Art enthusiasts, these unique Italian itineraries are crafted just for you.

Italy, the heart of modern civilization, boasts a rich artistic heritage spanning centuries, best explored through guided tours. Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is essential for anyone passionate about art and architecture. Once a humble trading post devastated by the plague, it flourished into a cultural epicenter under the Medici family's patronage, inspiring legends like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Beyond Florence, art lovers can discover ancient Roman ruins, Sicily's stunning baroque architecture, and the iconic designs of fashion greats such as Ferragamo, among many other treasures.

To deeply engage with Italy's artistic and cultural richness, selecting the right exploration method is crucial. This is where the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) comes in. Whether your focus is solely on art or if you wish to blend history, culinary experiences, or outdoor adventures into your journey, USTOA member tour operators provide meticulously crafted itineraries tailored to diverse interests.

Opting for a group tour with a USTOA operator allows you to experience unique combinations of activities, ensuring a more holistic and fulfilling journey. Moreover, USTOA tour operators emphasize transparency, safety, responsible tourism, and environmental conservation, assuring convenience, dependability, and enrichment throughout your travels.

With Italy's immense offerings, experiencing it all in one trip is unrealistic. That’s why we’ve put together five distinct tours for art enthusiasts, acknowledging that a single visit can't encompass everything this captivating country presents.

SUBHED 1: Discover the Heart of Renaissance Art in Tuscany

Italy evokes visions of not only magnificent art but also lush vineyards, olive groves, and enchanting canals. Experience it all on Collette’s 12-day guided tour, Italy’s Treasures. In Tuscany, you'll visit iconic sights and the enduring allure of Florence. You'll also embark on unique adventures, such as exploring the marble quarries of Carrara in off-road vehicles, following in Michelangelo's footsteps, and uncovering hidden gems like the Apuane Mountains, where quarrymen once carved pathways for precious stone extraction.

Nestled in the Chianti region, you'll spend four nights at a serene villa in the Tuscan countryside. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in Tuscan cooking with lessons at a family-run villa, enjoying a traditional lunch accompanied by the area's renowned wine.

You'll also get the opportunity to visit other enchanting areas of Italy, such as the charming lakeside town of Stresa, famous for its delightful piazzas and cobblestone streets. A guide will take you through the exotic gardens of Borromeo Palace, followed by cocktails and antipasto at a local wine shop. The next day, a nearby mountain village awaits, where you can savor artisanal cheeses and local wines served by a friendly local family. You'll have plenty of time to wander the maze of canals and bridges in Venice, soaking in the medieval ambiance and vibrant squares.

Collette is celebrated for providing ample free time for personal discovery. Established in 1918, the company offers tours across every continent. With destination specialists worldwide, Collette’s itineraries are crafted by travelers for travelers, featuring essential sights, cultural experiences, accommodations, dining, transportation, and expert guides.

Discover Sicily's Baroque Splendor on a Cycling Tour

Set off on an authentic Sicilian journey that fuses art, culinary experiences, and outdoor adventures with VBT Bicycling Vacations’ Italy: Sicily, the Noto Valley & Syracuse Guided Biking tour, traversing the Mediterranean’s largest island. You’ll enjoy stays in historic lodgings, including an 18th-century villa converted into a hotel, managed by the same family for generations.

With two local guides, you’ll cycle along coastal routes and uncover the breathtaking baroque towns of the famed Noto Valley. Scicli, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases extraordinary late-baroque architecture constructed following the catastrophic earthquake of 1693. In the evening, you’ll embark on a 40-minute walking tour with a local guide, exploring the city and marveling at the stunning architecture illuminated under the night sky.

You'll recharge for all your adventures with delightful Sicilian cuisine. Expect plenty of pasta alla Norma and gelato, along with a lunch at an organic farm hosted by a local family. You’ll also learn Sicilian cooking techniques from your hotel chef and savor wine and olive oil at an organic winery. After all that cycling, unwind on the beach while staying in the charming, restored fishing village of Marzamemi.

With over 50 years of experience, VBT Bicycling Vacations collaborates with top local guides to offer active, immersive journeys across the globe. Their outstanding trips consistently feature local cuisine, authentic accommodations, and rich cultural experiences. VBT provides insider access that brings destinations to life through thoughtfully curated biking itineraries.

Discover the harmonious blend of art and culinary delights in Tuscany and Cinque Terre.

The eight-day Tuscan Treasures with Cinque Terre journey from CIE Tours begins in Montecatini Terme, a historic spa town with Roman origins, nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany. One evening, you'll visit Fattoria il Poggio, an agriturismo farm that exemplifies sustainability. Tour the vineyard and olive grove, indulge in wine and olive oil tastings, and savor traditional home-cooked meals.

A trip to Tuscany wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Florence. With a local guide and “skip-the-line” VIP access, you’ll marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio, where you can view Michelangelo’s David statue up close in the Accademia Gallery.

You will also explore the medieval city of Siena during a guided orientation walk and see famous sights like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the picturesque coastal villages of Cinque Terre. Your adventure wraps up with a visit to San Miniato for a truffle hunt with a local expert and their loyal dog, followed by a truffle-themed lunch.

CIE Tours is known for creating unforgettable experiences, backed by over 90 years of expertise. With exceptional guides and unique all-inclusive itineraries, they enable guests to fully engage with local culture, connect with fellow travelers, explore dream destinations, and discover hidden gems known only to locals.

Experience exclusive art opportunities in Tuscany and the Italian Riviera.

Tauck’s eight-day adventure through Tuscany, Cinque Terre & the Portofino Coast provides exceptional opportunities for private experiences, including an exclusive early access visit to Florence’s Basilica di Santa Croce, the final resting place of Michelangelo and Galileo, along with a guided tour of Florence’s historic heart. You'll explore the Uffizi Galleries to admire Renaissance masterpieces like Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, and visit La Cervara, a 14th-century abbey with stunning gardens, guided by a docent.

Relax in a chic hotel along the Italian Riviera and traverse the scenic paths of Cinque Terre National Park. Then, get your adrenaline pumping by cycling along the famed preserved walls of Lucca before indulging in a wine and olive oil tasting and learning the art of pasta-making from local chefs.

Tauck, run by a family of passionate travelers for nearly a century, offers genuine travel experiences with exclusive access led by some of the world’s finest guides. Their all-inclusive trips cover seven continents, encompassing river and small ship cruising, land journeys, and family adventures, continually innovating to deepen travelers' connections with the places they visit.

Discover the link between Italian art and design in Rome and Florence

Globus’ seven-day guided tour, That’s Amore!: Italy by Design, invites you to experience la dolce vita as you explore ancient Roman ruins, visit renowned museums, and admire stunning architectural gems. Walk in the footsteps of the Roman painter Pietro Cavallini while meandering through the historic streets of Trastevere, a former working-class area now buzzing with trendy shops, cafes, and bars. Your day continues with a visit to the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica and the Roman archaeological zone, capped off by a delightful gelato tasting.

In Florence, enjoy a leisurely bike tour of iconic Renaissance sites. You’ll also visit the Ferragamo Museum, featuring over 10,000 shoe designs. With the guidance of an expert, unveil the secrets of perfume-making at Officina di Santa Maria Novella, Europe’s oldest pharmacy, and enjoy famous regional wines with picturesque views of the Chianti hills in San Gimignano.

Experiences like these showcase Globus's dedication to providing unforgettable journeys, one remarkable scene, sight, and story at a time. The company ensures that guests don't just visit incredible locations worldwide but fully immerse themselves in the experience through engaging encounters.

For these tours and many others that offer expertly crafted itineraries, exclusive access to VIP and hidden experiences, knowledgeable local guides, round-the-clock support, and more, visit USTOA.