Decide how long your trip will be. Tour lengths vary greatly, from a side excursion for a few hours off an independent trip to a weeks-long guided adventure through the country. Generally, the length of your tour is tied closely to price, but occasionally you can find deals on longer journeys if there are last-minute openings or special promotions.
Choose a type of tour. Italy can be toured by train, river boat, cruise ship, car, van, bus, moped, bike - you name it! Many tours also offer a combination of transportation methods, so it's up to the traveler to decide which kind they would be most comfortable with. Lodging type should also be considered. Going from hotel to hotel every other night requires moving luggage as opposed to leaving it in one place, like on a boat. Free time and activities are also important if you prefer solo excursions to scheduled group activities.
Consider tour group size. Traveling with a large group is not everyone's idea of a good time. Large groups could mean a cruise ship or bus full of people, while a small group could be a private voyage with just your friends and family. Weigh the pros and cons of both options. If possible, consider trying both types of tour; the combination can prove to be an eye-opening experience and help you develop a preference. Demographics are also a crucial aspect when choosing a vacation. There are tours devoted to high school students, college students, singles, homosexual people, seniors, women, men, veterans, religious groups, and families with kids. Make sure your will be comfortable with your chosen travel group.
Decide on your must-see spots and must-do activities. Perhaps you've always dreamed of seeing all of the most popular tourist cities in Italy, such as Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan. Maybe you've been dying to visit the Tuscany region and explore the quaint little towns that dot its rocky coast. There are itineraries available for whatever your desires and taste (speaking of taste, there are even trips that revolve around sampling fine Italian wines). Or, you can switch it up and experience a little of everything.
Know your price range. In addition to tour length, other factors affect the price of your trip, including the tour company, the luxuriousness of the accommodations, activities and food and time of year. Some tour companies aim to pamper their clients with all the finest frills that Italy has to offer, while others are more budget-minded. Searching big travel sites like Expedia can be beneficial, especially if your trip will take place during a peak time of year like summer. The Resources link below is one useful place to look for bargains on Italian adventures.
