Typical Italian street
Italy is one of the world's most expensive tourist destinations, but if you select the right tour operator, an Italian vacation can be affordable. Small group and specialty interest tours are usually much more expensive than large, general interest bus tours, but in Italy there are excellent budget-oriented tours that cater to special interests without large crowds. All prices are valid as of spring 2010.
Adventures in Northern Italy
The Italian Lakes
Adventures in Northern Italy offers small group walking and hiking experiences. Diverse interests and walking abilities can be accommodated. There is a maximum of 12 travelers per group. The "Along the A26" tour traverses mountain passes and visits Lakes Orta and Maggiore and the wine-growing Monferrato and Asti regions. The "Dwarves in the Dolomites" tour hikes through alpine mountain refuges, walks along a WWII military road, and feasts on hearty meals in the alpine region that is the legendary home of dwarves. Both week-long tours cost €1,185 per person based on double occupancy, and include accommodations, most meals and all cultural visits.
Adventures in Northern Italy
11 Stone Hill
Bloomfield, CT 06002
011+39-328-6978083
adventuresinnorthernitaly.com
Tour with Rick Steves
The Port of Naples
Rick Steves is the longtime host of the PBS travel series "Travels with Rick Steves" and the author of a popular guidebook series. He has made no secret of the fact that Italy is his favorite country, so his tours there reflect a passion for Italian culture and history. Group size has a maximum of 28 people. The "Best of South Italy" tour lasts 13 days and costs $3,395 per person based on double occupancy, prices. Trip highlights include a visit to a mozzarella farm, Basilicata wine tasting, Pompeii, museum visits and a walking tour of the neighborhoods of Naples. Other tour offerings include "Sicily in 9 Days" and "Village Italy."
Europe Through the Back Door
130 4th Ave. N.
P.O. Box 2009
Edmonds, WA 98020-2009
425-771-8303
ricksteves.com
Italian Cycling Center
Many bike tours of Italy charge high prices, but the Italian Cycling Center has made affordability a priority, without sacrificing quality. Guided tours start each morning from the company's hotel in the Veneto, 90 minutes from Venice by train. Afternoons are left free for independent activities. Non-cycling travel companions are welcomed to stay at the hotel without joining the guided tours. Fees start at €120 per person/per day for tours, lodging, and three daily meals with wine and bottled water. Bike rentals are extra.
The Italian Cycling Center
2117 Green St.
Philadelphia PA 19130-3110
215-232-6772 (November to April)
011+39-0423-561113 (May to October)
italiancycling.com
Tangney Tours
Assisi
Tangney Tours operates economical pilgrimages departing by air from its London base. Land only tour prices start at £80 per person per night. All trips include tickets for a Wednesday audience with the Pope, and some tours offer guided visits to San Giovanni Rotondo and Assisi. Tangney also offers budget-oriented pilgrimages to most other important Catholic religious sites throughout Europe.
Tangney Tours
Pilgrim House, Station Court
Borough Green
Kent TN15 8AF
United Kingdom
011+44-1732-886666
tangney-tours.com
Gap Adventures
The Amalfi Coast
Gap Adventures is committed to sustainable tourism. For some travelers, adventure may mean a five day walking tour through the villages of the Cinque Terre area. For others it might be relaxation along the Amalfi Coast. There's also a challenging "Sicilian Volcano Trail" tour, which hikes to steaming craters and stops for dips in volcanic hot springs. Tours start at $140 per person/per day, including lodging, tours and some meals.
Gap Adventures
19 Charlotte St.
Toronto, Ontario
M5V 2H5
Canada
800-708-7761
gapadventures.com
