Top Italy How to Get Around - page 8

Dive into the history of UNESCO-listed Pompeii, and learn more about the historic site than you would on your own, with this day trip from Rome. Explore the ruins in a group setting, led by your guide. Customize your trip by adding a steady-paced crater hike at the volcano, choosing a relaxed scenic walk with a local geologist, or adding on a 3-course Neapolitan lunch with views of the Bay of Naples.

Ortigia is known for its fascinating historic urban landscape, but the island also has a stunning coastline dotted with sea caves that can only be visited by boat. Navigate directly inside caves full of stalactites and stalagmites and take a dip in the turquoise waters on this mini cruise from Syracuse. Snap photos of the rocky cliffs and places of interest along the coast and learn about local history and culture from the skipper and guide.

Treat your hungry self to a food tour of Bologna and discover why the city is known for its love of gastronomy. With a local guide, choose between our 3-hour immersive experience or our 2-hour express tour to sample fresh pasta, balsamic vinegar, cheese, wine, and gelato, plus a secret dish to be revealed on the longer route. Explore the city by foot in between tastings and learn about Bologna’s heritage through the tour. Just let the local supplier know in advance if you have special dietary requirements.

Tour the iconic Colosseum and other sites of ancient Rome at its most atmospheric, and when the crowds thin out, on this evening tour. Learn about the ruins of the Roman Forum seen from the Piazza del Campidoglio, before entering the amphitheater after closing hours. Gain deeper insight into the arena from your guide, and if you've upgraded, enjoy access to the often-restricted arena floor so you can feel the energy of the space where gladiator battles were fought.

Get more out of Rome's storied Borghese Gallery and Gardens when you explore as part of a guided, small-group walking tour. Admission tickets are included in the tour cost, so you can guarantee your entry to this often sold-out attraction. Once inside, see works by Caravaggio, Bernini, Titian, and other Italian masters, and then stroll through the tranquil gardens for top-notch city views.

Taste your way through Rome like locals do on this small-group food tour of the Trastevere neighborhood. Your guide will take you to four carefully selected eateries in the historic neighborhood where you can sample authentic Roman dishes, from street food and cured meats to baccalà and gelato. You'll also sit down for a meal at a restaurant and drink wine and beer.

The coastline of Polignano a Mare is dotted with picturesque grottoes and coves, only accessible by sea. With this small-group boat tour, you'll be able to cruise right up to the coast and dive into the turquoise waters of the Adriatic to swim or snorkel. Learn about this area's history and traditions from your skipper, snap pictures of the Grotta Azzurra and Grotta Piana, and relax over drinks on board.

Checking off several of Rome’s major sights in a single day isn’t easy, but this full-day guided tour keeps things running smoothly. After meeting your guide at one of two convenient starting points, enjoy skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. Then, after a break for lunch (own expense), tour the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum with your guide.

Avoid the hassle of navigating the local train by yourself and enjoy skip-the-line admission to Pompeii with this private express tour. Meet your assistant at the Sorrento train station to board and get off just outside Pompeii, where you’ll head directly inside the ruins with your guide. Take in the top villas, temples, and more in just two hours before the return train to Sorrento.

Naples has been inhabited for almost 3,000 years and much of the city’s past is hidden beneath the modern streets. Secure your spot on an official Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea) tour, the only way to venture below ground and explore the city’s buried history. Admire the ancient Neapolitan aqueduct and WWII air raid shelters, all with an official site guide.

Explore the Italian Riviera without having to rent a car on this day trip to the Cinque Terre from Florence. After arriving at La Spezia, follow your guide to each fishing village, from the beaches of Monterosso to the charming streets of Riomaggiore. Swim in turquoise waters and soak up all the character of this UNESCO-listed region before heading back to Florence.

Explore Palermo’s key sights on foot on this walking tour of the Sicilian capital. Meet your guide in a convenient location in central Palermo, and set off. Visit popular landmarks ranging from the Palermo Cathedral and Palazzo Pretorio to the Massimo Theater. Learn about the city’s long entanglement with the mafia, and meet the shopkeepers and other individuals who have pioneered a local anti-mafia movement.

Feel like a local (and ditch the tourist traps) when you follow your guide to Venice’s in-the-know bars and restaurants on this small-group food tour. Come hungry: over four stops in the Cannaregio district, try everything from spritzes and crostini to *cicchetti* (Venetian small plates) and gelato. As you go, learn more about daily life in Venice from your guide. Choose from lunchtime or dinner options.

Spend your time in the exhibits, not waiting in long lines, with skip-the-line entrance tickets for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Gain entrance quickly so that you can linger before Michelangelo's masterpieces, explore the sprawling complex at your own pace, and see artworks by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Da Vinci. Upgrade to a guided tour for deeper insights and skip-the-line admission to St. Peter's Basilica, too.

Christian works of art abound in Ravenna, but the most fascinating examples of the city are the mosaics. Make sure you don't miss any of the fantastic mosaics with this walking tour through the streets of Ravenna's historic center. In the company of a certified guide, you will be able to admire UNESCO World Heritage monuments such as the Basilica of San Vitale and enjoy a rich commentary on art and architecture.

The La Scala Theater in Milan’s city center is one of the world’s most famous opera houses, inaugurated in 1778. Join a small group and a guide to explore the temple of music and learn about its secrets and history. See a collection of set designs, musical instruments, and costumes that have been used for some of the greatest performances during your tour.

Explore the famous sites and hidden charms of Venice on this walking tour, followed by a ride through the city’s canals on an iconic gondola. Follow your local guide through a romantic maze of surrounding backstreets to discover some of Venice’s lesser-known gems. Learn the fascinating history of Venice as you wander through narrow alleys and over stone footbridges, and then hop aboard a Venetian gondola for a leisurely ride along the Grand Canal.

Discover the parts of Capri that many visitors miss on this small-group, full-day boat tour. Embarking from the port of Sorrento, travel across the blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea in style. Head to the island’s hidden coves and beaches, try your hand at snorkeling (all equipment is included), and hop off to explore the town of Capri at your leisure. Free bottle of Prosecco, beer, soft drinks and seasonal fruit on board.

Explore Florence’s food scene like a local on this guided tour. Sample treats that locals love in the the Sant’Ambrogio market area, with a guide on hand to show you where to visit and what to eat. From gourmet fare to street vendors and wine bars, savor the best of the city’s food and drink like a true Florentine.

Get a new perspective on Venice—and enjoy a romantic way to travel—on this small-group sunset cruise. Traveling aboard aboard a traditional Venetian boat, soak up the glorious sights of St. Mark’s Basin and the Venice Lido bathed in the golden light of sunset, and spot cathedral and palazzos from the water's edge. Pop open a half-bottle of prosecco to complete the experience.

Experience the magnificence and mystery of the Doge’s Palace in Venice with this skip-the-line ticket. Head to the front of the queue with your guide, and then wander through the palace’s ornate public rooms as you learn the history of Venice’s powerful rulers. Admire magnificent interior artwork, including Renaissance masterpieces by painters Tintoretto and Veronese. Explore the palace’s darker side with a visit to the prison quarters and a walk across the notorious Bridge of Sighs.

From Tropea, embark on an unforgettable adventure along the stunning Coast of the Gods! Swim with hundreds of fish in crystal-clear waters, discover hidden bays, and enjoy a refreshing local aperitif on board. This 3.5-hour shared boat tour from Tropea to Capo Vaticano will take you to explore one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world. With a small group of 6 to 12 guests maximum (1 infant allowed), your expert local skipper will guide you to exclusive spots you wouldn't find on your own. Explore golden sandy coves, the Pirate's Waterfall, Grotticelle Lagoon, Riaci Canyon, Skeleton Cave, the ruins of Forum Erculis, and Isola Bella. Snorkel alongside your skipper, discovering octopuses, colorful fish, and sea stars. A truly unforgettable experience that will make you fall in love with this magical coastline. Come aboard – the adventure awaits! Enjoy a delicious aperitif with local snacks, excellent wine, and soft drinks. Snorkeling gear and life jackets provided for all.

Skip the hassle and delays of the train and see two of Tuscany's top cities in a single day on this full-day tour from Rome. Save hours with direct transportation to Pisa and Florence via bus. See Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and other Florentine landmarks. The tour leader will lead you to the center and give you time on your own to explore.

A center of Italian cuisine, Naples is home to countless hole-in-the-wall eateries serving divine food—if you know where to look. Save hours of researching and go on a small-group tour around the city’s historic center, tasting local specialties along the way. Try Neapolitan pastries, pizza, different sauces, a “secret” dish, and more. Upgrade for a private tour with more personalized attention from your guide.