Small group escorted tours Italy for seniors.

Odyssey offers easy, convenient, and relaxed escorted small group tours across Western Europe and beyond. We explore Italy’s incredible natural beauty, its ancient Roman heritage, its World Heritage Sites, and world famous cities, all with some truly spectacular scenery along the way. This and more is all waiting to be explored on one of Odyssey’s small group tours of Italy, designed for the senior traveller, and led by experienced, and enthusiastic like minded people.

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Small group tours of Italy

Crafted for the mature World traveller

Northern Italy tours Lakes and Alps, escorted small groups

22 days

Oct, Apr

Tour of Northern Italy's Lakes and Alps

Visiting Italy

A European tour to the stunning Lakes Region of Italy. Your travel experience begins in Milan, daily itineraries include two of the region’s lakes - Garda and Maggiore, plus the Roman villa Desenzona and a day in Cinque Terre. Local guides share experience and knowledge with you on this escorted small group tour for couples and solo travelers.

From A$14,895 AUD

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Villages of Italy, Volterra, Tuscany Italy

26 days

Aug, Sep

Villages of Italy | small group tours Italy

Visiting Italy

Explore Italy in a small group tour. Italy is the most Mediterranean of nations and as mature and aged as many of its red wines. In terms of being a nation, it is even younger than New Zealand. This is often hard to believe, bearing in mind that Italy gave rise to Europe’s first global empire, which endured for approximately 2,000 years, the Romans. The new constantly brushes with the old and in doing so generates sparks that makes any sojourn in Italy a deeply textured experience.

From A$16,775 AUD

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Villages of Italy

13 days

Aug

Villages of Italy - short small group tours

Visiting Italy

Roam the villages of the northern Dolomites, in Italy, home to more than 40 glaciers. A small group tour is a great way to get to know Italy, or reacquaint yourself with its beauty and hidden gems. Travel with like minded mature couples or solo travellers.

From A$10,895 AUD

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Milan, Doumo Cathedral

14 days

Sep, May

Lakes and Landscapes of Northern Italy | Short Small Group Tour for Seniors

Visiting Italy

Our small group tour begins in the cosmopolitan city of Milan and ventures to 2 of the region's lakes - Garda and Maggiore. Our tour uncovers a wealth of natural beauty, castles, serene waters, snow-capped mountains, and breathtaking scenery.

From A$9,225 AUD

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Italy and France, history of gardens

25 days

Aug, May, Sep

Italy and France, history of gardens small group escorted tour

Visiting France, Italy

Odyssey's small group tour explores some of the classic gardens of Italy and France that reflect changing fashions and garden designs throughout the ages. This fully escorted tour features an Odyssey Program Leader and a handful of local guides who will examine, discuss, compare and contrast the cultural and temporal similarities and diversities between the gardens of Italy and France and the historical influences on their design.

From A$17,595 AUD

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Guaranteed
Island of Sicily

25 days

Apr, Sep, Oct

Mediterranean Islands Small Group Tour | Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica

Visiting Corsica, Italy

For centuries Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica held the key to the Mediterranean. Unlike other European tour companies, Odyssey provides a tour leader and local guides to share detailed itineraries about the destinations on these small group journeys. This escorted tour of western Mediterranean explores the geography, history, culture and peoples of these 4 islands. Small group tour for mature couples and solo travellers. A reasonable single supplement is charged.

From A$19,750 AUD

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Guaranteed
Island of Sicily

12 days

Apr, Oct, Sep

Malta & Sicily - Mediterranean Islands small group tour

Visiting Italy, Malta

For centuries Malta & Sicily, held the key to the Mediterranean. Unlike other European tour companies, Odyssey provides a tour leader and local guides to share detailed itineraries about the destinations on these small group journeys. For mature couples and solo travellers. A reasonable single supplement is charged.

From A$10,150 AUD

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View from Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome, Italy

15 days

Dec

Discover Rome | Cultural and History Small Group Tour for Seniors

Visiting Italy

Rome is arguably the most fascinating city in Italy, the capital city, once the centre of a vast, ancient empire and still today a cultural focus within Europe. Explore the city in-depth as part of a small group program spending 14 days exploring, just Rome and Roman History.

From A$9,235 AUD

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Caravaggio’s journey Italy, Malta, Sicily escorted small group tour 

20 days

May, Oct

Caravaggio’s Journey | Small Group Tour in Italy

Visiting Italy, Malta

On this small group tour of Italy and Malta for mature and senior couples and solo travellers we trace the life of Caravaggio, exploring the artistic works he left behind and the tumultuous life he led. We follow him from his birthplace in Milan to Rome, Malta, Sicily and Naples. In each place he lived Caravaggio left behind a rich legacy of art for us to admire.

From A$15,125 AUD

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Tour of Italy, Renaissance Sculpture Medici Lion by Vacca in Florence

21 days

Apr, Aug, May

Renaissance Italy Tour: Story of Five Families

Visiting Italy

Explore Renaissance Italy on this small group tour though an examination of five significant city states. Florence, Urbino, Ferrara, Mantua and Milan were all dominated by families determined to increase the status of their city through art and architecture. Spend time coming to know the men and women who helped create the cities, as well as the magnificent legacy they left behind.

From A$14,295 AUD

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Ancient History of Southern Italy - Island Procida near Naples, Italy

22 days

Jan, Apr, Sep

Ancient History of Southern Italy & Sicily group tours

Visiting Italy

Our program for senior travellers, as well as featuring the rugged countryside of Southern Italy, also encompasses learning about the many civilisations that have shaped this land. We learn about the influence of the early Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Saracens, and Aragonese.

From A$16,995 AUD

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Venice, Italy

27 days

Dec

European Cities Small Group History and Cultural Winter Tour

Visiting Albania, Croatia

An escorted tour A Journey that commences in Rome and takes in 12 destinations along its journey to Athens. This is an off season small group journey with like minded people. A small group tour across Southern Europe with local guides sharing authentic in-country authentic experiences for mature couples and solo travellers.

From A$17,295 AUD

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Pre-guaranteed
Florence

22 days

Mar, Sep, May

Florence: Living in a Renaissance City

Visiting Italy

A small group tour with like minded people, couples or solo travellers, that is based in Florence. An authentic experience of living in this Renaissance city The daily itineraries draw on local guides to share their knowledge on this unique European tour. Trips to Pisa, Lucca and Perugia are included.

From A$13,695 AUD

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Medieval architecture Italy, Florence

20 days

Jul

Italy Puccini Festival small group Tour

Visiting Italy

The Puccini festival is an escorted tour complete with local guides as part of our small group travel program, we will also visit Rome, Siena, Florence, Lucca, Viareggio, Genoa, Milan, Verona, and Venice. Join like minded people on this European tour in Italy. For solo travellers there is a nominal single supplement charged.

From A$14,995 AUD

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Val D'Orcia, Italy, Tuscany, Sunset

17 days

Sep, Aug

Via di Francesco Walking Tour | Small Group Walking Tours Italy

Visiting Italy

Experience with like minded people a small group journey walking Via di Francesco (or the Way of St. Francis) in Italy. One of a few European tour companies who offer a tour leader and local guides for senior couples and single travellers on this journey between the key destinations on this walk.

From A$12,050 AUD

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Tiber River Statue Villa Lante Italy

18 days

Apr, Sep, Mar

Via Francigena Walking Tour: Great St. Bernard Pass to Rome

Visiting Italy, Switzerland

An escorted tour that walks sections of the ancient pilgrimage route Via Francigena. Our small group is joined by Local guides to share knowledge and authentic experiences as our group of like minded people make their way to Rome.

From A$13,250 AUD

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Overtourism

18 days

Sep, Apr

Small group tour to Venice and Genoa

Visiting Italy

City pairs and rivalries exist. When spice, gold, steel swords and cloth where major commodities in the Mediterranean then Venice and Genoa fought for market share. Venice offered mercenaries, Genoa, banks. Italian history tour for those interested in joining a small group educational tour for senior couple and mature solo travellers.

From A$10,995 AUD

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Houses in Amsterdam The Netherlands

75 days

May, Aug, Apr

Grand tour of Europe

Visiting Austria, Belgium, Croatia

For the senior couple or mature solo traveler seeking a small group educational tour focussed on exploring and learning with like minded people in Europe.

From A$47,275 AUD

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View of Piazza de Ferrari, main square of Genoa, Italy

21 days

Sep, Apr, Oct

Four Italians: Genoa, Mantua, Orvieto and Bologna

Visiting Italy

A small group tour for senior couples and mature solo travellers to Genoa, Mantua, Orvieto and Bologna. Places where the Renaissance shone beyond Florence, Venice and Rome. Italy is one of the great countries of Europe this program with like minded people takes you beyond the regular path of travellers to see and learn more.

From A$15,995 AUD

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Hhistory of Italy, Chianti, Tuscany, Italy

12 days

Sep, May

Heritage, culture, history of Italy, seniors small group - Short Tour

Visiting Italy

Odyssey's small group tour features the best of the Italian countryside as well as the great cities and icons of Italy. We will see the Renaissance cities of Florence, Pisa, and Lucca as well as the Umbrian medieval cities of Perugia.

From A$8,195 AUD

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Heritage, culture, history of Italy, cobblestone street Rome

22 days

Sep, Apr, Mar

Heritage, Culture and History of Italy | Small Group Tours for Seniors

Visiting Italy

Rome, the world’s first superpower, lasted for almost a thousand years. In this small group tour for senior couples and solo travellers we thread our way through the Rome of the Emperors, then through the Italy of the Renaissance, Michelangelo, the Medici, and the Borgia. In the south, we visit the cosmopolitan city of Naples as well as Pompeii and the island retreat of Capri.

From A$13,695 AUD

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Venice, Italy

18 days

Aug, Sep

Art and History of Italy | Small Group Tour for seniors

Visiting Italy

Taken as a whole, Italian Civilization (which includes, of course, the splendid inheritance of Ancient Rome) is absolutely foundational to Western culture. Music, Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, Literature, Philosophy, Law and Politics all derive from Italy or were adapted and transformed through the medium of Italy.

From A$16,695 AUD

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Italian culture: how is it defined by the traveller? Olive groves ? The rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside? Or being part of one of our small group tours of Italy, where you can linger and explore the place, be it the Italian lake region, and then onto central Italy and a Tuscany tour, or with small group tours Southern Italy and small group tours Rome. The pace of the program and the places visited are some of the key benefits of our Italian small group tours, as is having an itinerary with some flexibility. Whether you are looking for small group arts tours Italy, or historic and cultural tours, scenic and culinary explorations, or a combination of each, our number of flexible Italian tours can meet your demands. For participants on Odyssey’s Italian small group tours it is this flexibility in thinking and approach as a tour company that makes for a truly memorable Italian tour with like minded people.

Our small group tours cover a wide range of destinations that will spoil you for choice. An always popular main attraction is Florence, the city of important artists and thinkers such as poet Dante Alighieri and political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli and home of the powerful Medici family, which gave birth to the Renaissance with both men and women of influence and left behind a legacy that shaped the Italy we know today. On small group tours Venice also sticks out as a memorable highlight. The city-state emerged on a lagoon from the ruins of the Roman and Byzantine empires in the 9th century and grew to become the greatest seaport in late medieval Europe and an important centre of commerce linking the continent to the East, whilst Genoa to the west championed Banking and the completion against Venice. And of course, on your small group tours Rome always features as a particular highlight – who can resist the beauty of the Eternal City? All these are places that you can expect to be highlights of small group escorted tours Italy whether travelling as a couple or solo traveller on a group tour with Odyssey.

Italy truly has something for all on an escorted small group tour with a well planned itinerary. On small group arts tours Italy you can immerse yourself in the splendour that is the art of Italy. Much of the music, painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, philosophy, law, and politics which we in the West enjoy today derives from Italy and is absolutely foundational to Western culture. Experience some of the most important sights and sounds of Italy for lovers of art, opera, history and literature.

Your Italy tour is also steeped in history and a UNESCO world heritage site (s); indeed you can discover a whole other ancient world with a group tour. Your tour director and tour guide will readily share the history from the ghostly ruins of Pompeii on a walking tour all the way to the wonders of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, iconic landmarks abound. Visit on a group tour with like minded senior travellers the world’s smallest country, Vatican City, the city-state surrounded by Rome and admire the opulent Sistine Chapel and some of the world’s finest Renaissance art in the Vatican museum. Extend the itinerary for small group tours Venice to ensure you marvel at the majesty of the Gothic Doge’s Palace in the centre of the road-less city of more than 100 small islands, another UNESCO World heritage site. Pause in Verona to visit Juliet’s balcony.

Admire the dramatic shorelines of Lake Como and/or Lake Maggiore nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps of Northern Italy. Head to Florence and the Chianti region to glory in the wonder that is Tuscan wine. Set against the rugged Apennine Mountains, Tuscany’s beautiful scenery is just as charming as the food and wine tasting on offer. Or on small group tours Southern Italy, experience the stunning landscapes of the dazzling Amalfi coast, where pastel villages tumble into azure blue seas. Off the ‘toe’ of Italy’s boot, you will find Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island. Home to the formidable Mount Etna and Agrigento’s Concordia temple, Sicily is a treasure trove of natural and architectural wonders. Take an excursion to discover one of Italy ’s hidden gems off the coast of Sicily in the Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago with sparklingly clear seas and stunning landscapes.

On small group escorted tours Italy offers so much exploring on the cards, you are bound to work up an appetite. Luckily, there is no shortage of food to try when it comes to Italian cuisine. Italy ’s food culture is fiercely local, with each region having its own mouth-watering specialty for you to try as you tour the beautiful Italian landscape.

Articles about Italy

Corsica

About Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica: islands of the western Mediterranean

For senior and mature travellers taking a small group tour to Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica, this paper answers questions and provides the historical context of a small group tour for couples and solo travellers to the Historic Mediterranean sea.

25 Sep 19 · 15 mins read
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Florence

Brunelleschi's Dome: The Amateur turned Renaissance Genius

Filippo Brunelleschi. We will look at who he was and how he came to win the competition to design the dome for Florence's cathedral.

28 Nov 19 · 11 mins read
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View of Piazza de Ferrari, main square of Genoa, Italy

History of Genoa, Rival to Venice

In this article, we will look at the history of Genoa, and its rivalry with Venice that led to several wars fought between the two city-states in the 12th to 14th centuries.

23 Dec 19 · 9 mins read
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Florence, Italy

History of a City: Florence, Italy

Florence or Firenze, article provides an overview of the history from inception from the Romans to Mussolini with plenty of the Renaissance covered. Includes a list of Museums and places to see in Tuscany. Background material for a small group package tour to Italy or long stay in Florence.

5 Jan 20 · 23 mins read
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The_Inspiration_of_Saint_Matthew-Caravaggio_(1602)

Learning about Caravaggio's Paintings: The Definitive Guide for Seniors

Caravaggio’s Paintings Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610) was a leading 16th century Italian painter whose short but tempestuous life rivalled the controversy and drama he created through his highly influential art. Born in Lombardy, northern…

4 May 21 · 12 mins read
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Secret Venice

Secrets of Venice: A History of Espionage

Secret Venice: The Council of Ten and Medieval Espionage The city-state of Venice emerged on a lagoon from the ruins of the Roman and Byzantine empires in the 9th century and grew to become the greatest…

5 Jan 20 · 8 mins read
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Getting around

Odyssey travels by coach and occasionally uses local transport, including trains and ferries when operating its small group escorted tours Italy. Specifics are always outlined in your tour itinerary. Italy has a centralised and impressively extensive rail network that is more affordable than most European rail networks, and is usually the best way to travel from city to city. You can travel between nearly all major cities by train. The Italian Railway System has nearly 20,000km of rail.

Accommodation

In major cities, Odyssey escorted small group tour stays in centrally located 3-4 star hotels, with easy access to public transport. In smaller towns or rural areas, we usually stay in family-run hotels or guesthouses. On our longstay tours,such as those offered in Florence or Rome during which you spend the length of the tour in a single location, we use serviced apartments. For the solo traveller there is a single supplement charged to cover the cost of sole occupancy of a double bedded room or studio apartment.

Tour Guides

Odyssey has a tour directortour manager led your small group escorted tours Italy. The tour director is supported by an appropriate local tour guide on a small group tour. Your tour guide has been chosen for their regional knowledge to ensure an authentic experience during your guided tour or walking tour enabling you to learn as much as possible about the history and culture of places you visit during your excursion.

Geography, environment, & weather

Italy’s boot perhaps the most famously shaped country in the world, kicking Sicily out into the ocean. Italy borders Switzerland, France, Austria, and Slovenia and is extroardinarily mountainous, the Alps forming its northern boundary. Italy is divided into twenty regions and has a population of around 61 million. We know the cities and towns are beautiful and full of heritage and history of ancient Rome, but the Tuscany and Umbria and Southern Italy with enclosed fields of Olive groves present stunning landscapres for the senior traveller to enjoy.

In terms of weather, the climate can vary wildly but it is usually very mild in areas such as Rome, Florence, , Umbria and Assisi in Tuscany. In Southern Italy, the amalfi coast, Sorrento, Sicily and Naples the winters are mild and the summers hot. However in Northern Italy, Venice, Verona, Milan, Lake Maggiore it can get cold, during the day and at night, especially in the winter. In certain areas can become extremely dry and hot during the summer. And, of course, if you’re planning on heading to the mountains before after or during Winter, you’ll need to pack for snow.

World Heritage sites

Italy has an impressive 48 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can view the official list of the sites here (http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/IT). While every single site has something of value, here are a few highlights:

  • The historic centres of several towns are listed as World Heritage Sits, including those of Florence, Rome, Naples, Urbino, and Siena.
  • The Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which includes Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”.
  • The Piazza del Duomo in Pisa, a Piazza that contains four cultural monuments including the famous leaning tower.
  • The Medici Villas and Gardens in Tuscany.

Festivals & events

Italy is the cultural centre of many artistic and industrial fields, and thus there are plenty of events to look out for across the country and throughout the year. Here are a few that are worth marking on your calendar:

  • The Venice Biennale is one of the world’s most spectacular art exhibitions. It was founded in 1895, and takes place every two years.
  • Milan Fashion Week is held in September/October and February/March each year; it is among the most popular and influential fashion shows in the world.
  • Carnevale, a pre-Lent festival, is popular throughout Italy, but its most famous celebration is the Venice Carnevale, during which revellers wear elaborate masks.
  • If you’re even vaguely interested in sports, try not to miss an Italian football match. The atmosphere is extraordinary and the spectacle is unforgettable.

Reading list

The Land Where Lemons Grow: The Story of Italy and its Citrus Fruit by Helena Attlee

The Rise and Fall of the House of Medici by Christopher Hibbert

SPQR by Mary Beard

The Popes: A History by John Julius Norwich

The Pursuit of Italy: A History of a Land, its Regions and their Peoples by David Gilmour

Eating & Drinking

Your Tour managertour director and tour guide on your guided tour will be be able to assist with ordering meals or a coffee in Italy. Traditionally, Italians enjoy a small breakfast, a single-dish lunch, and a single-dish dinner. Breakfast is often simply a pastry and a cappuccino; drinking a cappuccino later in the day, rather than an espresso, is seen as strange. In smaller towns, shops often close down for around an hour for lunch, which is regarded as the most important meal of the day. Dinner is generally eaten after 8pm.

When eating in Italian bars in city centres, you will likely be charged significantly more if you are seated outside instead of standing at the bar, or ordering takeaway. This is due to establishments being taxed heavily for placing seating outside. Often, when ordering drinks or coffee, you order at the cash register, then take your receipt to the bar staff or barista who will serve you. Tips of a euro or two are generally appreciated.

Here’s a tip: If you are in a large group ordering pastas, try to order the same kind (say, spaghetti or penne), as the pasta itself is often cooked fresh, meaning ordering a variety of pastas can slow down service and frustrate the kitchen.

Health & safety

Smarttraveller.gov provides the latest advice on travelling to Italy. While Italy is largely a safe country for tourists, you will often see signs warning of pickpockets in areas popular with tourists, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your belongings at all times.

Electrical supply

Whenever you travel overseas, it’s always wise to take an appropriate travel adaptor. Plugs in Italy have two round pins, so make sure to pick up the right adaptor before your trip.

Tour Reviews

Thank you so much for being a wonderful leader for the Heritage Italy tour. It was so interesting and has left me with lots of things to think about and follow up in my reading. I found I had an old book giving the history of Greek science, i.e. the thinking of the Greeks in the early BC time. An interesting addition to our visit to Paestum and Cumae. The whole experience was marvellous and I have to thank you again for your kindness and consideration and the generous amount of time you gave to us all. I really appreciated that. (MB - Heritage Italy)

Participant Sep -15

Heritage, culture, history of Italy, seniors small group – Short Tour

One of my most pleasurable holidays, and one I must repeat, as it was not long enough. We were most fortunate in having our marvellous tour leader.

B F

Heritage, Culture and History of Italy | Small Group Tours for Seniors

• Thank you so much for being a wonderful leader for the Heritage Italy tour. It was so interesting and has left me with lots of things to think about and follow up in my reading. I found I had an old book giving the history of Greek science, i.e. the thinking of the Greeks in the early BC time. An interesting addition to our visit to Paestum and Cumae. The whole experience was marvellous and I have to thank you again for your kindness and consideration and the generous amount of time you gave to us all. I really appreciated that. (MB - Heritage Italy)

Participant May -15

Heritage, Culture and History of Italy | Small Group Tours for Seniors

• It was a marvellous tour. I was privileged, as we all were, to see so many things of beauty, and so much history, in your very capable hands. Thank you for passing on some of your knowledge, and for your ready assistance. Thank you also for the photos and the list of guides; I'd been trying to remember the name of that rather good, but unusual fellow we met in Siena. No doubt because of his enthusiasm - and eccentricity - I remember Siena so well. (BH - Heritage Italy)

Participant May -15

Heritage, Culture and History of Italy | Small Group Tours for Seniors

Apart from just touching base and saying hi, I wanted to thank you for such a wonderful trip. Fourth time in Italy for me but the chance to get a little off the beaten track was really special... not to mention I got so much more insight into Italy than I had before. (KG Heritage Italy)

Participant Sep -15

Heritage, Culture and History of Italy | Small Group Tours for Seniors

It was a marvellous tour. I was privileged, as we all were, to see so many things of beauty, and so much history, in your very capable hands. Thank you for passing on some of your knowledge, and for your ready assistance. Thank you also for the photos and the list of guides; I'd been trying to remember the name of that rather good, but unusual fellow we met in Siena. No doubt because of his enthusiasm - and eccentricity - I remember Siena so well. (BH - Heritage Italy)

Participant Sep -15

Heritage, culture, history of Italy, seniors small group – Short Tour

Apart from just touching base and saying hi, I wanted to thank you for such a wonderful trip. Fourth time in Italy for me but the chance to get a little off the beaten track was really special... not to mention I got so much more insight into Italy than I had before. (KG Heritage Italy)

Participant Sep -15

Heritage, culture, history of Italy, seniors small group – Short Tour

FAQs

What is the time zone for Italy?

Italy has a single time zone, Central European Time. The nation observes daylight saving time from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

Is tipping customary?

If you’re on an Odyssey tour, we take care of tipping. So, when you’re with the group, you don’t need to give it a second thought. However, in your free time, or if travelling independently, it’s essential that you make sure you tip an appropriate amount for services, as is the case throughout much of Europe. It’s customary to tip 10% of the bill at restaurants, or 1 to 3 euro at a more casual establishment. It’s polite to round a bill up to the nearest whole figure or leave the change when buying drinks.

What is the access like to the internet in Italy?

Internet is easily accessible, and most hotels and many cafes will be able to offer it.

It maybe patchy in the more rural parts of Italy.

Can I use my mobile phone in Italy?

Check with your cell phone provider to see whether you’re able to make calls and use data while in Italy. Many providers will allow you to pay a daily fee that allows you to make calls and check the internet while only being charged your regular rates. However, be certain to inform your provider that you’re heading overseas, because just like a bank they can turn off your service as a result of unusual activity.

Why is Italy a top destination for small group touring?

Odyssey offers easy, convenient, and relaxed escorted small group tours across Western Europe and beyond. We explore Italy’s incredible natural beauty, its ancient Roman heritage, its World Heritage Sites, and world famous cities, all with some truly spectacular scenery along the way. This and more is all waiting to be explored on one of Odyssey’s small group tours of Italy, designed for the senior traveller, and led by experienced, and enthusiastic like minded people

What should i pack for Italy?

Many travellers ask us how best to prepare for their Odyssey Traveller programs, seeking out advice on clothing, medication, insurance, among other concerns when travelling overseas. This article shares some of what we have learned from years of accumulated experience in leading small group tours to assist you when travelling overseas what to pack.

How do you plan a perfect trip to Italy?

Whether you are looking for small group arts tours Italy, or historic and cultural tours, scenic and culinary explorations, or a combination of each, our number of flexible Italian tours can meet your demands. For participants on Odyssey’s Italian small group tours it is this flexibility in thinking and approach as a tour company that makes for a truly memorable Italian tour with like minded people

How many days do you need to see Italy?

Odyssey’s tours to Italy ranges from 12-26 days.

Italy truly has something for all on an escorted small group tour with a well-planned itinerary. On small group arts tours Italy you can immerse yourself in the splendour that is the art of Italy. Much of the music, painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, philosophy, law, and politics which we in the West enjoy today derives from Italy and is absolutely foundational to Western culture. Experience some of the most important sights and sounds of Italy for lovers of art, opera, history and literature.

I want to experience an authentic Italian tradition, can you plan your trip around this?

On Odyssey’s small group escorted tours of Italy, we offer many experiences off the beaten track, from ancient villages to music, painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, philosophy, law, and politics. You will experience some of the most important sights and sounds of Italy for lovers of art, opera, history and literature.

Italy’s food culture is fiercely local, with each region having its own mouth-watering specialty for you to try as you tour the beautiful Italian landscape.

What is the best time to travel to Italy?

The best time to visit Italy is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when the temperatures are comfortable and there are fewer crowds.

What is the time zone for Italy?

Italy is on standard time – Central European Time: UTC/GMT +1:00 hour.

What's included in the small group tours?

Odyssey’s small group tours for seniors include all accommodation, transport, most meals, applicable entry fees and services of local guides, tipping and gratuities, services of an Odyssey Tour Leader Detailed tour information booklet.

What are the best central Italy tours?

Odyssey’s small group tours cover a wide range of destinations that will spoil you for choice. An always popular main attraction is Florence, the city of important artists and thinkers such as poet Dante Alighieri and political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli and home of the powerful Medici family, which gave birth to the Renaissance with both men and women of influence and left behind a legacy that shaped the Italy we know today. On small group tours Venice also sticks out as a memorable highlight. The city-state emerged on a lagoon from the ruins of the Roman and Byzantine empires in the 9th century and grew to become the greatest seaport in late medieval Europe and an important centre of commerce linking the continent to the East, whilst Genoa to the west championed Banking and the completion against Venice. And of course, on your small group tours Rome always features as a particular highlight – who can resist the beauty of the Eternal City? All these are places that you can expect to be highlights of small group escorted tours Italy whether travelling as a couple or solo traveller on a group tour with Odyssey.

Italy truly has something for all on an escorted small group tour with a well planned itinerary. On small group arts tours Italy you can immerse yourself in the splendour that is the art of Italy. Much of the music, painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, philosophy, law, and politics which we in the West enjoy today derives from Italy and is absolutely foundational to Western culture. Experience some of the most important sights and sounds of Italy for lovers of art, opera, history and literature.

What are the best southern Italy tours?

Odyssey Traveller’s escorted small group tour for senior travellers to the South of Italy, limited to 16 people this educational tour appeals to like minded couples and solo travellers. We traverse the lesser known islands and southern regions of the country. When you ask people about the must-see sights for tours of Italy, more often than not one of the first places they mention is the capital city, Rome, the submerged streets of Venice, or the sights of Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. But there is more to Italy than its northern region. Head south from Rome and you’ll find that the crowds begin to thin and life starts to move at a slower pace. Here you will see the cave dwellings of Matera; the ruins of Pompeii; Mount Vesuvius, the only active volcano in mainland Europe; and the gorgeous Amalfi Coast.

We go beyond the typical Southern Italy itinerary on our trip. During our educational tour, you will witness the dramatic, rugged countryside of the lower part of Italy’s “boot” as we explore the ancient ruins, unique treasures, and diversity of Southern Italy. We learn about the influence of the early Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Saracens, Normans, Angevins and Aragonese while we search for evidence of their colonisation. We will also enjoy wine-tasting and a sampling of Southern Italian cuisine.

Best way to get from Italy to Greece?

The fastest way to travel by ferry from Italy to Greece is by taking a ferry from the port of Brindisi. Brindisi is the closest Italian port to Greece and is connected to Igoumenitsa, with up to 2 daily ferry routes.

What Rome attractions should i book in advance?

The Colosseum complex (which includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill) and the Vatican Museums are two destinations that can have horrendous lines in high season (roughly Easter through the end of October), and even lines over the winter. “Skip the line” tickets, which can easily be booked online, are highly recommended. For both the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums, you can book through their official websites:

https://www.coopculture.it/en/poi/colosseum/

https://tickets.museivaticani.va/home

What are the best northern Italy tours?

Odyssey’s Northern tour of Italy is a 22-day journey designed for the mature traveller.

This small group tour of Italy is set to draw you into one of the most fascinating regions of this country, including the Cinque Terre and northern Italy’s lakes and alps. On this trip, we will teach you about the history of Northern Italy while giving you time to relax and take in the region’s fabulous natural beauty.

The stunning lakes of Northern Italy have long attracted the world’s rich and famous but there is still plenty for the senior or mature-aged couple or solo traveller to enjoy.

Can you go on a tour with your friends and family instead?

Odyssey offers private tours at a minimum of 6 participants, please enquire here.

What is the average number of participants per tour?

Odyssey traveller specialises in educational small group tours, for seniors, typically groups between 6 to 12 people, and no more than 16 travellers. Odyssey has been offering this style of adventure and educational programs, since 1983.

How many meals are included on your tours?

Odyssey typically includes all breakfasts and most lunches and dinners. Please see each tour’s inclusions section for more information.

What is the best region in Italy for food?

On Odyssey’s tour to Northern Italy, you will visit the food capital of Bologna- the bustling, historic capital of the region of Emilia-Romagna. Located in the northern part of the country, some of the world’s favourite ingredients originally came from this region and it is also the birthplace of one of the best Italian dishes of all time.

What type of hotels do you typically book?

In major cities, Odyssey stays in centrally located 3-4 star hotels, with easy access to public transport. In smaller towns or rural areas, we usually stay in family-run hotels or guesthouses. On our long-stay tours, during which you spend the length of the tour in a single location, we use serviced apartments.

What is the best location to stay in Rome?

Rome has thousands upon thousands of accommodation options and it can get overwhelming.

  • Campo de’ Fiori – great for first-time visitors with an easy walk to major sights.
  • Piazza di Spagna – home to luxury hotels and high-end shopping. Being close to the gardens at Villa Borghese means this area of Rome is also great for families
  • Trastevere – charming neighborhood close to the historic center known for small cobbled streets and a thriving restaurant scene
  • Colosseum – an interesting combination of ancient sites and bohemian neighborhoods.

Which is the most scenic neighbourhood in Rome?

Colorful Trastevere is a funky, bohemian area that clings to its centuries-old, working-class roots. It’s known for traditional and innovative trattorias, craft beer pubs and artisan shops, as well as simple B&Bs and budget hotels.

Do you need a visa to enter?

Italy is part of the Schengen area with many other European countries. This means you can enter Italy without a visa in some cases.

In other situations, get a visa before you travel.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of your destination country for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Why book your Italy tour with us?

Odyssey specialises in educational small group tours tours for solo travellers or those travelling with their partner, exclusively for senior travellers, typically for groups of between 6 to 12 people, and no more than 16 travellers. Odyssey’s package holidays are tailored for the reasonably active senior traveller. Odyssey has been offering this style of adventure and educational programs to since 1983, not just as small group escorted tours of Australia but all around the world.

How much do Italy tours cost?

You can find all Odyssey Itlay tour itineraries, departure dates and tour costs here.

If you were asked to describe Italy to someone, what topics would you talk about?

Besides food (pizza, pasta, gelato, risotto) and wine, I would talk about its archaeological sites and buildings, its spectacular natural scenery, its small, cobblestone traditional villages, its stunning architecture, friendly smiling people and fascinating ancient history.

How will I stay well on a trip?

Being Travel fit for mature and senior travellers remains an important element of enjoying a small group tour. This page shares tips about diet, solo travel, packing tips and footwear to help you plan you vacation to Europe, United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand for example

Crafted for the mature World traveller, these are some of the best small tours of Italy. We have been offering these guided small group tours throughout Italy since 1983. From a guided tour to a walking tour, the tour itinerary for a small group tour produced will present memorable stories. Whether on the Amalfi coast on a Southern italy tour to an itinerary in Rome packed with UNESCO world heritage site ancient ruins to learn about, or in Northern Italy reflecting on a world past watching the gondola traffic on the Venetian canals, Odyssey remains confident that the expereinces offered are for some of the best small tours of Italy.

Odyssey Traveller has published many articles about Italy.

For all the articles Odyssey Traveller has published for mature aged and senior travellers, click through on this link.

External articles to assist you on your visit to Italy

Responsible Travel Tips For Italy

  1. Learn at least the local greetings to break the ice. Although many locals speak English, The more you know of the native language, the greater your experience of the country will be.
  2. Carry a card in your wallet or purse from your local hotel, to assist you with the return journey if you do become lost.
  3. Always ensure that you are covered by travel insurance. If you need advice on this feel free to contact Odyssey and we’ll be able to help.
  4. When travelling independently, make sure you check the opening hours of shops and museums so that you don’t miss out!
  5. Also be certain to check whether your trip coincides with any public holidays, so you can plan accordingly.
  6. Before departing on your trip, contact your bank to inform them that you may be making purchases overseas. Otherwise, they may flag any activity on your account as suspicious.
  7. Check which ATMs and banks are compatible with your cards, to ensure you can withdraw cash with minimal fees.Before departing, make sure you have a number of euros in a range of denominations. You don’t want to be carrying around enormous amounts of cash, but take enough to make it easy to pay in locations that might not accept credit card. It will also help you avoid card transaction fees, and it makes tipping a breeze.

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