Best Italy Tour Companies
49 Travel Providers meet your criteria (Providers 1 to 20 shown)
Preferred
Intrepid Travel
#14 Pick of 211 Italy Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 991 Trips
Average Price
$ 203 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 4 – 36 days
Trip Prices $ 1,000 – $ 12,020
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Italy
72 Tours in Italy
Perfect trip
Perfect trip. I didn't know what to except and a little leery of traveling with a group of strangers for 15 days. That vanished the first day. Our guide Edgar made us feel like family. The trip was everything advertised and much much more. The beauty of the landscapes, the wildlife, and the people is extraordinary. I just couldn't get over all the shades of green! If you're thinking of visiting Costa Rica take this tour, Lodging and transportation are comfortable, money exchange easy and honest, and you have the most informed helpful guide in all of Costa Rica!!!
Intrepid is great!
I've done a couple of trips with Intrepid. Good guides, reasonable accommodations, great itinerary, great traveling companions. As a solo traveler, I appreciate the solo-share option. I also appreciate the use of home-stays and the attempt to support local businesses and transportation. The only issue is the tipping. I'd appreciate having a small tip for local guides, drivers etc built in as part of the price. If people want to acknowledge exceptional service, they can chip in some extra. Its difficult to have appropriate cash, have the right (local or home) currency and estimate costs.
Great Experience!!!
Great trip provided by our guide in Iceland. The group size was just nice with 12 of us and the sites impressive.
Cruise Croatia: Dubrovnik to Venice via Split (Peregrine Dalmatia)
Trip Type: Small group tour
Cruising the Adriatic Coast: Dubrovnik to Athens
Trip Type: Small group tour
Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc
Trip Type: Small group tour
Intrepid Travel - Quick Facts
Founded in 1989
No Single Supplement (rare exceptions)
Small Groups: max 16 on most trips (10 max during Covid-19)
Average Age: 48
Travel Style: Cultural immersion, adventure, overland, sustainable, and active
Accommodation Style: Camping, Hostels, 3 /4 star hotels, locally owned
Average Tour Price: $2,377
Top Regions: Asia, Africa, Europe, South America
Other Brands: Peregrine
Commonly compared with G Adventures »
Intrepid Travel is all about ‘real life experiences.’ With a name meaning fearless and adventurous, Intrepid offers nothing less than big travel adventures -- such as an 11-day hike through Papua New Guinea. However, Intrepid is broad-based enough to offer varied experiences such as food tours in Greece, complete with a visit to a Kalamata olive grove.
What Makes Intrepid Travel Stand Out?
Responsible travel
Industry experts
Authentic experiences
Small groups
Intrepid believes that with great travel experiences comes great responsibility. They are focused on responsible tourism which includes not only treading lightly but also making a positive impact on the destinations they send travelers to. As a Certified B Corp since 2018, Intrepid donates to grass root projects around the world, are a carbon-neutral business and are committed to animal welfare.
Travelers can rest assured when they travel with Intrepid because they will be in the hands of industry experts. Intrepid partners with local leaders to be guides for travelers. This gives travelers first hand experiences from someone who knows the area well.
Above all else, Intrepid strives to get its travelers off the beaten path and under the surface of the local culture. To accomplish this, group sizes are small, maximum of 16 on most trips. This allows for more use of local transportation and lodging, along with fostering cultural immersion. Intrepid also employs local English-speaking leaders who act more as a resource for local exploration than do typical ‘guides,’ shepherding groups from one place to another.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Intrepid Travel?
All ages
All types of travelers
Cultural enthusiasts
Intrepid is one of the early pioneers of the “adventure”-style guided trip. Despite its informal beginnings and emphasis on younger, highly adventurous travelers, Intrepid has expanded to a global company with a broad range of trips to fit all ages.
Intrepid divides its small-group trips into three separate styles of travel, all priced accordingly. “Basix,” for budget travelers, keep inclusions to a minimum and offer plenty of free time. “Original” journeys offer more included activities and hotels, while “Comfort” trips offer luxury experiences that include the highest level of included activities and standards of accommodation, as well as roomier vehicles. No matter what kind of traveler you are, there is a style right for your specific desires.
The age range on Intrepid tours varies widely from tour to tour, and they are welcoming to all ages. The only exception to this are their 18-29 themed tours which are specifically for that age group.
Intrepid travelers have a real sense of adventure - whether this means hard adventure, or simply going deeper off the beaten path. Interacting with locals is an important factor when you travel, as is gaining a unique cultural perspective. A sense of fun is also essential, whether it means going out at night with your tour mates, trying new foods, or exploring the local markets.
Which is better? Intrepid Travel or G Adventures?
Commonly compared, both G Adventures and Intrepid Travel specialize in culturally immersive and off-the-beaten-path experiences. They are top companies to consider if you enjoy local & authetic travel and value having lots of free time during the itinerary. See our ultimate guide to decide which is right for you: Intrepid vs G Adventures, full comparison »
Top Destinations
Originally focused on small group adventure tours to Asia, Intrepid has expanded rapidly over the years, while maintaining its classic, adventurous, and immersive style. Today Intrepid Travel offers more than 1,000 different experiences in over 100 countries, on all seven continents. Regions with the most trips include Asia, South America, Africa, and Europe.
Does Intrepid Travel include flights?
While all your internal transportation is taken care of, often utilizing traditiona local methods such as tuk-tuks in Thailand, international flights to and from your home and the tour destination are not included. Their travel specialists can recommend where to look for flights however.
Intrepid Travel Style
Intrepid enjoys using local, unique forms of transportation. You might find yourself traveling by felucca in Egypt or in a tuk-tuk on the best Thailand tour of your life.
Accommodations, which could range from guesthouses to home stays, are also locally owned, allowing a more authentic taste of the region while contributing to the local economy.
There are a few broad travel styles to choose from when deciding on an Intrepid tour:
1. Basix - Budget travelers who don’t mind, and in fact prefer, simple accommodations - camping and homestays with basic amenities, and crave a lot of free time for exploring independently will love these tours. Public transportation is used exclusively so pack light! These trips often attract a younger crowd who love the idea of throwing a backpack on, keep plenty of room for the unexpected in their schedule, and allocate their travel funds towards spontaneous bus tickets and street food instead of museum tours and 5 star restaurants.
2. Original - These trips take the backpacker spirit of local immersion, incorporating all the benefits that come with going with a planned itinerary. This style is called “Original” because it’s the type of travel that put Intrepid on the map...pun intended. Accommodations are still simple and budget minded - often homestays are used to give you a true sense of place, personality, and culture. Mostly public transportation is used.
3. Comfort - Intrepid is known for the active adventure style of travel and these trips keep that mentality, with a few more creature comforts thrown into the mix. You can expect higher luxury accommodations that include a wider variety of included amenities, transportation is mostly private, though you can still expect to use some public transport, as is the Intrepid way. More meals are included in the trip price, and more group activities - which means a bit less free time to explore on your own.
Why Choose a Tour With Intrepid Travel?
Intrepid is a good tour company if you don’t mind foregoing some creature comforts for a truly authentic, local experience. If you enjoy meeting locals when traveling, sampling new and exciting foods, and traveling in mixed-aged groups of 10-16 people, Intrepid could be a good fit for you.
It’s important to note, sometimes “ample free time” can be a blessing and a curse. It sounds great on paper, but if you’re looking to maximize your dollar and your vacation time, be sure you understand the implications of having a lot of free time during your itinerary.
For some travelers this is an absolute requirement, but for others it can be tough to branch off and explore independently - you also need to make sure you allocate enough travel money for independent meals.
The tour leaders are great resources of information for how to spend your free time, but if you like having a full day scheduled from breakfast to dinner, Intrepid may not be the best company for you.
Lastly, if sustainable and responsible travel is important to you, Intrepid has poured millions of dollars into local economies, and has a very strong emphasis on responsible travel. So you can feel good knowing that your money helps support some of the innkeepers, vendors, and communities that you’ll meet along the way.
Is Intrepid Travel Safe?
Yes, Intrepid is a very safe company to travel with and they take the safety of their tour goers very seriously.
In response to Covid-19, Intrepid has reduced their group size to an average of 10 people. Their guides have been fully trained on new sanitation requirements and Covid-19 health and safety guidelines.
They have also implemented flexible booking options.
General Covid-19 Travel News
Some countries are beginning to reopen to international visitors, with entry restrictions, while others have remained closed.
Keep checking back regularly to keep up to date with the frequently changing situation of the coronavirus.
Want more information about travel safety and the coronavirus? Read about where it's safe to travel to in 2020 >>
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Premier
Collette
#2 Pick of 211 Italy Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 444 Trips
Average Price
$ 289 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 8 – 15 days
Trip Prices $ 1,669 – $ 4,349
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Italy
136 Tours in Italy
we had an absolute wonderful time
My wife & I just returned from your National Parks tour and we had an absolute wonderful time. Great itinerary, tour director (Merrin) and driver (John). First class!
The Best
The best. I've worked with many travel companies, but now I only book my groups through Collette.
Had a river cruise booked for May 2020
Had a river cruise booked for May 2020 on the Danube but unfortunately because of Covid 19 it was cancelled. I had no issues in getting a full refund for my vacation. I will definitely rebook with Collette when things return to normal...
Northern Italy and Its Lakes featuring Padua and Venice - 2023
Trip Type: Group tour
Northern Italy and Its Lakes featuring Padua and Venice - 2022
Trip Type: Group tour
With a history that goes back to 1918, their experience speaks for itself. They provide comprehensive, well-managed guided tours for travelers seeking an exploratory, comfortable travel experience.
Collette - Quick Facts
Founded in 1918
Group size: It varies. Collette offers private and customizable tours, as well as small groups of between 14-24 guests
Typical age range: 45+
Average tour price: $2,996
Accommodation style: 4 star and above hotels and unique locations
Top regions: USA & Canada, Europe & UK
Commonly compared with Tauck and Trafalgar
What Makes Collette Tours Stand Out?
Flexibility & personalization
Expert tour managers
Easy booking process
Private & Customizable tours
Balances iconic must-sees with immersive cultural experiences
A long history in guided tourism means Collette knows every inch of guided travel. Take care of all the details like it’s second nature, and even though it's old hat every traveler is new and they dig into that. Collette recognizes that no two traveler is the same and approach each planning experience from a perspective of flexibility and personalization.
Their goal is to ease the hardship of planning and organizing for the traveler so you can fully enjoy the experience without worry or stress. At Collette, they know guided travel and have been successfully leading tours around the world to a growing, devoted customer base for nearly 100 years.
Collette tours are about letting you, the traveler, experience unbelievable, classic, and unique moments around the world.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Collette?
Travelers aged 45+
Moderately active travelers
Upper budget range
Do you love the ease of mind that comes with having every detail taken care of when you travel? Details that allow you to relax and enjoy the special little moments of discovering the world; learning about new cultures, awe inspiring wildlife encounters, and leisurely meals highlighting local cuisine? Then you are ideally suited to Collette tours.
The Collette traveler is typically older, in the 50+ range. Travelers who enjoy the finer things, value a premium to luxury style of accommodation and transportation, yet have an adventurous spirit will love traveling with Collette.
Recent retirees and active seniors who are game for anything are the kind of traveler who relish a tour with Collette - check out this group in Costa Rica - taking part in Costa Rica's famous ziplines!
If you don't want to be encouraged to jump in and push your comfort zone a bit, you may find yourself out of step on a majority of Collette tours. They have several offerings though, so don't let that discourage you.
Collette is ideal for active travelers who enjoy a comprehensive guided tour, with a lot of activity, and local experiences. These tours can involve extensive walking, sometimes over uneven surfaces, so a certain basic level of physical fitness is required.
Tours with Collette are classified by 5 basic physical levels, to help you find one best suited to you:
Level 1 - Mostly flat services and minimal walking. You should be comfortabe with climbing a few stairs, plus getting in and out of the coach
Level 2 - Average physical ability is required such as long stairs and walks of a few hours. Some walks may be over uneven ground.
Level 3 - Slightly longer distances and more frequent walks can be expected. Expect stairs and some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones or nature trails.
Level 4 - Expect to be on your feet longer, including periods of standing and more extensive walking periods. These tours may also feature nighttime activities, so you'll be active for a longer period of time.
Level 5 - Very active travel. Expect adventure experiences and activities, early mornings and late nights. You can also expect to experience the elements so be ready for rain, wind, dust, what have you.
Free days are included in most Collette tours, giving travelers time to relax, take walks on the beach, or maybe do some shopping.
If you’re the kind of traveler for whom the a glass of champagne out in the blazing sun of the Australian outback, gazing at Uluru, sounds idyllic - then Collette would be perfect for you.
Top Destinations
Collette tours travel all around the world, to all 7 continents including Antarctica. They are well known for Central and South America, Australia, and Africa. They also offer an impressive variety of North America tours including several in the United States and Canada.
Travel styles include everything from river cruises to family tours to faith based tours.
Collette Travel Style
Collette promises the “trip of a lifetime” through exclusive outings, luxury touches, and appreciating the moments of anticipation before the world reveals itself. Their travel style is about discovering new cultures, embracing the explorer within -- in time for a cocktail at the end of the day.
They have 6 broad classifications for travel style: Classic, Explorations, Spotlights, River Cruise, Faith, and Impact Travel:
1. Classic Collette Tours - This is what they call their Flagship collection, group tours that make the postcard come to life. Visit all the must see sites, enjoy cultural experiences, all with a professional and knowledgeable guide, there to help make your travel as seamless as possible. Groups are on the larger side
2. Explorations - These tours are about going deeper, meeting locals, and getting off the beaten path. “Authenticity” is a big word for Collette Explorations. You’ll experience the destination in a smaller group, an average of 18 people, allowing for access to more local experiences not available to larger groups. Classic sites will also be included in your itinerary, but the focus is mostly on unique experiences.
3. Spotlights - Have a shorter amount of time and don’t want to miss anything? Collette Spotlight tours are designed to maximize your city stay or short getaway experience. These are primarily walking tours, packed with sightseeing, historical and cultural information, but with some downtime as well. Typically these tours are between 5-9 days.
4. River Cruise - A very popular mode of travel, particularly for 50+ travelers, river cruising is ideal for those seeking a leisurely vacation, unpacking only once, enjoying gliding by beautiful sites and participating in various guided shore excursions. Collette river cruises go around the world, including China, Egypt, and Europe.
5. Faith - For those travelers interested in visiting religious sites, Collette has a group of tours dedicated to faith based travel. Visit world famous icons and learn their ancient histories.
Collette Faith tours visit everything from grand churches to the humble beginnings of the three major world religions in the Holy Land. Tours are history based with an emphasis on finding deeper spiritual significance and meaning. They also have trips to the Oberammergau Passion Play.
6. Impact Travel - Being a responsible traveler is an important component on all Collette tours, however if you’re seeking to do more to give back, their Impact Tours are a great way to do so. Sightsee with a purpose as you assist with local initiatives, volunteering among the community, helping in classrooms, and protecting local wildlife.
Why Choose a Tour with Collette?
Flexibility in planning
Extensions available pre or post tour date
Private airport transfer
Expert planners
If you are looking for an entertaining, fully escorted, active tour to explore new cultures, and enjoy unique experiences, Collette could be for you. They provide a dedicated guide, and handle all the details throughout the tour.
Free time is available on some days, but for the most part expect fairly full itineraries and a good amount of walking on their group tours. Some optional excursions are offered during the tour, so you can tailor your experience to a certain extent.
This is a great opportunity for meeting fellow travelers in a similar age range. Collette tours are open to everyone, but the majority of people on your tour will be older - in the 50+ range. Collette tours are ideal for travelers who want to have fun, enjoy the outdoors, and are open to new experiences.
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Preferred
Great Value Vacations
#3 Pick of 211 Italy Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 321 Trips
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 5 – 14 days
Trip Prices $ 860 – $ 3,599
Service Level Budget
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Italy
41 Tours in Italy
Had a great time
Had a great time but a lot of confusion with transportation to & from prepaid sites. Could have run smoother but with COVID & staff problems it's understandable. We would use them again.
Great Value
Great Rooms, Good Price!
My husband and I can’t enough
My husband and I can’t enough of Great Value Vacations! Rest assured with their insurance that is included so you are able to reschedule if your travel plans change or are canceled. Our return flight was canceled while we were on our trip and they took care of everything, rebooking our flight immediately. They definitely live up to their name!
Italy's Best
Trip Type: Group tour
Italian Vista
Trip Type: Group tour
Great Value Vacations provides pre-packaged, competitively priced vacation itineraries suitable to all traveler types. They are owned by DH Enterprise and Associates, Inc.
What Makes Great Value Vacations Stand Out?
Professionally planned itineraries
Flight & car rental available
Local insights
Budget minded
Unlike traditional guided tours, Great Value Vacations provides professionally planned packages for independent travelers booking a vacation. Everything from flights to car rental is available through the Great Value Vacations booking process.
Itineraries are designed by locals, so you can get a true sense of local authentic living while on your vacation.
Their packages are competitively priced, and designed by an extensive network of travel experts. You can choose from among several types of trip and their reviews speak for themselves in customer satisfaction.
Accommodations and activities are hand selected by their local experts or the “feet on the street” as they call it. They choose only the highest quality places to send you and your travel companions.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Great Value Vacations?
Independent planners
Budget travelers
All ages
Travelers who want a fully vetted itinerary and the peace of mind that comes with having all components taken care of will love the experience of a Great Value Vacations package. Because of the great variety they have available, families, older travelers, and young professionals can all find something suitable on Great Value Vacations.
It’s important to note that these trips are not a traditional group tour or private tour, with a guide. If you are looking for a different kind of packaged pre-set itinerary with a fellow group of travelers, we recommend checking out a few different group tour companies first.
These packages are great for independent minded travelers who still like the idea of a professionally planned itinerary, with unique experiences and activities, but plenty of free time. Great Value Vacations is also great for having all services in one place - including visa information, flight booking, hotel booking, and car rental.
Great Value Vacations is also a great options for budget travelers. They partner with various deals sites like Groupon to provide ongoing deals and specials (although the voucher system might be a bit complicated).
Top Destinations
Great Value Vacations operates tours in Africa, Asia, Europe, and The Caribbean. Travel styles include everything from all inclusive resort experiences, to quaint Bed & Breakfasts, to fully escorted tours, to rail journeys.
Great Value Vacations Ireland trips are quite popular, particularly now as Ireland has remained open to travelers during the Coronavirus pandemic. You can find several different affordable independent and self drive Ireland packages through Great Value Vacations.
Similarly, many American travelers are considering domestic travel for the next vacation. Great Value Vacations United States trips are a great choice for keeping the budget low and finding fun unique ways to explore your own backyard.
Great Value Vacations Travel Style
Adventurous
Local culture
Active
Flexible
Driving
The Great Value Vacations travel style is about convenience coupled with confidence - for an unforgettable adventure. Most of their packages involve driving, and their rental car availability is comprehensive as well as a big part of the value when using a Great Value Vacations package.
Itineraries include detailed directions, all your hotel information, and other important documents are available within 30 days of your booking. You are required to print all necessary documents provided to you via their Traveler Portal.
Most packages include a few guided day tours and several activities ranging from cultural to active.
There are several vacation types and themes to choose from that are available through Great Value Vacations. These include everything from Luxury to Self Drive Vacations (which is one of their most popular).
Why Choose a Tour with Great Value Vacations?
For the ease of booking a package all in one place, Great Value Vacations is a top choice. Their packages have the propensity to be a bit standard, however given that they are created by local experts - all itineraries bring a little something special to the itinerary. You’ll definitely see the important sites, as well as get some locally immersive hidden gems.
They bring all facets of planning travel into one place, at a competitive price, taking care of all the factors that can make planning travel stressful. They have an easy to use online booking system, eliminating the need for you to take any extra steps.
It's important to note that some travelers may find the Great Value Vacations booking model a bit convaluted. They are very much geared toward budget travelers which means you can may see them listed on sites like Groupon or other deals aggregators.
Great Value Vacations Covid-19 Travel Update
In response to the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19, Great Value Vacations is currently postponing all bookings, based on the travel date, current news, and country travel policies.
This precaution is in place at least until November 2020 and will likely be extended beyond that. At this time any current bookings with Great Value Vacations remain non-refundable.
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Perillo Tours
#24 Pick of 211 Italy Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 8 Trips
Average Price
$ 260 per day
Size Local Specialist
Tour Length 9 – 12 days
Trip Prices $ 2,395 – $ 2,990
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Italy
8 Tours in Italy
It was my dream to go to italy
It was my dream to go to italy, we went 2019 Perillo Tour and Angelica made my dream so memorable loved every minute. We are planning to go back 2022 Can’t wait!
Every single thing went perfectly and smoothly and it was a dream come true
We took the North Classic Tour in Sept 2019. It was the dream vacation we had been hoping for and planning for 15 years! We added Sicily at the beginning and my grandparents’ hometown outside Milan at the end, using all of Perillo’s recommended hotels and drivers, etc. We cannot say enough about Perillo Tours. All of their personnel from Devin in the office who helped us plan and patiently & cheerily worked with us and answered our many questions, to Daniela, our tour host in Italy, who I never want to visit Italy again without! She is just so wrapped up into my memories of Italy that I can’t separate her from our trip. Her knowledge and help and professionalism were top-notch! She was fabulous. We absolutely loved our trip: every hotel, every restaurant, every excursion (we took them all!) and all local guides were excellent, and our tour bus comfortable and tour bus driver was the incomparable Stefano! I could go on and on. Our personal local drivers hired by Perillo to escort us through our grandparents’ villages were fabulous, and not only drove us, but educated us the entire time about everything we were seeing and were totally Invested in our finding family and any info we could find. And I cannot finish without saying, although we planned to keep to ourselves, we met four of the dearest friends we’ll ever have on day one of this trip. So much so that everyone thought the 6 of us came together. Every single thing went perfectly and smoothly and it was a dream come true. Thank you, Perillo!
Thank you for the great memories
Took the Perillo Marco Polo Tour in May of 2018. It was the best. The 10 days were really exciting, Loved the tour guides. We had Sandra as our main tour guide. She was substituting for The original tour guide. She was so knowledgeable and caring, it was like getting world history lessons but better than you would have gotten in school. The other tour guides were also great, they care about you and make sure your trip was totally enjoyable. I took over 600 pictures and can't wait to go back to add more to our collection. Perillo Thank you for the great memories.
10 Day Marco Polo
Trip Type: Small group tour
Founded in 1945, and headquartered in New Jersey, Perillo was a pioneering company in the guided travel industry.
What Makes Perillo Stand Out?
Destination expertise
Well-balanced itineraries
Generous and satisfying meals
First-rate hotels
Perillo has been a name in the tourism industry since the 1940s, known for operating tours of Italy. Today Italy is still their main focus, though they have expanded to offer limited departures in Hawaii, Greece, and Costa Rica.
They provide well thought out and classic itineraries, showcasing the traditional sights, nicely augmented with local insider knowledge. Perillo is a classic tour company, offering several trip options including custom tours, destination weddings, and traditional escorted group trips. On the trip, you’ll benefit from their extensive experience and destination knowledge.
They have a dedicated Italy brand, “Perillo Italy Tours”, which expands on their long legacy providing Italy guided experiences, as well as a “Learning Journeys” brand. Their learning journeys travel to many more destinations, and cover a very wide range of interests, including certification classes for certain skills.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Perillo?
Older travelers
Solo female travelers
Those interested in classic, custom, and themed tours
All ages are welcome on Perillo tours, however their type of travel may be more enjoyed by older travelers looking for a calm, fully managed tour. Perillo is a bit old fashioned. They do one thing and do it well, and haven’t changed much in the 60 years that they’ve been around. So if you’re looking for a traditional guided tour, busy but not with too many bells and whistles, Perillo is a great choice.
One unique offering through Perillo is their faith-based journeys. This was one of the first types of tours designed by Perillo. You can visit Greece and the Holy Land, as well as several important religious destinations in Italy.
For travelers seeking an authentic religious-themed travel experience Perillo’s extensive experience leading and planning these kinds of tours is nearly unmatched.
Custom trip options are also available through Perillo. These custom group experiences cover a wide range of interests including yoga / health and wellness retreats, festivals, and learning tours geared toward universities. If you’re planning a destination wedding or honeymoon they have services dedicated to this as well.
Their Learning Journeys are perfect for solo female travelers and enthusiastic life learnings passionate about learning new skills, languages, or diving deeper into the history of a certain destination and culture.
Top Destinations
Perillo is known for, and primarily focuses on, Italy tours. Here their breadth of knowledge is impressive as they began operating Italy tour packages in 1945. Perillo Italy tours cover the whole country, including Sicily, with special emphasis on classic sights and local eats.
Perillo also offers escorted tours in Hawaii, Greece, and Costa Rica.
Their “Learning Tours,” focus on niche educational travel and classes around the world, including Africa & the Middle East, Asia, and Australia.
Perillo Travel Style
Large groups or private vacation packages
Tried and true is Perillo’s style. They may not have the most flashiest or easily navigable website out there, or the most unique itineraries, but they know guided tours, they know Italy, and they stick with the classics.
Hotels, meals, and activities on Perillo tours have been personally vetted and experienced by the founder, and they have everything down to a science.
Perillo Itineraries are between 9-10 days on average, often focusing on cuisine and historical sights. Groups tend to be between 20 and 40 people, and they often arrange private departures for large groups such as families or wedding parties.
Special interest tours are another popular kind of itinerary offered through Perillo. In Italy, they offer a number of golf tours, faith-based tours, and culinary tours. Learning tours often focus on cooking, as well as art and history, science, and wildlife.
Why Choose a Tour With Perillo?
Classic sites and itineraries
Guides with significant destination expertise
For an Italy tour that appreciates the standards and approaches their itineraries from a local point of view, Perillo is the place to go. Their tours operate from the major cities to the charming hill towns more off the beaten path. You'll have a carefully crafted tour with a thoughtful balance of sightseeing, free time, optional activities, and relaxation.
They are not the flashiest of tour companys, and their website is somewhat difficult to navigate to find all the options available - of which there are a good number. But they certainly have laurels to rest on given their extensive background and long historic legacy in guided tourism.
Covid-19 Updates
Perillo is updating their status regarding trip operations on a regular basis. As of October 2020, all November 1 - 15th departures are postponable without subject to cancellation fees.
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Uniworld
#26 Pick of 211 Italy Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 43 Trips
Average Price
$ 429 per day
Size Regional Expert
Tour Length 8 – 10 days
Trip Prices $ 2,799 – $ 3,499
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
River Cruise Line
Trips in Italy
15 Tours in Italy
better the second time around?
This was our 6th Uniworld and 2nd time down part of the Danube.
local guides very good; better than last time. food remains excellent; lunch food choices in particular are better than before. service, in particular Dining room, remains excellent. servers really attempt to learn food and drink preferences. front desk service is excellent. small improvements in room (chocolate jar; audio box chargers in closet; closet hanger rods more like home than ship) appreciated.
the ship is starting to need updating; our shower stall needed to be re-grouted; deck might need to be refinished in areas. elevator never worked during cruise; 24 hr. coffee machine malfunctioned for 3 days. the itinerary itself isn't full of "must-sees" but has has sights and experiences that might be hard for you to do on your own with just a guidebook.
While cruise wasn't perfect, we would travel with Uniworld again; possibly even down the Danube a 3rd time, but on a newer ship.
Professioal, friendly and unforgetable experience for the cruise
The facility on ship was good. Staff servicing us were very professionally good. For the meals it was indeed very nice especially the kitchen was able to provide some Asian dishes that is fantastically great.
Highly recommend
Me and Nena are in cruise business more than 38 years and booked so many river cruises in Europe and charter ships in Russia, India, Egypt and Ukraine. Uniworld offer excellent cruise and we highly recommend this great company.
Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy (2022)
Trip Type: River cruise
Milan, Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy (2022)
Trip Type: River cruise
Gems of Northern Italy
Trip Type: River cruise
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, part of the giant Travel Corporation umbrella of tour companies and cruise lines, is a luxury, all-inclusive line offering itineraries on a total of 22 rivers in 29 countries worldwide.
What Makes Uniworld Stand Out?
Uniworld provides the pinnacle of luxury river cruising. They are known for their attention to detail, and extremely warm and attentive customer service. Traveling with Uniworld is to enter another world and experience the joy and comfort that comes with unpacking once, and really catering the journey to your pace.
Many excursions are available during the cruise, as well as top line on-board activities and dining.
Like other Travel Corporation brands, Uniworld contributes to the not-for-profit TreadRight Foundation, which works to promote sustainable tourism projects worldwide.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Uniworld?
Uniworld is perfect for those travelers who are looking to relax, only upack once, and can somewhat cater their experience once aboard the river cruise - enjoying as many or as few port excursions (extra fee) or simply exploring on your own before it’s time to leave port.
River cruising with Uniworld is a luxurious experience. Staff are attentive, everything is crisp and clean, and much attention to detail is paid to make sure your experience on board is enjoyable and every possible need is met.
It’s a “dress for dinner” kind of experience aboard Uniworld. Where you can enjoy fine wine, food, and appreciate a bit of a throwback feel. During the days many active travel opportunities can be found such as cycling and walking tours, or if you prefer you can dial it down to enjoy at your own pace. Travelers are often older, in the 50 plus range, many couples, and some friend groups.
Top Destinations?
Destinations include a number of European rivers as well as those in Russia, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, and India (India cruises begin in 2016, aboard the new Ganges II Explorer).
Uniworld Travel Style
Uniworld ships average a maximum of 130 passengers, and the staff-to-guest ratio is very high. The line is noted for its service and cuisine and has won numerous industry awards. All-inclusive pricing includes unlimited beverages aboard, shore excursions and gratuities, with just a few exceptions.
Why Choose a Cruise with Uniworld?
If you’re looking for a top of the line luxury travel experience on some of the world’s most picturesque rivers, then Uniworld is a fantastic option.
These trips are best suited for active older travelers. There are many excursions available and the amenities on board, service, and culture all create an unforgettable luxury river cruise experience.
Tweets by UniworldCruises
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Insight Vacations
#31 Pick of 211 Italy Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 1,427 Trips
Average Price
$ 313 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 8 – 27 days
Trip Prices $ 1,925 – $ 10,185
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Italy
472 Tours in Italy
Our trip was cancelled due to COVID and after 90 days still no refund
We spent $21,000 for my son's graduation trip for the family. Of course the company cancelled the trip and after 90 days they still have not refunded a dime. We got travel insurance but that has not helped us. It is devastating and we can get in touch with our travel agent but Insight will not deal with us directly. They told our travel agent today that now it could take up to 120 days to see a refund. I am afraid our money is gone
Well thought out journey. Am very pleased I went.
Excellent guide, who went out of his way to show us places not on the official tour. Tour was educational and well worth while. However, some of the buffet meals were below your standard.
Milan, Venice, Firenze and Rome were beyond anticipation,...Absolutely Wonderful!!!! You can leave off Pisa.
Francis Touscheck was fantastic. Very informative and knowledgeable on the history. Christine was also fantastic in Rome, Vatican.
European Grandeur - Start Paris, Small Group, 2023 Start Paris End Amsterdam Small Group
Trip Type: Group tour
European Grandeur - Start Paris, Small Group, 2022 Start Paris End Amsterdam Small Group
Trip Type: Group tour
Located in London, and part of the sweeping family-owned Travel Corporation, Insight Vacations provides signature itineraries according to 7 specific trip styles.
What Makes Insight Vacations Stand Out?
Insight does not skimp -- hotels tend to be centrally located, if more expensive, so that guests can experience a destination at night and have more free time at their disposal.
“Signature” experiences dot every itinerary: these may be interesting historic hotels, special activities (such as a private opera or orchestra performance),or authentic local restaurants. Most everything is included in the base rates.
You can choose from numerous different trip styles with Insight Vacations:
Discovery Journeys: Recommended for first time visits, these are classic tours designed to introduce travelers to the country or region. Most top tourist sites will be included in these itineraries. These are often multi-country and city trips.
Regional Journeys: Forget the country hopping fast paced tour style - these trips are for exploring one region at a slower pace. Great for travelers who want to experience all sides of one destination and are not concerned with country counting.
Country Roads: If you're feeling "been there done that" about most destinations but don't quite know how to explore beyond the tourist track without missing anything, this is the style for you. Discover the local side of the destination with insights from the experts. Recommended for well traveled people visiting for a second or third time.
Easy Pace: For the independent traveler unsure if a guided tour is the best fit, Insight offers "Easy Pace" tours. These provide ample free time to explore on your own and plenty of flexibility to the itinerary. You'll spend 3+ days in each stop which is a great way to slow down and enjoy the journey.
Special Interest: Have a particular hobby or interest you'd like to dive deeper into? Insight's Special Interest tours could be a great fit. Think a tour of Europe centered around flower shows or a trip to discover Europe's artistic legacy.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Insight Vacations?
Affluent travelers
50+
Social travelers
Foodies
Insight’s typical customers are upscale English-speaking baby boomers in their 50s and 60s.
The kind of traveler who appreciates the finer things, loves the idea of a day out in the fresh air followed by a private dining experience with high caliber food and wine, will love the exceptional service that comes with an Insight Vacations tour.
If you enjoy meeting new people in a small group setting, the group travel experience with Insight is all about creating the intimacy and opportunity to meet new friends and make lasting connections. And they provide a few different ways to make this possible, from groups of around 32 people, to special interest trips.
However if you prefer the idea of traveling in a private setting, Insight will customize the travel experience to what you and your friend group or family group want to see.
Foodies will definitely enjoy traveling with Insight Vacations as well! They make food and dining a focal point of interest on their itineraries, in a way that really stands out.
Top Destinations
Insight Vacations offers premium motor coach tours throughout Europe, the UK, and North America. In recent years, they've added more Asian and North African destinations.
Insight Vacations Travel Style
Insight seeks to fill a “premium” niche that falls above first class and a notch below luxury. Customer comfort on the road is a priority. If visions of cramped bus tours come to mind, note that Insight coaches have been stripped down to 40 seats, compared to 49 to 53 for normal tour buses. This allows for double the leg room, and a truly upscale coach travel experience.
Meanwhile, tour directors and local guides keep passengers entertained by delivering “insights” (in English) into local culture, history and politics.
They also take your dining experience into account. Insight offers several different ways to make food a highlight during your trip. These include fine dining options at innovative local restaurants, unique farm to table meals, cooking demonstrations, and even learning to make local dishes yourself.
Similar attention is paid to selecting the hotels and accommodations you will enjoy throughout your Insight Vacations tour. Lodgings are chosen for their central locations as well as significance to and representation of the destination.
Why Choose a Tour with Insight Vacations?
Comfortable and upscale
Local insights
Group size 35-40
Numerous travel themes
The Insight Vacations tagline is “the art of traveling in style”. They take this idea seriously both pre trip and while you’re on the ground.
If you’re looking for luxury beyond the silk sheet stereotype, consider Insight Vacations. Everything is planned out to the letter, groups are small, and you experience personalized service and passionate travel guides every step of the way.
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Premier
Trafalgar
#32 Pick of 211 Italy Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 849 Trips
Average Price
$ 329 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 7 – 32 days
Trip Prices $ 1,625 – $ 9,825
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Italy
842 Tours in Italy
Trafalgar is worst Tavel operator for Customer Sevice
Trafalgar cancelled a trip for Canada that we had paid for in full as the borders were closed and asked us to take a credit towards our next trip. That was in 2019. We finally applied that credit for a trip to Greece and plus an additional $1550.00 on June 30, 2021. By July 31, 2021 the CDC was warning that Greece was Level Red and we should not travel to Greece. Our trip was scheduled for August 30th. We were unable to give them 30 days cancellation notice and now not only are they charging a 50% penalty they want us to take another credit. We asked if we could postpone our trip to next April and they said No. we’ve done a couple of other trips with them and I considered them to be a class act. It troubles me that they are not worried about our welfare and I have to ask “are they about to close their business?” I will never travel with them again based on how they’ve treated me and others during this worldwide pandemic!
thanks for the trip of a lifetime
Our guide for Italy and Sicily was so knowledgeable. If she did not know the answer, she found it by looking it up. Trafalgar see to your every need. We were so comfortable in every situation. Thanks for the trip of a lifetime.
I can't wait to travel with them again!
The guides are amazing and everyone does their best to accommodate the guests. There is ample free time to explore on one's own as well as optional extra excursions. I can't wait to travel with them again!
Italian Glory
Trip Type: Group tour
Best of the Italian Lakes
Trip Type: Group tour
Traditional Europe End Paris
Trip Type: Group tour
Trafalgar is a name many seasoned travelers will recognize. A branch of the Travel Corporation, whose brands all enjoy stellar reputations, Trafalgar has been offering classic and affordable tours for over 70 years.
Trafalagar Tours - Quick Facts
Founded: in 1947
Group size: Large Groups, between 40-45 people
Mode of transportation: Primarily large comfortable coaches
Accommodation style: Unique 3 & 4 star hotels and guest houses
Typical age range: 50+
Single travelers welcome (single supplements are required, but often discounted)
Average tour price: $3,796
Top Regions: Europe, USA, Canada
Related TTC Brands: Insight Vacations, Uniworld, Brendan Vacations
Commonly compared with: Insight Vacations & Globus
What Makes Trafalgar Tours Stand Out?
Budget friendly without cutting activities
Comfortable, not physically demanding tours
Largely focused on cultural immersion
Destination specific accommodation styles
Strong reputation
Dedicated to responsible tourism - Founding member of TreadRight Foundation
Good balance of free time and inclusions
Trafalgar is a budget friendly group tour operator with premium tastes. Their motto is “See the world from the inside,” - this is the place to come for culturally rich and immersive travel experiences that don’t break the bank or the back.
Tours with Trafalgar are comfortable, not too physically demanding, and offer the opportunity to meet, talk, eat and drink with locals. You’ll get to know chefs, artisans, craftsmen, historians, and farmers as you explore what makes each destination truly special.
Trafalgar has a strong reputation, having been around since 1947 - putting them right at the pinnacle of when many premier guided tour companies were established. You’ll meet groups of like minded travelers, enjoy cultural experiences, expertly crafted itineraries with local touches and experiences guides, while traveling in comfort and ease.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Trafalgar?
Older travelers (but all ages are welcome)
Families
Mid to high range budget travelers
Those who enjoy slow-paced itineraries and easy physical activity
Those who favor historic sightseeing & cultural immersion over hard core adventure
If you are an active traveler, perhaps recently retired, eager to explore the world in comfort, visiting a nice combination of unique local spots and classic sites, then Trafalgar could be a great choice.
Possibly you are new to group tours and packages, having been used to creating your own travel experiences at a younger age - Trafalgar provides the perfect introduction to group tours.
You'll have plenty of free time to explore on your own, for shopping, sightseeing, and meals away from the group. Optional excursions are available throughout the itinerary for when you want a bit more structure.
Families will also get a lot out of the Trafalgar travel experience. If you're seeking a family vacation and interested in introducing a new generation of travelers to your favorite country - but don’t really have the time or patience to worry about planning out all the logistics - Trafalgar could be a great choice.
While they offer many trip styles, suitable for travelers of all ages, their classic touch is popular among older travelers. Classic doesn’t mean old fashioned or tired - simply a bit less on the active adventure and more on the historic sights and cultural experiences. They have a number of family focused tours, as well as tailored trips for special interests.
Trafalgar trips are budget friendly, with most trips in middle to low range, including a “Cost Saver” feature that allows you to see more inexpensive trips broken down by ratings and cost clearly. They offer several deals on trips throughout the year.
Trafalgar is a British brand, so many of the attendees on your tour will be from the UK.
Top Destinations
Europe & the UK
USA and Canada
Australia & New Zealand
Asia
South America
With Trafalgar, you can find trips to Europe, USA & Canada, South America, Asia, Australia & New Zealand. While the destinations are widespread, Trafalgar trips explore the culture and their highly trained local guides take you to hidden local spots without venturing too far outside the comfort zone.
Tours in Europe and the UK are among the most popular itineraries, utlizing guest houses and even castles for accommodation!
Their USA & Canada tours are extremely popular for outdoorsy travelers. National Parks are a common itinerary item, as are trips along the Rocky Mountaineer railroad.
In South America, Trafalgar travels to Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and Peru. In Africa, they go to Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa. In Asia, it’s Cambodia, China, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
And in the Pacific, Trafalgar visits Australia and New Zealand - some trips in this region are more basic when it comes to accommodation so be sure to read the itinerary carefully!
Wherever you go, you can expect high quality guides, unique destination-specific accommodations, and smooth travels.
They also have a number of religious themed tours, including trips that include excursions to Oberammergau, Bavaria. Once a decade this small town presents a Passion Play, and Trafalgar has had special access since 1970. The next time to experience this unique event is 2020.
Trafalgar Travel Style
The Trafalgar travel style is all about getting to know the culture through activities and connecting with locals. Their main tagline is “Discover the Good Life”. On Trafalgar tours, you get to experience the real thing in a safe, escorted environment with knowledgeable guides there to help with the language and provide historical and cultural context.
"Discovering the Good Life" encompasses perks like skipping lines and private access to classic sites; and unique experiences that bring you to places and among people you’d never have the chance to meet traveling on your own.
This kind of travel is local immersion, but not in the same way a 25 year old might interpret that idea.
Rather than bunking at hostels, going out late at night, and enjoying potentially questionable street food, you’ll stay in premium, centrally located and culturally significant accommodations - everything from bed and breakfasts in Ireland to hotels right on the banks of Norwegian fjords.
Learn cooking techniques in Italy, enjoy private winery tours at French chateaus, and touring a small olive farm in Spain are just a few examples of the kind of unique travel experiences you can expect with Trafalgar.
Groups are large, typically between 40-45 travelers, a max of 52 on trips in the USA and Canada. Primary transportation during the tour is in large coaches, equipped with WiFi (with the exception of Alaska) and featuring large viewing windows - ideal for taking in the scenery as you head to your next spot on the itinerary.
Most meals during Trafalgar tours are included. Trips often include free time during which you can explore on your own, with suggestions from your expert guides.
Why Choose a Tour with Trafalgar?
Well known company
Culturally rich experiences in comfort
Many activities included, plus some optional choices
All guides are expertly trained
Large groups of international travelers
Trafalgar has a solid reputation, and they stick to what they’ve done well for over 50 years. They focus on the classics, providing a culturally rich perspective as you meet locals along the way. Their experience has allowed them to cultivate relationships around the world with local businesses - quality control you can trust for every stop along the trip.
Niche tours based on specialized interests are also something they are proud to offer. Trafalgar is where you go to have the essentials and logistics take care of seamlessly while you sit back and enjoy. Do note that these tours can be quite large - 40 people traveling together in a tour group can be stifling for some.
While they appeal to an older crowd due to their history and recognizable name, Trafalgar has an impressively well integrated social media presence. Trips on their site are accompanied by instagram posts from real travelers who have been on the same tour, using the hashtag #SimplyTrafalgar.
Old or young(ish), couple or single, traveling Simply Trafalgar inspires confidence, comfort, and enjoyment.
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Preferred
Peregrine Adventures
#34 Pick of 211 Italy Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 151 Trips
Average Price
$ 396 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 8 – 26 days
Trip Prices $ 3,745 – $ 10,840
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Italy
46 Tours in Italy
Expect I'm not the only one
they are 'fair weather friends'
I did not receive so much as an email advising of changes in the cancellation policy, discovered when I contacted them to cancel.
I now receive automated emails/msgs as I attempt to work through this.
The email states I may contact them on 31 July to discuss the matter!....4 months away.
I'm absolutely stunned by how shoddy this outfit is....who knew?!
Out of pocket $4000.
Expect I'm not the only one.
Highly Recommended
Currently experiencing “Cruising the Thai Islands” with Peregrine and I am loving everything! The local knowledge and immersive experiences are second to none and our guides are extraordinary
Highly Recommended
Currently experiencing “Cruising the Thai Islands” with Peregrine and I am loving everything! The local knowledge and immersive experiences are second to none and our guides are extraordinary
Italy, Slovenia and Croatia by Land and Sea
Trip Type: Small group tour
Cruise Croatia: Dubrovnik to Venice via Split
Trip Type: Small group tour
Dalmatia and the Adriatic by land and sea
Trip Type: Small group tour
With Peregrine Adventures, ‘anywhere is possible.’ Based in Australia, Peregrine has led small-group, ‘soft’ adventure-style trips worldwide for over 30 years. It was one of the first operators to employ local leaders, a practice that is now widespread in guided travel.
What Makes Them Stand Out?
While considering itself an adventure travel company, Peregrine promises to “smooth down the bumps and rough edges.” In short, it’s more about soft adventure with added comforts than roughing it. Group sizes are kept small, with no more than 16 travelers per trip. Its philosophy is that while “seeing the famous sites is a must, it’s those memories of wandering through a little village or sharing dinner with a local family that leave a lasting impression.” The small-group aspect allows for more time to absorb the nature of the places visited, and to make a minimal environmental impact on them as well.
Who Travels With Them?
While Peregrine is a global company, many of its travelers originate from Australia and New Zealand. However, their groups can be geographically diverse, with most travelers 50+ years of age.
Where Do They Operate? Peregrine offers a wide variety of exciting global destinations, with 200 trips across 80 countries -- spanning from Egypt to Turkey to Canada trips! The company is perhaps best known for its Himalayan trekking excursions to far-flung destinations including Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. It was a pioneer in high-altitude trekking and these trips remain among their most popular today.
How Does it Work?
Most travel is by private, air-conditioned minibus, but you might find yourself on a houseboat in Kerala, India, a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka, or a mountain lift on the best Switzerland tour you've ever experienced. Lodging and dining is at smaller, locally run hotels and restaurants. You might also dine with locals from time to time, and stay with local families or at campsites as well.
Why Travel With Them?
Peregrine is a good choice if you’re looking for a bit of a softer landing with respect to transportation and accommodations but still crave an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience. If you’re looking for more individual travel, Peregrine will craft independent journeys, arrange self-guided walking and cycling tours, or arrange private group and tailor-made trips. It’s your choice. Peregrine also helps support various community and conservation projects via its ties with the Intrepid Foundation.
Tweets by PeregrineSpirit
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CIE Tours
#42 Pick of 211 Italy Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 127 Trips
Average Price
$ 200 per day
Size Regional Expert
Tour Length 7 – 11 days
Trip Prices $ 2,230 – $ 3,185
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Italy
3 Tours in Italy
Loved our experience
Loved our experience with our tour guide Mert our CIE tour in July/August of 2015 we have many pictures that we wanted to share with our group — I believe maybe however, the person in charge of creating a group page for our group — couldn’t read my handwriting when we had past the clipboard around to put our email addresses on as myself, husband and daughter never received any notification of the group page — kelli_landaverde@icloud.com or Kelli_landaverde@yahoo.com ; a.ponce219@gmail.com ; aponcelandaverde@gmail.com —- would still love to keep in touch with the group — that’s what’s so sad being together side by side for two weeks getting to know someone and then to never hear from one another ever again
Both unfair and unacceptable
Like many others here, we have clients booked with CIE Tours, and their tours have been canceled, in one case twice. CIE only offers a future travel credit, without option for a refund. They say that their policy is like other tour operators, however, Globus Family of Brands and others that we work with are offering the option for a full refund in the case that they cancel the tour. Clients are upset and CIE's policy is both unfair and unacceptable.
Our Guide was awesome. John did an amazing job
I took my 80 year old Dad and he bragged about it every day till he passed 5/2020. It was the best thing I have ever done. Wish I could do it again with him.
Taste of Italy with Sorrento
Trip Type: Group tour
Taste of Italy
Trip Type: Group tour
Venice, Florence, Rome & Sorrento
Trip Type: Group tour
New Jersey-based CIE Tours, in business since 1932, is one of the largest operators of escorted coach tours through the British Isles, Eastern Europe, Italy, and Ireland.
Quick facts
Founded in 1932
Travel Style: Large Coaches, not handicap accessible
Single supplement required for those traveling solo
Group Size: Average 35, maximum 48
Typical Age Range: Older travelers 50+. Children are welcome, minimum of 8 years old, so families are common as well.
Average Tour Price: $2,233
Accommodation Style: 3, 4, and 5 star hotels, depending on the itinerary. 4 stars are the most popular, combining a decent price with comfortability.
What Makes CIE Tours Stand Out?
Specialize in Ireland tours
All-inclusive and great value
Discount Offers
CIE is a long-established company with extensive regional knowledge in Ireland. They offers especially good value, with all-inclusive pricing. Also look for early-booking discounts as well as seasonal discounts for solo travelers.
As part of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), CIE ensures that their company goes above and beyond when it comes to their client’s safety. They also offer a wide-range of itineraries depending on the client’s budget, interest, and schedule.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with CIE Tours?
Ages 50+
History buffs
Mid to high budget travelers
Those who want all parts of the itinerary planned out
Travelers seeking all-inclusive group tours of England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as a few destinations in Continental Europe. Customers tend to be aged 50-plus and have an interest in history and wish to stay in nice hotels (ranging from three to five stars) with a choice of budgets.
The kind of traveler who enjoys a completely hassle free experience, with all activities, meals, and sightseeing planned out. Coach tours are generally enjoyed by travelers who like driving - daydream and gaze out large windows at the world passing by in comfort on your way to the next wonderful stop.
If you love learning about history, culture, with your days full of ancient cities, churches, and historical information their guide style would be a good fit. And with the occasional spa day at your hotel thrown in these all-encompassing journeys take care of the mind and the body.
Top Destinations
Ireland
Europe
CIE Tours are especially known for tours in and around Ireland, and this is their primarily focus. They also travel to Scotland and Britain, with a small number of coach tours offered in Italy, Eastern Europe, and the Balkan Peninsula. Occasionally, river cruises on the Rhine and Danube are also available.
CIE Tours Travel Style
Most of their tours are on large, roomy, comfortable coaches, in the premium - luxury range. Amenities on board are basic, and coaches make frequent stops to avoid the need for using the restroom on the bus.
Group size is a max of 48, though 35 people is the average on the CIE Tours. Virtually all aspects of the trip – with no optional extras -- are included in the initial rate, which will not go up after booking, and departures are guaranteed. Itineraries range from 5 to 24 days, though the majority sit in the 8-10 day range.
CIE will also set up self-drive trips and homestay and B&B vacations for you if you want to travel on your own, or arrange customized tours for groups of 10 or more people.
Why Choose a Tour With CIE?
With more than eight decades of experience, CIE Tours offers dependable service and regional know-how. The company estimates that the average traveler will save $550 per week by not having to pay for optional extras during the trip. Their all-inclusive tours alleviate the stress of planning a vacation by providing daily guided tours, hotels, meals, and airport transfers.
CIE Tour guides are experts in Ireland and the other regions they travel through, so if you’re looking for comfort, inclusivity of price, plus a high caliber of knowledge and experience, this is a good place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the CIE Travel Protection Plan?
Travel insurance is required on all CIE Tours. The Travel Protection Plan is an easy, convenient way to purchase insurance at the time of your booking, covering cancellation. See other travel insurance options
2. Are there restrooms on the coaches?
Yes, most CIE coaches have restrooms for emergencies. Safety protocol means they are not to be used while the coach is in motion. CIE Tours make regular stops for travelers to stretch their legs and use the facilities.
3. Are CIE Tours handicap accessible?
No. Unfortunately the coaches are not equip to handle large wheelchairs or scooters. Walkers or foldable wheelchairs can be accommodated. Sightseeing tours require some walking over short distances, and some difficult stairs, such as when exploring castles. Uneven surfaces are common especially when exploring old sites and ruins.
4. What should I pack?
One large piece of luggage is permitted, which will fit under the coach. Layers are advisable for the weather in Ireland, which can be chilly. You may also bring a small backpack or purse. On “Supreme” tours, men will require a dinner jacket, but on all other tours this is not necessary. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
5. Are tips included?
No, tips for your driver, porter, guides, and tour director are not included in the price. They are not required, but are a customary show of gratitude, especially if you enjoyed the trip!
6. What about airport transfer?
If you choose to purchase airfare through CIE, complimentary airport transfer is provided for flights arriving before noon. You can choose to purchase airport transfer if you elect to buy your airfare separately.
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CostSaver
#44 Pick of 211 Italy Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 0 Trip
Size Regional Expert
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Italy
14 Tours in Italy
Refund refused for tour canceled by Costsaver
I reserved a tour O& Europe in early 2019 for a tour commencing in June 2020. The terms of cancelation by Costsaver in effect at time of booking offered a full refund. Costsaver canceled the tour in April 2020 due to COVID -19 and refuses to give a refund as they have changed their terms and are claiming Force Majoure. They offer a future tour credit if used by 2021. I don’t plan on taking another tour so I am out the $900 that I have invested in the canceled tour.
I will never book with this company again.
I booked a trip in August 2019 for June 2020 date. Not only was I charged a different amount from the quote I was given, but then the trip was cancelled. I purchased travel insurance for nothing. I am now told that no refunds will be given and the credit is only good for those who were on the original itinerary. Not to mention when I call the airline, they say they can’t help because the airfare has not been canceled yet. I have tried communicating with the agent we booked with and he is just rude. I asked to speak to someone else or his supervisor and he told me there is no one. I have filled out contact forms and no one is following up. Terrible way to treat customers. I will never book with this company again.
the tours you offer are brilliant
the tours you offer are brilliant
Preferred
Contiki
#46 Pick of 211 Italy Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 3,098 Trips
Average Price
$ 192 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 3 – 35 days
Trip Prices $ 845 – $ 7,414
Service Level Budget
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Italy
579 Tours in Italy
Cape Safari & Falls...amazing!!!
Worth every penny!! This trip was a once in a lifetime kind of trip and I think was great value for money!!
A heartless tour company!!
Let me start by saying that I did not even get the chance to go on this trip. A week prior to my trip to Spain, an immediate family member of mine become ill with imminent death. I was unable under the circumstances to travel and wanted to cancel my trip and was willing to reschedule for a later date or get a credit. This was a very expensive trip for both my sister and I, taking us years to save up for it. The response we received from our agent is that Contiki is not willing to postpone the travel, even after we were willing to pay an extra fee. This tells me that this company is GREEDY and HEARTLESS. My family member has since passed away, 3 days before my departure date which was supposed to be on July 2nd. I even went to check the Contiki website and was shocked to see that my trip which was previously full, has now opened up spots to fill our place. Now, not only are they keeping the money of 2 young hardworking people, but also making money off filling our spots!! I've never experienced such injustice and mistreatment from a company in my entire life! This company has no sympathy and ZERO understanding for a situation as devastating as death. My sister and I were so excited to go on this trip and were very upset by the timing of our situation... but how can you control when a loved one will pass??????? SHAME ON YOU CONTIKI. If nothing is done to resolve this unfair policy, I will make sure not to recommend your tours to anyone.
The trip itself was incredible
The trip itself was incredible, we had so many activities, most of them you had to pay for but it was defiantly money well spent, it was worth it!! There was a lot of travelling involved but it was all an amazing adventure, and we got to get to know everyone much better.
European Explorer plus Mykonos Island
Trip Type: Small group tour
European Vistas (From April 2022)
Trip Type: Small group tour
European Vistas (From April 2022)
Trip Type: Small group tour
Since 1962, Contiki has been a leader in providing exceptional global experiences for 18-35 year olds.
What Makes Contiki Stand Out?
Contiki offers a huge amount of tour options tailor made for younger travelers. They pride themselves on creating lifelong memories among international groups of like-minded travelers. They offer a comprehensive selection of trips, over 300 of them, all over the world.
Their product range spans three different styles based on the pace of the trip: Discovery Plus, In-Depth Explorer, and Easy Pace. Make sure to read the details of each trip and choose the right one for your travel style.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Contiki?
Is Contiki only for 18-35?
Yes, Contiki is specifically for travelers between the ages of 18-35.
Sociable, spontaneous, and easy-going travelers who are between the ages of 18-35 will definitely love the Contiki travel experience. These are trips for those young people who travel for the sheer joy of meeting locals, experiencing the nightlife, relaxing in the sun, and pounding the pavement for the next unique local gem.
Having a good time, being active, and spending less time in museums is something to expect on a Contiki tour. If you’re the kind of young person who likes meeting a lot of new people, are excited to try new things Contiki could be a good choice.
Contiki trips are very much about being young and having fun - so you might miss a particular cultural attraction in favor of a group decision to instead explore a local market or neighborhood not in the guidebooks. Contiki tends to attract partiers more than bookworms.
The guides and groups are generally warm and welcoming.
Top Destinations
Contiki offers 300+ trips in over 50 countries. They are especially popular for young travelers looking to explore Europe and Asia. Other top regions include Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Contiki Travel Style
Contiki trips keep budget very much in mind when designing their trips. Expect a mix of 2 to 3-star hotels, guesthouses, and hostels on most trips. Contiki uses a mix of private coaches and public transportation to get around.
The Contiki travel style is designed to allow for spontaneity - appreciate and get to know the culture through immersive activities, outdoors adventures, and local gems, off the tourist path.
Contiki trips can be found in 6 broad themes:
1. Discoverer - For the widest mix of sites and activities. These trips are multi-country and city, jam packed with attractions and hidden gems.
2. High Energy - For those travelers who are all for maximizing their fun day and night.
3. In Depth Explorer - If cultural travel is what you gravitate to, these trips are going to suit you the best.
4. Independent Insider - For if you value a lot of free time to explore, setting your own schedule and curating the experience for your interests.
5. Camping - Truly budget travel, sleeping under the stars, camping trips with Contiki are currently available in Europe.
6. Winter & Ski - Hitting the slopes and Christmas markets in Europe, enjoying some off-season perks like fewer crowds and lower prices.
7. Sailing, Cruise, Beach - If being out on the water is your bread and butter, and suntanning on the beach calls your name every time you travel, these trips are for you.
8. Festivals & Short Stays - Festival travel has grown in popularity, especially among younger crowds. Contiki will help organize these often confusing and crowded events.
Why Choose a Tour With Contiki?
Contiki is a great choice for younger travelers looking to socialize with others during their trip. All of their travelers are between the ages of 18-35, and having a good time is one of their primary reasons for traveling with Contiki.
Groups are a mix of people from the US, Canada, Australia, and the U.K.
They have lots of experience leading cultural tours in different parts of the world and have a wide range of options to choose from.
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Monograms
#45 Pick of 211 Italy Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 1,297 Trips
Average Price
$ 231 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 4 – 16 days
Trip Prices $ 734 – $ 3,659
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Italy
377 Tours in Italy
I would not recommend this place
I would not recommend this place. I had a trip booked and because of covid-19 I canceled. They would not refund 500 dollars.
Obsessed
Obsessed. Very good experience throughout.
Monograms canceled but no refund
Monograms canceled our October African Safari in June due to their new Covid restrictions. They did not refund our deposit paid in January.
Rome Getaway 3 Nights
Trip Type: Self-guided tour
Florence Getaway 4 Nights
Trip Type: Self-guided tour
Florence Getaway 3 Nights
Trip Type: Self-guided tour
Monograms, one of the Globus family of brands, offers classic vacation packages to many of the world’s most popular destinations. The company has many years of experience creating packaged tours and is based in Colorado, USA.
What Makes Monograms Stand Out?
It can be difficult to find a company that successfully marries two seemingly disparate ways of travel: independant or self guided and classic group travel. But at Monograms this is exactly the task they have set for themselves, and their positive reviews and large variety of products would seem to say they do a solid job.
With Monograms there is no need to choose between self guided or group travel. You can personalize your experience as well - an important element for many of today’s travelers. Themes include Family travel, Food & Wine, Cruises, and Active.
Monograms prides themselves on the all-inclusive nature of travel planning, pre-organizing everything from your airport transfer to your activities and meals. They also provide a Local Hosts program, which is basically like an in-destination concierge.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Monograms?
Monograms is ideal for travelers who don’t love group travel but also highly dislike the stress of arriving in a destination and having to plan everything themselves. It’s for the traveler who wants the freedom of a private couple or family getaway and the comfort of a local guide who can assist with everything from restaurant recommendations to skipping the line at major attractions.
Monograms is Globus’ mid-tier brand in terms of pricing and thus travelers span across many different age groups. Many couples choose Monograms for a romantic trip to places like Italy and France, although they also offer specialized packages for families.
Most Monograms packages are a mix of group sightseeing tours and independent exploration. This can result in some very large touring groups when visiting popular tourist attractions like the Louvre in Paris, for example. However, most of their trips still afford some level of flexibility to explore a destination on your own terms.
Top Destinations
You can travel with Monograms to many different locations in Europe, Australia, Asia, South/Central America, and Africa. Perhaps their most well-known destination is Italy, and they also offer some unique trips to Australia, specifically to areas other similar tour companies don’t operate.
Monograms Travel Style
At Monograms, their travel style is about providing you with a no hassle private vacation, catered to your interests. Everything from honeymoon vacations to family vacations are available through Monograms.
When you use Monograms, you can elect to have the help of a travel agent, or book a pre-planned package.
Why Choose a Monograms Tour?
For a well rounded trip, designed for you, and with an attentive local host there to make your journey as seamless and stress free as possible, Monograms is the perfect company.
These tips are mostly private, so ideal for families, couples, and honeymooners - though during some days on the itinerary you will join up with a larger group for guided day tours
Monograms is all about providing personal touches, and arranging a trip for you that matches your travel style. Providing some personal input and likes / dislikes / must sees is going to take your Monograms tour from “ordinary” to extraordinary, so these trips are best suited to travelers who like to be involved with planning the itinerary.
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SITA World Tours
#67 Pick of 211 Italy Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 835 Trips
Average Price
$ 393 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 3 – 17 days
Trip Prices $ 795 – $ 5,530
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Italy
72 Tours in Italy
False advertising
On their website they state prices clearly for different dates and for double occupancy and single occupancy.
When I called them to make a reservation for one person over the holidays their representative told me that he had to check the solo traveler price and the holiday price. So what they put on their website is a teaser, not a real price.
I asked for a supervisor, but miraculously there was none available.
This company sounds like a scam. Stay away, and read other reviews!
Fantasia All Italy (First Class)
Trip Type: Private guided tour
Fantasia All Italy (Standard Class)
Trip Type: Private guided tour
Fantasia Mediterranea (First Class)
Trip Type: Private guided tour
What Makes Them Stand Out?
With over 80 years of experience and tour guide specialists that provide excellent customer service, SITA World Tours is a well-developed tour operator for remote and beautiful destinations. SITA offers group travel in different shapes and sizes including tailor-made tours for small groups and those who may have specific requests.
Who Travels With Them?
While it depends on destinations, the demographic tends to be adults between 50-70 years old or honeymooners who are going on a private trip. SITA World Tours can accommodate trips with only two individuals though the majority of the tours consist of 15-30 persons. The price range varies anywhere between $500-$8000 per person, depending on trip style.
Where Do They Operate?
SITA World Tours has many destinations all over the world from Asia and the Middle East to Europe, Australia, South America and more. Travel style varies from luxury trains, women only trips, and cruise extensions.
Why Travel With Them?
SITA World Tours has destinations all over the world and a very flexible customized program. They pay close attention to detail, ensuring each individuals needs and requests are catered to, and offer a wide range of trip types and styles.
Commonly Searched Together:
Compare SITA World Tours with these other tour companies
SITA World Tours vs Peregrine
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Globus
#48 Pick of 211 Italy Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 777 Trips
Average Price
$ 273 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 7 – 32 days
Trip Prices $ 879 – $ 5,349
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Italy
79 Tours in Italy
$500 loss as PEACE OF MIND GUARANTEE disappears without notice…
I completed multiple back to back tours throughout two months this past fall 2021, and Globus has no protocol for back to back travelers which definitely did cause extra Covid hiccups. I got home from my last trip in late Nov as Omicron was starting and a few European borders were beginning to close and thought about postponing my early spring pre-reserved trips, since Globus’ PEACE OF MIND GUARANTEE (cancel or postpone for any reason) gave me peace of mind to book spring 2022. Well, I was never notified that their PEACE OF MIND GUARANTEE disappeared and in postponing my first Feb 2022 trip I lost $500. I have spoken to so many different representatives and departments and have even attempted to communicate with the CEO via email, about never being notified about the disappearance of that GUARANTEE. None of my emails have been forwarded to anyone who can work with my $500 loss. I have spring 2022 trips I need to make arrangements about, and now those decisions must be made 90 days before final payment due. Oops…last trip ends in 90 days. So… I go or take the deposit loss for each of the remaining trips planned. Back to back travelers are an anomaly that Globus has no plan for. 5 years of back to backs twice a year and it’s been mostly a great experience. We all want our great experiences to continue without feeling like our money is being stolen. Globus, you need to hear us. Thank you.
We like many many others had a very…
We like many many others had a very poor experience with Globus Tours. We booked a Fall Foliage Tour for September/October 2022 (over a year in advance). Their policy at the time of booking did not require a vaccine, this is in writing and also told to us by our booking agent. They changed their policy and are refusing to pay our money back. This is robbery in the highest degree as we did not sign any documents indicating that a vaccine was required. The other position Globus took was that we were taking up seats that could be booked by other people, the only problem with this argument is they have almost a year to fill our seats. Even our Credit Card company sided with Globus even though we did not receive any services for our $1,497.00. This is a great impact to our ability to survive as the money is now needed to cover fuel and food costs due to inflation. We do not recommend this company for your travel needs. Globus is making bank on cancellations.
Let The Unvaccinated Stay Home
I've been on 2 Globus Escapes tours, and I have another one to Portugal planned for this year. My experience with Globus has been very positive. When our trip was cut short due to Covid in 2020, the company was efficient and proactive in getting us home and refunding the unused portion of the tour cost.
Looking forward to my next trip, I am thrilled that vaccinations and negative Covid tests are mandatory. Some of the reviews on this site from the angry and unvaccinated show a deep ignorance of today's reality. I'm glad that they will not be traveling with those of us who recognize science and care for the well being of others. Who would want to ride on the same bus, stay in the same hotel, or eat in the same restaurant with individuals who are far more likely to catch and spread this terrible disease?
Grand Catholic Italy - Faith-Based Travel
Trip Type: Group tour
Northern Italy's Highlights & Cinque Terre
Trip Type: Small group tour
Italian Tapestry
Trip Type: Small group tour
Globus’ roots date back to Switzerland in 1928, when the company’s founder, Antonio Mantegazza, bought a rowboat to carry passengers across Lake Lugano, entertaining them with stories about the local sights along the way.
From that modest beginning, one of the world’s leading travel companies was born. Globus is part of the Globus Group of brands, which also includes Avalon Waterways, Cosmos, and Monograms - together they carry more than a half million passengers annually.
What Makes Globus Stand Out?
All inclusive packages
Balanced itineraries between planned activities and free time
Centrally located accommodation
VIP access (skip the lines and get behind-the-scenes experiences!)
Founded in 1928, one of the oldest in the business, they are well respected as a mass market all-inclusive tour company that provides great value. Want free wifi on your tour bus so you can google the interesting sites you pass by? Like convenient hotels centrally located and/or with special local charm? Globus' long experience has helped them learn what makes travelers happy, and they deliver at accessible prices.
Offering inclusive, budget friendly coach tours, most notably in Europe, Globus is a classic escorted tour operator ideal for those travelers seeking a comfortable and fun travel experience.
Globus tours include mostly everything in their base rates, they choose hotels that are in the heart of a city (where the action is), allow a good amount of free time to explore a destination on your own, and use knowledgeable local guides -- in short, they offer the complete package.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Globus?
Ages 50+
Low and high budget travelers
Those who enjoy slower paced itineraries
Globus tours are heavily aimed at active older travelers, particularly recent retirees and baby boomers in the 50+ range, as well as seniors. You have a desire to relax and feel at home, able to linger and appreciate classic sights as well as perhaps enjoy a cappuccino at a local cafe suggested by your tour leader. You don’t want to be rushed or hurried from place to place, yet are attracted to the benefits of guided travel - logistics taken care of and a guide to help keep the itinerary moving.
As a long-established, award-winning tour company Globus caters to both budget group travelers and those seeking a more personalized (and costly) travel package. And since you can choose among group, individual, family, or religious travel experiences lasting anywhere from four to 29 days, Globus tours appeal to a broad range of travelers. But their sweet spot remains middle-of-the-road ‘value’ travelers.
Top Destinations
Today, still family owned, Globus operates in 60 plus countries across the globe, offering nearly 160 different escorted tours to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the South Pacific, and North and South America. They are especially known for Europe and Canada
Whether you're looking for vacation packages to Switzerland or the best Thailand tours, consider Globus. On European motor coach tours, Globus limits group size to 44, allowing for extra legroom on the bus.
Globus Travel Style
The Globus travel style is relaxed yet comprehensive. Group tours are designed to allow for personal time to explore, but with many pre-planned activities, excursions, and meals to enjoy throughout your vacation. Groups are medium size - and can accommodate large groups of friends or families. You’ll have the opportunity to meet new friends and like minded travelers.
In Europe private tours are also available with Globus. for those looking to make this independent exploration possible to an even greater extent.
An attentive Tour Director is never far away on a Globus trip. Globus tour directors are locals, who have input over the itinerary, lend their unique perspective, and take you to the best spots for meals, drinks, shopping, etc. They are also knowledgeable guides, introducing the culture and country’s history through visits to major sites and attractions. Globus travel style is about combining the best of “travel like a local” with the best of “classic tour sites”.
Globus is not a luxury brand, but accommodations and transportation will be comfortable. Transportation is in large motorcoaches, equipped with wifi and large viewing windows. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
Why Choose a Tour with Globus?
Older active travelers not interested in slowing down just yet will appreciate the Globas approach. Globus makes amazing travel experiences reachable - for multiple budgets and styles.
Super adventurous and independent minded travelers may be curious to explore other options before deciding on Globus. These kinds of fully escorted tours aren’t for everyone. You will have some free time, but most meals, excursions, and activities are inclusions in the price - leaving you somewhat out of luck if you don’t want to participate in a certain itinerary item.
If you’re curious about group travel, other group tours provide more flexibility that could provide a more positive introduction to this style of travel.
Globus offers many great perks for larger groups planning to travel. If you’re a group of eight people traveling together, you are eligible for special deals and discounts; and if you’re a group of 20 people, Globus will arrange a tailor-made itinerary for you. If you are a traveler looking for value tours and prefer a specific travel theme, then globus has trips and tours that are designed accordingly.
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Premier
Audley Travel
#49 Pick of 211 Italy Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 680 Trips
Average Price
$ 297 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 7 – 13 days
Trip Prices $ 2,995 – $ 11,125
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Custom/Private Tour Operator
Trips in Italy
10 Tours in Italy
Great travel company
Great travel company - with very good range of hotels. One of Audley’s strengths is that they know the hotels individually, usually your travel consultant will have visited them themselves, so they are able to advise on the best hotel to meet your requirements. They went above an beyond in finding us a replacement hotel when our original hotel was closed due to Covid restrictions. Highly recommended!!!
Sorry we are too busy
I rang on a Monday and even after a second phone call on Wednesday still never heard back from this Company - sorry to busy to talk to you! However during the one conversation I did have , how much I was willing to spend seemed their biggest interest. I wouldn’t trust this company, if they can’t spend anytime In taking my holiday order I hate to think what happens if anything goes wrong on holiday. Sorry to busy
excellent complany
We have been using Audley since 2005 and have since travelled most years and many places with them. Frankly, we wouldn't use anyone else (unless it's to a destination that Audley don't do). We have found them to be reliable, professional, knowledgeable and very helpful and patient in putting together and then tweaking itineraries to suit us. Everything on the ground in the countries we've visited has been excellent, wonderful hotels, guides and drivers first class and any hiccups sorted quickly and satisfactorily. Given our destinations and itineraries have sometimes been a bit a challenging we've always felt 100% confident that Audley would manage anything that may arise. During this last two years they have also been excellent at rearranging and refunding when necessary trips that haven't gone ahead due to covid. We have though noticed over the more recent years a feeling of "selling" trips and sometimes the person dealing with the holiday seems more like an agent than a country specialist as they used to be but on the whole we are still very much Audley fans and looking forward to many more trips with them - including one due in May fingers crossed. We'd love to see more European places listed (they have removed several in the last 6 months or so) as most of our long haul destinations have been successfully ticked off the list! If you do book with Audley we hope you have a great time with them - we really wouldn't hesitate to highly recommend them.
North Italy & the Lakes
Trip Type: Private guided tour
The Leonardo da Vinci grand tour of Europe
Trip Type: Private guided tour
Panoramic Switzerland & Italy
Trip Type: Private guided tour
Audley helps travelers see the world their own way, providing individual journeys crafted just for you by experts who have been there before.
What Makes Audley Travel Stand Out?
Trips fully customized to your dates, needs and interests
Hotels with character and thoughtful excursions hand-selected to impress
Dedicated country specialists who know their destination inside and out
With Audley, you get the peace of mind that comes from speaking directly to a country specialist who’s been to your destination many times before and who will use their insider knowledge to design an itinerary specifically for you.
Your dedicated specialist will listen to what you want, propose ideas to match, and work with you from inception to departure and remain available to answer any questions throughout your trip.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Audley?
The Audley traveler is discerning and curious and used to attentive and personal customer service. They’re interested in working with the finest trip planners to ensure all aspects of their trip are taken care of. Audley prices reflect the experience and care that goes into crafting our journeys and we’re happy to say that our customers think we’re worth it.
Where Do They Operate?
Audley Travel has country specialists for more than 80 destinations across every continent. They can plan anything from first time visits to special interest trips in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, Oceania, the Middle East and Polar regions. Within each destination, they also have travel advisors that specialize in safari and wildlife, culture, adventure travel, family trips, cruise and more.
Audley Travel Style
With Audley, virtually any travel style or theme is available to you. We’ve broken it out into 12 distinct Vacation Types:
Beach Vacations: Great for combining experiential travel with plenty of rest and relaxation along the way. Audley beach vacations can be planned anywhere from the Seychelles to Thailand and usually feature a resort stay along with some exciting cultural adventures.
Cruises: A great way to cover a lot of ground while only unpacking once, Audley river and sea cruises go all around the world, with a focus on destinations that are just a bit off the beaten path.
Cultural Vacations: For those travelers who want insider insights and to get to know adestination through the locals.
Family Vacations: No matter how old your family members are, Audley specialists can helpcreate the perfect itinerary for you out to see the world. We’ll suggest the best activities, accommodations, and destinations based on your family’s individual needs, from toddlers to teens.
Great Journeys: Trips on an epic scale, often visiting sweeping landscapes and far-flungdestinations like Antarctica or New Zealand. Honeymoon and Romance Ideas: If you’re looking for a relaxing and romantic honeymoon, with plenty of unique and special touches, Audley can help with private tours all over the world.
Luxury Vacations: Most of Audley’s trips have luxury components, but these trips takeindulgence to the next level. Everything from the hotels to the transportation will be five-star. We can provide opulence around the world, from Morocco to India to Australia.
Off the Beaten Track: For those travelers who want something both unique and adventurous, Audley's off-the-beaten-track trips focus on places that aren’t easily accessible like Malaysian Borneo or Brazil’s intric maze of Amazonian wetlands.
Rail Vacations: A classic way to travel, rail journeys are great for travelers who want to take it slow. It’s a rare chance to take in the landscape in a way that cars or planes just can’t provide.
Road Trips: Sometimes a good old-fashioned road trip is the only way to go. These self-drive vacations are for travelers who are used to going without a guide but want an expert’s opinion on the itinerary.
Wildlife Vacations: Get up close and personal with unique and hard-to-find wildlife around the world. From pandas in China to orangutans in Borneo, Audley can help you discover species around the world.
Why Travel With Them?
Audley can provide the inspiration and expertise you need to elevate your next trip into an epic journey. Their customized trips are created by experienced travel experts who have been there and know the best way to discover a destination. If you’re looking for personal attention, dedicated experts and local insights, Audley is a great choice.
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Avalon Waterways
#50 Pick of 211 Italy Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 649 Trips
Average Price
$ 378 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 12 – 23 days
Trip Prices $ 4,498 – $ 9,468
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
River Cruise Line
Trips in Italy
18 Tours in Italy
Great service but limited and expensive flight options!
Before Christmas I moved my booking for a third time under the Avalon Peace of Mind Travel plan. Once again the process was quick and painless. Thanks to everyone at Avalon for being so helpful. That’s why I’m giving this 4 stars. The service has been excellent.
This change was relatively easy because I no longer had any flights on my booking. I had flights on the original booking but somehow these QUADRUPLED in price when I first used the Peace Of Mind plan to move the date of my cruise. Not only that, Avalon could now only offer me indirect flights on airlines I had never heard of, despite the broad availability of direct flights with airlines I had heard of. Indeed, the original booking included direct flights that amounted to just a $200 increase on the cost of the cruise. Suddenly, they were charging $880 for an indirect flight with a 3 hour layover in Brussels.
I found it somewhat surprising that Avalon (part of Globus, a large international travel company) were suddenly unable to book direct flights with major airlines when their competitors had no problems at all in that respect. Book a river cruise with Viking, Scenic, Emerald, Riviera etc, and you’re going to get a direct flight (where possible) included in the cost of your cruise at a reasonable price. What does it say about Avalon/Globus if they no longer have the ability to acquire direct flights with major airlines at the going rate? By “going rate” I mean the price you (yourself) would pay if you booked direct with the airline.
On this occasion, it’s worked out better for me to book flights myself, though I’ve now been clobbered for the best part of $300 in transfer fees between the ship and the airport. This would never happen with the majority of cruise operators, but this is how they operate. There’s a charge for everything.
DO NOT book a cruise
DO NOT book a cruise! The worst to deal with during the pandemic. I do not feel comfortable taking our trip due to the rise in cases and they will not allow us to reschedule for another trip since we have made our final payment or we lose most of the money already paid.
Paris/Normandie
I was on the Paris/Normandy cruise this past October 2021. My first impression of the ship was WOW; it only got better. The ship itself is extraordinarily beautiful and super clean. The meals are world class and the crew blew my mind; Andre, Robert, and Eugene were the highlights. It was the most wonderful trip of my life. In fact, I am going back in 2022 to do the same trip again.
Paris to Normandy with 3 Nights in Venice & 3 Nights in Rome
Trip Type: River cruise
Grand France with 3 Nights in Venice & 3 Nights in Rome (Northbound)
Trip Type: River cruise
Grand France with 2 Nights in Nice, 3 Nights in Venice & 3 Nights in Rome (Northbound)
Trip Type: River cruise
Part of the Globus family of travel brands since 2003, Avalon Waterways has proven to be one of the more innovative of the many river cruise companies now in operation.
Its newest “Suite” ships feature “open-air balconies” with floor-to-ceiling windows that open up to serve as indoor-outdoor seating areas, which don’t cut into cabin space as do normal balconies -- meaning you have more room to move around. Bathrooms are also roomy.
What Makes Avalon Waterways Stand Out?
While global in scale, Avalon Waterways is best known for offering high-end cruises on brand new ships on European rivers. The oldest of the 15 Europe-based ships dates from just 2008, which makes it the youngest fleet of any size on European rivers.
Newer ships generally mean that staterooms are larger and amenities are enhanced.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Avalon Waterways?
While the majority of river cruise travelers are in the 50-plus range, more and more middle aged couples have been enjoying river cruises as well. Avalon is a good place to start, particularly for the more exotic destinations like the Mekong in Asia or the Amazon in South America.
Travelers seeking a luxury minded cruise experience, without an overly pomp and circumstance feel, will love cruising the world’s rivers with Avalon.
If you’re wary of river cruising as an extension of the “floating hotel”, Avalon makes sure that a focus on the region itself is felt onboard as well as through the port excursions. Local ingredients are used to make traditional dishes, and beer, wine, and spirits of the area are also showcased.
Casual and comfortable, combining a relaxed atmosphere with a fine dining calibur food and wine, Avalon presents a quiet elegance without being stuffy.
Travelers who like choice will appreciate Avalon’s numerous options when it comes to port excursion activities. Starting in 2019 and unlike many cruises, a majority of these excursions will be included in the price.
Top Destinations
Avalon is well known for their Europe cruises, but they travel all over the world as well. They have five ships in Asia (sailing the Yangtze, Mekong and Irrawaddy rivers), and one ship each in the United States (the American Queen, which sails the Mississippi) and South America (the Aria, which plies the Amazon). Avalon runs small-ship cruises through the Galapagos Islands as well.
Avalon Waterways Travel Style
The comfort of their passengers is top of mind for Avalon. Whether this means the spacious viewing deck or numerous excursions available to satisfy different interests.
There is a sense of casual elegance that Avalon portrays. The culture on board is professional while still friendly, and the furnishings are not overly opulent.
Another thing that makes Avalon stand out is their attention to staying active and healthy. They have been a frontrunner in river cruises providing bikes and other ways to be active in each port stop.
Why Choose a Cruise with Avalon Waterways?
Avalon Cruises are comfortable, fun, and active. This is the perfect choice of cruise company for older affluent travelers seeking top notch river cruise experiences around the world.
Considering the spaciousness and innovativeness of its cabins, the fact that shore excursions and multiple dining options are included in the rates, and a chance to take advantage of some attractive early-booking discounts, Avalon can offer excellent value.
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Tauck
#51 Pick of 211 Italy Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 581 Trips
Average Price
$ 578 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 7 – 14 days
Trip Prices $ 3,790 – $ 9,890
Service Level Standard
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Italy
174 Tours in Italy
Nice trip but not if you are a loyal Tauck Customer like myself
This was my 16th Tauck Tour. I was assigned a room with a "mountain" view only to be obstructed by lawn chairs, pool covers, large plants and buildings. It was a 1st floor room. I complained to tour director who said everyone got the same (NOT TRUE). I called Tauck 800 number on Sept 3 to request a call back from Customer Service. It took them until September 8 for a call back. The person on the phone was rude, non caring and (I'm paraphrasing) and told me just because you have taken 16 tours doesn't mean you deserve a better view that a first time customer. He went on to imply Tauck doesn't respect loyalty and wants to impress first time travelers. I ended the call and wrote an email to a good person at Tauck who was very helpful in the and requested this go to the top. I included pictures of my view and one dead fly because there were flies in the room and I guess Tauck thinks that makes the room special? I'm not done with them yet. Consider my treatment by this Customer Care agent before spending the big bucks to travel with Tauck.
Still Spellbound by the Grandeur of Alaska
Focused on the amazing wildness of Alaska without worrying about the mundane details. Expert, low-key tour director made everything look easy. Excursions enhanced appreciation for the history, terrain, wildlife, peoples, boom and bust cycles that make Alaska so unique. Clear view of Denali, great weather, days 'at sea' with binoculars in hand!
Most Memorable Moment:
Flightseeing, Tundra Wilderness tour (clear Denali, rare wolf sighting and grizzlies in distance), crossing Prince William Sound (sea-otters, orcas, stellar sea-lions, and more), Hubbard Glacier calving, Glacier Bay entire day, Whale Watching out of Juneau, and bald eagles everywhere!
Pay for a 4 star trip and get 2 star food
My husband and I took the Treasures of the Mediterranean tour two weeks ago. The food off the ship was very good. The food on the ship was subpar (2 stars out of 4 stars). We ended up ordering French Fries at the beginning of each meal so we would at least have something to eat. I called Tauck and voiced my concerns. They offered us a $250 voucher each for another trip. I hardly think the food portion on the yacht was $250. Why would I go on another Tauck trip when my first one, which was our retirement celebration due to the poor food. The majority of the people on the trip were dissatisfied with the food and their reviews reflected it.
Bellissima Northern Italy 2023
Trip Type: Small group tour
Lake Como, Venice, Florence & Rome 2023
Trip Type: Small group tour
A Week In... Venice, Florence & Rome 2023
Trip Type: Small group tour
Founded in 1925 by Arthur Tauck, the company has blossomed from a New England motor coach tour agency to offering trips throughout the world -- by land (including rail), sea, and sometimes by air (private air charters, helicopters). But it remains a Tauck family-run business, now in its fourth generation.
Quick Facts
Founded in 1925
Luxury travel with a friendly touch
Small groups, large groups, river cruises
Solo friendly
Average tour price is around $6,000 p/p
Unique partnerships: BBC Earth, offering science themed nature tours, Ken Burns journeys in the US
What Makes Tauck Stand Out
Long legacy
Classic destinations
Several types of itinerary, from cruises to family trips
All inclusive pricing
Themed trips
“No grouches or pessimists” was the plea in a 1920s newspaper ad for a small tour group. From that small automobile taking curious, adventurous New Yorkers along dusty roads through beautiful New England, Tauck has come a long way, now offering guided tours throughout the world.
They look upon their legacy with immense pride, as well they should. Arthur Tauck was an immigrant who pulled himself up by bootstraps and engenuity, and his name represents a supreme, classic and classy tour experience.
Tauck is a long-established high-quality tour operator with a strong reputation as one of the top companies offering upper-mid-range to luxury group travel and river cruises for the 50+ crowd. While its staple has been European and North American land tours, Tauck has been increasingly expanding into special family trips, exotic locations, and recent award-winning European river cruising.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Tauck?
Families
50+
River cruisers
History buffs
Pricing is virtually all-inclusive -- no additional options that can run up costs are offered during the trips, yet this is not a place for the true budget traveler. Though they offer several different types of tours, from family vacations to river cruising, attracting and serving a diverse customer group, the legacy of tradition and comfortability appeals largely to older and middle aged travelers.
Solo travelers are very welcome on Tauck trips, and pay a low single supplement. Numerous specifically solo friendly tours are offered. You’ll meet romantic singles, or simply independent minded travelers, of all ages.
Large family or friend groups could find a great fit at Tauck. Particularly because if your group is 11 people, the 11th travels for free! Because of Tauck’s impressively wide reaching themes and styles for families, having several different ages will be easier to entertain than they might be with other companies.
They even have dedicated “family river cruises”. So if you’re considering a multi-gen family reunion or have a large group of friends with various ages, Tauck could be a good choice.
Top Destinations
Tauck destinations include all seven continents -- so whether you're trying to plan an Iceland vacation or looking to take a trip to Canada, consider Tauck!
Special themes may include food and wine, North American national parks, fall foliage, solo travel, African safaris, “Culturious” travel (for culturally curious baby boomers), “Bridges” (for families), and “Events,” which are considered once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences.
These may feature a trip to the Kentucky Derby or journeys based around themes of Ken Burns films, with a chance to meet Burns himself.
Tauck Travel Style
Tauck’s travel style is all about seeing destinations in comfort, yet with a strong sense of adventure and desire to see different sides of the destination - from local life to culturally immersive activities.
Land tours are where they began, and they offer hundreds of different tours of various lengths around the world. Typically accommodations are in comfortable 3, 4, and occasionally 5 star hotels.
Tauck has an award winning river cruise line, covering a variety of European rivers. They strive to create an intimate setting, where customer service is not compromised. Small ship cruises use 40- to 264-passenger-size yachts and expeditionary vessels that can visit small islands and other locations that big ships cannot. The staff is known for its attentiveness and individualized service.
Among Tauck’s unique partnerships is a special connection with the BBC Earth, through which they offer what they call “Earth Journeys”. These explore the natural world with emphasis on being outdoors learning the fascinating earth science behind stunning nature and wildlife.
Tauck is a luxury minded brand, and their prices do tend to sit in the upper budget range. Think an average price between $5,000 and $7,000 per person. That said, they strive to reflect a friendliness and openness, and steer away from any kind of “stuffy” feeling. Their trips are comprehensive and full of enriching cultural activities, while also appreciating the value behind enjoying a cocktail hour before heading into dinner.
Why Choose a Tour or River Cruise With Tauck?
Tauck has an impressive array of travel styles and tours, suitable to numerous types of travelers. They are especially popular with large family groups and corporate groups, as well as very friendly to solo / single travelers.
A renowned, award winning, and well established company, they seamlessly marry innovation with legacy - sticking to their roots while continuing to create unique offerings. Some of its biggest growth has come on water, where Tauck operates a fleet of seven European river boats and a number of small ship cruises. Their customer service, attentive and knowledgeable guides are definitely a key component to their popularity.
Tauck offers something for just about everyone.
Covid-19 Updates
Tauck has an internal "Global Response Team" that is poised and ready for responding to the unexpected, from extreme weather events to outbreaks.
They have implemented stringent safety requirements for their trips going forward, training guides on enhanced protocols and health screening practices. Guests will be required to wear face coverings on all outings.
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Cosmos
#52 Pick of 211 Italy Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 441 Trips
Average Price
$ 175 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 7 – 31 days
Trip Prices $ 899 – $ 4,644
Service Level Budget
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Italy
68 Tours in Italy
Excellent Experience and Excellent Guide
I would highly recommend this company and some trips to Scandinavia and Baltic. The countries are amazing, the service and our guide Ausra Paukste was really the best ever. If you wish to visit this region consider Cosmos company.
Awesome & The Best!
We had a most wonderful trip! Our tour guide & driver were excellent! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about France, & told us a little history, about every town we visited! Hotels great!
Terrible
Expectations were fairly high and they were still exceeded. We considered this the best trip we have ever taken and my wife and I have zero complaints.
Italy & Greece with Iconic Aegean Islands Cruise
Trip Type: Small group tour
Italy & Greece
Trip Type: Small group tour
The Splendors of Italy
Trip Type: Small group tour
Cosmos promises to “turn your travel dreams into reality” by offering affordable tours in several parts of the world. Part of the Globus group of travel brands, Cosmos has been running escorted tours for five decades since the 1960s. It touts its clout with hotels and other travel providers as a way of keeping down costs, with savings passed on to their customers. Most expenses are included in the tours, though you may be on your own for some meals and optional excursions.
Cosmos started out offering value-priced European coach tours for budget-minded travelers, and now has added North American, South American, and some Middle East and North African destinations as well. Religious-themed tours of southern Europe and Israel as well as holiday season tours are all part of the mix.
The company emphasizes that when you tour Europe, for example, you’ll stay like Europeans do, eat like Europeans do, and “share the European view of Europe.” That generally means comfortable but not luxury hotels, well-chosen neighborhood restaurants, varied means of transportation, and guided sightseeing of all the “must-see” sites, with extended stays in key cities. Cosmos also offers plenty of free time to explore on your own, a way of personalizing your group tour a bit.
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Alexander + Roberts
#53 Pick of 211 Italy Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 302 Trips
Average Price
$ 391 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 4 – 7 days
Trip Prices $ 1,699 – $ 1,699
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
Mixed Land & Cruise
Trips in Italy
2 Tours in Italy
past cultures was outstanding.
The attention of our guide to our needs and assurance of our visiting all sites - his knowledge of the areas and history and insight into the present and past cultures was outstanding.
Paid In Full to Go Nowhere
I chose the small group China Sampler and paid in full in December 2018 for the April 2020 departure to get the $300 discount. After that it was just waiting and waiting and waiting. I was looking to start making airline flight plans to and return from China in April 2019. But when my travel agent contacted A&R she discovered that I was the only one signed up for the small group tour. This continued through the remainder of 2019. I actually called A&R direct one day to find out what was going on. I was then told about the 90 day out policy before they would cancel the trip. I asked a couple of times through my travel agent if A&R could just go ahead and cancel out the tour and refund my money, but was told there might be some last minute people to sign up for a trip to China. So basically A&R had my $5,000 plus fully paid fee to invest and use as they chose for over a year. January 10 or 20 was the 90 day before date I was told when a decision would be made to cancel. On January 9th I checked the website of A&R and saw by the small group tour for April 9-19 the words "Sold Out". So I'm thinking "Oh, maybe they did get enough last minute people to go?" So I sent my travel agent info on what airline flights I would like to take to China and back. The next day I was sent an email from my agent letting me know that A&R had cancelled the April small group trip to China for the dates I had selected. So the "Sold Out" descriptor apparently was an attempt to save face by not admitting they could not fill the small group trip with enough people to make the trip happen. Not a very "transparent" policy. About a month before A&R did offer to have me join the May China Sampler trip, but those dates did not meet my travel plans. I never received an apology directly from A&R. No offer for a discount on a future tour, nothing. Last time I will ever consider A&R for any type of tour.
Superb in both Seba Camp
The Tour Guides were superb in both Seba Camp (Joseph) and Little Makalolo Camp (Paul). We saw virtually every animal possible in closer proximity than we imagined possible. Accommodations great and food exceptional.
Taormina
Trip Type: Group tour
Italy By Rail
Trip Type: Self-guided tour
Founded in 1947, Alexander + Roberts holds the distinction of being one of the oldest guided tour companies around, and a founding member of USTOA. Unlike many tour companies, they focus equally on small group, private group, and customized travel.
What Makes Alexander + Roberts Stand Out
Historical legacy
Authentic experiences
Exotic and classic destinations
Local guides
Unique itineraries
Alexander + Roberts has over 70 years of tour experience. In fact, the company was the first to provide guided tours of the former Soviet Union during the Cold War era. Since then, A + R have been pioneers, traveling to new far-flung locations like Burma and Cuba before many other operators.
There can be a tendency for old and established guided travel companies to seem out of touch and stuffy, while also getting unwieldy if they try too hard to adapt to the modern traveler.
Alexander + Roberts has managed to remain firm to their classic yet innovative roots - an old fashioned charm comes across. You’ll find a blend of classic itineraries as well as more unique experiences and themes.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Alexander + Roberts?
Affluent travelers
50+ and Seniors
Couples
Active travelers
Alexander + Roberts is a US-based tour operator for the affluent traveler wanting to venture beyond the ordinary in a comfortable manner. A + R is best for those travelers looking for a small-group experience with an added element of luxury. They also offer private journeys, custom itineraries, and fully supported independent travel options.
This is not budget travel by any means. Unlike most tour companies today that don’t require a single supplement, they do (for most tours) at “only $700”. Many activities and meals are included on Alexander + Roberts small group tours.
So if you have more of an independent streak and would like some flexibility but aren’t interested in a private or tailor made trip, you may want to explore other tour companies that provide more free time during the itinerary.
If you’re looking for a professionally planned trip with expertise, luxury, and attention to detail baked into the price then Alexander + Roberts is a good place to start.
Top Destinations
A + R offers hundreds of trips on six continents, including Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. They also offer small-ship cruising in the Americas, Antarctica, Asia, and Europe.
Alexander + Roberts Travel Style
Small groups (16 max)
Private travel
Tailor made travel
Most meals and activities included
Alexander + Roberts purposefully keeps their tour group sizes small - maximum 16, for added flexibility and authenticity. Hotels are a mix of unique local and boutique properties, all with a touch of luxury. Most meals are included on their standard group departures and guides are local, with the in-depth knowledge that comes with it.
Why Choose a Tour with Alexander + Roberts?
If you’re looking for a refined experience that still gets you under the surface of a destination, then Alexander & Roberts could be for you. Their trips are not cheap, but do provide good value with many inclusions and years of experience in the industry.
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Premier
Abercrombie & Kent
#57 Pick of 211 Italy Tour Companies View Profile
Total Trips 32 Trips
Average Price
$ 704 per day
Size Global Operator
Tour Length 11 – 14 days
Trip Prices $ 6,995 – $ 7,995
Service Level Luxury
Operator Type
Group Tour Operator
Trips in Italy
3 Tours in Italy
COMPANY IS IN REAL FINACIAL TROUBLE
THIS COMPANY HELD ME FINACIALLY HOSTAGE FOR A AFRICAN MAY 2021 SAFARI. I HAD TO CANCELL THE SEPTEMBER 2021 TRIP BECAUSE THEY BASCIALLY STEALLING MONEY FROM ME. DO NOT BOOK WITH THEM.
WARNING. DO NOT USE ABERCROMBIE AND KENT
We booked our bucket list trip to Southeast Asia, we were scheduled to depart on March 4th. That’s when the Corona Pandemic was becoming rampant worldwide. We were reaching out to them constantly during the weeks beforehand, looking to reschedule or cancel our trip due to the travel hazards. We were shocked to find out there was NO understanding nor negotiating options with them or upper management. We have heard from several other friends who had trips scheduled around this same timeframe and their companies reached out to them directly and offered refunds or scheduling changes due to the Corona Pandemic. We will NEVER RECOMMEND OR USE THEM AGAIN. TRAVELERS BEWARE.
We are just returning from our African safari and it was amazing!
We are just returning from our African safari and it was amazing! It exceeded our every expectation. The best part was spending time with our excellent A&K guides Ngochi and Ngige. We learned so much from them and they were excellent spotters. I loved seeing their excitement when we spotted something new. It is obvious they love what they do even after 20 years in the business.
This trip should be on everyone’s bucket list and I would highly recommend A&K and encourage you to request Ngochi and Ngige.
Covid threw us a few curves (mandatory Covid tests, masks, etc) but it is a great time to travel. We felt completely safe and were on our own private safari!
Italy: South to North
Trip Type: Small group tour
Italy: A Family Journey
Trip Type: Small group tour
Co-founded by current CEO Geoffrey Kent in 1962, Abercrombie & Kent started out in modest fashion as an African safari operator, but quickly grew into one of the world's premiere luxury travel brands. Today they cover the globe, with 50 offices worldwide.
What Makes Abercrombie & Kent Stand Out?
Award-winning luxury tour operator
Insider-access opportunities
Focus on culture, wildlife, and history
Abercrombie & Kent is one of the world’s leading luxury travel companies. The emphasis is very much on luxury here -- whether it’s small-group travel (limit of 18 per group), tailor-made journeys, expedition cruises, train travel, African safaris, European barge cruises, or any of its many other offerings, just about everything A&K arranges is top of the line.
They are specific in their travel style, promising superior and attentive service, comfort, and cultural exploration. While this may seem exclusionary - and the prices are quite a barrier to entry.
Luxury travel might have a reputation for being swanky and even perhaps a bit dull, particularly for those who travel for adventure, the image being a glass of champagne all day long, moving from meal to meal, sitting on the private deck of a cruise ship. This perspective is a misnomer however, as there is quite a bit of action available on tours with Abercrombie & Kent.
Enjoy invigorating walks, hikes, get outdoors to remote locations, meeting local people and learning about their cultures; experience the thrill of getting up close to waterfalls, and poise your camera for the perfect shot on a safari. Then retire to your room for a cocktail before dinner.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Abercrombie & Kent?
Ages 65-75
Luxury travelers
Abercrombie & Kent travelers embody an adventurous spirit, but enjoy the finer things as well. “Elegant exploration” is one way to put it. These travelers appreciate a slow pace and personalized attentive service. The age range tends to be older - baby boomers and seniors looking for a relaxing experience, with many cultural touch-points, but not overly “immersive” as their children and grandchildren might prefer.
This is upper crest travel at its finest - though Abercrombie & Kent makes a concerted effort to be worldly and inviting, your experience is definitely a luxury version of any given destination. This is a travel company that offers Private Jet trips, some of which offering the chance to meet an Abercrombie & Kent family member.
Think private after hours tours, exclusive outings with artisans, chefs, and winemakers; spectacular meals and accommodations that go a touch beyond comfortable. Imagine the civilized world of cocktail hour and dressing for dinner, but in the context of exploration. Perhaps you’re sipping your negroni on the deck of your private suite in Kenya, gazing out across the savannah with elephants silhouetted in the distance, against the dusty yellow sunlight of dusk. This is the wonderful travel world waiting for you with Abercrombie & Kent.
The majority of A&K’s guests come from North America or Britain. A&K trips are definitely not for the budget traveler, but they offer deluxe lodgings and transport and exceptionally attentive service, which their customers value highly.
Top Destinations
Abercrombie & Kent made its name offering luxury small group and private safaris in Africa. Today they go around the world, but with the same luxurious approach.
Luxury doesn’t mean same-old, same-old or unadventurous though. Groups head off on Antarctic expeditions or Uganda gorilla safaris, visit Tibet or Machu Picchu, join a European or Nile river cruise, or travel to India’s Pushkar Fair.
You can ride deluxe trains or fly across Africa by private jet with Abercrombie & Kent. Or you can outline your own tailor-made journey under the guidance of an A&K consultant, then be accompanied by their guides throughout.
Abercrombie & Kent Travel Style
There could be a tendency to view Abercrombie & Kent as old fashioned when it comes to travel style. However there is a difference between old fashioned and appreciating a traditional travel style. Those who travel with Abercrombie & Kent do expect a certain kind of experience. From luggage handling to having the salad fork in the correct order, from short or non-existent lines to special assistance when needed. These expectations have become the blueprint for an Abercrombie & Kent travel experience.
Transportation on an Abercrombie & Kent tour is almost always private and chartered. Exceptions would of course be rail journeys, but here you would have a private car and access to first class dining and viewing. Your journey may involve anything from helicopters, private jets, luxury coaches, and yachts. Walking is a common part of most guided tours, but you can expect simple and easy distances during your A&K itinerary. (Unless of course you are on a Gorilla Trek!).
Accommodation follows a similar pattern. Luxury hotels, safari lodges, villas, you name it and it’s probably available.
Why Choose a Tour With Abercrombie & Kent?
Abercrombie & Kent promises to deliver an authentic, “insider” travel experience, such as seeing Machu Picchu under the guidance of its former resident archaeologist. You can even ride an elegant train to get there. In Tanzania, A&K runs its own luxury safari camps.
From the time they first meet you at the airport until trip end, Abercrombie & Kent promises that your trip will go as smoothly as possible -- and that their entire global organization will be dedicated toward that goal.
It may strike some as contradictory to see certain parts of the world in luxury. Some countries have luxury homes, but they are only available to tourists and travelers because the locals simply occupy a different social sphere. There is a unique dependency on tourism in much of the world. Abercrombie & Kent takes this seriously, doing their philanthropic part wherever possible, giving back to the local communities.
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Reviews Write a Review
What a disappointment this company is. After placing a deposit in early 2020, of course the trips to Australia were cancelled the next two years because of covid. Many companies that were in a similar situation offered full refunds and offered options to customers; not so with ACIS. Two years later with my daughter now in college and no visibility into the craziness in Australia the trip wont happen for her. Whether ACIS got PPP money or not, the right thing to do is to refund money for a service / experience you can't provide. I see many others are frustrated with similar experiences. A class action suit against the company may be the only way to go to get their attention. Do the right thing; it will pay off for you in the long term versus trying to give people the shaft today. What goes around comes around....
Details
Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging1.0
Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
W
William
January 2022
What a disappointment this company is. After placing a deposit in early 2020, of course the trips to Australia were cancelled the next two years because of covid. Many companies that were in a similar situation offered full refunds and offered options to customers; not so with ACIS. Two years later with my daughter now in college and no visibility into the craziness in Australia the trip wont happen for her. Whether ACIS got PPP money or not, the right thing to do is to refund money for a service / experience you can't provide. I see many others are frustrated with similar experiences. A class action suit against the company may be the only way to go to get their attention. Do the right thing; it will pay off for you in the long term versus trying to give people the shaft today. What goes around comes around....
Read More
Operator ACIS Company reviews
My trip to Italy has been a nightmare. I've been stuck in a tiny town outside of Florence since December 15th and still can't get home. Ive been stuck in covid testing hell!! I've been tested at least 5 times and all of my tests are negative and still can't get a flight out of Italy. The travel agency has washed their hands and will not help us get out of Italy. My mom has contacted s Congressman from Texas and they are also working on getting me out of here.
HELP!!! Do not use EF Ultimate Break. Everyone is incompetent and don't have a clue what the hell is going on.
Details
Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging1.0
Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
a
anekona
January 2022
My trip to Italy has been a nightmare. I've been stuck in a tiny town outside of Florence since December 15th and still can't get home. Ive been stuck in covid testing hell!! I've been tested at least 5 times and all of my tests are negative and still can't get a flight out of Italy. The travel agency has washed their hands and will not help us get out of Italy. My mom has contacted s Congressman from Texas and they are also working on getting me out of here.
HELP!!! Do not use EF Ultimate Break. Everyone is incompetent and don't have a clue what the hell is going on.
Read More
HELP!!! Do not use EF Ultimate Break. Everyone is incompetent and don't have a clue what the hell is going on.
Tour Ultimate Italy
To say that planning a trip in the midst of a pandemic is challenging is definitely an understatement. It is in these times that ACIS truly shines! My interactions with ACIS staff have just given so much confidence that I can seriously say I am able to "seat back and relax" knowing that we are in such good hands.
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
E
Edna
December 2021
To say that planning a trip in the midst of a pandemic is challenging is definitely an understatement. It is in these times that ACIS truly shines! My interactions with ACIS staff have just given so much confidence that I can seriously say I am able to "seat back and relax" knowing that we are in such good hands.
Read More
Operator ACIS Company reviews
I recently traveled on a teacher convention to Budapest Hungary. This was my 8th convention and probably the most amazing one ever. The trip was perfectly planned, the ACIS staff and the tour leader Peter Ede were exceptional! Everyone was so happy to be back traveling, and of course, Budapest is always fun and breathtaking!
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
SM
Scott Martin
December 2021
I recently traveled on a teacher convention to Budapest Hungary. This was my 8th convention and probably the most amazing one ever. The trip was perfectly planned, the ACIS staff and the tour leader Peter Ede were exceptional! Everyone was so happy to be back traveling, and of course, Budapest is always fun and breathtaking!
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Operator ACIS Company reviews
Hi James,
We are counting down the days until we can travel abroad! I must say this “I CAN’T WAIT TO
TRAVEL AGAIN”!
My friends and I are planning to visit a foreign country, and we have not come to a mutual
agreement on which country to visit. As you know, we are cash strapped. As a seasoned traveller,
can you please suggest a budget-friendly tourist destination, the best mode of transport to use
and the duration of stay?
Bye! I am looking forward to your reply.
Regards,
Loli
Details
Value4.0
Guide4.0
Activities4.0
Lodging4.0
Transportation4.0
Meals4.0
BE
Bby Ema
December 2021
Hi James,
We are counting down the days until we can travel abroad! I must say this “I CAN’T WAIT TO
TRAVEL AGAIN”!
My friends and I are planning to visit a foreign country, and we have not come to a mutual
agreement on which country to visit. As you know, we are cash strapped. As a seasoned traveller,
can you please suggest a budget-friendly tourist destination, the best mode of transport to use
and the duration of stay?
Bye! I am looking forward to your reply.
Regards,
Loli
Read More
We are counting down the days until we can travel abroad! I must say this “I CAN’T WAIT TO
TRAVEL AGAIN”!
My friends and I are planning to visit a foreign country, and we have not come to a mutual
agreement on which country to visit. As you know, we are cash strapped. As a seasoned traveller,
can you please suggest a budget-friendly tourist destination, the best mode of transport to use
and the duration of stay?
Bye! I am looking forward to your reply.
Regards,
Loli
Operator ACIS Company reviews
Natalie in support was amazing! she helped me find my problem ASAP!
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
MD
MIA DRESSELL
December 2021
Natalie in support was amazing! she helped me find my problem ASAP!
Read More
Operator ACIS Company reviews
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