escorted tours to Italy and Sicily
 

Any input on tour companies. Also any deeply discounted travel agencies would be appreciated.

thanks

Insight Tours have trips that go to Sicily as well as the rest of Italy.

They have quality hotels that are usually centrally located.

I found CST's seven-day tours of Sicily inclusive and good value:

http://www.compagniasicilianaturismo.it/home.asp

Most or all of the most popular American and British walking tour companies (e.g., Country Walkers, BCT, Aleternative Travel Group-Oxford, Wayfarerers) have tours in Italy. Italian connection is a good small company, founded by an american, owned by and American and an Italian, with main office in Canada. It has walking and regualr (i.e. not hiking) tours in Italy. Note: these are not tours that will go all over Italy. They focus on part of one region or on an area that encompasses bits of two adjacent regions.

How many people, how long a trip, and at what time of year? A "Fodorites' trip" could offer a far better experience at lower cost... if it's a match for what you re seeking.

Best wishes,

Rex