- Searches for ‘escorted tours to Italy’ increased +5000% in the past 90 days¹
- Italian travel specialists Citalia have shared some of their best guided Italian guided tour experiences with availability in spring and summer 2025
Whether you’re drawn to the sun-soaked coast of Sorrento, the gastronomic delights of Emilia Romagna, or the timeless treasures of Sicily, with searches for ‘escorted tours to Italy’ up +5000% travellers looking for a taste of authentic Italy have seen shown growing interest in escorted tours in order to unlock the country’s treasure trove of hidden gems and knowledge.
For those looking for last-minute bookings, Italian specialists Citalia have shared their very best escorted tours with availability in spring and summer 2025, from gastronomic experiences, to cultural pilgrimages. With passionate local guides leading the way, travellers can enjoy insightful commentary, hidden gems, and behind-the-scenes experiences that unlike other tour operators are carried out on a much smaller scale to allow for a more intimate experience.
Sorrento and The Bay of Naples – https://www.citalia.com/holiday-types/italy-tours/sorrento-the-bay-of-naples-small-group-escorted-tour
Departure: 25th April 2024
Pricing: £1,779pp – £250 off pp
Sorrento’s sun-soaked coastline, famous for its picturesque views, enormous lemons, and Mediterranean delights, is an unmissable destination for every type of tourist, from food lovers, culture seekers, luxury lovers and historians alike. The exclusive eight-day tour that takes travellers on a scenic journey through the stunning Bay of Naples, with plenty of world-class cuisines, breathtaking landscapes, and fascinating ancient history.
Steeped in mythology, Sorrento was once believed to be home to the sirens—enchanting sea creatures who lured sailors to their shores. Today, it welcomes travellers from around the world, drawn by its irresistible charm. The exclusive walking tour of Sorrento takes travellers through a journey of the finest local seafood and product, crisp regional wines, and delectable viewpoints. Beyond Sorrento, you’ll wander the picture-perfect streets of Amalfi Coast towns, uncover the ancient secrets of Pompeii, and, for the more adventurous travellers, take on the exhilarating climb up Mount Vesuvius for panoramic views of the bay.
Gastronomic Highlights of Emilia Romagna – https://www.citalia.com/holiday-types/italy-tours/gastronomic-highlights-of-emilia-romagna-small-group-escorted-tour/
Departure: 19th May 2024
Pricing: £2,549pp, £400 off pp
Emilia-Romagna is one not to be missed on a foodie’s itinerary, with the six day Gastronomic Highlights of Emilia Romagna escorted tour, an authentic showcase of Italy’s most underrated foodie region. Extending from the Apennine mountains to the Po river in the north, this verdant region is where a lot of Italy’s most well-known produce comes from, including balsamic vinegar, Prosciutto, Parmesan cheese and, of course, Bolognese – and travellers have the insider insight on the most palate pleasing eateries to sample this produce.
Get to know the stunning city of Bologna, the beating heart of Emilia Romagna. Marvel at its elegant Baroque architecture and cobbled alleys full of shops and restaurants. Enjoy a tour of Bologna and sample some of the city’s delicacies while you explore, then visit some of the most important towns that put Emilia Romagna on the map for its food, Parma and Modena.
Treasures of Sicily – https://www.citalia.com/holiday-types/italy-tours/sicily-small-group-escorted-tour/
Departure: 7th May 2024
Pricing: £2,369 pp – £350 off pp
From Europe’s largest active volcano to golden sandy beaches and historic ancient Greek ruins, the ancient area of Sicily holds many secrets from lesser-known villages, chocolate heritage and even an underground salt mine. The 8 day tour is the key to unlocking the treasures that Sicily holds, taking travellers through pretty villages perched on mountains, bustling markets full of local delicacies, traditional vineyards and excellent Baroque architecture.
From start to finish travellers will experience blissful relaxation. On arrival at Cantania Airport the driver will be waiting to take you to your first hotel, the 4* Nettuno in Catania, where you’ll receive a warm Italian welcome with a refreshing drink, and later a traditional Italian dinner. Over the next couple of days, you’ll experience historic attractions such as Cefalu’s UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral, succulent Sicilian street food at Palermo market and wine tasting at the majestic Mount Etna. Finish the tour in the picturesque ancient city of Syracuse, before being transferred back for your flight.
Best of Tuscany – https://www.citalia.com/holiday-types/italy-tours/best-of-tuscany-small-group-escorted-tour/
Departure: 12th May 2024
Pricing: £2,659 pp- £400 off pp
A region full of romance, architecture, cultural capital and beautiful landscapes, with so much to offer knowing the best activities and areas to pack into your Tuscan getaway is key. This 7-night journey through Tuscany is designed to immerse travellers in the very best the beautiful area has to offer. Starting in the treasure trove of Florence, tour participants will explore its Renaissance landmarks, including the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, as well as it’s luxurious shopping quarter.
Moving on to the scenic Chianti region guests will visit charming villages like Montefioralle and Greve in Chianti, with opportunities to taste local wines and olive oils at a traditional estate. From then on travellers will explore the medieval streets of Siena with time to wander through the city’s 17 district, before moving onto Orcia Valley, where travellers can enjoy panoramic views and sample the famous “Vino Nobile” wine. A day in Lucca, the birthplace of composer Puccini, offers chance to explore the city’s well-preserved Renaissance walls and historic Gothic and Romanesque architecture, while a visit to the final stop of UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Gimignano, gives participants a chance to sample award-winning gelato, and browse local independent shops.
Authentic Puglia – https://www.citalia.com/holiday-types/italy-tours/authentic-puglia-small-group-escorted-tour/
Departure: 17th September 2024
Pricing: £2.099 – £100 off pp
A tale as old as time, a captivating charm, and a gateway into la dolce vita, Puglia is one of Italy’s most enchanting regions that fills the hearts of those who get lost in the romance of an Italian escape. The 8 day tour takes tour goers through an authentic journey through the area’s whitewashed villages with pretty cobbled streets, and pristine sands that meet the clear blue of the Adriatic Sea on one side and the Ionian Sea on the other. Staring with the historic city of Lecce, often referred to as the “Florence of the South” after exploring sights such as the Porta Napoli and the Roman Amphitheatre, participants will move into the Southern city of Otranto.
Over the course of the next few days travellers will take part in a pasta-making class, allowing guests to learn how to craft Puglia’s traditional orecchiette pasta, before venturing to Altamura to sample the region’s famous Focaccia bread in a local bakery. Before saying an Italian farewell, travellers will head to Alberobell, the capital of Trulli houses to experience olive oil tasting at an oil mill in Cisterino.
Commenting on the uplift in escorted tour interest Heather Green, Head Of Product at Citalia said “With so many recommendations to be found online, in print, and word-of-mouth, when planning a holiday it can be difficult for travellers to narrow down the itinerary for their trip – which is why we’re seeing an uplift in interest for escorted tours. Italy is a country with so much diversity, and something to offer for every type of traveller from the palate-led, to the ancient explorers, luxury lovers and outdoor adventurers, so there can be a lot of pressure to pick the perfect experiences. Escorted tours take the pressure out of trip planning, with local experts unlocking the hidden-gems, and authentic experiences that travellers maybe wouldn’t always have access to.
“At Citalia our escorted tours offer a unique opportunity to discover Italy like never before. With our expert local guides simply bursting with knowledge travellers will be able to experience the real Italy. From some of the stunning villas of Lake Como, try fine local wines in a traditional winery in Sicily and see some of the most famous landmarks in Italy including Mount Etna and Pompeii.”
For bookings and more information, visit Citalia or speak to one of their Italy Experts.
