Village Italy in 14 Days Tour

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Inaddition to the stated itinerary, little extras were added on. Loved the daily pace.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The cooking lesson - so much more than pasta. And the chef was both funny and informative."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Stellar tour led by Patricia who was so knowledgeable, upbeat, unflappable, kind, considerate, energetic, and fun to be with. Every place we visited was so interesting and enjoyable. The local guides were wonderful and so knowledgeable and passionate about their towns. I appreciated the hotel locations, so close to the core of each town.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to keep it down to one! The ceramics artists in Deruta, the churches with their elaborate interiors, the ferry ride along the Cinque Terre, staying in Levanto and Lake Orta!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steve's tour and our first land tour. We have used Rick's books for planning our trips for over 30 years and knew that we like his philosophy about travel and the types of places he recommends for sleeping and eating. The small group is the way to go. And we had the best group of traveling companions imaginable - everyone mixed and got along great. We firmly believe the RS way is the best way to get an indepth view of the non-touristy sites in Europe. What's next???

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There was no single WOW moment - the entire tour was WOW!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Enjoyed the smaller towns without the hectic stress of big cities. Also liked the group size as we were able to get to know everyone.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Loved the boat ride along the Cinque Terre. We were able to relax and see it in all its glory!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful. Guide we loved. Friendly fellow travelers. No political conversations - such a refreshing pause given our current situation in the US

Favorite "WOW" moment

"In Sienna, walking around a corner and coming upon two young men practicing throwing the flags for the upcoming pallio. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Another outstanding guide and driver, and the local guides were very good. The group was very good and got along well.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Not a single "wow" moment, but many special moments: slow food cooking class, truffle hunting, visiting the wine cellar, the villa where we stayed at Montefalco, ..."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Andrea made this tour of Villages of Italy incredible!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many! Wine tasting, olive oil tasting and the ceramic shop"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything was excellent. The tour is very well staged and every guide was very good. Our main guide Andrea was outstanding. This eas our first RS tour and we ate already booking another

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I can't say enough good things about our guide. We learned a lot but in a way that was easy to digest and actually remember. We did a pre and post tour with other guides and they fell way short of the guides on the RS tour. We really enjoyed our RS tour. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Have done over 25 other company tours but none have equaled this one. The group became fast friends after several days like they were hand picked! The leader Andrea was the glue that make it all happen.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Every day when we finished a great breakfast and headed out for the day with Andrea and the great bus driver, Dominic (who did magic with getting his bus around some of the great paths we took!) Every new scene we saw was a "wow" moment for me."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide Cristina as well as our 24 wonderful travel partners made this Rick Steves trip one of our favorites. From sites to food, from accommodations to knowledge and history shared - all were top notch.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Every day provided “wow” moments. Certainly the unexpected, such as the time at the French American National Cemetery was powerful. The truffle-hunting dog demonstration was a most enjoyable first. Any time with our guide was special. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Cristina is an amazing tour guide, friend, and teacher.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Loved it all!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My experience gave me an understanding and appreciation of life in Italy over the past 2,000 years. I went there to see the sights in the villages, but i left there with not only a visual memory of what I saw but an understanding of the very essence of life in that part of the world. Rick’s guides together with the environment that he creates facilitates a situation where you learn and expand your knowledge.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My wow moment involved the efforts that our guide (Christina) was prepared to go to arrange our personal transport away from the tour after its completion. This seemed to me to be something that was above and beyond what we expected to have done for us."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was absolutely amazing! We saw so many things and places we'd probably never have thought to visit. Cristina is an incredible tour guide. She is so knowledgeable, thoughtful, kind, and most of all - FUN! Her historical knowledge is so impressive and I loved that she took the time on the bus to share history of towns and sites we were on the way to visit. It was great we (guests) all bonded and had a fun time together.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"You're making me just pick one?! Everything was so much fun and amazing. My wow moment that was truly unexpected was the impromptu concert Cristina arranged with Gabriele & Martina at our hotel in Orvieto. It was a wonderful surprise and a nice compliment to how much fun we were already having. They are so talented!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Both of our guides were great and taught us a lot about Italy. Thank you to Tina and Nina for their dedication and hard work. Italy is fabulous but the thing that has changed me the most is the people. Our guides, tour members and the Italians themselves taught me so much about the goodness of people. This was our best tour yet in this regard. Each spot that we visited had it's own history, flavor and charm.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I'm sorry to say that I can't be specific on this one. Every day there was a wow moment."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour! Trina did an excellent job until late in the tour when her mother passed. Nina did a great job jumping in for the last few days.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lucca was a favorite. A place I would like to return to. Many highlights."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was exactly what I wanted. Beautiful art, architecture, food and wine, but not in overwhelming city bustle. I really enjoyed the lovely countryside accommodation, and a chance to connect with village life. The provided meals were exceptionally delicious.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Cinque Terre was on my bucket list. But the best way to see it in its glory was on the passenger ferry that took us from Porto Venere to Monterosso. Seeing the colorful villages sprawling up from the sea, while enjoying the boat ride will be one of my favorite memories from this tour. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"finding that our hotel in Levanto was a short walk from a beautiful beach!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fabulous experience! Our first RS tour and we will definitely be planning a repeat. Patricia our guide was beyond perfect-great personality, highly knowledgeable, always volunteered to help with any reservations and suggestions.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Tough call - the villa and village of Montefalco were magical but our Orvieto dinner is my wow moment. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

All the Rick Steves tours I have been on have been excellent, and this one is no exception. My favorite part is making new friends and enjoying all the experiences with them. My favorite was Montefalco, especially the beautiful hotel and charming hosts.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My “wow” moment was our outstanding guide, Patricia. She is a jewel, so knowledgeable, so much fun and helpful in every way! She is unforgettable!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our Village Italy tour was top notch tour in all respects! Since this tour purposely skips all the big cities in Italy, it was all about the small moments. We were delighted to experience a wealth of moments that were special, memorable, fun, enlightening... and frequently delicious! Those moments have now become cherished memories, and we look forward to our next RSE tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The top WOW moment visually for me was the first view of La Civita di Bagnoregio. Nothing like it anywhere I've been (so far)! Tied for second would be the Giotto frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel in Padova, the panoramic views from the wall in Pienza, and sunrise over Lago di Orta from our hotel balcony. However, my favorite moment was the more subtle "wow" of the Belvedere hotel in the Chianti countryside -- gorgeous views in all directions and lovely smaller treasures around the grounds. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful guide (Patricia) led to an almost perfect experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many from which to choose. Mausoleum of Galla Placidia"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We became a "merry band of travelers," thanks to Patricia, adding much richness to the wonderful Villages of Italy tour itinerary. Since home, we've reminisced with amazement about the diversity of the activites we enjoyed on this trip. We expected fabulous food and grand churches, and those did not disappoint. But add to those visits to a pottery workshop, Etruscan museum, a marble quarry, an alabaster workshop, a truffle hunting expedition, boat tours, a beach, a rails-to-trails hike, and more

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It's tough to choose because there were so many. One that certainly comes to mind is descending into the cellar of Cecilia's house in Villa Felici. To see the wine bottles that are only God knows how old, and considering that the Etruscans also made and stored wine in this very spot was indeed a WOW moment."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent ....the tour guide Patricia was outstanding

Favorite "WOW" moment

"the villa in Tuscany"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We went to places and had experiences we could never had have on our own. The accommodations were always excellent. The local guides were interesting, but the best part of the trip was our guide Patricia. She was always upbeat, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. She helped us with our post tour travel arrangements and made sure we got off on our train on time. We couldn't say enough about how she made the trip such a great experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It's hard to pick out one moment on the trip that was better than all the rest, but one standout would have to be our visit to the Scrovegni Chapel. Aside from the beauty of the frescoes, our local guide explained why they were significant in the development of European art. That gave us an insight into the rest of the frescoes, murals and paintings we saw on the tour."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Villages of Italy tour was so much fun. The activities and destinations were so enjoyable and I’m pretty sure they were not anything my husband and I would have discovered on our own. The food was amazing—not a bad meal that I remember— and the other group members were interesting and enjoyable. Best of all was our tour guide, Patricia, who was organized, knowledgeable, hilarious and always helpful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is impossible to choose just one. I loved the awe-inspiring visit to the Scrovegni Cathedral in Padua on Easter Sunday, as well as the time we spent in Assisi in the beautiful basilica there. I especially loved the pottery-making demonstration in Deruta—the skill and artistry that we observed was riveting; I could have happily spent the day there. We went to a beautiful winery which we explored before an awesome wine tasting. I have left out the truffle-hunting dogs and truffle dinner and …"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my third Rick Steves tour, and although I thoroughly enjoyed the previous two, the Italy Villages tour is by far my favorite tour thus far. Without question, our guide Patricia made this trip a pleasure. Her knowledge of Italian culture, art, and history are incredible! I would love to take another tour with Patricia as my guide!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I have so many wow moments that it is virtually impossible to limit myself to one particular event/site. However, if I had to pick one, I would choose our visit to the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. The Byzantine frescoes are exquisitely beautiful!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The itinerary, the food, the sights, learning the history, meeting people on the tour, our amazing tour guide and the amazing local tour guides exceeded our expectations. This was our second Rick Steves tour and because of how much we loved the first tour, our expectaions were very high. So imagine our surprise and pleasure at having or expectations exceeded in such meaningful way. Already thinking about what will be our next Rick Steves tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Impossible for me to pinpoint my favorite "wow" moment. The beauty and power of sights such as the Scrovegni Chapel, tunnels in Montefalco, the basilica in Assisi, learning Etruscan history, visiting a marble mine. I could go on and on. After being home a few days, one thing I marvel at is how a group of 24 travelers got along so well on a 14 day tour. It was a pleasure to have met and traveled with the group and enjoy what the small villages of Italy had to offer. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It Was Great! Our main tour guide Patricia was terrific! And the additional local guides were so well informed. This was my 1st RS tour and I look forward to more.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The stop at Hotel Belvedere di San Leonino in Chianti along with the fabulous dinner was my favorite. But everything had a "wow" to it"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great guide, well organized, decent pace, varied and mostly interesting places of interest. Wonderful group of fellow travelers.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cinque terra"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was a great group of people and we had a great guide in Nina. Nina was outstanding in her knowledge and passion about sharing all things Italian. In addition, she came across a very caring person who went beyond her call of duty to make our trip a wonderful experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My wow moments were visting 7 UNESCO world hertiage site plus eating a gourmet pizza in Padua."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

what a magical travel experience! the itinerary was thoughtfully planned with a great pace, enough flexibility, loads of education, and such a fantastic mix of art, history, landscape, culture, and food. nina is such an adept, knowledgable, funny and caring human being who brought her best to this tour, setting quite the bar for guided travel. thank you, nina!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"ha! can i say the entire tour? "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful experience that took me to a new adventure every day

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The food and wine. I was blown away when I realized the foods and wine were all fresh and regional. Italy treated us well."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our 17th RS tour and we love it.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Many wow moments. Definitely La Toscana area is my favorite. The hike in Cinque Terre was a blast again. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Well organized "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had heard nothing but praise for Rick Steves tours and this tour lived up to that. Our guide Ella was easy to approach, very knowledgeable of the area of Italy we toured, a lot of fun to be with, and fully prepared to take very good care of our group. I realize our group was exceptionally small - 15 travelers - and I absolutely loved how small the group was.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For me, a “wow” is something totally unexpected that just touches my heart. Seeing the work of Emilio Greco in Orvieto that honors Pope John XXIII was just absolutely stunning. I knew of the work on the doors of the Cathedral in Orvieto but the work that inspired the story image on the doors in the Greco museum helped me remember the gentle Pope who opened the windows of the Church and let the Spirit in just riveted me to stay with it for a long time to allow it to sink in. Thanks You!!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well led by a knowledgeable guides. Well organized with reasonable pace.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The power of the waves on the walk from Levanto to Buonasola."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Trina’s accomplishments throughout are proof that the tour guide makes the tour! She anticipated our needs and prepped us accordingly, expertly handled concerns and questions that arose, and overall did everything in her power (and more) to ensure that the group had a great experience. The activities struck the right balance of archeology, cuisine, culture, and history, while leaving free time to explore on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The tour itself was a series of “ahs,” but the hospitality extended by the owners and staff at our hotels and restaurants earns a big “wow.”"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

tour was well managed. the bus driver was superb as was the guide. All of the local guides were well informed and delivered their information in a clear an concise manner. we saw a lot without feeling as though we were racing form one place an activity to another.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lucca and tha Riviera"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a very enjoyable tour with a great mix of experiences.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many wow moments, the churches in Padua, Orvieto, Assisi and the mosaics in Ravenna"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Met lots of great people, ate lots of delicious food, saw wonderful paintings and architecture. This is our second Rick Steves tour and it did not disappoint. It was exactly what we thought it would be...an intimate travel experience with small town Italian villages.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our visit to the olive oil farm with spectacular farm to table lunch."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This was our first-ever Rick Steve's tour, AND our first-ever multi-day group bus tour. Overall we enjoyed the tour very much: Our tour leader, Christina, was exceptional, as were many of the local tour guides. The Italian Villages were amazing, and I would rate the accommodations and included meals from decent to truly fantastic in several cases. For me personally, the pace of the tour was at times a bit rushed, but I suspect this is a feature of many if not most guided bus tours.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Orvieto and the Chinqua Terre were breathtaking. But the story we will tell most might be the above-and-beyond assistance we got from our tour guide Christina. My wife was struggling with a chest cold, and Christina took a full hour (her lunch break, we think) during a very busy village tour to help us find a local doctor, stay with us to translate during the exam, and then went with us to the pharmacy to fill the Rx. We cannot thank Christina enough for that assistance."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Having already taken the Best of Rome and the Best of Sicily tours and visited parts of Puglia on my own, I wanted to explore more of Italy north of Rome, avoiding the big cities, exploring more of the smaller towns. Village Italy fulfilled this wish perfectly. The tour was well-organized. Our guide, Cristina, was wonderful; the local guides were all lively, engaging, and highly informative. Hotels and food good to excellent. The scenery gorgeous. Be prepared for lots of steps and steep climbs.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The scenery to and from villages is gorgeous, exactly what people think of when they think of Italy. Montefalco, Orvieto, and Volterra with their ancient origins and Etruscan artifacts were my favorites. The views from the tops of these towns, especially in the fog, were ethereal and breathtaking. I loved the cooking class, wine tastings. I loved interacting with Italians, who respond so warmly and engagingly if you speak some Italian to them. This was very special; it made my experience richer."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Christina was the best tour guide. We saw and did a lot, and learned a lot from her. She also helped group members connect with each other.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A surprise concert featuring a local duo"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide was a Paduan local named Cristina. She was AMAZING! She had tons of energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge. She taught us basic Italian polite terms and pleasantries, and on each bus trip led us through wonderful Italian history lessons from B.C. up to the current times. We ended the tour with a good grasp of Italian everything! HIGHLY recommend this tour!!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many wows to be detailed. The villas we stayed in, the two wine-tasting lessons, the mushroom hunt, the olive farm, the Italian cooking lesson, the fantastic meals, the pottery, alabaster, and Carrrara marble shops, the education about the Palio, the Catholic churches each unique, the amazing walkable hill towns, the Cinque Terre and ease with which we could go to the ports, and savoring gelato at the best places. This tour was fantastic from start to finish! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our 4th Rick Steves tour and may have been the best. Every destination was well-chosen and terrific. Mid-October is the perfect time to visit Italy (despite some light rain the first day or so). As always, our tour was a collection of hearty travelers made up of interesting people who added enjoyment to what was already a great tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sipping wine on the terrace of the Villa Lecchi Hotel (outside of Sienna) at sunset at the end of a beautiful day. Not to be missed! Every mile of the bus trip through Tuscany. No sleeping, reading, or nose buried in electronic device. Just soaked it all in! It's forever etched in my memory (though the pictures won't hurt)."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Tour was a good mix of touring the countryside & visiting small towns/cities. Group meals were great. Bus transport was comfie with an excellent driver navigating the backroads of Italian countryside. We had rain for part of the tour so no truffle hunt - video overview instead which a let down. Our guide, Cristina provided good background info on Italian culture & history.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting La Petricciaan Agriturismo, where Stefano provided a hands-on cooking class and insights into Italian cuisine. Very fun. AND the ceramic studio - observing the artisans create the ceramics was very interesting. Affirmed appreciation of artisan-created goods. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This is a tour every traveler should experience as you get to see what I call the “ real Italy” outside of the major cities . The people are warm , friendly , and welcoming. Yes , I could rent a car and try to do it on my own but on any RS tour I have been on there are things you couldn’t do on your own . This tour had many . We were a merry band of travelers with David and Etzio the driver making each day glorious .

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Orvieto and it’s beautiful Duomo were a highlight as well as David the guide bringing his hometown to life for us to enjoy and appreciate . The mosaics in Ravenna and the hike from Vernazza to Monterosso in the Cinque Terre are also a wow . Many many on this tour "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Amazing itinerary with our outstanding guide, David. David has certainty set the bar very high! This is Italy off the beaten path and ideal for those who have seen the bigger cities. Lots of ancient hill towns, great food, wine, olive oil and a truffle hunt! The seafood feast was outstanding. We were treated to a little impromptu happy hour concert with David and his fellow “Bartender” trio members. Lots of unexpected pleasures along the way! Only negative was hotel in Padua!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cruise on Ligurian coast viewing the Cinque Terre—magical. Also loved our hands on cooking lesson, truffle hunt and the mind-blowing lasagna at the Olive Oil Farm and A new twist on pesto, and the seafood Feast in Levanto. Levanto was a pleasant surprise. Our hotel, albeit a little need of a facelift—-was only a block from the beach, with lovely staff and they provided us with an amazing seafood-plus spread and a lovely shaded outdoor area to relax. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour met our expectations and more! Extremely enjoyable and informative. We had experiences we never would have gotten if we had done a tour on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many, how do I pick one! Our tour guide, David, created WOW moments in all the places we visited so I have to say him. And our driver, Etsio, made many WOW moments as he successfully maneuvered narrow, twisty roads. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

David is a well informed, generous and enthusiastic guide. All the guides I’ve had have been excellent, but his energy and love for his country shines through. He obviously loves teaching and entertaining. A talented and superior guide!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"That’s difficult since every new place seemed as wonderful as the last. All of the artisan demonstrations were fascinating. All of the views from the mountain cities were breathtaking. All of the food was out of this world!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It couldn't be better (except Italian showers universally are too small). Our guide, David, his assistant Lisa and bus driver Etzio were outstanding and immense fun to be with. The itinerary likewise was excellent, the only problem being not able to spend more time in some locations, which would have stretched the tour to over a month. Hotels ranged from good to magnificent, food was universally great, attractions likewise and we were given enough time to enjoy all.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many: Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, the Galla Placidia in Ravenna, the Orvieto cathedral, the hotel at Lake Orto, wandering through Orvieto (especially the cheese rolling contest), the guide an tour in Siena, and that truffle-hunting dog. And I'm leaving out many more. But above all was the personable, knowledgable, funny and patient guide David, especially the huge and delicious meal he arranged at Mezza Luna and the concert by his band, Bartender, both in his hometown Orvieto."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my 5th Rick Steves tour. Our guide David was exceptional. His knowledge of the area along with the "extras" that he incorporated into the tour added to the overall experience. Group meals were wonderful! A surprise concert during our time in Oviedo and the group cooking lesson all added to this being a different type of travel experience from my previous tours. Also appreciated that David made arrangement to get our luggage transported to the bus on rain days-first class service

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Really enjoyed the pastoral scenery in Tuscany and the smaller towns. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was fun, informative, well balanced, and interesting. All the guides were excellent, especially David, our tour guide. They brought each location to life with the history and cultural insight needed. The balance between group time and free time was just right.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Every day had a "wow" moment or two. The Etruscan museums were definitely at the top."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The famous hill towns of Italy!! Dreamy, quaint, old and hill-y. The food was great, our tour guide, Deborah, was marvelous and knowledgeable, our bus driver, Giovanni, was fun and involved. If you have seen all the “big cities” in Italy, this is a great tour to expand your exploration of this beautiful country.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mmmmm…it was all so wonderful. Maybe the truffle-hunting dog and our outstanding dinner that night after the truffle excursion. Maybe the cathedral-churches-basilicas of the saints in so many of the small towns - Padua, Assisi, Siena. Maybe the winding, narrow streets of Montefalco and Volterra…"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a great trip & saw a lot of amazing places. The tour group was a lot of fun. Our guide was interactive and knowledgeable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite moment on this tour was the group cooking activity at Agriturismo la Pietriccia. We learned a lot about the healthy food used in the region. We all had fun being chefs. The food we had made was delicious. It was a very fun experience!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful Village Italy tour with a fantastic guide, great itinerary and fun travel group. As always the local guides are a definite plus and the special activities like the cooking class, truffle hunting, Carrera marble open air museum, olive oil press, wine tasting and boat rides were the best! The Ravenna mosaics and fabulous frescoes in the chapels and basilicas were beautiful. Wonderful food and Tuscan hillsides of olive trees and grapevines were so memorable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved the tour of the tortoise contrade in Siennna. Visiting their church and the museum was so cool with their proud flags, colors and the wonderful display of clothing, shields, winning banners, etc. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was our first time in Italy and our first tour with you. Overall, the small town Italy experience was a perfect match for how we like to travel. The guides made us feel welcomed, safe and well cared for. They were brilliant in their shared information and enriched the trip beyond expectations. Our group was kind, fun and new friends were made. The variety of locations, meals, and experiences made us wanting more Rick Steves tours!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved the travel back in time, picking up history through the art, symbolism, food and the locals. Was thrilled that Leonardo DiVinci transformed ‘artisan to artist’ through his work and determination."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Best of 6 we have done due to the lead guide Andrea. His passion, knowledge, and special tours made us all more thankful for taking Rick Steves tours. As always an excellent group of very interesting and generous partners.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Andrea’s explaining and teaching about the history and purpose of art work in churches that turned them into libraries at a time when there were no books."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my 2nd Rick Steve's tour. The first one was outstanding. This tour was also outstanding. Andrea was an exceptional tour guide. His knowledge of history, art history, along with the stories of all of the villages we visited, was exceptional. I kept a daily journal on things learned and of highlights and that journal is very full. In additon to a great tour guide, the people on this tour were fun, likeminded an i am grateful to have been on this adventure with them.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"While the whole trip was a "wow" moment, Andrea was my "wow" moment. In my opinion, story telling is unfortunately, becoming a lost art. However, Andrea inspired me with his stories of passion for Italy and the history, the culture, the people, the food, and his overall caring of people. I felt like I was a part of Italy, not just touring through. It's trip I will never forget and will be telling stories about for years. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was very well planned, great lessons on local histories, art and culture. Every tour guide was so interesting, really knew how to share their knowledge in simple terms and often with humor. I truly felt I got way more than the actual price. The guides were filled with love, passion and generosity regarding their fields of expertise

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Learning that the Eutruscan society considered men and women equal."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was one of those tours where you are unable to pick a favorite place because you enjoyed every one. Loved being off the beaten path of the typically visited cities of Italy. As always, Rick placed us right in town, so we were always able to do more exploring ion our own. Words can not express how fantastic our guide Andrea is. So knowledgeable, helpful, warm and kind; he really ampted up our great experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Tough question! So many! I guess it was the first view of the countryside from our hotel in Tuscany. Took your breath away!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Village Italy tour took us to so many villages on the road less traveled. It was like a college class, learning about the rich history, geography, geology, art history, food, wine, and the people of each village we visited.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many wow moments everyday on this tour. Traveling by boat along the Ligurian coast, past the wave-washed harbors and hill-hugging villages of the Cinque Terre was a jaw dropping wow moment for sure with such beauty and stunning views. Another wow moment was when our Tour Director Andrea, treated us to an hour concert at our hotel in Ovieto. Andrea is an acomplished musician. He played the guitar while a local accomplished singer sang. It was fantastic."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It started with the most brilliant, relatable, humorous, kind, appropriately firm, helpful, extraordinary guide with impeccable social boundaries. Andrea went out of his way to ensure our safety as well as our pleasure. If you could clone him for the upcoming tours I booked, I would be thrilled. All of the village guides were very informative. Most of the hotels were very good.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The American female tour guides (Siena, Volterra) who relocated to Italy and carved out impressive, thoughtful, meaningful lives for themselves, while learning the Italian language. They were outstanding, as was the female guide in Carrara. Also the WWII American cemetery tour, which was a surprise, was heartwarming and beautiful."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This has been our best Rick Steves tour. Andrea was a terrific guide and made the trip fantastic.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A couple. The overall experience in Orvieto was terrific. Lake Orta was a surprise, especially the trip to San Giuliano island."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Andrea was an outstanding guide, the best of our 7 RS tours! So knowledgeable, passionate, great educator, fun... a real renaissance man! He added extra points of interest and great meals to an already packed itinerary. The tour group were terrific fellow travelers and Andrea kept everyone engaged and on time! The scenery in Umbria and Tuscany, the picturesque local hotels where we stayed, and the amazing hill top villages with many hundreds of years of history were absolutely stunning.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A surprise visit to the American memorial cemetery near Florence where over 4,000 crosses where the soldiers (averaging only 19 years of age) were buried after dying in the campaign to free Italy at end of WW II. Our guide explained the campaign highlights and his family's experience so it was very educational and moving. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide Andrea was outstanding. His depth of knowledge of art, architecture and history provided us with a wealth of information throughout our journeys.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Each time we entered the small village and were immersed in the Italian way of life. The culture, the pride in craftsmanship, the presentation of the food and the ability to just relax in all the restaurants."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everyday of this tour wowed us as we were able to explore so many villages , many we would have never discovered if it were not for the thoughtful itinerary of this tour. Our guide Andrea’ s pride in his country was so evident and hiis passion for art history brought so many frescoes and art alive fas we visited Duomos and cathedrals along the way. Accommodations were true to the spirit of the tour , helping us to experience family run villas and hotels and being so welcomed by the people .

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved the cooking class on the farm. We learned so much about authentic Italian cooking and created dishes unlike cooking classes we’ve experienced before. The boat ride along the towns of Cinque Terre was so beautiful. Andrea ‘s concert with the beautiful vocalist was an evening we won’t forget. This entire trip was one wow moment after another. I highly recommend ! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was the best trip I’ve ever taken. I enjoyed the different places we visited, the things we learned about Italian culture and history, and our guide was determined to curate a special experience for everyone in our group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting Siena and hearing our local guide share her unique passion for the Palio horse race blew me away. Such a fascinating tradition! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our main tour guide, Patricia, was fantastic! She put us all at ease on day one with her friendly manner, irrepressible sense of humor, and thoughtful insights about the places we visited and the food we ate. She was so knowledgeable and welcomed any and all of our questions and thoughts.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had many "wow" moments while taking in the gorgeous countryside from our bus and the incredibly beautiful art and architecture in the small towns. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We truly enjoyed our tour. Patricia, our tour guide was beyond phenomenal! Her constant attention to detail, kind gestures, patience, wit and knowledge were truly appreciated by all the tour members. The Rick Steves organization is very fortunate to employ a guide of that caliber! Should Rick offer bonuses, she definitely deserves one!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Probably our stay at the Hotel Belvedere in the Tuscany region."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I was looking forward to learning more about Italian history, art, cuisine and wine, but was not expecting the number of amazing experiences that this tour afforded. Every day was filled with so many new experiences. Our tour guide, Cristina, was absolutely incredible. She curated our daily experiences, and always took the time to let us know how to navigate the cities and towns that we visited, as well as point out the important things to see and do.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many "wow"moments. The mosaics in Revenna were outstanding, beyond imagination. The farmhouse that we stayed in in Leonina in Tuscany was picture book perfect. Seeing famous sites like Assisi, Pisa, the Carara marble quarries was amazing. Everywhere we went was really a "wow" moment!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A once in a lifetime experience. We had an absolutely exceptional Rick Steves guide (Cristina-Maria) and a wonderful group of fellow travelers.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the "other side" of Italy, i.e., the smaller towns and villages. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Thoroughly enjoyed the whole tour. Seeing the small towns and countryside of Italy was great. Accommodations were great and our tour guide Cristina was amazing.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Montefalco, Assisi and discovering all the small lanes and cobbled streets away from the main attractions. And of course, all the frescoed ceilings of all the cathedrals and basilicas."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

From start to finish, we enjoyed everything.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"the moasics in Ravenna"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was fun and interesting. We really enjoyed the “extras” that we wouldn’t otherwise have experienced when traveling on our own,.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Ravenna Mosaics and the winery outside of Orvieto. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Cristina was amazing.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Tour of Carrara quarries."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first RS tour, loved the ease of not having to book hotels, transportation, getting tickets, but also loved the free time to wander and explore on my own! We had a wide variety of young, old, couples, honeymooners and singles! Your guides are ALL enthusiastic, funny and they know their stuff! Loved Lucca ,our bus driver! We were rained out for our truffle hunt and boat ride to Cinque Terra, that was a low point.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"WOW moment...hiking to a photo spot to see Vernazza (Cinque Terra) from above!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Great tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Loved Assisi even though it was raining."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I really enjoyed the diversity of experiences and insights into Italian history and culture. The local tour guides were really excellent, and our tour guide put a lot of effort into keeping our tour on track and adapting as we went. It was very gratifying to meet other travelers and share our experience with them.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Tough call, maybe I'll go with the San Vitale Basilica in Ravenna, which really struck an emotional chord with me. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wow! This trip was amazing! Every attention to detail was exceeded, and the places we experienced were beautiful and charming!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Driving through the rolling valleys of Tuscany, dinner at the top of Montefalco, the view of Lake Orta, cooking class in Tuscany"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was wonderful. We had a great tour director. The local guides were excellent. We saw and learned a lot. We especially enjoyed the cooking class, wine tasting, truffle hunting, and learning about olive oil. We had a great group of fellow travelers. The hotels and provided meals were very good.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were a lot of wow moments! We especially liked the basilicas with the wonderful frescoes, mosaics, statues, and architecture. We very much enjoyed learning about the Etruscans at the Estruscan Museum."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

My wife and I are veterans of many Rick Steves tours, and this was our first since COVID. We enjoyed the trip very much, but it was not our best.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our "wow" moment was not a good one. Near the end of the trip we were instructed to leave any unneeded bags stored under the passenger compartment of the bus. After two days of rain we discovered the bus compartment leaked. The canvas bag we stored under the buss held all the expensive leather goods we'd purchased for friends and family. Much of it was damaged and we are still assessing if it can be repaired."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Ann was our guide. She made our trip very fun and adaptable. This is our 3rd RS Tour and we enjoyed the journey all 3 times!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many wonderful moments on our tour. The guides were terrific, the extra side activities were outstanding including the Scrovegni Chapel, the trip to Todi, the truffle farm, cooking class. Winery visit, the beautiful lodging in Tuscany, our train pass in the Cinque Terre. All the delicious private meals, gelato and chocolates. And of course, wine. We especially loved our final day in Lake Orta exploring the chapels of Monte Sacre di Francisco. What a treasured way to end!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall the tour was wonderful, very educational. The pace was fast, no sleeping. Alot of walking and not just 'some hills' as in the description, but some days were all hills. Local guides were excellent. Bus and driver were excellent. Like being able to leave things on the bus during excursions. We got rained out two days and a bit stormy the one day, so didn't get the boat ride in Cinque Terre. Got train ticket instead.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Loved the cooking lesson with Stephano in Tuscany. Involved the whole group and we got to eat what we prepared! We even came away with recipes."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My first ever tour and international travel experience far exceeded my expectations. The Villages of Italy tour was the perfect first tour for me. I learned a lot from my guide and fellow travelers about navigating a foreign country. Ann was such a kind, funny, knowledgeable guide. My tour companions were amazing and welcomed and included this solo traveler.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had never experienced the type of cathedrals that we visited in many cities. In particular Ravenna’s mosaics and the village and church in Assisi were stand outs as amazing experiences. Our local guides were all amazing. Having a knowledgeable local guide along with Ann really enhanced the experience for me. Frankly, I enjoyed all of the villages we visited…Padua, Assisi, Lucca, Tuscany countryside, cinque de Terre were just perfect places to visit."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was an amazing tour. I highly recommend it. It’s my 3rd RS tour and again I was blown away by just about everything. Our tour guide Ann was very knowledgeable about history, art, culture, gave us important tips and made the trip memorable. Our driver Stefano was great.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many “wow” and “goosebump” moments in this tour: The amazing frescoes and sculptures inside churches, basilicas and cathedrals, the charming hilltop towns like Assisi, Volterra and Todi. Beautiful and elegant Padua and Lucca, unique Sienna (in a good way) and its unforgettable and amazing Cathedral, cooking lesson at La Pietriccia, Carrara and the impressive marble quarries, Cinque Terre and the beautiful and serene Lake Orta. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our group was great as was our tour guide Nina. The Villages of Italy tour kept us away from the crowded big cities which we really liked. There was a nice variety of activities and we enjoyed having time on our own to explore..

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lake Orta was beautiful at night. Breathtaking."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The entire tour was delightful - a great mix of beautiful sites, history, culture, and things to do. I liked the small walkable historic old towns that we visited, especially those on hilltops. Our guide Nina was very knowledgeable and entertaining and greatly added to the wonderful experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Of the many wonderful experiences on this trip, the sight that most took my breath away was the magnificent façade of Orvieto Cathedral lit by the afternoon sun. We visited many charming towns on this trip, but Orvieto in its entirety was my favorite."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Villages of Italy tour is a fantastic tour! We saw places and experienced things that we never would have found on our own!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I am obsessed with architecture, gardens, and history, so it is no surprise that Italy has satisfied my appetite! This tour gave me a “wow” moment at Tuscany’s Hotel Belvedere when I walked through the garden to the terrace overlooking the vineyard and beautiful countryside. Shortly after, the breathtaking sunset all but took my breath away, a perfect peace overcomes you in this magical atmosphere. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our 12th RS Tour…it’s all about your guide to start with and our guide, Nina, was outstanding! The venues and scope of Tour was very good…one of our best RS Tours. Another very important value on this and other RS tours are the “City/Local guides”…they add so much to the Tour experience and this Tour had excellent “Local” guides. Another important point from our experiences with RS tours are your fellow tour members…we were blessed with great tour mates! This Tour is a highlight of the RS tours!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"You commonly read in the Tour reviews too many “wow’s” to pick one…and this Tour that is really the case. As an experienced RS tour member…and trying to be helpful to those considering this Tour…the “Wow” for me was the Tour itself! We’ve been on other great Italy RS tours but this Tour definitely stands out! The people we engaged with…the unique venues we experienced along with the cultures we were able to experience created a “wow” Tour! I must go back to an earlier comment, our guide Nina!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a wonderful guide, Nina, great driver and a nice group of people that all made this tour memorable. The weather didn’t cooperate at times but we all made the best of it.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many wow moments including Roberto and his small museum and the small hill village on the way to the Siena countryside. The not so favorite wow was the massive crowds in the Cinque Terra still there in October."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first trip to Italy and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. The site and towns we got to experience really were a great reflection of the country and I enjoyed every stop on the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Siena and Ovieto were definite highlights for me. And it may seem silly with all of the amazing things we saw, but the hotel Belvedere San Leonino was a definite wow and I fully plan to go back there to stay some day. Just gorgeous. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was our 1st fully guided tour. 3rd time in Italy. We used RS resources to plan before, but wanted to delegate decision making. We also hoped to encounter fellow travelers, who love Italy. Our expectations were exceeded. The pace was rigorous and packed full of delightful adventures. Our outstanding guide, Trina, as well as local talent, shared knowledge which helped us better understand and appreciate the historical & cultural evolution of Italy up up to modern day.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Giotto frescos of the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua & Mosaics of Galla Placidia in Ravenna were magnificent. It was mind boggling how these masterpieces were created with such exquisite detail, using basic tools. No surface left unadorned. Furthermore, to have withstood the passage of time. Respect for art and history is part of the Italian way of life. They co-exist with old and new, side by side, just as their ancestors had done."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was amazing! I learned so much about the history of Italy that I never knew. I loved walking through the small towns and staying in the Villas.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There are so many! The Villa at Montefalco, The basilica in Ravenna, the basilica in Assisi, the Tuscan country hotel, the layers of ancient roads under a church and Lake Orta. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a Fabulous tour from start to finish. Having been to all the big cities as well as several regions of Italy, the Villages tour was a perfect way to go deeper into the culture and history of my favorite country. The pace of the tour as well as the balance between planned activities and time on your own was very good.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is not possible to choose one as a single bite of amazing local food drenched in olive oil and paired with the perfect wine is a wow. There were several places and experiences that did stand out for me: seeing the operating theater at the university in Padua, the Orvieto market, the Etruscan museum and learning about that art and civilization, pottery making in Deruta and being so high up in the marble quarry in Carrara"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well planned, seemless execution every day, friendly, knowledgeable and caring tour guide and driver. Fantastic trip!!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the churches and hearing the history!!!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour-itinerary, guide and group

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The mosaics in Ravenna"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Wonderful time. Great guide, learned a great deal during "coach class time".

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The country side out of Siena. Perfect and just what I imagined Tuscany would be."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our 2nd RS tour and was exactly what we had hoped for: outstanding tour guide, great itinerary, good hotels and just the right balance between time with the group and time on our own. I appreciate going to places we have not previously been to in a group. We can then return on our own to spend greater time in areas of particular interest.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I can’t say that there was one specific moment. The two things that really stood out to us were not part of the tour itself but places recommended to us by our guide which we would not have otherwise known about. I am referring specifically to the Orvieto Underground tour and the old hospital turned into an art gallery and museum next to the duomo in Siena. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Good blend of visits to historic places, and some food prep, visits to olive processor, and marble quarry

Favorite "WOW" moment

"mosaics in Ravenna "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful tour that covered the smaller towns in northern Italy. We avoided the big crowds but got to see amazing art and a beautiful countryside.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Wow for an incredible art experience: Scrovegni Chapel. Wow for beautiful countryside: rural Tuscany. Wow for artisans: pottery making in Deruta. Wow for history: the Etruscan Museum. Wow because we're geologists: the Carrara Marble quarry."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall experience was great, as expected. The lodgings were all exceptionally beautiful, clean, and conveniently located. Villa Pambuffetti in Montefalco and Hotel Belvedere in Tuscany were both breathtaking in the main house (although I heard a few grumbles from those staying in the "annex" buildings). The considerable walking (5-10 miles per day) and uphill/stairs were (one day I clocked 45 flights of stairs!) a perfect counterpart to my nonstop enjoyment of fine food and wine! -

Favorite "WOW" moment

"University of Padova, est 1222, was fascinating! Such rich history, beautiful buildings,, and fun traditions! Every time we walked through the main gate and narrow ancient cobbled way into a new village. WOW! Learning about the Palio horse race in Padua. Experiencing the Cinque Terre for the first time."

One of the best Rick Steve’s tours yet. Patricia,our guide, made this trip very special!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were several but the best for me was Lake Orta. Amazingly beautiful "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was wonderful. Our guide, Patricia, was an excellent guide and made the tour especially memorable. Patricia consistently went above and beyond to ensure we were all having a wonderful time in Italy. After looking back at my pictures, I can’t believe all the places we went, things we learned, and I know I could never have been able to accomplish everything we did if I had not been on a Rick Steves tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many WOW moments. The beautiful hotel in the Tuscan countryside, duomos in Orvieto and Siena, wine tasting in Umbria, boat excursion in the Cinque Terre, and the Carrara marble quarry were the highlights for me. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful itinerary and experience with every thing people think of when they think of Italy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Not sure if it was Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday because Thursday, Friday and Saturday were equally impressive or better. Of course, Sunday may have been the best of all. Specifically, the boat tour of the Cinque Terre village. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My partner and I loved the Village Italy tour. We had both been to Rome and Florence on previous trips and this itinerary allowed us to explore the smaller less crowded areas in Northern Italy. We enjoyed the history and of coarse the wonderful wine and food.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Ravenna Mosaics were an incredible sight. Although we arrived on a very rainy day, these mosaics were so beautiful that I was glad we made the stop in Ravenna. The Chianciano Etruscan Museum was my favorite history lesson. Roberto made the civilization come to life and the museum was just the right size to inspire but not overwhelm."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The village of Italy tour far surpassed any expectations that I had going into this trip. I feel that we got to experience far more in two weeks than we ever would’ve two months on our own in Italy. Our accommodations and group dinners were top-notch and some of them hand selected by our guide to exclusive we were able to stay close to amazing sights and taste local fresh cusine . What really made our Tour unique was our amazing guide Andrea and driver Sergio. What an amazing duo!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many wow moments. One was our tour of the mosaics in Ravenna really took my breath away. And our tour of Siena had such rich and intriguing history. We also had a private concert from our tour guide Andrea and his amazing vocal accompanist, this was a special and unexpected treat in his hometown of Orvetio. Our cooking class with Stefano and stay in a villa in Tuscany was my top wow moment. Breathtaking! This was truly heaven on earth. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We have made several trips to Italy and all have been exceptional. On previous trips, we visited a couple of hill towns but this tour focused on hill towns and smaller villages, each with its own unique history, flavors and culture. Each site was amazing and our guide, Andrea, provided over-the-top history, detail and fun facts that captivated our interest. At each site, the same plea was made...can we stay just one day more?

Favorite "WOW" moment

"On each tour, I struggle with this question. There are always more that a few. However, we particularly enjoyed the Etruscan history, a topic on which we had almost no knowledge. Roberto Vecchi (sp?) led us through the Etruscan Museo at Chianciano. His knowledge and dry humor made the morning an A+ university course. Later in Orvieto, we went underground with Francesco Bocelli (archeologist) to see actual remnants of the Etruscan city there. All was an exceptional learning experience."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful trip with an excellent guide and travel group. Local guides were fantastic and meals were lively

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to describe! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my 4th trip to Italy, two using Rick Steves' books to navigate, and the first Rick Steves' tour. Andrea is an amazing teacher and guide. I learned so much more about Italian history and culture through his eyes, giving everything we saw and experienced deeper meaning. The local guides also gave their own flavor to the story, sometimes literally during the cooking class, or figuratively as the guide in Lucca who "spit" on the Pisani at every opportunity. City-State is real.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Not one...many. Scrovegni Chapel frescos by Giotto, the stunning 1500 yr. old mosaics of San Vitale in Ravenna, Basilica of St. Francis and learning who the man really was, Andrea and Martina's happy hour concert in an Entruscan basement, my friend and I's walk around Orvieto's walls, the gorgeous view from our room in San Leonino over the Tuscan countryside, and the stunning hike between Levanto to Vernazza in the Cinque Terre. At one point we could see all five villages dotting the coast."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Absolutely terrific guide, itinerary and experiences-cannot praise this trip highly enough!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many moments-but either getting to see Etruscan ruins under the church in Orvieto or the restaurant meal arranged by Andrea’s chef friend"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our first RS Tour met and exceeded our expectations. I loved our time in Montefalco, Orvieto and Lucca, so much history and beauty. Our tour guide Andrea was full of knowledge of art, history and local customs and was a delight the whole trip. We enjoyed the many shared group meals and wonderful food and wines. All local guides provided unique and often funny insights to the local area. We learned so very much about the different villages and how they are often so very different.

Favorite "WOW" moment

" So many WOW moments it is hard to pick just one. Truffle hunting in Trevi Umbria was a fun group hike in the hills with Bruello and his dog. The love between man and dog was obvious and Bruello was so very proud. We then shared the truffles in a group dinner. Then again the private concert and happy hour in Orvieto with Andrea and Martina was a pure delight. Lastly, the Etruscan museum with Roberto was so much fun & gave us so much information about the pre-Roman Etuscan civilization. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This trip was our first guided tour and it was excellent. The guides, the itinerary, the accommodations, our bus driver (Sergio), and food were all outstanding. Our guide, Andrea, was great - very knowledgeable about everything, with wonderful insights into the local culture and history. All of the local guides were all fantastic as well.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many - I really enjoyed the Truffle hunting with Brunello and his dog in Umbria, all of the group dinners, the wine and olive oil tastings, the ceramic workshop artisans in Deruta, the list just goes on."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our second Rick Steves Tour and I really enjoyed it. I felt like I truly experienced Italy in a much more personal way than I did when traveling independently. Our tour guide, Ann, was outstanding! She knows Italy inside out and also relates well with the participants. She is funny, honest, and almost from the beginning I felt like she was my friend. And the local guides added so much! They were all incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about their town and made us feel at home.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to narrow it down to one. The amazing mosaics and frescoes and the marble quarries were breathtaking. I think what was most memorable to me was learning about the "contrades" (neighborhoods) in Sienna and the amazing competitions that occur between them. This really came to life due to the enthusiasm our local guide shared for her contrade and all that it involves."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was simply outstanding. Our tour guide (Ann) was fantastic, and made the tour fun and informative. Her organization and knowledge blew us away!! The sites visited in the different villages were wonderful, and special events (wine tasting, olive oil making, truffle farm, ferry rides, Carrara quarry, cooking class, pottery making, etc.) with just our group were extra special. Meals and even the bus (with awesome Ezio driving) were excellent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hotel Belvedere di San Leonino! While visiting Sienna was nice (during our stay at Hotel Belvedere), we would have enjoyed just hanging out by the pool, taking in the countryside or tasting their wine."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We've done 4 Rick Steves tours and this was the best. Ann, our tour guide was wonderful. The group was friendly and jelled quickly. The amount of free time was perfect.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Saturday market day in Orvieto. I had stopped to pick up some pears from a produce vendor. He politely ignored me for 10 minutes while he was dealing with his regular clients. They were local Italian Mom's and Nonna's buying their produce for their Sunday family lunch. They chatted (in Italian) endlessly about the fruit and veggies offered. The huckster wasn't being impolite to me. I was just a tourist and these were his regular weekly customers. It was an experience to be treasured."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved the locations on the tour

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sunset in Orvieto on the trail around the wall"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful experience! Great itinerary, superb tour guide, fun, cohesive group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to mention. From strolling in village squares, a wine & food tasting in a villa, opera in Lucca, scenic views from my hotel room to riding a bicycle along the sea coast in the Cinque Terre region: divine!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This was my first RS tour. Our guide Nina, n the local guides were very passionate about their teachings. The itinerary was perfect.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking Cinque Terra n viewing the Mediterranean Sea. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We loved the format of this tour on that we were able to stay two nights in each location. More villages were incorporated enroute to our travel destinations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So interesting to see the Carrara marble operation. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very informative and enjoyable

Favorite "WOW" moment

"How much i enjoyed my fellow travelers "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great guides, good choices of points of interest, eliminated all worries for traveling, eating, lodging....

Favorite "WOW" moment

"basilicas, the quiet country places"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

After ten RS tours, we can say this was one of the best. Two key factors: Ruth was outstanding in leadership on all levels. Secondly the group dynamics was exceptional, experienced supportive . Slightly disappointed in Al Fagiago Hotel(**)they tried hard seemed overwhelmed, very small room.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Loved revisiting Umbra and Tuscany. The hands on cooking lessons were great fun."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent tour through the hill towns of Italy. It was a great combination of sightseeing and time on our own. Our overall tour guide was outstanding and the local tour guides did a great job teaching us about their areas. Their passion was evident and infectious.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many: the cooking class in Chianciano, our beautiful hotel in the Chianti countryside, the wine tasting, the amazing Orvieto cathedral, learning about the contrade in Siena, and hiking Cinque Terre. And getting to know our fellow travelers. We had a wonderful group! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Ruth was a WONDERFUL guide. Knowledgeable, nurturing, tireless, funny, etc. can’t say enough positives about her. And we were fortunate to have a great group of travelers. We had a great time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to say as there were many. Perhaps the sheer beauty of the Cinque Terre. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide Ruth was exceptional! She set the tone for a wonderful trip. This was our 6th RS Tour and as always, each day was filled with unique experiences that we would never be able to do traveling alone. The Villages of Italy tour allowed us to see and experience the unique small villages of Italy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sitting on the grounds at the Belvedere Hotel in the beautiful Tuscany region, enjoying a glass of wine with new friends, and looking out over the beautiful countryside! It is a very simple “wow” moment, but exemplifies the unique experiences of meeting new people on a RS Tour and enjoying the beauty of the country of Italy! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour was a truly beautiful experience! The group we traveled with was a lot of fun - we thoroughly enjoyed everyone's company and loved the unique experiences together that only a Rick Steve's tour makes possible. Our tour guide - Ruth - was the best: her knowledge of the history of each region and the right places to go while there was invaluable - what a gem!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Impossible to narrow it down to just one, so won't try: the boat tour along the coast of Cinque Terre, the gorgeous afternoon drinking wine on the terrace in Chianti, the Etruscan caves, watching the unexpected fireworks over Lake Orta from the balcony of our beautiful room, everything about the lovely little town of Civitella Del Lago...just to name a few."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour was great. Ruth, our leader, seamlessly wove together the culture and history of village Italy. Cheerful every second. Though British, fluent in Italian. Our "team" fed off of her leadership. Our free time breakout groups always had a good time in these very manageable Italian villages. New experiences with interesting people, with tasty food and wine. The pace of tour was just right, yet a lot was covered. A very enjoyable trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Probably seeing the multitude of hill towns, showing the need for defensive locations in the good old middle ages."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Ruth is a great guide, conscientious, enthusiastic and a joy to be with. The tour buddies were friendly, lots of fun to share the trip with and inclusive (I travel solo). The sights and activities were well planned and thought-out. The right mix of tour and free-time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I never have just one "wow" moment. The tour is filled with so many interesting sights and things to see and do; it is impossible to choose the "best". "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Ruth's soothing and soft spoken British demeaner was a hit with our group! She worked above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience for all. Our group clicked very well, and we were all sad to say good-bye to one another at the conclusion. The frescos, mosaics, history lessons, food, Roman and Etruscan relics were eye-popping! I learned so much and enjoyed the culture. This experience as all travel abroad reminded me of what we have to be grateful for as U.S. citizens.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Touring the Etruscan caves, the mosaics in Sienna, the frescos in Assisi, the boat ride and cliff walk at Cinque Terre, and the beauty of Lake Orta! Also, the anatomy classroom at the University of Padova was astonishing. Seeing the oldest documentation of a handshake preserved on an Etruscan vase was a "wow" moment. The history of old villages of Italy with the gorgeous views were stunning. The museum of painted eggs, and all the wiener dos in Lucca were fun surprises! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide Ruth was fantastic! Her attention to detail was great along with her knowledge of the the culture and humor to make our trip fun and memorable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"That’s a tough call. But The cathedral in Sienna was very memorable. Lots of frescos on the walls abd floors! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was fantastic. Italy is amazing and this was such a great way to experience it. We loved our tour guide, our fellow travelers, the local guides, our bus driver, the sites we visited, the places we stayed, the food we ate and the wine we drank--pretty much everything about it!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many "wow" moments every day but if I had to pick just one it would probably be the mosaics adorning the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. I was blown away by their beauty and the artistic achievement that they represent!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was wonderful how so many different people could meet on a tour and just share their passion for exploring the world. We made a lot of new friends which is quite a feat for a pair of introverts.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Watching Bruno play fetch with his truffle dog, Mira, using a truffle she had just found."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our tour guide Rebecca was absolutely outstanding. She knows the culture, the language, the ins/outs. She had excellent recommendations and we were so often "really glad and relieved" that we took her advice. Also, it was such a great variety of locations / specialties / experiences. It was so great.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We were very impressed with the Umbrian and Tuscan medieval mountain towns: Montefalco, Orvieto, and so many more. They were the thing of dreams: exactly as wonderful as we had imagined and hoped for. Great experiance!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We enjoyed great sites and adventures with wonderful group members. Our tour guide, Rebecca, was very responsive and exceptionally skilled at planning that met our needs. Local guides were also wonderful. One of our favorite aspects of our two Rick Steves trips has been the balance between time with the group and time on our own. On this tour, it was great to take a very comfortable tour bus OR boat OR train as we traveled from location to location. Plenty of walking which was also great!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dinner at sunset out on the stunning covered patio at Montefalco - breathtakingly beautiful. The setting was gorgeous in every way... view of sunset over the hills, beautiful table settings with soft lamplight when the sun had set , etc. Service was perfect and food/wine exceptional. Actually, everything at this location was "my favorite "wow" moment - the pool with an amazing view, the breakfasts, the property gardens, room amenities, etc."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide (Rebecca) was awesome! She kept everything moving and her "guide choices" were great for the group

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Way too hard to pick one moment because every time we saw something the next town had something else. How am I supposed choose between a mountain of white marble in Carrera, the Cinque Terre towns or Orvieto?"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our Tour Guide Andrea, he really kept us busy and entertained. He had an extensive knowledge of Italy and the culture and History. He spoke about all of it during the tour and it was NOT boring. He turns out to be a very skilled musician as well (plays guitar). I recommend a Jam session between Rick Steve's and Andrea some day. i think they would enjoy playing together (Rick on Piano of Course). There were NO grumps or sourpusses in our tour group. One and all were great together and respectful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My Wow moment was listening to our Tour Guide Andrea and a very good singer play at a restaurant where we had dinner in Orvieto. The singer and guitar back up by Andrea were fantastic. It was a real treat! The singer was as beautiful as her voice was, and I think I almost fell in love with her when she stood up and was taller than me. I did not know a man could "swoon" Lol"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A superb tour, perfect for avoiding the busy crowds encountered in Italy during high season.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The mosaics of Ravenna have been on my 'to do' list for some time now. Twice in the past planned trips to see the mosaics did not materialize. To finally see the magnificent mosaics was gratifying in the extreme--they did not disappoint! Other worthy mentions: 1) the surprise balcony view of the Siena palio preparations; 2) the fabulous Giotto frescoes in Scrovegni Chapel; 3) the Signorelli frescoes in Orivieto and the impassioned descriptions that day by our wonderful guide Andrea! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our 1st RS tour was outstanding! We were hesitant about group travel, but ours was close & enjoyable. Our amazing guide, Andrea, really made it special with his extensive knowledge of art history, his musical talents, the numerous impromptu activities he provided, & the way he went above & beyond with the group. The itinerary was stellar: lovely villages, tiny hill towns, incredible food & wine, unique experiences, stunning villas, gorgeous landscape, and fascinating history. I want to go again!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Each day of this tour was one "wow" moment after another! My top 3: The private concert performed by our guide, Andrea, and a local singer followed by an incredible group dinner at Febo in Orvieto (all organized by our guide on a free evening). The terrace viewing of the Palio trials in Sienna followed by lunch on the Piazza del Campo as we watched the horse assignment festivities and got caught up in the Palio excitement. The jaw-dropping beauty of the Cinque Terre and the Ligurian Sea."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

From shared family experiences on previous tours, my expectations were high from the start. I wasn't disappointed at all. In fact, even with that high bar set this experience far exceeded those expectations. We had a tremendous guide that really got to know us from the beginning and shared not only his knowledge (which was unbelievable) but his personal stories that made our travels that much more unique and special.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"To have one favorite wow moment is very difficult because there were several! If I have to limit it to one I'd have to say, for me it was our surprise visit to see the Palio trials from the terrace of the Piccolomini Palace's archive. From there we were able to see and feel the excitement and anticipation of the people of Siena during the events leading up to the Palio races. The view and sounds of it all is something you can not capture or do justice through words, video or pictures. Amazing!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

When we signed up for the trip, it felt like the price was steep. By the end of the tour it felt like a bargain considering all the experiences the trip included.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The view from the hotel in the Tuscan countryside was spectacular. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was rewarding as it included and highlighted the various time periods of Italy from the Etruscans, to Romans, thru the Dark Ages until the spark that ignited the Renaissance spread like a wildfire. This tour made clear that the Renaissance was not isolated to the large cities like Rome and Florence but touched each and every destination we were fortunate to visit in the Village Italy tour. The places we visited were fascinating and captivating.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I was most touched by the visit we made to the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. The beauty of the grounds was so reflective of the beauty in the country but it came with the grim reminder of what was sacrificed by so many to save not only history and culture but preserve the beauty of freedom. Unfortunately, remembering that sacrifice is something I too often forget not only while traveling overseas but also in the United States. Thanks for this visit."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was outstanding, and Christina is an excellent guide and tour manager.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many, it is hard to pick just one. Our stop at the World War II cemetery that honors U.S, servicemen and women who died in the war in Italy was especially moving. This was an unexpected surprise as it was not a part of the published itinerary."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We visited several amazing cities and villages. The beauty of the countryside is incredible. The knowledge of history from our tour guide was outstanding.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Swimming in the Ligurian Sea @ Cinque Terre"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our third amazing RSE tour.. Our guide, Cristina, was not only extremely knowledgeable about history, art, architecture and culture, but, also went above and beyond all expectations. The regions and villages we visited gave us a close-up view of the various cultures that helped us appreciate Italian similarities and diversity. Food! Each meal from a simple slice of focaccia to multi-course feast was amazing and represented the Italian philosophy of fresh ingredients and clean taste.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Several! Just to name a few: Attending a recital in the Orvieto Duomo given by an amazing Norwegian organist on the 5,585-pipe organ. Enjoying the spectacular view from the Vineyard Trail above Manarola in Cinque Terre. Savoring a multi-course lunch prepared by our tour group during a cooking class in Chianciano. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Traveling to the villages of Italy gave me an opportunity to feel a bit more "immersed" in the culture versus only going to the big sightseeing cities.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The beautiful mosaics in Ravenna and the cathedral in Orvieto."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a wonderful trip! We want to thank our tour guide Lorenza as well as the excellent local tour guides (Roberto, Anna, Elena, Chiara, Giuseppe). Our group was cohesive, friendly, and considerate. We truly enjoyed the experience of sharing the great Italian culture, food and wine with each other.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We were able to navigate the Vernazza to Monterosso trail and the views were amazingly beautiful! Also enjoyed and wowed by the Etruscan and Egg museums."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall, I'm extremely pleased! The tour allowed the right amount of time in each city/village with excellent village tours and enough time to explore on our own. Our tour guide, Lorenza, was a delight and I was amazed at her knowledge of the history of the areas. Our local guides were also excellent, personable and fun! Our traveling companions were also delightful; it always astounds me to find how closely matched the participants are, almost as if they had been hand-picked.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many wow moments on this tour - Giotto in Padua, the mosaics in Ravenna, the egg museum in Civitella del Lago, the Duomo in Orvietto, Assisi, and Carrara. As well as the unexpected - Trumpet fanfare in Orvietto, the delightful Nidi pasta at Trattoria del Moro Aronne & the Florence American Cemetery & Memorial! "

I truly became a traveler to the villages of Italy, not just a tourist.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A lot of WOW moments, Safe to say I enjoyed the immersed feel of this tour."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my third tour with Rick Steves and I was not disappointed. Our main guide Lorenza was incredibly knowledgable and helpful and had a terrific attitude the entire trip. She was a whiz at organization and I cannot think off anytime that things did not go according to plan. She even managed to fit in a couple of extra treats and surprises along the way, including an emotional stop at the memorial for fallen U.S. servicemen during World War Two.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It’s a toss up between the Cathedral at Orvieto and the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. Both were incredible and most definitely “Wow!”"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was very diverse in its stops and the experience of its guides. It was a good complement to the more urban Italian destinations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Discovering Monterosso's "Old Town" (after 3 previous visits) and panoramic viewpoint overlooking vineyards, town, churches, cemetery and rugged coastline."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

On our last RS tour, I asked other members what is your favorite tour? The answer was Village Italy. They were right! I thoroughly enjoyed the smaller towns, villages and the friendly people

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The backside view of Monterosso. Walked up the road past the castle ruin, turned a corner and got the most fantastic view that took my breath away! I actually said, “WOW!”"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The entire tour was wonderful. Our guide Rebecca was outstanding and knowledgeable as well as all the local guides that took part in our tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I really don't have a wow moment because all of the elements of the tour were all wows. I would highly recommend this tour for those visiting Italy for the first time. This is our fifth Rick Steves tour. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our group was great together. I liked the size of the group, the willingness of everyone to be accepting of one another, and everyone not expecting to be pampered.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I was so surprised about how much fun cooking together with a knowledge chef could be. Along with that, our meal turned out to be one of my favorite for the entire trip. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was wonderful! Excellent guides, great locations and a great group of fellow travelers.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Ravenna. The beauty of San Vitale’s mosaics, when I walked inside took my breath away."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour had been recommended to us, by others on a previous RS tour, for the quality of the food and wine. We couldn't agree more, but would also add the outstanding quality of the local guides narrating our visits to mosaic-ceilinged chapels and Etruscan museums, cooking classes and wine vintners, etc. We learned a lot, even in topics we thought we were already pretty knowledgeable about. Our resident guide, Rebecca, was great too as was our patient and impressive driver, Giovanni.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many, but for me personally I might cite the visit to the Etruscan museum, as after visiting that I was the most inspired to learn more about their culture after the trip."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Exceptionally well organized. Our guide was organized, helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. The local tour guides were phenomenal, particularly Roberto at the Etruscan museum. Each village had very interesting highlights. The two nights spent at each stop was enough to feel rested and not always go, go, go. This was an incredibly interesting and fun tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"First, the Etruscan museum! What a fascinating civilization! Second, the truffle hunting dogs. What a unique experience to have on a tour!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We were part of a very cohesive group on this tour. All of our companions seemed to enjoy being with one another and spending time experiencing new adventures.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Surprisingly, the truffle hunt. We had watched the Rick Steves video showing a truffle hunt, but our truffle hunter and his two dogs were amazingly successful! They found four big truffles and many smaller sizes. The most experienced dog posed for us at the end of the hunt with all of the "catch" with one large truffle in her mouth. Very impressive!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide Cristina was outstanding. She looked after us very well, she had a great sense of humor, she gave us very interesting talks during the bus rides and the walking tours, and she helped to establish a real sense of family among the tour participants. All of the tour participants were very nice and friendly and it was a pleasure getting to know them and spend time with them. Sergio, the bus driver, was excellent and did an amazing job of driving the bus on narrow roads.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the marble quarry near Carrara. The landscape on the steep mountain sides and the scale of the quarrying operations was amazing. I had never seen anything like that before."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Village Italy was everything I wanted and more! The rugged hill towns, fabulous food, friendly tour mates and Cristina (our awesome guide) made this tour amazing. The flow of Village Italy was good with passionate local guides and plenty of time to explore on our own. Special shout out to Cristina who helped secure alternative transportation on our last day due to the Italian train workers strike.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many 'wow' moments! A few of the many standouts include: the beautiful villa in Montefalco, learning about the Palio in Siena, the tasty seafood feast in Cinque Terre and all of the amazing frescoes and mosaics. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very good itinerary and excellent guides

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Etruscan Museum with guide Roberto Bechi"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fabulous itinerary with visits to many interesting and beautiful villages, excellent guides

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Arriving in Vernazza by train from Monterosso at 7:11 AM with NO other tourists yet there, allowing us to quietly savor the beautiful town and vistas!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved this tour! We had a wonderful group of fellow travelers and outstanding guides. The pace of the tour was perfect with a good balance between time on our own and time spent on group activities. Visiting the smaller cities and towns was (to me) so much more enjoyable than navigating large cities.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I have two “wow” moments. The place we stayed in the Tuscan countryside (Belvedere San Leonino) was unbelievable….the setting was magical with incredibly beautiful vistas. The other “wow” moment was attending the optional Puccini concert in Lucca. I am not an opera buff but this concert was amazing…beautiful setting and captivating performances."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Visiting the smaller village towns was an ideal way to take in the Italian culture. So much beautiful scenery. Great tour guide and great tour members made the trip even more enjoyable. The pace of the tour was just right never felt too rushed.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I have many but will point out two of them. Visiting the farm where we all helped cooked was a fun experience. Thought that was our best meal too. Also spending time in Cinque Terre and taking in the spectacular scenery. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Another great experience with Rick Steves' Tours! I had already signed up for a Rick Steves' Switzerland tour next month, but when I came back I signed up for two more tours next year.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Many wow moments The American cemetery. This December I plan to visit the cemetery near Bastogne where many of my Dad's unit are buried. Years back we planned to attend a service but he decided not to. Sienna I watched about 30 of Anna Piperato's webcasts during COVID, it was great to see in person. Ravenna, I learned the "barbarians" were Christians, it was "wow" seeing art from different periods clustered together. World's Oldest Anatomy lab in Padua. I just helped on the world's newest."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had to leave the tour early last year due to Covid. We were determined to return and finish the tour We did and were extremely pleased.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"No one event "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The overall tour experience was wonderful. We had an outstanding tour leader who gave us so much history of Italy and the towns we visited. The pace of the tour was just right with adequate time to explore each town on our own. Almost all of town guides were very good.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Scrovegni Chapel and the basilica of St Francis in Assisi."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were too many to give a favorite, including the fish soup for our last meal, the friendships formed, the great history throughout the tour and our tour leader including cultural tidbits and great stories"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

RSE tours never fail to expand our learning in each trip we took. The immersion in the culture, traditions and people interaction in every place always add to the enrichment of our knowledge and appreciation of the world, village Italy on this trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"All the local guides who made their respective places come alive with their in-depth narrative, use of humor, clear and concise language. They made us captive audiences and placed us right in the center of each location's time in history. The Etruscan museum, small and remote, was very well deserved in its inclusion in the itinerary."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved itinerary: not only covered most well know places but also off the beaten path. Learned huge amount of history, culture and enjoyed local cuisine. Our tour leader was knowledgeable, very experinenced and humorous, which made the tour experience wonderful. We also enjoyed our fellow traveler.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There are many: top three was learning about Etruscan, Assisi tour and Tuscan cooking lesson. Roberto the tour guide for Etruscan Museum was wonderful. He made somebody like me usually don't like ancient museum interested in the whole museum experience. The tour guid for the Assisi also gave wonderful presentation about the Basilica's history and art. The hands on cooking lesson in Tuscany was fun and I truly learned the meaning of slow eating."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was the best of the four RS tours I’ve taken.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Both of the Villa stays overwhelminged me. The privilege of staying with people who are so open to sharing their intimate Italian life is heartwarming "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a great group of like-minded travelers. The itinerary was a great balance of scheduled activities and free time to explore. One of the best tours I've been on!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Taking the boat to the CInque Terre along the beautiful,sunny Mediterranean Coast. It was awe-inspiring!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour to Italy exceeded our expectations!! All the stress of getting from village to village was completely taken care of and our bus driver Marco did an excellent job getting in and out of tight spots and maneuvering the many windy roads of Italy. Local guides were passionate about their areas of expertise. We cannot say enough about our main tour guide David. His extensive knowledge of Italy and sense of humor made our trip truly memorable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It's hard to pick one because there were so many but an archaeological tour below the church of Sant'Andres in Orvieto was amazing."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was the best vacation I've ever had!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many, it's hard to choose just one. It was probably seeing Eric Clapton in Lucca, Italy. It wasn't officially part of the tour, but our guide discovered that he was playing that night and presented it as an option for our free time. We quickly snapped up tickets. A close second was when our guide, also a musician, arranged an impromptu concert for our group at our hotel in Orvieto. So many "wow" moments on this trip! We loved every minute!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Efficient, some flexibility with our outstanding guide, tasty meals and very comfortable accommodations. Tour bus and driver excellent. Wonderful teaching and cultural sharing from guide. Tour was an excellent sampling if less travelled areas of Italy. Hassle free, right balance if structured and free time. Extra points of interest added by our guide, fabulous! Many of the hotel hosts also went the extra mile to provide for our group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too hard to choose just one! Cooking lesson with a Tuscany farmer, so great. Cold press olive oil coop, truffle hunting followed by truffle dinner were my 3 top “wow” experiences"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour was jam-packed with great experiences. Our guide David was fantastic. He was very knowledgeable, caring, entertaining, and went beyond my expectations. I thought all the local guides were very good as well. I enjoyed all the locations we visited and the places we stayed at.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lots of great moments"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Village Italy Tour exceeded my expectations: guide, locales, hotels, transportation, trip notifications were all exceptional.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Viewing the coast from the cities of Cinque Terre was amazing!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

well planned out itinerary, interesting tour guides in each town we visited. Very knowledgeable tour guide and bus driver

Favorite "WOW" moment

"the truffle hunt "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

From the hotels to the Villages and the variety of experiences at all the stops, nothing was ever a disappointment. I enjoyed watching the locals ride their bikes, hang their laundry out the window and learning about the hundreds of years of art and architecture that still exist today.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite "wow" moment was the views from the Hotel Belvedere in San Leonino in Tuscany. The vineyards, rolling hills, olive trees and stone buildings were everything I had pictured Tuscany to be. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

So well organised, ao informative, so rich in varied experiences.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Levanto Bay, though it's a hard choice."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This is a wonderful tour, loved visiting the small Villages! Patricia our guide was absolutely amazing. She is fun, experienced, knowledgeable and has a great knack for bringing people together. Our group bonded quickly under Patricia’s guidance. The hotels on this tour are beautiful, I hope to return to a few. The food was delicious, we enjoyed the group meals. As always the local guides were excellent, especially Giuseppe’ in Assisi.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We loved the hotels in Montefalco and Chianti. Taking in the views at our villa in Chianti was a wow moment. The church in Assisi was beautiful despite the crowds outside. Also the exterior of the cathedral in Orvieto a complete wow moment. Our seafood meal in Levanto at the Prima Vera hotel was the best meal we have ever had on any tour. Pottery stop was a favorite many purchases sent home. Must also mention our bus driver Mario, what a wonderful person, we were his last tour before retirement."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had an amazing tour guide Patrica and she was so organized and knew so much about the area. We had a great group of people on the tour and that added to the experience. The weather was fantastic and the scenery spectacular . It was nice to see to experience Italy in the country and villages. We had a lot of hands on experiences, cooking, wine tasting, truffle hunting, olive oil production, and special guides telling us about their villages ! The meals that were included were excellent!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I am having a hard time to pick my favourite moment. I loved it all, our hands on activities could be my favourite "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The group was friendly and fun. The itinerary was packed with unique events coupled with adequate time off.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The truffle hunt with the farmer the dogs and the dinner."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A perfect blend of unique activities with the traditional tour perspectives on the history, art and culture of Italy. I learned so much and met amazing people in my tour group. Our tour guide was the best I’ve ever experienced.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Hotel Belvedere in Tuscany was sublime - it showcased the region’s beauty and was a perfect restorative retreat. Lake Orta was especially beautiful and a wonderful surprise, as we had never heard of it before our tour. The best “through the back door” experience and what sets Rick Steve tours apart. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We very much liked all we covered during the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lake Orta was a lovely location to spend time and explore. We also really like the Cinque Terre. It was great going back there again."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Every town we visited was unique and offered many opportunities to appreciate the culture.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There are so many. The cooking class was excellent especially with learning how to cook in a slow-food manner and with recipes!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour had a well-designed itinerary, an outstanding guide, wonderful experiences, and a happy congenial tour group. This was an experiment for us to try traveling with a group, and it was better than I could have ever expected. Fabulous!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It’s very difficult to pick just one - maybe surveying the marvelous evening view from the ramparts of Montefalco. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The joys of the unique small towns and experiences was refreshing and engaging. Our tour guide Andrea was like having a trusted friend available, so caring and concerned with each individual. His personal knowledge of art, history and the Italian culture was immeasurable. We had a great group of companions, turned friends. This was the perfect tour to actually enjoy the Italian people, food, history and art. This tour with Andrea is why travelers gain a unique worldview.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Scrovegni Chapel: I was not prepared for how moving the experience was. Also, being at Hotel Belvedere di San Leonino was like sitting in the middle of a movie. Absolutely amazing!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Enjoyed learning about the earlychurch and its influence in the early societies post Roman Empire.The Crusades and the Biblical art that was added to the cathedrals, churches, Duomo to teach the stories of the Bible. Each community competing with the other for the largest and best displays of stories from the Bible and of their local Saint. Hiring of the best artist available to put their town on top. Competition rules! Andrea was excellent at giving us the information to understand this et al.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The tour of the Duomo in Orvieto where Andrea pointed out the frescoes of Signorelli, and explained their meaning and special features of the art."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Patricia was an AMAZING guide! Good tour but will not likely take another RS tour because of the accommodations. They were lacking & he needs to rethink hotel choices. This was the sentiment of most on our tour. We are not the “hippy backpackers” of his early days. Most of us are retired professionals who have worked very hard throughout our careers, paid mortgages, educated our children and saved money. We deserve and want decent beds, quiet rooms & LOVELY centrally located accommodations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I don’t really have one. It was nice overall. If anything the truffle hunt was a pinch me moment"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Enjoyed the intimate nature of small hill towns......except Cinque Terre

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The cooking class for lunch"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great- our guide Patricia was fabulous bus driver Giovani was also great individual guides at each location were also great

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Marble quary tour"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steves tour. We were especially impressed with our guide Patricia. The local guides in each city were outstanding ,not just for their knowledge but their pride and warmth exhibited to the group. Other than the hotel in Orvieto and the very interesting hotel in Padua we were very pleased with the hotels. The group meals were some of the best of the entire trip. We loved the cooking class, wine tasting, truffle hunting and dinner and the farm lunch.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many wow moments on this trip. I have to give a special recognition to our tour guide who made so many of these moments possible. The tour guide is essential to make the trip special and Patricia did just that. She added some things to our itinerary because she wanted to make sure we would see the things she thought special. We especially loved Volterra and Porto Venere which were additions to the trip. She is a true gem and Rick Steves is lucky to have her."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Patricia was a fantastic tour leader, taking care of all the details so we could have the best possible experience. I really appreciated all the extras she built in to the tour, her restaurant advice was spot on, and she made us laugh every day. I especially loved the many towns we visited in Tuscany and Umbria, and the experiences (like the pottery making, cooking demo, and truffle hunt). A lot has changed in the world of travel, and I do think it's time for RS to upgrade their hotel choices.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Patricia offered an optional trip to visit Civita di Bagnoregio, timing it for late it the day when it wasn't at all crowded. My first glimpse of the footbridge and the village high above the canyon took my breath away. I loved the long walk across the bridge and I couldn't stop saying "wow." The uniqueness of Civita and the vistas from the bridge and from the village -- jaw dropping gorgeous countryside -- were a huge WOW."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved it. Exceeded all expectations. Our tour guide was fun, knowledgable and was always thinking ahead. We were lucky to have Patricia. The itinerary wonderful, hotels beautiful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Can't say just one! Hiking around (and up and down) Orvieto, Volterra Etruscan Museum, hiking Cinque Terre. All the food and all our fellow travelers."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide, Cristina, was wonderful! She was beyond knowledgeable of everything connected to the tour and was empathetic to our individual needs. All the locations we traveled to were incredible, getting better and better as the tour went along, and we did not think that was possible. The food, local tours, extra ("surprise") excursions, and extra lengths Cristina went to made it a fabulous 14 days.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hiking along in the Cinque Terra hillside from one town to the next and Lake Orta. Both locations were stunningly beautiful and so peaceful. The Cinque Terra towns actually got super crowded by midday, but we ventured out early and avoided the crowds. The town we slept in (Levanto), was nice and calm throughout our stay. Side note - we loved the villa in the Tuscan countryside, too, and the villa in Montefalco. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour is the perfect combination of active time and relaxing time. It was really fun and the towns are beautiful. The smaller locations led to more mom and pop experiences, especially with restaurants. Our guide, Cristina, was great and the local guides were excellent. Again, the village venues allowed the guides to give very personal tours, which was delightful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The amazing concert in Orvieto and touring the Carrera marble quarry. There were twelve more wows but I'm already over the limit!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our first Rick Steves tour. Hopefully not our last! Great people, great planning, wonderful time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our days in Tuscany were perfect. Beautiful setting, an amazing room and view, great food. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Last year , 2023, my evaluation of the Germany tour was "outstanding" I never thought in a million years any thing could surpass that experience . Well here I am May 2024 totally blown away with the fantastic ,small villages of Italy . Our guide, no not guide, dear friend Christina tied every exciting moment together with her knowledge and she created an atmosphere that caused the entire group to melt into a family vacation. We will be scheduling our next tour shortly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to count, The accommodations , the food , and the hands on experiences. I was totally overwhelmed for 2 weeks ."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We loved our tour. Cristina was fantastic

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The hike from Cornelia to Vernazza"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything exceeded our expectations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Music! First a “surprise” from our guide Cristina, aperitivos and wine while listening to two fabulous guitar players in our own private room. Second, opera, a recommendation from our guide Cristina to attend a performance on our own. These two memories will stay with me. "

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Tour itinerary, sites and activities were all good and as expected. Tour guide was okay - did the job but didn't raise the experiences to anything special or extraordinary as we have experienced with other tour guides on previous Rick Steve's tours. A member on the tour became ill on one of the first few days and while masks, back of bus, and other procedures were followed, by the end of the tour about half of the tour group was ill. Not anyone's fault, just the risk of traveling in a group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Puccini concert in Lucca, not included on the tour but available while were were in Lucca, was outstanding!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything was top notch. Our you guide was caring, knowledgeable and a great guide. We got to experience so many things you just couldn’t on your own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I think truffle hunting "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We were introduced to so many small towns/villages and experiences we would have otherwise not experienced on our own. Our tour guide Deborah was topnotch, so knowledgeable and accommodating, and took great care of us all. We had a great group and loved the beautiful countryside, the cooking lesson, enjoyable meals at the olive oil mill, truffle hunt...too many to count. This was the perfect tour to get a feel for the country, food and art without the crushing crowds of the bigger cities.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many, but two out of three of us vote for the boat ride along the Cinque Terre coastline on a spectacular day, and my husband just loved the Hotel Belvedere location in Castellina. The setting was stunning, he was ready to stay there another day or two!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Top quality from start to finish. It was our first tour and we plan on doing others!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"No single moment...just one interesting experience after another. Enjoyed it all!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Trina was a great resource which really enhanced our Italian experience. Overall the tour offered an excellent choice of small towns, a realistic travel schedule and time for viewing and experiencing events and activities. The local tour guides overall were excellent!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many, but I'd have to cite some of my favorites, which include: the truffle experience - especially watching the "hunter&dogs", the cathedrals (and associated history) which were magnificent, the boat ride through the "Cinque Terre" and also on Lake Orta. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was so interesting and fun!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many WOW moments to pick one! Mosaics, the Tuscany countryside, seeing Cinque Terre from the boat! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Another great Rick Steves' tour (our 5th). Another great tour leader. Interesting activities, great locations. Overall very happy with this tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seafood dinner at hotel in Levanto"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My husband and I felt our tour guide was very knowledgeable and helpful and friendly. She worked very hard to make sure all the tour participants were safe and well taken care of.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lake Orta was beautiful. The tour boat ride was very scenic. And our hotel was very nice and conveniently located."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Village Italy was just what I wanted after other trips to the big cities. I often said that if I ever went back to Italy all I wanted to do was eat and this tour satisfied that. Great guide, good traveling companions, good local guides, just enough churches and of course, lots of wonderful Italian food and wine.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It was a meal in Levanto on our own. The previous evening a local chef prepared a seafood feast for us. We went back to his restaurant the following evening and I had one of the best meals of my life. Homemade spaghetti with an amazing sauce of garlic and olive oil all topped with a generous amount of local seafood. That's what I came for and it will remain as one of the best meals of my life. Wow!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved the tour’s combination of iconic Tuscan rolling hills and scenic views from villas with the bustling and historic cities of Lucca and Orvieto. The mixture of cultural experiences from viewing world famous medieval frescos, mosaics and jaw dropping basilicas to wine tasting and pairing, cooking class and truffle hunting, to the beautiful Italian Riviera and Lake Orta boat rides. Spectacular views, comfy hotels and of course, delicious food and wine made this a wonderful tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The views of the classic Italian countryside from rolling green hills, the colorful hill towns of Cinque Terre and pristine Lake Orta made this trip stand out. My favorite cultural experience was searching for truffles and eating a delicious meal at the restaurant on the truffle farm. The hotel, Belvedere di S. Leonino was my favorite followed by the views from the hotel in Lake Orta. I was very happy to be away from the congested cities and populated tourist and local cruise ship stops. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The entire tour was great. Our guide Ann exceeded our expectations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many. Probably Orvieto and the small town of Montefalco. Lake Orta was a great ending."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Italy in late April and early May provided cooler temperatures to enjoy the country. There were some rainy and cool days but we "weathered" it just fine.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Meeting some Serbian high school students in a cafe before the tour even started. We had lunch and noticed some teens eavesdropping on our conversation. This prompted me to start a conversation with them and it became a wonderful cultural exchange experience."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my 3rd Rick Steves' Tour. As with the previous 2, this one was also outstanding.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I would say walking across the bridge at Civita and seeing the village perched on a hilltop."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was so fun, so many sights and experiences that were beyond all of our expectations. Great group of people on the tour, and a good mix of "group time" and time to explore on our own. The orientation to each new village was so valuable and enabled us to use our "free time" in a way that fit our interests. Even the time on the bus was useful - we learned so much about Italy, from its history to current everyday life. I enjoyed "practicing" my Italian (even though it was quite limited!).

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were really so many that it's hard to say. In general, the scenery was lovely and breathtaking. I also loved the very old buildings and learning about their history. The mosaics, especially those in Ravenna, were a real favorite of mine - they were so brightly colored, and when seen from a distance, I had to remind myself that they were made from tiny pieces of glass! I also loved the experiences on the tour, like the truffle hunt with the dogs, and the cooking lesson - both were SO fun."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We loved our Village Italy tour with Patricia as our guide. She is very funny and informative, so helpful with any needs we had, and gave us great information about each place we visited. The villages we visited were beautiful, we had terrific local guides, and learned so much about the culture and history of each location. This was our 11th Rick Steves tour and have met great folks on each of our tours.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My "wow" moment was our visit to the Etruscan Archaeological Museum in Chianciano Terme with local guide Roberto. He was funny and incredibly informative about the fascinating artifacts from the 7th century BC to the 2nd century BC found in the museum. He brought that era to life for us. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was a great tour made even better by our wonderful guide, Patricia, and a particularly good group of fellow travelers. I chose the tour for the scenery and the villages but also loved the visit to the marble quarry, seeing artisans working on ceramics and alabaster, and learning about the frescoes in the basilicas.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The views from our lovely hotel in San Leonino. Also the wonderful truffle-centric dinner after getting to see the dogs sniff out the truffles."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The Village Italy tour is beautiful, entertaining, educational, fulfilling, and lots of fun.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the mosaics in the Byzantine San Vitale Basilica and the tour of the marble quarry in Carrrara."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything was perfect. A beautiful country shared with a great tour group led by our talented Rick Steves’ tour leader Patricia.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many but I enjoyed the time spent in Tuscany at the hotel in San Leonino."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I was stunned by the incredible art and culture I encountered. The churches, the Italians, the vineyards and landscape was stunning.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The basilica of San Vitale. I had read about the tiles in the autobiography of Thomas Merton. It was beyond the beyond!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Cristina, our tour guide was awesome. Ezio, our bus driver, was very skilled and entertaining. The tours of the villages were well thought out and our local guides were awesome.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We had just arrived in Montefalco and Christina was taking us on a tour of the village. She noticed that a small church was open, which she had never seen before, so we went in to look. The new parish priest was excited to see us and talked excitingly to Cristina in Italian. We had just left and were walking down the street when he stepped out and called to Cristina. He had forgotten to show us the frescos in a small anteroom. It was just such an intimate and friendly moment in a small village"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This is such a phenomenal tour! My wife and I chose this particular itinerary for our honeymoon because while she had never been to Italy before, I have spent a decent amount of time there. This tour allowed her to experience the beauty of the Italian culture, mentality, cuisine, history, art/architecture, and general lifestyle. Since none of the "greatest hits of Italian tourism" are on this itinerary, it allowed me to visit many destinations that I hadn't had the opportunity to see yet

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were SO MANY special moments enjoyed throughout our two weeks on this tour, it's difficult to pick just one! My favorite "wow" moment was probably enjoying time wandering the steep, ancient, winding, cramped, beautiful, narrow walkways of Porto Venere, Corniglia, and the rest of the Cinque Terre. And that experience would have been even better if we didn't get rained on during most of our time in Liguria, so we could have hiked between the Terre."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a well-planned, well-executed tour--our 11th R.S. Europe experience. Our guide and bus driver worked together smoothly, making the best use of everyone's time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hands-down, the most magical event for me was a surprise evening concert by Gabriele & Martina--a talented guitarist and captivating vocalist--in Orvieto. This performance was an above-and-beyond experience organized by our guide, and one I'll always remember. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I enjoyed the group meals, the beautiful accommodations, and Cristina was a wealth of knowledge. The local guides were also very knowledgeable and entertaining.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many, but I fell in love with the Hotel Belvedere di S. Leonino and would love to go back to stay there for a longer time, using it as a home base to further explore the Tuscany region."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was an excellent tour! We went to beautiful locations with the best group of travelers and guide! I loved this trip!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to mention! The churches and art were beautiful as was the countryside we visited. I enjoyed watching the Italian women painting ceramics, the truffle hunting dogs, and the cooking class was a blast. The afternoon in Pistoia was fun - finding a good sandwich, a bottle of wine, and a wall to sit on while enjoying the view with some new friends.... perfetto!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I totally enjoyed this tour! Our guide Cristina Pernechele was a true joy! She treated us like her family and made the tour that much more enjoyable. She went above and beyond to ensure that we were ensconced in the Italian culture and experience.She shared the history beyond everything we saw and helped us immerse ourselves in our surroundings, from wine pairings to tasting foods like Italians and enjoying the beautiful countryside. The extra touches, Gelato tickets and other surprises were Fun

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many moments that it's hard to choose. I loved the hands on cooking lesson and then eating what we cooked! The truffle hunting was a unique experience ending with dinner on the hill with a captivating view and sunset. The tours through the cathedrals and basilicas were filled with rich history, memorable and not to be missed. There was a beautiful private concert that is not to be forgotten. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This is my 10th Rick Steves tour and despite less-than-cooperative weather, I enjoyed this trip immensely, thanks to great tour mates and all that guide Cristina and bus driver Ezio did to create a feeling of family among us. The experiences we had were ones that independent travelers would never have access to (e.g., truffle hunting, ceramics studio, visiting a Palio contrade's club house) or think to do (e.g., Florence American Cemetery). The hotels were nicer than I’ve had on other RS tours.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Chasing two excited dogs around on their quest for truffles followed by a truffle-infused meal with a view of the sun setting over the Umbrian countryside. And then, on the way home from that dinner, our whole group singing “That’s Amore” and “Volare” together on the bus ride back to our Montefalco hotel. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour, great history lesson. Cristina on the Village Italy tour is amazing. She is very professional and yet she was able to inject fun and a positive experience in everything we did.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"2 things stood out. I loved truffle hunting! I have developed a new found appreciation for truffles. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting and learning about Assisi. The world needs more men like Francis of Assisi. His story is very inspiring and the local guide (Giuseppe) was a hoot! Giuseppe was full of facts about the history while also being hilarious! I wish I had him in college for European history. Thanks for that gift!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Best tour ever, we have been on 6 so far.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"the view of the country side "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very well organized, stellar guides, great travelers in the group, excellent activities each day, felt I was truly able to experience the culture of the small Italian villages in a unique way.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A toss-up between rounding the corner and viewing the Cinque Terre from a boat, and being at the St Patrick’s well looking down at the start, then up from the bottom. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was excellent. I loved the small villages for the window into their history and culture. They were all easy to navigate and explore. The scenery in the countryside as we traveled between towns was spectacular. And the food and wine was consistently of high quality. Our tour guide was also a highlight.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I was fascinated by the medieval mosaics we got to see in Ravenna at the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and the San Vitale Church. The mix of history in this town is truly amazing - early Christian, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian. The glass and gold-leaf mosaic pieces are spectacular and really worth the time to visit. It was also a great location for a lunch stop for a taste of the delicious piadine."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was an excellent experience - a nice balance between tours, experiences and free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We had two - one was being in Assisi. Besides the excellent tour of the cathedral, learning more about their role in helping Jews escape during WW2 was fascinating. And then, viewing Cinque Terre by boat. Lovely views of these precariously placed towns on the sides of the cliff was fascinating."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour. Touring the small villages of Italy gives you more local flavor and puts you in closer touch with the people and culture of the country. The major cities have the must-see, monumental sights, museums, and art. Touring the villages offers a more intimate look at the history of Italy prior to the Renaissance as well as the lives of the local people today. It gives you more hands-on experiences.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The WOW for this tour was the food served during our group dinners and group activities that were included as part of the tour. Especially memorable and delicious was the “Ligurian Feast” prepared and served by Carlo and Daniela at Primavera Hotel in Levanto.But that was not the only food highlight during the tour! Other food highlights included: Dinner after the truffle hunt Wine and food in Orvieto Cooking class in Chianciano Lunch served at Olive Mill Lasagna First and last group meals"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Lovely group of people and outstanding guide! We have been to most of the places on this tour on our own multiple times and thoroughly enjoyed Trina and the local guides bring them to life!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"That’s not easy…the truffle hunt, the cooking class with Francesco and Ravenna were definite wows! We have been to the other Civita…Civitella de Lago was much more beautiful and what a treat to have an American who lives there take us through his home 😁"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my 3rd RS trip. It was a whirlwind of activity for 2 wks with a great group of like-minded, seasoned travelers. The sights, the hotels, the food, the wine—all contributed to an outstanding time. Trina, our outstanding guide, managed a myriad of details, giving us a tour and history of the Middle Ages, all the while meeting local guides, juggling buses, trains and boat rides for us and keeping her smiles everyday.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many to choose from! All the underground ruins, Padua’s Scrovegni Chapel and University anatomy theater, the mosaics, the ceramics in Deruta, the truffle hunt, the Carrara marble quarry, the cooking lesson, all the churches, Lake Orta, the boat trip to the island, the olive oil mill, stopping of at very old —villages—even Dustin Hoffman and Helen Hunt filming a movie in Lucca!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The group was friendly and mixed well; the tour director (Deborah) was almost pathologically attentive to details in her attempt to ensure a successful experience for everyone. The order in which we visited places, hitting the obligatory stops (e.g. Padova, Ravenna) early and climaxing the trip in the Cinque Terre and on Lake Orta, guaranteed a continuously growing sense of wonder.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For me it was seeing the "Four Saints" altarpiece by Fra Filippino Lippi in Lucca's San Michele church. A close second was the view from Nessun Dorma where Tamara and I had lunch in Manarola."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was beyond expectations! Deborah was a tour guide explenaire, tending to.all our needs.The towns, tour guides and food were all wonderful. My only suggestion would be to change the terminating village from Lake Orta. Yes, it is beautiful and the hotel is great. ( Truthfully, I think this was a little too obvious pr of leaving us with a positive experience.)From there, it was a difficult or expensive commute, We were lucky to have a good tour guide to arrange logistics.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved our tour with Anna where we learned about the contrades in Sienna and saw the museum wirh the colorful Palio uniforms and amazing video. I also loved going truffle hunting! The dogs brought back the truffles in their mouths like balls. We saw freshly dug up black truffles and learned about the seasons for white ones. The meal afterwards was great! Also loved the visit to the Carrara quarry. Beautiful location with very intetesting history.Glad we had time to purchase some. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent from start to finish. Great itinerary flawlessly executed by our guide and bus driver.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Deborah, our guide, was my wow moment. Among the pantheon of Rick Steves guides, she really stands out. In addition to executing the itinerary and providing background and information for places we visited, she organized our airport transfers, helped us to strategize use of our free time including making reservations and getting tickets for that time, made sure we tried the beverages, snacks and meals that were typical of each place we visited. A helpful and charming presence."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Never having been to Italy, I decided to tackle the small towns knowing that it was possible I would not get a fulsome introduction to the country, culture and its people. My experience tells me that, while I may have missed to classic wonders of the larger cities, the tour was so carefully designed to capture the essence of northern Italian that I will be much better prepared to explore some of the larger cities and different regions. Very memorable indeed!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There is no single moment. However I believe for me the histories of the small hilltop locations and the reverence that the Italian people have for their history (both good and bad) was something I have not experienced especially living in North America. Of the town I would say Orvieto was my most favourite. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I didn’t bring know how to improve it . The tour, the guide, the stops were all amazing .

Favorite "WOW" moment

"That is difficult. There were so many. "

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."

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. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

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

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."