Best of Italy in 17 Days Tour

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The trip was a fast paced, high energy taste of many parts of Italy. We walked a bit more than we had planned due to wanting to see more and do more. And also, so my wife could have use climb every tower available. The accommodations were mostly good and the sponsored dinners were tasty and fun. Our leader was extremely knowledgeable and made every stop interesting and enjoyable. She also provided us tasty treats. Our group seemed to be people with similar backgrounds and got along well.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We had many. Cinque Terre at sunrise was beautiful. The hikes in the Dolomites were wonderful. The wine resort was awesome. The Sistine Chapel was near the top of the list"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was well thought out and constructed with a very knowledgable guide. We enjoyed the unexpected surprises along the way including finding new places that are among our favorite part of the tour (Dolomites and the Cinque Terre). These unexpected gems/places are what made our tour special.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sienna horse racing and having dinner with the social club. I'll never look at a picture of a Rhino the same way after visiting that town!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Organized, fun, active with the best tour leader. Felt very safe and happy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking the Dolomites and the camaraderie in the group."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great! I enjoyed something from every stop. It was challenging but felt it was well managed. The on your own day near lake Cuomo was hard because the hotel was far away from the lake. So it didnt feel like a rest day.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Staying at the winery. I loved this place and seemed like somewhere I would have never picked on my own."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everyday on our tour was glorious. Wonderful people on our tour. Exciting destinations. Local city tours which were great!! I especially loved our tour guide Lorenza. She was fantastic. Knowledgeable and funny and made sure everyone was well cared for. She is a real treasure. Mama Mia!!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Siena was a wow moment for me. What a cool place. I loved the Dolomites. Stunning. And I was truly wowed by everything. I loved Assisi and our local tour guide was adored by all. Pisa was mindblowingly gorgeous. Also the American cemetery in Tuscany was a location I never knew existed. Another wonderful surprise. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I felt the tour was very organized, and kept us very busy. It was our first time to Italy and I’m glad we got to see so much in 17 days. The only hotel we didn’t care for was in Venice, so one with an elevator would have helped a lot. Loved the meals with the group especially the local fare ones. We had a great tour guide in Lorenza, she really cared about all her people and has such a great and fun personality! We made many friends on the trip and we’ll definitely do another Rick Steves trip!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Probably when we got to go inside the coliseum, it was breathtaking!! I’m glad we had planned on some extra days to get to do this. You may want to add this to the Rome tour. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had an amazing experience! Out tour guide, Vanessa, was absolutely amazing! We made some incredible friends that we will stay in touch with.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Not just one. So many incredible experiences!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Vanessa our tour director was OUTSTANDING!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking the Dolomites in the rain!,, As well as spending time in Assisi!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Awesome, loved Vanessa

Favorite "WOW" moment

"All of it"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We organized but too much on day 1 in Venice as most folks were jet lagged. We went on a major 4 hour walking tour up and over .any bridges but not getting hot of history as didn't really talk about the Doges Palace and its history nor St Mark's Basilica.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Bolzano and Cinque Terre plus the fact that we stopped for lunch in Verona and Lucca. The Dolomites seemed to be everyone's favorite. The town of Bolzano was charming."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very organized and well managed trip. Our guide Alfio was wonderful and on top of every detail.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were several—hiking in the Dolomites, swimming in the Mediterranean, but maybe the best was our stay in resort hotel in middle of vineyard/olive grove near Orvieto. Spectacular!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was very organized and timely. Liked that we had free time along the way as well. Thoroughly enjoyed all the places we visited. Our tour guide Alfio was awesome! He was knowledgeable, funny and great to be around. Also liked that the group size was smaller than some tours.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Really enjoyed the time in Venice and especially the gondola ride."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Every aspect of the tour exceeded our expectations. Each city, day, tour, guide, experience was outstanding.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I'm not sure this a fair question. Each day had wow moments. But the initial wow set the tone for the whole trip. Stepping off the water taxi into Venice was the wow which said "we're in Italy!"."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a trip of a lifetime! Enjoyed every minute! Our guide Andrea was phenomenal and so educational and our fellow tour mates were amazing! We made new friends for life!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"That’s a tough one, every place was different and special, we really really enjoyed Piazza Michelangelo in Florence for Sunset, although it was rainy and a thunderstorm it was so beautiful and the music and the people, everyone was singing and dancing, it was awesome! Cinque Terra was so fun and beautiful and the food was amazing! It’s hard to pick a favorite! Tuscany was fabulous, the Dolomites were majestic and so so fun! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting the Dolomites"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was a good opportunity to see parts of Italy I had not visited before with a cheerful group of tour mates and an excellent tour guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"In Sienna, getting to watch the celebratory parade and party of the contrade that won the Palio race back in August. The jockey had been injured so they delayed the parade until he recovered, making the parade just in time for our tour."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

What a fabulous tour! My first time in Italy and I loved every minute of it. Our guide Andrea was the best - so knowledgeable and enthusiastic - and all of the stops and stays on the trip were just perfect. Highly recommend!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I have to pick just one? For me it had to be seeing the magnificent David in person."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour with a well designed itinerary and we had a great Tour Director in Andrea. The experience was enlightening as well as entertaining. We enjoyed our group of tour mates and look forward to the next opportunity to tour with a Rick Steve tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The day we toured the Dolamite National Park."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Good overall tour. Well run and without unexpected supruises

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Academia in Florence and the blocks of “prisoners” at the David atrium"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fabulous. Loved all the locations, excellent guide and local guides, and the perfect balance of group and free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Favorite “wow” moment was hiking in The Dolomites. Although a close second was the special beauty of Venice and all the canals. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The trip was very enjoyable in almost all aspects. Only downside was the crowds at many places.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I most enjoyed the Dolomites on our trip. I loved the mountains and the outdoors, along with fewer crowds."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful guide (Andrea) who facilitated great bonds with my fellow tour members. It was amazing to see such variety throughout the Best of Italy trip. Occasionally, it felt a little hurried, but that may be because I caught a cold.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Kastelruth in the South Tyrol. It was completely unexpected how beautiful it was. Our tour guide's personal knowledge of the area really helped with the enjoyment. It was great to hike in the alps amid the beautiful landscape - with every little turn on the trail - another amazing vista!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The entire trip was wonderful. The travel, hotels, a good portion of the meals taken care of for us. It was nice to not have top notch, 5 star hotels so we could experience life in Italy. Our tour guide Nancy was absolutely amazing! Very knowledgeable on the tour locations, amenities, activities…. She shared lots of little ‘Life in Italy’ tidbits along the way, helping us to better understand the Italian people, culture, landscape, and history.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For my wife and I our big WOW movements were two - hiking in the Alpe Di Siusi and along the Cinque Terre. But, to be honest, every stop along the way had several WOW moments."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Amazing itinerary, amazing tour guide, amazing experiences!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cinque Terre - hiking the coastal trail (all 3 open segments), followed by sunset dinner at Ristorante Belforte in the Vernazza tower. Venice - islands, rivers, bridges, history, exploring! Just fun to be there."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall the tour was an outstanding exciting beautiful carefree experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I can’t pick a wow moment because I love Italy from the small things to the outrageous grand things."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The trip was a tremendous experience. Awe inspiring sites and scenes that do digital image can even equate to. Our guide Stephanie was beyond great, if there is a gold star level of guide in the Rick Steves system, then our dear "capo" Stephanie should be at the top. The pace and terrain of the trip could be taxing at times, it is as the site posts, "rigorous," but our group held up well.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to great moments, Florence, Siena, Lake Como, all of the sites had their magic. But if I had to select specifics it was Rome witniess the amazing architectural feats of the ancient Romans, especially the Pantheon. Also first hand witnessing the incredible genius of Michelangelo's art and scultures. They were simply magnificent and awe inspiring. But as a spiritual person, I was also deeply touched by the simple little chapel of St Francis of Assisi inside the stupendous Assisi cathedral"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Incredible Breathtaking Priceless

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Taking the boat into Venice and seeing the hustle and bustle of the city was overwhelming "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our Rick Steves Best of Italy Tour exceeded our expectations. The itinerary was great, but our guide, Patricia, added the true wow factor. This was our first guided vacation, and having every detail handled let us relax and enjoy Italy without stress. Patricia’s knowledge, experience, and humor made the trip unforgettable, and the local guides gave us a rich, immersive look into each region.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We enjoyed each region for what it offered. Venice was unlike anything we’ve ever seen and a true highlight. Hiking in the Dolomites and staying in a quaint mountain town was unforgettable. Cinque Terre impressed with its clear blue waters and charming villages. In Siena, the history and culture made us feel fully immersed in local life."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our 17 day trip to Italy had an excellent variety of sites and unique experiences, such as hiking in the Dolomites and Cinque Terre, attending a stain glass class, a gondola ride as well as visiting a small one-man woodworking shop where he makes gondola oarlocks. It is these sorts of experiences that set a tour like ours above the rest. We also had an outstanding tour leader in Patricia!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Vistas in the Dolomites and from the trails in the Cinque Terre,"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Exceeded my expectations. I had a fantastic time with everyone in the group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Coliseum was my wow moment. The guide was spectacular. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We have been on two previous Rick Steves' tours to France and Germany. This tour was by far the best, made in part by our fantastic guide, Patricia! Also it so happened that our tour group was only 13 people which made for a great trip.We both thoroughly enjoyed the local guides and various group activities and group dinners.Patricia was extremely helpful with planning our individual time so each aspect of the tour felt personal to us. It has been a dream of ours to tour Italy. So glad we did!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We enjoyed the variety of activities but some of the "wow" moments for me was hiking in the Dolomites, listening to opera on the streets of Florence, touring the forum and becoming good friends with our tour group.A highlight was staying in the wine resort and tasting delicious wine and food. Each day was fun, enlightening, and joyful in large part to Patricia!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was amazing. Would have loved an extra day in the Dolomites. Patricia was truly stupendous. She ensured we got the most out of each location. She shared details about each local in such a way that the knowledge shared enhanced the overall info about Italy too.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking into the Pantheon. St Marks Square in Venice. Hiking in the Dolomites. The Rhino District tour and meal. Are my top four. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved how we were able to see so much, yet still have down time to explore on our own. Getting to spend time with the stained glass maker and the ladies in the neighborhood of the Rhino in Sienna was amazing as you got such a flavor the town . We loved Wine spa That was great the Our guide Patricia MADE the tour, the effort she made towards ensuring that everyone was having a great time was incredible !!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Almost too many to mention... We can name one in every location. the hike in the Dolemite's Cocktails St Peters Sq The Beauty of Cinque Terre Loved Assisi and Sienna. Dinner at the Wine Resort Dinner in the Rhino district was awesome But really Patricia is what made everything fun!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had such an amazing time in Italy. Everything was so well organized that we could relax and enjoy every day. One of the best surprises was the friendships we made along the way. We're still keeping in touch and already booked a Rick Steves Portugal tour together. That's probably the best compliment we can give. We came home with lifelong memories, new friends, and an even greater love for travel. Thank you for such a memorable adventure!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"One of my biggest "wow" moments was realizing that the people we met on the tour had become real friends. Sharing meals, laughing through unexpected moments, and exploring Italy together made the trip so much more than sightseeing. By the end of the trip, we were already making plans to stay in touch. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

As my first trip outside the U.S., I wasn't sure what to expect, but it ended up being even better than I imagined. I loved being able to relax and enjoy Italy without worrying about the logistics. The mix of history, culture, amazing food, and authentic local experiences made it unforgettable. I came home with incredible memories, lifelong friends, and excitement to book our next Rick Steves tour to Portugal.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"One of my biggest "wow" moments was realizing how much more meaningful Italy became because of the people I experienced it with. Sharing meals, walking through beautiful towns, and laughing together turned strangers into friends. We celebrated each other's experiences, looked out for one another, and by the end of the trip were already making plans to stay in touch. It made the trip feel personal and unforgettable."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

We enjoyed our Italy trip overall. I think we realized that we don’t love the pace of this kind of trip anymore. We knew it had to be that way since that was the way to see so many places in Italy. We were also surprised at the amount of tourists, but again, Italy is a huge destination for many people.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Dolomites and Cinque Terra were my favorites. I loved the hiking and beautiful terrain of both, and you could get away from the crowds on the trails."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Absolutely outstanding experience!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite Wow, was the continued amazement I had with our guide and her capacity to read the group and provide the most fulfilling experiences."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide, Daniela was fantastic, the hotels (most of them) were great, our meals were good. The people on the trip were terrific.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Don't have just one...there were too many to count. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This tour packs in so much! It really was a fantastic "Best of Italy" experience and gave a great sample of what the country offers. We were very fortunate to have such a great tour group and leader in Daniela. The pacing was more packed than other tours we've been on but it felt like we saw a ton. The small hill town visits in between the planned itinerary was a surprise! Overall, this felt like a lot of bang for your buck.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Cinque Terre definitely lived up to all of the hype! When we got to our room and opened the shutters to reveal the view it was such a WOW moment!! This area also felt like the easiest to navigate with the train being so convenient to move between the different villages. It had views, hiking, beach and charm. We just loved it! And much to our surprise, Monterosso al Mare was our favorite spot...which is where we stayed!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Vanessa💔Rita💔Corrine💔Fiorenza💔Simona and our amazing driver Massimo👊🏼 These guides made the tour that much more. Without them its a diminished experience. They brought Italy to life! Later on my own I took a walking tour with Ricks recommended Napoli thats amore! It was fantastic. It’s fast paced, but they’re built-in breaks. I have no real complaints about about this tour. I thought it was very close to perfect.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Tour of stained glass workshop in Siena! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Being my first Rick Steves Tour and my first trip to Europe, The Best of Italy Tour exceeded my expectations. Our tour guide was exemplary as were all of our local guides. Our driver for our coach was very professional and helpful throughout the trip. The size of our tour group was just right. The mix of planned events and free time at each destination was excellent, giving us the opportunity to explore on our own. We came away with so many great experiences and memories.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I don’t think I can pick just one “wow” moment, there were so many. Each destination held its own and offered different experiences. The romance of Venice; hiking the Witches Trail in the Dolomites; the fantastic art of Florence; the beauty of the Cinque Terre; maybe it was meditating in The Chapel of the Corporal in Orvieto’s Duomo when all of a sudden this beautiful organ music began playing in perhaps a mystical nod to the presence of the Miracle of Bolsena. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Stephanie was a superb guide, and made creative suggestions and decisions which improved and personalized the tour…and the local guides were all excellent. Dino, our driver added to the cultural learning. Good itinerary and great pace/free time. Great mix of history and especially cultural learning. The visits to the oar lock and stained glass shops; the dinner in the social club in Siena; the gondola route/ride; the side trip to Spoleto; and the agritourisimo were personal highlights.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The fact that this tour, our 15th, seemed to give us more personalized insights into cultural aspects, like visiting the oarlock shop and the gondola ride linked; the walking tour of the contrada visiting the social club and watching the video of the Palio, and the forum walk both led by guides with personal experiences/insights were collectively a special WOW moment. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We were able to see things that we would not have seen if we had been n our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I think the city of Florence with Venice a very close second. Venice is so unique but Florence was incredible."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything went so smoothly on this tour. From start to finish we had a wonderful time!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The view of Florence from our rooftop terrace at the Hotel Torre Guelfa, it was definitely worth the climb to sit and relax with a Spritz, surrounded by the panoramic views of this beautiful old city."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

First tour with you guys.Never done a bus tour . It was very enjoyable.Definitely do another with your company

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Coliseum "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Did same tour 25 years ago and loved Siena so much we decided to name our daughter (if we ever had a daughter) Siena. So taking my 18 year old Siena to her namesake city was truly special.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Water taxi into Venice was otherworldly "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was done really well. Our tour guide Marianna was knowledgeable and friendly. The accommodations were at times a little quirky but overall, very nice. When staying in hotels built in the 1400's you should expect and enjoy quirky.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The wow moment for me was in Siena. We were fortunate enough to be there when they were drawing neighborhoods to compete in the Palio. I felt like the excitement as the crowd filled the Campo to watch the drawing and cheer when their neighborhood was selected. i felt like I was part of the tradition that dates back hundreds of years."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Awesome. Everything was great. Had the best of luck with perfect weather, timing for some special even the group leader and bus driver were fantastic and our group was great.... everyone got along and no unhappy travelers!!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being in Sienna during the "lottery" for the selection of the districts for the Palio horse race and just the whole atmosphere surrounding it."

It was great, everything was well organized and we were well informed about where we were going and where we are staying.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Ancient Rome tour. Italian alps and Sienna. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Best of Italy was an amazing trip. We were able to see many places that, if by ourselves, we would have never seen.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"More than one: Seeing the Statue of David for the first time in person. It is much grander than you can imagine. Also using the wine door in Florence was an experience that took me back hundreds of years. While in Siena we were able to witness a very old tradition that still exists. The Palio medieval district draft to see which district will be in the Palio coming up. That was wild! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything exceeded my expectations. Italy itself (wow!), the other people on the tour (ended up loving them all without exception), our tour guide (is she even real, perfection), and the totality of it all.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I love mountains (avid skier) so the seeing the Dolomites was a wow moment for me. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I absolutely loved the Rick Steves 17-day Best of Italy tour. It lived up to all my expectations - the destinations, activities, tour guides, accommodations, tour pace, tour companions were all excellent. Our tour guide Rhianne was the best! She brought an incredible wealth of knowledge of the history, lore, specialty foods and wines of the places we visited. I also loved the special touches - local treats she'd buy for our group, etc. The demos by true artisans were fascinating!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many wow moments - every destination had one. The Venice forcola demo and gondola ride, breathtaking Dolomites, Lake Como rooftop terrace drinks, Florence Duomo and David, Cinque Terre boat ride, Siena dinner hosted by Contrada della selva and stained glass demo, Orvieto wine resort, Rome in all its glory."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was our first group tour, and we were pleasantly surprised that we enjoyed it so much.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Dolomites and Lake Como "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Main guide was outstanding, local guides were excellent to above average. Wonderful choice of cities and areas to explore. Hotels were all excellent and well located except for Lake Como hotel located away from site.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Coming out of tunnel from train station in Manterossa and view of meditarrean and Italian coastline in CincoTerra. Close behind that was hike in Manarola on Vineyard Trail - seeing the beauty of the hills, vinyards, towns and sea. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent combination of art, nature, culture and camaraderie that we've come to expect from Rick Steve's tours. This was our third tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Top 10 in random order: Hiking in the Dolomites in fresh snow! Lake Como Boat rides! First glimpse of Vernazza from the cliffs above on our hike from Corniglia to Vernazza! The skill of the Gondoliers in Venice! Being serenaded for Todd's birthday on our gondola ride! Climbing the Companile of the Duomo in Florence and the view from the top! Piazza del Campo in Siena! Leaning tower of Pisa! Pesto making and dinner in Monterosso! The history of the Pantheon! Orvieto lodging and surroundings!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide, Sarah, was knowledgeable, fun, funny, and supportive of everyone. The included activities were all extraordinary. Local guides made history and art come alive.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking on the Panoramic Trail in the Dolomites was a high point for me. Snowfall almost precluded our getting there, but the roads were clear. The snow covered added to the beauty!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great itinerary, guide and fellow travelers. A really fun tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many but they include hiking in the Dolomites and between Corniglia and Vernazza in the Cinque Terre."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very nice group and comfortable bus. Our guide was responsive, fun, and available for any questions. She also gave us basic instructions and let us negotiate things independently for some areas.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The wine spa outside Orvieto was lovely."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The cities we visited were varied, city guides were great, bus rides- though long were comfortable, tour leader was the best.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"snow in the Dolomites"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Best of Italy in 17 Days tour was amazing! All the places we stayed, the daily sites we soaked up, the friendly and competent local tour guides, our fun traveling companions, and our tremendous tour guide Vanessa made this a trip we will never forget!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to count, but our serendipitous timing of observing the Guinness World Record for the longest line of bruschetta set in Spoleto, Italy was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime highlight! It took place on the Ponte delle Torri arch bridge right in front of our tour group. Our guide Vanessa was even interviewed and it made the Italian news that evening! And, ha ha, my husband Frank was even spotted in a tiny cameo during the interview! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first tour of any kind after planning many trips on our own, and we loved the ease of having hotels, local travel, several meals, and tours well taken care of by RickSteves. Our guide was Vanessa from Rome who was absolutely outstanding and without doubt made our trip to Italy very special.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many, but our favorite location was Cinque Terre. Hiking from one village to another was incredible. Hotel Steno was a beautiful hotel with a staff that took care of our every need (including laundry). "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Loved our best of Italy tour.Nice group of fellow tour members, and our exceptional guide Vanessa made the trip very enjoyable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Several wow moments but seeing the dolomites from up close, and Cinque Terre are the highlights."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Led by the outstanding Vanessa, this tour is a wonderfully curated Italian adventure, balancing city experiences like Florence and Rome with the tranquility of the Cinque Terre villages and the Dolomites. It’s a wonderful sampler, covers a lot of territory, and yet doesn’t feel rushed. The schedule allows ample time to spend afternoons in little villages that you might miss if you were on your own. Or explore cafes at your leisure. We enjoyed every moment!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were “wow” moments in every single location we visited. The Dolomites and Cinque Terre. Roman forum and the Pantheon. The whole city of Venice."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tenor of a tour is set by the guide. Our guide, Vanessa, was excellent. She had just the right combination of organization and passion plus a lot of historical knowledge if Italy itself. She made this trip. With some reservations about the itinerary, I would recommend this trip to others.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Bolzano and the Dolomites. Plus Sienna and our dinner at the Palio riding club."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our guide and wonderful trip mates made the trip for me. Italy, some parts more than others, was, of course, spectacular. But I could have had fun in a desert with all of them and for that I am grateful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The hike from Corniglia back to Monterosso was phenomenal. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My husband and I had the very best time. Our tour guide, Patricia, was exceptional, the itinery was perfect, and having everything taken care of so seemlessly added to our joy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite WOW moment was the overall expereince in Cinque Terre. The hotel was fabullous - from our room overlooking the sea, to the breathtaking hikes to the delicious food - especially the pesto making."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved every minute of this tour! It was full of fun and excitement. Everyone in our group quickly bonded to become a merry band of travelers. Each new place and experience was full of wonder. We learned so much every day. A huge part of what made this trip unforgettable was our tour guide and house mother, Patricia. All of us felt we were very lucky to have this extraordinary tour guide leading us, helping us, teaching us and entertaining us every day. Beautiful Italy, what fun!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many wow moments but if I had to pick my favorite it would be the evening gondola ride through the canals of Venice. It was our first night together on the tour and it was the most breathtaking evening. I had to pinch myself. Was I really here in Venice gliding down the Grand Canal? It still seemed like a beautiful dream. What a perfect way to start our trip! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a wonderful trip, with a great group of friendly and enthusiastic people. Our tour guide Patricia was informative and engaging!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I especially enjoyed Northern Italy-the Dolomites, Bolzano, Lake Como and Cinque terre."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Patricia, our Tour Guide, was phenomenal. She worked relentlessly to accommodate all specific guest needs. She was a wealth of historical knowledge when traveling from from location to the next one. She imparted so much background information with a great sense of humor. A true delight. We were so fortunate that she was our guide as she enhanced the trip in unforseen ways. She even lended me one of her history books during the trip. That was remarkable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Colosseum in Rome. The walking tour through the Roman Forum ending at The Colosseum was truly awe inspiring. To think that we will be celebrating America's 250 anniversary this year, puts into perspective that the Colosseum has been around for 2000+ years. Wow!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had the best tour experience possible. Starting with our tour guide Patricia, who went above and beyond to provide the best possible experience. Patricia is a tour guide, cat herder, and camp counselor extraordinaire!! The itinerary of the tour was well planned out and truly gave us the “Best of Italy in 17 days”! I would recommend this tour to anyone interested in seeing the highlights of Italy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It’s a challenge to pick 1 wow moment on this excursion, so I’ll highlight several. First, as mentioned, the tour guide Patricia was awesome. Second, the group of fellow travelers we had was just a dream. Everyone bonded quickly and got along. By the end of the trip, we were all best friends with no one left behind! The group made the tour greater than it’s some of parts. Last, but not least, was the feeling I got with each new view of the landscape, each church I walked into and every meal I at"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Tour was excellent. Great guide, great hotels with one huge exception - the Rome Museum Hotel (right outside the Vatican). Rome was HOT. No one had A/C in their rooms, and no fans provided. Mostly sleepless 2 nights there. Other than that, it was great.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Roberto tour in Pisa - what a character. Patricia, our guide, always had a Plan B and C in case anything went awry. Great group dinners - what a fun group."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide was an advocate for making my trip successful. Patricia communicated very aspect accurately and completely.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Relaxing in Orvieto towards the end of the tour "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a fantastic experience. Our tour guide, Patricia was extremely knowledgeable and well organized. Everything from the from the accommodations, bus travel, local guides, and sights visited exceeded our expectations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It's very difficult to single out a favorite "wow" moment given the diversity of the locations we visited, all were amazing. The days we visited Northern Italy and spent time in Bolzano, Alpe di Siusi, Lake Garda and Lake Como were truly fun."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a complex tour, it was loads of fun, very educational, thought provoking, and challenging - in a good way. At times I felt my understanding of Italy was being stretched in all directions.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Experiencing the northern-most area of Italy in this tour: the Dolomiti, Bolzano, Riva del Garda, Lago di Como. It is such a beautiful area, being there lifted my soul. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first time to Europe and because of the Group we were paired with and the amazing guide we had, let’s just said our expectations are very high for our next adventure.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sorry, I don’t have just one favorite wow. I loved all of Italy! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything was great. Especially our tour guide Tina Hiti. I have learned so much and made special friends on the tour. Highly recommend going on a Rick Steves’ tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Roman forum with our tour guide Francisca. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our 2nd tour and our tour guide Tina was outstanding! She encouraged interaction in our group and went above and beyond. The local guides all were fantastic providing a perspective on each place that only someone local could give.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Roman Forum, Michelangelo’s David and the stain glass artisan"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was outstanding from start to finish, offering a perfect balance between bustling cities, historic towns, and scenic countryside. While the destinations were beautiful, the absolute highlight of our trip was our guide, Tina. Her deep knowledge, endless patience, and brilliant sense of humor truly set her apart. She is a 10/10 guide who went above and beyond to make our Italian tour an unforgettable and thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Roman Forum "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

First trip to Italy, first Rick Steves tour. All exceptional, although a bit fast-paced.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Having never been to Venice, was intrigued by entire economy being conducted on waterways."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We'd never been to Italy before. We were charmed by the variety of topography, the delicious food and wine, and the helpfulness of our tour guide, Tina.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"(1) Seeing the Giotto frescos in Assisi; (2) walking into Santa Maria della Vittoria in Rome and walking right up to Bernini's Ecstacy of St Theresa without fighting crowds. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first RS tour and we were incredibly impressed with all aspects of the tour. Tina was our wonderful guide who shared so much knowledge of the history, arts and culture of each region as we travelled. The accommodations exceeded my expectations—I have to admit the pre-tour information had me a bit skeptical. Our fellow travelers were amazing. Strangers became friends and every person shared our same desire to experience all that is Italy. Sign me up again!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had a few wow moments. One that was surprising was our stop in Pisa at the Field of Miracles. Hearing the young security guard’s beautiful voice echo upward through the Baptistery left me with gooseys!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tina our guide was exceptional. This is our fifth Rick Steves tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting the smaller towns was definitely my favorite. We didn’t have the best weather but we persevered and experienced some fantastic food and Italian culture. I think the pesto demonstration and meal were a wow moment."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our 14th RS tour! We especially loved revisiting some of the places we've visited on other RS tours (Rome, Florence, Vienna, Cinque Terre, Siena), but EVERY time we come we learn something new! We find Italy is one of our absolute favorites! We're in our late 60's and found the pace of this tour was a good one. We enjoyed the history, the art, the architecture, but most of all, the people!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Siena was my favorite this time. We learned about the different 'contrate' neighborhoods and their friendly cross town rivalry with the Palio horse race. We were welcomed into the Forest contrite, learning about their participation in the Palio. We visited their chapel, ate a special meal in their clubhouse cooked by neighborhood folks! Their contrate pride was evident in their collection of many years' worth of costumes for horse and rider. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour unfolded with precision on the part of our superb guide, Stefani. Transitions between each region of Italy were clear and helped us understand both culture, geography, and history. All arrangements and expectations were clearly communicated. Local guides did an excellent job as well. There was a special group sense, with tour members being supportive, friendly and especially cordial and kind.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many: the beauty and serenity of the Dolomites, the unique landscape of Cinque terre, the spiritual depth and impact of St. Francis of Assisi, and the meaningful friendships forged among group members. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a great experience. Stephanie was a good tour guide and we had great couples on the tour. The locations we visited were a good choice of locations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The gondola boat ride in Venice and the man who told us how he made oars. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The entire tour was wonderful. Everything ran smoothly and we had a great group of people. Both my mother and I are short and our tour group made sure to move us to the front so we could see if there was a crowd. Everyone was friendly. Our tour guide, Stephanie was fabulous. She kept track of things we were interested in and made sure to point them out for us. The food was great; I loved the pre-selected menu. She kept me aware of where to get the best gelato! It was a well balanced tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I'm not sure I can name just one! Riding the gondola in Venice. Seeing the leaning tower of Pisa - which I didn't even think I would care about. Our guide set it up as a reveal of the Tower of Pisa and it was a "wow" moment! Another wow moment was being able to see all the beautiful art (frescoes, David) in person! Seeing both the Colosseum and Roman Forum were also amazing. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The guide set the tone for the group. Our group was outstanding in that they cared whether we short folk were able to view all the sites properly. The hotels were lovely, the food wonderful and we saw beautiful areas of Italy. It was a phenomenal trip. Our guide was so observant and helpful. She offered suggestions based on our questions and remembered items as we traveled through Italy. She is a phenomenon herself! I loved learning Italian phrases and she always explained them.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The art! Suddenly turning around and seeing the Statue of DavidI. Astounding! And our guide called Pisa the field of miracles and when we entered through the gate, it truly was a miracle view! I did not expect to be so surprised by Pisa. Walking through the Forum in Rome and finally seeing a portion of the Coliseum was exciting. Everywhere we went was art and the architecture is stupendous."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We covered a lot of ground which was exciting and motivating. Every change in location lead to new experiences. Our first European vacation and our first Rick Steves tour, our expectations were high and for the most part were met!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"That would have to be the Dolomites, stunningly beautiful and majestic! Our favorite city was Spello on a side trip. We also enjoyed Tuscany, Umbria and the Cinque De Terre!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Total cultural and historical immersion with top notch guide Sarah and also the local guides and outstanding driver Roberto too!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Many wow moments every day of the tour - OTZI - wow...Cinque Terra - wow...Sienna contrada dinner and goose, owl, forest explanations - wow, stained glass and oar lock demonstrations - wow, pesto making 86 year old grandma - wow, Sarah's ability to plan and adapt - wow!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This tour was just what we expected, so many wonderful things to see and places to experience. Sarah was great to work with and filled with energy.....kept us moving!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had a couple personally, standing next to the David and seeing the leaning tower of Pisa."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Amazing tour, so many memories. Our tour guide, Sara was the best & funniest director ever, would do another tour again if I could.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking in the Dolomites "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great experience. Our tour guide, Sarah is awesome. She is very funny and personable, a great communicator in a timely manner. I had a very positive experience with her and she made this trip much more memorable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Love Cinque Terre. Hiked from Monterosso to Vernazza, when looking at Vernazza from above, that was a "wow" moment for me. I would like to visit there again in the near future. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour, great weather, great guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing David"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I am not a city girl, but I don’t know how you go to Italy without visiting Venice, Florence, and Rome. I felt like there was a good balance between the city and rural stops. Our guide, Sarah, was simply outstanding. she was extremely knowledgeable about each location, offering us multiple options for our free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Absolutely, hiking in the dolomites. I could never tire of the views."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Tour was good. Pace was good. Guide was good. The only negative feedback I have was that somehow our draw for hotel rooms was always poor. While others got a mix of Lake Como, Dolomites, Mediterranean Sea, Vineyard views, we never got a view the entire trip. In fact, when rooms were not ready for some in the group at two hotels, yes, both times our room was also not ready. As we all paid the same, I feel like I subsidized other people's trip as our room was always inferior.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sienna group dinner and walking tour."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour itinerary was great, but what made our tour so outstanding was our guide, Sarah. We could not have picked a better guide! Because of Sarah, we are booking another Rick Steves tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many wow moments on this tour, that I cannot begin to list them all! Some of my favorites were a hike in the Dolomites, Cinque Terra, the Siena stained-glass demonstration, Otzi, and trying different gelato in each town!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour guide made the trip outstanding.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being in Siena on St. Catherine’s feast day. Also, dinner in the Selva contrade supper club and museum. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very positive experience. Must admit I was concerned about 17 days might have been too long but they flew by and allowed us to experience so much of the incredible art, architecture, culture, natural beauty of a large potion of Italy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to mention"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Really enjoyed the variety and breadth of experiences in this tour - history, culture, arts, great scenery and great food.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Many to choose from - I think I liked Cinque Terre the best though."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything about the tour was great. Most of the hotels, tour meals (pesto-making dinner), all local guides did a great job. Nancy, our tour guide was outstanding - so much energy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The wine resort and the beautiful views at the Cinque Terre."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Transportation was very good. Food was very good. Lodging was good. Attractions were very good. Local guides were very good and informative. Tour guide was excellent. Pacing of each stay was very good.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For architecture, history, and art, Rome and Florence were the top of the list. For beauty and leisure, the Dolomites and Cinque Terre were fantastic. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I most enjoyed meeting with Massimo, the stain glass window maker. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour locations, our tour guide (Nancy), the tour members, the food and all the sights we experienced were amazing.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had two “Wow” moments. The first was visiting the Contrada Della Selva district, with all historical archives, costumes, the Palio banners and of course the ensuing meal in their social club. The second was in Monterosso enjoying the pesto making demonstration, the meal and to end the evening a lovely full moon rising over the ocean."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved the schedule. It was packed with sightseeing and enough time to be on our own. Even the bus rides were broken up so that the time on the bus did not feel long. We were informed about history and received some cute surprises to taste. Every place we toured was amazing!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had many! Loved each town/village! The tight streets, packed walk ways, the bustle of the locals, the mind blown art in the churches, the colorful waters…wonderful! The Dolomites…unreal! Weather was a blessing from God!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour leader/guide Nancy was phenomenal. She enriched every experience with her knowledge & wealth of information!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The wine resort!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Perfect taste of Italy! Learned sooo much and visited many regions learning about the history, culture and food

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Can’t name just one but the alps, lunch in Verrano on the lake, Cinque Terre villages, Villa Santa Barbara hotel in Umbria and of course the art in Florence, history in Venice, Siena and ah Rome!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was amazing and we will be back for more Rick Steves tours

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Dolomites above Bolzano"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was an epic trip! The guides, the sites and towns, the education, the tours, the weather - it was all perfect!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting Bolzana and Cinque Terre"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Colleen Schaffer as tour guide was incredibly gracious and wonderful

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cinque Terra"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Truly a great way to see the Best of Italy . We had a few Italian holidays during our tour which made the guide have to juggle our itinerary . She did a great job . A disclaimer put on this week in the tour selections would help . If I had known I would have chosen a different tour date . The crowds on a holiday forced us to have to do both Uffizi and Accademia on the same day . A bit tiring .

Favorite "WOW" moment

"All of it truly ! We had spectacular weather the entire tour .Walking up to our hotel in the Cinque Terre was worth it with our views at the top ! And the tour happy hour in Malgrate with lake views is also top on my list ! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first Rick Steve’s tour. It was the second guided tour I have ever taken. It exceeded my expectations in every way. It was great!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cinque Terre. View of Montorosso and the Ligurian sea from my bedroom window. Hiking the trails, riding the ferry and swimming in the sea. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was excellent. It exceeded my expectations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Having dinner at the Rhino Contrada. It was great to see young people that had great pride in the Contrada that they were born into. It was a wonderful experience. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We did get sick but also did our best to keep up and see as much as possible! Overall we could not have been happier with every tour run by locals, hotels, excursions, and especially our tour guide Alfio. He was fantastic!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We absolutely feel in love with Venice! It was hard not to compare every other city with Venice. We did love Lake Como, and visited the gardens at the Villa Carlotta - breathtaking! Seeing the forum in Rome was the perfect end to our trip. The history, the architecture, everything was mind blowing!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide was excellent. He gave us needed info when we wanted it and gave us free time as well. He was funny but knew what he was talking about and taught us many interesting things. He obviously cared about the people on the tour. We went to a variety of places in Italy and enjoyed them all.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Most of the wow moments were when we came upon a beautiful view. Seeing St Marks Square from the tower above, seeing Cinque Terre from our hotel room, seeing the winery countryside, seeing the coliseum at theme of the forum tour were all favorite WOW moments for me. There were more as well. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved the places we visited. Although we had previously travelled to almost all of cities and towns perhaps a dozen years ago, we learned new things and visited new areas in most of those cities and towns..

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to choose just one. I loved the guided walk througn the Forum in Rome. I also loved the tour through one of the contradas in Siena. We also were lucky enough to be there when the residents from one of the contradas were celebrating. Their march through the town, with pepole drumming and playing instruments, and flags waving, was a delight, especially when they filled the entire giant piazza. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Well organized and managed.

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Nothing but the best from a Rick Steves' tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Popping out of the train station into Monterosso - and then hiking between villages in Cinque Terre. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steves Tour. It was a great introduction to the style and pace of those tours. And a fantastic introduction to Italy! We’re already looking into planning and booking our next RS Tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The art in Italy is overwhelming! But it was exciting to stand in front of works by masters I’d only read about. Standing in front of Michelangelo’s David in Florence was my “Wow” moment."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall tour was wonderful. tour guide was personable and knowledgable. The four star is a result for the food in the group meals and the hotels. Aside from the meal cooked by the community, it was not good. Many of the hotels were sup par. Usually it's 2 good 1 not so good. This tour was the opposite.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lake como, cinque terre and the dolomites "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Each town had something special to offer. Our tour guide Alfio was outstanding! He blended fun and his knowledge of Italian culture with ease and interest. I was also surprised and happy that in addition to Alfio, we had local guides for each of the major towns we visited.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Although Florence was not my favorite location, the Duomo was probably the most impressive building I saw at least from the outside. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide Stepanie was amazing The tour members were all great to be with The tour flew by

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Had many WOW moments Starting with Ponte di Rialto Cinque Terre Villages Siena- Learing about the Palio horse races"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Itinerary targeting precisely the cities we wanted to see in Northern Italy. Our managing guide, Stephanie, did an excellent job informing us about the culture and language while creating a sense of family. Over the course of the tour we met many nice co-travelers, several of whom we expect to become lifelong friends.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We experienced so much gorgeous architecture and artwork that it would be hard to identify just one "wow" moment. We both really enjoyed the St. Francis basilica."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had the best tour guide Stefanie to lead our tour. She is very thoughtful and always place our interest and safety first. We also had the opportunity to meet new friends on this tour whom I consider as potential new travel buddies in the future.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Some of the smaller towns, like Bolzano, Spello, that we visited were so beautiful and they gave me a sense of what's like living in the country side of Italy. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting the small town of Spello. It was not on the itinerary but I appreciate Stephanie bringing us to a town that had not really been discovered by tourists "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A tour is only as good as the leader and our leader Stephanie was amazing. She was fun, knowledgeable, very inclusive and friendly with everyone. She acknowledged a birthday and a honeymoon which was fun for all. It was also special to have her husband as our very competent bus driver. The tour members were all fun and accommodating. I had been to many of the places on the tour previously but it was great to revisit and see things differently. I enjoyed everything about the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Gondola ride was special and so was getting to ride in one of those sleek wooden water taxis in Venice. Seeing David in Florence was amazing. Learning how to make pesto and eating it was really enjoyable. Having a group meal in Sienna at a private club prepared and served by volunteers was special. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Two Rick Steves tours in, and I can already confirm — this is not a hobby, it's a lifestyle. My first tour was Sicily, and I thought, "Well, that's a hard act to follow." Then came the Best of Italy, and Rick Steves somehow managed to top himself. Over the course of this tour, our little travel family trekked through the very best of Northern and Central Italy. There was not a single dull moment, a single boring piazza, or a single town that didnt make me want to exdtend my stay by few more days

Favorite "WOW" moment

"If I'm being honest, the very best part of any Rick Steves tour isn't the places — it's the people. RS travelers are a special breed: curious, engaged, positive, and genuinely fun to be around. You don't just see the world with them — you make lifelong friends."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The whole tour was great. Hotels, tour meals, local guides all very well chosen and well done. Our tour guide was outstanding. The bus was very nice and clean and our driver excellent. The whole thing was excellent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to pick just one. There were many. Often more than one in each region. The sense of history in Italy."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide expertly tailored our travel experience based on current traffic, etc. We stopped in well-chosen villages along our bus trips, making the best use of our time. Local tour guides were absolutely the top, with a depth of knowledge and personal experience in each town. We had a great balance of tour time/personal time in each location so we felt we were discovering Italy on our own (with a little help from our friends.) Everybody raves about Italy; now I know why.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A glorious aperitivo on the balcony of our hotel room, overlooking the Ligurian Sea in Monterosso al Mare…wow!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a phenomenal experience. It was very well organized, and our tour guide was very knowledgeable and excellent. It really cut back on the worry factor going to another country when everything was taken care of for us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I can't limit it to one, but there were so many places to see that were "wow" experiences by just looking at them. I took about 2,000 pictures because I wanted to capture everything I saw. My favorite places were Venice, the dolomites and Cinque Terre. My favorite tours were the forcola (learning about the gondola), the stained-glass tour and when our tour guided told us a story about the frescos in a church. Also, discovering a crypt on our own without anyone telling us about it."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very organized.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Deborah’s explanation of the Last Judgement fresco in Orvieto."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was very well-organized, our tour guide Deborah was top-notch, everything was well done! I enjoyed the variety of places we saw, food was fantastic, transportation was great.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It's hard to pick just one "wow" moment, but it would be between Cinque Terra and the Roman Forum."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Every aspect of our tour was top notch! Loved the variety of hotels, transportation, educational & entertainment opportunities. Our guide, Deborah Heyburn, expertly guided all 28 of us on the experience of a lifetime! Her in-depth knowledge was apparent as she patiently & tirelessly answered our many questions - often repeatedly! Thanks to her capable coaching, we learned a lot about the history & culture ofd Italy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many but really loved meeting with the crafters/artists. Franco, at Remi E Forcole, was especially novel. His descriptions of the techniques, training & lives of the Gondoliers made me see that occupation in a whole new light. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was very well thought out and organized. I liked that we got an overview of each location with a guide followed by free time to explore.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many wow moments!! But the views in the Dolomites were amazing and when the "rose garden" lit up pink from our balcony (which we knew to watch for from our guide) it was stunning! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Just about everything was wonderful, from our amazing guide Sarah, to the hotels, our local guides, our driver Cesare, and the meals! The itinerary included so many incredible sights, and was a wonderful value for the cost!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The special dinner at the Selva contrada was so unique and wonderful! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Being my first time visiting Italy this tour was exceptional. A great initial overview by visiting 8 different areas, each with its own culture, cuisine, and geography. The tour also had a perfect mixture of organized tours and dinners with ample free time to explore on your own. And our tour guide Sara was the absolute best!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My most memorable wow moment was vising the Selva Contrade in Siena. It was amazing to hear about the preparation and history of the horse race. The church and museum was amazing and the meal prepared by the locals was very, very special"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Sarah made the tour. She is the best tour guide. Helpful, interesting, funny, knowledgeable, and very helpful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cemetery outside of Florence. Great add on. Very meaningful and emotional. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great people, great itinerary, lots of free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing masterpieces in everyday churches. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Sarah was an excellent tour guide. She got us well prepared for each day and each excursion that we took. If we had free time, she made sure that we knew what the options were and she checked in with us to make sure that we didn’t have any questions. The iternary was also great. I appreciated starting in Venice and visiting both large and small cities as we made our way to Rome. Each hotel had excellent staff that answered any questions that we had.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"In Siena having the local guide explain the horse race as we stood on the square and then on the second day actually going to one of the chapels/social clubs and having a wonderful meal and seeing the exhibit of the posters, jockey clothes (and colors) and the saddles associated with this social club’s long history of participating in the race. Plus a video of the race while we were eating dessert. This experience was well done and extremely memorable."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Organization, guides, & transportation of the tour was outstanding - usual from a RS tour. The group we traveled with was also outstanding, which I expect with a RS tour. The little treats, like the visits to the forcola and stained glass artisans are a big reason to go on a RS tour instead of doing it on our own. I thought the RS provided meals weren't as great as they have been on previous tours. The biggest downside of this trip was the huge crowds in Venice, Florence, and Rome. Over-tourism!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The countrysides of Tuscany and Umbria were beautiful. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our trip was excellent. Excellent group, excellent tour guide, Sarah. She was very funny, helpful, energetic, knowledgeable. Great tours and itineraries, hotels were great and the group meals were fun.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Pisa, Bolzano, San Gimignano and Assisi. Beauty towns, beautiful sites to see. Each one was worth the stop."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had an amazing tour leader, Sarah. She was enthusiastic, very helpful and very knowledgeable. She always great tips on where to eat or visit.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"All the unexpected small town stops for lunch. San Gimignano, Balzano, Sienna and Pisa. They were all beautiful and a lot of fun to explore. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was fantastic tour. Our tour guide, Sarah, was more than a tour guide. She was like an orchestra director. She anticipated every need and did everything she could to facilitate a memorable trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I didn't anticipate how much the group would add to the experience. And the group was great because we were lead by an even greater tour guide."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was an amazing tour with a great mix of metropolitan destinations and smaller, more relaxed villages. The changing landscapes made it feel like we were traveling beyond Italy. I enjoyed both the subtle and grandiose beauty of Italy, plus the daily history lessons and artistic/cultural discoveries. Sarah was the ideal guide for this group. She and our tour mates made the trip even more special and memorable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Coming upon a small herd of cows with their bells clanging during our hike in the Dolomites gave me a surprise “Wow.” Additionally, I was on a mission to see as many works by Michelangelo as I could and was wowed that I saw so many. Lastly, we met up with our guide Stephanie, from last year’s Best of Sicily tour, and shared a drink in Venice. Wow!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was well organized and our tour guide Sarah was amazing in every way ! Sarah kept us together, made us each feel very special, got to know each of us and brought Italy alive at every turn. We saw many very special sights and had access to much more than if we were on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I love Monterosso! Our hotel was amazing and the view was spectacular! Breakfast was delicious! We swam in the sea and I love the size of the town! And the pesto class was so much fun!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent guide and driver and well thought out itinerary.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Siena experience with the local guide, the contrada meal and videos of the races and a visit to the "Selva" chapel was unique and truly educational and fun. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was a wonderful mix of city and country experiences with informative guided tours and free time to keep exploring on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking in the Italian Alps!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was a wonderful exploration of Italy with a good balance of sights, information, group time, and great food!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Exploring Venice."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Good balance of education, together time and independent opportunities. Amazing sights at every location, more so than expected.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"One was, horse race story in Siena and the community dinner."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

All the guides were outstanding. The transportation was an interesting variety of private (our bus driver was terrific) and public. Loved navigating the train, metro, water taxis, and ferries. I also enjoyed that the hotels were smaller and the staffs were friendly and helpful. The opportunity to experience so many different parts of Italy was something I would never have been able to manage on my own, and the demonstrations by the artisan and craftsmen were very special.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Climbing the Brunelleschi Dome in Florence and looking out at the city scape. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well organized, great food, fantastic guides, good hotels and a very nice tour plan.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I was very impressed that our guide provided so much historic knowledge at every town."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide Daniela set the pace! The tour was fascinating, informative, active, and very well organized. Every place we visited was different. Daniela had a great sense of humor and style and entertained us on the bus. From Venice to the Dolomites to Cinque Terre to Umbria we had a wonderful visit to Beautiful Italy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The small towns of Voltera, Verona, and Assisi although every place had its unique magic."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide, Nancy, was the best! She knew so much about each place we visited...it was impressive. Also, she was FUN! The bus driver was equally impressive. Dino navigated the narrow roads along Cinque Terre masterully. It was the trip of a lifetime

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I LOVED Pisa. I didn't think I would, but I did. Also...the Dolomites. So majestic and beautiful."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Out tour guide Nancy was amazing. She emersed you into the Italy culture. The bus driver Dino was outstanding as well. I saw so many sights on this trip ate like a local and thoroughly enjoyed my time in Italy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing all the amazing history of Italy. From Venice the leaning tower of Pisa to Rome collisium and vatacin city. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A great experience. Absolutely the best Tour guide for an incredible country.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The fountains in Rome. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide Nancy, after a few days known as Cousin Nancy, was fantastic. A wealth of enthusiasm for her country Italy and very knowledgeable about the history and culture; no subject was off limits. Cousin Nancy does enjoy her job and in turn we had so much fun getting to know Northen Italy. Our fellow travelers were diverse and interesting to get to know.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"As with many fellow travelers it is hard to pick one WOW moment. But I would have to say the Pisa Baptistery of St. John architecture is stunning. However, the private taxi upon arrival into Vencie was so surreal. So many WOW moments so little time."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Many experiences, new things, amazing sites, and great people made this an outstanding trip. It was an optimum sampler of Italy, leaving me ready to plan my next trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing Ötzi was really over the top. The museum presented so many kinds of information about this find, and yet I felt he was telling his story to me. Wow!"

Please see Earle Reynolds comments for this trip. We completed that survey togehter.

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Excellent guide and driver

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dolomites were amazing "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

All aspects of our tour was fantastic, from the transportation, the hotels, the experiences, and especially the tour guide, Nancy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Experiencing the grandeur of the Dolomites was my favorite. Bolzano and Kastelruth were pleasant with fewer visitors than other areas but with all of the amenities of larger communities. This is an area that we will return to in the future. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Packed full of history, good food, nice people, and fun led by an excellent guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The view while hiking in Cinque Terre area."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first experience with any group tour and it truly exceeded my expectations!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Accustomed to planning my own travel itineraries, I was surprised to learn how much more I learned by having the local guided tours at each destination instead of just walking around on my own with a guidebook! It was so nice to just be able to walk among ruins or beautiful cathedrals or museums and galleries, and listen while looking and learning about the architecture, culture, history, and sometimes, hidden meanings of all these great treasures."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We could not be more pleased. The tour guide, Nancy, far exceeded expectations. The value of the experience was much greater than the cost. In addition the tour guide's enthusiasm, positive attitude and wealth of information greatly added to the value received.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many "wow" moments. To pick one would not be possible."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was an intense itinerary showcasing the variety of regional cultures in Italy. all north of Rome. As expected, the group of like-minded 28 travelers bonded quickly and all helped in sharing and amplifying the experience. Our tour guide, Nancy, was among the best that we have had from all six previous RS tours.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Waking up in our hotel in Monterosso al Mare and absorbing the beach and cliffside view of the Ligurian Sea from our window. The interiors of every Basilica, even those in humble towns, were awesome."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Laurenza was an extraordinary guide. Some of the travelers had health emergencies which she handled expertly, kindly, and professionally. She was always warm and gracious. She anticipated our needs, but also pushed us to try new things, saying "It will not kill you!"

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The church at Orvieto, or maybe hiking in the Dolomites, or perhaps the umbrellas in Soave, or Siena...Every moment was brilliant. Did I mention Venice?"

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Having never been to Italy before, I wanted to see and experience different parts of the country. The tour was great for that. But I also wanted to learn as much as I could and that is where the tour fell short. Primarily because the audio system used by the guides was so poor.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many of them including Venice, David, the Colosseum, the Dolomites and the leaning tower of Pisa. But I think my favorite was the dome-that's-not-a-dome in the Sant'Ignazio of Loyola Church in Rome."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

“Best of Italy” checked all the boxes and more. Our guide, Lorenza, from Venezia to Roma, surprised us repeatedly—with unexpected stops—by adjusting our agenda, when a good traffic day allowed. Suave, Lake Garda, San Gimignano and the lovely WWII cemetery were delightful stops between major cities on our scheduled tour, and she flipped the day for our visit to see Őtzi and the evening of our wine-tasting when traffic or weather demanded. (Her personal stories illustrated well Italy’s history.)

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing “the other side” of David surprised me when our local guide, Melani Valentini, led us all the way around Michelangelo’s perfect “Renaissance Man,” a beautiful body, a miraculous mind and a sanguine spirit. To transform that young boy from the Hebrew Bible into his classical statue of an oversized grown man made Michelangelo’s genius tangible and real."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide Venessa kept us safe, informed, and interested throughout the tour through northern Italy. I learned so much about Roman history, Italian city states, the formation of Italy as a nation, and the Italian culture. Everything we did was fun and there was no stress when traveling or getting to the hotel.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Wow moment was hiking on the Vineyard trail in Manarola."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A Rick Steve's tour was the best way to travel with 2 sisters, our spouses and another friend couple! With that many people, your itinerary, planning and philosophy enabled our group to get the most out of our trip together. We were able to just enjoy our time together and appreciate where we were. Our tour guide, Vanessa, really made the tour the best! Her knowledge, guiding skills and wonderful personality added so much to the tour that I couldn't imagine it any other way.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Always hard to pick! But, the chance to be in Castelrotto when the cows came down from the mountain was really special! The community involvement and activities surrounding it were great to see and be a part of!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful! Met or exceeded expectations. Our guide Vanessa was a gem.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I love mountain, so the Dolomites were my favorite. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I really enjoyed the tour and most of the destinations we visited. It was great not to have to worry about making arrangements along the way, and our Rick Steves guide, Vanessa, was the best!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking the Seiser Alm was absolutely amazing with stunning vistas at every turn."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful experiences with a delightful and experienced guide who handled unexpected obstacles with grace and good humor that put us all at ease. Vanessa made us all feel special and welcome and provided us with a wealth of knowledge about a wide variety of topics from Italian history, culture, cuisine and language to how to navigate the Italian autogrill and public transportation. The time on the bus and the group dinners helped us get to know our fellow travelers and become friends.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I really enjoyed the cultural experiences such as the contrada dinner and the stained glass demonstration in Siena. Also loved our local guide, Francesca, in Rome who helped us make sense of all that we were seeing there. She also gave us valuable advice to avoid museum fatigue and museum guilt that I used in the Borghese Gallery and the Vatican Museums and that I am sure will stay with me in my future travels."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Solid overview of Italy, patricianly the norther portion. First rate tour guide and itinerary. Really enjoyed meeting and traveling with the people on the tour. The tour should be restructured to try and avoid crowds by visiting popular spots in Rome and Florence on week days and not weekends.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking in the Dolomites and Lake Como. Would love to go back to both. Also dinner with Siena Selva Contrade. "

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

the places we went were great on the Best of Italy tour

Favorite "WOW" moment

"staying in Cinque Terre"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Thoroughly enjoyed our tour, it was our first one with you. Tour guide, Donald, was outstanding. His knowledge level, flexibility and sense of humor combined to make him a true asset. Our other tour guides at specific locations were top shelf as well. Roberto in Pisa, Valle in Rome, female in Siena (sorry, can’t recall her name…Annalisa?) were all great as they combined their extensive knowledge with humor making those sites even more enjoyable. Joint dinners were great & promoted friendships.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Several! Initial Venice moment, Dolomites beauty & hike, Cinque Terry’s beauty and e-bike tour, and, of course, virtually all of Rome. St. Peter’s dome climb definitely worth the climb."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Wife LOST HER PASSPO Wife lost her passport in Venice, which made the trip a little more stressful

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking in Cinque Terre prior to sunrise"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My 1st rick steves tour was fantastic.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Looking out the window of the hotel in Castlerotta, the Dolomites & seeing the beautiful surroundings."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

As on my previous tours, our fellow travelers were friendly and easy to get along with, and our guide, Donald was terrific.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Looking out the window of our hotel in the Dolomites, I was blown away by the beauty of the surroundings. It wasn’t even on my radar as one of the most anticipated locations for me, but when I saw it I was hooked!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Every aspect of our tour was outstanding. Hotels, meals, free time v scheduled activities, background/ historical information and in particular, our guide, Rhianne.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Volterra! A complete unknown place that we loved. It was not crowded and had fascinating history and sites. We also loved the Pantheon."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide Rhianne was great. Her knowledge was wonderful and her recommendations were spot on. Our bus driver was exceptional with his skills. The participants were friendly and some great friendships were made. The cities and places we visited were beautiful and awesome. I enjoyed the trip and experiences very much.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Venice was the best. What a beautiful city all surroundedbt water. I also loved Lake Como and Cinque Terre. I love water so these were all my favorite spots. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The overall experience was wonderful. The land, the Italian people, the rich history - we saw and experienced so much that will live in our memory. We'd like to return!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Stepping inside St. Peter's Basilica for the first time. Just like my first glimpse of the Grand Canyon and the Yosemite Valley. Overwhelming!"

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

The hotels were not up to par

Favorite "WOW" moment

"the waters the oceans and lakes"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent trip

Favorite "WOW" moment

"All of it "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide Daniella was the highlight! Her art/history/cultural knowledge and joy for life brought Italy alive for us! The schedule was fantastic and the extra surprises along the way made us feel our trip was a once in a lifetime series of experiences! The accommodations and bus travel were great!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The first time we got lost in Venice, away from the usual tourists spots, opened our eyes to what a truly wonderful place it was! The bruschetta in Verona with the buffalo mozzarella was spectacular! The Palio winners celebratory parade and dinner in the forest neighborhood was equally exciting! It feels like every city had a wow moment! ! into the "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was everything that we hoped for, and a bit more.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We enjoyed all sites, but the "wow" moments came at Castelrocco, Lake Como, the statue of David, St. Peter's Basilica, the Pieta, the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum, and the inside of the Colosseum (we entered at 8:40 AM on a Sunday). I think my favorite was Castelrocco."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I have not done a tour before and this exceeded my expectations!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Learning very detailed info about the murals at the duomo in Orvieto."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a great overview of the main areas of Italy that I've been wanting to visit.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sistine Chapel"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Italy tour exceeded all our expectations! Everything was so perfectly organized from start to finish. Daniela was absolutely amazing — such a knowledgeable, passionate, and engaging guide who brought history, art, and culture to life with her enthusiasm and charm. The group we traveled with was wonderful too — such nice, fun people to share the experience with. We’re already looking forward to our next Rick Steves tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We came away impressed by how much the tour offered and how many different places we got to experience across Italy. We never would have seen or learned this much on our own. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent tour guide / some amazing sights / most hotels were excellent

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Roman Forum"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall it was a great tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Every destination was wonderful"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Such a great experience. Alfio our guide was incredible and we loved our bus driver Elmi. The local guides were very knowledgeable. We met many new friends and learned so much.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Everything in Cinque Terre. I would love to go back and stay there for a week. "

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Your company has been guiding tours for many years and does many excellent things such as logistics and organization. We saw a lot of amazing sights and were truly amazed that all the activities and logistics work were executed flawlessly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Italian Alps, seeing Michael Angelo's David, sidewalk cafes, wine tasting with tour, Tuscany"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Alfio was an incredible guide, he communicated very well and was a wealth of information. Every city had a “Wow” moment.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A relaxing lunch on the “beach” at Cinque Terre, I heard my wife say the words.”perfect”, “incredible “, and “ amazing”!!!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The sights were wonderful and our guide, Alfio, was fantastic. It was great seeing many less “touristy” places we most likely would never have discovered on our own. My only criticism would be that some of the hotels were a bit too “rustic” (e.g. lacking convenient electrical outlets, space to unpack personal need items, tiny wash spaces).

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I really loved the Vinyard Resort stay at Alta Rocco in Umbria. The facility was spacious and accommodating. Getting there via a stop in Assisi was fantastic. It was nice to go to a place with open space and nature following some of the busy city stops."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall, the tour was very good. The accomodations were better than expected, there were more meals included than anticipated, and our guide was exceptional. Sarah handled any issues that came up with great professionalism and proficiency, communicating with our tour members to keep us updated.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our favourite 'wow' moment was the splendour of the dolomites."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I wanted a tour that allowed me to experience as much of Italy as possible, and this tour exceeded my high expectations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved the experience of walking up the Leaning Tower of Pisa."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tour was very well organized, busy, with a very great leader and informed guides. It hit all of our hot buttons for this trip. The group we were with was amazing starting from the first meet and greet to the final dinner together. For us this really made the trip. To be able to share the places and experiences with new found friends was amazing.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many great memories from this trip its hard to choose. For me I have always loved the mountains whether its skiing or hiking. So the time we spend in the Dolomites trekking through the high alpine meadows was special"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall very good

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cinque Terre was my favorite stop"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great group of fellow trave⁴lers and super RS tour director.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Difficult to specify as I enjoyed the variety."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

the tour was well organized with a fantastic guide. The hotels and dinners provided, met or exceeded expectations. there were 2 dinner issues that were discussed with the guide and she explained 1 issue. The 2nd issue was a shared seafood type dinner was abused by another tour member. The city, museum and historical site tours were excellent with excellent local guides and extra surprises of local merchants and artisans. The bus trips were comfortable and easy with a very competent driver.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"This was my 1st visit to Italy. From start to finish, it was a "wow" experience. The local food, scenery, people, culture and even the comadery of the other tour members created memories I will not forget. We had a very engaging group and Sarah was a wonderful and compeyent guide and travel companion. I especially enjoyed the surprise stopover at a WWII Memorial near Florence as my father had fought in Italy during WWII."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steves tour and we were amazed not only by the places we visited but also special experiences (forcola maker in Venice, stained glass in Siena, contrata dinner in Siena, pesto making in Monterosso, etc) really made this trip extra special.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Piazza del Campo in Siena, and the views from the hiking trail outside Monterosso."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The group was so compatible and friendly with similar interests. Our tour director was fantastic, good sense of humor, organized, with a real sense of caring for each person's needs!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Dolomites. The walk in the Alpe di Siusi meadows in perfect weather with high mountain peaks in every direction "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We have been on several tours at various locations around the world but this was our first Rick Steves tour. We were very pleased with the active itenary and the highly skilled and knowledgeable tour guides. We especially enjoyed the unplanned day trips that we took each day in addition to our planned tour sites.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our entry into St. Peter’s Basilica."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our second RS tour and won’t be our last. Stephanie was an excellent tour manager. We had a great group of people. All hotels and meals were better than I expected. Definitely felt the over tourism in Florence and Como but Stephanie minimized the impacts where possible. She picked lesser known places for the lunch stops and side trips that were idyllic and unique. Spella was very charming. I think tour needs one more day in Rome as a day and half is just barely time to orient.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Two Hiking experiences— Dolomites and Cinque Terra. Also loved the Umbria hill town hotel that was a former monastery and the add on of the original Saint Francis of Assisi Chapel (the Porziuncola at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli). Lecco and the hotel there was a pleasant surprise and the slower pace there was nice after the manic pace and crowds of mid lake villages. We loved this trip of a lifetime and highly recommend this itinerary but would add time to Rome. Thank you RS team!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent tour guides. Organized . Trip was seamless- no issues. Our main Tour Guide Stephanie was very helpful and also assisted with coordinating departure arrangements. Overall - I felt the Accommodations and the food was excellent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Each city or Hillside town had its own wow moment. Absolutely enjoyed every bit of cinque terre - hotel - food - hiking - and did sunset tour which was fabulous. Dollomites did not disappoint!! Balzono was beautiful ! However, the camaraderie with our friends and the group made everything just that more special! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide made every day of the tour an eventful experience! What was amazing was the spontaneity to days that we had on the road. Instead of having a few hours that we would be traveling on the bus, our guide built in stops to a few of her favorite towns. We were able to see some amazing sites and experience things that we hadn't planned on - all quite wonderful! We considered them bonus adventures! Our guide, very thoughtfully gave us site and restaurant recommendations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Discovering, when we were in Siena, that there was a concert of opera's best arias being performed at a venue near the hotel. Several of us enjoyed that amazing concert together!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour turned out to be an exhausting trip of a lifetime! Reflecting back, we saw and experienced so much. On our own, we would have never had the knowledge or drive to create such a comprehensive tour of northern and central Italy. Thank you!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I have been to Italy a few times before, but all before 1997. On this trip when I discovered that we could walk around the Temple of the Vestal Virgins (Temple of Vesta), my jaw dropped. This was an entirely new and exhilarating experience for me. History sprang to life! I remember reading about the Vestal Virgins in the National Geographic History magazine. Now, at that moment, I was walking with them, considering their responsibilities and their temptations. It was amazing for me!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Great itinerary. Loved Stephanie. A little fast-paced for me; I'd have liked a little more time in the Cinque Terre, Rome, maybe Florence. It's apparent that RS doesn't do this just for the money, and I love that. It annoys me that other tour companies pressure you to tip the tour guide & driver; I love that tipping's not an issue with RSE. Loved some hotels; others not so much. Admittedly I'm partial to elevators. Loved the "small" places we visited: Trento, Pistoia, Spello.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our day at Alpe de Siusi. I'd never seen the Alps firsthand."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was fabulous! While 17 days turned out to be a lot, I wouldn't have missed any of the places we visited. It was a wonderful mixture of the places you have to see (Venice, Florence, Rome) and out-of-the-way treasures (Bolzano, Siena). Rick doesn't exaggerate when he says there will be a lot of walking! But that's the best way to see and experience it all.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The days spent in Bolzano and hiking in the Italian Alps. So beautiful, amazing lunch way up top and not too touristy."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My experience on this tour was beyond my expectations! The people in our group , our guide Colleen and our bus driver Pino were all the best! I was worried before we left for the tour how moving to a new location and hotel every two days would work out but there was no issues for me. We were able to see so much of Italy and had plenty of our own free time at each place. I will highly recommend this 17 day Italy Rick Steve’s Tour to my family and friends!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"To tell you the truth daily there were “wow” moments! The whole trip was awesome. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Wonderful tour. The great weather enhanced the experience. Saw and learned a lot and also enjoyed our free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I enjoyed cruising Lake Como with the majestic Dolomite border was most spectacular. Also, pulling into the various village docks and seeing normal life. Cinque Terre was equally fascinating."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was wonderful. From the hotels, to the group dinners, to the local tour guides, everything was run very well. Colleen, our guide for the whole tour, was outstanding. She set the tone for each location we travelled to. She handled obstacles well, like when our shuttle buses in Rome were a no show. She was the best!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many wow moments. For me, seeing and entering the Pantheon was like stepping into the Roman Empire. A close second was the way that our Rome local tour guide, Francesca, described things as we walked through Rome. It was so much more than "here is the Roman Forum and this is what happened here." First-rate."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very good experience, crowds take away the enjoyment. Professional guide and great weather added to the fun.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dolomites and Cinque Terra along with Rome and guide Francesca. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was the perfect mix of city and rural sites and also the perfect mix of structured and independent time. The guides were excellent and brought the sites to life.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The entrance into Venice from a water taxi comes immediately to mind. It was unexpected and simply a magic experience!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour and tour guide did an excellent job and made our overall experience a fantastic experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Rome, Lake Como and especially Ciinque Terra"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour guides, good hotels, well timed out with enough free time to ourselves. The other travellers on the tour were very positive and some had done many of your tours. We have already booked our next tour for summer 2026.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our hike in the Dolomites was fantastic, the scenery and the lodge we stayed in were unforgetable."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Best of Italy tour 2025 was outstanding. Overall tour plan allowed us to experience the diverse northern and central Italy area including a number of cities and villages along the way. Guides were all good, but some were excellent and without them I would have not had even close to the same experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Wow moments for me included Michelangelo's David and La Pieta, discovering the Dolomites for the first time and the great time we had in the smaller villages along the way (Rome, Venice, Siena and Florence were as expected, but the smaller towns really wowed me)."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

An amazing tour! Our guide, Lorenza, was funny, knowledgeable, and made my experience even better by giving us her expertise on the different museums and churches. Her stories made our adventures come to life and were even more meaningful. I enjoyed the other travelers, the hotels, the locations, and the food. I need to be gluten free and there were plenty of delicious options available for me.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Siena, Italy. Learning about how the city is divided into 17 districts, each with its own flag and identity. Also, learning about the Palio horse race that takes place twice per year. This experience was topped off by a special dinner put on by volunteers from one of the districts. We were able to see where their Palio horse race trophies are kept and the church that they took the racehorse in to be blessed prior to the race. Amazing experience!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall the tour was very organized. We felt it was worth the money. Lorenza is an amazing person and tour guide. We hope to do a Rick Steve’s tour again soon.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"That’s hard to say. There were several places that were “wow “. Loved all the history in Rome and the coastline in Cinque Terre."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was everything I expected to experience from RS tour and more!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many! So many! I’d say mine was Cinque Terra and the challenging hikes in 90+ heat! But, Rome! LOVED Rome🥰 But wait! The Dolomites! Florence! Siena and learning about the horse race! Assisi! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The various places which included big cities to the Dolomites, Lake Como, Cinque Terra, the hill country brought unque experiences, and a wide variety of culture, art and history. We really enjoyed the various workshops and wine tasting. along with the opportunity to see various places that were not listed on our itinerary. Andrea, our Rick Steve's guide made this experience outstanding. His knowledge of history and art brought Italy to life in a way we have never experience before.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"WOW's included the Dolomites, Lake Como, Cinque Terra,visiting the various basilicas in Siena, St Francis and St. Peter's Basilica along with the Cisitine Chapel. Although rather tired by the end of the trip, visiting the Forum and the Pantheon was magnificent in its own way due to its ancient history."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great guide, Andrea! Awesome bus driver Stephano! Additional guides were amazing as always!! And surprisees along the way was super

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Everything was a WOW. Always taken care of by Andrea, with his expertise. The group meals wow. The Villa residence wow. The Italian alps wow. Gondola ride wow"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour is fantastic! Our guide Andrea was outstanding, he was a fabulous guide, wonderful teacher and friend. Loved all the planned stops as well as the surprises along the way like Lake Garda, Volterra and the American World war II cemetery. Our tour group was amazing. The whole experience from start to finish was excellent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many it's hard to choose. The Dolomites at sunset, The Academia and Uffizi Museums, The walking tour of ancient Rome with Francesca and Cinque Terra."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall the Best of Italy tour experience was incredible. Exploring favorite cities again (Venice, Florence, and Rome) and new favorites (all of the other cities/villages) was a highlight. Having an incredible guide (Andrea) who gave us historical background and unique experiences made a huge difference. Small group guides (Francesca = amazing!), group dinners, free time to explore, comfortable hotels in great locations, a wonderful group, and beautiful scenery made incredible memories.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"In the Dolomites, the weather cleared up in the afternoon, and our guide did an extra special train ride and hike with several of us, showing us around in the alps of Italy! We rode the cable car to the top and then rode the train - such stunning scenery up there . . . it was a "Wow" moment for sure! Another "Wow" moment was our gondola ride in Venice . . . our guide arranged for a singer to ride in one of the gondolas. Riding along the canals and Grand Canal & hearing him sing was amazing!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We appreciated the opportunity to experience everything that was promised in the promotional materials for the tour, plus some special stops and experiences arranged by our tour guide (Andrea ). The pace was fast and physically demanding in several cities, which may be why half the group was sick by the end. However, the Best of Italy tour was advertised as best suited to people who are physically fit. As a result, we saw many highlights of Italy and met some wonderful local guides.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The view of the valley from the winery was awe-inspiring. It provided an amazing view of this beautiful country, and gave us a greater appreciation for the natural beauty of Italy. The monuments, art, food, etc. were all amazing . . . but the view from this specific location was certainly a "wow" moment for us!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour included visits to all the cities we wanted to see. Each city had a unique and interesting site to see or activity to do. Highlights included seeing Michelango's David, the Roman Colosseum and the Pantheon. The Cinque Terre villages are a place we would love to return to. We were fortunate to have a great tour guide, Andrea and knowledgeable city guides that brought the sights to life.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many wow moments. The view from our hotel in Cinque Terra, touring the Uffizi gallery with an interesting and humorous guide, visiting the stained-glass workshop, walking around the Colosseum and the Pantheon with a passionate guide, and sharing meals with our tour guide and tour members."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Andrea was the perfect guide, never let him go! The various waking tour guides were all excellent. The balance of structured time vs free time was great.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Oh my, so many. I think walking into all of the ornate churches were all wow moments. Also loved cinque terra. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Best-ever-guide and wonderful person Vanessa, the mix of travelers, the sum of places visited, and taking advantage of our free time made for so many memorable times! Vanessa-isms, new friendships, great connections with our peeps, and toe-dipping into the Italian language spurred along by Vanessa. Our 4th RS tour became our best... so far!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Most affecting: Hands down, feeling Rome come to life during our tour of the Roman Forum by local guide Francesca! Most "Holy Tacos, this is Italy!!": Stepping out of our steep descent between quintessential Italia village buildings into the harbor area of Riomaggiore and then spending the next hour taking in the whole experience of the rhythm of life here."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour totally exceeded all my expectations! The guide, Vanessa was just terrific. She somehow managed to make every single one of us feel welcomed and valued. The group was a wonderful blend of personalities, easy to get along with. I was worried about keeping up with the pace as I was one of the oldest people there, but Vanessa made me feel totally comfortable and I surprised myself by managing the 15,000 steps a day, hills, cobblestones and most of the stairs (except the really tall ones)!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to choose! The lovely Pasquale Hotel on the beach in Monterossa (Cinque Terre) sleeping with the windows wide, listening to the surf was so beautiful. Of course, seeing the David in Florence. And surprisingly, I loved Siena and hearing about the Palio and seeing the victorious neighbors celebrating throughout the town their victory with the winning horse. Lake Como was really beautiful, and the Dolomites were magnificent! See I can't choose!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Vanessa was a fabulous guide! She is a great communicator, educator, and knew how to get us all to be friends. He was complimentary of our Italian bus driver, Massimo, and laced history lessons on and off the bus with her personal experiences. Vanessa speaks highly of Rick Steve's and the company. She made us feel like family. The hotels were very good and the dinner (on our own) at Giovanni's in Florence was wonderful. The owner spoke very good English. (Her mother was from N.J. !

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The vibrant society of Italy and the hussle of Venice! But I will always remember the Cinque Terre (sp?). I loved the vibe there and hotel with "grandma" make pesto and serving a wonderful dinner. Siena -The stain glass artists demo and tour, and the history of the horse races! Unfortunately, there were just too many great moments!!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was the best trip of our lives!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Every minute of every day with Vanessa was a wow moment!!! She is very special. You are very lucky that she came into your lives. I thought that Rolinka was the greatest tour guide we have ever had, but Vanessa is just as wonderful as Rolinka."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The best part of the tour was our guide Vanessa. She was able to accommodate all types of personalities, dynamics and had the most positive and outgoing personality. She was a joy to spend 17 days with.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My husband and I absolutely loved hiking in the Dolomites. The beauty and time spent hiking for the day were spectacular. We can’t wait to return to do more extensive hiking. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Vanessa our guide made this trip unforgettable!! Her energy, knowledge, accommodating skills and personality was over the top! Being our first group tour experience, having traveled solo in Europe and South America.. we were hesitant. This experience has changed our perspective and we are on board with Rick Steve’s!!!!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This is my fourth RS tour. I highly recommend anyone interested in going to the locations designated for this trip. Would move my trip to April or October, the cities were packed with tourists in September.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Just liked the whole tour. Loved the pace, the back and forth from large city to smaller city, the tour guide was the best of the four tours I have been on with RS."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great overall experience. Really enjoyed the pace of the tour and experiences along the way.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Dolomites were my favorite - but I'm a hiker so that was a bit of a no brainer. Cinque Terre was also a favorite and hiking between the five villages. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a once in a lifetime experience. We saw so much, learned a lot about Italian culture and got to see some things that most travelers would not be able to. Out guide was fantastic and really impacted our day to day activities. She was top-notch!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There are really so many it is hard to pick just one. I loved Venice and San Marco square, the leaning tower of Pisa was much more interesting than I expected. Being in Siena's Il Campo. Cinque Terre is so magical as well."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Rhianna displayed the perfect swan like traits. She was calm and gracious gliding us through 17 days of Italian treasures as she paddled behind the scenes leading us perfectly and safely around the country. We have been to many of the locations but Rick Steves has a unique way of finding a balance of self discovery and group participation. Our group was wonderful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Dolomites. Top 10 places that play on repeat in my mind to remember how beautiful this world is. Definitely the tour of The Roman Forum given by a woman gifted with a unique gift of inviting you to explore the vivid tales she shared. New perspectives were born in this eternal city thanks to this tour. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

What a great way to way to experience the best of Italy! Rhianne was an excellent tour guide! She made us all feel like family, got us to our destinations efficiently, educated us on what we were experiencing, and had fun with us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I think what we enjoyed most was the journey from one place to another, seeing incredible sights, eating the delicious local Italian food, listening to Italian music on the bus, and spending time with our new best friends. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a great mix of people, all friendly and fun. Our tour guide, Rhianne did an exceptional job. Very fun personality and engaged everyone in conversation and interesting facts. We enjoyed having two nights in each location and there was a good mix of group and individual time to explore our stops in Italy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many ‘wow’ moments throughout the trip but our favorites were the Dolomites and Cinque Terre. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had the best time ever! We saw so many interesting things and did so many fun things - it truly was the trip of a lifetime.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The gondola ride in Venice was wonderful. So relaxing and romantic! Plus, it was very well organized."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tour was great - our tour guide and the group of people made it really enjoyable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the leaning tower of Pisa and David"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

A wonderful tour. We covered a lot of ground in Italy. The weather was perfect and our guide superb!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I really liked the Dolomites in Italy. Just the beauty of the Alps and terrain was unbeatable."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

First time RS tour, everything I thought it would be and more

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many options - Cinque Terre was probably my most favorite. The location, the hotel, the food, the view, toes in the sea. Magical"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

A really nice Tour. Rhianne was a really good guide. This was our 6th Rick Steves tour and it did not disappoint.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Dolomites was by far our favorite spot followed by Orvieto although Rome was pretty awesome as well."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Rick Steve’s tours never disappoint. There is a commitment to excellence from the Rick Steve’s guides, to the curated private tours, to the care that is taken selecting hotels and restaurants. It’s evident that the Rick Steve’s team wants you to have an amazing experience wherever you’re going. There is an exposure not just to art and history in the locations visited, but to the culture of the people you’re meeting. These tours add so much depth that it’s much more than just a vacation.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many. Seeing the inside of the Pantheon for the first time was one, and the majesty of the Dolomite mountains was also incredible. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was well planned out, giving us a good amount of free time/suggestions of things to do. Rhianne was great! Very caring and extremely patient

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The views"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking in the Dolomites "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our seventh Rick Steves tour and without doubt one of the best. At the heart of that was a remarkable tour guide. Both my wife and I commented yesterday in anticipation of the survey that on a scale of one to 10 we give the tour a 9.5. There's not much room for criticism or improvement.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Dolomites followed very closely by Cinque Terre. "