across the delightfully medieval Ponte Vecchio, visit more of the city's art-filled churches and museums, browse the colorful markets, and find a special trattoria for dinner on your own.
Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. No bus. Sleep in Florence.
Day 9: Pisa and Cinque Terre Villages
Winding our way towards the coast, we'll first stop to gaze at Pisa's leaning tower and Romanesque baptistery. Today's final destination is Italy's enchanting Cinque Terre fishing villages, laced together with hiking paths that meander between vineyards and the deep blue sea. Upon arrival, your guide will give you an introduction to the town, leaving you with plenty of free time this afternoon to explore on your own. We'll regroup tonight for an entertaining pesto-making lesson and special pesto dinner at a local family restaurant.
Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Train: ¼ hour. Bus: 4 hours. Sleep in Monterosso (group may be split between two hotels).
Day 10: Exploring the Cinque Terre
You'll take a "vacation from your vacation" today in our Mediterranean getaway. Hike along the trails, taking in lots of fresh air and panoramic views between Cinque Terre villages. Or pick a village where you can spend your day exploring the stairways and alleyways, sunning yourself on the rocks, or sipping cappuccino and catching up on your journal at an outdoor café.
Light to strenuous walking (your choice). No bus. Sleep in Monterosso.
Day 11: Tuscany and Siena
Today we'll venture into the heart of magical Tuscany, stopping on the way to poke around the quiet lanes of a friendly hill town. Saving the best for last, we'll take an orientation tour of our home for the next two nights: remarkable Siena, a "living museum" brimming with some of Italy's finest Gothic architecture and perhaps its best public square, Il Campo. Tonight, we'll visit and enjoy dinner in one of the town's proud contrade — 17 neighborhoods that compete for glory in the famous Palio horse races.
Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. Train: ¼ hour. Bus: 4 hours. Sleep in Siena.
Day 12: Savoring Siena
This morning we'll visit a stained-glass workshop, where a local artisan will show us how he fuses traditional and contemporary stained-glass techniques. Then we'll tour the elaborate cathedral and learn how Siena's rich medieval history and rivalry with Florence shaped this city. You'll be well-oriented for your free afternoon and evening to enjoy Siena, from its dramatic city hall tower to its well-respected enoteca (wine bar/museum).
Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. No bus. Sleep in Siena.
Day 13: Assisi and Wine Tasting
Let's make a modern-day pilgrimage to the hill town of Assisi, where, in a time of unprecedented church wealth, St. Francis inspired a refocused spirituality through poverty, humility, and the beauty of nature in Umbria. As we learn about the life of the saint, we'll take a walking tour of the town and its beautifully frescoed Basilica of St. Francis. Then we'll wind our way across Umbria to our countryside hotel. We'll end our day tasting several of the region's delightful wines and sharing a country-style dinner together.
Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Bus: 4 hours. Sleep near Orvieto.
Day 14: Hill Town Italy
This morning we'll visit Umbria's grand hill town of Orvieto. We'll get oriented to sights around the cathedral square, including Signorelli's amazing frescoes in the Chapel of San Brizio and Italy's liveliest cathedral facade. Then you'll be free to wander through the medieval old town and its shops filled with colorful pottery. This afternoon we'll return to our agriturismo, with plenty of time for a countryside walk before dinner together.
Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Bus: 1 hour. Sleep near Orvieto.
Day 15: A Walk Through Caesar's Rome
We'll drive straight to Rome today and spend the afternoon uncovering the heart of the Eternal City. A local guide will share vivid tales as we walk around the outside of the larger-than-life Colosseum, through the Roman Forum (the birthplace of ancient Rome), and into the awe-inspiring Pantheon. This evening we'll enjoy a floodlit dolce vita stroll, soaking up the city's evening ambience at lively campos, classy piazzas, and the splashy Trevi Fountain.
Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. Bus: 2 hours. Sleep in Rome.
Day 16: The Heart of Rome
This morning a local expert will show us Rome "in situ" on a Vespa-dodging walk through some of our favorite neighborhoods. The remainder of your day is free for your own discoveries and a chance to make a pilgrimage to the world's smallest country, Vatican City, home to the sprawling Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica. We'll regroup this evening for our final dinner together, sharing memories and toasting our newly made friends. Salute!
Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. No bus. Sleep in Rome.
Day 17: Tour Over After Breakfast
Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. It's a breeze to reach Rome's airports by taxi or train. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Grazie e ciao!
Itinerary specifics subject to change.
Physical Demands
Our tours are physically active! It's an essential part of the Rick Steves tour experience. On our Best of Italy in 17 Days tour — among other things — you'll need to happily…
- Carry/roll your luggage over uneven pavement (possibly several blocks) and up stairways to reach your hotel, then up several flights of stairs to reach your room.
- Be on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions.
- Sleep with street noise and no (or weak) air conditioning.
- After orientation and transportation lessons, be able to navigate towns and cities on your own.
Reviews
Ralph
Tour: 10/18/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The hotels were better than I expected. The tours and local guides were nicely orchestrated. The bus driver was so skilled and friendly. Our guide Colleen was superb. There are lots of cathedrals in Italy.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The view of the Umbrian countryside from our room at the Altarocca wine resort."
Carl
Tour: 10/18/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
A wonderful array of sites, lodging, and information about the regions and towns!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite 'wow' moment was an evening tour of Siena, culminating in a wonderful introduction to Siena's contradas with a tour of the Selva (Forest) contrada's neighborhood chapel and community center, complete with a dinner provided by local volunteers. This was completely unexpected and provided rich insight into Siena's living history. "
Molly
Tour: 10/18/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
It’s hard to even put into words how unbelievable this trip was. We had very high expectations going in due to our first RS experience in Ireland but this trip was everything we expected times ten!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite wow moment was our gondola ride through the canals of Venice serenaded by a Venetian accordion player & singer~ it was absolutely amazing!!!"
Lynn
Tour: 10/18/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
I am older and traveled alone, by the first days I felt part of a family. I was nervous I would physically not keep up but I did and it was so rewarding.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The cathedral in Sienna"
Stephen
Tour: 10/18/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
It was all amazing. We loved seeing so many different areas. Our planned dinners were our favorites. Colleen was so informative and very helpful. Pino, our driver, was the best. We had a great group of people.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Im not really sure I can pick just one. Every place had several special things for us. Some tops were seeing the David, the portuincula, St. Marks, learning about the contradas and then being able to spend the evening with one, the Forum were all "wow" moments for me. Our time in Varenna and Cinque Terre were also tops for us."
Diana
Tour: 10/18/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Exceeded every expectation. Fast paced but the tour was "a taste of Italy". Now we know where we would like to go back in order to spend more time.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So many wows. Loved the Dolomites and Umbria."
Mark
Tour: 10/18/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
A perfectly curated and well-paced mix of busy streets and quiet landscapes, classic art and local crafts people, and scenes both ancient and modern.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Strolling the angular villages of the Cinque Terre and enjoying a bottle of Prosecco overlooking the Ligurian Sea."
Jacqueline
Tour: 10/18/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
The tour was great, guide (Colleen) and bus driver (Pino) were rock stars! The only reason I am not giving the experience an outstanding is that I found the pace (only one full day in every major location) a bit fast. We got oriented and excited, then had limited time to enjoy it all. I know there was not time for everything but fewer stops for one more night would have been perfect.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"St. Marks Basilica, the Siena Duomo.... seeing the ocean upon arrival in Monterosso!"
Diana
Tour: 10/18/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Excellent itinerary and excellent guide
Favorite "WOW" moment
"the Iceman museum and Monterossa, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill (which we did on our own-not part of the tour)"
Mary
Tour: 10/18/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
We thoroughly enjoyed the 17 day tour of Italy. The itinerary allowed plenty of free time and we were given many suggestions for things to do.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing the Dolomites up and close"
Iris
Tour: 10/18/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The tour, "Best of Italy" in 17 days was amazing. We had a great group (28 participants) and our tour guide Colleen was awesome. Not only was just so friendly, caring and personable. She was so knowledgable about Italy, the locations we were visiting. Also, our bus driver (Pino) was wonderful!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Every location was a "WOW" moment in its own location and character. Lake Como was beautiful, the Dolomites were spectacular, Venice was intriguing, Cinque Terre did not disappoint, and Tuscany and Sienna's beautiful green hills with a stay at Alta Rocca was so relaxing and peaceful. Rome was crazy busy but so much history to take in. Each moment was overwhelming but wonderful."
Jeanette
Tour: 10/18/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Our tour guide Coleen from the very first meet and greet was a delight, very knowledgeable and made us feel like a family. Before the tour I was a bit reluctant regarding the size of the group but it didn't feel like I was adding to the problem of overtourism as we were often split into two groups.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Hiking in the Dolomites was my "WOW" moment. There is just something majestic about mountains and they did not disappoint. The weather was perfect as well."
Sue
Tour: 10/18/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Awesome! The tour guide was so friendly, knowledgeable and so upbeat.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing the Pantheon "
Vicki
Tour: 10/13/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
We did the RS Southern Italy Tour in 2022.This trip allowed us to experience Northern Italy. Stephanie, our guide and her husband Dino, the bus driver kept us on schedule and well informed the entire trip. The group got along well. There were a number of days of rain but as luck would have it, the afternoons in the big cities cleared up for fantastic views from atop Duomos and Bell Towers. I feel that these two trips we experienced gave us a taste of both big cities and small villages of Italy.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were many "WOW" moments, beginning with being able to see The Last Supper in Milan. I loved Siena and leaning about the Contrades and Annual medieval horse races. I also loved the gondola ride in Venice at sunset riding alongside the gondola that had a guitar player and singer. It was magical. I loved climbing the Tower of Pisa. And I saw David in Florence when I was 19 and was equally impressed with him this trip. "
Michael
Tour: 10/13/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
My experience with the Best of Italy tour was in a word . . . awesome! This was a first time trip to Italy for me and the Best of Italy package provided exactly the type of comprehensive overview of the country that I was looking for. I loved the diversity of the cities that we toured along with the range of activities that we experienced. It was a great mix of big cities, mid-level hilltop towns and smaller villages. Each destination was unique and added something extra to the overall trip.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were actually several "wow" moments for me. Italy is just such a beautiful country. From the architecture and landscapes to the artwork and history to the food and language, Italy delivered everything I was hoping it would and more! If I had to choose one particular city that was my favorite, I would have to choose Venice just because of its unique infrastructure. In terms of "wow" moments, I would have to say that seeing the Colosseum live was very impactful for me. I was in awe. "
Kristin
Tour: 10/13/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This was my first RS tour. I was so impressed by how smoothly it all went and how comfortable I felt traveling as a single woman. Although I wished I could stay longer in some places, I appreciated how much of northern Italy I actually got to experience. Our wonderful tour guide made an effort to take us off the beaten path a bit to see how less-touristy cities actually function and feel, as well as negotiating some wonderful opportunities in other areas that we wouldn't necessarily get to do.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Although I had no expectation of doing this when I started on the tour, floating in a gondola in the dark through the serene canals of Venice, with a singer and guitarist right by our boat (organized by our tour guide), was magical. People on the bridges would applaud the performers as we floated by. There we many other "wow" moments too, but would take too many words to describe."
Marie
Tour: 10/13/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This was a fast paced, comprehensive tour of Northern Italy. Each stop was carefully considered and timely.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Doges Palace in Venice."
Karen
Tour: 10/13/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Our guide Stephanie was outstanding and our group of 28 got along well. While we dealt with a lot of crowds, some light rain and a couple of strikes, that did not diminish our experience.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Hiking in the Dolomites"
Jane
Tour: 10/13/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This tour was a great way to experience a lot of Northern Italy. We got to visit all the places I had always heard so much about plus some extras. The tour was rich with lots of information and food that enhanced our experiences in Italy while leaving us time to explore on our own also.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Dolomites. We love the mountains and scenery and have always wanted to visit this area. We luckily had good weather and were able to hike and explore the area. The scenery was stunning (but not as stunning as Switzerland). The town we stayed in, Castelrotto, enhanced our experience. It was a cute and great village to explore. Love the smaller towns and villages."
Monti
Tour: 10/13/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The itinerary of the trip was great with two nights in each stop and plenty of time on your own. The guide,Stephanie, and our driver, Dino, were very knowledgeable and made the trip fun for everyone in our group. Stephanie had the flexibility and ability to take us to some towns and sites along the way that were off the beaten trail.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Our favorite moments were dinner in Siena at the Forest Contrada, all made and served by the locals. Also opening the door from the street and walking into the beautiful hidden church at the Contrada. The hike in the Dolomites was also a wow moment. The beautiful fall colors, the. mountains, the farm animals and the hot chocolate are all memories we'll never forget. "
James
Tour: 10/13/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
Having visited Venice and Florence many years ago, we wanted to capture as much of Italy as possible on one trip and this tour did not disappoint. Overall, we set foot in about 20 different cities, villages, and hamlets. Incredible diversity and very expansive tour. Our tour guide was terrific! We did encounter substantial tourist crowds in some areas even in late October and the usual Italian chaos, which can become tiring.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Difficult to pin this to one since we had so many interesting experiences. Hiking in the Dolomites (Alpe di Siusi), exploring the Cinque Terre, visiting Lake Como towns via ferry, seeing St. Peter's (Vatican City) and the Colosseum (Rome) all registered high on the WOW meter. "
Richard
Tour: 10/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Sarah was an outstanding tour guide as were the local guides - very upbeat, highly knowledgeable and quite communicative throughout the tour. We covered a lot of ground and I walked away feeling the tour was a great value. Also gained an appreciation for the people, antiquities and culture of Italy.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The "wow" for me was certainly the Vatican Basilica, although each of the cities was significantly different from what I anticipated. The entire tour was a "wow" moment!"
Valerie
Tour: 10/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
From the very beginning when we made our deposit one year prior, we received reminders, updates, and lots of helpful information! The communication from the company is excellent and abundant. We had never been on a tour before, and now the highest bar has been set! The bus was comfortable and roomy, the tour guide Sarah was knowledgeable, fun and caring, the hotels comfortable and well located, the activities were fun and well balanced with free time,and the local tour guides were fantastic!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Arrival to the Cinque Terre hotel room with a water view. Posh and relaxing! The sun came out--a rarity those first days--to make it magical!"
William
Tour: 10/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Summarizing will be tough. For my wife and I, everything came together, the group was great, our guide was otstanding and the local guides she selected were very,very good and added to the experience. We were blessed by the people we had on dthe tour--no big egos and a willingness to share burdens and experiences.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The David and Michaelangelo's "Prisoner's""
Tammy
Tour: 10/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
From the moment that we meet our tour guide Sarah until the final dinner, everything was perfect!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing Lake Como for the first time was so magical. Loved the little town."
Deana
Tour: 10/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Starting with our tour guide Sarah and our bus driver Ricardo in Lake Como all the way to Rome. The hotels, sights, tour guides food and the tour group were 5 star.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Water taxi and gondoloa ride in Venice and all of Cinque Terra!"
Brenda
Tour: 10/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This tour exceeded my expectations in every aspect. The tour guide, Sarah, is perfect for this job. She's knowledgeable, funny, smart and organized. So easy to talk to.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"St. Mark's Square."
Ann Marie
Tour: 10/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This was our first time with a guided tour. Very positive experience due to the tour guide, Sara, and our group itself - they were very supportive and cohesive.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"More than one - “conquering the Dolomites”; viewing the David; the cooking class I took."
Patricia
Tour: 10/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
It was so fun, well organized and was a great way to see so much of Italy
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Hiking the Dolomites."
William
Tour: 10/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
It was a very extensive tour of all of the stops. It would have been difficult to squeeze in more. The cultural experiences really made the difference for me and my partner.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I can’t claim a single “wow” moment, as I had so many on this tour. Several on our tour had similar feelings. "
Kris
Tour: 10/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Wonderful tour guide, Sarah! Very well organized, all we needed was taken care of.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Hiking in the Dolomites, climbing to the top of Leaning Tower of Pisa, seeing all the variety of landscapes in Italy."
Ronald
Tour: 10/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Foremost, our travel guide, Sarah, was phenomenal throughout the entire trip. We had an outstanding, safe and skillful driver, Ricardo, as well. We liked the various locations on this tour, the centrally located, local hotels, plenty of time for ourselves, the various tickets we received to use for boat fares, trains, etc… and special events eg in Siena, visiting stained glass artist, or home cooked meal by volunteers of one of the neighborhoods. Enjoyed the fellow travelers on the tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So many: Varenna, Dolomites, special home cooked meal by volunteers in Siena, Cinque Terre towns, Florenz, Altarocca Winery & Spa near Orvieto, the Vatikan. "
Polly
Tour: 10/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This is a great tour covering various regions in Northern Italy. This is our first RS tour and first time visiting Italy. We had experienced so much of the northern part of Italy, from lakeside towns to mountains to hillside towns to small fishing villages to historical sites to world famous arts.. It is simply amazing! We enjoyed every minute of it! Our fellow travelers in the group are just wonderful to hang out with! Such fun!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Many WOW moments, such as the water taxi to Venice and the first sight of St. Mark's square, the boat ride at Lake Como and the lovely wine resort in Orvieto in the rain (kind of dreamy-like)."
David
Tour: 10/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The tour was amazing. It included interesting experiences, that we wouldn’t have thought to arrange ourselves. Our guide was great, providing useful information and little treats along the way.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"We took a sunset cruise off cinque terre, seeing amazing views of all 5 villages from the Mediterranean "
Tamara
Tour: 10/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
As this was my husband and my first RS tour, we were a bit nervous as we normally travel by ourselves or with close friends. We had concerns such as what will it be like on a bus with a lot of other people we don't know, etc. however, we thought we would try this tour as it had so many places in Italy to see that was on our bucket list. I can't express how unexpectedly pleased and delighted we were as this tour totally exceeded our expectations. We absolutely loved this tour!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were so many WOW moments on this tour from seeing Lake Como to hiking in the Dolomites to eating at the museum cafe where you could almost touch the Tower of Pisa to riding in a gondola in Venice to seeing Michelangelo's David and the art in Florence to having a dinner in Siena that the "Selva contrade" put on for us! There are so many more, but I must mention the surprise stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial which was touching and amazing. "
Colleen
Tour: 10/06/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
We loved the tour and especially our tour guide Vanessa.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were so many amazing "wow" moments it's hard to describe them all. Every destination was so unique. But I especially loved the gondola ride in Venice. Vanessa hired an Italian Opera singer to serenade us which was so special!"
Louis
Tour: 10/06/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
The tour was well thought out. The guide was excellent. Expectations were given and Vanessa was consistent and fair. Tour members adhered to the no grumps policy. The hotels were in excellent locations and adequate. Vanessa made an effort to be fair with room rotation. The bus was relatively clean. Breakfasts seemed to get worse and skimpier the closer we got to Rome. We had some bad weather days which are always harder. But Vanessa to her credit didn’t let anyone whine about them.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My wow moments were several. The Papal church in Assisi was magnificent as was our guide. Vanessa gave a talk in the Duomo in Siena in a room with frescos depicting the evolution of 3 dimensional art. It was brilliant and she was on top of her game. We had an amazing gondola ride in Venice with our very own opera singer. "
Michael
Tour: 10/06/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
I knew I would like this tour, but this tour over-delivered! I loved the itinerary, but the suggestions for free time made it better. Our tour guide adapted to the conditions. The extra things she added and suggested were perfect!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"For me, it was the food. All our group dinners were fun, delicious, and I learned a lot. I loved the countryside hotel where 90% of what we ate and drank came from the farm. I like learning about history too. "
James
Tour: 10/06/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Wonderful experience through not only large Italian cities but also the heart of Northern Italy's people, topography, history and way of life that embraces Rick Steves' maxim of a better world through travel. The Best of Italy tour guide, Vanessa, at the helm with her energy, enthusiasm, empathy and experience motivated 28 people daily, often in inclement weather. BUT, it was Vanessa's savvy acumen of each area's lifestyle, places, and people that made this tour experience nonpareil!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I discovered a shaded, stone way station oasis along my (flagging) four hour Cinque Terre hiking trail where I enjoyed a local artisanal beer overlooking the Mediterranean. Also the fellowship and camaraderie of individual fellow tour travelers will be a forever memory, in particular enjoying some music and drinks together off the tour; Opera, Harry's Bar."
Fran
Tour: 10/06/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
Excellent whirlwind sampler of Italy visiting 8 places in 17 days. Great food, exceptional tour guide & transportation, unforgettable historic site visits, well- organized, centrally located hotels with character, and fun special events. The pace is brisk and wish we could have spent 3 nights in each destination instead of 2. Also as someone traveling solo, it was a bit challenging at first navigating unknown places on my own on free days, But overall enjoyed myself immensely and loved Italy.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Lake Como and Cinque Terre were beautiful and I would go back. Seeing St Marks for the 1st time gave me chills. Venice was magical and loved the gondola ride with music.Seeing The David and Uffizi Gallery masterpieces was unforgettable. First sight of theCollesseum- that it is real and so immense! So many wow moments its hard to pick one."
Amy
Tour: 10/06/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
It was outstanding. Vanessa was delightful and a very good "mother bear": she talked about how to manage things, showed us how to manage things, and then let us manage things. Staying at hotels close to all of the historic sites was priceless. Your advice to pack light and carry our things in a backpack was great advice and made all the difference.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Three of them: standing in the Pantheon in Rome; being in Piazzo San Marco in Venice in the evening with very few people around; balcony of hotel in Cinque Terre overlooking the sea. "
Sam
Tour: 10/06/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Despite some occasional weather challenges it was a very well run tour with a great variety of sights and activities.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I'd have to say I had two favorite "wow" moments. Entering the Pantheon in Rome, and the view from our room balcony in Monterosso."
Keith
Tour: 10/06/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Great tour, busy but expected
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Loved the smaller villages"
Christine
Tour: 10/04/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Educational—history, art, politics, culture…our tour guide, Daniela, was so knowledgeable! I found myself taking notes as she talked during our bus rides. The best thing is seeing things from a different perspective and getting insight into why things are the way they are. The stories behind historical events.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"May sound silly, but during this trip I was noticing the plethora of religious art, sculpture, etc displayed in hotels. This doesn’t happen in the states and I realized —Italy is catholic. Catholicism is woven in its history. I wondered if “freedom of religion” is ever a dinner table conversation. The hike in the Dolomites was also a tour “wow”. It was physical and emotionally exhilarating from the cowbells to the witch to the beer/sausage/horseradish break. Felt close to the earth and Spirit. "
Kelly
Tour: 10/04/24
My overall tour experience was awesome. Our tour guide, Daniela, was excellent. She made us feel very welcomed, was very caring, great sense of humor and knowledgeable about the art/culture... of the areas in Italy we visited. The local guides were very good too. The tour was very busy and packed with so many wonderful opportunities as a group and as we explored on our own. I loved it.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Dolomite's and their beauty. Going on a walk and Truly experiencing God's gorgeous scenery on display. Also Lake Como, the Cinque Terre and its peacefulness."
James
Tour: 10/04/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This was my first RS tour, wasn't sure what to expect. Really enjoyed the tour, the bus and the accommodations.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing the "David" sculpture was amazing AND the art in the Uffizi gallery."
Thomas
Tour: 10/04/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Daniela exceeded my expectations for a tour guide. Daniela's background in art history was evident whenever she invited us to imagine art in the context of the time it was created. I experienced previously-seen art with a new appreciation. RS Tours should resume proof of health and Covid protocols that were recently discontinued. Some were sick when they arrived for the tour. Many more became sick on the tour, including me, even though I received the updated Covid booster 4 weeks prior.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were many, including tour director Daniela, who exceeded my expectations with her background in art history, and her ability to inspire renewed appreciation for art that I had seen on previous tours. Other wow moments include hiking in the Dolomites, a traditional Thanksgiving procession in Castelrotto, ordering amphora the Cinque Terre, a stained glass demonstration in Siena, Signorelli's terrifying frescoes in Orvieto, and walking into any church in Rome to discover incredible art."
Shirley
Tour: 10/04/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Every day was wonderful, seeing place that I had never visited and even when in Rome and Castelrotto, places I had already seen, it was refreshing to share with others. I learned more about the culture and customs of the country and individual communities or towns. The food was delicious and our guide kindly shared with us sweets that are favorites of the Italians.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing Michaelanglo’s David was monumentous, being able to gaze at the Last Supper was emotional for me AND seeing the Duomo in Milan was over the top WOW as well as taking the rooftop tour there. And the Egyptian collection at the Vatican Museum was awesome. "
Lisa
Tour: 10/04/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
Entertaining and informative. Very well planned.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Venice "
Denise
Tour: 10/04/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
We consistently enjoyed the high quality guides, lodging, food, and experiences that Steves tours are known for, especially getting to see so many highlights in a heavily overtouristed country. There was a perfect balance of group activities and free time.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Many "wows", but here's an example. One early morning we stood in line for St. Peter's Basilica in the rain for an hour as our delightful local guide told stories. When we finally entered, we were just awestruck."
Ginger
Tour: 10/04/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
It was very good!!! The tour group was made up of wonderful people!! Our guide was very good! She had a lot to handle with some medical emergency and an illness that swept through the tour group! Daniela was extremely knowledgeable and gave us lots of information about the things we were going to do and see!! This tour was right up there with the other 3 I have been on!!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"To many to choose just one!!! Seeing all the places I have Drunk about my whole life! The Gondola ride, and Venice, seeing the statue of David In Florence!! Seeing the Roman Colosseum and form was amazing. We had a great history lesson from our city guide.!"
Teresa
Tour: 10/04/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Through the care, guidance and skill of our guide we did become a merry band of travelers. Daniela was an amazingly knowledgeable and experienced guide generous of her time and care. She wove Sauro our driver into our circle as well and we enjoyed many easy groupings and times throughout the trip. Anytime anywhere even when a local guide was leading us - if there was a need with anyone or anything, Daniela magically appeared to meet the need!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"In the mountain town of Orvieto which was an extra excursion- Daniela took us into the chapel of the church and incredibly skillfully described each ceiling fresco and ended by linking issues of those times to current Utica’s issues. I know we were all moved, inspired and even soothed by her ability to tie the issues of thousands of years to today. Which gave each of us a broader historical view. Thank you! "
Sylvia
Tour: 10/04/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This was our first RS tour and like many others stated, it exceeded our expectations. We loved the incredible diversity of landscapes and balance of amazing cities, countryside, and coastal adventures. I could not have planned a better trip if I did this on my own! Most of all, our tour guide, Daniela, was fantastic and made the trip outstanding; she is highly knowledgeable, passionate, incredibly thoughtful, and kind. We also loved our bus driver, Sauro, who was such a sweet and humorous man!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were "wow" moments everywhere! Hiking in the majestic Dolomites and the quaint charm of Castelrotto, picturesque Lake Como, another scenic hike from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza in the Cinque Terre, memorable food and wine in Tuscany, our group dinners, the serenity of Assisi, seeing stunning architecture and unforgettable works of art such as the David in Florence and the Sistine Chapel in Rome, and learning the historical context from Daniela and our local guides in so many places. "
Michelle
Tour: 09/29/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
It was better than we could have imagined. An amazing tour guide, and a great group of people. Rick Steves has created something truly amazing.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So many, almost too many to name. If I had to absolutely pick one moment that was a jaw dropper...it was going round the corner and seeing the statue of David. Nothing can prepare you for how inspiring and huge it is in real life. "
John
Tour: 09/29/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Very well organized. Excellent itinerary of places to see and things to do. Our tour guide was excellent.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"St. Mark's Square. The view of St. Mark's Basilica at dusk from across the square was unforgettable"
Peggy
Tour: 09/29/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
I know I have a much better understanding of the history of Italy through time and the history of the art and architect during the ages. This tour provided not just an overview of the diversity of Italy but delved deeper into the different areas of the country.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The biggest WOW factor for me, although I had a few, was the medieval city of Siena with its sky scape intact and showed the immensity of this old city. The Duomo rising above all the buildings, the narrow climbing cobblestone streets. Tuscany, Umbria did not disappoint. The beautiful lush rolling farm land. So peaceful and inviting."
Robert
Tour: 09/29/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This was our 4th Rick Steves tour - and it did not disappoint - even with the rain! The group melded well, our guide (Sarah) was excellent, and the country (and food) was amazing.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Our countryside stay in Umbria"
Alison
Tour: 09/29/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
Well organized and well run by our excellent guide Sarah and driver Guiseppe. We saw so much we would never be able to see as solo travelers, and appreciated the Rick Steves touch of education and more offbeat and cultural experiences. I enjoyed every stop we made, and would highly recommend anyone to take a Rick Steves tour. I'm sure we'll be back for more adventures.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The beauty of Lake Como and the Dolomites!"
David
Tour: 09/29/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Fantastic!! 10 out of 10.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Hiking the peaks of the Dolomites."
Melissa
Tour: 09/27/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This was my first Rick Steves tour. Our tour guide, Marianna, was excellent and I appreciated the coordinated logistics from hotel, bus, train and local tours and museums. The special experiences and workshops were a treat!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Although I was highly anticipating the hiking in the Dolomites and Cinque Terra (and they did not disappoint!), I would say my wow moment was the Siena tour to and through the Contrada with the group dinner downstairs. Unique and a strong sense of the community infused in the experience."
Patrick
Tour: 09/27/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The 17 day northern Italy tour was a fantastic experience.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Lake Cuomo at The Victoria hotel having early dinner with a lake view."
Garry
Tour: 09/27/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
Good choice of itinerary, wonderful guide and mostly great traveling companions (a couple of people either didn’t read Rick Steves’ guidelines or chose to ignore them).
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Hard to choose. I’ll pick a tie between a Vivaldi concert in Venice and walking around Orvieto (a hilltop city that shouldn’t be missed). But there was nothing I would have left out."
Tom
Tour: 09/27/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
EXCELLENT, LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT ITALY. MARIANNA WAS FABULOUS AND HELPFUL IN SO MANY WAYS TO OUR TOUR MEMBERS.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"SO MANY TO NARROW DOWN TO ONE. TO BE WITH THE ITALIAN PEOPLE, BUT NOT THE CROWDS. SURPRISED SO MANY PEOPLE NOW KNOW OCTOBER IS A GOOD TIME TO GO TO ITALY. IN THE FUTURE, FEBRUARY FOR ME. I CAN DO WITHOUT THE MASSES AND THE HORDES."
Mary Cecilia
Tour: 09/27/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This was our first visit to Italy, and our trip was delightful from start to finish. Your itinerary provided an extensive variety of experiences which were thoughtfully connected to minimize traffic congestion. Our driver Roberto calmly navigated through the occasional winding road and hairpin curve. Our guide Marianna patiently shepherded us through the many and varied experiences. She enabled us to(and encouraged us) to go beyond the familiar so that we could truly experience her country.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Food: gnocchi (group dinner - Florence?) / Place: Basilica di San Pietro For my husband: Food: digestivi / Experience: In Corniglia, the charming non-English-speaker who was determined to help us find the start of the coastal trail to Vernazza"
Dorothy
Tour: 09/27/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
The tour started in grandiose style in Varenna. Wow, what a hotel and view of Lake Como! Stunning! From the charming streets of Varenna, to the busy streets of Rome, this was definitely the most active tour we've taken (4 in total now). Marianna did a fabulous job at informing us of the activities and keeping us on time. It may have been a little too much for us, however, and by the end of 17 days, felt very exhausted. Tour members started complaining to each other about little things.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So many! From the charming streets of Varenna and the Lake Como district, to the beauty of the Chique Terre, and the hiking the hills of Castelrotto, Orvieto and Assisi: the smallest villages on this tour were our favorites! Monterroso: the view out of our Monterroso hotel window, the amazing hike from Monterroso to Vernazza, the beauty of the cliff castle viewed from the ferry, and fishing village of Porto Venere (having gelato at the pier) are definite memories to be cherished. "
Georgios
Tour: 09/25/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
First of our guide Debra (an English woman) was absolutely AMAZING!!! She explained everything in detail. She was a wealth of information as welll as kind and generous. Every place we went to was amazing!!!! If you are going to do another tour of Italy in different places we would definitely be interested. Thank you for this AMAZING experience!!!! Georgios and Josephine (aka Jodie) Vasiliou
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Rome The Vatican museums and historic attractions. Lake Coumo with its beauty. In short EVERYTHING on this trip!!!!"
Lynn
Tour: 09/25/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
Awesome guide, other specific guides were very good as well, excellent driver. Saw everything I hoped to see.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite “wow” moments were each time I learned something new about Italy, Italian history, the culture, the people, food and so many other things that opened my eyes, heart and mind. "
Linda
Tour: 09/25/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Great guide, congenial guests, fun time!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Dolomites"
Lee
Tour: 09/25/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
Janet
Tour: 09/20/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The tour was a great mix of smaller towns and large cities. The local guides in each city were amazing. Sarah was an outstanding tour director.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Hiking in the Dolomites and Cinque Terra were favorites. I really enjoyed learning about making stain glass."
Todd
Tour: 09/20/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Absolutely amazing!!!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"To many great moments to just pick one, the whole trip."
Jan
Tour: 09/20/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
Very nice group of people on tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Loved the Dolomites."
Susan
Tour: 09/20/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This was my third Rick Steves tour so I knew what to expect regarding the tour protocol. It was my first trip to Italy and what a fascinating country it is. I felt the itinerary maximized the exposure to Italy, not only in terms of territory covered but also the culture experienced. Definitely hit the highlights for each location which is a little stressful due to the crowds of tourists (like myself). Appreciated the free times built into the tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So many on a grand scale (Dolomites, Cinque Terre, art and architecture), but for me, I truly enjoyed the unique Siena Palio opportunity to experience the Selva/Forest contrade members’ social club, chapel, museum, fountain, and stable. So special to have the members host and serve us dinner. They were delightful. "
Mark
Tour: 09/20/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
It was outstanding. Loved variety of experiences across Italy. Nicely paced, perfect blend of group and alone time.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Dolomites. The hike in the Suissi meadow was breathtaking "
Karen
Tour: 09/20/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Great experience overall. Everything was well organized. There is a good balance of group scheduled time and free time. This was our second tour with Rick Steves and I was suprized to have another group of people that were so fun to be with, they were easy-going and easy to get along with.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Dolomites was my favorite spot. And the art was absolutely amazing as well!"
Steve
Tour: 09/20/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Had a fantastic time. Good mix of group activities and free time. Sara, was a great group leader. Our group got along well. Interesting people from a variety of backgrounds.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So many wow moments on this trip! Florence in general, seeing the David sculpture in particular. The beauty of the dolomites, The crazy horse race of sienna, the grandeur of Saint Peters basilica and the treasures in the Vatican museum. "
Andrew
Tour: 09/20/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Sarah was a great guide. Enthusiastic, energetic, informed and fun.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Our time in the dolomites!"
Joyce
Tour: 09/20/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
This was an excellent tour. The tour guide was top notch. The bus driver was very careful and also a good spirited person. The hotels met my expectations. The meals we shared were delicious. The side tours arranged for our group were knowledgeable.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were a lot of Wow moments. I can’t choose just one."
Diana
Tour: 09/20/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Our tour guide, Sarah was exceptional! She was very organized & helpful. I liked having the opportunity to be immersed in the culture of each city we visited.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Hiking in the Dolomites!"
Tim
Tour: 09/20/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Awesome experience overall, local guides we knowledgeable and passionate about their cities. Our traveling tour guide . Sarah, was the best! She very organized and communicated well with the group. Any issues were quickly resolved.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Dolomites!!The Italian Alps were beautiful!!!"
Brian
Tour: 09/18/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Very fun and full of special one-of-a-kind experiences. Our tour guide, Alfio, was extremely knowledgeable about the cities, museums, and sites we visited, a real student of history. He provided guidance each day to help maximize our enjoyment, with tips about places to eat, see, etc. Our Tour of Italy in 17 days had the right balance of group time and free time. I would highly recommend!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So many great experiences, it’s hard to pin down one. My wife heard music and singing from our hotel room in Venice, went to the window and looked down to find that we were at the edge of the canal, and a gondola was rowing by singing, “That’s Amore!”"
Debra
Tour: 09/18/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
All was way beyond outstanding in what I expected - from the daily organization, the quality of city tour guides, the quality of accommodation to our "new" friends on our bus.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It was our 45th wedding anniversary when we were in Venice. When the group was organized for an evening gondola ride, our amazing tour guide Alfio surprised my husband and I with having the accordionist and singer in our boat - my heart was full."
Joel
Tour: 09/18/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
It was great to have all the nuts and bolts of the tour in place so we could focus on what mattered, The Tour!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing the Dolomites! When I was a kid , my mom cut a picture out of a magazine of the Dolomites. I got to see that mountain with my own eyes after all these years!"
Kathy
Tour: 09/18/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Right from the beginning this was the best trip I've ever taken! The tour guides all were so knowledgeable and I learned so much. We met so many new people, from our new "family" of friends to all the people that shared their skills and knowledge with us! I will defiantly be taking another Rick Steves Tour!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The places we stayed were much nicer than I was expecting...beautiful rooms and centrally located to all the places we wanted to see. My favorites were the smaller towns...Varenna, The Dolomites and Cinque Terra. Oh and of course the meals we shared together were amazing and so fun! "
Cynthia
Tour: 09/18/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
It was a dream of a lifetime! Our first time in Europe and Italy was the perfect place for us. Our guide, Alfio, was amazing! His kindness and knowledge of the places we visited was wonderful! Every person in our tour group awesome people and so fun to be with. Can’t say enough good things about this trip and experience! And Alfio was the absolute best!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I can’t pick just one wow moment…I was in awe the whole trip. "
Scott
Tour: 09/18/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
Impressed by the attention to details . Pleasantly surprised by the special added sites and interactions with local community in Sienna. Appreciated the great food & pride the owners/servers gave in preparation and presentation. Cannot say enough about how amazing our guide Alfio was. His passion & knowledge about Italy is infectious. He challenged us physically, mentally, and spiritually. Our coach driver Mossimo is very skilled and was great at getting us safely and quickly to destinations
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Too many to single out just one. An amazing amount of incredible art. Sculptures,frescos,paintings,stain glass, mosaics, architecture, and gardens. Being part of the ordination of North American Deacons at St.Peters Basilica. Moved by the solemn American WWII cemetery near Florence. Climbing the Florence Duomo & incredible views. Doing the same at St.Peters. The incredible street Soprano and Tenor performing in Florence. "
Elaine
Tour: 09/18/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
I had a wonderful time on the tour. Our guide was outstanding. We saw and experienced so much. Most of our hotels were perfectly serviceable at the least, and some were very charming and comfortable. I did find the pace of the tour somewhat demanding. It’s tough to live out of luggage (not enough time to unpack, it seemed). We had great local guides for the most part. I liked the “buddy system” and meeting such friendly folks. Our group dinners were so fun. Again, our guide was top notch.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Lake ComoAND the florin Orchestra in St. Mark’s Square. AND Siena. I was disappointed with the crowds at the Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel. Awful! Doing this on a phone and can’t really edit this well. The winery was lovely, but we’re not drinkers, so… The Dolomites were spectacular! "
Carol
Tour: 09/15/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
I enjoyed seeing parts of Italy that we haven't seen before. We traveled with a fun group and Brad was a very knowledgeable and friendly guide. The tour definitely hits the highlights of Italy and is very fast moving.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite was the Dolomites, especially the breathtaking Alpe di Siusi."
Steve
Tour: 09/15/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Wonderful itinerary, wonderful tour guide and great group of travellers
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Lake Como, the Dolomites, Cinque Terra etc"
Charles
Tour: 09/15/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Everything about the tour was outstanding.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite “wow” moment was visiting Venice. The city was beautiful and all of the people were friendly. "
Julie
Tour: 09/15/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This was our first Rick Steves tour and we sure did puck a great one. We loved every minute of our 17 days, and enjoyed expliring the many beautiful locations in Italy
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So many of them- hiking in the Dolomites, coming out of the metro to see the Colosseum, cruising beauyiful Lake Como, arriving in Venice on the vaparetto"
Annette
Tour: 09/13/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
It was a wonderful, action-packed, fun trip. The itinerary, along with our fantastic guide provided a taste of Italy, and so many beautiful memories. I liked the blend of cities, smaller towns and outdoors. My takeaways are that Italy has: amazing art, history, beauty, food, and lovely people. It also helped that the weather was nearly perfect.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Any time I rounded a corner and came upon a stunning scene (Duomos, David, Dolomites, etc)"
Donna
Tour: 09/13/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Loved it! Guide was excellent. Itinerary provided a diverse look at Italy.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Group meals were fun and food was excellent. Better than I expected."
Jackie
Tour: 09/13/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This was are first Rick Steve’s tours but it will not be our last. This experience was everything we hoped for and more!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"To have just one is just impossible. The first one was the Dolomites. It snowed the day or days before and made everything breathtaking. We went early and it allowed us to have beautiful weather with sun all morning which gave us breathtaking pictures and the best day ever~"
John
Tour: 09/13/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Our guide Rhianne was outstanding
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Pantheon in Rome and Cinque Terre"
Angel
Tour: 09/13/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
We were able to see so much of Italy in a short time but did not feel rushed. It was great to have a knowledge tour leader and a number of fun and interesting group activities that you could only do as a part of a Rick Steves tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It is hard to pick just one. The amazing history of this place, the natural beauty of the mountains, and the beautiful little towns that you can explore."
Dave
Tour: 09/13/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
A good pace to see and explore Italy
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It was day 2 or 3 when the whole group including our driver and guide gelled and became friends"
James
Tour: 09/13/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
We had an outstanding travel leader. We saw almost everything that we wanted to see. We learned a whole lot. We had lots of time where we were able to do our own thing.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I have two “Wow moments” and they are tied for the top spot. (1) The scenery in Cinque Terre and (2) The scenery in the Dolomites."
Jeffrey
Tour: 09/13/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The tour exceeded my expectations in almost every way. Of course Italy was fantastic, but the tour added value to the experience all the way through.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I had many, but if I had to name one it would be entering the Pantheon in Rome. As an architect I found it fascinating and beautiful. As my own photos do it no justice, neither did any photo I had ever seen before. Being the there in person was fantastic."
David
Tour: 09/13/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
It was very interesting with lots of the big attractions and some of the "only with Rick Steves" outings. The only drawback is the number of tourists at all of the major attractions.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Inside Saint Peters Basilica in Rome"
Rebecca
Tour: 09/13/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Overall the tour exceeded my expectations. Our guide, Rhianne was WONDERFUL! She shared an incredible amount of art and history knowledge which made the experience so much richer. We had a wonderful group of like minded travelers and I miss them all already!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Walking into St Mark's Square just before sunset. I've seen this in travel magazines, social media sites, etc. my whole life. To walk into the square and see it in person truly took my breath away. Similar "wow" experience seeing the David statue in Florence. "
Diane
Tour: 09/13/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Excellent travel, hotels and guides
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Alpe de Siusi and the Dolomites"
Kathy
Tour: 09/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
We participated in the 17 day Italy tour and it was fantastic from day 1 to day17. Everything from transportation to hotels to local guides were so organized and we'll planned. Our tour guide Nancy was wonderful.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So hard to pick just one but out few days at the winery in Orvieto was a real wow moment and seeing Cinque Terra for the first time was spectacular."
Mary Carol
Tour: 09/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
I felt the tour was well paced and very organized. Our guide was outstanding and very informative and extremely helpful and went out of her way to make sure we knew what to do in every situation. Our accommodations were very comfortable and central to every place we stayed The bus and the size of the group I felt was perfect and he added it plus of having local guides was even better .
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Favorite wow was our stay at the wine resort. As much as I like touring villages and churches, the wine resort was a real plus and very relaxing. I loved seeing the mountains and the coastal areas as well."
Judy
Tour: 09/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The tour guide (Nancy) was absolutely amazing!!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"In Venice the gondola ride "
Janet
Tour: 09/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Everything about this tour was outstanding starting w our amazing guide Nancy. The bus was very comfortable. The itinerary to include all of the places we visited in between were an added experience and the schedule was very accommodating. The information provided by Nancy while on the bus and touring was very educational and entertaining. Nancy went out of her way to provide suggestions and accommodations while explaining how to get around on our own and at the same time making sure we were saf
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It is so hard to pick just one! The tour members were great! The snow on the Alpe de Siusi was beautiful and the hike, even though it was cold, in Compatsch and the castles on the way were outstanding. "
Katherine
Tour: 09/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The whole experience far exceeded my expectations.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There are too many "wow" moments to choose from. Every city and town offered new "wow" moments. "
Dan
Tour: 09/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Excellent in good part due to our guide Nancy.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Can't pick one thing, loved it all. "
Susan
Tour: 09/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
I was very impressed with how smoothly the entire tour was run. There were so many details to coordinate and extra touches that made our tour wonderful. Our guide, Nancy, was delightful, knowledgeable, helpful, diplomatic and was a huge asset to the tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I especially loved the time we had in the Cinque Terre, exploring the villages and beautiful setting."
Christopher
Tour: 09/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Incredible - exceeded our expectations.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Our guide, Nance, was awesome! Her short lectures on history, current events, Italian life, culture, were insightful, candid, and entertaining."
Paul
Tour: 09/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The tour experience was completely pleasurable from beginning to end. The dinners, the travel by bus, the hotels and the local tours and demonstrations were curated with such care. The experience exceeded my expectations.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My wow moment was actually arriving in Lecco before the tour started. The location was so lovely and it was a beautiful day. The stage was set elegantly for what was to come. And when we met guide Nancy the next day, we knew we were in good hands."
Ann
Tour: 09/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The description of the tour was accurate...physically active, walking up to 6-8 miles on some days, carrying your own luggage up stairs, etc. Everyone on our tour was up to that task so people did pay attention to that in your tour guide. The tour itself was MORE than I expected...the quality of the tour guides was amazing, the number and quality of meals, the amount of free time we had, the extra stops we made and the amount of gelato Nancy bought for us :)
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Besides the beauty of Lake Como and the Dolomites, and the overwhelming amount of history and art in Florence, the quality of the tour guides surpassed anything I expected. It made me a believer in Rick Steves tours. "
Pamela
Tour: 09/11/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Fantastic tumor guide, amazing country to experience.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The morning we woke up in Orvieto,there was fog over the valley.As we watched it lift, you could see for miles! The beautiful view was the image that I have always had of Italy. Just fantastic!"
Patrick
Tour: 09/08/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The plan was excellent in cities visited, local tour guides, plan B based on weather was terrific, bus great and driver, guide was deep experience, logistics with bathroom times, knowledge of tour and each area,
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The scale and history struck me in Florence."
Gregory
Tour: 09/08/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
The tour was very good. I would recommend it to others as long as you accept there may be times it may be crowded.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were a few WOW moments. Lake Como was gorgeous and the view from the castle ruins over Varenna were spectacular. We all loved the Cinque Terre and hiking from Vernazza to Monterosso had some trip highlight views. The volunteer dinner in the Siena contrada was awesome! "
Karen
Tour: 09/08/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
Loved all the cities
Favorite "WOW" moment
"San Gimi…"
Ronnie
Tour: 09/08/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
Overall rating includes the connectivity with the tour group. We had a great group and bonded very quickly. This made the experience just that much more memorable than it would have been otherwise. The accommodations and food moved progressively downward and that was disappointing. The trip started on a high note(sites, scenes, tours, etc) and followed the accommodations and food. It’s not to say that there weren’t other memorable aspects of the trip, it’s just the way it played out.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Lake Como and the Dolomites, I could have spent the rest of the trip there. It was the epitome of what I thought Italy was going to be. Scenery, food, accommodations, etc.. were great. And not just because these were the first of the tour, they truly represented what I had envisioned and then some."
Preston
Tour: 09/08/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The tour of Italy was truly amazing. From the hotels to the transportation, to the amazing network of local guides. I would not change anything on this tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My big wow was looking out over the city of Monterosso in Cinque terre. "
Deborah
Tour: 09/08/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
I felt safe and cared for the entire vacation. Our guide was excellent - Ferdie was awesome and gave us great guidance throughout the vacation.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Staying at the farmhouse was “wow”"
Jack
Tour: 09/08/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
My wife and I enjoyed seeing Italy. Beautiful sights and experiences. Our guide Ferdi was marvelous. Funny and seasoned. We are more into rural/small towns so the large cities ie Rome, Florence, Venice were a bit overwhelming and quite crowded even in September. However, that did not detract from the beauty of those cities. Ferdi did a great job cattling us thru them.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The natural beauty of the Dolomites! The majesty of the cathedrals. Lake Como was gorgeous. The culture of Siena. "
David
Tour: 09/08/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The tour was a wonderful overview of the rich culture of northern and central Italy. Everything was well planed and organized and Ferdi our guide was excellent! The accomodations exceeded my expectations and were all convenient to the cities and towns we visited. The local tour guides were extremely knowledgeable and for the most part native to the city. They took took us through the highlights of each city while providing excellent insight and knowledge. Group and time our own was well balanced
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Too many to list! Some of those moments were the unexpected, serendipitous encounters with locals that occurred when were open and willing to engage with them. Each city had its own "wow" moments. Some highlights were encountering authentic Apple strudel with fresh cream accompanied by fresh milk while hiking at the Alpe di Seiser, Leonardo and Michelangelo works at the Uffizi Galleries in Florence,The amazing experience at the Agraturismo in Umbria, swimming in a glacial lake at Lake Como."
Carol
Tour: 09/06/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The tour was excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed all the cities and towns we visited. I got my 10000 steps everyday. My fellow travelers were great as was our tour guide Marianna. There was a good mix of big cities and small towns.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I was looking forward to visiting the Cinque Terra and wasn't disappointed. It was wonderful! In addition I loved seeing the Dolomites and walking and taking the cable car up the mountain. :)"
Andrea
Tour: 09/06/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
Overall, this tour is well coordinated and pace is appropriate for group members.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So many! Dolomites and Cinque Terre are incredibly beautiful!"
Bob
Tour: 09/06/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
good experience if a bit hectic at times
Beverly
Tour: 09/06/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
This being our first tour of any kind, we enjoyed the experience. I liked having the logistics planned out for us, along with most events that required tickets. Only wished we had more time for picture taking and soaking in areas that we really liked. For example, we would loved to have more time in Orvieto.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"For my hubby, it was seeing the Colosseum up close & personal. For me it was time my breath was taken away when I stepped onto the pier to get on the vaporetto in Venice. "
Susan
Tour: 09/06/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
It was our 4th Rick Steves tour, and the group that we traveled with were wonderful.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"A couple on our tour was celebrating their anniversary, and our guide arranged beautiful music on their Gondola ride in Venice❤️"
Sam
Tour: 09/06/24
Overall rating: rating 3 of 5
We liked the schedule of stops at each city although we would have liked 3 days at the Italian coast and Lake Como.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The boat rides at Lake Como and the water taxi on the Italian coast."
Sherry
Tour: 09/06/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Better than Outstanding
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The personal touches Marianna included"
Kathleen
Tour: 09/04/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
I felt emerged in the Italian culture immediately. Everything was made so easy by our guide, Trina Kudlacek. She has that well down to make our
Favorite "WOW" moment
"We were right there. Everything was right in front of us. I felt immersed in the culture of Italy. I felt I learned I I was surprised I learned how to “street dance” amongst the crowds. Every area we went to was incredible. Itatly by far has met my expectations from our guide’s knowledge from art, geography, history etc., etc. Trina was always available to us. The tour itself was remarkable in timing and planning. "
Jeffrey Don
Tour: 09/04/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Tour and Italy were fantastic. Great balance of curated activities and free time on our own. Trina our guide did a great job of contributing context to every trip and site. 2 nites per stop was great. Each leg included arrival activity and intro. Then full day of tour or activity followed by 6- 8 hours of free time with many suggestions. Bus time seemed minimal and was actually a welcome scenic rest. It was great that each bus trip included cultural rest stops and lesser town tour and stop.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"No fair limiting to one! Dolomites and incredible hikes. Unsuccessfully trying to get lost on long walks in Venice, then eating lunch on Grand Canal in bare feet as tide rose. Beautiful strenuous hikes in Cinque Terre. Bike riding city walls in Lucca. Experiencing the contrades and culture of Sienna"
Amalia
Tour: 09/04/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
It was super in-depth and I feel like I REALLY saw Northern Italy!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Either strolling the Dolomites, gazing at the beauty of Cinque Terre, or attending the chamber orchestra concert in Venice. "
Sarah
Tour: 09/04/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This tour delivered my #1 desire: to experience the highlights of Italy-its rich culture of art, history, food, wine, its diverse geography, etc, with a good balance of organized tours and free time on my own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So many! At least one in each of our stops! But a standout was our guide Trina arranging for an accordionist and a singer to perform Italian songs on our gondola ride in Venice. It was magical! But right up there was our day spent in the Alpe di Siusi, hiking in this beautiful Dolomite mountain meadow. And of course the time spent in Cinque Terre, walking from Monterosso to Vernazza, and then to Corniglia. Italy outdoors is magnificent!"
Diana
Tour: 09/04/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
This was my very first trip to Italy that I have been anciously waiting for my entire adult life. My x husband chose not to fill my dream, nor a boyfriend after that, so I decided to take the leap and travel solo! It was the best decision ever! Why? Because i was able to explore on my own schedule. Was it scary at first, yes, but, once I got the hang of what was expected, I was able to be where I needed to be.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My wow moment was being a stones throw away from an opera house in Venice! Unfortunatly we arrived the night of the opera, but I would have booked a ticket if I could have. My mother was an opera singer in high school, and she sang to raise money back in the day for the school in Chicago. There is nothing more special than reliving the glory of family, and the beauty, well, you just have to be present! Other than that, i found my name on a home across the ocean, and started ancestry.com!"
Savannah
Tour: 09/04/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
I loved it, Trina was amazing. I really learned so much from her on this trip that made it so much easier to be in Italy, from how to order coffee to social decorum of not blocking pathways for locals, making an active effort to be good travelers. She is truly a gem, I loved her love for the country. I wish we could’ve stayed in locations 1 more day, every other day packing and moving was a bit rough, but overall the experience was highly enjoyable. I would recommend it to others.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were so many moments I loved, I think Bolzano was one of my favorites, just the town and the food, the Dolomites were absolutely aww inspiring. I loved Florence our local guide that took us to the David, she was great, Martina, we haven’t stopped quoting her in our group. I loved Sienna and their passion for the Palio and their contradas. Sitting on the beach in the Cinque Terre, people watching with an Aperol Spritz and my family was a highlight. "
Mercedes
Tour: 09/04/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Had a wonderful time in all cities and towns visited, transportation and tour guide were outstanding, really got to see Italy. Loved it.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Siena, we were there when one of the contradas had a celebration and got to see the parade in the streets and around the piazza del campo, which after visiting the forest contrada and seen all their momentos of the race and having a lovely dinner in their contrada, just made it much more real and personal."
Emily
Tour: 09/04/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
From the first night we gathered to meet our tour guide and others in our group to our last dinner together, I was thoroughly impressed with everything about the Rick Steves Tour planning and execution. This tour was a dream come true after decades of watching Rick on PBS. The only disappointing part of the experience (which cannot be avoided) were the overwhelming crowds.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I have to give two…the first were the Dolomites and the Alpe di Suisi and then the views and experience at the Agritourismo in Umbria…. even though the weather wasn’t great."
Graham
Tour: 09/01/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
I really enjoyed this very high quality tour. We stayed busy with blockbuster sights, great food and wine, and wonderful local guides. The extra stops between cities were a treat. It was very special to have a native Italian as our general guide, as well as to spend time with natives in Siena and on a farm outside Orvieto.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were so many wow moments that it's hard to pick a favorite. Maybe the beautiful countryside near Siena and Florence, or the scenic Cinque Terre villages."
Tina
Tour: 09/01/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
It was truly Amazing ! Had been to Italy before, but this tour was exceptional. The group was so fun, lots of interactions and cohesiveness, but, it was Lorenza, our guide, that made it so Special! Firstly, she’s Italian, so knowledgeable and so much fun. Our driver Ricardo was the Best, very safe & relaxing ride. The itinerary was perfect, hit all the key spots in each area. Wouldn’t change one thing.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There’s not one WOW ! Dolomites breathtaking & serene. Venice, indescribable, & special. Staying at Hotel Steno, in Monterosso, looking down at the village below and the Ligurian sea. The hill town of Orvieto. But it was Assisi that stole our hearts ❤️"
Karen
Tour: 09/01/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
We had a great time! Our guide, Lorenza, was excellent. She was organized and knowledgeable, friendly and compassionate. We enjoyed having a local person as our guide who gave the insider view of Italy. The other group members were a lot of fun. One thing that I would change is to start the tour in Rome and end in Lake Como. It would have been nice to be in a relaxing environment before coming home instead of ending in a big, bustling city.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Dolomites was top of our list as well as our stay at the agriturismo in Umbria."
Linda
Tour: 09/01/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The tour exceeded my expectations
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Too many to name really, but Alpe di Siusi, Umbria and Tuscany, and the art. WOW the art!"
Clayton
Tour: 09/01/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
I had a completely wonderful trip! We could not have had a better guide than Lorenza! She was very knowledgeable and well spoken. She made sure everyone understood who,what,where and when!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My biggest wow moment was the leaning tower of Pizza. Second was Rome!"
Greg
Tour: 09/01/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
I loved seeing all the art in the churches, learning the very old history, the food, the local cultural experiences (cooking, stained glass, concert), the guide's improvised stops and gifts, and the immersion in Italy (language, local culture, politics) taught by our Italian native guide.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Vivaldi chamber music in period costumes and with an outstanding soloist who played from memory. Very special for me, a huge fan of baroque music."
Nancye
Tour: 09/01/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Excellent; we took this same tour 20 years ago
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Cinque terre and staying in Monterrosa at the Pasquale with a room with a balcony wow "
Dianna
Tour: 08/30/24
It was a wonderful tour, we saw so many fantastic things. Had time do do our own things and the best guide ever.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I loved the gondola ride in Venice, it was at the top of my bucket list. However the artwork was breathtaking."
John
Tour: 08/30/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
I anticipated a great Rick Steves' guide and my expectations were high. I would have to say the entire experience exceeded any thoughts I had prior to the trip.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The best of Italy tour had so many great experiences from the different regions and culture, food, and art but my favorite wow moment came in Siena with the contrada dinner. I felt like the members of the neighborhood took us in and adopted us. For me, Siena was truly magical."
Judy
Tour: 08/30/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This trip was fantastic! We would have never seen so many sites if we had arranged everything ourselves as first time visitors to Italy. We also would have missed out on a lot of history if it wasn't for our outstanding guide along with local guides. We found it to be well organized and it took the headache of transportation and hours of planning of our shoulders.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The architecture was simply amazing, and quite a big WOW. It's hard to imagine how things were able to be built with such detail and beauty, without the use of modern equipment, and to still be standing intact. Trying local cuisines each time we went to a different city was also a real perk and very much enjoyed."
Richard
Tour: 08/30/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Overall, I felt that the tour was very well thought out. We were able to see many of the most popular sights as well as some places we most likely would have missed out on if we had done this on our own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"This was my first trip to Europe so pretty much everything was a "wow". The architecture, construction, art and sculptures were the most amazing."
Robert
Tour: 08/25/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
so many things to see and do on the tour. Great group of travelers on this tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"sitting at hotel and overlooking lake como and hiking along the coast in cinque terre and looking down at one of the towns nestled in the mountain."
Lyle
Tour: 08/25/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
had a great time. Loved getting to know all the other guests and our guide and driver. so impressed with Dino's driving skills on those narrow roads!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"the hike in the alps and the stay at the agrotourismo. We loved staying at Marco's farm. He is a great host and did a great job explaining to us about growing grapes and olives. "
Patricia
Tour: 08/25/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
It was overall excellent; mainly because our tour guide Alfio seemed to make it his personal goal that everyone on the tour have a good time and get what they wanted from the experience. There was adequate free time and although we saw so much and were on a schedule, everyone paid attention to the rules and made it overall not seem like a grind.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were so many…from our hike in the Dolomites to coming down the Blue trail in Cinque Terre and seeing Vernazza in the morning light! Also seeing Signorelli’s masterpiece “The Last Judgment” in Orvieto was breathtaking…mainly because our guide brought it to life for us. I could go on but these were maybe the best of the “wow moments”."
Linden
Tour: 08/25/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Exceeded our expectations in every way. We've avoided cruses and other tours because of the control and lack of flexibility. We thought the logistics of this itinerary would warrant a tour company. Our guide was not only very knowledgeable, but had the personality and demeanor for leading our "trip of a lifetime". Alfio's ability to connect people to places and history was amazing. Right balance of activities and free time. Hotels, food, local tours, Dino/Alfio bus time. Did the"BEST OF ITALY"
Favorite "WOW" moment
" Alfio first encouraged us to value "First Impressions". See it, be amazed, take a mind picture, then look at your phone. We had lots of "wow" first impressions. In fact the entire trip was a series of wow moments. This is kinda like asking which is your favorite kid; love em all for their uniqueness."
Eva
Tour: 08/25/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Action packed and very informative.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The gondola ride with singer and accordion accompaniment."
Sarah
Tour: 06/09/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The tour was first-class every step of the way! From the tour guide to the lodging, locations, and meals, we could not have asked for a better experience.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There are a lot of "wow" moments on this trip; however, my favorite was the view from the top of the ski lift in the Dolomites. It was breathtaking!"
Joe
Tour: 06/09/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The Italy trip and our guide Patricia was absolutely AMAZING! This was my first RS trip. It was a trip of a lifetime, and I'm still pinching myself. I can honestly say I wouldn't change a thing. The itinerary, our fabulous guide, Patricia, the transportation (loved our driver Mirco), food, activities were wonderful. I do appreciate all the information RS provides in the guide books and online. The packing tips, suggestions, and ranking the trips on activity levels are critical.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My wow moment was Cinque Terre! I've been wanting to go there for a few years and experience the quaint towns, beauty and hike. Our tour guide was equally our W0W! Patricia was amazing and such a joy! "
Colleen
Tour: 06/09/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Dolomite’s. The hotel and sights "
Joseph
Tour: 06/09/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
What a great experience. Much more than I expected! Everything was planned out for our tour of Italy from our rooms to our food. The traveling on our bus was excellent due in great part to our driver Mierco(?) . Knew exactly where and how to get us to our next destination. I really can’t say enough about our guide Patricia. So knowledgeable about the history and shared it all with our group. She was also a miracle worker on a personal basis when she found a dentist that was open on a Saturday.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"When we came out of the railroad station in Rome and the Colosseum was in front of us could hardly believe I was actually staring at it. Then continuing our journey through the ancient world and seeing all the sights I had only seen in books. "
Linda
Tour: 06/09/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Fabulous tour! And our guide Patricia was wonderful!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I loved every minute of our tour, and the group dinners were so much fun"
Lori
Tour: 06/09/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
We chose Rick Steves because of friends recommendations. The experience was excellent. I would first state that the tour guide enhanced our trip with her professionalism and sense of humor. The tour was well organized. We finished the tour without any real complaints. The hotels were excellent and well located. The driver was amazing. I am 66 and my wife is 63. The level of activity was well balanced. I felt leery of some of the choices on the trip but all were outstanding.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My wow moment was realizing it had been 29 years since my wife and I had been outside the United States. I finished the tour thinking about where I could go again. The wow moment was the overall experience for me. The cities, the food, the people, the sights were all amazing. Venice was pretty special for me. "
Jennifer
Tour: 06/09/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
I took my daughter on this tour as a graduation gift from high school. I had never traveled to Europe so thought having the comfort of a guide and logistics figured out would be helpful. We loved our guide Patricia, bus driver Mierco, and fellow travel companions. The hotels were well located and experiences/ dinners well planned. We could not recommend this tour any higher!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Epic views from our cliff side hike in the Cinque Terre, view from the canal bridge in Venice, beautiful mountain meadows and views in the Dolomites, the FOOD and especially any homemade dinner (Sienna and with Marco in Umbria). "
Alan
Tour: 06/09/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Patricia, our guide was outstanding. Our driver was excellent too.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Cinque Terra"
Marisa
Tour: 06/09/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Loved every day of this trip.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Dolomites and the views "
Catherine
Tour: 06/09/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Great guide, wonderful weather and fellow tour members
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Venice and Monterosso stand out as the best days / evenings. Walking the backstreets of Venice; visiting the Doge's Palace at 9pm during late opening hours and having it almost to ourselves; the interior of the Siena Cathedral; the walk through the Roman Forum; stumbling upon the Four Fountains corner in Rome; riding the lift in the Dolomites--up to Alpe de Siusi and from the town of Ortasei; the street music playing in Monterosso at night; the hike from Corniglia to Vernazza."
Michael
Tour: 06/02/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
A very pleasant experience, a mixture of beautiful countryside and cities, and a group of nice folks to travel with.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Stunning views of Lake Como, Dolomites, Cinque Terre, and Marco's Farm"
Diane
Tour: 06/02/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
It was fast paced but a well organized and rich experience. This was my fifth trip to Italy, three with RS. I’m an older traveler at 76, but was able to do all but the Dolomite hike and part of the castle. I brought my three grand daughters and daughter along as I wanted them to experience Italy for themselves. We even got to meet up with two of my cousins in Florence! I’ve also been to Paris twice with RS so I’m a seasoned RS traveler. This was my favorite of all, mostly due to guide Nancy.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Watching my grand daughters age 16,19 and 22 fall in love with the beauty and culture of a part of their heritage and have this wonderful adventure together was a continual “wow”. They grew in understanding of another culture, were blown away by the art, architecture and history of Italy and what international travel meant in personal development and understanding. I saw them grow up before my eyes. It was a powerful experience for all of us."
Alan L
Tour: 06/02/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Well organized, nice balance between group activities and free time to make our own discoveries. That was also appreciated when visiting a museum or church, so one could stay longer than others care to. Felt that the regions chosen to visit gave such different feelings, yet the uniqueness made each feel quite special in a different way. The others in our tour group were wonderful to get to know and very easy to get along with.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Impossible to give just one. Perhaps a “wow” moment from each of the 17 days!! Breathtaking beauty everywhere."
Diane
Tour: 05/31/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Rick Steves tours are amazing. This was our second tour. The details are so specifically perfect for what we wanted to see with the city tours, hotels, food, transportation and the knowledge of our tour guide. Our fellow travelers were so really great people. Brad our tour guide such wonderful knowledge and just a real great guy.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"One of my favorite moments was boat ride into Venice seeing how amazing the city truly is. "
Mary
Tour: 05/31/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
Lots of lovely people in our group, beautiful Italian countryside scenery, incredible works of art, comfortable bus, outstanding bus driver
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Statue of David"
Cindy
Tour: 05/31/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The tour was very well organized and were able to see highlights of each city or village.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The biggest wow was touring Rome and all of its history."
John
Tour: 05/31/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The trip was our first experience to Europe and it was outstanding. Our guide Brad did an outstanding job in leading our wonderful group of 27 participants. It was a very educational experience and refreshed many sites I had learned about in school and college. I would highly recommend if you want to learn and have a great time.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I would say the sights and attractions in Rome were my highlights of the trip. (Vatican, Coliseum, Forum and Pantheon). "
Kim
Tour: 05/31/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This was our 1st RS tour. We did a lot of research before booking, got the tour guide, watched the videos, etc. it was very well organized, communication was good using the what’s app, Brad went above and beyond to make sure everyone got what they wanted/ needed from their tour!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So many to choose from!!!! The Dolomites, Varenna and Orvieto were our favorites! We loved the scenery, and the “slower pace” of those areas."
Pat
Tour: 05/31/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Fabulous! Brad went above and beyond to keep us all informed and to have a great time.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The extra effort of our guide Brad, to arrange serenaded gondola rides for such a reasonable price. "
Timothy
Tour: 05/31/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This tour was fantastic and we had a wonderful experience. Our guide, Brad, was great. He was knowledgable about everything Italy, funny, and kept us well organized. All the sites were amazing as were the local guides. We really enjoyed the group meals and our fellow travelers on the tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were so many it is hard to pick just one. Arriving in Venice on the water taxi and the gondola ride were real highlights. Another wow moment was the Forum in Rome. The local guide brought the place to life and made you feel like you were there 2000 years ago!"
Nicholas
Tour: 05/26/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Excellent
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The dinner with the contrada, the agrioustourimo, the past class, the group and the group leader"
Karl
Tour: 05/26/24
Overall rating: rating 2 of 5
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Leaning Tower Of Pisa"
Robert
Tour: 05/26/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
The selection of places to visit, sights to see, was really about the best you could expect for a "Best of Italy" tour: nothing but the bon bons. The guide (+++), the fellow travelers, the bus and driver, the hotels: all very good. The food: well, it's Italy so it was all at least good, some was quite memorable. This is an intense tour; fully paced, lots to see, lots to do. Some people in our group were on the go at every minute; others (wisely) took some time to stop and soak it in.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The glory of the sky in the mountains, whether at lower elevation (Lake Como) or higher (alpi de siusi), the mountains were captivating. Walking in the high meadows, while classically serene, was matched by a simple stroll along the shore of the lake. "
Patricia
Tour: 05/26/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
A whirlwind tour of northern Italy!! Fantastic diversity in culture, food, and experiences. Could not have been better. Our leader, Sarah was experienced, knowledgeable, fun, and a pure joy to have lead our unique multigenerational group.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Having been to parts of Italy in the past, my WOW moment was experiencing the Dolomites!!! Absolutely gorgeous. Trekking up and through the plateau was breath-taking. Experienced nature at its best. "
Janet
Tour: 05/26/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Our guide (Sarah) was AMAZING!! Not only was she very knowledgeable about each of the wonderful stops in Italy we made, she had a great sense of humor and handled all the little things that came up along the way in an efficient and organized manner to minimize any negative impact to our trip.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The "Wow" moments were many so it is hard to pick but I guess our favorite was the group gondola ride in Venice. One of the couples on our tour was celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. To mark this momentous occasion, our guide (Sarah) arranged for a singer to serenade them. The rest of us were in different boats but close enough to also enjoy "the show" he put on signing to them as we guided through the canals of Venice!"
Kathleen
Tour: 05/26/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Every detail was taken care of leaving me to just enjoy the experience of seeing the amazing sights of Italy. Tour guide, transportation and accommodations were excellent.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Well, there were a lot of "wow" moments but if I had to pick, the Dolomites were particularly spectacular because it combined magnificent natural scenery, hiking and no crowds."
Stephen
Tour: 05/24/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
Very enjoyable; saw and learned a lot.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Colesseum "
Tom
Tour: 05/24/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Our tour was everything we wanted. Great experienced guide, great transportation, great hotels in the right locations! We enjoyed the free time to do a little exploring on our own each day.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Venice and getting lost exploring some of the back streets! Lake Como, watching my wife jump back on a train to retrieve her raincoat as it pulled out and I waved goodbye. She got off two stops later and caught a train back to Lecco, with her coat "
Anna
Tour: 05/24/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
The tour covered the famous sites of Italy with some of the less known but still important or interesting places in between. It was a really fast-paced tour with only 2 nights in each location. There was plenty of free time to explore or plan activities on your own, but it was hard to plan "down time" with so much to see and do everywhere we went!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite stops was the Cinque Terre! The vineyard walk above Manarola was incredible (and a very manageable hike) - amazing views of the town, coast, cemetery, & vineyards. Probably my favorite day on the tour was just seeing all 5 towns and enjoying the glorious sunshine and sea breeze. I also loved our time in unique Bolzano with its mix of Italian and Austrian heritage, and the awe-inspiring Dolomites. "
Margaret
Tour: 05/24/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
It was great! We never would have been able to arrange all the tours and special experiences by ourselves. Rick Steve's Europe took care of all the details. Our group guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining and gave us options for things we could see and do on our own time. Bring good walking shoes - you'll want to see everything!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I loved the special dinner we enjoyed provided by the Porcupine District at their community center. Wonderful experience."
Monique
Tour: 05/24/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
The Best of Italy itinerary was fantastic. The hotels were in great locations but extremely challenging for a middle age couple. I did not like the the precious time wasted at the auto grills instead of the cities ie, Venice or Florence et al
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The hotels in the Cinque Terre and Dolomites were incredible. The sandy beach was the best location and fish dinner was outstanding. The stain glass studio was impressive "
Heather
Tour: 05/24/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
We really felt we experienced Italy and all the cities were great choices. Our guide Ferdi was terrific and was always very organized. His knowledge and sense of humor made the tour very enjoyable with a relaxed manner. The couple extra unexpected short stops were a pleasant surprise. There was never pressure to participate in everything although we always did, not wanting to miss something good.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were a few. The Dolomites were really beautiful and thoroughly enjoyed Bolzano. Cinque Terre was beautiful as well and the views were outstanding. The seafood dinner there was delicious. The overall amazing history of Italy is so impressive. "
Doreen
Tour: 05/24/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This was my 3rd Rick Steve's Tour since November 2023 (Sicily, Heart of France and this tour) ! It was the ultimate tour of Italy in 17 days, as it my was first tour of Italy on the mainland! The itinerary was everything that it promised to be, and we had so much free time to explore on our own and venture about the respective cities. We had time to explore restaurants so close by that were fabulous. Our hotels were absolutely incredible, and as a single traveler, my rooms were large!!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I have so many! My seaside hotel in Monterosso in Cinque Terre was steps from the beach and the harbor where I took advantage of the free day for a power sailboat cruise to all of the cities with a plunge into the Sea! Our time in the Dolomites with the ability to ride down the gondolas! Cruising Lake Como! Taking a gondola ride one evening with our entire group, staying at the Alta Rossa Wine Resort and enjoying the pool accommodations! Florence!, Pisa!, Assisi! The adventures never ended!! "
Patricia
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating: rating 3 of 5
This tour was jinxed from the start: standing room only train to Varenna, 10 days with rain including a "300 year event" in the north, shoulder season in the Dolomites so no lifts were running (not to mention so much rain and fog that we were able to do and see almost nothing that day), all 3 Baptistries on the itinerary closed or under renovation, Michelangelo's Pieta and Bernini's altar canopy both under renovation and screened off in St Peter's Basilica, and one seriously problematic hotel.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Watching huge waves hitting the rocks in Monterosso as darkness fell."
Brian
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Our tour was everything I imagined it to be. transportation, hotels, food and our guide were excellent
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The trip was all so good I can't pick one specific "wow" moment. Our experience in Venice with the 300 year flood and gondola ride with singers onboard was definitely a highlight"
Jeanne
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
We had such a wonderful time! We really enjoyed our group of fellow travelers. Trina Kudlacek was a well seasoned, organized guide.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"We loved Siena, the dinner and tour of the contrade, Max the stainglass window creator was a highlight! Hiking Cinque Terra was amazing. Loved Assisi! So beautiful and peaceful! The panetheon in Rome was inspiring to me. It is 2000 years old and still functioning. The engineering and architecture is inspiring. Dolomites and Umbria were really beautiful areas. We loved the group dinners! We really got to know people at the group dinners. Loved St. Mark's Basilica and experiencing alta aqua. "
Robin
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
A tour of Italy has been on my bucket list for years and this tour did not disappoint! From Lake Como to Rome, our fantastic tour guide made every moment amazing! I loved the "variety" of experiences and how we visited the most "famous" and busy places along with the more quiet and hidden treasures! I highly recommend Rick Steves' Best of Italy tour - every detail is planned for you and all you have to do is show up with your best walking shoes and appetite for some amazing Italian food!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Although it is hard to choose just one " wow" moment, I would definitely say Cinque Terre on the coast was my favorite! The views from the enchanting fishing villages were breathtaking! I could have stayed there for days! It is definitely one of Italy's hidden gems and probably not on the radar for most people touring the country!"
Leta
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Great overall tour. Packed full of fun! Just be ready to do lots of walking. I didn’t want to miss a thing. Our tour guide Trina was great. Very knowledgeable and made the trip extra fun.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Hard to pick but since I love the ocean, Cinque Terre was beautiful. It did rain on us but what beautiful place. "
Leanne
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Organized and so much fun!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"When it was raining and foggy in the alps and they said if you want to come in the bus we will search for clear skys! We didn’t we but was fantastic time in the fig! Loved it!"
Arnold
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating: rating 3 of 5
It was a tour and it wasn’t. We had to get ours to the starting point. We flew into Rome since we would end up here. We saw a few sights on our own sights that not on the tour list like the Steps and Borghese. The next day we took the train to Milan. Then the train to Como,wrong train,and decided to toke the last ferry to Varenna. The weather was good and we saw many villages along the way, a plus since the weather turned the next day but we missed the welcoming meeting. Next day on our own. Tou
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It didn’t feel like a tour since we spent a lot of time on our own and hardly meeting any members yet. The places we visited were great. Certainly the Vatican was outstanding. Why wasn’t the museum on on the tour? We had reservation, luckily, for without it the line was a mile long an all day event in the heat."
Darla
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Amazing trip to Italy!!!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Stained glass demo in Siena"
Gregory
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Loved our guide Trina and the group was wonderful. We saw all the places one must see on the first trip to Italy.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I like water and boats so Venice, Lake Como and Cinque Terre were my favorites. The experience of the contrade in Sienna was fascinating. Max and the stained glass workshop were a hit. The group dinners were very special. "
Aimee
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Great organization of traveling to so many regions within 17 days
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Venice! Such an amazing experience! 300 year flood happened while we were there! Gondola ride was so very special. "
Mary
Tour: 05/05/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Sarah our guide added so much detail and extras ! Having lived in Italy for years and been a teacher she was the perfect guide.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Being alone with Bernini’s statues in the Borghese gallery ! We had opening tickets and amazingly no one else was in line to enter!!! "
Annette
Tour: 05/05/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
I had an idea of what to expect, as I'd taken a couple of Rick Steve's tours some time ago. but this one was much longer and involved many different stops. Though moving every couple of days can be a bit more tiring, it also allowed us to see so many different cities and especially small towns that we wouldn't have otherwise been able to see. Our guide, Sarah, was outstanding and did everything humanly possible to make our tour unique and memorable and fun.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The overall collection of unusual things we got to see and do: Unexpectedly visiting Verona and seeing inside a functioning colloseum, seeing the German influence in the small town of Bolzano, learning about olive oil making from Marco, the wonderful owner of our argiturismo, seeing an artisan at work in Venice making the Gondaleer oars and forcolas, the wonderful menus Sarah our guide put together in our restaurants, and so many more things. It's the "complete package" that makes it so special."
Stephen
Tour: 05/05/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The tour was packed with great sights to see and things to do. Our tour guide and bus driver were excellent. This was my first tour of any kind and I really enjoyed it.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The beauty of the countryside and how the Italian gardens are trellised up the hills was stunning. The art and Roman architecture were amazing."
Sally
Tour: 05/05/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Outstanding tour, Sara was an amazing guide. She went above and beyond to always make sure we were having the best possible time! Her extra treats and stops really made the trip enjoyable. Everyone on our tour was very friendly and engaging. I loved having the extra day to ourselves in each town. We did a lot of hiking and exploring. The hotels and meals were outstanding. I will definitely return on another Rick Steve's tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Walking into St. Mark's square, Venice. My jaw dropped and I was speachless."
Ken
Tour: 05/05/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Our 17-day Italy tour FAR exceeded our expectations. We had been planning a "dream" trip to Italy for several years now, and had some reservations about doing a "group" tour, but took the plunge anyway. Having the flexibility of one day with planned activities, and one day where we were on our own to navigate was the perfect mix. We got to do and see so much, and truly recognize the amazing value of what the Rick Steve's Tours has to offer.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The hike in Cinque Terre from Vernazza to Monterosso was simply stunning! We left early in the morning and there was no one on the trail with us, which made it even better. Taking second place as a "wow" moment were the views in the Dolomites. We weren't sure the clouds were going to clear, but they did, and it was spectacular."
Sandy
Tour: 05/05/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Great group of people, with an awesome tour guide Sarah. Went to some very interesting hilltop towns & the other towns on the trip were perfect too.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Otzi museum in Balzano. I taught about him in my middle school history class, so it was cool to see him in person."
Michael
Tour: 05/05/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Excellent guide, great people, manageable pace, good combination of tours and free time, excellent choice of restaurants for group dinners. Rick Steve's tours obviously get preferential treatment in hotels and restaurants as the service in all places was outstanding. For the experiences, amenities, service, etc. it was money well-spent and far superior to trying to navigate on your own. Quick examples are outstanding bus and driver, tickets being purchased for us, and wine flowing freely.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Hiking Cinque Terra"
Danny
Tour: 05/05/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Gave us an overall view of life in Italy while still seeing art and the construction from many years ago
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Probably seeing the Forum nd Pantheon - quite overwhelming "
Blane
Tour: 05/05/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This 17 Day Best of Italy Tour, in the hands of Tour Guide- Sarah, driver Dino and local guides delivered an absolutely exceptional travel experience! Our group was “mature”, avg. age abt. 58, bordering on a little creaky, 28 in number, a comfortable size. We were seasoned travelers, first time in Europe, to first time out of the US! Yet we collectively engaged Italy’s beautiful environment, history, art and culture, enjoyed each other and had plenty of time to explore independently!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The hike in Cinque Terre from Monterroso to Vernazza more than filled my senses with the beauty of Liguria. But, surprisingly favorite part of the hike was encounter with an 80yr old+ native of Vernazza, Lino, accompanied by his cat (who followed him like a dog). Blue denim jacket, khakis, boots, dusty red ball cap, backpack and stick, paused to chat on his way up to tend his lemons. Sparkly eyes, smile, humanity. Lino’s tender family story about his dad and his deep love of Italy, molto bello!"
Bridget
Tour: 05/03/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The experience was very well planned, the tour guide was OUTSTANDING!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The beautiful vistas all over the country. I was astounded by the beauty of Italy. Better than the pictures I had seen. "
Jing
Tour: 05/03/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Ann Elizabeth
Tour: 05/03/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Great people, great guide (s), fabulous country to visit
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Just way too many to pick one!"
David
Tour: 05/03/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Excellent guide and assistant guide… Sites included on the tour were all worthwhile, interesting, “Best of” locations, logistics were handled smoothly and efficiently… the group was largely compatible and willing to engage with one another… the pace of travel was too fast (but we knew it would be so)… most of the hotels that we stayed in were very good… We enjoyed the tour very much, but because of our ages & preference for a slower pace this will likely be our last tour of this type.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Swimming in the Ligurian Sea at Monterosso al Mare on our “day off” was a definite “wow” moment for me. Having a free day in the Cinque Terre was so beautiful and rejuvinating!"
Jon
Tour: 05/03/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Molto bene! Almost everything was better than expected, from the tour guides to the events, all well timed and planned, without any major issues.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"One moment would be hard to pick, there were so many. 1) On the Accademia bridge, the grand canal in Venice at Noon, with the sun shining, looking towards St Maria's Basilica, with the hustle and bustle of the water taxis. 2) The last group dinner (Altarocca) with Stefano, our driver, who sat at our table. I had such a good time and so many laughs while we traded our English - Italian translations using charades and unintentionally invented words."
Lynn
Tour: 05/03/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
From beginning to end, tour logistics went smoothly. Our RS guide made each city come alive with her knowledge, never fell lost exploring the cities on our own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Wow, so many, from the dolomites, Venice to Rome, I wish we could stay longer than some of the cities. Unexpectedly made so many good friends on this trip."
Anne T
Tour: 05/03/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Everything about this tour was terrific. Our guide Rhianne was helpful, knowledgeable, and fun. The balance between things we did as a group and time on our own was perfect. With Rhianne and excellent local guides we were well oriented to each location and assured of enjoying the high points of each of them. Then time on our own to explore further with great tips on how to do that. The bus rides were broken up with great visits to spots along the way. We'll be back for more RS tours!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Every one of the 8 stops on this tour had a "wow" moment! The beautiful views and gardens in Lake Como; the majestic Dolomites; Venice!; Michelangelo's David in Florence; wandering through Cinque Terre villages; being embraced by a contrada in Sienna; wine tasting outside Ovierto; and walking in Caesar's footsteps in Rome. Not to mention all the stops along the way (Soave, Assisi, Pisa, San Gimignano) - every day was an adventure."
Elizabeth
Tour: 05/03/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The tour was timed very well, with a great balance of group activities and time on our own. I appreciated the experiences that I might not have sought out myself: talks on making the forcola, stained glass, and pesto. Learning about Palio di Siena was fun. Our 'seashell' guide in Siena was memorable. Most places had me wanting to stay one more day, but I guess that's the point- to make you want to come back.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I didn't have a single favorite 'wow' moment, but a 'wow' category- so many beautiful vistas that were the reward of hikes, dome climbs, or at times just being at elevation. "
Kathy
Tour: 05/03/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Our guides, Rhianna & Ellen were both excellent. Everything was well organized, the hotels were wonderful
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Group dinner in Florence. All the group dinners were great, but that was the best."
Valerie
Tour: 05/03/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
First time taking a tour and it was wonderful. Loved that we could spread out on the bus. Had a great bus driver, Stephano. Loved the location of all hotels. Our tour guide and group size was fabulous. The group demographics worked out so well. Everyone got along so well.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Siena and the horse racing and stain glass."
Mary
Tour: 04/28/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
Trip of a lifetime. Saw and learned about Italy in ways I could have never done on my own!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Food food food!"
Rachel
Tour: 04/28/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Our guide, Ferdi was so experienced and handled everything so well. I am a vegetarian, and Ferdi made sure I ate well at the group dinners. He also made great recommendations for other dinners as well. I was really impressed with our hotel accommodations, and the planned group dinner experiences were wonderful. I also really enjoyed the stain glass demonstration by Massemo and the oarlock demonstration. This trip was an amazing experience for my husband and I.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were several many wow moments. One of my favorite moments was the gondola ride in Venice with the musicians serenading us. The beautiful Dolomites and the scenic Cinque Terra were also highlights. The agritismo’s vineyards and olive groves screamed Italy and were a nice break from the busy cities."
Virginia
Tour: 04/28/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This tour was an amazing sampler of Italy top to bottom, and what a difference there is in each region of the country! Nice hotels, some spectacular, and delicious arranged meals reflecting each regionA great balance of seeing urban, small village and natural beauties. Everything was well organized, and the local guides provided in depth knowledge of cultural, historical and artistic arenas. We both felt that there was no way we could put together as meaningful and pleasurable trip on our own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The gondola ride on the Grand Canal complete with accordion and singer was everything that you would think it would be, generously arranged by Ferdi our tour guide. Seeing David for the first time up close was a significant moment for us both. The scale, the artistry, the "life" in this immense work cannot be comprehended without seeing it in person. Our local guide brought to life elements of the statue in ways we had never considered before. This whole tour was a Wow experience each day."
Rob
Tour: 04/28/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Loved this tour! Awesome guides, amazing sites, delicious food, fantastic companions! Highly recommend, but could improve - focus on the “Best” rather than squeezing in everything in Italy. Ended with only 1.5 days in Rome, enduring a grueling dash through ancient sites that left us weary & drained. Stretch Rome out & cut down on other stuff. Skip merely OK spots like Pisa & Assisi. Lake Como & Cinque Terre are lovely, but very similar. Agriturismo was nice but could have been a long lunch stop.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Our intimate & hilarious exploration of the neighborhoods of Siena was an unexpected highlight - truly a “Rick Steves Moment”. Paul, our guide in Florence, was one of the best local guides I have ever had - had fun & learned so much!"
Thomas
Tour: 04/28/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
What a great line up of places to visit! A great mix of cities and less busy areas. Hotels were outstanding. Provided meals were wonderful and our guide…….what a great experience!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing “David”"
Barry
Tour: 04/26/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Everything from the tour guide to hotels and local guides, transportation, etc was just great and first class
Favorite "WOW" moment
"We were in Florence on 4/25 that is a national holiday in Italy marking the death of Mussolini and the end of fascism there. We had no knowledge of the holiday so it was serendipity that I happened to be near Piazza Duoma and saw a parade. The piazza was jammed with people making speeches, waving flags, and an orchestra playing music. After we left the piazza we ran into a fantastic drum band playing rhythms. It was just pretty magical, the whole day"
Charles
Tour: 04/26/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
Wonderful guides, knowledgeable
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Orvieta"
Frank
Tour: 04/26/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Julie
Tour: 04/26/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This was our first Rick Steves tour and certainly will not be our last! From the first group gathering to the last dinner together our 17-day adventure was wonderfully planned and executed. We appreciated having the travel details arranged for us (hotel, transportation, tickets) with plenty of time allowed for exploring on our own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"To choose just one “wow” moment would be to ignore so many others! Hiking in the Cinque Terra was amazing and of course, the art and history in Florence was sublime."
John
Tour: 04/26/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
Way more material than could be absorbed in the time of the tour. Overwhelmed by all that was presented, but had difficulty leaving things out, like I didn't want to miss out.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"camaraderie of the group, knowledge of the tour guide"
Mary
Tour: 04/26/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Absolutely fabulous! Our guide Sarah was incredible, so personable, patient, caring, knowledgeable. It was the perfect balance of group together time and on your own exploration. Really appreciated two night minimum in each hotel, which were all perfectly located and very accomodating.
Favorite "WOW" moment
""Wow" it is so hard to find just one. It's better to think by city: hiking the Dolomites, reaching the top ridge of the Cinque Terre and looking down, climbing the tower of pisa, and seeing Bernini sculptures at the Bourghese. But probably what made the biggest impression was having dinner at the Forest Contrade in Sienna. Just the craziness of the palio but mostly the comradarie of this community-bellisimo!"
Laura
Tour: 04/26/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
I was pleased with every aspect: foods, accommodations, amount of free time, choices of sights to see and options for more. I felt like we hit every import highlight and even got extra with the alpine hike and visit to Otzi, special concert in Venice, pesto lesson in Monterosso, side trip to San Gimignano, fun hiway stops at AutoGrill where our guide offered samples of Italian goodies, learned some Italian words, how to navigate subway and foil pickpockets, appreciate gelato, art and history!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"One: the personal pesto making lesson in Monterosso: Felicita the hotel matron is a dear Two: the evening gondola ride in Venice: with music and singer! Three: climbing to The top of the tower of Pisa on the worn steps, and discovering the grave of Fibonacci in the cemetery next door. Four: alpine hike in Compatsch with swathes of purple and white crocus blooming Five: the David: a most monumental and striking artwork. If I could see only one piece of art in Italy, this would be it. "
Jacqueline
Tour: 04/26/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
It was wonderful, beautiful and we met so many fun wonderful people
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It was all wow"
Lisa
Tour: 04/26/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Gondola the ride with gentleman singing. "
Robert
Tour: 04/26/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The tour was exceptional, and our guide was outstanding! The planning and organization that had to happen for this tour to occur is hard for me to comprehend. I know that if I had tried to pre-plan this trip on my own, I would never have come close to having a comparable experience. Well done,Rick Steves!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Listening to a professional singer sing in an operatic voice from the gondola adjacent to us while floating through the canals in Venice."
Roger
Tour: 04/24/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
It was amazing! We loved it and will do many more Rick Steves tours in near future.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Too many to count in 500 words. Top stops were Venice, Rome, and Florence. They were all GREAT!"
Shannon
Tour: 04/24/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This was our first Rick Steve's tour and it was above & beyond what we were expecting. We have been planning to take one for years and have had several recommendations from friends & family who have been on them. Until you experience it for yourself, words cannot completely describe how amazing it is. I have travelled all over Europe and this was by far, one of my favorite trips.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were so many it is hard to nail down just one, but here are a few. Lake Como was breath taking. Observing the full moon at midnight over the water from our balcony; the amazing gardens just outside the square, eating dinner at waters edge, I could go on and on. Cinque Terra was awe inspiring. Breathing in the ocean air with the magnificent view we had, wandering through all the villages, and exploring the unique towns. Sienna was wonderful. A colorful, quirky town steeped in history."
Martin
Tour: 04/24/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
This was my second Rick Steves tour. and like the first one, it was great. Colleen, our guide was very knowledgeable, helpful, insightful, and energetic. Being a solo traveler can sometimes be lonely, but like my last Rick Steves tour everyone spends time together and it's like one big happy traveling family. And of course, our bus driver Penio (Not sure of the spelling) was absolutely the best. Awesome trip.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I love all the Architecture, art, and history, but I love just hanging out and people-watching. My "wow" moment probably would be sitting at an outside cafe next to the Rialto Bridge in Venice drinking a beer and just watching all the boats and all the people and talking with people from all over the world. That's kinda why I travel,"
Ronald
Tour: 04/24/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
First and foremost, we had a fantastic guide. This was really our first trip to Italy north of Naples. Colleen was both extremely knowledgeable and personable. We enjoyed all of the diverse rural and urban sites. We were able to get a feel for what Italy is all about. If I could change one thing it would be to add one extra day in Florence, Rome (I realize we could have stayed an extra day or two in Rome) and maybe Venice to really explore the area. A reason to return.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"All of the beautiful ancient structures, cities and art were certainly up there. However, I really enjoyed our time with the stained-glass artisan in Siena. Simply fascinating."
Frank
Tour: 04/24/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
What a wonderful trip this was. We got to see so much of Italy in such a short period of time. It was a perfect balance of guided tour and exploring on our own. Our guide, Colleen, and driver, Pino were just the best. They made minor itinerary changes to enhance our trip even more.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were so many on this trip: seeing Lake Como for the first time from the train; gondola ride in Venice and water taxi ride on the Grand Canal; climbing the Florence Duomo; the entire Cinque Terre experience; beautiful hill town of Siena; St. Peter's Basilica....."
Caren
Tour: 04/24/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The tour was well organized with many little extras from cookies from the guide to lessons on how to use the trains and metros to extra stop at an American military cemetery to name a few. Colleen was an excellent guide with her knowledge, organization, warmth & humor.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So many-walking into each & every church & cathedral, the natural beauty of the different landscapes ( Lake Como, the Dolomites, the Umbria vineyards, cinque Terra, the Rome Coliseum). Loved the tour and dinner in Siena-being in the local neighborhood. Having a gondola ride with music was great & special."
Amy
Tour: 04/24/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
I feel fortunate to have been part of such an amazing tour experience of Italy. Our tour guide Colleen was awesome! She enriched the experience by her knowledge and her enthusiasm, impressed by her planning, making the experience even more special. Her love of the country and the people was obvious and contagious.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I had many wow moments on this trip! So many amazing and beautiful places one after another! I feel grateful to have been part of it. "
Cadance
Tour: 04/24/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The tour was well organized and the overall goals explained. I enjoyed the ebb and flow of small towns and big cities.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I saw the Adriatic ocean for the first time! I especially enjoyed Orvieto, Italy - I was taken by the frescos in the Orvieto Cathedral and the fact that they were studied by both Michelangelo and Sigmund Freud."
Steve
Tour: 04/14/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Wonderful introduction to much variation of the country, from the Dolomites to Rome.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Initially riding a boat down the Grand Canal to get to our hotel, taking in all the history and uniqueness of Venice."
Deborah
Tour: 04/14/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The tour guides were informative and personable. Vanessa and Rhiann set us up for success as we toured on our own!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I enjoyed the agritourism visit, enjoying the beautiful grounds. Venice was amazing to learn how people function in a unique environment."
Joe
Tour: 04/14/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
Our tour guide Vanessa was outstanding in making Italy's geography, history, culture, language, food, religion alive for us to share in the experience. Her personality made the experience outstanding.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Lake Como, Dolomites and Siena were my favorites."
Kathleen
Tour: 04/14/24
Overall rating: rating 3 of 5
Vanessa made the trip. Very well organized and informative.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Lake Como"
Marsha
Tour: 04/14/24
Overall rating: rating 4 of 5
it was wonderful seeing so many historically significant sights, experiencing a variety of culturally different areas of Italy and enjoying the terrain and climate throughout our trip. Our tour leaders. Vanessa and Rhianna made the journey fascinating with their knowledge of each area and the personal stories that they shared.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Stepping into history and realizing this was where so much happened throughout the centuries, and understanding how we got to where we are today."
Cheryl
Tour: 04/14/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Tour tour guides were excellent especially Vanessa. She was knowledgeable & engaging.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The whole trip was a wow but Venice stands out as the most wow ."
Mark
Tour: 04/14/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
We had a fabulous tour in every respect: tour leaders, local guides, city tours, transportation, hotels, and food.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There are so many, but the least expected "wow" moments came early for me. We were looking forward to places like Venice, Florence, Siena, and Rome, but I hadn't expected to be so wowed by Lake Como and the Dolomites!"
Patricia
Tour: 04/12/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Being first time Rick Steve's travelers, my husband and I look forward to the next opportunity to travel with a Rick Steve's tour. Our guide Stephanie was well informed and made a point of keeping our group engaged in the culture and history of the area we were visiting.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So many wow moments! The introduction night in Lake Como, the pesto making demonstration in Monterosso, the glass blowing demonstration in Sienna and the entire Rome tour."
Terri
Tour: 04/12/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
The tour exceeded our expectations due to having a phenomenal tour guide, the quality of hotels, the right amount of excursions versus our own time, the comfort of the bus, and the comradery developed with the group.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were several to chose from but seeing the David sculpture in person was more impressive than I thought it would be. To see the detail up close of the muscles and tendons was very realistic."
Rhonda
Tour: 04/12/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Although I had to leave the tour early because of Covid I loved everything about the tour. The hotels were amazing the guides fantastic and the tour director was attentive and caring when dealing with my getting sick
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Venice and St. Marks cathedral!! Wow!!!"
Robert
Tour: 04/12/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Stephanie is a great, experience, caring guide. Dino is a great bus driver and goes way above that to do whatever is needed to is help to make the tour enjoyable. The local guides were all great, and the destinations where outstanding.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Several - the beauty of Lake Como, a gondola ride in Venice, and the Pantheon in Rome stand out in my mind."
Karen
Tour: 04/12/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Fabulous! Wonderful experiences, food, culture while tour guide took care of the daily details of travel, entrance tickets, lodging, etc.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Boat Taxi into Venice then trek to St. Marks square. Wow moment!"
Vernon
Tour: 04/12/24
Overall rating: rating 5 of 5
Traveling about Northern Italia with Stefanía and Dino was fun, humorous, educational, and inspiring. Fun, exploring beautiful, historical, and culturally significant places in history. Funny, the interaction of US transplant wife and Italian husband. Educational, thru historical and personal stories told by Stefanía and local guides. Inspiring, thru experiencing the appreciation Stefanía has for her adopted home, love for, and respect of Italian culture and people she shared everyday with us.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Experiencing the sense of “Contrada” family community in Siena through the invitation to share a traditional meal in their private Social Club. Learning of the pride for and responsibility to maintain social and cultural accountability through the city wide Contrade culture. Siena’s population enjoys a more safe place to live, culturally rich heritage, and a centuries long spiritually healthy and nurturing city in which to raise a family. "
When To Go & Weather
Any time between April and October is a good time to take a Best of Italy tour. However, the months of April, May, September, and October are best for offering good weather, lighter crowds, and the full range of tourist fun.
Italy / Milan
Italy / Venice
Italy / Florence
Italy / Rome
Hotels & Flights
Tour Hotels
In case you wish to book pre- or post-tour hotel accommodations, the contact information for the tour's first and last hotels is included in the Itinerary section of your tour confirmation email, as well as in your tour account. One month prior to the tour departure, you'll find the directions to your first tour hotel and a complete list of hotels where we'll be staying in the Documents section of your tour account.
Flights
Our tours don't include airfare, so your flight arrangements are completely up to you.
Most tour members arrange to fly into Venice (VCE) and out of Rome (FCO) — choose "multicity" on flight-booking websites. Booking round-trip to one city will require a connecting flight, train trip, or additional overnight stay in Italy.
We suggest arriving a day or two before your tour begins to allow ample time to get over jet lag and be well-rested for the first few days of your tour. For more information about transportation options for getting to and from your tour, see your Rick Steves Italy guidebook.