Is Italy high on your travel wish list?

The country's greatest charm is its incredible diversity.

From the towering peaks of the Dolomites in the north to the sun-drenched coastlines and olive groves of the south, every single Italian region offers its own unique landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences.

Italy Touring owner Andrew, was fortunate enough to visit several remarkable destinations this year alone, exploring everything from the rustic beauty of Puglia, the stunning cliffs of the Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri. In addition he visited the Trentino - Alto Aldige area as well as the Veneto region beyond Venice, including the beautiful towns of Asolo, Bassano del Grappa, Vicenza and Verona.

He was consistently captivated by the warmth, genuine hospitality, and deep-rooted passion that defines Italian life and its regional uniqueness.

We're seeing greater interest in emerging hotspots like Emilia Romagna—a culinary capital featuring cities such as Bologna, Modena, and Parma.

The Veneto is also a traveller favourite, offering everything from the rolling Prosecco Hills to the romantic canals of Venice and the historic city of Verona, stretching right into Lake Garda and the dramatic Dolomites.

The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site spanning multiple northern regions, continue to attract hikers and leisure travellers alike, with picturesque highlights including Bolzano and the chic ski resort of Cortina.

The islands of Sicily and Sardinia are also on the list.

At Italy Touring we offer a range of tours to suit your travel style - from guided and small group experiences to luxury, private and personalised itineraries including walking, cycling, culinary, historical & cultural, art, music and literature tours for groups, couples and individuals.

If you can't find exactly what you're looking for, please reach out, as we would be glad to explore other options.

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Featured Tours

Puglia

7 Days

12 Towns

Best of Puglia Tour 2026 | Small Group Tour

Discover the unparalleled charm of Puglia in 2026 with our meticulously-curated seven day tour, designed to highlight the region’s finest offerings. Puglia is a must-see destination, a region boasting wonderful food, a rich history, beautiful towns to visit… and a few surprises!

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FROM

€ 2,900 or $5,199 AUD EUR

sicily

8 Days

11 Towns

Sicily Carousel Tour 2026 | Small Group Tour

Embark on a vibrant journey through Sicily, exploring its rich colours, delightful flavours, and cherished traditions. Discover historic sites, savour authentic cuisine, and immerse yourself in the island’s unique culture across eight unforgettable days.

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FROM

$ 4,199 AUD

Sardinia

7 Days

12 Towns

Sardinia Tour 2026 | Small Group Tour

Explore Sardinia’s beaches, villages, cuisine, and culture in a relaxed 7-day small group tour.

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FROM

€ 2,800 or $4,999 AUD EUR

Dolomites-Italian-Alps

9 Days

Fantastic Alps, Dolomites and Lakes Tour 2026 | Small Group Tour

Discover the majestic Alps, serene lakes, and charming towns on a relaxed small group tour through Northern Italy.

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FROM

$ 5,999 AUD

Grand Hotel Principe Di Piemonte - Italy Touring

14 Days

Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta Tour 2026 | Small Group Tour

Explore Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta – A two-week immersion in Italy’s wine, history, and mountain landscapes.

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FROM

$ 10,170 AUD

13 Days

Emilia Romagna 2026 | Small Group Tour

Explore the best of Italy’s food, wine and culture on this 13-day journey through Emilia-Romagna — birthplace of Parmigiano Reggiano, traditional balsamic vinegar and some of Italy’s most enduring culinary traditions.

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FROM

$ 9,870 AUD

lake como

9 Days

9 Towns

Italian Lakes Discovery Tour 2026 | Small Group Tour

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Italian Lakes on this exquisite nine-day small group tour. With elegant accommodations on Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, you’ll wake each morning to breathtaking views that promise a day of enchantment and relaxation.

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FROM

$ 6,650 AUD

puglia trulli house

5 Days

Food & Wine Tour Puglia 2026 | Private Tour

Private 5-day Puglia food and wine tour: Each day includes organised activities, visits to all the key sights and a progressive discovery of the local Puglia cuisine.

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FROM

$ 4,875 AUD

Explore Our Featured Tours

Let us help you discover the diversity of Italy

Italy, a country with a rich culture and history, each region different to the next.

Breathtaking scenery, stunning architecture, wonderful food and wine, superb shopping from top brands to local markets, art galleries and museums amongst the best in the world, and the Italian way of life!

As a dedicated Italy specialist, Italy Touring has selected a range of tours from local suppliers to best enable you to truly enjoy your visit to this country. We have chosen a range of tours that cover the must see highlights and regions of Italy, as well as a few tours to lesser known but equally interesting parts of Italy.

Our focus is Italy and we hope to share the wonders of this country when you arrange your travel with Italy Touring.

Vatican Italy Touring

Language Italian

Religion Catholic

Italy Population 61 Million

Founded 735BC.

CATO Accredited logo
Roots logo
ENIT logo

Andrew & Angela Geils

Founding Directors, Italy Touring

Andrew & Angela Geils

My passion for Italy started some 15 years ago when our family travelled to this wonderful country.

From the amazing city of Rome, a “walking museum”, to the island of Sicily with its Greek and Arab influences to the walled city of Bergamo in the north, to Florence and magical Venice and so much more. Its people, food, culture and style left a lasting impression.

Very recently we visited Puglia, taking in the whitewashed villages and stunning coastline, Trulli houses and ancient olive groves as well as the amazing town of Matera with its labyrinth of streets with ancient stone cave dwellings. We have also travelled to the far north at Lake Garda, visiting the Lake districts, driving through Tuscany and Umbria, Naples and numerous places in between.

“My passion for Italy started some 15 years ago when our family travelled to this wonderful country.”

We’re right here

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Frequently Asked Questions

Planning Your Trip

When’s the best time of year to visit Italy?

Italy shines in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when you’ll enjoy pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and better prices on flights and accommodation. These shoulder seasons offer the perfect balance of good weather and accessibility to attractions without the summer congestion.

Summer (mid-June until August) brings peak tourist season – with higher prices and crowded landmarks – though the vibrant atmosphere and extended daylight hours appeal to many travellers.

Winter offers unique charm, especially in December when Christmas markets light up historic centres. For skiing enthusiasts, the Alpine regions typically offer excellent conditions from late November through April, with January and February providing the most reliable snowfall.

Everybody has different preferences for the way they travel and what works for one person may not work for another. However, for a fulfilling 10-day itinerary, we recommend focusing on 2-3 regions rather than attempting to tick off all the items on your bucket list.

We often recommend that you make a list of the top regions, cities or attractions you’d like to see and going from there – these are some popular approaches:

  • The Classic Triangle: Rome (3 days), Florence (3 days), and Venice (2 days), with a day trip to either Tuscany from Florence or the Amalfi Coast from Rome
  • Northern Immersion: Milan, Lake Como, Venice, and the Dolomites
  • Southern Experience: Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, and Sicily

Joining an organised tour is a good option whether you’re a first time traveller or have been to Italy a dozen times. These tours provide local insight through major highlights, including landmarks and restaurants, to make your experience unforgettable – and all while handling the logistics! Many of our clients enjoy combining a 5-7 day escorted tour with several days of independent exploration, giving you both structure and freedom.

Italy, like most European countries, is safe to travel to. Violent crime in Italy is very low, but some tourists may encounter petty crime, such as pickpocketing and scams. Pickpocketing is easily preventable – be sure to store your wallet and phone in a secure location and keep a close eye on your belongings. Scams can be a little trickier to avoid, but here are some tips to help:

  1. Know what you’re paying for in advance. This means checking the menu before entering the restaurant and agreeing on a firm price for services. Don’t order any items that aren’t listed on a menu.
  2. Be wary of people that approach you for seemingly no reason in touristy areas. These might be unofficial “guides” offering special access to attractions, or strangers offering “free” bracelets or flowers (which become demands for payment).

Day-to-day life in Italy has some quirk in comparison to Australian culture. For example:

  • Daily Rhythm – The Italian pace of life includes “riposo” (rest period) from roughly 1-4pm when many shops and smaller restaurants close – particularly in smaller towns. Plan museum visits or relaxation during these hours to avoid disappointment.
  • Fitting In – Italian people are welcoming, and they really appreciate it when you embrace and respect their culture. Using simple expressions such as ‘ciao’, ‘grazie’ and ‘prego’ (‘hi’, ‘thank you’ and ‘you’re welcome) will take you a long way.
  • Dressing modestly (i.e. covered shoulders and knees) is a requirement of entry when visiting churches.
  • Tipping is not expected, but rounding up the bill is appreciated for good service
  • Pickpocketing does happen more frequently than in Australia, but don’t let fear of pickpocketing spoil your holiday – just remain vigilant in busy spaces and keep a close eye on your belongings.

Dining in Italy

Italy offers excellent value for dining compared to Australian prices, with authentic experiences available to suit every budget. If you decide to take a seat at a restaurant, it is likely that you will be asked to pay a ‘pane e coperto’ which translates to a ‘bread and cover charge of €2-5 per person. Similarly, the water or antipasto you may be offered is not free.

For the best value and authenticity, we recommend dining where locals dine – restaurants filled with Italians usually offer better quality and pricing, and walking just 2-3 streets from major attractions can reduce prices by 30-40%.

The type of restaurant you dine at also plays a role in formality and pricing. Ristoranti are the most formal and expensive option, featuring professional service, refined atmosphere, and sophisticated cuisine (€40-100+ per person). Trattorias are family-run establishments with a homey feel, serving traditional local dishes at moderate prices (€25-40 per person). Osterias offer casual, wine-focused dining with simple but authentic local specialties at budget-friendly prices (€20-35 per person), while pizzerias serve pizza in a relaxed setting, at €7-15 per pizza.

Many restaurants offer “menu del giorno” (menu of the day) at lunchtime with excellent fixed-price options.

If you consider yourself a gastronome, why not consider booking a foodie tour of Italy?

Italian cuisine is deeply regional, with each area proudly showcasing local specialties using ingredients from their immediate surroundings. For an authentic experience, eat what the locals eat where they eat it:

Northern Italy:

  • Risotto alla Milanese (saffron risotto) in Milan
  • Prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese in Emilia-Romagna
  • Fresh seafood and pesto in Liguria
  • Tiramisu in Veneto – its birthplace

Central Italy:

  • Bistecca alla Fiorentina (T-bone steak) in Florence
  • Ribollita (hearty vegetable soup) throughout Tuscany
  • Pasta such as Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, and Amatriciana in Rome
  • Porchetta (herb-stuffed roast pork) in Umbria

Southern Italy:

  • Pizza Napoletana in Naples (where pizza was born)
  • Fresh buffalo mozzarella in Campania
  • Orecchiette pasta in Puglia
  • Arancini and cannoli in Sicily
  • Nduja (spicy spreadable sausage) in Calabria

Don’t be afraid to ask your water “Cosa mi consiglia?” (What do you recommend?) for local specialties that might not appear on translated menus. You can sample the best of Italian cuisine with one of our foodie tours.

In Italy, coffee is a cultural institution with its own customs and vocabulary, and is in fact where Australia inherits our coffee culture from. However, coffee etiquette differs from Australia – Italians typically drink their coffee quickly while standing at the bar, where prices are lower than being seated. Milky coffees like cappuccinos are considered breakfast drinks only, and ordering a “latte” will get you a glass of milk unless you specify “caffè latte”.

Getting Around

To legally drive in Italy with an Australian licence, you must obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before leaving Australia. This serves as an official translation of your licence and must be carried alongside a physical copy of your valid Australian driver’s licence.

To rent a vehicle:

  • Present both your Australian licence and IDP
  • Bring a credit card in the same name as your licence
  • Consider requesting an automatic transmission if you’re not comfortable with manual vehicles which are more common in Italy than autos. These require advance reservation and typically cost more.

Be sure to familiarise yourself with Italy’s road rules and parking restrictions. If possible take some time to practise driving on the righthand side of the road in quiet streets to start with. When driving, beware of “ZTL zones”. These are limited traffic zones in historic centres, and carry heavy fines for unauthorised vehicles that enter them.

Trains in Italy are fast, frequent, and a relatively inexpensive way to travel between cities. Rome’s Termini station is Italy’s hub for rail transport, with connections offered to most major cities. Rail is often the best option, as transport to and from the airport can negate any time you save by flying. Just be sure to validate your train and bus tickets before boarding to avoid fines, and ensure you reserve seats on high-speed trains such as Frecciarossa and Italo.

Most Italian cities offer excellent public transport networks that are both affordable and efficient. In major cities like Rome, Milan, and Naples, the metro systems provide the fastest way to cover longer distances, while comprehensive bus networks reach areas the metro doesn’t cover.

Many historic centres are pedestrian-only zones where walking is not just necessary but the best way to discover hidden gems. For cities with waterways, Venice’s vaporetti (water buses) and Naples’ ferry services offer both transportation and sightseeing opportunities.

Preparing to Go

Pack strategically for Italy’s varied climates and cultural expectations. Comfortable walking shoes are a must to conquer the cobblestones and hills of Italy’s towns and cities. Layerable clothing is also advised no matter what season you’re visiting in, since covered knees and shoulders are required for church visits.

Italians tend to dress more formally than Australians, even for casual occasions. Athletic wear is generally reserved for actual exercise, and beachwear should stay at the beach. A smart-casual approach will help you blend in and may result in better service at restaurants and shops.

We also advise packing a reusable water bottle, as you can refill at public fountains throughout Italy.

Travel insurance is highly recommended for Australians visiting Italy. While Australia has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Italy providing limited access to public healthcare, this coverage is minimal and doesn’t include many essential services. Comprehensive travel insurance protects you against unexpected medical emergencies (including ambulance services and private hospital care), trip cancellations, flight delays, and lost luggage.