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Travel Italy by train: Book your Italian train tickets

A child is between the ages of 4 and 11 years.

Many trains in Italy and beyond offer a discounted fare between 30% & 50% off the Adult fare for Children.

The child offer is now extended to children ages 4 to 14 years when traveling on high-speed Frecciarossa, Frecciabianca, Frecciargento, InterCity, InterCityNotte, EuroCity, and Thello trains. Your child will be assigned his/her own seat and children must be accompanied by an Adult when traveling on this offer.

Regional trains will still offer discounted fares for children ages 4 to 11 years.

Infants & Children 3 & under travel for free and will share a seat with the adult companion.

Top ItaliaTours & Experiences

POMPEII GUIDED TOUR FROM ROME WITH WINE & LUNCH

VATICAN MUSEUMS SISTINE CHAPEL & ST. PETER'S BASILICA GUIDED TOUR

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Experience Italy differently. Enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and uncover local secrets when our friends across the country open their doors to you. Here’s just a sample of the rich experiences you can expect.

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“Uffizi Gallery in Florence is a world class museum with an incredible renaissance art collection. Enjoy a guided tour with a Local Specialist to make the experience more memorable, especially when in front of Botticelli’s stunning ‘Birth of Venus’ painting”

Pino, Travel Director

See Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel

One of the most important structures of the Catholic faith, the Vatican City’s Sistine Chapel is a must-see on a tour of Italy. Though the chapel walls have witnessed centuries of worship, it’s the renaissance ceiling paintings of Michelangelo that will leave you in awe.

Visit the glamorous Isle of Capri

Enjoy the classic Italian summer in Italy’s picture-perfect Gulf of Naples. Famed for its crystal grottos, dramatic coastlines and endless glamour, our trips to Italy are complete with a day of freedom spent under a striped umbrella, watching sailboats pass by.

Cruise your way through Venice

The charm found in the canals of Venice is nothing short of irresistible. Admire gothic palaces and postcard bridges whilst adrift in a gondola, gaining an understanding of life in a city that floats. Exploring a city by foot will never be the same after a trip to Venice.

Journey to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii

An unfathomable history lesson is found in the archaeological ruins of Pompeii. Buried and preserved by the ash of a volcano eruption in the year 79, in this Italian town you will discover the progressive life of early Roman times as you walk within the parameters of an open-air time capsule of life on Earth.

Go shopping in Italy's fashion capital Milan

Armani, Gucci, Prada and Versace. These are some of the prestigious fashion brands that call the Italian city of Milan home. In between yearning through boutiques and department stores, stop to sample the city’s delicacies like breaded veal cutlet and ossobuco.

Our top 5 things to do in Italy

It's the moments of quiet stillness that take your breath away on a Trafalgar tour through Italy. Sitting in the calm halls of the Vatican. Floating on the canals of Venice. Standing beside the ruins of Pompeii.

Uffizi Gallery

The Tuscan capital is home to Uffizi Gallery, where the brushworks of art’s true masters are found. Names like Raffaello, Leonardo, and Michelangelo dress Uffizi’s grand pink walls, whilst internal courtyards leading to the Arno River will show you the building’s architectural brilliance.

Vatican Museums

A collection of Christian artwork that spans centuries and stirs the soul is found in Rome’s Vatican Museums. From the intricate ceiling by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel to the detailed Pope portraits from the 16th century to today, you will be lost for words once inside this blessed museum complex.

Doge's Palace

Home to the leader of Venice from its opening in 1340, Doge’s Palace summarizes the sparkle of this city. An opulent example of Venetian Gothic architecture and home to numerous historical works, this museum is a must when you visit Venice.

Best museums in Italy

The epicenter of the Catholic faith and the birthplace of art’s most renowned masters. Our guided tours of Italy will take you to the many museums found here, whether in the Sistine Chapel, by the canals of Venice or in the grand galleries of Tuscany.

The authentic carbonara experience will take place in Rome, covered in salty Pecorino Romano cheese. A simple dish inspiring heart-warming meal times, this pasta will connect you with Italy’s rich culinary customs - an impressive evolution from its supposed heritage as a coal-miner’s meal.

Pollo alla Cacciatora

Literally translating to ‘hunter’ in Italian, cacciatore offers an appreciation for Italy’s meals of days gone by. Typically a preparation of rabbit or chicken, it’s the simmering tomato stew that makes this dish so mouthwatering. Satisfy a genuine hunger and consume with hand-ripped bread.

Italy tours are best served with an oversized slice of tiramisu. Cementing this country's obsession with espresso, this cake of layered biscuits soaked in coffee is the perfect after hours pick-me-up before an evening stroll through the charming streets.

Best food in Italy

A date with Italian food will likely start and end with a slice of pizza. But it’s the menu items that we share with you in between that will take your appreciation to new heights; think cacciatore and Carbonara with a slice of tiramisu in between.

What to pack for Italy

A classic linen outfit

The Italians are famous for their equal parts glamorous and effortless dress sense. Look the part with a few ensembles featuring classic linens in navy and white.

A blank journal

With the wealth of inspiration tucked into every corner of Italy, you might find yourself compelled to write down notes or memories. At the very least to remember the traditional Italian recipes you learn.

With such a large expanse of space to explore, on some days, long journeys are unavoidable. The scenery will provide plenty of visual entertainment, while headphones can be used to listen to some local music or enjoy podcasts about Italian history, culture and politics when you're not enjoying the storytelling from your Travel Director.

A small blanket

When exploring the soul-stirring setting of Tuscany, a picnic may call. Come prepared with a small blanket to cover in wine and cheese.

Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes

A classic memoir that brought the romance of Tuscany to the world, there’s no better time to read this book than when venturing through the country yourself.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and reusable toiletry bottles.

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Ciao Bella Italia!

Whether it’s old-world traditions and wonderful culture, cuisine, history, fashion or natural beauty, Italy is special to many people for different reasons. Few other countries boast so many legendary cities. There are also many charming hill towns and coastal villages that showcase Italy’s amazing natural beauty. From the big cities to the small towns, there is always something exciting to see in Italy. With so many reasons to visit, the rest is up to you!

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Destination must-see's.

Cinque Terre:

Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which means that it is a valuable and protected place on earth. Feel like you have stepped back in time when you visit this collection of colorful medieval villages sitting high on the edge of the sea.

Visit a place that was frozen in time in the summer of A.D. 79. Soak in 2,000 years of history at the excavated ruins of Pompeii as a local expert provides you with a detailed view of this incredibly preserved archaeological site.

The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built and perhaps one of the most recognizable places on the planet. It sits right in the center of Rome and was constructed by emperors of the Flavian dynasty. Imagine being there in its day!

Go off the beaten path to see the Castello Sestiere area with a local guide and get to know authentic Venice. You’ll be able to walk canal by canal through streets lined with historic buildings and old churches. See how the locals live every day with each step you take in this unique city.

Destination Must-Do's

Get a Taste of Sicilian Street Food:

Each region of Italy has its own dishes of renown, and Sicily has a rich street food culture. Chickpea fritters (panelle), fried potato croquettes (crocchè) fried risotto balls (arancine/arancini), and cannoli are just some of the items you may find while sampling the local fare.

Tour Lucca:

The fascinating medieval city of Lucca is surrounded by 16th-century Renaissance walls. Choose to see it by bike or on foot, but either way will bring you to see the Cathedral of San Martino, the Piazza Napoleone and the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, all sites you simply should not miss.

Visit Capri:

On a beautiful day, take a boat trip from the stunning Amalfi Coast to the lovely Mediterranean island of Capri. There, a local expert will bring you on a tour of a dreamy place that can only be described as paradise on earth.

Drink wine:

Just about anywhere you go in Italy, you’re going to encounter fantastic wine. Whether you’re in Tuscany, Stresa, Piedmont, Umbria or any other region of this beautiful country, taste the wine. Buy a few bottles and bring it home to enjoy with friends and family.

Expert Advice

Some of what you think of as traditional Italian foods are actually American interpretations and not widely available there. Some examples are heavy cream sauces such as alfredo, spaghetti and meatballs, and chicken parmigiana (however, you may find these items in more tourist-oriented restaurants).

Featured Tours to Italy

Southern Italy & Sicily featuring Taormina, Matera and the Amalfi Coast

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Italy's Treasures Art, Food & Wine of Italy

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Reflections of Italy featuring Verona and Lake Como in winter

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The Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Venice, Sicily, and Rome

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Your Trip of a Lifetime!

Explore the history and culture of Italy with private guided tours! When you travel with Da Mimmo, you will be personally escorted by Mary Ann Cricchio and Mimmo Cricchio, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable journey.

Book your Italy trip today and embark on a journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

The Amalfi Coast

Discover the allure of Amalfi Coast tours with Da Mimmo Tours, where every moment is a masterpiece waiting to be experienced. From the charming streets of Positano to the historic ruins of Pompeii - two of the many things to do on the Amalfi Coast - every step on this guided tour is a testament to the beauty and richness of Italian culture. If you're looking for a luxurious and exclusive experience on the Amalfi Coast, look no further than Da Mimmo Tours. This tour promises to immerse you in the beauty and culture of the region while providing top-notch service and unforgettable memories.

Discover the Enchanting Regions of Tuscany & Liguria's Cinque Terre in Authentic Da Mimmo Style. You will experience the time-honored traditions, sublime wines, tantalizing cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes that make Tuscany a destination unlike any other. One of the highlights of this trip is the chance to witness the famous horserace of Siena: The Palio. Due to the exclusivity of the tickets, the tour is strictly limited to 20 guests. This ensures that everyone gets a front- row seat on the coveted San Martino curve of this thrilling event. Join us on our extraordinary journey as we unveil the true essence of Tuscany. This spectacular adventure seamlessly weaves together the very best of this enchanting region. Experience the time-honored traditions, sublime wines, tantalizing cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes that make Tuscany a destination unlike any other.

At Da Mimmo Tours, we are dedicated to ensuring that every moment of your Venice tour is filled with unparalleled luxury, personalized attention, and unforgettable Venice canal tours. Join us as we redefine the art of travel, creating memories that will linger long after your return. Unveil the essence of Italian splendor with Da Mimmo Tours – where exclusivity meets authenticity, and every moment of your Venice tour is crafted with the utmost care and sophistication.

Discover Sicily's enchanting towns on our exclusive tour. Immerse yourself in their rich history and vibrant culture as you explore Palermo's stunning architecture and bustling markets. Indulge in Mondello's picturesque coastal town with crystal-clear waters and golden sandy beaches. Step into the past in Savoca, a quaint village featured in "The Godfather" movie. Marvel at Taormina's iconic hilltop location overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, with its ancient Greek theater and panoramic views. Join us on this unforgettable journey and let Sicily's captivating towns leave you spellbound.

Experience the rich history of Rome with our carefully curated two-day supplement itinerary. Your adventure begins with a private transfer from Rome Fiumicino Airport to your luxurious five-star hotel. Enjoy a comfortable and convenient journey as you immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the Eternal City. During your two-night stay at the hotel, you will be treated to a sumptuous breakfast each morning, ensuring you start your day energized and ready to explore the fascinating history of Rome. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore the awe-inspiring Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica with a knowledgeable private guide and skip-the-line tickets. To ensure a seamless experience, a private transfer will be provided to take you to your tour destination hotel.

Luxurious . Personalized . Detailed . Gastronomic

Discover the charm, magic, and attraction of Italy’s exceptional cities through an all-inclusive trip featuring top accommodations, seamless transportation, and expertly guided tours.

Amalfi Coast: Experience the allure of Positano, Ravello, Amalfi, the ancient ruins of Pompei, and the enchanting island of Capri. Tuscany: Discover the timeless towns of Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, and Liguria’s breathtaking Cinque Terre. Venice: Capture the captivating towns of Venice, Murano, Burano, and the scenic Valpolicella Region. Sicily: Uncover the hidden gems of Palermo, Mondello, Savoca, and the legendary Taormina.

Rome: Immerse yourself in the rich history of Rome as you explore its iconic sites. Skip the line and dive into the wonders of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica!

Why We Love DaMimmo Tours!

There’s no easy way to explaining the travel experience with DaMimmo Tours. Experience the difference with personal escorts, luxury accommodations, exclusive small tour groups, gastronomic excellence, rare events, and more!!!!!!!!

We just returned from the Amalfi Coast tour. It was fabulous. Mary Ann couldn't be a better hostess! Every detail is taken care and all you have to do is enjoy the wonderful sights, food, company and of course the Wine. We had such a good time we have already committed to the 2018 Tuscany Tour!

Words can't really describe this incredible experience. Each and every day you get up thinking it can't get better, but it does. Amazing experience, amazing hosts, amazing new friends. Cheers to you Mary Ann for a lifetime experience!!

Two words for the most spectacular trip... Mary Ann. Our visit was first class all the way from sights, food, wine and to be invited to their home for dinner. The most wonderful people we met, hoping to see all of you again..

An Experience of a Lifetime

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Italy Wine Tours

Home > Italy Tours > Wine Tours

Grab Your Glass: Italy’s Wine Adventures Call!

Hey, wine enthusiasts! Ready to dive into Italy’s vineyards with a glass in hand and a smile on your face? You’ve landed in the right spot for the most chill and cheerful Italy Wine Tours around. Picture this: you, wandering through golden vineyards, sipping on the finest wines, and sharing laughs with new friends under the Italian sun. This isn’t just a trip; it’s your backstage pass to the heart of Italy’s wine scene, where the vibes are as good as the vintages.

We’re talking Tuscany’s rolling hills, Piedmont’s cozy cellars, and secret spots only the locals know. Whether you’re a wine pro or just in it for the tasty sips, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to meet the coolest winemakers, uncover hidden gems, and enjoy the best pours Italy has to offer.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s raise our glasses to an epic wine journey filled with unforgettable moments. Here’s to great wine, awesome company, and the memories we’re about to make. Let’s get this wine party started!

Wine Tours in Italy

8-Day Small Group Sicily Food Tour

8-Day Small Group Highlights of Sicily

Helicopter Wine Adventure from Rome: Truffle Hunting and Gourmet Lunch Experience

8-Day Enchanting Western Sicily: A Luxury Journey Through History and Beauty

12-Day Enchanting Sicily and Aeolian Splendor: A Grand Tour of Sicilian Highlights and Island Wonders

8-Day Sicilian Elegance: A Luxury Journey Through The Timeless Wonders of Eastern Sicily

8-Day Tuscan Elegance: An Immersive Journey

7-Day Odyssey by High-Speed Train

Tuscany Brunello Wine Tour by Helicopter from Florence

6 Day Golf Tour: Tuscany Tee & Wine Time: Your Chill Golf Getaway

Tuscany E-Bike Adventure: Montalcino & Brunello Wine 🚴‍♂️🍇

Tuscany cooking class and Winery Visit

🍇 Tuscany Winery Visit with Organic Lunch 🍷

8-Day Sicilian Delights: Culture & Cuisine Group Tour

9-Day Rome, Florence, Venice: The Big 3 Small Group Tour

13 Day Primo Italiano Luxury Small Group Tour of Italy

8-Day Rome, Florence & Cinque Terre Italian Tapestry

7-Day Odyssey From Rome’s Eternal Grandeur to Sorrento’s Sunlit Splendor

12-Day Italian Odyssey by Train North to South Through Culture, Culinary and Coastlines

10-Day Italian Journey by Train: Discover Italy with Italy4Real

7-Day Northern Lakes and Cities Tour

Venetian Cicchetti and Wine Tasting Experience

Italy Cruise and Wine on the Tiber River

Romantic Roman Afternoon Wine Tasting and People Watching

History, Food & Wine Walking Tour in Bologna

8-Day Sicily Wines & Foods Tour

8-Day Tuscany Wine Tour for wine lovers

8-Day Foodie Tour of Rome, Amalfi Coast, Sorrento & The Region of Apulia

8-Day Foodie Tour of Northern Italy

7-Day Wine Food Tour of Tuscany from Rome

7-Day Tuscany Tour

7-Day Emilia Romagna Food Tour

7-Day Cooking In The Abruzzo Mountains Tour

6-Day Cinque Terre and Piedmont Wine Trails (Add-On)

Testimonials

“The whole experience was quaint and family-like and just so much fun”

I went on the 13 day primo tour, and Rem, the owner of the company led the tour. An associate of the company, got me signed up, kept me posted on any info, found me great airfare, and kept in touch. The tour, itself, was wonderful! Probably the best trip I’ve ever taken. We saw fantastic sights, ate delicious meals, stayed in wonderful hotels, travelled by private coach-bus with a friendly driver. Rem provided in-depth info on every place we went, and on a personal level. I met a wonderful and small group of people that I travelled with for those 13 days. And, we became a family. The whole experience, being on a small tour, and with an experience Italian traveler as our leader, was quaint and family-like, and just so much fun. I HIGHLY recommend Italy4Real!!!!

- Alisa T. Glendale, California

“Four words…Best. Travel. Company. Ever”

I tried planning my Italian vacation on my own, and encountered all kinds of challenges–no hotel availability, language barrier, time differences, and general confusion about picking the best places to stay and what to see. In short, a lot of added stress in my already-hectic life. I gave up and called Deborah at Italy4Real, and she, Rem, and their amazing team jumped in immediately, taking the sketchy beginnings of my itinerary and working their magic! This company does a great job of finding out about you and your ideal trip, and turning it into reality. They booked us at fantastic hotels (proprietors made us feel like family) and gave great dining recommendations. And when I mentioned I love to cook, they even enrolled us in an amazing private cooking class, not to mention booking a personalized dinner at the villa where we stayed–both experiences I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Take a vacation from planning your vacation and call these guys. I’m now a customer for life!

- Deanna R, Mountain View, CA

“There wasn’t a detail overlooked!!”

I felt very safe and comfortable…..the tour hosts were always a phone call away and there to accommodate any requests. The people I traveled with were so much fun and several have turned into lasting friendships. It was truly the trip of a lifetime!!!

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If you can't find what you want here, or just have some specific questions about your vacation in Italy, our team of travel specialists are ready to help.

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Wine Highlights

No matter which Italy wine tour you’re looking for be sure to experience the richness of culture, history and the delicacy of Italian cuisine. You may find yourself aimlessly walking the halls of the Vatican in  Rome  and being utterly fascinated by the beauty and craft of the Sistine Chapel. Or perhaps you treat yourself to the remarkable food and scenery of Tuscany. Imagine the robust, bold flavors of wild boar over fresh pappardelle pasta followed by a sip of ruby-red Chianti, all the while overlooking the orange glowing sky setting beyond the infamous rolling hills of Tuscany.

Wine is a great accompaniment to any meal or snack in Italy. It may as well be its own food group. Wine-tasting in Piedmont and Tuscany is a feast for your senses. If travelling to the mountains in Piedmont wasn’t enticing enough, wait until you taste wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco, two familiar wines known for being robust and luscious, which pairs nicely with the local food that is rich in earthy and hearty notes.

Piedmont is an overqualified candidate for Italy wine tours. Known for its high quality and producing more DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita — Italy’s top wine classification) designated wines than any other region, you’re guaranteed to have a good glass of vino here.

Travelers who are looking for Italy wine tours have visited Italy; always agree that Tuscany is special, not only for its charming, picturesque hills but for its luscious food and wine options. The Super Tuscans include Chianti Classico, Montalcino and Brunello, all of which are relative to the region and reflect the beauty of Tuscany in their fruity notes and easy drinking. The options to taste delectable wines are immense and every winery and vineyard is certain to capture you completely. Taking a wine vacation in Tuscany is guaranteed to give you ageless scenery and, of course, delicious wine and cuisine, making it the perfect stop on your wine vacation through Italy. Piedmont and Tuscany will submerge your senses, and you will happily surrender to all that these incredible areas of Italy have to offer.

If you’ve heard of or eaten Chicken Marsala, then you’re halfway to understanding wines of  Sicily . Marsala is a fortified wine, home to the island of Sicily, unsurprisingly from the city of Marsala. Although Marsala is popular, other parts of Sicily have just as impressive wines as well and centuries of winemaking in every part of the Sicilian landscape have proven that Sicily’s diverse wine options can be communicated in flavors to wine lovers everywhere.

Sicily is known for being the largest island in Italy, however, it’s also known for having the most vineyards, making it a great place to spend your Italy wine tours vacation! Who wouldn’t want to sit near the water and take delight in a fabulous glass of wine? If you visit Mt. Etna while you’re in Sicily, make sure to taste the wine that has been growing grapes on the slopes of the mountain since the fifth century! For a white wine preference, carricante is a popular choice; it’s light in color but has a big bold aroma. If you’re more of a red wine lover, Etna is best known for nerello mascalese, which has similar fruit flavors of pinot noir.

After indulging in Italian wine and food on your next vacation, you’ll come to realize you can never have enough of Italy and the options to enjoy this country are limitless.

Wine Tours Tips on Our Blog

Exploring the Best Vineyards and Wineries in Sicily

Experience the Beauty, Art, Culture and History of Italy

The Best Things to See and Do in Italy

5 Fabulous Food and Wine Experiences in Italy

14 Unforgettable Things to Do in Tuscany

The Best Time to Visit Italy

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Trips With Our Priests

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Our most popular trip to Europe. See the best of Italy, includes Rome, Florence, and Venice.

This exciting trip takes you through church history from its origins in the Holy Land. The Gospels will come to life as you visit many places that are from Jesus' time.

Paris and the Shrines of France

See all the best of France in this trip. Visit sites from its rich history, culture, and religious roots.

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ITALIAN PROVINCIAL TOURS – DISCOVER PROVINCIAL ITALY

Discover italy’s hidden gem region with our abruzzo tours, you want to experience italy like a local… eat authentic italian food made with local ingredients… you want to escape the tourist traps and go where the locals live, the problem is that you don’t know where to go, what to see and where to stay or eat..

You need like-minded locals to take care of everything for you. Our small group Abruzzo tours are designed to give you that truly authentic Italian experience everyone dreams of! And you don’t need to have Italian friends or family to experience Italy like a local…

We are Marco and Katri, Italian-Australians living in Abruzzo, Italy’s hidden gem region.

We are passionate about Italy and understand what travellers to Italy really want to experience.

Allow us to share Italy with you the way that most travellers never get to.

ABRUZZO TOURS REVIEWS

One of the best travel experiences i have ever had..

– Kathryn Miller NSW, Australia

To experience the real Abruzzo you need to be with passionate people like Katri & Marco that alone is an experience!!

– Enza Centorame Queensland, Australia

Our Italian Provincial Tours experience, was simply beautiful. We enjoyed very comfortable authentic accommodation in historic towns of the Abruzzo region matched with fine local food and wine, and the most stunning scenery including mountain restaurants and one on stilts over the water. Thank you Italian Provincial Tours we will be back! 10/10

– Emily Lee CA, USA

An experience you will never forget

SMALL GROUPS

Feel like you’re traveling with friends, you’re not just another number amongst a horde of other tourists playing “follow the leader”.

ITALY’S UNDISCOVERED GEMS

Escape the tourist traps and head out into the heart of Italy to explore roads less traveled and encounter experiences not so easily found.

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN ACCOMMODATION

Stay in beautiful family owned and run accommodations where you feel like one of the family.

AT YOUR LEISURE

Soak up the Italian lifestyle and return from your vacation refreshed not exhausted!

UPCOMING TOURS

Grande tour.

11-19 JUNE 2024 LAST 2 SEATS LEFT!!

• cooking class with local produce
• olive oil tasting in ancient mill
• winery & wine tasting
• seafood lunch on trabocco
• farmers market
• alpine plateau
• follow the shepherds
• cheese making
• Apennine Mountain Wolves

10-18 September 2024

17-22 JUNE 2025

• olive oil tasting
• castle & forts

ABRUZZO BY DESIGN

Private tours upon request

• wineries & wine tasting

Not ready to travel this year? Join our Abruzzo Tours wait list for 2026!

Latest news & events.

Abruzzo Italy Tour September 2019

Bec & Matt’s Short Stay in Abruzzo

The Ultimate Guide to Eating Out In Abruzzo

Farchie Festival

Hiking Tour – Santo Stefano di Sessanio > Rocca Calascio

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Classic Italy

Select Year

Select the year you would like to travel.

• 2024 Classic
• 2025 Classic

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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

Special Note: 2025 is a Jubilee Year, celebrated once every 25 years; it is a special time in the Roman Catholic Church for pilgrimage and celebration, enhancing the experience in Rome with events estimated to bring 35 million visitors to the Vatican throughout the year. While the atmosphere will be truly remarkable, please be aware that increased crowds and heightened security may cause minor disruptions to this itinerary. Ask your Reservations Sales Counselor for more information at booking.

TAUCK'S YELLOW ROADS – Encounter spectacular scenery around every bend on a drive along the celebrated Amalfi Coast – the perfect blending of earth, sea and sky

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Learn about the masters of the Renaissance in Florence when an art historian shares insights about what you'll see inside the Galleria dell'Accademia and the Uffizi Galleries

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Active components such as hiking, bicycling and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. Guests should be able to walk two to three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty.

Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

Along Europe's Scenic "Yellow Roads"

Think of Italy and a host of images comes to mind... the glories of Rome, taking shape in the now silent roars of the Colosseum, priceless works of art by Michelangelo and other famed Italian artists whose masterpieces eternally evoke awe in Europe's greatest museums...

Discover bella Italia on one of Tauck's most popular journeys... in scenic Tuscan hill towns, centuries-old cities and countryside villages, and along the Amalfi Coast… in the treasures of Florence, coloring an era of enlightenment with a rich palette of paintings and architecture by Renaissance luminaries like da Vinci, Botticelli and Brunelleschi... along saltwater roads in Venice lined with magnificent palaces frozen in time... in sun-dappled Tuscan villages, medieval icons reigning over vineyard-draped landscapes that produce wines and foods that are regionally inspired, locally flavored and ultimately delizioso... and on a guided visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, you'll have an extraordinary look at ageless masterpieces during your three-night stay in the Eternal City...

A trattoria lunch in Orvieto

Enjoy lunch at a traditional trattoria in orvieto.

By definition, an Italian "trattoria" is an eatery that's a bit more formal than an "osteria" (which traditionally emphasize wine over the simple food they serve) but less formal than a "ristorante." In any case, the typical trattoria is a casual, welcoming establishment that serves plentiful portions of well-prepared local or regional specialties, often "family style" and without a printed menu. While visiting the Umbrian hill town of Orvieto, you'll enjoy a traditional lunch at just such a place – a trattoria about which one guest said, "the ambiance is rustic and down to earth... I almost felt like I was in someone's welcoming home dining room..."

The Westin Excelsior, Florence

Nights 9, 10 and 11

Enjoy your own personal Renaissance at The Westin Excelsior, Florence

The Westin Excelsior, Florence is an undisputed masterpiece in its own right: a stunning Renaissance palace with cutting-edge contemporary interiors, flawlessly paired with unique Renaissance features. The perfect mix of style and design, each of its guest rooms and suites is beautifully decorated in period style, offering a taste of Florentine tradition. No wonder it's been voted one of the 500 best hotels in the world by the readers of Travel + Leisure…

Ancient Pompeii... frozen in time

Back to 1st century pompeii.

Pompeii was a prosperous Roman city with a population of approximately 27,000 souls until August 24, 79 AD – the fateful day that Mount Vesuvius erupted and completely buried it and its inhabitants under a blanket of volcanic ash. And there it sat until its discovery by an architect more than 1,500 years later. It would be another 150 years before some of the world's earliest archaeologists began excavating the site in the 1740s, slowly revealing a city frozen in time. Today, as you walk with a local guide among the remains of Pompeii's buildings and streets – still an active archaeological site – you'll get a firsthand glimpse of what life might have been like in the Roman Empire during the 1st century AD.

From start to finish, this trip was so wonderful... Every day was special; I think I might actually take this same tour again in a few years!

2022 Tauck Guest

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All the information you need for this journey at your fingertips – day-by-day details, map, hotel descriptions, key highlights and more.

Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

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Overnight Accommodations

Extend your stay

Arrive Early

Hilton sorrento palace.

Sorrento, Italy

InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace

Rome, Italy

Sina Brufani

Perugia, Italy

Bagni di Pisa

Pisa, Italy

Nights 9-11

Florence, Italy

Nights 12-13

Hotel Monaco and Grand Canal

Venice, Italy

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About Booking This Tour

Required Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Italy; however, you do not need a visa for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally , you should contact an embassy or consulate of Italy to determine what travel documentation is required.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Venice Visitor Fee – Exemption Request Instructions:

• Go to the Exemption Request page on the City of Venice's website:  https://cda.comune.venezia.it/en/richiestaEsenzione  
• Under "Reason for requesting exemption" select "I am a guest of an accommodation facility located in the municipality of Venice."
• Select "Request exemption."
• Enter the dates you'll be entering and leaving Venice. (These dates can be found in the personal travel documents you received via email from Tauck.) Hit "Next."
• Enter your personal details. (For "Date of birth," click on the blank field. A calendar page showing the current month and year will appear. Click repeatedly in this header area to navigate to the century of your birth, then select the appropriate decade, year, month and day.) You will also enter your place of birth, email and home residence.  For "Residence," enter your home address in the USA
• Under "Accommodation and address name," search for or manually enter the name and address of your hotel in Venice. Please note: The name and address of your Venice hotel can be found in the personal travel documents you received via email from Tauck. Read the Privacy Policy by clicking the link (this will activate the check box), then check the box and select "Next."
• If you are traveling with friends or family, select "Add Holder" and fill out their details. Complete this step for everyone in your travel party, then select "Next."
• On the Contact Information page: If you select PHONE you will need to enter your phone number and then make a toll-free call to the number listed on the subsequent page, within the indicated time. If you select EMAIL you will need to enter your email address, and you will then receive an OTP code via that email address to enter on the subsequent page of the application. 
• Verify that all the information you've entered is correct, then click "Confirm."
• You will then be brought to a page where you can download the required QR code for your visit to Venice. (We recommend emailing the QR code to yourself, to ensure easy access to it later.) Please note that you will need to keep your QR code with you throughout your time in Venice, as failure to do so may result in a fine.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

Deposits and fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $600 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  90  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Guest Protection

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.
• Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $559  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPINTL .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person 

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

90 days or more before departure = $600 per person

89-8 days before departure = $900 per person

7-1 days before departure = $1500 per person

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE:  Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS:   are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE:   Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much stricter in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATIONS  

If you are a resident of the U.S.,  no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Italy. For complete vaccination and inoculation information please contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to obtain information regarding vaccinations that may be required for your journey. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking  here.

If you are a resident of another country,  please contact an embassy or consulate of Italy to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

Classic Italy covers 1,270 mi (2,043 km) and, though paced to accommodate all our guests, is nonetheless an active and extensive tour. To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. Italy is home to innumerable historic buildings and sites, some dating from antiquity. Therefore, roads, walkways and architecture will present difficulties for some guests with physical disabilities. You will encounter cobblestone streets, narrow passageways, and some steep and winding staircases. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do at the various sites and towns is at your discretion.

In addition, coach travel along the many "Yellow Roads" on this tour are very windy and may cause you some discomfort if you are prone to motion sickness. If you are, we advise bringing motion sickness remedies or medication with you.

We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it. 

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

The weather in Italy is temperate and unpredictable. Generally, spring and fall average high temperatures range from 55 to 75°F (13 to 24°C) and summer high temperatures range from 75 to 85°F (24 to 29°C). Rain falls evenly throughout the year in Venice, but more seasonally in Rome and Sorrento, where summers are dryer than winters. Venice experiences very high humidity, with hot weather in July and August. Due to its location on the Adriatic coast, Venice often experiences thunderstorms and rain showers which, particularly in spring and autumn, tend to cause flooding, known as the 'acqua alta'.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website by clicking here.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

When packing for your trip to Italy, it is important to keep in mind the time of year you are traveling and the current weather conditions for that time. The climate of northern Italy ranges from Alpine near Switzerland to continental along the Po River to Venice. Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing.

In Europe, especially in finer restaurants, it is generally customary to dress somewhat formally. Slacks or a dress for women and a jacket for men are acceptable dining attire. It is advisable to avoid wearing jeans, sneakers or shorts for dinner. You may also wish to dress up a bit for the welcome reception and the farewell dinner, but certainly be comfortable.

Most Catholic churches in Italy require that your knees and shoulders be covered when you enter, even during the hot days of summer.

You will find a hair dryer located in your hotel guest room. By law in Italy, irons and ironing boards are not made available to guests at hotels. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are available for a fee.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your trip to northern Italy:

• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• An optional jacket and tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

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Planning a Trip to Italy: Where to Save and When to Splurge

By Elizabeth Heath

August 16, 2024

No one likes to spend unwisely, not even on vacation. And it’s equally disappointing whether you spend too much money on overpriced experiences or you spend too little and get a subpar hotel room, a bad meal (yep, they exist in Italy ), or a too-cheap souvenir. 

So let my experience help you. I have lived in Italy for more than 15 years and I’ve traveled the country extensively. I’m also the author or co-author of several of Frommer’s popular guide books to Italy , so I understand where visitors can best spend their money on their Italian vacation. Here are my tips on where it's fine to save some euros and when you should splurge a little—plus a few personal recommendations of my own—that you can use to choose your expenses wisely on a trip in Italy.

Where to save money on experiences in Italy

These tips will help you get a better feel for Italian culture and daily life and still not feel like you’ve missed out on anything.

Don’t rent a car. Ride.   

Skip rental cars and parking fees, and instead rely on Italy’s comprehensive network of trains, buses, and even passenger ferries. While not every part of Italy is accessible via public transport, many of even the smallest places are, and so are hotspots like the Cinque Terre and Amalfi Coast . And if your tour of Italy mostly sticks to big cities, there’s absolutely no need to rent a car. 

For example, last year, I traveled by train from the region of Umbria up to Bolzano, from where we caught an hourly bus to Ortisei, a small town of less than 5,000 inhabitants in the Dolomites , and spent several lovely days at Adler Dolomiti Resort . Leaving the car behind removed the stress of a 7-hour drive on winding roads and allowed us to enjoy the scenery from the passing train. When we got there, it was easy to explore the destination on foot and via the local mountain cable cars.

For great Italian meals, look for osterias and trattorias.

Though the terms can be abused, generally speaking, a place that calls itself a trattoria , osteria (sometimes written hostaria ), locanda , or taverna leans towards simple, affordable comfort foods that are heavy on pasta and meat. Typically homey and often family owned, these types of restaurants are distinct from ristoranti (that’s the plural of ristorante ), which tend to be more elegant, full-service, pricier affairs. 

A trattoria or osteria might have a shorter menu that changes daily, so you get what you get—if in doubt, ask to peruse the menu before you sit down. In Rome , I have always found Antica Hostaria Romanesca to be a reliable choice on Campo de’ Fiori.

Stick to the house wine.

Unless you’re on an oenophile's tour of Italy, don’t scoff at the house wine, which may cost half as much—or even less—than the stuff with the fancy labels. In Italy, restaurant and bar markups on wine are lower than in the U.S. and local palates expect drinkable wines, so you can always get a very good bottle of wine for about half of the €20–30 (US $22–$33) range that luxury restaurants charge.  

Some restaurants (especially in rural locations) even produce their own wine, while most buy wine in large volume from area wineries and serve it in carafes. Another bonus of sticking to the house wine is that it’s often sold by the quarter- or half-liter, which is ideal if you want more than a glass but can’t polish off an entire bottle. 

For affordable lunch in Italy, hit a tavola calda or pizza al taglio joint.

At lunch, you can save both money and precious sightseeing time by stopping at a tavola calda (literally, hot table), which is a buffet of ready-to-eat main courses and sides. For a set price, you can typically choose among a couple of daily pastas, include a meat course, and also have one or two vegetable side dishes. Bottled water and a post-lunch coffee usually come with it. 

Or eat even faster and more cheaply (and standing up) at a pizza al taglio (pizza-by-the-slice) storefront, where a rectangle of pizza and a canned soft drink will set you back a few euros. Pizza is usually sold by weight, but you can simply gesture to the person behind the counter to indicate how big a slice you want. 

Skip the hotel breakfast and head to the bar.

It used to be that Italian hotels almost always included breakfast in their standard room rates. Increasingly, that perk is going away. More and more, breakfast is an add-on that can cost anywhere from €10–30 (US$11–$33), depending on the hotel. Unless you need American-style bacon, eggs, and waffles to start your day and are willing to pay extra for a full breakfast, you can save a bundle by doing as the Italians do and heading to the nearest bar, where a cappuccino and cornetto (croissant), enjoyed while standing with locals at the counter, will cost just a couple of euros. Just make sure you’re going to busy bars where Italians are grabbing breakfast, such as in residential areas—in more touristy locations, bar meals cost more. 

Visit lesser-known regions.

I live in rural Umbria and in addition to writing Frommer’s guide books , I operate a small-group tour company here. So I may be a little biased, but Umbria, Abruzzo, the Marche, and many of Italy’s less-visited regions are comparative bargains when lined up against Tuscany , the Lakes Region , and the Amalfi Coast .

Away from the heavily tourist centers, it’s easier to find cozy, rustic-yet-comfortable accommodations, enjoy great local food and wine at reasonable prices, and stumble upon sweet little villages and towns. So don’t overlook southern Italy, especially earthy Calabria and Basilicata . If you don’t want to visit on your own, check out My Bella Vita ’s great tours of Italy’s boot. 

Smart ways to splurge on experiences in Italy

Now for the fun part. There are things to do in Italy that can only be done in Italy. All of these are worth spending money on. 

Take that gondola ride in Venice.

There’s no place in the world like Venice, and there’s no better way to see its milky green canals and gorgeously decaying buildings than at water level. At €90 (US $99) for a daytime ride and €110 (US $121) after dark, gondola rides in Venice are indeed overpriced and touristy. And yes, you can ply the Grand Canal on a cheap vaporetto (water bus) for €9.50 or cross it on a traghetto (a type of standing-room gondola that traverses the canal in just a couple of minutes and costs €2). 

But really, those are commuter boats, and there are good reasons why you should spring for the luxury of a private gondola ride. It’s a fun, romantic, one-of-a-kind experience worth doing at least one time in your life. Don’t save it for your next trip to Italy—do it now. On a recent trip to Venice, my friend and I hired a gondola at Ponte San Polo, far away from the chaos and choppy waters at Piazza San Marco, and enjoyed a quieter experience on the side canals as well as a brief, exciting foray into the Grand Canal. It's simply one of the world's iconic travel experiences. 

Upgrade to first class train tickets.

On national carrier Trenitalia and private high-speed rail company Italo , the difference between a basic economy ticket and first-class ticket is often just a few euros, especially if you book in advance, but the vast difference in quality makes the expense worth it. Though Trenitalia is gradually modernizing its fleet, its older second class train cars are crowded, often noisy, sometimes dirty, frequently have broken or faint air conditioning, and their toilets are often horror shows. First class train cars are cleaner, quieter and less crowded, have more spacious seats and legroom and usually, much cleaner bathrooms. On high speed Freccia (Trenitalia) and Italo routes, premium class seats also usually come with a welcome drink and snack. And if you see club car or salotto seats on sale, grab ‘em—the private 4-seat compartment will be reserved just for your party.

Book a private Vatican Museums tour that has St. Peter's skip-the-line access.

Guided tours of Italy’s major museums and archaeological sites, when they’re good, can reveal expert insights and hidden stories of these places. If you want to save the most money, you can always skip the guided tour and bring along one of my trusty Frommer’s guidebooks (such as the new Rome Day-by-Day ). But a guided tour of the Vatican Museums —the smaller the group, the better—pays for itself when it includes skip-the-line access to St. Peter’s Basilica . That’s the only way to avoid the long, long line to enter St. Peter’s. The Roman Guy , Walks of Italy and Enjoy Rome all provide similar tours that grant skip-the-line privileges, as do many of the big online tour brokers.  (Art lovers take note: These guided tours only spend a couple of hours in the museums, where you could theoretically spend days and still not see everything, before moving to the main attraction of St. Peter’s, so if the museums are your focus, you’ll get less time.) 

Splash out on a multi-course dinner.

Just once during your Italian vacation, set budgetary and dietary concerns aside and go for the full monty of Italian meals, with antipasto (appetizer), primo (pasta, soup, or risotto), secondo (meat or fish) and dolce (dessert) courses. Plan for a slow, Italian-style banquet and don’t worry how long it takes. The table will be yours for the evening, and any waiter worth his bow tie won’t rush you through your meal. All that will be a lot of food, yes, but it will also be the most Italian of dining experiences, and you’ll talk about it forever. Say yes to everything, including the limoncello or amaro afterward. Just don’t eat a big lunch that day. If you’re in Siena , I recommend La Taverna di San Giuseppe for a full Italian dinner you’ll remember long after you’ve burned off the calories, but all the Frommer’s guide books recommend more places we love in all the major cities. 

Sip an overpriced cocktail on a terrace with a great view.

By any measure, €25 (US $27) is too much to pay for just a cocktail, no matter how many olives, orange slices, or umbrellas float in it. But when that cocktail comes with a sunset view of the Spanish Steps , the Ponte Vecchio , or the Grand Canal , well, you’re getting a lot more memories with that purchase. Italy’s luxury hotels, in particular, are world-famous places to splurge on a cocktail with a view. Your fancy drink will come with a plate of aperitivo nibbles that, along with the heart-soaring panoramas, will take the edge off both your hunger and any sticker shock. In Rome , Cielo Bar at Hotel de la Ville is one of my favorites, while in Venice , Bar Terrazza Danieli on the rooftop of Hotel Danieli  is the perfect place to watch Grand Canal boat traffic pass by. But those are by no means the only legendary hotel bars with splendid views.

Buy yourself a handmade leather bag or shoes.

Genuine made-in-Italy leather goods are stylish, expertly crafted, and long-lasting. When you’re on vacation, €200 (US $220) may seem like a lot for an entry-level bag, jacket or pair of shoes, but keep this in mind: The leather items you buy in Italy are worth four times or more than the cheap knock-offs you’d buy at home. What’s more, they’ll be a long-term reminder of your trip. 

As with any handmade items, you still need to be smart shopper. If the price seems too low to be true, then it’s probably not the real deal. Look for established artisans selling items produced in their own bottegas. At the San Lorenzo leather market in Florence , for example, don’t be alarmed if a vendor asks you to follow them to a larger store with more selection—that’s standard practice. A little bit of bargaining is acceptable, especially if you’re purchasing multiple items or paying cash. What’s most important, besides authenticity, is that you love what you buy.

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Life in Italy, Italian Language, Italian Culture, Italy News, Tourism News, Italian Food

10 Best Italian “Primi Piatti”

The “ Primi “, Italian for “ first courses “, are my favorite dishes for many reasons: quite often they are easy to prepare, you can create endless types of sauces to have with your pasta, they are incredibly tasty and healthy.

A meal is not really such if there is no “primo”, and if I have only one course, I’d prefer it be a primo, not a “secondo”.

I have listed here my 10 favorite Italian “primi”. It was quite difficult, I had to cut out some other dishes that I love, like “pasta pasticciata al forno” and “tortellini”.

1. LASAGNE AL RAGU – meat lasagna

Made with ragù (minced meat), bechamel sauce and lasagna (layers of pasta), and baked in the oven, this is one of my favorite of all Italian dishes . It’s very important that all ingredients are of good quality and fresh.

Usually when I prepare lasagna I make more than what I need and I store it in the freezer. If you have no time to cook it on the day you want to serve it, you can prepare in advance and store in the freezer before cooking in the oven (a part from bechamel sauce and meat that must be already cooked when you make the layers); the day before serving you can take it out of the freezer and put it in the fridge. The lasagna needs to be baked in the oven for an hour or more and needs to rest about half an hour before serving.

2. PARMIGIANA DI MELANZANE – Aubergine Parmigiana

Parmigiana di Lemanzane. This is a Summer dish, because you should use fresh aubergine/eggplants, preferably from the garden. The procedure is quite long, because you first need to fry or grill (for a lighter version) the aubergine (if you also peel them the parmigiana will be softer). Then you make layers of tomato sauce, aubergines and cheese (mozzarella cheese or any other cheese you like; the aubergines are quite spicy themselves, so I prefer a mild cheese).

3. MACCHERONI AL RAGU

The ragù is a sauce made with minced meat. You first fry some chopped onions, carrots and fennel, then you add the minced meat. You can also pour in some wine and let it evaporate. At this point I add a bunch of rosemary, sage, one or two cloves of garlic and some clove. I let it cook slowly and after 30 minutes I add some fresh tomato (or you can leave it “white”, without tomato). I adjust with salt and pepper. It takes a bit longer than another sauce, but it’s easy to prepare and delicious. The egg pasta enhances the flavor of the ragù; my favorite are maccheroni with ragù.

4. SPAGHETTI AI FRUTTI DI MARE

These also are a favorite of the summer. The fish obviously has to be fresh, but I sometimes use the frozen mix and it’s also quite good. One simpler version, with vongole (clams) only, is also very good. I like my spaghetti ai frutti di mare both with or without tomato sauce. Cooked with garlic, to be served with parsley on top and a glass of chilled white wine.

5. CANNELLONI

The cannelloni are another great primo . They are made using the same “lasagna” (pasta layers) used for the meat lasagna, just rolled. The filling can be anything: ricotta and spinach, ragù, radicchio and cheese, green peas and soft cheese, etc. They are baked in the oven.

6. Bucatini all’Amatriciana

One of the most famous Italian dishes, and for a reason. This pasta is very flavory and easy to prepare. The original recipe is with guanciale and no onion, but I usually prepare it with lots of onion and bacon (it’s easier to find it where I live). This sauce can also be used with other types of pasta, preferably something like “penne”, that trap the pieces of meat.

The risotto needs some dedication because you have to stir endlessly, but the results will repay the effort.

The secrets for a good risotto are: cook the rice in the onion or the sauce before adding the broth, and maybe pour some wine and let evaporate; add the broth little by little and keep stirring; at the end add parmesan cheese and butter to make it creamy ( mantecare ). I love risotto with any sauce: vegetables, ragù, cheese, radicchio… there are plenty of options, just like a pasta dish!

8. Pasta with fresh tomato

This is a summer dish, because only in summer you can find fresh tasty tomatoes. It’s very simple, cooked with only some onion and basil, but delicious. The feeling of the flesh of the tomato in your palate is unique. Sometimes to vary I add some chopped mozzarella at the end.

9. Spaghetti alla carbonara

Again, this recipe has many variations. It can be made with guanciale or pancetta (bacon), with or without garlic. You can add milk to the egg. The egg has to be added at the end and it’s cooked for only a minute or two. You can watch this video with our Cristina and Elisa to see how to cook a great carbonara (and at the same time you can learn Italian).

10. Gnocchi

Potato  gnocchi are another special dish that I love. I don’t eat it very often because it takes some time to prepare the gnocchi (I don’t like to buy them). The tradition in my family is to have them with tomato sauce, sugar, grated parmesan cheese and cinnamon (I can’t recollect any other recipe in which we use sugar and cinnamon, unless it’s for a cake!). But you can have them with any sauce. The gnocchi are special to me also because when I was little it was my granny who made them, and she always asked me to help her to shape them with the fork.

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• North Korea Is Reopening Its Doors to Tourists

Visitors will be allowed to travel to the city of Samjiyon, while other parts of the country will remain restricted.  

Abby montanez, abby montanez's most recent stories.

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North Korea is slowly beginning to reopen its borders.  

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Separately, Shenyang’s KTG Tours announced the news in a post on its Facebook page . “So far just Samjiyon has been officially confirmed but we think that Pyongyang and other places will open too!!!”

Interested travelers will have to stay tuned for itinerary dates, which will reportedly be released in the coming weeks. Samjiyon is located in North Korea’s Ryanggang Province, positioned near Mount Paektu—the highest peak on the Korean peninsula. The resort town gets its name from the three lakes in the area and is home to Samjiyon Grand Monument. In addition, it hosts an annual ice sculpture festival every winter.  

Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, entertainment, dining, travel to…

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Is a Disney Theme Park Vacation Still Worth the Price?

As Disney has raised the cost of tickets and hotel rooms at its theme parks, and added pricey, difficult-to-navigate tools, even its most loyal fans are asking themselves if they should rethink their vacations.

By Tariro Mzezewa

Earlier this year, Jake Williams, a filmmaker and content creator in Toronto, made his long-awaited return to one of his favorite places on earth: Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. After traveling to Disney World and Disneyland multiple times a year since childhood and becoming an annual pass holder as an adult, Mr. Williams hadn’t been to a Disney park since 2019.

“As someone who went all the time, it’s crazy to me that I hadn’t gone to a Disney park in that long,” he said in a phone interview. “It’s a special place. ”

Before his trip, Mr. Williams heard about some changes at Disney World, but he didn’t anticipate how different things would be, starting at the airport. Since his last visit, the company had gotten rid of the Magical Express, a free bus that for more than 15 years shuttled people from Orlando International Airport to their Disney resorts. Guests must now take a shuttle that costs between $23 and $30 per adult each way, depending on the time of year, use a ride share service or rent a car.

To Disney-goers, the end of the Magical Express speaks to a larger issue: The cost of being at the happiest place on earth is going up while the perks are going away. As the company has raised the price of tickets and hotel rooms, and added costly, difficult-to-navigate tools to book rides as replacements for previously free products, even its most loyal fans are asking themselves if it’s still worth it.

Mr. Williams said that a day in the Orlando parks and a one-night stay at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort cost a “jaw-dropping” $886.34 for two adults. He decided to calculate how much the same trip cost in 2017 — a year when he visited the park several times. The cost: $567.90. Even accounting for inflation, he was stunned.

“It’s hard to justify going to Orlando rather than, like, Iceland,” he said. “When you have a budget like this, you can go a lot of places and see and do a lot of things. You could even do a Disney cruise for less than that.”

Epcot’s Italy, or Italy?

He’s not alone. Len Testa, president of Touring Plans , a site that helps travelers organize Disney trips, and a co-author of “The Unofficial Guides to Walt Disney World and Disneyland,” said that he increasingly hears from Disney lovers who are now planning other types of vacations.

“At some point a Disney vacation starts competing with ‘Let’s go see Europe’ and I think that’s what a lot of people are doing,” Mr. Testa said. “I’ve had a number of people in the last few years say, ‘We priced it out and we could take our children to eat pizza in the Italy pavilion in Epcot or for the same money we could actually go to Italy for two weeks. We’re going to go to Italy for two weeks.’”

For Mr. Testa, collecting data about Disney is a passion. In the late ’90s, as a graduate student in computer science he decided he wanted to build a computer program that could help people navigate Disney World as efficiently as possible. That research continued through his Ph.D and the program he created turned into Touring Plans. His team of developers and data scientists model what’s going on at Walt Disney World on a minute-by-minute basis every day. The data they’ve collected in recent years shows that the cost of a Disney World trip, on average, has gone up almost 25 percent since 2019. Seventy percent of that increase is for services that used to be free.

The prices of parking and entry tickets have consistently risen in recent years. In 2022 ticket prices went up two times. In 2023 annual passes saw a $30 to $50 increase, depending on the tier, while multiday tickets also went up. A one-day ticket to either of Disney’s U.S. parks now costs $109 for anyone over the age of 10.

One analysis concluded that between 2014 and 2025, the base price for tickets has gone up 32 percent and increased by 90 percent for the highest-priced tickets. In 2025 the base price for an adult one-day ticket will be $119 and the higher tickets will be $199. Hotel prices have also risen. The cheapest hotels at Disney World now cost an average of $187 per night, according to Disney Magic Guides , a resource for planning trips to the parks.

In an earnings call this week , Disney’s leaders acknowledged that they’ve seen a slowdown at the parks and that, because of the economy, lower-income visitors are financially stressed, while higher-income guests are traveling internationally. And Disney is not alone: Tickets for Universal Studios in Florida and in California often cost as much as Disney tickets. In July, Comcast said Universal’s revenue fell by 11 percent in the prior quarter, with visitors turning to cruises and international travel.

In an email, a spokeswoman for Disney said the company is always trying to offer guests an array of tickets and experiences. To the company, and its most loyal fans, she said, the value of the experiences is worth the price.

“We are purposeful about creating more ticket and hotel price points than ever before to provide guests a variety of opportunities to visit our parks,” she said, adding that “a visit to a Disney theme park is a 10- to 16-hour experience with attractions, entertainment and more.”

Apps overload

For many guests, price isn’t the only hurdle. Visitors now have to navigate several new apps and tools if they want the best chance at getting on the most popular rides. In the past, they could get a free FastPass, which allowed them to go to the front of a line for a ride. In 2021, Disney replaced the FastPass with a digital feature called Genie+ that park goers had to pay for and that was supposed to make booking rides more efficient. Instead, it caused so much confusion that content creators started making videos that showed viewers how to “hack” the tool.

To get the best out of Genie+ guests had to buy the app early in the morning ( avid park-goers recommended doing so at 6 a.m.) and then, at 7 a.m., they would book rides for the day. They could only book more rides after they’d completed their first activity or two hours after making their first reservation. And they couldn’t choose what time they wanted to get on a ride — Genie+ would do it for them. Mr. Testa said all of this led to “Disney complexity fatigue.”

“ God forbid on your vacation, you want to go back to your hotel and take a nap,” Mr. Testa said. Others said having to always be on their phones took away from the experience of being on vacation.

Disney heard the complaints. In July, Genie+ became Lightning Lane Multi Pass, which makes it possible for people to reserve rides ahead of time, instead of on the day they are in the park. The new system, which starts at $30 a day, is an attempt at mixing Genie+ and FastPass, but only those willing to pay extra can use all the features. The Disney spokeswoman said that so far, guests are “very pleased” with Lightning Lane Multi Pass. Reviews on social media show that it may be too soon to tell. On Reddit, reviewers lamented the different prices for Lightning Lane passes, with one person saying she “despised the process” of booking in the new system so much she felt like throwing her phone.

Jeremy Sonkin, a Chicago-based content creator who makes videos about theme parks, was at Disney World on the first day the new system was available. He said the new app is less confusing than Genie+, but it doesn’t feel like an upgrade.

“The idea and thought behind trying to bring back the ‘Fast Pass plus’ system is correct, but it’s not a level playing field and I can see this causing just as much, if not more, frustration from guests,” he said.

Greg Antonelle, the managing director of MickeyTravels , a travel agency that focuses on booking Disney trips, said his company is having a great year, with travelers looking to experience new rides like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure , which replaced the old Splash Mountain ride. He said that complaining about Disney is par for the course.

“We’ve been in business for 13 years and we’ve heard complaints about cost for 13 years,” Mr. Antonelle said. “It’s nothing new.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this article misstated the starting month of the Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Disney World. It started in July, not June.

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Tariro Mzezewa, a former national correspondent at The Times, is a reporter who writes about culture and style. More about Tariro Mzezewa

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Lake Como, Italy:  Stars like George Clooney frequent this scenic corner of northern Italy, but you might be surprised by how affordable it can be. Here’s an insider’s guide .

South of France:  Horses, bulls and birds of all types live among the pink marshes of the Camargue, a rugged landscape shaped  by the relentless push and pull of sea and river.

Disney Theme Parks:  As Disney has raised the cost of tickets and hotel rooms at its theme parks, and added pricey, difficult-to-navigate tools, even its most loyal fans are asking themselves  if they should rethink their vacations.

Helsinki, Finland:   Explore the stunning architecture  of the new central library, browse treasure-filled shops in the Design District, sweat in a wood-burning sauna, sip cocktails on a schooner and trek across islands in the surrounding archipelago.

Salzburg, Austria:  The compact Austrian city of medieval alleys, majestic Alpine views and just 150,000 residents bursts to life in the summer .

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2024 St. Jude Championship TV schedule, channel, live stream, where to watch FedEx Cup Playoffs coverage

The fedex cup playoffs have arrived as the top 70 players from regular season make the trip to memphis.

The race to East Lake is officially on as the 2024 FedEx Cup Playoffs continue this week in Memphis at the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship. Welcoming the top 70 players from the regular season, TPC Southwind is once again serving as the site for the first postseason event.

While qualifying for the playoffs is a feat in itself, players face an opportunity to set up their 2025 campaigns for success should they make their way to the next round. Cutting the field from 70 to 50 players, the St. Jude Championship represents the last chance for some to play their way into next week's BMW Championship and ultimately next year's signature events.

Those currently on the outside looking in include Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose, Mine Woo Lee and reigning FedEx Cup champion Viktor Hovland. Serving as the defending champion the next two weeks, the Norwegian is in jeopardy of not being able to compete to retain his postseason crowns.

In his place, world No. 1 and Olympic gold medalist Scottie Scheffler stands atop the FedEx Cup standings. Scheffler has substantial lead over Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy. He will look to build on his advantage and enter the Tour Championship as the top name for the third straight year.

Keep it locked here to CBS Sports for St. Jude Championship live leaderboard coverage throughout Sunday's final around.

All times Eastern; streaming start times approximated   

2024 St. Jude Classic TV schedule

Round 4 - sunday.

Round starts:  8 a.m.

PGA Tour Live:  8 a.m. -  6 p.m. --  PGA Tour Live

Early TV coverage:  12-2 p.m. on Golf Channel,  fubo  (Try for free) Early streaming:  12-2 p.m. on Peacock

Live TV coverage:  2-6 p.m. on NBC,  fubo  (Try for free) Live streaming:  2-6 p.m. on Peacock 

Radio:  1-6 p.m. --  PGA Tour Radio  

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Indbegrebet af sol, sommer, kultur og gastronomi

• Italien består af den karakteristiske støvleformede halvø, flere mindre øer samt de to lidt større øer, Sicilien og Sardinien

Info om Italien

Rigtig mange danskere vælger hvert år Italien som den foretrukne feriedestination. De drages af en magnet, og det gør de af mange grunde.

Først og fremmest fordi Italien byder på masser af fantastiske oplevelser, hvad enten man er til badeferie, aktiv ferie, kulturel ferie, til spændende og pulserende storbyferie – eller til en kombination af disse og mange andre muligheder.

Bjarkes favorit-hotel i Pizzo:

Magic Life Calabria m/All Inclusive

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