Italy
Italy is at once a living art gallery, a gastronomic hub and natural wonderland.
Whether you are a first time visitor or a seasoned veteran, Terracotta Travel will plan an itinerary that includes a host of new and enriching experiences, whether it is a private gondola tour of Venice’s secret canals and neighborhoods or being driven through the warren of streets in Sicily in a Fiat 500.
With more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country on Earth, you’ll experience the country’s history on our exclusive tours. Walk the same streets Leonardo da Vinci walked in Florence, and go on an off-road excursion to the quarries where Michelangelo chose his marble; stand with your family in the same arena where gladiators faced their fate in Rome’s Colosseum followed by an evening in the company of a professional art historian at the magnificent Villa Medici, or take a private tour of the fantastically preserved 2000 year old homes of Pompeii.
Beyond the cities, discover the dramatic coastal landscapes of the Italian Riviera and the Amalfi coast; the snow covered Alps and glacial lakes in the north; fiery craters and turquoise grottoes in the south, and spirited Mediterranean islands. And then there is the heavenly wine: Italy is a top wine-producing country and a heavyweight in the Old World of wines — the perfect accompaniment to a memorable meal arranged for you at one of Italy’s best restaurants.
Knowing where to begin in a country so rich in variety can be overwhelming — so let us share our specialist knowledge of Italy to help you plan the trip of a lifetime. We’ll whisk you off to romantic Lake Como, factor in time to relax amid the honey-hued hills of Tuscany and introduce you to below-the-radar destinations like Puglia, a little-visited region rich in tradition. We will tailor your trip to take in your must-sees and some exclusively designed experiences, all accompanied by excellent guides and hotels hand-picked to suit your style.
Destinations
Venice: Discover atmospheric piazzas, winding canals, Gothic palaces, and romantic islands in this iconic island city.
Dolomites: Comprised of 18 peaks rising over 9000 feet, this adventurer’s paradise in the northern Alps is full of sheer cliffs, deep valleys, glacial landforms, and striking karst systems.
Verona: Delight in an Italian opera at the 1st-century Roman amphitheatre in this striking Medieval old town set upon the stunning Adige River.
Piedmont Wine Region: Nestled within the Alps and surrounded by storybook towns, this lush region produces globally sought-after wines and is home to renowned truffle fairs.
Milan: The world capital of fashion and design, Milan fuses contemporary flair with ancient wonders, including the soaring, Gothic Duomo and romantic Sforza Castle.
Lake Como: Resting at the foothills of the Alps, Como is a romantic playground of calm waters, soaring Alpine foothills, Aristocratic villas and stunning shoreside villages.
Portofino: An alluring, colorful fishing village with crystal-clear waters, Gothic churches, and striking scenery.
Cinque Terre: Explore the Gulf of Poets or cliffs overlooking the sparkling Italian Riviera and delight in the freshest seafood while enjoying terrace wine from renowned vineyards.
Florence: The Renaissance heartland and home to museums, palaces, and churches that boast some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world.
Tuscany: A treasure trove of iconic sites, with Etruscan and Roman ruins, charming hamlets, and fairy-tale castles dotted among rolling vineyards and the craggy Apennine mountains.
Rome: Discover the Colosseum, Vatican City, and Sistine Chapel in the 3,000-year-old Eternal City.
Amalfi Coast: A striking shoreline studded with colorful fishing towns and the iconic town of Sorrento, famous for its cliffside setting and stunning views of the coast and sea.
Capri: A small, exclusive island in the Bay of Naples, home to rugged coves, designer boutiques, and the Blue Grotto, an underwater sea cave that glows a striking bright cyan.
Sicily: Italy’s largest Mediterranean island is a fascinating microcosm of ancient history, world-famous cuisine, volcanic landscapes, and turquoise coastline.
Sardinia: A mystical island of emerald waters, hidden coves, exclusive marinas and Europe’s deepest canyon: the Gorrupu.
Basilicata: Inspiring national parks, majestic mountains, and lunar landscapes of rocky bays and white sand beaches make up this compelling region, which also boasts mouthwatering cuisine.
Matera: A perfectly-preserved, picturesque hilltop town and UNESCO World Heritage site alive with ancient cave dwellings dating back to Paleolithic times.
Puglia: A world leader in seafood and olive oil, Italy’s “heel” features a sun-drenched Adriatic coast, medieval whitewashed villages, and an enduring sense of authenticity.
