What kind of traveler are you? Do you dream of standing in the Roman Forum, picturing life two thousand years ago? Or is your perfect day spent learning to make pasta from a nonna in a Tuscan farmhouse? Maybe you want to hike the stunning cliffs of Cinque Terre or spend hours gazing at Renaissance masterpieces in Florence. Italy offers a world of experiences, and the perfect trip is one that speaks to your passions. Instead of trying to fit your dreams into a generic itinerary, the key is to find a tour built around what you love. We’ll explore the different types of trips available, helping you find the best guided tours of Italy for foodies, history buffs, art lovers, and adventurers alike.
Key Takeaways
- Choose a Guided Tour for Ultimate Convenience: Opting for a guided tour removes the stress of planning. It covers major logistics like hotels, transportation, and skip-the-line access, freeing you up to simply immerse yourself in the experience.
- Find the Right Fit by Defining Your Priorities: The best trip is one that matches your personal travel style. Pinpoint your main interests—like food, art, or history—and then compare itineraries, pacing, and group sizes to select a tour that feels designed just for you.
- Focus on the Details That Matter: A quality tour is defined by more than just its destinations. Look for essential features like expert local guides, well-located hotels, small group sizes, and a balanced itinerary with built-in free time to ensure a comfortable and personal journey.
Is a Guided Tour of Italy Right for You?
Let’s be honest: planning a trip to Italy can feel like a full-time job. Between booking hotels, deciphering train schedules, and figuring out which sights need advance tickets, the logistics can be overwhelming. While many people love the freedom of exploring on their own with a good guidebook, a guided tour offers a completely different, and often more relaxing, way to experience the country. The real question is whether it’s the right fit for your travel style.
The biggest advantage of a guided tour is the sheer convenience. Imagine showing up to Italy with your transportation, accommodations, and a full itinerary already handled. This allows you to skip the planning stress and simply soak in the beauty of your surroundings. Plus, you get the invaluable perspective of a local expert who can bring the history of the Roman Forum to life, point you to the best gelato in Florence, and share stories you’d never find on your own. A great guide can truly transform your trip from a series of sightseeing stops into a rich, cultural experience.
On the other hand, a guided tour means giving up some spontaneity. You’ll be on a set schedule, which might not leave much room for lingering in a café you fall in love with or making an impromptu detour. It’s also important to find a tour that matches your pace. Be cautious of itineraries that promise to cover too many attractions in a short time, as you might end up feeling rushed rather than relaxed. Think about what you truly want from your trip. If you crave a hassle-free adventure where the details are taken care of and you can benefit from expert knowledge, a guided tour could be the perfect way to discover Italy.
The Best Tour Companies for Your Trip to Italy
Picking the right tour company is the first step to a fantastic trip. It sets the tone for your entire Italian adventure, shaping everything from where you stay to the kinds of experiences you have. To help you decide, I’ve put together a list of some of the most reputable and well-loved companies, each offering a slightly different flavor of Italy. Whether you’re looking for a deep cultural dive, a foodie paradise, or a whirlwind tour of the classics, there’s a perfect fit for you here. These companies have a proven track record of delivering incredible vacations, taking the stress out of planning so you can focus on soaking up every moment.
Rick Steves Europe
If you want to feel like a savvy traveler instead of just a tourist, Rick Steves is your guy. His tours are famous for being incredibly well-organized and educational, focusing on authentic culture without being stuffy. You’ll learn how to use the local transit and find the best gelato, all while staying in charming, centrally located hotels. His philosophy is all about empowering you to experience Europe “through the back door.” The Italy tours are designed to be easy and stress-free, making them a fantastic value for anyone who wants to see the country’s highlights and learn a lot along the way.
Trafalgar
Trafalgar is a giant in the touring world for a reason. They excel at creating comprehensive, seamless trips that cover a lot of ground. Their popular “Best of Italy” tour is a perfect example, guiding you through iconic cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice with every detail handled. What makes them stand out are their “Be My Guest” experiences, where you connect with locals for an authentic meal or activity. With expert Travel Directors and comfortable coaches, Trafalgar tours are a fantastic option if you want a well-paced, social, and completely worry-free vacation.
Perillo Tours
A true specialist, Perillo Tours has been focused exclusively on Italy since 1945. This family-run company brings generations of expertise and passion to their itineraries. They are known for providing a classic, comfortable, and deeply immersive Italian experience. You can expect excellent hotels, delicious meals, and guides who treat you like family. Because of their long-standing relationships in Italy, they offer incredible access and insight. If you’re looking for a trusted, traditional, and high-quality trip, exploring their escorted tours is a must. They truly know Italy inside and out.
Insight Vacations
For those who enjoy the finer things, Insight Vacations offers a more premium and luxurious touring experience. They focus on style and comfort, with smaller group sizes, upscale hotels in prime locations, and more legroom on their custom coaches. Their itineraries blend major sights with unique “Insight Experiences,” like a private cooking class in a Tuscan villa or a special visit to the Vatican. These premium guided tours are perfect for travelers who want to see Italy’s highlights without sacrificing comfort and appreciate a touch of exclusivity in their journey.
Intrepid Travel
If your idea of travel is more about authentic experiences and less about big bus tours, Intrepid Travel is an excellent choice. They specialize in small group adventures that focus on sustainable, real-world travel. You’ll stay in smaller, locally-owned accommodations, use public transport, and eat where the locals do. Their itineraries strike a great balance between famous landmarks and off-the-beaten-path gems you might not find on your own. Intrepid’s Italy tours are ideal for adventurous, curious travelers who want to connect with the culture on a deeper level.
G Adventures
Similar to Intrepid, G Adventures is all about small group travel with a focus on community and sustainability. They offer a wide range of travel styles, from “Classic” tours that cover the highlights to “Active” trips that involve hiking and biking. A key part of their mission is making a positive impact, so your trip often supports local community projects. Their guides, known as Chief Experience Officers (CEOs), are there to help you get fully immersed in the destination. G Adventures is a fantastic option for travelers who want an authentic, fun, and meaningful connection to Italy.
TourRadar
Think of TourRadar as the Expedia of guided tours. It’s not a tour operator itself, but a massive online marketplace where you can compare trips from hundreds of different companies, including many on this list. This is a great place to start if you want to see a huge range of options side-by-side. You can filter by price, duration, and travel style to find the perfect trip for your budget and wish list. It’s an incredibly useful tool for discovering different itineraries and finding the best Italy tour deals available across the web.
Italy Tours Co.
For a more curated and specialized approach, Italy Tours Co. designs trips that dive deep into the country’s rich history, art, and incredible food scene. They offer a boutique experience, focusing on unique itineraries that you might not find with larger operators. Whether you want to explore ancient ruins with an archaeologist or take a hands-on pasta-making class in a countryside home, they can make it happen. They offer both guided and self-guided options, giving you the flexibility to choose your level of independence. Their unique experiences are perfect for travelers seeking a more personalized Italian journey.
Approach Tours
For travellers 55+ who want all the magic of Italy without the hassle of planning, Approach Tours delivers. Our all-inclusive Signature Italy Tour covers Rome, Florence, Venice, and beyond—with flights, hotels, guided excursions, and even many meals included. With a maximum of 30 travellers, the atmosphere is social yet comfortable, and every detail is thoughtfully arranged. It’s an ideal choice if you want to explore Italy’s icons and hidden gems at a relaxed pace, knowing everything is taken care of.
Choose Your Adventure: Types of Italian Tours
Italy is a country with something for everyone, and guided tours are designed to match. Whether you dream of walking through ancient ruins, tasting wine in a Tuscan vineyard, or hiking along a dramatic coastline, there’s an itinerary built for your travel style. The first step to finding the perfect trip is figuring out what kind of experience you want. Think about what gets you most excited—is it the history, the food, the art, or the adventure? Pinpointing your passion will help you find a tour that feels like it was made just for you.
For the History Buff: Cultural & Historical Tours
If you’ve always dreamed of stepping back in time, a historical tour is your perfect match. These trips are designed to bring Italy’s incredible past to life, taking you from the heart of the Roman Empire to the center of the Catholic world. Imagine standing in the Colosseum where gladiators once fought or walking the preserved streets of Pompeii, frozen in time by a volcanic eruption. Companies like Trafalgar offer a Best of Italy tour that provides an immersive experience, guiding you through these iconic ancient sites and religious landmarks like the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s the ideal way to connect with the stories and figures that shaped Western civilization.
For the Foodie: Culinary & Wine Experiences
For those who travel with their taste buds, a culinary tour is the ultimate Italian adventure. These trips go beyond typical restaurant meals, offering a deep dive into the country’s rich gastronomic traditions. You can learn to make pasta from a nonna in Tuscany, sample balsamic vinegar in Modena, or sip world-class wines right at the source. Perillo Tours offers a variety of escorted tours to Italy that put food front and center. These itineraries are packed with unique culinary experiences that highlight regional specialties, giving you a true taste of local life and the passion Italians have for their cuisine. It’s a delicious way to explore the country, one bite at a time.
For the Art Lover: Art & Architecture Explorations
If your heart beats faster for Renaissance masterpieces and stunning architecture, an art-focused tour will feel like coming home. Italy is a living museum, and these itineraries are curated to ensure you see the most important works without feeling overwhelmed. You can gaze at Michelangelo’s David in Florence, marvel at the Sistine Chapel in Rome, and admire Byzantine mosaics in Venice. Rick Steves’ Italy tours are famous for their emphasis on art and architecture, with expert guides who share the fascinating stories behind each piece. These trips are perfect for anyone who wants to fully appreciate the artistic legacy that makes Italy so magical.
For the Nature Seeker: Scenic Landscapes & Natural Wonders
While Italy is famous for its cities, its natural beauty is just as breathtaking. If you’d rather be surrounded by stunning landscapes than ancient ruins, a tour focused on scenic wonders is the way to go. Picture yourself hiking the cliffside paths of Cinque Terre, cruising along the vibrant Amalfi Coast, or exploring the serene beauty of the Italian Lakes. Insight Vacations offers premium Italy guided tour packages that showcase the country’s most spectacular scenery. These trips perfectly blend outdoor exploration with cultural experiences, giving you a chance to soak in the views and appreciate the diverse landscapes that make Italy so unforgettable.
For the Thrill Chaser: Adventure & Active Itineraries
Want to do more than just see the sights? An active tour lets you experience Italy in a more hands-on, dynamic way. These itineraries are perfect for travelers who like to stay on the move, combining cultural discovery with light physical activities that get your blood pumping. You could find yourself hiking through rolling vineyards, kayaking in coastal grottos, or even taking a cooking class to master local recipes. TourRadar features a great selection of the 10 best Italy tours that cater to the thrill-seeker in all of us. It’s a fantastic way to engage with the country’s culture and landscapes on a whole new level.
For the Explorer: Hidden Gems & Off-the-Beaten-Path Trips
If your idea of a perfect trip is discovering places most tourists miss, then a tour focused on hidden gems is for you. These excursions take you beyond the major cities to uncover the authentic heart of Italy. You might explore a medieval hilltop town in Umbria, visit a family-run olive oil press, or relax on a secluded beach known only to locals. Companies like Joe Banana Limos specialize in tours that reveal Italy’s Hidden Gems, guiding you to lesser-known treasures for a truly unique experience. This is your chance to see the real Italy and create stories you won’t find in a typical guidebook.
What to Look For in a Great Guided Tour
Sifting through tour options can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to look for makes all the difference. The best guided tours aren’t just about seeing the sights; they’re about experiencing Italy in a way that feels personal, seamless, and deeply memorable. A great tour company handles the logistics so you can focus on the magic—the taste of fresh pasta, the awe of ancient ruins, and the warmth of the Mediterranean sun. As you compare your options, think of it as creating a checklist for your perfect trip. Look for these key features to find a tour that matches your travel style and turns a good vacation into an unforgettable one.
Expert Local Guides Who Know the Real Italy
Your guide is your storyteller, your local connection, and your problem-solver all in one. The best guides are not just reciting facts from a script; they’re passionate locals who bring history to life with personal anecdotes and a deep understanding of Italian culture. They know the best spot for gelato away from the crowds, the history behind a forgotten fountain, and how to make you feel like you’re exploring with a trusted friend. A great guide transforms a simple walk through Rome into a compelling narrative. Companies like Rick Steves Europe are known for their knowledgeable, hand-picked guides who are experts at making your trip easy and insightful.
Skip-the-Line Access to Must-See Sights
Imagine strolling right past the hours-long queue at the Colosseum or the Vatican Museums. This is one of the biggest perks of a quality guided tour. Skip-the-line access means you spend your precious vacation time absorbing art and history, not standing on hot pavement. It’s not about rushing to cram more in; it’s about having the time to truly appreciate each monumental sight without the stress and exhaustion of waiting. This single feature can dramatically improve your experience at Italy’s most popular attractions, giving you the relaxed, enriching visit you’ve been dreaming of. Many tours, including those from Trafalgar, build this into their itineraries for a seamless experience.
Authentic Local Experiences You Can’t Find on Your Own
The most memorable travel moments often happen away from the main tourist trail. Look for tours that offer authentic experiences that would be difficult to arrange on your own. This could be a hands-on cooking class in a Tuscan farmhouse, a private wine tasting at a family-run vineyard, or a visit to a local artisan’s workshop. These are the moments that give you a true taste of the culture and connect you to the place and its people. Companies like Towns of Italy specialize in crafting these genuine Italian experiences, opening the door to a side of the country many travelers miss.
Comfortable Transportation & Well-Located Hotels
Dealing with logistics like train schedules, bus tickets, and navigating unfamiliar cities can quickly drain your energy. A great guided tour takes care of all of it with comfortable, air-conditioned transportation between destinations. Equally important is the location of your hotels. The best tours book accommodations in central, walkable areas, so you can easily explore during your free time without needing a taxi to get back. This thoughtful planning means less time in transit and more time enjoying the charm of Italy’s city centers, contributing to a truly worry-free travel experience.
Itineraries That Make Sense
A well-designed itinerary is logical and paced for enjoyment, not exhaustion. Be wary of tours that promise to show you the entire country in ten days. You’ll spend more time on a bus than you will in the cities themselves. Instead, look for a travel plan that flows geographically and allows for at least two nights in most locations. This gives you enough time to settle in and explore without feeling constantly rushed. Reputable companies like Perillo Tours, with their decades of experience, are masters at creating itineraries that balance iconic destinations with a comfortable and realistic travel pace.
Small Groups for a More Personal Touch
Traveling in a smaller group can completely change the dynamic of your trip. With fewer people, you get more one-on-one time with your guide, allowing you to ask questions and get personalized recommendations. It’s easier to move through crowded streets, get seated at local restaurants, and feel like you’re part of an intimate travel party rather than a massive herd. This often leads to a stronger connection with your fellow travelers and a more personal, less overwhelming experience. Many modern tour companies now focus on small group travel to foster this friendly and engaging atmosphere.
Flexible Options to Customize Your Trip
A structured itinerary doesn’t have to mean a rigid schedule. The best tours understand the importance of independence and build in free time for you to explore on your own. This allows you to wander through a market, revisit a favorite spot, or simply relax at a café and people-watch. For the ultimate in freedom, consider a private guided tour. This option lets you completely customize your itinerary and travel at your own pace, focusing only on the sights and experiences that matter most to you and your travel companions. It’s a fantastic way to get the benefits of a guide with the flexibility of solo travel.
Breaking Down the Cost of a Guided Tour
Let’s talk about money. Budget is a huge piece of the travel puzzle, and it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you commit. The price tag on a guided tour can seem high at first glance, but when you break down what’s included, it often proves to be a fantastic value. This guide will walk you through the typical costs, what’s covered, and how to budget for the extras so you can plan your trip with confidence.
What to Expect to Pay for Different Tours
When you start looking at guided tours of Italy, you’ll see prices that can range from around $2,400 to well over $6,000 per person. This wide spectrum reflects the variety of trips available. A shorter, more budget-focused tour will be on the lower end, while a longer, more luxurious trip with premium hotels and more included meals will be at the higher end. The final cost depends on factors like the length of the tour, the season you travel in, the size of the group, and the level of accommodation. Many companies offer a range of Italy tours that let you compare different itineraries and price points to find what works for your budget.
What Your Tour Price Usually Includes
One of the biggest perks of a guided tour is that most of your major expenses are bundled into one price. A typical package covers your accommodation for every night of the trip, all transportation between cities (usually a comfortable coach), and a significant number of meals—almost always daily breakfasts and several group dinners. Your price also includes the services of a full-time tour director, professional drivers, and expert local guides for specific sites. Plus, all the entrance fees for the museums and historical sites on your itinerary are covered, meaning you can walk right past the long ticket lines. Seeing a detailed tour itinerary can give you a clear picture of everything that’s packed into the price.
Budgeting for Extra Expenses
While a guided tour is quite inclusive, you’ll still need to budget for some out-of-pocket costs. The most common extras are lunches, some dinners, and any drinks you have with your meals. This gives you the flexibility to explore local cafes and restaurants on your own. You should also plan for personal expenses like souvenirs, gelato stops (a daily necessity!), and any optional excursions that aren’t part of the main itinerary. It’s also customary to tip your tour director and driver at the end of the trip as a thank you for their hard work. Many companies provide guidelines for tipping on their websites for their escorted tours, which makes it easy to plan ahead.
Finding Special Offers and Value-Adds
If you want to make your travel budget stretch a little further, it pays to be strategic. Keep an eye out for special offers, which many tour companies promote throughout the year. Early booking discounts are common, so planning your trip several months in advance can often lead to significant savings. Some operators even offer a small discount if you pay for your tour with a check or bank transfer instead of a credit card. Booking your trip at least three to four months ahead of time not only helps you find a better deal but also ensures you get a spot on the tour you want before it sells out, especially during the popular spring and fall seasons.
How to Pick the Perfect Guided Tour for You
With so many incredible options available, choosing the right guided tour can feel a little overwhelming. But the perfect trip is out there, and finding it is all about matching a tour to your personal travel style. Think of it less like a test and more like a fun quiz to discover what will make your Italian adventure truly unforgettable. It comes down to asking yourself a few key questions about what you want to see, how you like to travel, and what kind of experience you’re dreaming of.
Taking a little time to think through these points before you book will make all the difference. It ensures you don’t end up on a whirlwind, 10-city tour when you really wanted to spend a week slowly sipping wine in Tuscany. This is your trip, and you deserve to have it your way. We’ll walk through the four most important steps to help you sort through the options and confidently select a tour that feels like it was made just for you.
Match the Tour to Your Travel Style
First things first, let’s daydream a bit. When you picture yourself in Italy, where are you? Are you wandering through the ancient ruins of Rome, exploring the art-filled streets of Florence, or soaking up the sun on the Amalfi Coast? Start by deciding which parts of Italy you want to explore and how many days you have for your trip. Then, think about your interests. Are you a history buff who wants to dive deep into the past, a foodie who dreams of pasta-making classes, or an art lover eager to see Renaissance masterpieces? Many tours, like Trafalgar’s Best of Italy, combine these elements, but knowing your priorities will help you find the perfect fit.
Check the Itinerary, Pace, and Group Size
Once you have a general idea of what you want, it’s time to look at the details. Carefully review the day-by-day itineraries of the tours you’re considering. Does the schedule feel exciting or exhausting? Some tours are fast-paced, covering a lot of ground quickly, while others take a more leisurely approach with more free time built in. Also, pay attention to the group size. A smaller group can offer a more intimate and personal experience, while a larger group might be a great way to meet more people. There’s no right or wrong answer—it’s all about what works for you. You can use a site like Travelstride to easily compare itineraries from different companies side-by-side.
Read Recent Reviews and Compare Your Options
Before you commit, do a little homework by reading reviews from fellow travelers. While the glossy photos and descriptions on a tour company’s website are helpful, recent reviews from people who have actually been on the trip will give you the real story. Check independent review sites like TourRadar or Travelstride to get honest insights into the quality of the guides, the hotels, the pacing, and the overall experience. Look for patterns in the comments. If multiple people rave about a specific guide or a unique local meal, that’s a great sign. Conversely, if you see repeated complaints, it’s a good reason to be cautious.
Understand the Booking and Cancellation Policies
This last step is all about protecting your investment and giving yourself peace of mind. Before you click “book,” take a few minutes to read and understand the company’s booking and cancellation policies. Life happens, and you want to know what your options are if you need to change your plans. Look for companies that offer flexibility, like a grace period to hold your booking or options to reschedule your trip without a major penalty. Knowing the terms and conditions upfront prevents any unwelcome surprises down the road and lets you focus on what really matters: getting excited for your amazing trip to Italy.
Guided Tour Myths vs. Reality
If the phrase “guided tour” makes you picture a massive bus, a flag-waving guide, and a rigid, rushed schedule, it’s time for a fresh perspective. The world of guided travel has changed dramatically. Many of the old stereotypes just don’t hold up anymore. Modern tours are designed for curious, independent-minded travelers who want to experience the heart of Italy, not just skim the surface.
Let’s clear up some of the most common myths. Understanding the reality of today’s guided tours will help you decide if one is the right fit for your dream Italian vacation.
How Guided Tours Have Changed
Forget the impersonal coach tours of the past. Today’s best tour companies focus on creating personalized and immersive experiences that feel more like traveling with a local friend than being herded around. The industry has shifted toward smaller groups, which allows for more flexibility and access to places that large buses can’t reach, like charming side streets or family-run trattorias. The emphasis is now on authenticity, connecting you with local culture through hands-on activities and genuine interactions. It’s a complete reimagining of what a guided trip can be, moving from a simple sightseeing checklist to a rich, memorable journey.
Finding Freedom on a Structured Trip
One of the biggest worries travelers have is losing their independence. But a well-planned tour isn’t about restriction; it’s about support. Think of it this way: the tour company handles the stressful logistics—like navigating train schedules, booking hotels, and buying tickets—so you can use your mental energy for what matters: soaking in the beauty of a Renaissance painting or finding the perfect gelato. Many tours build in ample free time for you to explore on your own. Plus, a private or small-group tour gives you the power to help set the pace, linger where you like, and get personalized recommendations from your guide for your downtime.
Balancing Pace and Free Time
Are you worried about being rushed from one city to the next? That’s a valid concern, and a sign of a poorly designed tour. A quality itinerary prioritizes depth over distance. It allows for a more relaxed pace with enough time to truly settle in and explore each destination. When you’re comparing options, be wary of tours that promise to show you all of Italy in a week. A great tour company understands that travel is more enjoyable when you’re not constantly watching the clock. They build itineraries that avoid rushing from city to city, giving you a chance to wander, get a little lost, and make your own discoveries.
Why a Tour Can Be a Great Value
While a guided tour can seem like a big upfront investment, it’s often more cost-effective than booking everything yourself. Tour operators have long-standing relationships with hotels and transportation providers, allowing them to secure better group rates than an individual traveler could. When you factor in the cost of accommodations, train tickets, entry fees for museums, and local guides, the package price is often a great deal. Plus, it saves you countless hours of research and planning. The convenience and peace of mind that come with having all the details handled is a value that’s hard to put a price on.
Related Articles
- Italy Tours: A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers – Approach Tours
- Signature Italy Tour – Approach Tours
- Life on the water: Exploring Italy’s coast – Approach Tours
- An Intro Course in Italian Architecture – Approach Tours
- Sicily & Southern Italy – Approach Tours
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have any time to explore on my own, or is every minute planned? This is one of the most common worries, but you can definitely relax. Reputable tour companies understand that the best travel moments often happen when you wander off on your own. Most itineraries intentionally build in free time, usually a few hours in the afternoon or a full evening, for you to discover a hidden alley, linger in a shop, or enjoy a quiet dinner. Think of the tour as a supportive structure that handles the big things, giving you the freedom to personalize the small moments.
Are guided tours a good option if I’m traveling solo? Absolutely. A guided tour can be a fantastic choice for a solo traveler. It takes the stress out of navigating a new country alone and provides a built-in sense of security and community. You get to share incredible experiences with a group of like-minded people, which can be a lot of fun. Many companies also offer options to either have your own room for an additional fee or be paired with another solo traveler of the same gender to keep costs down.
Is it really cheaper to book a tour than to plan the trip myself? It can seem like a big upfront cost, but when you add everything up, a guided tour often provides incredible value. Tour companies book hotels, transportation, and guides in bulk, so they get access to group rates that you couldn’t get on your own. When you factor in the cost of all your hotels, train tickets, museum entry fees, and local guides, the tour price is often very competitive. Plus, it saves you dozens of hours of planning.
What’s the best time of year to take a guided tour of Italy? For the best balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds, I always recommend the shoulder seasons: April to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is typically beautiful, and the major sights are less crowded than in the peak summer months of July and August. Traveling in the summer can be very hot and busy, while the winter offers fewer crowds but also shorter days and cooler weather.
How do I choose between a big tour company and a smaller, adventure-focused one? The best way to decide is to think about your travel personality. If you want a seamless, comfortable trip that covers the iconic highlights with all the logistics handled, a classic company like Trafalgar or Perillo is a great fit. If you prefer a more grassroots experience, using public transport, staying in smaller local hotels, and getting a bit off the beaten path, then a company like Intrepid Travel or G Adventures will be more your speed.
