A Sicilian Odyssey
A myriad of cultures intertwined by Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Muslim, and of course, Italian influences.
World Heritage & Historical Tours
With an extraordinary history spanning ancient Rome, the rise and fall of the Roman Empire and the cultural awakening of the Renaissance, Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country. Explore remarkable places on carefully selected small group tours, with expert guides bringing Italy’s history, culture and heritage to life.
- Melbourne-based Italy tour specialists
- ATAS accredited and CATO member
- Small group tour expertise
Italy Touring’s UNESCO and historical tour program covers the country’s most significant heritage sites and historic urban centres — ancient ruins, medieval towns, Renaissance cities, and Baroque masterpieces — with guides who can interpret them properly. Groups are kept small, with expert guides whose knowledge is site- and period-specific rather than one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re drawn to ancient Roman history, medieval Italy, Renaissance art and architecture, or simply want a tour that takes Italy’s historic fabric seriously — you’ll find the right departures here.
A Week In Naples, Capri & Amalfi
From ancient treasures frozen in time to the brilliant blue of the “Divine Coast,” immerse yourself in daily life, past and present
A Week in Piedmont | Women Only Tour
Introducing Tauck Women-Only Departures on select journeys – offered exclusively for women seeking meaningful travel experiences. Price on request!
A Week In Puglia
Discover the heel of Italy’s “boot,” known for its centuries-old farmhouses, whitewashed limestone houses, and endless Adriatic Sea coastlines.
A Week In Venice, Florence & Rome
Travel from Florence through the Chianti hills, in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, on a day trip to Badia di Passignano; the hilly landscape, basking in golds and greens, is filled with
Abruzzo Italy Grande Tour 2026
An immersive journey through Italy’s most authentic and unspoilt region, where tradition and landscape remain deeply connected
Abruzzo Italy Primo Tour 2026
A considered journey through Abruzzo’s villages, landscapes and enduring local traditions
Alpina & Dolomiti | 9 Day Small Group Tour
Milan, the Bernina Express, Lake Garda, South Tyrol and the Dolomites come together on this scenic 9 day small group journey through northern Italy.
Amalfi Coast + Cilento Bike Tour | 6-Day Cycling & Hiking Tour
Cycle from Maratea through the Cilento Coast to Amalfi, with coastal climbs, the Path of the Gods, Paestum and regional food along the way.
Amalfi Coast Tour 2026
An immersive journey along the Amalfi Coast, blending iconic destinations with authentic local experiences, regional cuisine and the rhythm of everyday coastal life
Amalfi Coast Tour 2027
Experience the Amalfi Coast and Naples through iconic towns, coastal landscapes and rich history, from ancient ruins to cliffside villages.
Bari & Lecce: Focaccia with Pasticciotto Experience 2026
A five-day taste of Puglia combining coastal Bari and baroque Lecce, with private guided walks, iconic local food tastings (focaccia barese and pasticciotto), and easy rail travel between the two cities.
Best of Puglia Tour 2026
Experience Puglia through guided visits, iconic sights and a delicious journey into local cuisine, designed for curious and seasoned travellers alike.
Best of Puglia Tour 2027
Experience Puglia through guided visits, iconic sights and a delicious journey into local cuisine, designed for curious and seasoned travellers alike.
Best of Sicily & Malta 2026
12-day journey combining an escorted small group tour of Sicily’s UNESCO-rich highlights with a relaxed stay in Malta, including food and wine experiences from street food in Siracusa to cellar visits in Marsala
Best of Sicily Tour 2027
Explore Sicily through its layered history, vibrant towns and deeply rooted food culture, designed for travellers seeking a richer and more immersive Italian experience.
Catania & the Aeolian Islands 2026
Private island-hopping escape from Catania to the Aeolian Islands, featuring Lipari base stays, scenic boat trips, volcano views, and relaxed coastal downtime
City Break Tropea 2026
A relaxed 3-day coastal escape in Tropea featuring a small-group boat cruise along the Costa degli Dei, swimming stops, and time to explore Calabria’s cliffside gem.
Civilisations of Sicily | History & Culture Tour
Mediterranean Crossroads: Three Thousand Years of Creativity
Classic Fantastic | 11 Days Rome to Rome
An 11-day combination tour linking Italy’s classic northbound route with Pompeii and the Sorrento Coast, while keeping logistics simple from Rome.
Classic Fantastic | 4 Days Rome to Venice
A value-focused larger-group journey from Rome to Venice through Assisi, Siena, Florence and Bologna, with guided touring and regional food experiences.
Classic Fantastic | 5 Days Rome to Rome
A larger-group loop from Rome through Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Venice and Montepulciano, combining classic sightseeing with regional food and wine.
Classic Fantastic 2026 | 8 Day Rome to Rome Tour
An 8-day larger-group journey from Rome through Assisi, Florence, Bologna and Venice, with Vatican touring, Tuscan wine country and signature food experiences.
Classic Italy, Alps & Dolomites 2026
A 13-day larger group journey from Rome to Milan combining iconic Italian cities and breathtaking scenery
Discovering Sicily's Roots
A private, culture-rich Sicily journey from Palermo to Catania, featuring UNESCO sites, medieval towns, wine tastings, Mount Etna, and time in Taormina.
Dolomites Bike + Adventure Tour | 6-Day Cycling & Hiking Tour
Cycle and hike through the Dolomites, linking Bressanone, Alta Badia and Cortina with alpine scenery, regional food and mountain hotels.
Early Christian & Medieval Rome
Rare Splendours from Tempestuous Times
Emilia Romagna Tour
An intimate small-group journey through Emilia-Romagna, from Parma and Bologna to Romagna vineyards and Ravenna mosaics, with tastings, artisans and lagoon cruising.
Essential Rome Tour
The Complete Spectrum of Art, Architecture and Antiquities
Fantastic | 5 Day Tour Rome to Rome 2026
Experience the Eternal City on a relaxed five-day small group tour featuring ancient Roman landmarks, Vatican treasures, elegant piazzas, authentic local cuisine and plenty of time to explore at your own pace.
Fantastic | 8 Days Rome to Rome
An 8-day Rome return tour covering Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna and Venice, plus Vatican Museums, Tuscan wine country, and signature food experiences.
Fantastic Alps, Dolomites and Lakes Tour
A 9-day small-group journey from Milan through the Alps and Dolomites, featuring the Bernina Express, lake panoramas, South Tyrol towns, and grappa tasting.
Fantastic Italia Classica 2027 | 11-Day Small Group Tour
A fuller Venice to Naples journey that pairs the classic Venice, Florence and Rome route with Pompeii, Sorrento and the Bay of Naples.
Fantastic Italia Classica 2027 | 8-Day Small Group Tour
A classic Venice to Rome route with time in Bologna, Florence and San Gimignano, plus guided cultural touring, Italian food moments and a Vatican Museums visit.
Fantastic Italy Tour
An 11-day escorted tour group Rome return tour combining Italy’s classic cities with Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri, plus food experiences and skip‑the‑line Vatican access.
Fantastic Milan with Bernina Express, Liguria & Venice 2026
An 8-day small-group journey from Milan to Venice featuring the Bernina Express, Ligurian coast gems, Cinque Terre rail exploration, Ferrari heritage, and Modena balsamic tasting.
Fantastic North Lakes, Venice & Milan with Bernina Express 2026
An 8-day small-group journey from Venice to Milan featuring Lake Garda and Lake Como, Franciacorta wine tasting, Verona, and the unforgettable Bernina Express.
Fantastic North Lakes, Venice and Milan with Bernina Express 2027
A scenic northern Italy journey from Venice to Milan, with Lake Garda, Lake Como, Franciacorta wine country and a memorable Bernina Express alpine rail day.
Fantastic Puglia 2027 | 8 Day Small Group Tour
Discover Puglia on an 8 day small group tour through whitewashed towns, trulli, Lecce and Otranto, with a visit to Matera and authentic masseria flavours along the way.
Fantastic Puglia Tour 2026
Explore Puglia and Matera on a relaxed small-group journey from Bari, with UNESCO sites, white towns, baroque Lecce, coastal Otranto and masseria dining.
Fantastic Sardinia Tour
A beautifully paced Sardinian journey through Barbagia, Alghero and the Costa Smeralda, rich in food, local encounters and the island’s quieter traditions.
Fantastic Sardinia Tour 2026
Discover Sardinia from Cagliari to Olbia with a small group, coastal scenery, ancient Nuragic sites, mural villages, and three authentic local food experiences.
Fantastic Siciliana Tour 2026
A small group journey across Sicily from Palermo to Taormina, featuring Norman Monreale, baroque towns, wine tasting in Marsala, Etna and UNESCO Agrigento.
Fantastic Sicily Tour
A polished small-group journey from Palermo to Taormina, combining Sicily’s great monuments, food-and-wine traditions, Mount Etna, and an elegant finish by the sea.
Florence & Venice | Art & Architecture Tour
The Finest Best-Known Art and Architecture in the Western World
Florence & Venice Escapade 2026
A polished 5-day Florence-to-Venice mini journey pairing Renaissance Florence, a guided Pisa excursion, high-speed rail, and a classic gondola experience in Venice.
Florence Revisited | Cultural Tour
Art Off the Beaten Track and in Private Collections
Gastronomic Piedmont Tour
Immerse yourself in Piedmont’s culinary heart with truffle hunts, Barolo tastings, Michelin meals, local producers and stunning Langhe landscapes on this 7-day gourmet tour.
Genoa & Turin Palaces & Galleries Tour
Drawing on the grand cities of Genoa and Turin, this tour explores magnificent palaces, world-class art collections and centuries of history in two of Italy’s most overlooked cultural treasures.
In the Shadow of the Dolomites 2027 | Small Group Tour
Explore northern Italy's mountain cultures on this 13-day small group journey through the Dolomites and beyond.
In the Shadow of the Dolomites Tour
Explore northern Italy's mountain cultures on this 13-day small group journey through the Dolomites and beyond.
Italian Coast-to-Coast Journey Bike Tour | 7-Day Cycling Challenge
Ride from the Adriatic to the Ligurian Sea across Le Marche, Umbria and Tuscany on a demanding seven-day road-cycling challenge.
Italian Lakes Discovery Tour 2027 | Small Group Tour
Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta and Lake Como on a relaxed 9 day small group journey, with alpine landscapes, private boat trips and time to enjoy the lakes at an unhurried pace.
Jewels of the South 2026
A premium week from Rome to Naples via Sorrento, Pompeii, Capri and Positano—handpicked 4-star stays, seamless transfers, and iconic experiences done properly.
Lake Como with Bernina Express
A private Lake Como escape with a full-day Bernina Express experience to St Moritz, combining alpine scenery, flexible free time, and comfortable lakeside accommodation.
Ligurian Coast Tour
Discover the dramatic beauty of the Ligurian coast, where colourful seaside villages, historic towns and spectacular cliffside landscapes combine with art, culture and coastal charm.
Local Tour of Puglia 2026
UNESCO-listed Alberobello and Matera, baroque Lecce, and Adriatic coastal gems. Enjoy a locally hosted small group week in Puglia with guided day tours, hidden villages, and authentic regional experiences.
Local Tour of Puglia 2027
UNESCO-listed Alberobello and Matera, baroque Lecce, and Adriatic coastal gems. Enjoy a locally hosted small group week in Puglia with guided day tours, hidden villages, and authentic regional experiences.
Milan with Bernina Express, Liguria & Venice 2027 | 8 Day Small Group Tour
Milan, the Bernina Express, Portofino, Cinque Terre and Venice come together on an 8-day small group journey through northern Italy, with Ferrari heritage and regional food experiences along the way.
Palaces & Villas of Rome | Architecture Tour
From Empire to Papacy: The Power of Magnificence
Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta 2027
A 15-day small group journey through Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta, combining Turin, the Langhe wine hills, alpine scenery, historic castles and the islands of Lake Maggiore.
Piedmont Small Group Tour 2026
Experience Piedmont through historic cities, vineyard landscapes and exceptional food and wine, designed for travellers who appreciate culture, flavour and refined Italian living.
Piedmont Tour 2027 | Small Group Tour
Experience Piedmont through historic cities, vineyard landscapes and exceptional food and wine, designed for travellers who appreciate culture, flavour and refined Italian living.
Piedmont Truffle Bike Tour | 6-Day Cycling Tour
Cycle Piedmont’s wine country, hunt white truffles and enjoy Barolo, Barbaresco, regional cuisine and luxury stays over six 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.
Pompeii & Herculaneum | Archaeology Tour
Antiquities of the Bay of Naples
Puglia - The Road Less Travelled Tour 2027 | Small Group Tour
A slower journey through southern Italy’s most authentic and culturally rich landscapes
Puglia & Matera | 8 Day Small Group Tour 2026
An 8-day Puglia and Matera small-group journey through UNESCO towns, whitewashed centres, Adriatic coastlines, and regional food experiences.
Puglia & Matera | 8 Day Small Group Tour 2027
Explore Puglia and Matera over 8 days, discovering the wonderful culture, hidden treasures, and flavours of this incredible part of the world.
Puglia & Matera 2027 | 10 Day Small Group Tour
10 Day Small Group Tour Through Puglia's Ancient Cities, Coastal Gems and Baroque Heart
Puglia & Matera 2027 | 12 Day Small Group Tour
Twelve Days from the Gargano Coast to the Baroque Heart of the Deep South
Puglia & Matera 12 Days Tour 2026
An immersive 12-day Puglia and Matera journey linking UNESCO landmarks, Adriatic towns, food and wine experiences, and comfortable small-group touring.
Puglia & Matera 5 Days Tour
A compact 5-day Puglia and Matera small-group route combining Bari, Trani, Castel del Monte, Alberobello and the Sassi with regional tastings.
Puglia Bike Tour | 6-Day Cycling Tour
Cycle from Otranto and the Salento coast to the trulli of the Valle d’Itria and Puglia’s olive-growing Adriatic plain.
Rhine Enchantment, Milan to Amsterdam
An 11-day Tauck river cruise from Milan to Amsterdam, combining Lake Como, Rhine towns, exclusive events, and luxury cruise inclusions.
Rome & Puglia 2026
An 11-day larger-group route from Rome through Puglia and Matera, combining southern highlights, local food experiences, and comfortable 4-star stays.
Sardinia Bike Tour | 6-Day Cycling Tour
Cycle from Costa Smeralda and La Maddalena into Sardinia’s mountainous interior, finishing beside the Gulf of Orosei.
Sardinia Small Group Tour 2026
Discover Sardinia through archaeology, living traditions and regional food, on a small group journey across one of Italy’s most distinctive islands.
Sardinia Tour 2027 | Small Group Tour
Discover Sardinia’s unique culture through ancient sites, coastal landscapes and deeply local traditions, designed for travellers seeking something beyond the familiar Italy.
Sicilian Soul 2026
An 11-day private Sicily journey from Palermo to Catania, blending wine, food, archaeology, boutique stays, and high-end island experiences.
Sicily - Palermo to Catania 2026
An 8-day private Sicily circuit from Palermo, covering iconic archaeological sites, Mount Etna, baroque towns, winery visits, and classic Sicilian food experiences.
Sicily Bike Tour | 6-Day Cycling Tour
Cycle south-eastern Sicily from the Val di Noto to Mount Etna and Taormina, with Baroque towns, farm lunches and volcanic wines.
Sicily Carousel and Aeolian Islands Tour 2026
A 12-day Sicily and Aeolian Islands journey from Catania, combining UNESCO treasures, wine and food experiences, Mount Etna, and island cruising.
Sicily Carousel Tour 2026
Discover Sicily’s UNESCO treasures, vibrant food culture, historic towns and dramatic coastlines on an eight-day small group journey through the island’s most iconic destinations.
Sicily Small Group Tour 2026
Sicily is an absolutely fascinating place to visit, being a crossroads of civilisations with a range of diverse influences. Our Sicily tours provide a well rounded experience covering the diverse
Southern Lights: Rome, Sorrento, Capri & Puglia 2026
A generous, experience-rich journey through Southern Italy, pairing Rome, Sorrento and Capri with the UNESCO treasures, flavours and white towns of Puglia.
Special Christmas Puglia & Matera
A festive small-group Christmas journey through Puglia and Matera, featuring UNESCO icons, baroque Lecce, white towns, street food, markets, and seasonal traditions.
The Beautiful Coast, Sorrento and Amalfi 2026
A 5-day Rome, Sorrento and Amalfi mini tour combining scenic transfers, coastal stays, and time on the Amalfi Coast without overcomplicating the route.
The Great Gardens of Italy Tour 2027
Discover Italy’s finest gardens on an intimate, small group journey designed for garden enthusiasts and cultural travellers alike.
The Road Less Travelled, Puglia 2026
Uncover the rustic charm and rich traditions of Puglia on a small group tour that balances immersive cultural experiences with relaxed moments to explore whitewashed towns, olive groves, and seaside
The Ultimate Alps & Dolomites Tour
Indulge in an exquisite Alpine interlude, a meticulously crafted symphony of grandeur amidst the majestic landscapes of Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and Austria. This journey transcends a mere pause
Tuscany Villages Tour 2026
Explore Tuscany through its villages, landscapes and local traditions, blending iconic towns with authentic experiences in the region’s true heartland.
Tuscany Villages Tour 2027 | Small Group Tour
Explore Tuscany through its villages, landscapes and local traditions, blending iconic towns with authentic experiences in the region’s true heartland.
Verona + Lake Garda Bike Tour | 6-Day Cycling Tour
Cycle the Veneto from Mantua and the Mincio River to Lake Garda, Valpolicella and Verona, with wine, cooking and a private lake cruise.
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Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country — ranging from entire historic city centres (Rome, Florence, Venice, Siena, Naples) to archaeological sites (Pompeii, the Valley of the Temples in Sicily, Herculaneum), natural landscapes (the Dolomites, the Aeolian Islands), and cultural landscapes (the Cinque Terre, the Piedmont wine regions). Our historical tours use UNESCO sites as anchor points in itineraries built around understanding Italy’s history, not simply ticking off famous addresses.
What Specialist Historical Guiding Actually Looks Like
With the right guide, a site transforms. Pompeii without interpretation is ruins and rubble; with an expert, it becomes a snapshot of Roman daily life in extraordinary detail. The Uffizi without context is a beautiful gallery; with the right person, it’s a coherent story about power, patronage, and art as a political tool. Our guides are selected for subject-specific expertise — not a generalist script applied across multiple countries.
How It Compares to Visiting Independently
Italy’s historic sites are increasingly accessible to independent visitors — audio guides, clear signage, and online ticketing have all improved. But specialist interpretation, pre-arranged entry that avoids queuing at peak times, and the accumulated logistics of an experienced operator remain significantly more rewarding for travellers making what is, for most, a once-in-a-decade journey.
When to Visit
Major heritage sites are open year-round, but visitor volumes vary dramatically by season. April, May, September, and October offer the best balance of good weather, workable crowds, and full site access. Summer brings peak numbers to Rome, Florence, and Venice — our tours in these months are structured to minimise the impact. Winter is quieter and often better value, though some smaller seasonal properties operate reduced hours.
FAQs
Are these tours physically demanding?
Most of our historical tours involve moderate walking through historic centres, archaeological sites, and museums. Surfaces include cobblestones, steps, and uneven ground, so comfortable walking footwear is a must. Physical requirements are noted on each tour page.
How much time do we spend at each UNESCO site?
More than you’d manage on an independent visit — which is the point. A guide will spend the time needed to do the site justice. Major focus sites typically receive a full day or more; others receive a solid half-day. Time allocations are detailed in the itinerary on each tour page.
Do tours include entry fees?
Yes. Site entry fees are included, and pre-arranged entry means you avoid the queuing that can consume a lot of time when visiting independently — particularly at Pompeii, the Colosseum, the Uffizi, and similar high-demand sites.
Are there tours focused on a specific period of Italian history?
Yes. Some itineraries focus on ancient Rome, others on the Renaissance cities of central Italy, others on the Norman and Greek heritage of Sicily. Get in touch and we’ll help you identify the right fit for your interests.
I've already visited Rome and Florence — are there tours covering other areas?
Yes, and some of our strongest historical itineraries are built around Sicily, Puglia, Umbria, and the Veneto — regions with extraordinary UNESCO heritage that receive a fraction of the visitor numbers of the classic cities. Worth exploring if you’re returning to Italy with a more specific focus.
Regions for World Heritage & Historical Tours
Southern Italy
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Northern Italy
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Puglia
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Sicily
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Lazio
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Veneto
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Featured Tours
Popular World Heritage & Historical Tours itineraries
Local Tour of Puglia 2026
UNESCO-listed Alberobello and Matera, baroque Lecce, and Adriatic coastal gems. Enjoy a locally hosted small group week in Puglia with guided day tours, hidden villages, and authentic regional experiences.
Puglia Walking Tour 2026 | 7 Day Small Group Tour
Walk the quiet paths of Puglia and discover a side of Southern Italy most travellers never experience.
Amalfi Coast Tour 2026
An immersive journey along the Amalfi Coast, blending iconic destinations with authentic local experiences, regional cuisine and the rhythm of everyday coastal life
Special Christmas Puglia & Matera
A festive small-group Christmas journey through Puglia and Matera, featuring UNESCO icons, baroque Lecce, white towns, street food, markets, and seasonal traditions.
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