Introduction
Welcome to Italy, the home of opera, the Renaissance, great art, fine wines, sumptuous food and dramatic landscapes, all wrapped up in the joy of la dolce vita – the sweet life. And yes, life here really is sweet, from the sun-kissed islands of the south to the great alpine ranges of the north, from the sweeping farmlands of Tuscany to the great treasures of Florence, Venice and Rome. It's no wonder Italy is our clients' favourite destination. And, whether you choose to take it all in on a fly-drive, with stays in converted palaces and idyllic farmhouses, or aboard that icon of rail travel – the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – our specialists are on hand to help curate your perfect Italy holiday.
Italian landscapes
Italy's landscapes are as varied as they are spectacular. The cloud-piercing Alps spill down to the glassy serenity of the Northern Lakes before an Apennine bump sees you into Tuscany and Umbria’s rural idyll of vineyards and picturesque farmlands. It’s all lined with an impressive coastline where Amalfi’s Crayola-coloured villages cling to dramatic cliffs and the beaches of Puglia and Tuscany vie for attention.
Cefalu, Sicily
Italy's island escapes
They’re the perfect piers to discovering the equally eclectic beauty of the Italian islands. There’s paradisiacal Elba, the Aeolians’ wild volcanicity, Sardinian adventures among hidden ruins and, of course, Sicily. Here, lemon trees perfume everything from pretty bays and volcanic foothills to Byzantine cathedrals and whole valleys of forgotten Greek temples.
Cefalu, Sicily
Italy's urban treasures
It’s all punctuated by some of the world’s most arresting cities, each with their own discrete charm. Florence gave the world the Renaissance, Venice stands – or floats – unique and Rome bears all the grandeur befitting a host of ancient, continent-conquering empires and the world’s most powerful – and largest – religious denomination. Many of our featured itineraries include stays in one or more of these cities, offering stays in their finest hotels and expert-led tours that take you right to the heart of each one's unique sense of style and artistry.
Rome, Italy
To begin planning your next holiday to Italy, browse our suggested itineraries. From tailor-made fly-drives to city breaks, beach holidays and luxury rail journeys, they've all been tried, tested and enjoyed by our Italy specialists who visit the country regularly.
