The secret to the most authentic Italian adventure
With over 60 million tourists a year, Italy is a dream destination!
This picturesque European country treats travellers to a variety of vacation styles; arts & culture, food & wine, history, ancestry or even mountains & volcanoes.
(Image courtesy of EF Go Ahead Tours)
Many lust after an Italian adventure and it’s easy to see why. The infamous boot-shaped country delights tourists with various landscapes. In the north people can explore the mountainous ranges of the Alps and in the south, it’s a stark contrast as the Almafi coast comes alive with gorgeous beaches and flourishing lemon trees. Italy is also home to three active volcanoes; Vesuvius near Naples, Etna on the island of Sicily and Stromboli off the coast of Italy. The capital is Rome, known as “The Eternal City”. This is Italy's biggest city and is a must-see when exploring this destination.
With so many different styles of adventure within one country, we have found the secret to the perfect experience!
EF Go Ahead Tours specializes in making your Italian dreams come true. A guided tour through Italy not only maximizes your time in this perfect destination but also provides a true authentic experience as you travel with the locals who know Italy best!
An incredible highlight on an Italian tour is a stop in Pompeii. Travellers can walk the streets that once thrived before Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. People are always amazed by the famed ruins and the authentic artifacts.
(Image courtesy of Rosemarie Schoutsen)
“A tour through Italy is a journey through history, it is like having a time machine,” says Stefania Arena, a Tour Director and local guide who has worked with EF Tours for 25 years.
She says she loves her job because she makes the story of Italy's history “come alive” for her travellers. “You will learn the anecdotes and the secrets of the Italian culture. On a guided tour you will not miss the highlights and you will also discover the secret corners where the locals go,” she adds.
Taking a vacation is exhilarating! However, the research and planning can be stressful and time-consuming. A stress-free family vacation or a long-awaited adventure with your spouse will be best enjoyed when the professionals guide and plan your day-to-day.
Guided tours allow travellers to have a balance of free time and organized attractions. As someone who lives in Italy Stefania says, “Guided is the way to go”!
(Image courtesy of EF Go Ahead Tours)
“If you go on your own, you need to do a lot of research first. You should let us organize everything for you - and on top of that we’ll make sure you can skip the long lines at the most popular attractions. Some don’t realize that these monuments need to be reserved months before. And as we go about our day I’ll also suggest the best restaurants to add to your experience!”
(Image courtesy of EF Go Ahead Tours)
The most popular destination in Italy is Venice, it’s a lagoon city built on islands. This is where tourists can take an iconic Italian gondola ride through canals lined with incredible architecture. This “floating city” has no roads so having an expert on standby is beneficial!
(Image courtesy of Rosemarie Schoutsen)
As you experience a guided tour through Venice you can rely on your guide to show you the best way to navigate the city. You’ll also learn little details like the simple pleasure of enjoying a glass of “spritz” in a “bacaro”, meaning a popular Italian cocktail in a very small snack bar.
Heading out solo, you may miss on enjoying a round of “cicchetti”, basically Italian tapas! These are the little details that make travel truly unique and allow someone to immerse themselves into authentic culture.
Italy boasts some of the most incredible views of the water as it is nestled within the Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, Ionian and Mediterranean Sea. You don't want to miss the chance to capture some amazing shots of the ever-changing coastline!
(Image courtesy of Rosemarie Schoutsen)
The guided tours will also make you aware of small markets where you can find locally made souvenirs or some of the best handcrafted treats.
(Image courtesy of EF Go Ahead Tours)
When planning a vacation to Italy you should also try and incorporate as many walking tours as possible. “When you walk you can slow down and truly enjoy the atmosphere of the city,” says Stefania. “Plus, tour guides like me want to tell you everything we know about our neighbourhoods!”
Another tip you should consider when planning your Italian adventure is to go during the “off season”. This happens during October - March.
“The lines are shorter and often travelers can explore Italy on a lower budget,” says Stefania.
(Image courtesy of EF Go Ahead Tours)
Italy has four seasons just like Canada, however their winters are milder and as you head further south it is very rare to see snow.
It’s time to turn your dream Italian vacation into a reality!
