Frequently Asked Questions

Italy is a fantastic destination year-round!

• Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–October) offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery — ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

• Summer (July–August) is great for festivals and beach visits, though popular areas can be busy.

• Winter (November–March) is perfect for art, culture, and fewer tourists — and a magical time to visit cities and holiday markets.

No matter when you visit, we’ll help you make the most of your Italian experience.

The price shown on the Great Tours of Italy website is per person, based on two guests sharing a room.

What’s included in the price?

• Hotel accommodations, tips, charges, and local taxes

• Daily breakfast

• Authentic local cuisine each day

• Porterage and restaurant gratuities

• Professional tour guide throughout your trip

• Transportation as described in your itinerary

• Sightseeing and activities listed in your itinerary

• Airport transfers (where specified in your itinerary)

What’s not included in the price?

• Flights to and from Italy

• Extra hotel nights before or after your trip (can be added during booking)

• Optional experiences subject to weather (can be booked during your trip)

• Travel insurance (recommended — can be arranged separately)

To confirm your reservation with Great Tours of Italy:

• A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of:

  • USD 400 per person

  • CAD 450 / AUD 450 / NZD 450 per person

  • (30% deposit for customized tours or services)

Your booking is confirmed once your deposit has been received by G.T.I. and you receive a confirmation invoice.

For full details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions.

Yes — at least two meals per day are included on all Great Tours of Italy escorted tours.

You’ll enjoy:

• Daily buffet breakfast, typically featuring:

  • Eggs (fried or poached)

  • Sliced bacon or sausages

  • Toast or fresh bread with butter, jam, or jelly

  • Cereals

  • Fresh fruits

  • Coffee, tea, juices

  • Authentic Italian cappuccino and espresso

• Lunch or dinner, featuring local Italian cuisine, typically includes:

  • Two main courses (usually a pasta or soup followed by a meat or fish dish)

  • Mineral water

  • 1/4 liter of fine local wine

  • Dessert, gelato, or fresh fruit

Dining is an unforgettable part of your journey. We carefully select authentic local restaurants that reflect the true flavors of the region you're exploring.

Our group tours are designed to be small and personal, typically ranging from 6 to 20 travelers, depending on the itinerary.

Smaller group sizes allow for:

• A more relaxed, authentic experience

• Greater flexibility during the tour

• More personal attention from your tour guide

• Easier access to local attractions and hidden gems

Looking for something more private? We also offer custom tours for any group size — from solo travelers to large private parties. Just let us know your needs!

Yes — many of our guests choose to add extra nights to enjoy more time in their destination before or after the tour.

You can add additional hotel nights during the online booking process, or simply contact us and we’ll be happy to assist.

If you booked through a travel agent, please reach out to them directly to arrange extra nights.

Please note: All hotel bookings are subject to availability.

How do I book a tour?

Booking your escorted tours is simple!

You can book directly through our website by selecting your preferred tour and travel dates — or, if you prefer, contact us and we’ll guide you through the process.

If you’re booking through a travel agent, they can also assist with your reservation.

No — airfare is not included in the price of a Great Tours of Italy tour.

When booking your flights, please ensure that your arrival and departure dates and times align with the schedule of our complimentary airport transfers (as detailed in your itinerary).

If you have any questions or need assistance with planning your flights, feel free to contact us!

While flights are not included in our tour packages, we’re happy to assist with advice and recommendations for booking your airfare.

If you’d like more information about flight options, ideal arrival and departure times, or airport details, please don’t hesitate to contact us — we’re here to help!

Most of our tours start and finish in major Italian cities, using international airports such as Rome (Fiumicino), Milan (Malpensa or Linate), Venice (Marco Polo), Florence (Peretola), or Naples (Capodichino).

Your detailed itinerary will list the exact arrival and departure airports for your tour. We recommend reviewing this information before booking your flights, to ensure you can take advantage of our complimentary airport transfers.

We carefully select charming, high-quality accommodations that reflect the style and character of each destination.

Depending on your itinerary and preferences, you’ll enjoy a mix of boutique hotels, elegant city properties, countryside villas, or seaside resorts — all chosen for comfort, location, and Italian hospitality.

If you have specific requests for hotel style or room type, just let us know when booking.

No worries! If you don’t see the region or destination you’re looking for on our website, just contact us.

At Great Tours of Italy, all of our trips are 100% customizable — we’ll be happy to design a tailor-made itinerary that fits your interests and travel dreams. Simply tell us what you have in mind, and we’ll take care of the rest!

Absolutely! At Great Tours of Italy, all of our tours can be fully customized to match your interests, schedule, and travel style.

Whether you want to add special experiences, explore a specific region, adjust the pace, or design a completely private journey — we’re here to make it happen.

Simply contact us with your ideas, and our team will work with you to create your perfect Italian adventure.

Yes! Many of our guests choose to book private tours for a more personalized experience.

We can arrange fully private tours for individuals, couples, families, or groups — complete with your own expert guide, customized itinerary, and flexible scheduling.

Contact us to start planning your private Italian adventure.

Yes — we welcome solo travelers on our tours!

Whether you’d like to join a small group or prefer a private, custom itinerary, we’ll help you create a trip that suits your preferences.

Solo travel is a fantastic way to experience Italy, and our team is here to make sure you feel comfortable, supported, and inspired throughout your journey.

Of course! Italy is a wonderful destination for families, and we love creating experiences that everyone — from kids to grandparents — will enjoy.

We can customize family-friendly itineraries that include interactive activities, flexible pacing, and accommodations that work well for families.

Let us know what your family is looking for, and we’ll craft a memorable trip for all ages.

Most of our tours are designed for travelers with a moderate level of fitness — you should be comfortable walking at a relaxed pace for a few hours, sometimes on uneven surfaces or cobblestone streets.

If a tour includes more active elements (such as hiking or climbing stairs), this will be clearly noted in the itinerary.

If you have mobility concerns or would like to adjust the pace of your trip, we’re happy to create a customized itinerary that suits your needs.

Yes — we are happy to accommodate most dietary preferences and food allergies.

When you book your tour, please let us know about any special dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, allergies, etc.).

We’ll do our best to ensure you enjoy delicious meals that meet your requirements — and your guide will help communicate any special requests during your trip.

• Visit – You’ll enter and explore the site.

• View – A brief stop with the chance to take photos.

• See – You will pass by the site so you can see it from the vehicle or during a walk.

Additional Terms You May See:

• (WLG) – With a local guide and wireless headsets.

• Sightseeing tour – Your tour guide will accompany you on a tour of a city or site.

• Orientation tour – The guide will point out places of interest so you can explore them on your own afterward.

Yes — all our itineraries include a good balance of guided sightseeing and free time for you to explore, relax, or enjoy activities at your own pace.

Your Travel Director will also offer tips on how to make the most of your free time, including suggestions for local restaurants, shops, and hidden gems.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality:

• Citizens of the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, UK, and many other countries do not need a visa for short tourist stays in Italy (up to 90 days).

• If you are unsure about visa requirements for your country, we recommend checking with your local Italian consulate or embassy.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct travel documents before departure.

It is not mandatory, but highly recommended.
Unexpected events can occur before or during travel, and insurance protects your investment.

No. Many major credit cards — especially premium cards — include built-in travel insurance benefits, often at no additional cost.

This may include:

• Trip cancellation

• Trip interruption

• Lost baggage

• Travel delay compensation

• Rental car protection

• Limited medical coverage abroad (varies by provider)

We strongly encourage all guests paying by credit card to review their card’s travel insurance policy before purchasing a separate plan.
Coverage varies widely, and some cards offer very strong protection, while others cover only basic delays or lost luggage.

Travelers should contact their card issuer or review the "Travel Benefits" section online to confirm what is included.

AIG Travel Guard (USA & Canada) Purchase here: https://www.travelguard.com

Seven Corners (USA only) Purchase here: https://www.sevencorners.com

WorldTrips – Atlas Journey Plans (USA & Canada)Purchase here: https://www.worldtrips.com

Allianz Travel Insurance (USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand)

Purchase here:

• USA: https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com

• Canada: https://www.allianz-assistance.ca

• Australia: https://www.allianz.com.au/travel-insurance

• New Zealand: https://www.allianzpartners.co.nz/travel-insurance

Cover-More (Australia & New Zealand)

Purchase here:

• Australia: https://www.covermore.com.au

• New Zealand: https://www.covermore.co.nz

On all of our escorted tours, luggage is limited to:

• 1 large suitcase per person (maximum size: 30 x 19 x 10 inches / 76 x 45 x 25 cm, max weight: 50 lbs / 23 kg)

• 1 small soft personal bag or backpack — no hard carry-on suitcases allowed

Our driver will assist you with your luggage during the tour.

For private or customized tours, luggage allowances can be adjusted to suit your needs — but must be approved prior to arrival. If you plan to bring:

• Oversized luggage

• Bicycles

• Wheelchairs

• Skis

• Or any extra or special equipment

… please inform us in advance so we can confirm approval and make appropriate arrangements.

We recommend packing comfortable clothing, good walking shoes, and layers — as Italian weather can vary by season and region.

Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat for sunny days, and a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.

For visits to religious sites, it’s respectful to have shoulders and knees covered.

We’ll send you a suggested packing list before your trip to help you prepare!

We understand that plans can change — here’s what you need to know:

• If you need to cancel or change your booking, please contact us as soon as possible.

• Cancellation fees apply based on how far in advance you cancel — full details are outlined in our Terms and Conditions.

• Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.

• If you would like to change your travel dates or modify your tour, we’ll do our best to accommodate your request — some change fees may apply depending on timing and availability.

Our team is here to assist you — if you need help adjusting your plans, just contact us and we’ll guide you through the process.

You will receive your final travel documents approximately 2–3 weeks before your departure date.

These documents will include:

• Your detailed itinerary

• Hotel and transfer information

• Contact numbers and travel tips

• Any additional vouchers or tickets (if applicable)

If you have any questions after reviewing your documents, our team will be happy to assist you.

The price listed on our website and in our brochure for Escorted Tours covers nearly everything you need for your land journey through Italy — with no hidden costs or on-tour surprises.

Your tour price includes:

• Airport transfers (as described in your itinerary)

• All hotel accommodations

• Meals as specified, including special dinners with local flavor

• Land and cruise transportation (as described in your itinerary)

• Guided sightseeing and shore excursions

• Luggage handling

• Most taxes and service charges

• All appropriate gratuities for:

  • Luggage porters, bellmen, and doormen

  • Dining room staff and ship crew

Each tour includes over $250 in built-in value — so you can relax and enjoy your journey without worrying about extra fees or unexpected expenses.

While our tours include many elements, here’s what is not included in your package price:

• International airfare — flights to and from Italy are not included

• Travel insurance (highly recommended — please arrange prior to your trip)

• Meals not specified in the itinerary

• Optional excursions or experiences not listed in the itinerary (these can be arranged upon request)

• Personal expenses such as laundry, beverages, phone calls, and souvenirs

• Passport and visa fees (if applicable)

• Extra hotel nights before or after the tour — these can be added during booking

• Gratuities for your main tour guide and driver (at your discretion)

If you have any questions about what’s included in your tour or wish to add any extra experiences, our team will be happy to assist you!

The amount of coach travel depends on the specific itinerary, but we plan our routes carefully to maximize your enjoyment.

We rarely spend more than a couple of hours on the coach without a photo stop, sightseeing visit, or break.

Our goal is to keep travel comfortable and relaxed, so you can enjoy both the journey and the destinations.

.

Yes — to ensure fairness and enhance your coach experience, Great Tours of Italy uses a daily seat rotation system.

Your Travel Director will organize the rotation so that:

• Everyone has a chance to enjoy different views from various seats

• You’ll have opportunities to meet and mingle with fellow travelers each day

It’s a simple way to make the journey more enjoyable for all!

Absolutely. At Great Tours of Italy, we take pride in offering one of the newest and most comfortable coach fleets in the industry.

All of our vehicles are fuel-efficient, fully air-conditioned, and designed with your comfort in mind. Features include:

• Reclining seats with extra legroom and footrests

• Modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems

• Spacious undercarriage luggage compartments for secure storage

Our coaches are maintained to the highest standards to ensure you travel in comfort and style throughout your journey.

In addition to your main suitcase (which will be stored in the coach’s luggage compartment), you may bring one personal bag onto the coach.

This personal bag must fit either under your seat or in the small overhead compartment. The size limit is:
12" x 11" x 6" (30 x 28 x 14 cm)

For safety reasons, small rolling suitcases are not permitted inside the coach.

You may also want to bring items for comfort and entertainment during the ride, such as:

• A travel pillow

• A good book or magazine

• Sunglasses

• Your phone

• Headphones (for music or podcasts)

Yes — at least two meals per day are included on all Great Tours of Italy escorted tours.

You’ll enjoy:

• Daily buffet breakfast, typically featuring:

  • Eggs (fried or poached)

  • Sliced bacon or sausages

  • Toast or fresh bread with butter, jam, or jelly

  • Cereals

  • Fresh fruits

  • Coffee, tea, juices

  • Authentic Italian cappuccino and espresso

• Lunch or dinner, featuring local Italian cuisine, typically includes:

  • Two main courses (usually a pasta or soup followed by a meat or fish dish)

  • Mineral water

  • 1/4 liter of fine local wine

  • Dessert, gelato, or fresh fruit

Dining is an unforgettable part of your journey. We carefully select authentic local restaurants that reflect the true flavors of the region you're exploring.

We’re happy to accommodate vegetarian diets and can assist with diabetic, gluten-free, and other medically recommended dietary needs.

To help us serve you better, please inform us of your dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Please note:

• We are unable to provide meals in line with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal.

• We also cannot guarantee specific dietary supplements like soy milk, high-protein, low-carb, or salt-free meals.

While we’ll do our best, meal options may vary depending on the region and restaurant availability.

Our itineraries offer a well-balanced mix of walking and enjoying sites from the comfort of your coach.

The amount of walking can vary by day and destination. Some sites may involve uneven terrain, stairs, or longer walking distances. We always recommend bringing comfortable, supportive footwear to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the trip.

Your Travel Director will provide guidance each day so you know what to expect. If you have any mobility concerns, please let us know in advance so we can advise you on the best tour options.

After you return home from your Great Tours of Italy trip, you’ll receive an email from us with a link to submit your review. Simply follow the link to share your experience — we would love to hear your feedback!

We are proud to hold a 5-star rating on Facebook, Google and TripAdvisor, based on thousands of independent user reviews.

Your feedback helps us improve and also assists other travelers in planning their perfect Italian journey. Thank you for taking the time to review your experience!

Absolutely! Once you have traveled with Great Tours of Italy, you are automatically entitled to a 5% discount on your next trip with us.

It’s our way of saying thank you for choosing to explore Italy with us — and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon!

Yes — we love when our happy travelers recommend us to their friends!

If you refer a friend or family member who books their first trip with Great Tours of Italy, both of you will receive a special reward:

• Your friend will enjoy a 5% discount on their first booking

• You will receive a 5% loyalty discount toward your next trip with us

It’s our way of saying thank you for helping us share the beauty of Italy with more wonderful guests.

To refer a friend, just contact us — we’ll take care of the rest!

Our blog is full of helpful travel tips, Italian culture insights, and destination inspiration — perfect for planning your next adventure!

You can explore our latest articles here:
👉 [ https://greattoursofitaly.com/blog/ ]

Stay connected and inspired — follow us on social media for:

• Behind-the-scenes photos & videos

• Italian travel tips

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• Special offers and news

👉 Facebook: [ facebook.com/greattoursofitaly ]
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