Whether its Grand Tours or terracotta-coloured villas, Italy has always been a travel A-Lister. The challenge comes in picking a particular brand of la dolce vita. Italy’s cities offer time-proven fodder for culture-lovers: Florence’s art, Pisa’s wonky tower, Venice’s canals and Rome’s, well, everything all contenders. Seaside Puglia and hilltown-happy Tuscany represent rental hotspots, while nowhere’s more chic than an Amalfi Coast hotel. Further south, the quasi-autonomous, sun-scorched isle of Sicily scores for sandy shores, still-standing Greek temples and superb food.
What keeps me coming back? The climate and lovely language help, as do those moreish Baci chocolates. But, ultimately, its Italy’s apparently never-ending supply of secret spots which have me hooked: the Pian Grande’s extraordinary poppy blooms, which once made me cry, the trabacchi: rickety wooden fishing piers turned hopelessly romantic fish restaurants in Abruzzo, or up-your-sleeve beaches like Sardinia’s incredible Cala Biriola, rewarding a two-hour trek with near-heaven.
The complete classic walk around Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps
The Aeolian Islands, a gorgeous volcanic archipelago off the Northern Coast of Sicily, are renowned for offering a relaxed and luxurious retreat to rich and famous Italians, while also being home to some fascinating archaeological sites from the ancient cultures of Southern Italy.
This is classic Tuscany, south of Siena, where rolling hills of vineyards and olive groves are pierced with rows of elegant cypress trees.
Puglia Across the Ages from CICERONI Travel. Leisurely exploration of Puglia, the unspoilt and undiscovered part of Italy. Visits to a wide range of monuments from medieval and later periods. Time to absorb the wonders of Lecce, a jewel of southern Italian Baroque. Wonderful and unknown Norman Cathedrals and Castle. Excellent food and wine.
A traditional hotel set right on the waters edge, this 4 star hotel will appeal to many guests. This elegant grand hotel built in 1884 is in a wonderful location directly on the lake, ideal for those looking for tradition and old fashioned good service.
“Embark on the Gastronomic Tour of Sicily for a mouth-watering vacation”. USA Today
An expert-led tour exploring the cuisine and culture of Sicily.
A self-guided hike along the Amalfi Coast from Amalfi to Sorrento, taking in Ravello, Praiano, Positano and the Sentiero degli Dei (Footpath of the Gods). Our own version allows you to walk the whole way without using a single bus or taxi - the only company that offers this!
Hotel based one week walking holiday around Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps
Includes tickets to three operas, performed on consecutive evenings, in the setting of a Roman amphitheatre, the most famous of open-air opera festivals.
Accommodation is a 5-star hotel in the historic centre, with an optional minibus to the operas.
The tour is accompanied by art historians who lead walks and visits during the day.
An exciting island-hopping walking holiday in the spectacular Aeolian archipelago.
