Best of Italy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BJvVAEr3Lg

In October 2023, we embarked on Rick Steves’ Best of Italy tour—a 17-day whirlwind through some of the most iconic cities in the country. This was my second Rick Steves experience, the first being the Best of England tour back in 2017, and naturally, I expected something similar. What I got, however, was a bit of a mixed bag.

Let’s start with the big picture: Italy was stunning. The cities—each unique and full of charm—offered so much to love. From the canals of Venice to the cliffside villages of Cinque Terre and the timeless streets of Rome, every stop had its own kind of magic. I enjoyed every city we visited, and there were many. The itinerary was full, no doubt, and you really do feel like you’re seeing “the best” of Italy. That said, the experience wasn’t without its frustrations.

Our guide brought a level of energy that might work wonders in a high school pep rally, but over 17 tightly scheduled days, it was a bit much. She spoke constantly on the bus rides—times I had hoped to use for some quiet rest. While I appreciate enthusiasm, the delivery wore thin by the second week. I found myself longing for a bit of peace between stops.

Another challenge was the local guides that Rick Steves paired us with in various cities. While they were clearly knowledgeable, many of them went way too deep into the weeds—offering long, exhaustive histories that felt more like academic lectures than engaging stories. At a certain point, it becomes too much to absorb. What I really wanted were the highlights: the essential facts, the interesting stories, the key takeaways that bring a place to life—not the full timeline from antiquity to today.

That’s why we hired our own guide in Florence. She took us through the church where Michelangelo is buried, and in under an hour, she covered the major points, shared a few lesser-known gems, and made it all feel digestible. It was informative and enjoyable—no mental exhaustion required. On a packed tour like this, where your brain is already processing so much, that kind of efficiency makes a big difference.The pace of the trip itself was intense. That’s not necessarily a bad thing—you do cover a lot—but it does mean that rest and downtime are scarce. I’d recommend carving out time for yourself wherever you can.

One of our personal highlights was a wooden boat tour on Lake Como that we booked independently during our free time. It was serene, beautiful, and included a pass by a certain A-list actor’s villa. We even spotted waterfalls tucked into the cliffs—definitely a memory worth the splurge.

Accommodations throughout the tour were mostly solid—charming, well-located, and comfortable. That is, until our final stop in Rome. Our hotel there fell far below expectations: think less "quaint European" and more “below Motel 6.” After 16 days of exploring, that last hotel left a sour note. I do wish Rick Steves would prioritize more consistent quality, especially at the end of such a full itinerary.

A quick note on weather: even in October, some cities—Venice in particular—were still warm and humid. If the tour is available in November, that might be an ideal option for cooler temps and fewer crowds.

Would I recommend the Best of Italy tour? Yes—but with some caveats. The cities and sights are unforgettable, and the tour makes logistics easy. But be aware: this isn’t a leisurely vacation. It’s a structured, high-energy journey. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes quiet mornings, afternoon breaks, or a slower pace, this may feel a bit intense. That said, if you take some control over your downtime, prepare mentally for the pace, and maybe bring noise-canceling headphones for the bus like I did, you’ll likely have a fantastic experience.