
Italy trips
There’s no place quite like Italy. From the busy streets of Rome and the winding canals of Venice to the cliffs of Cinque Terre, it’s all beauty and history and, of course, food. On our trips to Italy, you’ll see it all, eat it all, and love every minute. So pack your pasta-eating pants, we’ll see you out there.
Traveler photos from Italy
Another amazing EF tour!!
“This trip was AMAZING!! The local tours in every city were amazing, the hostels were great (hint: rooftop pool in Florence!), and our tour director Luigi was the best. I would relive this week over and over again if I could. The food, the wine, the history and sightseeing. If you have any doubts just book it! You will fall in love with Italy.”
–Kassidy, traveled on Venice, Florence & Rome Jul. 2022
After this trip I’m moving to Italy
“This was by far the best trip I’ve ever done! I loved every city and our tour director Francesca was AMAZING! I felt like I was living in a fairytale! If you want a European summer experience filled with good food and gorgeous views this is the trip for you!”
–Laura, traveled on Ultimate Italy Jul. 2022
Italy is just chef’s kiss

Know before you go
While it may feel awkward at first, attempting the local language goes a long way when navigating a city and interacting with people. Practice these basic Italian words and phrases to get started:
- Hello: Ciao
- Goodbye: Ciao
- Thank you: Grazie
- Yes: Sì
- No: No
- Where is...?: Dove si trova...?
- I need...: Ho bisogno...
- Cheers!: Saluti!
Italians are warm, inviting people that are very proud of their culture that is world-renowned for its arts and cuisine. And learning some these little quirks, as well as some general European ones, can help you embrace it to the fullest.
- Fare bella figura: This phrase meaning “to make a good impression” is a way of life adopted by many Italians. It’s not only about dressing well, but also about graceful interactions and good manners.
- Italians tend to be very expressive when they speak, both in tone and hand gestures.
- Meals are not hurried, as people like to take their time appreciating the food and sharing conversation. This also means that you’ll have to request your bill in most restaurants.
- Public restrooms in Europe sometimes require a small fee – hold on to your coins!
- Unlike the U.S., everything (hotels, meals, appliances) is smaller. After all, less is more!
- Water is an added cost at restaurants, and you have to choose between still or sparkling.
- Smoking is still rather popular in Italy. Don’t be surprised to see large amounts of locals with lit cigarettes!
You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip, but read on for tips, tricks, and delicacies you just must try.
- Breakfast: Italians usually have a sweet pastry and cappuccino instead of the savory continental breakfast you’re used to. Try a chocolate croissant!
- Coffee: Iced coffee begone, espresso is your new friend and you’ll never find a bad espresso in Italy. Make sure to order and pay for your espresso at the bar to avoid paying more than the usual 1-2€!
- Aperitivo: This is a light meal between lunch and dinner with snacks and wine, or a refreshing spritz like aperol or campari
- Late dinners: Dinner doesn’t often begin until after 8 or 9pm. More reason to enjoy aperitivo!
- Digestif: Try an after-dinner digestive liquor like limoncello, sambuca, amari, or apertivi
- Cacio e pepe: A simple yet delicious pasta dish with black pepper, pecorino Romano cheese, and pasta. They say all Italian meals only require 3 ingredients!
- Roman artichokes: One of the most famous dishes of Roman cuisine, the artichokes are braised in water, white wine, garlic, salt, pepper, and oil.
- Florentine steak: A specific cut of the meat from Tuscan cattle, and it is an excellent choice if you’re feeling #fancy in #Florence
- Pizza: Need we say more?
- Arancini: These Sicilian fried rice balls are traditionally filled with meat and peas, but you'll likely find a number of different variations to sample.
- Cannoli: You may have had some cannolis in your life, but here's your chance to have these fried pastry shells filled with ricotta in the land of their birth: Sicily.
We plan it all. And then some.
Our group trips to Italy come with everything included. That’s accommodations, flights (unless you wanna book your own), activities, and an expert Tour Director who always knows where to find the best gelato.