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.
Immerse yourself in the distinct identity of this picturesque region where inspirational views of the famous jagged Dolomites greet you each day.
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 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!
Exciting opportunity to attend Parma’s world famous Verdi Festival including Aida, Nabucco, Luisa Miller & optionally I Due Foscari. The craft of stringed-instrument making explored in delightful Cremona. Lectures & private recitals in Parma, Cremona & at Villa Medici-Giulini. Splendid monuments & works of art explored in Parma & its surroundings.
This delightful and highly rewarding walk follows the Route of the Gods through green landscapes between charismatic Bologna and historic Florence.
Combine a stay in the eternal city of Rome with Positano on the Amalfi Coast with Sunvil. This 5 night trip costs from £1,238pp, which includes flights, 5 nights bed & breakfast accommodation, transfers and 1st class train ticket from Rome to Naples.
A seven-night self-guided hike from Spoleto to the Sabine Hills, ending at the Abbey of Farfa, near Rome.
A long weekend to discover the UNESCO landscape of Piedmont on two wheels. Arguably the most rewarding way to take in the picturesque vineyards, castles, hamlets and panoramic views. We promise to fuel you with first-class sustenance too!
From Maggiore to Garda, via Como and Iseo, discover the ravishing scenery of the Italian lakes on a magical tour by car.
A self-guided hike from the Po valley along the Via del Sale (Salt Road) across the Ligurian Apenines to the Mediterranean - the Italian Riviera at Camogli.
