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.
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.
“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 Alpine walking holiday around Mont Blanc
An exciting island-hopping walking holiday in the spectacular Aeolian archipelago.
Have you always loved the idea of going on a wine-tasting holiday in rustic Italy, but felt that the kids wouldn't enjoy it quite as much as you? We thought so!
That's why we work with guides that know how to make it an interactive and fun experience for all ages. So while you learn about the famous wines, the kids can explore the wineries!
Elaborate architecture and exceptional cuisine, legendary landscapes and live history on the streets – western and central Europe is a place well worth its accolades
• Enjoy a rare performance of I Lombardi alla prima crociata alongside celebrated classics Rigoletto and Macbeth
• Visit locations associated with Verdi’s life and work, including his villa in Sant’Agata
• Make an excursion to Cremona, home of the violin, where master violinmaker Antonio Stradivari established his workshop in the early 1700s
Wonderful gardens in a variety of styles set amidst marvellous lakeside scenery. Visits to both Lake Como and Lake Lugano in Ticino, Switzerland. Villas with remarkable interiors and art collections. Private visits including two lunches with the owning families.. Comfortable 4* lakeside hotel at Moltrasio on south-west leg of Lake Como
