7 Best Places to Visit in Italy

Rome is about the art of experiencing history. As the epicenter of empire and Renaissance, Rome redefines luxury as curated access to its past, blending ancient grandeur with contemporary sophistication. The Eternal City invites you to move beyond crowds and clichés, offering instead a sensory journey through exclusive encounters that you can enjoy on a Tour Uncovering the Secrets of Rome.

Historical Immersion Beyond the Crowds

Explore Rome at night for truly unforgettable moments.

• Colosseum Under Moonlight: Experience specialized flashlight tours through the Colosseum’s underground hypogeum, where gladiators once awaited battle. These VIP experiences grant solitary moments in the arena, the cool night air carrying echoes of 50,000 roaring spectators, a spine-tingling sense of history.
• Vatican Chambers: At the Vatican, unlock restricted areas like the Bramante Staircase and Niccoline Chapel to connect with art and history on a profound, intimate level.

Edible Archives in the Jewish Ghetto

Rome’s culinary luxury lies in dishes that double as historical documents, telling tales through every bite.

• Crispy Artichoke and Wine Pairings: In the Jewish Quarter, fried artichokes crackle with stories of resilience, created when 16th-century papal decrees restricted ingredients. Their delicate crunch and earthy flavor are a true taste of history. Pair this crispy delicacy with wines like Frascati Superiore, Malvasia di Candia, and Grechetto, which are chosen for their ability to complement the artichoke’s flavors.

Renaissance Workshops Reborn

• Hands-On Fresco Creation: Master the techniques of Renaissance greats like Michelangelo and Raphael at a hands-on fresco workshop.
• Ancient Mosaic Crafting: Delve into the history of Roman mosaics with a mosaic-crafting workshop. Using time-honored methods, piece together intricate designs, each tiny tessera telling a story and connecting you to Rome’s rich past.
• Visit Artists’ Studios: Step into a restored artist’s studio in Rome, where you can sketch live models, breathe in the scent of aged wood, and contemplate the creative energy that has filled these rooms for generations. This immersive experience offers a genuine taste of Rome’s enduring artistic spirit.

Explore Ancient Rome in Style

Luxury transcends transportation in Rome, becoming an extension of the historical journey itself.

• Appian Way Vintage Drive: Experience vintage car rides along the Appian Way’s original basalt stones, feeling the rumble of history beneath you as you trace ancient Roman routes.
• Tiber Island Speedboat: Indulge in speedboat charters to Tiber Island, gliding across the water with the city's ancient bridges as your backdrop, a unique and stylish way to explore.

Let Rome's timeless legacy unfold at your pace. Craft a bespoke journey into the Eternal City’s soul today, where every moment is imbued with the spirit of millennia and tailored specifically for your discerning taste.

In Florence, every cobblestone whispers tales of artistic revolution and Medici intrigue. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, this city cradles humanity’s greatest cultural achievements within its UNESCO-protected historic center, where Brunelleschi’s dome still dominates the skyline as defiantly as it did in 1436. Luxury is the privilege of tracing Botticelli’s brushstrokes at dawn before crowds arrive or sipping Chianti in a 15th-century enoteca where Cosimo de’ Medici once brokered banking deals. These experiences are yours to investigate on Zicasso’s Highlights and Hidden Treasures of Italy Tour.

Iconic Landmarks and Architectural Highlights

The cityscape orchestrates a dialogue between medieval austerity and Renaissance harmony, a visual feast for the senses.

• Giotto’s Majestic Campanile: Ascend Giotto’s Campanile, a 277-foot marble prism singing in Gothic tones beside Brunelleschi’s revolutionary dome, its intricate carvings inviting closer inspection and rewarding you with panoramic views.
• Ponte Vecchio's Glittering Charm: Cross the Ponte Vecchio, a 14th-century bridge where goldsmiths’ workshops glitter above the Arno’s currents. Its very stones echo with centuries of commerce and romance, inviting you to imagine its vibrant past.
• Palazzo Pitti's Grandeur: Explore Palazzo Pitti, a Renaissance fortress-turned-treasury, housing Raphael masterpieces and Boboli Gardens’ geometric fantasies, where you can stroll through manicured hedges and feel the history underfoot.

Living Artisan Traditions

Florence resists museum sterility through enduring craftsmanship, a vibrant testament to its artistic soul.

• Oltrarno District Gold: Hear hammer strikes echoing in goldsmith workshops in the Oltrarno District, the scent of metal and ancient craft filling the air.
• Leather Craft: Witness artisans tooling bookbindings at a leather school in the shadow of Michelangelo’s tomb, their vegetable-tanned hides perfuming the air with earthy tannins.
• Antico Setificio Fiorentino Silks: See silk looms clatter at the Antico Setificio Fiorentino as in 1786, weaving patterns for Vatican vestments and Saudi royalty, the intricate threads a testament to timeless skill and exquisite beauty.

Signature Culinary Experiences

A culinary journey through Florence is an exquisite exploration of taste, deeply rooted in the land and centuries of tradition. Peasant ingenuity meets Michelin-starred creativity and every meal tells a story of resilience, rivalry, and reinvention.

• Saltless Bread: Born from medieval trade wars with Pisa, Florence’s iconic saltless bread is a symbol of the city’s independence and resourcefulness. Made simply with water, soft wheat flour, and natural yeast, it shapes Tuscan cuisine, its mild flavor providing the perfect accompaniment for robust local dishes and savory cured meats.
• Ribollita Stew: Florentine saltless bread finds new life in ribollita, a hearty stew of white beans, kale, and vegetables, thickened with day-old bread. This “reboiled” dish transforms humble leftovers into a rich, comforting meal, embodying the traditions of making the most of limited resources.
• Michelin-Starred Innovation: Florence’s top restaurants honor its rustic roots while elevating them with refined touches. Expect dishes adorned with white truffle shavings, paired with legendary Tuscan wines like Sassicaia, and menus that change seasonally to showcase the region’s best ingredients.

Florence’s food scene is woven from history, hardship, and artistry, where every bite connects you to the land and the enduring spirit of greater Tuscany.

Enduring Heritage and Contemporary Vibrance

Florence is a city where Renaissance grandeur meets modern creativity, offering you a seamless mix of historic tradition and contemporary flair.

• Design: Discover concept stores and independent boutiques set within medieval palazzi, where Florence’s legacy of craftsmanship evolves with the latest trends.
• Mixology: Sip inventive cocktails in bars hidden behind frescoed doors, merging centuries-old artistry with today’s mixology.
• A History of Time: Hear the noon bells of Badia Fiorentina, marking time as they have since 1285.
• Do as Locals Do: Join the nightly passeggiata along the Lungarno, where the footsteps of couples, families, and friends mingle with echoes of Dante and Beatrice along wide, central boulevards in the shadow of the Duomo.

Florence is not frozen in the 15th century, but perpetually reinvents its legacy through the hands of goldsmiths, chefs, and visionaries. Every restored fresco and reimagined negroni keeps Brunelleschi’s spirit alive. Here, history and modern luxury entwine—inviting you to discover your perfect Florentine escape.

Venice is a city where time dissolves into mist and marble, and where luxury is measured by how intimately you experience its secrets. The true opulence is found in the shimmer of glass, and the hush that falls over the lagoon when the last vaporetti depart. Venice invites you to become part of its spectacle, where every canal, palazzo, and hidden garden is a stage for your story on a Highlights of Venice Tour.

The Allure of Water

Venice’s luxury is inseparable from its aquatic soul. The city’s canals are living, breathing corridors of history and artistry.

• Grand Canal at Dusk: Glide along the Grand Canal in a private vessel at dusk, when the facades of centuries-old palazzi glow with golden light and the city’s famed bridges cast long, poetic shadows. To find out more, see our How to Plan a Gondola Ride in Venice.

Artisanal Inspiration

Venice’s lagoon is a realm of tactile, olfactory, and emotional discovery, offering exclusive experiences far from the typical tourist paths.

• Boatbuilding with Masters: Mold wet clay with traditional boatbuilders, learning techniques that date back to the 10th century as you shape the hull of a gondola or bragozzo, the scent of wood and history permeating the air.
• Personalized Fragrance Creation: Blend your own fragrance in a historic apothecary, infusing your recipe with notes of amber, myrrh, and Venetian rose, creating a personalized souvenir of your journey.
• Lace-making: Experience the intricate art of Burano lace-making at a family-run atelier or the Lace Museum. Learn traditional techniques passed down through generations, gaining hands-on insight into a craft that is deeply rooted in Venetian culture.

Glass Artistry

Venice’s glassmaking heritage is a testament to its spirit of innovation and artistry. On the island of Murano, the ancient art of glassblowing is passed down through generations.

• Glassblowing as an Artform: Step inside a master’s furnace, where you can shape molten glass into delicate vases or intricate beads, guided by hands that have perfected their craft over centuries. The intense heat, glow of the molten glass, and fluid dance of color and form create a multisensory experience.

Uncovering Hidden Treasures

Venice’s true luxury lies in intimate, immersive experiences that reveal the city’s soul beyond its famous canals and piazzas.

• Peace and Quiet: Explore the quieter islands of the lagoon by chartering a classic wooden boat, discovering ancient churches, artisan workshops, and wildflower meadows far from the crowds.
• Stroll Through History: Wander through the Cannaregio district or the Jewish Ghetto, uncovering hidden courtyards, artisan shops, and centuries-old synagogues.
• Views for Contemplation: Visit the flooded crypt of San Zaccaria or climb the bell tower of San Giorgio Maggiore for panoramic views and tranquil moments.

Venice continually reinvents itself through the creativity of glassblowers, lace-makers, chefs, and artists. Each hidden corner and artisan tradition invites you to become part of the city’s story—where every moment is crafted just for you, and the lagoon’s secrets unfold as you explore.

The Amalfi Coast is all sun-drenched cliffs, pastel villages, and the intoxicating scent of lemons carried on the sea breeze. Luxury is measured by the depth of your immersion—by the golden light on ancient terraces, the taste of citrus on your tongue, and the sense of discovery that comes with every winding path you tread in the Seven Best Amalfi Coast Towns.

The Essence of the Sfusato Amalfitano

On the Amalfi Coast, lemons are a symbol of the region’s spirit and ingenuity. The famed Sfusato Amalfitano lemon, grown on steep terraced groves, is harvested by hand with traditional baskets, just as it was centuries ago.

• Sunlit Lemon Groves: Wander through a sunlit grove, feeling the warm sun on your skin, tasting a fresh lemon sorbet that brightens your palate, and learning the secrets of delizia al limone, a dessert that captures the very soul of the coast in its sweet, tangy perfection. The heady perfume of the lemons infuses the air, creating an unforgettable olfactory experience.

Curated Experiences from Dawn to Dusk

Each moment on the Amalfi Coast can be a perfectly choreographed symphony of sensory delights and historical insights.

• Dawn Hike on the Path of Gods: Begin your day with a private hike along the Sentiero degli Dei, feeling the crisp morning air and smelling the wild herbs. As the sun rises, your guide reveals wild herbs and capers growing in the rocky soil, plants once prized at ancient Roman banquets.
• Fiordo di Furore Dive and Lunch: Dive into the emerald waters of the Fiordo di Furore, a hidden fjord carved by the sea, feeling the refreshing coolness of the water. After your swim, enjoy a leisurely lunch of octopus carpaccio in a centuries-old watchtower, where every bite is a taste of history, the flavors enhanced by the sea air.
• Sea Cave Wine Tasting: As golden hour falls, descend into a sea cave for a private wine tasting. The cool stone amplifies the bouquet of a rare vintage poured just for you, the subtle notes of the wine mingling with the echoing sound of waves outside.

Craft and Culture

Engage with the enduring traditions of the Amalfi Coast, where artistry and history intertwine.

• Handmade Paper in Amalfi: Create your own carta bambagina paper in the last working mill of Amalfi, using techniques that once supplied explorers and poets, feeling the texture of the handmade paper and connecting with a centuries-old craft.
• Tarantella Dance Lesson: Learn the steps of the traditional tarantella in an intimate lesson, accompanied by stories of musicians who once played for nobility and exiles alike, feeling the rhythm and energy of this vibrant dance.
• Citrus-Inspired Dinner: Indulge in a multi-course, citrus-inspired dinner in a glass-walled greenhouse perched above the sea, each dish paired with limoncello aged in centuries-old terracotta vessels.

On Zicasso’s Active Exploration of the Amalfi Coast, luxury is found in the region’s layers of flavor, tradition, and landscape, where every day is a celebration of nature’s bounty and human artistry. Let the cliffs, lemons, and sea inspire your journey as you enjoy the sunlit legacy of Amalfi and craft memories as spectacular as the coastline.

While Florence dazzles as Tuscany’s Renaissance jewel, the region itself is far grander and more diverse with its rolling vineyards, ancient olive groves, and sun-drenched hilltop towns that you can immerse yourself in on a Foodie’s Slow Tour of Tuscany. Luxury is savored in every bite of fresh-made pasta, breathed in with the scent of cypress trees, and felt in the smooth grain of artisan leather. Beyond the city’s iconic art and architecture, Tuscany invites you to connect with its authentic heart, where generations of passion are poured into every tradition and every corner reveals a new facet of Italy’s artisanal soul.

The Art of Tuscan Flavor

A culinary journey through Tuscany is an exquisite exploration of taste, deeply rooted in the land.

• Vineyard Immersion: Wander through sun-drenched vineyards at a historic estate in Chianti, feeling the warmth of the earth beneath your feet. Participate in a private wine tasting led by a master sommelier, understanding the nuances of Sangiovese as you swirl and sip, sensing the subtle notes of cherry and earth.
• Olive Oil Experience: On an Immersive Olive Tour in Tuscany, discover the liquid gold of the region with a visit to a working olive mill. Witness the traditional pressing of olives, inhaling the peppery aroma of freshly crushed oil. Taste various grades of extra virgin olive oil, discerning the notes that speak of the region's rich soil.
• Private Cooking Class: Roll up your sleeves in a charming Tuscan farmhouse kitchen. Learn to craft classic dishes like hand-rolled pici pasta or a rich wild boar ragu from a local nonna, absorbing centuries of culinary wisdom.

A Touch of Artisanal Elegance

Beyond the plate, Tuscany offers a tactile journey into enduring craftsmanship, where beauty is shaped by skilled hands.

• Florentine Leather Craft: In a private workshop, discover the secrets of Florentine leather, renowned for its quality. Feel the supple hides and watch master artisans at work, perhaps even personalizing a bespoke piece to take home.
• Ceramic Painting in Montelupo: Unleash your inner artist at a traditional ceramic workshop in Montelupo Fiorentino. Paint intricate designs on a piece of pottery, feeling the cool clay and vibrant pigments, creating a tangible memory of your journey.

These experiences reveal Tuscany not just as a place, but as a feeling—a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas that linger long after you return home. Let Tuscany's soul captivate you; craft your bespoke gastronomic and artisanal journey today.

The Italian Lake District, a shimmering jewel nestled beneath the majestic Alps, offers a blend of dramatic landscapes and refined elegance that you can uncover on our Beauty of Italian Lakes Tour. It’s a place where uxury is defined by the tranquil ripple of water, the scent of blooming azaleas in exquisite gardens, and the hushed grandeur of Belle Époque villas. It’s an escape where every view is a masterpiece and every moment invites relaxation.

Lakeside Wonders and Scenic Beauty

The beauty of the lakes is a visual and emotional feast, offering serene escapes and breathtaking vistas.

• Private Boat Tour on Lake Como: Glide across the deep blue waters of Lake Como in an elegant, privately chauffeured Riva boat. Feel the gentle breeze on your face as you pass iconic villas like Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta, their classical architecture framed by vibrant gardens and dramatic cliffs.
• Stroll through Isola Bella: Step onto Isola Bella, one of the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore, a Baroque masterpiece afloat on the water. Wander through its opulent palace rooms and the renowned terraced gardens, filled with fragrant citrus trees and vibrant peacocks, enjoying the serene beauty and historical grandeur.
• Mountain Vistas on Lake Garda: Ascend to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake. Breathe in the crisp alpine air and take in the expansive vista, where the azure water meets the towering Dolomites, a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Gardens, Villas, and Elegant Living

The shores of the Italian lakes are dotted with timeless beauty, inviting leisurely exploration.

• Villa Melzi Gardens: Lose yourself in the exquisite gardens of Villa Melzi in Bellagio, Lake Como, where meticulously manicured lawns meet exotic botanicals. The air is perfumed with the scent of rhododendrons and camellias, offering a sensory delight at every turn.
• Culinary Delights: Savor a private lakeside dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, where the freshest local ingredients are transformed into culinary art. Taste delicate lake fish paired with crisp Lombardy wines, all while enjoying the shimmering reflections of the lights on the water.

The Italian lakes whisper tales of romance and tranquility, inviting you to a world where natural splendor meets refined living. Let the serenity of these waters wash over you as you begin planning your luxurious lakeside escape.

Clinging precariously to rugged cliffs above the shimmering Ligurian Sea, the Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage site of unparalleled beauty. Five vibrant, pastel-colored villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are stitched together by ancient footpaths, terraced vineyards, and the scent of salt and wild herbs. Luxury here is found in the raw, untamed beauty of the landscape, the genuine warmth of its people, and the intimate discoveries around every bend.

A Sensory Journey Along the Coast

The Cinque Terre offers a vibrant sights, sounds, and tastes, all infused with the spirit of the sea.

• Sunrise Stroll through Vernazza: Wake early for a tranquil walk through the picturesque village of Vernazza before the crowds arrive. Hear the gentle lapping of waves in the harbor and smell the fresh sea air, feeling the ancient cobblestones beneath your feet as you discover hidden corners.
• Cliffside Vineyard Experience: Venture into the dramatically terraced vineyards, seemingly carved from the rock face. Learn about the "heroic viticulture" that thrives here, perhaps even participating in a small, private harvest.
• Seafood Feast by the Sea: Indulge in the freshest catch of the day at a charming, family-run trattoria overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Savor local specialties like trofie al pesto, a Ligurian pasta with fragrant basil pesto, and grilled anchovies, accompanied by a crisp, local white wine, with the sound of the waves providing a natural soundtrack.

Hidden Gems and Authentic Encounters

Beyond the iconic views, the Cinque Terre offers opportunities for deeper, more personal connections.

• Private Boat Excursion: Explore the coastline from a unique perspective on a private boat charter. Discover hidden coves and grottoes accessible only by sea, feeling the cool spray of the waves and the invigorating sea breeze. Take a refreshing dip in the azure waters, far from the bustling shore.
• Limoncino Workshop in Monterosso: In Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the villages and known for its lemons, partake in a private limoncino-making workshop. Experience the zesty scent of fresh lemons as you learn the traditional distillation process, perhaps even bottling your own small batch to take home, a sweet reminder of the Ligurian sun.

The Cinque Terre is an embrace of authentic coastal life and a celebration of human resilience in harmony with nature. Let its vibrant colors and breathtaking pathways inspire you on a curated trip.

From the timeless grandeur of Rome to the artistic soul of Florence, the tranquil waters of the Italian lakes to the vibrant cliffs of Cinque Terre, Italy offers myriad experiences woven with history, artistry, and unparalleled beauty. Each region unveils its own unique symphony of sights, sounds, and flavors, inviting you to engage with its essence on a deeply personal level.

This guide merely scratches the surface of Italy's extraordinary allure. For even more inspiration and to begin crafting your own bespoke journey tailored to your desires, we invite you to explore our comprehensive Italy travel guide or our Italy tours and trip packages.