Rome and Portofino top the list of most popular destinations in Italy, but recently, travelers are turned off by high temperatures and huge crowds. According to data from EF Go Ahead Tours, a leader in guided group travel, Italy’s shoulder season, which includes late spring/early summer and early fall, is becoming increasingly popular amongst travelers. For example:
- In April this year, EF Go Ahead Tours departed 20% more travelers to Italy compared to April 2023.
- Plus, bookings for September and October tours are up 18% compared to the same period last year.
- Sicily is a particularly popular shoulder season destination, with 30% more travelers there this spring and fall compared to spring and fall last year according to EF Go Ahead Tours.
- Two Food and Wine tours that include stops in Campania, Puglia and the Amalfi Coast and Southern Italy and Sicily respectively saw a 40% increase in bookings during shoulder season months this year compared to last
- Also indicating that travelers are venturing out beyond traditional destinations and opting for southern Italy or options that travel away from the most famous destinations.
Here is a sneak peek at Go Ahead’s upcoming 2025 tours in Italy for consideration (slated to go live in October), which includes an off-season tour created to meet growing demand for Italy travel in early fall.
Florence, Naples, & Rome Offseason
- Perfect for the traveler interested in soaking up all the iconic sights, sounds, and tastes of Italy without the crush of peak season travel.
- Highlights:
- Scenic train ride to Florence
- Hotel stays in Florence City Center
- Vesuvius Wine Tasting & Lunch
Tuscany & the Amalfi Coast
- Perfect for the traveler looking to cross off Tuscany & the Amalfi Coast their bucket list.
- Highlights:
- Stop at Cinque Terre
- Campania Wine tasting optional
- Scenic train ride to Naples
- Extension to Naples featuring a Neapolitan pizza cooking class as well as a visit to Capri
Sicily & Malta
- Perfect for the traveler looking for an off the beaten path experience featuring delicious food, ancient sights, old world vibes, and seaside leisure.
- Highlights:
- Overnight in Ragusa, which is part of a UNESCO site in the southeast part of Sicily
- Ricotta Farm Lunch
- Aroma Farm (Gli Aromi) Dinner
- Site visits to Malta’s ancient cities of Mdina, Rabat, & Valletta
- Maltese Afternoon Tea
- Extension is 3 nights in Rome
