Italy
Italy
From trattoria kitchen to lakeside palace, from Tuscan countryside to Sicily’s seaside idyll, Italy is one of the world's great masterpieces. And, with a history steeped in the Romans and the Renaissance, along with more than 50 UNESCO-listed treasures to its name, it has a history to match its abundant natural allure.
Indeed, when confronted with Italy’s myriad cultural delights, it’s often easiest to think of the country as a collection of 20 regions, each with its own distinct identity. Sicily is a case in point; Greek temples crouch in valleys, vineyards terrace green hills and playful Mediterranean cuisine is served up in seaside villages. It’s a world away from Rome’s architectural exuberance – where you can trace the source of whole empires and religions between the crumbling colonnades of the Roman Forum and the Michelangelos of the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. Then there’s the rural charm of Tuscany where medieval towns and wineries are dotted across rolling countryside.
That’s the joy of Italy. One moment you could be relaxing in a Belle Époque palace on the Italian Lakes, and the next looking out over the Amalfi coast. Here, centuries-old houses overlook dramatic cliffs to the beach-fringed waters below. And our multi-stop itineraries will bring you between the country’s richly varied highlights in style, enjoying stays in luxury accommodation and the services of private drivers and guides throughout. But, there’s one thing that’s found throughout the country – an appreciation of la dolce vita, the good life. You’ll be well looked after whether you’re feasting on a Fiorentina steak, sipping prosecco in Venice or waking up to an espresso in a piazza-side café.
Enjoy a private gozzo tour of the Amalfi Coast to a secluded restaurant or explore the region’s bohemian towns – whether you cruise around in a classic sports car or on a Vespa is up to you. Alternatively, take a hot air balloon and float over the ancient village towns and vineyards of the rolling Chianti hills. Let your charismatic guide bring alive the days of the Roman Empire while you investigate the eerie remains of Pompeii and Herculaneum or ask about how to visit after the crowds have departed. Explore the striking coastlines of the Aeolian Islands on a gullet-style tall ship or discover Sardinia’s pristine beaches and glamorous nightlife aboard a super yacht. Wander between the villas and gardens on the shores of Lake Como or explore the Italian Lakes aboard a timelessly elegant Riva yacht. Take to the roads of northern Italy and drive the route of the Mille Miglia in a classic Gran Turismo sports car. Lose yourself in the mystique of the masked carnival in Venice, we can even help you to arrange your own private masked ball in a palazzo, and experience a behind-closed-doors visit to St Marks or the Sistine Chapel. Enjoy a private visit to the most prestigious Murano glass factories or see behind the scenes of a fashion superbrand. Join a local and his dog to look for truffles in the Abruzzo or learn how to make the most amazing pasta in a cookery lesson with either a local family or an Italian Mamma. Imagine the stories you’ll tell.
Discover the delights of Italian food on a cookery course
Take a gondola through the canals of Venice
Discover grand villas and scenic beauty on the shores of Lake Como
Spoil yourself with a stay in old-world Venetian glamour at the iconic Hotel Cipriani or base yourself in a private Roman residence. Take time out in a traditional Tuscan farmhouse or restored fort, experience life in a converted Franciscan monastery or traditional Puglian masserie and immerse yourself in a restored alberghi diffusi in the Abruzzo. Indulge yourself with vintages available at your hilltop winery retreat or bask in the luxury and privacy on offer at your private lakefront Como villa or stunning coastal escape. Ask us too about travelling on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to experience the golden age of travel in serious style on a great rail journey across Europe.
Because Italy can be exceptionally busy, ask us about how to explore the country in the shoulder seasons, travelling to the cities and countryside in spring or autumn instead of high summer. Alternatively, grab a towel to travel to the beach in June or September. Otherwise, look out for annual events such as the Venice Carnival in February or the Palio in Sienna in July and August and plan ahead to secure the best bases from which to experience these exceptional events.
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