Taylored Tours will help you discover the hidden side of Italy, as well as the key highlights.
Italy's unrivalled cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and celebrated food and wine make it an unmissable destination. There are so many superb places to go, it can be difficult to know where to begin, but Taylored Tours can help you create an itinerary that reflects your interests, takes in the main sights and reveals some of Italy's lesser-known charms.
Whether you wish to travel with a group, hire a private chauffeur, or drive yourself, Taylored Tours will help make your trip to Italy memorable. If your desire is to discover artistic masterpieces in the churches and galleries of Florence, uncover Rome’s iconic sites, relax on the Amalfi Coast, or learn to cook traditional Italian pasta in Tuscany, we will set you on the right track. Your route will be ”taylored” to your own interests. Taylored Tours will help you discover the hidden side of Italy, as well as the key highlights.
I’m Cindi Taylor, the founder of Taylored Tours. I started Taylored Tours because I believe deeply in the power of travel. Anything I can do to get you out exploring the world makes me happy!
Taylored Tours offers custom travel planning services to destinations around the globe, full of immersive experiences.
I am based in Durango, Colorado and I cater to clients all over the country. I will deliver an immersive vacation wrapped up with a bow, and “taylored” just for you.
Ready to see the world and immerse yourself in new experiences and cultures?
Spring
Temperatures start to warm up in spring, going from the late teens to mid-twenties, although it’s still advisable to wear layers in case of colder spells.
Summer
The summer months of July and August see higher temperatures and visitor numbers reach their peak. Temperatures are normally around 81 °F and often reach over 88 °F at the height of the day.
Fall
Temperatures cool down gradually, so September is still very pleasant, with an average of around 77℉. Expect crisp fall leaves and some sunnier days, but plan for wet weather too.
Winter
Temperatures in the south remain mild in winter. However, northern Italy is normally wet and cold, and it’s not unusual for snow to fall, especially in the mountains.
The art, the architecture, the history, the food—a trip to Italy is a winner in all categories. No matter what interests drive your travel plans, this multi-dimensional country has something for every traveler.
We challenge you to take our fun quiz and we will match your results with the region of Italy that best suits you.
Italy is organized in 20 regioni (Italian administrative regions).
Each regione has a main city, called capoluogo di regione, and is subdivided into smaller areas called provincie (provinces), each of them with a local capital (capoluogo di provincia).
The regions of Italy are an important part of Italian identity and you often hear them mentioned when discussing where someone is from and they also often come up in talks about travel and itineraries, which can be of use to you when we plan your Italy trip!
Some regions are known as travel destinations, Tuscany and Sicily being the perfect example of this, while others are overshadowed by some of their most famous locations.
A rural region with beautiful countryside, mountains, and beaches. This is a great place to “get away from it all” enjoy an active, outdoor vacation in the Italian outdoors.
Located in the northwest corner of Italy in between France, Switzerland, and Piedmont, the Aosta Valley is mountainous and picturesque. The Alps cut through this autonomous region, adding to its allure. This is a great destination for history buffs who love castles and ruins, anyone who wants to get out of the heat (even the summers can be chilly here thanks to the mountains), and anyone interested in sampling the multicultural side of Italy.
The “instep” of Italy’s boot, Basilicata is large and rural. The area’s most-visited city is Matera, where the Neolithic cave dwellings pull fascinated visitors. Basilicata is also filled with forests, lakes, and small villages. It is a good destination for and active holiday if you are traveling on a budget.
Calabria sits near the tip of Italy’s boot and offers plenty of idyllic beaches. Like Basilicata, it is also mountainous and has a low population density, so it is a good option for travelers on a budget who are not looking for a crowded city experience.
Italy’s second most populous region, Campania is the place to go for a sun-soaked holiday on the bustling coast. From Naples to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast, Campania covers it all.
A wealthy region that spans the north of the country, Emilia-Romagna covers cities including Bologna, Ferrara, and Modena. This is the region to visit for some of Italy’s most famous cuisine, most beautiful coastlines, and Renaissance cities.
This very small autonomous region is tucked away near Austria and Slovenia. It offers both seaside and Alps and is a great destination for a unique experience from the rest of Italy!
Italy’s central region and home to the capital city of Rome, Lazio offers sandy beaches, small mountains, medieval towns, lakes, and archeological sites. This destination is a must-see for history buffs and art lovers.
A hilly region with a long shoreline along the Adriatic, Le Marche’s tourism crowd is attracted for its beaches and mountains. This destination is ideal for hiking and other outdoor summer activities.
Famous for its seaside, Liguria has a storied history. Tourists are drawn to the area for the resort towns of Cinque Terre and Portofino but a huge draw is also the capital city of Genoa, which was the hometown of Christopher Columbus.
In the north of Italy, bordering Switzerland, Lombardy is the country’s wealthiest, most populous region. The capital, Milan, is the second largest city in Italy. Lombardy also offers the Lake District, which has destinations such as Lake Como, Maggiore, and Garda.
Molise is the country’s newest region. It is mainly agricultural and produces wine, olive oil, dairy, fruit, and vegetables. Tourism isn’t well-developed here yet, so it’s a great choice for off-grid vacationing in authentic small towns.
Though it is surrounded by the Alps on three sides, most of this region is actually on a flat plain. It produces rice and wine, making the region a must-visit for food aficionados. The area is also ideal for anyone who loves winter sports.
Located on the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia is known for its beautiful beaches and countryside as well as its excellent food and unique architecture. A favorite summer destination for Italians, this is an ideal destination for anyone who wants a true taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle.
An island located west and south of Corsica features stunning beaches, gripping nightlife, and buzzy resort towns. Head inland for a tranquil agricultural area with a small-town feel.
The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is its own world. Go for the sunny climate, natural beauty, ancient history, beaches, and unique culture.
This area is also known as Trentino-South Tyrol and is a gorgeous, autonomous region in northern Italy that used to be part of Austria-Hungary. It has its own special culture and is a great destination for active travelers who want to visit the mountains and see the sights!
Renowned for its food, wine, towns, and countryside, Tuscany is famous for the bounty of the region. If you are looking for a quintessential Italian getaway, look no further, Tuscany has it all.
Located next to Tuscany, Umbria also offers gorgeous countryside, hilltop towns, olive and wine vineyards, and a history that reaches back to the Etruscans. Umbria is a little less touristy than Tuscany and a great choice if you’re looking to get farther away from the crowds.
One of Italy’s most developed regions, this region produces some of Italy’s most famous wines including Prosecco, Valpolicella, and Soave. The region’s most popular towns to visit include Venice, Verona, Vicenza, Belluno, and Padua.
Taylored Tours invites travelers to amazing destinations where great food and libations are abundant.
The world is a big place...explore this sampling of some of the Italian destinations and trip ideas that Taylored Tours offers. The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what's possible when you plan your travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be “taylored” to match your travel styles and interests..
Sunny southern Italy is one of the most popular destinations for a cooking vacation in Italy, and the Amalfi Coast is its crown jewel.
Embark on a captivating journey on this guided group tour that takes you from the piazzas of Rome to the canals of Venice. Discover the rolling hills of the scenic Tuscan and Umbrian countryside.
This culinary vacation is a true farm-to-table experience, including a six-night stay on a family farm in Molise. Your hosts will give you a warm welcome as they share this undiscovered corner of Italy with you. Discover the ancient perched villages, the stunning coastline, the “tratturi,” or centuries-old shepherd’s paths that bisect the countryside. Taste the local pastas, cheeses, and wines, and enjoy a unique and intimate culinary tour of Italy.
Dreaming of a solo trip to Italy, but unsure of how to see all the sights on your bucket list? This escorted tour is the perfect solution! Spend 8 nights traveling to Rome, Florence, Venice, and more with included tours and tastings. With a travel director guiding the way, you get to sit back, relax, and discover your “Dolce Vita”!
This Abruzzo culinary vacation will introduce you to a beautiful region full of amazing food and wine, as well as beautiful mountains, parks, and coastline. Vsit local producers, as well as Abruzzo vineyard tours with wine tastings. Cook with local chefs and discover this untouched hidden gem of Italy.
Stray off the beaten path and explore a new side to the Italy you know and love. See the Veiled Christ statue, rumored to be created through alchemy, in Naples’ Sansevero Chapel. Sample wines created from the rich volcanic soil just outside of Pompeii. Soak up the sun with a free afternoon in Positano, home to colorful hillside houses and local posh boutiques. Spend 2 nights in a unique cave dwelling in Matera and 2 nights in a personal converted house in Monopoli. Uncover the Baroque excellence of Lecce, an artisan city of limestone. Make your way through southern Italy and experience the Amalfi Coast and the Puglia region.
Discover stunning views, incredible architecture, and delectable cuisine on this 6-night Sicilian vacation! With your own rental car, you can drive through the finest sites that Sicily has to offer. Drive through this picturesque island, from Palermo to Taormina. A Cooking Class & Market Tour in Taormina will give you a taste of paradise!
Whether it’s old-world traditions and wonderful culture, cuisine, history, fashion or natural beauty, Italy is special to many people for different reasons. Few other countries boast so many legendary cities. There are also many charming hill towns and coastal villages that showcase Italy’s amazing natural beauty. From the big cities to the small towns, there is always something exciting to see in Italy. With so many reasons to visit, the rest is up to you!
The fascinating medieval city of Lucca is surrounded by 16th-century Renaissance walls. Choose to see it by bike or on foot, but either way will bring you to see the Cathedral of San Martino, the Piazza Napoleone and the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, all sites you simply should not miss.
Tuscan people are absolutely obsessed with their bread and olive oil. When in Tuscany, make sure you begin your meal with a beautifully toasted slice of bread that’s been rubbed with garlic, generously brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with just a hint of salt. You will melt with delight.
On a beautiful day, take a boat trip from the stunning Amalfi Coast to the lovely Mediterranean island of Capri. There, a local expert will bring you on a tour of a dreamy place that can only be described as paradise on earth.
Just about anywhere you go in Italy, you’re going to encounter fantastic wine. Whether you’re in Tuscany, Stresa, Piedmont, Umbria or any other region of this beautiful country, taste the wine. Buy a few bottles and bring it home to enjoy with friends and family.
A cultural powerhouse famed for its legendary art and architecture, glorious landscapes and gourmet food and wine, Italy offers you a wealth of experiences. When Taylored Tours designs your Italy vacation, we include immersive activities that offer a deeper insight into the country's most famous attractions and give a local perspective on life in this fascinating destination.
Enjoy our travel blogs featuring travel tips, packing guides, destination inspiration and more!
Drive through hilly green vineyards speckled with terracotta-roofed villas, travel back in time as you walk through winding stone streets of medieval villages, and see the iconic landmarks of Florence and Pisa – all while enjoying some delicious gelato, of course!
We compiled this list with some of our must-haves for an amazing Italian adventure.
On Italy’s sun-drenched Mediterranean coast, hillside vineyards, fragrant lemon groves and jewel-tone towns combine to make a picture-perfect destination. Planning a trip to the coast with the most? Here’s a guide to help you make the most out of your trip.
Venice – the canal-filled fantasyland of cuisine and culture. Here are some fun free things to do so you can spend less on sightseeing and more on gelato.
When it comes eating, Italians take their food very seriously. Each region of Italy has a specialty and knowing what’s good where you are can take your experience from good to great!
Wonder where the locals go to get away from the tourists? These 5 spots shine all on their own and are another way to make the eternal city unforgettable.
Siena is, hands down, a cultural capital of Tuscany. Famous for its fan-shaped central square and its annual Palio Horse Race, this medieval brick city is a drenched in history and local pride. Stroll through storybook streets filled with amazing churches, shops, restaurants, and towers.
Travel to Cinque Terre in Italy and explore five magical towns. Swim between fishing boats and dive among aqua blue crystal waters. Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso all offer unique experiences.
An island located west and south of Corsica, it features stunning beaches, gripping nightlife, and buzzy resort towns. Or you could head inland for a tranquil agricultural area with a small-town feel. You’ll find beauty around every corner in Sardinia!
When you’re planning a trip to Italy, one of the important things you need to decide is how to get around. Here are several options for transportation in Italy.
All aboard! Hopping from city to city? Take the train! Italy's rail system is modern, clean, and timely. Simply purchase a train ticket from an electronic machine or a ticket teller, then be sure to validate it before boarding. This means: look for the small rectangular and/or green boxes around the train station and stamp your ticket before you step on.
The best way to see Italy is to walk around. From street art to beautiful statues to hidden restaurants, you never know what you might find around every corner! If your legs get way too tired, there are always cabs in larger cities - however, cabs aren't treated the same way as yellow NYC taxis. You don't really "hail" a cab on command, you either need to go to a taxi stand or call a cab company to come pick you up.
While Italy's trains go most places, they don't go everywhere. Hop on a regional bus (autobus) and see all of those out-of-the-way towns and national parks you've dreamed about! Many bus terminals or "autostazione" are conveniently located right next to train stations, so don't worry about transferring from train to bus, or vice-versa. Purchase tickets at the bus terminal immediately before you travel for most local trips. If you're taking a long bus trip, check online - you may be able to purchase tickets in advance.
Using the bus just to putz around the city? City buses are usually a cheap way to sightsee, usually costing only about 1 euro! Tickets for city buses are usually available at newsstands and tobacco shops, so look for the "biglietti" sign, meaning "tickets."
Whether you're navigating the countless canals of Venice or hopping the towns of the Cinque Terre, see spectacular views from a completely unique perspective - a boat! Glide across the waters in Venice, Lake Como, Capri, Cinque Terre, and more. While most boat tickets are fairly inexpensive, the views are absolutely priceless.
What better way to see Italy than gliding around on a bike?! It's quick, it's scenic, and you sure get your exercise in - which allows for more pizza and pasta, right? Biking through villages or cities is beautiful, but be on the lookout and be careful of crowds. Make sure your bike has a bell!
Another open-air option: immerse yourself in the magic of Italy and splurge on renting a Vespa! In this country, everybody rides these iconic scooters - from kids to "nonnas." Keep in mind that you will need some training before riding and Vespas aren't built for long hours of travel. But, they're perfect for zipping around the city for an afternoon! Buckle your helmet and feel the warm breeze in your hair!
There's almost nothing better than cruising down the Amalfi coast with the windows down. Be mindful, however, that Italy's beautiful landscapes come with mountainous terrain and winding roads. As long as you use a little extra caution, having a car in Italy grants you an amazing amount of freedom to roam far and wide.
However, if you are thinking of driving in Italy you’ll need to be aware of some important differences to the conditions you experience at home:
If you’re planning on driving while in Italy, you’ll need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Drivers are required by law to carry an International Driving Permit with their driver’s license.
If you’re not keen on driving, you might consider a private driver.
+1 970.335.8670
cindi@tayloredtours.com
Fill out the below form to connect with us!