I’ve been traveling in Italy for the last few weeks and recently encountered a fellow who said he was touring Italy, too. We struck up a conversation and come to find out, he was on a big bus group tour and was visiting Rome today. This fellow was worn out, hot and sweaty, and decked out with a “whisper” audio device hanging around his neck, the earpiece dangling down to his knees. He said, “Rome is challenging. Fifty of us have followed this woman up there with the umbrella all morning. She’s Italian, with a heavy accent. She probably has some good information, but I keep falling behind and losing the audio signal, and when I can hear it, I can’t understand her.” He went on to tell me his tour had 50 passengers, and the tour was not at all like he had envisioned.  I chuckled and was reminded of this SNL skit with Adam Sandler, where he promotes the fictional Romano Tours to Italy.

This guy said he hoped he and his wife would have time to slow down, have a glass of wine, and enjoy Rome.  But, if today is like all the others, they would shuffle through their sightseeing, get back on their bus, and return to the hotel for a group dinner. He hoped to see Italy’s beautiful landscapes, learn about its history, and experience tasty pasta.  Instead, “we are led around like cattle, packed on a big bus, rushed through sightseeing, and whisked off to the next thing on the agenda.”

You Deserve a Better Tour Experience

If you are looking for a slower, more relaxed tour experience in Italy without the stress of massive tour groups, my Best of Italy Tour promises small groups (no more than 18 people) delivering an intimate European adventure that seasoned travelers rave about.

The Complete Italian Journey: 15 Days of Authentic Experiences

In 15 days, we will visit our favorite and famous destinations north of Rome. Beginning in Rome, you’ll experience the essential tourist sights and classic destinations. Then, travel to the delightful villages of the Cinque Terre, and enjoy two days exploring this coastal region where the mountains literally fall into the sea. Volterra, my choice for the quintessential Tuscan hilltown, is sure to win you over to the “la dolce vita” lifestyle. Florence, the “cradle of the Renaissance,” will have you walking in the steps of Michelangelo, DaVinci, and the Medici.  The romantic canal-laced city, Venice, rounds out the big three tourist sites.  Finally, we will cap off the tour by relaxing on beautiful Lake Como and then take a quick look at Milan’s bustling city center. (Watch David’s highlight video here.)

Why Travelers Choose our Best of Italy Tour

If you’ve been considering a big-bus or big company Italy tour, but want something more personal and off-the-beaten-path, my approach offers the perfect balance. Recent travelers praised their guide, Ilaria, for being “well organized and detailed” while “avoiding the tourist traps, selecting great restaurants serving authentic cuisine.”  You can read plenty of honest reviews and accolades here, https://davidmcguffin.com/testimonials-all/italy-tour-reviews/.

Unlike big bus tour operations, my mission is to encourage Americans to broaden their cultural mindset through engaging and exciting travel experiences in Europe, focusing on authentic connections rather than checking boxes on a rushed itinerary.

What Sets This Tour Apart for Discerning Travelers

Stress-Free Planning: No need to worry about tips and gratuities; we take care of all that.  Hotels are clean and safe, have private baths, and are in the center of the tourist sites and city centers. We include all your breakfasts and about half of your dinners in the costs.

Expert Local Knowledge: Tour leaders and local guides are experts who share destinations’ art, history, and culture, bringing each location to life with insider stories and hidden gems.

Flexible Pacing: The tour balances guided activities with free time, allowing you to explore independently or rest as needed. Physical activity is rated from “light” to “your choice,” accommodating different fitness levels.

Smart Travel Investment for Your Time and Budget

Given that you are laying down a sizable chunk of change for a tour, you deserve more than cramped buses and rushed schedules.  Value, comfort, authenticity, and meaningful experiences far outweigh bargain-basement prices. All our tours include guaranteed small groups of 6-18 travelers, all tours and admissions, traditional dining experiences at favorite restaurants, a full-time Exploring Europe guide, and plenty of free time to explore on your own.

Ready for Your Italian Adventure?

If you’re tired of reading about Italy and ready to experience it, my Best of Italy tour offers the perfect introduction to this captivating country. With decades of experience guiding Americans through Europe, David understands what travelers want: comfort, authenticity, and memories that last a lifetime. Don’t let another year pass, wondering “what if?” Italy is there waiting for you, and with our expert guidance, you’ll discover why travelers consistently rate this as a trip of a lifetime. Visit https://davidmcguffin.com/tours/italy-tours/ to begin planning your Italian adventure today.

There’s something magical about slowing down in Tuscany. After years of crisscrossing Europe at a whirlwind pace, I’ve found that the best memories are often made when you simply let Italy happen around you. This week, I am trading the busy multi-country itineraries for a week at a sun-drenched villa near Volterra—and I can’t wait to share what makes this Tuscan Villa Vacation so special.

La Dolce Vita: Slow Mornings & Vineyard Views

Waking up to rolling hills, sun baked wheat fields, fog settling in the valleys, and the scent of cypress trees and herbs, our days begin with strong coffee and no agenda. The villa—modern, comfortable, and perched right in the middle of a working vineyard—becomes our home base for a different kind of Italian adventure. Some mornings, I’ll wander the grounds or just relax by the pool, soaking up the peace that only Tuscany can deliver.

Cooking, Wine, and True Tuscan Hospitality

One of the highlights of this trip is rolling up my sleeves and putting on an apron, for a hands-on cooking lesson right in the villa kitchen. Guided by the Del Duca family, we will learn to craft traditional Tuscan dishes—then we will sit down together to enjoy the fruits of our labor with plenty of local wine. The laughter, stories, and flavors always contribute to an unforgettable experience.

Day Trips: The Best of Tuscany at Your Own Pace

Each day brings new adventure—without the rush. We will explore the medieval charm of Volterra, marvel at Siena’s grand piazza, and wander the ancient streets of Lucca and Pisa. There’s always time to linger over lunch, chat with locals, and discover hidden corners most tourists miss. And always, we returned to the villa for sunset and camaraderie.

Your Invitation: Join Me for the Next Tuscan Villa Vacation

If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing Tuscany at a gentler pace—savoring local food, sipping Chianti in the vineyard, and enjoying the company of fellow travelers—this is your invitation. My Tuscan Villa Vacation is all about authentic moments and genuine relaxation, with all the details handled so you can truly unwind. Spots fill up quickly for 2026, so take a look at the dates and join me for a taste of la dolce vita!

• May 22–31, 2026
• September 3–12, 2026

Ready to make memories in Tuscany?

Find all the details and reserve your spot for the Tuscan Villa Vacation.

Your adventure starts here!

Christmas Market Memories

Sixteen years ago, I visited my very first Christmas market in Strasbourg, France. The air was crisp, the scent of mulled wine and roasted nuts drifted through the cobblestone streets, and everywhere I turned, locals were celebrating centuries-old traditions. That night, I realized there’s nothing quite like the magic of a European holiday season — and it’s a joy I’ve loved sharing with fellow travelers ever since!

I had long heard about Europe’s Christmas Markets, and even though I had been bringing people to Europe for over a decade, my teaching job kept me from traveling during the school year. But this year, everything lined up with my holiday break, so we hopped on a plane and off we went to Zurich. Being a Florida boy, anytime snow is involved, it adds an extra element of fun. And oh my, we encountered lots of snow as we drove from Zurich to Neuschwanstein. Waking up the next morning at Hotel Ernberg, near Reutte, Austria, I opened the balcony doors to mountains steeped in fog and blanketed with snow, an alpine winter wonderland!

Leaving Austria’s Tyrol, we drove through the vineyards and hills, beyond Lake Constance, and into Bavaria’s Black Forest. This time of year, the higher elevations were dusted with fresh fallen snow, mountain streams rushing downhill beside the road, and Christmas decorations everywhere. The normally tourist-laden vacation towns were mostly shuttered for the season, but even so, they beamed with twinkling lights, bright ornaments, and smoke gently wafting from chimneys.  

Christmas Markets come by many names in Europe, and each region has its own term for its Christmas Market. However, the common factor is that they all focus on Christ’s birth. You see, the Christian heritage runs strong across Europe, and there is no doubt Christ is the underlying purpose for all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas Markets. That’s why around the first week in December, folks in these areas prepare for the arrival of Jesus and Christmas Day, with celebrations, worship, prayer, and personal spiritual preparation. Many count down with Advent wreaths and even huge Advent calendars on building shutters and windows, awaiting Christ’s arrival on December 25.

The idea of “Santa Claus” doesn’t even enter the mind when associated with Advent and the preparation of Jesus’ birth on December 24 and 25. Santa-like figures, such as Saint Nicholas, Weihnachsmann, and Sinterklaas, usually arrive on December 6, commonly known as Saint Nicholas Day. Usually, children are visited by these figures in the early hours of December 6 and given small gifts, such as fruit and candy.

In some Alpine locales, such as Austria, Bavaria, Slovenia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, the Krampus arrives on the evening of December 5. This half-goat, half-demon creature has a wretched face, curvy horns, wicked fangs, a long, pointed tongue, and carries a whip. The Krampus arrives to torture and punish naughty children. The creatures often appear in restaurants, town squares, and on the streets of villages and cities. However, I’ve never seen them in a Christmas Market, perhaps because the Christ-child and St. Nicholas keep them at bay.

Why Christmas Markets there instead of here?

 Europe’s Christmas markets are more than just a place to shop — they’re a living tradition. From the classic red and white stalls of Nuremberg to the storybook medieval charm of Salzburg, each market is a window into local culture. You’ll find hand-carved ornaments, regional treats, and festive music echoing through historic town squares. For many, it’s the highlight of the year — and a perfect way to connect with the heart of Europe.

Our Christmas Market Tours: Experience the Magic

If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering through snow-dusted villages, sipping glühwein under glowing lanterns, and discovering classic holiday traditions, our Christmas Markets Germany & Austria Tour is for you. This journey takes you to the best markets in Salzburg, Schwangau, Rothenburg, Munich, and Nürnberg — each with its own unique flavor and festive spirit.

Looking for something a little different? Our Christmas Markets Germany, France & Italy Tour blends the best of three countries: France’s Alsace, the Black Forest in Germany, Strasbourg, Füssen, Bolzano, and Munich. And if you’re craving even more variety, the Christmas Markets in Central Europe Tour journeys through Nürnberg, Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest — each city with its own festive flair.

What Makes Our Tours Different?

• Small Groups: 6-18 people traveling with a close-knit group of like-minded explorers.  
• Local Connections: Meet artisans, sample regional specialties, and experience traditions first-hand. Enjoy relaxing at our small hotels with character in the thick of the Christmas market action.
• Stress-Free Planning: We handle the logistics so you can soak up the magic. Our prices are all-inclusive; there are no extras or add-on costs.
• Expert Guides: Our team brings decades of experience and a deep love for European culture.
• Free time every day is built in for you to get out and explore on your own.
• Eating well is a priority, so you’ll enjoy about half your dinners at some of David’s best choice restaurants and inns. Enjoy breakfast every morning at our hotels.

Special Holiday Offer!

Book any of our discounted tours by August 15, 2025, and enjoy $300 off 2025 departures. This is the perfect time to secure your spot for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday adventure! 

Ready to Celebrate the Season?

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned market-hopper, there’s always something new to discover. Take a look at all our upcoming tours and destinations, and let’s make this holiday season unforgettable — together!