15 of the best tours of Italy for your next getaway
How do you capture the essence of Italy in just one trip? With such an astonishing depth of history and culture set against mesmerising landscapes, a lifetime of visits wouldn't be enough to cover it all. To save time, a well-planned guided tour can help you navigate the country's vast riches and deepen your understanding. No matter how often you return, Italy always has more to reveal: from the storied cities of Rome, Florence and Venice to the rolling vineyards and hilltop villages of Tuscany.
Some of Italy's most captivating experiences lie off the beaten path: the gastronomic heartlands of Parma, Modena and Bologna; the winding streets of Matera's ancient Sassi districts; or the wilderness of Abruzzo where wolves still roam. Perhaps you'd prefer a journey through prosecco country, with downtime in the history-steeped villages of the Veneto? Whatever your passion, be it art, food, history or nature, there's a tour designed to bring it to life. Here's our pick of the best.
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££ | Group size 12-18
When King Charles and Queen Camilla toured Ravenna in April 2025, the trip included visits to the tomb of writer Dante Alighieri and the ornate mosaics of the Basilica di San Vitale, and a go at rolling out fresh pasta. Famous for its rich historical sites, this small city in Italy's northern Emilia-Romagna region is an hour's drive east of Bologna and was made capital of the Western Roman Empire in 402AD. On this four-day tour led by the art historians Sally Dormer and Rowena Loverance you'll see the incredible mosaics of Sant'Apollinare in Classe, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and San Vitale. Alongside these treasures, you'll follow in royal footsteps to Dante's tomb, see contemporary mosaics in the city art museum, and have plenty of time to enjoy Ravenna's historical piazzas and bars. The price includes flights and transfers, accommodation and some meals.£ | Group size 4-16
This eight-day tour encompasses one of Italy's most handsome stretches, the Amalfi coast. Come to be charmed by its medieval towns and villages, cutesy coves and rugged cliffs — and aim to see it all on foot. Tick off those postcard regulars of Positano, Ravello and Amalfi, wander the famous ruins of Pompeii, and embark on the Path of the Gods past shepherds' huts and ancient stone houses, soaking up panoramic views of the curving coastline along the way. Price includes accommodation and transport, most meals (including packed lunches) and the services of a tour leader, but excludes flights.
• Best things to do on the Amalfi Coast
£ | Group size maximum of 36 (classic tour); or 25 (signature)
This is your chance to see one of Italy's less-visited spots, Puglia, deep in the south of the country. The rural region, famed for its food and agriculture, has been coveted by rulers throughout history and has a fascinating range of cultural influences, from Spanish castles to Norman churches and Romanesque cathedrals. See the best of them on this seven-day holiday, during which you'll soak up plenty of culture with escorted tours of Lecce's medieval streets and the Unesco-listed troglodyte cave dwellings at Matera in neighbouring Basilicata. There's also time to stroll around the town of Alberobello to see its intriguing dry-stone huts with their conical roofs. And you'll get some downtime at Vieste, a timeless beach town where white-cube houses jostle for position on the cliffs. Tucking into top-quality food, and wine, comes as a given. The price includes flights and transfers, seven nights' accommodation and some meals.
£ | Group size maximum of 36 (classic tour); or 25 (signature)
Tuscany is Italy's heart-throb region, and this tour takes in some of its most soul-stirring spots — as well as smaller, more rustic corners. Start in Florence, with its fabulous cathedral and Uffizi Gallery holding masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael and many more. Next, look around the lovely walled city of Lucca, before squinting at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Explore the ancient art of alabaster carving at Volterra, then swing by San Gimignano, a gorgeous medieval town. Finally, head to Siena, whose central square hosts world-renowned horse races. String all this together with some classic Tuscan dishes and you're sure to have a hard-to-forget holiday. Prices for this eight-day tour include return flights and transfers, some meals, and your accommodation.
• Best affordable hotels in Florence under £175
£ | Group size maximum of 36 (classic tour); or 25 (signature)
Incorporating some of the choicest parts of northern Italy and Switzerland, this eight-day holiday pairs stop-in-your-tracks mountain scenery with charming old-world towns. This is classic territory, part of the itinerary for those young aristocrats taking the Grand Tour in the 18th century — and still as captivating today. You'll be based on the shores of Lake Como, the perfect spot for boat trips to lakeside towns such as Bellagio. Daily excursions will whisk you to sophisticated St Moritz, the terraced gardens of Isola Bella, near Stresa, on Lake Maggiore, and unforgettable landscapes along the Bernina Express railway. The price includes flights and transfers, and accommodation (half-board for classic option).
£££ | Group size 10-25
There are plenty of Italian gardens worth having a peek around, but those at Ninfa and Castel Gandolfo, the Pope's summer residence, could top any list. Just south of Rome, the medieval ruins at Ninfa are festooned with curtains of flowers and allow for wonderfully scented walks beside the river. Castel Gandolfo is a sight you'll want to snap a photo or three at — from perfect parterre to umbrella pines and cypresses. The itinerary also features the Renaissance gardens at Tivoli's Villa d'Este, the 'City of Popes' Viterbo, and Rome itself, with highlights such as the Colosseum, St Peter's Square and the Trevi Fountain. Prices for this four-day tour exclude flights but include coach travel, accommodation and some meals.
• Best things to do in Rome
£££ | Group size average 22
It's hard not to be wooed by Lucca, a beautifully preserved Tuscan town that deserves more than a day trip to uncover its charms. On this four-night guided tour you'll have plenty of time to explore a maze of medieval and Renaissance architecture — grazing the artisanal food stores along Via Fillungo, discovering the dazzling Duomo where four generations of Puccini's family were organists, and strolling ramparts that surround the town for over two miles. The tour has an interesting excursion to nearby Pistoia, plus a stop at Pisa. The price includes flights and transfers, accommodation and some meals.
kirkerholidays.com
• Read our full guide to Italy• Best beaches in Italy
£££ | Group size maximum 10
For a tastebud-tickler of a trip, head to eastern Sicily, where you'll find dishes that reflect the flavours of the island's history under Byzantine, Arab, Norman and Spanish rule. This week-long tour includes visits to olive, dairy and herb farms, a pasta-making class, a guided tasting of Modica chocolate, and island wines galore — including a stop at a winery on the slopes of Mount Etna. But it's not only about eating and drinking. Your expert local guide will also take you to some of the region's prettiest and most historic spots, such as an archaeological park at Syracuse and the lovely baroque town of Noto. Price includes airport transfers (but not flights), accommodation and most meals.
petersommer.com
££ | Group size maximum 12
Yes, this luxurious 12-day tour of Sicily features the main sights and cities, but what makes it sing are the visits to those off-the-beaten-track corners. Expect to see the Palatine Chapel in Palermo, Monreale Cathedral, the ruined temples of Agrigento, and Taormina with its ancient Greek theatre, as well as a winery visit and wander around the market in Ortygia. The price includes airport transfers, accommodation and most meals. Flights are excluded.
esplora.co.uk
££ | Group size average 12-14
How can you possibly improve a walk through the Italian landscape? With glasses of prosecco, of course. This seven-night tour with Ramble Worldwide focuses on the province of Treviso and a Unesco-listed area of medieval villages and terraced vineyards between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. After flying into nearby Venice, your base will be the hillside Conegliano, with its 12th-century castle and a long tradition of prosecco production. Follow a guided tour of its historic centre with a vineyard wine tasting — before striking out along the Prosecco Road, Italy's very first wine road. Other highlights feature the romantic squares and alleys of Treviso, lip-smacking views from the ancient town of Asolo, and the 16th-century watermill of Molinetto della Croda. Prices include flights and transfers, accommodation and some meals (mainly breakfast and dinner).
rambleworldwide.co.uk
£ | Group size maximum 14
This tour is your ticket to explore the magical Abruzzo National Park in the central Apennines, a mountain chain coursing down the middle of the country from top to toe. You'll join natural history guides on scenic walks and take in the region's alpine and Mediterranean plants, birds, butterflies and mammals. Up on the mountain slopes you can spot red deer, chamois, golden eagles, wolves, red-billed choughs — and, best of all, endangered marsican brown bears. Walks will be broken for long lunches filled with local produce — think picnics with scenic views. The eight-day trip runs in May, which is an ideal time to view the bears, and the price includes flights and transfers, accommodation in a rural, family-run hotel and all meals.
naturetrek.co.uk£££ | Group size 5-12
Calabria, tucked in the toe of southern Italy, tends to be overlooked by most. Don't be so foolish: this seven-day itinerary includes visits to the Riace Bronzes (Greek warrior statues), medieval settlements in the Sila mountains, castles and monasteries plus seaside towns like Tropea and ancient spots along the Ionian coast. Round everything off with the fascinating Greek temples at Paestum over the border in Campania. You'll learn all about the myths and history of the Magna Graecia corner of Italy, while immersing yourself in its timeless landscapes. The tour starts in Reggio Calabria and ends in Naples, with airport transfers, hotel accommodation and all meals included. Prices exclude flights.
esplora.co.uk
£ | Group size maximum 18
This five-night tour takes in some of the best art and architecture fabulous Florence has to offer. You'll get priority entrance to top galleries like the Uffizi and Accademia (where you'll see Michelangelo's David), gaze at standout churches furnished with frescoes and mosaics (Santa Croce alone contains the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli), and roam grand buildings from the Palazzo Vecchio city hall to Palazzo Rucellai. There's plenty of walking involved, with a tour of the less-crowded Oltrarno neighbourhood too, calling at the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens stretched out behind. The tour price includes flights and transfers, and hotel accommodation on a B&B basis.
vjv.com
££ | Group size maximum 20
Get to know the regions of Puglia and Basilicata on a seven-night tour. You'll make tracks for its historic ports, snap photos of baroque architecture and Norman castles, and explore the quirky trulli dwellings of Alberobello, famous for their conical roofs. In Basilicata, get to know Matera's Sassi districts, ancient neighbourhoods built into the rock. You'll even venture to Lecce where a Roman amphitheatre and basilica await, before you enjoy appetisers and an aperitif at a private palazzo with one of the owners, who will describe its history. The trip price includes flights and transfers, and hotels on a B&B basis in Bari, Lecce, Matera and Alberobello.
vjv.com
£ | Group size maximum 14
Lace up your boots for a series of relaxing walks in the flower-filled Gargano Peninsula in southeast Italy, where the orchids are among the most striking in Europe. On the itinerary is the medieval town of Monte Sant'Angelo, its terraces dotted with enchanting asphodel and rockrose. After that it's off to Peschici, a traditional fishing village that's a great base for discovering the botany of the northern coast. Each walk with your expert guides is broken with lunchtime picnics, so you can get a taste of the lip-smacking local produce. Price includes flights and transfers, accommodation in family-run hotels, and all meals.
naturetrek.co.uk
• Best places to visit in Italy• Italy honeymoon ideas
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Additional reporting by Louise Roddon
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Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Telegraph
Forget Greece, head to Italy for an island-hopping adventure this summer
In my opinion, Greece, although beautiful, has too many islands. Choosing which one to visit is nearly impossible, the ferries are complicated, and holidays on the Aegean or Ionian too often turn into a sweaty tangle of logistics and are beset by the paralysis of indecision. By comparison, the lesser-known off the north-west coast of Sicily, with turquoise waters, rugged beaches and lashings of gelato, makes for an easier alternative. With straightforward ferries and only three of five islands open to visitors, the paradox of choice is eliminated. Here's our guide to visiting. Favignana Favignana is the largest island and, according to some, is where the Greek hero Odysseus came to hunt goats. Today it's highly prized among Sicilians, who jaunt over for weekend breaks from nearby Palermo. A 30-minute hydrofoil boat trip from the port of Trapani, it's geographically close to Sicily, but Favignana is worlds apart – life simply slows down here. Dimora Cala del Pozzo, hidden down a lane on the quieter west coast, makes for an excellent base to explore the island. An old farmhouse converted into a boutique hotel, the setting is serene and elegant. Handsomely furnished rooms are sound-tracked by the sea beyond, and a lavish breakfast is hosted in the cactus garden, including local ingredients from the family's organic farm. Locals advise checking the direction of the wind before choosing the best coves for swimming. Cala Trapanese is recommended, where the rocks form a natural swimming pool with views of Sicily across the water. Inland, visit the Garden of the Impossible to discover another link to the Odyssey myth. A spiky green plant that looks a bit like a cactus is, according to local guidebooks, apparently the plant that Circe used to turn Odysseus's men into pigs. Islanders were once sceptical about the feasibility of the botanical garden, which was created in a series of abandoned quarry pits. Today it's a peaceful oasis of tumbling vines, rare trees and plants, and includes an exhibition of sculptures by a local artist. Use the guidebook to explore (it's superior to the audio alternative). Favignana's history of quarrying has shaped the landscape of the island, and the exoskeleton of abandoned quarries forms architectural rock pools along the shoreline. Spot golden-brown Moray eels lurking in the pools at Scalo Cavallo, or visit Bue Marino, one of the former quarries, and explore the deep waters at one of the island's best snorkelling locations. Insider tip The best way to explore the island is by bicycle – try GAC rental shop. Beaches are mostly rocky, but Lido Burrone has white sand and is perfect for children. Where to eat Hotel Aegusa serves good pasta dishes on a pretty outdoor terrace. For something more high-end end try Sotto Sale or Quello che c'è...c'è! For pizza, visit Cala Bianca. Where to shop Bottega Camparia – a chic boutique with an expertly curated selection of fashion and homeware; Salvatore Aleo 's jewellery shop has pieces to suit a range of budgets; try Borinda Sanna for handmade ceramics. Where to stay In high season, it's quieter to stay outside the main village (Favignana Town), but you'll need to ensure you have bike lights to cycle back after dinner. Dimora Cala del Pozzo has doubles from £279/€330 per night, including breakfast, in high season. Its sister hotel Dimora Della Olivastro offers doubles from £261/€310 per night, including breakfast. Weekends in summer are especially busy – book in advance or plan your stay for the weekdays. Marettimo The most remote island in the archipelago, Marettimo, has also been linked to Homer's The Odyssey. Samuel Butler, a Victorian novelist, put forward a theory that this island was the inspiration for Ithaca – an exhibition is planned for later this year, which will showcase his photographs at the local museum. The island is an ideal place for hiking, and there are roughly 10 marked trails to choose from. A popular route leads up to the tiny Byzantine church, set like a jewel on a cliff facing out to sea, next to the ruins of a Roman house. For a longer walk, continue to reach Pizzo Falcone (the highest peak) and return from Portella Madonnuzza via the Punta Troia Castle (now a lovely museum) and back to the village. There are more than 500 different species of plants here, some of which are endemic to the island and scents of thyme and rosemary infuse the air as you walk. But the sea surrounding Marettimo is also a draw. The Aegadian Islands are protected by the largest marine reserve in Europe, and the scuba diving around Marettimo is particularly good thanks to its crystal clear waters. If you're extremely lucky, you might even spot a monk seal. Insider tip For a unique perspective, take a boat to see the island's caves – accessible only on the water. Tours by Pippo come highly recommended. Where to eat Pizzeria Hiera is one of the oldest restaurants on the island, and is practically an institution. Maria, now in her seventies, served delightful antipasto, including a miniature arancine made with cuttlefish ink and pistachio. Where to shop Local artist Massimo Pironi makes ceramics in his home studio – find him near Caffe Tramontana, where he sells pieces inspired by the island, the sea and the mountain. Where to stay La Tartaruga B&B – double rooms cost from £85/€100 in high season, including breakfast, with a three-night minimum stay. There are also plenty of apartments for rent; The Thinking Traveller has a villa on the island. Levanzo This tiny sparkling island is so pretty that it looks like a Hollywood set designer built it for a movie. Measuring just 2.25 square miles and with only three restaurants and a handful of beaches, Levanzo is known for its off-grid vibes. However, according to local reports, the Prada family own two houses here. Most people visit to look at the cave paintings at Grotta del Genovese, which date from both the Palaeolithic and Neolithic eras. Reserve in advance (guided tours cost £35/€42 for adults and £25/€30 for children) – there's quite a steep trail down to the cave, which can only be reached on foot. After seeing the cave paintings, it's worth strolling around the island. Cala Faraglione on the south-west coast, about 30 minutes' walk from the port, is the island's most picture-perfect beach, complete with a tiny island (technically a rock stack) floating offshore. End the day with a relaxing glass of Sicilian wine at one of the island's restaurants by the harbour before catching the last boat back to Favignana. Inside tip Cala Minnola is one of the nicest beaches for swimming Where to eat Try the pasta con gamberi at Bar Romano, an absurdly picturesque restaurant which juts out over the harbour with views of Favignana in the distance. Where to shop Mannaraò offers a selection of handmade jewellery and other delights. Where to stay Dolcevita Egadi Resort is a new hotel set a short walk from the port on a breezy terrace – rooms are simple and there's a swimming pool. Double rooms cost £321/€380 in high season, including breakfast, with a five-night minimum stay. How to get there Ryanair flies from London to Trapani in the summer months. Alternatively, fly to Palermo, take a bus to Trapani (about one hour) and hop on the Hydrofoil from Trapani port (30 to 45 minutes). There are regular boats between the islands but make sure you prebook tickets in high season Laura Coffey was a guest of Hotel Dimora Cala Del Pozzo.
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Daily Mail
I'm a female solo traveller - here are my backpacking essentials for travelling alone
Travelling solo can feel overwhelming enough without the added stress of figuring out what to pack for the trip. The challenge of distinguishing between 'needs' and 'wants' when packing for individual travel can lead to overpacking, unnecessary buys or forgetting essential items altogether. To navigate this, it's helpful to create a comprehensive packing list that separates necessities from optional items, reducing baggage weight and allowing for a seamless travel experience. Thankfully, seasoned f emale solo travellers have shared their go-to accessories, devices, clothing items and bags that offer practicality, convenience, comfort, and safety during their trip. Recommending travel hooks to her followers on TikTok, @jemmastravels said: 'When I was in Asia I would have wet bikinis, or in Europe I'd have smelly shoes that I didn't want in my bag, and I could just hook them to the outside of my backpack and go from hostel to hostel. Could not recommend them enough.' Another TikToker, @ encouraged fellow solo travellers to invest in soap bar bags, adding: 'I love shampoo and conditioner bars, but I hated dealing with them after a shower. 'These bags are made to let them dry inside without the inside getting all gross.' From anti-theft bags to probiotics to power banks, here are 14 backpacking essentials every female solo traveller should pack for their next adventure: Seasoned female solo travellers have shared their go-to accessories, devices, clothing items and bags She's Birdie Original Personal Safety Alarm Feel safer anywhere with the She's Birdie Original Personal Safety Alarm, a stylish keychain-sized safety device. With a powerful 130dB siren and a strobing 200-lumen LED light, it's ideal for solo travellers, night outings, or daily commutes. Clip it onto your bag, keys, or belt and go with confidence, as recommended by over 120,000 users worldwide. £33 Shop Simond Compressible Filter Bottle Stay hydrated and safe with the Simond filtered bottle, which removes 99.99 per cent of bacteria and 99.9 per cent of protozoa and microorganisms. With a 1L capacity and a wide opening for quick filling, it's lightweight at just 115g and folds down for easy packing. Pro tip: Rinse the bottle, cap, and filter three times before first use, and be mindful of drips when drinking. £29.99 Shop Decathlon Waterproof Hiking Boots For active travelers, a good pair of waterproof hiking boots is a must. The Decathlon Waterproof Hiking Boots, created by QUECHUA, offer excellent grip and support, perfect for hiking trails or walking through wet weather. They feature a high, flexible upper, 6 eyelet lacing with hooks for support, TPR soles with 3.5mm studs, heel cushioning with a 6mm EVA pad adapted to natural footpaths, and they include a removable insole so you can add orthopedic insoles £19.99 Shop Toifucos Travel Packing Cubes (Set of 8) Helping keep you organised when packing, the Toifucos Travel Packing Cubes could help save you time and free up valuable space. The set comes with eight different sized bags, including shoes, toiletries and drawstring bags - perfect for separating your dirty holiday clothes. In one TikTok video, uploaded by solo traveller, @discoverwithemma, she said: 'I've seen these compression packing cubes all over TikTok. 'They actually save so much space because they have an extra zip.' £11.99 Shop Bag Smart 28L Carry-on Backpack Stay organised and hands-free with the versatile Bag Smart carry-on backpack. It fits up to a 15.6" laptop, opens flat for TSA checks, and includes dedicated compartments for shoes and essentials. Water-resistant, machine washable, and airline-approved as a personal item, it's a smart choice for minimalist travel. Volume: 28L | Dimensions: 31cm x 42cm x 20.5cm £75.00 Shop TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter This all-in-one travel adapter is a must-have for globetrotters, allowing you to charge your devices in over 150 countries. Compact and portable, the 5.5 x 7.25 x 5.35 cm adapter is compatible with outlets in Europe, the UK, the US, Australia, China, and many more, covering all major plug types. It features three USB ports and one AC socket, allowing you to charge multiple devices at once, such as phones, laptops and cameras, all while being compact and portable. It's also equipped with two overload fuses, each rated at 10A. If a fuse is damaged, you can immediately replace it with the spare one provided. £19.99 Shop Dude Flushable Wipes (Box of 30) From cross-country hikes to sketchy restrooms, Dude Wipes are a must-pack essential for solo travellers on the go. Fragrance-free, flushable, and gentle on skin, they're ideal for freshening up on the go, cleaning dirty hostel surfaces, or when toilet paper is nowhere in sight. £12.41 Shop Eagle Creek Money Wallet Discreet and comfy, the Eagle Creek neck wallet keeps passports, cash, and cards safe under your clothes. Made of breathable, washable silk with sweat-resistant lining, it's perfect for hot and humid destinations. Colour options: Rose pink or black. £29.99 Shop OHOVIV Power Bank Keep your devices charged with the OHOVIV Power Bank. With 12000mAh capacity and fast charging up to 22.5W, it powers phones, tablets, and more. The dual USB and Type-C ports let you charge three devices at once, while the compact design makes it travel-ready. Type-C input supports: 18W quick charging for both iOS and Android. £15.19 Shop Pacsafe Go 15L Anti-Theft Backpack Peace of mind meets everyday style with the Pacsafe GO anti-theft backpack. Cut-resistant straps and fabric, lockable zippers, and an RFID-blocking pocket help keep valuables safe. Fits a 13" laptop and features a hidden pocket for essentials. Eco bonus: The bag is made from 21 recycled plastic bottles. £99.90 Shop Sea To Summit Travel Hooks (Pack of 3) These handy mini carabiners are perfect for clipping wet clothes, shoes, keys, or gear to the outside of your backpack. Lightweight and colourful (grey, blue, orange), they're a hostel-to-hostel lifesaver. TikToker @jemmastravels swears by them for keeping wet bikinis out of her backpack across Asia and Europe. £6.00 Shop Optibac Travel Biotics (20 capsules) Support your gut while on the move with Optibac Travel Probiotics. These clinically-backed strains - Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria & Saccharomyces - are designed to survive high temperatures and new environments, helping reduce stomach upsets during travel. Ideal for destinations like Mexico, Thailand, or India. Also compatible with travel medications. £15.99 Shop Matador Soap Bar Case Whether you're trekking through the wilderness or exploring new cities with just a carry-on, the Matador FlatPak Soap Bar Case makes carrying soap or shampoo bars a breeze. Ultralight and waterproof, the rolltop design keeps everything sealed while the Dry-Through technology lets your soap dry inside - even when zipped shut. Shower, stash it, and pack it up without mess. Available in: Garnet, Charcoal, and Arctic White. £13.95 Shop Compact Shower Filter Don't let poor water quality affect your skin or hair while travelling. The Tubo shower filter uses a 20-stage filtration system to remove up to 99 per cent of chlorine, heavy metals, and bacteria. Its compact size fits most showerheads and lasts for up to 12,000 gallons - making it a smart travel essential from beach huts to city hostels. £19.99 Shop
The Guardian
7 hours ago
- The Guardian
Campaigners mount coordinated protests across Europe against ‘touristification'
Campaigners in at least a dozen tourist hotspots across southern Europe are set to take to the streets to protest against 'touristification' this weekend. It is the most widespread joint action to date against what they see as the steady reshaping of their cities to meet the needs of tourists rather than those who live and work there. Thousands are expected at marches in cities including Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca on Sunday, while others will stage more symbolic actions. In the Italian city of Genoa, campaigners will drag a cardboard cruise ship through the old town's narrow alleyways to show that tourism does not fit in the city. In Lisbon, a procession will see a replica of St Anthony 'evicted' from his church and carried to the site of a prospective luxury hotel, to stress that even saints suffer touristification. Threading through all the actions is a rallying cry for a rethink of a tourism model that campaigners say has increasingly funnelled profits into the hands of a few, while leaving locals to pay the price through soaring house prices and rents, environmental degradation and the proliferation of precarious, low-paying jobs. The tensions around tourism burst into public view last year after tens of thousands of people protested in Spain's most popular destinations. Sunday will again see the bulk of actions take place in Spain, which last year saw tourist arrivals surge to record levels. A handful of cities in Italy and Portugal are taking part. Despite the spate of fear-inducing headlines in some media, the aim is not to attack tourists, said Asier Basurto, a member of the 'tourism degrowth' platform that is organising a march in the Basque city of San Sebastián. 'People who go on vacation to one place or another are not our enemies, nor are they the target of our actions,' he said. 'Let me be clear: our enemies are those who speculate on housing, who exploit workers and those who are profiting handsomely from the touristification of our cities.' The seeds for the joint day of action were sown in April after groups from Spain, Italy, Portugal and France gathered in Barcelona for a days-long conference under the umbrella of the Southern European Network Against Touristification. 'When we started speaking to each other, it was amazing,' said María Cardona, of Canviem el Rumb, or Let's Change Course, one of the groups behind Sunday's march in Ibiza. 'Despite the distance between us, we're all grappling with a similar problem.' In Ibiza, the march's slogan was 'the right to a dignified life', said Cardona. 'What does that mean when it comes to life on the island? There's the right to water – we're under restrictions, there's a drought, they've cut off all the public fountains,' she added. 'But villas, hotels and luxury homes continue to fill their pools as if there were no water restrictions.' There was also the soaring cost of living that had left many workers living in vans, caravans or tents. 'And another thing we're seeing is that the traditional, historical names of places are being changed to English names that locals don't know,' said Cardona. 'It's like the island's DNA is being transformed.' In Venice, locals are planning to protest against the lack of regulations that has allowed short-term rentals to surge and hotels to tighten their grip on the housing market. 'We've been emphasising for a couple of years now that there are more tourist beds than registered residents,' said Remi Wacogne of Ocio, a civic observatory on housing. 'Tourism is physically and practically taking over homes.' The steady shift had unleashed a wave of change in the city. 'One of the main businesses that keeps opening up in Venice, in addition to bars and restaurants, is ATMs,' said Wacogne. 'Which is also in a sense a metaphor of what is going on. So Venice is basically an ATM for a very restricted group of people, firms and investors who are allowed to make money just out of renting the place out to people.' Sign up to Headlines Europe A digest of the morning's main headlines from the Europe edition emailed direct to you every week day after newsletter promotion The sentiment was echoed in Genoa, where residents have planned a 'noisy stroll,' with their cardboard cruise ship to highlight the incongruence of tourism and local life. 'We see tourism as a means to extract value from our cities and regions,' said one organiser, who asked not to be named. 'We are not some sort of mine. This is a place where people live.' Underpinning the joint action was a semantic shift. Rather than overtourism, which suggests that the solution lies in rolling back the number of tourists, the focus was on touristification, highlighting how hotspots are increasingly becoming commodified to be consumed by visitors, said Manuel Martin, of the Movement for a Housing Referendum, one of the groups organising the Lisbon action. 'So it's a shift away from being a place that exists by and for the people that live and work there,' he added. This has chipped away at the culture and social fabric of cities, added Martin, pointing to the shops and bookshops in Lisbon, some of them more than a century old, that have closed their doors after being priced out by rising rents. 'It sort of excavates meaning from a place and turns it into a Disneyfied version of what it really is.' After a handful of protesters bearing water guns squirted water at tourists last year in Barcelona, making headlines around the world, organisers in the city said they were encouraging people to bring water guns to Sunday's march. 'But this needs to be contextualised,' said Daniel Pardo Rivacoba of the Neighbourhood Assembly for Tourism Degrowth. Last year's incident was covered by tabloids and other media as though it was threatening or intimidating. 'The most extreme ones spoke about violence and things like that,' he said. 'But a water gun is not a gun. It's a toy. It doesn't hurt anyone.' Campaigners in the city have adopted the water pistol as a symbol of local resistance. 'To us, it is clear that it doesn't harm anyone,' Pardo Rivacoba said. 'But if we're talking about violence, let's talk about the violence of touristification. Let's talk about the violence that tourism is inflicting on the city in terms of evictions, of pushing out the population, of labour exploitation, in the overload and abuse of public services. 'When it comes to tourism, there is violence taking place. But it's not because of water guns.'
