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Designed by local experts who know and understand the destination. This is Italy done right.
Rated Exceptional
4.8 out of 5 in the past year - backed by 32,121 lifetime reviews
Every region of Italy has its own history, traditions, and character waiting to be discovered. But it’s not easy to stumble upon the experiences that define these destinations. Uncovering them takes local insight and expert planning. That’s why every Collette Explorations journey is capped at 24 travellers (average of 19). This allows you to connect with the distinctive details, authentic encounters, and regional experiences that make Italy endlessly rewarding to explore.
Italy is filled with diverse regions. Explore cities, uncover hidden treasures, savour wine and food destinations, or venture to Mediterranean islands. With a variety of small group journeys to choose from, it's easy to find the Italy experience that matches your travel style and interests.
Italy’s most memorable moments often happen away from the crowds. That’s why Collette’s tours offer intimate experiences curated by local experts with the modern traveller in mind. Share meals with locals, learn regional traditions, meet passionate artisans, and discover the stories woven into every place you visit.
Travel can create positive change when done thoughtfully. Through Collette Explorations’ Impact Moments and responsible travel experiences, you'll connect with local people and communities, supporting them while offering you deeper insight into their lives.
Where you stay should feel as memorable as what you see. From elegant Tuscan villas to scenic coastal resorts and character-filled local properties, our accommodation choices reflect the culture and beauty of their surroundings, helping you stay connected to the destination long after each day's adventures end.
A well-designed journey allows you to go further into a destination’s daily culture. Fewer one-night stays mean more time exploring and enjoying where you are — not rushing past it. Plus, a balance of included experiences, choice and independence, and free time allows you to see and understand a destination on your own terms.
With the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours before departure, private home-to-airport chauffeur service*, and 24/7 emergency support, you can focus on what matters most — enjoying your trip.
Get expert guidance to help you make your perfect Italy trip a reality.
4.8 out of 5 the past year — backed by 32121 lifetime reviews
Tour Rating
The tour was amazing Clarissa our tour guide was beyond excellent. There was plenty of free time balanced with tour time to really enjoy the beautiful country of Italy. Highly recommended!!!
Tour Rating
Entire tour was super. Great tour manager. The many sights we visited were amazing. Some of the best food I’ve ever eaten.
Tour Rating
The tour was one of the better tours I have done over the years. The tour director and bus driver put the tour over the top. I especially liked visiting Stresa, Cinque Terre and Venice. The tour offered a nice variety of things to see and do.
The Sistine Chapel is included in all tours of the Vatican Museums. Please note that it is not possible to visit the Sistine Chapel independently; you can only visit as part of a Vatican Museums tour.
Travelling to Italy with dietary restrictions is manageable and enjoyable! Many restaurants are accommodating and offer a variety of naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. Please communicate any dietary needs when you book your tour. You should also share dietary restrictions with your Tour Manager once they contact you before the trip.
Italy, being one of the world's top travel destinations, often has busy tourist sites, so travellers should be ready to navigate through crowds. In many historical centres, coaches are prohibited, necessitating significant walking over uneven cobblestone paths and navigating stairs without railings.
Italy is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. April – May is one of the best times to visit, with mild weather, blooming flowers, and fewer tourists. June – August is peak tourist season, with warm to hot weather; major cities can be crowded and hot. September – October is another excellent time to visit, with pleasant temperatures, harvest festivals, and fewer crowds. November – March is considered off-season, with cooler temperatures, fewer tourists, and often offer lower tour prices.
Tourism in Italy is booming, making many museums such as the Academy Museum extremely popular. As a result, securing entrance for a group at a specific time can be challenging. On tours when we have limited time in Florence, we will provide free time for travellers to arrange their own entrance to the attractions. This allows you the flexibility to explore at your own pace and make the most of your visit.
Unless otherwise specified, Collette tours include a standard ticket to the Colosseum, which grants access to the ground and first level, featuring exhibitions and views of the arena floor. The ticket also includes entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, allowing you to explore ancient Rome's historical sites. Even with timed ticket entrance, the group may need to line up and wait for entrance to the site.
The Venice Access fee is designed for day visitors who do not stay overnight, helping to manage tourist flow and preserve the city's infrastructure. For Collette tours that include a day trip to Venice, Collette will handle the payment of any applicable fees.
Hotel rooms in Italy, particularly in historic areas where space is limited, are often smaller than standard hotel rooms. And single rooms are even more compact. Bathrooms typically feature high bathtubs with handheld shower attachments. Washcloths are often not provided, so pack some if you prefer to use them. Air conditioning is not available in all hotels. In general, air conditioning may only be operational during the summer months.
In addition to your Tour Manager, you will also meet up with Local Guides. Having a Local Guide by your side means that you get all the benefits of having an insider show you around. Since they call the destination home, they can provide you with an insider’s scoop on everything from the best place to find authentic cuisine to how to spot a rare and exotic bird high up in the treetops.
Public toilets can be limited in Italy and when available they may require a small fee — usually between €0.50 and €1.00. It's a good idea to carry some spare change with you. The cleanliness of public restrooms can vary. Whilst some are well-maintained, others might not meet the same level of hygiene. Carrying hand sanitizer or wet wipes can be helpful. You might encounter seatless toilets or squat toilets in some locations. If you need to use a bathroom whilst out and about, consider stopping at a café, bar, or restaurant. Purchasing a small item, like a coffee or a bottle of water, usually grants you access to their facilities.
*Private home-to-airport chauffeur service is included on land-only Explorations bookings made after 1 March 2026. Travellers must live within 50kms of SYD, MEL, ADL, BNE, or PER airports. Ask our reservations team about surcharge pricing outside of 51km range.
