Arguably Europe’s most enticing country, Italy charms with irresistible food, awesome architecture, diverse scenery and unparalleled art. In fact, it’s so packed with possibilities it can overwhelm.
But you really needn’t be. Tap onto our finely-detailed mental map of the country, and let us be your guide. From wineries, olive oil and parma ham farms, brandy distilleries, cheese and chocolate factories — not much is beyond reach.
Pick from the two itineraries below, or simply talk to us if you need a more bespoke Italian experience. We really do have quite a lot of friends in Italy!
A one-week vacation comprising fun-filled, classic spots in Tuscany (7 days)
Piazza Duomo + Piazza del Signoria + Santa Croce
Florence, capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, houses numerous Renaissance art and architectural masterpieces. One of its most iconic sights is the Duomo, a cathedral designed by Brunelleschi with a terracotta-tiled dome and Giotto’s bell tower.
The Mall Firenze outlet centre houses a gamut of international high-end fashion brands, displayed with inimitable style. If you love shopping, visiting The Mall Firenze outlet centre will be an unforgettable experience right in the heart of Italy.
The principal public space of Siena, Tuscany’s historic center and is regarded as one of Europe's vastest medieval squares. The Piazza del Campo is renowned for its beauty and architectural integrity.
Make a pitstop stop in Montevarchi for the Prada Factory — which needs no further explanation.
Volterra is a walled town southwest of Florence, in Italy. The central Palazzo dei Priori has medieval frescoes and a bell tower overlooking the beautiful, expansive Tyrrhenian Sea and Apuan Alps. The Volterra Cathedral, another must-visit, has a marble entrance and a gilded coffered ceiling.
You haven’t been to Italy if you’ve never seen Pisa’s Leaning Tower. Even upon completion in 1372, the 56m white-marble bell tower was already tilted. It stands beside the Romanesque, striped-marble cathedral in the Piazza dei Miracoli.
Experience the best of Tuscan Wines (7 days)
Carmignano is a wine region in the Tuscany region, known for blending its mostly locally grown, French grapes Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc with Sangiovese. Their wines are similar in style to Chanti’s, their more well-known neighbour. However, Carmignano’s Sangiovese is darker and more full-bodied that in Chianti.
Suvereto is a beautiful medieval town, lain between hills and the shining sea on the Etruscan Coast. A luxuriant countryside surrounds the town, which is itself a treasure trove of history, culture and gastronomy. Suvereto is known not just for its wine (it’s one of the stops on the La Strada del Vino, or the Wine Route), but also its olive oil. Visit in July through August and you’ll be a guest to sagre, or local food fairs, where you can partake in music, fresh fritto misto local Sangiovese reds at bargain prices.
Montalcino is yet another picturesque hilltop town in the province of Siena, Tuscany, and famed for its Brunello di Montalcino wine. The Brunello, a red Italian wine made since the 14th century, can only be made out of 100% Sangiovese grapes. Thus thus high in tannins, it requires ageing before being enjoyable to drink. Montalcino is also a remarkable town that retains artistic and architectural testament of the past.
Another medieval hilltop town, Montepulciano, overlooks hectares of vineyards. It’s best known for its Vino Nobile red wines, which are medium- to full-bodied wines that are rich in dark cherry and rich plum aromas. The charming city also possesses a rich history, and because of its altitude, houses a distinct characteristic of having underground wine cellars.
Chianti Classico is the core of the Chianti wine region, which stretches from Florence to Siena. “Classico” refers to Chianti’s traditional and longest-cultivated viticultural area, alluding to the first and most “authentic” area in that region. Some ever said that once you’ve tried a Chianti Classico wine, you'll always remember it!
