• Prato della Valle, Padua, Italy
    Prato della Valle in Padua
  • Basilica di San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy
    Ravenna's Basilica di San Vitale
  • Assisi, Italy
    Assisi
  • Truffle hunting in rural Umbria, Italy
    Truffle Hunting in Umbria
  • Wine tasting session, Orvieto, Italy
    Wine Tasting near Orvieto
  • Cooking class in Chianciano Terme, Italy
    Cooking Class in Tuscany
  • Lucca
  • Manarola in the Cinque Terre
  • Lake Orta, Italy
    Lake Orta

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Village Italy in 14 Days Tour

from $4,595 per person + air

Single Supplement $675

See Dates & Prices

La dolce vita (the sweet life) describes the intimate magic of small-town Italy. This tour — with a tasty focus on food, wine, and culture — helps you live it. Starting in elegant Padua, your Rick Steves guide will take you through Italy's seductive countryside: artistic Ravenna, St. Francis' Assisi, medieval Siena, Puccini's Lucca, cliff-hugging Cinque Terre harbors, and off-the-beaten-path hill towns and vistas. You'll be rubbing elbows with Italian culture, learning about crafting pottery, cutting marble, cooking pasta, making wine — even hunting truffles. Join us for Village Italy in 14 Days!

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Dates & Prices

2024

What's Included

You'll get at least 20 group sightseeing events — at no extra cost!

Here's what you'll see and do on our Village Italy tour:

  • Padua walking tour
  • Scrovegni Chapel
  • Padua's Anatomy Theater
  • Mosaics of Ravenna's San Vitale and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
  • Assisi's Basilica of St. Francis
  • Truffle hunt
  • Deruta pottery demonstration
  • Wine tasting
  • Orvieto orientation walk
  • Orvieto Cathedral and Signorelli's frescoes
  • Etruscan Museum
  • Italian cooking class
  • Siena walking tour and Contrada visit
  • Tuscan hill town
  • Lucca walking tour
  • Olive oil tasting and lunch
  • Carrara marble quarry
  • Ligurian Coast cruise (weather permitting)
  • Orientation for "vacation" day on the Italian Riviera
  • Lake Orta cruise

Plus you'll get all this, too.

  • A small, friendly group of 24–28 people — half the size of most tour groups
  • Full-time services of a professional Rick Steves guide and local experts who will make the fascinating history, art, and culture of Italy come alive for you
  • All group transportation from Padua to Lake Orta
  • 13 nights' accommodations in memorable, centrally located hotels
  • All breakfasts and 7 other meals
  • All tips for guides and driver
  • A tour kit including a guidebook (when available) and a moneybelt
  • Guaranteed tour price, locked in the moment you make your deposit
  • Tour alum discount of $50 for each tour you've taken with us
  • Flexibility should you need to transfer or cancel your tour

Fine print: You are responsible for the cost of your drinks and free-time sightseeing. See our Tour Conditions for important details regarding everything listed above.

Group sightseeing events subject to change.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Italy

Our tour begins in elegant Padua (Padova) — an easy bus ride from Venice's Marco Polo Airport. We'll gather at our hotel at 5 p.m. for a group meeting. Then we'll take a neighborhood orientation walk together and get acquainted with one another over dinner.

Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain. No bus. Sleep in Padua.

Day 2: All Day to Discover Padua

We'll hit the ground walking this morning, with a tour of Padua and its colorful market squares and piazzas. Along the way, we'll gape at Giotto's glorious frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel and Europe's first great anatomy theater. You'll have the rest of the day to marvel at the Renaissance masterpieces in St. Anthony's Basilica, roam through the university's acclaimed Botanical Garden, or relax with a creamy espresso at a sidewalk café.

Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. No bus. Sleep in Padua.

Day 3: Ravenna and Hill Town of Montefalco

We'll drive to nearby Ravenna this morning for a tour of the brilliantly preserved mosaics in the Byzantine San Vitale Basilica and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. After lunch, we'll climb up into the Umbria region to the untouristed little hill town of Montefalco. The rest of your evening is free for wandering through this rustic stone village.

Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Bus: 5 hours. Sleep in Montefalco.

Day 4: Assisi and Truffles

This morning we'll take a short drive to St. Francis' hometown of Assisi, where we'll tour the magnificent art-filled basilica. Afterward, we'll take a walk through town and have free time for lunch. We'll spend the late afternoon with a local farmer and his specially trained dog, hunting for one of the area's specialties: the truffle. We'll end our day at a scenic country estate enjoying a delightful farm-to-table dinner together (including the truffles).

Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. Bus: 2 hours. Sleep in Montefalco.

Day 5: Umbrian Hill Towns

We'll drive through the peacefully green landscape today to explore some back-door hill towns of Umbria. Our first stop will be in Deruta for a pottery-making demonstration at a family workshop. Then we'll head off the beaten path to revel in the traffic-free alleyways, astounding views, and hidden treasures that make village life so special. In the afternoon we'll enjoy a refreshing wine tasting and lunch at a rural, family-owned winery, before finishing our day high atop the nearby hill town of Orvieto.

Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Bus: 3 hours. Sleep in Orvieto.

Day 6: Orvieto

This morning we'll marvel at Orvieto's dramatic cathedral, including Signorelli's amazing frescoes in the San Brizio Chapel. The rest of the day is then yours and it's market day in Orvieto! You'll have all day to dive into this busy, colorful farmer's market and discover more of Orvieto's friendly charms, including Etruscan art and scenic views.

Walking: light to strenuous (your choice). No bus. Sleep in Orvieto.

Day 7: Heart of Tuscany

We'll meander north into rural Tuscany today, stopping to visit the fascinating Etruscan Museum at Chianciano, where we'll learn about this mysterious pre-Roman civilization. Before we bite into today's lunch, we'll learn how it's made, as our chef gives us a special hands-on Tuscan cooking lesson. Sufficiently fed, we'll end the day at our Tuscan country hotel, where we'll have a light dinner.

Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain. Bus: 3 hours. Sleep in the Tuscan countryside.

Day 8: Tranquil Tuscany

This morning we'll head out to Siena, arguably Tuscany's greatest hill town, for a walking tour and visit to one of the town's proud contrade — 17 neighborhoods that compete for glory in the famous Palio horse races. You'll then have free time to explore Siena's treasures, including the Duomo and Campo, and linger over lunch. We'll enjoy the afternoon back at our country hotel, where you can hike along the farm paths, take pictures, or simply relax by the pool before dinner together.

Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Bus: 2 hours. Sleep in the Tuscan countryside.

Day 9: Tuscan Hill Towns and Lucca

Today your guide and driver will take us along the less-traveled scenic route through Tuscany, with stops to wander through timeless hill towns with pristine views. Our final destination today is the engaging and prosperous town of Lucca, where, after an orientation, you'll be free to explore and find a local trattoria for dinner.

Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Bus: 3 hours. Sleep in Lucca.

Day 10: Lovely Lucca and Olive Groves

This morning a local guide will introduce us to Lucca's elegant streets and historic churches, all surrounded by some of Italy's most impressive Renaissance walls. Then we'll head into the countryside to visit a traditional frantoio (olive oil mill), where we'll learn about and sample Italy's famous extra-virgin export and enjoy a farm lunch. The remainder of the day is free back in Lucca to explore more of its layered history, or perhaps take a walk or bike ride atop the walls.

Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Bus: 1 hour. Sleep in Lucca.

Day 11: Carrara's Marble and the Riviera

We'll continue north today, pausing to marvel at the marble with a local expert at Carrara's snow-white quarries, the favorite of Renaissance sculptors. Then we'll take to the sea (weather permitting) and enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Ligurian coast, past the wave-washed harbors and hill-hugging villages of the Cinque Terre. After our boat ride, we'll make our way to our home base for il dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing). Tonight we'll share a family-prepared seafood feast.

Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain. Boat: 2 hours. Bus: 2 hours. Sleep in or near the Cinque Terre.

Day 12: All Day on the Italian Riviera

You'll take a "vacation from your vacation" today in our Mediterranean getaway. You may choose to hike the cliffside paths, taking in lots of fresh air and panoramic views between Cinque Terre villages. Or pick a village where you can spend your day exploring the stairways and alleyways, sunning yourself on the rocks, or sipping cappuccino and catching up on your journal at an outdoor café.

Light to strenuous walking (your choice). No bus. Sleep in or near the Cinque Terre.

Day 13: Lago d'Orta

We'll make our way to Orta San Giulio on the shores of Lake Orta, arriving with plenty of time to stroll its cobbled lanes and medieval square and take a scenic boat ride out to little Isola San Giulio. Tonight we'll enjoy an arrivederci dinner together, where we'll share travel memories and toast new friends. Salute!

Light to strenuous walking (your choice). Boat: 1 hour. Bus: 4 hours. Sleep in Orta San Giulio.

Day 14: Tour Over After Breakfast

Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. Milan's closest airport, Malpensa, is 45 minutes away by taxi. Your guide will help coordinate transportation to Malpensa, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Grazie e ciao!

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

Physical Demands

Our tours are physically active! It's an essential part of the Rick Steves tour experience. On our Village Italy in 14 Days tour — among other things — you'll need to happily…

  1. Carry/roll your luggage over uneven pavement (possibly several blocks) and up stairways to reach your hotel, then up several flights of stairs to reach your room.
  2. Be on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions.
  3. Sleep with street noise and no (or weak) air conditioning.
  4. After orientation and transportation lessons, be able to navigate towns and cities on your own.

Reviews

Elizabeth

Tour: 10/23/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a wonderful tour with many amazing sites. I loved the character of the small villages so much more than that of the larger cities that I have visited.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved the cooking session where we were able to embrace the 'Slow Foods' philosophy."

Craig

Tour: 10/23/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Nina our guide was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, well organized and was able to adapt with ease to some unplanned situations. Was impressed with the bus driver's skill especially managing some tight spaces and driving us safely from place to place. Fellow travellers were a joy to share the experiences with. Really appreciated that each tour member had their own audio system. Liked not having to crowd around guide nor strain to hear what was being discussed.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Rather than any specific wow it was the guides who brought history alive that was so meaningful. Walking through a village one always learned something memorable. For example did not previously realize the importance of the Etruscans, nor the challenges of village life throughout the ages due to constant threat of invasion. Won't forget guide's sharing personal stories of their family's life during WWII. Also now have a new appreciation of olive oil and the influence of food on wine."

Christina

Tour: 10/23/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We had a great time! We appreciated the ratio of guided tours and free time. Our tour guide and local guides were amazing!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved everything!"

Cindy

Tour: 10/23/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Starting with our guide. She was simply outstanding. On the long bus rides she kept us all informed and even entertained. Local guides were all knowledgeable as well. I got to see and learn about the REAL Italy, not just the big touristed destinations. We visited some very out of the way locations including a sleepy hill town and several wine/olive oil producers. Also marble and alabaster shops! Such amazing diversity on this your. Loved it so much!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite wow moment occurred in the town of Voltera. It had sprinkled a bit and as we were gazing over the Etruscan ruins below, a beautiful double rainbow appeared. The lighting was spectacular. Later in the trip the normally calm sea were driven by a hard wind storm, creating waves crashing into the short and reaching heights of over 100’. I’ve never seen a sea like that before so that was mesmerizing. The power and beauty of nature as seen from high atop gorgeous Italian villages. "

Jeffrey

Tour: 10/23/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I really enjoyed our time in Italy and learning about the people, history, and food.

Dianne

Tour: 10/23/23

Anna

Tour: 10/21/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Wonderful overview of different regions of Italy. The guide and assistant were very knowledgable and eager to help in whatever was required. Our fellow tour mates were enthusiastic and engaging. The majority of sights were interesting, and the "work-around" for the days we were not in Lucca turned out to be exactly what we would have planned for ourselves (extra time in Siena).What a great way to learn about the history and meaning behind the sights we were seeing.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The mausoleum of Gala Placidia in Ravenna. The quality of the mosaics, both in artistic details and the craftsmanship was astonishing. The exterior definitely belies the wonders inside. "

John

Tour: 10/21/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was superb. Of course, it starts with the guides and Andrea was terrific giving us his Italian viewpoint on life in smaller towns. He was backed up by the fabulous Donaldo, who is a superb lead guide on his own. The variety of activities and sites are enormously diverse starting with a university town of Padua and continuing through Umbrian hill towns and wild Tuscan scenery. You get to have wine tastings, olive oil tastings, your own pasta lunch, ceramics workshop and a marble quarry.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were a few. The amazing frescos in the Scrovegni Chapel, the mosaics in Ravenna and a beautiful tour through Siena including the Piazza del Campo, home of the famous Palio horse race."

Linda

Tour: 10/16/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Your tour certainly overdelivered, from the fabulous art to small town villas, cooking lesson, olive oil pressing and the food and wine!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My first glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea and the quaint towns of the Cinque Terra"

Jacqueline

Tour: 10/16/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well organized. Great tour guide. Interesting and comfortable hotels. Wonderful fellow travelers. Great experience!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The trip was full of wonderful experiences but I was most imprint the dedication of our guide, Deborah, who led us on a promised orientation walk in the pouring, never ending rain in Lucca…and she was bright and cheery throughout the very soggy walk!"

Cathy

Tour: 10/16/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our Village Italy tour was excellent. Our guide. Deborah, was outstanding. She knew so much about the various areas on the tour and shared that knowledge in an understandable way. As an American, it was so impressive to see towns, churches and artwork completed hundreds of years before our country was discovered! The hotels and restaurants were more than adequate and plentiful free time allowed it had to be the mosaics us to continue the discovery on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It has to be the mosaics in the San Vitale Basilica in Ravenna. These beautiful mosaics done in 1/4 inch tiles that have endured for centuries were amazing. "

Gerald

Tour: 10/16/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

A very enjoyable tour with really good food and wine. Plenty to do and see. Guide Deborah was top-notch.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"No exceptional "Wow" moment, but at least a couple of very memorable experiences. First, the stunning mosaics of the Basilica San Vitale in Varenna. Second, seeing waves from the rough surf spectacularly crashing against the seaside cliffs of the Cinque Terra towns...what a memorable sight."

Dena

Tour: 10/16/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Thank you for leading us on a memorable, educational, and gorgeous trip in villages of Italy. Our cosmopolitan leader, Deborah, filled each day with a delightfully woven stream of interesting information on a variety of subjects including geology, agriculture, art, politics, history, culture, customs, religion, shopping, and cuisine. She constantly worked to enhance our experience yet appeared to do it effortlessly and also added cool little surprises. What fun!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The day in Ravenna seeing glorious mosaics from the 5th century to the present."

Norman

Tour: 10/16/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Outstanding tour. Every aspect was very well coordinated and executed

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Giotto frescos "

Patsy

Tour: 10/16/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great guide, wonderful tour members and experiences! I loved all the small towns and the medieval buildings.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Cinque Terra, with its picturesque and very colorful old buildings and its very dramatic, crashing waves."

Gary

Tour: 10/16/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful itinerary, excellent guide, she was very prepared and experienced , she made the trip a true pleasure

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My wow moment was visiting the Cinque Terre towns, the waves were tremendous, the boats could not go out but the waves crashing into the cliffs was amazing to watch and feel."

Sharron

Tour: 10/16/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything I expected. Great guide - friendly travelers - beautiful views - wonderful towns

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Two actually - Cinque Terre - large waves breaking against the walls and cliffs. Not what I was expecting, but so beautiful. Beautiful sunset over the vineyards and hills at Hotel Belvedere di San Leonino - breathtaking."

Robert

Tour: 10/16/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This was an excellent overview tour. We learned a lot and realized how much history we didn't know. The frescoes, the small workshops, the picturesque villages and the people who work and live there will remain vividly in our memories.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For me (Bob) the truffle hunting experience was a wow moment. For my wife, the Giotto frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel and in Assisi were highlights. "

Richard

Tour: 10/16/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent guide (Deborah) and Coach Driver (Pierre), felt very informed and safely transported in their capable hands. The tour coach was very comfortable and all of our overnight accommodations were beyond my expectations. Overall, the daily schedules were just about perfect, though a couple more of the days could have used an intermediate “break” to relax and give some thought to what we were seeing. The people and sites visited were awesome!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had studied a lot of Italian history and architecture in college, and even though the trip did not include Rome or Florence, I was eager and amazed to see the the smaller villages and towns, and experience their own cultures and history. The Italian people were very friendly and accepting of we “touristi” (?), and it was nice to be able to converse with so many without stumbling over language barriers. Still amazed at how many hilltops had churches and small villages surrounding them!"

Steve

Tour: 10/14/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well organized, well executed. Problems with weather smoothly handled. Had a medical issue that was handled very well by tour guide and local rep.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Evening in Montefalco. Completely unexpected."

Evan

Tour: 10/14/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our second Rick Steves tour was another outstanding experience. We enjoyed visiting the smaller cities in Italy with a friendly group of travelers. We enjoyed each stop so much that we always wished we had more time to spend there.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"On the day we were scheduled to visit the Carrera quarries, the weather prohibited that visit, so our guides took us to a sculptor's workshop instead. We saw many projects and talked with one of the sculptors at work. This was a highlight for many of us. We are so grateful for our guides and the flexibility that allows them to turn what might have been a lost morning into something very inspiring. "

David

Tour: 10/14/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was a great tour. Our guide, Ann, was absolutely amazing and added so much to our overall experience. It was a little bit of a slower pace (compared to our tour last year, 21 day Best of Europe), but still provided a lot of unique experiences.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sienna. Our guide in Sienna, Ann, was amazing, enthusiastic, and wonderful. She did an amazing job educating us about the Palio and all the different Contrada. Salute!"

Maureen

Tour: 10/14/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Being our 10th Rick Steves tour....it continued to meet the high bar of excellence! The tour guide, Ann, was phenomenal; the lodging was lovely local and small feel villa-hotel; food and wine--FANTASTIC; transportation service of the bus was excellent; local guides in almost every instance were passionate, knowledgeable, and engaging.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Ravenna and specifically The Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia."

Patty

Tour: 10/14/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

October in Italy was a great experience. Ann Long was our guide. She was pleasant and knowledgeable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sienna! We loved having the local guide take us to her own Contrada and explain the details and symbolism. It was to educational and FUN!"

Debra

Tour: 10/14/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide Ann was knowledgeable and organized. All our group experiences were well-planned, and our group dinners were AMAZING. Our fellow travelers were congenial, flexible, and engaging, and there were no whiners or grumps: the quintessential Rick Steves travelers!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking the ramparts in Orvieto, with the spectacular views over the Umbrian countryside. "

Ron

Tour: 10/14/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I have always wanted to visit Italy - a lifelong dream. Given the opportunity, I chose seeing the small towns and countryside over standing in lines to visit historical sites. This trip gave me everything I wanted to experience and did it perfectly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The day we were supposed to visit the Carrara marble mining operations, it rained. The local guide quickly implemented a plan to get us to visit a site where chiseling slabs into beautiful forms is still practiced. It was a highlight of the trip. A woman sculptor was asked on the spot to tell us about her work and how she transforms the bulk marble into beautiful figures. She was amazing, and the local guide was amazing in lining that up for us so quickly."

Sandra

Tour: 10/09/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was everything that was promised as well as a little more as we have come to discover with RS Tours. Our guide and bus driver were both excellent as well as accommodation and activities. However, en route to the tour I re-injured by knee which made the experience so different than we other RS tours. I was in pain a lot even as I used every technique my physio has suggested for treating the problem. I rested it as much as I could. Everyone on the tour was supportive and kind.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Watching the sunset from our Tuscan villa over that beautiful scenery and before heading to another wonderful dinner. "

Laurie

Tour: 10/09/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our wonderful guide, Trina, delved into the history and demographics of Italy, shared her love for the country, and introduced us to Italian phrases, people and places. Her ability to connect with each one of the group and help us meld was outstanding.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many! The truffle hunt near Trevi, the cooking lesson at Chianciano Terme, the visit to the Painted Egg Museum in lovely little Civitella del Lago, the guided tour in Siena, the pottery factory in Deruta, beautiful Lake d'Orta and the visit to the island - what could I say was my favorite moment?"

Polly

Tour: 10/09/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was great fun with a variety of interesting and cultural experiences. While I deeply appreciated the art and history of the Scrovegni Chapel, the basilica at Assisi, the Orvieto cathedral, and the Ravenna mosaics, I enjoyed and was fascinated by the dogs hunting truffles and our time at the olive oil mill. The small towns and agriturismos away from the hoards of tourists offered a relaxing and calm travel experience. I think the "village" experience is why I enjoyed this tour so much.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The mosaics in Galla Placida's Mausoleum and Basilica San Vitale in Ravenna were stunning and of interest to me because I saw the mosaics in Monreale and Palermo last year on the Rick Steves Sicily tour. The mosaics in Ravenna are earlier and very different but nonetheless memorable. A very different "wow" for me was the time we spent walking around the medieval hill town Civetella del Lago. I felt like I had been transported back in time exploring this quiet town with beautiful views."

Steve

Tour: 10/09/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was absolutely fantastic! Can’t say enough for our guide Trina, bus-driver and the tremendous group of fellow travelers. This tour gave me an enriched experience of the vast beauty, history and people of the small villages and towns of Italy. Our visit to Civitella del Lago and Volterra was off the charts fabulous. If you want to truly experience the Italian lifestyle, pace, regional food, and beauty of small villages and towns this is the tour to take!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Way, way too many wow moments on this tour but the one that stands out was our local guide Giulia in Siena. Her enthusiasm and passion to impart in depth knowledge, opened our minds to a clear full understanding of the Palio and the Contrada’s of Siena was amazing. The visit to La Tartuca (The Turtle) Contrada was fascinating. She managed to bring Siena history and present day culture to a greater understanding and I left enriched by the experience. "

Alana

Tour: 10/09/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Where to begin! This tour exceeded my expectations. This was my first Rick Steves tour and I have always enjoyed his travel series. Our tour guide was amazing and couldn't imagine anyone other than her taking us on this journey. The villages of Italy took us to so many medieval villages that were so amazing and each had their own story to be told. I am so pleased I got to experience the journey.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many wow moments that it's hard to pick just one. Every village was a new experience, every piazza had it's own charm and to sit and have an apertivo and watch everyone stroll by was a moment to reflect on. To stand under the worlds oldest Etruscan arch was an amazing moment to be a part of. The bus driver singing to us was fun and visiting an olive oil press coop made me want to stay there. There were so many wow moments and my fellow travelers on the trip were the best!"

Janneen

Tour: 10/09/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was wonderful, our guide so knowledgeable and our bus driver super professional and great personality

Favorite "WOW" moment

"That’s a bit difficult it was all amazing plus we spent 2 days in Venice and a day in Florence “saw David that was wow and 2 dats in Milan saw the last supper wow but as part of the tour loved Montefalco, Basillica San Vitale , the Etruscan ruins, all of it "

Ann

Tour: 10/07/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The trip was fun, educational, and a wonderful experience. The enthusiasm of our guide Christina P and the local guides made all the difference. They were wonderful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Ravenna church, Sienna horse race information, Lucca, hand painted pottery, Etruscan museum. all were WOW."

Linda

Tour: 10/07/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Cristina was an amazing guide who went above and beyond to make sure our trip was memorable and enjoyable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite wow moment was Cristina’s little surprise trip to Civitella del Lago for some wine and bruschetta and gorgeous lake view. But the real wow moment there wasn’t planned at all. An American named Steve was watering his plants and he invited us inside to go see his patio view!"

Kevin

Tour: 10/07/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Cristina was the best! So full of knowledge and always helpful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We really loved the stop in the tiny village of Civitella al Lago. So quaint and beautiful!"

Daren

Tour: 10/07/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We were immersed in culture, history, scenery but most of all like minded people full of energy to learn and share both of themselves and our journey. It left a book mark on my life

Terri

Tour: 10/02/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We enjoyed the best tour guide ever with a wonderful group of fellow travelers. This tour was perfect for us because of the focus on small towns, many of which we would likely never see on our own. There were many days that we were surprised with visits to “bonus” villages not listed on the main itinerary. Outstanding!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Watching the artisans creating beautiful pottery in Deruta was amazing. I could have stayed there an entire day. Another wow moment was seeing the mountains of snow-white stone and learning how Carrara marble is quarried. "

Glenn

Tour: 10/02/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved everything about the trip, fully met expectations for a wonderful time in Village Italy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Every town/village we came to seemed like it couldn't be any better, and then the next one would top that!"

Laurie

Tour: 10/02/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a whirlwind of fun!! Well organized, great variety of towns/cities and activities. The people, as usual, were all welcoming and friendly to this single traveller. The logistics of getting us from one place to another was without fault.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"CinqueTerre: I have wanted to go back there for years. Although it was so crowded I still enjoyed being there again. "

Suon

Tour: 10/02/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our 7th RS tour and was the best yet! The tour was perfect in length and all that we got to see and do. Our guide Andrea was so passionate and caring. The local guides were all so engaging.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Everything we did was a "wow"! The frescoes at the Scrovegni Chapel were not to be missed. The mosaics in the Basilica de San Vitale in Ravenna were incredible. The Duomo di Orvieto was gorgeous. The truffle hunt and the truffle dinner were unforgettable. The concert that our multi-talented guide Andrea performed in. The cooking class at the agriturismo. The olive oil farm and luncheon. The Deruta ceramics workshop. The wine tasting in Orvieto. Dinner in Montefalco. The marble quarry! "

Nancy

Tour: 10/02/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I enjoyed this tour very much. I was surprised to see how much variety there was in the culture of the different cities and towns we visited, in the food characteristic of each region, and in the landscape we traveled. The "extra" activities - truffle hunting, visits to an vineyard and olive mill, a cooking class, a pottery and the Carrara mines - were well-chosen to reflect the flavor of northern Italy. My favorite, though, was the amazing art treasures of Scrovegni, Ravenna, and Assisi.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The visit to the Turtle contrada in Sienna afforded a glimpse into the intricate rules of the Palio and the heightened emotions it stirs in the city. The history of the race viewed from the perspective of the Turtle's museum and two of its members continues to intrigue me."

Andy

Tour: 10/02/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This was our 3rd Rick Steves tour. It was a fantastic tour although we experienced an issue with our guides.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The view from the boat of the Cinque Terre. The water and weather was perfect."

Cindy

Tour: 10/02/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my 2nd RS tour and it was incredible. Andrea is an amazing guide. His passion for his country and his extensive knowledge of art history really added to the experience. Unfortunately he got sick and had to leave before the end but he was so exceptional that I am thankful we had him for as long as we did.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our private concert from Andrea and his friends was a really special treat! The biggest wow was that each city was better than the last. The tour got better every day! And our final guide who was only with us for a day or so went above and beyond which was much appreciated! That had to be tough to pinch hit at the very end but she fit in great with our group! Super excited to book next years RS tour!"

Jill

Tour: 09/30/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful accommodations, great food, and wonferful fellow tour goers.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Wow views of the hilly Tuscan landscape."

Kathy

Tour: 09/30/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I’ve been to Italy a handful of times but never to the smaller hill towns. The hill towns were all individuals and all quite charming. This tour showed me a side of Italy I hadn’t experienced before. Many locations felt less crowded, less touristy, and still had so many artifacts, architecture and art to admire.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I try to study something about a culture before I travel. This time I focused on Galileo and his scientific influence. Therefore, it was thrilling to be in Padua where Galileo lectured at the University of Padua and see his lectern and then be out in the streets at night with all the current university students all huddling in groups drinking Spritz’s and socializing. I enjoyed seeing how the university community continues to thrive this many years later."

Penny

Tour: 09/30/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was filled with history, interesting information about Italy, Italian art, Italian customs and the Etruscans.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The boat ride along the Italian Riviera was great, seeing all the little villages from the water (Mediterranean Sea)."

Janet

Tour: 09/30/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I thoroughly enjoyed the Villages of Italy tour, it was fabulous! The tour gave plenty of opportunity to meet local people who really care about what they do, and are proud of their heritage. Compared to the Best of Italy which I did in 2019, it was focused more on the food, the wine, the culture and also included the highlights of the small towns we visited. It was a good pace and there was plenty to see and do. I embraced the dolce vita, relaxing by the pools, eating pasta and drinking wine.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I travelled with a good friend on this tour and at the end of each day we said to each other that it was another 'wow' day, truly. We enjoyed making an Italian meal with wonderful people passionate about food, truffle hunting and savouring them later in a fabulous dinner, watching pottery made and painted by hand, scenic boat cruises, a fabulous wine tasting paired with delicious food at a family winery, many walking tours to see the small villages and a Tuscan stay that took our breath away!"

Anthony

Tour: 09/30/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was engaging, interesting, and included many fun activities as well as good perspectives on Italy’s culture and history. Our tour guide, Ruth, was very knowledgeable, helpful, and attentive. We had ample opportunity for independent wandering as well as guided experiences. The tour covered a lot of ground, so most stops it’s not possible to see everything; that’s good, because you’ll only want to see so many cathedrals. Great tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I really enjoyed the cooking class at Stefano’s agriturismo. He demonstrated passion for craft which rubs off and gets you excited about….. pasta making, sausage, pesto, organic farming, etc etc etc. "

Debra

Tour: 09/30/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We were thrilled beyond our wildest expectations. Our tour leader Ruth was incredible. She went above and beyond on giving us the best experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Tuscany! Just the views! Loved where we stayed, food and wine, such a magical experience!"

James

Tour: 09/30/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was exceptional. Our tour guide, Ruth, was amazing. The variety of cultural experiences were well above my expectations. I especially appreciated how knowledgeable all the specialty guides were: Assisi, Sienna, the Carerra Marble quarry, truffle hunting and the olive oil mill.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My "wow" moment(s) was the peaceful solitude experienced near the Tomb of St. Francis in Assisi."

Steven

Tour: 09/30/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was fantastic! Every day was perfectly organized with options to do more or less. The places we went to were beautiful from incredible cathedrals to simple olive oil presses. The tour director (Ruth) was fabulous! She was extremely well organized and always had a smile to make sure we had a great time. We have already been looking at another trip because this was so incredible!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I’ve been asked this question by friends and family. Each time I have answered the question differently because there were so many wow moments. The few hours we spent having dinner in the home of couple that ran the olive presses outside of Luca was amazing. The beautiful food and wine and kindness this couple shared with us really moved me."

Mary Ellen

Tour: 09/25/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour moves quickly and is packed with memorable experiences. I loved touring villages I might not have found on my own. There was lots of variety - something for everyone!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many! One was making our way through the winding streets of Siena and suddenly popping into the blindingly sunny and beautiful Piazza del Campo. Another was enjoying our truffle dinner at sunset after accompanying the truffle hunter and his dogs on their hunt."

Laura

Tour: 09/25/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was my first international trip since 2019 and it was a fabulous way to start traveling again. Our guide, Nina, was pitch perfect. She shared so much about the culture, history and people of Italy that I came away with a greater appreciation for the country. She set the tone for the group the first night we met. She was warm, humorous and very focused on ensuring we had the best vacation. She established ground rules and expectations as well as taking the time to get to know us

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the coast of Cinque Terra from the sea. "

Cheryl

Tour: 09/25/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved the focus on Italian villages and the countryside, as opposed to spending time in larger cities. The diversity of experiences provided to our group - from truffle hunting, to a cooking class, to a delightful lunch at an olive oil cooperative - contributed to a broader perspective on Italian life. Our guide Nina was excellent and brought a wealth of information to our travels.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I am not sure I can identify just one “wow” moment because there were several: Stefano’s approach to Italian cuisine and the chance to assist with food preparation was lots of fun; the history of the Italian hill towns like Montefalco, and our stay at a beautiful inn in Tuscany were among the high points for me."

Melanie

Tour: 09/25/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This was a good group to tour with. Nina is an excellent guide. The pace of the tour was much more intense than I expected. Choosing village Italy felt like it might have more leisure, but this was the most packed and busiest tour I've taken.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The countryside of Umbria and Tuscany from sunrise to sunset; simply breathtaking!"

Ashley

Tour: 09/25/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall, the tour was lovely - I felt like I got such an "off the beaten path" experience of Italy, which was a delight. I do think there was too much packed into the tour and wouldn't have mind cutting out a few stops.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Having a drink on the patio at the Hotel Belvedere in Castellina in Chianti and just looking at the rolling Tuscan hills - it was stunning. "

Steven

Tour: 09/23/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent itinerary. Tour guide Trina was just terrific.We lost a passport on the first day and she did everything within her power to help us. (It turned out ok). She was consistently cheerful, personable and informative. She clearly loves Italy and its history and culture. Hotels by and large were good to very good. Nice balance of structure and free time. Scheduled meals were generally very good (first night in Padova especially so).

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Many. For me probably the time in Ravenna at the tomb of Galla Placidia and San Vitale. I've seen pictures of both all my life but the actual live experience was very special. Also the town and setting of Civitella Di Lago (sp?) was a great surprise."

Darcy

Tour: 09/23/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was very good and overall another great experience. The title “Small Villages Italy” however seemed to be misleading as we were in larger places and experienced huge crowds in areas.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Orvieto and the time spent there was my favourite town, history and area. "

John

Tour: 09/18/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Though I would classify myself as a reluctant traveler our guide (Tricia) provided the most enjoyable experience with narratives that brought the wondrous visuals to life. The many opportunities to develop relationships with our tour group provided almost a family experience during the daily adventures.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The duomo of Orvieto. To imagine being a part of a 300 year project spanning many generations was hard to comprehend. "

Alexis

Tour: 09/18/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was outstanding. Well organized, great guide (Patricia), great group of travel mates. Awe inspiring sights, scrumptious food, amazing history plus just enough time on our own for exploring.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"How to pick just one…the whole tour was one big WOW. I loved Civitella del Lago with its egg museum and the boat ride up the Cinque Terre was spectacular."

Patti

Tour: 09/18/23

It was a wonderful experience. Our group and our leader was wonderful. I experienced places I would not see on my own. The tours were usually good. But the best tours were led by our leader, Patricia, who had such a passion for the country

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Belvedere hotel was magnificent. The views were astounding. I would of loved to have stayed an extra dat"

Connie

Tour: 09/16/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Another excellent tour. A well organized and knowledgeable guide is what I have come to expect on a Rick Steve's tour and I was not disappointed. The "villages" were a little larger than I thought they would be and I was hoping not so crowded as it was the end of Sept, however the crowds were still in full force. A little of it has to do with which day of the week you land in the "village". Weekends were worse. Over all I will continue to take Rick Steve's tours. Thanks Tour guide Brad

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The specialty tour guides are the best. So educational and informative. My WOW moment wasn't a sight just the extra mile that our tour guide Brad took arranging for a group of us a chance to tour the Orvieto caves during our free time. Thank you Brad for going the extra mile that is not required of you but much appreciated. "

Carol

Tour: 09/16/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour had an amazing itinerary. Our guide, Bradford, with his wealth of knowledge accommodated people with varying interests (some mostly wine, Ha!) The local guides were excellent. Time on your own was welcomed, provided meals were mostly excellent, and since I was traveling solo, I felt very welcomed by the entire group and made many new friends! Overall, a wonderful tour for those who enjoy traveling with a group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I really enjoyed the Byzantine San Vitale Basilica in Ravina. The mosaics were the most incredible that I have ever seen. It's amazing how intricate each small/tiny stone (some gold) created such a beautiful piece of art with such amazing history. "

Larry

Tour: 09/16/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was excellent! As someone else said, it is not for the faint of heart. You are on the go from morning till evening with little time off until later in the tour, but you see and do a LOT! There was a lovely variety of small hill towns, wineries, olive oil making, ceramics making, cooking class (excellent with tour member participation), an underground cave tour in Orvieto (which was not a regular event, but should be, and Brad made it happen), Carrara marble mine and more.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Civita!! Used to be part of tour but not anymore, so eight of us rented a taxi on a free afternoon to take us from Orvieto to Civita Di Bagnoregio, wait for us for the hour and a half visit, and take us back to Orvieto, with stops along the way of scenic overlooks. This "ultimate hill town" you visit after crossing a wide pedestrian bridge (in the clouds on our day) to see this quaint storybook town where there are no permanent residents anymore, but restaurants, gift shops and darling streets."

Carolyn

Tour: 09/16/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A busy tour but Brad, our magnificent guide, keeps us on track.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Loved the little hilltop town of Montefalco - atmosphere and dinner."

Daniel

Tour: 09/16/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Thoroughly enjoyed the work of our tour guide Brad.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Truffle hunting and the following dinner"

Michael

Tour: 09/11/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great itinerary, fantastic tour guide, great variety of traditional tour sites and Rick Steve's add ons.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our tour guide wowed us with a personalized concert with his musical group in Orvieto"

Charles

Tour: 09/11/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was exceptional. We greatly enjoyed experiencing the smaller hilltop villages in central Italy. Our group bonded almost instantaneously - unlike any other tour we have experienced (this was our 4th RS Tour). Our guide(s) were very engaging; the trip was unique as we had a "shadow" guide as well who was learning more about Italy herself. Most unfortunately, we also had 4 couples leave the tour along the way due to Covid infections; they were missed. Simply a great tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"While it is very hard to choose just one, for me, seeing the remarkable marble floors in the Duomo in Sienna was a once in a lifetime experience. We had been to the Duomo previously but the floors were covered (as apparently they are most of the year). It is hard to comprehend the exceptional artistry AND craftsmanship required to realize these floors."

Barbara

Tour: 09/11/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had the best time! The villages of Italy tour was even more than we expected. The itinerary, guide, accommodations, meals, and traveling companions we simply outstanding. This wasn’t our first RS tour, but it was my favorite. I loved touring and exploring the smaller villages. I felt more connected to the real Italy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite moment was the truffle hunt followed by a truly gourmet dinner in a totally unexpected venue. The hunt was fun to watch the dogs search out and retrieve the truffles. Then the dinner- delicious from start to finish and the venue was beautiful, elegant and contemporary. The service was impeccable. "

Susan

Tour: 09/11/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything about the tour was well designed to give you the experiences of the smaller hill towns of Italy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My “wow” moment was the whole tour, the smaller hill towns with its cathedrals and their artists, the scenery with its rolling hills of vineyards and olive groves, and the wine tastings and cooking class. "

Michele

Tour: 09/11/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very rejuvenating to travel again and immerse ourselves in a different culture. Village Italy offered a quieter, small town feel and the food and wine were so fresh, homemade and delicious!!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved the small villages, their history and uniqueness! Tuscany was dreamy! Montefalco so charming and out of the way! I think a memory that stands out is when we looked for a restaurant and entered a tiny place with seating only outside. I went in and inquired about lactose free items. An older couple took me through all their homemade pastas and then brought me in back to the kitchen and joyfully showed me all the sauces. It was like going to someone's home and one of the best meals! "

Jane

Tour: 09/09/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful!

Ed

Tour: 09/09/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent guide, interesting itinerary, great organization

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Views on Cinque Terre"

Steve

Tour: 09/09/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fantastic. So many neat experiences being immersed in the history and culture of Italy, and excellent descriptions from Nina and all of the local guides. Visiting smaller towns and having conversations with friendly locals made this an incredible trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many to choose from between seeing how olive oil is made, visiting a marble quarry, and participating in a cooking demonstration. Staying at a couple of villas in the country and the scenery in those areas was beautiful."

Sharon

Tour: 09/09/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Amazing! It was our first Rick Steve’s tour and we will definitely be going on more. Everything exceeded our expectations and our tour guide was excellent- treated us like family and was so organized, professional, and knowledgeable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Just seeing Italy and it’s warm, wonderful people was a “Wow”"

Irene

Tour: 09/09/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I enjoyed the tour from start to finish. Our tour guide Nina was very knowledgeable and added to the enjoyment with her humor and quirky stories.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many Wow moments. Giotto's frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel, learning about the Etruscan pre-Roman civilization, the views from the hill towns and walking the walls at Lucca. My clearest memories are of Carrara's marble quarry (where the marble for many famous staues came from) and the many views of the colorful buildings of the Cinque Terre."

Mary

Tour: 09/04/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We were very pleased with our guide Ann she was available to us at anytime. Her experience and her knowledge of Italy was impressive. This is our second Rick S tour and will do another! The only time I was unhappy with our hotel in Lavonto. It was not up to standards in my opinion. The hotel in Orvieto was ok, we were on the 5th floor and the air conditioning was all but useless. The previous comments are my only complaints and most of the group felt the same. Thank you!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Assisi "

Carla M

Tour: 09/04/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I so enjoyed the rich LOCAL cultural experiences of this tour. Truly off the beaten path, would not have had the chance but for this tour, our amazing and fun guide, Ann, and a group of like-minded adventurers

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The campo museum and guide I think. Today. Oh there are many "

Ellen

Tour: 09/04/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my 12th Rick Steves tour and the one I enjoyed the most! The food & wine of course was amazing- this was Italy after all. But it was also the perfect blend of relaxation and fun things to do. I felt energized and refrained at the end. I especially liked the smaller cities and less touristy areas- I was able to really immerse myself in the culture.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It’s hard to pick one. I think the day myseland two other tour members spent 2 hours eating lunch outside in Oviet - just watching people going about their business and enjoying the day"

James

Tour: 09/04/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was well-organized and well-led. Everyone got along together and cooperated for the benefit of all. We did start to tire towards the end. It got very hot, and we were very busy. We were grateful for the “vacation from the vacation” near the end. The hotels were adequate, some were excellent, but in general the Italian air-conditioning does not meet the challenge of global warming.

Favorite "WOW" moment

" Duccio’s Maestà in Siena, Giotto in Assisi, our stay at Belvedere Villa."

James

Tour: 09/04/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well planned and executed

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many wow moments, the beautiful churches, Sienna Cathedral comes to mind………"

Graham

Tour: 09/02/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a great adventure. We learned so much!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lucca. What a beautiful city. Bike ride around the wall. Opera in the cathedral. Many others."

MaryKay

Tour: 09/02/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Busy! Rebecca kept us on the move. The dinners she planned were excellent, and she was very knowledgeable about what we would see.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The church in Ravenna. Incomprehensible mosaics that have lasted hundreds of years and not lost their glory. "

Diane

Tour: 08/28/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

When we arrived at the Venice airport, we had the good fortune of having our guide on the same bus. She showed us how to get the tickets for the transfer and get to the hotel. Deborah was so kind and helpful throughout our entire tour. She gave us the tools we needed to explore on our own when we had free time. She suggested wonderful restaurants and places to see that weren't included in the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Oh there were so many.... since we were on the village tour and went to so many out of the way places, we heard about and saw so much history and were amazed at how old the churches, mosaics and fresco's were. And the beauty of the countryside!!! Going truffle hunting was really interesting as was our wine experience. "

Kim

Tour: 08/28/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was a good tour, well balanced between art/culture, architecture and experiencing hill towns/Northern Italy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Looking down from a scenic point in Riomaggiore on to the town, sea and boats."

Amy

Tour: 08/28/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Most hotels were great, although when in Cinque Terre, our group stayed in Levanto which is away from the 5 villages. Hotel was also away from the train station. We heard through the grapevine that other Rick Steves tours got to stay right in the village. Lake Orta hotel was especially beautiful, and we were glad we stayed an extra night. Time spent with local guide in Siena learning about her neighborhood was too long.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mine was boat ride on Mediterranean viewing beautiful Cinque Terre. My husband’s was amazing sunset in Tuscany. "

Kris

Tour: 08/28/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Martin

Tour: 08/28/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide, Deborah, made the trip more than just a tour. Her knowledge of the history and how things work in every day life was beyond my expectations. The tour itinerary was well-paced and was the right amount of group activities and independent time. Our bus driver, Lara, was excellent and was a welcomed member of our RS family.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite WOW moment was the wine tasting with Cecelia. We had a informative lesson in how to taste wines and how to combine with foods. "

Wendy

Tour: 08/28/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my 5th RS tour, each one is unique and each one is amazing.Lara, our driver, was such a talented driver on those very narrow Italian roads and our guide Deborah was fantastic, lots of treats hints and detailed maps to help us along the way. You ladies rocked. The supplemental guides were excellent.It was fun to get to know our fellow travellers over countless spritzes. A great and friendly group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The mosaics at Ravenna and Deborah’s explanation of the frescoes in the Duomo in Orvieto, it was a master class in art history"

John

Tour: 08/28/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Many great sights, companionable group, competent guide, much more strenuous than anticipated.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sunset at the truffle dinner, spectacular setting"

Mary Ann

Tour: 06/26/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide Brad was fantastic. Our bus driver Pierre Angelo was a skilled driver and navigated the roads beautifully. I felt very safe with him driving. The tour exceeded our expectations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many WOW moments. If I had to pick one it would the the Orvieto underground tour and history of the Etruscan's."

Diane

Tour: 06/26/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The experiences we have on a Rick Steves tour are always exceptional. Even the few towns we had been to before felt new to us. This tour is a great blend of activity and free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I have a difficult time picking favorites, but one moment that had me smiling the whole time was riding a bicycle around the ramparts of Lucca."

Heidi

Tour: 06/26/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had such a wonderful time! We loved getting to know our fellow travelers, and appreciated the intentional bonding activities--this was an unexpected highlight. Our guide, Brad, was amazing--he was so knowledgeable, helpful, and fun. We loved the variety of experiences on the tour and the activity level, and feel like we squeezed as much learning and culture out of our two weeks as possible. Thank you for the thoughtfully planned itinerary and activities--and the time to explore on our own!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We went into Siena the day after the Palio and happened to end up walking up the street that the victory parade came down! That was a really fun surprise! Eating lunch on the dirt in the Campo (and seeing the hoofprints in it) after our tour capped that experience nicely!"

Christopher

Tour: 06/26/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Village Italy tour was our first Rick Steves trip. We had such a great time. Everything was planned out and executed smoothly. Our guide Brad was top notch, very friendly and knowledgeable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many wow moments, it’s hard to choose just one. Driving up the valley in Carrara to the marble quarry was spectacular. Riding bikes around Lucca on the city walls. Attending a Puccini opera in a cozy church also in Lucca. And the food!!! The list goes on. "

Sue

Tour: 06/26/23

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

We saw sooo many different things. Was a bit tough to keep up. Glad I went. Had a good group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Porto Venere"

Faith

Tour: 06/26/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Packed with learning experiences and cultural interactions, tour is well-paced and managed in smallest detail to provide security and comfort

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to pick one"

Andy

Tour: 06/26/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a fantastic tour guide with Brad and our tour experience either met or exceeded our expectations. We had a very good group of tour mates. The local tour guides were engaging and gave insight which we would have missed otherwise. The Etruscan Museum was fantastic as was the Sienna guide. Our driver Pierre Angelo navigated the winding roads of Italy with ease.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking the Cinque Terre and seeing the beautiful countryside and sparkling water was my wow moment. This is among many of the wow moments of the tour."

Marilyn

Tour: 06/26/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great people and our guide made all the difference. The sights were outstanding too.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to pinpoint just one. Churches, food, local guides, our tour guide, scenery. All were wonderful"

Edward

Tour: 06/26/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

all aspects were outstanding

Favorite "WOW" moment

"truffle hunting"

Kathryn

Tour: 06/19/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our 4th RS tour and the second Village Italy tour, the first being 14 years ago. We enjoyed it so much we wanted to repeat the trip. All of the small villages were delightful with diverse activities throughout. Our guide, Cristina, was friendly and extremely knowledgeable of Italian history who could throw in humor when needed. Some people did offer some suggestions to her which she listened and reacted to positively. I would recommend this tour with Cristina guiding it!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It’s hard to choose as seemingly every day, there was something special, unexpected, and/or beautiful making it difficult to narrow to one ”wow” moment."

Sheila

Tour: 06/19/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Christina, our guide was fantastic, she gave us detailed informations, history wise..the drive along the country side getting to our hotel was beautiful

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Civita del Lago was awesome, the village on top of the hills was breathtaking ,plus we were the only group to enjoy the place, the view ,our host, the food..we were well served and the hospitality was great 👍 "

Susan

Tour: 06/19/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Loved Italy, Cristina and all the stories and histories.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard one to answer. I guess in the mountains and country side. I am not a big city person."

Patricia

Tour: 06/19/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour exceeded expectations for organization, enjoyment, education and safety. Our guide went above and beyond to meet the needs of each traveler.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Stunning scenery, wonderful excursions, lovely lodging."

Charlene

Tour: 06/19/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very fun, positive, active, informative and surprises along the way. I loved everything: cooking class, mosaics, churches, St.Francesco Assisi, wine pairing, the Deruta Ceramic factory tour, shopping, seeing weddings take place and Lake Orta. The stops in the smaller villages like Civitella Al Lago were my favorite. Also, I enjoyed visiting the US Cemetery.

Anthony

Tour: 06/12/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was exactly what we expected

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sight from Porto Venere - it was a big surprise"

Jane

Tour: 06/12/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a wonderful time on this tour. Our tour guide, Patricia, was fantastic and always so helpful. Everyone on the tour was very friendly and inclusive. Our driver was exceptional and very friendly. We loved all the cities and villages we visited.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I'm not sure we had a really Wow moment...everything was so special. We thought the frescos in Padua and the mosaics in Ravenna were exceptional."

Dianne

Tour: 06/12/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful trip with excellent guide and bus driver.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cooking class at La Pieteiccia farm to learn slow cooking. Very organized. Everyone participated. Owner had young family members helping. Great food. What a great experience."

Robert

Tour: 06/12/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Altogether a wonderful experience. Italy, the fellow travelers, the places visited were all very wonderful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is difficult to say. The frescoes by Giotto at the Scrovegni chapel and at Assisi were "wow"s. So was the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. But just looking out over the Tuscan countryside from our Villa (Villa Lecchi) was probably the absolute star."

Katherine

Tour: 06/12/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

All wonderful, loved our guide, Patricia, she is wonderful as we’re the local guides

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It too hard to say, loved it all"

Charlotte

Tour: 06/12/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was well planned, fun and informative.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The two villas we stayed in were stunning!"

Patricia

Tour: 06/05/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our second Rick Steves tour and again we had a great time! The tour was impeccably organized and coordinated. It's so great to not have to worry about the details; you just go and have fun! Our tour group was good, but the guides were fabulous! Christine seemed able to manage a million things at once while still being able to chat with everyone. Andrea was super helpful and will be just great on his own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to count: the impromptu concert by Andrea and "Bartender" in Orvieto, the parade for the holiday in Orvieto, seeing Carrara, learning about the Palio, the opera concert in Lucca, plus all of the fabulous scenery and the FOOD!"

Cindy

Tour: 06/05/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was my reward for retiring after 32 years of state service. It was amazing. I liked every village that we visited. Our tour guide and assistant tour guide were very knowledgeable, friendly and great problem solvers. I would definitely recommend the tour to a friend.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many things. The Ravenna mosaics and a "simple" dish of fresh pasta with pesto as a little family run cafe in Lucca."

Kevin

Tour: 06/05/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I thought the tour was well organized and the choice of cities and activities was excellent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is honestly hard to pick on "wow" moment. I was very impressed with the knowledge of all the guides and absolutely amazed at the architecture and history behind the churches and buildings in each city. I was really amazed at the beauty of Lake Orta."

Alfred

Tour: 06/05/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Deborah

Tour: 06/05/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was only our 4th RS tour of Italy. It's because of the RS guides that we've been encouraged to come back and tour favorite areas on our own. It's guides like Christina and Andrea who immerse you in the culture. Their knowledge far exceeded our expectations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There was a wow moment almost daily. Our guides made sure of that. One night we were entertained by our guide Andrea and some of his fellow musicians. They played their guitars for us. We enjoyed their music and the aperitifs served. Our group dinners were always fantastic!"

Tiffany

Tour: 06/05/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent tour, but not for the faint of heart, as it was extremely busy. The guides were fabulous, the hotels were lovely, and every town seemed nicer than the one before.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking down the boardwalk in Monterosso al Mare (Cinque Terre) at dusk, listening to snippets of conversations in four different languages as I walked."

Robert

Tour: 06/05/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was awesome and our guides were awesome! They were extremely knowledgeable about the cities we visited and the culture of Italy. They were very accommodating and accessible for help when we needed them.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite “wow” moment was the beautiful scenery when we were traveling by boat to Cinque Terre. The coastline was gorgeous and the panoramic views of the villages were amazing."

David

Tour: 06/05/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a great tour. Our guides, Cristina and Andrea, were outstanding. I have been on several Rick Steves tours and this was one of the best. The itenerary is great for those who have seen the big cities and the scenery was beautiful. We also had a great group to travel with. Thanks Cristina and Andrea.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A hike from Monterosso al Mare to Levanto on our "vacation from our vacation" with our guide, Andrea. A great view of the Cinque Terre and an outstanding art and history lesson all the way to Levanto for dinner."

Evelyn

Tour: 06/05/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide and assistant made the trip informative and interesting because of their knowledge of all the areas we covered. They answered everyones questions thoroughly and made sure we were set to go! Both were fun to talk to as we ate together and visited with the group. They are both excellent representatives of the Rick Steves tours.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My wow moment was visiting the cemetery of those incredibly young and brave men and women who came to Italy to help them fight for their freedom. Our guide told us they were not forgotten hero’s but their families back in the USA want them to remain in Italy. She said Italians honor them daily"

Douglas

Tour: 05/27/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The people in our group were amazing, the guide was incredibly knowledgeable and fun to be with, and the accommodations were excellent. We visited the most awesome places and the local guides were super as well!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many. Civitella del Lago (a small, hilltop village in Umbria) was one of the most spectacular towns we visited. It was small, quiet, and almost no tourists at all. We took a short local-guided tour of the town and visited the 'Museo Ovo Pinto' (painted egg museum) in that town for an interesting, if not quirky tour."

Andrew

Tour: 05/27/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a great trip from start to finish (except for the day that I was too sick to get out of the hotel room).

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many great moments ... but for me, the very best was walking the "Path of Silence" around the island on Lake Orta. I could have stayed there for days!"

Paulette

Tour: 05/27/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The trip was great! Our guides (Rebecca and assistant Margaret) were fabulous and gave really great information and insights into where we were going and seeing.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to name! We went to many churches and I loved the history and local guides knowledge. Then, the experiences, cooking class at the agri-tourist farm, truffle hunting (and tasting), Deruta ceramics (we carefully carried our purchases home), wine tasting (very special - I'm awaiting my purchases to be shipped), and so many more places and experiences to name."

David

Tour: 05/27/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Based on our experience with Rick Steve’s tours, (this was our second tour); this is the only way to travel in any neighborhood other than your home neighborhood if you are able to walk 6 miles a day (frequently with all your luggage) and carry your luggage up four flights of stairs (which we never had to do.) They know the area and seek out and pass on the value they obtain using their local knowledge. It is the very best in”participatory travel” to see new places, new insights and new people.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cooking class- Stuffing natural casing with raw pork and eating the result. "

Robert

Tour: 05/22/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great guide (Trish) and great local guides. I really enjoyed the variety: history, scenery, food & wine. Also the variety of destinations including small villages, medium towns, seafront and lakefront. We spent two extra nights in Padua; should have spent them in Venice or Verona as the tour covered Padua fine. Also spent two extra nights in Lake Orta; definitely worthwhile. The bus was very comfortable with an excellent driver.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"No particular single event but I very much enjoyed the special visits like the pottery workshop, truffle hunt, alabaster workshop and the Carrara marble quarry. My favorite destination was Lucca."

Albert

Tour: 05/22/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I LOVED this tour. It takes you away from the big cities and into the country and the smaller towns. It is short on art (although it has the Scrovegni Chapel, which is not to be missed), and long on food and crafts: mosaics, cooking class, ceramics, alabaster, winery, olive oil factory, and Carrara marble were all part of the tour. The people were friendly everywhere we went, and our guide Tricia was knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The un-touristy little village of Civitella del Lago, with its lake views, painted egg museum, and outdoor wine-and-bruschetta reception given by friendly hosts. This village is a new addition to the tour, and it was a great decision by Rick Steves Tours to add it."

Thomas

Tour: 05/22/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

As advertised, a memorable inside look at the rural and small-town life of Italy. Thoroughly enjoyed observing and sharing in the artisan and craftsman experience of family operated businesses that made the tour so special. The guides made the visits to the museums and churches very meaningful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Witnessing the trained dogs sniffing out truffles was a one-of-a kind experience that will always be remembered. The hands-on meal preparation learning from a skilled bio-farmer/cook was special, too."

Maribeth

Tour: 05/22/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Absolutely spectacular! Beyond my expectations with the organization of the different villages on the tour, our guide Trish exceptional, food, meeting different local guides, chefs, and hotel owners.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had so many "wow" moments it is impossible to pick only one!"

Edward

Tour: 05/22/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The trip overall was very good. The villages in Italy are beautiful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Truffle Hunting in Assisi, Sienna scenery, the cooking lesson in Tuscany and Cinque Terra beautifulness. "

Ed

Tour: 05/22/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We enjoyed the pace of the daily activities. Our Guide Trish was great, very interesting insights.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The WOW moment was our stay in Tuscany. The visit to the farm and preparing our meal and wine was a big hit."

Patti

Tour: 05/22/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This is my 6th Rick Steves tour and is one of the best. Since most of the tours I have taken have visited the big cities, this one was special because it visited smaller towns and villages. The scenery while going thru Tuscany was stunning.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting the hillside town of Civitella del Lago and its 'Egg' Museum."

Velma

Tour: 05/22/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

There were fabulous sites and adventure on this tour. I feel I really got a sense of Italian culture visiting all the different parts of village Italy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Giotto frescos in Padova brought tears to my eyes!"

Marc

Tour: 05/22/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We have been wanting to go on another RS Tour since our first in 2017 (Family Tour London-Florence in 14 days). We had a group of six of us booked in June 2020 but alas that was not too be. I was delighted to be able to bring my teenage daughter on this tour. She really enjoyed interacting with everyone (minus “The Family”) - I had problem trusting her care to other people on the tour while I rested or did something else. I haven't ever been with another tour company,but it is doubtful I will

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is a toss-up between the two nights we spent in Orvieto - a truly charming town atop a butte of rock - and the Villa Curina Resort. THIS did not feel like a typical RS hotel - it truly captured the feeling of being in a luxurious Tuscan country estate. The food was delicious and the views were stunning. This hotel room was 2nd only to the Hotel San Luca Palace."

Brenda

Tour: 05/22/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was an amazing tour. I loved everything about it. As usual, I think that the outstanding tour guide makes the trip. Tricia was amazing in every way. Sharing her love of Italy. Every detail was well thought through. The local guides in every stop are also fundamental in bringing the history and culture alive for the tour members. Made some new friends I hoping to stay in contact with.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"To many WOW moments to pick one. Seeing the beautiful mosaics in Ravenna would be my first. Seeing the Cinque Terre from the ferry on a beautiful sunny day was the last."

Linda

Tour: 05/22/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour struck a difficult balance perfectly: Always crisply organized but never feeling regimented. The opportunity to explore independently was appreciated as much as the local tour guides - their knowledge and obvious affection for their towns added to the experience of our further wanderings.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The ferry ride from Porto Venere up the coast."

Gerald

Tour: 05/20/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"CIty tour in Lucca with local guide (Elena?)"

Dale

Tour: 05/20/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This is an excellent tour. Been to Italy 3 times and this by far was by best tour. Awesome behind the scenes agenda to see the lives of Italians.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to pick just one. The whole tour qualifies for the “wow” moment. A “ wow” item would definitely be the beautiful churches and basilica’s!!"

Glenn

Tour: 05/20/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We had the amazing good fortune of having a Villages of Italy tour (VIT052023) with Cristina Pernechele....and it was above and beyond expectation. Overall the tour included beautiful towns, lovely lodging, so much history, and the opportunity to learn about the life and passions of the Italian people. Cristina has the special gift of providing an integration with the culture. She had some learn some basic Italian language, and facilitated the group dynamic skillfully.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Every day we had "wow" moments: - Pierre our driver was the best. Many "wow" moments watching him negotiate tiny curvy Italian roadways! - The Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna (fantastic local guide) -The Etruscan Museum (Roberto), Assisi (Guiseppe), Siena (Julia) ...again with local dynamic local guides that were above and beyond. - Florence Italy American Cemetery and Memorial wow - Botanical Gardens in Padua - fascinating! - Viewing Cinque Terre from the water, and enjoying happy hour on hillside"

Julie

Tour: 05/20/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

When you choose a Rick Steves tour, you can be confident that every restaurant, hotel, and attraction you visit has been curated by local guides and experts.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It would have to be enjoying a leisurely two hour dinner overlooking the hillsides of Siena at sunset, drinking a glass of the local Chianti, and comparing our experiences that day with those of our tablemates. "

Paige

Tour: 05/20/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first Rick Steves tour and it set a VERY high bar! I can't wait to go on another trip (maybe next year) and I can only hope it will be as wonderful as this trip was.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many 'wow' moments to choose from but several stand out: the truffle hunting and amazing dinner that followed; the Etruscan museum tour with the awesome Roberto (who knew I could find ancient history so fascinating?), the ceramics tour in Deruta, and the Scrovegni Chapel mosaics."

Bill

Tour: 05/20/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Cristina was the quintessential RSE guide -- organized, efficient, personable and enthusiastic. She especially handled the Covid outbreak among us with compassion and efficiency. None of us who tested positive had anything but mild symptoms; we were negative by the time we returned home. I hope RSE rethinks the issues for next season.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I enjoyed the two musicians in Orvieto who played during our aperitivo; their music connected Italy and the U.S. in ways that I had not thought about in awhile. The Etruscan Museum at Chianciano was another high point."

Suzanne

Tour: 05/20/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide Cristina was absolutely fantastic. She shared her passion for her hometown Padua as well as all of the other stops on the tour. She was concerned for our wellbeing and wanted to satisfy what we hoped to get from this tour. The Villages of Italy tour has a good variety of interesting stops -- spiritual, historical, artististic, culinary, etc.

Favorite "WOW" moment

" I think going to Ravenna (which we almost didn't get to do because of the recent heavy rains) was a real highlight for me. The beautiful mosaics in both the Basilica and the Mausoleum were truly exquisite. It's incredible to think that they are over 2000 years old! "

Maya

Tour: 05/20/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had not been to Italy in 19 years. It was wonderful visiting those memorable towns again (Sienna and Orvieto) but it was also exciting seeing towns we had not been to before. We had a wonderful group of travelers and the most excellent guide. There was a nice balance of being guided, and the opportunity to explore on our own. And the experiences of meeting the local people and artisans was like icing on a cake.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were several wow moments. But what I was most surprised was were the mosaics in Ravenna. The mosaics in the Mausoleum of Galla Placida were beautiful. But walking into the Basilica di San Vatale took my breath away. The architecture brought such beauty and lighting into the basilica, which enhanced the beauty of those mosaics. I was very grateful that the recent flooding had not damaged the old city. But my heart went out to all the farms and businesses which were still under water."

Susette

Tour: 05/20/23

We had a wonderful time with a fabulous guide and a troupe of fun and engaging fellow travelers. We saw great sites, had delicious meals and were able to appreciate Italy apart from the larger cities.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many, it is hard to say. My husband and I really enjoyed wandering about the areas we were in. The food was so fantastic. We had been to the Cinque Terre 20 years ago and were flabbergasted by the crowds."

Beverly

Tour: 05/20/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Except for the positive Covid test it was great.

Favorite "WOW" moment

" Cristina was awesome. Loved the frescos."

Caroline

Tour: 05/15/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Learned a lot about the arts and culture everywhere we went. The scenery was magnificent on this tour.

Robin

Tour: 05/15/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was amazing from start to finish! I loved each town we visited, the guides were top notch, and the food was extraordinary.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Every day was great, but my favorite location was probably the basilica in Assisi, which is amazing. I also loved visiting the olive oil co-op, and the lunch there was really special. When we had to reroute due to flooding, our guides arranged a remarkable experience at an organic farm that makes Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese - cheese heaven! And the organic farm where we prepared our lunch with fresh ingredients and instruction from a terrific farmer/chef - what an experience! "

Randall

Tour: 05/15/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Unforgettable. Despite the rain and not getting to Ravenna Lisa and Andrea made a great call with the Parmesan cheese farm. Great group of people to travel with. Everything we saw and experienced from the cooking lesson the wine tasting was all excellent. Having a great guide makes it the experience you hope for. Can't wait for the next RS tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many. but I would have to say the cooking class. Knowing the story, making everything, the experience and knowledge gained was fantastic. "

Lori

Tour: 05/15/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first RS tour and I was a little leery of doing a group tour. I have lived in Europe in the past and my wife and I have enjoyed traveling throughout Europe independently. However, the RS philosophy of travel and having all the logistics handled attracted us to try one. The experience was wonderful. Passionate and locally connected tour guides and bus driver made the difference between a good tour and an exceptional tour experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Respectfully, I will remove the phrase "wow" from my response and say that the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial was the most moving tour experience. Wow's are many. To mention a few, Lisa, Andrea (guides), and Mauro (bus driver), improvised, adapted and overcame the logistical challenges of Italy experiencing the worst flood in 100 years to arrange a tour of a family owned organic dairy. Being treated to a private concert in Orvieto, and a very spiritual Sanctuary hike in the Cinque Terre"

Leslie

Tour: 05/15/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The perfect mix- rural, urban, farming, seaside, culture, food, fun, structured time, free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing how well modern-day Lucca is making use of the ancient wall that surrounds their city- a loved and used park for the residents- merging the old with the new. Very cool. "

Terry

Tour: 05/15/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The experiences far exceeded the description of the itinerary. Our group was the best we have been part of on any of our 6 previous Rick Steves tours. That's a big statement since we've never had even a mediocre group. Always the best. We had fabulous guides and an excellent bus driver,

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I always hate this question because it is so hard to pick one. Overall I'd say our time in Assisi specifically the cathedrals of St. Francis and St. Clare. Giotta's frescos in Padua were stunning as well. "

Katherine

Tour: 05/15/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This is a very active tour. Every day had one or more activities. When traveling on the bus, we stopped in towns on the way to our final destination for a break. We had part of the day free when staying in our destination. I could never have seen all the sites on my own as they were not easily reached with public transportation.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For me I most enjoyed the scenery...the centuries old buildings, the towns set into the hills, the nooks and crannies of the neighborhoods, the finely decorated exteriors of not just churches, but others. The enthusiasm of the local guides reflected their love of their cities."

Dolores

Tour: 05/13/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my husband and I first tour with Rick Steves. It exceeded our expectations. It was a wonderful experience and look forward to another tour in the future.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Everything was a WOW! it is hard to just pick out just one moment."

Carl

Tour: 05/13/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Karen

Tour: 05/13/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall this tour was fabulous! Our tour guide, Ann Lang, was amazing and our fellow travelers couldn’t have been more fun! The tour was MUCH more than I could have imagined. It was jammed packed with activities, sightseeing, education and wonderful dining. We didn’t miss a thing!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Arriving at Lake d’Orta and looking out our balcony at the beautiful island surrounded by blue water! Breathtaking!!"

Ann

Tour: 05/13/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved the variety of experiences this tour offered. Great group of people. Excellent tour guide. All of the local guides were great as well.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The boat ride past all of the Cinque Terre villages"

Cheryl

Tour: 05/13/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a high quality tour! The included activities and sights were very exciting and the hotels great and comfortable. We had a wonderful guide and bus driver, both of whom took excellent care of us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lake Orta is an amazingly beautiful place. Our hotel provided a gorgeous, romantic view of the lake and the little island. "

Mary

Tour: 05/13/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Each Tour seems to get better...this was #4 for us!....We'll be back next year!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Tuscan Cooking Lesson!!...Hands On!!"

Joe Ann

Tour: 05/08/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had to leave because of covid, but up until then it was a great trip.

Janet

Tour: 05/08/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour’s fantastic itinerary, informative guide, family hotels, and fun activities provided a charming look at life in small village Italy. We enjoyed well located accommodations, and group meals that celebrated the unique flavors of the regions we visited. Experiences such as Tuscan cooking, truffle hunting, and learning about the olive oil, marble, and ceramic industries were fascinating. This tour did not disappoint.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many, but the hilltop villages in both Umbria and Tuscany were definitely big wow moments! The amazing treasures found in the Basilicas and museums were very dramatic. Best of all…the quieter moments walking the cobbled streets of Montefalco, Assisi, Orvieto, and Lucca provided such special memories. The vibrant colors, tastes, and charm of these quaint villages provided lasting memories. This tour really captured the best of small village Italy. "

Stephen

Tour: 05/08/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our tour was very good until we contacted Covid and immediately left the group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite "wow" moment was visiting the Etruscan Museum at Chianciano. The museum guide was sensational!"

Donna

Tour: 05/08/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall tour exceeded expectations. Tour guide knowledgeable, friendly, engaging and diplomatic. Local guides were outstanding!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Wow moment was the room assignment and view in Chianti after we had experienced a "gatehouse" room in Montefalco that was very disappointing."

Linda

Tour: 05/08/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Having traveled to Italy 5 times previously, plus twice to Sicily, I was interested in seeing the small hilltop towns and other less touristy areas. Village Italy did not disappoint!! I enjoyed every moment of this trip despite the rainy weather. The accommodations were excellent and most of the food was delicious. Tuscany is not the best region for vegs/pescas but Deborah, our wonderful tour guide, did her best to ensure there was always an alternate for me. Overall, a great itinerary!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite wow moment was the amazing view from the Ramparts in Orvieto and walking from above and below. Other moments included the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, Mosaics in Ravenna, walking in Montefalco after the rain cleared, cooking class at La Pietriccia, both Etruscan museums, getting lost somewhere in the hills above Monterosso, our seafood feast in Liguria, and hiking to Sacro Monte in Orta San Giulio."

Nancy

Tour: 05/08/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our Village Italy tour was awesome. Being brought to these small villages and getting a glimpse back in time to see how these towns were constructed based on a defensive advantage makes you appreciate our lives now. The rolling hills and mountains and the vastness of Italy is beauty around every turn in your travels.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I don’t think I had just one because each of the places we went were so enjoyable. I will say that our tour guide Deborah really was a “wow”. She was so knowledgeable and and kind and no matter the weather we carried on to explore these village gems. "

Gregory

Tour: 05/06/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The guide was attentive to everyone’s needs. She answered questions, and dealt with individual concerns. The driver was polite, courteous, and drove expertly. The location of the hotels worked well for the tour. Every meal, and restaurant recommendation were good. The history of towns, churches, art, and regions was clearly, and entertainingly explained.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The meal at the truffle farm. "

Kim

Tour: 05/06/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

the tour was well organized, and included unique experiences that I would never be able to find on my own. We were a small group and the accommodations were sterllar.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Traveling the countryside through the hills/mountains near the Genoa area on the path to Orta."

William

Tour: 05/06/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Would recommend it to everyone.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Duoma Orvieto"

Stephanie

Tour: 05/01/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my 9th Rick Steves tour, and Village Italy was an awesome tour. Trina Kudlacek is a top notch Rick Steves guide and she had experienced and knowledgeable local guides at all of our destinations. I loved our tour. My husband and I did get covid about halfway through the tour, but Trina and the RS office in Edmunds took good care of us with guidance and support.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I was continuously wowed by the quality of the local guides at our destinations. I loved the history at the church and basilica sites. Truffle hunting was perhaps my biggest wow moment, following the enthusiastic truffle hunting dog through an orchard. "

Elizabeth

Tour: 05/01/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a wonderful guide who kept us informed what we were seeing - having so much information made the exquisite country side even more enjoyable. The hotels were gracious, the food delicious, the education life-expanding

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our guide had cast art history knowledge - she gave even deeper perspective to the glorious art work we viewed. I was most struck by the concept that art work didn't always represent 'perspective' - it was introduced by Giotto during the Renaissance"

Earlene

Tour: 05/01/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A fantastic experience of smaller sights led by our fantastic guide Trina! And every local guide was excellent! We had an amazing group of travelers and some of the best group dinners. Italy never disappoints and I highly recommend this tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

" So many to choose from but at the top would be our visit to Siena. It was a beautiful city with such a unique history of the Palio. Learning all about the race and visiting a contrade museum was so fascinating. And Siena's cathedral I would rate as one of my top 5 churches-amazing! "

Tom

Tour: 05/01/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour group was fantastic. We all got along and enjoyed everyone’s company. Our tour guide Trina was fun, informative and filled with stories that made things move along. The hotels we stayed in were in the old town, family owned, great breakfast and clean. The villages were quaint and mostly untouristy. Great time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Everyone says the same thing….”there are too many to choose from”. It’s true. The cooking class where we made our lunch, the olive oil farm, the Carreras quarry and the truffle farm where we saw the dog hunt for truffles."

Janice

Tour: 05/01/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The guide and bus driver were excellent. The local guides were also top notch. The many places we stopped were fabulous Best food I have ever had on a tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved the small out of the way places where there were no other tourist. I loved the pottery visit, truffle hunt, marble quarry and the small museums we visited. My favorite place we stayed was the Belvedere di San Leonino. The views and food was amazing"

Christopher

Tour: 05/01/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I love the fact that RS Tours takes care of all the details related to hoteling and transportation so that I can just enjoy my vacation!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The colors and culture for the Cinque Terre and the ease of moving back and forth through them via the train. "

Julia

Tour: 05/01/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We waited 3 years for this tour and it did not disappoint! Trina is a fantastic guide and we felt blessed to have such a wonderful, friendly group of fellow travelers. The pace is just the right blend of scheduled events, and free time to explore on our own. We had taken a My Way tour previously and loved it. Now we see that having a guide and much more of a scheduled trip is ALSO a great way to travel on a Rick Steves tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Really hard to pick, as I just loved all the charming villages; walking the streets and exploring on our own. Walking through the villages of the Cinque Terre was a long-time dream! "

Henry Mark

Tour: 04/24/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Again a fantastic tour and what variety! It seemed everything was in this tour, religion, history, art, nature, food and of course the Italian people. We hiked, biked, ate and sipped wines through northern Italy. Great guides explained the individual towns' complex histories and relationships. Starting with the Etruscans we began the history of Italy to Romans, the Middle Ages, Renaissance and on to more modern times. It was so much fun.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The amazing mosaics in Ravenna from the Byzantine era found in the Basilica of San Vitale and the tomb of Galla Placidia were really incredible. Painstaking workmanship was required to create these depictions. From floor to ceiling the mosaics celebrated early Christianity with almost life like renderings of bible stories. They also paid homage to the patrons that paid for them. Nice touch. A lion is remarkably real and looks powerful and strong. Luckily it is not floor level, it might bite!"

Denise

Tour: 04/24/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Patrice was an attentive and helpful tour leader. She was always there whatever our travel companions asked for. She was very knowledgeable. Group activities and own your time was balanced. Travel companions were friendly and fun while giving you space as needed

Favorite "WOW" moment

"BASILICA of St Francis Assisi"

Joseph

Tour: 04/24/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a great tour guide and a great group. Patricia kept us all engaged through tout our tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Assisi and the boat ride along Chinque Terre. "

Christopher

Tour: 04/24/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was fantastic, Patricia Arturo guide, was outstanding, and went above and beyond on a daily basis. The group we traveled with was great, making our experience that much better. The pace was perfect, the arranged meals were delicious. The local guides arranged were fantastic.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We experienced something amazing every day"

Patti

Tour: 04/24/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

While the tour was very good and I had a good time, we visited too many churches. It got to be 'oh no, not another church.' I know the churches have a lot of art, art where it was meant to hang, but it was just too much. The activities such as the dog truffle hunt and the cooking class were the highlights

Michele

Tour: 04/22/23

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I really enjoyed the slow pace of Italy's hill towns. The group activities were always interesting and enjoyable. We visited a winery, olive oil press, pottery studio, truffle farm and small farm for a cooking class. The food. scenery and wine was amazing.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Making fresh pesto at the Agriturismo La Pietriccia farm and hiking along the Cinque Terra"

Mike

Tour: 04/22/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Other than the regularity of 7:30 breakfast 8:30 departure, Village Italy was everything I hoped for and more! Cultural, Historical, Beautiful along with our leader Ann’s composed demeanor throughout. Great food & accommodations (especially Chianti); 💚 Wine tasting setting, Olive oil demo and lunch & Stefano!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Easily, Ann’s Story! "

Vickie

Tour: 04/22/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The details that were thought out to make our tour a success was amazing. The variety of activities made for never a dull moment. I feel there was a good balance between free time and on the go time. The little hidden gems that were thrown in for fun were places I would have never known about. Everyone was courteous and truly cared about our experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It's hard to pick one but if I have to the Etruscan Museum was exceptional! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and had great communication skills. "

Marilyn

Tour: 04/22/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We enjoyed the variety of experiences included in this tour: the architecture and frescoes of famous churches, traveling the beautiful countryside and waters, local tours and dining adventures.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Looking up a street in Orvieto we saw the Duomo shining in the late afternoon sun. The narrow street framed a beautiful view of the church."

Jannette

Tour: 04/17/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Linda

Tour: 04/17/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I felt like we got a really good feel for Italian culture. The tour was jam packed with many meaningful experiences. The vegetation in Italy is amazing--really a beautiful country. I especially enjoyed the food and the wine along with the slow Italian way that meals were shared.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved seeing the "Truffle dog" in action at the Truffle Farm, "San Giovanni al Pettine". We then had an exquisite meal served in a beautiful setting. All of the courses of our meal featured truffles. It was really delicious."

Esther

Tour: 04/17/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I enjoyed this tour very much! Cristina was a wonderful guide - so knowledge and always ready to help tour members have the best possible experience. Visiting smaller cities, towns and villages was a treat. They were generally much less crowded and more relaxed than the big cities of Italy. I especially liked Orvieto and Lucca. Lovely scenery, good food, nice hotels and people - what’s not to like?

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The hike to Civita di Bagnoregio was strenuous, but so worth the effort."

Jane

Tour: 04/17/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Cristina was a superb guide. The places we visited were terrific. The people on the tour very friendly and nice!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting the Florence American Cemetery on Liberation Day. "

James

Tour: 04/17/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide, Cristina, was wonderful. She wanted us to get as much as possible out of our two week adventure; she had many stories to tell us ranging from Italian unification to how how pensions worked. The sites we saw were beautiful. It would be so hard to do this trip by oneself. I really appreciated the work that Cristina and her apprentice, Rebecca did for us. The local guides were wonderful. Most of the hotels were very, very nice. The scenery was beautiful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Duomo in Orvieto. Both the façade and interior were breathtaking. "

Cynthia

Tour: 04/17/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Christina was an excellent tour guide and went over and above what one would expect.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking the bridge to Civta the dead village. Also the landscape of Tuscany."

Harvey

Tour: 04/17/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Cristina was always “there” for us is the first experience that stood out. The tours were fantastic and well explained. The tour members bonded as would a family. The whole experience was a wow.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Civita walk. Very impressed with Padua as well. "

Laurie

Tour: 04/15/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was everything we had hoped for, that was advertised and MORE. Great guides, hotels, foods, excursions...it was epic!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I don't have just one....but will choose the day we visited the Etruscan museum (the expert and displays were astounding) and then lunched at a nearby argritismo (the owner was wonderfully passionate about his vision and the food was genius). Everything that day was a wow moment!"

Diana

Tour: 04/15/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved the chance to see so much of Italy on this two week tour. I also enjoyed the small yet fascinating walled or hill towns so much more than fighting the tourists in Rome or Venice. Great local guides give that personal touch to the history of these towns.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had too many wow moments to pick one. Many scenic vistas; mosaics and frescos in ancient churches; walking along the sea on the west coast and Lake Orta were just a few. "

M Louise

Tour: 04/15/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a fabulous time, engaging in experiences that we wouldn't have known to seek out. The balance of group activity and independent exploration was appreciated.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It's hard to single out one moment from so many great experiences. Every night, we said, 'well, that just can't be topped.' And, in fact, the next day it was. "

Carolyn

Tour: 04/15/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a great tour from beginning to end. Our group was terrific, everyone got along and was very careful of the feelings of others. No grouches, very pleasant. I had done this tour before and was anxious to repeat it. The food was delicious and the wine flowed. All of our hosts were delightful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"This time it was Montafalco! I love the place we stayed and the owners!"

Ray

Tour: 04/15/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was outstanding. Our guide Triena was the best!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lake Orta was a total surprise!"

Darlene

Tour: 04/15/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first RS tour and we are planning a second for next year, I think that says it all.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many WOW's to pick a favorite."

Susan

Tour: 10/08/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved Tour guide Nina, she was so informative and full of information! Also loved the “Villages” angle of the tour and not going to places like Rome!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"“Pinky”-awesome man in our group Really it was the amazing local guides that were so into their area and it totally came through! One could almost feel the heart and soul when they communicated with the group "

Juanita

Tour: 10/08/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful! The reality was better than expectations considering the Covid restrictions. Our group and Nina, our guide, were cohesive. Everyone moved in sync and took care of each other.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite "wow" moment was the spontaneous vacation from the vacation. My husband, Dan and I enjoyed the Tuscan hillside and pool with Annette and Jim."

Steven

Tour: 10/08/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful mix of experiences, historical context, overall comfort with tour group participants, leading guide and local expert guides. Accomodations, meals, and structured and unstructured time allowed for a unique travel adventure.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many unexpected surprises. Giotto paintings and Ravenna mosaics were memorable, but exposure to family vineyards, truffle hunting, and Tuscan cooking were experiences that would have been difficult to match on our own."

Deborah

Tour: 10/08/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Terrific tour of small town Italy, beautiful countryside, wonderful people

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many! One that stands out was the view from our hotel onto the gorgeous Tuscan hills."

James

Tour: 10/08/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Cinqe Terre region.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Many wow moments from meeting and making new friends. "

Annette

Tour: 10/08/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour has been on my wishlist for years. Like that it focused on smaller cities and villages. The first few days are heavy with cathedrals and such. Etruscan museum in Chianciano was fascinating. Enjoyed staying in the countryside. Also enjoyed Lucca and Levanto. Cinque Terre, especially Corniglia, was a favorite. Spent a couple of extra nights in Orta San Giulio, and really enjoyed our time there. Nina was the perfect guide, professional, courteous, informative, and had great stories!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"PINKY!!! (Rick will have to ask Nina for the explanation) Meeting and getting to know fellow open-minded travelers is such an important piece of successful group travel, and this group didn’t disappoint, so the group itself gets my first “wow”. Second “wow” was the surprisingly beautiful and extensive seafood meal prepared by our hosts in Levanto. Etruscan jewelry from 500 BC - wow! Seeing Isola San Giulio from our balcony room - wow! "

Sue

Tour: 10/08/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

You were able to take us to places I would have never have discovered. Your preparation and knowledge of all the places we went to was excellent. Dinners, hotels, towns and events were all fabulous. You were able to meet everyone’s needs in this diverse group of travelers. Thank you for making this a trip of a lifetime for Sue and I.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many to choose from. I really enjoyed the tour of Siena with Ana"

Scott

Tour: 10/03/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Amazing

Griffin

Tour: 10/03/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very well curated, planned and organized

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The view of Orvieto from the winery we were touring "

Beth Anne

Tour: 10/03/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My wow moments were always around a corner...the view from a villa, looking out over a valley, or gazing at a mosaic ceiling."

Erin

Tour: 10/03/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Soo much fun! great tour and great guide!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The 5 course dinner at the truffle hunt, the personal concert in Orvieto and the Joy of the faces of my friends that joined us on the tour"

Brent

Tour: 10/03/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our 2nd RS tour. It was fabulous. The accommodations, the food, the bus, the guide, the driver, and the tour group was perfetto!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Chianti hotel was the most beautiful place I've ever seen. It was the reality of my imagination about Italy."

Lianne

Tour: 10/01/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I loved the choice of hotels, the food, the guides and the organization of the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many wow moments but I would say the seafood feast that was served when we were in Levanto was excellent!"

Julie

Tour: 10/01/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved this trip so much! Most of our destinations (with the exception of Cinque Terre) were uncrowded and a dream. The itinerary was flexible enough to allow us a few unscheduled stops and our guide was conscious of not wearing us out. I learned so much about Italy and its culture and regions. The logistics were thoughtfully planned and flawlessly executed.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Recognizing the start of the Torre neighborhood in Siena by finding an elephant sculpture and elephant tiles dating back to the 1600's on a building in a little plaza. I'd love to go back to Siena to find all the neighborhoods."

John

Tour: 10/01/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very strenuous! Stronger now than when I started. Unbelievably good guide. Felt like I had a master class in all things Italian! The towns and villages were much more beautiful than I had imagined; also much bigger than I thought! Some of the places we visited had populations over 100k.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The resort hotel near Sienna and Lake Orta"

Mary

Tour: 09/26/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This is a truly special tour - an excellent itinerary and pace, fascinating destinations and experiences, a great group of people - all held together by our exceptional guide Trina and our skillful driver Sergio. Trina provided mini-lessons on history, art, and culture that prepared us for each day and set the tone with her friendly, positive attitude.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I just can't say because there were so many. The "wows" ranged from the Scrovegni Chapel and Ravenna mosaics to the cooking talk and lesson and the views of the countryside. Because the pace of the itinerary was a nice balance of group and independent time, I particularly enjoyed some places and meals discovered during our free time."

Darlene

Tour: 09/26/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Paula of Sienna tour"

Lloyd

Tour: 09/26/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour exceeded my expectations. Many of the unexpected stops, I enjoyed those more than things I was planning on being the highlight of the trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many wow moments in this tour. However I would have to say originally when we got there and we saw Giotto's frescoes that was something that was very amazing."

Lisa

Tour: 09/26/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour guide and bus driver were both wonderful, as were the local guides. I particularly enjoyed the smaller crowds and smaller towns. Our guide took us to several unexpected places - the Florence American Cemetery, the Painted Egg Museum in a very small hill town, to the Owl contrada museum in Siena.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were several - the Scrovegni Chapel, the view and peace from our Tuscan agriturismo, the boat ride along the Cinque Terre, and so on!"

Donald

Tour: 09/24/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Great as usual HOWEVER, I would prefer 3 nights at MOST stops (maybe 75% of them), visiting fewer towns but more time in the towns/places we do stop at, less bus time (see A), the group was large (25, I think)which was large-ish but the people were great to be with. (A) we drove 30 minutes past Assisi to stay in Montefalco then drove back to visit Assisi the next day. Even though I liked Montefalco I would prefer to stay closer or actually in Assisi.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many good/great moments to pick one. I liked; Orvieto, Sienna, Civita, Lucca and Levante. "

Ingrid

Tour: 09/24/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was everything I'd been looking forward to from the description. Our days were full of interesting, varied and well-organized activities. We had many wonderful group dinners, excursions, lectures and opportunities to explore each place on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved staying at Villa Pambufetti, with the wonderful vista from its dining room, the beautiful grounds, scrumptious breakfasts, comfy rooms and walking up the steep hill into ancient hilltown Montefalco. "

Sherrie

Tour: 09/24/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was our first but it won't be our last!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"How on time everyone stayed..thanks to the guide!"

Daniel

Tour: 09/24/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Sights visited were great, but I felt rushed throughout the tour.

Sherry

Tour: 09/24/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was a beautiful and action packed experience. We saw so many sights that we would not have on our own. Food was amazing and the people were wonder

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Gosh, there were many. The cathedrals, the art, the best we’re the little villages on the hills. "

Carol

Tour: 09/19/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first Rick Steves Tour. Throughout the tour I asked myself if I would take another one but once I was home I decided, "Yes" I would. Transportation, fellow tour members, tour guides, experiences, and cost made it all outstanding. I visited places I would have never thought to visit if I had traveled on my own! Everyone got along great, our assistant tour guide stepped up when our main guide got Covid and we had enough time on our own to appreciate the moments we were all together!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved when we visited the working marble quarry in Carrara! We gained a better understanding of what it took to mine the marble slabs that are used to create magnificent architecture and art! I will never look at marble floors in the same way again without thinking about the many lives lost to beautify so many structures!"

Sharon

Tour: 09/19/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall, Small Villages Italy is a wonderful itinerary. There are some very special local experiences and outstanding local guides.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Because Covid had the potential to overshadow our tour, the "wow" for me was having a so-called "apprentice guide" who had to step in and take over. She did an amazing job and turned out to be very experienced, knowledgeable and fun guide."

Kathleen

Tour: 09/19/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My first tour of this type. Everything was top notch, very thoughtfully planned, great local guides. I disliked moving every 2 nights, but next time I will pack very lightly to avoid the cramming in of souvenirs, etc.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hoo-boy, tough question. I said "wow" many times, over food, sights from the hotels, art in the churches, and architecture. If I had to choose one, it would have to be two- seeing the beautiful bond between Mira the truffle hunting dog and her human, Bruno, and seeing the Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna. "

Barbara

Tour: 09/19/22

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Saw a lot, did a lot, learned a lot. Didn't get a feeling for "the villages of Italy as much as historical villages. I wanted to get a better feel for the daily life of Italians and that was missed. Having breakfast croissants and cappachino outside of the Cafe with seniors watching the workers head to work gave us that feeling. But it was in Venice, before the tour started. More time at overnight stays, 3 or 4 nights rather than every 2, would be less hectic.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"In Belvedere Hotel in Tuscany, sitting outside overlooking the hills, cedar trees and beautiful landscaping having a Lemoncella spritz. Everything I envisioned Tuscany to be. "

Gary

Tour: 09/19/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Up to the visit to the Carrara quarries, the trip was excellent. After Ben's departure, things worked well because the local guides were excellent. Once we left the local guides, there was a significant shift in how things worked. I felt more like a tourist than a traveler. The Tour Guide did not trust us to navigate our own way. She led in a way that created problems for others: she had us gather in areas that obstructed other people from exiting the area or trying to gain entry.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the frescos in Padua that presaged Renaissance art. "

Beth

Tour: 09/19/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our tour guides were tremendous! Ben and Rebecca were personable and showed great flexibility with our uninvited guest--Mr. COVID. Both our guides and the city guides were excellent. This tour provided a variety of experiences.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We loved the Basilica in Ravenna with the incredible mosaic interior. Watching the truffle hunting dog and the truffle dinner that followed were favorites! The wine tasting near Orvieto was the best wine tasting experience we have ever had. The pottery-making demonstration in Deruta was amazing as was the alabaster craftsman! Additionally, the tour guide at the Etruscan Museum was excellent. We learned so much! Last but not least the Carrara marble quarry was also a great experience."

Judy

Tour: 09/17/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was excellent . Anna was an amazing guide . Professional, knowledgeable and entertaining in her delivery of information . Sadly a number of people tested positive for Covid during the first week of the tour and had to leave …a difficult situation Anna handled very well .

Favorite "WOW" moment

" All of the tour was really well designed . I particularly loved time spent in Tuscany ..Siena, and Lucca "

Evelyn

Tour: 09/17/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Amazing tour exceeding my expectations! Only reason I did not choose "outstanding" is we unfortunately had a Covid outbreak amongst our group affecting over half of the members. Having to test everyday fearing who might be the next to leave the tour did cause some stress. I was fortunate to make it to the end. Our guide Anna was absolutely wonderful - energetic, knowledgeable, fun and extremely supportive! A definite asset to this tour! And Pierangelo - best driver one could ask for!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"This is an impossible question for me to answer as there were so many. In my opinion every village had a "Wow" moment and uniqueness to it. The itinerary was also excellent in allowing adequate free time to explore on our own. Loved it!"

Lynn

Tour: 09/17/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We had a very short version of the tour because we contracted COVID. During the four days, we had a remarkable visit. Anna is a first-rate guide and all of the activities we enjoyed were fabulous.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"When you are wowed every hour, it's difficult to select a single wow. Learning about Giotto might have been this tour's pivotal moment as it seemed that the Scrovegni Chapel opened the doors to our art education for this tour!"

Steven

Tour: 09/17/22

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

The 42% of the trip we saw was enjoyable. The tour guide was great and as usual the people on the tour were nice as expected of a Rick Steve's tour. Unfortunately our trip was cut short at the end of day 6 due to COVID being the 7th & 8th persons to leave the tour. By the next morning a total of 10 people out of 24 left.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The 2nd town stay in Montefalco was very nice with great hosts and beautiful views."

Dennis

Tour: 09/17/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

A fine tour overall, but sadly cut short due to Covid

Favorite "WOW" moment

"All parts of seeing Padova"

Monica

Tour: 09/12/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

In the Village Italy Tour we felt like we were in the true heart of Italy, and teach day was a new and exciting discovery. The pace of tour activities and time on our own was perfect. The tour guide was lively, entertaining, informative and helped each of us individually to achieve our goals of activities to pursue. I can easily say this was a trip of a lifetime. We came home exhausted and full of excitement, and that is exactly what we wanted.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The trip was simply a series of "Wow!" moments: seeing Giotto's frescoes in the Scrovengi Chapel and at Assisi; the incredible views of the Umbrian and Tuscan countryside from the hilltop villages; attempting to speak Italian to a waiter in Orvieto who got so excited that he gave us dessert for free; the unbelievable blue of the Ligurian Sea from the Cinque Terra; being too tired to take another step but the excitement of discovery that kept us going; our delightful guide and fellow travelers."

Dave

Tour: 09/12/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first Rick Steves Tour. Our tour guide, Patricia was incredible. Words can’t describe Patricia’s positive attitude, sense of humor and dedication to our group. Shoutout to our amazing bus driver Giovanni. Not knowing much about Rick Steves Tour, the most impressive aspect of our journeys was not just the incredible historical sites we visited , but the hands on interactive experiences we participated in.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being in the construction industry, seeing some of the most beautiful arenas/ colosseums , cathedrals and protected historical cities was breathtaking. But , a special heart warming setting was The Hotel Belvedere di San Leonino. "

Timothy

Tour: 09/12/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Superb guide and wonderful people on the tour made this a great experience. Most of the tour stops were great. The food was not as good as we have experienced in the past with RS and on our own in Italy, and most of the hotels were mediocre. One exception was the stay at a Tuscan villa - that was wonderful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Staying in the Tuscan countryside amongst the vinyard."

Kathryn

Tour: 09/12/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The towns, sites, tours, tour director, bus driver and the tour group was wonderful. We could sit back on the bus and just enjoy the scenery. Someone else had booked the hotels, the guides and made the reservations. After doing this for ourselves for years, it is a joy to appreciate someone else's project management skills.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"How do you chose? There were so many. I think seeing the cinque terre towns from the boats, which was something I never expected to experience."

Kurt

Tour: 09/12/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

There were only 21 people in our group and we all got to know each other well. The weather cooperated with us the whole tour and few obstacles were put before us. The group had several impromptu get together s and really had a good time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Favorite WOW moment? There were several. A truffle hunt and amazing dinner outside of Montefalco. Orvieto and the wine pairing at Villa Felici was amazing. The Etruscan museum at Chianciano Terme was great and the local guide along with being very funny was also very knowledgeable. Probably the biggest wow moment for the entire group came at Castellina in Chianti. We all fell in love with the views out over the beautiful pool."

Juline

Tour: 09/12/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I have to admit I was a bit nervous traveling with strangers in this small setting, but I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people. They became friends in a short amount of time. I think our Rick Steve’s Tour Guide, Patricia, was the one responsible for this cohesiveness. Patricia informed us of group expectations and yet she went above and beyond to help individuals whenever needed.This tour company offered us unique experiences we would not have been able to find or do on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many, but here are a few of my favorites; the farm-to-table dinner was exquisite and the view unbelievable; pottery making and painting demonstrations; hands-on Tuscan cooking lesson and eating our creations; Etruscan Museum; Hotel Belvedere di San Leonino and its location was right out of the movies; all the hill towns, Lucca and it’s wall in the early morning before sunrise and again at night lite up; Carrara’s snow-white marble quarries; hiking cliffside paths in Cinque Terre. "

Kaye

Tour: 09/12/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our 4th RS tour. Our tour guide, Patricia, was incredible. She was accessible during the whole trip - helping to coordinate activities during our “free” time, answering questions and making sure we were getting as much out of the trip as possible. She sets a high bar for the rest of your tour guides.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Civitas was beautiful and a good workout! The cooking lesson and enjoying the fruits of our labor is also a wonderful memory."

Irwin

Tour: 09/12/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The trip was well planned and organized. The guide, Patricia Fannon Avolio, was excellent. She was actively involved with ensuring that the needs of the participants were met. She was engaged in every aspect of the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Villa Pambuffetti"

Claire

Tour: 09/12/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Patricia was a wonderful guide; reminding people to mask up on the bus and public transportation etc. really enjoyed the small towns. Hotel selection was meh with a few notable selections.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Learning about making of ceramic plates and all the hours needed. "

Terry

Tour: 09/12/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Beautiful memories of the Italian landscape, educational explanations of the centuries of art, architecture, and food, and hands-on experiences of the villages. Our group was terrific and our guide was full of energy and always smiling.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Carrera marble mountains with the “snow” covered roads. Just majestic!"

Paula

Tour: 09/10/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My first RS tour and I saw so much more than if I had done it on my own. Great guides, companionship from fellow travelers and time to explore on my own. Each day was filled with experiences and expert advice from our tour leader who kept us organized and moving through a complex itinerary

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing a concert of works by Puccini and Mozart at San Giovanni Church in Lucca. Absolutely breathtaking."

Mary

Tour: 09/10/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Such a great balance of structured activities and time on our own. Our tour guide was charming, kind and cared about each member of the group. We had experiences that we would not have been able to plan on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The last place we visited (Lake Orta). The hotel was beautiful, lots of nature and great food. The celebration dinner was very special. "

Richard

Tour: 09/10/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide Deborah was absolutely a delight. She was so informative and so much fun. She took care of everything so the tour and all events went so smoothly. All the little things she did made the tour so much fun. Our group really responded to her and it was a joy to be around everyone.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Etruscan museum with Roberto as our local guide."

Celestia

Tour: 09/10/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide, Deborah, was amazing! She was so knowledgeable and added a personal touch to the tour.All of the people on our tour were friendly and easy going. We were able to develop a special friendship with a couple that we keep in close contact with.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being in Siena and learning about the contradas and the horse race."

Elaine

Tour: 09/10/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I enjoyed going to the small villages, but also liked seeing Padua, Luca and Sienna. I had been to Sienna and Luca before, but got to know about them in more depth.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being able to go into the Contrata rooms in Sienna. Also the Etruscan museum."

Michael

Tour: 09/10/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The hotels were way over the top for a long time RS tour goer. Deborah was exceptional as our guide. She may have been the most prepared guide we have ever had on a Rs tour. everything was thought out as well as planed for us, almost too much. As usual the local guides were great as well as the experiences were well thought out.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For me as a science teacher, the visit to the university in Padova was like going to the Ephisis of science. To be in the same room as Galileo and Copernicus was my highlight."

James

Tour: 09/10/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was great. Deborah was a wonderful guide. The pace was a bit exhausting at times and I was disappointed that we stayed in Levanto vs. the Cinque Terra.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Meeting with the Contrada in Sienna. It brought the town alive."

Patricia

Tour: 09/10/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great guiding, itinerary, and pace. I've been on a number of Rick Steves tours and travelled Italy on my own by train, and in particular on this trip I enjoyed the 2-night stays, ample free time, and opportunity to for places and experiences not easily reached by train or worked in otherwise, Volterra and Montefalco.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Scrovegni Chapel in Padua. Actually Padua itself was a revelation -- designated a "City of Art" by UNESCO, it was really enjoyable to visit for its frescos, piazzas, arcade sidewalks, apertivo vibe, and restaurants. "

Kathleen

Tour: 09/05/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fantastico! We loved our guide, Cristina Maria Pernechele. She made the tour so informative, historical, decisions and the trip of a lifetime. Our driver, Marco was wonderful as well. He was professional, safe and became our friend by the end of the trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The view from Hotel Belvedere de San Leonine in Castellina in Chianti. The Truffle Hunt Dinner in Montefalco at San Pietro a Petrine. The view from Villa Pambuffetti in Montefalco. The wine tasting, view, food and relaxation at Tenuta Le Vedette in Orvieto. All of the food in Italy. The churches."

Wade

Tour: 09/05/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I liked our group, everyone was happy, and seemed open to engage in whatever. we saw some things that most tours don't do. The American WWII cemetery was an unexpectedly poignant experience and the sausage making lesson was a hoot.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I was really impressed with the exhibit of the actual human dissection theater used by early anatomist to train doctors in the early renaissance "

When To Go & Weather

Any time between April and October is a good time to take a Village Italy tour. However, the months of April, May, September, and October are best for offering good weather, lighter crowds, and the full range of tourist fun.

Italy / Milan


Italy / Venice

Venice Weather


Italy / Florence

Florence Weather

Hotels & Flights

Tour Hotels

In case you wish to book pre- or post-tour hotel accommodations, the contact information for the tour's first and last hotels is included in your tour confirmation email as well as in the Itinerary section of your tour account. One month prior to the tour departure, you'll find the directions to your first tour hotel and a complete list of hotels where we'll be staying while on tour in the Documents section of your tour account.

Flights

Our tours don't include airfare, so your flight arrangements and transfers are completely up to you.

Most tour members arrange to fly into Venice (VCE) and out of Milan (MXP) — choose "multicity" on flight-booking websites. Booking round-trip to one city will require a connecting flight, train trip, or additional overnight stay in Italy.

If you're leaving out of Milan's Malpensa airport on the last day of the tour, it's best to book your flight for no earlier than 10 a.m. Taxis make the 45-minute trip from Orta to Malpensa for around €95 for up to four people. Bus or train options may be available, but there is no direct route from Orta to Malpensa. Please note: Orta is closer to Malpensa than Milan, so there is no need to go through Milan on your way to the airport.

We suggest arriving a day or two before your tour begins to allow ample time to get over jet lag and be well-rested for the first few days of your tour. For more information about transportation options for getting to and from your tour, see your Rick Steves Italy guidebook.