Italian tour guides offer insider tips and new experiences

Ever wish you had access to a tour guide with local knowledge and insider tips?

Australian-Italian boutique tour operator Italy Tour Co has just launched its one, two and six-day tours of Italy in time for the European summer season.

Chef Valerio Fantinelli (based in Perth) and professional tour guide Luca Rocconi (based in Rome) offer personal, small-group tours for singles, doubles, or groups of up to 12.

The cousins’ Italy Tour Co culinary and historic adventures feature foodie experiences and locations not available to many travellers thanks to Luca’s connections, guiding experience and passion for Italian food, history and culture.

Their tours operate in Rome, Abruzzo, the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Capri, and off the Adriatic coast for a new three-day yacht cruise around the Tremiti Islands, or a six-day cruise to Croatia.

New to this year’s tour menu is the chance to join father and son fishermen exploring Capri and the Neapolitan coast.

Back on land meet Tuscan princess sisters in the gardens of their castle with one of Europe’s most impressive wine collections; visit the Pope’s summer holiday hideaway; or discover an underground medieval basilica next to the Colosseum.

History buffs will enjoy the new Ancient Rome tour - a four-hour private tour covering the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum - some of the most important archaeological sites of the Roman era.

Following a hiatus throughout Covid, Luca and Valerio relaunched Italy Tour Co in 2023.

“It was a dream come true," Valerio said. "We had guests join us from across the world, and it was so special to show off our beautiful country to the world again.

“We’re excited to be adding to our tour offering and reaching more inquisitive, passionate travellers in 2024.”

Tours commence in May 2024 and prices for one day tours start at $150 per person. There is a special offer on a Trastevere food and art tour: $850 for four people.

For more details see italytour.com.au