It’s never too early to begin planning spring travel, and if you have your heart set on Italy, there’s a new way to experience the country without crowds. Part of Tourist Journey, which launched in 2008 under the leadership of travel and tech expert Ben Julius, Tourist Italy offers more than 400 itineraries for travelers to choose from.

“With Tourist Italy, we are redefining the traditional tour or package operator,” said Julius. “With a background that fuses tourism experience with technology, we are able to do things differently. We want to provide visitors to Italy with the best possible experience and work with like-minded individuals throughout — those who share our belief that travel is about more than just ticking a list of boxes, but is a time of discovery, experiences, and personal memories.”

The goal of Tourist Italy is to deliver a culturally immersive experience that includes a range of options, from single-day tours to trips up to 10 and 13 days that take in multiple regions. Fully customized expeditions are tailored to traveler’s preferences, from rustic guest houses to 5-star resorts. Local guides and off-the-beaten track restaurants and sites can be combined with iconic destinations in major cities like Rome and historic sites such as Pompeii. Along the way, travelers can explore the best in local foods and wines, from regional cheeses and handcrafted pastas to artisanal cured meats and decadent pastries.