Guided tours are the way to see and experience destinations without wasting time getting lost, missing out on the history behind the sights and having a safe and enhanced travel experience. While I’ve written about the virtues of guided tours, I haven’t shared with you specifically why I think guided tours of Italy are the way to see this country. Well, it’s quite simple and comes down to four aspects that make it superior to “going it alone”. Guided tours provide:
- Experience beyond the major sites
- Authenticity of people, food, environment
- Expert people leading the way
- Comfortable travel
Experience Beyond the Major Sites
Seeing the major icons or sites, such as the Vatican, the colosseum and Michaelangelo’s David are a given…but what about seeing those hidden gems, the places and things that the average traveler might not know to look for? Maybe a private boat ride to Isola Madre, a secluded island where young princes used to play? Guided tours offer that kind of insider knowledge so that you see something that locals favor but outsiders wouldn’t even know to look for. Often travelers say that these experiences are the highlights of their trips!
Authenticity of People, Food, Environment
Does anyone recall the movie Eat, Pray, Love? Julia Roberts starts her journey in Italy and “eats her way through the country”, experiencing authenticity while enthusiastically putting on a few pounds. Guided tours offer these same kind of experiences, where travelers stay in traditional accommodations, and dine on the most local cuisine…while meeting real people in their day-to-day lives. Participate in a balsamic vinegar tasting near Modena…visit an ‘Agriturismo’ farmhouse in the heart of Tuscany for a delicious Italian meal…and drive along the famous Amalfi Coast in order to visit the exclusive artists’ paradise of Positano.
Expert People Leading the Way
Guided tours would be of no value if the guides were not truly subject matter experts. My clients of guided tours typically come back raving about what a difference the guide made in what they learned about a particular site, city or country. The best tour companies employ local experts with a wealth of knowledge who really love to tell colorful stories about each historic landmark to bring the journey to life in a memorable way. Here’s an example of one such guide and his tour experience:
Rome Sightseeing and Free Time
Your included sightseeing tour with a Local Expert begins at the Vatican Museums. Experience a Unique Insight in the Vatican when you ascend the smooth and step-less spiral staircase designed by famous architect Donato Bramante. Admire Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and then visit St. Peter’s Basilica to see his famous Pietà. Your tour continues in ancient Rome. View the Forum and see the Circus Maximus, where chariot races were held. Visit the impressive Colosseum. There’s time afterwards to explore the city on your own, or simply relax and watch the world go by!
Comfortable Travel
What does this mean? It means luxury travel in an air conditioned coach, 5-star hotels and even authentic accommodations, for some tours. For example, when staying on the exclusive Lido di Venezia island, tours may opt for the Grande Albergo Ausonia & Hungaria. Rich in romantic history, this authentic accommodation is a prestigious icon in Venice and has original period furnishings. Other “comforts” include audio headsets throughout the trip to enhance sightseeing experiences and having all of the service fees, tips and luggage charges included in the tour fee.
Italy is a destination that many dream of – but may only be fortunate enough to visit once, with so much of the rest of the world to see. So the experience should be as amazing as possible. I know that with the right guided tour, your Italy trip will be one you talk about for years after. I’ve done extensive research and can set you up with the highest rated tour companies to give you the maximum experience. And by leaving the details to me, you can sit back and simply enjoy all the goodies the guided tours of Italy have to offer.