Central Italy Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,695 reviews)- Choose from 250+ Central Italy tours
- 1,900+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
Table of contents
- The best Central Italy tour packages
- What people love about Central Italy Tours
- Travel Central Italy your way
- Best tour companies for Central Italy tours
- Discover Central Italy tours for every budget
- Central Italy tours for every group
- Top Central Italy travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Central Italy
- Contact our Central Italy travel experts
- What our customers ask about Central Italy Tours & Trips
The best Central Italy tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaCentral Italy travel expert at TourRadar
Icons of Italy: Venice, Florence, Tuscany and Rome Cruise by Rail
41 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was well organized all activities included went without issue. Favourite excursion was day trip to Sienna/Pisa/vineyard and favourite city by far Venice!”
Janice, traveled in October
Venice's Murano Island, Florence's Duomo, and Rome's Colosseum showcase Central Italy's magnificence. The 4-star Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio provides comfort, while skip-the-line access and professional guides enhance the experience. Rated 4.6/5 by 40+ travelers.
Duration 9 days Destinations Venice, Florence, Siena, Rome Age Range 4 to 85 year olds Operated in English, French Operator Meet and Greet Italy From $2,938
10% Off- US$2,645You save $293
Discovery of Italy - 8 Days
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The scenery was breathtaking, and the experience was truly unforgettable.”
Gerson, traveled in May
From Rome's Vatican Museums to Florence's Renaissance masterpieces at the Uffizi, this tour showcases Central Italy's finest. The 4-star St. Martin Rome and Raffaello Florence provide luxurious stays. Traditional Tuscan cuisine awaits in Montepulciano's wine country, while UNESCO gems like Assisi's medieval center come alive through expert English-speaking guides during this 8-day tour.
Duration 8 days Destinations Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Venice, Tuscany, Montepulciano, Vatican City Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Click Tours From $2,160
32% Off- US$1,469You save $691
Explore Italy - 4 Days
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour did say no more than 40 however there was definitely more so smaller would have been nicer.”
Nichole, traveled in May
Central Italy unfolds from Assisi's St. Francis Basilica to Florence's magnificent Duomo. The tour presents Siena's historic Piazza del Campo, Bologna's gourmet scene, with comfortable stays at Raffaello Florence and Delfino Venice.
Duration 4 days Destinations Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Venice Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Click Tours From $1,300
32% Off- US$884You save $416
Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre & Venice in 8 Days
37 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Valentina and Paula were very helpful with their suggestions about what to see and where to eat during our free time.”
Abby, traveled in September
This 8-day Italian adventure, crafted for ages 18-39, winds through iconic cities. The Colosseum and Vatican City in Rome lead to Florence's Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. Highlights include Chianti wine tasting, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Cinque Terre's coastal villages, concluding in Venice's canals. Budget-friendly hostels and local guides ensure authentic experiences.
Duration 8 days Destinations Rome, Vatican City, Florence, Tuscany, San Gimignano, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Venice Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operated in English, Italian Operator Italy on a Budget Tours From $1,353
15% Off- US$1,151You save $203
The Best of Tuscany - 4Days/3Nights
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Tourradar offers an array of excellent tours. They were reliable and professional.”
Stephanie, traveled in August
Renaissance Florence reveals its gems like the Duomo Cathedral and Ponte Vecchio, leading to Pisa's iconic Leaning Tower. The itinerary features Cinque Terre's colorful coastal villages, authentic Chianti vineyards, and San Gimignano's medieval streets, with 3 nights in central Florence.
Duration 4 days Destinations Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre, San Gimignano, Tuscany Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operated in English, Italian Operator Italy on a Budget Tours From $838
15% Off- US$713You save $125
What people love about Central Italy Tours
- Icons of Italy: Venice, Florence, Tuscany and Rome Cruise by Rail
Itinerary excellent for overview of Italy. Claudia fantastic in knowledge, efficiency, kindness and flexibility. Gracia (Sorrento guide) good in knowledge, poor in changing gears per group priorities, listening, multitasking, showing up as promised, patronizing. Hotels well located except for Sorrento (miles from anything but sea, nowhere to walk, totally isolated) but all 3-Star at best. Included “meals” (aside from Sorrento where good) were drink and free bar food at best (deep fried pizza??). One excellent meal was steak dinner in Florence. Trains great and efficient. Bottom line: Claudia’s time and expertise worth every penny; if you choose this for other perks, be advised.
- Discovery of Italy - 8 Days
Your guide was excellent
- Explore Italy - 4 Days
Excellent tour , our guide Nicole is excellent
Travel Central Italy your way
Tuscany by bike opens up differently, and we've got some proper cycling routes that our customers love. The Pisa to Viareggio ride through Macchia Luccese park is a favorite - you'll cycle through pine woods then pop out onto Mediterranean beaches. From Florence, you can pedal through the Chianti hills past olive groves and vineyards before rolling into Siena. The Garfagnana route gets lots of good feedback; you're cycling between local producers and small towns at just the right pace. For the climbs around Montalcino, many riders go for e-bikes, which makes those hills much more manageable. These routes work because you're actually feeling the landscape - every turn brings a new view, every stop puts you right in the middle of authentic Italian life.
Explore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through Central Italy. We have 17 adventures that vary from 4 days to 12 days. With the greatest number of departures in May, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Our food and wine tours really come into their own in central Italy, especially throughout Tuscany and also Umbria. Most travelers base themselves in lovely spots like Montecatini or traditional farmhouses, where the days mix cooking classes with visits to local producers. You'll get hands-on in rustic kitchens with expert local chefs, learning to make fresh pasta, traditional sweets and regional dishes. The wine side goes pretty deep too - you can join sensory workshops at eco-friendly estates or taste wines in historic Chianti cellars. Our guests tell us they love how the structured activities balance with free time to explore food markets and local restaurants. Some tours include nice touches like picking ingredients straight from farm gardens, getting into traditional baking and enjoying proper long Italian lunches right in the vineyards.
Getting deep into Central Italy works best with our exploration-focused tours, each tested and refined by hundreds of travelers. The 7-night Rome, Florence and Venice route stands out - our guides know exactly which local spots to show you and when to let you discover on your own. Quite a few customers go for the Florence and Cinque Terre combo, which takes you beyond the usual spots to places most tourists miss. There's also a quick but well-planned 4-day option from Assisi through Bologna and into Venice; it moves at a good pace but you'll still get proper time in each city. What really works here is how the tours mix guided sections with free time - you learn the essentials from locals who know their cities inside out, then get to explore those winding streets on your own.
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Central Italy tours
Discover Central Italy tours for every budget
Central Italy opens up nicely on a budget with a couple of solid multi-day options. The 8-day Rome-based tour lets you take in the main sites without rushing - our travelers often mention how much they enjoy the Florence night walks and having time to find those local spots for dinner away from the tourist crowds. If you're short on time, the 4-day Florence tour works well as a base for heading into Tuscany's wine country and medieval towns. These tours nail the balance between structured time and free exploration - you'll skip the lines at the Vatican Museums and Colosseum, then have time to wander through places like Trastevere on your own. The local guides make a real difference, especially in Florence where they've got the timing down perfectly to dodge the busy periods at popular spots.
The "Premium Rome to Split" tour shows off Central Italy's luxury side with carefully picked hotels and special access experiences. Each morning starts with local experts who really know their areas - in Venice, you'll get into the Doge's Palace before it opens and see private sections that most visitors miss. Taking the "Easy Pace Italy" route means premium experiences like meeting Tuscan farming families who've been producing wine and olive oil for generations. These tours shine when it comes to unique moments - you'll get private museum visits in Florence after closing time and cook in actual medieval kitchens that have been fixed up just for these classes.
Central Italy budget tours- Central Italy luxury tours
Central Italy tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
177 tours in Central ItalyExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Central Italy. We have 177 adventures that vary from 3 days to 23 days. With the greatest number of departures in May, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
89 tours in Central ItalySmall group tours through Central Italy blend carefully selected experiences - from private after-hours visits in Florence's museums, to hands-on cooking workshops in centuries-old Tuscan kitchens. Travelers consistently praise our 7-10 day trips linking Rome, Florence and Venice, which allow just enough time to absorb each city's character. Smart guides schedule Vatican tours to avoid peak crowds, arrange privileged access at sites like the Doge's Palace, and instinctively know when to let guests wander independently. Groups of 8-12 travelers create natural bonds, often while sharing authentic dishes at neighborhood Roman trattorias. Wine experiences feel genuine and intimate - you'll gather in family cellars across Chianti, where winemakers share stories and techniques through multiple tastings. Florence-based tours stand out for weaving cultural sites with interactive activities, from traditional Venetian mask-making classes to sensory workshops at sustainable wine estates. The magic of these small groups lies in how they balance expert guidance at major landmarks with free time to discover hidden squares in Trastevere, or connect with local artisans in their workshops.
Private / Personalized
91 tours in Central ItalyThe private tour options between Venice, Florence and Rome use high-speed trains to connect everything smoothly. You can mix and match daily activities - maybe explore Bologna's food markets one day and learn to cook in Florence the next. Our customers really value having their own guide in each city who can adjust things based on what they want. The private transfers between stations and hotels take care of the logistics so you can focus on enjoying each place. These tours work well because they blend guided expertise at major sites like the Colosseum with plenty of free time to explore neighborhoods like Venice's Dorsoduro at your own pace.
Top Central Italy travel itineraries to fit your plans
Our 3-day tours zero in on Central Italy's must-sees while giving you flexibility. In Florence, you'll join local producers for wine tastings in their Chianti cellars, where they'll walk you through the distinct qualities of their Classico, Brunello and also Super Tuscan wines. Travelers consistently mention loving their stop at San Gimignano's world-champion gelateria - the medieval towers make a perfect backdrop for enjoying Italy's best gelato. The Rome portion includes skip-the-line access at both the Colosseum and Vatican Museums, with morning tours leaving your afternoons free to wander the Forum or try your luck at the Trevi Fountain. We've also added a focused Chianti option where you'll stay in converted country cottages and can add on cooking classes, horseback rides or even spa treatments.
A week in Central Italy gives you time to really sink into each location. Our rail route from Venice to Rome starts with peaceful morning explorations in Venice before the day-trippers arrive. In Bologna, you'll join local chefs who demonstrate proper pasta-making techniques. Florence combines guided Renaissance art walks with free time to explore the leather markets and craftspeople's workshops. Another solid week-long option kicks off in Rome with Vatican and Colosseum visits, stops at Pisa's Field of Miracles and continues to Florence for hands-on leatherworking lessons. The finale in Venice includes traditional glassblowing demonstrations and gondola rides through the quiet side canals.
Ten days lets you explore thoroughly without rushing. Our most popular route gives three nights each in Rome, Florence and Venice, meaning less packing and unpacking. You'll get full days with expert guides in Vatican City and ancient Rome, plus time to discover local spots in neighborhoods like Trastevere. The Florence leg includes an Uffizi Gallery tour of Renaissance masterpieces and hands-on classes for making pizza and gelato. In Venice, you'll tour St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace and take day trips to colorful Burano and Murano's glass workshops. Another favorite adds Naples and Pompeii - the archaeology guides really bring those ancient streets to life and you'll explore Naples' historic food markets.
Demographics
Our week-long hostel tours connecting Rome, Florence and Venice hit the sweet spot for solo travelers watching their budget. Groups of 8-12 people create the right size for making friends - you'll often find people connecting during evening walks in Florence or sharing plates at local Roman trattorias. Solo guests tell us they love having the logistics handled so they can focus on exploring. The arrival orientation walks help everyone get comfortable with the area and our guides point out the best spots for safe, independent evening exploring.
Our premium tours attract couples looking for that mix of culture and romance. They stay in converted palazzos and countryside villas that set just the right mood for exploring. The schedule works nicely - guided activities in the morning leave afternoons free for wandering medieval streets together. Couples often mention loving the intimate wine tastings at family estates in Chianti and evening gondola rides followed by Venice's cicchetti bars. We've worked in plenty of romantic moments - think private cooking lessons in Tuscan farmhouses, evening Colosseum visits and dinner by candlelight in historic buildings.
Young adults click with our social, culture-meets-nightlife tours through Central Italy. The Rome-Florence-Venice hostel route offers solid value and real Italian experiences. Our twenty-something travelers love evening food tours and bar crawls where local guides share their favorite aperitivo spots. Morning activities cover the must-sees like the Colosseum and Vatican, then afternoons are open for exploring. People really connect over pasta-making classes in Florence or wine tastings in Tuscany. There's always enough free time to check out local recommendations or join up with others from the group for impromptu outings.
Our premium small-group tours work perfectly for seniors who want comfort without missing out. The hotels sit close to major sites, keeping walks manageable while staying central. You might spend your morning exploring the Vatican Museums then take it easy in Trastevere for the afternoon. Our guides adjust the walking pace but make sure everyone experiences everything fully. We include nice touches like private museum visits after regular hours, comfortable transport between cities and proper sit-down lunches at traditional spots instead of quick bites.
Families exploring Central Italy do well with flexible multi-city routes between Rome, Florence and Venice. Kids get hands-on with pizza-making classes in Florence and traditional mask workshops in Venice. The Tuscany portion works great for families with teens - they can hop on bikes through the countryside and parents can enjoy vineyard visits. When families stay in villas near Florence, they get space to spread out plus easy access to day trips. At spots like Pisa, kids naturally gravitate to those classic leaning tower photos. Our guides know how to make history click with different age groups, especially at the Colosseum where stories work better than dates.
- Solo Travelers179 tours
- Couples66 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)11 tours
- Seniors (50+)96 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit Central Italy
- Spring 2025
Spring tours in Central Italy really shine with the Rome-Florence-Venice circuit, which we've perfectly timed across 7 nights. Our guides have figured out all the sweet spots - like getting you to the Colosseum right at sunset when those ancient stones take on this amazing golden color. A lot of our customers go for the 4-day Florence base camp that lets you branch out into Bologna's old lanes for proper Italian food adventures. Cinque Terre tours work beautifully in spring; you get those coastal paths pretty much to yourself and the weather's just right for walking between villages. The Vatican visits are much more relaxed this time of year - fewer people means more time to really take in the Sistine Chapel. What makes spring special is how you can mix it up: spend your morning with Renaissance masterpieces at the Uffizi then head out to family vineyards in Chianti where the owners treat you like old friends.
- 103 tours
- 157 tours
- popular 177 tours
- Summer 2025
Summer tours through Central Italy need smart planning and we've got it down to an art. Our most popular route starts with early morning water taxi rides in Venice and works in afternoon gelato stops under Florence's shaded streets. The museums stay open later, so we'll take you to see David at the Accademia when the big crowds have cleared out. Our travelers really love how we handle the coast in summer; the Cinque Terre stops include plenty of swimming time and boat rides between those colorful villages. People tell us they appreciate having free afternoons to duck into cool museums or find their favorite rooftop bar in Rome. Venice really comes alive in summer and we make the most of it - boat trips out to Murano and Burano let you watch local artists at work in their workshops. We've balanced cultural visits with outdoor activities so you'll see everything while staying comfortable in the summer heat.
- popular 163 tours
- 150 tours
- 162 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
For good value tours in Italy, our travelers have great things to say about Italy on a Budget - their guides Sasa and Alex really know their history and keep everyone engaged. Just keep in mind you'll be staying in hostels, which helps keep costs down and also lets you meet other travelers. If you're after something more upscale, Meet and Greet Italy gets consistently positive feedback from TourRadar customers. Their guide Elisabetta goes above and beyond with local restaurant tips, help with tickets and really thoughtful touches throughout the journey. Speaking of tickets - you'll definitely want to book ahead for major sites like Michelangelo's David and climbing the Duomo Cupola. These tend to fill up weeks in advance, especially during peak season. For a different take on seeing Italy, there's a nice train-based option called "Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento: signature low carbon tour" that uses 4-star hotels. You can adjust the schedule and activities to suit your style, though getting responses from the operator can take some time. The train travel gives you a chance to actually see the countryside and relax between cities, plus it's better for the environment than jumping between airports.
- popular 172 tours
- 164 tours
- 74 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter tours through Central Italy blend thoughtful indoor and outdoor experiences perfectly. In Florence, you'll get private access to Renaissance masterpieces at the Uffizi when visitor numbers drop, plus intimate wine tastings in Chianti cellars where families have crafted wines across generations. Our travelers appreciate how these tours mix deep cultural insights with genuine comfort - exploring Vatican collections in the morning, then settling in for extended Italian lunches at historic trattorias. Premium packages include distinctive elements like after-hours museum access in Florence, traditional cooking workshops in medieval kitchens, and exclusive viewings at the Doge's Palace. What sets these trips apart is the accommodation in converted countryside cottages near Florence, offering a tranquil base for excursions while you enjoy local wines by the fireplace. The Rome-Florence-Venice route connects smoothly by high-speed rail, taking you between cities in climate-controlled comfort as winter landscapes pass by your window.
- 48 tours
- popular 53 tours
- 29 tours
Contact our Central Italy travel experts
George
Expert in Central Italy at TourRadar
George is one of our seasoned Central Italy Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Central Italy tours answered!
- Choose from 273+ Central Italy tours
- 1,914 verified reviews by TourRadar customers
- 24/7 customer support
Call us
+1 844 311 8331What our customers ask about Central Italy Tours & Trips
What Makes Central Italy So Special?
You'll find something truly unique in Central Italy - it's this amazing mix of ancient history art and natural beauty all rolled into one. Rome Florence and Venice are the stars here each with its own personality and deep roots in Italian culture. Then you've got Tuscany which is exactly what you picture when you dream of Italy with those rolling hills vineyards and medieval towns dotting the landscape. It's really unlike anywhere else in Italy and you can experience it all in one region.
What Can You Actually Do with Locals Here?
Getting hands-on with Italian culture is really something special here. You can jump into a cooking class at a beautiful Tuscan farmhouse where local chefs will show you how to make fresh pasta from scratch - imagine learning to make perfect tagliatelle with ragù in Chianti. Wine lovers you're in for a treat the vineyards in Chianti and Montalcino welcome visitors to learn about winemaking and taste some incredible wines like Chianti Classico at places such as Molino di Grace. Over in Florence there are these amazing workshops where artisans still practice traditional leatherwork and goldsmithing you can watch them create beautiful jewelry and leather goods using techniques passed down through generations.
Where Can You Find Natural Beauty Away from the Cities?
The natural side of Central Italy is absolutely breathtaking. The Appenine mountains run right through the region with hiking trails that give you these incredible panoramic views especially up to Monte Prado Tuscany's highest point. Orecchiella National Park is fantastic for nature lovers you might spot buzzards and golden eagles soaring overhead. Then there's Cinque Terre five gorgeous coastal villages connected by scenic walking paths you can easily hop between them by train or boat.
Which Places Are Amazing but Not Overrun with Tourists?
If you're looking to dodge the crowds there are some real hidden treasures here. Assisi in Umbria is this peaceful medieval town with an incredible connection to Saint Francis - the Basilica there has some amazing Giotto and Cimabue artwork. Lucca's another gem a city wrapped in Renaissance walls where you can cycle around the ramparts and explore the historic center without fighting through crowds. And don't miss Volterra it's this fascinating hilltop town where you can walk through Etruscan tombs and medieval towers feeling like you've stepped back in time.
What Local Food Specialties Should You Try?
The food here will blow you away. In Florence you've got to try the Bistecca alla Fiorentina - it's this incredible T-bone steak you'll find in traditional trattorias. Bologna's known for its handmade pasta and you really haven't lived until you've tried proper Tagliatelle al Ragù or Tortellini in Brodo at places like Osteria del Mirasole. And when in Venice treat yourself to authentic Tiramisu in one of the city's charming cafes it's where this famous dessert was born.