Beyond Rome, Florence & Venice...Your guide to returning to Italy for a second or third time

Returning travellers to Italy are spoiled for choice in this beautiful and diverse country. Outside of Florence, highlights of Tuscany include Siena and the Chianti wine region. In Puglia, we recommend you take in Alberobello, Lecce and the caves of Matera for a start. The best of Sicily includes Palermo, Taormina and Mount Etna (if you can tear yourself off the beaches)! And at the Italian Lakes, the towns of Bellagio and Varenna are the best of Como, whilst at Lake Garda you will want to visit Sirmione and Malcesine.

If visiting less traditional areas of Italy, the transport connections may not be as good as in Rome and Venice. And the language barrier may become more of an issue, with fewer local people speaking English. By booking a tour, you guarantee a hassle-free adventure in these destinations, with all of your accommodation and transportation included, and being fully escorted by an English-speaking guide. Plus, our tours are packed with hidden gems that you might miss if you attempt to explore Puglia or Sicily on your own!

If you don't mind lower temperatures and the odd rain shower, then the winter months of November - February can offer a budget friendly time to visit Italy. You'll pay less for flights and accommodation, and many of the attractions will be cheaper too. It's important to note that in more touristy areas, some businesses such as restaurants will shutter for the winter, so keep this in mind when planning your trip.

They sure do! In Tuscany, immerse yourself in the hearty flavours of traditional dishes like ribollita, a comforting vegetable and bread soup enriched with cannellini beans and kale. Try bistecca alla Fiorentina, a grilled T-bone steak seasoned simply with olive oil and served rare to showcase the quality of Tuscan beef. Don't miss pappa al pomodoro, a rustic tomato and bread soup infused with garlic, basil, and the region's renowned olive oil.

Venture to Puglia to discover the charm of orecchiette, small ear-shaped pasta often paired with broccoli rabe (cime di rapa) or a fresh tomato sauce. Experience the creamy delight of burrata, a luscious cheese made from mozzarella and cream, served simply with ripe tomatoes and aromatic basil. Try frisella, a unique dish featuring crunchy dried bread soaked in water or olive oil and topped with tomatoes, olives, and fragrant herbs.

In Sicily, savour the iconic arancini—golden-fried rice balls filled with savory ragù (meat sauce), gooey mozzarella, and sweet peas. Delight in caponata, a flavorful sweet and sour eggplant relish combined with tomatoes, celery, olives, and capers, reflecting the island's diverse culinary influences. Indulge in cassata, a traditional Sicilian dessert featuring ricotta cheese, candied fruit, and layers of sponge cake, showcasing the island's sweet side.

Explore the Italian Lakes region, where risotto alla Milanese reigns supreme—a creamy saffron-infused risotto that embodies the elegance of Milan and Lombardy. Enjoy polenta, a comforting cornmeal porridge served with savory toppings like mushrooms, cheese, or sausages, reflecting the region's rustic culinary heritage. Sample pesce di lago, freshwater fish from the lakes such as perch or trout, prepared simply grilled or enhanced with delicate sauces to highlight their pristine flavors.

Pair these delectable dishes with local wines like Chianti in Tuscany, Primitivo in Puglia, Nero d'Avola in Sicily, and Lugana or Bardolino around the Italian Lakes, completing a culinary journey that celebrates the diverse flavors and traditions of Italy's varied regions.

All of our tours are English-speaking, and you will be escorted by a licensed English-speaking Italian tour guide throughout your time in Italy with us.

International flights to Italy are not included in the price of our tours. Our tour packages however include all travel costs as part of the tour, as well as your accommodation and sightseeing. This provides our customers with more flexibility to travel to other destinations within Europe or spend extra days exploring Italy on their own.