Half-day Tours in Italy

Step back in time to the year 79 AD, when the ancient city of Pompeii was immortalized by the eruption of nearby Mt Vesuvius. On this 6-hour tour from Sorrento, travel by air-conditioned coach to the archaeological site and explore 2,000-year-old villas, temples and frescoes with a guide. After the adventure, unwind at a winery located on the slopes of the notorious volcano. Taste regional wines, including the Lacryma Christi varietal, and enjoy a picnic lunch of fresh local products.

See some of the highlights of Rome followed by a papal audience in St. Peter's Square during this 4-hour tour. Visit the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona before heading to the Vatican.

Visit several of the most influential basilicas, such as St. Mary Major and St. John Lateran and discover just how important they were in shaping the history of Christianity. With your professional guide, roam some of the most secluded corners of the city. Learn about early Christian cemeteries and shelters while within the Catacombs of either San Callixto or Santa Domitilla. Gain a better understanding as to why Rome is recognized worldwide as the center of Christianity on this three-hour walking tour and familiarize yourself with the history that resides within this great city.  

Voyage across the Venetian Lagoon to the artisan islands of Murano and Burano on a 5-hour tour. In lovely Murano, visit the 12th-century San Donato Church and watch a demonstration of traditional Venetian glassblowing techniques at a local workshop. After free time to explore and shop for glass treasures, hop back in the boat for the short trip to Burano. Explore the island on a guided walking tour and visit a factory to see how delicate Venetian lace has been made for centuries.

See the impressive volcano of Mt Vesuvius up close with this 4-hour tour from Sorrento. Ride up most of the mountain, then hike to the crater's edge for amazing views.

Explore the sights of seaside Ravenna in this 2.5-hour walking tour. See some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in Italy in the Basilica of San Vitale and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, among other places. Pay your respects at the tomb of legendary poet Dante Alighieri.

Bring Dan Brown's bestselling novel Inferno to life on a half-day walking tour of Florence. Led by a local guide, you'll spot the attractions visited by the code-cracking main character, Robert Langdon. Explore the secret passageways of the Palazzo Vecchio and check out the Hall of Geographical Maps, the Florence Baptistery and Dante's Death Mask. This tour includes admission to top sites like Giotto's Bell Tower, Brunelleschi's Dome and more.

Located on the island of Sicily, Mt Etna is the tallest active volcano in Europe. Explore its different aspects on this active tour from Catania that includes hiking up the volcano along a trail to the inner crater. See lava flows, learn about the geological history of the volcano, admire panoramic views and hike into a lava cave.

Explore the capital of the island of Sardinia during this 4-hour minivan sightseeing and walking tour of Cagliari. Learn about this ancient city's history as well as its modern treasures.

Spend a half-day exploring the beautiful islands of the Venetian lagoon on this 4-hour small-group boat tour of Murano and Burano. Learn about Murano's history of glass blowing and Burano's traditional lace making. See the colorful houses of Burano. Pick up and drop off from central Venice.

Mount Etna is Italy's largest and most active volcano, and the most adventurous way to explore is on a trekking tour. On this half-day hike from Catania, peek inside a lava cave, explore the dramatic craters of the Valle del Bove, and enjoy spectacular views of the volcanic landscapes.

The UNESCO-listed city of Mantua boasts an architectural and artistic legacy dating from the medieval era through the days of the Renaissance. On this tour, follow your guide on walk through the city and explore centuries of rich history and culture. Take in top attractions like the beautiful Sant'Andrea Basilica and visit the Ducal Palace (own expense) - home to some of Italy's most impressive frescoes.

Take a Vespa tour on the Via Appia Antica, the most famous of all roads leading to Rome, that once connected the capital to the Port of Brindisi in southeastern Italy. Enjoy the ancient road while being driven by your expert guide who will pick you up from your hotel at the centre of Rome and will introduce you to main sites along the first miles of the road.You will be amazed by the amount of history that lies under and around the 2,000 year old cobblestone. The road's initial stretch is lined with the great monuments and ancient tombs of patrician Roman families.

Enjoy a physical perspective of Sicily on a tour to Mt Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe. You'll do a little trekking, check out an old crater and lava flow caves, and admire gorgeous views of the mountain and surrounding landscape at sunset. Plus, stop by a farm to taste local products like honey and wine. Hotel pickup in Catania is included.

An old mule track that runs between the village of Caira and Monte Cassino Abbey became one of the most strategically important roads of the Apennine peninsula during World War II. With this tour, follow the track with a guide who illuminates the history of the allied campaigns of Monte Cassino and the Gustav Line during the war.

The volcanic landscapes around Mt. Etna are widely considered among the most fascinating in Italy, but they're not always easy to explore without a guide. This adventurous half-day bus and hiking tour from Taormina includes food-tastings in Zafferana Etnea and a visit to the Parco dell'Etna. Delve into a lava cave with a guide, follow winding trails to the Rifugio Sapienza at 6,200 feet (1,900 meters) above sea level, and watch the sun set over the Silvestri craters.

Enjoy a relaxing visit to two of Florence's most spectacular green spaces with this walking tour of Florence gardens. Explore the massive Boboli Garden behind the Pitti Palace, once the private garden of the Medici family. See the Bardini Garden with its collection of art work on display.

See the volcanic landscape of Mount Etna, then stroll the hilltop town of Taormina on a full-day tour from Messina that explores Sicily's remarkable landscape, architecture, and culture. You'll have views into the Silvestri Craters, and time to take in Taormina's ancient Roman streets, theater, and monuments with the guide. This full-day tour includes pickup and drop-off at the Messina port or Cathedral Square, and transport in a climate-controlled coach.

Visit Sicily's first Greek colony of Giardini Naxos as well as Isola Bella, Castelmola, and Taormina on a half-day trip from Catania. The 5-hour experience includes a seafront drive alongside Naxos Bay in the history-steeped seaside town of Giardini Naxos, followed by a dip in the sea at Isola Bella. Check out the Mother Church of Castelmola on a walk around its historical center, then visit Taormina to hear its history and shop in its artisanal boutiques.

Venture beneath the Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) in Rome to see the catacombs of St Sebastian with a knowledgeable guide. During this 3-hour tour, you'll walk along one of the most historic roads of ancient Rome to discover the ancient underground cemeteries, along with the aqueducts of Appian Park. Your small-group tour is limited to no more than 13 participants in order to offer a more intimate experience. Ride in air-conditioned comfort round-trip from central Rome to the Basilica of St Sebastian.