Italy is a dream destination for many travelers, offering a rich tapestry of art, history, architecture, landscapes, and cuisine. While large tours often rush from one landmark to the next, small group tours of Italy allow for a more intimate and immersive experience. You’ll enjoy deeper cultural connections, personalized attention, and more time to savor every gelato and piazza. But with so many amazing regions to explore, where should you go?
Here are some of the best places to visit on a small group tour of Italy:
1. Tuscany: Rolling Hills, Renaissance Cities, and World-Class Wine
No trip to Italy is complete without experiencing the beauty of Tuscany. Why visit Tuscany? It’s known for its postcard-perfect countryside, golden vineyards, and charming hill towns that invite visitors to slow down and savor la dolce vita. Small group tours often include stays in medieval villages like Montepulciano or San Gimignano, where cobblestone streets wind past centuries-old buildings.
Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a must-see for art and history lovers. Admire Michelangelo’s David, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, and sip a glass of Chianti as the sun sets over the Arno River.
Whether you’re truffle hunting in the woods or learning how to make fresh pasta with a local chef, Tuscany offers hands-on experiences that are perfect for small groups.
2. Amalfi Coast: Dramatic Views and Coastal Charm
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places in Italy. Its cliffside villages, turquoise waters, and lemon-scented air create a sensory experience that stays with you forever.
Small group tours provide access to hidden coves, family-run limoncello farms, and intimate trattorias that you’d miss on a larger tour. Visit picturesque towns like Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi, each offering its own unique charm. Hike the Path of the Gods for panoramic views, or take a boat to the nearby island of Capri for a day of seaside glamour.
Unlike mass-market tours that breeze through with photo stops, small groups can linger in scenic spots, take leisurely coastal drives, and enjoy personalized attention from local guides.
3. Sicily: Ancient Temples and Mediterranean Soul
Sicily, Italy’s largest island, is a captivating mix of cultures, flavors, and landscapes. Greek ruins, Baroque cities, volcanoes, and bustling markets make Sicily feel like a world of its own.
On a small group tour, you’ll dive deep into Sicily’s complex history and cuisine. Explore the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, taste arancini and cannoli in Palermo’s lively street markets, and marvel at Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano.
Because Sicily is less traversed than other parts of Italy, small group tours are especially valuable for accessing hidden gems and local experiences that large tours overlook.
4. Puglia: Italy’s Undiscovered Gem
Have you ever wondered why visit puglia? Well, tucked away in the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia is a region of sun-drenched olive groves, whitewashed villages, and crystal-clear Adriatic beaches. It’s a place where traditions run deep and tourists are still seen as guests rather than crowds.
Small group tours here often stay in masseria (converted farmhouses), visit trulli homes in Alberobello, and explore Lecce’s stunning Baroque architecture. Foodies will love the handmade orecchiette pasta, fresh burrata cheese, and rustic wines that define Pugliese cuisine.
Puglia’s charm lies in its authenticity—something best experienced in an intimate group setting, with time to meet locals, browse artisan workshops, and relax by the sea.
5. Venice: Romance, History, and Hidden Corners
Though Venice is one of the world’s most iconic destinations, it’s often misunderstood. Many visitors see only the crowded main sights and miss the quieter, magical side of the city.
A small group tour of Venice allows for deeper exploration—wandering the less-touristed neighborhoods of Cannaregio or Dorsoduro, taking a gondola ride through peaceful canals, or visiting a traditional mask-making studio.
You’ll also have the opportunity to venture to nearby islands like Murano (famous for glassblowing) and Burano (known for lace and colorful homes). With a knowledgeable guide and a slower pace, Venice reveals itself as more than just a tourist hotspot—it becomes a living museum and a romantic retreat.
Why Choose a Small Group Tour?
Small group tours offer more than just convenience—they provide connection. You’ll connect with your guide, with your fellow travelers, and most importantly, with the heart of Italy. From private wine tastings to cooking classes and artisan visits, these curated experiences can’t be replicated on a bus packed with 50 people.
You’ll skip long lines, enjoy boutique accommodations, and travel in comfort, all while engaging with Italy in a meaningful, memorable way.
Discover Italy with Nada’s Italy
If you’re looking for an exceptional small group tour experience, Nada’s Italy is a company worth considering. With thoughtfully crafted itineraries, boutique accommodations, and a strong focus on culture, connection, and authenticity, Nada’s Italy specializes in taking travelers beyond the guidebook.
Their tours are intentionally intimate—typically limited to 12 travelers or fewer—and led by passionate local guides who share personal insights and hidden gems. Whether you want to explore the rolling hills of Tuscany, the dramatic Amalfi Coast, or the culinary wonders of Sicily, Nada’s Italy offers a curated, worry-free way to experience the best of the country.
When you travel with Nada’s Italy, you’re not just seeing Italy—you’re living it.
Ready to discover the real Italy? Consider a small group tour and explore the country at a pace that allows you to savor every moment. Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, Italy always has something new to offer—and the best way to experience it is with a company that puts passion and people first.