Central Italy Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(8,368 reviews)- Choose from 250+ Central Italy tours
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Table of contents
- The best Central Italy tour packages
- What people love about Central Italy Tours
- Travel Central Italy your way
- Best tour companies for Central Italy tours
- Popular Central Italy Cruise Ships
- Discover Central Italy tours for every budget
- Central Italy tours for every type of group
- Top Central Italy travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Central Italy
- Contact our Central Italy travel experts
- What our customers ask about Central Italy Tours & Trips
The best Central Italy tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaCentral Italy travel expert at TourRadar
Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre & Venice in 8 Days - Small Group
38 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was incredible and managed a few difficult situations very well.”
Maddy, traveled in August
This 8-day Italian adventure, crafted for ages 18-39, winds through iconic cities. The Colosseum and Vatican City in Rome lead to Florence's Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. Highlights include Chianti wine tasting, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Cinque Terre's coastal villages, concluding in Venice's canals. Budget-friendly hostels and local guides ensure authentic experiences.
Duration 8 days Destinations Rome, Vatican City, Florence, Tuscany, San Gimignano, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Venice Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operated in English, Italian Operator Italy on a Budget Tours From $2,446
15% Off- NZ$2,079You save $366
The Best of Tuscany - 4Days/3Nights
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“You won't find better options without paying significantly more. A professional company provides enjoyable travel experiences.”
Adam, traveled in March
Renaissance Florence reveals its gems like the Duomo Cathedral and Ponte Vecchio, leading to Pisa's iconic Leaning Tower. The itinerary features Cinque Terre's colorful coastal villages, authentic Chianti vineyards, and San Gimignano's medieval streets, with 3 nights in central Florence.
Duration 4 days Destinations Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre, San Gimignano, Tuscany Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator Italy on a Budget Tours From $1,515
15% Off- NZ$1,288You save $227
Icons of Italy: Venice, Florence, Tuscany and Rome Cruise by Rail
41 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I could not have asked for a better tour. The areas we were visiting proved to be a difficult task.”
LeeAn, traveled in May
Venice's Murano Island, Florence's Duomo, and Rome's Colosseum showcase Central Italy's magnificence. The 4-star Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio provides comfort, while skip-the-line access and professional guides enhance the experience. Rated 4.6/5 by 40+ travelers.
Duration 9 days Destinations Venice, Florence, Siena, Rome Age Range 4 to 85 year olds Operated in English, French Operator Meet and Greet Italy From $5,878
20% Off- NZ$4,702You save $1,175
Discovery of Italy - 8 Days
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was a memorable experience. Stefano's knowledge and passion about his country made it so.”
Rita, traveled in May
From Rome's Vatican Museums to Florence's Renaissance masterpieces at the Uffizi, this tour showcases Central Italy's finest. The 4-star St. Martin Rome and Raffaello Florence provide luxurious stays. Traditional Tuscan cuisine awaits in Montepulciano's wine country, while UNESCO gems like Assisi's medieval center come alive through expert English-speaking guides during this 8-day tour.
Duration 8 days Destinations Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Venice, Tuscany, Montepulciano, Vatican City Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Click Tours From $4,601
36% Off- NZ$2,945You save $1,656
Explore Italy - 4 Days
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent tour, our guide Nicole is excellent.”
faizal, traveled in September
Central Italy unfolds from Assisi's St. Francis Basilica to Florence's magnificent Duomo. The tour presents Siena's historic Piazza del Campo, Bologna's gourmet scene, with comfortable stays at Raffaello Florence and Delfino Venice.
Duration 4 days Destinations Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Venice Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Click Tours From $2,767
36% Off- NZ$1,771You save $996
What people love about Central Italy Tours
- Icons of Italy: Venice, Florence, Tuscany and Rome Cruise by Rail
Itinerary excellent for overview of Italy. Claudia fantastic in knowledge, efficiency, kindness and flexibility. Gracia (Sorrento guide) good in knowledge, poor in changing gears per group priorities, listening, multitasking, showing up as promised, patronizing. Hotels well located except for Sorrento (miles from anything but sea, nowhere to walk, totally isolated) but all 3-Star at best. Included “meals” (aside from Sorrento where good) were drink and free bar food at best (deep fried pizza??). One excellent meal was steak dinner in Florence. Trains great and efficient. Bottom line: Claudia’s time and expertise worth every penny; if you choose this for other perks, be advised.
- Discovery of Italy - 8 Days
Your guide was excellent
- Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre & Venice in 8 Days - Small Group
I was very pleased with the Italy on a Budget tourguides. They where very informative, friendly and helpful. It helped a lot that they booked the hostels and the transport during the trip. I could travel more relaxed and could enjoy the places we went to to the fullest.
Travel Central Italy your way
Tuscany by bike opens up differently, and we've got some proper cycling routes that our customers love. The Pisa to Viareggio ride through Macchia Luccese park is a favorite - you'll cycle through pine woods then pop out onto Mediterranean beaches. From Florence, you can pedal through the Chianti hills past olive groves and vineyards before rolling into Siena. The Garfagnana route gets lots of good feedback; you're cycling between local producers and small towns at just the right pace. For the climbs around Montalcino, many riders go for e-bikes, which makes those hills much more manageable. These routes work because you're actually feeling the landscape - every turn brings a new view, every stop puts you right in the middle of authentic Italian life.
Explore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through Central Italy. We have 15 adventures that vary from 4 days to 10 days. With the greatest number of departures in October, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Our food and wine tours really come into their own in central Italy, especially throughout Tuscany and also Umbria. Most travelers base themselves in lovely spots like Montecatini or traditional farmhouses, where the days mix cooking classes with visits to local producers. You'll get hands-on in rustic kitchens with expert local chefs, learning to make fresh pasta, traditional sweets and regional dishes. The wine side goes pretty deep too - you can join sensory workshops at eco-friendly estates or taste wines in historic Chianti cellars. Our guests tell us they love how the structured activities balance with free time to explore food markets and local restaurants. Some tours include nice touches like picking ingredients straight from farm gardens, getting into traditional baking and enjoying proper long Italian lunches right in the vineyards.
Getting deep into Central Italy works best with our exploration-focused tours, each tested and refined by hundreds of travelers. The 7-night Rome, Florence and Venice route stands out - our guides know exactly which local spots to show you and when to let you discover on your own. Quite a few customers go for the Florence and Cinque Terre combo, which takes you beyond the usual spots to places most tourists miss. There's also a quick but well-planned 4-day option from Assisi through Bologna and into Venice; it moves at a good pace but you'll still get proper time in each city. What really works here is how the tours mix guided sections with free time - you learn the essentials from locals who know their cities inside out, then get to explore those winding streets on your own.
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Popular Central Italy Cruise Ships
Discover Central Italy tours for every budget
Central Italy opens up nicely on a budget with a couple of solid multi-day options. The 8-day Rome-based tour lets you take in the main sites without rushing - our travelers often mention how much they enjoy the Florence night walks and having time to find those local spots for dinner away from the tourist crowds. If you're short on time, the 4-day Florence tour works well as a base for heading into Tuscany's wine country and medieval towns. These tours nail the balance between structured time and free exploration - you'll skip the lines at the Vatican Museums and Colosseum, then have time to wander through places like Trastevere on your own. The local guides make a real difference, especially in Florence where they've got the timing down perfectly to dodge the busy periods at popular spots.
The "Premium Rome to Split" tour shows off Central Italy's luxury side with carefully picked hotels and special access experiences. Each morning starts with local experts who really know their areas - in Venice, you'll get into the Doge's Palace before it opens and see private sections that most visitors miss. Taking the "Easy Pace Italy" route means premium experiences like meeting Tuscan farming families who've been producing wine and olive oil for generations. These tours shine when it comes to unique moments - you'll get private museum visits in Florence after closing time and cook in actual medieval kitchens that have been fixed up just for these classes.
Central Italy budget tours- Central Italy luxury tours
Central Italy tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
175 tours in Central ItalyExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Central Italy. We have 175 adventures that vary from 3 days to 23 days. With the greatest number of departures in September, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
84 tours in Central ItalySmall group tours through Central Italy blend carefully selected experiences - from private after-hours visits in Florence's museums, to hands-on cooking workshops in centuries-old Tuscan kitchens. Travelers consistently praise our 7-10 day trips linking Rome, Florence and Venice, which allow just enough time to absorb each city's character. Smart guides schedule Vatican tours to avoid peak crowds, arrange privileged access at sites like the Doge's Palace, and instinctively know when to let guests wander independently. Groups of 8-12 travelers create natural bonds, often while sharing authentic dishes at neighborhood Roman trattorias. Wine experiences feel genuine and intimate - you'll gather in family cellars across Chianti, where winemakers share stories and techniques through multiple tastings. Florence-based tours stand out for weaving cultural sites with interactive activities, from traditional Venetian mask-making classes to sensory workshops at sustainable wine estates. The magic of these small groups lies in how they balance expert guidance at major landmarks with free time to discover hidden squares in Trastevere, or connect with local artisans in their workshops.
Private / Personalized
87 tours in Central ItalyThe private tour options between Venice, Florence and Rome use high-speed trains to connect everything smoothly. You can mix and match daily activities - maybe explore Bologna's food markets one day and learn to cook in Florence the next. Our customers really value having their own guide in each city who can adjust things based on what they want. The private transfers between stations and hotels take care of the logistics so you can focus on enjoying each place. These tours work well because they blend guided expertise at major sites like the Colosseum with plenty of free time to explore neighborhoods like Venice's Dorsoduro at your own pace.
Top Central Italy travel itineraries to fit your plans
Our 3-day tours zero in on Central Italy's must-sees while giving you flexibility. In Florence, you'll join local producers for wine tastings in their Chianti cellars, where they'll walk you through the distinct qualities of their Classico, Brunello and also Super Tuscan wines. Travelers consistently mention loving their stop at San Gimignano's world-champion gelateria - the medieval towers make a perfect backdrop for enjoying Italy's best gelato. The Rome portion includes skip-the-line access at both the Colosseum and Vatican Museums, with morning tours leaving your afternoons free to wander the Forum or try your luck at the Trevi Fountain. We've also added a focused Chianti option where you'll stay in converted country cottages and can add on cooking classes, horseback rides or even spa treatments.
A week in Central Italy gives you time to really sink into each location. Our rail route from Venice to Rome starts with peaceful morning explorations in Venice before the day-trippers arrive. In Bologna, you'll join local chefs who demonstrate proper pasta-making techniques. Florence combines guided Renaissance art walks with free time to explore the leather markets and craftspeople's workshops. Another solid week-long option kicks off in Rome with Vatican and Colosseum visits, stops at Pisa's Field of Miracles and continues to Florence for hands-on leatherworking lessons. The finale in Venice includes traditional glassblowing demonstrations and gondola rides through the quiet side canals.
Ten days lets you explore thoroughly without rushing. Our most popular route gives three nights each in Rome, Florence and Venice, meaning less packing and unpacking. You'll get full days with expert guides in Vatican City and ancient Rome, plus time to discover local spots in neighborhoods like Trastevere. The Florence leg includes an Uffizi Gallery tour of Renaissance masterpieces and hands-on classes for making pizza and gelato. In Venice, you'll tour St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace and take day trips to colorful Burano and Murano's glass workshops. Another favorite adds Naples and Pompeii - the archaeology guides really bring those ancient streets to life and you'll explore Naples' historic food markets.
Demographics
Our week-long hostel tours connecting Rome, Florence and Venice hit the sweet spot for solo travelers watching their budget. Groups of 8-12 people create the right size for making friends - you'll often find people connecting during evening walks in Florence or sharing plates at local Roman trattorias. Solo guests tell us they love having the logistics handled so they can focus on exploring. The arrival orientation walks help everyone get comfortable with the area and our guides point out the best spots for safe, independent evening exploring.
Our premium tours attract couples looking for that mix of culture and romance. They stay in converted palazzos and countryside villas that set just the right mood for exploring. The schedule works nicely - guided activities in the morning leave afternoons free for wandering medieval streets together. Couples often mention loving the intimate wine tastings at family estates in Chianti and evening gondola rides followed by Venice's cicchetti bars. We've worked in plenty of romantic moments - think private cooking lessons in Tuscan farmhouses, evening Colosseum visits and dinner by candlelight in historic buildings.
Young adults click with our social, culture-meets-nightlife tours through Central Italy. The Rome-Florence-Venice hostel route offers solid value and real Italian experiences. Our twenty-something travelers love evening food tours and bar crawls where local guides share their favorite aperitivo spots. Morning activities cover the must-sees like the Colosseum and Vatican, then afternoons are open for exploring. People really connect over pasta-making classes in Florence or wine tastings in Tuscany. There's always enough free time to check out local recommendations or join up with others from the group for impromptu outings.
Our premium small-group tours work perfectly for seniors who want comfort without missing out. The hotels sit close to major sites, keeping walks manageable while staying central. You might spend your morning exploring the Vatican Museums then take it easy in Trastevere for the afternoon. Our guides adjust the walking pace but make sure everyone experiences everything fully. We include nice touches like private museum visits after regular hours, comfortable transport between cities and proper sit-down lunches at traditional spots instead of quick bites.
Families exploring Central Italy do well with flexible multi-city routes between Rome, Florence and Venice. Kids get hands-on with pizza-making classes in Florence and traditional mask workshops in Venice. The Tuscany portion works great for families with teens - they can hop on bikes through the countryside and parents can enjoy vineyard visits. When families stay in villas near Florence, they get space to spread out plus easy access to day trips. At spots like Pisa, kids naturally gravitate to those classic leaning tower photos. Our guides know how to make history click with different age groups, especially at the Colosseum where stories work better than dates.
- Solo Travelers183 tours
- Couples71 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)9 tours
- Seniors (50+)103 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit Central Italy
- Summer 2025
Summer tours through Central Italy need smart planning and we've got it down to an art. Our most popular route starts with early morning water taxi rides in Venice and works in afternoon gelato stops under Florence's shaded streets. The museums stay open later, so we'll take you to see David at the Accademia when the big crowds have cleared out. Our travelers really love how we handle the coast in summer; the Cinque Terre stops include plenty of swimming time and boat rides between those colorful villages. People tell us they appreciate having free afternoons to duck into cool museums or find their favorite rooftop bar in Rome. Venice really comes alive in summer and we make the most of it - boat trips out to Murano and Burano let you watch local artists at work in their workshops. We've balanced cultural visits with outdoor activities so you'll see everything while staying comfortable in the summer heat.
- 144 tours
- 149 tours
- popular 167 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
For good value tours in Italy, our travelers have great things to say about Italy on a Budget - their guides Sasa and Alex really know their history and keep everyone engaged. Just keep in mind you'll be staying in hostels, which helps keep costs down and also lets you meet other travelers. If you're after something more upscale, Meet and Greet Italy gets consistently positive feedback from TourRadar customers. Their guide Elisabetta goes above and beyond with local restaurant tips, help with tickets and really thoughtful touches throughout the journey. Speaking of tickets - you'll definitely want to book ahead for major sites like Michelangelo's David and climbing the Duomo Cupola. These tend to fill up weeks in advance, especially during peak season. For a different take on seeing Italy, there's a nice train-based option called "Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento: signature low carbon tour" that uses 4-star hotels. You can adjust the schedule and activities to suit your style, though getting responses from the operator can take some time. The train travel gives you a chance to actually see the countryside and relax between cities, plus it's better for the environment than jumping between airports.
- popular 184 tours
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- 96 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter tours through Central Italy blend thoughtful indoor and outdoor experiences perfectly. In Florence, you'll get private access to Renaissance masterpieces at the Uffizi when visitor numbers drop, plus intimate wine tastings in Chianti cellars where families have crafted wines across generations. Our travelers appreciate how these tours mix deep cultural insights with genuine comfort - exploring Vatican collections in the morning, then settling in for extended Italian lunches at historic trattorias. Premium packages include distinctive elements like after-hours museum access in Florence, traditional cooking workshops in medieval kitchens, and exclusive viewings at the Doge's Palace. What sets these trips apart is the accommodation in converted countryside cottages near Florence, offering a tranquil base for excursions while you enjoy local wines by the fireplace. The Rome-Florence-Venice route connects smoothly by high-speed rail, taking you between cities in climate-controlled comfort as winter landscapes pass by your window.
- popular 72 tours
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- 46 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring tours in Central Italy really shine with the Rome-Florence-Venice circuit, which we've perfectly timed across 7 nights. Our guides have figured out all the sweet spots - like getting you to the Colosseum right at sunset when those ancient stones take on this amazing golden color. A lot of our customers go for the 4-day Florence base camp that lets you branch out into Bologna's old lanes for proper Italian food adventures. Cinque Terre tours work beautifully in spring; you get those coastal paths pretty much to yourself and the weather's just right for walking between villages. The Vatican visits are much more relaxed this time of year - fewer people means more time to really take in the Sistine Chapel. What makes spring special is how you can mix it up: spend your morning with Renaissance masterpieces at the Uffizi then head out to family vineyards in Chianti where the owners treat you like old friends.
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- popular 71 tours
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Contact our Central Italy travel experts
Nadine
Expert in Central Italy at TourRadar
Nadine is one of our seasoned Central Italy Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Central Italy tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Central Italy Tours & Trips
What are the must-see highlights on a general tour of Central Italy?
Central Italy's key destinations center around three major cities: Rome with the Colosseum and Vatican Museums Florence's Renaissance core including the Duomo and Uffizi Gallery and Venice with St. Mark's Basilica and its network of canals. A TourRadar traveler noted "Highlights included just being in Venice at last St Marks Basilica the pasta making in Bologna and climbing the Asinelli Tower!" Beyond the cities smaller medieval towns like Siena and San Gimignano offer authentic Italian experiences. Most tours include stays at well-located hotels such as the Hilton Molino Stucky in Venice or Hotel Executive in Florence which serve as comfortable bases for exploration.
When is the best time to visit Central Italy for a general tour?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most pleasant conditions for exploring Central Italy. During these months visitors find moderate temperatures and fewer tourists at major sites. A TourRadar traveler confirmed "the weather was perfect for exploring Florence's outdoor attractions and walking through Tuscan vineyards." Summer brings intense heat and crowds to Rome and Florence while coastal regions like the Amalfi Coast shine in warmer months. Hotels such as Venice's Villa Rosa and Rome's Grand Palatino provide air-conditioned comfort during these prime touring seasons.
How many days should I plan for a general tour of Central Italy?
A well-paced tour of Central Italy's main sites requires 7-10 days. This timeline allows visitors to spend 2-3 nights in each major city: Rome Florence and Venice. One TourRadar traveler shared "7 days was perfect to see the highlights but I felt I could have spent more time in each city." Quality accommodations like the Grand Palatino in Rome or Hotel Executive in Florence ensure comfortable stays while exploring key attractions at an enjoyable pace.
What type of accommodations can I expect on a general Central Italy tour?
Most tours feature 3 to 4-star hotels in prime city locations such as the Veneto Palace Hotel near Rome's Piazza di Spagna or Hotel Villa Rosa in Venice's historic center. According to a TourRadar traveler "the accommodations were good in Rome and the meals and accommodation in Venice were very good." Standard amenities include daily breakfast air conditioning and easy access to attractions and public transport.
What kind of food experiences are included in general Central Italy tours?
Food activities range from hands-on pasta making in Bologna to wine tasting sessions in Tuscany and meals at local restaurants. A TourRadar traveler remarked: "The food experiences were fantastic especially the pasta making in Bologna and local specialties." Tours typically include hotel breakfasts at properties like the Veneto Palace Hotel in Rome plus selected restaurant meals and visits to local food markets.
What's the best way to travel between cities in Central Italy?
The high-speed rail network connects major Central Italian cities with efficient service. Florence to Rome takes just 1.5 hours by train. A TourRadar traveler reported: "The train system was excellent and made traveling between cities very comfortable and efficient." Most tours include first-class rail tickets and transfers between stations and hotels like Venice's Hilton Molino Stucky or the Hotel Villa Rosa.