Booking a customized tour or travel package to Italy can make a trip to Europe exciting and unique; instead of turning to general travel specialists and tour operators, a travel expert with first-hand experience of a country can offer insights and recommendations for a truly customized experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or want to explore Italy’s finest cultural sites, a travel agent that specializes in Italy can point you in the right direction.
SignificanceThere are dozens of travel and tour operators that specialize in trips to Italy, and many offer customized tours, unusual trips and excursions, and budget-friendly options for travelers who want to save money on their trip. Some of the leading travel agents include Terramica, a tour operator from Lombardy; Scooter Bella, a company that specializes in guided Vespa Tours of Italy; Italian Concierge, a deluxe Italian travel services company; and Ciao Laura, a travel specialist that offers culinary vacations and private hotel bookings throughout Italy (see Resources below).
TypesThere are several types of travel agents and tour operators that can help you arrange and book a unique and memorable trip to Italy. From exploring the villas of Tuscany to taking gourmet culinary and wine tours in Florence, an Italy travel specialist can help organize the trip from start to finish. The most common types of travel agents include private luxury tour operators; independent tour group consultants; special event tour operators; gastronomic and cultural program agents; and family or group travel specialists.
IdentificationTravel agents specializing in travel packages and bookings in Italy can also specialize in several niches and travel categories, such as budget travel, luxury travel, eco-tourism and adventure travel. Traveling to Italy can involve exploring wineries and vineyards, taking historic tours of Rome, booking a trip down the waterways of Venice and exploring some of Italy’s historic restaurants. Some travel agents have access to several resources, such as group discounts, tour operator referrals, and dining and entertainment packages that can make the trip to Italy much more rewarding and enjoyable.
BenefitsWorking with a travel agent that specializes in travel packages and reservations in Italy can lead to a more rewarding and enriching travel experience. Travel agents who specialize in a particular country often have first-hand experience and in-depth knowledge of the area, and can offer valuable recommendations about sights, venues and attractions to explore. Planning a trip to Italy with an experienced travel professional means you may be able to book unique packages to the Italian countryside, reserve rooms at a historic castle or find accommodations at a deluxe hotel outside of tourist areas.
ConsiderationsTravel agents that specialize in travel around Italy can either be stationed in Italy, or found in a traveler’s home country. Those who are stationed outside of Italy may be frequent travelers to the country, and therefore will be able to offer first-hand knowledge and expertise, or they may have received formal training by attending tours and travel agent training abroad. Learning about a travel professional’s experience, credentials and referrals is one way of tracking down the best travel specialist for your trip.
Resources: Terramica
Italian Concierge
Scooter Bella
By: Sabah Karimi
Sabah Karimi has been writing for the Web for over 3 years, and some of her work can be found in "Dining Out," "Papierdoll" magazine and on Zappos.com, Associated Content and several blogs. She enjoys traveling, shopping, reading and running (not all at once), and currently works as a freelance writer and online marketing strategist in Orlando, Florida.
Read Next 5 Articles
travel tips for Reasonable Hotel Prices in Italy
Travel Agents in Europe
Christmas Traditions in Normandy
About French Clothing
The Best Normandy, France Tours