Places To Go
Major Cities
Rome (Roma): The Eternal City, where ancient ruins stand alongside Renaissance masterpieces. Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City, and countless piazzas filled with fountains and cafes.
Florence (Firenze): The birthplace of the Renaissance, home to Michelangelo’s David, the Uffizi Gallery, and Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome. Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio and through charming Oltrarno neighborhoods.
Venice (Venezia): The floating city of canals, gondolas, and Byzantine architecture. Visit St. Mark’s Square, take a gondola ride, and explore the colorful islands of Murano and Burano.
Milan (Milano): Italy’s fashion and design capital, featuring the stunning Gothic Duomo, La Scala opera house, and world-class shopping in the Quadrilatero della Moda.
Regions & Countryside
Tuscany: Rolling hills dotted with cypress trees, medieval hilltop towns like Siena and San Gimignano, and world-renowned wine regions including Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino.
Amalfi Coast: Dramatic cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, with picturesque towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello offering stunning views and coastal charm.
Cinque Terre: Five colorful coastal villages connected by scenic hiking trails, offering spectacular views of the Ligurian Sea and terraced vineyards.
Lake District: Elegant lakes surrounded by Alps, including Lake Como with its luxurious villas, Lake Garda’s Mediterranean climate, and Lake Maggiore’s romantic islands.
Things to See
Ancient Wonders
The Colosseum: Rome’s iconic amphitheater where gladiators once fought. Take a guided tour to explore the underground chambers and upper tiers.
Pompeii & Vesuvius: The remarkably preserved ancient city buried by volcanic ash, offering a unique glimpse into Roman daily life.
Roman Forum: The heart of ancient Rome, where senators walked and Caesar spoke. Explore temples, basilicas, and the arch of Constantine.
Renaissance Art & Architecture
Sistine Chapel: Michelangelo’s masterpiece ceiling and The Last Judgment in Vatican City.
Uffizi Gallery: World’s finest collection of Renaissance art, including works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael.
Duomo of Florence: Brunelleschi’s architectural marvel with its iconic red dome dominating the Florence skyline.
Leaning Tower of Pisa: The world’s most famous architectural mistake, offering climbing opportunities and perfect photo ops.
Notable Places to Stay
Luxury Hotels
Hotel de Russie, Rome: Elegant luxury near the Spanish Steps with a secret garden and impeccable service.
Belmond Hotel Caruso, Ravello: Perched on cliffs overlooking the Amalfi Coast with infinity pools and breathtaking views.
Aman Venice: A 16th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal offering the ultimate in Venetian luxury.
Historic Properties
Castello di Casole, Tuscany: A restored 10th-century castle estate surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.
Villa San Martino, Lake Como: Historic villa with lake views and gardens where Hollywood stars retreat.
Palazzo Stern, Venice: Intimate boutique hotel in a 14th-century palace with canal views and personalized service.
Things to Do
Cultural Experiences
Vatican Museums: Explore one of the world’s greatest art collections, culminating in the Sistine Chapel.
Gondola Ride in Venice: Glide through narrow canals while your gondolier shares stories of Venetian history.
Wine Tasting in Tuscany: Visit family-owned vineyards for tastings of Chianti, Brunello, and Super Tuscan wines.
Cooking Classes: Learn to make fresh pasta, risotto, and regional specialties from Italian nonnas (grandmothers).
Active Adventures
Cinque Terre Hiking: Trek the scenic coastal paths connecting the five villages with stunning Mediterranean views.
Vesuvius Volcano Hike: Climb to the crater rim of the active volcano that buried Pompeii.
Cycling in Tuscany: Pedal through vineyard-covered hills, stopping at medieval towns and wine estates.
Dining Musts
Regional Specialties
Roman Classics: Carbonara, amatriciana, and cacio e pepe at traditional trattorias like Da Enzo or Checchino dal 1887.
Florentine Steak: Massive T-bone steaks grilled over chestnut wood at Trattoria Sostanza or Il Latini.
Venetian Seafood: Fresh fish and cicchetti (small plates) at Osteria alle Testiere or Antiche Carampane.
Neapolitan Pizza: Authentic wood-fired pizza margherita at Da Michele or Sorbillo in Naples.
Fine Dining
Osteria Francescana, Modena: Three-Michelin-starred restaurant by Massimo Bottura, consistently ranked among the world’s best.
La Pergola, Rome: Rome’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant with panoramic city views.
Piazza Duomo, Alba: Piedmontese cuisine elevated to artistic heights in the heart of truffle country.
Sweet Treats
Gelato: Authentic artisanal gelato at Grom, Vivoli (Florence), or Nico (Venice).
Cannoli Siciliani: Fresh ricotta-filled pastries from Pasticceria Cappello in Palermo.
Tiramisu: The classic “pick-me-up” dessert at its birthplace in Treviso, or at Pompi in Rome.