Day Trips in Italy

Dating back to the Etruscan era, the medieval settlements of Montepulciano and UNESCO-listed Pienza are considered among Tuscany's prettiest hilltop towns - but reaching them from Rome without your own vehicle is a challenge. On this tour, visit both towns in comfort by air-conditioned minivan and enjoy free time to explore the historic streets at your leisure. Admire uninterrupted views over the Val d'Orcia, with round-trip travel from your Rome hotel included.

When visiting Florence, don't miss the chance to visit one of Tuscany's other most enchanting destinations with this private, half-day tour to Lucca. Travel in a Mercedes through the beautiful countryside to arrive at the Renaissance city, famous for its preserved medieval walls that encircle the old city center. Enjoy several hours of leisure time to spend as you please, whether you want to grab lunch at a local cafe, stroll along the promenade atop the walls or explore local attractions like Puccini's former home and Piazza del Giglio. Price is per group, based on a maximum of three passengers per vehicle.

Spend a delightful day in the Tuscan countryside exploring some of the region's best-kept natural and cultural gems. Traveling from Pisa in a minivan, tour the charming medieval city of Lucca, birthplace of opera master Puccini. Follow the river Serchio through Garfagnana hill country, taking in the sights such as a massive fortress and the legendary Devil's Bridge. Finish the day with a visit to the picturesque village of Barga, which offers spectacular valley views from its hilltop cathedral. 

Discover the majestic and tragic history of Pompeii on a full-day tour from Sorrento. Visit the fascinating archaeological site, where an entire city was preserved by ash and lava after a devastating volcanic eruption in 79 AD. See excavated temples, homes, baths and marketplaces on a guided tour, and then drive up the peak of nearby Mount Vesuvius for an up-close glimpse of the origins of the disaster. Hike to the crater's edge if you like, and enjoy stunning panoramic views of Pompeii from the summit.

Swap the city sights of Milan for the lakeside allure of Lake Como with this day trip from Milan. Showcasing the highlights of the glamorous northern lake, the excursion packs in a walking tour of Como town and a visit to Villa Olmo with a boat cruise to Bellagio and free time in Varenna. You'll travel with a guide to get the lowdown on all the sights, and you'll be back in Milan in time for dinner.

Explore Europe's largest active volcano this day trip to Mt Etna from Taormina. Relax with transportation to the base station of Rifugio Sapienza and then take off through the foothills for three hours of hiking at your leisure. Alternatively, upgrade your ticket for a trip up to the upper craters and a guided walking tour through the volcanic craters. Soak up scenic views from the UNESCO-listed spot before concluding with transportation back to Taormina.

Leave urban Milan for the day and spend some time at picturesque Lake Maggiore, located in Italy's Lake District. Explore the chic town of Stresa, learning about the area's history from your guide and perusing the shops. Then hop on a boat for a 2-hour cruise around the lake, and take in the scenery of the water and surrounding mountains. Visit the Borromean Islands – Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella – before making the return trip to Milan.

Experience the peaks and valleys of Sicily in one day trip from Taormina, exploring both the foothills of Mount Etna and the Alcantara Gorges along with the Medieval town of Randazzo! Visit the volcanic canyons of the picturesque Alcantara Gorges followed by a stop in Randazzo to see the Basilica of Santa Maria. Hike into the foothills of Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, or upgrade for a chance to go up to the volcano's upper areas for a walking tour of the craters.

Spend a day discovering Europe's highest active volcano and lava caves on a 6-hour Mt. Etna tour. As you travel from Catania, you'll learn all about the infamous Sicilian volcano from a guide. Then, leave the vehicle to trek along the trails of Parco dell'Etna, and visit an intriguing lava cave back at ground level. On your return to Catania, you'll have time for a last stop at an organic farm where samples of wine and honey await.

Escape the crowds of the center of Venice on this guided tour that takes you through the Venetian Lagoon to the islands of Murano and Burano. Visit historic sites on both islands and learn about their rich heritage of glass- and lace-making. After some free time to explore, enjoy a glass of wine on the return boat journey.

Experience Italy's fashion and design capital without booking a hotel on a day trip from Rome to Milan. Catch the high-speed train to arrive in the glamorous northern city in 3 hours, and make the most of your time on a guided tour of highlights like the Milan Cathedral, La Scala Opera House, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele shopping center. A small group size allows for personalized attention from the guide, who arranges all logistics.

Discover some of the highlights of Tuscany on this day trip from Florence by coach. Visit historical hill towns Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano; admire the gorgeous, vineyard-covered scenery of Orcia Valley (Val d'Orcia); and enjoy cheese and wine tastings as you stop at local wineries and other venues. It's a great day out in the Italian countryside.

While your ship is in Messina, see more of Sicily with a 6-hour trip to Taormina. Take a guided tour of this historical city, including a stroll along Corso Umberto, once an ancient Roman street, and a visit to the Greco-Roman Theater. Plus, sample Sicilian delicacies, admire views of Mt. Etna and Giardini-Naxos bay from Castelmola, and on return to Messina, check out this ancient port's highlights. Port and Taormina pickup and drop-off included.

Discover the wonder of Europe's only active volcano on this Mt Vesuvius and Pompeii day trip from Naples. Follow your local guide through the ancient ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. Enjoy a traditional Italian pizza lunch with your small group and then hike to the top of the notorious volcano, where you'll find stunning views of the Bay of Naples and the surrounding landscapes.

Monteriggioni is a medieval little village built in 1200 characterized by its perfectly preserved belt of walls; in the centre of the village we will stop for a quick walk and a coffee"¦.Back on our van we will reach Siena in just 20 minutes!Siena is a pearl in the Tuscan countryside, a countryside steel rich of ancient castles which show how life was going on in the middle ages. This tour will make you discover the town that had been fighting against Florence for centuries; the town that gave birth to artists such as Simone Martini or Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti"¦

Visit the famous filming locations for the 'Inspector Montalbano' TV series on this tour from Syracuse. See Vigata, Marinella's beach, Don Balduccio's Palace, the police station, Montalbano's house and more. Enjoy the sights of this charming Sicilian town.

Explore Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, as well as, the lovely town of Taormina on this day trip from Cefalu in Sicily. Drink in the amazing views during the drive to the imposing volcano and consider choosing the optional cable car and jeep ride to the top of the steamy craters. Take the rest of the afternoon to discover Taormina, stopping by the centuries-old Greek theater, lingering in Piazza IX Aprile in the center of town, or lounging on its amazing beaches.

Discover the charms of Capri on this day trip from Naples. After convenient hotel pick-up, head to the Naples port and travel to the lovely island of Capri. Visit Anacapri, the Piazetta, and the Gardens of Augustus. Travel along Via Camerelle and Via Tregare to the charming village center. Enjoy a local lunch and admire the striking views of the Faraglioni before your return to Naples.

Live 'la dolce vita' on Italy's most glamorous island with a small-group day trip from Rome to Capri. All the details are arranged, including hotel transfers to the port of Naples and a boat ride to the island, so you can relax and enjoy the idyllic retreat of emperors and movie stars. Explore highlights like the ancient Augustus Gardens, ritzy Piazetta, and the yacht-filled Marina Grande on a tour of Anacapri village, traveling with a guide and a small group for a more intimate escape.

See southern Italy in style with this eye-pleasing trip around Mount Etna via a vintage mid-20th-century train on the Circumetnea Railway. The train journey includes visits to the canyons of Alcantara Gorges (admission at own expense), an amazing natural setting made up of black lava rock walls up to 160 feet (50 meters). And then explore the base of Mount Etna, Sicily's legendary volcano that is 11,000 feet (3,300 meters) tall. Optional upgrade to ascent by cable car up to 2,500 meters and continuing on board jeeps up to the authorized crater zones at approximately 3,000 meters with the assistance of licensed guides of the CAI (Italian Alpine Club); stop to admire the eventual activity of the upper craters in a safety zones according to weather conditions. From November 1 to March 31, this tour does not include the train ride nor the optional upgrade.