Seat of the Roman Empire, leading light of the Renaissance and fervent advocate of la bella vita, Italy is renowned for its art, architecture, style and passion. Such is the depth of Italy’s cultural treasures, even the most modest church façade can hide work by the likes of Michelangelo. Our Italy specialists draw on their deep-seated connections with the country to help you unravel Italy’s well-known highlights, from Rome's ancient Colosseum to the untouched medieval towns of Tuscany and the lagoon city of Venice.
They also use their first-hand knowledge to show you Italy's lesser-known ways of life. You might find yourself truffle hunting with an expert and his dog in Tuscany’s hillsides, sampling street food in Palermo, Sicily, exploring the characterful villages of Puglia, or hiking through terraces of vines to reach the tiny villages of Liguria’s Cinque Terre. Whether you explore great cities, alpine lakes, or Roman relics, our specialists can help you unlock the hidden secrets, and create the perfect holiday to Italy.
Creating tailor-made tours for over 25 years
Suggested tours for Italy
Peer inside Mount Vesuvius near Pompeii, marvel at Michelangelo's David in Florence, and explore the wine bars of Venice. Our suggested itineraries are a great starting point as you begin to plan your trip to Italy.
Suggested activities for Italy
Enjoy a private tour of Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter's Basilica, visit the Colosseum and Forum with a guide, and explore the small Tuscan cities of Siena and San Gimignano. Whatever interests you, our specialists will suggest experiences designed to enhance your trip to Italy.
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A private boat tour of Lake Como ![Villa Carlotta, Lake Como]()
A private boat tour of Lake Como
Lake ComoA private boat tour of Lake Como
Explore Lake Como on a private boat tour, passing lakeside villages and elegant villas. You will stop off at stunning Villa Carlotta and the picturesque town of Bellagio.
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Cinque Terre photography tour ![Cinque Terre photography tour]()
Cinque Terre photography tour
Cinque TerreCinque Terre photography tour
Perched on the sheer cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea, the villages of the Cinque Terre hold a lot of potential for avid photographers. You can explore the area and capture its beauty with the help of a professional photographer on this half-day tour.
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Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter's Basilica ![St Peters Statue at the Vatican, Rome]()
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter's Basilica
RomeVatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter's Basilica
With the benefit of a private guide to bring these key sites to life, you will explore the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica.
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Why travel with Audley?
- 100% tailor-made tours
- Fully protected travel
- Established for over 25 years
- 98% of our clients would recommend us
Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Italy, including information about climate, events and festivals.
Travel advice
Practical tips for travelling to Italy, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest FCDO travel advice.
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Covering all seven continents, The world your way shows you how you can see the world with us. It features trip ideas from our specialists alongside hand-picked stays and experiences, and introduces our approach to creating meaningful travel experiences.
Italy by region
If you’re planning to focus your time in Italy around a particular area, you can jump into the region you're most interested in to find detailed itinerary ideas together with accommodation choices and a taster of the experiences we can offer.
Italy in pictures
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![Gondola, Venice]()
Canal in Venice -
![Ancient statue, Palermo]()
Palermo Cathedral, Sicily -
![St Peters Statue at the Vatican, Rome]()
Statue of St Peter, Rome -
![City views, Florence]()
Florence skyline -
![Trullo house, Alberobello]()
Trullo house, Alberobello -
![Vernazza, Cinque Terre]()
Vernazza, the Cinque Terre -
![Varenna, Lake Como]()
Lake Como -
![Sea view, Capri]()
Capri
Our expert guides to travelling in Italy
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to Italy. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate Italy at its best.
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![Introducing Italy]()
Introducing Italy
Watch our short video that looks at Italy's many highlights such as its varied scenery, culture and rich history.
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Where to visit in Sicily ![Ancient statue, Palermo]()
Where to visit in Sicily
Where to visit in Sicily
Beyond its azure waters and white pebbled beaches, Sicily offers a complex cultural experience, one that is seen in its Baroque churches, open-air markets, Greek ruins and complex cuisine. Discover why it’s the crossroads of the Mediterranean with Audley specialist Kimberly.
Read this guide -
How to see Rome in four days ![Rome skyline at dusk]()
How to see Rome in four days
How to see Rome in four days
Discover Rome’s long history, from the half-ruined majesty of the Colosseum to a romantic burial yard for non-Catholics. Nick, a one-time resident, talks about what to see and do in Rome and how to beat the crowds at the Sistine Chapel.
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Visiting the Cinque Terre ![Manorala, Cinque Terre]()
Visiting the Cinque Terre
Visiting the Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre is a collection of five historic fishing villages that are literally carved into the rocky shoreline of the Italian Riviera. Italy specialist Cara talks about walking along their seaside trails and eating basil gelato on a windy seaside terrace.
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Our expert guide to exploring the Amalfi Coast & Capri ![Positano, Amalfi Coast]()
Our expert guide to exploring the Amalfi Coast & Capri
Our expert guide to exploring the Amalfi Coast & Capri
Italy specialist Caroline picks some of her top things to see and do on and around the Amalfi Coast and Capri. Highlights include driving along the Amalfi Coast, taking a boat tour of Capri, and hiking the Path of the Gods and Path of the Forts.
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A guide to the regions of Italy ![Local fishing boats, Lake Como]()
A guide to the regions of Italy
A guide to the regions of Italy
A tour of a private palazzo, or a cooking class with a Sorrento grandmother? We highlight the major sights and unearth lesser-known attractions for some of our best-loved Italian regions, spotlighting tours that really explore their character.
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Hidden highlights of Tuscany ![Alley in old town San Gimignano, Tuscany]()
Hidden highlights of Tuscany
Hidden highlights of Tuscany
This guide describes some of the lesser-known highlights of the Tuscany region. Our Italy specialist Kimberly has included her top things to see and do in Florence, Siena and San Gimignano as well as truffle hunting.
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Secret canals & corners of Venice ![Gondolas, Venice]()
Secret canals & corners of Venice
Secret canals & corners of Venice
Italy specialist Kimberly describes how to get off the beaten track in Venice and discover some of the city’s lesser-visited highlights. These include Venice’s lagoon islands, Castello, Cannaregio and Torcello and taking in the sights and sounds along the Zattere.
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Top 15 places to visit in Italy ![Ponte Vecchio, Florence]()
Top 15 places to visit in Italy
Top 15 places to visit in Italy
Ancient ruins and Renaissance art in Rome, Alpine views and glamorous villas on Lake Como, or sunny, sandy shores in Puglia? We break down the top 15 places to visit in Italy, whether you’re looking for history, art, wine, or simply la dolce vita.
Read this guide
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