Heart of Italy in 9 Days Tour

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

All of the museums, churches cities towns we saw were fantastic. First Bus was comfortable. Tour guides delightful and knowledgeable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Pieta and the David. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything was fabulous!! The organization was perfect, hotels were awesome, guides were exceptional!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The hotel accommodations were a huge and wonderful surprise"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was a nice balance of city (Rome, Florence) and rural/rustic (Volterra, Cinque Terre). The guides were excellent, and our fellow tour group members were friendly and congenial.

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great to experience the iconic sites of Rome and having our guide with tickets and directions. Volterra was beautiful and historic. Cinque Terra breath taking, while looking out to the Sea or inland to the colorful villages. Florence packed with Art. I came to see Art and eat amazing food, drink wine and meet the people of Italy. So good to see famous paintings and sculptures in person, the Pieta, David, The Birth of Venus. Great timing going end of October, weather good and sites not crowded.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The view of Rome from St. Peter's Dome was worth the climb. Everything in Volterra a photo op. Cinque Terra, with its beautiful Mediterranean coastline. In Florence I saw the Art masterpieces. Every meal was a Wow!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

All-around excellent experience with great guides, hotels, restaurants, locations, and experiences.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Really enjoyed the small hilltop town of Volterra. It’s obvious the citizens there really care about their community. Beautiful place with amazing scenery surrounding. Amazing pre-Roman history and very impressed by the alabaster work going on there."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Really loved the tour, and feel like we experienced the “real” Italy, at the same time we saw all the top spots! I do so much planning and logistics at work, that I hate dealing with that on vacation! Our tour guide Rebecca did a fabulous job planning everything and highlighting key dos and don’ts, picking great places for group meals and selecting new foods to try and expanded our cultural experience!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Volterra was a hidden gem on the tour, loved the small town charm and historic significance shared by the local guide!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Voltterra"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

really good fun. the tour provided a way to see things we probably wouldnt have seen on our own

Favorite "WOW" moment

"seeing the pantheon. i will never forget when ferdy walked us around the corner and there it was. wow."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

The tour was fun. We enjoyed all people in our group. We missed having a good experience at the Vatican because our tour time was moved to late afternoon and the Sistine Chapel was so crowded there wasn’t even a spot to sit. Our opening meal was not very good. I hardly ate any of it! Our tour guide was a nice person but he was limited in his knowledge of culture, art, and interesting information about Italy. He could answer questions but wasn’t Intersted in elaborating .

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Touring an Olive Mill was an excellent way to learn about one of Italys biggest exports I was disappointed it poured rain at Cinque Terra I was disappointed we didn’t get the tour the Duomo, Baptistry and Tour."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

First time visiting Europe and Italy; was enthralled with all the history and beauty experienced with our tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica were "religious" experiences and breath taking in concept and reality."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This is the first time I've toured with a group and I had no idea how I would like it, despite the recommendations of prior Rick Steve's participants. I was happy with the selection of areas and sights, the tour guide, the hotels for the most part, and the food.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I particularly enjoyed Florence. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The local guides were very knowledgeable and the love of their town/country really made them so interesting.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The wine tasting in Volterra."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The guide, Dimitri was outstanding in his knowledge of the regions we visited. His instructions were succinct , timely and accommodating to everyone on the tour. The choices of local guides were excellent, the meals were delicious, abundant and again, accommodating to any special needs of the guests. Accommodations were charming and as anticipated (and we even had in-room bathrooms and elevators in each hotel)!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The entire stay in Volterra was like stepping back centuries yet with 21st century comforts. The Cinque Terre was breathtaking and as charming as anticipated."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We will never forget the great time we had on this tour. Tour guide Dimitri Rigas was great and we had a great group as tour companions.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The food was outstanding. Old section of Rome with Dimitri. Tour of Colosseum, and Volterra. Being let loose in Chique Tere. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved everything about it. Everything was well planned and on schedule. I liked the fact that we had free time to explore on our own. Excellent job.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"That moment when I turned around and saw the tower by the Duomo. Jaw dropping! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour exceeded all my expectations. The mix of city and rural experiences was perfect. Our guide provided an incredible amount of local connections that made the trip unique and so memorable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is almost impossible to pick only one. But for sure the Volterra visit and learning about the Etruscans, seeing the Duomo for the first time and Botticelli’s works make my list."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was excellent as always. I have been on quite a few Rick Steves tours and had done this one before. My daughter was with me for her first RS tour and it was so much fun sharing it with her.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Volterra and the excellent Italian food and wine. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The trip was very engaging, informative and fun filled with memorable experiences.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The power and beauty of the basilica and the colosseum in Rome."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our trip was fantastic! The hotels were all charming, clean, and comfortable, and located in great areas. Our trip guide, Rhiane Taylor, was amazing. She was obviously delighted at our responses to the wonderful things she had arranged as well as our gasps of delight at vistas, history, and art. Not to mention delicious food! We can't say enough about the trip, and highly recommend your service for others.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I think it was the town of Volterra- an amazing walled town full of history and charm. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very informative, a full and fun experience all throughout the trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The basilica and the colosseum."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This tour was a nice balance of organized events and free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My highlight was visiting the olive oil farm. Meeting the two young women running it was not only inspirational, but I was so happy to see their commitment to organic farming and their respect for the environment."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The guide Rhianne Taylor was excellent, she was personable, well organized, clear in her instructions and available to answer any questions and offer help. She went above and beyond. The itinerary was very good, Rome was very crowded specifically Vatican Museum very hard to enjoy. My big concern was the inability of 3 members of the group (walking with canes/poles) could not keep up, despite the tour advertised as strenuous. We waited constantly for them. Hotels well located, bus rides good

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Resturant selections, wine tasting, tour of Voltera with Claudia - she was great. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a wonderful experience. This was our families first time to Europe and it could not have been any better.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Pesto demonstration and tasting in Monterosso."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Hotels food were great. Only one hotel had very hard beds. Breakfast was always good.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Arriving in Volterra. Perfect small Italian town. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We loved the food, and the places we stayed, Our tour guide was terrific!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our favorite was the time we spent in Volterra, The local tour guide was awesome; the alabaster workshop; the restaurant the last night was fantastic; the history of the town, and the gelato."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had an outstanding time on our tour. Bridget was a great guide, most informative and had the patience of Job. We would definitely look forward to another tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Volterra was our favorite, but in fairness, it's very difficult to pick one favorite moment."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour provided experiences that we would not have thought about by trying to book ourselves (olive oil farm, alabaster workshop, etc.). We also didn't have to battle the lines of thousands of tourists as our guide had everything lined up!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting Volterra! This small little town stole our hearts."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The entire tour was a delightful, with something special at every turn. Rebecca was great and was always available to help and was very informative. Our entire tour group was friendly and we formed a friendship that will guide us through our lives. Loved the entire experience and would highly recommend Rick Steves tours to a first time traveler, as well as, an experience travelers. Arrived home and started thinking about our next adventure.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many WOW moments, but my best moments was the feeling of calm and peace that can over me upon arrival in Volterra. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was well organized and accommodated all participants well I thought. Did not have to worry about transportation or directions or reservations or anything else while with the tour. All the guides were spectacular! Well educated in their area and kept the conversation interesting and informative at all times. Meals provided were excellent and well thought out for each region. Activities were well selected and enjoyable also. It was just too crowded in Rome and missed a lot there was to see.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking in the Cinque Terre! The overlooks were awesome! Enjoyed the towns and the food also. Secondly enjoyed Volterra as a location. Beautiful, charming town. Small and quiet. Less crowded with other tourists. Thirdly, all the art everywhere especially David at Accademia and all of Florence & the Borghese. It's too hard to choose one thing over another! It will all stand out for me forever."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The entire tour was wonderful - the guides were fantastic, the accommodations were lovely, the sights were breathtaking. The amount of time between planned activities and free time to explore on our own was perfectly balanced. The group of people we toured with were amazing. We really appreciated the concept of a guided tour for our first time experiencing Italy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There are too many to choose from. The fact that it was our first time traveling abroad made the entire trip a “wow” moment - but, the Colosseum was awe aweinspiring, the views from the trails along the Cinque Terre were breathtaking, and the David was memorizing."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We loved the tour! The expectations set the bar so that we had a great group of people. There was no one on the tour that was annoying or showed up late or couldn’t keep up.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking, The, Cinque, Terre. Our tour guide in Volterra with Ani. She was an amazingly gifted tour guide."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was everything I had hoped for. Our guy Dimitri was excellent. We hit the highlights of each town we were in. The restaurants for group meals were very good. Hotels were centrally located and nice. The hotel in Monterosso Al Mare was fine but lacked the charm and appeal of the other hotels. The pace of the tour was good and provided time to do things on your own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We loved Volterra - we can’t wait to go back and when we do we plan on staying a full week. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The Heart of Italy tour filled my heart with joy, our stomachs with great food, and completely engaged all our senses.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Donald's favorite 'wow' moment was locating the drain holes at the Pantheon. I had many favorite moments the beauty of the Country, passion and pride of the people, the richness of its history and traditions. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We visited towns in different parts of Italy. Our tour guides and local guides were excellent. All of the food was wonderful. We experienced many things that I would not have thought of on my own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many to choose from! Seeing the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower (the Duomo) in Florence took my breath away. Unbelievable the work of artisans over 200 years!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was start to finish fabulous! Thanks for planning the spectacular weather as well. This was my 3rd RS tour and Bea, our guide was the best I've had, and I've had great tour guides. This group seemed to gel the best, and I think that was due to the tone that Bea set.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Ok, it's hard not to mention David, because that was why we picked this tour. But the most unexpected Wow moment was from Volterra. The dinner outside and the wine tasting were just beyond what I could have dreamed of on the tour. Although the sisters discussing the Olive Oil process was a stand out moment as well."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had the best time in Italy. Our group and tour leaders were wonderful. The trip was a perfect mix of planned activities and free time to explore.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many, but seeing the sunset over the Roman theater ruins in Volterra was breathtaking."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Tour felt a bit rushed, and the tour guide expertise was not specifically relevant to Italy. The tour guides that supplemented were very good but disappointed that our tour guide did not speak Italian, nor was able to share experiences that were relevant while walking/touring (not much interaction on our headsets). I did like the tour spots and the group we traveled with were very warm and friendly. We also never had Florentine Steak for our final dinner which seemed to be a big miss.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I enjoyed Voltare the most. Very pretty and the atmosphere was lovely."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a busy on the move tour which truly fit being able to see all of the sites.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Discovering Volterrra and all of the guides both our tour guide and the local guides were fantastic! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Having never been on a group tour, this tour exceeded my expectations in every way! From the knowledgeable guide to the breathtaking sights, it was an unforgettable experience. Our tour guides were not only informative but also passionate about what they do. It made the whole experience more engaging and enjoyable. From the first day to the last, this tour was a delight. I left with new friends, unforgettable memories, and a longing to return.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Among all the incredible moments on this tour, one that truly left me in awe was seeing David of Michelangelo. The sheer beauty of this masterpiece will stay with me forever. It's a memory I'll cherish and share with everyone I know. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The trip was such a wonderful experience. Cristina was amazing in every way and our group really worked together well. I love it all

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were too many "wow" moments for me to pick. Sorry."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We have never traveled outside the U.S. and thought this trip would be a perfect chance to learn and enjoy the experience at the same time. Our guide, Christina is simply awesome. She is incredibly patient and managed to keep all 24 adults in our group on schedule, focused, and did it seamlessly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were two-types of "wow" for us, the historic structures such as St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, and the very detailed and rich descriptions of the history, art, and culture shared with us by the site-specific guides in the Vatican Museum, the Colosseum and the surrounding area, Volterra, Firenze, and the Uffizi Gallery. Their stories and descriptions enriched the experience far beyond our expectations."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Good group, good guide. Saw a lot during a short tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking the Cinque Terre with its stunning views."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Guides were friendly and engaging, great food at the meals that were provided, quaint hotels, priority entrance to all site tours.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Vatican tour of the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I absolutely loved seeing the history and beauty. Our tour guide was the best!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The coliseum and Rome, along with Volterra. Also, the food was amazing!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was more than I could have imagined! It was magical being in Italy!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing St. Peter’s Basilica & the Coliseum & the Sistine Chapel."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was well organized and fun. The tour plan helped us to maximize how much we could see as a group and left us with enough free time to choose our own explorations. Our tour guides were fantastic. I appreciated the inclusion of the guide book and the money belt -- both were invaluable. Everyone representing Rick Steves (guides, bus drivers, hotels) was helpful and demonstrated a commitment to excellent customer service.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We were captivated by the Cinque Terre. The views of the water, cliffs, and colorful village homes were beautiful and breathtaking."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I normally plan our own trips and this was our first organized tour. It more than exceeded my expectations. The locations, restaurant choices, hotels, tours, transportation, our Rick Steve guide (Lisa) and local guides were all excellent. I have zero complaints.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"This is really challenging for 2 reasons: one, everything was amazing, and two, I've been to Rome and Florence before. So setting those 2 cities and sites aside, I would choose the whole of Volterra. After the crowds and long walks in Rome, it was a dramatic change. It's an ancient city will all cobblestone streets, old stone buildings, numerous restaurants/cafes and not crowded. It's very casual with a spectacular view of the Tuscan countryside. Overall, Volterra was my favorite stop."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything was fabulous. Our tour guide, the hotels, the meals. Enjoyed every minute of it.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It’s so hard to choose. The first group dinner at the beginning of our tour was amazing and it got everyone excited for the days ahead ."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Well organized. Punctual and on time. Experienced and knowledgeable guide. Pace suited everyone in group. Met all expectations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Emerging from the bus after ascending up the Hill Town of Volterra."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Had a great time, met really great people. Our tour was very fast paced, but if we had gone on our own, we would have missed a lot of information. Rebecca kept us on our toes and moving. The guides at our stops were very passionate about their subjects and we learned much more if we had just gone to the sites on our own. The group dinners really let us experience the different flavors of Italy.

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steves Tour, and we were unsure how we would like traveling with an unknown group of people. However, our fears and hesitancies were all erased after going on this tour! We had such a great group of people. Our lead tour guide, Rebecca, was fantastic! She was so well organized, kept us all on time for every event, and provided a wealth of knowledge regarding Italy and each of our stops. As well, each special venue tour guide was enthusiastic and wonderful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many...standing outside the Colosseum in Rome; hearing about the WWII Etruscan Gate story in Volterra, hiking along the Cinque Terre, walking thru Florence and coming upon the Duomo and Baptistery are just a few."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was well planned and Rebecca was a wonderful tour guide! Group with were lucky to be with on tour were awesome.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Voltera, Levato, and the museums in Florence"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I truly enjoyed all of the amazing locations we explored, our wonderful tour guides, and the cherished friendships we made with our tour group members.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite wow moment was our visit to the towns of Cinque Terre. What was especially magical was the ferry ride along the coast of the towns followed by a visit to each with train rides between. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was what I expected. I knew that scheduling would be tight with having to roll with whatever time we could gain entry into certain attractions. The local guides are what set the tour apart; such knowledgeable, passionate people. I think you struck a nice balance with our free time and group activities. Enjoyed the people in our group. We tried to sit with different people each day to get a good overall viewpoint.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to single one thing out. I think some of the things we learned from our guides really blew away any previous thoughts I had about certain things. The Duomo was so much more impressive than I expected."

Overall rating: rating 2 of 5

Tour was good, but not as great as previous tours. Europe has become a crowded place during post Covid! Italy is especially crowded which made it difficult to enjoy. The guides information was excellent and they did their best to mitigate lines and the crowding, but the crowding really took the "shine" off the trip. I would not recommend traveling to Rome.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"St. Peter's Basilica was truly awe inspiring."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was more than I could have hoped for, all the accommodations were wonderful. Colleen, our guide, kept us informed and entertained throughout the tour, making all the transitions easy and seamless. The ratio of tour to free time was just right, allowing us to be educated about the region enough to be comfortable to roam on our own like we knew what we were doing. And the planned activities were a perfect match to add to our understanding of the culture and traditions of the regions.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We had so many "wow" moments, but if I had to pick one: Sunset with my wife and a Spritz at the top of the tower in our hotel in Florence on our anniversary! Bonus to be joined by our new tour friends and a view that took your breath away. Truly spectacular!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything about the tour was great. We had an amazing guide, and the local guides were really great as well. The hotels were lovely with all the amenities, the breakfast spreads were generous and delicious, and the 4 dinners of local fare with all the other tour guests were fun, and the food a real treat! We were given enough free time to let down and have autonomy, and suggestions on filling that time was helpful as well. The buses were comfortable and the drivers professional.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Colosseum and Forum in Rome are beyond wow, but it is hard to choose. (Tied for second are the David in Florence, the Etruscans of Volterra,, and the gorgeous Cinque Terre towns. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first Rick Steve's Europe experience, overall 10+, scale. When you reserve something of this magnitude, you're not really sure what to expect. However, the overall experience was best, we did overcome some obstacles, out of our control, Vatican, St. Peters Basilica, crowds. The local guides at each stop very knowledgeable and great personalities. Our bus drivers, professional and courtesy and excellent drivers

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So So many WOW's. Having read in my guide book ITALY about every stop what to expect and where to go, my WOW would have to be the Volterra and Cinque Terra stops, those two places really made me enjoy this tour, don't get me wrong, Florence and Rome have so much history, I was happy with both. Enjoying the serene quietness of Volterra, and the great hiking in Cinque Terra, and ohh the food. My palate has yet to recover. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was all I had hoped and more

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to pick just one.. But, about 10:00 pm, taking an after dinner stroll through Monterroso in Cinque Terre, came upon an unexpected commemoration of a church - about 100 towns people marching through town with the Bishop (?) reciting through a loud speaker - a HUGE cross passed off 2-3 times to a different individual, took 3 people to do the hand off since it was so heavy. Only happens once a year and happened to be that night!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tour was incredible -- with us never being on "tour" everything from our Guide - Cristina, to the hotels, schedule of activities etc... exceeded our expectations - very little time waiting in line to gain entry into places, which allowed us to see a number of things! Seems like every detail very well thought out, like if you were planning for your family! Highly recommend!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many things in for wow moments -- how beautiful yet simple the Sistine Chapel is, to stand in the same room where the Pope was elected was amazing; learning about the Jewish getto stumbling stones from our guide, the activities like the wine tasting, dinners, walking tours brought us closer to the locals which we loved. Lastly the olive farm, learning about the process in making it and tasting it was wonderful - glad we had some shipped home!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Designed and performed perfectly!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Inside St Peter's basilica."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We took this tour in 2018. Although we had read tourism had picked up significantly, we weren't quite prepared for the crowds, especially in such warm weather. Our group couldn't begin to get near Trevi Fountain which was quite a shame since we were bringing friends on this tour who had never been overseas or on a RS tour. We felt bad for them.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The olive oil tasting was a great experience. It was educational and a lot of fun--the type of activities I enjoy most."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

From one who lives most of his life through art books, seeing the actual art and architecture of Italy was too marvelous for words. It's still sinking in after nearly a week of being home. And I am so happy my wife talked me into doing this tour! We couldn't have done nearly as much on our own, and we met folks who I suspect will become lifelong friends. We also had an amazing tour guide Cristina, who filled us with amazing stories and history. This was an adventure I will never forget!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many. This is a tough one as there seemed to be a wow moment at every turn of an Italian street corner. Our entire time in Volterra seemed to be one long wow moment, but what will last forever is walking through the Basilica and seeing the Pietà on 9/11. Seeing such beauty on a day remembered for such evil was extremely emotional. Another powerful moment was arriving at the U.S. Cemetery of WWII."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved it! Very well curated tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I can't pick between Paolo leading up on a guided tour of the forum and Colosseum; and Annie guiding us through the town of Volterra and her personal connection to the townspeople who saved the Etruscan Gate during World War II."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a wonderful trip! Like a Whitman’s sampler of Italy, varied and rich.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"All of the places we visited were amazing, each one unique. It’s difficult to pick one. Learning about the Etruscan civilization while we were in Volterra was a high point for me. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A fantastic first trip to Europe! Everything was well curated and organized. Our "main" guide, as well as our local guides, did a great job of sharing and presenting information. This tour was a great time!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our local guide in Volterra, Annie, did a great job telling the story and history in Volterra. She made history come alive."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I believe something unique about our tour is that we went through three different tour guides. While it was upsetting after our first change, our second guide, Patricia, was so outstanding that it made up for having to adapt. I do believe because of the upheaval the 28 of us bonded together as family. We also had our tour bus break down on a narrow steep slope on our way into Volterra. Thankfully Patricia convinced locals to take one or two of us at a time up the remainder of the way into town.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Highlights for me were the amazing hilltop village of Volterra and the magical Cinque Terre. It was an absolutely amazing trip where we were able to meet and make friends with people from all over the US while making memories that will last a lifetime. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This trip was amazing! It was a wonderful way to experience Europe for the first time, and I felt it was a life changing experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"This is a really difficult guestion to answer. I know my husband loved The Forum the most. I loved everything. The biggest wow moment for me was seeing the Duomo for the first time."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steve's tour. We enjoyed being immersed in the local culture at each stop. The curated tours with local knowledgeable guides were amazing. We loved that this tour was very active especially in cinque terre. We were disappointed in not being able to keep the same overall guide for the entire tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to select just one! The night walk in Rome and seeing the fountains and monuments lit up.... also walking through the narrow alleys of Florence and suddenly coming upon the massive, beautiful Duomo. Awe inspiring!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Can’t say enough how wonderful this tour was. It was everything we wanted it to be and more. Our guides were so knowledgeable, friendly and helpful and we couldn’t have asked for a better group of travel companions.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Duomo in Florence!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I found it very eye opening. Physically and mentally draining but in the best possible way. It was very exciting to see the historical sites and renaissance art. A once in a lifetime trip!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"First laying my eyes on the Duomo in Florence. The vast beauty and immense size and intricacies of it. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My dream was always to go to Italy. I kept putting the trip off because the thought of planning it was overwhelming. Whenever I thought of going on a tour I pictured endless hours on a bus, eating in cafeterias, huge groups of people, no time to explore on our on. We live In Seattle so we started researching Rick Steve’s tour, the heart of Italy was exactly what we were looking for. It was perfect! All the hard work done for us, after the tour we went to Venice on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Is it possible to have one wow moment? The whole tour was a wow moment!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

it was well-organized, very informative, and lots of fun

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Trevi Fountain - astonishing!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wow! We enjoyed the interactions with the local communities, learning the cultural aspects of Italy's regions, having dinners together as a group. Visiting the museums, learning the local histories.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The first day! We all meet for our orientation meeting and then went for an orientation walk around Rome. That was when we knew we chose the right tour! The second WOW was visiting the Florence American WW II Cemetery and Memorial; it was exceptionally moving experience for this retired service member!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a great tour. Lisa was a great tour guide along with Anna her assistant. Rome was wonderful but hot! It is a big place but we hit a lot of just right sites. Same for the other cities. The hotels were good and had aircon. Volterra was our fav city. Loved the hotel that had Etruscan connections. Florence hotel, built on a castle from 1341 was stunning. Only compliant, the local guide in Rome made us stand for hours in heat. Could've condensed what was said or moved more.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Climbing the old small stairs in Florence's Hotel Torre Guelfa and the awesome 360 view of the entire city lit up at night. Also the Ombra della sera Etruscan statue in Volterra. The American Cemetery in Florence was a touching surprise. Of course there were too many moments that were wow including the food!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very good experience. Lisa was amazing as a guide and did a wonderful job to enhance the trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"When our guide in Volterra told us which units of US troops liberated the city in WW II, I realized my grandfather was part of that. It was one of the proudest moments of my life, to be where he was during the war. I"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first time to Italy and my second stick Steve’s tour. It was all very good and the guides made everything go smoothly and provided a wealth of insight and background information that I would not have had without them.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Cinque Terre was awesome! I wish we could have had one extra day there. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Lisa was a wonderful guide!! Her knowledge really brought to life our experience in enjoying and understanding the locations we visited. It was truly an amazing time!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Volterra! This cute Tuscany town was picturesque Italy at its best! I absolutely loved our time here."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cinque Terre (got up 5:30 on our free day to start hiking early) and climbed the Duomo in Florence (that was an extra thing we did on our own)."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Loved our guide, Alfio. Great dry sense of humor, knowledgeable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Pantheon "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our first "Group Tour" of any kind and we loved it. RS Tour was a perfect size group of 26 people, our tour manager was fantastic and so helpful. A good mix of group tours and activities with some free time to explore on our own. The bust time was pretty minimal - 4-5 hours total on just 3 of the 9 days of the tour. The local guides were excellent. All in all, we really enjoyed it and will do other RS tours in the future!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The 2 days in Vulterra were our favorites. Such an interesting history there, and just a beautiful vista wherever you looked in any direction."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide was great, we saw amazing places and the scheduled dinners were wonderful!

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was excellent. It included all of the major historical sites and museums we wanted to visit. It also included some excellent “off the path” visits such as wine tasting and olive oil tasting. The tour guides were informative and very personable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite wow moment was visiting Volterra. The group dinner and the group wine tasting were both excellent and the town was delightful."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent! Loved every minute of it. Tour guides were all very interesting and made the tour wonderful! Also, Thanks to your prep work and guidance of how the tour was going to be.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved all the country scenes and special tours. I have not been to Europe before and was in awe with all the history being live right in front of me. Beautiful Tour of Italy!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our very first tour to ever take and the experience exceeded our expectations. The overall tour guide and the local guides were exceptional. In addition, there was a good mix of group and on our own time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The wow moment in the tour for me was when we had the opportunity to tour an olive mill that included olive oil tasting and lunch. The owners (two sisters) had a wonderful story on how they automated the process and influenced the local growers to shift to organic farmer. Very inspirational and learned the importance of quality cold pressed extra virgin olive oil."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A truly amazing and utterly enjoyable experience. The beauty and historical significance of my Italian experience was only enriched and enhanced by the knowledge and expertise shared by our local guides. I very much appreciated the selected accommodations and restaurants for their hospitable and inviting family atmospheres. Our guide, Alfio, was a wealth of knowledge and accommodating in every way. This tour exceeded my expectations in every aspect.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking the Cinque Terre's Blue Trail at dawn delivered jaw dropping views while instilling a true sense of oneness and serenity with the surrounding natural beauty. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It would be hard to have a great trip without a great guide. Ours, Alfio, was outstanding. The choice of local guides was also exceptionally good and made the trip enjoyable. Group size is nice. We saw a lot of other tour buses packed into every seat. We had room to move and relax.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The group dinners were all WOW moments especially in Cinque Terre, Volterra and Florence."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Alfio was an excellent guide! I enjoyed the variety of places we toured. Personally thought the Cinque Terre was too overcrowded. Absolutely beautiful, but too many tourists! Most of the food was just okay. I was really expecting to be "wow'd" with simple, delicious local meals. Volterra's dinner was probably the best. Kuddos to Mom and her daughters!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"1.Local guide Alania in Rome. Full of knowledge, humor, and passion for Rome. 2. Pantheon was absolutely amazing! Visually one of the most beautiful pieces or architecture I have ever seen. I can't believe it's still standing after all these years! 3. Local guide Annie in Volterra. Probably the most passionate and well spoken guide I've ever met! Volterra was like walking into a story book. Beautiful, full of history, clean, wonderful locals. Stunning!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was excellent. Unfortunately, I tested positive for Covid-19 on Day 7 of the tour, so my wife and I could not continue to the end.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Tuscan city of Volterra was amazingly beautiful and charming."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful, I had been to Rome, Cinque Terre, and Florence before. It was great to see those places from a different lense. Volterra was a nice addition. I had been to other Tuscan cities before and I think Volterra is a gem.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I have two "wow" moments. The guide at the Roman Forum was outstanding in giving her interpretation of the historical events of that time and showing us how it applys to today's world. The guide at Volterra, her knowledge of the Etruscan history was outstanding combined with her ability to communicate that to us was a big "wow" moment."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It went beyond our expectations and dreams…. The nine days we spent with the tour, we saw, ate and experienced things we might not have if we had gone out on our own.. our tour leader was awesome in her knowledge of italy and in providing us with such great experiences..

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Touring the interior of the coliseum….originally we were going to just walk around the exterior, but the interior tour was dramatic and jaw dropping…"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very well organized and Marianna was outstanding in her knowledge and professionalism along with pure kindness!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many but the olive oil farm and tasting was my WOW! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

There was the perfect ratio of structured time a free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The local guides were outstanding. I could have listened to them all day."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

From start to finish every moment was amazing. Some members of the group were sick with coughing and I was not convinced they followed the agreement they all signed. That was disappointing but thankfully I remained well.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Pieta, David, and Duomo. Feeling a step away from thousands of years of incredible history. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Excellent

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Statue of David/ picturesque views in cinque terra"

We saw and experienced numerous beautiful things, from the statue of David to the Cinque Terre to delicious food and company and more. Plenty to do and enjoy!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"David"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Just got back from the Heart of Italy tour. It was fantastic in every respect. Great museums, cathedrals, art and historical sites. Excellent choice of local restaurants and lodging right in the heart of each city. Great local tour guides and a wonderful group to travel with but the best part was having two fantastic professional guides Rebecca & Esther with us every day to make everything come to life and help us to connect with the historic renaissance and the culture of ancient Italy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I was amazed with the art and architecture and a special feeling of peace of St. Peter’s Basilica."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Incredible experience. We went on our honeymoon and had an absolutely wonderful time. Rebecca and Ezster were the most wonderful guides.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Coliseum and Volterra"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

What a wonderful way to “sample Italy “ on The Heart of Italy tour. Our guide Nina lead the way at making each individual feel welcomed and guided us through each stop with professionalism and fun! We learned far beyond what we could have imagined at each stop along the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Far too many favorites! Rome/ Sistine Chapel and the beautiful works of Michelangelo . Our guides brought history alive for us as we toured the Vatican and the Colliseum. We loved them the diversity in going to a Volterra a small hillside town and experiencing the art and culture there. Levanto wowed us as we relaxed by the water and caught the ferry to the neighboring Cinque Terre towns with their breathtaking colors . Every day was something new and exciting with lots of downtime too. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The "Heart of Italy" was my first Rick Steve's tour and my first time in Italy. What an adventure! The Rick Steve's organization does a great job of setting expectations about the tour, providing details on how best to prepare for the tour, and while on the tour, ensuring that everyone is informed everyday about the agenda. Nina, the RS tour guide, was excellent. She was friendly, well prepared, knowledgable, and ensured that everyone was having fun, while also providing assistance!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The most asked question from family and friends was," What was your favorite "wow" moment?" The whole trip was a "wow" moment. The food was amazing, the wines were delicious, the tours from Rome, to Volterra, to the Cinque Terre and Florence were outstanding. The local history guides in each of those destinations provided much background, history and interesting characteristics for each of those areas. While the schedule was packed full of activities, there was time to explore on your own,"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had an excellent time with Nina and the rest of our group. The tour was very informative and everyone was friendly and welcoming. The itinerary was also well planned.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Volterra was the highlight of the tour for us. The historical tuscan town had some much charm and seeing alabaster carving first-hand was marvelous."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour exceeded all my expectations. It was a good balance between guided tours and free time. I appreciated all the dinners provided.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My wow factor was our tour guide Nina. She went above and beyond accommodating us and tolerating all of our questions. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very busy Very well done 2 points 1- had a great guide at Sistine Chapel - then got dropped off at St Peters Basilica - would have been great tl have a guide in there for even 30 min( many tours were in there) 2- group dinners great - but maybe have some options for younger eaters who may not like octupus or fish or wild boar) 3- bathroom stop for a 2.5 hr bus ride not necessary I read up on mandatory bus stops- makes sense for 4 hr rides- but is a waste when just 50 min away

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Colosseum tour ( Francesca was A+ as a guide) Cinque Terra beach Florence museums ( Cindy excellente!!)"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was fantastic! Our guide Andrea was kind, informative, and a great resource for traveling through Italy. The group was fun and made for a great adventure. Group meals were great, and outstanding local guides took us through all the "big ticket" sights with ease. Smaller events like the happy hours and olive oil farm rounded out the trip well, a good contrast from the Vatican and the Uffizi, which also were outstanding! A great way to travel and an unforgettable experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite "wow" moments was St. Peter's Basilica and the Colosseum. Outstanding local guides explained the history and importance of the sights which helped to enjoy them. Entering the basilica and the Colosseum makes you feel so much smaller, and it becomes easy to imagine yourself in the shoes of a worshipper or a spectator, respectively."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great balance between activities with the group and free time to explore on your own. For such a (relatively) short tour, we saw so much and experienced things that we probably wouldn't have had access to if we had not been part of this tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Swimming in the Mediterranean Sea and hiking the Cinque Terre trails between Monterossa, Vernazza, and Corniglia. Amazing views!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

N/A

Favorite "WOW" moment

"N/A"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Andrea, our Guide, plus our Local Guides, gave us an enthusiastic view of the Heart of Italy. I had been to Florence and Rome twenty years ago, yet I saw those great cities through new eyes. Volterra was a charming surprise and Cinque Terre exceeded my expectations. Great idea to have Cinque Terre on our own. Everyone did something different.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My wow moment was seeing Vernazza from the trail between Corniglia and Vernazza. Not only did it mean that I was almost done (I’m 71 and this trail was steep and HOT) but the beach and town were so colorful and beautiful. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It's a wonderful experience for my first trip to Italy. Our guide Marianna is excellent. The trip hotel, sightseeing and meals are great. I do hope the tour for Vatican and Colosseum can be longer.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"That would be my first hotel in Rome. When I open the room window, found myself in the middle of city center with ancient buildings around me, people walking in the alley below me. The popular bakery cross the street is packed with people. That moment really hit me that I'm in Rome."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The RS Heart of Italy tour hit so many high points. Our guide Marianna was caring and competent. The RS tours are fairly fast paced but allow for lots of free time. The time that is organized is so well done that tour members never have to worry about transportation, lodging, most of the meals, and most importantly finding top-notched local guides that change the trip from being "just a tourist" into a truly mind opening educational experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Like some of the previous reviews it is sooo hard to pick just one! * Volterra: a breath of fresh air, great people, great food, drink, and ambiance. * The hike from Monterosso to Vernazza: beautiful. * Seeing the Pope give his Sunday address from his apartment. * Michelangelo's David. Never old * After completing 7 RS tours I have to say that the participants of the groups really make the travel worthwhile. Member personalities, their stories, and the camaraderie truly make RSE the best! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We loved the tours, the convenience of the tickets for sites and museums, hotel choices and food choices too!.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I think the wow moment for me was the Renaissance tour and the tour of David. Paul, our tour guide, made the experience so engaging and interesting. He made the city of Florence come alive with setting the stage and engaging us our participants to think. I also loved the food and restaurant experiences. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was a trip of a lifetime! It was a perfect combination of having preferred access to the busy museums, seeing the most iconic sites as well as hidden gems such as the olive farm in Tuscany. Was also a bonus having downtime to recharge the batteries and being part of great group to share the experiences. All topped off by our wonderful guide Marianna!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many Wow moments. Must see's such as the Vatican, the Colosseum, also the mountains off the Mediterranean Sea, the city Florence and its back streets with so many great little restaurants and all the well dressed Italian people!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was by far the best choice that we could have made. The Rick Steve's 9 day Heart of Italy Tour was wonderful. It was everything the website said it would be and more. The guide and the group were perfect. The accommodations were excellent. The education was off the charts! I don't leave this country very often but the next time I do I am going with Rick Steve's as our guide!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I probably had too many "Wow" moments to to count! I loved the Cinque Terre. The self guided exploration was truly a blast! I loved Firenze as well! Our guide Paul was next level awesome with his stories and education! He brought David to life for me. I was truly captivated by the sculptures and the artistry of Florence!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was so wonderfully planned and organized, with activities and downtime. I had such an amazing time, I cried when I left.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"How can I pick just one? The chaos of Rome. My first taste of gelato right across from our hotel. My taxi driver who did not speak English not I Italian, but we discovered our commonality in Spanish and we bonded as we zipped through the narrow roads and I met Italy for the first time? How I felt at home in a place I had never been? The warmth of a tour group who just seemlessly worked together with our beautiful, kind, and organized guide, Marianna? 3 words: Italian rest stops! Life changing."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I continue to be amazed by the excellent tour and local guides that lead these holidays (my 3rd RS tour). Their knowledge of the history and local culture are excellent. They also can make last minute adjustments feel flawless - adjusted schedule in Florence due to strike and it worked out perfectly. Our group included all kind and friendly people. Thoroughly enjoyed all the hotels & restaurants. Lots of walking but had free time to rest up and people watch while sipping on Lemon Spritz.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Really enjoyed the history and learning about the Etruscan history in Volterra and visiting the Alabaster carving demonstration. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great group and great tour leader. It matched my expectations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Viewing the sea from atop a path in the Cinque Terre region. Beautiful. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Rick Steves' Tours made this a trip of a lifetime for my husband and I.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were far to many to pick only one! Each time we got to a new destination, we were "wowed" by the scenery and history. The Alabaster in Volterra, The reframing of history by Francesca at the Coloseum and Forum, The Bargelo Museum, The wine tasting in Volterra, everything our tour guide taught us about Italy!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was fantastic!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many! I can’t name a favorite - the food, the guides, the scenery, the language, I could go on and on."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Francesco is amazing. He felt like a friend by the end of our tour, and our tour group felt like an extended family! We were so glad to have RS Tours and Francesco planning our activities, special meals, unique hotels, local guides, experiences, and more. The whole family enjoyed being able to travel and experience a new country without the worry or time needed to plan every detail.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our hotel in Florence had a roof-top terrace. We visited the terrace four times over our two-night stay. First we went right after check-in to soak in the view and get a better understanding of where things were. We really felt like we were on the top of Florence. Then we closed both evenings on the terrace, sitting and chatting with our new tour family. The last morning of our stay, and of the tour, I visited the terrace to watch the sunrise appear over Florence. Amazing. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

A whirlwind tour of Italy where we were exposed to great food, amazing art, friendly people, wonderful guides, and fantastic first overseas trip with the family.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The peaceful and historic charm of Volterra. What a wonderful contrast to the hectic pace and people of Rome. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Francesco, our guide, was excellent. We could not have asked for a better guide. The site specific guides ranged from very good to excellent. The sites visited were wonderful and came to life through the guides. My feet were sore but it was worth it for the experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is difficult to pick a single wow moment, so it was just the overall age, history and stories of the various sites. From the ancient sites in Rome to the Volterra arch saved in WWII, the history is Ling and fascinating. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cinque terre"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Surpassed all of my expectations, but with Italy as a backdrop how could it not? F

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Celebrating St. John the Baptist day in Monterosso with the bonfire on the beach, music, and dancing! I felt like a part of the community as we celebrated with the locals."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall, the tour was an excellent experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The most memorable moments were the ones that couldn't be planned, like the fireworks in Florence on St. John the Baptist Day."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Italy NEVER disappoints! We had done this same tour 8 years ago and loved it so much that when we told our adult children we would take them on a trip if they both got their graduate degrees, this is what they wanted to do. Because our first trip was so incredible, our expectations were high and this trip lived up to them. Ann did such a great job as our guide and our guide last time (Ben) was top notch, so again, the bar was set high. Love RS tours! (This was our 4th)

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Volterra and also the Cinque Terre. We love both places and the slower pace of them. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved having all the extra details and descriptions from our tour guides. You don’t get all that in depth information when traveling solo. I was so pleased to have much of our details arranged for us. I liked being in a group, with different relationship dynamics, rather than just my family for the entire vacation. I’ve never traveled in a tour group and found I really liked it.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being back in the Cinque Terre, where my husband and I had visited 20+ years prior. It was awesome to stand in some of the same places and take similar pictures."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tour was excellent! Ann Long was our tour guide and she was awesome!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Learning about the rich history of Italy and seeing all the beautiful artifacts, and the food!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My first Rick Steve’s tour so I had no preconceptions and I can say that I was impressed with the overall experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Rome had a hundred wow moments, Volterra was amazing and my favorite place on the tour. But the Wow was how well the group bonded and just enjoyed each others company. I have to say that David Tardi had a lot to do with this coming to fruition."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was well organized and very informative. Our tour guide, David Tordi was very attentive to everyone's questions, needs, safety and comforts. All the local guides were efficient and had a lot of information to share on history. The bus drivers were efficient and on time. The hotels used were well located, comfortable and had easy access to your every need. All dinner gatherings were well organized and fun. Overall, my tour experience was excellent!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Traveling through the countryside and seaside towns. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My Heart of Italy tour was incredible! I learned so much about the people and culture of Italy through our guides, David and Eleanora. The transportation and accommodations were very well planned. The food was amazing. I had a wonderful time doing all of the group experiences throughout Italy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"David playing his guitar and watching the smiles spread across the faces of my group mates."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our trip was exceptional!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We had a great group and a fantastic guide. Unexpectedly, group dinners were among the highlights"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Perfect mix of well organized tours and dinners with free time to do your own thing.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The side excursions planned, such as the tour of the olive oil/winery castle, where these could not be planned on your own."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour experience was amazing! Nina, the tour guide, did an exceptional job!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It certainly is hard to pick just one moment! I do believe that the tour of the olive/wine farm along with the specially prepared lunch was my favorite experience. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Had an amazing tour experience. Nina was so knowledgeable and respectful of our short time in each place. We ate amazing food, saw amazing sites, and learned so much history. I liked the balance of scheduled time and free time. The hotel accommodations were all nice and had their own unique characteristics. The group was the perfect size!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Going to the Colosseum and Forum. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything was so well-organized, and a lot of thought was put into the experiences we had. There was a good balance of planned and free time. Our guide, Nina, was amazing.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It’s so hard to choose one, but I’d have to choose the time we spent at the family farm outside of Florence where they produced olive oil and wine. From the informative olive oil tasting to the delicious lunch in a beautiful setting, it was a unique experience that I hadn’t expected to have. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our experience on the Heart of Italy tour was outstanding! I have summed up our tour in three words: enlightening, respectful, and empowering. We learned so much about the culture, history and people of central Italy. Our guide was focused on providing information needed to be respectful guests in another person's home. At the same time, we were empowered to be independent, smart travelers. Everywhere we went, we had the opportunity to delight in new experiences of food, art and friendship.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I was fascinated by the layers of Rome. It's the kind of place where you look down a nondescript alley and unexpectedly stumble upon a cathedral, turn a corner and find yourself face to face with towering ruins. The juxtaposition of ancient and modern, and all that had taken place in the space where we were walking, kept my imagination alive."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Nina was an outstanding tour guide. Well versed, friendly, helpful, and just a wonderful person. The tour members seem to meld pretty quickly into a friendly and helpful group

Favorite "WOW" moment

"St. Peter's Basilica"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great variety, excellent lodging, great leader in Nina

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Rome and the many historical ruins"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was beyond all expectations. It was our first tour with Rick Steves and was not certain what to expect, but certainly did not expect the quality we received.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many WOW moments to list. Certainly, all the "big" art items were wow moments, but the little things were wow moments also, I.e., the olive oil tasting, the wine tasting -- both of these, not just the tasting but the information given was beyond expectation. The information about language and culture were wows also."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I was very impressed with the combination of guided time and free time. I liked that each new town came with an orientation tour, a few guided tours and some time to just explore as you wanted.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I'm not sure how to limit the "wow" moment to just a single thing. Each town that we went to offered a different experience, each with its own "wow." Is it fair to just say that everything was a "Wow""

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tour was well planned. All I had to do was enjoy myself. Enjoyed meeting my fellow travelers and seeing the beautiful sites in Italy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Duomo, the statue of David and the Colosseum"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

With limited time, this tour provided 4 completely different experiences of Italy...intense big city full of history and incredible sights, small hill town also with lots of history but with much more casual pace, beach and relaxing towns, then Florence full of amazing art. Perfect combination of guided time and free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Impossible to pick just one. The forum, Colosseum, and Pantheon in Rome. Seeing the Roman Forum at sunset in Volterra. The views from the villages of the Cinque Terra. Seeing the Duomo complex in Florence first time as you round the corner from a side street. Seeing art in person that you have only read about before. View from hotel roof in Florence of the city. The food everywhere! THE MOST MOVING EVENT was the visit to the American Cemetary outside of Florence. Truly moving."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was wonderful! I was a little nervous about all the new people I would be meeting, but by the end, I felt as though we were all friends. The tour guide was amazing, and all of the destinations and stops we made were great experiences, not to mention all of the delicious food!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I would say my favorite town we visited was Voltaire. It would be impossible for me to choose just one moment. It was the perfect combination of the delicious meal we shared, the interesting walking tour with my favorite local guide, the all sensory experience of the alabaster workshop, the just enough free time we got to explore the city on our own, and the educational and tasty wine sampling we all did together. It was the perfect combination to make not just a wow moment, but a wow day. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything about the tour was fabulous. Cecelia our guide made the trip!! We couldn't have had anyone better. She was so knowledgeable and knew everyone . All of the arrangements she and the company made were thoughtfully planned out.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Two "wow" experiences. Volterra was fantastic especially the hotel and tour. and also Cinque Terra. Hiking to Vernanzza and swimming in the Sea. Just the best!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything was fantastic!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Coliseum for the first time in real life."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful time! And the Rick Steve’s host Ce Ce was the best!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"CinqeTerre- we had a amazing time!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

very informed guide and enthusiastic guide. I learned a lot

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Vatican and the Tuscan countryside"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved every part of the trip. Our guide Cecelia, a native Italian, was very knowledgeable and interesting. We trusted her advice. The local guides were also fascinating. It was nice being with the tour and easily getting into crowded venues. I especially loved the meals together and the added events such as pesto making, olive oil tasting, wine tasting, tasting fresh mozzarella, and the alabaster sculptor.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Volterra was my wow! What a charming village with an interesting history. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

As usual, everything went according to plan. Very much enjoy the scheduled events and appreciate the free time

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Colosseum "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I liked the pace of the tour and the cameraderie that developed among the participants.

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Excellent guides throughout the tour. only disappointed by one hotel(Monterosso) where one mattress was really bad and there was simply insufficient room to move around or shower. The 3 Others were very nice. Bus was roomy and fine. The scenery was fabulous and the history lessons were so valuable in giving context to the areas and sites we visited. Food was quite good as well. Fellow travelers were fun loving and friendly. We were impressed with the totality of the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Tuscan countryside surrounding Volterra and Florence was like looking at the most beautiful paintings in The many museums we went to - just add the dimensions, breezes and smells."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved this tour! Our tour guide was outstanding, the local guides illuminated each city in a way that helped me to appreciate what I was experiencing, and the tour offered the perfect amount of group tour time and free time. I especially enjoyed the experiences beyond art and history that included tasting local wine and olive oil.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The walking tour of ancient Rome - seeing the Forum and Colosseum up close - was amazing. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved the tour and most of all, the hotel were in the parts of town next to the attractions and the tours were very educational and entertaining.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many but I loved day in Cinqueterre. The towns had lots to look at along with some great hiking trails. A close second would be the day in Florence at the Uffizi gallery."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steves' tour. The tour was well organized, with the right balance of guided and self guided touring. I appreciated that the cities and sights included in the tour had been carefully thought out. Our guide was first-rate. The food and hotels were very good.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Overall, I learned a lot of Italian, religious and art history which I had not known before. My wow moment was visiting St. Peters Basilica at the Vatican. Its scale is incredible."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great balance of guided tours and free time to explore. Our guide Marianna was the absolute best!!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cinque Terra and the statue of David were the best!! "

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

So much fun, so much history an incredible amount packed into a little over a week.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Arriving in Volterra and walking down the narrow, stone streets to our hotel. The place seems like something from a movie that you don't imagine even exists in the real world. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I was traveling with my three adult daughters and the entire experience was fantastic. Our tour guide, Marianna, was outstanding.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking from Vernazza to Corniglia in the Cinque Terra. The hike was strenuous for a 79 year old woman but the views were extraordinary and the feeling of accomplishment made every step worth it!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Maryanna our tour guide was fantastic! The tour is well organized and efficient.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Tuscany "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Except for the stifling crowds at the Vatican and the Coliseum in Rome, the trip was outstanding. I know those two sites cannot be controlled, but maybe earlier or later times would be less stressful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The statue of David. No contest"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our 2nd Rick Steves tour and our first in Italy. We thoroughly enjoyed our time on tour and had a fantastic experience. Our tour leader, Lorenza, kept us organized, informed, safe, and equipped with the information to make the most of our free time while being a fun, professional, and pleasant partner in our experience. Our supplemental guides were unreal. So knowledgeable about their respective subjects that they made history come alive!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"All our time spent in Volterra was my favorite due to there being no crowds, a relaxed pace of life, beautiful scenery, great food, peace, and quiet. It was the best surprise of the trip to have that experience among the typically crowded areas of "mainstream" Italy."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This is our 5th Rick Steves tour and we have returned because we have had an outstanding experience every time. This tour was awesome. Lorenza was an excellent guide. Even though we had been to a few of the locations several times, the guides helped us to see the site with new eyes. We were lucky to have excellent weather and very enjoyable traveling companions.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Although we have been to Italy many times, we have not visited the beautiful hilltop town of Volterra. Our first view from the top the morning of our city tour was truly a “wow moment”."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall the tour was great. Loved our tour guide Lorenza. She was super conscientious, knowledgeable and friendly. I also loved that we had a specialized tour guide at each location.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many but the biggest surprise was Volterra. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Florence and the Cinque Terre views by boat charter"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Expert historical guides in Rome, Florence and Volterra in addition to very attentive throughout guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Tuscan countryside, the moment we realized our suitcase noise was heard all through Volterra, the Ligurian sea side, our guide at the coliseum, our guide in Florence for the statue of David, the alabaster demonstration in Volterra."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I can't think of anything that I'd suggest to change about the Heart of Italy tour. It fulfilled every expectation I had and then some. Knowing that all the logistical details--lodging, transportation, most meals--were arranged took away so much of the usual travel worries. And the curated tours, excellent guides, fascinating and varied sites, and history shared were the real highlight. In all, a perfect package worth every penny.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There are too many to list but: viewing Rome from atop St. Peter's Basilica as a storm moved in; seeing the Roman ruins in moonlight in Volterre after our group dinner; wandering the Barduni Gardens in Florence."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Italy is a beautiful upcountry full of history, art, and great food. Our tour guide did an excellent job of seeing to it that we experienced all of this and more!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The walled hill town of Volterre - it was an experience tot to be misse."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Excellent

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Volterra and Cinque terra"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our family of 3 adult children and parents wanted a historically and culturally engaging tour of Italy. The Heart of Italy tour was the perfect balance of learning, walking, eating and free-time to explore on our own. It was our first time using a business like Rick Steve's Europe and it was worth every cent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The cultural activities: small, out-of-the way restaurants, wine tasting, pesto demonstration with a family-owned business (the sweetest!), the family-run olive oil farm (by two, awesome, powerful women and their dog!!), the small town of Volterra! The Colosseum, the Forum, the Vatican, The David, The Rivera and Florence were all cool, but it really was the small things we'll remember the most. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The right mix of structured activities and group meals balanced with sufficient downtime. It really felt like a "vacation" because the tour took care of all the organizational and logistics that I usually have to be responsible for.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Volterra was Outstanding overall. Our visit there "checked all the boxes" for what I was hoping to experience in Italy--a walkable little village with history, architecture, interaction with the local people, beautiful views, and excellent dining---I could have happily spent my entire week there."

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Monterosso was beautiful. The walking paths , while difficult, provided spectacular views."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Nice combination of activities, guided tours, and free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking around the corner into Piazza Del Duomo—simply breathtaking "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was our first RSE tour and not knowing what to expect we found all the guides to be super informative and the group dinners very tasty. The packed tour did exhaust us after 5 or 6 days

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The view from the garden at our hotel in Monterosso and the view from the rooftop bar of our hotel in Florence were so amazing- I took so many pictures and spent lots of free time at both!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Statue of David. Loved the village of Valterra"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a lifetime experience for me and my family. Very well done. Top shelf Tours, Lodgings, Food, and overall experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Entering Rome and Italy for the first time and living the Italian lifestyle, taking Limo to Hotel. So many Wow moments it's hard to mention."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my 4th Rick Steves tour. They have all been excellent and great experiences. What made this one special is that I had my daughter and granddaughter along and got to share Italy with them. Our guide, Sarah was excellent . She went above and beyond in making sure we had the information and assistance we needed. All the local guides were outstanding, very knowledgeable and pleasant.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Well there were wow moments every day! But I think I loved Volterra with its Etruscan history, seeing the alabaster workshop, hearing the WW2 history for the town …..all and more presented by our “American” guide Annie. Also seeing Michelangelo’s David and the Prisoners in Florence plus his Pieta at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome was a highlight for me as an artist. The group of people who shared this trip with us was a delight too. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Sarah was an excellent tour guide- perfect mix of knowledge, humor, reading our group. Could not have been any better!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sistine Chapel, David, all of Volterra, wonderful meals from local restaurant owners. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guides and accommodations where excellent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For me personally, it was the Mamertine Prison in Rome"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steves tour, and the focus on the culture, history and the people of Italy-as well as the food, caffe and gelato!- was what we hoped. Family run hotels where we meet the family and have homemade meals just for our group were special. And the wine tasting and olive oil tasting in authentic ancient buildings were such a unique and enjoyable opportunity for us-very special. The logistics were seamlessly dealt with so we didn't have to-just what we wanted

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Biking along the Mediterranean and thru tunnels in the mountains of the Cinque Terre was fantastic"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A very good balance of structured time and free time. The main guide was as good as they come, and they site specific guys were exceptionally knowledgeable of their subject matter, funny and entertaining too.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The cities of Cinco Terre, the views and food were a while for me but, how could you not be odd by the ruins in Rome, the Sistine chapel, Saint peters, basilica, and David."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great! Saw most everything we wanted to see. Sarah, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable and helpful and funny - she kept the mood “light and fun.”

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There was so much it’s hard to choose - seeing the Roman Forum really brought it to life for me. But entering Volterra after having been in crowded Rome was like a breath of fresh air. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I was on a real vacation! All of the tickets, transportation and most meals were all taken care of. I was able to relax and enjoy learning about the people, places and culture. I love museums and we saw some of the best in the world. I loved how we were able to have an expert tour, then we were left on our own to explore more or leave the museums. Such a brilliant mix of busy cities and quiet countryside places on this trip. We had a lovely mix of people too!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The food in Italy and the art in Rome and Florence."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I liked the organization, knowledge of the guides, pace, lodging and ability to have tickets to activities / skip the line.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I enjoyed the smaller hamlets. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Perfect balance between scheduled time and free time. Our guide Andy was masterful at teaching us how to experience the wonders of Italy without standing out as a tourist. Each destination was planned with percision. I enjoyed every meal, including the breakfasts at each hote. I was very impressed by all of our tour guides. They were friendly, informative and brought the historyof this region to life.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The sites,sounds and flavors of Cinque Terra did not disappoint! I was also pleasantly surprised by everything in Volterra. The ancient lanes, views and food were amazing. The final group meal in Florence was exquisite. I felt like I was visiting an old relative. The wait staff and chef reallly went out of their way to make our final night in Italy extra special. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful tour. Great balance of all of Italy. Tour guide was very good.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Volterra. Or Monterosso. Or Florence. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Having been on two other tours in Italy earlier in my life, the value offered in this Italian itinerary was much superior. After experiencing this Rick Steves' tour, my wife and I will very likely go on another of their tours later.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing Michelangelo's Pieta in Rome and some of Raphael's original paintings in Florence were the major "wow" moments for me, but I have to also mention the included food in hotels and restaurants during the tour. These were legitimate "wow" moments, as were the daily schedules which had us going past long lines straight into major exhibits and sights. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall, the tour was amazing! I felt the Vatican was a bit overwhelming & too busy but everything was so beautiful. I felt like everything was well planned out and had a great time!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Exploring Cinque Terre! Such a beautiful town!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

One of the best touring experiences that I have ever had!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing Michelangelo's "David" up close."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had always wanted to take a Rick Steves tour, and it did live up to my expectations. It was generally excellent. It was good having some time to choose what we wanted to do. Food was outstanding. Tour guides were outstanding.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For me, Florence was the best!! Being able to stand by the river and look at the Old Bridge! Seeing David!! The Uffizi Gallery was amazing. I also loved seeing the Pieta in Rome. And I really loved Volterra. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall, this tour was excellent - a very friendly group of people, excellent Italian tour guides, well organized, our Rick Steves guide, Andy was very helpful and knowledgeable-really knew how to navigate his way around. Italian food is outstanding- will be hard to replicate that back here in the US. Hotels were well located - all meals organized with the tour were great!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hillside of Tuscany, Michelangelo's David, tour groups last night dinner at Giglio Rosso Ristorante in Florence with a surprise birthday cake for me!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide, Andy Steves, was outstanding. His insights, demeanor and thoughtful nature made for a pleasant experience. Hotels were centrally located for convenient accessibility during our free time. All the food was amazing. Everyday of the trip had memorable moments. Saint Peters, the Coliseum , the views and the wine tasting in Volterra, hiking and relaxing in Cinque Terre along the Mediterranean, the olive garden lunch and the Uffuzzi in Florence made it a truly memorable experience

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Wow for me on this trip was the Italian culture and people we experienced during our stay, The pastas, pizza, gelato, cappuccino, focaccia and wine will not be forgotten. The people we traveled with and met along the way further enriched our total experience. We enjoyed great conversation all the way to the last night on the rooftops in Florence with our fellow travelers. A special thank you goes out to Andy, who guided us through this liberal arts crash course of an adventure so smoothly"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Balanced itinerary: culture, history, geography, social

Favorite "WOW" moment

"In Florence, the stunning sight of the Duomo knocked me speechless!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well organized, competent leader, resourceful dealing unexpected issues. Did not cram too much into a short time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Colleseum me. Volterra, wife."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We used this tour to introduce our 23 year old grandson to Europe. Although we had been on this tour before, he picked it. We all had a great trip and learned a lot about the Italian history and culture.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The hike from Vernazza to Cornelia provided breathtaking views of the coast from the rugged trail. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This trip exceeded our expectations. The logistics were so smooth, the chosen activities were just right, our kind was wonderful, and the accommodations were charming.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Arriving in Volterra. It was an unexpected treasure. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was a great experience. Things were well coordinated and everyone involved was very gracious.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The local experts really made the difference. I really enjoyed the tour of the Forum and the Colosseum."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I thought the tour was well-organized and time efficient. I liked that we had time on our own to explore.

Overall rating: rating 2 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Going to Italy was a bucket list trip for my husband and I. Rick Steves provided the tour that checked off all of our must do experiences, especially traveling to Cinque Terre. We felt safe, cared about, and listened to by the Rick Steves organization. We thought all the guides were extremely knowledgeable, passionate about their areas of expertise, and helpful. We enjoyed getting to know our fellow Rick Steves travelers and sharing meals in Italian restaurants with the group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My husband and I had two Wow moments. The first was seeing St. Peter’s Basilica. What a magnificent place. The second was hiking the main coastal trail between Vernazza and Monterosso in Cinque Terre, breathtakingly beautiful!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall: a wonderful trip. Length was good: my wife and I prefer 8-10 days. Locations were good to excellent. Brad was very good. Our fellow travelers were pleasant and accommodating. The actual itinerary was acceptable; we have some suggestions. Weather was disappointing. Oh well.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The tour of the Colosseum and the Forum was outstanding. Over I don't think we got enough about ancient Rome on the trip, but this visit almost made up for that. The other Wow was seeing Michelangelo's David. Our guide on our supposed orientation to Florence (Marcello) was delightful, but he overwhelmed us with too much detail. However, he came up trumps on David. Also seeing some of the paintings in the Uffizi that I had seen in reproduction so many times before was a pretty big Wow also."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our Heart of Italy tour was fantastic. This was our first tour and I was hesitant about traveling with a group. However, I found the time together vs. time on my own to be perfect. The Tour took care of all the stressful hotel booking and transportation/tour arranging. Every tour was super-informative and well done -- thank you to the outstanding "specialists" at several sites! Finally, this experience made the most of my time. We saw so much more -- with less stress and more fun!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Stunning hill-top views during hike in Italian Riviera (Cinque Terra.)"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Heart of Italy tour was a satisfying blend of the big city highlights expected from Rome and Florence with the smaller towns of the Cinque Terre and Volterra. We especially appreciated the expertise of the local guides. These guides helped us to focus on key masterpieces of art and architecture that otherwise would have been diminished by the sheer volume of available stimulation. Our Rick Steves' leader, Andrea Wolff was so good that she would be influential in our choice of our next tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"When we walked into Florence's Piazza del Duomo and first took in the sight of the the Cathedral with Brunelleschi's Dome as well as the Campanile and the Baptistry the impact was that we were looking at one of the most awe inspiring sights of human achievement."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was a very satisfying trip, but I was a bit surprised by the size of the group with 29 participants.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Colosseum! We were there early before the huge crowds arrived. It was magical. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was everything I expect out of a RS tour: great hotel locations, great guides, hit the highlights with enough time to explore on our own!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Watching the young lady at the gelateria in Volterra doubletake when I asked for recommendations in Italian. She really lit up, and then responded in Italian that I didn't understand and it didn't matter. The effort made both our days, I think."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steves tour and we are very pleased with every aspect of the tour. We really enjoyed the variety of cities we visited. Our guide Andrea was fantastic and our group was so much fun to be with.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Exceedingly hard to say because there were so many….but if we had to choose I guess we would choose our last group dinner in Florence at Ristorante Giglio Rossi and the Bistecca flambé Robespierre !!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I took my son for his college graduation gift and our trip was the BEST. The sites, tours, guides, restaurants, hotels....every detail and experience a 10.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I can't really have just one. We had so many, the Colosseum in Rome, overlooking the cities in Florence and Rome, to wine tasting and Tuscany to the beautiful Coast and our guide Andrea was the best!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Impressed by the organization of the whole trip. Our tour guide Andrea Wolf was over the top. I thought the RS’s Tour Italy Guide really helped prepare us. Great advice to tear out the parts you needed.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Looking down the length of the Forum and St. Peter’s were definitely WOW moments. Really there wasn’t anywhere we went that I was disappointed."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very well organized and presented. Very caring that we all had what we needed and were kept informed.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our guides and Andrea. They really made the history come alive. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was the perfect way to get a true "taste" of Italy. From the city to the country, from the Tuscan hills to the crystal clear Mediterranean, from the quiet back streets to the bustling Trevi Fountain, this tour gave us just the right amount of exposure to many of the various Italys. We loved the food, the museums, the guides, the quiet time and the new friends we made along the way.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite wow moments were all the incredible museums and the treasures they hold. Michelangelo's David, Botticelli's The Birth of Venus and Primavera, Caravaggio's Medusa and The Incredulity of Saint Thomas are just some examples of the stunning masterpieces we saw. And the Vatican Museum is like stepping into a time machine. So stunning, so WOW! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Amazing all around! Our guide, Andrea Wolf, was exceptional in her individual personal contact, delightful sense of humor as well as her style of managing and shepherding our group. I especially appreciated the diversity in the cities we visited. There was an excellent mix of group tours and free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were SO many, but the trip to the olive oil farm was fascinating. The depth of its history, how it was presented and those amazing sisters was a treat to witness. Their story is heartwarming!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful!

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

the guide and tour members were great. Everyone became friends. Exceeded my expectations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"every day was a wow. i can't name just one."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent tour in a beautiful country, and with a great group of people! The local tour guides were so knowledgeable and passionate about their job. Our main guide, Ferdi, being like a sergeant :) had kept us all in line and on time for all the events. Everything was so well planned and with precision, but yet, we had plenty of time to explore the extractions on our own. The group dining in each city is a nice touch! We got to know each other a little bit more and shared our experiences.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many "wow moments" that it's hard to pick one. But there was a unique feeling for me when we were on our way to Tuscany. Between the panoramic view of the winding roads and the beautiful hillsides from the distance, it created a feeling like we were driving in a painting from an animated movie...Just amazing! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a wonderful experience from beginning to end. Even though it was only a 9 day tour, I felt we maximized every moment...no time was wasted or moment was passed. There were no lines to stand in, decisions to make, and all surroundings were fully explained so we saw and experienced so much more that if we would have coordinated on our own. We loved our guide, our group members, the hotels, and tours. All came together for a wonderful and memorable trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It's really hard to select a favorite "wow." The hotels were each unique and fun, the meals were all "the best" (until we had our next meal...and then it was "the best"). The tours had top notch guides that were engaging,fun and informative. A couple of moments might be: walking into the Coliseum, Group Dinners in Tuscany and Cinque Terre, wine tasting and olive oil tasting, watching the sun set over Florence."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Oh goodness, so many wonderful memories and friends made. Ferdy was the best guide we could have hoped for. I really cannot put into words how fantastic our trip was. Once in a lifetime, but I will return!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Volterra. Hiking in Cinque Terre. Getting lost in Rome with my sister. Rooftop drinks in Florence. And, of course, Aperol Spritz!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Excellent guide! A+. Lovely people. Beautiful itinerary. Hotel rooms did not impress. Beds were not comfortable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"All the sights and local experience like wine tasting and olive oil tasting. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Excellent tour. The only downside was the enormous crowding at the Vatican and in Florence.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I was quite taken with the Pantheon, despite the crowd."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a well planned and well executed trip. From hotels, tour guides, and experiences the Rick Steves attention to detail shined through.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The tour guides were extremely knowledgeable and well presented. They hit just the right tone of humor, sarcasm, and their experience was evident in their presentations."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our experience was fantastic!! I have ZERO complaints, except for maybe how crowded Italy was, and that is not your fault!! haha

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were several, but I would have to say everything about Volterra!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My experience of this tour was so wonderful. It was more than I could have imagined. The tour guides were so brilliant in every place, but Sarah who was our overall tour guide was just the very best. All the details of travel, and getting from one place to another were smooth and left no confusion. The buses and trains were good too. But seeing the history and the art was of course the most spectacular part of all.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many wow moments for me but perhaps the one than stands out is my first view of the Roman forum and the coliseum. I felt like I was being hit between the eyes with the reality of history. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The RS tour was well-organized and way more fun than I anticipated. Our guide Sarah was not only informative, she was also gregarious and charming. It was like traveling with my favorite Aunt. Sarah gave us the tools to explore on our own with confidence.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking through the streets of Volterra. It did not seem real. It was beautiful, unique, charming, and uncrowded. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steves tour and first visit to Europe, and it lived up to all of our expectations. Our guide, Sarah Shortreed, was so friendly and personable, and we enjoyed getting to know our travel companions. We learned so much about Italy's history and art, and we were so fortunate to see it all in person. The hotels were nice, the food was delicious, and we were thankful to leave most of the transportation headaches up to someone else.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The highlight for me was visiting the Cinque Terre on the Mediterranean Sea. The small towns were refreshingly laid back after all the hustle and bustle of Rome, and we felt welcome everywhere we went. The views from the boat ride were spectacular, and navigating the train system between towns was easy. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The beauty of Cinque Terra; pictures don't even begin to show how colorful the region is."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a fabulous time! Everything was perfect. We had an amazing group of folks with us, along with a terrific guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I was expecting it to be the Cinque Terra, but I think Volterra was right up there with it. A very close second was all the people on the tour. They all made the tour so enjoyable."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a phenomenal combination of amazing sights and experiences.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There was a "wow" in every day!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour exceeded my expectations. Sarah, our guide, was very organized, witty and extremely helpful. The tour provided a good mix of city and scenic experiences.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"While it is difficult to pick just one, I would have to say the Coliseum. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Multiple cities multiple fun activities

Favorite "WOW" moment

"From day one til the last day. All cities had various wow moments from the history to the scenic beaches"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

As an introvert, the idea of a group tour scared the bejeebers out of me. My fears were misguided. The group meshed very well, the tour coordinators were wonderful, the tour guides at the various sites were spectacular, the group meals were a blast and included incredible food, and the hotels were comfortable with a local vibe. We had a wonderful time. I am sure I got to experience sites and locations I would not have known to see (or been aware enough to reserve access for ahead of time).

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The tour of the forum in Rome was incredible. The women who led the tour was so knowledgeable about the various historical eras, the location, the events, and communicated so well, I truly felt like I received a college course in a few hours."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a great ‘survey’ of Italy allowing us to see some highlights and be better informed when we isn’t again.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The forum and coliseum tour was amazing. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our Lead Guide Andrea W. (along with Assistant Guide Andrea V.) did a terrific job of expertly guiding us all on a memorable, interesting, fast paced and magical journey through the "Heart of Italy". Our fellow travelers were an exceptionally friendly and fun group who accepted our whole family who was traveling together. We had a wonderful adventure we'll never forget.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite "wow" moment was hiking on the trail between Vernazza and Monterosso in the Cinque Terre with my son and taking in the breathtaking scenery of this beautiful corner of Italy. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was organized extremely well with regards to times, dates, accommodations and dining events. The tour 'delivered' on its billing as immersing me into the culture and experiences of each of the four regions that we visited. Our guide, Andrea was knowledgeable, efficient and ready and willing to assist our tour participants in every way possible.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We had an 'assistant,' Andreas(male) who was accompanying our guide Andrea (female) on the tour. Andreas resides in Orvieto, Italy thus he was a local resident who provided meaningful insight on the various regions that we visited. The "wow" moment for me on this tour occurred on the bus trip between Volterra and Levanto when Andreas provided the group with a heartfelt overview of what it truly means to be proud of where you're from and the true meaning of family and friends. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Great breadth of coverage of key locations and attractions. VERY attentive guides!! Adequate free time. Every meal was distinctive. Breakfasts were generally satisfying. Andrea our guide was super!! Andrea our assistant guide will make a GREAT Rick Steve's guide!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"there were a lot of great WOW moments, but for me Mary)it was the story of David and our tour guide Paul in Florence, and all that I learned on that part of the trip. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall, my tour experience was excellent. Andrea, our guide shared so much information about the culture and history of Italy. She really gave me a sense of the country. Also, the activities we did and the places we went were fantastic. I feel I got to see all the highlights that this tour had to offer. I loved this tour and all the places we visited!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My "wow" moment was realizing just how old everything is there! Rome really showed me this! The Coliseum, the Forum, the Pantheon, but also the town of Volterra. It made me realize how Europeans have such a different perspective on history because theirs goes back so far compared to ours. I knew this in theory, but experiencing firsthand made it real for me."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great group, wonderful and informative guide (Colleen), excellent food and wine and a very fun mix of directed and independent exploring

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Many wow moments but my favorite was standing on the inside of the coliseum and imagining 50,000 Romans gathered there. I’d seen documentaries on tv but nothing compared to standing there in person "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our second Rick Steves tour and it was amazing! Our tour guide, Colleen, was just great. She is informative and knowledgeable about Italy and each different region we visited. Her bubbly personality was a joy to be with. We could tell she has a passion about Italian travel, food & history which is just what we were looking for. The hotels were very clean and accommodating. It was so much fun to eat at restaurants off the beaten path and experience what the locals love.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing David was one of my favorite highlights! He was magnificent and I felt like through our guide, I was able to appreciate every detail of this statue. Breathtaking."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Heart of Italy tour was absolutely wonderful and exceeded our expectations.

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first Rick Steves' tour and it was a wonderful experience. This tour was very active and, at times, grueling; however, the literature and documents that the tour company provided prepared me for the journey. Our guide, Colleen, was tremendous. She was knowledgeable, organized, communicated everything well, and above all, reflected the ethics that I expected from Rick Steves' tours. All of the guides in each place were outstanding. Italy and the tour were magnificent!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A moment that stands out was in Rome when Colleen was leading the group after dinner from the area near the Pantheon to Trevi Fountain. She led us to take a peek inside the Chiesa di Sant' Ignazio di Loyola (a church off the tourist track). A youth choir was singing and their voices resonated in the cavernous sanctuary and everyone in the group was delightfully stunned into silence and awe for a brief moment and we had a peaceful break from Rome's frenetic pace."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We traveled with 6 family members and all of us had an amazing trip! Having the itinerary set with accommodations and transportation set up made it easy for my 80 year old parents. The rooms, meals local guides and side events were all great. An experience we will remember for a lifetime!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite "wow" moment was the beautiful views from the mountain top in Volterra! Absolutely gorgeous!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything was great. A first class expierience. It was historical, educational and lots of fun. Very organized from meals to hotels to transportation to the tours at the specific venues.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Coliseum in Rome. To see such a marvelous structure from the outside and then to go inside it. Just thinking about how it was built and what went on in it all those years ago was certainly a "wow" moment for me."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was extremely well planned and well paced. I really enjoyed the local guides and all the information they provided.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Volterra in Tuscany was beautiful and despite the weather it was a magical place. So beautiful it did not even seem real."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Colleen was the best part of the tour. Her knowledge of the history of Italy and recommendations of things to do and see made our trip phenomenal. We would have missed out on many sites and information without her. We loved the planned dinners and outings with the group such as the olive oil farm and wine tasting. The guides and excursions for the museums were amazing. We learned more about Italy and the museums through the guides. We are grateful for the tour. Looking forward to anither one!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to have a favorite. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I enjoyed the delving into the Italian culture and walking through the historic streets and structures. Having educated and colorful guides made the experience a lot of fun.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I went on this particular tour to see and explore Cinque Terre and it did not disappoint. There is great beauty among the towns I did see. I believe Volterra wowed me more...it is a charming, romantic, and quaint village that seems unaffected by time."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was excellent! Our tour guide, Deborah was one of the best. The hotels were great but the food was limited because it was actually after all! Pizza and pasta everywhere and after a while I got tired of it. The tour was quite Strenuous. However, we were prepared for that and it was worth it.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Sistine chapel"