Travelling solo had always been on my mind, but I never had the courage to actually go for it - until this year. I had never mustered up the courage to do so. There was something about starting fresh in my life that led me to want adventure, humans, and a break from my normal travelling habits. I walked in at this point into Adventures Abroad, an international travel company based in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, famous for organizing very well-structured small group tours. My sight landed on their Northern Italy Tour, Tour Code: IT7, and before I knew it, I had made reservations for my first solo trip, with a bunch of strangers.
And that's where the magic began.
Why I Chose a Small Group Tour for My Solo Adventure
The idea of solo travel can be daunting. Will I feel lonely? Will I be safe? What if something goes wrong?
Choosing a small group tour felt like the perfect in-between—a solo adventure, but with the comfort of community and expert guidance. Adventures Abroad promised a travel style that wasn't rushed, allowed for deeper cultural immersion, and brought together like-minded people who value experience over just ticking off sights. Their Northern Italy tour was everything I was looking for: a mix of iconic destinations and hidden gems, led by knowledgeable guides, and designed for travellers who appreciate quality over quantity.
The Northern Italy Tour, Tour Code: IT7: A Dream in Every Step
The trip started in Rome, and let me just say that nothing beats stepping onto the streets and entering a place where history, culture, and modern life intertwine. But what made it all the more special was experiencing those wide-eyed, "can-you-believe-this?" moments with fellow travellers who were equally entranced.
We soaked up Florence's art and culture, strolled the medieval backstreets of Siena, and sipped local vintages and cuisine in the Tuscan countryside. In Cinque Terre, colorfully painted cliff top villages stole my heart—and I was not the only one. Some of us hiked from town to town, others did it at leisure with an espresso in hand. That's the benefit of group tours with Adventures Abroad: flexibility is always on the menu.
As a solo traveller, I never felt I was a third wheel or excluded. From dinner shared to deep conversations on long bus rides, the group was my travelling family.
Beyond the North: More Italy Tours Worth Exploring
After this transformative trip, I couldn't help but browse through more Italy tours offered by Adventures Abroad. Each one offers a unique slice of Italian culture and landscape, making it hard to choose just one.
More Italy, Malta & Mediterranean Tours with Adventures Abroad - Best International Tour Operator in Richmond, BC, Canada
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Each of these tours is designed with the same attention to detail, small group intimacy, and local expertise that made my Northern Italy journey so memorable.
Why Adventures Abroad?
As someone who was stepping far outside her comfort zone, I couldn't have chosen a better partner than Adventures Abroad. They're not just an international tour operator in Richmond, BC, Canada - they're a team of travel experts who understand what makes a trip truly meaningful.
Here's what stood out:
- Authentic experiences over tourist traps
- Expert local guides who made history come alive
- Like-minded travellers who value connection and curiosity
- Well-paced itineraries that balance exploration and rest
- Safety, support, and structure - especially helpful for solo travellers
Whether you're venturing out alone or with a friend, these really are some of the best small group tours you'll find anywhere.
My Takeaway: Growth Begins Beyond the Comfort Zone
This tour did not simply take me to Italy - it taught me what I was capable of. I engaged with people of all kinds, learned something new each day, and basked in the joy of being here now. If you are even thinking of going solo, a small group tour with Adventures Abroad is the ticket.
You'll come for the vistas, but you'll leave with something far more lasting - confidence, connection, and stories you'll be able to share forever.
Will you take that first step like I did?
Check out Adventures Abroad's Northern Italy Tour, Tour Code: IT7 and explore their full collection of Italy tours to find the one that calls to you. Trust me - it's one decision you won't regret.
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