How Do I Tour Italy?

S. Herlihy, Leaf Group

Italy is roughly the size of a medium-size American state. Yet within this relatively diminutive area lies the foundation of many of our cultural concepts. To this day Italian religious, culinary, artistic, cinematic and linguistic ideas continue to challenge the way we think. Explore ancient and modern Italy with your own personalized tour. Whether you focus on a specific region or a whirlwind run from place to place, touring Italy will help you make sense of one of the world's most influential places.

Step 1

Gather all the information you can about Italy. If you’ve never been there before, find out all that you can about the country. Read guidebooks. Watch documentaries and movies about Italian places. Visit websites devoted to the country. Learn about Italian regions, history, art and geography. Build a base of knowledge that will enable you to make informed decisions about what you want to see on your tour.

Step 2

Prioritize what you find most important. Once you’ve acquired knowledge of Italy you can be begin to decide the kind of tour you want to take. Italy can be divided in many different ways. Northern Italy is more industrialized than the southern half of the country. Some regions emphasize pasta dishes while others are more reliant on rice. Rome and Milan sprawl into suburbia, while the Italian countryside is a vista of small farms and grapevines. You might want to focus on Italian art, study the history of Roman Catholicism cathedral by cathedral or visit sites of Roman settlement. A single tour can touch all these bases lightly or focus on one in depth.

Step 3

Research available tours. Many tour companies offer formal group tours to Italy. A planned tour offers several advantages. A tour company can offer you discounts on hotel rooms and airfare and can also get you access to attractions that might not otherwise be available, such as a Mass at the Vatican or a behind-the-scenes tour of Florentine palaces. Tour companies often provide at least one meal a day and a guide to help you understand the background of what you see. But a tour company may be expensive. A company tour also might not be available on the days you prefer or visit your desired attractions.

Step 4

Evaluate your options. If the thought of an organized tour does not appeal to you, you can design your own tour. As an independent traveler you will need to make all arrangements yourself. Most major American cities offer flights to Rome. Many offer service to smaller Italian cities as well, including Venice and Naples. Accommodations in Italy vary widely. In general, the closer you are to the center the more expensive the price. Italian public transportation is highly efficient and posts directions in English at nearly every stop. Railways connect all major cities. Smaller towns are connected with bus service. Italian food ranges from small takeout pizza shops to grandly elegant, four-star, internationally acclaimed restaurants. Italian markets offer good food for those on a budget. Eat just-picked produce, local cheese and sausage and freshly baked bread. A bottle of wine is often cheaper than a similar sized bottle of soda.

Step 5

Create a tour. If you’re not entirely happy with available tour options you can often create your own personal tour. Some companies will let you combine exploration on your own with help from the tour company. You might also decide that you prefer a week by yourself and a week with a touring company.