Italian countryside tours

Your questions about countryside tours, answered

Golden light on Tuscan stone. Steam rising off a morning espresso in an Umbrian hill town. The bluest lake you’ve ever seen, ringed by Alpine peaks. We’ve gathered the questions our travel experts hear most often about our tours.

And here’s some peace of mind upfront: when you choose us, you can Book With Confidence, knowing your payments are protected. Curious about the details? You’ll find them in our booking terms and FAQs.

1. What ways can I explore the Italian countryside?

You can explore the countryside by self-drive, guided small group, or even by train. Self-drive tours give you the freedom to set your own pace – stop where you like, detour when the mood takes you. Guided small group tours (limited to 16 travellers) come with a local guide, a driver, and a ready-made route. Train tours let you sit back and watch Italy’s scenery roll past your window.

Browse all our Italy tours to find the style that suits you.

2. What’s included in a countryside tour of Italy?

All tours include accommodation with daily breakfast, a personalised itinerary, travel documents with maps and local tips, and support from our travel consultants.

Beyond that, it depends on how you travel. Self-drive tours include a rental car with unlimited mileage and CDW insurance. Guided small group tours include transport by premium minibus, a local guide, and some meals. Train tours include your rail tickets and seat reservations.

Extras like cookery classes, vineyard tastings and city walking tours can be added when you book.

3. When is the best time to visit the Italian countryside?

May to October. Late spring and early autumn are especially good – the weather is warm, the light is golden, and popular areas are quieter than in peak summer.

June through August brings the warmest weather and the liveliest atmosphere, though the most popular towns do fill up. Our guide to the best time to visit Italy breaks it down month by month.

4. Is it easy to drive in the Italian countryside?

Yes – Italy is well set up for self-driving. The autostradas connect major cities efficiently, and the smaller countryside roads are where the real charm lives.

A few things worth knowing: Italian drivers can be confident, toll roads are common, and parking in city centres can be tricky. Our tips for driving in Italy cover everything from practical guides to ZTL zones.

Prefer not to drive? Our guided small group and train tours are a great alternative.

5. What regions of Italy do your countryside tours cover?

Our tours span the Italian Lakes (Lake Como, Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore), Tuscany and Umbria, Rome and the Amalfi Coast, Venice and the Veneto, and even across the border into the Swiss Alps. Some tours also pass through Emilia-Romagna and Liguria, including the Cinque Terre.

Guided small group and train tours often combine Northern Italy with Switzerland and Austria – ideal if you’d like to see more of Alpine Europe in one trip.

6. Can I customise my countryside tour of Italy?

Absolutely. Popular changes include adding extra nights in a particular area, or weaving in experiences like vineyard tastings, cookery classes, or guided city walks.

Just let your travel consultant know what you’d like. They can adjust the itinerary before you book.

7. How far in advance should I book?

The earlier, the better. Booking 3–6 months ahead gives you the widest choice of accommodation, tour style, and location.

For peak summer (July and August), we’d really recommend booking as early as you can. Shoulder months like May, June, and September are a little more forgiving, but the best options still tend to go to the early planners.

8. Will I have support during my trip?

You’ll receive a detailed itinerary before you go, packed with our local tips and recommendations – so you’ll have plenty of guidance at your fingertips from day one.

And if something unexpected comes up while you’re travelling, our team is available 24/7 by phone. It doesn’t need to derail your trip. We’re only a call away.

9. Can I book flights through Nordic Visitor?

We don’t include flights in our tour packages. This way, you’re free to plan the journey that works for you. You choose your airline, where you fly from, and flight times that suit you.

We recommend looking into flights first, then booking your tour. Just wait for our confirmation before buying tickets.

10. What should I pack for a trip to Italy?

We always recommend layers. Mornings by the lake can be cool, even in summer, and if your tour crosses into the Alps or over mountain passes, you’ll notice the temperature drop. Comfortable walking shoes are worth bringing too – small towns are full of cobblestones and gentle hills.

For a more detailed list, check out our Italy packing guide.