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 tag: ItalyReturn
Escape Florence for a perfect Tuscan day: learn wine tasting at Tenuta Torciano, enjoy local appetizers, then wander medieval San Gimignano for towers, views, Vernaccia, and a can’t-miss finale—gelato at famous Gelateria Dondoli.
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Travel with June Morrocco on an intimate 4–14 person Italy tour featuring 14 nights in seaside Sperlonga. Enjoy day trips to Rome, Pompeii, Gaeta, Fondi, Ponza Island, and Ninfa Gardens—plus wineries, festivals, sunsets, and unforgettable local experiences.
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Discover Vicenza, a hidden gem on The Traveling Professor’s Venice, Florence, and Northern Italy small group tour. Explore Palladio’s architectural masterpieces, including Teatro Olimpico, Santa Corona, Piazza dei Signori, and Torre Bissara. Enjoy local favorites like Righetti’s restaurant and the stunning views from Ponte San Michele.
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Explore six of The Traveling Professor’s favorite Rome restaurants. From elegant Ristorante Target to the porchetta sandwiches at Er Buchetto, enjoy authentic local dining on your next Small Group Tour of Italy. When in Rome, eat as the Romans do.
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On Traveling Professor small group tours, savoring Rome’s iconic pasta is a highlight. From creamy cacio e pepe and rich carbonara to hearty amatriciana and savory gricia, discover the best restaurants serving authentic Roman flavors in the city.
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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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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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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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The Traveling Professor shares his favorite pizza spots across Europe, from classic Italian slices in Rome and Venice to unique finds in Paris, Oslo, and Dublin, perfect for travelers on small group tours seeking great pizza.
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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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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.

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