- Milan
- Piedmont
- Bologna
- Florence
- Rome
- The Amalfi Coast
From prosciutto in Bologna to gelato in Florence - discover the best of Italy's culinary treasures
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
Itinerary highlights
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Head on your own private truffle hunt in Piedmont
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Explore medieval markets and recreate regional specialities on a cooking course in Bologna
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Cycle through the Chianti countryside and soak up the beauty of rural Tuscany
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Discover the history and architecture of Florence and Rome during a private guided tour
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Absorb the beauty of the Amalfi Coast's resorts and historic villas during a dedicated tour
What's included
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Luxury accommodation throughout
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Private transfers
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Private tours, classes and experiences focused around Italy's wonderful cuisine
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Full support from your travel designer and concierge before, during and after your trip
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Our help with restaurant recommendations and reservations
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Expert guides in each destination
At a glance
Italy is simply synonymous with delicious cuisine. For many chefs, critics and passionate foodies, Italy is home to the finest food in the world, with fresh produce and traditional regional specialities to be discovered across each and every area of the country. With food strongly ingrained in Italian culture, many regions, cities, towns and villages have been shaped by their relationship with cuisine, something evident and best discovered through this taste bud-tantalising 14-day trip.
You’ll begin your adventure in Italy’s north, starting in the city of Milan, famous for its shopping and fashion and home to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Heading next to the foot of the Alps, Piedmont is a beautiful region blessed by sublime natural landscapes dotted with vineyards and home to hidden truffles. In Emilia-Romagna you’ll sample delicious Parmesan and ham with a gastro tour of Parma, before exploring the mesmerising medieval city of Bologna, topping off your experience with a cooking class led by local professional chef, Rita.
A three-night stay in Florence follows, with time spent walking through the classical architecture of the city and sampling mouth-watering gelato. Two nights in Rome are next, home to incredible Roman ruins and striking landmarks, here you’ll try your hand at a pizza-making class. The final three nights will see you stay on the glistening Amalfi Coast, where you’ll explore the fascinating ruined Roman city of Pompeii, visit a pasta factory and sample tasty mozzarella and limoncello.
Example trip itinerary
Milan
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Milan
Accommodation in Milan
- 77 rooms including eight suites
- Restaurant
- Wine cellar and bar
- Amore & Psiche Spa
Neither French, as its name might suggest, nor typically Milanese with its overtly playful design, the Château Monfort is truly unique in both its interiors and ethos.
Located in the heart of the city, the hotel is housed within an early 20th-century art nouveau building, and draws its inspiration from the world of fairytales and opera. Pastel colors adorn the walls of the 77 rooms, enhanced by floral patterns and butterflies, mosaics on the floors, mirrors and princely alcoves.
Downstairs you’ll find the exceptional glass-domed Lounge Bar Mezzanotte – the perfect spot to sip a Milanese aperitivo. The magnificent Rubacuori Restaurant is split into three unique rooms, including a room of mirrors and of ceramic animal head trophies, and specialises in modern Italian cuisine. Underneath it all is the Cella di Bacco, an inmate setting for an informal meal of cold cuts, cheese and fine wines.
The Château Montfort also has its own spa – the Amore & Psiche Spa – an exclusive refuge with a sauna, Turkish bath and swimming pool.
An arbiter of international style, Milan is Italy’s financial and industrial heart, a thoroughly modern European city with a great history not far under the surface. Whether shopping, seeing da Vinci’s Last Supper, dining or out discovering hip canal-side bars, Milan is a city with an overlooked charm hiding just beneath the chic surface.

This dynamic city is know the world over for its glamour and you'll enjoy a tour which lets you explore its gems. The cathedral is the fourth largest in the world and is a spectacular example of Gothic architecture. The Milanese are known for their style, and you'll visit the beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, one of the world's oldest shopping malls. Together with Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga, it is considered one of the most important areas for shoppers. Continue to the Piazza della Scala, home to La Scala Theatre, and the majestic Castello Sforzesco. The Dominican convent adjoining the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie houses one of the most important masterpieces in the world, Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper. Only a small number of people are admitted at a time to help protect the fragile fresco.
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Piedmont
Piedmont
Accommodation in Piedmont
- 37 rooms and suites
- Two restaurants - Michelin-starred Damiano Nigro, and the DaMà
- Bar
- Outdoor heated swimming pool
- Wellness area
In the hills of Piedmont’s Langhe region, close to the historic town of Alba, the Villa d’Amelia is a masterfully renovated 19th century country retreat surrounded by hazelnut groves, vineyards and green woodland.
37 rooms and suites are refined and contemporary in style, complementing the building’s classic flair. The exclusive San Luigi Suite that sits in the estate’s old Chapel, and the two suites overlooking the Alps, are the pick of the bunch.
The Villa d’Amelia’s restaurant, Damiano Nigro, has been awarded a Michelin star with meals a modern celebration of the region’s gastronomic history. The DaMà restaurant is a combination of traditional Italian cuisine and experimentation, with particular attention paid to researching top quality raw ingredients, mostly local and seasonal. There is also a wonderful wine cellar carved out of a deconsecrated chapel in the hotel’s courtyard.
A bar, outdoor swimming pool, wellness centre with a sauna, and blooming gardens round out the hotel’s grounds.
It’s a perfect starting point to discover hundreds of wineries in the region, famed for its Barolo reds amongst other, as well as Langa’s incredible food, home to the Alba White Truffle, a high number of Michelin starred restaurants and the birthplace of the slow food movement. You can also work up an appetite with biking and trekking tours, visits to local historical sites or roam the hills astride a Vespa.
Nestled in the north west of the country and fringed by the French and Swiss Alps, Piedmont is one of Italy's most naturally beautiful regions. Its name means 'at the foot of the mountains' and it is a patchwork of snow-capped peaks, sweeping valleys and plains dotted with vineyards, farmhouses and pretty baroque towns. It is also a region famous for its food and drink, with enough wineries and chocolate shops to ensure no visitor is ever left hungry or thirsty.

Enjoy a full day in the heart of the italian countryside hunting for truffles and enjoying typical, local delicacies.
Discover the art of truffle hunting on a private experience accompanying a 'trifolau' and his trusted dog as they search the woods for this prized tuber. Your expert guide will explain all there is to know about the elusive truffles - you’ll learn about the different varieties of
truffle plants, the truffle hunt itself, the history, myth and legend and the harvest. You’ll also get to spend time with and learn about a vital member of the team, the trusted best-friend and hunter extraordinaire; the dog.
After your hunt you will enjoy drinks and snacks in the trifolao’s restored stone hut in the middle of the woods before sitting down for a four course lunch with drinks.
Although you’ll enjoy a gourmet meal today we suggest you wear casual, comfortable clothes and walking shoes for this excursion.

Some of the finest Italian wines come from Piedmont; the rolling hills of Monferrato, Le Langhe and Roero are responsible for Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera red wines and the white wines of Asti and Moscato. As well as the more well-known names, you will get to taste a number of indigenous grape varieties that do not make their way out of Italy, such as Dolcetto, Ruche, Grignolino and Arneis. A must for any wine lover, this tour will take you to a variety of local wineries and give you ample chance to taste these delicious drops.
Culatello di Zibello is a sort of "super ham" strictly tied to the Po River area being actually produced (handmade only in wintertime) in eight small villages of the so-called "Bassa Parmense", a strip of land running along the right side of the Po River, which includes Busseto, Parma Polesine, Zibello, Soragna, Roccabianca, San Secondo and Colorno, approximately a one-hour drive from Parma.
The tour includes the visit to the ageing rooms to a producer open and owned 230 years by the same family, that run also a nearby restaurant in which they serve in a familiar atmosphere this excellent cured meat and delicious local dishes.
Bologna
Accommodation in Bologna
- 106 rooms
- Two restaurants
- Cafe/bar
- Wellness centre
- Fitness area
A classic and elegant hotel enjoying a fantastic central location just steps from Piazza Maggiore and the Due Torri, Grand Hotel Majestic is one of the most celebrated hotels in the city. With origins dating from the 18th century, the building has hosted this magnificent hotel for over 100 years and is considered an institution of the city.
Consisting of 106 guest rooms, all elegantly decorated and furnished in keeping with the hotel’s artistic style, guests will enjoy a blend of typical Italian style reinforced by modern comfort, as well as lovely city views. A range of newer junior suites and deluxe rooms offer something a little bit different with their classic 18th-century French decor.
Guests will benefit further from the superb dining on offer at the Grand Hotel Majestic, beginning with the famed I Carracci Restaurant. Set in a magnificent hall adorned with frescoes, this is the place to sample traditional cuisine of the Emilia-Romagna region, all whilst seated below artistic beauty. Fine food and wine can also be enjoyed at the new Enoteco Morandi wine cellar eatery, with its rustic menu, while Café Marinetti is the place to begin the evening, with an aperitif in hand.
For a touch of rejuvenation between days exploring medieval architecture and sampling mouth-watering cuisine, the hotel’s health and wellness centre is an oasis of relaxation. Featuring a Turkish bath, sauna, emotional shower with chromotherapy and an intimate relaxing area, this is a haven of wellbeing.
- 40 rooms
- Lounge
Hotel Corona d’Oro is located in the heart of Bologna, just a stone’s throw from the city’s famous two towers, Neptune’s Fountain and it many piazzas.
The building dates from the 13th century and was once in the hands of the powerful Azzoguidi family. Many of its original features have been maintained, such as the medieval portico on the outside and pannelled ceilings covered in renaissance frescos.
There are just 40 rooms, classic and elegant in design with parquet flooring and luxe fabrics. Some have small balconies with views out over the city.
The beautiful lounge sits under a glass ceiling, flooding the area with light and it’s the perfect space to unwind with the papers and a cup of coffee.
Bologna is the historic capital of Emilia-Romagna, home to what's thought to be the world's oldest university, as well as stunning medieval architecture and wonderful food. When it comes to culture and cuisine, this lively and liberal city rivals any other in Italy, while its convenient location makes it a fantastic base for exploring the other highlights of this culinary-rich region. Spend your days exploring medieval markets and architecture, climbing the city's famous towers, gorging yourself on delicious hams, cheese and Bolognese, walking through the thousands of porticoes and popping into interesting museums.

Set in the historic university quarter of Bologna, you'll enjoy an insightful opportunity to learn the techniques and recipes of some of Italy's finest cuisine. Your 'Cucina Italiana' experience will be under the guidance of professional chef, Rita, a multi-generation Bolognese who is passionate about her stunning medieval town and its food. With Rita as your guide, your experience will begin by exploring the labyrinth of food stalls in the medieval markets, shopping for the day’s meal the same way the Bolognese have done since the Middle Ages. Wild asparagus, glossy eggplants, firm artichokes, ripe red tomatoes all vie for your attention as you hand-pick the freshest vegetables for your menu. Follow the scent of the bakery to choose crunchy Italian focaccia, stand under hundreds of kilos of hanging prosciutto to choose your meat; the choices are truly endless in a town as passionate about food as Bologna. The cooking class is held in Rita’s family kitchen, and once you enter her elegant, stone-floored 15th-century home, right in the centre of Bologna’s old town, you feel as if she has invited you to dinner. The twist is, you get to cook. Under her expert guidance and thankfully her excellent English, you will create fresh handmade pasta and a range of mouth-watering regional specialities that you can savour at the end of the class.
For any motor enthusiasts, this is a must for any visitor to Italy and the museum so well curated that it is interesting for non enthusiasts. The whole history of this iconic and quintessentially Italian marque is on display, including the first Ferrari car and going right through history to the current production models with a collection of priceless racing cars covering some eight decades. You will even get to see a reproduction of founder Enzo Ferrari’s office in Modena with much of the original furniture.
Florence
Accommodation in Florence
- 37 rooms and 7 suites
- Le Bistrot Restaurant and bar
- Spa with hammam
- Heated outdoor swimming pool
- Bicycles
- Gym
- Complimentary shuttle service to the city
Overlooking the historic Boboli Gardens, near to Florence’s centre, Villa Cora is an exquisitely restored 19th century palace that offers a step back into the grandeur of neoclassical Florence, with eclectic and occasionally bizarre artistic styles of the period.
Built at a time when Florence was the cosmopolitan capital of the newly created Kingdom of Italy, Villa Cora earned its reputation by hosting guests such as Princess Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, and the Russian composer Tchaikovsky, being considered the most beautiful residence of the Tuscan capital. It became a grand hotel in 1960, during another of Florence’s most stylish periods.
The hotel has 44 rooms and suites, divided into the main villa and in two adjacent buildings. The majority are in the main villa, split over four floors, each of which has been characterised around a theme, one with extravagant frescoes, another taking Moorish influence from the Orient. Villino Eugenia is a small guesthouse overlooking the Boboli Gardens, containing 13 accommodations, each decorated and furnished according to the bourgeois styles of the late 19th century. Lastly, La Follie, a small guesthouse located at the edge of the park that surrounds Villa Cora has a particular charm and discretion with only two rooms for complete privacy.
Le Bistrot Restaurant offers seasonal produce, during the winter months in the splendid Moorish Room with its domed ceiling with original frescoes by Antonio Caremmi, and in the summer outdoors in the winter garden by the side of the swimming pool, where guests can relax in an elegant yet informal environment.
The Benè spa is located on the lower floor of Villino Eugenia and is equipped with a small gym, tepidarium, sauna and Turkish hammam. The wellness centre offers Asian and European massages as well as beauty treatments. There is also a large heated outdoor pool shaded by vast oak trees.
- 88 rooms and 14 suites
- Irene restaurant
- Bicycle hire
- Family friendly tours
- Gym
The Hotel Savoy could not be more centrally located if it tried, located on Florence’s Piazza della Repubblica, next to the Duomo, with all the famous attractions of the city within walking distance.
Interiors are the work of designer Olga Polizzi, combining sleek and contemporary Italian with the building’s historic form, along with some more playful touches throughout. There are 88 rooms and 14 suites, including the two bedroom Repubblica Suite and its spectacular view over the square, and the Brunelleschi and Signoria suites that each enjoy private steam rooms.
Hotel Savoy’s restaurant, Irene, is overseen by renowned chef Fulvio Pierangelini and offers authentic flavours using local seasonal products, with some light and healthy reinventions of Tuscan classics. During warmer months, guests can enjoy al fresco dining on the terrace and soak up the atmosphere.
- 80 rooms and 19 suites
- Michelin-starred restaurant
- Wine cellar
- Spa
- Fitness centre
Along the banks of the River Arno on a pedestrianised piazza, is the St. Regis Florence, a historic palace designed by Brunelleschi.
The hotel’s 80 rooms and 19 suites are decorated in elegant Medici, Fiorentino or Renaissance style. Some feature adorned coffered ceilings, wall frescoes and 15th-century artwork. Florence is a city of true beauty and you’ll enjoy views of the city, courtyard or the River Arno from your opulent room.
Indulging in the local food is the highlight of any trip to Italy and the hotel’s Restaurant, Winter Garden by Caino, has been awarded a Michelin star for its innovative cuisine. The excellent food is matched by its surroundings and the high glass ceilings and dramatic chandelier give the room plenty of old-world charm.
The Regis Bar is located in the arches of the restaurant and the perfect place to relax with an espresso or cocktail. If grapes are more your thing, the cellar houses more than 300 prestigious labels from Italy and further afield.
For when you want to relax and unwind, head to the hotel spa or fitness centre or get out and discover the beautiful city of Florence which is right on your doorstep.
Surrounded by rolling Tuscan hills, the beautiful city of Florence is one of Europe's most enchanting and historically influential cities. If anywhere in the world can claim to have shaped modern Western consciousness, it is Florence's grand piazzas and palazzos. The world's greatest Renaissance artworks and sculpture can be found at every turn in the historical centre, an area that can be traversed on foot in under an hour but would infinitely longer to properly explore.

Explore Florence’s Renaissance past with this guided walking tour of the city's historic centre. The Accademia Gallery is home to Michelangelo's ‘David’, one of the finest sculptures ever created, and though there are many copies across the city, this is the real deal. You'll also admire the church of Santa Maria del Fiore – the famous Duomo - and Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome and visit the Duomo Museum; the nearby Campanile of Giotto (bell tower); and Ghiberti’s enchanting ‘Gates of Paradise’, the door to the Baptistry. Continue to the Piazza della Signoria, centre of Florentine politics and home to a captivating outdoor sculpture gallery. Shopping, architecture and history will collide as you stroll over the Ponte Vecchio.
This is an idea of what you can see during your tour of Florence but it can be tweaked to suit your interests - chat with your guide on the day and they will come up with an itinerary that's perfect for you.

This tour is all about gelato - Italian ice cream. Learn how gelato was invented, see how it is made on the premises of a gelato parlour, and naturally, lots of flavours will be tasted and compared.

A bike ride is the perfect way to see the beautiful Chianti countryside. You will be provided with 21-speed mountain bikes, helmets and water bottles and set off on your adventure, riding past rolling green hills along roads lined with cypress trees. You will also have the chance to visit some local churches and small medieval villages and visit a winery for a tasting. The tour ends with a delicious Tuscan meal.
Transfer
Private transfer to Florence train station
Transfer
Train from Florence to Rome
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Rome
Rome
Accommodation in Rome
- 12 rooms
- Garden apartment and two suites
- Private garden
- Listed library
- Wellness centre
Built the late 19th century, this grandiose villa has stayed with the Trivelli family ever since, through hosting meetings of the National Council of Italian Women, high society gathering of Counts and Countess to being the residence of Piero Trivelli, a sensitive writer and refined poet. In 2004, son of Count Piero decided to convert the historic residence into the fabulous boutique hotel of today.
Communal areas are full of antiques and art, the library is listed and lounge areas steeped in a dark wood, old world luxury. Outside are peaceful formal gardens that form a walled oasis away from the Rome’s bustle.
Overlooking the greenery are just 12 rooms, warm and welcoming, with subtle modern touches enhancing the historic charm of the original features. Large beds are clad in Fiandra linen sheets and alpaca or cashmere throws. Bathrooms are spacious and lined in marble, and all have baths as well as showers. Well-stocked minibars are complimentary.
On the other side of the garden are two Garden Suites and a large apartment ideal for families, small groups or those seeking privacy.
Breakfast is a vast spread and afternoon tea is served by the fireplace, whilst dinners can be arranged in the garden during summer months. There is also a wonderful spa and health centre offering restorative wellness therapies.
Centrally located between the Via Nazionale and the Quirinal Palace, the Colosseum is a 15 minute walk away, the Trevi Fountain half that, and many of the city’s best restaurants are just around the corner.
- 91 rooms and 31 suites
- Le Jardin de Russie restaurant
- Stravinskij Bar
- De Russie Spa
- Fitness centre
Once hosting aristocratic travellers, Russian royalty and renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau, a half century hiatus as an office building ended with a glorious restoration and re-establishment of this Roman icon.
The Hotel de Russie lies between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo on the Via del Babuino, within easy walking distance of Rome’s main attractions, fashion houses and Via Condotti. Though surrounded by the ceaseless buzz of the city, behind the hotel’s unassuming frontage, is a soothing tranquility – both in design and ambiance – and vast private 18th century terraced gardens, a rare oasis away from it all.
122 rooms and suites are thoroughly up to date amenity wise, complete with Bisazza mosaic and Carrara marble in the bathrooms. Some feature private terraces and many rooms have views over Rome, Piazza del Popolo or the garden.
The Stravinskij Bar is renowned for its apertivos, while Le Jardin de Russie and its chef, two-Michelin-star chef Fulvio Pierangelini, serve up simple yet refined dishes Mediterranean dishes in one a most romantic of settings. Furthering the Hotel de Russie urban oasis credentials is the De Russie Spa, one of Rome’s best health clubs.
Rome, Italy’s capital and largest city, needs little introduction. One of the most historied locations in the world, glorious reminders of Rome’s illustrious past, from ancient Roman wonders to Renaissance masterpieces, are all on show. That’s not to say that its cosmopolitan streets do not embrace the now; Rome is as exhilarating and forward thinking as ever.

No visit to Italy would be complete without tasting an authentic Italian pizza, but what better way to experience this iconic Italian dish than through making your own? You’ll be welcomed by a professional pizza maker and be taken through the process of pizza making. You'll get to knead the dough, create the topping, pop it into the oven and best of all, you'll get to eat your creation too.

Discover the great Roman Forum, for centuries the centre of civic life as the site of triumphal processions, elections, public speeches and criminal trials. Then, along the Via Sacra (Sacred Way), head to the Palatine Hill, one of the most ancient area of the city, where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the Circus Maximus, an ancient Roman chariot racing stadium. Last but not least, enter the magnificent Colosseum, considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering, and capable of seating up to 50,000 spectators.
To visit Pompeii is probably as close as we can get to travelling in a time machine back to ancient Rome. In August of 79 AD, Vesuvius had been rumbling for some days and it is estimated that a large part of the population of 20,000 had been evacuated; those that were left were as if suspended in time, as the plaster casts made of the bodies that were found shows. Excavation started in the 18th century and continues to this day.
The first impression, on entering into the Forum, is just how massive Roman structures were; they really dwarf revered Medieval or later sites. You will get to walk Roman streets, look into bars, stroll into Patrician villas, complete with frescoes and mosaics, there is even a mosaic doormat, saying ‘beware of the dog’. Even graffiti (an Italian word) is written on some of the walls, reflecting a forthcoming election. When you see the baths, the central heating systems and the gentle fountains in the courtyards of the villas, you really feel it wouldn’t be too much of a hardship to live there.
The Amalfi Coast
Accommodation in The Amalfi Coast
- 50 luxury rooms and suites
- Seasonal restaurants
- Wine cellar
- Spa
- Private seafront deck
Built upon the ruins of a Roman villa in the 18th century and a landmark hotel ever since, the Bellevue Syrene brings bright modern style and refined service to a setting above Sorrento that has long attracted emperors, artists and intellectuals.
From its precarious cliffside position, views spill out across the Gulf of Naples to Vesuvius in the distance. 50 luxury rooms and suites are elegantly furnished, interiors blending traditional features and historical artefacts with more contemporary finishes. Most boast sea views and balconies. The breathtaking Roccia ‘Rock’ Suite is set in an ancient Roman grotto and has a large hydrotherapy bath tub opposite the bed, as well as sea views.
Outside there is a pool on the terrace as well as a lift down to sun beds and parasols on the private seafront deck.
Dining here is seasonal, with the splendid panoramic terraces of La Pergola perfect for hot summer days, and the Gli Archi’s warm and welcoming style for winter. The Mimmo Jodice room, decorated with some of the pictures of the great Neapolitan photographer, completes the hotel’s dining options. There is also a club lounge and wine cellar.
Guests can explore Sorrento, the nearby ancient ruins of Pompeii and picturesque Positano. Capri is a short ferry ride away and offers fantastic designer shops and restaurants.
- Infinity swimming pool
- Hotel restaurant
- Poolside bar and restaurant
- Scenic helicopter flights available
- Classic car rides available
Perched atop Ravello’s cliff, the beautifully restored Caruso is one the finest spots from which to soaking in the Amalfi Coast. The current building dates back to 1800, the original palace 700 years further still, and its 50 rooms and suites in an array of shapes and sizes are fittingly replete with marble, original frescos and Italian antiques. Many enjoy wonderful vistas of the coast, sea and fragrant gardens. The Caruso’s two Exclusive Suites have their own terrace and garden. The Belvedere Restaurant serves up Italian and local Neapolitan delicacies, in the summer to be enjoyed out on the terrace. There is also a restaurant by the famous infinity pool with a wood-fired pizza oven, an adjoining bar, and the elegant piano bar indoors. Explore the coast on complimentary cruises to Amalfi and Positano, scenic helicopter flights on request, or perhaps take out vintage Vespas or classic car along the coastal road.
- 43 rooms and suites
- Three restaurants
- Cocktail bar
- Swimming pool
- Spa
- Gymnasium
- Rooftop solarium
A Ravello establishment, the gracious Palazzo Avino combines its long history, unwavering modern luxury and timeless coastal views.
Much the current structure was built on the remains of a 12th century palace in 1710 by the Sasso family, then renovated in the 19th century as the grand Hotel Palumbo that hosted a long list of royalty, aristocrats, actors, poets and writers. Reborn again two decades ago, it has consistently rated amongst the best hotels in Europe ever since.
There are 43 rooms and suites, the pick which have wonderful sea views while others look back to the mountain or charming town. Interiors are bright with a selection of period furniture and typically resplendent Italian bathrooms.
Dining here is an absolute highlight. The famed Rossellinis offers Michelin-star dining and fine regional wines, while Terrazza Belvedere is a more casual affair with panoramic views. Caffé dell’Arte is the place apertivos and cocktails and the Lobster & Martini Bar is self explanatory.
The heated pool, gym, full service spa and rooftop solarium’s jacuzzis make the most of the views. Another unique feature is the Palazzo Avino’s Clubhouse by the Sea. Just 15 minutes away, on a complimentary shuttle service to the small town of Marmorata, guests have use of the beach platforms, a small swimming pool and casual Clubhouse Restaurant.
- 12 rooms and suites
- Terrace
- Outdoor pool
Locations don’t come much more perfect than that of La Minervetta, perched on the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples. Not far from bustling Sorrento, you can enjoy some peace and quiet on this beautiful stretch of coastline.
With just 12 rooms, guests will enjoy the intimate atmosphere and there are plenty of personal touches throughout the hotel including artefacts from the owner’s own travels. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer spectacular views out across the sea and the rooms themselves are spacious and light with a nautical theme.
When you want to go exploring, there is a private staircase that leads to the quaint fishing village of Marina Grande. Even when you’re not out and about you can still appreciate the beauty of the Amalfi Coast with stunning views from the outdoor pool and terrace.
Draped along the cliffs on the southern side of the Sorrento Peninsula, between Salerno and the city of Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most dramatic and glamorous spots in Italy. Between the two, Positano, Amalfi and Ravello’s candy coloured buildings spill their way down into blue bays.
The peninsular combines affluent sophistication with a honest simplicity, where super yachts and gurgling Italian sports cars next sit amidst an unchanging rural way of life. The food gloriously reflects this and some of Europe’s finest restaurants can be found here, thriving on fresh local produce, whilst the rustic Neapolitan food found everywhere here to many epitomizes Italian cuisine. The views and food are perhaps the main draw here, but there is a rich history to explore too, hidden beaches to discover and pristine trails in the Lattari Mountains to climb.

Handcrafted pasta is definitely something the Campania region can be proud of. Today you'll enjoy a tour of a local factory that has been producing pasta since 1848. Everything they make is handmade and the pasta is extruded through bronze, a method that has been used for centuries. The resulting rough, porous surface means the pasta holds the sauce well, giving dishes a wonderful flavour. You'll also visit a local mozzarella cheese factory, the oldest on the Sorrentine peninsula, that also produces the region's famous limoncello.

Discover the spectacular Amalfi Coast, situated like an amphitheatre among the mountains and the sea. Visit Ravello and the Villas Rufolo and Cimbrone, two sites not to be missed for their splendour and decorations. Both villas have amazingly beautiful gardens. You'll also take in the wonderful Positano, considered to be one of the most picturesque of all Italy's coastal resorts.
Transfer
Private transfer to Naples airport
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A Culinary Journey Through Incredible Italy
How we work
Italy is simply synonymous with delicious cuisine. For many chefs, critics and passionate foodies, Italy is home to the finest food in the world, with fresh produce and traditional regional specialities to be discovered across each and every area of the country. With food strongly ingrained in Italian culture, many regions, cities, towns and villages have been shaped by their relationship with cuisine, something evident and best discovered through this taste bud-tantalising 14-day trip. You’ll begin your adventure in Italy’s north, starting in the city of Milan, famous for its shopping and fashion and home to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Heading next to the foot of the Alps, Piedmont is a beautiful region blessed by sublime natural landscapes dotted with vineyards and home to hidden truffles. In Emilia-Romagna you’ll sample delicious Parmesan and ham with a gastro tour of Parma, before exploring the mesmerising medieval city of Bologna, topping off your experience with a cooking class led by local professional chef, Rita. A three-night stay in Florence follows, with time spent walking through the classical architecture of the city and sampling mouth-watering gelato. Two nights in Rome are next, home to incredible Roman ruins and striking landmarks, here you’ll try your hand at a pizza-making class. The final three nights will see you stay on the glistening Amalfi Coast, where you’ll explore the fascinating ruined Roman city of Pompeii, visit a pasta factory and sample tasty mozzarella and limoncello. | Whats included?
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Days 1-2 |
Milan |
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel in Milan |
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Accommodation in Milan
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Château Monfort - $$$$$
Neither French, as its name might suggest, nor typically Milanese with its overtly playful...
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One night in Milan An arbiter of international style, Milan is Italy’s financial and industrial heart, a thoroughly modern European city with a great history not far under the surface. Whether shopping, seeing da Vinci’s Last Supper, dining or out discovering hip canal-side bars, Milan is a city with an overlooked charm hiding just beneath the chic surface. |
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Private guided tour of Milan with The Last Supper This dynamic city is know the world over for its glamour and you'll enjoy a tour which lets you explore its gems. The cathedral is the fourth largest in the world and is a spectacular example of Gothic architecture. The Milanese are known for their style, and you'll visit the beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, one of the world's oldest shopping malls. Together with Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga, it is considered one of the most important areas for shoppers. Continue to the Piazza della Scala, home to La Scala Theatre, and the majestic Castello Sforzesco. The Dominican convent adjoining the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie houses one of the most important masterpieces in the world, Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper. Only a small number of people are admitted at a time to help protect the fragile fresco. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel in Piedmont |
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Days 2-4 |
Piedmont |
Accommodation in Piedmont
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Villa D’Amelia - $$$$$
In the hills of Piedmont’s Langhe region, close to the historic town of Alba, the Villa...
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Two nights in Piedmont Nestled in the north west of the country and fringed by the French and Swiss Alps, Piedmont is one of Italy's most naturally beautiful regions. Its name means 'at the foot of the mountains' and it is a patchwork of snow-capped peaks, sweeping valleys and plains dotted with vineyards, farmhouses and pretty baroque towns. It is also a region famous for its food and drink, with enough wineries and chocolate shops to ensure no visitor is ever left hungry or thirsty. |
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Private truffle hunt Enjoy a full day in the heart of the italian countryside hunting for truffles and enjoying typical, local delicacies. |
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Wine tour around the Langhe area Some of the finest Italian wines come from Piedmont; the rolling hills of Monferrato, Le Langhe and Roero are responsible for Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera red wines and the white wines of Asti and Moscato. As well as the more well-known names, you will get to taste a number of indigenous grape varieties that do not make their way out of Italy, such as Dolcetto, Ruche, Grignolino and Arneis. A must for any wine lover, this tour will take you to a variety of local wineries and give you ample chance to taste these delicious drops. |
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Private transfer to Bologna via a Parma ham factory Culatello di Zibello is a sort of "super ham" strictly tied to the Po River area being actually produced (handmade only in wintertime) in eight small villages of the so-called "Bassa Parmense", a strip of land running along the right side of the Po River, which includes Busseto, Parma Polesine, Zibello, Soragna, Roccabianca, San Secondo and Colorno, approximately a one-hour drive from Parma. The tour includes the visit to the ageing rooms to a producer open and owned 230 years by the same family, that run also a nearby restaurant in which they serve in a familiar atmosphere this excellent cured meat and delicious local dishes. |
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Days 4-6 |
Bologna |
Accommodation in Bologna
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Grand Hotel Majestic - $$$$$
A classic and elegant hotel enjoying a fantastic central location just steps from Piazza...
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Hotel Corona d’Oro - $$$$$
Hotel Corona d’Oro is located in the heart of Bologna, just a stone’s throw from...
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Two nights in Bologna Bologna is the historic capital of Emilia-Romagna, home to what's thought to be the world's oldest university, as well as stunning medieval architecture and wonderful food. When it comes to culture and cuisine, this lively and liberal city rivals any other in Italy, while its convenient location makes it a fantastic base for exploring the other highlights of this culinary-rich region. Spend your days exploring medieval markets and architecture, climbing the city's famous towers, gorging yourself on delicious hams, cheese and Bolognese, walking through the thousands of porticoes and popping into interesting museums. |
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Bologna cooking class Set in the historic university quarter of Bologna, you'll enjoy an insightful opportunity to learn the techniques and recipes of some of Italy's finest cuisine. Your 'Cucina Italiana' experience will be under the guidance of professional chef, Rita, a multi-generation Bolognese who is passionate about her stunning medieval town and its food. With Rita as your guide, your experience will begin by exploring the labyrinth of food stalls in the medieval markets, shopping for the day’s meal the same way the Bolognese have done since the Middle Ages. Wild asparagus, glossy eggplants, firm artichokes, ripe red tomatoes all vie for your attention as you hand-pick the freshest vegetables for your menu. Follow the scent of the bakery to choose crunchy Italian focaccia, stand under hundreds of kilos of hanging prosciutto to choose your meat; the choices are truly endless in a town as passionate about food as Bologna. The cooking class is held in Rita’s family kitchen, and once you enter her elegant, stone-floored 15th-century home, right in the centre of Bologna’s old town, you feel as if she has invited you to dinner. The twist is, you get to cook. Under her expert guidance and thankfully her excellent English, you will create fresh handmade pasta and a range of mouth-watering regional specialities that you can savour at the end of the class. |
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Private transfer to Florence via the Ferrari Museo Maranello For any motor enthusiasts, this is a must for any visitor to Italy and the museum so well curated that it is interesting for non enthusiasts. The whole history of this iconic and quintessentially Italian marque is on display, including the first Ferrari car and going right through history to the current production models with a collection of priceless racing cars covering some eight decades. You will even get to see a reproduction of founder Enzo Ferrari’s office in Modena with much of the original furniture. |
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Days 6-9 |
Florence |
Accommodation in Florence
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Villa Cora - $$$$$
Overlooking the historic Boboli Gardens, near to Florence’s centre, Villa Cora is an...
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Hotel Savoy - $$$$$
The Hotel Savoy could not be more centrally located if it tried, located on Florence’s...
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St. Regis Florence - $$$$$
Along the banks of the River Arno on a pedestrianised piazza, is the St. Regis Florence, a...
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Three nights in Florence Surrounded by rolling Tuscan hills, the beautiful city of Florence is one of Europe's most enchanting and historically influential cities. If anywhere in the world can claim to have shaped modern Western consciousness, it is Florence's grand piazzas and palazzos. The world's greatest Renaissance artworks and sculpture can be found at every turn in the historical centre, an area that can be traversed on foot in under an hour but would infinitely longer to properly explore. |
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Classical Florence walking tour Explore Florence’s Renaissance past with this guided walking tour of the city's historic centre. The Accademia Gallery is home to Michelangelo's ‘David’, one of the finest sculptures ever created, and though there are many copies across the city, this is the real deal. You'll also admire the church of Santa Maria del Fiore – the famous Duomo - and Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome and visit the Duomo Museum; the nearby Campanile of Giotto (bell tower); and Ghiberti’s enchanting ‘Gates of Paradise’, the door to the Baptistry. Continue to the Piazza della Signoria, centre of Florentine politics and home to a captivating outdoor sculpture gallery. Shopping, architecture and history will collide as you stroll over the Ponte Vecchio. This is an idea of what you can see during your tour of Florence but it can be tweaked to suit your interests - chat with your guide on the day and they will come up with an itinerary that's perfect for you. |
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Gelato tasting This tour is all about gelato - Italian ice cream. Learn how gelato was invented, see how it is made on the premises of a gelato parlour, and naturally, lots of flavours will be tasted and compared. |
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Cycle through the Chianti countryside A bike ride is the perfect way to see the beautiful Chianti countryside. You will be provided with 21-speed mountain bikes, helmets and water bottles and set off on your adventure, riding past rolling green hills along roads lined with cypress trees. You will also have the chance to visit some local churches and small medieval villages and visit a winery for a tasting. The tour ends with a delicious Tuscan meal. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Florence train station |
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Train from Florence to Rome | |
Private transfer to your hotel in Rome | |
Days 9-11 |
Rome |
Accommodation in Rome
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Villa Spalletti Trivelli - $$$$$
Built the late 19th century, this grandiose villa has stayed with the Trivelli family ever...
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Hotel de Russie - $$$$$
Once hosting aristocratic travellers, Russian royalty and renowned artists such as Pablo...
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Two nights in Rome Rome, Italy’s capital and largest city, needs little introduction. One of the most historied locations in the world, glorious reminders of Rome’s illustrious past, from ancient Roman wonders to Renaissance masterpieces, are all on show. That’s not to say that its cosmopolitan streets do not embrace the now; Rome is as exhilarating and forward thinking as ever. |
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Pizza-making workshop No visit to Italy would be complete without tasting an authentic Italian pizza, but what better way to experience this iconic Italian dish than through making your own? You’ll be welcomed by a professional pizza maker and be taken through the process of pizza making. You'll get to knead the dough, create the topping, pop it into the oven and best of all, you'll get to eat your creation too. |
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Tour of Ancient Rome - The Forum, Palatine Hill and the Colosseum Discover the great Roman Forum, for centuries the centre of civic life as the site of triumphal processions, elections, public speeches and criminal trials. Then, along the Via Sacra (Sacred Way), head to the Palatine Hill, one of the most ancient area of the city, where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the Circus Maximus, an ancient Roman chariot racing stadium. Last but not least, enter the magnificent Colosseum, considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering, and capable of seating up to 50,000 spectators. |
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Private transfer to the Amalfi Coast via Pompeii To visit Pompeii is probably as close as we can get to travelling in a time machine back to ancient Rome. In August of 79 AD, Vesuvius had been rumbling for some days and it is estimated that a large part of the population of 20,000 had been evacuated; those that were left were as if suspended in time, as the plaster casts made of the bodies that were found shows. Excavation started in the 18th century and continues to this day. The first impression, on entering into the Forum, is just how massive Roman structures were; they really dwarf revered Medieval or later sites. You will get to walk Roman streets, look into bars, stroll into Patrician villas, complete with frescoes and mosaics, there is even a mosaic doormat, saying ‘beware of the dog’. Even graffiti (an Italian word) is written on some of the walls, reflecting a forthcoming election. When you see the baths, the central heating systems and the gentle fountains in the courtyards of the villas, you really feel it wouldn’t be too much of a hardship to live there. |
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Days 11-14 |
The Amalfi Coast |
Accommodation in The Amalfi Coast
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Bellevue Syrene - $$$$$
Built upon the ruins of a Roman villa in the 18th century and a landmark hotel ever since, the...
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Belmond Hotel Caruso - $$$$$
Perched atop Ravello’s cliff, the beautifully restored Belmond Hotel Caruso is one the...
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Palazzo Avino - $$$$$
A Ravello establishment, the gracious Palazzo Avino combines its long history, unwavering...
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La Minervetta - $$$$$
Locations don’t come much more perfect than that of La Minervetta, perched on the cliffs...
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Three nights on the Amalfi Coast Draped along the cliffs on the southern side of the Sorrento Peninsula, between Salerno and the city of Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most dramatic and glamorous spots in Italy. Between the two, Positano, Amalfi and Ravello’s candy coloured buildings spill their way down into blue bays. The peninsular combines affluent sophistication with a honest simplicity, where super yachts and gurgling Italian sports cars next sit amidst an unchanging rural way of life. The food gloriously reflects this and some of Europe’s finest restaurants can be found here, thriving on fresh local produce, whilst the rustic Neapolitan food found everywhere here to many epitomizes Italian cuisine. The views and food are perhaps the main draw here, but there is a rich history to explore too, hidden beaches to discover and pristine trails in the Lattari Mountains to climb. |
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Pasta factory visit and mozzarella and limoncello tasting Handcrafted pasta is definitely something the Campania region can be proud of. Today you'll enjoy a tour of a local factory that has been producing pasta since 1848. Everything they make is handmade and the pasta is extruded through bronze, a method that has been used for centuries. The resulting rough, porous surface means the pasta holds the sauce well, giving dishes a wonderful flavour. You'll also visit a local mozzarella cheese factory, the oldest on the Sorrentine peninsula, that also produces the region's famous limoncello. |
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Amalfi Coast tour Discover the spectacular Amalfi Coast, situated like an amphitheatre among the mountains and the sea. Visit Ravello and the Villas Rufolo and Cimbrone, two sites not to be missed for their splendour and decorations. Both villas have amazingly beautiful gardens. You'll also take in the wonderful Positano, considered to be one of the most picturesque of all Italy's coastal resorts. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Naples airport |