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Jules Verne logoThere can be few countries that boast such staggering diversity as Italy. This is a country that’s as renowned for its rich history as its culinary heritage – and as celebrated for its cultural and artistic treasures as its beautiful, varied landscape. 

People tend to fall in love with Italy, whether on the streets of Florence or the beaches of Sicily. There’s so much to see and do here, in fact, that you might want to think about exploring via an escorted tour. Just pick the part of Italy that interests you the most, from the colourful coastal towns of Amalfi to the historic canals of Venice. 

Once you’ve chosen your region, you can visit the most captivating spots, delve into the culture, learn about the history, and savour the local cuisine.

To get you inspired, we’ve partnered with the award-winning Jules Verne, who specialises in small, personalised tours. Popular with people who want to gain a deeper understanding of the country they’re visiting, these tours are packed with special touches and moments. The expert guides go above and beyond, to make sure you have a rich, rewarding, and memorable holiday.

Jules Verne also offers plenty of variety, so whether you’re looking to explore the lakes and mountains of Northern Italy or the pristine beaches of the South, you’re sure to find your dream destination.

To inspire you on your next trip, here are 10 classic Italian experiences that every traveller should have at least once. Once you’ve found a trip that takes your fancy, with code RESTLESS2, you can get an exclusive 5% off on your holiday. Book online or call 020 38113861.

1. Visiting the trulli homes of Puglia

Visiting the trulli homes of Puglia

Puglia is one of Italy’s lesser-visited regions, yet it’s also one of the most unique – and beautiful. Boasting sweeping sandy beaches that back onto opal blue seas, it’s known for the ancient stone cave dwellings of Matera, and the curious conical whitewashed homes called trulli. Trulli are clustered in little pockets around Puglia, but the best examples can be found in the UNESCO-listed town of Alberobello.

On Jules Verne’s seven-night Heart of Puglia tour, Alberobello is just one of many charming towns on the agenda. Enjoy a walking tour of historic Bari, explore coastal Monopoli, and visit the labyrinth-like ‘White City’ of Ostuni for a cooking class. You’ll also see the otherworldly Castellana Caves, tour atmospheric Matera, and have free time to relax, eat, and swim at your base, the lovely seaside village of Savelletri.

2. Ride a gondola in Venice

Ride a gondola in Venice

Widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful and romantic cities, Venice has been revered for its art and architecture since medieval times. This ‘floating city’ is built on 118 islands linked by ornate stone bridges, and no experience better captures a trip to Venice as a gondola ride. Gliding along the canals, ducking under ancient bridges, and admiring the colourful facades is as iconic as it gets.

But on Jules Verne’s four-night Venice from the Water tour, more water-based adventures await. Staying on a stylish boat, the MS Michelangelo, you’ll enjoy two cruises on the lagoon, which is speckled with sleepy islands. Sail to rural Mazzorbo, explore the idyllic Burano, and tour the port of Chioggia. You’ll have plenty of free time to explore Venice, too, from sampling chichetti (small plates) to visiting St Mark’s Basilica.

3. Go walking in the Dolomites

Go walking in the Dolomites

If you enjoy hiking, the obvious destination is the Italian Dolomites. These snow-capped, saw-toothed peaks are located in Northern Italy, beside the Austrian border…which is why the scenery looks more Alpine than typically Italian. Soaring peaks rise up from verdant valleys, charming villages back onto flower-speckled meadows, and icy-blue lakes are fringed by sweet-smelling pine forests.

On Jules Verne’s seven-night Walking in the Italian Dolomites tour, you can explore the dramatic network of trails. Hike to the panoramic summit of Monte Specie, visit the majestic Tre Cime, and stroll along the pretty high pastures. There’s lots of downtime, too: relax in your hotel spa, learn about the region’s WW1 history, savour strudels and hot chocolate in mountain huts, and enjoy peaceful meadow picnics.

4. Go wine tasting in Tuscany

Go wine tasting in Tuscany

Italy has many famous wine regions, but it’s arguably Tuscany that’s most celebrated. This central region produces some of the world’s best wines, from Chianti to Brunello di Montalcino, and the vineyards are tucked between rolling hills, cypress trees, and historic hilltop villages. On Jules Verne’s Heart of Tuscany tour, you’ll visit a picturesque vineyard to taste local wines and sample the very best Tuscan treasures.

But, of course, there’s more to Tuscany than wine. This seven-night tour takes you to the culture-rich cities of Florence, Lucca, Siena, and Pisa, where you can admire medieval architecture and Roman ruins, and learn about the region’s history. The walled town of San Gimignano and Vinci, the hometown of the great Leonardo, also await…as do the cobalt waters and craggy coastline of the stunning Cinque Terre.

5. Tour the towns of Lake Como

Tour the towns of Lake Como

Lake Como has been a popular tourist destination since Roman times and, today, it’s still one of Italy’s glitziest destinations. The emerald waters are surrounded by verdant hillsides and forested peaks, and the shore is lined with colourful, characterful towns. On Jules Verne’s A Week on Lake Como tour, you’ll visit the region’s most charming attractions, from elegant 19th-century villas to dramatic waterfalls.

You’ll be based in the pretty town of Lecco, and will discover its historical treasures on a walking tour. Explore Bellagio, the ‘Pearl of Lake Como’, visit the scenic Villa Melzi, and tour Como town, known for its striking cathedral and medieval history. You’ll also go wine tasting in the Valtellina Valley, visit the rugged Orrido Canyon with its thundering falls, and have plenty of free time for hiking, swimming, and eating.

6. Savour the Sicilian food scene

Savour the Sicilian food scene

Most of Italy is a paradise for foodies, but it’s arguably Sicily that has the most delicious, and unique, cuisine. The largest island in the Mediterranean is known for mouthwatering treats, from arancini to cannoli, and, on Jules Verne’s seven-night Treasures of Sicily tour, you’ll have many opportunities to savour the local food scene. You’ll also enjoy a wine tasting in Marsala, famous for its fortified wine.

Sicily is also known for its incredible history, architecture, and cultural heritage. Visit Byzantine churches in the capital Palermo, explore Norman cathedrals in Cefalú, admire Roman mosaics in Piazza Armerina, and take a guided tour of Agrigento’s Valley of Temples. Plus, visit the iconic Mount Etna, discover the stunning town of Taormina, with its Greco-Roman theatre, and explore the ancient port of Catania.

7. Drive along the iconic Amalfi Coast

Drive along the iconic Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is regarded as one of the most dramatically beautiful parts of Europe, not just Italy. Pastel-coloured homes cling to cliffsides, teetering precariously over the azure sea, while bustling towns boast grand piazzas, fabulous restaurants, and blissful beaches. On Jules Verne’s Discover Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast tour, you’ll drive along this stunning coastline, enjoying panoramic views across the sea.

You’ll be based in scenic Sorrento on this week-long tour, from where you’re perfectly placed to explore the UNESCO-listed coastline and its most famous towns, like Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi. There’s plenty of history involved, too, as you’ll visit the Roman city of Pompeii and tour ancient Naples. The dazzlingly beautiful island of Capri is also on the agenda, and you’ll enjoy a full-day tour of its best attractions.

8. Explore Renaissance Florence

Explore Renaissance Florence

Of all Italy’s beautiful, historic cities, it’s perhaps Florence that’s most impressive. Known as the ‘Cradle of the Renaissance’, it was the European hub for art, academia, philosophy, and physics from the 14th to 16th centuries. Luckily, many of the most impressive masterpieces can still be enjoyed today, and on Jules Verne’s five-night Treasures of Florence tour, you’ll see the best of the city’s cultural treasures.

You’ll take guided tours to landmarks including the Duomo, the revered Uffizi, Michelangelo’s iconic ‘David’, and the Brancacci Chapel, with its colourful frescoes. There’s plenty of free time included, too, so why not stroll along the River Arno, pick up souvenirs, or enjoy meals in traditional trattorias? You can also visit the lovely city of Siena, which is dubbed a ‘living museum’, and visit a wine cellar for a tasting.

9. Swim in Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda

Swim in Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda

The island of Sardinia is famous for its incredible coastal landscape, particularly the Costa Smeralda – but the sweeping golden beaches and sparkling turquoise waters are just part of the attraction. Jules Verne’s seven-night Sea & Sardinia tour delves deep into the island’s history, culture, and cuisine, which is an intriguing blend of Catalan and Italian. And there’s plenty of time for swimming and sunbathing, too.

Take a tour of the capital Cagliari and its characterful old town, visit the UNESCO-listed Su Nuraxi fort, and explore the ruins of ancient Tharros. Travel to the coastal town of Olbia, from where you’ll visit the beautiful villages and islands of the Costa Smerda, and stay in medieval Algerho, where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting. Plus, explore the wild Capo Caccia area, taste local specialities, and enjoy sunny boat trips.

10. Tour the towns of Cinque Terre

Tour the towns of Cinque Terre

In Northern Italy, the string of historic seaside villages along the Italian Riviera coastline is known as the Cinque Terre, and, on Jules Verne’s Peaks, Ports & Palazzi tour, you’ll be able to admire their staggering cinematic beauty. But this crescent-shaped coastal strip is just a highlight of this fabulous eight-night trip, which takes you through the beautiful regions of Piedmont and Liguria by road, rail, and sea.

In Turin, you can visit world-class museums, admire the lavish royal place, and enjoy plenty of free time to explore this surprisingly unsung yet spectacular city. Travel through gorgeous alpine scenery to the foot of Mont Blanc, tour Roman ruins and charming towns, and sample wines in Monferrato. Plus, sail to dreamy Portofino, lose yourself in Genoa’s medieval lanes, and visit the remarkable Palazzo Rosso.

Final thoughts…

From exploring historic cities like Florence and Venice to wine tasting in Tuscan vineyards, these tours are packed with classic Italian experiences. With expert guides to show you around, you’ll visit hidden gems as well as the ‘must-see’ hotspots, and will have plenty of free time to explore in your own way.

These Jules Verne tours don’t only immerse you in Italian culture, they also allow you to make meaningful connections – with local people, with guides, and with your fellow travellers, too. So, whichever Italian destination is calling you, you’re promised an unforgettable experience that will inspire you for a lifetime.

If you’re ready to book, with code RESTLESS2, you can get an exclusive 5% off on your holiday. Book online or call 020 38113861.

Are you tempted by any of these Italian tours? Or are there any other Italian destinations you’re keen to explore? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.