A team from Riviera’s operations, health and safety, customer service and agency sales staff inspected hotels and attractions in Lake Como, Venice, Verona and Lake Garda.

It will now offer seven-day itineraries from 14 September to these areas plus Lake Maggiore, Sardinia and Puglia, with a week leading in at £919.

Chief commercial officer Jim Forward said: “"We want people to be confident travelling to Italy and have been working with UK health experts and Italian hoteliers, amongst others, to ensure that British tourists can enjoy a fantastic experience in a safe environment.  

“We experienced first-hand what travel and touring is like for those that want to take advantage of a quieter time to explore some of the country’s most iconic sights.

“We concluded that those arriving in Italy will have a great time, with a richer and more personal holiday experience.  

"With fewer people you get the opportunity for a more intimate exploration of normally busy tourist hot spots, plus a warm welcome from hotels, bars and restaurants – seeing St Mark’s Square in Venice without the crowds is really special.  

“You are temperature tested entering hotels and other facilities, and hand sanitiser is everywhere.  Just as in the UK, you cover your face on public transport and in enclosed spaces.  The new processes are sound and I felt safe.”

Riviera is offering Covid-19 insurance on each booking and if a customer is not “happy or comfortable” by day two of their holiday, it will return them home at no extra charge and offer a full refund.

The operator will resume its regular Italy tours in April 2021.