Italy tour highlights
We've got a range of small group and self-guided Italy holidays on offer, from walking the Amalfi coast to cycling in the Dolomites, family activity holidays in Tuscany to tours of the historic sites of Sicily.
Our tours offer a huge range of experiences across Italy, but some of the highlights include:
Head to the sun-drenched coast for quintessential Italian landscapes. Popular with hikers, the scenic 'Path of the Gods' trail hugs the picturesque coastline and rewards walkers with breathtaking views out to sea. Our popular small-group Amalfi Coast walking trip includes the 'Path of the Gods' as well as a ridge walk with views to Mount Vesuvius and a trip to the island of Capri. If you'd prefer to walk without the group, we offer a self-guided Amalfi walking tour -we organise the logistics and provide you with maps for a stress-free holiday.
Another option to explore the area is to cycle to the Amalfi Coast from Cilento National Park, stopping along the way to explore ancient ruins and try local food. And for less walking and more time exploring the cultural sites our Highlights of Amalfi Coast and Puglia trip includes a guided tour of Pompeii and Herculaneum, a visit to the fascinating cave dwellings of Sassi di Matera and a mouth-watering cheese and wine tasting.
Located in the 'heel' of Italy, Puglia is known for it's whitewashed hill towns and unique trulli houses - dry stone huts with conical roofs. It's also one of the best places to visit for delicious traditional Italian food. No matter whether you choose a cultural, walking or cycling trip in Puglia, food and drink will be a focal point in the itinerary. From pasta-making classes and olive oil tasting to cheese and wine experiences, you're guaranteed not to go hungry!
A Mediterranean island just off the coast of Italy, Sicily is home to captivating Ancient Greek ruins and the mighty Mount Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano. If you're into history spend a week exploring the historic sites, including the impressive Valley of the Temples, on the popular Classical Sicily tour. Or our two-week Ancient Sicily trip covers more of the island including the Neapolis Archaeological Zone.
We also offer an exciting volcanic hiking trip with specialist volcanology guide Luca Cosma. You'll hike around the summit crater of Mount Etna and among lava flows and visit the Aeolian Island of Stromboli to see the volcanic activity at night - a sight you'll surely never forget. Or for a self-guided option, check out our Walk Sicily and the Aeolian Islands trip.
For families, our week-long Family Active Sicily tour includes lots of thrilling activities. Hike on the slopes of Mt Etna, stay in a tree tent, sea kayak, climb, snorkel and learn to prepare pasta and gnocchi - there's so much packed into this week-long trip and it's perfect for teenagers.
Head to central Italy for views of rolling hills packed with vineyards and topped with medieval towns. We offer walking trips in Tuscany where you'll get to hike through this peaceful landscape and enjoy the local wine from the vineyards. Our Trails of Hidden Tuscany tour you'll be based at a family-run farmhouse in the stunning Garfagnana Valley and will get to walk in the mountainous Appenines. Alternatively you can choose to explore on two wheels on our Cycle Tuscany trip, which travels from Pisa to Florence.
Or join our Family Activity Adventure Holiday to enjoy kayaking, trekking, zip-lining, canyoning and more with your kids. Plus you'll get to walk along the stunning Cinque Terre coast with its scenic hilltop trails and charming seaside towns.
Discover the scenic Italian Lakes by foot or by bike. We offer small-group trips like our Lake Como walking trip and Cycle Dolomites, Lake Garda and Venice tour. Or you can opt to discover the lakes without a group and leader on a self-guided walking or cycling trip.
Small group travel in Italy
As well as visiting the must-see places, our Italy tours also include once-in-a-lifetime experiences you wouldn't otherwise get to experience. Whether it's a cooking class with locals or trekking around the summit of an active volcano in Sicily, you'll leave with memories to last a lifetime.
Responsible travel in Italy
At Explore we know you're looking for something different on your Italy holiday, so our tours won't just include chain hotels. We try to stay in locally-owned and run hotels where possible. We'll also try to include some unique accommodation that will make where you stay just as memorable as the experiences you have and the places you visit. Depending on which Italy tour you take, accommodation could include a family-run Tuscan farmhouse, a tree tent in Sicily or an alpine lodge with views over the Dolomite mountains.
Solo tours in Italy
All of our Italy holidays are suitable for solo travellers. Around half of our customers travel solo so you certainly won't be the only person travelling on your own. Our small-group tours offer great opportunities to meet like-minded travellers and share your experiences.
If you'd rather not travel with a group we also offer self-guided walking or cycling holidays in Italy. So whether you fancy walking in Cinque Terre or cycling in Sicily, we take care of all of the details for you, from accommodation and transport to routes and maps.