Italy has a way of awakening all of the senses. From the smell of fresh basil and tomatoes, to the sun twinkling on the water at sunset, to the chatter of neighbors in the village… There is a palpable energy to the country and the people that is best shared in good company—both culturally in the city, and naturally out in the wild.
I recently had the chance to guide a group through Sicily and the Amalfi Coast with Adventures in Good Company (AGC), and I can say with sincerity: this is how Italy was meant to be experienced.
Ease & Comfort: Leave the Logistics to Us
Italy’s beauty is matched only by its complexity. Narrow roads, unpredictable transit, and language barriers can quickly turn a dream trip into a logistical puzzle. With AGC, all of that melts away. Upon arrival in Naples (you can easily fly into the Naples airport or take a train from Rome!), your AGC and local Italian guide take care of the rest. Each day is carefully curated to support you in both getting some exercise and having a local, cultural experience. This usually looks like a morning hike, a delicious local lunch, and then off to a cultural immersion experience, such as a limoncello wine tasting or a stroll through ancient ruins. All you have to do is pack your day pack, and you are off!
Authentic Experiences Beyond the Tourist Trail
The cat is out of the bag when it comes to Italy: it is a beautiful country with lots to offer. While some sites are not to be missed (such as the famous Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius), AGC’s local partner brings us off the beaten path to lesser-known trails and towns. Partnering with a local guide also gives the whole group a deeper connection to the country and its traditions. For example, when is it OK to ask for Parmesan for your meal? Did you know there is a specific way to twirl and eat your spaghetti? That small tile on the city wall? There’s an explanation for that!
Active But Accessible Adventures
While the little villages and cultural sites are important to experience in Italy, there is so much to see and explore on foot. Whether it be walking between villages on the Amalfi Coast along the famous Path of the Gods, or summiting the stunning Monte Monaco in Sicily, each day offers the chance to break a sweat and step outside your physical comfort zone, all while being supported by your guides and fellow travelers.
However, should you ever want to have a day to yourself or sit out of an activity, the choice is yours! Your guides are there to support you in whatever it is you hope to achieve during your time in Italy.
Camaraderie: Travel That Connects
There’s something powerful about traveling with women who are curious, open-hearted, and ready to embrace the unknown. Around dinner tables and between olive groves, we share stories, swap life lessons, and deepen our connection to one another. Brought together by a curiosity about Italy’s culture and beauty, women from all over the U.S. come together to experience something new, no matter their age.
One of my favorite memories from this last trip was when our whole group summited the beautiful Monte Monaco (“Monk Mountain”) in Sicily. Though it was a steep ascent, the hikes we had completed leading up to this summit prepared our crew to succeed. At the top, everyone high-fived and congratulated one another. Over dinner later that day, everyone shared how proud they were of one another and how they realized they were capable of much more than they thought, especially with the support of others!
A Thoughtfully Balanced Itinerary
Our days are thoughtfully paced: guided adventures in the morning, a long luxurious lunch, quiet time on the shuttles, light activities in the afternoon with space to shower and rest before happy hour and dinner. There is also time each day to leave the group and explore on your own—we know how important it is to rest and recharge. Some women wander through artisan shops, others read their books by the sea, or linger over gelato and granita. There is also one day without a hike to give the legs a rest and to have more time to wander in town.
Feel Safe, Supported, and Empowered
Italy can be overwhelming, especially for solo travelers. With AGC and our local guide, you are supported to experience all that Italy has to offer in a safe container of support and FUN! Group travel doesn’t just make Italy easier, it makes it richer, deeper, and more empowering.
Whether you’re drawn to Cinque Terre’s colorful coastal villages or Amalfi’s sunlit terraces, traveling with AGC will provide you with a shared experience that is sure to delight!
