Why should you go to Italy?
Go For the Hill-Top Towns
All over the country, perched on hilltops are sleepy little towns just waiting to be discovered, offering unforgettable views of Italy’s diverse landscapes. The view at the top is certainly worth the climb, or better yet, stay in one of these towns. Most have heard of the Amalfi coast with its towns of Positano, Ravello, Praiano and many more, but did you know it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site? Cinque Terre or Five Lands located in the northwest is a string of five villages originally only accessible by train or water. Also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cinque Terre villages are connected by the Azure Trail, part of an extensive path network. The best way to get there is by train.
Go For the Food and Wine
Italy is the home of the Slow Food movement, which is about protecting the culture and traditions of around local food, and ensuring everyone has access to good, clean food. In Italy life is centred around food, growing it, cultivating it, cooking it and eating it. Italians enjoy taking time over their meal, hours even, while enjoying the company of friends and family paired with wine. It’s a lifestyle more of us should strive for. Don’t forget to try the limoncello.
You can do a deep dive into the Italian culinary scene almost anywhere in Italy, foraging and harvesting and enjoying cooking classes. The Tuscany region is the perfect destination for an immersive experience with food.
Go For the Art and History
Museums and archaeological sites reveal the centuries that have passed and the many civilizations that have passed throughout this country. Explore the private residences of ancient and noble families. Visit famous museums such as the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, explore impressive archaeological sites, such as Pompeii and Herculaneum. In Rome there are many archeological sites to visit, the Pantheon, Colosseum, and Palantine Hill. Italy has more cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in the world. Rome, Florence, Assisi, Venice, Siena, Pisa, and Naples are Italy’s most renowned cities of art, but the whole country if full of breathtaking beauty.
Go For the Lake Region
The lakes of northern Italy are a magical place to visit. Set against the foothills of the alps, they offer dramatic scenery and a break from summer’s intense heat. In general, Lake Como is the most popular lake for visitors, especially Americans. Lake Garda is popular with Germans and other Europeans, and Italians are likely to head for Lake Orta for an escape. One of the largest and most popular is Lake Maggiore, while Lake Iseo is somewhat of a hidden gem. Bellagio is considered by many to be the most beautiful and romantic town on Lake Como, if not in Italy. You can take the cable car up to Brunate for a spectacular view of Lake Como and surrounding hills and cool off in the summer in the higher altitude as well.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Positano
Upon arrival to Naples Airport your driver will be waiting in the arrival hall for your private transfer to your accommodation in Positano. Overnight in Positano.
Day 2: Positano to Sorrento
Check out of the hotel this morning and meet your driver for your panoramic drive along the Amalfi Coast. Your driver will head toward Amalfi where you can take a brief stroll ending in front of the lovely mosaic façade of St. Andrew’s Cathedral. You can choose to have a bite to eat here or continue to Ravello. If you do want to keep exploring, we recommend visiting the Duomo or Villa Rufolo with its magnificent gardens and breathtaking views. Truly picture perfect! After the visit, you will head to your accommodation in Sorrento to explore an additional portion of the coast. Drop off at the hotel. Overnight in Sorrento.
Day 3: Sorrento
This morning meet your driver and head to Pompeii where you’ll meet your guide for a tour of the most famous archaeological site in the world. Once a thriving and sophisticated Roman city that had been buried under meters of ash and pumice after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The ash covering the town protected the buildings against the passage of time. The 2-hour guided tour covers the main public monuments and some of the homes in the town.
After the visit of the excavations, there will be free time for lunch before heading to Mount Vesuvius. On clear days the volcano offers spectacular and striking views, leaving the eye to wander over the sea, islands, and the archaeological excavations of the cities buried by the eruption. The coach will take you as far as 1000 meters above sea level. From there, you’ll continue walking along a path to reach the peak of the volcano, for an impressive view of the crater visited with a specialized mountain guide. At the end of the tour, your driver will take you back to your accommodation in Sorrento. Overnight in Sorrento.
Day 4: Sorrento
This morning meet your driver in your hotel to be taken to the pier where you will start your day tour. Embark for a yacht tour of Capri Island. You will enjoy a welcome drink on board while sailing to the Island of Capri. Once you arrive in Capri, the skipper will take you on a tour of the island by boat with stops to visit the Marvelous Blue Grotto, the White Grotto, and the Green Grotto. Along the way, you will admire the Natural Arch, Villa Curzio Malaparte, the Faraglioni rocks, and the Lighthouse of Punta Carena. There will be a couple of stops for swimming and snorkeling, and a relaxing break with snacks and drinks offered on board. You will then stop for approximately 3-5 hours to visit the island by land on your own. End your day back on board the boat returning to Sorrento. Overnight in Sorrento.
Day 5: Sorrento
Today after breakfast meet your driver to be transported to your pizza-making lesson. You will learn how to make a real Neapolitan pizza! Your class begins at the pizzeria where you will produce a tasty pizza from scratch and discover the tricks of the trade from an expert pizzaiolo. In a fun environment, learn the art of the traditional Neapolitan pizza-making and techniques that will ensure perfect results even when you are back home. Mix the ingredients, knead the dough, pull it, toss it and add your favorite toppings before the expert pizza-maker slides it in the wood-burning oven. Your mouth will be watering just waiting for it to be taken out of the oven. Yummy! Afterward, reap the benefits of your hard work and sit down to eat your creation. Buon appetito! Overnight in Sorrento.
Day 6: Sorrento Departure
Check out of the hotel and meet your driver in the lobby for your transfer to Naples Airport. Arrivederci!