Historical Tours & Trips in Italy
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10 best Historical Italy tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaItaly travel expert at TourRadar
- Siena & History
- Iconic Italian Cities
- Mamma Mia! - 13 Days/12 Nights
- Sicilian Secrets - Tour of Sicily 6 days
- Sicilian Secrets - Mini Tour of Sicily 5 days
- Sicilian Secrets – Tour of Sicily & Aeolian Islands
- Tuscany to Cinque Terre: Wines, Villages & Unforgettable Walks
- Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan: signature (4* hotels) low carbon tour by train
- Northern Sicily: Islands & Volcanoes
- Sicilian Secrets - Tour of Sicily 10 days from Catania
The rich past of Tuscany unfolds from Etruscan Volterra to Renaissance Pienza. Siena's Gothic Duomo, medieval Monteriggioni fortress, and ancient pilgrim routes along Via Francigena through San Gimignano's historic center showcase the region's heritage.
Duration 4 days Destinations Siena, Pienza, Montepulciano, San Gimignano, Volterra Age Range 12 to 90 year olds Operator Tuscan Escapes From
- US$675
Iconic Italian Cities
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The tour was good with some good selections of places to visit.”
Patrick, traveled in May
Italy's historical treasures range from Milan's Gothic cathedral to Rome's Imperial Forum. Venice's 16th-century Rialto Bridge, Florence's Renaissance Basilica of Santa Maria, and Siena's medieval Piazza del Campo tell stories of the past.
Duration 9 days Destinations Milan, Lake Como, Venice, Florence, Rome Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $2,070
10% Off- US$1,863You save $207
Mamma Mia! - 13 Days/12 Nights
35 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The guides were probably one of my favorite parts of the trip because after spending so much time with them they began to feel like more of a friend than a tour guide which was awesome!”
Avery, traveled in June
Rome's Colosseum and Pompeii's preserved ruins stand as testaments to Italy's past. Expert guides bring 2,000 years of history to life at UNESCO sites including Florence's Uffizi Gallery and Venice's St. Mark's Basilica.
Duration 13 days Destinations Rome, Sorrento, Capri, Amalfi, Positano, Naples, Florence, Tuscany, San Gimignano, PisaSee all destinations Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator Italy on a Budget Tours From $3,457
10% Off- US$3,111You save $345
Sicilian Secrets - Tour of Sicily 6 days
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A way to have the highlights of the Island. We enjoyed the dinners at Materia Prima in Catania, a restaurant where to taste the Mediterranean specialties.”
Maria, traveled in April
Ancient treasures of Italy await at Syracuse's Greek Theatre, Agrigento's Valley of Temples, and Palermo's Arab-Norman cathedral. Expert guides share insights at each UNESCO site, from Noto's Baroque architecture to Monreale's golden mosaics.
Duration 6 days Destinations Catania, Syracuse, Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Piazza Armerina, Agrigento, Marsala, Monreale, Palermo Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operated in English, Italian, Spanish Operator Dimensione Sicilia - Dimsi Incoming Operator Srl From $1,361
25% Off- US$1,021You save $340
Sicilian Secrets - Mini Tour of Sicily 5 days
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The sights were amazing and the hotels were mostly wonderful. It was really the experience of a lifetime.”
Lisa, traveled in June
Sicily's architectural legacy spans from Arab-Norman Palermo to baroque Catania. Expert guides reveal the history behind Monreale's Cathedral, Cefalù's medieval charm, and Taormina's Greek theatre. Includes visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites with 4.8/5 rated itineraries.
Duration 5 days Destinations Palermo, Monreale, Cefalu, Catania, Mount Etna, Taormina Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operated in English, Italian, Spanish Operator Dimensione Sicilia - Dimsi Incoming Operator Srl From $1,137
25% Off- US$853You save $284
Sicilian Secrets – Tour of Sicily & Aeolian Islands
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This is my second Holiday with Dimensione Sicilia and won't be the last!”
Leonardo, traveled in April
Sicily's past comes alive at Palermo's multicultural monuments and Monreale's Norman Cathedral. The baroque UNESCO center of Catania, Cefalù's medieval town, and Panarea's prehistoric village of Cape Milazzese showcase the island's diversity.
Duration 9 days Destinations Palermo, Monreale, Cefalu, Catania, Mount Etna, Taormina, Lipari, Salina, Panarea Island, Stromboli Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operated in English, Italian, Spanish Operator Dimensione Sicilia - Dimsi Incoming Operator Srl From $2,303
25% Off- US$1,727You save $575
Tuscany to Cinque Terre: Wines, Villages & Unforgettable Walks
102 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A great group of people, fun activities.”
Ann, traveled in May
Florence's Uffizi Gallery and Centro Storico showcase Italy's artistic heritage, while medieval Lucca's intact walls and the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa tell stories of the past. Historic Villa Pitiana provides a base for experiencing Chianti's centuries-old wine culture.
Duration 7 days Destinations Florence, Cinque Terre, Pisa Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $1,999
25% Off- US$1,499You save $499
Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan: signature (4* hotels) low carbon tour by train
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trains were on time and the excursions we picked were great. Overall it was a fast paced great way to see a lot of Italy that we enjoyed!”
Laura, traveled in April
Rail travel connects Rome's Colosseum to Florence's Uffizi Gallery in this historical journey. Luxurious stays at 4* hotels including Welcome Piram Rome and Hotel Home Florence enhance the experience. Expert guides lead small groups through UNESCO sites with skip-the-line access.
Duration 9 days Destinations Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Meet and Greet Italy From
25% Off- US$1,653
Northern Sicily: Islands & Volcanoes
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Overall I loved the tour and would certainly recommend it.”
Michael, traveled in May
Sicily's volcanic history unfolds through Stromboli's spectacular eruptions and Taormina's Teatro Greco overlooking Mount Etna. The 12th-century Duomo di Cefalù, Palermo's historic center, and Catania's baroque architecture along Via Etnea highlight the island's heritage.
Duration 7 days Destinations Palermo, Cefalu, Lipari, Catania Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $1,799
25% Off- US$1,349You save $449
Sicily's UNESCO sites, including Syracuse's Archaeological Park and Palatine Chapel, reveal ancient stories. Historical marvels like Monreale's Norman Cathedral and Noto's Baroque architecture complement stays at premium hotels such as Hotel Villa Diodoro in Taormina.
Duration 10 days Destinations Catania, Syracuse, Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Piazza Armerina, Agrigento, Marsala, Monreale, PalermoSee all destinations Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operated in English, Italian, Spanish Operator Dimensione Sicilia - Dimsi Incoming Operator Srl From $2,646
25% Off- US$1,985You save $661
What people love about Historical Tours in Italy
- Iconic Italian Cities
It was our first time visiting Italy and we didn't want to spend time planning things out for ourselves so we chose to go with the Iconic Italian Cities tour. The tour was good with some good selections of places to visit.
- Mamma Mia! - 13 Days/12 Nights
This tour is great! My mom and I did the 2 week Mamma Mia tour and loved it! It was a very great experience, we did so much that we wouldn't have been able to do in such a short period of time. The guides were professional, charismatic, prompt, and very understanding. They really were a large contributing factor as to what made this tour so good! Italy on a budget was definitely the way to go if you're coming to Italy for the first time and want to see everything! So much fun, and I would definitely do it again!
- Sicilian Secrets - Tour of Sicily 6 days
The tour was a much needed holiday and change of scenery. I enjoyed my stay.
What our customers ask about Historical Tours & Trips in Italy
What are the must-see historical highlights on a tour of Italy?
From north to south Italy's historical treasures span millennia. The Valley of Temples in Agrigento stands as one of the world's best-preserved ancient Greek sites while Pompeii offers an unparalleled glimpse into Roman daily life. In Rome the Colosseum and Roman Forum transport visitors to the height of empire. Florence serves as an open-air museum of Renaissance art with the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia at its heart. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The historical sites were and customs was excellent." The journey through time continues in Medieval hill towns like San Gimignano and Baroque cities such as Noto and Ragusa where architecture tells the story of Sicily's rich past.
When is the best time to visit Italy's historical sites and avoid large crowds?
The sweet spot for exploring Italy's historic treasures falls in the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October. During these months the weather is pleasant and crowds thin considerably at major sites. Travelers report wait times at Rome's Colosseum and Florence's Uffizi Gallery can be cut in half compared to peak summer months. Hotels like Il Principe in Catania and Romano House in Sicily offer ideal bases for exploring nearby historical sites during these quieter periods.
How much walking is typically involved at Italy's historical sites?
Daily walking distances range from 4 to 7 miles across uneven terrain cobblestone streets and numerous steps. Major sites like the Roman Forum and Pompeii require 2 to 3 hours on foot to properly explore. Hotels such as the Mediterraneo Palace in Ragusa and Mercure in Palermo help minimize walking distances with their central locations. As one TourRadar reviewer mentioned: "Be prepared for extensive walking especially in places like Syracuse's archaeological park and Taormina's ancient theater."
What type of accommodations can I expect on historical tours in Italy?
Four-star hotels near city centers and major sites form the backbone of historical tours. Florence's Hotel Home puts Renaissance attractions at your doorstep while Rome's Welcome Piram positions guests close to ancient landmarks. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The hotels were well-located for historical sightseeing - we stayed at Hotel Continental in Venice which was perfect for exploring the city's Medieval streets." Many properties blend modern comforts with historical buildings. The Hotel Villa Diodoro in Taormina offers rooms with views of the ancient Greek theater.
What are the best regions in Italy for historical sightseeing?
Each region tells its own historical chapter. Sicily showcases Greek and Norman influences through Syracuse and Monreale Cathedral. Rome serves as the epicenter of ancient Roman civilization. Tuscany brings the Renaissance to life in Florence while preserving Medieval charm in towns like San Gimignano. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Sicily was incredible for ancient Greek ruins while Florence perfectly captured Renaissance history." The Amalfi Coast combines historical sites like Pompeii with coastal views and includes gems like Medieval Ravello.
What's included in Historical tour packages?
Tour packages typically cover the essentials: rooms at 4-star properties like the Grand Hotel Europa Palace transport between destinations guided tours at major historical sites skip-the-line access and daily breakfast. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "Having accommodation transport and expert historical guides arranged made exploring Italy's incredible past so much easier."