Best of Venice, Florence & Rome in 10 Days Tour

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a truly amazing experience. Nine days of personally experiencing the touchstones of Western Civilization. I couldn't be more satisfied with my choice for a first trip to Europe, first group tour. Every day brought something exciting to see and learn about.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The wine experience at Tenuta Le Velette. Gorgeous scenery, learning the history of the region and the winery from Cecilia as she welcomed us into her home was something I'll never forget. The wines were delicious and personally experiencing how the flavor changed when paired with different food is a skill I will use the rest of my days. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My experience was beyond any expectation! Cecillia our tour guid and leader, made It was incredible! I made a decision to go, even though I did not have a friend to go with me, I enjoyed myself VERY much!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I must say, the journey to Florence and enjoying the lunch at Cecilia's home where she wined and dined us all. Also, the depth of knowledge that was shared during every tour, in every precious basilica that was shared with our group was absolutely outstanding!!!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Well organized and comprehensive

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The originality of the Parthenon"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great combination of planned activities and personal time to explore.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The wine tour in Umbria was pretty spectacular. If you’re on a Rick Steves tour, at some point you’re going to end up on a farm. It’s always unexpected and always a blast."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was our fourth Rick Steves tour, so we knew what to expect. We were not disappointed. Our experience in three amazing cities of Italy was just right, leaving us at the end of each day deeply impressed, deeply satisfied, and deeply tired.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The size of the paintings. The painters worked on ladders in huge studios. We often spend time in an an art museum near our home and every painting there is small by comparison. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved everything about this tour! The value for the money was outstanding. We had professional tour guides in every city in addition to our personal tour guide/fairy godmother. The group meals were so good! Our tour guide Sarah worked tirelessly to provide recommendations for activities, instructions on how to use the public transportation, the best shops, and, most importantly, where to get the best gelatto! The included activities were great as well.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many- discovering I loved Bellini sculptures and learning the difference between gothic and renaissance paintings were the biggest surprises. The Grand Canal in Venice was my first heart stopping wow moment though!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a very busy tour. We were pretty exhausted at the end. I don’t think that a “vacation from vacation” would have worked though - that would be at the expense of the Florence leg. I would have liked another day in Florence - we added days on each end for Venice and Rome, but we couldn’t get back to Florence.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Happening upon an organ concert in the Basilica of San Marco in Florence."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We love our tour. The guides were amazing and the traveling group was to.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many. I loved Venice and learing about the unusual history of the area. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"St Peter’s and the colosseum "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide was AMAZING! The tours she had us on, our lodging, the food was all amazing.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Getting to see Michelangelo's David. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had never been to Italy so I enjoyed it all!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Love Venice and the romance of it but was surprised how much I enjoyed and learned about Florence. Seeing Michelangelo’s statutes from his fthe crucifix carved from wood at age 17 to The Pieta in St Paul’s along with David and Moses ttryly the work of a genius! "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was just right with guide events and free time.

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour had the perfect combination of tour time paired with free time to explore the cities.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our farewell dinner on the Grand Canal sitting under the Rialto Bridge watching gondolas row past us. It was everything. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great time, well coordinated.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing David and the wine tasting tour. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and vibs we experienced have enriched my life. I experienced awe, laughter, appreciation, feelings that brought tears to my eyes. The physical demands were sometimes strenuous as indicated in the pretrip advertisements and literature.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The grounds of Roman Forum. Our guide Francesca brought this 21th century traveler a glimpse of life during ancient times. This was an unexpected, awesome, and humbling experience. The foresight, accomplishments, and brutality of the Romans we learned about was by necessity only a peek into the past, but my what a peek. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

great sights and insights from our tour guide

Favorite "WOW" moment

"TMTC"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour experience was a great mix of planned sightseeing and free time. The people on the tour were lots of fun and our guides were engaging and informative. Most of all - Daniela - was absolutely fantastic.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many wonderful moments on the walking tours where you'd just go around the corner and come across something beautiful and amazing. But seeing the Colosseum for the first time can't be undersold. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide, Daniella, was knowledgeable, patient, and helpful. Her experience and wealth of knowledge were were an incredible asset during our trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were “wow moments” in every city; however, seeing the Michelangelo’s David was powerful."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Rick Steves group and my tour guide and all of our local guides really took care of me. It was an eye opening and fulfilling experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I really enjoyed with interactions with Italian people wherever I found them (except for the guy who cursed at me after he bumped into me while I was walking in Venice)."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide , hotels and experiences were amazing!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The cooking class in florence"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our overall experience was so much better than we could ever imagine. Every detail was well thought out and executed flawlessly by our amazing Rick Steves guide, Daniela. We can’t wait to book another tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There are so many “wow” moments to choose from. Each city had its hidden gems. Daniela and the local experts did an amazing job to help us better appreciate each and every one. Venice, Florence and Rome, with a stop in Umbria along the way, was a life changing experience for us, filled with memories that will last a lifetime. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our trip to Italy was outstanding! We were hesitant to take a tour but due to the free time included, we decided to take a chance. The tour was an equal balance for group tours and time on your own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We loved the meals that we shared with others on the tour. The restaurants were wonderful! We enjoyed food, wine and time meeting new people. We enjoyed the winery tour and tasting. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was phenomenal, and exceeded all my expectations! Our tour guide, Tina was incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming. She set the tone for how to get the most of our time together with the group, and also on our own free time. I loved the balance between structured touring and exploring on our own. Also, the site is spot on about the walking, we did walk 6-8 miles a day. I would recommend this trip to all!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many to choose from, but I would have to say I was blown away by the beauty of Venice. The canals, tiny alleys, the architecture, the beautiful island of Burano next door, the incredible food and the lack of cars was the perfect start for this trip for me. Someday I wish to return!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tina was fantastic the amount of stuff we saw for the price we paid was indeed outstanding

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My Kathy's high point was the forum The forum in Rome. My high point was just Venice overall although Florence was definitely a second. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tour was absolutely incredible. From pre-tour, of the planning of hotels and transfers handled for you, and recommendations of interesting experiences to visit during our free time. Tina was our tour guide, and phenomenal introductions to the local culture, tips, and advice for navigating each city, and suggestions for places to explore, and delicious food to eat. Having local guides helped us to learn so much more than we would have if we had gone on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many "wow" moments. Each day I had a feeling of, "it can't get better than this!", but it did. Top "wow" was visiting the family owned winery in Umbria. It was stunningly beautiful, the history was incredible, and the tasting was spectacular. As our bus left, and Tina played Italian music over the speakers, and driving down the hills and seeing the beautiful landscape, bought a few tears to my eye at the magical moment."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It had an excellent balance of guided tours and free time

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I was most impressed with standing in a basilica that was thousands of years old and still functioning"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was great. Everyone in the group was friendly and got along. We explored each city and saw so many interesting things. The guides were very knowledgeable and shared the history of their cities. At times the guides shared with us their personal thoughts which made me feel a connection with the people of Italy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"If I have to pick one it would be the Forum."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Exceeded expectations in every way. Great itinerary, great choices of which particular sites to visit, outstanding guides, completely satisfactory hotels, a congenial group, and, in Marijan, the best tour leader ever.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Maybe the visit to Torcello Island, followed by the visit to the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Thoroughly enjoyed the tour guides, the content, the hotels (pensiones), the tour group, and the length of time per activity

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The winery in Umbria"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful guide, Marjian and friendly people in group. Hotels with friendly people, clean rooms. Breakfasts at all of the hotels were excellent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Duomo in Venice. Truly an unexpected surprise. Just gorgeous. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

There was a nice balance between tour time and time on your own. Guides were very knowledgeable and helpful with questions.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Two wow moments: Walking the Via Sacra and getting lost a number of times in Venice."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very educational. Guides were knowledgeable. Schedule gave us plenty of time to explore on our own. Transportation was good.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Vatican City and the Forum. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was exactly what we wanted…an organized and well planned introduction to the three most must see cities in Italy. Our guide Dimitri was informative and fun and always had us on schedule. The tour had a great mix of group time seeing the most important art and historical sights with down time to seek out what you were most interested in. All accommodations were top notch and our tour group was diverse and interesting.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mine was our stop at a lovely winery in Orvieto for lunch and wine tasting. We had spent six intense days immersed in the culture and streets of Venice and Florence and it was refreshing to be out of the city and to see the Italian countryside."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well balanced trip. Nice hotels, fabulous guides, delicious planned meals and free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Michelangelo’s “David” (Florence) and “Moses” (Rome)"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had an amazing time traveling through these three cities. Our guide Dmitri had everything well-prepared and flowing smoothly. The group meals were great and there was plenty of free time to see highlights in each city. One tip I have - don't be afraid to take a morning or afternoon away from the group to rest and just enjoy your surroundings. And find the ARTISINAL gelato! Venice during carnivale can be busy but interesting. Learn about different foods to try before arrival.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We loved the winery and cooking class. They were well-needed to break up how busy the days were. All three cities are so different in size and how to get around - pre-book some experiences as recommended and don't be afraid to do something different. We did an ebike of the Appian way and catacombs tour outside of the group and loved seeing a less busy part of Rome. The group itself was a "wow" as we enjoyed all the meals together and the guide. Glad we did this trip!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a fantastic tour - just the right mix of scheduled activities and free time. The RS guide (Dimitri) and the local guides provided insight about each location beyond anything you would have received just by taking a tour of a building/museum.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The visit to the vineyard/wine tasting after touring two cities was such a different feel and we enjoyed/learned a lot!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very organized, on time with great people

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Going to fat Tuesday in Venice "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent combination of arranged hotels/transport and scheduled events, meals and tours along with time for your own explorations and meals.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The wonderful somewhat aimless meanderings through the passageways of Venice. You cannot really call them streets."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide, Tina, made everything so interesting and pleasant. She did everything she could to make the experience educational and fun.

Favorite "WOW" moment

" Coming around the corner and seeing "David"!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Ticked ALL the boxes! Including boxes we didn’t even consider . What an incredible mix of cultural immersion, learning, adventure, eating, drinking, personal time, group tour time. The tour simply exceeded all of our expectations of what a vacation could look like. It has set a new bar of what we will want in future vacations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"No way can we pick a WOW moment. Way too many!!!! Boat rides in Venice and Burano, cooking class, wine tasting at a lovely winery, seeing the statue of David in an empty museum before it closed, all to ourselves. Walking amongst ancient ruins of Rome."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We loved this trip! It was our first Rick Steve's tour. First of all, we LOVED our tour guide, Tina. She was so amazing: friendly, funny, organized, so knowledgeable, a real leader. We knew we were in good hands! She taught us so much about Italian culture and history. We also really appreciated the schedule of the tour. It was lovely to do the city walks and museum visits in the morning or evening and then have many afternoons free for ourselves.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"When we would just be walking down the street of whatever town and suddenly turn a corner and see a massive site... for example, the Duomo in Florence or the Colosseum in Rome. So amazing! Also, we really enjoyed the winery tour and tasting. A very relaxed, educational experience."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Enjoyed both Nina, the tour guide and the other tourists on the trip. I liked the itinerary and the free time built into the schedule.

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steve’s tour and it will not be our last! In fact, many people in our group had been on multiple Rick Steves tours and had a wonderful things to say about their experiences. I felt like there were just enough activities with the group and we still had plenty of time to roam the cities on our own. Very well organized. Excellent transportation from one city to the next wonderful group dinners. Wonderful experience!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many “wow” moments. In Venice, standing in the plaza at St. Marks but also getting lost in the backstreets and alleys and discovering shops and restaurants. The island of Burano was an explosion of color and a feast for the eyes! Climbing the Campanile Bell Tower in Torcello and in Florence climbing the stairs to the top of the Dome and seeing the breathtaking views are moments I’ll never forget! Rome: see the Colosseum and walking among the ruins, Vatican Museum, & St. Peters Basilica. Wow!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent guide, Nina, and excellent accommodations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to name but perhaps the Forum in Rome."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Nina and the tour guides were great. It would be ok to decrease the church tours

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The wine vineyard was great"

This was my first tour and was a great introduction to European travel.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the remains of over 2000 years of civilization at the Roman Forum."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The entire tour was spectacular. I really enjoyed going to the smaller islands of Venice.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking to the top of the Duomo and the 360 degree view of Florence."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

All of our local tour guides were wonderful. Nice balance between scheduled events and free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing Michelangelo's David"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We hit the ground running in Venice, which was a great place to start. Did not fall in a canal even once but did climb a few steps. Loved the entire atmosphere and our lead guide and guru Nina was absolute fantastic. She know everything and selected wonderful secondary guides to show us around. Within 3 days I knew Venice intimately and visited a dozen galleries and churches and even saw a Vivaldi concert. And Burano was spectacular also. Then Florence was amazing, we did 2x more. Nina is great,

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We did a cooking class in Florence and followed it up the next day at Caterina's art studio where I had the opportunity to create a painting under her tutelage. WOW x2."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour. All guides excellent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The city of Venice"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This three city tour was everything I hoped for and more! Our Excellent guide-Nina navigated us through each city with gusto and humorous antidotes, in addition to knowledgeable local guides walking with us along the way. I just can’t say enough wonderful things about Nina and how well she connects with people to educate and give a truly meaningful experience!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It’s hard to pick just one! Probably walking through Venice and seeing the beautiful city, also the gondola ride at night."

Very good experience. Good food, wine, company and great guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Top of the Vatican"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well planned , organized.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Back streets and door knockers. Unexpected beauty in small corners"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour experience exceeded my expectations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There was so much: everything about Venice, seeing David and all the incredible views in Florence, walking into the Pantheon for the 1st time."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Extremely pleased

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Wandering after dark in Venice and feeling completely at home"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A terrific group of travelers brought together by the wonderful Venetian, Elena, as our guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Watching the lights come on in St. Marks Basilica as Elena our guide said they do every day at 12:30. Seeing the gold mosaics and the church interior light up was an amazing experience. And the gondola ride! Fantastic!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was an amazing experience! Before taking the tour, I was concerned that we would be "guided" around everywhere and not have any chance to explore independently. This tour was perfect because it removed all the non-enjoyable planning logistics (hotels, transportation, etc) from my concern and allowed me to focus on finding the fun stuff. It had a perfect balance of independent exploring with guided experience. Thank you for an amazing trip experience!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There are so many! It's unfair to limit it to just one because it seemed like there was at least one every day of the trip. If I had to limit it to one, I was standing in front of Michelangelo’s Moses statue. With the help of our amazing guide, Francesca, it became so clear why Michelangelo was so revered as a sculptor. Comparing Moses to other statues surrounding it, he was the only one who looked like it could come alive in the next moment. I will never look at sculpture the same! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I was hesitant at first on the approach of the guided tour being only portions of the day, but it became very evident that this allowed for us to have a great personal experience of the various things available to see and the ability to spend longer in areas that we were more interested or less time. The tour's guide was wonderful. Elena gave the big picture of what we would be doing, interesting perspective and details of what we were going to see. The group was fun to travel with too!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sharing going to the St Peter's Basilica in Rome with my family. Beautiful!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My overall experience was great! Our tour leader Elena was outstanding and attentive to our group. I've already recommended Rick Steves' to many of my friends. I loved the structure of the tours, so that I was able to go and do things that I wanted to do on my own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to list here... "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A very enjoyable opportunity for me to take in the details of places I’ve read about extensively and watched numerous documentary’s.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"As usual when I go to Europe I’m impressed by the stonework. Learning that the green columns at Saint Marks basilica are known as brecciated serpentinite. At the vatican museums seeing Constantine’s porphyry sarcophagus and the large porphyry “Nero’s bath”. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

we loved our tour guide Elena, she was the best tour guide we had ever. She made us feel comfortable from the first day of our meeting. She answered all of our questions. She was very personable and friendly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the David statue in Florence and the Basilica."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was well run, informative, intense and enjoyable. We saw more great art, architecture, and historic sites, as well as some lesser known parts of these cities, than I thought possible in 10 days. Good job!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A visit to the Villa Borghese in Rome. Although not part of the guided tour, we used some of our free time to go there, as recommended in your tour book. The Bernini sculptures, especially the David and the Rape of Proserpina, were my favorites of all the art works I saw on the tour. And walking around the lovely garden, with rose-ringed parakeets flying through dappled sunlight and a man playing an accordion, was my favorite moment. If I ever go back to Rome, I'll spend a day there. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall experience was really great. We had a very good mix of free time to explore on our own plus guided tours of the "must see" places that really honed in on the important parts.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I didn't realize how easy it is to find gluten free meals in Italy."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very well planned from travel arrangements, hotels, food and tour experiences.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lots to pick from but I just really enjoyed being a temporary local!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was better than I expected, and I expected a lot! The tours with local guides were well planned and interesting. The guides were knowledgeable and inspiring. The meals provided were an outstanding selection of the local fare in each city. The hotels that were booked provided more than adequate accommodations, and all were within easy walking distance from most of the major attractions. Colleen was an absolute delight! She was well organized, helpful, and very knowledgeable. Bravissima!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The tour of ancient Rome with Francesca moved me to tears. Francesca presented the lives and works of the ancients in such a compelling way that I could feel the love she has for her people, her city, and her country. She believes if one remembers those who have gone before us, they are never really gone. The builders of the Forum over centuries were there for me in my mind as she eloquently described their lives and works. She believes their work proclaims, "Don't forget me!"--so I never will! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This is the first tour we have taken - and this tour was outstanding and would use Rick Steves Again

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting the winery in Umbria, The gondola ride in Venice, walking the streets of Florence and Rome - the entire trip was outstanding"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I can't say enough good about this trip. The itinerary, the hotels, the activities, Colleen and the local guides - were all excellent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We were sitting at an outdoor cafe on the Grand Canal in Venice, when it dawned on us that Monet had painted from that exact spot."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Competent, experienced, and kind guides, showing us the right amount of famous sites with enough free time of our own, and perfect weather the entire 9 day trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The entire 'Rome' experience, all of it (including the exciting taxi/shuttle drives through winding & narrow alleys)."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was wonderful. From our guides to our destinations, the entire experience was amazing. All of the guides were very knowledgeable and truly passionate about everything they were showing us. The people that we met on the trip as part of our group were all so kind, it was easy to make friends quickly!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"To nail down one favorite moment from our tour is difficult as I've never been to Italy before. All of the churches, architecture, and the art spoke to me in one way or another. Each destination had a beauty that was all its own. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

A very good first visit to Italy with excellent information from the guides and well organized.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Vatican museum and Sistine chapel"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Rick Steves' tour was top notch from beginning to end. The office group was supportive at answering questions at booking, and the tour itself was amazing. Our guide, Colleen, really made us feel welcome and seemed to be an expert in the culture and the community.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Colleen's depth of knowledge of Italy was astounding. Her relationships with the locals made for a seamless trip."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was the perfect balance of scheduled activities and free time. Our guide, Daniela was superb at offering suggestions for the free time....she was superb!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Kicking off our trip w the view of Venice from the San Giorgio bell tower and ending it w a visit to San Clemente in Rome, representing the lasagne of architectural history. We did these on our own, but the understanding of what we were seeing was thanks to what we read in your guidebook and learned on the tour. Also, Daniela surprised us with a nighttime tour of St. Ignatius in Rome....oh that ceiling!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour was amazing. Daniela was an outstanding guide: knowledgeable, fun, with a great sense of humor. She provided insight into our travels and many local treats along the way. We experienced the great cities of Italy in greater depth than we could have on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our tour of Rome with Francesca was inspiring and revealed the many layers of that city. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fabulous guide! Great mix off scheduled activities and free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Venice was magical. There is no place like it. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great mix of guided and free time. Our guide Daniella was fantastic, I would love to take another tour with her. Our group was 28 of the nicest people I have ever met.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Climbing the Vatican dome."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour exceeded my expectations. This was my first travel experience and I didn’t know what to expect. It was wonderful for so many reasons.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Roman ruins brought me to tears. To stand upon so many layers of history, to imagine the millions of lives impacted, was overwhelming."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was really perfect. My daughter and I traveled together on a trip we had hoped to take since she was a teenager. It was a great combination of planned events and open time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Two wow moments for me. One was arriving in Venice and seeing it for the first time and because I took Latin in high school, seeing the Roman Forum was amazing "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

OUR Local tour guides and our group MADE the trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our last day in Rome seeing the excavations of THE FALL OF ROME"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

good balance between tour time and free time, excellent guides and practical help getting to and through popular places - would have been impossible to have done that on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being a "people person" I would have to say the cooking and eating together as a group. The other folks on our tour were a real highlight and treasure. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The entire tour was well organized and a great balance of guided and self-guided time. The accommodations were nice and conveniently located, both comfortable and charming. And, finally, the guides were terrific - both the overall guides and the local guides. It was a very memorable trip, and we were so pleased we have already booked another.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Venice was very charming. I loved it!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

From the moment we met with our tour guides Sarah and Rebecca, we were thrilled and impressed with their planning and execution of our Italy adventure. From the local guides who gave us informative walking tours of Venice, Florence and Rome, to the special activities to the amazing restaurants they chose. I appreciated the efforts they made to build cohesion amongst a group of 28 complete strangers that helped build a bond that added an added a special dimension to our experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Asking what was my wow moment is like asking which is my favorite child! Was it the first morning I woke up before the city and stood on the Rialto bridge thinking, I cant believe I'm in Venice. The Gondola ride through moonlit canals serenaded by a Venetian singer, turning a corner on our welcome walk and seeing the Florence cathedral for the first time, stopping at a winery on our way to Rome and entering a 1000 year old Etruscan wine cellar or my first glimpse of the statue of David. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Bea was our tour guide. She went above and beyond with our exceptional well paired tour group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite "Wow," moment was seeing the humungous statue of David!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was great. Amazing tours and accommodations. The group dinners were fantastic. A wonderful way to meeting all the group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I really enjoyed the local guide's walking street tours."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first Rick Steves tour and I could not have been happier! From the hotels, dinners, and itinerary, the tour was better than I expected. I learned so much about Italian history and culture. I still had plenty of time to explore each city on my own. The transportation to each location was easy and stress-free. What really made the trip so special was my tour guide Beatrice. She was so kind and knowledgeable. She went above and beyond to make sure everyone had the best experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My wow moment from the tour was visiting the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. That was the stop I was most excited about because of my love for art. Seeing the Birth of Venus painting in person almost brought tears to my eyes. Getting to be in that gallery and seeing all this history in front of me was breathtaking."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great group of fellow travelers. Our guide (Beatrice) was a dynamo....bubbly, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and caring. Was a bit overwhelmed with some of the museum guides and details, but thoroughly enjoyed the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing Michelangelo's "David"!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Out tour to Venice, Florence and Rome was outstanding and a trip to remember . The tour description was very accurate and fulfilled our expectations. We had a wonderful tour guide and made new friends of our group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Michelangelo in Florence and the Roman Forum. I enjoyed every city on the tour as each city unveiled a different experience."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide, Bea, made this an unforgettable experience with her knowledge, energy, humor, and kindness. Our group got along really well. This was our first Rick Steves tour but it won’t be our last. We had the perfect amount of organized activities and free time. 11 out of 10.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We had 2. The first was seeing David. A masterpiece we have seen only in books and on TV. To ne able to see it up close from all angles was amazing. The second was the Sistine Chapel. It gets crowded but whe you look up and see The Creation of Adam and the rest of the ceiling, the crowd becomes “invisible” and it’s just you and that masterpiece."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Beatrice was an amazing host. I honestly walked in to the tour, feeling nervous and walked out feeling like I had gained a family.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Roman Forum with Francesca!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was so well planned out that we got to do more then we ever imagined in our time in Italy, without feeling rushed and with lots of free time to explore on our own as well.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The local tour guides in each city gave me insight and knoweledge I never would have gotten to experience. They were all amazing! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This being my first trip to Italy was a memorable one. First off, our tour guide was the best. She was relatable, knowledgeable and fun. I liked the fact that there was an itinerary but also some free time where we could venture off on our own each day. I learned a lot of history and saw incredible art that is meant to be seen in person rather than read about in history books. The entire tour from Venice, Florence and Rome was a complete dream. I will never forget it.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is extremely difficult to just pick one "wow" moment. But, if I had to pick one, I'd say the tour of St. Mark's Basilica stood out. The majestry of the building inside and out was a sight to see. The experience of looking over the square from above was absolutely breathtaking. Everywhere I looked it was like looking at a painting. And, I was in it!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour is truly exceptional. I am on a mission now to convert all of my friends and family to only take Rick Steves Tours because I want them to have an authentic experience. Pictures

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Roman Forum"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fantastic local guides supplemented our awesome tour guide. Saw everything l expected and more. Also got wonderful cultural insights.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Touring Rome with Francesca, possibly your best local guide in Europe! Her passion and depth of feeling brought the Roman forum to life for me. It was a shivers down the spine experience. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We have read about Rick Steve's Tours for many years. The tours have always received excellent ratings. To our surprise our Italy tour exceeded every expectation that we had. Our Tour Guide, Daniela, was amazing. She was a consulate professional who is passionate about the history and culture that Italy offered. All the site specific tour guides brought a unique perspective which connected the art, history, architecture, and culture to our lives: What Italy means to the world today.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Every City was a WOW moment. Every Church, Basilica, museum, sculpture, and art we saw were beyond what we have experienced/seen before. To top that off we visited a winery/olive grove and had a cooking class in Rome. The friends we made on the tour were wonderful and contributed to making our vacation the best ever! We came home realizing that we need to experience more of the world and Rick Steve's Tours are the best way to experience the world!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Daniella was absolutely the very best tour director!

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

everything was great

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were a number of wow moments but overall the "wow" was all the beautiful artwork"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We enjoyed the itinerary and the tour group. Daniela was our tour leader and she did an outstanding job of preparing us for each day and keeping us on track. Daniela was exceptionally knowledgeable and well organized at every turn - we would be happy to travel with her again. The cities of Italy contain extraordinary treasures of art, culture and history and we were privileged to see so much in a short period of time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We saw many bucket-list cities, churches, museums and other world-class sites in our ten days - but I think the one of the most distinctive things we did was the visit to the Poggio della Volara farm in Umbria between Florence and Rome. Here Marco and his wife grow olives and grapes and make olive oil and wine. We learned what it takes to make extra virgin olive oil and were treated to a wonderful lunch, including wild boar sausage and various wines. This was a most unique stop on our tour. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I fully enjoyed my first ( but not last!) RS tour

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Time and time again seeing the connections Daniela had with guides/ restaurateurs / hotel staff etc"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I came away with the impression that Rick Steves Tours is concerned with giving you a comprehensive experience while giving you value for your money. Our tour guide Daniela, was competent ,caring and knowledgeable in all aspects of our tour.She has a gift for her doing her job which can’t be taught but should be appreciated.The tour guides at our various stops were exceptional.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The visit to the Island Burano in Venice. Watching Daniela teach 28 people how to use the Rome subway in real time. Saint Peter’s Basilica and the tour ,with lecture, of the Coloseum and Forum."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Loved revisiting three great Italian cities. The overall program was wonderful. Really appreciate the mix of planned and free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking into the square facing the Florence duomo always takes my breath away."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I found the itinerary to be exciting and provided structured time and also plenty of time on my own to explore.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Everyday was a Wow moment because I’d never been to Italy, and I wanted to be able to get into the museums and sights without such long lines and to have guides to provide education. The trip surpassed my expectations."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Had never been to Europe or on tour so didn't know what to expect. Was very organized and explained well, what a bunch of great people on our tour. Our RS guide Dimitri was was pretty great, very knowledgeable. Some of the local tour guides I think need to retire they were a bit impatient. October was still busy lots of us tourists. Maybe a bit too many museums for me cuz I'm mixed up on all my 3 cities of museums. Beautiful breakfasts at every hotel.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The quality of Italy's food! Everything tastes fresher less preserved than the US. I basically walked around all 3 cities just saying "WOW" I think Florence was our favorite. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved the cities and the amazing people on our tour. Truly had an amazing time with them. Too many museums for me. Loved the food and prestaurants, loved our tour guide in Florence. She was delightful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"View from Giotto tower, visiting the winery, lunch and cooking class. The David, The Vatican and at Peter’s basilica, the Forum in Rome and everything about Venice "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We loved everything about our tour! We loved the people on the tour with us, we loved the tour guides, the hotels were great. Delicious dinners in each city were fantastic.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing Venice for the first time was amazing,"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We toured Venice, Florence and Rome..each city was unique. I loved the canals and gondolas in Venice. We enjoyed wine tasting and a fantastic lunch at a farm that had both a grape and olive orchard. The owner described the process of converting the

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The gondola ride in Venice. I loved it."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Italy can be a little bit overwhelming as there is so much history, art, architecture, museums etc… it is hard to fit it all in. This trip could easily have been 2-4 days longer.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing Michelangelo’s “David” at the national museum, walking along the Roman Forum. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a great way to visit Italy for the first time. All the tour guides were top notch. We loved that they taught us skills so the we can return and easily navigate the places that we visited in our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to list just one but I’d say the wine tasting in Umbria. It was a great change of pace from all the city experiences."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our Best of Venice, Florence & Rome tour was fantastic, hitting all the highlights of Italy. Highly recommend for folks visiting Italy for the first time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"See the Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This was a great experience - Lorenza (our tour guide) was well-versed and often took us on little "diversions" to see something interesting. Visiting the cities in this order was perfect - staying in calm and beautiful Venice then easing into historic Florence before being stunned by the good (and the less so) of Rome. The tour hit the hot spots and there was plenty of private time to see the 2nd tier sites. The hotels were well located and comfortable with great staff.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Pantheon - what a stunning testament to our ability to persevere. Even with the crowds, I went twice just to be immersed in the history."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great guide, great group, great destinations

Favorite "WOW" moment

"walking around Venice"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour guide is a critical piece of the tour experience. Ours, Lorenza, was exceptional (as were specific guides) She was professional, yet personable. I loved how she shared some basic Italian lessons on the bus, the legend of Baco candies, the Italian coffee etiquette to name just a few. The tour itself was terrific and comprehensive. Friends that had been to Italy were impressed at the number of must-sees included. I was enriched and well cared for.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to choose just one, but I loved the visit to Marko’s winery/olive grove/home. The olive oil tutorial has changed how I will buy this critical culinary ingredient forevermore. The food, wine, and setting were a delightful “ah” moment on the tour. The lunch with his wine pairings was probably my favorite tour meal. If only he had job openings…. (Ha). "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Best of Venice, Florence & Rome in 10 Days was breathtaking! Our lovely Italian guide, Lorenza, made the tour extra special. She took such good care of us and I feel like we all connected really well. This was aside from all the art, architecture, Italian people, food, drinks…this trip was everything! I’m already planning another trip back to Italy!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite moment on the tour was the stop at the vineyard in Umbria. Marco’s passion for his olive oil and wine showed, both in the way he spoke about them, and especially the way they taste!! The spread his wife prepared to pair with the wine tasting was chef’s-kiss worthy, so many flavors bursting through."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

As a first-timer to Italy I found this tour a great introduction.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"St Peter’s basilica "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This trip was our once in a lifetime and it truly was.. simply incredible.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is impossible to pick just one. All of the tours, dinners and experiences were a WOW!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It’s was amazing and well coordinated. We experienced many highlights of Italy with a great group of fellow adventurers. Our tour manager Lisa was fantastic as were the local guides who provided background and behind the scene stories of each exhibit. Hotels, transportation and food were excellent!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had so many wow moments seeing original art and architecture that I previously had only seen in history classes. The Vatican, Pantheon, St. Mark’s Cathedral and Doge’s Palace, Canals of Venice, The Duomo in Florence, and the list goes on. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The VFR tour was a repeat for my husband and me, Did the tour 16 years ago and had fond memories of our trip that we decided to do it all over again. Rome's Vatican Jubilee of 2025 caused the antiquity we cherished to see again scaffolded to be shined up and fountains( without their water due to cleaning. There were far more tourists that happened to be there the same time we were. The Italian transit system underground& bus remains crowded and crunched. Wish we had more passes to museums.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Antiquity is always WOW , however the 'cooking class' in Florence was major fun for Mark and me and new to this particular tour. Our group was broken into smaller groups so as a team we collaborated with the chef's direction to produce an outstanding, hearty 4 course Italian meal from scratch! Also, the visit to the Orvieto Winery and revisiting the farmstead, its underground cellar, then having wine tasting with various cheese and breads made a nice break for relaxation beofre our trip to Rome."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Throughly enjoyed my trip. Lisa, our guide, was both helpful and personable. The hotels, meals, and experiences were lovely. Too many church visits for my taste.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were wow moments in each city so it is too hard to choose 1."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Tour guides were great. Lisa was so wonderful. Very knowledgeable. Wasn't happy that we had to do Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel on our own. Other tours got it, RS should have gotten us in. Hotels were so-so. Could have had nicer hotels and more central hotels. Too out of the way.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Michelangelo's David and St. Peter's Basilica."

Overall rating: rating 1 of 5

I have previously taken a Rome tour and I took my daughter on this tour. To say this tour was a letdown is an understatement. I was very excited to see things again and for her to experience them. We didn't know before we got there that we would not be able to. Borghese Gallery, inside the colosseum are a couple. There were less meals provided. Our guide was a disappointment, never even mentioned the Bridge of Sighs among other things. Overall, the quality of the tour was poor. Not recommended.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The biggest WOW moment is when we separated from the group and did our own exploring, seeing and doing much more on our own. Last RS tour for me. One of my fellow tour members, who has taken many RS tours, commented on the decline in the quality of the tour. Less meals provided, not having tickets or access to the "must sees", waiting an unreasonable time for an extremely cramped city bus. Our guide left without me, knowing I was ON MY WAY and would be there in LESS THAN A MINUTE. Grade: D"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I wish I could find words in the English language to describe my experience on this tour. It was one of the most magical experiences of my entire life. It opened my eyes to the wonders and magic of Italy in a way that I could not have done on my own. It surpassed my expectations for my first trip to Europe and I cannot recommend a Rick Steves tour enough to everyone I know!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I have to pick only one?! I suppose everything I learned about each city. From the bus rides to the walking tours to the site visits, I learned incredible history and inside details about Venice, Florence, and Rome. I feel like I saw it through different eyes than a tourist just wandering around on their own. I got to hear about the rich history and valued culture from the people that live there!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Every thing was great and our tour guide Ferdi was very good and a nice person. The only negative was the crowds of people ( other tourists) but that is not your fault or problem.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Roman Forum and the local tour guide."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great cities to visit and learn about....Ferdie was an excellent tour manager. Educational and very personable!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Gondola ride with music in Venice....followed closely by the stop for wine-tasting in the country."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide, Lorenza, was fabulous! She helped us learn about the culture, history, and traditions of Italians and orchestrated so many excursions ensuring we saw key sights in Venice, Florence, and Rome. We appreciated the wide range of activities and delicious meals that our group enjoyed together. Lorenza's attention to detail and strong organizational skills allowed us to relax and enjoy the sights instead of stressing about where to go and what to do. The trip was great! Thank you!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many "wow" moments it's impossible to pick just one! The architecture, mosaics, and art in the churches, museums and Vatican - Amazing! The views of Florence from the top of the Duomo in Florence - breathtaking! The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican - Surreal! The vibrant colors of the houses on the island of Burano - So cool! Wandering through the winding streets in Venice and riding in the Gondola at dusk - So much fun! The Colosseum and Forum - Wow! Umbria - So peaceful!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Far exceeded my expectations. This tour was well managed, led by an exceptional leader with a huge sense of humor and a lot of travel savvy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Wow moment?: The crowds. I heard about it but until you see it it's hard to imagine. But, it didn't stop us from anything. Another great WOW was how 28 people from all walks of life and different views can come together and have a great time together. It was a great tour. Thanks to Lorenza for making it great, rain or shine!!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was well organized, the guides were very informative, checked all the boxes on what you would want to see in Italy. With all that being said you still had plenty of time to yourself to explore and enjoy. Laurencia was absolutely awesome.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Pantheon blew me away, with all the details."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very impressed by the overall organization, communication and care of every detail along the way.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The inside of the Pantheon in Rome. I didn't expect the inside to be so beautiful."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our tour guide Lorenza was excellent! She was very helpful in so many ways with recommendations on places to go, restaurants outside of our tour. She was very timely with information and kept us on schedule. The group itself consisted of 24 people from all over the United States! The group was very social, energetic and up for everything. We all connected very quickly!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our tour visit to Marco’s family run winery in Umbria was my absolute favorite. Besides being the most incredible host at their beautiful vineyard, he was so engaging and welcoming. We learned so much about olives, olive oil and wine! It was magnificent! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was perfect, from the sights to the guides. Loved learning the history and culture every where we went, through our awesome local tour guides and phenomenal tour manager Stephanie!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing how different the culture and every day life is compared to the U.S "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Had a fantastic time visiting Venice, Florence, and Rome! We had a great tour group and an even better tour manager. Stephanie was extremely helpful in giving recommendations and in making it a special trip for everyone! The local guides each day were extremely welcoming and knowledgeable! Highly recommend!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many! In Florence, with the recommendation from our tour manager, we walked up to Piazzale Michelangelo just before sunset! Breathtaking views of the city! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

What a fantastic vacation! This was our first Rick Steve vacation and the bar is set pretty high for all future vacations. We haven’t stopped talking about our vacation, and planning our next RS vacation.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Learning the history of the places we visited with the local guides was one of the best part our the trip. It was truly an amazing experience. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a trip of a lifetime! Our tour guide was phenomenal! Stephanie made sure our trip was amazing!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing Michaelangelo’s David!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

First time taking a tour in Europe and was all that I hoped it would be. Stephanie was an outstanding tour director and also had excellent tour guides within each city.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting the Vatican was an extraordinary experience. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very satisfying. Local guides and tour director were excellent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting historical places, churches and palaces, and museums. Soaking up the history of each city."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour leader Stephanie was excellent! Experienced, fun, inclusive, smart, organized, knowledgeable, flexible, calm, and a fabulous guide! Schedule was perfect, with a good mix of group activities, and free time. Hotels were top notch!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing St. Peter’s Square and going into the church."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"David"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Great tour leader and selection of local guides. I would have selected "Outstanding" overall as experience, but I believe our group was just too large. Literature on the trip says groups are 20 to 25 people max, but we had 29. That's too many.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The statue of David. Pictures just cannot capture the magnificence of that art. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful tour. Wanted to get a foundation of Italy before venturing to less "city" tours. This tour did the trick with wonderful guidance from our tour group leader

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing Venice from the water for the 1st time, and walking around and seeing gondola through narrow old alleys. Just amazing"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The usual great Rick Steve's experience. Friendly people, educational tour guides, and time to do our own thing. Loved it all!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many wow moments, and I can't say one was my favorite. Among the top, first sight of the Grand Canal in Venice, the Colosseum in Rome, and seeing the wine cellar in Umbria which was more like a wine cave! Never have seen something like that."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

All of my expectations were met or surpassed. Our guide, Lorenza, was the best part. The hotels had an authentic feel, were in locations where we had a good feel for life in the locale, and were comfortable enough. The sub-contracted guides were excellent. Most of the meals were great (amatriciana, meh), and I liked the extra treats. RS tours attract the best people! The RS Italy book was a helpful supplement. THANK YOU RICK STEVES and all of his people!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Fave: the Intavola cooking class. Yes, it was astounding to see the elaborate paintings, statues, ceilings, & spires, so it may sound philistine that a favorite was making food. I felt closer to the real life of Italy. Close runners-up: 1) The agritourismo in Orvieto. Marco was personable, fun, the countryside was beautiful, & the food was wonderful. We bought two bottles of wine & two cans of his olive oil. Only the oil made it home. 2) The Uffizi was my favorite of the historical sites. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything about this tour was top notch. The information provided from the time of booking was so incredibly thorough and helpful. Then from the time of our arrival, the tour was super organized and every detail was planned out perfectly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Climbing to the top of St Peters Basilica during our "on our own time.""

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Lorenza was fantastic! She is so knowledgeable, great sense of humor, caring and fabulous guide! Hotels were wonderful and staff was helpful and very accommodating! Group dinners were delicious and fun!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We did this tour 2 years ago and came back to enjoy the loveliness of Venice, taking quiet walks at midnight, enjoying backstreet walking tour, feasting on great meals, fun with the group! Florence and Umbria at Marco's wine tasting are our other favorites! Gnocchi to die for, great wine, the Tavola cooking class with the group is so fun, taking in the Galileo Museum, and everything that makes Florence unforgettable! We visited the San Callixtus Catacombs outside of Rome that are incredible!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour was a fantastic experience. So glad to have been on Rick Steve's Italy tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many Wow moments during the tour. The overall Venice experience certainly stands out."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a spectacular tour! Venice, Florence, and Rome were fantastic, so much to see and experience! Venice is so unique being surrounded by water, and everybody there walks. No cars, bikes, motorcycles, scooter, etc. Our tour guide, Lorenza was awesome, very accomodating, and our local guides for each city spoke fluent English and were great.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Probably the family owned winery we visited on the way to Rome, in Umbria. The Owner, Marco did a fantastic job of telling us about the history of his winery, Agriturismo Poggio dellaVolara Winery. We had wine tasting and a delicious light lunch."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The hotels were superb, especially the Silla in Florence. Lorenza was organized and delightful, as were all the guides, especially Francesca at Vatican City. I loved the back streets tours, our cooking class, and gelato!. Our meals were delicious and the wine flowed very generously. I appreciated having free time to explore museums and cathedrals, and your recommendations. I'm glad we were in the heart of each city. MANY sites were curtained off for "cleaning" -- the only down side.

Favorite "WOW" moment

" I loved our wine-tasting experience in Tuscany with Marko, who was entertaining, educational, and welcoming. After being in such crowded cities it was really nice to be in the country. The food and wine pairings were perfect -- and generous. I felt jealous of the next tour that would be staying there for three days. We bought several bottles of olive oil and wine even though that meant carrying it for the rest of the tour."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour itinerary was excellent, the guides were either very good or outstanding and accommodations were merely good enough. The members of the tour group were very pleasant; none were uncooperative with the program.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Two "wow" moments were the San Marcos Basilica in Venice and the Michelangelo wooden crucifix sculpture in the sacistre at the Church of Spirito Santo in Florence."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Every aspect of this tour was magnificent! Our tour guide, Donald, set the joyful tone of our group, sharing his pertinent & interesting knowledge & insights, along with his good sense of humor. It’s evident that the accommodations, meals & activities were thoughtfully chosen. We experienced Italy’s history & culture while having a great time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many “wow” moments. My favorites included the Italian cooking class we took in Florence & the delicious meal that followed, the gondola ride in Venice where we were serenaded with guitar music & singing, & tours of local sites & art masterpieces given by local guides who shared their in-depth knowledge."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide hit that special balance of helping us have a wonderful tour but not over managing us. The tour also hit all the sweet notes of experiencing Italy in 10 days- from the cities selected for the tour down to the details of the meals that we had.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being nestled in the cities where we could easily go explore on our own. And, of course, the sites and historical things we got to see. "

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Overall the tour was good. It was nice traveling with a nice group of people.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Venice, Florence, Rome. They were all wow moments. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall a good experience, consistent with the prior tour we took last year and met our expectations though the cities were more crowded than we had hoped by taking a September tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Although there were many moments, we found that the cooking class was the most fun. There were 9 of in our group and the chef was a lot of fun and the food delicious. I would note that the rest of our group did not have the same fun experience. Several in the other room complained that their chef was unpleasant and apparently grumpy."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Donald is an excellent tour guide. Entertaining and very informative. Well organized.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many great moments. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

My wife and I enjoyed the tour very much. Wonderful cities and sights, excellent tour leader and local guides, delicious food and wine, comfortable accommodations, and friendly tour members. The tour lived up to the Rick Steves standard we've come to expect (this is our 3rd RS tour). The tour whetted my appetite to return and experience more of Italy!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"1. Stepping out of the train station in Venice and seeing the boats, the water and the buildings, all laid out before me! It was like the opening scene in a Broadway play. 2. The David statue. Simply magnificent. 3. The Colosseum. Just standing there, marveling, and imagining what it must have been like."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very good accommodations, travel plans were excellent. Tour guide was knowledgeable and helpful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cooking class."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Experienced and knowledgeable tour guides showing us the highlights of each city was phenomenal! The groups were small so it was easy to stay together. We were given enough free time to explore on our own and book other tours if we wanted to. The dinners as a group in each city was great as the tour leader picked food that was known for that area. I wouldn’t have tried these foods on my own. The bus rides to each city were designed to see the country side and stop along the way.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite wow moment was the cooking class in Florence. I can’t wait to try the meal on my own!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was very well organized and enjoyable. We loved the fact that there was ample free time to explore on our own. Venice was probably our favorite. Getting "Lost" was the most enjoyable part of our Venice experience.. Florence was also very nice. Many museums and churches to explore in all cities.. Rome was also nice but very crowded. Which we anticipated. The Olive farm on the way to Rome was also outstanding. Overall we loved our Rick Steves Tour..

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Cooking Class was our "Wow" moment. Extremely fun and informative. Most of entire tour group thought the meal was our best. Probably because we prepared it on our own. We had a blast with our Chef. He was funny and very entertaining. And lets not forget the wine! Very Good!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall, the Rick Steve's Europe tour I took to Italy was phenomenal. The tour guide, activities, plan, and pace, let me see Italy to a level of depth and accessibility that would have never been possible otherwise. Had I gone alone, I would have gotten MUCH less out of my travel experience and first time experiencing the magic of Italy. Very grateful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Several. Venice was stunning and peaceful. Learning about the nuances of cuisine, culture, and everyday life. Favorite "wow" moment was definitely either the cooking class with Fabrizio or Marco's olive estate."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

The tour was very nice but,the dinners were way too long, the hotel in Florence was the worst.An itinerary for the whole trip would have been great. A bunch of us wanted to see the Medici houses. We skipped out of RS tour to go on the first day and the houses were open. Two other couples skipped the second day in Florence and the houses ended up being closed that day. A full itinerary would have been so helpful in planning this.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Don't really have one"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

After a struggle getting to Venice because of a train strike and water taxi strike, we arrived 2 hours late, and met our guide, Sarah, and our tour members. They made us feel welcome, even though we were late and missed introductions. The tour was a great experience, providing just the right amount of learning, especially though local guides in each city, humor, safety, confidence in travel, fantastic food, time on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our tour ushered us into St. Peter’s Basilica, its outward appearance deceiving us as to the magnitude of the interior. The inside oozed solemn pervading peace and quiet dignity. I was awestruck. In a world of man made chaos, this structure retreated into man’s need for hope in almighty God. Beautiful. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

All the hotels were very good in excellent locations. Our guide was fantastic and the itinerary hit most of the key sites while leaving sufficient free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking into St. Peter's Basilica. The enormity of the building and the beauty of the exquisite and extensive decoration was mind boggling. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

From the moment that we started with our tour group, it was well organized and we quickly formed relationships with the other members of the group as well as our tour guide Sarah. It was definitely a great way to experience Italy without all the hassle of planning a lot of the site tours, hotels and occasional meals.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I think when we first got to Venice and walked over the Rialto bridge. At that point I realized that I was in Italy."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything ran so smoothly! We saw all the major sites, were well fed, met some great people/guides and ate our weight in pasta! Good thing we walked 8-10 miles per day or we'd needed 2 plane seats on the way home! LOL!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being serenaded on our gondola ride."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved our guide. She was very knowledgeable, helpful and caring. She made the trip for us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Loved St Peter's Basilica and all that was inside."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steves tour and I was very happy with all aspects of the experience. The time in group vs time on our own was just right. Also enjoyed the 6 meals we had together as a group to get to know each other throughout our time and not just at the beginning or end (or not at all), Our Tour Guide, Sarah, was amazing-knowledgeable, warm, very fun, and on top of everything! I also liked having first names/cities of group in advance for initial conversations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"That's a tough one. I would have to say everything about Venice. The first view of the Grand Canal from Rialto Bridge - day and then night views, successfully navigating narrow streets and alleys, rooftop bar/spritz!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We appreciated the organization of the tour. We adored our enthusiastic tour guide who was knowledgable, experienced and competent. We loved the local tour guides giving insights into the art, history and cities that we visited; they really added a lot to the tour. Because we visited cities popular with tourists, we were glad we were on a tour that had already secured tickets for us. We enjoyed meeting the others on the tour and getting to know them a bit.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking and boating around Venice was an eye-opening experience. We loved the uniqueness of Venice: getting around by boat, no cars or bicycles, the gondoliers, the variety of water-based transportation. Everywhere we ate the food was fresh and delicious."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very well organized

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Top of St Peters Basillica"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide Karen was absolutely terrific!!!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many but the wine tasting and cooking class were pretty awesome. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The tours by the local guides, especially Alaria (I might b spelling her name incorrectly)."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Liked the balance between seeing the sights as a group and our free time to explore.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Viewing the Sistine Chapel while listening to Rick Steve’s podcast. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

A good balance between seeing a lot of memorable sights and personal down time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing St. Peter’s Basilica. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

St Peter's Basillca

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Olive oil farm"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was perfect

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The lunch at the farm outside of Rome."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had an amazing time on the Venice-Florence-Rome tour. Other than the weather being a bit too hot - everything else went smoothly

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My first view of David in Florence"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a wonderful time. There were beautiful sights, good food, nicely appointed hotels, friendly staff in great locations, and our fantastic tour guide, Colleen, who was so knowledgeable and cared for everything.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"All the history, culture, and art of Venice, Rome, and Florence. I especially loved seeing one of my favorite paintings by Botticelli, The Birth of Venus and the statue of David."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything was fabulous. So well organized, fun and educational.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"All the wonderful art and of course the food!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Colleen is a wonderful person and tour guide!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many! the Basilica's were beautiful, I loved walking thru the ruins in Rome. I thought about how many people walked those steps before me."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The entire tour exceeded my expectations by far.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The attention to detail in the tour director’s description of the age of some of the paintings and sculptures was very interesting."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Gondola ride in Venice."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We could not have asked for a better experience! Excellent!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The winery tour and wine tasting was superb!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Outstanding experience! Colleen is an excellent guide; a wonderful combination of knowledgeable and fun. The only reason I marked "very good" instead of "outstanding" was having to arrange our own colosseum and Vatican Museum tickets. While I understand why, one of the primary reasons I choose RS tours is having most of the logistics, including tickets, handled by someone more knowledgeable than me.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite "wow" moment was that there were too many "wow" moments to pick just one!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Things were well organized and efficiently timed. Everyone was very nice and we had a great time

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Colosseum"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We've been bon other tours and this has to be one of the best.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were to many to select just one!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Everything was great. The proportion of guided activities and free time was perfect. All of the little extra things that our guide arranged (like the bead making in Venice) were an added bonus. The only reason I ranked it very good and not outstanding was that it was a little heavy on churches/religion for me. As non-believers, by the time we got to Rome, we were really forcing ourselves to enjoy the churches for the architectural elements

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Ironically, my "wow" moment happen when I was completely by myself, and got up early to watch the sunrise from Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence. It was so beautiful. One of the small moments that impressed my husband was visiting the tomb of Galileo. He didn't always pay attention, so when the guide explained what we were looking at, he was surprised and awed that he got to see the final resting spot of such an important person"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a nice combination of tour vs. on-our-own time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"St Peter's Basilica! Incredible that Michelangelo did that 500 years ago without AutoCad and "modern" engineering! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fantastic from start to finish - the guide “Tina” was truly amazing- she brings a true European experience to everyone on the tour. The sites were very interesting and the local guides were both knowledgeable and interesting. Great weather, great accommodations and wonderful food -

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing my wife’s expression of joy when she came around the corner and saw the Duomo in Florence for the first time. Me personally, the Vatican was so fascinating "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was very educational and I found all the various local guides to be expertly knowledgeable. I liked the progression of the 3 cities, Venice to Florence to Rome in that order. It was oppressively hot all 10 days; no fault of yours, but definitely a factor. The heat became more oppressive by the end of the tour. I enjoyed the tour and the 3 cities but felt our group was “overbooked” with activities. My husband and I took 2 half days off the tour on our own to relax which was reinvigoratin

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our inside the colosseum tour which we privately booked (not part of the tour). I loved the colosseum and also, there happened to be a unseasonal and quite long thunder and lightning storm which was very fun and memorable. I feel that the Rick Steve’s guidebook is remiss to recommend not needing to go inside the colosseum and it recommends just walking around the outside. I disagree and feel the interior tour was actually my wow moment. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I enjoyed the culture, history, architecture, and foods of the cities we visited. Cristina provided us with amazing information, stories, and enjoyable time together.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to pick just 1, being Catholic, visiting Vatican City and the Sistine chapel. The wine experience was also amazing."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was amazing! Our tour guide Cristina took care of us with the heat and showed us her favorite spots, history, and best ways to enjoy Italy!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So hard to choose but loved the cooking class in Florence and eating our amazing prepared food!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Toured Venice, Florence and Rome, all of which were new experiences to us and definitely lived up to expectations

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Tough call, the gondola ride in Venice, the cooking lesson in Florence and the Wine tasting at the vineyard on the way to Rome were all highlights "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The I organization and timing of events was great. The fact that all tours, transports, hotels and several meals were included was a treat. We enjoyed the meals with the group, but the meals were subpar. They did make Accommodations for my diet, and my meals were ok. Our tour guide, Kristina, was always available and was lovely. She and the other tour guides contributed greatly to making this an excellent trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The island in Venice, winery tour, and cooking class were outstanding. We "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

What a wonderful way to get a "taste" of Italy. Tour was amazing, Tour Guide was even better. The people met were outstanding and just like us, wanting to see Italy in a low pressure mode and have fun. Definitely will be using Rick Steves again.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The history and relevance Italy has to the world."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We used Rick Steves books for years when traveling to various European countries. We were excited to join one of his small group tours this summer. We loved our guide, group and the balance of planned group activities and free time to explore on our own. We also loved the historical walking tours and the group meals that introduced us to the cuisine, in each city, when we arrived.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We had many wow moments but arriving in Venice and seeing the old city and island for the first time was a great experience. Our tour guide had a gondola ride set up for us the first night we were there and then a Venetian dinner in a quaint restaurant in old town that evening. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I thought the tour was well organized and planned to where I got to see everything I wanted to in each city without having to stress. Our tour guide Lisa was exceptional and an amazing help.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I really loved getting to go to the winery in Orvieto."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful lead guide, terrific location guides, fantastic group of fellow travelers, many unexpected pleasant surprises throughout the tour, thoroughly enjoyable itinerary.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Learning about wine at the family vineyard of our utterly stupendous tour guide."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour exceeded my expectations. From our first group meeting to our farewell dinner and everything in between created so many wonderful memories.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite “wow” moments were the cooking class in Florence and the family run winery in Rome-two unique experiences."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was so well planned. Our tour guide Sara was exceptional and incredibly knowledgeable in assisting with additional activities. The entire group became friends and as a single, I always had someone to share experiences with.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Just so many! Venice has been on my bucket list forever and did not disappoint. Florence had the most amazing gardens I've ever seen and the Olive Farm tour was a countryside delight! Rome was the pinnacle of amazing monuments with the Vatican City being the most impressive of them all! What a fantastic tour!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Exceptional tour! Sarah, our tour guide, was the best! She provided so much information and useful tour tips, while making the trip exciting and fun. We loved Venice, Florence, and Rome as each city had it's own uniqueness and history. Hit all the "must see" sights, plus more! Hotels, transportation, tickets, and all logistics were seamlessly taken care for us!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Had a few! Gondola ride in Venice, St. Mark's Basilica, Burano Island, Michelangelo's David, cooking class, wine-tasting lunch at a family-run winery in the rolling hills of Umbria, St. Peter's Basilica, and the ultimate "wow" of the Coliseum."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

all of the tour guides in each city were great! -- Rome and Florence folks were terrific :) and the overall guide for entire journey, Sarah, was just awesome

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Florence and Rome histories....and the vineyard/olive farm was fun as well"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall, our tour was excellent! We saw (as best I can figure) all the highlights in Venice, Florence, and Rome, all with an excellent tour guide and with a great group of other travelers. The only real negative of our trip was completely out of anyone's control: it was very hot every day (the coolest day we were in Italy was 89, I think, and it was over 100 degrees when we arrived in Rome).

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite "wow moment" was our walking tour of ancient Rome (featuring the Forum and Pantheon. Three times during that tour, I got goosebumps. Being in that place of such deep, grand history with a guide who shares my view that history (and the reason for learning about it) is about the people - the individuals - who have lived their lives in the same places was incredibly moving."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I loved the balance of having a tour guide and having independent, free time. Our tour guide, Anya, as well as the local guides were very informative. They pointed out activities for us to consider on our own, and taught us how to navigate the cities, as well as teaching about the local history and art. The hotels we stayed in were better than I expected, and everyone in my tour group was very nice.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I was in absolute Heaven at the wine tasting in Umbria, with Marco. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The trip was a wonderful experience--our guide, Anja, was kind, caring, and her enthusiasm was infectious. Our local guides were not only knowledgeable, but their pride for their country was evident through their explanations of significant sites throughout Italy. From cooking classes to wine tasting, museum tours to Renaissance walks, our tour provided a variety of excursions that truly allowed us to partake in the "best of Venice, Florence, and Rome."

Favorite "WOW" moment

"On our tours with the local guides, they consistently instilled a sense of awe in us as we experienced the history and culture of the sites we visited. In particular, the experience of visiting St. Peter's Square early in the day and taking in the quiet and reverent atmosphere was a standout."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was perfect in every way. The guide was knowledgeable, fun, and clear. We saw all the highlights of Venice, Florence, and Rome. The tour was such a value with hotels and many meals included. The other tour members were a joy to meet. Often we were able to skip the line or enter early for the more popular attractions.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Venice is definitely a unique and wonderful sight. The farmhouse lunch at the agritourism olive and grape farm was amazing. The days were filled with cappuccino, pizza, pasta, gelato, and we came home weighing less than when we left due to all the walking."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Great program. I wish I rested During some of the free time. Cannot express enough how much we were on our feet. Tour guides were amazing. Virginia is a great facilitator. Great educational tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Learning about Italian culture."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent experience. The tour was well planned out and made our first trip to Italy a pleasant one. Our guide Virginia was outstanding. She took care of us from the start and made the entire trip like a family vacation. The sights were awesome, but the people in our group were the true gem of the trip. We went home with a new crop of friends. I am a believer in the Rick Steves tour experience already looking at future trips. Andiamo!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The city of Venice with its canals and the Roman Forum were both so interesting. Probably my wow moment was one of our dinners at the Lancelot Hotel in Rome. We were fortunate to have dinner with another couple and were joined by the chef and owner. He took us to the roof and showed us some of the most breathtaking views of Rome at sunset. It was a view and experience we will not forget!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We loved the tour! Our guide Virginia was outstanding, and the local guides were also great. We would definitely do another Rick Steves Tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"St. Peter’s square in Rome! Walking into the area, we were wowed by the grandeur and majesty!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Italy tour far exceeded our expectations! This was our first experience using a guided tour company in Europe. The ease of having much of the planning, booking, transportation, etc. done for us was wonderful and there was plenty of time in each city for personal exploration or rest, which was initially a concern for us. Our terrific guide, Virginia, and the friendships we created with the other members of the group made the trip even more special. Highly recommend!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Each city certainly had at least one moment of "wow" but seeing the Roman Forum and walking in the footsteps of so much history was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us as educators!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent experience! I have traveled with other tour companies, and I appreciated the "free time" built into our Rick Steves' tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Very difficult to answer this. I think that the visit to St. Peter's Basilica was a wow moment...but eating dinner with the Coliseum as a backdrop was pretty awesome as well. The group dinners (which I had been dreading) were terrific; the restaurants were "off the beaten track" and gave us true authentic experiences. The people in our tour were absolutely great. And, the tour director (Virginia) - NEVER lose her. She was your best asset!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was fantastic! Everything was beautifully planned, the travel agent was outstanding, accommodations Were excellent. Extras like a cooking class were pure joy and certainly not expected.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many “wow “moments that it is hard to pick one. Seeing Michelangelo’s David, a cooking class with the family, the Colosseum, a wine estate on a mountain."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fantastic tour package to Venice, Florence, and Rome! Skip the line tickets and local guides were great. Our tour guide, Sarah, was amazing. She was always available to accommodate our needs. We were able to see key sites in Italy and had time on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to count - Colloseum, Vatican, Sistine chapel, St. Mark's Basilica, , Galleria (David), Venice canals "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour leader Lisa and local guides were wonderful!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Duomo in Florence."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Going with a Rick Steve’s tour group completely enriched our overall experience. Our tour leader Lisa was outstanding. The tour guides enhanced our visits to historical places whether it was a museum or landmark. Wouldn’t have been the same without them. I would have loved if the tour included the Sistine chapel instead of us booking the tour separately. We soon found out that not all tour guides are equal! The people with toured with were so friendly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Can’t pick one. The art, food, beauty, history, wine, people made the tour! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We loved having a bit of both worlds... an experienced tour guide who was more than willing to share experience and recommendations and at the same time, our own time and space to explore and adventure in cities on our own. I really enjoyed this experience and would certainly recommend this to any first time travelers to Italy!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I would have to say it would be whenever we turned a corner or walked out into an open space and I was just blown away by the majestic beauty of the architecture and design. Venice was great for this, small alleys that suddenly bloomed into beautiful church courtyards or even walking out from the Clock Tower Torre dell'Orologio and into St. Mark's square for the first time! It was truly memorable and that happened over and over again in each city we visited!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

was everything and more of what I expected of a Rick Stevers tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the "floating city" of Venice, all its alleyways and water ways."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was amazing!! We loved the balance of planned and organized events with the amount of free time we had to explore in the cities as well. Our guide Lisa was fabulous and always had wonderful suggestions and insights into the areas we were in.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our favorite moment was when we visited the vineyard in Umbria! We loved the quiet escape in the middle of the cities. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide, Lisa, was knowledgeable about the places we visited and was willing to help whenever asked. She was organized and provided good leadership. She was also personable and easy to talk to.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The grand feeling I got from being immersed in St. Mark's Square, with the boats and ships in the lagoon in Venice."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a great group of travelers, and that added to the experience. The sites speak for themselves. Our guide was very helpful and did a great job of leading us just the right amount.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had been to Rome before, so this time my wow experience was seen Venice from the bell tower of the Church of San Gireogio Maggiore. Had I never been to Italy, my wow would have been seeing the Colosseum and St Peter's Basilica."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was wonderful. It was well organized. The tour guides were very knowledgeable. We went to all of the major historical sights. The tour leader was friendly, kind and helpful. It was our first Rick Steve’s Tour as well as a group tour. It was great meeting new people. Everyone was friendly. We all got along. Overall this was one of the best trips I have ever taken. Thank you Rick Steves.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Umbria. It was the perfect calm between all the hustle and bustle of site seeing "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My husband and I loved being introduced to Venice, Florence and Rome by our tour leader Fotius with his deep knowledge of the cities we were visiting and his wry sense of humor and gentle, calm demeanor.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"June was full on summer crowds & high heat and by day 4 or 5 in Florence, I was in sensory overload one afternoon and we were led to a meeting point for some free time. I remember coming around a corner when there emerged from the crowds the outer edifice of this breathtaking cathedral dressed in red green and white marble with its distinctive dome - the Duomo! (If you watched the Medicis on Netflix or read up on your RS guidebooks..) it is still such a punch in the stomach; a sight to behold…"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I really enjoyed the history and organization of the tour. Logistics were flawless (Hotels, Transport). Expectations were communicated from the very beginning (Walking, Packing, Weather, Food, Luggage, Hotel) so no complaints were heard from group. Food Choices were very good. Group asked a lot of questions and never complained about anything.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Not necessarily a Wow moment but my favorite part of the tour was Wine Tasting. It was the only "relaxing" vacation event we had. I also have always wanted to see the Colosseum. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Balance of your time and free time

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Florence and the David and the winery stop"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I left the trip knowing I had done everything that would give me the full experience of the country.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were several wow moments, but I loved the making the pasta dinner experience."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide was excellent. The entire tour was well organized. I appreciate having a mix of time with the group and time on our own. Our hotels were all in excellent locations for where we wanted to go.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Wandering through the maze that is Venice. The food in Florence. Walking through Rome in the evening. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was in a fantastic experience. Bea, our tour guide, Was marvelous. She was a mixture of a marine drill sergeant and mother Teresa.. The amount of time spent in each of the three cities was more than sufficient to give us a taste of the culture and the beauty of each. This being our first experience with Steve’s’ tour, we look forward to our next opportunity to go on another Steve’s’ tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The three cities we visited were a great experience. The food was great. The tour group was a bonus! Our tour guide Bea really made the trip go smoothly and made us all feel comfortable and able to talk to her at any time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Venice had its own special features as well as Florence - the Duomo climb was spectacular. Rome just hit me as Wow. The Coliseum was just breathtaking and the shear age of everything was almost incomprehensible. Vatican experience was wonderful as well. A great surprise was the vineyard stop. So relaxing and gracious hosts with awesome wine and food!! The location was awesome as well. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Active, fun tour with a terrific guide and an enjoyable and kind group of people who relatively quickly became friends; rich history to encounter and learn in these places; a fairly good mix of planned and free time; a beautiful country to visit and learn more about it's people, culture, and history

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The immensity, beauty, and history of all the architecture that is still in use and generally good condition today"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour was exactly what we were looking for. It combined structured activities with local expert guides and free time for our family. Although we did a lot of things, we didn't feel overburdened or burnt out by it. Our tour guide was exceptional and helped us with any questions we had throughout the trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The beauty if the hill country of Italy and visit to a farm where we learned about olive oil and viticulture."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This was our first tour experience and overall it was extremely good. Our guide, Fotos was incredible and very helpful. Our group connected especially at our dinner in Florence. The local guides gave us a lay of the land and truly shared the history, highlights, and love of each of their cities. The ability to have free time to add on museums and activities to our tour plan for ourselves was a plus!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There is not just one wow moment in the tour. In Venice - the island of Burano! The people, the colorful homes and buildings, the little church, and having a panini and raspberry spritz by a little house painted with many colors. In Florence, the Dumo and the fun and interactive cooking class. Who knew pasta could be so delicious. In Rome, the Pantheon and our guide Hilario, as well as Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel. Truly a once in a lifetime trip."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour exceeded my expectations! It was just the right mix of planned activities and 'down time' where we could either relax, or visit other sites of our choice. Our knowledgeable and helpful tour guide helped us get acclimated and answered my many questions. The family owned hotels were very comfortable with friendly and helpful staff. I was amazed at all that I got to see and all that I learned. A truly amazing experience!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite "wow" moment was riding the gondola on the canals in Venice. I had alway heard about this but never thought I would actually experience it myself!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Rick Steves' tour experience surpassed my expectations in a very positive way. The compassion, caring, and education provided by the primary tour guide (Fotios) as well as the historical site guides yielded such a great overall experience. I also appreciated all the tips leading up to the actual tour, which included assurance that I was physically strong and emotionally open for an overall experience given this was my first visit to Italy. The tour was so very well planned!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many wow moments, it is hard to choose just one. Perhaps the greatest was the visit to the Roman ruins, and learning about hearing all the history. We only spent a few hours there, but we could have spent a couple days there. Learning some of the history of the great churches and experiencing the fantastic art-work in Venice, Florence, and Rome also provided such positive experiences, and created new interests for me and an internal drive to learn more history."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Your curated tour was wonderful; it hit the high spots in every respect. Having local guides to explain the history and background in each city worked for us. Having some events like wine tasting, cooking, gondola ride and local tours by Fotios made it special. Fotios Baroutsos made it a wonderful experience; he was our travel buddy, inspiration, historian, helper, and comic - just all around great hoist …..

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our Wow moment was the entire tour"

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

I’m a very experienced traveler and I understand there are problems and cultural differences when traveling. Much of the tour was OK however somethings were inexcusable. The Hotel Guerrato in. Venice is extremely noisy from 5 pm to 4 am as the disco and hundreds of screaming drinkers party every night outside the hotel windows. Also, the dining experiences that our tour guide chose for us were very disappointing. The food was of a very poor quality & not well prepared . Got flea bites

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The local guides were great . "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very organized and well planned. Colleen was an outstanding tour guide!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting the city of Florence. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great- saw everything we were looking forward to seeing

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The David statue "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Colleen was an excellent guide- especially at explaining how to find your way around on your own, something I have previously found difficult in Venice. The three cities were amazing and the visit to the farm was fabulous.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to mention."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"uffizi & forum "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I met wonderful people. Our guide, Coleene was excellent. very informative, warm and friendly. All sights were awesome.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The side trip to Umbria was my WOW moment. , I learned alot about olive oil. The contrast from city to country for a day was beautiful. The lunch was tasteful, the host was amazing! I loved that farm!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was a good combination of organized group activities and personal time to explore on our own. Colleen is an excellent guide and we appreciated her enthusiasm and detailed explanation of how things work.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many wow moments, especially walking amongst some of the greatest art in the world. But for me personally, seeing Michelangelo’s Crucifix in the Basilica of Santo Spirito in Florence was unforgettable."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our overall experience was great. The sights chosen to see, the experiences, the restaurants, and the expert guidance made for a memorable trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Two favorite moments: rounding the corner at the Academia Museum in Florence for my first glimpse of Michelangelo's David. And, turning the street corner in Rome to see the Colosseum for the first time."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was the perfect balance between tour time and our own free time. We appreciated being able to stay 3 nights at each location as that allowed for more in depth touring of the cities. The small group was manageable and allowed for more a personal touch. We were all able to get to know each other and develop lifelong friendships. The local guides really added a unique experience to some of the most special sites. I would highly recommend this tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We can't even pick just one. Venice, Florence and Rome are full of "WOW" moments. The art and history of these cities produced "wow" moments on a daily basis. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had a great time

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Venice Bienialle"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Such a great trip. Well planned out and a nice balance of “tour” time and “free” time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We loved being immersed in the towns. Sleeping, eating and learning about each stop. The cooking class and vineyard tour were a fun and different experience that added to the overall culture immersion."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The trip was amazing! Italy is such a wonderful place. Nina, the tour guide, and all the local guides were awesome.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite experiences where just wandering around on our own, which was very easy to do after the detailed orientation walks provided by the guides."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Navigating cities like Venice, Florence, and Rome and absorbing/enjoying as much as possible in 3 days would have been impossible without the use of this service. I was grateful to also have the "bones" of the trip organized, like transportation between cities.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"While the whole trip was a "wow," my wife and I especially loved the wine tasting and visit to the vineyard between Florence and Rome."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had a wonderful experience with the whole tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"the green space in Florence "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful, loved the people, places. food, Ben was fabulous and the local guides were great!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Lunch in Umbria!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Every site that we visited was exactly what I wanted to see. I tried the other sites that were in the tour book which were not recommended by Rick Steves and he was right they weren’t that interesting.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Florence. Seeing David. "