best tours of italy for singles

Italy Tours for Solo / Single Travelers

250+ italy tours for singles / solo travelers with 10,698 reviews.

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

Splendor of Sicily 8 Days Tour - from Catania

Generally good tour, food quality was poor at times Guides English pronunciation was poor at times. Needs to use an online translate to learn how to pronounce better.

• Local Living
• Christmas & New Year

Local Living Italy—Sorrento

Touring the coast was good. A little difficult to navigate if you are older or have some difficulty walking. The lemon farm was a little isolated and a bit of a walk to the road to catch a bus if you wanted to explore the area. The lemon farm had beautiful views. The rooms were nice but needs some upgrading and repairs in some areas. The breakfast was disappointing and some of the food was a little cold. We did not know that you needed to purchase wine from the farm. It was a little overpriced. The owners and staff were very nice people and our tour guide Anna was very nice. I think this tour is more for young people.

• Food & Culinary
• Hiking & Trekking

Small Group Tour of Sicily: Highlights (Maximum 8 Guests)

This was a great experience. Four Australians and four from the USA. The hotels were top notch, the tour guides knowledgeable, the communication was very well done. There was one glitch related to transporting luggage from one hotel to another, which was immediately fixed. Wine tours, included meals and of course Sicily. All eight of us enjoyed this tour immensely, and my wife and I will definitely travel via Tour Radar again. Would love to assemble the same group!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Discover Italy end Milan

The instruction sometime is not clear The tour guide is not easily visible when is very crowded or raining with rain coat on Sometime due to the accent tour guide, mistake happened like 15 or 50 meeting places. If in paper even han hand written,we can take a picture to remember

Italy from North to South

I would recommend it to my friends.

Classical Italy

Did the Classic Italy tour with my 90 year old mum. Eva our tour guide is very helpful and funny.I think Rome needs to be 2 days. Roman Forum and Batican and walking tour in a day is just too much.

• Train & Rail
• Sightseeing

Highlights of Italy

Amazing trip through the highlights of Italy, saw all the places I wanted to. Had lots of freedom and free time to do what we wanted to do, didn't have to spend every second with the group which what I liked about it. Tour leader was amazing, in each location would give us maps, highlight places, how to get to spots, recommend things when we were not sure. Just really good trip through Italy, saw heaps, ate heaps, and made new friends!

The Italian Dream

The provided tour was very enjoyable and well planned. The TourRadar team was very helpful and accommodating to our needs. We enjoyed our tour guides knowledge as well as the other tour guides in Venice and The Vatican. A special treat was the Skip-the-Line feature which gave our group quick access into the exhibits.

Best of Italy (Summer, 13 Days)

Overall good, seemed a bit rushed with not enough time to absorb the sites.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Italian Discovery

We did the Italian Discovery Tour and generally felt the company did a great job.We did feel that there were way too many people. We were told there would be 35 and we ended up with a hundred This created alot of logistical problems and we wound up waiting for people frequently . We also asked before we left which optional trips were available and were told the Coliseum was one and we could sign up when we got to Rome but we're unable to do it . It was not offered The other optional trips were great. Our tour guides in general were great. Especially Nicole. The hotels also were wonderful.Our only complaint is that we did a Rome at night tour on our first night. The tour was great but we were left on Rome on our first night and were expected to find our own way back to the hotel Overall we would recommend the tour. The food at our hotels.except in Sorrento was terrible Breakfasts were good at some hotels but dinners were awful. We enjoyed the tour .

Sicilian Landscapes: Catania-Catania (8 days/7 nights)

The tour was good. I found it really hectic though with not enough free time. The tour guides were excellent with so much knowledge. Didn't really enjoy the evening we had to cook our own dinner because it had been a long day, very hot and all myself and my husband wanted to do was have dinner and an early night. Personally I would exclude this activity from the schedule. The accommodation was good and comfortable although we did have single beds at all our accommodation. Why we are not sure. We enjoyed Sicily mostly but found the rubbish in the North West area troubling and distracted from the areas this was very evident. The transportation generally was good and the driver has excellent skills to negotiate such narrow roads etc. We did have one day where we sat in the sun for 2 hours. because the air conditioning in the bus wasn't functioning. The company could have offered free water at least.

• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Italian Holiday (7 Days)

Excellent tour. Fantastic tour guide and driver. Amazing food and experiences. Wish we were still there!!

The Essential of Italy

We LOVED the trip! Phillipe, our guide was excellent and made the full program work like clockwork. He was full of interesting information about the places we visited. The itinerary was packed with beautiful places and we couldn’t have seen so much on our own. Thank you Phillipe for showing us around Italy! We loved it.

A Taste of Italy: 11 Days

Our tour guides were very knowledgeable. Hotels were adequate, nothing special as were the meals from the hotel. At times, we seemed to be uncertain about what to expect mainly upon arriving in Rome at the Hotel St Martin. There wasn’t any published info or a contact there to refer to. Also didn’t like having to transfer with our luggage from a small bus to the tour bus in Pompeii. The bus wasn’t vacant when we arrived and we had to wait with our luggage for others to come back from their tour. I would have liked more to be included. The tour states Amalfi Coast. When we got to sorrento we were advised that a tour of amalfi coast would be an extra 80 euros pp.

New Tour of Sicily from Palermo 10 Days

Outstanding guide Franco. Loved all the history lessons and stories. Great travel group.

What people love about Italy Solo Tours

There was a little confusion at the beginning at the hotel. Lack of communication was unclear. Our guide Irene was excellent and a good problem solver. She looked after us like a mother hen

Carla was very kind and helpful on our tour

This tour was the very best experience we have ever had traveling overseas. The booking process was seamless and painless. We felt especially grateful that while the group was limited to 8 participants, it was guaranteed to proceed with 2 people. As it ended up, our trip was just me and my husband and we felt so fortunate to have had the attention of the guides in such a personal way. The guides were all tremendous and I am confident that a larger group would have felt equally tended to. Special thanks to our guides and drivers: Denise, Orazio, Roberto, Carlos, Fabio and Massimo. Part of what was truly evident was how passionate they each were about Sicily and how many of them had connections with people at the restaurants, local businesses and attractions that we went to. We felt like we were in such good hands during the time we were with all of the guides. Each tour and activity was enlightening and educational. The included lunches and other meals were top notch. The opening night walking food and wine tour was a great way to kickoff the trip. There were some others who joined us for that portion, and it was most welcome. I don't think it would have been as much fun for the restaurants and enoteca to have just 2 people and the guide show up, and we knew the rest of the trip we would have individual attention. We felt pampered with our lunches on the Mafia tour, at the winery on Etna, in Marzememi and Agrigento. There was never a feeling of penny-pinching, more plush and like what we would have chosen for ourselves! The selected hotels were excellent! Centrally located, each with a fantastic breakfast spread and fun bar/restaurants. We would happily go back to any of them again and recommend them. We loved the scheduling each day and felt like we had a great mix of free time to explore on our own. Lastly, Graziana was out lifeline while we were traveling. She connected with us daily to check in, and to share the next days plan and name of our guide and where they would meet us. She made dinner reservations for us while we were there and provided recommendations that were helpful. We didn't encounter any issues, but felt that we had a ready ally if needed. Massimo also checked in midtrip, so we truly felt like everyone was interested in us having the best possible trip. I cannot wait to return to Sicily. We have recommended Sicily Activities to many people since our return and would book again in a heartbeat.

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You are here: Home » Trips » Italy Explorer for Singles

Italy Explorer for Singles

 Departures: All Ages

This is our Italy Explorer Tour including visits to Venice, Florence and Rome with an optional extension to Sorrento and Naples. In most cities we have arranged for an extensive array of mini excursions so you can customize this singles tour of Italy to match your interests. If you’re looking for solo travel Italy tours, look no further!

Our group tours to Italy for singles are one of our most popular options and we offer some of the best options available for single travel to Italy. You can explore important cultural sites, enjoy the exciting nightlife, and best of all, travel with singles. We have planned this single travel to Italy vacation to be customized, so feel free to choose from a long list of really interesting mini-excursions.

Our solo travel Italy tours are ideal for singles of all ages! View our daily itinerary and excursions for a fuller description of our Italy Explorer for Singles. We consider this to be not only one of our most interesting singles tours but also one of our most fun. The feedback from our group tours to Italy for singles over the years has really been great, focusing not only on the group dynamic but also on the variety of places we visit.

See tabs below for full tour details:

Included in our Italy Package:

• Pre/Post Nights Available
• Group town-to-town transfers
• Traditional Italian Breakfasts Daily
• Hidden Venice Walking Tour with evening Gondola Ride
• Half Day Venetian Islands: Murano Glass Blowing & Burano Lace Making
• Best of Florence Tour with Statue of David and Duomo
• Tuscan Vineyard Villa Dinner and Wine Tasting from Florence
• Private touring of Siena and San Gimignano during transfer from Florence to Rome
• Rome Choice between: Discovering Rome Walking Tour incl. Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain & Pantheon  -OR-  Ancient Rome & Colosseum tour w/Forum & Palatine Hill
• More tours & attractions available for purchase during leisure times
• Roundtrip Airport City-Center Shuttle Transfers
• All Hotel Tax/Fees
• 24/7 Traveler Hotline
• E-documents

All Ages 7 Night 09/29 – 10/06 (Sun-Sun) 10 Night 09/29 – 10/09 (Sun-Weds)

Do not book your airfare until you have spoken with your Travel Specialist

Tour Notes:

*Traveling alone but want to save on cost? Inquire about roommate matching! Roommate matching is not guaranteed however we will do our best to pair you with someone who is just as excited to travel to Italy as you are.   Do not purchase your airfare for our Italy Explorer until we confirm you reservation and you have spoken with your Travel Specialist. 

                          7 Night                                                                     10 Night

Italy 7 & 10 Night Itineraries:

SUNDAY- HOPPER DAY 1: Tour begins in Venice Benvenuto Venice! Arrive in Venice where you will be transferred from the airport to access your hotel to begin your amazing tour of Italy. Once it’s check-in time you can get settled into your hotel for the next two nights, where you can plan your journey through the narrow streets, canals and bridges of this one of a kind city. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a romantic evening walking tour of Venice to see the off the beaten path side of Venice only the locals know. Been dreaming of taking a gondola ride in Italy? Tonight is the night! An evening gondola ride is also included in your evening tour.

MONDAY- HOPPER DAY 2: Venice Today your tour will have you travel by water taxi to the Venetian Lagoon’s islands of Murano and Burano, where you’ll see demonstrations of glassmaking and lacemaking. This guided excursion gives you an in-depth view of centuries old skills and rich history. You’ll have time for shopping and relaxing along the way as your guide tells the story of this ancient and loved city. Venice is all about history, romance and a constant struggle with the sea and the tides. Immerse yourself in the beauty and buzz of Venice and you will surely want to return!

TUESDAY- HOPPER DAY 3: Transfer from Venice to Florence This morning, depart Venice by train and arrive in Florence, the capital of Tuscany, one of the most adored “regiones” of Italy. Florence sits on the Arno river and is home to famous sights at every turn. From the Ponte Vecchio, a Medieval bridge with a rich history of shops and residents to the Basilica of Santa Croce, the resting place of both Michelangelo and Galileo, there is no shortage of amazing art and architecture in Florence, known as the “Birthplace of the Renaissance”. This afternoon, check into your hotel and meet your guide for a 3-hour tour of Florence where you’ll visit the famous Duomo of Florence, one of the most well known and loved cathedrals in the world. Also, your tour includes a visit to the Accademia Gallery, where Michelangelo’s “The David” is the star attraction among many beautiful works of art.

WEDNESDAY- HOPPER DAY 4: Florence Awake in Florence and decide to enjoy some leisure time to explore Florence on your own or possibly join an optional tour exploring a subject of your choosing! The Piazza della Signoria is always a must visit during any stay in Florence. Opened in the 1300’s, this square is home to countless photo opportunities. Great for people watching over a glass of vino, hours can melt away as you take in the scenery while enjoying sculptures of Hercules, Medusa, Neptune and many more. This evening, enjoy a Tuscan dinner and wine tasting at a vineyard and villa outside of Florence. After tasting four different wines with the winemaker present and describing them all, your authentic Tuscan dinner complete with appetizer, first and second course will be just what you needed after a day of exploring. After dinner return to Florence for your second evening at your city center hotel.

THURSDAY- HOPPER DAY 5: Florence The day is yours today in Florence! If you’re up for more optional sightseeing, the Basilica di Santa Croce is absolutely beautiful and a great stop while in the city. In the evening, consider catching the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo for stunning views over the city and River Arno. If anyone is interested in shopping, head to the San Lorenzo Market which is famous for its leather goods. For those wanting a taste of high class, head to the terrace bar at the Westin for their aperitivo before retiring for the evening.

FRIDAY- HOPPER DAY 6: Transfer from Florence to Rome Say goodbye to Tuscany as you continue your journey through Italy. This morning, meet your private driver for a scenic journey through the heart of beautiful Tuscany. As you continue through the famous Tuscan hills, find yourself atop one of the highest hills in Tuscany in the walled city of San Gimignano. 14 of the city’s 72 original towers remain, remnants of competition between families and conflicts from outside the walls. Most of the remaining towers have stood over 500 years and some are over 200 feet high. Maybe shop for some of the local area’s white wines or partake in an after lunch glass or some gelato. Upon departure from San Gimignano, you’ll head south through Tuscany’s Chianti region to the charming town of Siena. Home of Piazza del Campo where the famous Palio horse race twice a year pits the city wards against one another, Siena’s narrow walkways lead down into the giant town square. You’ll have some free time to visit the Duomo di Siena, the city’s cathedral built with unique black and white alternating marble stripes and shop or explore at your leisure. Enjoy lunch in Siena before continuing your journey south towards Rome. Rome will captivate you with her architecture spanning centuries and influencing how buildings are built even today. The Tiber river meanders through the city just south of Vatican City, a country within the city. This evening, check into your hotel and head out on foot to explore your surroundings.

SATURDAY- HOPPER DAY 7: Rome Arise in Rome and depart on your choice of one of the following half day tours: Colosseum & Ancient Rome: Your guide will tell the stories of the history of the Colosseum as you stand inside the arena, imagining past battles and the roar of the crowd. Explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill where the remnants of government buildings, shrines and statues date back over 2500 years. A celebrated meeting place for centuries, the Roman Forum was the center of the capital of Rome. (3 hours) Best of Rome Walking Tour: From the Piazza Navona, a large, beautiful square, to the Spanish Steps, a meeting place for centuries and popular place to spring a proposal, your guide will help you learn how this amazing city came to be. You’ll even get the opportunity for some gelato, the Italian’s version of ice cream. We assure you, it won’t be the last time you try it! (2.5 hours)

SUNDAY- HOPPER DAY 8: Tour ends in Rome. (7-night tour) Say goodbye to Italy as your airport transfer returns you to Rome airport to return home.

SUNDAY HOPPER DAY 8: Transfer from Rome to Sorrento via Pompeii (10-night tour) Remember to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain to assure your return to Rome before heading to the spectacular Amalfi Coast! Today you will take the train from Rome to Naples to meet your private driver and finish your transfer with a beautiful drive south through the region of Campania with a stop and private guided tour of Pompeii, site of the famous eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in A.D. 79 that destroyed not only Pompeii, but the neighboring city of Herculaneum. Arrive in Sorrento and check into your hotel for the next two nights, ready to explore the beautiful coastline of the Tyrrhenian Sea!

MONDAY HOPPER DAY 9: Sorrento Today will be an adventure as you depart on a guided tour of the Amalfi Coast. One of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, you’ll see incredible views from the cliff top roads as you travel from one coastal city to the next. From your hotel, you’ll make your way to Positano where you’ll have time for a stroll along the beach or time to shop. Next you’ll explore Amalfi where you’ll see more amazing views of small fishing boats, incredible villas and amazing yachts. After a stop in Ravello, you’ll make your way back to Sorrento where you’ll have ample time to choose a wonderful dinner spot.

TUESDAY HOPPER DAY 10: Transfer from Sorrento to Naples (Alt. Rome)   Enjoy a leisurely morning in Sorrento before departing and making your way to Naples via train. After the quick transfer check-in to your hotel then you’ll participate in a pizza making class and enjoy your creation for dinner in the city where pizza originated. Learn about the history of pizza and the complexity of the dough, the sauce and of course, the toppings!

WEDNESDAY HOPPER DAY 11: Tour ends in Naples Your post-trip tour ends today. You’ll be transferred from Naples (or Rome) to the airport where you can reflect on your amazing journey through some of Italy’s most amazing cities and sights!

Will I have free time or will I have to stay with the group the entire time? The foundation of our tours is the flexibility that is built into them. Other than transfers from town to town, it’s your vacation to spend as you please. This Singles Italy Tour is designed to provide you flexibility and independence in which your itinerary, accommodations and transfers are all pre-arranged to provide you with the structure you need while traveling. The rest of the trip is up to you to do as you please.

For whom are tours recommended? We recommend our tours for active independent travelers who want an alternative to a fully-planned tour with no freedom or flexibility. This tour is not recommended for those who require a full time guide, private transportation service at all times, luggage handling or have mobility issues requiring wheelchairs, have trouble walking or limiting medical conditions.

Will there be someone accompanying our group while we are on tour? A full-time host or guide is not provided with this Singles Italy Tour. Your Singles Travel Service Sales Host will be happy to work with you prior to departure to answer any of your questions and make suggestions about available things to see or do. On most day tours and attractions there are licensed tour guides available and we also recommend asking the receptionists at your hotels for helpful tips and information. You will be provided with a 24/7 Traveler Hotline if any issues or emergencies do arise and you need assistance.

How/when do we meet up with the group? Your first day is free to tour as you please, on your own.  If travelers would like to set up a time on their own to meet the first day before the welcome event we encourage it!

How do you pick roommates?/When will we find out who our roommate is? Once we know how many travelers require a roommate, we will pair individuals based on gender and trip length. We will also do our best to match individuals based on age and/or where they are from, if possible. Roommates will be introduced prior to travel via email when travel documents are issued, approximately 7 to 10 days prior to departure.

Do I have to be a solo traveler to join this trip, or can I bring a friend? You can absolutely bring a friend! Our Singles Tour is set up to be a great way to meet new people, but if you’re more comfortable traveling with a friend, then you can certainly travel together. Please note that on some of these tours assigned for solo travelers are not exclusive to solo travelers. Transfers from town-to-town may include other travelers and the type of transfer may vary and is subject to change based on the total number of travelers traveling to/from the same destination on any particular date.

What is the age range of the group? Our singles tour is welcoming of all ages! We typically see most of our travelers are ages 35-65.

What is the ratio of females to males? Each trip is different, but on average the ratio is about 3:1 (female to male).

How many people are normally on this tour? Past Singles tours have ranged from 4 to 20 people. There is no maximum, though we prefer to keep the group under 15 travelers to maintain a more intimate experience.

What are the pick-up times for the transfers between towns? Pick-up times will vary based on the type of transportation provided. Your Singles Travel Service Sales Host can help provide you with an idea of times so you may choose optional tours prior to travel. You’ll receive exact pick-up times and locations in your travel documents.

Do we need to tip our drivers? Yes! For each town-to-town transfer or day tour with a tour guide (such as on our optional tours) it is customary to tip between €/£2 to €/£5 per person, per transfer based on the service and information provided by your driver. No tipping is required for drivers of scheduled/public transfers.

Can we pick the hotels we want to stay in? Accommodations are carefully chosen based on the needs and size of the group. Accommodations are chosen based on location and quality in an effort to meet our travelers’ expectations and ensure satisfaction. Hotel locations provide easy accessibly to attractions, restaurants and public transportation. Whether it’s a boutique hotel or a large chain property, our hotels will always have a quality rating of three or four stars and a TripAdvisor rating of three or higher.

Will everyone be staying in the same hotel? We do our best to keep everyone together, but this is not guaranteed. Multiple hotels may need to be utilized in different towns due to availability and different room type requirements.

Do hotels allow guests? Every hotel has different policies, but at night most hotels check guests at the entrance to ensure only resident guests are staying the night, as well as provide extra security.

Can we book optional day tours/attractions while we are traveling or do we need to book everything ahead of time? If we can book while we are traveling, how do we do that? Day tours, attractions and activities are available for selection and pre-purchase up to 21 days prior to departure. Travel documents cannot be issued to the group until everyone traveling has submitted their selections so make sure to let your Sales Host know your requests as soon as you can! By purchasing these options prior to travel you are able to pay in $USD or $CAD while locking in the exchange rate as well as any discounts that may have been extended to our clients. Your space on these tours is also guaranteed as many day tours sell out months prior to operating. Some day tour options are provided to our clients privately and must be purchased prior to travel so minimum group size requirements are met and the proper vehicle size can be reserved. If you do not plan to arrange your tour and attractions prior to travel you may purchase these items directly from the vendor itself at their retail rates and in the local currency, if there is availability. During your tour please feel free to check with your hotel reception desk or concierge for information on tours or for the location of the tourist office.

It is important to have the proper expectations when it comes to hotels in Italy.  Italian (and many European) hotels are housed in very very old buildings and normally do not live up to US hotel expectations for items such as room size, elevator access, typical plumbing or amenities. In Italy, pricing not only depends upon star-rating, but it is also dependent upon the particular region of Italy that the hotel is located in. For example, a 4-star property in Rome, Florence, or Milan (larger cities) will be a bit less than a 4-star property in Venice and Sorrento (located on the water). Italy Hopper packages are priced with hotel categories rather than star levels due to the extreme range of quality in a particular star rating. The categories were created and properties chosen to give you a similar experience & level of quality over the course of your tour when staying in different towns and cities. Please review the categories below:

Premiere Hotels:  Mix of higher level 3-star hotels and basic quality 4-star hotels. The Premiere category is included with your price.

Superior Hotels:  This category will include hotels in the higher quality spectrum of 4-star hotels and possibly a 5-star property or two, depending on availability in various towns/cities. Superior Category is available for an additional $95 per person, per night.

Luxury Hotels:  5-star properties, but they may not be available in all towns on the Italy hopper for scheduled dates. Price will be presented based on current rates and availability at the time of booking.

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The 20 Best Italy Tours

See Italy's top tourist attractions and stunning cities on these guided excursions.

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Visitors can discover charming neighborhoods, enjoy delicious food and see top sights on Italy's best tours.

There's so much to see and do in Italy that it can feel a bit overwhelming to plan a trip that makes the most of the country's fabled history, art, architecture and cuisine – not to mention its 55-plus UNESCO World Heritage sites. Guided tours are an efficient, hassle-free way to explore the country's top attractions and cities. These Italy tours – considered the best by travelers and experts alike – vary by region, focus and method of transportation, but they all have one thing in common: highly motivated and informed guides ready to help you better appreciate your time in this beautiful European country.

The Roman Food Tour – Prati by Sunset – Rome Food Tour

Price: Adults from 135 euros (about $148); kids from 80 euros (about $88) Duration: 4 hours

Enjoy Italian cuisine via this small group walking tour of five food-centric places in Rome 's Prati neighborhood near Vatican City . Stops include a cafe, a pizzeria and a gourmet food shop, and food samples typically include cheese, truffles, cured meat, pasta, tiramisu and pizza as well as wine. Food and wine enthusiasts regularly report enjoying learning about Roman culinary arts from the passionate, well-informed guides on this tour.

Outings last about four hours and are available daily all year long starting at 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. with additional 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. start times from May through October. Prices start at 135 euros (about $148) for adults, 89 euros (about $98) for teenagers 13 to 17 and 80 euros (about $88) for children 5 to 12. Prices cover all food and beverage samples, which may exceed 20 in total. The Roman Food Tour offers a variety of other foodie outings to different areas around the city, including one to the Trionfale neighborhood.

View & Book Tickets:  Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3

City Wonders – Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Tour

Price: Adults from $42; kids from $37 Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Visit some of the most famous attractions in Rome on this 2- to 3-hour walking tour. Highlights include the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums, which are filled with historic art pieces. Tour-takers rave about the spectacular art and architecture and appreciate the insightful guides.

Tours depart multiple times a day Monday through Saturday, typically between around 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets start at $42 for adults and around $37 for children ages 6 to 18 (kids 5 and younger tour for free), but prices may vary by day and time. Tickets cover all entrance fees. Groups are limited to 20 participants. Note: Modest attire may be required to enter some sites. City Wonders operates several other tours around Rome as well as in other Italian cities like Milan .

View & Book Tickets:  Viator | GetYourGuide

LivItaly Tours – Colosseum Underground Tour with Arena, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum

Price: Adults from 139 euros (about $152); kids from 124 euros (about $135) Duration: 3 hours

Explore renowned sites of ancient Rome on this three-hour walk. Tours start at the Colosseum and visit areas of the amphitheater, such as underground cages and dungeons, that relatively few people get to see due to space and ticketing limitations. Other highlights include the Palatine Hill, one of Rome's seven hills where politicians of the Roman Empire once lived and where the ruins of numerous buildings from that era remain, and the Forum , once the center of social and political activity in ancient Rome. Reviewers frequently say the guides are not only informative, but also humorous and make learning about Roman history fun.

Tours, which are limited to six participants, are offered daily at a variety of times, typically between 9:15 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets start at 139 euros (about $152) for adults, 129 euros (about $141) for teenagers ages 13 to 17 and 124 euros (about $135) for kids ages 3 to 12. Students also receive a slight discount. LivItaly runs multiple tours in Rome, including one that visits some of the city's top attractions .

View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2

Walkabout Florence Tours – The Best of Tuscany in One Day Trip from Florence

Price: Adults from 83 euros (about $91); kids from 70 euros (about $77) Duration: 12 hours

Take a day to experience Tuscany and its UNESCO World Heritage sites on this trip via air-conditioned coach. Highlights include a guided walking tour in the medieval town of Siena , a visit to San Gimignano and a trip through the countryside to Pisa. Optional upgrades include lunch and wine-tasting at a Chianti vineyard and skip-the-line entry to Pisa's famous Leaning Tower . While trip-takers consistently describe the guides as knowledgeable and personable, they also appreciate having time to explore each destination on their own.

Buses depart from Florence 's Piazza Stazione daily at 8 a.m. and return approximately 12 hours later. Prices start at 83 euros (about $91) for adults and 70 euros (about $77) for kids ages 8 to 17, not including lunch. The full tour, including lunch at the winery and access to the tower, costs approximately 113 euros (around $123) for adults and 100 euros (approximately $109) for kids. Note: While there's no charge for children younger than 8 to take the tour, they cannot climb the tower.

View & Book Tickets: Viator

Walks of Italy – Legendary Venice: St. Mark's Basilica with Terraces & Doge's Palace

Price: Adults from $113; kids from $107 Duration: 3 hours

This tour encompasses some of the most significant spots in Venice : St. Mark's Square , St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace . Both the church and the palace are art-filled buildings with eventful histories. (The palace, for instance, was more than a site of political administration; it also contains prisons and torture chambers.) Guides recount the colorful backstories, which tour-takers invariably find informative and entertaining.

Three-hour walking tours beginning in the square happen daily at 2 p.m. and every day except Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Earlier departures (at 8 a.m.) may also be available on select days. Tickets start around $113 for adults and $107 for children 2 to 14, though you may find some higher or lower prices depending on the date and time. (There's no charge for infants.) The visit to the basilica includes access to a balcony affording views of the square and nearby lagoon. Another bonus? Taking this tour enables you to bypass the lines to enter the palace and the basilica.

View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide

Withlocals – The 10 Tastings of Venice

Price: From 85 euros (about $93) per person for a group of six Duration: 3 hours

As its name indicates, this tour features 10 tastings of typical Venetian food and drinks. It's essentially a private, customizable, small-group walking tour that can be tailored to participants' interests. Even so, samples usually include local favorites like spritz (a wine-based cocktail) and gelato. Tour-takers tend to enjoy both the visits to multiple local eateries and the amusing guides' insightful commentary.

Three-hour tours depart from Venice's Campo Manin daily with multiple start times; the earliest is typically 10 a.m. and the latest 6 p.m. Prices vary by group size and start at approximately 252 euros (about $275) for one person (the minimum) and descend to about 85 euros (about $93) per person for groups of six (the maximum). Groups larger than six should contact the tour company directly to schedule.

Blue Star Boat Tours – Amalfi Coast Group Tour

Price: From $88 Duration: 7 hours

Another option for seeing the beaches and caves of the UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast is from the water. Sights seen on this daylong expedition typically include the picturesque geological features of Fiordo di Furore beach; Grotta della Pandora, a cave accessible only from the sea; and the Emerald Grotto, named for the color of the light that fills the cave. The approximately seven-hour tour, which departs from Positano, also includes an hour or two of free time to explore the town of Amalfi. Travelers typically appreciate the professional, personable staff and the opportunities to swim in such a scenic setting.

Tickets cost approximately $88 per person. There is a maximum of 12 people per group. Note: There's an additional fee to enter the Emerald Grotto. Private boat tours and sunset cruises are also available.

You Know! – Sorrento Coast and Capri Boat Tour from Sorrento

Price: Adults from 104 euros (about $114); kids from 84 euros (about $92) Duration: 9 hours

See the sights along the Sorrento coast, including a waterfall, a lighthouse and Roman ruins, on this boat ride. The tour also features a three- to five-hour stop on Capri during which travelers can explore the small island's famed Piazzetta, as well as churches and a medieval district. There's also time for swimming and snorkeling. Tour-takers consistently find the scenery beautiful and the guides professional and friendly.

The approximately nine-hour trips happen daily starting at 9:45 a.m. Prices vary by season, but typically start at around 104 euros (about $114) for participants 10 and older and 84 euros (about $92) for kids ages 3 to 9. (There's no cost for infants to join the trip.) Trips are capped at 12 to 14 people. Prices include transportation between Sorrento and the port as well as snacks and beverages on the boat. Fees don't cover lunch on Capri, snorkeling equipment or entrance fees to attractions. The company also offers boat tours to Capri that depart from Amalfi.

World Tours Italy – Pompeii and Amalfi Coast (with Lunch)

Price: From 128 euros (about $140) Duration: 8 hours

Visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites on this daylong excursion. When the volcano Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79, ash swallowed the city of Pompeii and preserved many buildings. Now, the archeological site affords glimpses into how people lived during the era of the Roman Empire. This trip includes two to three hours at Pompeii as well as a drive along the Amalfi Coast with stops in the towns of Amalfi and Ravello, both of which boast notable art and architecture. You'll also have a few photo stops, including one in Positano . Travelers consistently remark on the exceptional coastal scenery and the insight and humor of the guides at Pompeii.

Tours occur daily. Passenger pickups begin around 7:30 a.m.; the drive to Sorrento begins at just before 9 a.m. After a busy day, the tour returns to the city around 5:30 p.m. Tickets start at 128 euros (about $140) for adults, with discounts for children ages 5 to 12. (There's no fee for children younger than 5.) Prices vary by time and day. Keep in mind that tours in English may not be offered in the colder months. Prices include lunch at a restaurant on the coast, but do not cover entrance to Pompeii. If you can't get enough of the Amalfi Coast, World Tours also offers daytrips that visit Capri and Sorrento.

Prestige Rent – Wine Experience in Tuscany

Price: Adults from 89 euros (about $97); kids from 79 euros (about $86) Duration: 5 hours

Enjoy red wines typical of the Chianti region on this trip to two wineries. You'll also sample Tuscan fare, including olive oil, cheese and cured meat, during this approximately five-hour outing. Along the roughly 45-minute drive from Florence, guides will provide background information on local viniculture. At each stop, resident experts will describe the wine-making process. Wine lovers typically find the samples delicious and the guides energetic and informative.

Tours, which are capped at 25 participants, are offered twice a day starting at 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Prices start at 89 euros (about $97) for adults and 79 euros (about $86) for youngsters 12 to 17 and include transportation between Florence's Piazzale Montelungo and the vineyards, as well as the various food and beverage samples. Note: Children younger than 12 are not permitted on this tour. Prestige Rent also leads tours to Siena and San Gimignano.

Italian Days Food & Wine Tours – Bologna Food and Wine Tour #1

Price: Adults from 180 euros (about $197); kids from 150 euros (about $164) Duration: 8 hours

Observe the production of three Italian staples – Parmigiano-Reggiano, balsamic vinegar and prosciutto – on this daylong culinary excursion. Of course, this tour also includes samples of the cheese, vinegar and cured meat, as well as breakfast, coffee, wine and a multicourse family-style lunch. Throughout the day, guides explicate the food-making processes, which foodies invariably find fascinating.

Minibuses pick up in front of Grand Hotel Majestic in Bologna around 7 a.m. and head to Modena every day except Sunday. The tour lasts about eight hours. Tickets start at around 180 euros (about $197) for adults and 150 euros (about $164) for children 2 to 11, though costs vary by season. Prices include transportation as well food and beverages. The tour is capped at 18 participants. Italian Days offers a variety of food tours, including a walking tour in Bologna.

View & Book Tickets:  Viator

Bici & Baci Tours – The Grand Tour of Rome

Price: From 150 euros (about $164) Duration: 3 hours

Admire the signature sights of Rome from atop an Italian Vespa, on this approximately 22-mile ride around the city. Highlights include the Aurelian Walls, the Appian Way , the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain , St. Peter's Basilica , the Pantheon , ruins of ancient aqueducts and baths, and more. Reviewers consistently describe the guides as helpful, skillful, knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

Fees start at 150 euros (about $164) for a single person operating a Vespa or a passenger riding with a guide. Fees are about 250 euros (about $273) for two people on a scooter. Prices include use of a helmet as well as coffee or ice cream. Daily tours start at 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and typically last around three hours.

Note: Operators of Vespas must have valid motorcycle or driver's licenses. Children are permitted as passengers with their parents as long as they are tall enough for their feet to reach the scooters' foot pegs. The company also operates tours that travel to some of the city's most iconic movie filming locations.

City Wonders – Best of Milan Duomo Cathedral & Da Vinci's 'Last Supper' Tour

Price: Adults from $125; kids from $114 Duration: 3 hours

Take a walking tour of Milan and enjoy skip-the-line access to two of its top attractions. You'll experience the Duomo , a monumental cathedral, construction of which commenced around 1386 and went on for centuries. Another highlight of this trip is a visit to Leonardo's "The Last Supper" in its original location, a former convent. Plus, you'll visit spots like Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a 19th-century shopping arcade housing upscale boutiques; Sforzesco Castle , a 15th-century military fortification; and the cobbled streets of the Brera district. Travelers consistently describe the guides as insightful and professional.

This excursion happens multiple times every day except Monday. Specific start times vary by day. Tours last three hours, including 15 minutes with the famous painting. Prices start at around $125 for anyone 15 and older and $114 for those 14 and younger. Groups have no more than 14 participants.

Grape Tours in Tuscany – Super Chianti Wine Tour

Price: From 195 euros (about $213) Duration: 7 hours

Spend a day indulging in wine on this trip to the cellars and vineyards of two wineries. In addition to visiting Chianti and Chianti classico wineries and sampling vino, cheese and olive oil, you'll also enjoy lunch at an eatery in the Tuscan hilltop town of Panzano. Wine lovers report enjoying learning about the regions' wine from the adept guides.

Tours happen every day except Sunday. Buses leave Florence at 10 a.m. and return approximately seven hours later. Tours, including transportation and food and beverages, cost approximately 195 euros (about $213) per person. The outing welcomes up to eight participants, and guests must be at least 16 years old.

View & Book Tickets:  Grape Tours in Tuscany

TopBike Rental & Tours – Rome City Bike Tour

Price: From 65 euros (about $71) Duration: 4 hours

Wind through the streets of Rome and see several of its famed attractions on this four-hour electric bike ride, offered in either the morning or the afternoon. Tours may include visits to popular attractions like the Colosseum, the Piazza Navona , the Jewish Ghetto, the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and the Orange Garden for its views of the city, including the dome of St. Peter's. Cyclists regularly praise the insightful, friendly guides on this leisurely ride.

Morning start times vary by time of year, but are usually 8:45 or 9:30 a.m.; afternoon trips start at 2 or 3 p.m. It costs approximately 65 euros (about $71) to take this ride, and that includes use of an e-bike and helmet. The company also operates daylong bike tours that include lunch, as well as guided outings along the Appian Way.

City Wonders – Florence Fully Guided Tour with Uffizi Gallery, Michelangelo's David and Accademia

Price: Adults from $108; kids from $102 Duration: 5 hours

Bypass the lines to enter both the Uffizi Gallery – home to 14th-century and Renaissance masterpieces by the likes of Botticelli, Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo and Caravaggio – and the Accademia Gallery – where Michelangelo's 14-foot David sculpture resides – on this tour. In addition to independent visits to the galleries, the small-group outing includes a two-hour guided walking tour of the center of Florence to see top sights, such as its cathedral, the Ponte Vecchio bridge, the leather market and Piazza della Signoria. Tour-takers generally appreciate the guides' commentary regarding the city's art, architecture and history. Others warned future travelers that the visits to the galleries are unguided.

Half-day tours with 10 and 10:30 a.m. start times happen daily. Prices are about $108 for adults and $102 for children 4 to 14. Children 3 and younger tour for free. Groups are limited to 17 people.

Walkabout Florence Tours – Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with optional Hiking Tou

Price: Adults from 113 euros (about $123); kids from 100 euros (about $109) Duration: 13 hours

This daylong expedition takes travelers to the towns comprising the Cinque Terre , a string of old fishing villages overlooking the Mediterranean Sea that form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buses travel from Florence to Manarola, home to vineyards and colorful buildings typical of the area. From there, trains head to Corniglia, which boasts unrivaled views of the sea. After lunch, participants can either hike the mule trails that connect the towns or ride a train to Vernazza, where swimming or visiting cafes and bars are among the optional activities. Trains then proceed to Monterosso, a town known for both beaches and shops. Weather permitting, the tour also includes a boat ride to the fifth and final Cinque Terre town, Riomaggiore. Trip-takers rave about both the scenic locations and the efficient, personable guides.

Tourgoers return to Florence approximately 13 hours after the daily 7:30 a.m. departure time. Tickets for the tour start at around 113 euros (about $123) for adults and 100 euros (about $109) for kids 8 to 17. Children younger than 8 are not permitted. Prices do not include lunch in Corniglia, but an upgrade is available for an additional fee.

Delicious Bologna – Daylight Food Tour Bologna

Price: Adults from 90 euros (about $98); kids from 70 euros (about $76) Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Taste some of the essentials of Italian cuisine on this small-group walking tour. In addition to a light breakfast of cappuccino and cornetto (a croissant-like pastry) and lunch of multiple pasta dishes, this outing features samples of local cheese, cured meat, vinegar and wine. It also visits a food market and a pasta factory. Throughout, guides provide commentary about regional culture and traditions, which culinary enthusiasts tend to find informative.

Tours take place every day except Sunday at 10 a.m. and last four to five hours. Groups of up to eight people begin the day at the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana. Fees start at 90 euros (about $98) for adults and 70 euros (about $76) for kids and teens ages 2 to 14. (There's no charge for infants.) Additional food and wine tours, as well as cooking classes, are hosted by Delicious Bologna.

Streaty Street Food Tours of Italy – Palermo Street Food and Local Market Tour

Price: Adults from 54 euros (about $59); kids from 20 euros (about $22) Duration: 3 hours

Savor varieties of Sicilian fare on this walking tour of Sicily 's capital, Palermo. Samples are likely to include arancina (stuffed rice balls), cazzilli fritters, pani câ meusa (a veal offal roll), sfincione (focaccia with tomato sauce), cannoli filled with ricotta, broscia col gelato (an ice cream sandwich) and seasonal items, as well as beer and wine. After departing from Teatro Massimo, tours wind through backstreets rather than the city's main thoroughfares. Travelers typically find this tour both fun and educational.

Walks last three hours and are available at multiple times Monday through Saturday all year, usually starting between 10 and 11 a.m. Prices start at 54 euros (about $59) for participants ages 12 and older and 20 euros (about $22) for children 6 to 11. Groups are limited to 10 participants. The company also offers an evening food tour in Palermo.

Etna Tribe – Excursion Etna and Taormina

Price: Adults from 85 euros (about $93); kids from 70 euros (about $76) Duration: 9 hours

Explore Mount Etna , an active volcano on the east coast of Sicily that ranks as the highest island mountain in the Mediterranean, on this daylong tour. Your guide will drive you from Catania to a section on Etna's south face where you'll hike up to 6,560 feet above sea level, or (for additional fees) take a cable car up to 8,200 feet. From there, you'll have the option of taking a van to Torre del Filosofo, which sits at an elevation of more than 9,500 feet. With an alpine guide leading the way, you'll explore the lava-carved terrain. The trip also includes a stop at an organic farm and a visit to the town of Taormina, where you'll have time to wander among attractions, such as a cathedral, a clock tower, a palace and a theater, before the drive back to Catania. Tour-takers enjoy walking among the volcano craters and learning about the area from the friendly, accommodating guides.

Pickup starts at 8:30 a.m. and tours, which occur daily, last approximately nine hours. Prices start at 85 euros (about $93) for those 12 and older, 70 euros (about $76) for kids ages 3 to 11 and 20 euros (about $22) for infants. Paying online in advance may save you a few euros per ticket. The optional cable car ride costs an additional 50 euros (about $55) and the high-altitude option, including both the cable car and the van rides, start at 78 euros (about $85) per person. Etna Tribe also offers sunset excursions to the mountain, among other options.

The Best Multiday Tours in Italy

While there are plenty of tours across Italy's most popular cities that last a few hours or an entire day, some travelers may be interested in multiday tours that visit several destinations or points of interest. Below are some of the top multiday tours in Italy.

• Best of Italy: Visit Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Venice and more. Book on GetYourGuide .
• Amalfi Coast Small Group Tour: Explore Pompeii, Capri and Sorrento. Book on Viator .
• Scenic Sicily Tour: See the towns of Taormina, Palermo, Mount Etna and Erice. Book on Viator .
• Classic Cultural Cities: Discover the sights of Rome, Venice and Florence. Book on Viator.
• Highlights of the Italian Lakes: Enjoy Milan, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda and more. Book on Grand European Travel .
• Scenic Sailing Adventure: Sail around Sardinia and Corsica. Book on Viator .
• Fun for Foodies: Taste your way across Italy on a nine-day food tour. Book on The Table Less Traveled .

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Places to Visit in Italy
• The Most Beautiful Beaches in Italy
• The Best International Travel Insurance
• The Best Places to Visit in Europe
• The Best Cheap European Vacations

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , Italy

World's Best Places To Visit

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10 Best Places in Italy for Solo Travel

Italy is not just of the best places for solo travellers in Europe – it’s one of the best countries to visit, period. It’s a feast of art, history, glorious landscapes, and incredible food.

There are beaches, mountains, islands, and gelato. Always gelato. Plus Truffles, hilltop towns, palaces, medieval intrigue and baroque sculptures.

Hostels used to be a bit dated but have thankfully improved in recent years, with much more variety. However prices have increased too, and summer in the main cities means prices upwards of €30 a night just for a dorm bed.

The cheaper beds tend to be located outside the city in converted farms and on campsites but these can be an experience in themselves – plus you’re more likely to find a pool.

The emergence of Airbnb means there is at least an alternative to expensive hostels though. And to keep costs down you can also look at accommodation in surrounding towns which are usually well connected by public transport – looking at nearby Padova instead of pricey Venice, for example.

Ah, the Eternal City. It’s the unmissable capital of modern Italy as well as of Ancient Rome. And today Rome is a historian’s playground, surrounded by layers. 

Rome has the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Imperial Forum and Palatine Hill, the Pantheon. It’s been at the heart of power in Western Civilisation for millennia. Ancient ruins spill into baroque streets, grand cathedrals sit next to tiny cafes, churches with ancient excavations underneath.

And that’s before you even think about the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountains, the Piazzas Navona and Campo di Fiori, and the Villa Borghese for those Roman Holiday-inspired photo ops.

Rome is chic and splendid with excellent shopping and dining options. Head to Trastevere for a laid-back slice of la dolce vita , with restaurants spilling out into pretty cobbled streets.

Outside the centre of the city are the vantage points from its hills, plus vast underground catacombs and old Roman roads providing opportunities for walks and cycling.

There are some great hostels for solo travellers in Rome. Party animals will want to check in to The Yellow – the best hostel in Rome for socialising, with its cheap bar and frequent parties. It even has an on-site tattooist.

If you prefer quiet and chill then the Beehive Hostel has long been regarded as the best hostel in Rome with its homemade vegetarian courtyard breakfasts and variety of room types. Generator Rome is a decent alternative – both are located in the Termini area of town which is near the main train station.

No trip to Italy is complete without a visit to Venice. This unique floating city comprises 118 islands separated by canals and some of the most beautiful architecture you’ll ever seen. Venice has to be seen to be believed.

Originally it was a lagoon inhabited by fisherman, then it became a place of refuge for Roman citizens fleeing barbarian invasions. Eventually, it became the centre of a great trading empire.

The Rialto Bridge, the Grand Canal, the Doge’s Palace, and St. Mark’s Square form the epicentre of touristic Venice. And the pretty multicoloured houses on the island of Burano have become an internet sensation. But try to get out to the less touristy corners as well, Venice is a city that rewards exploration. Don’t forget to wear some comfortable walking shoes, and be prepared to get lost.

Vaporetti (water buses) make a cheaper alternative to the notoriously expensive gondola rides.

Venice has historically been a difficult place to find a good hostel, but the arrival of flashpacker-brand Generator Venice kick started the design hostel trend here. It’s not on the main island so will require a ferry pass, but has all mod cons and comfortable beds.

Other good hostels include an outpost of Wombats , and hipster vibes at Combo Venezia which is located in a converted monastery.

Florence (or Firenze ) is the birthplace of the Renaissance and during that time it was the most important city in Europe, leaving us an incredible cultural legacy. It’s the gateway to Tuscany and home of David and the Duomo. Gateway to Tuscany. 

But Florence is also the home of money, as we know it. Of opera, the Medici family, and the Uffizi gallery (amongst others). There are more museums in Florence than you could see in a month, and enough nightlife to keep you entertained for a few days. It’s no wonder Florence is one of the most popular cities in Italy!

Most hostels in Florence are looking a bit dated, but the boutique art nouveau B&B Mosi Firenze also has dorms and social amenities as well as beautiful decor.

PLUS Hostel is larger and has two pools (one indoor one outdoor), female dorms, and a rooftop terrace – it’s probably the best option for socialising.

For a taste of the good life, head outside the city to the Ostello del Bigallo . Set in a gorgeous medieval monastic building, it’s a magical place with a real communal spirit. Expect pasta nights and epic sunrises.

NAPLES AND THE AMALFI COAST

Naples is no stranger to tourism thanks to its proximity to Mount Vesuvius, the volcano-devastated archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the stunning Amalfi Coast with its famously winding coastal roads. Plus the islands of Capri and Ischia are a short boat trip away. But Naples itself is only just coming into the spotlight.

Gritty and vibrant, Naples is known mostly for its crazy traffic, strong dialect, mafia associations, and tourist scams. But did you know that Naples has the highest number of churches in the world (448), or the biggest historic centre in the world (which is now UNESCO World Heritage-listed)? 

Its looming buildings, many in a state of dilapidated, have a very different feel to other Italian cities – catch it now before the gentrification.

Don’t miss the kitsch of Christmas Alley, or the fabulous wine bars and cobbled streets of Chaia in the evenings. And, of course, it’s the home of pizza.

La Controra and NeapolitanTrips are the pick of the hostels in the city.

If Naples doesn’t sound like your scene, it’s only a short journey to the nearby Amalfi Coast with its swoon-worthy coastal scenery and pretty villages beloved by Instagrammers.

Proper hostels are sparse in the Amalfi Coast villages, but Seven Hostel is located in nearby Sant’Agnello (close to Sorrento) and has panoramic views from its rooftop sun terrace.

Ok, so it’s cheating a little bit to have the whole of Sicily as one entry, but it’s the perfect place to end a solo trip to Italy because everything here is Italy- max .

It’s hard to pick just one place and there are a few excellent hostels spread across the island, 

The west of the island has Palermo – which is chock full of architectural treasures and incredible street food, the beautiful coastal town of Cefalu. Casa di Amici Hostel in Palermo is friendly base, or if you’re in need of a beach vacay there is Timbuktu Hostel at the popular beach town of San Vito Lo Capo (which has one of the best sandy beaches in all of Italy, as well as amazing seafood couscous).

Prefer to go east? You’ll be within reach of the main beach resort towns Taormina and Giardini Naxos, plus the UNESCO-listed late baroque towns Noto, Modica, and Ragusa.

The capital of the east is fascinating Catania, standout hostels include Ostello degli Elefanti with its ornate ceiling and The Yard which boasts industrial chic decor.

Alternatively, you could stay in Syracuse with its polished baroque beauty – LOL Hostel brings the boutique hostel vibes.

CINQUE TERRE

Italy’s beautiful Cinque Terre has really shot to fame in the past decade. The name refers to five colourful coastal villages linked by hiking trails, in a National Park. 

The villages are: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

The Cinque Terre is halfway between Genoa and Pisa, and to the south of Milan. This part of Italy is called Liguria and is the home of pesto – and trust me, you’ll want to eat as much of it as you can here.

Parts of the trail are sometimes closed due for safety reasons or due to work on the tracks so it’s not always possible (or advisable) to do the walk in one day. Plus there are lots of smaller less busy hiking trails behind the villages. I recommend at least 2 days for this paradise.

These days there are some good hostels in the area, although the better ones are outside the villages – 5 Terre Backpackers and Ostello Tramonti.

If you’d rather be in the villages have a look at the more traditional Ostello Corniglia or Mar-Mar in Riomaggiore. 

Bologna is a historic university city in the region of Emilia-Romagna that has really risen to prominence recently on account of its foodie delights. It has become known as Italy’s top culinary destination thanks to the quality of its produce – in particular, its cured meats such as bologna, prosciutto and mortadella.

There’s also bolognese, stuffed pasta, and visits to nearby producers of world-class parmesan (DOP Parmigiano Reggiano), balsamic vinegar (DOP Balsamic di Modena), and local wines Lambrusco, Pignoletto and Barera.

But Bologna is not just about food – it’s also home to the oldest university in the Western world, and a long-standing tradition of supercar production. Ferrari, Lamborghini and Ducati all have museums in the area. It has one of the best-preserved medieval town centres and is known for its beauty, elegant piazzas, towers and porticos in shades of red and burnt orange. It has a modern – yet resolutely Italian – vibe.

The standout hostels in Bologna are Dopa Hostel which is downtown and has a cosy social vibe, and We_Bologna near the station which is spacious and has bicycle rental available.

The grand and modern city of Milan makes a refreshing change if you’ve been on the history track for a while. Shopaholics and soccer fans will be happy here – Milan is Italy’s capital of modern pursuits fashion and football, as well as the older passions of opera.

The grand gothic Duomo, famous opera house La Scala, football stadium San Siro, and Leonardo’s Last Supper are the major attractions.

It’s the commercial capital of the north and one of the biggest cities in the country, with a more European feel than many Italian cities. 

As one of the main cities in the north, it’s also well connected by train – the Italian Lakes are nearby, as is the hilltop city of Bergamo, and it’s a short cross-country ride to Bologna, Verona, and Venice.

Milan really comes into its own in the runup to Christmas, with extensive lights and the best hot chocolate you’ll ever taste.

Ostello Bello has the best (dorm) beds in town. It comes highly rated and has excellent facilities (including free breakfast and apperitivo).

Other hostels worth checking out are Ostello Bello Grande ,  Madama Hostel & Bistrot , and Combo Milano .

For a taste of Italy without the tourist crowds consider Perugia, a beautiful historic city and capital of Umbria – a region less crowded than Tuscany but with the similar attractions of wine, glorious scenery and honey-hued medieval hill towns.

And Perugia itself must be one of the most underrated destinations in Italy. At its centre is a walled old town known for its palazzo and fountains, endless steps, Gothic cathedral, and Renaissance art. It also has a maze of underground streets that once formed a 16th-century fortress. And a Roman aqueduct. And an ancient Etruscan arch. 

Plus there are truffles. Jazz. Chocolate. And there are day trips to nearby Assisi and vineyards.

 Not just a tourist ghetto, the university attracts many foreign students giving it a cosmopolitan vibe. It’s a city made for walking and it’s halfway between Florence and Rome – 2 and a half hours to either on the train. Perugia has an international airport that is served by budget European airlines so makes a handy entry or exit point into the area.

There are two excellent hostel options –  Little Italy Hostel is a modern design hostel inside a converted 11th-century church.

And outside the city, you’ll find Perugia Farmhouse Backpackers is a long-standing hostel which is located in a 200-year old farmhouse and it has a pool – rerfect for hot summer days.

The hilltop town of Matera in the southern region of Basilicata is one of the most unique and compelling destinations in Italy.

This fascinating town is home to the Sassi, a unique form of housing built into soft rock on the slope of a ravine. Some of the Sassi date as far back as 7000BC, making Matera one of the oldest continually inhabited sites in Europe (check). But that habitation came to an end in the 1950s when sanitation was poor and disease was rife – the population forcibly removed to more modern accommodation.

But Matera rose from the dead in the 1980s when people started to move back to the cave dwellings – first hippies and artists, then widespread renovations. Now it’s a popular spot for creatives and is enjoying a tourism boom. It’s a European City of Culture for 2019, and has been used as a filming location for major Hollywood blockbusters (most famously The Passion of the Christ) – it often stands in for ancient Jerusalem.

Matera has certainly come a long way in the last 70 years.

Lay your head at The Rock Hostel in a restored farmhouse built into the rock, or check out the beautiful new Sassi Hostel has cave-hewn rooms.

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Image credits:

Amalfi Coast: Oleg Voronische / Shutterstock

Rome: © ansmp / Shutterstock

Venice: © muratart / Shutterstock

Florence: © Olga Gavrilova

Naples: © SC / Adobe Stock

Sicily: © lapas77 / Adobe Stock

Cinque Terre: © santosha57 / Adobe Stock

Bologna: © RossHelen / Shutterstock

Milan: © Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock

Perugia: © OlgaMerolla / Shutterstock

Matera: © rudi1976 / Adobe Stock

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Italy Solo Trips and Holidays 2024/2025

The best solo trips and solo holidays in Italy. We currently offer 679 Italy solo tour packages, many of which are guided tours . You can also read 1085 customer reviews for solo vacations, often written by solo travelers.

679 solo trips in Italy

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Highlights of Italy

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Italian Express: The Best Of Italy

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Ultimate Italy

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Italian Delights

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Europe Escape

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Jewels of Italy

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Small Group Food & Wine Tour of Sicily

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Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy

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The perks of solo travel in Italy with Intrepid

A local leader

When you're travelling alone, it can be way too easy to get pulled into tourist traps and miss authentic experiences. Joining a group tour as a solo traveller will help you check all the major sites off of your bucket list while having the knowledge and finesse of a local. Each Intrepid guide in Italy is an expert in helping you discover the perfect pizza place, avoid long lines at museums, and make the most of your free time.

Ready-made friendships

Go solo, but not alone. That's our motto. The average Intrepid trip in  Italy  has about ten people on it – people of all ages and backgrounds from all over the world. While you'll have plenty of free time to explore independently, there's nothing quite like sharing a few bottles of vino at dinner with your new friends. Plus, long travel days become much more interesting when you can swap stories with your seatmate on the train.

Logistics and convenience

Gone are the days of confusing and complicated travel. As a solo traveller in Italy, navigating  Europe's  network of trains can be pretty daunting. But when you join an Intrepid tour, we'll organise all of your transportation, whether that means a train, van or water taxi, so you just have to sit back, enjoy the view, and daydream about what your next location holds. 

When you join a group tour as a solo traveller you'll always have the benefit of safety in numbers. While Italy is a relatively safe place, it's also a hugely popular tourist destination and with that comes the common scams and petty theft. Your local guide will help you avoid unsafe areas of town while your new friends will be there to watch your back (and your stuff) while you're wandering around the Colosseum or Roman Forum.

Tour reviews

Will i have my own room.

If you're traveling solo to Italy, it's completely up to you.  Intrepid trips organize rooming on a twin-share basis, so solo travelers are paired up with another traveler of the same gender as per the gender marker on their passport.  If you'd prefer your own room, most of our trips offer a single supplement for an extra charge – just mention this to our customer service team when booking your trip and they'll arrange it for you.  As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

Will I have any free time to explore by myself?

While our trips do have set itineraries, the amount of free time you'll have depends on the  travel style . If you're joining a group trip to Italy, chances are you'll have designated time set aside for you to do your own exploring if you'd like, and your guide will be able to provide tips and recommendations before you head out on your own. 

I'm new to group travel, what will my group be like?

Intrepid's travelers  are connected more by attitude than age.  They’re a friendly, open-minded, and curious bunch, and a lot of them elect to travel alone (so no third-wheeling, we promise). Our trips attract a mix of genders and ages generally ranging from 25 to 65. It’s hard to know exactly who you’ll meet, but you can be assured you'll be a part of the fun.  Heading to Italy on a group tour?  Expect your fellow travelers to come hungry and get ready to share.

Can I tailor the trip to me?

We have a range of trip styles,  Basix, Original, Comfort, and Premium , all of which offer different levels of flexibility and free time. While there’s always a set itinerary for the group, our Basix trips tend to have fewer included activities and more time to roam on your own, Original trips have a 50/50 balance, and our Comfort and Premium trips have the most included activities. Many of our travelers choose to travel solo, so it’s common for people to want different things from their experience. Make sure to communicate with your  leader ; they can recommend places to explore during your free time or things to try after the trip has finished. 

Is it cheaper to travel with a group?

Solo travel on a  group tour  can be much more cost-effective than heading out on your own.  Joining a tour guarantees a lot more inclusions, extras, and bang for your buck than you’d get if you were alone, plus, you'll be splitting the cost of meals with fellow travelers (no more living off of peanut butter sandwiches here).  When you travel with a local guide in Italy they can help you avoid certain dangerously expensive tourist scams like vendors selling counterfeit designer goods, which will usually be marked up for locals and can carry thousand euro fines.

Are Intrepid's Italy tours accessible for travelers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid

Our solo travel safety guide

Share your itinerary.

Good advice for us all, but particularly for people travelling solo. Make copies of your itinerary, contact details, passport and travel insurance, then email them to yourself and to one or two friends/family at home. Check-in on social media when you can so people can keep track of where you are. 

Remember the little things

If you’re arriving late in a city by yourself, book a hotel with a front desk or concierge service (many hotels also offer private transfers that don’t cost the earth from the airport or train station). If you're travelling with us, we can help you organise an arrival transfer. Read your maps  before  you head out for a walk (you can use a map app on your smartphone – or take screenshots of where you’re going if you don’t want to use up your precious data). If you need to check your map when you’re out and about, duck into a shop or café to do it. Leave the blingy jewellery, wedding rings and designer clothes at home, and aim to dress like the locals do – hit up the local markets if you haven’t packed the right outfits. Aim to keep track of travel times, so you’re not caught out after dark.

Roam if you want to

Most mobile/cell providers now offer travel passes to help manage your international roaming costs (which, let’s face it, are expensive!). For a few dollars a day, you’ll have access to data, which means you can log into your apps (like Skype, email and WhatsApp) when you’re out of WiFi zones and quickly get in touch with someone – a friend at home, someone in your group, or the police – if you need to. It might also be worth checking out the local cell/mobile providers as these can be quite cost effective. 

Fare's fair

Solo travellers are way more likely to be ‘taken for a ride’ at the airport by unscrupulous taxi drivers, so do your research before you arrive. Make sure you get a cab from the airport/station taxi rank – if you’re not sure where to go, just head to the information desk for help. Touts tend to hang out in the arrivals area and promise cheaper rates, but can often be dodgy. When you get to the cab rank, ask the driver to use the meter or request a cost estimate  before  you hop in the car – if it’s way higher than it should be, pick another vehicle. A lot of airports have train stations attached as well, so consider public transport if you want to save a dollar or two.

Stick together

It’s one of the advantages of travelling solo on a group tour: safety in numbers. The big, 50-person bus groups stand out on the road, but a small Intrepid group of eight or nine people, with a local leader showing the way – including areas to avoid and getting around safely – won’t draw much attention. Plus, it’s a great way to see parts of the world you may feel uncomfortable exploring on your own. If you want to do things on your own, consider a day tour to familiarise yourself with a city and get to know the local way of life. 

Trust your instincts

Solo travel is all about confidence. If you’re relaxed and self-assured on the street, you’re more likely to blend in. When you meet new people, don’t assume they’re all out to get you, but be sensible too and trust your gut. If it feels wrong, it probably is. Remember: the popular tourist areas are often the most well-lit and secure, but they’re often a juicier target for pickpockets and scammers. Just use your common sense; half of travel safety is simply being aware of your surroundings.

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SOLO TRAVEL , DESTINATIONS , ITALY , SOLO LOCATION GUIDES

Best solo travel destinations in italy (+ why you should go alone there).

La Bella Italia is the land of artists and sculptors, poets and dreamers.

Italy was one of the first countries I visited as a solo traveller 30 years ago, and I have returned more times than I can count.

In this article, I’ll make the case for Italy as one of the best destinations for those travelling alone , even if you are taking your first solo vacation . And with the help of some fellow travel writers, I’ll recommend the best solo travel destinations in Italy.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

Dreaming of your first solo trip? Click here to download your FREE solo travel toolkit . 

It’s just what you need to kickstart your plans!

IN THIS ARTICLE

Why Italy is a Great Travel Destination

Let’s start with the outrageous  romance  of the country. From the serenading Venetian gondoliers to the hilltop Tuscan towns, Italy has a dreamlike quality that fires the imagination.

Italy’s  landscape  is equally majestic. The lines of cypress trees hugging the Tuscan hills, the rugged cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, the lakes of Lombardy; there’s something for every traveller.

Italy’s  historical heritage  is second to none, from the Etruscans to Ancient Rome to the Renaissance and beyond. I challenge you not to be blown away by a visit to  Ostia Antica or Pompeii .

And talking of the Italian Renaissance, in my view, Italy’s  artistic legacy  is the best in the world. Cities such as Urbino , Sienna and Florence display their Renaissance paintings like the jewels they are. And there are worse ways of spending an afternoon in Rome than hunting down Caravaggios in dimly lit Baroque churches.

To use a well-worn cliché,  Italian food  is to die for. Each region is proud of its own specialities and even in the humblest establishment you are pretty much guaranteed a first-rate meal.

For  coffee  snobs, amongst which I include myself, Italy’s bars serve the best coffee on the planet .

And don’t get me started on the  gelato . In my book, this is one of the very best Italian things .

>>> Get inspiration to book your solo trip to Italy with these motivational quotations about travelling alone

Why Italy is a Great Destination for Solo Travellers

But why is Italy a good  solo travel destination in Europe , particularly for female solo travellers?

Here are five reasons why I think that Italy is a great choice for those who are travelling alone in Europe, including first-time solo travellers. And I’m not alone; the results of solo travel studies tell us that Italy is one of the top countries for those travelling alone for the first time.

1. Italy has an established tourism infrastructure

Italy has been a major travel destination for centuries, reaching a peak with the Grand Tour of the 17 th  and 18 th  Centuries. Consequently, when it comes to tourist infrastructure, it has had many years to get its house in order.

There are a plethora of accommodation choices, from luxury hotels to Airbnbs to hostels in historic buildings. Befitting a country with a proud culinary tradition, there are restaurants in all locations to suit all budgets.

With an extensive railway and bus network, it is easy to travel around Italy

English is widely spoken in Italy, especially in tourism hotspots and by younger people.

2. Travelling around Italy is easy

Most of the major destinations are accessible by train, including high-speed services. Trenitalia  and Italo will be your best friends.

If you cannot reach a destination by train, there will usually be a bus that will get you there.

3. There is a well-beaten tourist path

Both Italy’s infrastructure and travel connections serve a well-worn tourist trail. The locals will be used to accommodating a solo traveller’s needs, and these routes are more forgiving to those who do not speak Italian.

And unless you want to be in a gang of one, you won’t have to fret about being the only foreigner in a town.

If it is your first solo travel trip to Italy, sticking to the tourist trail is not a bad idea. Once you gain confidence, you can venture off-piste.

Alternatively,  group tours  cover the major destinations and may be an option.

There are lots of  group travel companies  out there but two companies that I have used and can recommend are  Exodus Travels  and  Explore Worldwide!

4. Italy is not an unsafe destination

Safety is an important consideration for solo travellers .

I wouldn’t go as far as to say that Italy is a super safe destination. But having said that, Italian cities are likely to be no more dangerous than those in Europe or North America.

5. Italy will feel like a familiar destination

Let’s face it; without realising it, it is likely that you have become immersed in the nation’s food and culture, from its iconic paintings and sculptures to  Italian cinema .

With the worldwide penetration of Italian restaurants and cuisine, ordering pizza or pasta should come as second nature. Just  don’t drink a cappuccino after 11 am  or order wine with pizza.

READ THIS NEXT : How to Travel Alone For The First Time in 7 Easy Steps

Best Solo Travel Destinations in Italy

To inspire you to book your trip, here are some of the best solo travel destinations in Italy.

By Bridget of The Flashpacker

Food glorious  food . This is Bologna’s calling card

Elegant Bologna, in the heart of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, lends its name to  ragù alla Bolognese , the dish that spawned many imitations across the globe, including the ubiquitous spaghetti Bolognese.

Bologna’s culinary delights don’t end here. Many of Italy’s most iconic foods hail from this region: cured meats such as prosciutto and mortadella, fresh stuffed tortellini, world-class parmesan (DOP Parmigiano Reggiano), balsamic vinegar (DOP Balsamic di Modena), and local wines, including Lambrusco, Pignoletto and Barera.

But Bologna is not just about tantalising your taste buds. The city is also home to Europe’s oldest university and has one of the best-preserved medieval centres, famous for its 38 kilometres of UNESCO-listed porticoes.

Bologna is a perfect centre for wandering around as a solo traveller. As most of its basilicas and piazzas are in the historic centre, it is easy to get around on foot.

Start at  Piazza Maggiore , Bologna’s main square and, after visiting the  Basilica di San Petronio , climb up  Asinelli Tower  for panoramic views over the city. Discover works by Michelangelo in  San Domenico Basilica  and go window shopping in the  Quadrilatero , Bologna’s main shopping district.

Visit Bologna as a solo traveller to cultivate your relationship with food but stay to enjoy the city’s rich history.

Cinque Terre

By Monique of TripAnthropologist

Solo travellers to Italy are in for a treat at the Cinque Terre. It’s like having a holiday in five places at once.

What makes the Cinque Terre one of the best places to travel alone in Italy is the many free and diverse experiences possible in one small area. Other than sunning yourself, the most popular thing to do is also the best way to get around the Cinque Terre,  hiking or walking between the villages .

Beautiful walking and hiking trails link the villages from the hills above the villages, winding past old fortresses and among vineyards looking out on the Ligurian Sea. The 12 km (7.5 miles)  Blue Path  connects all the Cinque Terre villages.

Cinque Terre is a sensuous place.

You can stroll, eat, swim and just gaze out to sea at the beauty of one of Italy’s most scenic locations. Walking in the early evening ( la passeggiata ), eating  gelato  and meeting other travellers is mainly what you’ll be doing here. Unless it’s midnight, as a solo traveller, you will always feel safe, and on the hiking trails, you’ll meet someone every few minutes.

The fourth village,  Vernazza , is a UNESCO masterpiece, one of the most colourful villages and a mecca for photographers.

On the water in the tiny port is the 14 th  Century  Santa Margherita d’Antiochia  church with its famous octagonal tower. Next to it is a small port, main piazza and market. Winding laneways connect small plazas in this pedestrian-only village, making it compact, affordable and free from large chain hotels.

By Anda of Travel for a While

Florence is an excellent choice for your first solo trip to Italy .

The city is touristy enough that you’ll never feel alone or bothered by anyone. Whether you want to spend a few days on your own, or if you like to meet people on your travels, Florence is the perfect setting.

The city is the ultimate destination for art, architecture and history lovers. 

Of all the places you should visit while in Florence , don’t miss  Palazzo Vecchio  where the powerful Medici Family used to reside. If you love art,  Ufizzi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti  should be on your list. To see sculptures in Florence , visit the  Galleria dell’Accademia , Orsanmichele Chruch and the Bargello Museum.

But Florence is a work of art outside the galleries too. Take your time to walk the streets and admire its beautiful piazzas, the Duomo  and  Giotto’s Campanile .

Don’t forget to explore the colourful street  markets , and maybe buy a leather bag or some uncommonly soft gloves.

If you want more social activities, take advantage of the best this region has to offer and try a  cooking class or a wine tasting . Tuscany is famous for both good food and great wine.

Florence is also a perfect base to take some  day trips . See the leaning tower in  Pisa , taste the amazing  food in  Bologna  or explore  rural Tuscany .

READ THIS NEXT : The Perfect Solo Trip to Florence: Solo Travel Guide to Italy’s Renaissance Gem

By Stephanie of History Fangirl

One of the best places to travel solo in Italy is Milan.

The sophisticated capital of Lombardy has a lot to offer, but with its focus on shopping and fashion, it’s a great place for those travelling alone since you can spend your time exploring Milan’s boutiques instead of its bars.

If you do want to make friends while travelling solo here, there are lots of tours to join that will also help you do just that. There are great tours of  Milan at night  when you can explore the city as well as meet people to enjoy hanging out with.

Important Milanese highlights not to miss include a trip to the  Duomo , Milan’s impressive cathedral, Da Vinci’s painting  The Last Supper , which is displayed in the Santa Maria Delle Grazie Church, and the  Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II , Italy’s oldest shopping mall. Other great things to do in Milan include exploring the  Navigli Canal  area and taking a trip to  Sforzesco Castle .

Don’t let Naples’ bad press – filthy, crime-ridden, garbage-strewn – put you off travelling there alone. It may verge on the chaotic, but this is one of the most fascinating and historic cities in Italy.

From Naples Cathedral to the lavishly decorated San Domenico Maggiore Church , this vibrant city has more churches than you can shake a stick at (more than 450 to be precise).

It is home to one of the great museums of the world, the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN) . This massive museum houses an extensive collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, as well as artefacts from Ancient Egypt.

There are underground tunnels and catacombs to explore. Naples also has a UNESCO-listed historic centre , which is a warren of old churches, small shops, cafes and bars.

This is also the birthplace of pizza and one of the things that you must do in Naples is to snack on a slice of this world-famous Italian food. Better still, join a street food tour with a local guide (more details here )

Naples is also the ideal base from which to explore the Amalfi Coast. Replenish your supplies of limoncello in Sorrento, explore the Blue Grotto on the idyllic island of Capri or explore the Roman sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Enchanting Orvieto is so much more than a handy stop on the journey between Florence and Rome. With its small-town feel, relaxed and friendly vibe, affordable accommodation and excellent food and wine, it’s the perfect spot for a solo traveller to chill out for a few days.

Orvieto has a clutch of excellent attractions , not least of which is its show-stopping cathedral, one of Italy’s finest. Duomo di Orvieto is stunning inside and out and is home to a magnificent fresco cycle by Luca Signorelli.

Get to know this hilltop town’s rich history, which stretches all the way back to the Etruscans , through its excellent museums and atmospheric necropolis.

Orvieto is also an excellent base for day trips to other towns, including Arezzo and the unforgettable Civita di Bagnoregio .

Even if you have merely a passing interest in art, you should not miss visiting Padua . This is where you’ll find the Scrovegni Chapel (Cappella degli Scrovegni), home to one of the most celebrated fresco cycles in the history of art.

Paintings depicting the lives of Christ, Mary and Mary’s parents wallpaper the walls of this small 14th Century chapel. Sculpted with light and colour, they offer a sneak preview of the Renaissance one hundred years before it really took off.

This Veneto city was also home to Friar Anthony of Padua , who became one of Christendom’s most popular saints, known as a miracle worker and finder of lost things. Religious pilgrims visit Padua to touch his tomb and gawp at his lower jaw and tongue.

If you are a history buff, you can walk in the footsteps of Dante and Galileo in its ancient university .

Otherwise, linger over an Aperol Spritz in a shaded portico lining its cobblestoned squares or take time out in the botanical garden. And with its excellent connections, Padua is easy to reach from Venice, Verona and Vicenza.

By Katy of Untold Italy

All roads lead to  Rome  and that’s true for solo travellers to Italy’s capital

It is full of ancient, Renaissance and modern treasures to explore. From the Colosseum to the Vatican and Pantheon and Trevi Fountain , you can easily spend days exploring this city at your own pace.

Enjoy a stroll along the Tiber River and explore the cobbled streets of the Trastevere neighbourhood. Then head to Villa Borghese and enjoy the shaded beauty of this elegant park.

Stay in the historic centre, the perfect base to explore Rome’s most famous landmarks on foot. This area of Rome is charming and safe and there’s nothing quite like sipping your daily cappuccino just steps from the iconic Spanish Steps or Piazza Navona .

If you’re craving company, join a food tour and taste your way around the city. You’ll stop at several different eateries and try Rome’s best pizza, pasta and gelato, with a few glasses of wine of course.

READ THIS NEXT : How to Have the Best Solo Trip to Rome: A Solo Travel Guide

Don’t let Venice’s well-earned reputation as a romantic city put you off. La Serenissima is also one of the best solo travel destinations in Italy.

This floating city, comprising 118 islands separated by 177 canals, defies superlatives and needs little introduction. Its main attractions, namely the Rialto Bridge, Grand Canal and St. Mark’s Square, form the city’s tourist epicentre.

But much of the joy of visiting Venice is wandering without purpose in its backstreets and finding corners of the city away from the sometimes overwhelming tourist droves. Wear your most comfortable shoes and be prepared to get lost in a good way

Mooching around  art galleries and museums  is the perfect pastime for a solo traveller and Venice has these in spades. These range from the grandeur and scale of the  Doge’s Palace  to the more intimate  Museo della Fondazione Querini Stampalia.

If time permits, take a  vaporetto  to  Murano , home to the art of glass blowing, and  Burano  with its lacemaking, fishing culture and candy-coloured buildings.

Or explore more of the Veneto region and beyond by taking a  day trip to Verona , Padua, Lake Garda or Vicenza . All of these places can be reached by train.

When you grow weary of Venice’s packed piazzas and tourist tat, make your way to my favourite city in the Veneto.

As the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet , Verona has become a symbol of love across the globe. But visiting Verona’s Romeo & Juliet sites is doing this medieval city a grave disservice.

It has a wealth of Roman ruins , including its immense amphitheatre. Arena di Verona is the majestic setting for the city’s renowned annual opera festival.

Verona’s beating heart is its historic centre with its courtyards filled with fragrant flowers, Renaissance balconies and buildings painted with faded frescoes. Stop for an Aperol Spritz in Piazza del Erbe and you may never want to leave.

This is a highly walkable city and you can explore the best of Verona in a day but I urge you to linger for longer. Thanks to its excellent rail connections, it is an excellent base for day trips further afield, including Lake Garda, Padua and Vicenza.

READ THESE NEXT:

• One Day in Verona, Italy
• Is the Verona Card Worth It? An Honest Review
• Top 10 Luxury Hotels in Verona, Italy

Vicenza is also in the Veneto region, roughly halfway between Padua and Verona and within easy striking distance of Venice. It’s an excellent stop on a Northern Italy itinerary and is less touristy and more authentically Italian than its better-known neighbours.

This UNESCO-listed city is one of Italy’s most distinctive. It is widely known as the city of Palladio , the Renaissance architect who developed the style that spread throughout the world, from the White House in Washington DC to country homes in England.

Although Palladio’s buildings are amongst the best things to see in Vicenza , they are not the only show in town. The city also has an attractive historic centre, a wonderful park, lovely churches and elegant squares to have an Aperol Spritz or two.

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

• Direct In Italy: +39 375 823 5314
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Tours for Solo Travellers

Have you ever dreamed of coming to Italy, consulted with loved ones, your friends or your partner only to hear that they couldn't get the time off work or they didn't have enough money to get away at the moment  Maybe some years have passed... but that itch to come to Italy has never left.

Italy is a safe and wonderful country for those traveling solo to experience and while you may be traveling "alone" chances are you will never really feel alone and there are so many great activities to chose from here that when you leave, you will leave knowing (we hope) some wonderful people and having immersed yourself in the local Italian culture and traditions you will be richer for it.

Our network here in Italy involved hundreds if not thousands of people that we know personally and we can help make your journey here incredibly rewarding, putting you in touch with places that make for perfect retreats in great locations.

Arranging all the necessary transportation logistics both public and private where necessary, we can get you to some gorgeous locations in comfort with local, English speaking professional drivers and guides or with small group tours that can connect you with like-minded travelers.

For more information about our experiences for solo travelers, get in touch with the experts at [email protected] - we've got you covered!

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In September of 2018 I brought a group of 12 from Venice to Sicily and organized all of my services with the Italy Vacation Specialists. Being a travel agent and in the business, I know how complicated organizing travel arrangements can be in Italy and the IVS team took a huge burden off of me! I would like to start of by saying "THANK YOU" both for the amazing job you did on our trip. There was n ... [Read More]

Dear Guiseppe and Jesse, We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future. Hotels 1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wonderful. The staff were very friendly and helpful and made the first portion of our journey very stress free. They made us feel like we wer ... [Read More]

In August 2018, my family of four and myself travelled from Vancouver, BC to Rome Italy and spent 3 weeks touring Italy with IVS. This company had come highly recommended by many friends and associates of ours who had used them before and indeed to say they do an outstanding job is an understatement. You can tell while being in Italy that it is one complicated place to run tours in, just by the ... [Read More]

This company really knows their stuff and recommended our family to stay longer in each location. We didn't listen to them, but wished we had in every single place we went. They recommended Sestri Levante over the Cinque Terre which was our favourite destination on our entire trip. We visited Rome where we stayed in the outstanding Hotel Locorno where they know the owner there, like in every place ... [Read More]

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Italy Solo Travel Tours

On this tour you will discover the best of one of the world's most picturesque countries with this boutique experience exclusively solo travellers.

From cosmopolitan Milan to the ancient city of Rome we have all the major highlights. Discover the beauty of the Umbria and Tuscany regions, and explore the Amalfi Coast. There are also 2 highlight three nights stays in Venice and Rome and a stay in the colourful and vibrant Naples.

Solo Tours in Italy for Singles

Touring highlights feature the Cinque Terre (or five villages), Pompeii, the isle of Capri, the superb Vatican museums, scenic countryside regions of Italy, including the Garda Lake region of the north, Verona; the home of Romeo and Juliet and more. This tour enjoys the benefit of small group touring and fully escorted from Italy. Along the way, delight in superior dining with a glass of wine included with meals. Your Italy discovery will feel like a dream come true, all in the company of other solo travellers.  

• Duration: 20 Days
• Status: Final places SEP 2024
• Region: Europe
• Destinations: Italy
• Travel Style: Discovery
• Accommodation: Quality hotels
• Prices from: AUD$15695 own room
• Transport: Bus, Boat
• Pace: 3 Click for more info about the Pace
• Traveller Reviews: 21 Reviews READ THEM >
• Max Group Size: 22
• Trip Code: CurrentPage.holidayTripCode

'The Italian tour was the trip of a lifetime.  It was all amazing the food, locations, hotels and our tour guide Giuseppe. I cannot fault anything about it about it. It is a must do !!!'

'Italy,a fabulous holiday destination for a group of Aussies with history culture landscape and food all brought together by our wonderful tour guide, Luis.'

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

• 19 nights superior hotel accommodation (4 star)
• A group welcome drink, day 1
• Daily breakfasts
• 2 lunches including a highlight Tuscan lunch
• 10 dinners including 6 highlight dinners, with a glass of wine

SIGHTSEEING AND GUIDE

• An Italian cooking class
• A wine tasting event
• A vinegar tasting in Modena
• All other tours & excursions as per itinerary
• All entry fees as per itinerary inclusions, value Euro280
• Headphones for guided sightseeing tours
• English-speaking locally based tour director
• English-speaking locally based guides
• Tips included for local guides, boat drivers, included meals, porterage
• Private, air conditioned vehicle 

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

• Porterage (1 bag) at hotels where available
• Tourist taxes
• Small group, not more than 21 travellers

* A driver-guide arrangement for groups of 10 or less Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for joining this tour and is in addition to the package price.

Not included: 

• Airfares (unless requested)
• Airport transfers
• Travel insurance
• Excess baggage
• Tips for hotel porters or room attendants
• Any tips not part of tour package inclusions
• Meals and beverages not specified on itinerary
• Items of a personal nature such as laundry & medical expenses
• Incidental expenses such as taxi fares, telecommunications

Departure Dates for this tour

RETURN TRAVELLER REWARD - SAVE $100 Once you have booked and departed with us on an international tour, you qualify for our Return Traveller Reward on your next international tour booking. The offer does not apply to any cruises, resort packages, or tours within Australia.

SOLO TOUR OF ITALY HIGHLIGHTS

• Wonderful three night stays in Venice and Rome
• Superior four star hotels
• A focus on quality Italian dining experiences with highlight lunches and dinners, enjoyed with a glass of wine
• Restaurants selected to showcase Italian cuisine
• A full day of visiting the Garda Lake region
• Verona guided tour; the city that features an impressive ancient arena
• In depth Venice discoveries
• A superb day discovering the delights of the Cinque Terre
• A Tuscan highlight lunch
• A sightseeing tour of Florence including a visit to see Michelangelo's original statue of ‘David'.
• Time in Assisi, a charming hilltop town of Umbria
• Enjoy a superb dinner in Assisi
• A guided tour of the Commonwealth Cemetery of Montecassino
• Visits to Ravello & Positano , local towns of the Amalfi Coast
• A day tour to Isle of Capri, off the Amalfi Coast
• A guided tour through the cobble-stoned streets of the ill-fated town of
• In Rome, visit the superb Vatican Museums and admire Michelangelo's ceiling of the Sistine Chapel

Pre Tour Stay Consider arriving a day before the tour start, or enjoy a stopover.  The cost of the additional night/s of stay applies. Ask our travel team about this option, and the additional costs.

Guided Tours with Headsets Our travellers are provided with a headset each and a guide narrates using a radio microphone. This eliminates background noise, interruptions from other tour groups and offers a more intimate touring experience.  

Welcome to Milan, Italy – internationally renowned, along with Paris, New York and London as one of the world’s most important fashion capitals.  Milan is the start to your amazing discoveries ahead and your next two nights of stay. Early evening, meet with the group Tour Director for a welcome drink and tour briefing.   The evening is at your leisure. You may like to head out with other group members and enjoy dinner together. Meals: Welcome Drink  

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Meet with your tour director and group 5:30PM for welcome drinks 

After breakfast at our hotel we depart for a day trip to beautiful Lake Como.

Discover the timeless beauty of the Italian lakes. Take a walking tour of the chic lake town of Como with a local guide plus a Lake Como cruise to see snow-peaked mountains and luxury lakeside villas from the water. Visit the village of Bellagio; there is some free time for lunch and to explore.

By the end of the day return to Milan for a group welcome dinner for some Milanese cuisine.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

• A day tour to near by Lake Como
• Group dinner

FREE TIME EXTRAS: Time at leisure in Bellagio

After breakfast at our hotel we meet with a local guide for our Milan city tour. The tour takes in The Piazza del Duomo, seat of the impressive Gothic Milan Sforzesco Castle and the masterpiece “the Last Supper” in The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

There’s some time at leisure in Milan for lunch (or a spot of shopping). Later we depart for Garda Lake via Sirmione to enjoy the sunset.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

• Milan morning city sightseeing tour
• Visit Garda Lake for sunset
• Group dinner at our hotel 

Garda Lake Area

Today, a full day excursion to Garda Lake including visits to several of Lake Garda’s idyllic towns such as Malcesine, Limone, Desenzano. Enjoy an early dinner in a typical winery in the Garda Lake region where the vines have been cultivated for centuries to produce wines with an unmistakable taste and flavour, which tell the story of the beauty and history of the place.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

• Full day tour Garda Lake
• Winery visit
• Winery early dinner 

Garda Lake – Verona - Venice 

Early this morning we depart for the elegant city of Verona on our way to Venice. We arrive and start out with a guided city centre walking tour in Verona. It includes entry to the Arena di Verona, an ancient Roman arena and venue for the opera each summer. We also see Juliet's house and the balcony (from the story of Romeo & Juliet).

Then onto the culturally rich city of Padua for a walking tour including entry to the beautiful Scrovegni Chapel, and the Padua Cathedral. See some of the most famous squares in the city, including Piazza delle Erbe, della Frutta and Piazza della Signoria, all of which overlook several important and majestic buildings. There is a light lunch in one of the typical restaurants near the squares. In the late afternoon we will proceed to Venice. On arrival to venice, transfer by water taxi to the hotel and this evening free time to wander the incredible destination, Venice.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

• Transfer to Venice, via Verona
• Verona guided walking tour
• Walking tour of the city of Padua
• Lunch in Padua
• Water taxi to our Venice hotel

Venice – Island Visits

An amazing day ahead – travel by water taxi to Murano, Burano and Torcello Island. On Murano Island visit a glass showroom for an interesting demonstration of the traditional craftsmanship of Murano glassware, unchanged for centuries. Leave Murano behind as you travel to the nearby island of Burano. Witness the quaint and colourful houses that dot the island and observe the lace makers at work. Become acquainted with their rare skill which is considered some of the finest worldwide. Stop for a bite to eat during your time in Burano and taste some of the local biscotti that are native to the island.

The final stop is Torcello; see the historical landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Attila's Throne, the Devil's Bridge, and the Bell Tower. We return to Venice island with another wonderful night to make your own discoveries.

Meals: Breakfast 

• A ferry to visit Murano Island with a glass showroom visit
• Burano Island
• Torcello Island

After breakfast, we set out for a walking tour from the famous Piazza San Marco . You'll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour that includes entrance to the Doges' Palace, and visit the ornate St Mark’s Basilica .

This afternoon you have at leisure on Venice Island; a wonderful time to explore at your own pace, and maybe take a gondola ride!

This evening, we come together for dinner at a local estaurant with traditional Venetian and regional cuisine and of course, a glass of Italian wine. 

• A walking tour of Venice
• Afternoon at leisure in Venice
• Local restaurant for dinner, Venice  

Venice – La Spezia

Today, it's a longer drive to cross the Italian peninsular and see from distance the quarries at Carrara, its milky white stone attracting everyone from Michelangelo to Mussolini before we arrive to La Spezia.

Along the way, an enjoyable deviation with a a stop in Bologna, and in Modena for a balsamic vinegar tasting.  Bologna is a medieval town in northern Italy. Your tour director will take you on a short walking tour and then, you have time to wander at your leisure to absorb your surrounds. There’s also time to enjoy lunch - Bologna is often regarded as the culinary capital of Italy. You may like to visit the market in the city centre; it displays an impressive array of deli produce; cheeses, meats, fruits, vegetables and baked delights.

Dinner tonight is at your leisure

Meals: Breakfast SNAPSHOT - WHAT'S INCLUDED:

• Travel by road to cross the Italian peninsular
• A stop in Bologna for a local walk
• Time at leisure for lunch in Bologna
• Balsamic vinegar tasting experience, Moderna

Today, is the highlight excursion to the Cinque Terre (or the five villages), which were for years only accessible by donkey. Luckily, today we take the train to explore the spectacular area.

Our tour leader will guide you around two postcard pretty villages, which both retain their charm and reputation for producing one of Italy's most sought after and exclusive wines. For the adventurous there is a hill side track which leads from one village to another. There's also the option to return by boat after the walk (which is spectacular) or you can choose to walk further to more of the five villages and then return by train to La Spezia. After an adventurous day, the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast  

La Spezia - Florence 

Today onto Florence as we depart La Spezia via Pisa.  Your tour director will take you on a guided walk of Pisa and of course, see the Leaning Tower of Pisa.  Along the way, a special stop in Monte Carlo for a highlight Tuscan lunch at a Tuscan farm and winery for some of the best of Tuscan cuisine. After lunch, travel onto Florence, arriving with the rest of the day to explore at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Lunch 

• Transfer to Florence via Pisa
• Guided walk of Pisa
• A highlight lunch at a Tuscan farm

In Florence this morning, take in a city tour which includes a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts, to show you Michelangelo's statue of ‘David' in the Academy Gallery. We continue, to visit the Cathedral and Baptistry, Giotto's 14th century Campanile (said to be the most beautiful bell-tower in the world), the ‘Gates of Paradise' and enjoy a view of Signoria Square, the political stage of the Florentines. This afternoon, there's a wonderful excursion to Greve in the picturesque Chianti region including wine tasting. Returning to Florence after our dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

• A guided city tour of Florence
• An afternoon excursion to Greve in the picturesque Chianti region including wine tasting.

Florence - Assisi

We depart Florence to make our way to Assisi for our two night stay. On our way, and in the heart of Tuscany, on a hilltop stands the majestic medieval walled town of San Gimignano. It has retained all its old streets, its walls, gates, palaces, strongholds and thirteen towers.  There’s a guided city tour on foot to explore this many towered and very charming town with its squares and winding streets.  This afternoon we travel onto Assisi with the rest of your day at leisure.

• Transfer from Florence to Assisi
• Guided walking tour, San Gimignano 

This morning a guided city tour on foot to visit the Basilica of St Francis with its magnificent frescoes by the artist Giotto and other highlights of Assisi. The rest of the day is free to wander the cobblestone streets and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. We come together in the evening for a special & very memorable dinner, at a Michelin plated restaurant in Assisi.

Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner 

• A guided city tour on foot to visit the Basilica of St Francis and other highlights of Assisi.
• Free time to wander the streets of Assisin
• A special dinner, at a Michelin plated restaurant in Assisi

Assisi - Naples

This morning it’s a scenic drive from the hill town of Assisi, home of St Francis as we make our way south to Naples. We travel via Caserta VISIT The Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta), famous for its massive size and opulent style, is a triumph of late Italian Baroque architecture. The largest royal residence in the world, the palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shares a number of features with the Palace of Versailles and is one of the most-visited monuments in southern Italy

We will proceed to Naples, with some free time to enjoy the city and it’s pizza for dinner in one of the best pizzeria in Naples

• Transfer to Naples
• Visit The Royal Palace of Caserta
• Dinner with pizza menu

Naples - Sorrento

Today we travel to the Amalfi Coast for a relaxing two-night stay. We get off to an early start to first reach Pompeii where an expert local guide will walk you through the streets of this Roman resort buried by an eruption of the volcano Mt Vesuvius in AD79. From Pompeii it’s only about a forty minute drive to reach the city of Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast including a visit to the resort town of Ravello, perched above Amalfi, renowned for its views and wonderful gardens and a visit to Positano. Once we arrive in Sorrento you will have some free time at your leisure in the afternoon before we meet for a group highlight dinner with fish menu

• Transfer Naples to Sorrento
• Stop and visit Pompeii with a local expert guide
• Highlight dinner, Amalfi Coast

From our hotel we make our way to the port to take the hydrofoil ride from Sorrento to the Isle of Capri and around the Isle to appreciate the isle’s beauty from the water. By boat, visiting the Blue Grotto (subject to suitable weather conditions), then returning for a tour to Ana Capri. Before returning to the mainland, there will be some time at leisure in the town of Capri. Back in Sorrento, the evening is at your leisure.  

• Hydrofoil to Isle of Capri
• Visit the Blue Grotto by boat
• Visit Ana Capri

Sorrento – Rome

We depart first thing to make our way to Rome, for a womdeful three night stay. A few hours along the way, we enjoy a guided city tour on foot at the Commonwealth Cemetery of Montecassino. This afternoon you have time at leisure to enjoy your choice of sightseeing, shopping or relaxing in Rome.

In the late afternoon you will enjoy an exclusive activity that consists of cooking class with a Roman Chef, in a two hour hands on class, learning how to cook two typical Italian dishes and after the preparation you will eat what you cooked with wines, coke, water included.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (part of cooking class) 

• Guided tour of Commonwealth Cemetery of Montecassino
• Italian cooking class with dinner

This morning there’s a guided walking tour of Rome. You will be escorted by an expert local guide, as you visit Rome's iconic landmarks and places of interest including entrance to The Colosseum and Roman Forum, to explore ancient Rome. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. Shop till you drop, explore more of Rome or you may be tempted to throw another coin into the famous Trevi Fountain to ensure your return one day!

The evening is at your leisure and this evening the chance to make your own local discoveries for a dinner spot. We suggest you ask your tour director for recommendations.

• Guided morning city tour

Today another discovery of the city including a group reservation (no queues) for our guided tour of the Vatican Museums to see Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel plus visit St Peter's Basilica * built around the tomb of St Peter, and designed by some of history's greatest architects, Bramante, Bernini and Michelangelo.

This afternoon you have time at leisure to enjoy your choice of sightseeing, shopping or relaxing in Rome. The evening we will celebrate the end of our amazing tour with a farewell diner in a typical restaurant in Rome with music.

Meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

• Guided city tour, Rome
• Group reservation at The Vatican museums
• Farewell highlight dinner

SPECIAL NOTES shorts or short skirts not permitted at Vatican museums

Our memorable Italian tour comes to an end after breakfast. Or feel free to extend your stay with additional nights in Rome.

Meals: Breakfast

Itineraries may be subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. If there is any itinerary change prior to departure of significance, we aim to inform you prior to travel.  Itinerary changes while on tour will be informed by your tour leader/guide while on tour.  

ACCOMMODATION

Hotels are subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. Should this occur, a hotel of a similar standard will be provided.

ACCOMMODATION – DOUBLE FOR SINGLE USE Encounter Travel books all hotels so that if you take your own room you have the same standard room as two people sharing.  This is to avoid common practice in Europe where a room for one person is allocated (a single room) and the room standard and/or size is less than that of a room for two people.  Also throughout Europe the beds can be somewhat smaller than an average sized beds in Australia.  For example a standard double sized bed is from 137 – 187cm, in Europe the beds are smaller and average between 120 and 140cm. Please note, if sharing it’s more regular in Europe that beds are singles.

If you think that you have been given the incorrect room type anytime while on tour, speak directly to the hotel or your tour director who can sort this out for you at the time. Advice to us after the fact or on your return means we can’t make amends.

Grand Hotel, Assisi

NH Panorama, Naples

Grand Hotel Vesuvio, Sorrento

Starhotels Michelangelo, Rome

Pesaro Palace, Venice

Grand Hotel Mediterraneo, Florence

STARHOTELS BUSINESS PALACE, MILAN

The four star Starhotels Business Palace is in a repurposed industrial building dating back the 1900s, located in the east of Milan. All of its 255 spacious rooms and suites provide a chic, evocative metropolitan setting, designed to create an oasis of relaxation after a busy day out. The Il Borromeo restaurant offers delightful Mediterranean and international dishes. The eclectic atmosphere of the La Corte bar makes it the ideal venue for enjoying a good coffee, a quick lunch or a cocktail.

HOTEL VILLA MALASPINA, GARDA LAKE An historic residence from the 1500s where history, culture and charm meet and come to life today in a 4-star hotel. Large spaces both indoors and outdoors and large uncovered internal parking. Cozy rooms, each one different from the other, restaurant with Italian cuisine.

PESERO PALACE, VENICE  The floating city’s first genuine boutique hotel and newest addition to the luxury accommodation family on the northern curve of the Grand Canal. The end product of a major restoration of the Ravà Giustiniani historic palace, in the heart of the world famous Cannaregio district, this expertly designed hotel combines luxury on Venice’s main island.

CDH HOTEL, LA SPEZIA CDH Hotel La Spezia located on one of the most beautiful coastlines in Italy, in the city centre, guests can easily visit the city at their leisure.  The hotel is very well located, with the railway station just 3 minutes walk away, for those wishing to visit Cinque Terre. Wi-Fi: Free

GRAND HOTEL MEDITERRAENEO, FLORENCE The Grand Hotel Mediterraneo is in a quiet location close to the city centre. Located on the ‘Lungarni’ (literally- along Arno- referring to the river of that name) with the Ponte San Niccolò bridge just a few feet away, the Grand Mediterraneo is strategically placed to visit Florence on foot. GRAND HOTEL ASSISI, ASSISI In the heart of Umbria, The Grand Hotel Assisi overlooks the magnificent Valle Umbra from its exceptional vantage point at the feet of Mount Subasio. From the hotel it is possible to see as far as the dome of the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, Santuario of Rivotortowhereas the roof garden commands views to the Rocca Maggiore, the bell tower of the Basilica of St Claire’s, the Basilica of St Francis’ and the Sacred Convent.

STARHOTELS TERMINUS, NAPLES The Starhotels Terminus is a romantic hotel in the historic centre of Naples, near the Train Station and the bustling Piazza Garibaldi with rooms that offer a warm and relaxed atmosphere, and give guests a panoramic view of the city or of the magnificent courtyard.

GRAND HOTEL VESUVIO, SORRENTO The Grand Hotel Vesuvio is an elegant hotel which is located in the Gulf of Naples, furnished in Mediterranean. It has: pools, garden, citrus grove, large rooms for conferences and ceremonies, car park, routes for the disabled, solarium and free bus service to the centre (2km).

STARHOTELS MICHELANGELO, ROME A superior 4 star hotel only  a short walk from the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica , the Starhotels Michelangelo embodies all the qualities that make Rome unique: cosmopolitan style, classical grandeur and timeless appeal. Located in the heart of Rome's Baroque splendour, it's hard to imagine a more central location.

GETTING THERE

‘Start’ and ‘End’ – relates to itinerary start and end. ‘Arrival’ and ‘Departure’ destination is the airport for access to start/end points.

HOTEL CHECK IN /CHECK OUT TIMES Consider the hotel check in time on arrival and the hotel check out time on departure. 

Check In: 2pm (as a guide but can be as late as 3pm) Check Out: 11am as a guide (can be as early as 10am)

Late check out can be requested but without payment cannot be guaranteed.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS ARRIVAL Airport Transfers transfer service can be booked. Otherwise by your own arrangement. 

If you are making your own flight arrangements, we require your flight itinerary no later than 45 days priors to travel (and even if you are not making airport transfer arrangements with us).  Where transfers are part of your arrangement, if your itinerary is not provided to us within the required timeframe, you forfeit the airport transfers or additional fees may be incurred for the service.

FLIGHT INFORMATION As an Australian travel company we can provide flight assistance for flights originating from Australia. If joining the tour from outside Australia we recommend making your own flight arrangements or to use the service of a travel advisor located within your country of residence for access to best fares.

Read on for other key trip information that you should know before you decide on joining the group.

TRIP AVAILABILITY If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to book early and secure your place with a deposit.  Tour space is limited. Also, many services on this tour must be booked well in advance. To ensure your place, please check trip availability at your earliest convenience.

FELLOW TRAVELLERS  You will enjoy this group experience with a maximum of 21 travellers. This is a Solos Only tour (couple free). You are welcome to join with a friend, but couples do not join this tour.

THE PACE [3 out of 5] Travellers of 70 years or over will be required to return a Fit to Travel form that is completed by their doctor. More Information >  Visit Travel Fitness

This tour includes a reasonable amount of sightseeing on foot and is graded as a medium-paced tour. An average level of fitness level is required to participate in this tour. For travellers with mobility issues or slower walking pace this tour may not be suitable. You need to be able standing and walking for extended durations. The majority of driving days are not too long, with convenient stops at places of interest along the way for refreshments and sightseeing. 

ACCOMMODATION – DOUBLE FOR SINGLE USE Encounter Travel pays a supplement to all hotels for this itinerary so that the passengers who opt to take a single room get a double bed. Throughout Europe the beds can be somewhat smaller than an average queen sized bed here in Australia. For example a standard double sized bed is from 137 – 187cm, in Europe the beds are smaller and average between 120 and 140cm.

If you think that you have been given the incorrect room type anytime while on tour, it’s best to speak directly to your tour director who can sort this out for you at the time. ABOUT THE MEALS It’s regular that our trips include welcome dinners and farewell dinners for our groups. In addition, we include other group dining experiences to ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefit of travelling and dining as a group.  There’s nothing better than to share a meal with new friends and discuss the day’s adventures. The meals included with our itinerary are Italian/European cuisine. We include highlight dinners and lunches as detailed by the itinerary. Highlight references that use local restaurants of a high standard or if we use hotel restaurants they are of a high standard. Also, with each included dinner a glass of wine is included. 

Special Diet Requirements Be sure to advise us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements. We do our best to accommodate special diet needs and in most cases, special dietary needs can be met. Gluten free pizza and pasta may not be available.

However, in some destinations the variety of choice for certain special diets may be limited. If you are concerned please check with us before you book.

Are you a flexitarian? If you have dietary requirements, please advise if it is due to allergies or for medical reasons or if it is a personal preference and if you are flexible. Dietary requirements will limit choices. If a dietary requirement is not essential due to medical reasons and you are a flexitarian, then we recommend that you exclude your personal preferences if not necessary to provide more options with the meal choices.

GROUP TOUR DIRECTOR This is a private group tour with a coach driver and English speaking, locally based tour director. Your tour director commences their services from Italy and is there to assist with group arrangements and to act as the liaison for all tour services. A tour escort is not included for the travel arrangements to/from Italy. In addition, local guides are included for major sightseeing tours as detailed by the itinerary. If group is 10 passengers or less, the guide provides driving service also, as a driver-guide role. 

The role of your group tour director is to lead the group, take charge of all the trip logistics on tour, and of course, make sure the trip runs as smoothly as possible so ultimately you have the best possible experience. From time to time, as is the nature of travel, ‘hiccups’ can occur, such as unexpected delays to due to traffic congestion, unexpected weather conditions that make a change of plans necessary, and many other things that go hand in hand with travel. In these circumstances your group leader will do their utmost to make the best possible alternative plans – please be ready to accept that these situations are out of the control of anyone and trust in your group leader to assist as best as possible.

TIPPING Tipping may not be your custom, or the custom of your home country, however it is significant in many parts of the world for roles in tourism. It’s customary to tip tour service personnel including your group tour leader, driver, local guides, restaurant staff, and hotel porters. It’s also appreciated to leave small tips for room attendants and restaurant wait staff.  We appreciate that for many travellers tipping is awkward, and they are unsure about how and what amount to tip. As part of your tour package tips are included for local guides (not your tour director), restaurant staff for included meals, hotel porters, and boat crew.

Your Tour Leader & Driver Tips for your group tour director, and driver are not included. As tipping is customary, please recognise their good service. Your tour leader and driver are away from home for the duration of your visit and tipping is a part of recognising this dedication. A guide for tipping is Euro 8-10 per day for your group tour director, and Euro 4-5 per day, and this is paid on completion of their services/end of the tour.

TRANSPORT Touring is by a private air-conditioned coach, or van (dependent on group size). There is also some boat travel for your visit to the Isle of Capri, around Venice and while staying at the lake.

LUGGAGE INFORMATION AND RESTRICTIONS  

Checked Luggage Maximum Weight: While on tour, one piece of checked luggage not exceeding 23 kilograms in weight is permitted. Porterage, where available, is included for one piece of checked luggage. On tour, checked luggage is limited to one medium size suitcase per person, the sum of its length/width and depth not to exceed 140cm (56"). If your luggage exceeds this limit, we ask that you make alternative arrangements for the excess to be forwarded to the termination point of your tour. We suggest you have wheels on your suitcase, as there are certain places where assistance is not available.

Hand Luggage Maximum Weight/Information: One piece of hand luggage such as your daypack can be carried with on your person.

TRAVEL GUIDE QUICK FACTS Visit our  Travel Guide   page on our website for destination information.

MORE INFORMATION

• Is This Trip Right For You? >
• General Info >
• Roommate Match Option >
• Customs Regulations >
• Mobile Phones/Internet >
• Destination Entry Info >
• Disclaimer >

TRAVELLER REVIEWS

'My first overseas holiday ever, best choice I ever made, everything was so perfectly organised, never any problems. Great destination, great travel mates, many new friends and fantastic tour guide. Wish I had known about this way to travel earlier, I now definitely have the travel bug'

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I'm Soaring Solo

12 Places to Visit in Italy for Solo Travelers

Italy is arguably one of the most beautiful countries to visit in the world, especially for solo travelers. Italy itself is a fusion of  beautiful landscapes, art, history, and various tasty food .

Italy also has hilltop towns, ancient palaces, truffles, and medieval intrigue, not to mention the baroque sculptures, beautiful islands, mountains, beaches, and gelato.

Adding to the beauty, the modern towns of Italy have their modern skyscrapers towering high above the ancient Roman ruins, cathedrals, and streets. The beautiful waterways also make it more appealing to visit.

However, as a solo traveler, you need to prepare well for a trip to Italy and carry all the supplies you need for the period you will stay there. You should also be aware that  accommodation inside the cities can be a bit expensive  compared to cheaper farmhouses outside the cities.

I have detailed some of the most beautiful cities and places to visit in Italy in the list below. Let’s take a look.

1. Florence

Florence, or Firenze as it is also known, will forever remain one of Europe’s  art and culture cities, being the birthplace of the Renaissance .

There are more museums in Florence than you could visit in a month or more. The  diverse artifacts and sculptures  you can see include the canvases by Botticelli and Bronzino, sculptures by Michelangelo and Giambologna, and the frescoes by Giotto and Ghirlandaio.

Also regarded as the gateway to Tuscany, Florence has quality crafts, making it a living city of diverse cultural backgrounds to showcase. The locals embrace contemporary art, opera, and classical music.

Florence is also filled with elegant  clubs and restaurants  to keep you entertained and full for a few nights as you enjoy your stay in the city.

If you are looking to stay in the city, most of the hotels might look a bit rusty, but  the Plus Florence hostel and the B&B Mosi Firenze are sure to provide all the amenities you need, as well as an elegant décor.

Milan has an international, cosmopolitan outlook and is famously known as  Italy’s football, fashion, and design capital . This is a blended city with giant modern skyscrapers climbing high up above the old ruins in the city. Milan is also the commercial capital of the north side and is one of the biggest cities in the country.

Milan is also filled with a  vibrant taste of food and drinks  and has a wide range of hotels, with many options to suit all budgets. However, the  breathtaking malls, designer stores, boutiques, and street shops  that sell all forms of designer brands are what attract visitors to the city.

The San Siro football stadium, the famous opera house, La Scala, the grand Gothic Duomo, and Leonardo’s Last Supper are also among the city’s most notable sites.

Milan is also well connected by train to nearby cities and lakes, making it very accessible. Hotels like Combo Milano, Ostello Bello Grande, the Madama Hostel, and Bistort are worth checking out for the best accommodation in town.

Don’t forget to taste Milano’s hot chocolate. You will love it.

3. Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is legendary for its  beautiful scenery with a sophisticated yet laid-back style  that has been seducing visitors since the 1960s. Although there are super-yachts and large five-star hotels along the coast, the villagers live relatively rural lives atop the adjacent hills.

This coastal stretch has  endless beautiful views and towns with diverse cultures . You will need to spend a few days interacting with the locals to fully experience the place.

A drive through Positano to Vietri Sul Mare is a remarkably narrow journey of 1,000 bends, but it is worth a shot for its beautiful views and scenery.

If you visit Italy, you  have to visit the floating city of Venice .

Venice has a long history: originally occupied by fishermen, it became a refuge for Italians escaping barbaric invasions and later grew into a trading empire. 

Venice is  famous for its 118 islands that are separated by canals and its houses with intricate, ancient architecture.  Interestingly, Venice is such a tourist magnet that the  visitors sometimes outnumber the locals by a ratio of 2:1.

However, to get the best out of Venice, you have to visit the local’s corners and the bustling neighborhoods to experience their beautiful lifestyle.

Among the main centers of attraction are the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, the Doge’s palace, and St. Mark’s Square. The multicolored houses in Burano Island are also worth visiting.

If you are looking for accommodation, good hostels like the Wombats, Generator Venice, and Combo Venezia will provide you with all the amenities in a modern decor setting within the city.

Also known as the eternal city, Rome has been around for 3,000 years and proudly carries all the history it holds with it.  Rome proudly hosts the Vatican, the Colosseum, Palatine hill, the Pantheon, and the Imperial Forum, making it the  heart of western civilization for the longest time .

Rome also has a  historic art-laden Italian city,  with classic ruins and ancient churches standing next to Baroque fountains and Renaissance palazzos.

Rome is full of  spots for shopping and dining , with a variety of local foods and cuisines on offer. For example, restaurants spill out to the streets in the Trastevere region, and the people never seem to get enough.

Besides the food, Rome offers excellent views from the Trevi Fountains, Campo di Fiori, the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, and the Villa Borghese.

Outside the city are  vast underground catacombs, excellent viewpoints  from the hills, and a network of Roman roads ideal for trekking and cycling. But to get the best out of Rome, you need to  attend their cultural events and church services.

Hostels like The Yellow, Beehive Hostel, and the Generator Rome will offer you accommodation  with socializing joints and cool, chill places.

Like Tuscany,  Umbria is also celebrated as the green heart of Italy because of its chains of intimate and easily accessible hill towns.  Here a few of them: Assisi, Gubbio, Todi, Norcia, Spoleto, and Perugia.

Interestingly, each town is not far apart, but  each hill town offers you so much to keep you busy, even for days . So a trip to Umbria should be easy, manageable, and straightforward but should give you plenty to do.

Each town has  so much art and many captivating sights , not to mention  the local food, wine, and amazing culture . On the surrounding ridges are vineyards, olive groves, high mountain landscapes, and cypress-topped hills, all contributing to the beautiful view of the adjacent hill towns.

 7. Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a name coined for five beautiful coastal villages linked together by hiking trails in a national park.  The five villages are  Vernazza, Manarola, Monteresso al Mare, Riomaggiore, and Corniglia.

Located in a region called Liguria, the Cinque Terre is halfway between Genoa and Pisa and is arguably  the home of Pesto , so you should eat as much as you can while exploring the place.

Although parts of the trails are closed for safety reasons or maintenance, there are plenty of alternative paths behind the villages that you can use.

If you need accommodation within the villages, the Ostello Corniglia or the Mar-Mar hostels will offer you good services. However, better hostels like the Ostello Tramonti and 5 Terre Backpackers are situated outside the villages.

If you are looking for  a chill environment without much fuss  in the tourist-filled north, Puglia is your destination. Unlike the towns in other destinations, Puglia will give you incredible views.

The surrounding land is filled with olive trees, hilltop towns, and beautiful whitewashed houses.

Puglia is also home to  Trulli, which are clusters of dome-roofed, hobbit-like whitewashed houses . There are many theories about their origins. Some claim that the houses were built with the aim of evading a primitive house tax.

The region also has a  couple of caves,  like Castellana Grotte, which are a wonderful and fantastic sight, and offer welcome relief from the scorching heat.

Culture is the root of everything in the Tuscany region . Tuscany connects historic towns like  Siena, Pisa, Lucca, Arezzo, and Florence , and has a reputation for  good food, art, and culture .

In all the towns in Tuscany, everything is done with an intricate and strict adherence to detail and in an unpretentious and down-to-earth manner.

In ancient times, the communes in the Tuscany region would always do competitions, each conspiring to outdo the rest. Whoever would win would take home an embarrassment of riches.

The string of towns in Tuscany will always give you  more than enough to see in a single day,  so you should plan to spend several days in the region. Outside the main towns, there are smaller hill towns like Cortona, Volterra, and San Gimignano, which are all part of the Tuscany community.

10. Italian Lakes

Italy is blessed with a chain of beautiful lakes that will, without a doubt, excite a solo traveler.  

In the western region, Lake Orta gives an elegant view of deep blue water  beside the beautiful sight of being surrounded by Orta San Giulio, an exemplary medieval village. Other lakes to visit are  Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Iseo , and the most popular  Lake Garda .

All five lakes offer some of the  best destinations for solo travelers . The Italians built huge villas around the lakes, forming grand landscapes along the terrain and adding to the Alps’ elegant views.

Although modern tourism might have influenced a little change to the setting of the environment, the mountains, lakes, towns, and general views have been as constant as they were millennia ago.

11. Bologna

If you are a   food lover, you should visit Bologna . Found in the Emilia Romagna region, Bologna is a historic university city  famous for its food delights and has risen to fame as a top culinary destination in Italy  because of the high quality of produce from the region.

For example, Mortadella, bologna, prosciutto, stuffed pasta, world-class parmesan, balsamic vinegar, and local wines such as Barbera, Pignoletto, and Lambrusco all contribute to the diverse list of culinary products the area is famous for.

However, Bologna is not just famous for its food. It is  also an ancient university town , and famous manufacturers like Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Ducati all have museums and showrooms in the area. 

Bologna is also home to  one of the best-maintained medieval town centers  in modern Italy. What else would better catch the eye of a solo traveler?

For accommodation, the Dopa Hostel and the We Bologna will provide you with all the amenities you need, including a bicycle rental service.

Sicily will give you the Italy-max package to wind your trip in Italy . The island is filled with  incredible architectural treasures ,  elegant coastal stretches and beaches , and a variety of  mouthwatering street food and seafood .

Being at the epicenter of the Mediterranean stretch, Sicily has a diverse culture attested to by Greek Temples, Baroque Palazzos, and even Norman Churches.

As a solo traveler, you will always find things to do in Sicily, from visiting  plenty of historical sites , the  volcanic landscapes of Etna , the  fertile wine countryside ,  temples, and even cultural sites .

For the best accommodation,  hostels like Ostello degli Elefanti, The Yard, and the LOL Hostel will provide the best amenities for you in the city.

The list of places you can visit in Italy is endless for a solo traveler. Just ensure you get all your supplies before setting out for the journey and plan your trip well.

• https://www.themediterraneantraveller.com/best-places-italy-solo-travel/
• https://www.theflashpacker.net/best-solo-travel-destinations-in-italy/
• https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/italy/articles/best-places-and-cities-to-visit-in-italy-and-where-to-stay/
• https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/solo-travel-italy/
• https://handluggageonly.co.uk/2017/06/14/16-places-need-visit-italy/
• https://www.goaheadtours.com/travel-blog/articles/solo-travel-tips-for-italy

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• Summer in Italy: where to go if you are single
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Where to go on vacation in Italy if you are single? Here are 12 perfect destinations for a carefree, fun-filled vacation.

Whether you have just come out of a serious love affair or are a hardened single looking for new love, traveling and discovering new places is the answer! And what better time than summer to find your new soul mate or put love on standby ! 

The Italian beaches have always been the scene of the hot season . Whether you are young students shaken by hot hormonal storms or maybe single parents over 50-60-70 , it doesn't matter. In these Italian paradises, you will enjoy an unforgettable single summer !

12. Riviera Romagnola (Emilia Romagna)

It is the most popular summer resort for singles in northern and central Italy: we are talking about the Riviera Romagnola ! Places like Rimini, Riccione and Ravenna are constant for singles looking for fun.

Especially suitable for those who love the nightlife : the seafront is full of clubs and discos . Riccione alone is known to be the capital of fun in Italy! Get ready for a playful glance with your beach umbrella neighbour or during an aperitif on the beach , and afterwards, maybe exchange a warm kiss as you go wild on the dance floor .

11. Aeolian Islands (Sicily)

Single men and women, don't miss the chance to visit Sicily and, in particular, the Aeolian Islands , which are beautiful and suitable for every budget. There is something for all budgets: from the VIP island of Panarea in the isle of Vulcano , which is popular with students. 

Take advantage of the boat cruises that organise to tour the islands and perhaps lay your eyes on what could be your new summer crush . 

Also, it is essential to know that according to a study carried out by a tour operator specialising in organising trips for singles, Sicily results to be the Italian region where most people hook up in the summer . Because of their Mediterranean features, Sicilian women are among the most beautiful and men, perhaps because of their acceptance, convey an innate sense of security and great passion. 

10. Gallura (Sardinia)

Santa Teresa di Gallura

Here we are in Sardinia , a corner of paradise and the setting for glamorous Italian holidays , with its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and summer nightlife. 

In the historical region of Gallura , much loved by young people for its nightlife and the many opportunities for singles, is San Teodoro , a tourist resort in the province of Sassari . The golden sands of the beach, the magnificent sea and its bays surrounded by thick Mediterranean scrub and its village make it the ideal destination for those looking for a new love on holiday . Here there are villages equipped for every need and that will make you experience the emotion of a stay in close contact with wild nature . 

Still in Gallura , don't miss the chance to meet a new love in the enchanting coves of Santa Teresa di Gallura , one of the jewels of the Sardinian north coast. An enchanted pearl in a strip of land stretches as far as almost touching Corsica . The beauty of the places and the good company will give you unique emotions!

9. Gargano (Apulia)

In recent years, singles tourism has become particularly popular in the beautiful Gargano area , where many villages offering this type of holiday package have sprung up.

 Among its unmissable resorts, Vieste is the most popular! Characterised by narrow alleys framed by delightful tiny white houses , small squares with belvederes offering a breathtaking view of the sea, coves and immense beaches, and many nightclubs where you can flirt and go wild. 

Puglia is also full of real singles' beaches , equipped and organised for you to socialise and meet your soul mate . Among the most famous in the area? Take a trip to the beach at Pugnochiuso !

8. Cilento (Campania)

For the more "wild" and culture-loving singles , we highly recommend a summer holiday in the beautiful Cilento region , equipped with campsites where you can pitch your tent and meet a new love under the stars !

We particularly recommend the town of Paestum , in the Sele Valley , which is the perfect place for those who want to combine leisure and culture . Among its most popular destinations: are the 15 km long beach and the charming pine forest, where you can enjoy moments of pure relaxation in contact with nature. Not to be missed is a visit to the ancient city of Magna Graecia , with its three well-preserved temples overlooking the Paestum Archaeological Park , which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1998.

7. Conero Riviera (Marche)

The pearl of the Adriatic in the Marche is the Conero Riviera ! More than 200 km of coastline, dreamy beaches and crystal-clear waters, breathtaking views, a promontory overlooking the sea with caves, coves and inlets scattered among the white rock and green Conero Regional Park.

The Conero Riviera is the perfect setting for those who want to spend a fun-filled holiday. Many holiday villages for singles are in a magnificent natural environment. In a place like this, you can't help but feel the sparkle in your eyes and your heart beating fast.

But if you thought it was love, but it was a barouche ...don't worry! You won't be bored: with lots of sporting and outdoor activities, evenings under the stars and events of all kinds , you'll have a great time here!

E se ti lascia lo sai che si fa Trovi un altro più bello Che problemi non ha (and if he/she leaves you you know what to do? find another more beautiful who doesn't have problems) Tanti auguri - Raffaella Carrà

6. Monte Argentario (Tuscany)

A popular destination for tourists who want to enjoy the Tuscan sea , Monte Argentario is the ideal place to meet new friends and even find love. A characteristic promontory of the Maremma , it is a small diamond set on the coast that combines the charm of the island with the comfort of the mainland. 

It offers an unparalleled landscape: beaches and coves of rare beauty, footpaths and archaeological finds. Spending a summer without hours of pure relaxation and fun here is impossible!

5. Cinque Terre (Liguria)

The Cinque Terre are a magical place, an ideal destination for finding oneself and perhaps even new love. Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Monterosso and Vernazza : 5 authentic jewels suspended over the sea (we strongly recommend the first one for young people). 

Lovers of trekking and excursions should not miss the dense network of coastal and inland paths that connect the five characteristic villages, from where you can admire the most romantic views ever. 

4. Costa Rei (Sardinia)

Still, in Sardinia , a paradise for singles summer in Costa Rei . A landscape of evocative beauty made up of hills and mountains overlooking the sea and splendid bays: such as Cala Pira , a small bay framed by dunes covered in fragrant junipers.

One of the most beautiful beaches is Cannisoli , with its beautiful golden reflections. And what about the renowned beaches of Monte Turno, Sant'Elmo and Santa Giusta.

In the background is the mountainous profile of the Sette Fratelli Park , a valuable natural oasis and ideal place for relaxing walks . Well, the beaches and views are there, now it's up to you to find out who to drink a glass of bubbly with!

3. Elba Island (Tuscany)

Again in Tuscany to offer you a singles' trip to a dream oasis in the waters of the Tuscan Archipelago . Elba 's charming and fascinating island has golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and dreamlike landscapes. 

Among the most beautiful places on the island are the Medici fortresses : a complex of bastions and fortifications whose sole purpose was to protect the main town. Maybe someone will come along and save you!

Don't miss a dip in the magnificent waters of the Ghiaie beach , made up of white pebbles and famous for its seabed for unforgettable dives. The beach is very close to the historic centre of Portoferraio , full of palaces, churches and picturesque streets. 

The Rio Marina Mining Park is one of a kind: a complex of open-cast mines, where the work of nature and man have merged to create a unique spectacle. Also, do not miss Monte Capanne and Porto Azzurro . 

One of the most beautiful beaches is Padulella in Portoferraio , with white sand. But if you want to find love, you must go to the Innamorata beach , known as the most romantic beach on the island. 

2. Costa degli Dei (Calabria)

Among the most popular destinations for singles is Calabria , particularly the Costa Degli Dei : a stretch of coastline formed by kilometres and kilometres of unique beaches, interspersed with jagged rocks, spectacular bays and a dreamlike sea. Not to be missed is a visit to the very popular Tropea , characterised by white beaches overhung by rocky cliffs. 

A visit to Pizzo is also a must: a picturesque town of medieval origin, perched on the slope of a cliff overlooking the sea. Put your crush to the test and let him/her join you to wander the narrow streets of the typical fishing village. Will it be true love? Who knows!

Among the most beautiful and famous beaches of the Costa Degli Dei are the beaches of Briatico : Sant'Irene and Colamaio . Maybe on one of them, sitting under a bougainvillaea, you will share a slice of watermelon with a new, exciting acquaintance. 

1. Salento (Apulia)

Back to Puglia for the grand finale ! Singles, come and discover Salento ! One of the most beautiful places in Italy and a popular holiday destination. 

A must for a singles' holiday is the natural area of the Alimini Lakes , located north of Otranto. Alimini Grande and Alimini Piccolo : two lakes that once communicated with each other and are now divided. A truly fascinating place for those who love nature and the environment : here, you might meet someone who thinks like you, respects nature and animals, and is passionate about birdwatching . 

Once here, you cannot miss a visit to the splendid Otranto with its tiny houses and white stairways and its imposing Aragonese Castle . Among the most famous beaches, don't miss the Baia dei Turchi , its uncontaminated and priceless landscape. 

If you are a single fun-loving person , there is only one place to go: Gallipoli , now known as the Ibiza of southern Italy . Run to the Samsara Beach and participate in Italy's most exclusive beach party . Gallipoli is the seaside town that never sleeps and where "spicy encounters" are the order of the day. 

We have given you the destinations. Now it's up to you to unleash all your charm and have fun!

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Italy Singles Travel Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 4 most popular italy singles travel trips. compare tour itineraries from 4 tour companies. 0 reviews. 3.6/5 avg rating..

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Amalfi Coast - Southern Italy 40's - 50's and 60's + Singles Vacations

August 3 - august 11, 2024 optional sicily extension $3,950*.

  Join Best Single Travel on this Italy singles vacation that starts in Rome and travels the Amalfi Coast, said to be the most spectacular drive in Europe. Visit the spectacular towns of Sorrento, Ravello and Positano and view  unmistakable clusters of white, tightly packed houses rising up the hillside dominated by beautiful cathedrals. Discover Pompeii and the island of Capri.  Each destination is as fantastic as the last and Southern Italy will inspire the imagination and create unforgettable memories.

Amalfi Coast Singles Vacation Itinerary

Vacation Day 9 - Depart Home Say Arrivederci to all your new friends as your Southern Italy vacation ends and you are transferred to the Naples airport for your return flight home.

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Italy Singles Holidays & Solo Tours

Singles holidays & solo tours to italy.

Italy, renowned for its beauty and charm, offers the perfect setting for singles holidays & solo tours. Those fortunate enough to set foot in this captivating country receive a warm welcome and are instantly enamoured by its magnificent cities, historical sites, and breathtaking natural landmarks. These treasures are sure to leave lasting memories in the hearts of every visitor.

One cannot speak of Italy without mentioning its world-famous cuisine. Leading the way in both flavour and technique, Italian food is innovative, delectable, and has been a beacon for gourmets globally. With so much to explore and experience across Italy, it's crucial to select the right tour to maximise your journey.

This is where Just You comes into the picture. We specialise in curating memorable tours of Italy for groups of like-minded solo travellers. Our mission is to provide you with an unforgettable Italian holiday tailored to your interests. Our wide array of Italian tour packages guarantees there's something perfect just for you.

Whether you're venturing to the picturesque island of Sicily or the beautiful Amalfi Coast in the South or exploring the incredible Italian Lakes in the North , our solo tours ensure a delightful experience. Italy is a country that truly understands diversity, catering to various tastes and desires. It's a haven for lovers of art, architecture, and ancient history, offering a rich tapestry of experiences.

Embark on a solo tour of Italy with Just You and immerse yourself in Europe's enchanting boot-shaped nation.

ITALY HIGHLIGHTS FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS

• Unique sites steeped in history
• Delicious local flavours
• Mind-blowing scenic beauty
• Wonderful shared experiences

EXPLORE ITALY AS A SOLO TRAVELLER

Northern italy.

From beautiful lakes to classic cities, a solo adventure in Italy is well worth your while.

Central Italy

Uncover the delights of Tuscany on a solo guided holiday where you'll explore picture postcard landscapes, magnificent architecture and delicious flavours

Southern Italy

Explore southern Italy with Just You and you'll discover the delights of the Amalfi Coast, step back in time in Pompeii and explore the charming towns of Puglia.

The Islands of Italy

For something a little different, look past the mainland to the beautiful islands of Italy. From sun-kissed Sardinia to seductive Sicily and the 'black pearl' of the Mediterranean, Pantelleria.

FEATURED SOLO TOURS TO ITALY

An Italian Adventure - Shakespeare's Verona to Sicily's Shores

This amazing journey of discovery will introduce you to so many of Italy's iconic highlights, including the amazing cities of Venice, Florence and Rome.

• Return flights
• 15 nights in 4-star hotels
• 25 meals: 15 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 9 dinners

Pompeii, Sorrento & the Bay of Naples

Discover the ruins of Pompeii and marvel at Mount Vesuvius from the comfort of your 4-star hotel in the beautiful Bay of Naples.

• 7 nights in a 4-star hotel
• 12 included meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners

Highlights of Tuscany

Explore Tuscany's rolling countryside, dotted with olive groves, vineyards and medieval hilltop towns. You'll also visit Pisa, home of the Leaning Tower, and Florence, Italy's 'Art City'.

• 7 nights in 4-star hotels and 11 meals
• 12 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners

Sun-kissed Sardinia

Enjoy a relaxing week in one of Sardinia’s loveliest coastal resorts, and get out and about to discover the island’s local traditions.

• 20 included meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners

Discover Puglia

Step away from the crowds and enjoy a taste of the real Italy in beautiful Puglia, where you'll discover unique conical Trulli. houses, rock-carved Sassi dwellings and grand Baroque architecture.

• 15 meals: 7 breakfasts, 2 lunch and 6 dinners

Discover Sicily

Imposing ruins, ancient history, vibrant towns and the brooding Mount Etna - discover all of this and more as you explore Italy's largest island.

• 7 nights in 4-star hotels
• 15 included meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners

Lake Garda, Verona & The Hidden Gems of the Veneto

• 7 nights in a 3-star superior hotel
• 11 meals: 7 breakfasts and 4 dinners

We’re delighted to have received the World Travel and Tourism Councils (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world. 

What our customers say

Guide very knowledgeable.

"As this was the first time I had travelled alone, I was a little apprehensive. However, the travel arrangements, including transfer to and from airport, and the coach driver were excellent. Our two guides were very knowledgeable and patient, making my holiday in Tuscany one to remember. I will definitely book with JustYou again" - Carolyn

Lots of fun and laughter

"Absolutely brilliant, best holiday in years, lots of fun and laughter, lovely group and fantastic tour rep (Marsha)" - Mandi Amanda

Well looked after

"I enjoyed the holiday and would definitely do another Just You holiday. The Tour Guide Lorenza was particularly helpful and knowledgeable, she made sure everybody was happy and well looked after" - Sarah Tweed

Frequently Asked Questions

Temperatures can vary greatly depending on time of year and the region of Italy you are visiting.

Spring, early summer and autumn are the best times for a singles tour to Italy as it is generally warm everywhere. However, the temperatures in the evenings can be cooler. Weather from October to March is wintry and you should expect conditions similar to the UK, especially in the North.

As Italy is such a large country with such varying temperatures it is best to check weather forecasts yourself just prior to travel.

You can enjoy many amazing experiences as a solo traveller in Italy - here are a few of our favourites.

• Explore the traditional towns in Italy's "heel" on a  singles holiday to Puglia
• Enjoy the great outdoors with a  solo walking holiday to the Amalfi Coast
• Discover the highlights of Florence, Pisa & Sienna on a  singles tour to Tuscany
• Relax on a  solo holiday to Sardinia where you'll uncover the islands local traditions

Italy is a safe country to travel to. With a relatively low crime rate and a strong police presence, especially in tourist areas, you can be sure to enjoy your holiday in peace. Italians are generally friendly and welcoming, which makes it a pleasure to travel safely in Italy.

Italian is the official language in Italy, which is spoken by over 90% of the population. But you are also likely to hear a variety of other languages, such as French, German, Greek and English. German and French are co-official languages in some Italian provinces.

The weather in Italy varies greatly depending on the region and time of year. In general, the summers are hot and dry, while the winters can be mild with more chance of rain. However, Italy has something for everyone all year round, whether it’s enjoying Christmas in Venice with Countess Luppis , the archaeological sites of Pompeii, Paestum & Herculaneum during the milder autumn days or soaking up the sun on one of its idyllic islands. Italy is a great destination to visit all year round.

Whether or not you need a visa to travel to Italy depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Check out our Travel requirements and visa service to find out more.

The currency in Italy is the Euro (€), which is widely available in the UK.

From the vineyards of Tuscany to Vatican City, Italy has plenty of reasons to make you want to visit. Experience the very best of this stunning boot-shaped country with the experts in solo travel. We’ll take you beyond the guidebook as you make memories to last a lifetime with like-minded individuals - all over a nice glass of Italian wine.

Yes, flights are included for all Just You holidays.

Be Inspired to Visit Italy as a Solo Traveller

5 reasons to visit Sicily

From the friendly locals to, dramatic landscapes and delicious cuisine - we explore why Sicily should be on your wish list!

Recipe: Limoncello

Why not try our Limoncello recipe and enjoy a taste of Italy in your own home with this tasty tipple.

10 reasons to visit Italy

We pick out some of the best experiences solo travellers could enjoy on a trip to Italy!

My Tuscan Holiday

Claire Sweeney, actress, singer and presenter tells all about her trip to Tuscany with Just You

Tastes of Tuscany

As you immerse yourself in historic cities and stunning landscapes, don't forget to take time to enjoy the delicious flavours of Italy

Alternative sights of Italy

Check out these five alternative sights in Italy that all have the potential to be a major highlight of your Italian adventure.

Destinations you might also like

From the picturesque coastal cities of Split and Dubrovnik to the elegant islands of Hvar, Brac, and Zlarin, you are guaranteed a good time wherever you go.

The real Spain is out there if you know where to look, as fiery and romantic as you ever imagined.

Made up of thousands of islands throughout the Aegean and Ionian seas, as well as its iconic mainland, Greece is both intriguing and irresistible.

"I was widowed four years ago, I had been on holiday with family but wanted to have my own experience but was nervous. I was greeted at the Airport by a fellow traveller which was most reassuring. The Hotel was in central Pompeii and was beautiful. The Rep was so caring and we had the most fabulous days out. The tour was extremely varied. A visit to Pompeii and Herculaneum, a “ walk “ up Mount Versuvius, a luxurious trip to the island of Capri and the finale was a day cooking Italian food. The whole experience was very special. I would love to go on another trip when I can"

Best Tour Companies for Singles

Book your next adventure with one of these options.

Ligaya Malones is an editor, blogger, and freelance writer specializing in food and travel. Ligaya's work has appeared in publications including Lonely Planet and BRIDES.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

A recent study showed that the solo travel industry is projected to experience a significant influx in the upcoming years. Whether you want to experience a solo adventure, see the world at your own convenience, or hope to meet new people along the way, there’s always something worthwhile about traveling by yourself. 

Luckily, there are plenty of travel companies that cater to solo travelers to make planning stress-free. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best companies for every budget and travel preference to support your wanderlust—including our top picks for women-only and solo parent travel.

8 Best Tour Companies for Singles of 2024

• Best Experience: Exodus Travels
• Best for Ages 35-50: El Camino Travel
• Best Sustainable: G Adventures
• Best for True Solo Travel: Black Tomato
• Best for Ages 25-39: For The Love of Travel
• Best for 50+: Overseas Adventure Travel Rates
• Best Female: Wild Women Expeditions
• Best for Solo Parent Travel: Intrepid Travel

Best Experience : Exodus Travels

Courtesy of Exodus Travels

Traveling solo on an Exodus Travels group trip means access to self-guided and guided excursions around the world for every type of traveler. Choose a walking wine holiday in Portugal or explore Egypt via cruise boat and sleeper train, for example. Additionally, its Exodus Edits collection offers shorter itineraries of up to five days and is geared towards travelers in their 30s and 40s—though they’re ideal for anyone looking for more vigorous activity such as ziplining and surfing in Costa Rica or sampling street eats and beach hopping in Sicily. 

There is no single supplement fee when you room with a fellow traveler, and chances are you may end up with your own room anyway. Booking a travel itinerary with UK-based Exodus Travels includes a full refund should the company need to cancel your trip and a complimentary trip transfer to another tour or different person up to 21 days before the scheduled trip. Plus, travelers who book their third or more trips with Exodus receive a 5 percent discount on their next booking.

What’s more, the company works to curate trips that align with a number of United Nations sustainable development goals including goals for responsible consumption and production, empowering local communities, and climate action considerations. Exodus Travels (founded in 1974) was awarded Best Operator in National Geographic Traveller’s sixth annual Reader Awards in 2021.

Best for Ages 35-50 : El Camino Travel

Courtesy of Encounter Travel

According to El Camino Travel ’s founder, Katalina Mayorga, elder millennials are their strongest customer base. That means if you were born between 1980 and 1985 approximately, you’ll find yourself among curious, like-minded solo travelers looking to immerse themselves in destinations like Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, and the Eastern European nation of Georgia. Some trips even add a professional photographer to capture shareable shots so you can remain in the moment.

All of El Camino’s guided, small group trips max out at 12 participants. They’re also curated with an ethos of preserving and protecting local culture, the environment, and communities. For example, some of their partners include the Environmental Research Institute Charlotteville in Tobago and La Sierra Artist Residency in Santa Marta, Colombia.

Best Sustainable : G Adventures

Courtesy of Intrepid Travel

G Adventures is particularly known for its sustainable, responsible ethos. The company works with small, locally-owned hotels and operators to ensure your travel dollars benefit the community you’re visiting; outlines policies around child and animal welfare practices; aims to reduce single-use plastics, and works to ensure experiences taking place in Indigenous communities align with community goals.

Founded in 1990, G Adventures specializes in small group adventure tours to a host of destinations from Asia to South America and Africa to the Arctic. Nearly half of the travelers on every trip are flying solo, and there’s no single supplement if you choose to bunk with a same-sex roommate. Or, select your own room for a fee. 

A Chief Experience Officer leads each group tour and itineraries are searchable by travel style. For example, find wellness-centric trips like nine days of daily yoga, visits to Hindu temples, and partake in traditional healing ceremonies in Bali. Or travel with their partner, National Geographic, for an exclusive guided tour of South Africa’s Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and a visit to Soweto township in Johannesburg, the home of Nelson Mandela. 

G Adventures partnered with hostel booking service Hostelworld in 2021 to launch its Roamies itineraries. Its combination of backpacking and organized travel itineraries includes countries like Albania, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Vietnam. The trips are marketed to 18- to 35-year-olds, though like-minded individuals keen on budget travel and communal environments may enjoy these trips, too.

Best for True Solo Travel : Black Tomato

Courtesy of G Adventures

Black Tomato specializes in bespoke luxury travel experiences. For those interested in traversing around the world solo and willing to pay a premium for tailored itineraries, its adventurous or culturally immersive experiences may just be your ticket.

Your travels might look like hiking and biking in Patagonia, embarking on a spiritual pilgrimage through Bhutan and India, chasing glaciers and geysers in Iceland, or learning to cook Georgia and Armenia’s local dishes or Japan’s regional cuisine.

In 2017, Black Tomato launched its Get Lost adventure travel experience. With the support of a dedicated team, and without prior knowledge of where they're headed, Get Lost participants will find their way home from an undisclosed location. The location is selected based on a pre-travel questionnaire about which environment clients would like to immerse themselves in. Then, they show up at the airport and the adventure begins.

Best for Ages 25-39 : For The Love of Travel

Courtesy of Contiki

With 80 percent of individuals traveling with For The Love of Travel jet -setting solo, each trip is packed with opportunities to meet fellow Millennial and Gen Z travel enthusiasts. For example, within your small “crew” of up to 14 people, make new friends doing snow sports and unwinding in saunas in Lapland or devouring tacos and sipping mezcal in Mexico City. Trips range from four to nine days, including weekends in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain wilderness or an extended weekend in Costa Rica where you’ll hike through rainforests, relax in hammocks, and hike, bike, or surf.

According to company feedback, the average FTLOT traveler is 30 years old and interested in meeting new people while traveling . The company bills itself as a mid-range travel company, where “​​we might stay in a more basic hotel for a couple of nights so we can include a Michelin-worthy meal and a private catamaran ride.” 

In 2022, FTLOT plans to offer at least 10 new itineraries including to Belize, Turkey, and Spain’s Basque Country. And for those with the flexibility, the company launched Sojrn in 2021 featuring month-long, themed stays in destinations like Cape Town—focused on biodiversity—and a fashion-oriented stay in Paris.

FTLOT requires an initial deposit and allows installment payments if not paid in full.

Best for 50+ : Overseas Adventure Travel Rates

Courtesy Flash Pack

Overseas Adventure Travel is primarily aimed at American travelers aged 50 and over. It offers guided itineraries to worldwide destinations, including Africa, Antarctica, Asia, and the South Pacific, with trips ranked by activity level and accompanied by a list of physical requirements to help select an itinerary that is best suited for you. For example, their Japan and South Korea itinerary advise that participants be able to carry their own luggage as the selected hotels do not have porter service.

Some of Overseas Adventure Travel’s most popular trips include 17 days of wending the Adriatic from Croatia to Bosnia and Herzegovina (think a walking tour in Dubrovnik, sampling traditional Bosnian food in Sarajevo, and exploring the countryside near Zagreb). On another popular trip, you spend 15 days traveling through Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, ending in Helsinki, Finland. All trips offer pre-and post-itinerary extensions, and either waive the single supplement entirely or offer a discount on a private room.

The company offers a free Roommate Matching Program which helps you find a like-minded, same-sex roommate. If they can’t find a match, your single supplement is deducted. Small group sizes typically average 13 travelers.

Overseas Adventure Travel won the Solo Travel Award for Best Tour in 2017 and 2018, thanks in large part to its policy of offering a limited number of single spaces for each itinerary.

Best Female : Wild Women Expeditions

Courtesy of Overseas Adventure Travel

It began as an all-women, Canada-based canoe tripping company in 1991, and Wild Women Expeditions is perfect for boundary-pushing women who want to travel independently and enjoy the safety and support of an organized tour. The company also prioritizes hiring female tour leaders and on-the-ground guides. It offers outdoor adventures for women of all ages and identities and with a range of physical abilities (“whether your greatest skill is tracking a storm or talking up a storm, summiting mountains or summoning courage, keeping your kayak in line or coloring outside the lines,” as the company describes).

The company travels to 31 destinations around the world like Egypt, Tanzania, and the Azores islands. Itineraries are typically adventure-based and are filtered on their website by activity, with options ranging from sailing to cycling and horse riding. Imagine yourself sea kayaking and snorkeling in the Galapagos or scaling glaciers in Alaska. 

Most guests are solo travelers and there’s no single supplement to worry about as accommodation is typically in a shared room or cabin. Though if privacy is a priority, you can usually snag your own room for a nominal extra fee. Group sizes are kept small and social with between six and 14 women, depending on the itinerary you choose. The average group size is eight. 

Wild Women Expeditions also takes care to curate trips that avoid or minimize the disturbance of wildlife; supports environmental education and advocacy projects; and partners with social justice and women’s rights organizations.

Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best women-only adventure travel companies .

Best for Solo Parent Travel : Intrepid Travel

Courtesy of Wild Women Expeditions

Intrepid ’s family-themed holidays welcome adults traveling with children, including solo parents looking to travel with their kids without the stress of planning and coordinating a trip. Since each family’s travel needs and preferences are different, every itinerary includes an “essential trip information” section where Intrepid outlines whether the trip would be a good fit for you and your kids, as well as a physical rating from least to more strenuous activities. 

For example, an itinerary through part of the Amazon Jungle in Peru advises the jungle can be very hot and humid, and that the weather can be unpredictable in the Andes. On the other hand, an 11-day trip to Borneo island in Southeast Asia lists a minimum age of 5 and outlines a range of accommodations from hotels to guesthouses and jungle camps; on a few occasions, travel times between destinations range between four to five hours. Trips to Costa Rica, Tanzania, China, and Morocco are also listed.

Individuals under 17 years typically receive a 10 percent discount, and the company requires that adults have at least one child under 18 years traveling with them. As part of Intrepid’s commitment to responsible travel, itineraries support initiatives surrounding sustainability and conservation, climate education, and preservation of Indigenous culture.  

Mathieu Young / Getty Images

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More From Forbes

Travel to italy like an insider with the best local experts.

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A trip to Italy is too special to get wrong. Here's how to do it right. (San Gimignano, Tuscany)

I absolutely love Italy, for many different reasons. But I hate the way in which many Americans go about planning trips there. Survey after survey shows it is the number one dream destination for U.S. leisure travelers, but the way those travelers get their information and advice gives me nightmares.

Throughout the years I’ve heard people say over and over that “I was told to do this in Italy,” or “I was told not to do this in Italy.” By who? “A friend.” I have close friends who recently planned their entire 12-day trip on the basis of another couple they knew who gave them advice—after their first visit. I’ve heard of many people who skipped Rome because “we heard it was too busy, just another big city.” Or passed on Venice, one of the world’s most magical destinations, because, “I heard it was touristy.”

There are American tourists who say you should skip Venice. They are wrong.

It goes on and on, but suffice to say, I have been to Italy in the neighborhood of two dozen times, summer and winter, for food, wine, skiing, golf, hiking, cycling and more food, from north to south and east to west and islands too, and I know a lot about Italian cuisine, but I still ask real experts for advice every time I go. I specifically ask for advice on where to eat, what to see, and who to choose as guides. And by experts, I mean people how live in Italy, specialize in particular areas of travel, and know their subject matter.

“We get multiple guests a year who want to wing it,” says Cherrye Moore, owner of My Bella Vita travel. Moore moved to Calabria two decades ago after falling in love with the region on a visit, and opened a bed and breakfast, learning about what her visitors were looking for. Her company now specializes in planning trips—especially foodie and ancestry trips—to the area in Southern Italy where many Italian Americans trace their heritage. “They say, ‘My neighbor just showed up in their family’s hometown and it went great for them,’ or, ‘Our friends went to Italy last year and said we don't need a driver.’ It’s true that you can rent a car and drive to your family’s hometown, but that experience is vastly different from having a dedicated driver and a heritage specialist who has done research on your family’s history, who has already identified the home your grandfather was born in, and who has arranged meetings with locals upon your arrival.”

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Anyone can tour the Vatican, but only the right guides can get you a private visit.

I just got back from an exploration of Turin followed by a weeklong hiking trip in surrounding Piemonte, Italy’s most prestigious wine region, which included multiple winery visits. For restaurants and guides and sightseeing in Turin I used an Italian-based travel specialist that is the choice of many of the best luxury travel agents/advisors in this country (the best travel agents are savvy enough to know what they do not know and regularly rely on local experts). For the hiking trip, I used an Italy-based active travel specialist that does nothing else, and does it with a food-centric spin. It was another fantastic Italy trip, one amazing day after another, featuring many meals, wineries and experiences I never would have found by myself, especially by asking random friends or watching You Tube influencer videos by people with far less Italy experience than myself.

“We don’t focus on stars or diamonds, we focus on really special one-of-a-kind experiences and lodging that lets you discover our Italy,” said Heather Dowd, who lives in Turin and along with her Italian husband Beppe Salerno. They run Tourissimo , the active travel company we used. We had several friends hiking with us who were on either their very first or second trip to Italy, and when we reviewed our experiences at the end for the trip, one place we stayed, an 18 th century castle turned boutique hotel, was the overwhelming favorite. It did not have whirlpool tubs or Frette linens, it did not have a concierge or room service, but it had excellent food and beautiful gardens in which we had an epic dinner. It had cooking classes, a great location, a fun aperitivo evening cocktail session, and most of all, incredible charm..

Everyone wants the perfect meal in Italy, but not everyone knows where the locals go to find it.

It was exactly what my first timers dreamed Italy would be like, and it was a place we never would have found online. It was perfect, and even in Italy not every place is, but the reality is that Heather and Beppe and their guides spend a lot of time behind the scenes visiting small hotels and vetting them, way more time than the people who rate their stays on booking websites. One of my friends was so impressed he is already planning an extended family hiking trip to Sicily with Tourissimo next year.

If you want to have an insider experience in Italy, and see the places locals go, you need a local insider to help you out.

“Our goal is for guests to experience Calabria like we do, so we’ve built experiences that aren’t available online,” said My Bella Vita’s Moore. “Nowhere else can you find a multi-course lunch hosted at Zia Pina’s or a picnic prepared and delivered by Signora Francesca. Lunch in the home of our friend, Chef Massimo, isn’t available on Google. When creating or reviewing experiences I always think of my sister in Texas. If she were visiting, would I take her here? If that answer is yes, I know we have a winner.” That is exactly the standard by which I’d like my Italy travels to be judged.

A trip to Italy is a beautiful, special, and almost sacred experience, so don’t screw it up by taking bad advice. I do not know every local specialist—and I hope to keep finding more—but I know several experts I would recommend for different kinds of travel. Or use a good travel advisor, something I recommend for all travel (Read my article Why You Need A Travel Agent More Than Ever here at Forbes ), and communicate with them to ensure they are on the same page in terms of sourcing these kinds of local experts. If they are good, they will already be familiar with several of these companies.

Active Travel

All of Tourissimo's cycling and hiking trips in Italy emphasize food and wine, which is how it ... [+] should be.

Italy has long been the dream destination of cyclists, with Tuscany atop the Bucket List for global road riding destinations. But for the past few years the fastest growing sector of cycling has been “gravel grinding,” and with hundreds of miles of its stunning unpaved “white roads,” Tuscany has also emerged as the world’s top travel spot for gravel lovers. There are also plenty of other amazing places to ride in Italy, including Piemonte, Sardinia, Puglia, the Lakes region, and many other areas. World class hiking abounds, especially the stunning Dolomites—a UNESCO World Heritage Site of beauty unmatched by most other mountain regions on earth. Beyond this there are the Alps in the east, the Cinque Terre, Sardinia, and many other great options.

Italy is so well known for cycling and hiking that every major active travel company in the world runs trips there. But for my last two active trips, one hiking and one biking, I chose a tour operator that is actually based there, founded by an Italian with a passion for cycling and food. Tourissimo may be Italian, but they cater to the American market, and founder Beppe Salerno worked for am American cycling company as a guide before realizing he could do the real Italy better himself—to me, the perfect startup rationale. Over the years since, Tourissimo has grown its library of offerings, with both with an array of scheduled group trips and private custom options. While they do mostly road riding, they are notably one of the only tour operators scheduling gravel trips, and can also arrange custom mountain biking itineraries, with years of expertise in cycling and hiking.

Superstar Chef Mary Sue Milliken has led about galf a dozen Chef's Cycling Tours in Italy for ... [+] Tourissimo.

In addition, Tourissimo has also been a pioneer in “Active Culinary Travel,” a hot new category I have written about here at Forbes (and for other magazines and newspapers). They offer an annual series of six group rides (and a hike) each hosted by an acclaimed chef like Mary Sue Milliken, an award-winning chef, restaurateur, cookbook author (five!) and co-host of the popular PBS cooking show Two Hot Tamales . She is also an avid cyclist and has led the Tourissimo Chef Bike Tours for several years, along with other big names. These trips are a unique option for serious foodies who also ride, while the other trips cater to just about anyone. Otherwise they offer several styles of trips, from Bici Basics for new riders to Ambitious Tours for the more hard core.

Tourissimo puts a focus on local, choosing small and often historic hotels that they have curated and vetted (like the castle I just stayed at in Piemonte), places that you would never be able to distinguish from hundreds of other non-chain options online. Same for restaurants, wineries, and all the other ways they take you behind the scenes and into their real Italy. Their Mission Statement? “We don't want to be the biggest adventure travel company. We want to design and run the best tours in Italy. We strive to be the most authentic and the most beneficial to local communities.” Fantastico!

Bellagio on Lake Como is one of the most famous destinations in Italy — and the perfect place for a ... [+] food-centric bike tour!

Bike It! Bellagio offers another insider biking experience on a much different scale, providing a great one-day experience for visitors to Italy’s most famous lake town. This bike shop on Lake Como is run by a former pro racer and his wife. They rent bikes (road, mountain and e-bikes) out, but also offer one-day guided tours with multiple food and drink stops. Given that the owner grew up here and knows everyone, it’s not surprising that the food and drink spots are insider picks. The shop sits near the iconic Madonna del Ghisallo climb, the most famous in the Giro di Lombardia, a race more than a century old, and several days a week the shop offers guided group rides with a climb of the pass, on road or e-bikes—Bianchi bikes of course!

There are scheduled tours Monday through Saturday, as well as wide range of customizable private tours. These are often taken by families with mixed ages, but for more aggressive riders they offer longer road tours, mountain biking and gravel riding, along with a wide range of less demanding e-bike tours, including some even more focused on food and wine. They also offer a handful of multi-day tours and can put these together as custom on demand, usually for groups, including an iconic coast to coast traverse of Italy. If you are a guest of one of the many stunning (and pricey) ultra-luxury hotels around Bellagio, and ask the concierge to arrange a bike tour, they are likely going to call this shop anyway (and mark it up) so just do it yourself.

Luxury Travel in Italy

From planning your entire itinerary with flights, hotels, and transfers to just booking the best tours, guides and VIP access (often to non-public highlights), it pays to use a top local specialist.

Last year I attended the annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, which has been called “the Oscars of the travel industry.” Virtuoso is the leading global luxury travel consortium, and many of the best travel advisors on earth belong, So does just about every top hotel, resort, safari lodge, cruise line, and luxury tour operator. Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch was explaining the many advantages of using a travel advisor (I wholeheartedly agree) and something he said really stuck with me. He explained that with all of the new online tour booking companies, it was easier than ever to book a tour or guide in just about any destination on earth, but harder than ever to judge the quality. The caveat was that, “you can book a guide, but you can’t book my guide.”

One of Italy's greatest hidden gems, Turin was the nation's first capital and a Winter Olympic host. ... [+] It's worth getting a good guide if you visit.

The Vatican is the Vatican and the Colosseum is the Colosseum, so when you opt for a guided tour, what really matters and makes it a good, bad or great experience is the guide—and their special access, like a tour of the Vatican when no one else is there.

For my recent trip to Turin, I called Imago Artis Travel , an Italy-based luxury travel specialist. They are what is known in the travel industry as a destination management company or DMC, the same companies luxury travel agents call to arrange local details for their clients. There are great DMCs all over the world, and local knowledge is valuable everywhere, but many of them do not deal directly with travelers, while in Italy the best ones do.

I wanted a private day tour of Turin and its surrounding attractions for my wife and I, most importantly the Reggia di Venaria Reale, aka the “Italian Versailles” (one of two places in Italy with this lofty but accurate nickname). The guide they got for me was a licensed guide, and lifelong resident of Turin, and spoke excellent English, which was all good, but she was also an architect, which was great in a city where so much is driven by architecture. That’s not so easy to find on global tour aggregator website. Imago Artis also gave me a list of their favorite restaurant recommendations, which were spot on, then made my reservations for me. At a minimum this eliminates the language barrier of calling or the technology barrier of booking through often tricky (or non-functional) Italian restaurant reservation websites, but in many cases it also gets you a better table and instant VIP treatment—which definitely does not happen when I book myself.

Italy is rich in world-class crafts, and companies like Imago Artis can take you behind the scenes ... [+] to meet the makers.

Imago Artis Travel is a Virtuoso member, which means when you book through them, if you book your luxury hotel, you get extras like room upgrades, late checkout, spa credits etc., one of the big advantages of working with Virtuoso travel advisors. If you have a bigger budget than I do, they can handle all sorts of luxury transport, private jets, helicopters, boat charters, and also offer VIP Meet and Greet services at just about every airport in Italy. They can even arrange private security details. On a more accessible luxury level, they specialize in exclusive experiences, unlocking historic buildings and art collections not open to the public, and taking you behind the scenes with many artisans of Italy, from custom shoemakers to sculptors to jewelry designers. They know food, they know the guides, and I especially like their mission statement, “Our mission is simple: Getting You to the Heart of Italy.” That’s what it is all about.

Another top luxury DMC that is also a member of Virtuoso that I have used in the past with great success is IC Bellagio . They offer a similar array of luxury services and are very well connected, but they also specialize in Villa rentals as well as 5-Star hotels. Differentiating villas in Italy may be the single biggest challenge, more so than restaurants, with so many options and so few valid reviews. IC Bellagio has also boldly acknowledged the overtourism problems some of the most popular parts of Italy face, and are pushing “Slow Season Travel,” which varies in each of the country’s 20 regions but is something they are expert in. Last winter I went to Venice in the off-season, and it was spectacular, and I just traveled in a slow season to Piemonte. It was much, much better than fighting the crowds.

Skiing in Italy is awesome, and it's the best place in the world to stay in mountain rifugios — but ... [+] you need help for the perfect trip.

Skiing in Italy remains a bit under the radar for Europe, especially compared to France and Switzerland. Well, let the crowds go to other countries, because Italy has two different major ski regions, both of which have hosted the Winter Olympics, and the Games are returning to Milan and Cortina in 2026. The interconnected Dolomiti SuperSki lift and trail network in the Dolomites is arguably the largest “ski resort” in the world, and inarguably one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes on the planet. The towns are charming, the food is great, there are spectacular hotels from non-chain independent hidden gems to world-class luxury (Aman, Mandarin Oriental, Relais & Chateaux, etc.) and it’s cheaper than much of the rest of Europe. Did I mention the food?

I first went to the Dolomites to go hiking, and was so wowed I thought, “I have to come back and ski here.” I came back the next winter and skied, and the following year I got a group of friends together and went back. I have skied all over the U.S., and all over the world and never had the same compulsion to return to the same place immediately. That’s how good skiing in Italy is ( read much more in my Italy skiing piece here at Forbes ).

I’ve only used one company for ski travel in Italy and see no reason to switch gears, especially since the local logistics (a great guide/instructor, transfers, the best on-mountain meals and staying a couple of nights in the region’s unique on-mountain rifugios) is very hard to organize on your own. The company is Dolomite Mountains , a specialist in both resort ski vacations and backcountry touring trips (using skins and alpine touring or AT gear). They too are a U.S. facing company with mainly American clientele.

Like many active travel companies, they offer both group trip scheduled departure options and private custom trips to fit whatever you want. The group option is called the Dolomites Ski Safari and is a 7-day trip mixing stays in amazing rifugios with in-town hotels (4 and 5-stars on the Italian system) and includes all breakfasts and dinners, a full-time guide, ski pass, luggage transfers and more. Custom options include the same kind of trip for your own group, or anything you want, and while its name suggests local expertise—quite true—Dolomite Mountains also handles ski trips in the rest of Italy, like Courmayeur, and connected border regions of France, Switzerland and Austria, as many lift systems here know no national boundaries (ski with your passport!). They are also a Virtuoso member.

Calabria & Southern Italy

Many Italian Americans trace their ancestry to Southern Italy's Calabria, and if you want to visit, ... [+] make sure you do it right.

My Bella Vita travel focuses on this area, including both small group trips and custom privates. Their specialties include “Heritage Tours” for those interested in their ancestry, and a food focus for the rest of us. For instance, Taste of the South is a 12-day gastronomic journey through Calabria, Basilicata and Naples—the birthplace of pizza! Food & Wine of Calabria is an 11-daty trip and just what it sounds like.

These are some of the scheduled small group tours offered, but the rest of their business is private trip planning and custom options.

“Italy is deceivingly large, and travelers think two weeks is enough time to see everything. It isn’t,” insists Moore. “You can’t even experience all of Calabria in two weeks. Our team collectively spends about six months a year scouting new hotels, restaurants, and experiences in Calabria and we are constantly re-evaluating and tweaking our recommendations.”

There are some other Italy specialists I have not personally experienced, but that come highly recommended by some of my other experts:

My Bella Vita’s Cherrye Moore says, “ In Sicily, I recommend Lucia Davies of Sicily Tour , one of a trio of British expats who have lived in Siracusa, Sicily for decades.” A family-owned tour-guiding company based in Siracusa, they have nearly 40 years of experience on the island and create trips fostering cultural exchange between Italy and English-speaking visitors, specializing in small group and custom tours.

Food & Wine

Life is too short to go to Italy and not eat well.

Beppe and Heather Dowd of Tourissimo recommend Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures , a company that has also earned kudos from other travel industry folks I know. Owner Francesca Montillo grew up in Southern Italy where her father was greengrocer. An Italian-American cookbook author, she launched the company a decade ago, and she personally leads the tours. She does numerous scheduled tours to different regions each year, and also offers custom private itineraries.

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Money latest: PG Tips enlists Top Boy star for £12m ad to revive fortunes - but poll suggests Britons much prefer rival

PG Tips has launched a high-budget advertising campaign after falling behind Yorkshire Tea, Twinings and Tetley. Read this and the rest of today's consumer and personal finance below - and leave a comment on any of the stories we're covering.

Wednesday 8 May 2024 11:27, UK

• Free childcare applications about to open for new age band
• Downsizing your home could unlock more than £400,000
• Iconic tea brand enlists Top Boy star for £12m ad to revive fortunes - but poll suggests Britons prefer rival
• Train strikes begin - everything you need to know

Essential reads

• When will interest rates be cut?
• What is the Bank of England, why isn't it called the Bank of UK, and how much is in its vaults?
• Cheap Eats : Chef at Tom Kerridge pub picks Buckinghamshire spot
• 'We should charge more': Chef justifies £320 menu as he teams up with Uber Eats for 'cheap' delivery
• Money Problem: We discovered £600 management fee after buying flat - what can we do?
• 10 biggest mistakes people make in job interviews

Ask a question or make a comment

A district council in Prague is looking at banning "silly costumes" worn by stag and hen party groups. 

Officials from the Prague 1 area, which is largely a UNESCO World Heritage site, have said the ban is aimed at clamping down on noisy and drunken tourists. 

The area has long struggled with tourism focused solely on nightlife activities, including bar crawls. 

Local news outlet Prague Morning said the proposal was made by councillor Bronislava Sitar Baborakova, who argued the costumes exceeded acceptable social norms and were negatively impacting residents. 

However, another councillor said the proposed ban on "silly costumes" seemed "excessive". 

Prague 1 has previously implemented a nighttime ban on non-delivery vehicles in part of the area, although the measure was swiftly cancelled after criticism. 

The struggles of fast fashion retailer Boohoo continue with news this morning that revenue dropped 17% in its financial year compared with a year earlier. 

The company, which also owns the PrettyLittleThing and Nasty Gal brands, had pre-tax profits of £58.6m in the year up to February.

That's down from £63.3m the year before as online retailers struggle with the comedown from COVID-19 pandemic era highs. 

Boohoo has faced increased competition from the likes of Chinese rival Shein and had more returns. Its share price is down 4.3% following the announcement and a fall of 20% since late December. 

Meanwhile, oil prices are now at their lowest since mid-March with a barrel of Brent crude oil - which is the pricing benchmark - costing $82.22, down from highs of $91 a barrel at one point last month. 

For one pound you can buy $1.2476 and €1.1613. 

 PG Tips has launched a high-budget advertising campaign after falling behind Yorkshire Tea, Twinings and Tetley. 

It's the tea maker's first campaign in eight years - and there isn't a chimp (or knitted chimp) in sight.

The ad is titled "Rock Solid" - it cost £12m, stars Top Boy actor Ashley Walters, has a soundtrack by Ezra Collective and is directed by Oscar-winning Steve McQueen. 

Those behind the ad, which you can watch in the embedded tweet below, say it is an attempt to appeal to a new generation.

Karen Owen, global senior marketing executive at Lipton Teas and Infusions, which owns the brand, said: "We separated the tea business from Unilever just under two years ago. PG Tips hasn't really been invested in for many, many years. So, we said no, this is the nation's tea. It is the nation's favourite tea."

In the 70-second clip, Walters can be seen coaching himself "out of the doldrums" over a cup of PG Tips.

On the concept, Ms Owen continued: "When you look at Gen Z culture, there's a real fear of burnout. They are not interested in coffee because that's burnout culture; it's pushing the problem down the road. They are much more about recovery and reconnecting with their self."

PG Tips lost £2.8m last year - and our social media polls suggest it's well behind Yorkshire Tea in terms of popularity.

This is how our LinkedIn followers have been voting in our ongoing poll ...

And it's a similar story on Instagram...

Previous PG Tips adverts starred comedians Peter Sellers, Bob Monkhouse, and Johnny Vegas.

This one is the brainchild of indie agency Calling, which is making a name for itself by modernising heritage brands.

It appears to be the first in a series.

"We don't know quite what's going to happen next but what we do know is it's going to be about progress. And Steve, when I was with him last week, he's said, 'So, what are we going to do next?'" Ms Owen said. 

The brand has invested £40m in new machinery, training and blends at its Trafford Park site in Manchester as it attempts to turn around its fortunes.

Here's what some of our LinkedIn followers and Money readers have been saying:

None of the above. Your poll is flawed. Other brands are available. Ray K

None of these... Tick tock organic rooibos tea 🍵 Fay Still

If you ain't drinking Punjana you are missing out.  Stuart Elder

Sainsbury's red label is by far the best tasting tea and has been for decades… and is almost half the price of Yorkshire tea! David100

Tetley one cup all the way , hate strong tea 🤮 Mark Osborne

Unpopular opinion but Yorkshire tea is 🤮🤮 Jo Humphrey 

I ONLY drink tea, ONLY ever pg tips :) Jason Prout

Have to admit I buy Yorkshire Tea by Taylor's of Harrogate (as I live in Bristol, the Hard Water blend if I can) or Twinings Breakfast or Strong. PG Tips and Tetley always seem to wishy washy to me. Chinks

Why do you not mention Waitrose Gold Blend tea? By far the best! Carol Waugh

Every Wednesday we ask a Michelin chef to pick their favourite Cheap Eats where they live and at home. This week we speak to  Tom De Keyser,  head chef at Tom Kerridge's two-starred The Hand and Flowers, Marlow.

What is your favourite place for a meal for two for up to £40 in Buckinghamshire?

The Cedar Marlow is a local gem, it's a fantastic coffee shop and spot for a lovely lunch. I always have the pastrami bagel which is brilliant, my wife loves the chicken shawarma salad, and my young daughter has a fluffy bowl of scrambled eggs. You can happily feed the three of us with a couple of delicious coffees for less than £40.

When I moved to Marlow it was the first place I went for coffee before starting at The Hand and Flowers, I remember the staff being so welcoming and friendly with lots of smiles. It's a gorgeous family-run place with Ralph and Aldo making sure that everyone is looked after, the food is super fresh and the atmosphere is great.

For the nights spent at home – your favourite, low-effort meal to whip up quickly?

My go-to meal for something quick and tasty is quite often pasta and red pesto with grated cheese and fresh herbs with an Italian side salad.

How did you get into cheffing?

In my last year of university, my beer money ran out and I began working in a restaurant, before joining The Hand and Flowers in 2012, the year it became the first in the world to be awarded two Michelin stars.

Read the recommendations of other top chefs around the UK here ...

From Sunday, eligible working parents of children from nine-months-old in England will be able to register for access to up to 15 free hours of government-funded childcare per week.

This will then be granted from September. 

Check if you're eligible  here  - or read on for our explainer on free childcare across the UK.

Three and four year olds

In England, all parents of children aged three and four in England can claim 15 hours of free childcare per week, for 1,140 hours (38 weeks) a year, at an approved provider.

This is a universal offer open to all.

It can be extended to 30 hours where both parents (or the sole parent) are in work, earn the weekly minimum equivalent of 16 hours at the national minimum or living wage, and have an income of less than £100,000 per year.

Two year olds

Previously, only parents in receipt of certain benefits were eligible for 15 hours of free childcare.

But, as of last month, this was extended to working parents.

This is not a universal offer, however.

A working parent must earn more than £8,670 but less than £100,000 per year. For couples, the rule applies to both parents.

Nine months old

In September, this same 15-hour offer will be extended to working parents of children aged from nine months. From 12 May, those whose children will be at least nine months old on 31 August can apply to received the 15 hours of care from September.

From September 2025

The final change to the childcare offer in England will be rolled out in September 2025, when eligible working parents of all children under the age of five will be able to claim 30 hours of free childcare a week.

In some areas of Wales, the Flying Start early years programme offers 12.5 hours of free childcare for 39 weeks, for eligible children aged two to three. The scheme is based on your postcode area, though it is currently being expanded.

All three and four-year-olds are entitled to free early education of 10 hours per week in approved settings during term time under the Welsh government's childcare offer.

Some children of this age are entitled to up to 30 hours per week of free early education and childcare over 48 weeks of the year. The hours can be split - but at least 10 need to be used on early education.

To qualify for this, each parent must earn less than £100,000 per year, be employed and earn at least the equivalent of working 16 hours a week at the national minimum wage, or be enrolled on an undergraduate, postgraduate or further education course that is at least 10 weeks in length.

All three and four-year-olds living in Scotland are entitled to at least 1,140 hours per year of free childcare, with no work or earnings requirements for parents. 

This is usually taken as 30 hours per week over term time (38 weeks), though each provider will have their own approach.

Some households can claim free childcare for two-year-olds. To be eligible you have to be claiming certain benefits such as Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance or Universal Credit, or have a child that is in the care of their local council or living with you under a guardianship order or kinship care order.

Northern Ireland

There is no scheme for free childcare in Northern Ireland. Some other limited support is available.

Working parents can access support from UK-wide schemes such as tax credits, Universal Credit, childcare vouchers and tax-free childcare.

Aside from this, all parents of children aged three or four can apply for at least 12.5 hours a week of funded pre-school education during term time. But over 90% of three-year-olds have a funded pre-school place - and of course this is different to childcare.

What other help could I be eligible for?

Tax-free childcare  - Working parents in the UK can claim up to £500 every three months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of their children to help with childcare costs. 

If the child is disabled, the amount goes up to £1,000 every three months (up to £4,000 a year).

To claim the benefit, parents will need to open a tax-free childcare account online. For every 80p paid into the account, the government will top it up by 20p.

The scheme is available until the September after the child turns 11.

Universal credit  - Working families on universal credit can claim back up to 85% of their monthly childcare costs, as long as the care is paid for upfront. The most you can claim per month is £951 for one child or £1,630 for two or more children.

Tax credits -  People claiming working tax credit can get up to 70% of what they pay for childcare if their costs are no more than £175 per week for one child or £300 per work for multiple children.

Downsizing your home as you get older has a lot of practical benefits - including cutting down on household bills and maintenance costs.

But new analysis shows that moving to a smaller home could also unlock hundreds of thousands of pounds to help clear your mortgage or tuck away in savings.

Research by consumer champion Which? found that - predictably - downsizers in London were likely to make the most in overall cash terms due to high property prices in the capital.

A Londoner moving from a four-bed to a two-bed property,  and staying in the city, could release as much as £414,000, it found.

But Which? says that people downsizing within the capital are only getting back 46% of the total value of their original home on average - the lowest of any region.

In contrast, people in the North East could release as much as 56% of their four-bed home's worth.

People moving to a two-bed from a four-bed in Scotland would make an average of £159,264 in profit - the lowest in cash terms of all regions in Britain. However, they'd get back 50% of the total value.

Londoners wanting to break away from the Big Smoke could make as much as £771,097 by moving to the North East, according to Which? 

Movers doing the big trek from the South West to the North West could also unlock a profit of up to £283,586, it said, while people in the South East downsizing in the North East could get £462,763.

Researchers at Which? analysed Office for National Statistics average property price data and factored in moving costs such as estate agent fees, stamp duty and conveyancing fees.

Sam Richardson, Which? deputy money editor, said while downsizing is "far from easy", it can unlock "a significant amount of money". 

"Even after additional expenses, such as stamp duty and removal fees, the sums you free up could make a big difference, especially if you're concerned that your pension won't go far enough, or you're looking to help loved ones financially," he said.

Average UK house prices have risen only slightly in the past month, according to data from Halifax. 

The average house price rose by 0.1% in April month-on-month, after a fall of 0.9% in March. 

Halifax said typical house prices in early 2024 have "largely plateaued", with the housing market "finding its feet in an era of higher interest rates". 

It added it expected property prices to "rise modestly" over the course of 2024.

Read more here ...

A British driverless car company has raised more than a billion dollars from three major tech companies to commercialise its products. 

Start-up Wayve has secured funds from SoftBank, Nvidia and Microsoft to help develop its artificial intelligence software which can make any vehicle hands-free. 

This is the biggest venture investment so far in a European AI start-up, and could see the London-based company valued at several billion dollars.

The technology teaches autonomous vehicles how to drive using videos and data from real life, and could mean cars are more responsive to incidents such as someone running into the road or another vehicle swerving.

Waitrose workers have claimed the supermarket lowered redundancy payouts for warehouse staff already at risk of losing their jobs. 

Under the proposal, those made redundant will only be paid one week's salary per year of service, on top of statutory payouts received from the government. 

John Lewis said earlier this year it was planning to halve redundancy payouts.

But workers are claiming a review into the planned closure of an Enfield warehouse had begun before the changes were made to redundancy packages. 

The government is planning to overhaul its Personal Independence Payment (PIP) scheme - and one proposal is to require claimants to provide a "proof of diagnosis" letter from a healthcare professional. 

Another measure includes scrapping the current eligibility criteria and replacing it with one based on what condition or disability someone has. 

People can claim PIP payments if they have a disability or medical condition that affects their ability to carry out daily tasks.

The standard rate is £72.65 a week, while the enhanced one is £108.55, and people can also get extra payments of £28.70 or £75.75 if they struggle with mobility.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is now proposing a claimant's eligibility would be based on their clinical diagnosis by a healthcare professional, rather than on an assessment. 

Charities and campaigners have warned this could risk some medical conditions no longer being eligible for PIP if they're not deemed long-term or severe enough. 

Here's everything you need to know about PIP and potential changes...

Basically, the Bank of England is the UK's central bank.

It is different from a bank you would come across along the high street and does not hold accounts or make loans to the public.

The Bank issues bank notes that you spend and it also sets the official interest rates of the UK (otherwise known as the Bank/base rate), which directly influences savings and mortgages. 

It earned the nickname "the old lady of Threadneedle Street" back in the 1700s after a cartoon depicted then-prime minister William Pitt trying to "woo" the Bank - depicted as an old lady - for her gold reserves.

When did the Bank become independent? 

The Bank was founded in 1694 and was owned by various shareholders until it was nationalised in 1946.

It remains owned by the UK government today - but its decision-making was made independent by then-chancellor Gordon Brown in 1997 to increase confidence in the UK economy and stop politicians from influencing monetary policy for political or electoral reasons. 

What is the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee and who sits on it?

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decides the Bank rate.

This generally happens every six weeks, so eight times a year, and the next meeting is on Thursday - hence which we've made it this week's Basically .

The committee is made up of nine independent members who all have expertise in economics and monetary policy.

There are also external members that ensure the MPC benefits from thinking and expertise from outside of the Bank of England.

A representative from HM Treasury also sits with the MPC at its meetings. The Treasury member makes sure the MPC is briefed on government policies, but they are not allowed to vote.

Does the Bank have any other responsibilities?

• The Bank produces £5, £10, £20 and £50 banknotes;
• It guards the value of money by keeping prices stable;
• It keeps the financial system stable by maintaining a close watch on any risks and taking action;
• The Bank also regulates and supervises all the major banks, building societies, credit unions, insurers and investment firms.

Why is it called the Bank of England when it covers the whole UK?

Quite simply, it has never changed its name since it was founded. 

It was created in 1694 after a Scotsman named William Paterson realised the nation's finances had no real system of money or credit. 

Under his direction, a successful scheme was launched in which £1.2m was loaned to the government from funds raised by subscribers who were then incorporated into the governor and company of the Bank of England. 

The money was used to support the English government in its war against France. 

It wasn't until the 19th century that the Bank took on the role of central bank. 

What is in the Bank of England's vaults? 

About 400,000 bars of gold. 

These are worth more than £200bn, making the Bank of England the second-largest keeper of gold in the world - behind the New York Federal Reserve. 

The gold is kept in nine carefully guarded underground vaults. 

Each bar costs hundreds of thousands of pounds, although the value can go up and down. 

The Bank of England's customers - who include the UK government, banks and other governments around the world - can trade their gold bars with other customers. 

When a customer trades gold it doesn't usually move - instead the name of the owner will change on the Bank's system. 

Not many people are allowed to visit the vaults, but the King and the late Queen Elizabeth II have seen them. 

Has anyone ever stolen any gold from the Bank?

The Bank says no gold has been stolen from its vaults, but there was a lucky escape in 1836 after a sewer worker doing repair work accidentally discovered an old drain that ran directly below the gold vault. 

He sent anonymous letters to the directors of the Bank, saying he had access to their gold and offering to meet them in the vault at an hour of their choosing.

When the directors gathered one night in the vault, a noise was heard from beneath the floor and the man popped up through some of the floorboards. 

A stocktake was taken afterwards, and it became clear he had not taken any gold. 

The Bank then decided to reward the sewer worker for his honesty by giving him £800 - the equivalent of about £76,000 today. 

Read other entries in our Basically... series:

The Bank of England will announce its latest base rate decision on Thursday lunchtime - but no one is expecting a cut from the current 5.25%.

It's widely thought rates have reached their peak - they've been at their highest level for 16 years since August.

But market forecasts for a June cut seem to have waned, with August or September now being priced in more heavily.

A feeling that inflation may not reach, or at least stay at, the 2% target through this year (and we've seen how inflation can prove stickier than expected with recent US figures) has led swap rates, which dictate how much it costs lenders to lend, to rise.

Thursday's decision

During March's meeting of the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee, only one of the nine members voted for a cut.

Steve Matthews, investment director at Canada Life Asset Management, doesn't see any movement from the majority eight this time - suggesting a cut isn't imminent.

"Looking ahead to Thursday... we expect an 8-1 vote in favour of no cut, with Swati Dhingra being the lone outlier. 

"While there's optimism within the Monetary Policy Committee that inflation will close in on the all-important 2% as the fuel effect falls out, the Bank of England will be deeply aware of the second-round inflation effect. 

"Rather than patting itself on the back when the 2% figure is hit, it will require clear evidence that inflation is under control rather than simply hitting a target."

High inflation is the reason rates have been elevated - squeezing people's finances and encouraging them to save tends to bring prices down.

Inflation is expected to have dropped significantly in April due to the fall in the energy price cap, and we'll get an announcement on this next Wednesday - but analysts fear it could rise again later this year.

Canada Life is of the view that this means we'll have to wait until August for a base rate cut.

Others think it could be later.

Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, said "hopes are creeping back in about a summer interest rate cut, although September is still very much a possibility".

Some are more optimistic

Weaker employment figures in April add to the case for lower interest rates – more people looking for jobs means employers aren't under as much pressure to raise wages, which can be inflationary.

Another factor which means the BoE could drop rates before the US is that the UK has entered recession, so the committee may want to ease restrictions on the economy.

Andrew Goodwin, chief UK economist for Oxford Economics, said data on services inflation and private sector regular pay mean there is no hope for a May cut. As to whether it will even come in June or August, it's a "close call". 

However, the chair of HSBC has predicted the Bank will move in June.

Speaking at HSBC's annual general meeting today, Mark Tucker said he expected the European Central Bank and Bank of England to cut rates next month, both lowering by 150 basis points (to 3.75%) by the end of 2025.

The respect Capital Economics thinks 4% is more likely - while markets are leaning towards 4.5% come the end of next year.

Previous forecasts suggested rates could fall as low as 3% next year.

What has the Bank said?

Governor Andrew Bailey has repeatedly indicated that nothing is imminent.

"Inflation has continued to fall as expected. Cost pressures have eased, and the restrictive stance of monetary policy is working to bring inflation down. But we need to be sure that inflation will return all the way to our 2% target sustainably," he said in March. 

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