ITALY

Introduction

Italy is perhaps the most romantic country of all. The Italians live in a world of passion and beauty. From elaborate buildings and high arts to everyday pleasures such as food and wine, everything in Italy seems to be done with a certain panache. Even those with a less exuberant attitude to life find it hard not to get caught up in it all.

What to See and Do

The three grand cities of Venice, Florence and Rome are great for people watching, shopping, dining, and of course history. Others, such as Perugia and Naples, are less well known but just as exciting.

Venice oozes romance. Meandering along the canals is obligatory, and we love simply sitting in cafes watching the world go by or exploring the fascinating but lesser known alleyways and narrow streets around San Marco. 

Rome, the city for lovers, is a heady blend of artistic and architectural masterpieces, classical ruins, beautiful gardens and chic, modern offerings. Try a Segway tour to enjoy – The Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, et all. A walk at night with illuminations on the path to the Colloseum is magnificent. 

Sun yourself on the Amalfi or Apulia coasts, retreating to a converted castle in the rolling hills of Tuscany. 

Cinque Terre – five villages connected by a coastal walk, is one of Italy’s gems. If you wake up early, you can cover the walk in a day – and enjoy delicious gelato en route.

Where to Stay and Eat

Best bang-for-your buck hotel -

Right next to the Colosseum, the Mercure hotel has one of the best locations in town, and a stunning rooftop pool. With room rates being very reasonable, it’s hard to beat.

Restaurants only the locals would know

Pagnanelli Restaurant – is at Castle Gandolfo next door to the Pope’s Villa and a short distance from Rome. From Pagnelli’s windows and terraces guests enjoy an extraordinary view of Lake Albano and the beautiful countryside surrounding it. What started years ago as a family restaurant founded by Giovanni Pananelli in 1882, still continues and offers the experience of four generations.. 

A client recently commented “the formula of Pagnanelli’s success is a cocktail of passion and creativity – with every family member giving his contribution”.

 

Solo Per Due or “Just for Two” – is the smallest restaurant in the world: it has only one table and it takes just two people at a time. So there are no queues, no turns, and no waiting; all our attention is dedicated to the two people who have booked.

 

Set in a lovely little village in the province of Rieti, the restaurant has become an unmissable experience for visitors to Italy, and particularly for the romantically inclined!

Total Recall Moment ​

  • Take a hot air balloon flight over the legendary Chianti (Florentine Chianti) landscape with its hilltop towns, castles, valleys, famous vineyards, and mixed woodlands. The balloon flight normally concludes with a traditional Tuscan breakfast.
  • Stay at a 17th century monastery, now converted into a luxury hotel on the Amalfi Coast, one which has quickly joined the ranks of the legendary Grand Dames of the region.

Rookie Mistakes

In Venice – be careful when you choose your hotel. We recommend staying on the Sestieri (central canals), else by staying on the mainland you may find yourself spending more time or money on travel, and still feel cheated of a true Venetian experience. If you’re planning a leisurely or romantic trip, we’d recommend seeking out a slightly quieter location which might involve more walking or ferry trips. Choose The Aman property or Hotel Cipriani, and you are sorted. 

For your Facebook Wall

 Capri has always been one of the most cosmopolitan islands in the Mediterranean, and a favourite haunt of the international jet set and Hollywood celebrities. Be sure to be snapped with one of them. 

Visit the world-famous Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre in the world and a true testament to the wonders of Roman engineering. We recommend a sunset shot of the ruins capture the reddish sunset light warmly embracing the archaeological ruins.

Perfect Souvenir

You may want to stop by Ditta Gammarelli, just around the corner from the Pantheon, for a pair or two of its signature red or purple socks. The Gammarelli family has been dressing popes and cardinals since 1708.

A bottle of Cesanese wine. The Cesanese grape is native to the hills around Rome and dates back to antiquity. Bottles are tough to come by (and very expensive) outside of the region, so pick one up before heading home.