Recommended by a friend, I signed up for a semi-independent Italy tour group (no sales pitch

Not a sales pitch! Not a sales pitch! This is a genuine record of a two-person trip to Italy. We joined a local semi-independent small group tour, making the whole trip relaxed and stress-free. Here’s a share of our 7-day itinerary for your reference👇 Day 1: Arrival in Milan After landing, we checked into the hotel and found a nearby local restaurant that was affordable and full of authentic atmosphere. For the first meal, we enjoyed crispy thin-crust authentic Italian pizza and handmade fresh pasta 🍝! Day 2: One-day tour in Milan In the morning, we headed to the picturesque *Lake Como*, then checked in at the lakeside town *Bellagio*, where the lake and mountain scenery looked like a postcard. In the afternoon, we returned to Milan city center, climbed to the top of *Milan Cathedral* for a panoramic city view, and strolled through the luxurious and vintage *Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II*, where every snapshot looked like a masterpiece. Day 3: Romantic day in Venice We took the train to the water city Venice, and the first sight of gondolas gliding through the canals was so healing 🚤. We visited *St. Mark’s Square*, walked across the *Bridge of Sighs*, and in the evening, strolled along the riverbank as if time had slowed down. Day 4: Artistic journey in Florence Traveling south from Venice to Florence, we were immediately amazed by the grandeur of the *Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore*. We climbed the *Giotto’s Campanile* to overlook the entire old town, enjoyed coffee while watching street performers at *Piazza Santa Croce* in the afternoon, and finally walked back along the Arno River to our accommodation. Day 5: Colorful blast in Cinque Terre We took the train to the legendary *Cinque Terre*, five small villages built on the mountains facing the sea, with houses in all colors like a spilled palette. We took photos in the village, and every frame could be a wallpaper! Day 6: Walking tour in Rome We moved on to the Eternal City—Rome! In one day, we covered four famous spots: walked into the thousand-year-old *Colosseum* to feel the echoes of history, entered the temple-like *Pantheon* to gaze at the dome, tossed coins into the *Trevi Fountain* to make wishes, and played the “open mouth faint” joke in front of the *Mouth of Truth*. Day 7: Farewell to Italy Slept in naturally, packed leisurely, enjoyed the last sip of Italian espresso ☕, and headed home full of memories. Why recommend this kind of semi-independent small group tour? 🚌 Worry-free transportation: Dedicated car transfers throughout, spacious seats that can recline halfway, perfect for catching some sleep on the road. 👨‍ guide Super considerate guide: Our guide was a Chinese-Italian who has lived in Italy for many years, fluent in Chinese and humorous, with lively explanations that weren’t just reading from a script. 🏨 Reliable accommodation: Stayed in well-located star-rated hotels within walking distance to shopping areas and metro stations, giving a strong sense of safety. 💡 Tips for choosing a tour (here comes the good stuff): 1️⃣ Always choose a *legitimate and qualified travel agency* and compare across multiple platforms for peace of mind. 2️⃣ Before signing the contract, confirm every detail: itinerary specifics, hotel star rating, meal standards, whether tickets are included, etc., all clearly written in black and white. 3️⃣ The itinerary should be “just right”—too many attractions feel rushed, too few waste money; prioritize a moderate pace. 4️⃣ If budget allows, definitely choose a *small group of about 6 people*! Better interaction, more flexibility, and more attentive service.