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5 Unique Travel Experiences in Italy

30/01/17 ᛫ 10 Comments

Of all the beautiful countries in Europe, my love affair with Italy is the strongest. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the azure waters of The Amalfi Coast, Italy is one of the most diverse and characterful countries I’ve ever discovered. The architecture, food, fashion and hospitality is unmistakable and if you’re looking to add a dose of luxury, Italy is definitely the place. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Naples, Amalfi, Ischia, Rome, Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Florence on my travels, but there is still so much more of Italy that I want to discover. I’m collaborating with Italian travel specialists Luxo Italia to share my top 5 unique experiences in Italy

Based on Luxo Italia’s incredible portfolio of tailor-made tours, I’ve chosen unique experiences for an extra-special Italian holiday. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture vulture or simply want to get off the beaten track, I think there’s something for everyone in this inspiring Italian round up.

the-travelista-jess-gibson-amalfi-coast

  1. Dive into a Floating Pool on Lake Como

Perfect if you want to experience…The glamorous great outdoors

You’ve done all of Italy’s big cities, so what about escaping to the great outdoors? Framed by a dramatic backdrop of The Alps, Lake Como is arguably one of the most glamorous lakeside destinations in the world. Check in to the iconic Castadiva Resort and dive into the resort’s legendary pool that floats on the lake. For one of the most unique experiences in Italy, take a private speedboat to Bellagio. Nestled on the edge of Lake Como, it’s one of the most picturesque towns in Europe. Explore backstreets, step into secret gardens and relish this exclusive corner of Italy.

castadiva-lake-como

lake-como-italy1

  1. Go Wine Tasting in The Tuscan Hills

Perfect if you want to experience…the ultimate food and wine holiday

Tuscany is my favourite region of Italy that I’ve visited so far. If you’re looking for a culinary adventure filled with authentic cuisine and phenomenal local wines, Tuscany is the one. Be sure to hire a car and explore the beautiful Tuscan hill towns of Siena, San Gimignano, Bolgheri Chianti and Montalcino. For something extra-special, Luxo Italia can arrange a private wine-tasting tour to one of the most famous wineries in the region such as Chianti Classico, Montalcino or Bolgheri. Stroll through the vineyards, sit through a wine tasting session and learn about the entire wine making process from start to finish. Hosted by the winery owners, these exclusive tours can include private wine dinners inside the cellars.

Top Tip: If you’re planning to visit Italy between October and November, the region of Piedmont will be in it’s prime truffle hunting season. Foodies could consider a combination trip to Tuscany and Piedmont during these months. However, it’s a great choice to mix the culinary element of Tuscany with the culture of Siena and Florence at any time of the year.

brunello-di-montalcino-toscana

Castello-di-Velona_piscine-termali

tuscany-italy

  1. Discover the Hidden Beaches and Caves of The Amalfi Coast by Yacht

Perfect if you want to experience…Rest and relaxation in spectacular surroundings

The dramatic scenery of the Amalfi Coast is something I got to see for myself last year and it was even more breathtaking than the photos. This part of Italy is one for the romantics, the honeymooners and those that love to be by the sea. Whilst hoards of day-trippers climb aboard the busy ferries to Capri, charter your own yacht to explore the Amalfi coastline. There are a series of secret beaches and caves along the coastline that are only reachable by boat, including the spectacular Grotta Azzura (Blue Grotto). This natural sea cave is 60 meters long, 25 meters wide and only visited by the privileged few.

the-travelista-jess-gibson-aperol-spritz

monastero-santa-rosa-amalfi

  1. Stay in a 16th Century Farm House in Puglia  

Perfect if you want to experience…an undiscovered part of Italy away from the typical tourist trail

Down in the heel of Italy’s boot lies the coastal region of Puglia. Boasting half the tourists and double the space, Puglia is a hidden gem in comparison to the likes of Rome and Venice. With a magic combination of historical whitewashed towns, pristine beaches and authentic food, this region has an amazing balance of city and sea. Hidden piazzas and winding alleyways make the towns of Savelletri, Matera and Ostuni perfect for exploring. Just outside Ostuni lies Masserie Cervarolo, a charming 16th century farmhouse that has been converted into an 18-room boutique hotel. I’m going to Puglia in May this year and this eco-friendly hotel looks like the perfect base to explore this lesser-known region of Italy.

Top Tip: Matera is only a 3-hour drive from The Amalfi Coast, so it would be great to combine both of these destinations in 1 trip.

ostuni-italy

matera-italy

  1. Walk through the secret passages of The Vatican and other iconic Italian landmarks

Perfect for…culture vultures and history lovers

Beyond the public areas of The Vatican lies a labyrinth of hidden rooms, which are off limits to the average tourist. With Luxo Italia’s connections, secret areas of The Vatican and The Sistine Chapel can be explored on an exclusive private tour of Rome. Over in Florence, intrepid explorers can also experience a private tour of the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia or wander through the hidden halls of the Vasari Corridor.

What did you think of these 5 unique experiences in Italy? Are you planning a trip to Italy of your own? If you’ve enjoyed this post, please leave me a comment in the box below!

Want to read more about Italy? Check out these posts:

  • My Tuscany Road Trip Part 1: Pisa to San Gimignano
  • An Italian Adventure from Naples to Amalfi
  • Monastero Santa Rosa Review, Amalfi Coast

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gelato-ice-cream-italy-forio

About Luxo Italia

The experiences listed in this shortlist are just a taste of the bespoke Italian travel experiences that Luxo Italia can arrange. From the restaurants to the private tours, they personally test every experience available on their holidays to ensure everything is of the highest quality. With the passion and knowledge of Founders Paul Lewis and Andrea Degasperi, they specialise in creating tailor-made tours filled with authentic experiences. Find out more about the Luxo Italia story here.

pasta-sant-angelo-ischia

Disclaimer: This post has been sponsored by Luxo Italia. Some images are owned by Luxo Italia. All views are my own.

10 Comments

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Comments

  1. Mike - Travel and Destinations says

    5th February 2017 at 1:52 pm

    Really nice suggestions. I’d love to visit Almafi and Matera. They look incredible.

    I’ve visited Venice, Rome and the Vatican before which are all fantastic. I may be visiting the Cinque Terre villages and several other places later this year. I can’t wait for the amazing food, wine and architecture 🙂

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      7th February 2017 at 9:45 am

      You’re welcome Mike! I am hopefully going to Matera in May this year 🙂

      Hope you get to go to Cinque Terre! This place looks absolutely stunning. I am always amazed how much better the pizza and pasta is in Italy. It must be the fresh local ingredients, and something in the Italian air! 🙂

      Reply
  2. jade says

    1st February 2017 at 1:05 pm

    Where is that hotel / villa with the amazing pool and white beds? It looks incredible! Italy is my favourite country so many amazing places and the food!

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      1st February 2017 at 1:42 pm

      Hey Jade. Thanks for your comment ! It’s Castello di Velona in Tuscany. So so stunning! Here is a link to the website: http://www.castellodivelona.it/en/?r=4330003&gclid=COeKma-D79ECFU-T7QodZYkKyw

      Reply
  3. LuxeStyle says

    31st January 2017 at 6:07 pm

    I’ve only ever been to Italy once and that was on a school trip – so you can imagine what that was like! We nearly went for our honeymoon to travel around a little but didn’t in the end, so we must go one day and visit a few places. I’ve heard the Amalfi Coast and Tuscany are lovely x

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      1st February 2017 at 1:40 pm

      Hey Luxe Style! Ooh Amalfi Coast and Tusany are my two favourite places…. much more special than the cities but I haven’t been to Venice or Verona yet. There is so much I still want to see! I am sure you’ll be able to top the school trip 😉 x

      Reply
  4. Hayley Rubery says

    31st January 2017 at 4:16 pm

    Girl I’m SO desperate to visit Italy, especially after reading your posts! Loved this girl, planning something for this Summer! 🙂

    Hayley xo
    http://www.frockmeimfamous.com

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      1st February 2017 at 1:38 pm

      Glad to hear it Hayley! Summer in Italy is the absolute dream. Try to get to The Amalfi Coast and look into the island of Ischia… it’s right next to Capri but much more undiscovered. I went last year 🙂 x

      Reply
  5. Angie Silver (@SilverSpoonLDN) says

    31st January 2017 at 4:12 pm

    Italy is my favourite European country too! I can’t wait to head to Lake Como later in the year. The Amalfi Coast has been on my wish list for ages!

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      1st February 2017 at 1:38 pm

      Ahh wow you’re heading to Lake Como! After Puglia this is next on my list in Italy. If it’s good enough for Georgie Clooney it’s good enough for me! 🙂 xx

      Reply

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Jess is an an award-winning travel blogger based in Yorkshire, navigating the world as a new Mum to baby Theo. Blogging about adventures both local and global.

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