Italy Escorted Tours & Guided Holidays

Escorted Tours & Guided Holidays to Italy

If you’re looking for a holiday packed with adventure, Italy is where you should go. A land of warmth and beauty, Italy is the place for fine art, fine food and fine living – a toast to the heritage of Europe’s favourite (and only!) boot-shaped country! Escorted tours of Italy with Travelsphere are an excellent way to make the most of this enchanting destination and discover the best things to see and do in Italy. Foodies will love the inspiring stories of some of the most famous Italian national dishes, featured on certain tours in our repertoire, while culture vultures will fall head over heels for the charms of Florence, with its frescoes and countless other fantastic examples of Renaissance art and architecture that have stood so long the admiration of all the globe. However you imagined your Italy tour holiday, you’ll surely have an out-of-this-world experience with Travelsphere.

On our Italy holidays, expect the unexpected (in the best possible way of course!). One minute you could be experiencing a thrill akin to scaling the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, the next sunbathing at pristine Mediterranean beaches. No two holidays to Italy are the same with Travelsphere; whether ambling among the riches of Rome or embracing the island retreat lifestyle on Sicily, there’s a perfect trip waiting for you. Go on guided tours of Italy with Travelsphere and we promise you’ll have an unforgettable time!

We’re delighted to have received the World Travel and Tourism Councils (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world. Find out more >

Featured Escorted Tour Holidays

  1. Pompeii, Paestum & Herculaneum

    Uncover captivating stories, marvel at majestic ruins and wander the well-preserved streets of some of Italy’s most fascinating archaeological sites.

    • Return flights
    • 7 nights half-board in a 4-star hotel
    • 14 meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners and welcome drink

    8 days from
    £1,474.00
    was £1,649.00
    Explore
  2. Pompeii, Paestum & Herculaneum with Island of Ischia Add-on

    Explore this fascinating part of Italy with Mount Vesuvius as your backdrop. Your holiday includes four nights on the delightful island of Ischia where you can fully appreciate authentic Italian Island life.

    • Return flights
    • 11 nights in 4-star hotels
    • 22 meals: 11 breakfasts, 11 dinners

    12 days from
    £2,348.00
    Explore
  3. Grand Tour of Italy

    Explore Italy from top to toe on an incredible journey that takes in the iconic cities of Venice, Florence and Rome and discovers the wonders of Pompeii, Sicily and more.

    • Return flights
    • 14 nights in 4-star hotels
    • 23 meals: 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 8 dinners

    15 days from
    £2,649.00
    was £2,949.00
    Explore
  4. Puglia & Basilicata

    These two spectacular regions in Italy’s heel abound with incredible sights. Look out for traditional Trulli houses, Sassi cave dwellings and ornate Baroque buildings.

    • Return flights
    • 7 nights half-board in a 4-star hotel
    • 15 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners

    8 days from
    £1,499.00
    Explore
  5. Amalfi Coast, Pompeii & Capri

    Pastel-coloured villages perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the azure sea - it's this picture-postcard scenery that makes the Amalfi Coast so special.

    • Return flights
    • 7 nights half-board in a 4-star hotel
    • 15 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 7 dinners

    8 days from
    £1,524.00
    was £1,699.00
    Explore
  6. Treasures of Tuscany & Florence

    This relaxing tour takes in the iconic monuments of Pisa and Florence, beautiful medieval towns, and the stunning vineyards of Chianti.

    • Return flights
    • 7 nights in a 4-star hotel and 13 meals
    • 13 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 light lunch, 5 dinners

    8 days from
    £1,249.00
    was £1,399.00
    Explore
  7. The Best of Sicily

    Brooding Mount Etna forms a dramatic backdrop to your discoveries as you revel in Greek and Roman history and uncover medieval treasures.

    • Return flights
    • 7 nights half-board in 4-star hotels
    • 15 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 7 dinners

    8 days from
    £1,599.00
    was £1,749.00
    Explore
  8. Secret Lakes of Italy

    Discover the scenic beauty of northern Italy’s secret lakes, where tranquil waters, unspoiled nature and delicious cuisine await.

    • Return flights
    • 7 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels
    • 11 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

    8 days from
    £1,399.00
    was £1,499.00
    Explore

What our customers say

  1. We were very impressed

    "My wife and I have just returned from the Classic Sicily tour on our first holiday with Travelsphere. The result was that we were very impressed with the company. Roberto, our Tour Manager, was very efficient, attentive and helpful. Guiseppe, our driver, was friendly and efficient, the coach was always clean and he was always there waiting for us at the appointed time. The local guides varied, but it was worth going to Agrigento to listen to Claudio, who imparted his knowledge to us with the air and professionalism of a true thespian. Had to be seen to be believed!" Alan H

  2. Would recommend this tour

    "Just returned from treasures of Tuscany tour. Despite the unseasonal cold weather it did not spoil the trip or the beauty of the region Michaela our tour guide deserves special mention for her organisational skills, obvious love and knowledge of Tuscany and her sense of humour, always checking we all knew exactly where to meet and the ‘loo stops’! The hotel trips and free time where pitched in my my opinion just right - Would recommend this tour" - Dorothy Corkery

  3. Most wonderful experience

    "We had the most wonderful experience with Travelsphere to the Amalfi Coast. Hotel base was perfect. So friendly. We had day trips from there by coach or coach and boat. Wonderful trips. Faultless, everything we expected and more" - Susan Payne

More about Italy...

  1. Northern Italy

    Beautifully glistening lakes, dramatic snow-capped peaks and classic cities make the journey to northern Italy well worth your while.

  2. Central Italy

    On a visit to central Italy you'll discover the charms of Tuscany, famed for its picture-perfect landscapes, its incomparable artistic legacy and stand-out cities, from Florence to Pisa.

  3. Southern Italy

    Visit southern Italy on an escorted tour and you'll marvel at the beauty of the Amalfi Coast and step back in time amongst Pompeii’s remarkable ruins.

  4. The Islands

    Leave mainland Italy behind you to uncover the beauty of the Aeolian Islands and explore the roman villas, chic marinas and of course, Mount Etna, Europe's. most active volcano

Italy touring holidays - Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best tours to Italy?

Every region of Italy offers a unique experience, from the shimmering lakes in the north and the rolling Tuscan countryside, to the traditional towns in Puglia and its sun-kissed islands such as Sicily and Sardinia. If you love history then you should consider a tour to Pompeii, if the arts are more up your street then make sure you visit Florence. Of course you can enjoy a taste of it all on a holiday that takes you on a grand tour of Italy, from the top to the toe.

What are the highlights of Italy?
Everything in Italy is a highlight - it's one wow moment after another, but here are some of the incredible experiences you could enjoy on a tour to Italy:
  • Exploring Venice - whether by foot, or treating yourself to a gondola ride
  • Italy's Lakes - from the iconic Lake Como to the secret lakes of Iseo, Ledro, Caldero and more
  • The historic cities and rolling countryside of Tuscany
  • The lesser-visited Puglia, the "Heel of Italy" is spectacular to discover
  • Sampling a glass or two of Limoncello in Sorrento
When is the best time to travel to Italy and what clothing should I pack?

Spring, early summer and autumn are the best times for touring Italy as it is generally warm everywhere. However, the temperatures in the evenings can be cooler and it is therefore advisable to take something warm to wear; remember it is always easier to remove warm clothes if you need to than to add those you don't have! Comfortable shoes are a must as there can be a lot of walking involved on some excursions.

Weather from October to March is wintry and you should expect conditions similar to the UK, especially in the north. 

As Italy is such a large country with such varying temperatures it is always best to check weather forecasts prior to travel. 

What is the food like in Italy?

Eating out in Italy is a joy. It is a country rich in culinary and gastronomic products and some of its dishes are amongst the best-known in the world. There is a huge choice available, from the smartest, sophisticated restaurants to the simplest of cafes and bars whether you want a sandwich, snack or a full meal. Just about all bars, cafes and restaurants in Italy are licensed so you can always have a beer or wine even with a simple sandwich.

Dinner is usually served in the late evening in Italy, especially in the hot months.

In many Italian households a 3-course meal at both lunchtime and dinner is still par for the course. Both meals begin with a primo piatto or first course which is a risotto (rice), soup (zuppa or minestrina) or a pasta dish. (Pasta is only a first course dish in Italy).

There is an infinite variety of such primi - pasta comes in many shapes and forms, depending often on the region in which you find yourself. The accompanying sauce, whether it be based on fish, meat, cheese or vegetables, should be just enough to coat the pasta. The origins of the pasta course date from poorer times when the pasta was used to help a small amount of meat or whatever ingredients were available go a long way and this tradition remains an important part of the character of pasta dishes.

Next is the main course or secondo piatto which is a meat or fish dish often simply grilled and accompanied by a side dish of 1 or 2 'contorni', vegetables cooked in a variety of ways or served plain for you to add olive oil, the usual accompaniment or dressing for plain vegetables which brings out their flavour.

The meal finishes with either a dessert, perhaps ice-cream for which Italy is so famous, or often fresh fruit of the season.

For special meals a further 4th course is added at the beginning, before the pasta, which is called an 'antipasto' which might be a selection of the local salami and meats, or perhaps in Tuscany the famous Crostini; toasted Tuscan bread with various toppings like tomatoes, pate etc, or Bruschetta; toasted bread rubbed with raw garlic and sprinkled with salt and drizzled with the local extra vergine olive oil.

Specialities:

  • Pesto: sauce of basil, pine nuts and pecorino cheese
  • Parmigiano (parmesan cheese)
  • Wine is the national drink and is produced in all regions, particularly well-known are;
    • Abruzzo: Trebbiano D'Abruzzo, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
    • Apulia: Primitivo di Manduria, Salice Salentino
    • Calabria : Greco di Bianco, Cirò
    • Campania : Greco di Tufo & Lacryma Christi
    • Lazio and around Rome: Frascati, Est Est Est
    • Liguria: Rossese di Dolceaqua
    • Sardinia: Vermentino & Cannonau
    • Sicily: Marsala and Moscato
    • Tuscany: Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile dI Montepulciano
    • Umbria: Orvieto
    • Veneto: excellent prosecco's or sparkling dry white wine like champagne from Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, as well as the familiar Soave, Valpolicella, Bardolino.
  • After a meal why not try the Italian espresso coffee - small, strong and aromatic!

Breakfast is a meal of little consequence to the Italians who usually take their only cappuccino of the day at breakfast along with perhaps a pastry. Hotels, however, have mostly adapted to the northern European habit and provide bread, butter, jams, honey, fruit juices etc.

The famous Italian pizza is an invention of the Neapolitans and one of the culinary prides of the Campania region where it is served in a great variety of recipes. It was originally made of bread dough, spread with herbs and tomatoes, a simply cheap and tasty form of bread sold in slices. The most common version (The Pizza Margherita) with tomatoes, herbs and mozzarella cheese was invented at Brandi's ristorante in Naples to celebrate the royal visit of the Princess Margherita to the city in the time of the Bourbons.

What the time zone in Italy?

Throughout the year, the local time in Italy is 1 hour ahead of the UK.

What is the currency in Italy?

The currency in Italy is the Euro (€), which is widely available in the UK.

Read All About It.. Italy

  1. Gondolas in Venice, Italy

    Best Time to Visit Italy

    In this article, we'll go over what Italy is like in different seasons, helping you pick the right time of year to visit this compellingly beautiful country.

    Read More
  2. Sicily, Italy

    24 Hours in Sicily

    We share our top tips to make sure you get to make the most of your time in Sicily.

    Read More
  3. Venice

    Beyond the Guidebook

    If you can't decide on the best things to see and do in Italy - why not take five minutes and get the inside scoop from three members of the Travelsphere team.

    Read more
  4. Italy's Ancient Sites

    A Brief History of Italy

    We share a brief history of some of Italy's most iconic ancient sites.

    Read More
  5. Florence

    Tuscany - Golden & Glorious

    Tuscany is filled to the brim with architectural and artistic wonders... take the time to discover the beauty of this part of Italy

    Read more
  6. calabria guided holiday

    Calabria - Italy's Best Kept Secret

    Still relatively unknown Calabria is a delight. Craggy landscapes and atmospheric towns and villages greet visitors... will you consider a trip to the toe of Italy?

    Read more
  7. Favourites Farmhouse In Tuscany

    My Tuscany Diary

    Travel writer Caroline, shares the diverse range of must-see sights and lesser-known gems a Travelsphere tour has to offer.

    Read more
  8. Sirmione Lake Garda

    Lake Garda

    We take a closer look at Italy's largest lake and show why you should consider visiting.

    Read more
  9. tour party eating together in Italy

    Buon Appetito!

    On a holiday to Italy you must find time to sit back, relax and enjoy the local flavours. Each region has its own specialities that are simply delicious. Here are a few of our favourites to whet your appetite…

    Read More
  10. wine tasting holiday

    The Drinks of Italy

    From your morning coffee, to the wines of Italy, and even an evening Aperol Spritz, we share with you a guide on the drinks you can enjoy when living the good life in Italy.

    Read more
  11. Lemon And Basil Pasta

    Lotte Duncan's Amalfi Lemon & Basil Pasta

    Get a taste of Amalfi with this delicious recipe created by chef Lotte Duncan.

    Read more
  12. 30 Italy Facts You Didn’t Know

    From compelling historical landmarks to fascinating local traditions, these 30 facts about Italy will amaze e­ven the most passionate e­nthusiasts of this nation and its dedication to la dolce vita (the sweet life).

    Read More