Italy
The Best of Italy: Rome, Florence and Venice
Program No. 18206RJ
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Participant Reviews
Based on 116 Reviews
SHOWING
My 7th amazing trip with Road Scholar, and like the others it exceeded my already high expectations. Our tour leader Enrica was incredibly organized, knowledgeable, patient, and caring. The tour guides were impressive as they imparted not just facts but real insights into the ancients who built the wonders of Italy and the day-to - day lives of ordinary people of the time. Of course, my fellow travelers helped to make the trip fun as well as a learning adventure. Thanks RS!
— Review left February 5, 2026
I couldn't have been more pleased with my Road Scholar experience. I've wanted to see Italy for a long time and the Road Scholar program helped me get the most out of my experience.
— Review left December 30, 2025
We had a blast! Can't wait until the next one!
— Review left December 22, 2025
A trip with Road Scholar will likely exceed your expectations. You will learn a lot about history, art, culture and more and meet nice people who share the same interests in the places or experiences you seek while traveling!
— Review left December 18, 2025
Although we enjoyed visiting Italy, we were extremely disappointed that the activity level was not what was indicated in the trip description. This trip was listed as a "Lets Go" highest activity level trip, and the description said it required “walking up to six miles a day". Sadly, this description was not accurate. Planned activities averaged between 1 to at most a bit less than 2 miles of walking each day. Since we were looking for an active trip, we were shocked at how little walking was involved.
If we book another Road Scholar trip, how will we know if the description actually reflects the real requirements of the trip?
— Review left November 30, 2025
Before all else, we want to commend our group leader Alessio Rosoldi. His friendly, disarming nature was loved by all in the group. Ahead of time, he gave us expected menus, much needed reminders (such as passports out of safes), maps, exploration suggestions, etc. For own case, I had an injury in Florence. His help was invaluable in helping us find pharmacies, crutches and wheelchairs. Alessio helped relieve the stress of being injured outside of one’s country. He ensured safe and easy travel when I was confined to a wheelchair, all the while keeping track of our group as a whole. Many heartfelt thanks from us to Alessio.
Each of the presenters, Marc Ceccarani, Jane Zaloga, Daniela Sarghini, and Juliette Seme, all offered expert, and humorous lectures that set the tone for understanding all that we saw. We cannot comment on others presenters because of our absence due to my injury.
We loved that each hotel was centered near trains, pharmacies, shopping, banks. Most of all, these hotels were in the midst of what each city could offer. Each boutique hotel had its own flavor and charm.
All sights chosen were great experiences! We will a be recommending Road Scholars to friends and family, and look forward to our next tour.
Thanks for a great experience. Again, special thanks to Alessio. He is priceless!
— Review left November 25, 2025
my first time with road scholar, it was a dream of a lifetime to visit Italy,this tour group made it possible for me to accomplish that goal, I will like to go on another trip with them and I will never forget what I did
— Review left November 21, 2025
This was my first trip to Europe in 30 years, and my first trip to Italy ever. I had a great deal of anxiety before the trip. The trip was amazing and surpassed my expectations.
Our guide, Christina, was super! She moved our group kindly and efficiently with humor. I was very impressed with her skills!
All of the accommodations were great. Tours and outside tour guides were great.
I especially enjoyed the lectures and learning experiences.
I would have enjoyed one more day in Florence, there was so much to see!
Thanks to Road Scolars and Christina for this wonderful experience.
— Review left November 1, 2025
We were disappointed with your lack of response to our issue. We had a 22-hour delay in Charlotte, NC due to a broken plane. We called your office number and although we were told that we could reach a live person even though it was a weekend, no one ever answered us, even after several calls. We were wondering what our options were, since we had bought trip insurance. We went on to Rome, but missed the Sunday and Monday program until 4 pm. I was exhausted and unable to do the Monday night program as well. We never felt like we caught up. In contrast, we had an identical situation when we traveled with Viking, but I made one call, all my options were explained, our flights were rerouted, we were met in Oslo at midnight, missing only a half-day and no worry about anything. From you, I got an email the following week saying you were sorry I couldn’t reach a live person. We will not travel with you again and we cannot recommend you to our friends. Sincerely, Dave and Nancy O’Denius
— Review left October 31, 2025
Beautiful cities. Wonderful experience.
— Review left October 29, 2025
Rome, Florence and Venice have had immeasurable impact on our civilization. Each city has so much to see and do that they can overwhelm visitors. "The Best of Italy" program was just the right way to get an overview and visit the must-sees. The lectures and guided tours provided additional background and insights.
— Review left October 23, 2025
This was such a wonderful trip with the best guide, Anna! We saw so many wonderful sites, ate delicious Italian cuisine and enjoyed the company of like minded travelers.
I cannot say enough good things about Anna! She was knowledgeable, patient and very funny. Unfortunately, while visiting Florence I had a terrible fall and broke my nose. Anna was so calm and reassuring. She got me the EMT help that I needed and then stayed with me in the ambulance and at the hospital to translate and to soothe and reassure me. Her kindness was above and beyond what I would have expected. She even made sure the hotel delivered extra pillows so I could sleep more upright as is necessary in a head injury. My fellow travelers also responded with immediate assistance and concern.
This is my third RS trip, and each one keeps getting better than the last.
Anna is my hero!
— Review left October 16, 2025
Excellent trip. Just the right amount of time at each city. Hotels were nice, clean and convenient. Food was very good. Nice mix of free time. Group leader and guides were fantastic. Well organized! Bravo!
— Review left October 13, 2025
I Loved our guides. the little background stories I'll remember the dates & names of statues I can look up online.
— Review left October 12, 2025
Overall, wonderful!! Great speakers, museums, educational hikes, hotels and fellow participants! Would recommend it to anyone. Thank you Road Scholoar!
— Review left October 8, 2025
Thanks again for an unforgettable experience.
— Review left September 19, 2025
This was a wonderful trip with the opportunity to visit beautiful sites in Rome, Florence, and Venice. Our leader, Bruna, was great – very patient and extremely knowledgeable. All of our local guides at the various sites in the different cities did great jobs as well and we had several excellent lectures – one at each city. Despite large numbers of people, Bruna facilitated our ability to achieve prompt entry and very efficient access to our different locations. Our accommodations and food were first-rate! This was a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and share new experiences with a group of 17 travelers. There is significant walking but we had reasonable break-times and everyone in our group completed the planned activities at each location. There was ample free time to either rest or visit other local sites in each city. I would highly recommend this Road Scholar trip!
— Review left September 19, 2025
Road Scholar thinks of everything! Our trip to Italy was enlightening, enjoyable, and memorable. It was our first experience with Road Scholar, and we're looking at their other programs to plan our next trip. We truly saw "The Best of Italy" and we highly recommend it.
— Review left September 18, 2025
Great experience, most of what offered was accomplished. We were on National Italian day and the area of the Forum was closed, we did a walk aside; we had a National Parade instead; it was the city that closed the place. In Venice our tour guide Irene, gave us from her own free time an afternoon in Murano. She guided us, called a glass factory, and scheduled a show, and went with us. That was great and totally from her own good will, a gesture to remember.
Thank you,
Patty
— Review left June 24, 2025
Best of Italy Trip in May 2025 was fantastic. I traveled solo and was very comfortable and felt safe and included with the group of 18.First class trip!
— Review left June 1, 2025
I LOVED my first experience with Road Scholar.The leader( Anna), the tour guides and instructors were all exceptional. The museums and sights chosen were perfect and the accommodations and food excellent. The group was wonderful and we ultimately became friends.
I was impressed with how well planned the trip was
I am now planning another RS trip as I am confident in the expertise of this company and recommending to friends and family.
— Review left May 25, 2025
This is the most amazing tour! I absolutely loved it!
— Review left May 17, 2025
An amazing time! Wonderful people! An explosion of art, history and culture! I loved it!
— Review left May 16, 2025
Absolutely stunning and delightful trip, despite the mobs in Rome during this Jubilee year. Great group of fellow travelers and
terrific tour guide. The local experts were also, uniformly, excellent.
It was thrilling for me to visit Rome, Florence & Venice and I feel very fortunate to have participated in this superb RS tour of three truly great and varied cities.
— Review left April 23, 2025
This was a great trip! I was very impressed with the organization of the program from the earliest stages until the very end, our guides - Enzo and Anna were so knowledgable! and the speakers who all had such a wealth of knowledge and great presentation skills.
I also appreciated that the program provided the space for us to explore and learn on our own, especially with helpful suggestions and guidance when requested from Enzo.
I will be reveling in all we saw and learned for some time to come.
— Review left April 15, 2025
This was my first trip to Italy and it more than met my expectations. Lara, our group leader, was well-prepared and helped the group travel comfortably. It was a bonus having Eduardo with us and he'll make a great group leader. I enjoyed the expert lectures and tours. So knowledgeable! The trip was planned well and ending in Venice was genius! It was the first time I can remember coming home and missing the country I visited. Lara and Eduardo were very conscientious about my dietary restrictions so I definitely ate well. I think the activity rating is accurate since walking on cobblestones seems twice as tiring. The amount of free time was good, although I wish I had time to make it to St. Peter's.
It might be a good idea to let travelers know that there are certain periods when the heat/air conditioning isn't allowed. We like to sleep in a cool room but leaving the windows open in Venice resulted in at least 50 mosquito bites. Fortunately, they didn't itch as much as U.S. mosquito bites but they lasted at least a week.
What a wonderful trip! I'm considering seeing more of Italy in the future. Thank you!
— Review left April 11, 2025
We had a great time! Lara could not have been more helpful, and was an absolute pleasure to be with. Eduardo was great and so much fun. The sites and museums were awe inspiring. The accommodations were nice and so convenient. We loved the high speed rail between the cities. It was an excellent blend of group time and free time. We enjoyed our fellow Road Scholars so much as well. It was a pleasure getting to know everyone in the group.
— Review left March 29, 2025
If you can afford it, treat yourself to a Road Scholar trip - it may change how you travel!
— Review left March 24, 2025
The whole trip was outstanding. Everything was perfect. Italy was spectacular. I would recommend that everyone see Italy sometime in their life. Our guides were wonderful. Everything was planned and executed very well.
— Review left March 15, 2025
A wonderful and enriching experience. All of our expectations were met!
— Review left November 23, 2024
What a great experience! I highly recommend it to anyone who has yet to explore Italy and would like to see all it offers. The program provides a perfect balance of education and sightseeing with many conveniences like the provided meals, transportation, and guided tour groups.
— Review left November 2, 2024
The Best of Italy trip was awesome! Be prepared to walk a lot. I averaged 10 to 12 thousand steps a day, as advertised. The program coordinator, lecturers, and expert guides were just great--so knowledgeable and quite fun! Their understanding of the intersection between art, religion, and politics was enlightening and inspiring. The group was fantastic. Thanks Road Scholars for all you do!
— Review left October 24, 2024
The Best!
— Review left September 30, 2024
This was the best Road Scholar program I have attended. It has a great itinerary and the guides are exceptional.
— Review left September 14, 2024
This was my first time to Italy and the trip was wonderful. Our tour director was incredible, every step of the trip was well planned out, our hotels were unique and we saw and learned so much. Can highly recommend this program!
— Review left July 13, 2024
When people ask me which was your favorite city, I say I loved something about each city. In Rome, it was going to the opera right around the corner from our hotel, and having a delicious dinner of (air)-fried artichoke and sea bass in the Jewish Quarter. Our guide Rachel was incredibly knowledgeable about the Forum and the Colosseum, as was the professor who gave us two lectures.
In Florence, I finally got to see Bruneschelli's la Duomo, which I had read about in a book by Ross Pope King. I also enjoyed seeing the Vatican in Rome after reading King's account of Michelangelo's travails and artistic triumph. There were many sites I did not get to see that would make me want to return to both cities.
In Venice, seeing how the Murano glass-craftsman creates his art was neat. On a return trip, I'd like to take a boat to the island. The Jewish Quarter was near our hotel, so I got to make a few trips to it, to see the synagogues and bring back meaningful souvenirs for my family.
Mimmo, our group leader, worked nonstop to make everything go smoothly, keeping us on schedule, shepherding us to the train stations and through crowded areas. He paid careful attention to members of our group who needed special assistance. He was always upbeat and helped to create a sense of camaraderie among the 18 of us.
I especially liked the hotels in Rome and Florence. The one in Rome served delicious breakfast brunches and had a delightful garden room on the roof. Rooms in Florence were as spacious as ones in U.S., and the hotel served the best meal ever, a rare sirloin (and I rarely ask for sirloin cooked rare!) The hotel in Venice had a quaint charm with Murano glass chandeliers, however the rooms were small, without a refrigerator or the ability to control the AC.
Group meals in restaurants/hotels were variable, good when choices offered, not good when no choice available. I also would have preferred more outdoor excursions, such as the Borghese and Biboli gardens.
— Review left June 20, 2024
I would say this trip surpassed our expectations, thanks to Mimmo, our very talented and highly capable tour director. He communicated in an affable and convivial way with his American clientele; the rapport and connections he's developed with locals at Rome/Florence/Venice sites made for smooth navigations and transitions.
— Review left June 14, 2024
I have always wanted a trip to Italy and now I had the Perfect Trip. Great people on the trip and Mimmo, our Tour Director, is Magnifico! It opened my eyes to history that I did not know. So informative and a wonderful experience.
— Review left June 13, 2024
The Best Of Italy was such an enjoyable adventure of learning, sightseeing, and eating with our small group with enough free time to explore on our own that I have recommended it to several friends already.
— Review left June 8, 2024
The activity level was exactly as described. A fun way visit the three cities in Italy.
— Review left June 6, 2024
Italy- Rome, Florence and Venice is the best of the best.
Best lecturers, best guides, great places to stay in the heart of each city. Indescribably delicious food no matter where you eat- with the tour or on your own. This is just a break-taking adventure not to be missed.
— Review left May 31, 2024
This was our 17th Road Scholar trip. Each of the trips was unique and wonderful in its own way. This trip was wonderful and educational, also.
— Review left May 25, 2024
The Best of Italy trip was wonderful! I'm so glad I went. Our guide, Bruna, was knowledgeable and very attentive. Most of all she was fun and helped bring the sights to life. I enjoyed Florence and Venice most. The hotels, trains and general accommodations were very good. If I had one thing I would say as an improvement, it would be that pace of the trip could be a little bit slower. Sometimes, I could barely keep up to take in the venue, and take a picture. Perhaps one less venue a day and a little more time to linger and take a short rest would be my suggestion. Overall, this was a wonderful trip.
— Review left May 24, 2024
Italy is very crowded so select early spring or late fall dates. Beautiful country that has been discovered by too many people…
— Review left May 10, 2024
The "Best of Italy: Rome, Florence, and Venice" was an amazing adventure. Each city provided a different look back into trade, religion, and art. They were all different but each one added to the experience.
If you want something made of leather, get it in Florence before you leave!
— Review left May 9, 2024
Our guides were amazing, they were able to anticipate every glitch and assure smooth sailing through crowded venues. Our local guides were highly trained, as well as being charming and entertaining in their presentation of art and history.
— Review left May 8, 2024
5 stars! This was a wonderful overview of the most interesting sites and historical art/monuments in all 3 cities. The food was great, the hotels were older, but adequate. Our guide, Enzo, was superb. He went out of his way to make sure everyone was well taken care of and got the best experience from the trip. The presenters were excellent as well. We had some pretty cold, rainy and windy weather in Venice, but everyone took it in stride. This is a very high activity trip, so if you can't walk 5-8 miles per day and do lots of stairs and uneven ground, this isn't your trip.
There has never been a time in my life that I said, "Wow!" so much. Highly recommend this wonderful trip!
— Review left April 29, 2024
The Best of Italy was an outstanding educational trip. Enzo Mangini was so knowledgeable and accommodating. We were able to use all our time productively even when the weather became a little rainy. The local guides were so good too. I will highly recommend Road Scholar tours to my friends and acquaintances.
Margaret Stewart
— Review left April 29, 2024
Learned so much. wonderful Bruna. Guides were awesome - one a little snarky in Rome....be careful Rome having a Jubilee Year in 2025. It was so crowded it will be worse.
Mess up with transportation of vans - one came - other two were MIA - we were waiting on a crowded corner waiting to go to the museum.....truthfully food in Rome very disappointing. Many people did not finish their meals, even the pasta was XXXXX When we had free nights and went to dinner on our own, the food was fantastic. Hotel had great food, restaurants not so good. The first timers were asking me if this is what Road Scholar is about since they knew I had a wonderful experience in Portugal. Thank goodness when we arrived in Florence and Venice the food/restaurants definitely got much better and we all enjoyed.
We did have lots of TLC getting into programs not offered to tourists. By the end of the trip everyone forgot about the issues in Rome and we had a great time.
— Review left April 25, 2024
The Best of Italy, Rome, Florence & Venice is a Fantastic Program, very educational & fun!
A trip of a lifetime for me, I will never forget!!
— Review left April 1, 2024
My husband and I had a wonderful time exploring Italy on this trip. Our RS guide, Cristina, was knowledgeable about the cities we travel and was extremely patient with us as a group and all our unique personalities. I had wised we had another day(or 2) in both Florence and Venice. Both cities have so much to offer and I felt we could have benefited from additional time. We appreciated the daily schedules and planning that went into navigating the ever changing tourist influx Italy had this past year, especially in Rome and at the Vatican. This was our first European RS trip and was are looking forward to scheduling another in the future!
— Review left January 25, 2024
I truly enjoyed the trip: well-thought-out programs/itineraries, great transportation services, nice accommodations, and most importantly, wonderful group leader, Lara Mattioli, and lovely classmates :-)
— Review left December 16, 2023
This is the only way to see a new country. This program prepares you for the trip of a lifetime. Organized, educational and fun!
— Review left November 21, 2023
I really do not like saying this; however, my wife and I were very disappointed with Road Scholar. You would think that the name of the company would denote a rather rigorous academic part of the trip. We were not please that the lectures were few and far between and were very rushed in presentation. The presenter were good, but needed much more time to go over the materials and answer questions. The guides were very good and the leader of our group was fantastic. We were always felt cared for and safe. She was the highlight of the trip crew.
There was all too much free time. It seemed a somewhat lazy way. For example we had all afternoon in Florence one day. We could have been in another musicum or some other group activity.
Will we do another Road Scholar trip - perhaps not.
— Review left November 20, 2023
This program fulfilled my life long dream to travel to Italy. The guided tours and lectures meant I learn more and understood more than I would have if I'd travelled on my own. Thanks to this experience, I would feel comfortable traveling to these cities again, on my own.
— Review left November 11, 2023
I would highly recommend this trip.
— Review left October 27, 2023
Road Scholar's - Best of Italy - Rome, Florence and Venice is a great program with enough time in each location to absorb the history and culture of these ancient cities. The educational instructors and guides provide excellent insight to the sites visited. We will definitely go on another tour.
— Review left October 14, 2023
Of the five Road Scholar trips we have participated in, this was, by far, the best, especially if you are, like us, new to Italy.
— Review left October 4, 2023
This was one of the best trips we have ever taken. Erika Morri was fantastic and all the tour guides were exceptional. It was one of the most flawless, enjoyable trips we've had and I've been to Italy two other times. Thank you for a wonderful program we will remember forever. It was our first experience with Road Scholar and we are now sold.
Theresa & Chuck
— Review left October 3, 2023
My husband and I went on our first Road Scholar trip to Italy in September 2023. It was fantastic! We enjoyed the sites, the learning, the food and our group of 17. We had so much fun getting to know them and sharing this wonderful experience. We strongly recommend Road Scholar and plan to book another trip soon!
— Review left September 29, 2023
Excellent experience! Well planned and executed tour. Lovely accommodations and food. SO much to see in Italy! Bring your sneakers!
— Review left September 21, 2023
Amazing. The biggest event of my life. Everything was perfect. !!!
— Review left July 8, 2023
We went in early summer 2023. Overall I would highly recommend this tour. Road Scholar put together terrific cultural content, hotels were very good, fellow travelers very good. If you're into really good food, the included meals on this program were not consistently good. Some were less than good; others good.
— Review left June 8, 2023
Excellent introduction to the Big 3 of Italy. Lots of walking to museums and standing once there, more strenuous than you might think.
— Review left May 20, 2023
This program was excellent! It w as my first RS trip, and it exceeded my expectations. Accommodations and meals were outstanding. Our group leader was kind, professional and kept us organized for each day's activities. I learned a lot from the lectures and the expert led tours. Bravo RS!
— Review left May 19, 2023
This was an excellent experience with an outstanding leader to some of the most historical and beautiful places in Italy.
— Review left May 18, 2023
We just completed our first Road Scholar trip, "The Best of Italy, Florence and Venice." Given our wonderful experience, it will not be our last! The program itinerary was spot on, we left having seen it all. The lectures, guides and presenters were very knowledgeable in their field. We really felt like we were on an educational journey throughout Italy. Our only regret will be that we won't have Lara Mattiolli as a Group Leader on future Road Scholar trips, as she was the best!
— Review left May 5, 2023
The guides provided extremely helpful expertise and insight to the places and the artwork, much more than if I had just gone to see the sites on my own.
— Review left April 29, 2023
Loved this trip. Particularly liked the Florence segment (lectures, hotel, food, tours). Well organized and great leader Alessio. Thank-you!
— Review left April 17, 2023
My first trip but not my last with Road Scholar. "Best of Italy" with a small group visiting Rome, Florence, and Venice was filled with sights and history of Italy with informative lectures and expert guides to the Museums and attractions provided by Road Scholar Itinerary were valuable in my experience.
Road Scholar Group Leader "Lara" made it very enjoyable and memorable. Great representative and Ambassador to Italy & Road Scholar.
— Review left March 23, 2023
Our trip to Rome, Florence and Venice was fantastic. Don't go to Italy unless you go Road Scholar!
— Review left March 19, 2023
As always, Road Scholar provided good educational experiences and gave me a greater appreciation for Italian art and the historical significance of the artists, architects, engineers, and patrons. Remarkable sites steeped in history. Plenty of walking, but not more than explained in the trip information. Enjoyed meeting the other travelers as well.
— Review left March 16, 2023
This is a wonderful trip for anyone who is visiting Italy for the first time. You will learn about the culture, history, geography and food of the 3 major cities in Italy. Transportation by bullet train, vaporetto, and gondola make the trip uniquely Italian. Food is excellent all cities, and lodging is provided in boutique hotels that provide a uniquely European experience. I highly recommend this trip for first time or experienced travelers.
— Review left March 16, 2023
This program is great! Starting with the history and art that is Rome, through the fantastic art in a much more mellow Florence, to the unique experience that Venice provides. High speed trains between cities (business class!) helped to keep the transitions short.
— Review left October 29, 2022
The trip was great! Met so many nice people. Itinerary was perfect. Loved the high-speed rail. Cristina did an amazing job. Good balance of scheduled activities and free time. I travel with Road Scholar because of the educational opportunities. I was not disappointed. Food was amazing. Hotels were lovely and location was excellent. I prefer hotels in the heart of a city. This way we can just walk out the door and explore. And that's what we did.
— Review left October 28, 2022
Unforgettable experience learning about Italy's Renaissance in art, politics, and modern Italy's lifestyle and food!
— Review left October 28, 2022
This trip was truly amazing. We love the immersive style and the quality of Road Scholar's curated planning. It was a perfect trip made easy.
— Review left October 22, 2022
We wanted an educational format for Rome, Florence and Venice and we were really happy to get that! We feel we had a richer experience in the ancient sites and museums and other visits due to the rich backgrounds RS gave us. Cristina took us all over expertly, and we had great lectures and local guides. Lots of food, wine and gelato were consumed! As first-time RS customers, we hope to be back!
— Review left October 20, 2022
A fabulous introduction to these renowned cities - museums, cathedrals, other sights, and the food...!!!
— Review left October 10, 2022
My wife and I have just completed a 12 day tour of Rome, Florence and Venice. The trip was outstandingly produced and our guide Barbara attended to all of our wants and needs. We were a tour group of 16 including 2 solos and we all meshed together well, thanks to Barbara. The content was fabulous and intellectually stimulating, the pace and accommodations were perfect. Thank you Roads Scholar. Mike Ross
— Review left October 7, 2022
It was a great trip. I wished we could of stayed in some museums longer.
Our tour guide was great. She handle situations and made us all feel we were important.
It was lovely traveling in a small group.
Thank you!
— Review left October 6, 2022
Opened my mind to the resilience of the Italian culture from ancient times that has permeated to today.
— Review left October 3, 2022
Great trip of the sights in Rome, Florence and Venice! Lots of focus on art history and the church’s influence. Be sure to pay heed to the activity level in this program! We walked 15 to 20 thousand wonderful steps a day and LOTS of stairs! Italy is my favorite country to travel to! The food is wonderful, the sights breathtaking and the people so fun!
— Review left September 29, 2022
This was a wonderful trip! Our group leader, Barbara Gigi, made the difference in exploring these wonderful, ancient-yet-ever-new cities. I would highly recommend this trip-- and this leader-- to all who are looking for a historical and art-infused adventure!
— Review left September 26, 2022
This was a great experience. I learned so much! It was a very fun, safe, learning adventure led by experienced knowledgeable staff. It was very well coordinated. Loved it and can't wait for my next Road Scholar experience!
— Review left September 18, 2022
For my first European experience I could not have selected a better program. The tour guide was not only affable but very knowledgeable and strove to accommodate the needs of her group. I came away from my trip with a greater appreciation for Italy and the Italian culture.
— Review left September 17, 2022
This program was incredible! I learned so much and it widened my worldview. I highly recommend it!
— Review left June 14, 2022
Our tour leader was exceptional as a person and as a leader. She handled challenging situations with excellent decision-making and communication. Her competency allowed me to just relax and enjoy the program.
— Review left June 12, 2022
Excellent educational experience, but do do the reading.
Logistics were incredibly smooth
Very comfortable lodging & food
— Review left May 31, 2022
I chose RS to go to Italy because I had heard only good reviews from acquaintances. I was reasonable knowledge about the history and art of Italy, but the presentations and lectures added another layer of enjoyment to the trip. My tour mates were great, helping and taking care of each other, engaging in good conversation and sharing knowledge and bringing enthusiasm to the journey. I do not know how to express my gratitude to the wonderful tour leader Erika. She made our trip a memorable one.
— Review left May 31, 2022
The Italy -- Rome, Florence and Venice -- program was wonderfully academic, intellectual, aesthetic, sensual, and collegial, a fabulous way to experience a first time travel for my wife and me. We are very pleased with the experience.
— Review left May 30, 2022
This trip has it all! The three cities and a variety of experiences in each one with a remarkably good guide and local experts. Enough free time, wonderful food and all the mandatory historic and artistic sites. Everything was fun, informative, good food and lodging, and lots of good company.
— Review left May 12, 2022
This was my first trip to Italy, and after reading books and viewing photos of the places we visited for years, I was thrilled to actually see them in person. Actually seeing the Coliseum, the Duomo, St. Peter's, the Sistine Chapel, St. Marks, and all of the famous works of art housed in the churches and museums we visited in those cities was a dream come true. The group leader was fantastic, the tour guides and lecturers were highly knowledgeable, the accommodations were comfortable, the food was excellent, and the other group members were friendly and welcoming. As a solo traveler, I can't wait for my next trip!
— Review left November 4, 2021
This was genuinely a wonderful experience. It took 3 tries to get to Italy from 2019 until Oct. 2021, but it was so worth the wait! I'm a retired Quantitative Analysis Instructor so I did not expect to THOROUGHLY enjoy all I learned about art, but I certainly did! I appreciated the Covid-19 precautions at all locations and going to Italy when tourism was 20% of its pre-Covid numbers was an added value in our trip. Our leader, Bruna Baravelli was a major factor in making this trip so successful. She was amazing. My advice to others considering this Tour is to come prepared for the activity level which was Let's Go!. At home we walk a couple of miles 5 days a week and pre-covid we regularly got our 10K daily steps so we thought we were ready. 18 months of enforced staying home made us a bit soft I guess, and we found we were quite tired in the evenings. Of course, I've never been 68 before, so maybe that's the reason?? We got up everyday excited about the day's activities and then came home after 2 weeks blissfully tired! Enjoy YOUR adventure. Cathy Martin in Leander, TX
— Review left November 4, 2021
This program provides excellent insights into the history and art of Italy and especially the renaissance in a safe, enjoyable manner.
— Review left November 1, 2021
An excellent overview of Rome, Florence and Venice. Geared for travelers who can walk 5 miles a day and stand for long periods at a time.
— Review left October 31, 2021
I just got back from this trip and had a great time! Our leader, Nancy, was excellent and really looked after us. We were lucky as far as the weather and lack of crowds went. That really made a difference in the Vatican and especially the Sistine Chapel. But Italy does an excellent job of making people feel safe by enforcing mask wearing inside and checking Covid vaccination certificates.
All of the guides were very knowledgeable and friendly.
Be sure to check out the Ice Bar in Rome. I would also recommend taking a river taxi in Venice to the seafood restaurant, Trattoria alla Madonna. If you go around sunset you will have some fabulous photo opportunities!
— Review left October 16, 2021
The Road Scholar experience is first-rate!The tours are well-organized, the tour guides are personable, helpful, knowledgeable. The trips are full of activities, yet allow ample time to explore on one's own. I have traveled with two other companies and Road Scholar is outstanding! can't imagine a better experience with any other company.
— Review left November 22, 2019
History of the Catholic Church in Italy
— Review left November 20, 2019
This program is both a fabulous introduction and then a deep dive into the culture and history of these dazzling cities! The pace is great and all that walking helped me work off those great desserts and gelati!
— Review left October 28, 2019
I just returned from the Best of Italy trip. It was amazing, way beyond my expectations. The sites, activities, and lectures were exceptional. Group leader Nancy B was awesome. She is highly organized, informative, experienced, with an awesome sense of humor. Likely everyone in our group will be saying, "Andiamo" to family, friends, pets in the future. I wasn't sure what to expect physically. I would say we walked 3-5 miles per day. The pace was not excessive and everyone appeared comfortable. I envisioned racing through the streets of Italy and that was not the case at all. There was, however, a lot of standing in galleries, museums, churches, etc. Good walking shoes are a must. Our group was awesome and we truly enjoyed each other's company. Italy truly came alive for me and I highly recommend the trip. Ciao!
— Review left October 26, 2019
The Best of Italy is a great way to learn about and see the art and architecture of Italy.
— Review left October 7, 2019
If you're looking to hit the 3 big cities in Italy, this program is absolutely made for you.
— Review left September 17, 2019
This was a fabulous trip. The instructors were wonderful. My husband and I went to a museum on our own in Venice and missed the docent. I want to go back.
— Review left July 8, 2019
The Best of Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice) was an amazing trip! I highly recommend it for anyone. Our group had so much fun, we learned so much, and ate wonderful food, (even for the vegetarians in the group)! We all loved Fabio. He was a wonderful leader! If you want to go see Italy, take this tour!!
— Review left June 28, 2019
This trip was a dream come true! Road Scholar makes all the arrangements, so you can focus your attention on the glorious art and architecture of these wonderful cities.
— Review left June 16, 2019
This tour was an excellent introduction to Italy. You will learn a lot and be continually fascinated.
— Review left June 3, 2019
If you seek new learning experiences, then a Road Scholar tour needs to be on your bucket list. Their instructors are top notch sharing with you their expertise to make your tour more enjoyable. You certainly get your money’s worth.
— Review left May 26, 2019
I thought the program was well-organized and met all my needs in relation to services and our tour guides were the best!
— Review left May 26, 2019
This was a Trip-of-a-Lifetime for me. I loved the educational component and how that helped to make the museum visits have so much more meaning. The leaders were informed, organized and supportive. The pace was lively, and the other participants were interesting and interested.
— Review left May 20, 2019
The tour of Italy with Marco and Lara was fabulous. I choose Road Scholar’s travel company so from my home airport and back to my home airport RS took care of 100% of my needs except when we had free time and then our leaders gave idea and directions! Great trip!
— Review left May 18, 2019
NO FAT...ALL LEAN PROGRAMMING
— Review left May 14, 2019
This trip was truly fantastic. The intellectual curiosity of the leaders, faculty and participants was invigorating, and the activities and experiences well-exceeded my expectations.
— Review left May 10, 2019
This was a wonderful trip! The guides were great. I had new adventures in the cities. We were always on the go doing interesting things. I met many new friends!
— Review left April 28, 2019
An outstanding program. Fast paced and exciting. You would see and learn a lot. Beautiful cities, famous museums, historical monuments, great food, etc. Group leaders were great.
— Review left April 21, 2019
Great experience! I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
— Review left April 20, 2019






