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.
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 Alpine walking holiday around Mont Blanc
The Dolomites have a justifiable reputation for their scenic beauty and are recognised as a European hot spot for wildflowers. We spend a week (23 – 30 June ’19), walking daily in a range of terrains and habitats. We stay for two nights in a traditional mountain hotel on a high altitude meadow and 5 nights in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
An exciting island-hopping walking holiday in the spectacular Aeolian archipelago.
Cycle through Italy, from the unique city of Venice on the Adriatic Coast to Rome, the Italian capital, renowned for its ancient history.
Discover the 7 new Wonders of the World and the last remaining monument of the 7 Ancient Wonders of the World on this 31 day round the world tour.
