Small Group Travel Blog: Expert Travel Tips, Destination Guides & Tour Advice

Welcome to the Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor travel blog, featuring expert travel tips, destination guides, cruise advice, airfare strategies, packing suggestions, and first-hand insights from more than 17 years of planning small group tours.

Since 2009, we have helped solo travelers, couples, and friends enjoy adults-only small group tours and luxury river cruises with quality hotels, expert local guides, thoughtful pacing, and personal service.

Explore articles on Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Iceland, Peru, Newfoundland, Paris, Normandy, Santa Fe, Canada, Italy, and AmaWaterways river cruises — then view our current Small Group Tours and River Cruises.

Archive by category: Italy Travel Destination GuideReturn
Discover the charm of Italy’s Veneto region—Venice, Padua, Verona, and more—with fewer crowds, rich culture, authentic food, and affordable lodging. Explore insider tips from The Traveling Professor for an unforgettable Italian experience.
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Here are The Traveling Professor’s favorite authentic Tuscan restaurants in Florence, Italy. From the famous Steak Florentine at Buca Mario to lively trattorias and vibrant food markets, explore the best places to enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine.
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Plan your 2026 Europe trip smarter by avoiding major public holidays in Iceland, Scotland, Norway, Austria, Italy, France, and Ireland. Skip crowds, closures, and high prices with our complete holiday calendar and travel tips.
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Here are The Professor's top three family-run hotels in Venice, combining classic Venetian charm, prime locations near St. Mark’s Square, and peaceful canal-side retreats—perfect for travelers on small group tours seeking comfort and authentic experiences.
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Explore Padua with the Traveling Professor’s Northern Italy tour. Visit the Scrovegni Chapel, University of Padua, and Caffè Pedrocchi, stroll Prato della Valle, stay at Majestic Toscanelli, and enjoy authentic dining at Padua’s best restaurants.
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Find the 5 best gelato spots in Florence, Italy, known for their authentic flavors and creamy textures. From traditional recipes to creative varieties, these gelaterias offer the perfect sweet treat during your Tuscan adventure.
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Ignore these five overhyped European attractions to skip, including Scotland’s Hogwarts Express and Capri’s Blue Grotto. Learn smarter, budget-friendly alternatives and insider tips from The Traveling Professor for a more authentic and enjoyable European travel experience.
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Explore Rome’s top culinary spots on The Traveling Professor’s small group tours. From modern dining at Target to historic elegance at Ristorante Da Pancrazio and vibrant flavors at Mercato Centrale, savor authentic Italian cuisine that delights every palate.
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Discover The Traveling Professor’s favorite small towns in Europe—Flam, Bassano del Grappa, Borganes, and St. Andrews—off-the-beaten-path gems offering stunning scenery, rich history, and authentic charm, perfect for small group tours and travelers seeking unique European experiences.
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Take the bus for the best day trip from Florence to Siena. Explore Siena’s stunning Il Campo, Duomo Cathedral, Museo dell'Opera, and Santa Maria della Scala. Save with the OPA SI Pass for easy access to top attractions.
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Who Writes the Small Group Tour Blog?

Professor Steve Solosky, The Traveling Professor, is the founder of Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor, operating since 2009. A former college professor and author of The Traveling Professor’s Guide to Paris, Steve has planned and led small group tours throughout Europe, Canada, South America, and beyond. His travel expertise has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, WCBS Radio, and The New York Times Travel Show.

Each article is written or reviewed from the perspective of a working tour operator who plans real itineraries, works with local guides and hotels, and helps travelers prepare for successful small group trips.

Receive destination ideas, travel tips, early tour announcements, and special offers from Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor.

Since 2009 | IATA Accredited | JourneyWoman Partner | AmaWaterways Certified Advisor | Google Reviews | NTA Member