Best of Italy in 17 Days Tour

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Trip of a lifetime with amazing sights, food, and culture. But, the agriturismo rooms had either no A/C or broken A/C and temps were in the 90s. None of us slept more than a few hours those two nights. There were no screens so people who left the windows open for ventilation woke up covered in mosquito bites. The Vatican was miserable: hot, overcrowded, and you can't linger to look at the beautiful art without getting yelled at. Felt like a modern version of selling indulgences to tourists.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Borghese in Rome - astounding sculptures by Bernini and other masters. We went on our own but I think it should be included instead of the Vatican. We saw a fantastic concert in Venice and scurried back to our hotel amid a thunderstorm. Splashing through five-inch high water in darkened Venetian alleys was the coolest experience!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent trip, experienced more with my travel group than I would have on my own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Local guides and our Rick Stieve guide were able to explain/educate and add to the experience. There were many wow moments."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I'm very satisfied overall. The guide was excellent. I was not happy with most of the hotel choices.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Probably hiking in the Dolomites."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was outlined by Rick Steve's Company, but Daneila Wedal took it to the next level by enhancing our days with other stops and dining.

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I knew that the Italy tour would be great; however, what really made it wonderful was our tour guide,Daniella. She really knew about the sites we were seeing and provided lots of historical, geographical, cultural and political insights. However, what made it the best was her. She was funny, caring and an absolute delight.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Way too many "wow" moments to list them here."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour met and exceeded our expectations in every way. It was our first Rick Steves tour, but it won't be our last. The itinerary truly gave us the "best of Italy" in terms of the locations and activities. There was a great mix of big city excitement and rural relaxation. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and had a knack for meeting the individual needs of all group members. Our hotels were located right in the heart of the action allowing us to get to the sights quickly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many that it's difficult to pick just one. One location I was really looking forward to was the Alpe de Suisse. and it didn't disappoint. As we hiked through the idyllic countryside with majestic mountains ringing our lush green valley, I thought everything was perfect. Then what should appear but a herd of contented cows, peacefully grazing as their bells provided an alpine soundtrack to our adventure. Pinch me - am I dreaming this Italian Alps paradise? "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was everything described in the materials and guidebook plus additions along the way. It was successful in giving me a true picture of the antiquities of Italy and a good feel for the culture of present day Italy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had many "wow" moments from the tour. I'm tied on my favorite. The 2 nights we spent in Cinque Terre including the walk from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza. Seeing the dome of the Pantheon crackless after 2,000+ years of existence."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a wonderful experience! Our tour guide Daniela was great! We had a good group of people and we saw and did amazing things!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sorry but I didn't have one 'wow' experience; every place we went had it's own unique and wonderful experience."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide Daniela was amazing at navigating the crowds, the sites and difficulties that arose. She was always positive, helpful, informative and fun!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lots of WOW moments…one of them was walking the cinque terre path to the other villages "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Rick Steves 17 Day tour of Italy far exceeded our expectations. We couldn't have had a better guide for our group than Daniela Wedel.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking in the Dolomites with Daniela and the group."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first group tour experience so I chose to lessen the chance of my being disappointed by choosing a well established tour company. Rick Steves and his people exceeded my expectations at all times and I was comfortable just relaxing and enjoying the experience knowing our guide and her support system had it all under control.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The panoramic views from The Alps. Best morning walk ever."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour was excellent from beginning to end! We were able to focus our attention on enjoying the sights, sounds, tastes, and places of our Italian adventure while our experience guide and capable driver, took care of all of the logistics and planning. This is exactly what we are hoping for, and we were delighted!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The views in the Tuscany region were so beautiful that it looked like we were standing in the middle of a painting! The views of Cinque Terre, as we approached from the water were stunning! The masterpieces of sculpture and art in all of the places we visited were breathtaking."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It really was the best of the best of northern Italy. Beautiful scenery and world class museums, cathedrals, art, history and culture. We really had a great group of adventurous folks who made it fun and the spirit made it better for all. Our guide was fun, warm hearted and added her insights all along the way.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Michaelangelo's David, And Sistine chapel ceiling were world class art I wanted to see, but really the whole tour group, and leader made it great."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall I have a very good experience. It met expectations and I enjoyed the places we visited and the hotels provided.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting Cinque Terre, Lake Como and the Dolomites. Hotels we stayed at we above my expectations and most were exceptional."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a wonderful tour with a great group of 23 friends and our outstanding guide, Lorenza, and driver, Sauro! We enjoyed seeing many different cities and regions, as well as learning much about the history, art, and people of Italy. Our guide provided us all with a great personal experience, and we had a few extra moments that really added to the depth of the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many - we even all said “wow” in unison for several of them! The list includes the beauty of Lake Como, the walk we took in the Dolomites, our farmhouse anniversary dinner, St Peter’s Basilica, a street fair/fundraiser in Siena, and our stop in the American World War II cemetery near Florence. Lots of wow!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a wonderful experience with an exceptional guide, Sarah, and a great group of fellow travelers. As this was our 4th Rick Steves tour, we knew there would be unexpected and non-touristy experiences along the way and we were not disappointed.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Dolomites took my breath away. My favorite "wow" moment was high on the Panoramic Trail. There were snow capped mountains all around and beautiful Alpine green meadows at our feet. Sarah played "The Hills Are Alive" from the Sound of Music and we couldn't help but sing!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our tour guide was professional, helpful, informative and great fun. I think there are a few parts of tour that could be changed

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved Lake Cuomo, Dolomites"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We liked the overall itinerary of the tour and places we went. The guide and bus driver were excellent and the other tour members were pleasant as well. We are not religious, and the extent of religious sites grew a bit tiresome at times, although we understand the historical significance.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The wow moment was the Sisteen Chapel and David. We really enjoyed the Dolomites as well. j"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Roman ruins."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

17 days in Italy tour was for our 50th wedding anniversary & it did not disappoint. Sara was an incredible, experienced, knowledgeable, fun guide. Our bus driver, Massimo made us feel safe. Our group, very diverse, was wonderful, we will miss them all! The hotels were clean, with nice meals and in unique in so many wonderful ways! We went on several town/city tours as a group,- plenty of time to choose our individual preferences. Lots of favorites with memories for us to hold on to. Great tour

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Dolomites were incredible to see. The clouds coming and passing over/around the steep, ruggedness was incredible to see.We took the”easier route hike” and at the end we’re not so sure easier was the best description. It was a beautiful hike, but much longer than we anticipated. At the end of the day my Steps Tracker said 8 miles. I’d also recommend hiking poles, mostly for the hike down, where the incline & loose gravel made it difficult to get a grip on the trail. Overall a wonderful hike!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour once we got to the meeting point. The tour itinerary was very extensive but it was the personality and knowledge of Sarah our tour guide that made the trip exceptional. I liked the mix of scheduled tours with free time. The size of the group was a good size. The tour guide modified trip slightly to adjust to the situation and the group. This made the tour even more enjoyable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved all the personal experiences that we were exposed to that we would never have had if we had traveled on our own. The dinner and session on the farm, the dinner in the contraband in Siena, the pesto lesson, demonstration by the stain glass and focula maker were such a treat. The hike and lunch in the Dolomites was incredible."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Every place we visited was worthwhile and many could justify at least one more day. Our guide was outstanding in managing the complex logistics and keeping a positive attitude throughout the trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Maybe the iceman. It was amazing to hear more details of the story which I was already somewhat familiar with and see all the gear that was found with him."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Wild Boar Pasta "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was great, and our guide Sarah was fantastic. We enjoyed the mix of scenic towns and big city experiences - the history and culture of the various Italian regions and stunning views of the Dolomites, Lake Como, and Cinque Terre. The bus was quite comfortable, and although it appears to be a lot of bus time, several non-itinerary stops along the way made it much more tolerable. Well done!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For me, the Trail of Witches hike in the Dolomites was great. Stunning views and a semi-challenging trail made it special. My wife enjoyed the "surprise" stop at the hilltop town of San Gimignano near Siena. A great stop that was not on the itinerary."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We thoroughly enjoyed the tour, and we were delighted with the experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I thinking it was seeing Venice for the first time after having seen so many images and its being described by friends."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our guide was great, and I appreciated that our tour took care of the details- transportation, hotels, tickets, many meals- so that I could focus on being where I was. I had been to Italy before and was happy to revisit Venice, Florence, Siena and Rome, but I specifically wanted the "Best of Italy" itinerary to see places I hadn't seen before like Lake Como, the Dolomites, Cinque Terre and Umbria, and it was a perfect mix of locales for me.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Looking back at Vernazza from the Vernazza-to-Monterosso trail. It is the iconic view of Cinque Terre that I loved seeing for myself. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Miles of walking, fantastic food, culture, architecture.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"the winery was a delightful respite"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We loved the volume of places we saw.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cinque Terra"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Good lead tour guide and group of people. Mix of group and free time good. Several highlights include: Dolomites (day of hiking); Cinque Terre (hotel great; pasta demo and dinner great); Winery stay including hotel, surroundings, visit to Orvieta, and meals great. Several missteps include: landslide front of tour that prevented train access to hotel in Varenna - lack of communication from tour company to advise contacting hotel to get from ferry to hotel well above Lake Como (physically hard).

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Definitely being in Dolomites for one day of free time - hiking the beautiful hilltops and mountain views. Second misstep was having a last minute change of hotel from printed itinerary which resulted in the group not staying in mountain chalet or having special meal there. Rebooked hotel was in rather large city (Bolzano) with limited mountain views so not nearly as charming as staying in mountains as planned. Email from tour company as to why the location change would have been preferred."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We enjoyed the tour thoroughly. This is the first time we visited Italy. The comprehensive and thoughtful tour logistic arrangements completely allowed us to focus on enjoying the tour contents. The itinerary covered the most key areas that interested us, plus some "bonus" stops that we did not know. The hotel choices were excellent in their location and service quality. The tour guide (Ferdie) were so professional, knowledgeable, and courteous. We wish to see him again in our next tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There are a few stops on tour that were not mentioned in the published itinerary, such as San Gimignano, that were so interesting."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This is the best organized tour I have ever had in my thirty year’s traveling experiences.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The first sight of San Gimignano because it’s unexpected."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first guided tour as we've done Europe trips on our own with Rick's guide books in the past. We loved the experience. It was great to have the itinerary and hotels booked as well as all of the transportation and travel details once we arrived. All of this takes so much time to plan and figure out! We loved our tour guide, Ferdi. Had an excellent bus driver, Roberto. Great comradery with the others on the tour. Got to see and experience so much! Enjoyed the local tour guides.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There are too many wow moments. I keep getting asked this question and struggle picking a favorite. I think seeing and experiencing Lake Como by ferry for the first time and enjoying our wonderful hotel in Varenna was a wow. Also, experiencing the beauty and uniqueness of Venice again was a wow. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fantastic tour! The hotels are wonderful, the guide is great, the food outstanding. Every detail was thought of.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The wine resort. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a wonderful time on the Best of Italy tour. We were so lucky to have Ferdi for our guide. He was informative, kind, funny, knowledgeable. He was the perfect blend for a guide. Without a doubt, he was the reason our tour was so much fun. We had a wonderful group of fellow travelers. This was our 5th Rick Steves tour, and it did not disappoint! The Itinerary was excellent. A well put together tour full of fun and laughter.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The gondola ride that Ferdi arranged for us was one of my favorite moments. We started at dusk and ended with the lights on the Grand Canal. We will never forget that evening. And the visit to Assisi was one that really touched my heart. What a beautiful city! Of course, the hike in the Dolomites was breathtaking as well. This tour had more than one wow moment. I would recommend this tour in a heartbeat. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Excellent experience and accommodations. Bus transport comfortable and efficient. Great driver and guide. Special tours turned out to be wonderful. Stained glass, pesto, and forcola making were unique and memorable. Wish sequence was Academia then Uffizi so we could have spent more time at the Uffizi. Bad timing due to holiday prevented a return to Uffizi the next day. Wanted more time in Assisi. Would have preferred a short stop in Lucca to San Gemignani (Rick really down on SG in the guide)I

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Italy in general. Loved Varenna, Alpe di Suisse, First sighting of the Grand Canal, St Mark's, Cinque Terre, the bridges over the Arno at dusk, Assisi, Orvieto, both side of Rome (ancient and Catholic Baroque). The Sistine Chapel and Upper Assisi basilica were amazing. We did The Last Supper and Scrovegni on our own. We had to make separate plans for St Peters due to event. Also, Galleria Borghese was stunning, had to stay an extra day on our own for it."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very educational and enjoyable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the David."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Trina was an excellent tour guide! Our 3rd RS your and she’s the best! Lodgings were better than before! Great bus driver- we loved Dino! Not too large of a tour ….. keep them small please..

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Alpe de Suise in the Dolemites!!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Surprisingly, turning the corner and seeing David."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The only stress was getting through the Milano train station. It should be mentioned that the ticket validation machines are the small "yellow" ones on the track and that we could buy a ticket to get off in Varenna, not the end of the route. From Varenna on we were overwhelmed with the entire tour. Our entire group were fun and easy to travel with. Our tour guide Trina, was amazing and even our bus driver Dino was the best! We loved the locations and felt we got a doctorate in Art History!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There was a WOW in every place we visited. Probably the ancient architecture, the churches were like walking through a Ken Follett novel. But also the Dolomite Mountains which was like a scene from The Sound of Music!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great guides, great group. Trina, our guide, did a great job with both the history, art, and practicality of the tour. Dino, our driver, navigated around several issues. The group meshed well and enjoyed each other’s company. Whew! This tour should be called a taste of Italy! We saw so many cities that you would want to go back to and see in a more relaxed pace. Essentially, we got one full day in each city. The only disappointing thing was cold showers at the agritourismo.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite wow moment on the tour was seeing the David at the Academia in Florence."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We weren’t sure what to expect, as this was our first tour, our first experience of Rick Steves’ organization, and our first significant trip abroad — and this was far beyond what we’d hoped or imagined! It was outstanding in every aspect, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the whole experience!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Favorite? Impossible to pick out just one. Every day brought a new and wonderful surprise, or actually set of surprises. Endless “wow” moments."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We saw the most of northern Italy you could see in 17 days.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sitting on our balcony in Monterosso in Cinque Terre drinking a glass of Prosecco at sunset. Life doesn’t get much better. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Paris and Italy was sensational

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Paris the Eiffel Tower when I walked out of our room. Sacre couer. Love the green fields in Italy, lake Como and Balzono. Venice was awesome, as was all of Italy. My bucket list complete,"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a wonderful time and made many new friends on the tour. We have never taken a tour in the past and we’re concerned that we wouldn’t have adequate free time but it was a good mix of group events and free time to peruse our own interests. Several of our group had previously been on a Rick Steves tour and that gave us confidence we were in for a very positive experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"After touring Saint Marks cathedral we went to a restaurant on the square for a bite of lunch and a little people watching . That’s when it hit us we were really experiencing Italy. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was magical and surpassed my expectations!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sitting atop a terrace in Cinque Terra with amazing views over the mediterranean sea. We had a local family (82 year old grandmother, her daughter and granddaughter host our group. We sipped champagne as they demonstrated their family pesto recipe. The views were spectacular and I loved seeing this 3 generation family share their passion for Italy. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We loved the entire experience, From our excellent guide Karen, to the sites, food, and hotels.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Venice and CinqueTerra were both wows!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first trip to Europe and our first Rick Steves experience. Both did not disappoint. We had been planning this trip since 2019. The trip exceeded our expectations. The tour was eventful and filled with sights that we don't think we could have gotten on our own. Our guide Karin was absolutely fabulous. We've been home a week now and we're already planning another Rick Steves trip for next year.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were several "wow" moments. When you're touring Lake Como, Venice, Florence, Pisa, the Cinque Terre, Asissi, Siena, then finally Rome, the "wow" are many and almost daily. Of them all, the biggest "wow" moment was when I first walked into St. Mark's Basilica in Venice. I was literally in awe. But that was just one of many "wows.""

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour guide, Karin, was super. I was amazed with her skills in keeping a large group together and focused with each city visited. Her knowledge of history was super and most enjoyable. All the guides in each city were super. Paul Costa(sp) really stood out with the way he would engage the group and making history fun.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My WOW moment was learning about Sienna. The unique history of this city was very interesting with how they evolved with districts, horse racing, and family. And basic concepts of life hold strong today. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a wonderful time, fantastic food, great companions and a top hat guide. The hotels were located for easy walking and exploring. The guide went beyond her job to find a running guide for us in Rome and live music for our Anniversary trip on the waterways of Venice.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our guide made each and every experience well worth our time. Special drinks on a snow covered peak, cookies on the bus and a joyful smile.The Wow was her ability to bring together a very diverse group of people into a team in such a short time."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was very good, bordering on outstanding. There were only a couple of things that kept this tour from being outstanding and neither were within the tour guides control. First, the weather could have been better. The poor weather impacted our ability to hike in the Dolomite’s. Despite the weather our guide, Karen, did a great job improvising and we still had a great time. The second issue was the fact the Vatican museum was stupidly busy. That I completely blame on the Vatican.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Otzi, hiking the Cinque Terre and running in Rome. The Ice Man was fascinating. I recall hearing about the discovery years ago, but to actually visit the museum, see Otzi’s remains and learn about his life and death is something i will remember for the rest of my life. However, personally for me, I think my “wow” moment was running in Rome. My buddy Jay and I had arranged a 15K sunrise running tour. We saw all the major sites, essentially empty and watched the city come to life. Beautiful."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Schedule was a comfortable pace and itinerary was great

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Gondola ride in Venice and Sienna"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

While we weren’t able to finish the tour, the trip was outstanding up until we left. Great tour leader, local guides and itinerary.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Oddly, seeing Otzi at the S. Tyrol Museum in Bolzano. Unexpected and fascinating."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful. Our guide Sarah always addressed any problems which was not often

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being in Cinque Terre."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The overall experience was great and wonderful memories were created.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking the Cinque Terre and celebrating our Anniversary with a pesto making class and delicious meal."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had never been to Europe and booked this for our 30th wedding anniversary. It exceeded my expectations!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were seeing the scenic natural beauty of Lake Como and the Cinque Terra were breathtaking. Also Saint Marks in Venice was spiritually moving. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour even though it was a bit fast paced. Perhaps a one or tow 3 night stays in one place would allow for down time, illiness etc.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visting artisan studios such as Remi the forcole maker in Venice and Masimo the stain glass artist in Senia. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The gondola ride with music arranged by our guide Vanessa!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide, Vanessa, really created a great experience for all of us. This trip is a dream come true. We were able to see so much in just 17 days. That was a bit aggressive, but we knew that is how it would be. I do like the fact that we were in each are for 2 nights. The art, history and architecture just amaze me. While it rain just about every day, we were all troopers and didn't let it stop us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hmmmmm.....my "wow", I had a few! Umbria and Tuscany wowed me and Cinque Terre really wowed me too. I have wanted to go to Cinque Terre for years! I would love to have been able to spend more time there. Maybe we will go back."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was simply amazing! From start to finish, this trip exceeded every expectation.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many “Wow” moments! Sunrise at Lake Como; the Spring flowers blooming on the Dolomite meadows; the Grand Canal opening up in front of our gondola; the David and “prisoner” sculptures; the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the 11:00 chant in the Baptistry; Cinque Terra; the Tuscany hills; San Gimignano; relaxing at the vineyard; Orvieto and the Etruscan caves; Rome! The food and regional suppers…so delicious! I was simply “wowed” from start to finish. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour experience was amazing! Vanessa just made everything exciting and fun! This was our first time traveling with an "organized tour" and it far exceeded any expectation.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is hard to pick a favorite. I just felt like I was in a motion picture seeing all the things I have seen in movies."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The towns/sites visited provided a great sampling of the different regions of northern Italy, and Vanessa provided a perfect blend of history, religious significance, Italian language lessons and humor as she guided us through the 17 days. We experienced an unusual amount of rain for this time of the year, but she even made the best of that through her upbeat personality. 2 things I didn't like: Vatican Museum tour was VERY rushed, and seems like we crammed too much into 2 days in Rome.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many it's hard to choose one, but the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Roman Forum would all be at the top of the list."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It exceeded all my expectations. The accommodations were stellar and the food was excellent. We had a great tour guide and she made the whole trip so enjoyable. I really enjoyed that we had a lot free time to explore on our own. The guided tours in the cities we visited were so educational and helpful to understand the culture and life in ancient Italy. Just loved it.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our first night in Varenna we were lucky to have a lakeside room with a view of Lake Cuomo. It was so beautiful. What a way to start your trip."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was wonderfull! It gave us as first time travelers to Italy a great look at the most notable sites in northern Italy. Each of our hotels were within easy walking distance from the sites and we had free time to see interesting sites that were not on our tour allowing us Rosenurg maximize our tour experience. When closures happened our guide was great at leading us to great alternative sites and activities.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The history and art was astounding! From Ott's the ice man in 5000 BC that they now know a remarkable amount about, to the Sassi, Etruscans and Greek from the first 5 centuries BC, how advanced Pompai was in 79 AD to the Renaissance art of the 14th century. I have never before been exposed to such a wide range of historic sites and art."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

As a single female I was originally reluctant to participate in a Rick Steves tour. However, I am very glad that I did it anyway. I was very pleased with the Best of Italy tour that I took in May 2023. For starters, we had a wonderful tour guide, Stephanie B who provided a lot of information and care with just the right approach. I had previously toured Italy using Rick's guidebooks, but this tour let me know just how much you can miss by doing it yourself. I will go again.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The sum of the parts! WOW! I want to do it again. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My experience on this tour was just wonderful. Our tour guide, Stephanie is outstanding and made the trip remarkable! I feel fortunate to have traveled to so many unexpected places in Italy and gain knowledge of the Italian culture, history and exquisite art. I feel blessed to have experienced a terrific adventure and the many friendships long the way. Thank you Stephanie!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There are so many "wow" moments on the trip for me. The beauty of Lake Como and walking in the Dolomites stands out and I have to say the mid-evil surroundings of Siena I will never forget. I loved that city!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Amazing travel experience from the best guide, Stephanie, to bus driver, Dino, to a wonderful group to spend 17 days, to the very well planned cities including the unplanned stops between cities like the American Cemetery, & beautiful San Gimignano. Lots of walking & steps so you do need to be fit enough to keep up & carry your own luggage. My husband & I are 72 & very active, walking daily & exercising so it was perfect for our lifestyle. We never could have covered so much unguided!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Staying at Alta Roca Wine Resort outside Orvieto, Varenna & Cinque Terre in the evenings after the cruise ship tourist go back to their ship & you get to enjoy the beautiful towns without the crowds! Learning about the horse races in Sienna, the stained glass presentation & of course the statue of David in Florence, ride on a vaporetto in Venice, the Ice Man museum in Bolzano, & the gorgeous hike from one hill town to another in Cinque Terre."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Nice tour that made it easy and convenient to see different cities and attractions

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

17 days full of new sights, old art, new drinks (aperol of course), old architecture, and new friends. The guide, Stephanie, was superb. The itinerary was busier than I expected, but I wouldn't have missed any of it. The hotels were better than I expected, but often noisy so those earplugs and white noise really helped. The ancient towns were a joy to explore, especially with the chance to meet artisans in several towns and cities.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There are more than one: when the meat was served at the Bolzano restaurant, Donatello's David, views when hiking the Cinqueterra, when Stephanie surprised me with a postcard of the St Frances chapel where I couldn't take a photo, the map room in the Vatican...."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We enjoyed the "mix" of big city and nature. Our Rick Steve's guide, Stephanie,and the local guides, shared insightful information and did it in a fashion that inspired us to learn more. We appreciated the balance of planned activities with free time to explore on our own, which also came with good recomendations. We found our tour group to be cohesive and encouraging.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Turning a corner in the Florences's Academia and first seeing Michelangelo's David. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour was incredible! Starting with our guide!!! The accommodations were great! It was fun meeting the fellow travelers; they all were so enjoyable! Of course the sights of Italy are awesome! The extra added excursions so added to our experience (glass blowing, fulcrum craving, stain glass, gondola serenade, and much more). And the food and wine were of course delicious!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Only one “wow” moment?? Each stop was wonderful and had its own exceptional experiences. Hiking in Varenna with views of Lake Como! The tram ride and hike in the Dolomites! Venice was awesome no cars and the local guide was great! Cinque Terra was a dream with the ocean views and hiking! The Siena/Tuscany area was beautiful! And Orvieto and the Agriturismo was so beautiful and relaxing And Rome was much more enjoyable than expected!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My tour experience was incredible! I have never been to Italy before and this was the tour to do; besides having the best Rick Steves tour guide ever....Sarah Shortreed! All the work that went into having a successful tour; all the behind the scenes to make it all happen was seamless. The sights, the sounds, the food, the extra knowledge, history that we learned and saw was priceless and I will never forget. It was a trip of a lifetime for me.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many...starting with the Lake Como village of Varenna...hiking the Dolomites..exploring Venice...seeing Michelangelo's David...Pisa's Leaning Tower...being awestruck at the beauty of Cinque Terre's villages...going behind the scenes to see how stain glass windows are created.. and how the Gondola paddles and stands are made...staying at a winery... going to the Florence and American Cemetery and Memorial...ROME..SISTINE CHAPEL..COLOSSEUM..ST. PETER'S BASILICA..memories forever!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was great. It was so scenic and informative. It was nice to get a flavor of different regions of Italy. The food was outstanding, the guide was first rate, and the group was easy to get along with.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The scenery at Lake Como and Monterosso were my favorites."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was everything we expected, and more. The pace was brisk, but manageable, and the content made all of our effort worthwhile. The hotels were fantastic, the coach and driver were outstanding, and the group activities were enjoyable. Our guide, Sarah, made it all even better.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"From a number of "wow" moments, I would select viewing the Cinque Terra villages from the ferry as my favorite wow moment. Every image looked like a postcard. The colorful villages carved into the seaside cliffs are amazing."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Amazing trip, beyond my expectations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It's very difficult to pick just one, here's mine. The Cinque Terre area and the charming town of Monterosso. We stayed at the Hotel Pasquale and had a room with balcony facing the Sea. We could have stayed here many more days."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Enjoyed being with enthusiastic, positive fellow travelers.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Cinque Terra. Lived up to and exceeded the hype."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Absolutely amazing. We will definitely be taking another RS tour. A perfect amount of being guided around and being on our own. Our guide Sarah was amazing, very helpful and knowledgeable and took good care of us. A few things had to be rearranged due to weather but we didn’t miss anything at all. Our hotels were fabulous. It was nice to have the tour company take care of all the details and driving so we really felt like we were on vacation. Loved that it was a small group tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Everything about the tour was a “ wow” moment. The people, food, history, art, scenery. If I had to pick two it would be Cinque Terre and Lake Como. The little hill towns are beautiful. Although our stay at Altarocca winery resort was also a wonderful experience. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My tour of Italy was everything I hoped it would be and more. From Lake Como to Rome I learned so much about the history of each of the regions we traveled in and the scenery was breathtaking. The people of Italy are lovely as was our guide, who was so knowledgable and charming. Lastly, I really enjoyed getting to know the other travelers in our group!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Every day in Italy is full of ‘wow’ moments, but there are standouts. Walking in the Alpe di Siusi, with the jagged tops of the Dolomites peaking through the clouds was a moment in time I hope to never forget. The same is true of attending a performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in Venice, in a historic venue where chamber music has been performed for centuries!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

First trip to Europe. Was impressed how every day was so well planned out and our guide (Sarah) was the absolute best!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Iceman ‘Otzi’ How amazing that a 5,000+ year old preserved man and many of his belongings were found and preserved. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very enjoyable, fun tour group and excellent main guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Viewing "David" in Florence was truly magnificent."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was all we hoped it would be. I'm so thankful that no one got sick, no one got hurt, and everyone got along so well!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I think going on gondola ride in Venice was a highlight. I never thought I'd actually get to do that! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A wonderful experience-my first with Rick Steves. The guide, itinerary and group were fantastic.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I think I have two...Varenna and the Lake Como region was so beautiful, as was the experience visiting Cinque Terra. Each village had its own true color and personality."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My Italy dream came true! The tour not only met but exceeded my expectations. I saw everything I hoped to see and more. Some days were quite demanding, logging10 miles once, and close to that several on others, but every step was worth it. Our tour group was filled with nice folks. Last but not least was our tour guide.....the SUBERB Sarah! She's a gem. This will not be our last Rick Steves tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My first view of Lake Como from our hotel terrace on day one to St Peter's Basilica in Rome on our last day. Honestly, everyday held a wow moment for me. Cinque Terre was charming and San Gimignano & Venice made quite an impression."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved the variety of places that we visited. I also thought the itinerary was well planned with busy days intermingled with less busy days.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Very hard to pick one "wow" moment. The stunning architecture everywhere, the serenity and relaxation of the wine resort near Orvieto, the beauty of each of the places we visited, the wonderful people we met at the hotels, and on and on. So many wonderful experiences."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Best of Italy tour was really a great way to experience a huge amount of the country and see the enormous variety between different regions of Italy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Favorite "wow" moment was our gondola ride in Venice. We decided to take a two-person romantic gondola ride to celebrate my birthday. Thanks to our guide we had a great recommendation of a good stand to go to. As we entered the grand canal, the bells at the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute starting to chime and it was the most magical and almost otherworldly few moments."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Love Italy, fun group, exceptional guide

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our Alpine meadow was covered with snow! The views from the Bolzano cable car were absolutely stunning. And the “Otzi the Iceman” museum was informative and fascinating."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Outstanding. The tour went really smooth. The tour guide was a walking computer about all things about ITALY.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I have 2. The Gondola ride in Venice. Walking into St Peter's Basilica. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Never been on a tour group experience before. Definitely the smaller group is the way to go. Nice to relax and have someone handle all the details. Our guide was phenomenal. They could make or break the tour. In our case Collen rocked.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Stepping out of the Metro and seeing the Colosseum for the first time. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Colleen was our wonderful, knowledgeable guide and she was friendly, professional and a great resource and perfect spokesperson for your tours. Loved the mix of travel, train , bus and boats. Great taste of local food, people & culture. Fantastic mix of hotel choices, My friends are all envious of my travels.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Very hard to pick one....Loved visiting the Ice man in Boizano and seeing that part of Italy. Beautiful. Another wow was Siena and the dinner and history of the Horse race. The Altarocca winery resort was fantastic, a great mix of the ancient nearby town and views that knock your socks off at the Winery. A real treat and much needed rest. The whole trip was a thrill for me."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Colleen did an outstanding job leading our Italy tour, providing useful information and addressing traveler concerns.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Special workshop activities coordinated by Colleen--stained glass, gondola part craftsman and wood carver in the Dolomites stand out as really special experiences we would have missed if not participating in the Rick Steves' tour."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I was amazed and proven wrong about tours! I really had no idea how personal and special this trip was going to be. I experienced so many off the beaten path truly special moments that the average tourist never gets. The intimacy of everything was 180 degrees from what I was expecting of a group experience. We really felt the essence of everywhere we went by the incredible relationships and networking Rick Steve’s tours have. I am still in awe of the vast way my expectations were surpassed!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I was blown away by all the genuine beautiful relationships my guide had with her local guides, restaurant owners, and artisans. I loved how excited they were to see her, she was always meeting someone during her free time catching up with their lives. In turn, I then felt that sense of community passed on to us that created several incredible demonstrations and culture opportunities that I was not expecting. I would never have gotten close to that intimacy in each city on my own trip. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had an excellent tour guide - Colleen. She had great depth of knowledge, enthusiasm, energy and the personality to lead the group. She gave us a history lesson for each stop along with a lot of local insight to make each place enjoyable. Seems like we saw the highlights at each stop. Hotels were good all in the middle of town, We always had good food tour provided or on our own. Are fellow travelers were very nice and really helped make it a great experience. Local guides were very good.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Taking water taxi into Venice was pretty good. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour lived up to my expectations and beyond!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many “wow” moments, but the first was at the Villa Carlotta gardens above Lake Como."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The best way to see Italy for the first time! All the details had been taken care of, and we just went with the flow.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Saint Mark's Square in Venice. Something you have seen in pictures and videos before, but it was an emotional experience for my wife and me."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It felt like a firehose -- so many places, stories, experiences in such a short period of time. That has both its advantages and disadvantages. I loved seeing what we saw, but it was hard to take it all in.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Angelo, our guide for Florence, was superb and passionate, especially in giving us background on Michelangelo's David. My appreciation for the work of art increased greatly as a result of his explanation."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was fantastic! Our tour leader was very knowledgeable and kept our happy little group on time and on task. The sites we visited were arranged so that our local guides were the best at their jobs and were very experienced.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to list… it would look like our tour itinerary. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our experience was so much better than expected. It was our first visit to all of the areas except for Rome. As advertised, the tour required strenuous walking on uneven surfaces. Highlights were Cinque Terra, Varenna on Lake Como, Altarocca in Umbria, and the side tours of local artisans in Venice and Sienna.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The American Cemetery in Florence, walking into Cinque Terra from the train, and opening our hotel window looking our on the piazza in Varenna."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

So glad we booked this tour. We went places we would not have gone on our own. Loved the experiences included in the tour. Stain glass demonstration, fulcrum demonstration, pesto making demonstration!!! Such nice additions to the trip. We were fortunate to have a great inclusive tour group that made our trip extra special! We will definitely stay in touch with many of our new friends.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I can't pick one! Loved entire Cinque Terra experience, loved learning about the Paleo di Sienna horse race and had so much fun at the social club dinner. (Especially the crazy jockey less winner!) Lake Como, Venice, art in Florence. I will stop now. 🤣"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Best of Italy in 17 days was our first Rick Steves tour, but it will NOT be our last! We enjoyed every minute and were so lucky to have great weather the entire time. Our tour guide (Stephanie) was simply wonderful, and she took excellent care of us while we navigated the beautiful towns and cities along the way. We were with an amazing group of fellow travelers and we truly enjoyed getting to know them during this tour. We can’t wait to book our next adventure with RSE!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being from the east coast, we don’t get to see mountains on the regular, so the trip to the Dolomites was pretty awesome. But there were so many wow moments, the Sistine Chapel, the gardens of Villa Carlotta, the murano glass making and stained glass making demonstrations…it was all so much fun."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great itinerary, super group of people and a fantastic tour guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"This site wasn't on our guided itinerary, but the Teatro Marcello in Rome was within walking distance of our hotel and my husband and I found it fascinating. It wasn't crowded at all, so a much better experience than the Coliseum. We also immensely enjoyed Orvieto, the cathedral was stunning and the organist was practicing which made the whole experience even better."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Can't express how much we enjoyed the Tour, Guide, Sites, and experiences.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking into the Sistine Chapel"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A very enjoyable tour. This was our second Rick Steves' tour and both were great! The tour guide and local guides were professional and knowledgeable. The bus was in excellent condition and the driver was very helpful. The tour locations were terrific, but the season did have an impact (the winter weather limited the Dolomite experience and the May Day holiday made the crowds at the Vatican Museum a significant detractor.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Venice. A magical place. I didn't expect I would like the gondola (I thought it was a hokey tourist thing), but it turned out to be a high point."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour manager, Stephanie, was great. She always had a contingency plan “B” and “C” if plan A didn’t work out. She was just married a few days before our trip began and you’d think, she’d ask to be rescheduled. But as chance would have it, her new husband was our bus driver! Stephanie was so professional and committed to her responsibilities for the entirety of the trip. She gave us a wonderful personal & historical perspective on living in Italy. She is the best!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It’s hard to pick out one thing..because there were so many things that I didn’t realize. But I have 2 that were most memorable for me. The first: had lunch in a little restaurant off the main drag of the historic center of Pisa. And I had the best Cacio e Pepe ever..better than in Rome! The 2nd was seeing how many of the ancient buildings were still being used, albeit repurposed. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved the whole thing. A great variety of places and experiences. Nancy was incredible.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many I can't even pick a favorite. The lake day in Varenna. Hiking in the Dolomites. Many of the places in Rome. The fact that Nancy knew the answer to every question we asked her, she was like a walking textbook. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I was hesitant to book a bus tour, as I did not think that we were "bus tour people". This tour exceeded our expectations! Not only was our guide Nancy AMAZING, but the overall itinerary was incredible. It was expertly put together with the right amount of group activities, travel time, as well as personal downtime.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Absolutely LOVED the Dolomites. The view from our balcony was spectacular. Mountains and nature fuel my soul. Crowds do not. Therefore, I was not looking forward to Rome. OMG... Rome was incredible! An absolutely must see. You can't go to Italy without visiting Rome! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A great tour! I loved the varied locations, scenery, hotels, food, and history. Starting in Varenna on Lake Como was a stunning location to start the tour! We were very fortunate to only experience a slight sprinkle one evening in Florence and only a few times did we have cloudy skies. The weather was great with temperatures mid 60’s to upper 70’s everyday! Each new destination had new and different things to explore. Our tour guide and group were easy to get along with and this helped a lot!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were two I thought were wow moments! The first was seeing Lake Como from Varenna! The lake was so serene and the deep blue color of the lake against the surrounding villages and mountains were like picture postcards! The second wow moment was doing the Witch’s hike in the Dolomites. I enjoyed seeing the Austrian Alps in the distance, loved the alpine meadows with the grazing cattle and horses, and viewing the villages below on our hike back to the resort!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My husband and I were scheduled for the 9 days Venice, Florence and Rome trip in March of 2020. Needless to say that was one of the first tours that need to be cancelled due to covid. We long anticipated our recent 17 day Best of Italy tour. We took a few precautions like getting the latest covid booster and wearing our masks during crowded indoor venues and during transportation. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour particularly the bucket list items such as the statue of David!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We enjoy hiking so the Dolomites provided that energetic physical and natural beauty and stillness."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Nancy Benedetti was the perfect tour guide! I am SO glad she was our guide--so knowledgable and helpful! My fellow tour-mates were lovely people. I am married, but did this trip solo, and everyone was so welcoming, kind, and friendly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had a few: the Florence duomo at night, the Orvieto and Siena duomos, the Vatican, the beauty of Lake Como, the mountains of the Dolomites, and the Mediterranean at Cinque Terre. There were several times I was moved to tears during the tour. Orvieto stands out as that place for me. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Best of Italy tour exceeded expectations. We had a fun group, excellent guide, talented bus driver, perfect weather, and a good balance of activity & down time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many and each town or village had unique characteristics. I did enjoy hiking in the Dolomites, the gondola ride in Venice, exploring Siena, Assisi, Pisa, and Orvieto. I had been to Florence, Rome, and Cinque Terre on a previous tour, but it was just as exciting to revisit the museums and sites. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great overview of Italy. Great group of people. Greatly enjoyed the trip.

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

A bit regimented at times but overall enjoyable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The gondola ride in Venice, at night with a musician. The moon and lights reflected in the water."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was wonderful, like always. We saw so much of Italy that we knew we wanted to see and so many things we didn't know about. Our tour guide, Sarah, was amazing, as all of our guides have been in the past. I am amazed at the quality of guides that Rick Steves employs. After past tours I didn't think we could have another guide as great as the one we had, but then we do!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Florence American Cemetery was both amazing and emotional, and something I didn't know about. Also, the ruins in Rome were unbelievable."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fabulous tour guide (Sarah Shortreed) added so much to our experience! Great blend of humor, history & advice. Loved that the hotels were situated near important sites. Lovely bus; amazing meals.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Vatican City!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful new friends, amazing locations and awesome guide!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to highlight just one, but I would mention the Dolomites and Coliseum."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall the whole trip was a WOW experience. Our tour guide Sarah, made the whole trip more fun with her wit, charm, and positive attitude. All but one of the hotels were excellent. The food was fantastic. The sites and tours that Sarah took us on were all memorable and informative. The size of our tour group was perfect with 24 people, and they were all a pleasure to get to know and share the experience with.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite WOW moment was on our first night of the tour in Varenna. Sarah took us all to a local family's apartment for dinner. The whole family made us all feel welcomed. The husband was a chef, so the food was top notch. The chef showed us how he makes the pasta during our dinner. The 4 course meal with wine and after dinner drinks was just a great experience for me, with a local family. We would have never got that experience if we would have been traveling on our own."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The overall tour experience was very good. We appreciated the beauty and history of Italy. The tour attendees on our bus were outstanding. Each stop was somewhat unique and has its special attraction. I spent a few days in Milan and will need to go back to see more. Lake Como was beautiful and relaxing as was the Dolomites. All of the stops were entertaining and educational.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I was very surprised by the size of structures that were built over 2000 years ago and that some of them survived natural and man made disasters. The frescoes were amazing. I had many wow moments, but I couldn’t get enough of Rome in general. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide Sarah was wonderful. All the things we saw and hotels were great. All the local guides were great.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For me the wow moment's were many, but I will pick Lake Como and the Dolomites were the best."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide was outstanding. I enjoyed getting to know the other people on the tour. There was a great balance between planned tours and free time. The hotels were great. I appreciated that breakfast was served at each hotel, the tour guides at each destination were outstanding. There were so many unique planned cultural experiences in the different locations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Every moment was a WOW moment for me! It would be hard to pick just one. We were blessed to have good weather on our tour of Italy. I really enjoyed hearing from the artisans who have perfected their craft (Venice, Sienna)."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

An wonderful tour of Italian highlights and antiquities.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking out of the metro and seeing the Coliseum for the first time."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful beginning to end! Meeting new people and seeing the incredible sights made for a memorable tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many wow moments to choose from but seeing the awe inspiring Sistine Chapel gave me goose bumps!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent, marvelous, wonderful, and exceptional!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Not just one WOW moment. There were multiple moments. Most had to do with the Guides and their knowledge and caring for all the needs of the travel group."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My expectations were exceeded. From start to finish I felt like everything was very well planned and thought out . The tour guides were outstanding to beat. We felt like a family. The bus driver was amazing not only with his driving skills but his friendly and caring demeanor. Everywhere we went I felt the true reputation on the Rivk Steves company. It was outstanding t

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many it's hard to pick one. Cinque Terre was amazing and I enjoyed the pesto dinner. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"group dinners Cinque Terre altarocco"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Outstanding tour guide and bus operator, as well as very friendly tour group. Well organized and executed. Wonderful, fun trip!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many to choose from. One Duomo grander than the next. Scenic Lake Como; great food and fun group dinners. Rome was the culmination! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour exceeded my expectations. Our tour guide, Deborah, was amazing in every way. She was informative, fun, beyond helpful, and kept us abreast of tour timetables. Hotels and meals were great! I had never done a whirlwind tour with only 2 nights (1 1/2 days) in each town. I might have preferred 3 nights in Venice and Florence and omit 1 stop. Really enjoyed our tour mates, very sweet & interesting people. Overall, I would recommend a Rick Steves tour to anyone.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many wow moments. The Dolomites and Alpe di Suisi were spectacular. Other highlights for me were all of Venice and Franco's oar locks demo, Florence museums, Sienna & the Contrade dinner and Palio horse races, San Gimignano and Tuscany hillsides, Pesto dinner in Cinque Terre."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was much more fun than I expected it to be. I think our guides knowledge and wonderful sense of humor are responsible for my increased enjoyment and for making time spent on the bus just breeze right by! Vanessa was also VERY helpful at finding gluten free food options for us, which also made our trip more enjoyable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The stay at the Altarocca Wine Resort was a welcome change of pace. The scenery of Orvieto in every direction from the Resort was absolutely breathtaking. I could have another day there in order to take advantage of some of the spa services that were offered."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

well planned and orchestrated

Favorite "WOW" moment

"swimming un the Ligurian"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The 17 Day Best of Italy was truly the experience of a lifetime. Our RS Guide Vanessa, the several local guides and our driver showed us the Italy I have always dreamed of. In addition to what's on the itinerary there were so many unexpected treats and treasures in each of the 20+ towns I spent time in as part of this trip. I will treasure my memories forever.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I can't chose one "wow" moment, so I'l narrow it down to this: Being in the same room with some of the most incredible pieces of art I could imagine (Pieta, Sistine Ceiling, Michelangelo's Prisoners, Laocoon, Caravaggio's Medusa ... to name just a few). The views! (from the trail between Monterossa and Vernazza to those in the Alpe di Suisi, from the Accademia Bridge to floor of the Colloseum...Italy does not disappoint. The food (eat the pasta, drink the house wine...tried and love it all)."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well-crafted itinerary with diverse locations and educational experiences

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Everyday on the tour bus with our outstanding and knowledgeable tour guide Vanessa"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tour was very well organized and our tour guide Vanessa was fantastic. I would highly recommend Rick Steve's tours to everyone.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Honestly, my "wow" moment was the effort and concern of our guide and the Italian people to make sure that I had wonderful gluten-free food at every meal. As a celiac, finding gluten-free food is the scariest part of travel and it was not an issue on our tour thanks to the efforts of our guide and hosts."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I can’t imagine having experienced my first time in Italy any other way. I feel like I got the absolute most out of my trip and it was stress free!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For our first meal together on the tour, our guide arranged a home cooked meal from a retired chef in his home. The generosity if him and and his family and the stories he had to tell is a night I won’t soon forget. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The cities and the order of travel was very workable. Having a bus, instead of public transportation, made traveling between sites comfortable. The diversity of locations gave a nice overview of this part of Italy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Sistine Chapel, David, and the Coliseum area."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We enjoyed the group travel experience, especially because it allowed us to feel comfortable with Covid precautions in place. The choice of cities included on our 17 Day tour of Italy was good. The hotels, guides, bus comfort, and daily events were all excellent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A simple hike at Castle Ruth, a stay in a beautiful vineyard spa, and the sights of Rome were definite highlights of the trip."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was very well done. Not having the stress of doing the planning ourselves or finding our way around was so helpful. It just enhanced our experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Umbria. Our vision of the "real" Italy. Beautiful countryside. Calm and peacful."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our guide, Donald White, really made the tour fantastic. Great info about the cultural customs, awesome sense of humor and lots of relate to info made the tour so great.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Dolomites, unbelievable!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide was excellent, the logistics were handled very well, and we saw and did things we never could have done on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking in the Dolomites."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a wonderful tour, itinerary, guide, and fellow tour members! Our tour guide, Donald, was a wealth of information with a side of comedy. Very knowledgeable on the history and the how not to get lost. He taught us to to navigate the cities using trains, subways, taxis, and buses. It was a godsend and made touring easier by saving our energy. We had taken the Best of Europe tour several years ago and wanted to return to Italy. It was exactly what we hoped it was going to be!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"1) Alpe di Suise!! Beautiful mountains, meadows, and people. 2) Eating a pesto dinner after watching “Nana” make it from scratch. 3) Altaroco, our accommodations in Orvieto. Walking through the vineyard and olive groves and relaxing for a needed day of rest. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was all is what it was built up to be. The team leader (Donald White) and the local guides were all terrific - very knowledgeable and articulate. The whole tour was nicely orchestrated. No surprises.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"While the art, buildings, cathedrals, etc. were all "things to see in one's lifetime," I personally real enjoyed the more outdoorsy sites (Lake Como, the Dolomites and particularly Cinque Terre). The stay at the vineyard (altarocco) was a nice treat as well. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fabulous! The variety of experiences, cities and villages, planned events...the itinerary is well tuned. Our guide Donald was just excellent and contributed to the overall enjoyment of the experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our local guides in Florence for the Accademia Gallery (Paolo) and the Uffizi Gallery (Paul) were incredible. Their comprehensive story telling, sincere passion and broad knowledge of history combined with their entertaining personalities was astounding. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lake Como"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very well planned, I especially appreciate the effort on the part of RSE to give us the opportunity to connect with the locals

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking around the witches walk in the Dolomites. The beautiful, vast, spectacular scenery was definitely a “wow”."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a "trip of a lifetime" for me, so I had high expectations. The tour met and almost always exceeded my expectations. From our guide, Stefanie, to our local guides, to our driver, to the locations and activities, I cannot imagine a better experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"If I have to pick just one "wow" moment, I would say it was the evening in the contrada in Siena. Entering the awards room where we ate, seeing the centuries of tradition and the amazing hand-crafted awards, and talking with the younger generation of proud Sienese contrada members brought me to the surprising realization that I was truly experiencing a part of Italian history, tradition and culture. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Every day was special. This was the right mix of group activities and free time for us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking Cinque Terre's coastal trail from Corniglia to Vernazza. We started at dawn--roosters were crowing in little Corniglia--and had this beautiful trail all to ourselves. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our group leader Stefanie is stellar. Very knowledgeable and personable. Our many guides throughout the many cities were absolutely brimming with enthusiasm and the intimate knowledge of the particular site/city.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"This was actually after coming in before the tour started. We came up out of the subway in Milan and the Duomo took our breath away! It was unearthly shimmering spiritually enlightening. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour met or exceeded most of my expectations and I was sorry to see it end. All of the two night stops on the tour could have been destinations on their own merits and there were none that I would change. The non overnight stops, such as Mantua, were excellent. The guide was exceptional and the other members of the group were friendly and engaging. The hotels were generally very good and well located in each cite. The Florence hotel was my personal favorite but the others were fine.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"1) Visiting the topc cites in Florence up close and with good weather; 2) Lake Como; 3) Dinner at the Social Club in Siena; 4) Collesseum and Panthion in Rome; Climbing to the top of the monastery cemetary in Monterosso (Cinque Terre). Many more candidates."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was our first experience with Rick Steve’s tours and Italy, it was beyond our expectations. Looking forward to many more trips with you!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It’s hard to pick a wow moment because the whole trip was a wow experience "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall the Italy tour was a fantastic experience. The sites that were selected to visit where amazing and I believe all of the cities were ones we would have picked if we planned the tour. I didn’t expect the speed of the tour at each city to be as fast as it was, but I understand as we hit so many cities in really just 15 days as day one and 17 where just bookends of the trip. Many days getting up at 6:30 to make sure we had breakfast and meet the team was tiring. Many of the older folks agree

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Picking one favorite “wow” is tough. I believe the time in Rome and walking through the Ancient Rome are and the coliseum was most impactful. Being somewhere close to where Christ, Paul and Peter walked gave me chills. Close 2nd was Sistine Chapel. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Low stress. Tour guide(Coleen) amazing. City guides fun and knowledgeable. Everyone in the group was friendly, helpful and enthusiastic about the trip. So much great food and art.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I have a couple. The Sistine Chaple. In the Dolomites, on our meadow hike, the clouds parted and the 2 huge peaks came into view. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This trip was amazing! It covered all the must see sites in Italy at a whirlwind pace.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sailing along the Cinque Terre towns during sunset was my favorite part of the trip."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything about this tour was amazing! The cities, hotels, transportation and food were fantastic. Our guide Colleen made the trip, so professional, so organized, so kind and so helpful. I lived this tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lake Como, the view from our hotel at breakfast was breathtaking. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was the best tour ever and truly a trip of a lifetime! Our tour director, Colleen and every member of the group made this trip outstanding in every way. Colleen was excellent in coordinating every detail and gave great historical facts for every location we visited. We couldn’t have asked for a nicer group of individuals to travel with too. Everyone looked after each other and new long lasting friendships were forged. We will definitely book another Rick Steves tour again. Loved it!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lake Como was breathtakingly beautiful. The Hotel Royal Victoria was excellent with a lovely breakfast buffet and outstanding views of the lake. We loved taking the water ferry over to explore Villa Carlotta, Bellagio and Menaggio. Staying in Varenna was a lovely start for our tour. Would definitely go back to visit. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I really enjoyed the extra education sessions of the Gondola oarlock, stained glass, the Siena chapel dinner and horse race history, the utzi, plus all the guided local tours

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A tie with stained glass and oarlock"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My first Rick Steves tour in Italy for 17 days was outstanding in every sense! Major highlights in each city were included with enough free time on our own. Hotels were centrally located; accommodation was very comfortable with substantial buffet breakfasts. Our tour guide, Colleen - an exceptional leader with extensive knowledge of history, love of the culture & a joy to be with. Dino, our driver, added a fun element. All local guides were also amazing. I would definitely recommend this tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had so many "wow" moments throughout the tour, that I can't pick just one. Each city offered its own special aspects."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a wonderful tour! The combination of cities, such as Rome and Florence, and smaller towns in more rural areas gave me an appreciation of Italy’s true essence, I believe. The tour was very well organized and I always felt safe and well cared for. I especially liked the fact that we were given a lot of free time to explore on our own. The hotels were comfortable and situated in the heart of town, near the main attractions. I learned a great deal from the excellent guides.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It’s hard to choose my favourite “wow” moment, as I had so many! I think perhaps travelling down the Grand Canal in Venice had to be my favourite moment as that experience is so unique. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was our 3rd Rick Steves and second time to Italy. Was great to see things again and super great to see and experience the new places and things. Our group was all wonderful people. It felt it started off slow and a little bit "my way" but by day 4 we had a more hands on by the guide experience as well as group activities.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking in the Cinque Terre again, getting to do another section of the trail and then, swimming in the sea in Manarola which I did not get to do the first time as I was not prepared. This time I was. Honestly made my trip. Cinque Terre was wonderful all the way around the second time even! Also, Siena was new to us and I learned so much! Contradas and Palio. Having dinner prepared and served by the contrada was extra special."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything was very well organized and our guide Colleen was excellent. The tour group was compatible and we made some enduring friendships.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I have been to Italy before so the sights were familiar. I enjoyed the things not available to most tourists like the dinner with the contrade in Siena."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The itinerary was very good and I saw places and things I had no prior knowledge of and actually enjoyed these special places most of all. The locations of the hotels were spot on, right on Lake Como, on the beach in the Cinque Terre and a vineyard in Tuscany! Unfortunately most of the group dinners had no choices, but they were mostly fine. A train strike on the start of our tour day meant a lot of stress, no answer at the Travel Guard line to help us. Cost of taxi to Varenna was 200 euros!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So difficult to pick just one! The natural beauty of the mountains, lakes and seaside was a definite wow moment. An unexpected wow was in Verona at our lunch stop seeing a beautiful nearly perfect Colosseum! Unfortunately there was no time to get inside but still a wonderful sight to see from the outside!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was wonderful. Exhausting, but wonderful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sienna was unexpectedly beautiful and interesting. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a wonderful tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sistene Chapel"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I have traveled extensively in many countries, but this was the best trip of my life. The itinerary was a great mix of city and country; man-made creations and nature’s beauty; anthropology, history, craft, cuisine, tradition, and human nature. It could not have been more efficient. Our group leader Sarah was outstanding, and local guides and exhibitors were experts in their fields. Dinners were delicious and delightful. And my traveling companions were all wonderful like-minded souls.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Tha Uffuzi art gallery in Florence blew me away, as did the natural beauty in the Dolomites and the Cinque Terre. But just as we finished viewing the Pieta in St. Peter’s Basilica, we were unexpectedly able to attend Mass with a few thousand others. It was a great blessing for a great trip. Wow! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very positive experience overall.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favourite wow moment was our discovery of the Pitti Palace in Florence which definitely rivals Versailles and yet I had never heard of it. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was well organized and we visited some amazing and interesting places. I learned alot about each of the areas visited. We had a group of 16 travelers which made it easier and kept us safe.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My wow moment was the beautiful and picturesc town of Orvieto in Cinque Terra. Hiking thru the beautiful villages was amazing and later on sitting by the lake to watch the sunset was an amazing and very memorable moment. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our Rick Steves guide, Sarah Shortreed, was phenomenal. We were suppose to have rainy weather but enjoyed warm weather throughout our trip. Loved Varenna, Bolzano, Florence, Cinque Terra, Siena (WOW), Assisi, and Orvieto (WOW). The Venice gondola wood carver,Siena’s Massimo the stain glass maker, and Siena’s Contrada dinner, Paul Costa, our supper impressive guide in Florence (I really looked at art differently after Paul’s intriguing explanations, Alexandria’s Rome tour and the Pantheon (WOW)

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I have several WOW moments that were so special. Our hike in the Dolomites in Bolzano was so breathtaking. Our Siena tour and Contrada dinner was eye opening and memorable. The hills in Orvieto and Winery were very relaxing and the spa was just what my tired body and feet needed. Lake Como and the great hotel, Hotel du Lac Varenna was so quaint and wonderful to start our tour. The Pantheon inside with a concert playing was memorable. Hotel Pasquale in Cinque Terre and pesto making demo also WOW."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My Rick Steves tour of Italy was everything I could hope for and more. I particularly enjoyed Florence and the Cinque Terre. But on the other hand, I would love to revisit and spend more time at each location we visited.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It has to be looking up at the 17 foot sculpture of Michelangelo’s the David. Amazing! Particularly when we learned that the master was only 5 feet tall and that he created this masterpiece while in his 20’s."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The trip was well designed and very well “executed” (that sounds awful!). From the first day through to the last all went smoothly. Variety of areas we visited was broad and both captivating as well as interesting!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had 2 (sorry!) First was the breathtaking beauty of the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside. It was more exquisite than imagined! 2) was seeing “The Rape of Persipone” at the Borghese Gallery. The intimacy of presentation combined with my overwhelming amazement for such artistry overcame me emotionally. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide was fabulous, always on top of everything. I enjoyed each of the different towns we went to. The amount of amazing site’s & historical significance it was a lot of information to take in.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Venice was beautiful. Enjoyed the water ways & all of the history of that are."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a great taste of Italy! We saw and did all of the highlights, learning about Italy and the distant past. Our tour guide, and other guides shared much knowledge with us. Accommodations and dinners together were excellent. I enjoyed seeing so many beautiful and amazing things from the time before and soon after Jesus.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I love nature, so probably the views of the Altarocca Wine Resort was my favorite wow moment. The Dolomites, Lake Como, and other beautiful scenery along the way were gorgeous as well."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We so enjoyed Italy, for me a trip of a lifetime. Our guide, Trina was very knowledgeable, which helped explain a lot of what we were to see and experience. I loved getting to see so much of Italy, the variety of city and village and country.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The incredible art in Florence, the gondola ride (with music) in Venice, the alpine meadows, the lovely winery near Orvieto."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was amazing. It started kinda slow but once we got to Venice it was like a freight train through Northern Italy. There was excitement every day. Masking was consistent. I believe our guide's example and consistent messaging was the reason all of us got to Rome. In addition, I particularly enjoyed seeing the Peace Bell, Uzi in Bolzano, Pistoia, a small town without ANY tourists and The American Cemetery in Florence.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"No dinner reservations:(. Rick would say..."Ask for help." So I asked Christian, who was working behind the reception desk at the Hotel Grand Victoria. Result: A tuktuk ride( hmmm.. I think four plus driver was a bit overloaded but what a hoot!) up the hill overlooking the lake in Varenna to La Veranda den Pescatori. An amazing meal on the terrace with exceptional sunset views with new friends that turned out to live less than 50 miles from our home. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We had an excellent Italy tour of key cities and areas from Rome to northern Italy. Saw beautiful landscapes, amazing works of Renaissance art, many historical towns and inspiring churches and museums with the opportunity to stay in city hotels and enjoy excellent Italian foods and feel a part of the culture. Trina did a fine joy of shariing country and area history, familiarizing with each city and sharing highlights and recommending restaurants as needed. Great local guides.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing outstanding Renassance art, lovely churches and beautiful areas of Lake Como, rolling hils of Umbria and opportunity to hike Seiser Alm Dolomite and Cinque Terre areas was special. I appreciated Trina's beautiful guided hike of the Dolomites. Seeing orgicnal paintes with almost three dimensional views was unbelievable. Great trip."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had a fantastic time on the "Best of Italy" tour! The experiences and locations visited were just incredible. I loved the combination of big cities and also small towns and villages. The food and wine were delicious. This was our first Rick Steve's tour and it exceeded our expectations. We really enjoyed our tour guide, Lorenza. She was just excellent and contributed to the overall enjoyment of the experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lake Como, hiking in the Dolomites, Cinque Terre since I had never visited those places. Seeing all of the art up close and personal! Magical Venice at night. I loved the Palio dinner experience in Siena! Honestly- I really enjoyed every location and special experience. I even enjoyed our "learning" experiences conducted on the bus by our wonderful tour guide, Lorenza!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was very fast-paced and we were able to cover a lot of ground during the 17 days. It gave us an opportunity to see more areas of the country than if we had tried to do it on our own. Having a knowledgeable guide also helped us better understand the history and culture of the areas we visited.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Almost all of it was overwhelming, but seeing Michaelangelo's David in person was a highlight for me. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful tour of Northern Italy to Rome

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Dolomites, the views were fantastic "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Trip was wonderful, my only criticism was Venice is really a destination spot and I did not feel like we had enough time to explore it on our own, while Otzi was interesting I would have enjoyed more time in Venice or not so much time in Verona, another half day in Venice and the trip would have been outstanding.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I don't know that there was one, so many amazing things and they just kept coming."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We had visited many of the places on prior trips, so no real wow time."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This was my 9th RS Tour and overall, the tour ran as expected with no significant hiccups except in Pisa. It met all my expectations. Our group was cohesive and everyone was willing and able to follow all the time requirements. Our rides, Lorenza and Jennifer got us checked in to our hotels efficiently which was a real plus.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to narrow this down but really enjoyed learning about the Contradas in Siena-and Siena in general- and the welcome dinner we had from the Contrada della Selva because it was just a unique cultural tidbit and experience. The views of surrounding landscape of Tuscany and Umbria were long awaited and definitely a wow along with the tour of the Campatelli house in San Gimignano which also stands out."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was good but the crowds were horrendous. Revenge travel is real. We enjoyed our guide, Lorenza.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Dolomites were something we hadn't experience before and they did not disappoint. Breathtaking. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Amazing experience! We were able to see and learn so much; it was the best way to explore Italy for the first time. We all can’t wait to go back. And having the structure of the Rick Steves tour was incredible. It took so much of the stress out of traveling and the special touches made the experience that much more special. Worth every penny!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Every moment from start to finish. From our first breakfast overlooking a foggy Lake Como to standing in the middle of the Coliseum in Rome. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This was our first Rick Steves tour. It met all of our expectations. No one in our group of 28 had covid. Our group was a fun group to travel with. They were always timely. We hope to do another Rick Steves tour in the future.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The overall scenery of Italy was a wow 17 days. The Pantheon was certainly a highlight."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I'm always impressed with the quality and detail of the tours you manage. This was our third tour via Rick Steves and we marvel at the quality of the guides on your staff. Travelling with Vanessa was a pure joy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many, if pressed I might have to choose the Dolomites. Unexpectedly grand beauty."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our 8th RS Tour and it is one of our favorites. The locations we visited were all wonderful, and the local guides were all excellent. We especially loved our Tour Guide Vanessa Nicol. She helped bring the places we visited to life with her energy and enthusiasm. Vanessa was very knowledgeable and was eager to share that knowledge with us. She has a wonderful sense of humor and she made the bus rides fun and educational. We also travelled with our son and that also made it special.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There was not just one WOW moment, there were many! The locations themselves can all be described as WOW moments. We especially liked the unexpected "jewels" that make the RS Tours special, such as meeting Franco Furlanetto and learning how he produces fórcole for the Venetian gondolas, We also enjoyed visited Massimo Bracciali's stained glass shop in Siena and the pesto demonstration by Felicitá. The evening meal at the local Contrada Della Selva was an amazing experience not to be forgotten."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our Best of Italy in 17 days tour was our first tour and we wanted to get the best experience so we chose Rick Steves. This tour did not disappoint! We were amazed at how many famous Italian sights we saw and experiences we were able to take part in. I believe we were spoiled by our wonderful guide, Vanessa. She was the master of coordinating it all with such good humor and kindness, all in our group became close friends. The pace was challenging but the venues were worth the early get-ups!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There was definitely a "wow" moment in each place we visited, that is why this tour is so fantastic. I loved the magnificent views in the Alps, the picturesque towns of Lake Como and Cinque Terre, and amazingly the huge picture of Birth of Venus by Botticelli in Florence - wow!! Perhaps my very favorite was our moonlight gondola ride that Vanessa arranged for us. We had perfect weather with a wonderful singer and an accordionist. I remember thinking "I don't think it gets any better than this!""

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved the mix of group activities and free time. Every place we visited was interesting and unique.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking in the Dolomites, the cliff views of the Cinque Terre, and the gondola ride in Venice."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour totally exceeded my expectations. From our tour guide to our tour members to even our wonderful bus driver Sauro, each day was fun and exciting and I looked forward to each new experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"When our tour director arranged music and singing for our group during our gondola rides and it still only cost £30/ person "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

There was never a dull moment during our tour which provided an incredible variety of fun and interesting experiences at every stop. (Even the bus ride in between stops was interesting and fun!) There was a good balance of structured group activities and free time to explore on our own. It was amazing how our group of 28 strangers became such good friends after just 17 days. I miss them now and I miss Italy- 'til we meet again!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many "wow" moments! My favorite was sitting on our balcony overlooking the Ligurian Sea of the Mediterranean after hiking the steep cliffs between the villages of Cinque Terre. Wow!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Best of Italy itinerary was a great blend of of wonderful experiences. The mixture of planned activity and free time was just right.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The beauty of cinque terra was fantastic- didn’t want to leave "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour exceeded my expectations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many! I loved the beauty, food, and pesto-making demonstration of Cinque Terre."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My introduction to Italy was all I could have ever asked for! 100% Well paced, options for rest if needed, or full speed ahead, I immersed myself into the Rick Steve's way of being whilst on the Italian roads of knowledge to include all the beauty, food, culture, people and history that one could possibly absorb in 17 days! Our guide, Stephanie, was the absolute best! Cool, calm, collected and full of fun ideas. I am completely happy...frankly, I'll never be the same! Favoloso!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There are too many things to pick from, but this image will never leave me. When we turned the corner into the Dolomites and then remained up at the lodge area for a while...you could've left me there. Balzano as homebase would be just fine for me! The blend of traditions across culture and history is fabulous. One must see it all to believe it!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Everything was wonderful until we had to leave the group with 9 more days to go due to my partner getting covid. Our guide Stephanie and fellow travelers were great. The trip was organized, the hotels (with the exception of one) were wonderful and the excursions were very informative. Our bus driver, Dino was not only an exceptional driver, he was always a smiling addition to the group. We were very impressed with RS & would do another trip, but not until covid isn't an issue.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Probably St Peter's Basilica, even though we had to do it on our own due to leaving group because of covid. However, there were many wow moments and we enjoyed them all. Stephanie didn't take us anyplace that wasn't wonderful. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

My wife and I came down with COVID with just over half the experience completed and had to leave the tour, but what we were able to enjoy was magnificent! Our guide, Stephanie, did an incredible job communicating her expertise and affection for Italian culture and people

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many to choose from, but the gondola ride over the Dolomites was unforgettable."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fabulous tour group, outstanding guide, wonderful tour moments

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Dolomiti for the first time!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had wonderful experiences in a terrific variety of Italian locations, just the right balance between group and on-our-own time, and beyond amazing care and attention from our tour guide.

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My tour experience was wonderful! Our guide, Mariana, was warm and knowledgeable. Our fellow group members were fun and kind. Our experiences were AMAZING!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite “wow” moment of the trip was visiting the Roman Forum."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

From the first day, I could tell the tour would be well organized, thoughtfully planned, and would offer plenty of unique opportunities in a variety of settings across Italy. Our tour manager, Marianna, was so welcoming and created a lovely climate from our first meeting, including addressing concerns regarding Covid. Roberto expertly maneuvered our bus through tight spaces, tunnels, bridges, etc. Our group was friendly and shared many good times together.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many wow moments, but my top two were the views/scenery from our stays in Varenna and the Dolomites. I felt like I was “on top of the world” over the village on the Mediterranean, and then our sweet spot in the alpine meadow up in the mountains with the babbling brook lulling me to sleep. All of the sights were impressive in their own unique ways. A third tie was in Venice, listening to the singing gondolier in the middle of the grand canal at sunset, surrounded by new friends."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

An excellent tour, thoughtfully organized, excellently lead by Marianna. Lived up to its title "The Best of...". I can think of several stops where I could have spent more time. Just begs for a return trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Favorite "wow" moment? Hiking in the Dolomites. No... Swimming in the Cinque Terra. Possibly... an impromptu Vivaldi concert in Venice featuring Quartetto Italiano (and ensemble) in a church on the Grand Canale (where the red-haired Vilvadi resided and composed). Sublime at E25. Renaissance Fierenza or seeing Opera in Siena? OR...the quiet of the Umbrian countryside vineyard (where we early morning walked the vineyard and olive groves and had picture postcard views)? "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The scenery was fabulous, the museums are outstanding, the hotels were wonderful, the local guides are extremely knowledgeable and Marianna was a great tour guide. As always fun group of travelers from different parts of the US.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many "wow" moments but being in the cool of the Dolomites and hiking was one of my favorite experiences."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was well organized, flexible, had many fun experiences with our other travelers. Our guide was excellent!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"To pick one? Whew....the view at Altarocca Wine Resort, Umbria."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The knowledge provided at each stop, her insights, and genuine care for the quality of my experience provided by the tour guide Marianna Iermano made this an exceptional tour experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Exploring the lovely town of Varenna and touring Lake Como by ferry. I would never have gone their on my own."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

First time in Italy. Tour was overwhelming- more information than I could absorb on every walking tour and in every church. Most of it not my favorite style, but all the elaborate art work was take-your-breath-away- beautiful. The country side, views from the bus, were stunning. Best food I have ever had! Hotel staff were very helpful. Looked up mass times in Florence and showed me how to get there on the map. Tour guides in cities were cheerful, funny, and informative.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"First view of the horizon- from the dining room over lake Como, of the Mediterranean from my balcony, of the mountains from my bed! in Alpe di Siusi, and the farmland from my room at Altarocca. OK, in the cities, the juxaposition of ancient ruins and archeologic digs downtown- in the middle of modern commerce in Rome was amazing. My favorite part of Rome was the Borghese Museum which is NOT part of the tour."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was awesome. Overall value was excellent as we got much more than what we had expected. The variety of locations added to the enjoyment providing a new experience every couple days. The guides provided great insight into Italy and augmented our tour immensely. The accommodations were also comfortable and in great locations. And the food was over-the-top good. There is no doubt that we will take another Rick Steves tour in the future.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My wow moment wasn't a singular occurrence...it was a culmination of the fantastic variety of this tour...from a lake to the mountains to the canals to the art to the Mediterranean to the winery to the history...the overall tapestry of Italy was incredible to experience. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was amazing with so many places to see. It was well balanced with structured tours and plenty of free time to explore on our own. We had a bump in the road but our guides Vanessa, Stephanie, Regan and Lisa were awesome. As well as the staff back in the States coordinating. Our driver Massimo took great care of us and was outstanding on winding mountain roads and tight turns. It was a great experience with amazing Rick Steves team and fellow travelers.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My 'wow' was when our guide Vanessa pulled out a map of Italy and pointed out all the places we have been so far and going. It was pretty cool how much the tour covered. Also, hiking in the Dolomites, beautiful countryside and the sounds of cowbells in the distance."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our guide, Stephanie was over the top great. It was our first overseas tour and it exceeded our wildest expectations. We did underestimate how strenuous it would be, but the fantastic things we saw and learned were well worth it!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is hard to list just one, but the back alleys of Venice, and the view from our hotel room patio in the Cinque Terre were the tops!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour went way beyond our expectations. Each location was outstanding in an of itself. The scenery, history, architecture, people and food, each so unique and awesome. Our tour guide and bus driver were absolutely fantastic, both going above and beyond to make sure we had as many experiences as possible. And the local guides were so knowledgeable and engaging. Stopping in small towns along our tour route that were not listed was an added bonus. It was worth waiting the extra 2 years!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It was all so fantastic that I just don't have a favorite "wow" moment. The whole tour was a "wow" moment for me. An added "wow" was the camaraderie of our group. It was like we had known each other for a long time."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour guide Stephanie, on the 17 Day Heart of Italy Tour, made this experience one of the best travel experiences in my life. I am so thankful I booked Rick Steves. Her attention to detail and attention to the safety and health of the participants stood out to me. Although I contracted Covid on Day 15 which interrupted the tour for my wife and I, Stephanie continued to help us adjust to the isolation required by Italy. A very class woman with a very classy organization from owner & staff

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Standing in the presence of the work of some of the greatest artists who have ever existed was the highlight of my experience. The professional guides employed by Rick Steve's enhanced the experience tremendously. We also made great friends on this trip. Stephanie is so nurturing of experiences and relationships."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

In a word: Phenomenal! Our guide was so adept at planning the perfect side activities along the bus route, and was kind enough to re-arrange some days so we could avoid bad weather & take advantage of good weather. The whole itinerary was incredible and just the right mix of history, art, artisan demonstrations and fun!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I did not expect this to be my favorite activity, but hiking in the Dolomites was breathtaking."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Stephanie guided us through the 17 day Best of Italy with joy, care, tons of TLC, and through the eyes of a long term expat living in Italy. Her thoughtful little local candies and I sights were amazing. She guided us through Covid with much care, concern and knowledge. Stephanie added so much more to the tour than any brochure could ever mention!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many! The view from the Dolomites hike! The David. Stephanie’s personal guide of the amazing frescoes of the Basilica of Orvieto❤️"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The first 12 days of the tour were wonderful! We had a great guide and a fun group that got along well. Everything went very smoothly--until I tested positive for covid on the 13th morning. Obviously, that changed everything for the remaining time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Riding a gondola in Venice was the highlight of the tour for me. It was all I had imagined--so beautiful and romantic!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide and bus driver were top notch! The tour itself went along smoothly and quickly. Enjoyed all of our stops, our guide and local guides really added to the trip, can not say enough wonderful things about them all! Although I do also have to say that our group of people clicked together and really sealed the trip into being fantastic!!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our side stop to the WWII Memorial to the missing Americans.....So thankful to our guide for making the time to go and see it....not a dry eye in our group, lots of prayers to the missing and their families..."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

While the agenda was amazing, it was the people, Stephanie the tour guide, Dino the bus driver and our fellow travelers that made this tour so memorable. We bonded with our tour mates and hope to have friends for life now.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many, but I think Pisa was because it was completely unexpected. I knew about the tower, of course, but never knew about the baptistry and the amazing acoustics, or the pretty cathedral. Venice was way beyond my expectations and all the places we visited with water were my favorites. Stephanie's handling of the COVID situations also made me say wow more than a few times."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We really enjoyed our tour until we had to leave because my wife tested positive for Covid! Our tour guide Stephanie Bergman and our bus driver Dino were excellent

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My "wow" moment was Venice. More beautiful than I expected, and less crowded than I expected."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The scheduling and use of time was outstanding. The information the guides provided was excellent, particularly the nuances given about the people. The comradery developed among the participants added to the experience. Mostly, the hotel and dinning selections were great. It would have taken me months to prepare a trip like this and I'm sure I could never have equaled the experience on my own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were several, almost every day. Seeing the sites I had read about made it surrealistic at times. I think one may have stood out, our stay at the Agritourisimo. The dinners and views of the valley were truly memorable. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was well-organized, allowing for both spontaneity and guidance. Loved the extra teachable experiences... woodworking in Venice, glass works in Siena, pesto making in Cinque Terre, etc.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sitting in St. Marks square at night, listening to the orchestras playing everyone's favorite tunes, as the light reflected from the cathedral. Magical moment!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Having taken this same tour before (18 years ago), I was delighted to find many things still the same, as well as some new. Even more enjoyable was sharing these places with my family who were also on the tour. The members of our group made the trip even more memorable. Our guide, Ferdi, with his wealth of information and great sense of humor was a great leader. We loved our driver, Sauro, who always help us start the day with a warm greeting. The selection of locations was perfect.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The most favorite "wow" moments for me were seeing my family marvel at the sights and hearing them proclaim each new location their favorite!! Our location in Orvieto, a winery and spa resort, was a big "WOW" for us."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first trip to Europe, this was an experience of a lifetime. Started out slower to help with jet-lag. appreciated

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were too many to be honest to name just one moment each day was better and better , the whole trip had me in a wow unbelievable moments."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We got to see some of the sights that we never would have without taking this tour. It took some places off of my bucket list. I probably never would have gotten to show my wife the Dolomites, never have seen Venice, never had seen the Cinque Terre or David in Florence. The wine resort was a perfect place to rest and get ready for the end of the trip. Our group was great, everyone was very friendly, I couldn't have asked for a better group of people.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is hard to pick between Lake Como, Alpe de Suiss, Venice and Monterossa. Loved them all and would go back to all of them except Venice, saw most of Venice."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I am very pleased with the itinerary that we followed, the amount of time spent in each location, and the tour guides utilized. All in all, it was an exceptional tour and experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Some of the special side visits that were set-up such as the Gondola oar lock maker in Venice and the stained glass maker in Sienna."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a chance to see the best of Italy! It was our 50th wedding anniversary gift to ourselves. We had a great 17 days.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved the Dolomites. I had no idea how beautiful the mountains were and the meadows surrounding them. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The itinerary was near perfect, my wife and I felt we really did experience the “Best of Italy.” Our tour guide Ferdi Menghi was superb in knowledge, personality, quick wit and good humor, give the man a raise. Same goes for our bus driver Sauro his skill at driving challenging roads was appreciated by all. The hotels were generally very good except Aberdeen Hotel in Rome. Bad internet, bad breakfast, bad bed. Staff were fine. Ready next time for “My Way” style tour as too many local guides.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"First day in Italy in Europe beholding the insane Cathedral of Milano. The streets of Varenna and the tranquility of the botanical gardens next to our Hotel Victoria. And then things just got bigger and more awesome."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

From beginning to end our tour was really wonderful. We had great group, a great Tour Manager and the interaction with both was full of laughter, helpfulness and poignant karma. We worked hard too...every day we did 7+ miles with lots of stairs, hills and the opportunity to take some amazing hikes. We listened to Rick Steve's suggestions of packing light and it was rewarded with ease of travel and mobile flexibility. This was a trip of a live time that had been on the books since 2020. A+!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our first night in Cinque Terre on the hill side terrace above our hotel with members of our group sipping on Limoncello spritzes!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fantastic tour. Very comprehensive, well organized, It’s so nice to be able to relax and have confidence in the tour company. We appreciated both all the scheduled sites and our free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Swimming in the Liguran Sea in Monterosso al Mare, looking around and realizing we were in this marvelous little village in Italy."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Best of Italy in 17 Days tour was a wonderful experience for my wife and me, especially because we were also able enjoy it together with our adult children. It was extremely well-planned and gave us an opportunity to enjoy a very rich, endlessly interesting and truly inspiring range of sites, people, food, history and art. Our tour guide, Colleen, was absolutely the best - so genuine, informed and fully engaged in helping us to feel included, confident, and excited in our adventure together.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Each part of the trip was filled with several “wow” moments, so it’s hard to select just a few - the elegant and idyllic beauty of Lake Como; the gentle and restorative grandeur of the Alps; the intensely rich and profound history and art of Venice, Florence and Rome; the beautiful setting and fascinating traditions of San Gimignano, Assisi, Siena and Orvieto; the heavenly blue of the Ligurian Sea; and the lovingly cultivated and gorgeous countryside surrounding Altarocca. “Wowed” at every turn!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A wonderful experience. Saw more of Italy in 17 days than I thought possible. Many highlights, and tons of photos!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Tough to pick just one. Varenna / Lake Como is one. Beautiful, relaxing and peaceful. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Thoroughly enjoyed it. 24 nice people was just perfect, and Vanessa was a fantastic guide! The tour was very well organized and it was great to spend 2 nights in each city -- not repacking after 1 night in each town. We saw so much in 17 days but never felt exhausted.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Really liked Cinque Terra, since we had not been before. Also the charming little villages were charming and great: Varenna, Bellagio, Monterosso and the agriturismo! And Venice and Florence are always delightful."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was very well organized. The centrally located accommodations meant it took no time at all to get to and from most desired sights and activities. Every hotel team - reception, housekeeping, kitchen - was very welcoming and helpful. Good balance between guided group time and personal time to wander at will. Even the "rest stops" during travel hours were full of wonderful sights and cultural experiences. Tour stops really showed off the regional variety across the top half of the country.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For me the WOW really was the differences among the regions we traveled through - the colors of the landscape, the natural building materials, the food and agriculture, the history (which to most Italians that we met is till very much alive!) and even language differences. All these aspects were different from each other, but still very Italian."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first tour with Rick Steves' and it was so much more than we expected. The itnerary was full and busy but we always has time to rest in between stops. Our tour guide Vanessa with her knowledge and personality made this trip to Italy fun and enjoyable. Our bus driver Massimo was an awesome driver and we always felt safe.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My husband's wow moment was the Wine resort in Orvieto, the scenery of that area and outstanding accommodations were wonderful. My wow moment was the history of Rome. I had been waiting my whole life to see the Sistine Chapel and the Pieta'. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great balance of structure and free time!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lots of “wow” moments, seemed like one at every location we visited. Each one was, wow this can’t get any better, but it did! Not always better in the general sense, but each in different ways because of the location! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well-orchestrated itinerary, fantastic guide (Vanessa), well-executed logistics, good appreciation of COVID precautions, great balance of structured vs unstructured time, really nice group of fellow travelers - I had concerns about doing a package tour but this was a great experience as the group was small (24 people) and the people were very respectful of schedules and each other. We never really had to wait for anyone who was late.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Michelangelo's David in Florence and views from the bell tower in Venice, the Duomo in Florence, the wall of the unfinished new cathedral in Siena, and the Victor Emmanuel/Altar of the Fatherland memorial in Rome. Those wide views were fantastic. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had the time of my life!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Touring the Colloseum from the floor where the Gladiators actually fought!;"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great variety of local scenes; informative; engaging; & FUN!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The beauty & serenity of the Dolomites in early Spring. Astounding… bordering on being a spiritual experience. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Just a great Trip with an outstanding group of people. Vanessa our guide was outstanding. So many "little" things along the way that just made the trip even better and run so smoothly. Enjoyed the local guides in each area and the knowledge they had to share. This was our 1st but not our last Rick Steve;s Tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Not any special "wow" moment but many great moments from the Sistine chapel to Venus to Varenna. Special group dinners along the wy were awesome."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My husband and I had a wonderful time on the Best of Italy tour. This was our first Rick Steves' tour, and it was everything we had hoped for. Our tour guide, Stephanie Bergman, did a phenomenal job. Every location that we visited was memorable, the local tour guides were excellent, the back door experiences made the trip unique, and the pace of the trip was perfect. In addition, the tour group got along really well, and it felt like we had formed a little family by the end of the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We have three favorite "wow" moments - the gondola ride with the singer and accordion player in Venice (Stephanie arranged for my husband and I to have our own boat in honor of our 25th wedding anniversary that was supposed to be celebrated on a 2020 Best of Italy tour), the first time I saw the Tuscan countryside from the tower in San Gimignano, and visiting with the Selva contrada in Siena and then coming upon the boys from the Torre contrada practicing their drumming the next night."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We have waited a decade to get to experience our first Rick Steve's tour. The itinerary told me of the expected experiences, and I was blown away with how much knowledge, walking and fun can be packed into just one day, and we had 17 days!!!!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Umbria pleasantly surprised me with the landscape and beautiful towns, plus alllllll the little shops with gelato. I just knew it was going to be Tuscany. Cinque Terre Villages were calming, so much fun to see each of them during our boat ride and then take the train back to our hotel."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall a great tour. We met many new friends in the group and saw many interesting places.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Gardens at Villa Carlotta in Cadenabbia. Exactly the right time to see all the azaleas and rhododendron in bloom."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved guide, tours, local guide, bus driver outstanding.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking Monterossa to next town in Cinque Terre. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Considering Covid, all considerations for our safety were appreciated. Stephanie was excellent as our guide and obviously experienced with every aspect of our trip. Dino, our bus driver, was also remarkable with his driving skills and happy disposition; not to mention his prowess at one of our group dinners where he produced a ring and proposed to Stephanie! She couldn’t resist his natural charm and accepted. We also enjoyed having local guides and especially with the use of the radios!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Climbing bell towers, gelato, beautiful scenery, and the history, and rivalries, of places such as Venice, Sienna and Florence. The history of the horse races in Sienna was very entertaining. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything was terrific, just as expected. Beautiful sights, excellent guides, very nice hotels, fun loving group of fellow travelers.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The ability to find quiet and peaceful experiences in Lake Como was a wow for me. I expected crowds but could find plenty of absolutely beautiful spots with few if any people. A respite in heaven."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first tour and it was outstanding. I was concerned about the lengthy bus rides but they didn’t feel long and there was plenty to look at and hear about.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Every cathedral was different. I did not get tired of seeing them. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A wonderful time meeting new friends, enjoying the beauty of Italy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing Lake Como for the first time. "

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

We enjoyed the trip overall, and the tour description sounds perfect but in reality it felt too rushed. Not enough time to savor the locations. Maybe we should have realized due to the number of locations that there would be a lot of travel. The issues with Covid and wearing masks did detract from the pleasure of travel. I think the trip would have flowed better in the reverse order, i.e. starting out as the Heart of Italy tour does in Rome and ending with relaxation in Lake Como.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Gardens at peak bloom in Villa Carlotta on Lake Como."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Looking back at our experience and taking into account EVERYTHING we were able to see and do, I am, quite simply... AMAZED at what an exceptional job Rick Steve's 17-Day Best of Italy Tour staff did for all of us who were there! Hats off! Kudos! And a high five to everyone involved! Incredible!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Absolutely impossible for me to pick just one favorite "wow" moment... SERIOUSLY!!! The people, the food, the wine, the ancient ruins, the art, the history... it just goes on and on!!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Well organized, fine selection of hotels, excellent local guides, very compatible group

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Excellent tours in Rome of the Colosseum and the Vatican Museum. Another great was the dinner prepared and hosted by the Selva (Forest) Contrade in Sienna."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was really fun and educational! We enjoyed the special speakers and local guides

Favorite "WOW" moment

"St. Peter's was very impressive! We were really blown away by the Iceman in Bolzano. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

All of Italy should be designated UNESCO world heritage site as far as we’re concerned. This is our come away perspective, From having toured With Marianna, our guide and host thru-out the 17 day Best of Italy. Marianna, who voice was like music, made us feel safe and secure.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Meeting Guiessipe in Orvieto. Down narrow cobbled street , his shop has most amazing collectibles, some with historical value I’m sure, that I’ve seen, but he’s the Gem. Sign says Land of OZ, I think"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was outstanding. Italy is a place filled with incredible architecture, amazing art, fascinating history and delicious food.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I couldn’t choose just one thing- it would be a very long list. "