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.
An expert-led archaeological, cultural and gastronomic tour of Sicily with Peter Sommer Travels.
Walking through the enchanting Dolomites is a real joy, with jagged peaks towering over deep green valleys cloaked in spectacular spring flowers.
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!
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.
Florence, Lake Garda & Alps from Rail Holidays of the World is an exhilarating holiday in Italy, Switzerland. Available from 12 Sep 2022 to 12 Sep 2022 this 15 day trip costs from £2,630.
A thrilling and memorable walking journey into the heart of the increasingly dramatic Dolomite mountains, with idyllic hotels waiting each night.
Explore the heart of the region on this exhilarating seven-day trek, discover more about the local Ladin people and the fascinating World War 1 history of the region and stay in comfortable and welcoming rifugio.
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.
