Living a life of opulence while travelling can be one of life’s best experiences. So, if you’re thinking of splashing out on luxury on your next holiday, consider a trip to Italy. Italy is one of the world’s top destinations among luxury travellers, offering everything you wish for from your dream luxury holiday.
From a private cruise around the lakes to a shopping spree at luxury boutiques and a guided tour of the country’s historic and bustling cities, here are the top five luxury things to do in Italy.
1. Cruise around the Lakes
One of the most luxurious experiences you can have in Italy is cruising around its scenic lakes. Many tour companies offer luxury cruises to explore the country’s beautiful lakes. It’s a fascinating way to explore the stunning Lakes region, including the spectacular Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore.
On your luxury cruise, you will explore places like the spectacular Po Valley, the resort town of Sirmione, and the picturesque lake villages of Bellagio and Varenna. On your visit to Lake Como, you’ll embark on a sightseeing tour and marvel at the elegant villas dating back to the 17th century, with gorgeous gardens surrounded by magnificent views.
On your visit to the charming spa town of Sirmione, you’ll stroll through its picturesque cobblestone streets lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
You will also explore Lake Maggiore, with its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by majestic mountains and lush countryside. Renowned for its serene atmosphere, exploring the Italian Lakes region on a cruise is an experience like no other.
2. Go Skiing
If you want a luxurious winter escape, consider a skiing holiday to the Italian Alps. The country has long been a favourite among winter sports enthusiasts due to its fantastic combination of spectacular mountain ranges, excellent slopes, and sublime restaurants. Best of all, you will find plenty of luxurious ski packages on offer in Italy, such as SNO Holidays, that provide the perfect base for your luxury getaway.
Cortina is a popular ski resort that is a perfect destination for those looking for upscale experiences on their winter getaway. Nestled in the middle of the Dolomites, it is buzzing with tourists all year round and not only in the height of the ski season. You can access the ski resorts via gondolas and cable cars and engage in winter sports like skiing, cycling, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and more.
The sophisticated ski town of Selva is a popular destination among avid skiers and snowboarders for its outstanding mountain views. It comes alive at night when the shops, cafes, and restaurants lit up to create a magical winter wonderland scene.
As one of Italy’s most popular destinations for a ski holiday, Ortisei is home to several luxury stays, including sophisticated chalets, where you can kick back in the sauna or relax in the spa rooms after a skiing adventure.
3. Shop in the Cities
Shopping is what many travellers look forward to on a trip to Italy. And for those who love luxury shopping, Italy will have plenty to offer. Besides, it’s home to some of the world’s top luxury brands, from Versace to Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Moschino.
The world-renowned Via Monte Napoleone in Milan is a paradise for those fond of designer stuff. Considered the hub of Italian fashion, it features an exclusive collection boutique, high-end fashion brands, and jewellers.
Florence is another Italian city renowned for its shopping scene. It’s also the birthplace of some world-famous brands, such as Ferragamo and Gucci. In fact, you will find their museums right in the centre of the city.
If you’re visiting Sicily for a beach getaway in Italy, Corso Umberto in Taormina is an ideal place for a shopping spree. It’s a picturesque shopping street lined with shops of some of Italy’s most famous fashion houses. Aside from shops, the area is also home to many fantastic restaurants and cafes, where you can rest if you are tired of shopping.
4. Enjoy a Food Tour
For foodies, consider booking a private food tour of Italy. The tour focuses on the country’s superb food and wine, uncovering how history shaped the variations of cuisines from region to region. You will experience the best of each region’s local specialities through market visits, wine tastings, culinary touring, and cooking classes.
Since most visitors to Italy come here for the food, you will find numerous options for your luxury food tour, depending on where you will visit. For instance, you can join one of the local food tours in Venice, a great way to try the city’s beautiful cuisine. You will be with a local guide who will take you into the hidden backstreet bars, where locals gather to drink and socialise.
Rome is another fascinating place to enjoy a private food tour in Italy. You will walk through with a local guide into the backstreets of the Eternal City and sample the local gastronomy. Each neighbourhood in Rome has a signature flavour, which you can savour on your luxury food tour.
5. Marvel over the Historic Architecture
Delve into Italy’s history with a private tour focusing on the country’s fascinating architecture. Explore iconic sights and hidden gems with a knowledgeable local as your guide. This luxury experience offers a chance to embark on a journey that will leave you with memories to treasure for the rest of your life and a deeper appreciation of Italy’s culture and heritage.
If you’re visiting Italy for the first time, the Colosseum in Rome should be on top of your itinerary. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Colosseum represents the remarkable architecture of ancient Rome.
Pompeii and Herculaneum offer an unprecedented glimpse into the Roman times. Here, you’ll find impeccably preserved Roman buildings, such as the Roman baths, the Priests of Augustus, and the theatre.
In Sicily, you’ll find the Valley of the Temples, considered one of the largest archaeological sites in the world, occupying an area of over 3,000 acres. Founded in the 6th Century BC, they are incredibly well-preserved, and visitors can marvel at the architecture of the Doric temples and many other ancient ruins.
