citalia italy tours

Escorted Tours to Italy | Travel to Italy

Perillo Tours has been America’s leader in Italy travel since 1945. The following escorted tours have been enjoyed for over 40 years by more than 750,000 of our guests. Each itinerary . . . activity . . . hotel . . . and meal . . . has been personally selected, continuously innovated, and expertly perfected by Steve Perillo, according to the highest standards of founder Joseph Perillo and Mr. Italy himself – Mario Perillo. Chances are, YOU know someone who’s enjoyed one of our famous Italy tours!

Save $100 per person if ALL payments are made by check/electronic check (Kids rate does not qualify).

Starting at $4595

This 12-day tour includes 2 of the most beautiful regions of Italy: Campania & Puglia. The south of Italy is known in Italian as the 'Mezzogiorno' (Midday) region; some of the oldest and most important historical towns in Italy are located here as well as some of the best food in all of Italy! Explore the beautiful region of Puglia which has a culture, history, and a dialect all its own. Discover the Trulli in Alberobello and explore Lecce, also known as the “Florence of the South”. You'll be surprised by how the 'old country' has very much joined the 21st century while retaining its special charm.

Starting at $4250

The History of Rome and the Art of Florence combine to form one of our newest tours. We here at Perillo strive to provide the most you can get out of the limited time you have in Italy, and this tour touches on everything – historical & religious sites, chocolate, wine, art, and of course free time for you to explore on your own.

Starting at $5995

Perillo's Italy North Classic is the largest selling Italy tour in history. Developed in 1975 by Mario Perillo and Lucio Massari, it remains our most popular itinerary today. The 'Continental' tour delivers the identical itinerary (in reverse) but without dinners.

Starting at $5395

Perillo's Italy North Classic is the largest selling Italy tour in history. Developed in 1975 by Mario Perillo and Lucio Massari, it remains our most popular itinerary today. The 'Continental' tour delivers the identical itinerary (in reverse) but without dinners and without Milan.

Starting at $4295

Our Marco Polo Tour is the counterpart to our Vesuvius Tour. One featuring Venice, the other featuring Sorrento. Either way, you can be assured that Steve Perillo has hand-selected every hotel, restaurant, sightseeing experience and guide that will make your vacation the memory of a lifetime.

The 'Continental' gives you the chance to dine on your own in Italy! Your tour guide will be happy to suggest everything from trattorias to the finest dining experiences.

Lemon trees and vineyards cascade down the terraced cliffs to the sea. Soft sea breezes mix with the scent of fresh basil, tomatoes and olive oil. Capri sparkles in the distance. Welcome to Amalfi! This is a no-holds-barred invitation to live life to the fullest.

Starting at $3795

There's no place on earth like Sicily. A true melting pot of cultures, you'll see Greek and Asian influences in the exotic architecture, unique cuisine and faces of her people. If you happen to be of Sicilian heritage, you'll be surprised by how the 'old country' has very much joined the 21st century while retaining its special charm.

Starting at $3350

Explore the Island of Sicily and learn about its extensive history. This tour gives you the opportunity to learn about all that the island has to offer – the original birthplace of Marsala Wine, the Mountains of Taormina and even locations where, “The Godfather,” movies were filmed. Love history and culture? This is the tour for you!

Starting at $3995

If you're looking for a compact and affordable Italy Vacation - Our Vesuvius Tour is perfect! The itinerary is meticulously crafted by Steve Perillo and his team to run like a 'Swiss Watch' and be lots of fun too!

Starting at $4450

On this Perillo tour, you'll experience firsthand the wonders of Northern Italy. This treasure packed tours takes you throughout the celebrated northern gems including Bologna, Rapallo, Stresa, Parma, Venice, Cinque Terre, La Spezia, Portofino, Lugano, Lake Como.

This 12-day tour includes 2 of the most beautiful regions of Italy: Campania & Puglia. The south of Italy is known in Italian as the 'Mezzogiorno' (Midday) region; some of the oldest and most important historical towns in Italy are located here as well as some of the best food in all of Italy! You’ll be able to try a margherita pizza in the city where it was invented – Naples! Explore the beautiful region of Puglia which has a culture, history, and a dialect all its own. Discover the Trulli in Alberobello and explore Lecce, also known as the “Florence of the South”. You'll be surprised by how the 'old country' has very much joined the 21st century while retaining its special charm.

Discover the region of Umbria, also known as "the Green Heart of Italy", along with Tuscany and Rome on this new 11 day tour. Enjoy a wine tasting and an unforgettable hands-on cooking class with a Tuscan chef! Go on an exciting truffle hunt with a truffle hunter and his trained dogs. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and discover Gubbio, a well-preserved medieval town dating back to the Etruscan period.

Important: There are many steps and different buildings in Castello di Spaltena, the hotel in Tuscany. Anyone with reduced mobility should consider a different tour.

Starting at $4695

Starting at $4850

Starting at $5875

Perillo's Italy North Classic is the largest selling Italy tour in history. Developed in 1975 by Mario Perillo and Lucio Massari, it remains our most popular itinerary today. This departure will be staying in superior/deluxe  hotels.

Starting at $4950

Starting at $3395

Starting at $4225

The Renaissance was a rediscovery of classical Greek culture in Italy, and especially Florence.

Michelangelo and Leonard da Vinci were the big names of this period.

But on this deluxe 9-day tour, you’ll also meet the many other creative geniuses of the Renaissance!

Starting at $3295

Due to popular demand this tour is also now available with similar options on additional dates not show here:

• Mar 28 - Apr 4
• Apr 21 - Apr 29

Starting at $3695

• Sep 5 - Sep 14
• Oct 3 - Oct 12
• Oct 17 - Oct 26

format_quote Testimonials

I could not imagine coming to Italy and not doing another Perillo Tour. Mirna was an excellent guide.

Mr. & Mrs. J.A.

This whole tour far exceeded my expectations! Francesco was a fantastic tour leader. He was adept at handling 39 personalities and made our tour very enjoyable! Thank you Francesco and Perillo Tours !

Mr. & Mrs. C.S.

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Best of Puglia

Southern italy tour | small group tour.

Puglia is a region in Southern Italy with so much to offer even seasoned travellers. Puglia offers unique sights, such as the trulli conical stone houses, and the nearby cave town of Matera. Stunning landscapes, such as the very photogenic town of Polignano A Mare which is poised on the rocks high above the turquoise sea. Amazing food – the creamy burrata cheese, the ripe figs. Each day includes organised activities, visits to all the key sights and a progressive discovery of the local Puglia cuisine. We enjoy long lunches, taking time over the multiple courses to enjoy the atmosphere and to relax.   Check out our Southern Italy Tour reviews on Tripadvisor.

• Accommodation
• Dates/Price

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• The UNESCO World Heritage sites of Alberobello (with its conical trulli houses) and Matera (with its cave houses)
• Key locations such as Ostuni, Polignano A Mare, Lecce, Trani, Monopoli, Egnazia and Locorotondo
• Discover how the range of civilisations that have settled in Puglia have all left their mark. For example, within walking distance you can find a Spanish palazzo, a Byzantine church and a Roman amphitheatre
• A culinary focus - we try recipes handed down through the generations and allow you to connect with this ancient wisdom. Match this with Puglia’s wonderful burrata cheese, and with wines found only in this part of Italy – this is a food-lovers’ dream. Later in a masseria (a 16th century farmhouse), a chef helps us cook a fantastic final meal together
• Experience ‘living traditions’, such as visiting a 4th generation olive oil producer, and a convent where the nuns make biscotti in a centuries' old manner (which we sample of course)

BEST OF PUGLIA TOUR

• Our tours are a balance between being informative (historical details, examples of the culture and lifestyle) as well as having everything that makes for an enjoyable trip (long lunches in good restaurants, a relaxed pace, free time in places we visit)
• We stay for the week in one place, the town of Polignano A Mare. Here people have the time to share a smile or a chat in the piazza – and by the end of the week you’ll be greeting the locals too!
• Our Small Group Tour has a maximum of 14 people
• You have our tour manager with you throughout the week, available to provide support and assistance when you need it. Many people appreciate having someone to turn to who is familiar with the local area, whether it be for help getting something from a pharmacy / drugstore, or simply where to find the best gelato!
• This is the trip that you’d design for yourself. We are Italy... with pleasure
• Our 7-day tour starts and finishes in Bari

What our customers say about Italy With Pleasure

Distinctive character, unique locations

In Puglia we stay in either the town of Ostuni or Polignano A Mare.

Ostuni is a hilltop town, with evocative lanes amongst the whitewashed buildings, and piazzas with the traditional ‘passeggiata’ in full swing each evening. Here we stay at the Hotel Monte Sarago.

Polignano A Mare has a charming historic centre is lined with elegant old buildings, and plenty of opportunities for a coffee or a meal close to the hotel. Here we stay at the hotel Giovi Relais. Both hotels are 4 star.

We find that people very much appreciate that the tour is based in one place for the week, meaning that there is no need to pack/unpack, and you really get to know the town where you are staying.

Some reviews of our tours:

“The best of Puglia tour exceeded all expectations. Small groups lend themselves to a more meaningful and personal experience. Our tour guide was excellent as were the local guides. The accommodation was great and the meals provided were delicious. The highlights were the Trulli houses and the caves in Matera. We really did see the best of Puglia and would thoroughly recommend Italy with Pleasure. We also completed the Sicily tour, and again had a wonderful time and had many interesting experiences. The cooking schools on both trips were great fun.”

“I’ve been to Italy many times..never to Puglia…thanks to Italy With pleasure it is my new favorite place!!! loved the history, food and amazing wine...small groups, one wonderful hotel, great day trips and the best guide (Mark) I have ever had”

“You must use these guys if you are doing tours in the regions of Italy they operate in. We toured with them in Puglia, they do small group tours and are simply the best we have experienced throughout Europe.”

“Malcolm and Antonella from Italy with Pleasure organised and hosted an amazing tour of Puglia. The locations they brought us too were fantastic and our meals were superb. Both of their knowledge with regard to this region is incredible. I cannot recommend this tour and them highly enough. Riccardo who they brought on the trip to help host us was very helpful too. My wife and I will be availing of their other tours in Italy in the coming years.”

“I can't thank the small tour group, Italy With Pleasure, enough for a fantastic trip to Puglia. The group size was perfect and our guide, Anita, was amazing, knowledgeable and so caring of everyone. This area of Italy for non-Italian speaking guests was the absolute best way to visit. I was amazed at the beautiful cultural sites in all the towns AND the fabulous late luncheons featuring the local specialties. Spectacular! I have never had such great food on a tour or anywhere. Thanks again and I have already shared our great experience with a number of my friends and family.”

See these and other reviews on Google Reviews, TripAdvisor and other review sites.

Day 1 - BUONGIORNO PUGLIA!

We meet in Bari, the main city of Puglia, and from here we start our discovery of the region. Our first stop is Monopoli, a vibrant town on the coast. Here we get our first chance to experience the lifestyle of small town Puglia. Monopoli is centred around a fishing port, with small wooden fishing boats heading out each day, and then selling their catch on the pier.

Towards evening we reach the town of Polignano A Mare, where we stay in for the next six nights. We stay in the historic centre of town, where the piazzas have the traditional ‘passeggiata’ in full swing each evening. Over the next few days you'll have plenty of time to explore the town at your own pace.

Polignano a Mare is situated on the coast, an impressive town clinging to a promontory suspended above the Adriatic’s turquoise waters. With a history spanning back to the 4th century BC as a Greek settlement, Polignano a Mare is a charming town centred around the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. The town was on the ancient Roman Trajan’s Way, and you can still see the remains of this route. Polignano a Mare encircles a pebble beach, nestled in a cove between rocky cliffs. The beach is suitable for swimming.

Tonight we dine together, having our first introduction to the cuisine of Puglia. Throughout the week meals are in restaurants designed to showcase the region’s cuisine, with the specific venues all carefully selected by us. This is in order to provide a variety of food styles over the duration of the tour.

Meals: Dinner (4 courses including wine)

Day 2 - INTO THE FAIRYTALE

We depart for our first stop, Alberobello.

The picturesque Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a unique town with streets lined with 'trulli'. In fact it is known in Italy as the “Capital of trulli”.

Trulli are small stone houses with a distinctive conical roof, built 300-400 years ago.

By walking along its narrow streets, you will be fascinated by the magical and fairytale atmosphere of this place. We explore this town together, and learn about why and how these dwellings were built, and about the cryptic symbols painted on the roof-cones.

Before lunch you have some free time to browse the shops of Alberobello and to wander around.

We then move on to the town of Ostuni, known as “la città bianca” (the white town). Ostuni is a cluster of whitewashed buildings perched on a hilltop overlooking the coast. Walking through the narrow streets of Ostuni is like being in a forgotten time, evocative and ancient, looking out over an expanse of olive trees. We advise keeping your camera at the ready!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (3 courses including wine)

Day 3 - THE MARVELS OF ELEGANT BAROQUE

Today we travel to Lecce, a city that flourished in the 17th century when extravagant and elegant baroque buildings were built by the ruling classes. The baroque style features ornate decorations covering the facades of churches and palaces.

We take a private tour around Lecce with a local expert guide to have the key sights explained to us. The baroque style here is distinct from that in other parts of Italy, both stylistically and in the use of the beige coloured local stone. As well as the architectural and historical features, we make a point of interacting with locals - artisans in their studio creating the local papier mache figures, nuns baking in their convent in the way they have since medieval times. Lecce is an elegant town in which to indulge in more modern pleasures. There are many interesting boutiques and cafes, and the piazzas are full of life in this important southern Italian centre. After some free time in central Lecce we have lunch in a local restaurant, where we dine on the food specific to this part of Puglia, called 'the Salento'.

Day 4 - A STEP BACK IN TIME

This morning we travel to the town of Matera in the neighbouring Basilicata region. Visiting Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is like a step back in time. In fact this is one of the oldest continually inhabited settlements in the world. The oldest cave dwellings go back to the Bronze Age. The town consists of houses carved out of the rock face along the side of a steep ravine. We meet with a local guide here who gives us an interesting insight into life in Matera, both now and in the past. In fact his grandparents lived in these caves. We visit the 'sassi' cave area, and enter one of the typical houses built into the rock, showing the difficult existence in these conditions. We also visit a cave church hewn out of the rock, featuring Byzantine frescoes and with interesting histories as their usage has evolved and adapted to the conditions over the years. Matera was used for the filming of Mel Gibson's “The Passion of the Christ” - you'll see why it is so easy to imagine Matera as being completely removed from the modern age. Since we are in the Basilicata region, our lunch here focuses on the specialties from this inland region.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (4 courses including wine)

Day 5 - Egnazia - Trani

Today we have a day of two parts - history in the morning, followed by relaxing in a lovely coastal town in the afternoon.

Our first visit is to the ancient Roman site of Egnazia. This was a key stop on the Roman road Trajan's Way, well used in ancient times as a route to the Near East. Egnazia was a significant town, and today we can see many reminders of its past importance - wandering through the town we see where bakeries, gymnasiums and temples were located. The Roman road runs through the town, the rut marks left by the carriage wheels provide a direct connection to the past. Looking out to the coast we see where the local boats docked, having loaded up with olive oil and grain.

Continuing on we reach the town of Trani, a key summer destination for Italians and it is invariably one of the most loved visits for people on our tour. We start outside the stunning Romanesque cathedral perched right on the waterfront, and go on firstly to one of the key locations for the Knights Templar. We see the site where this fascinating order based themselves, originally the final point for their missions to leave these shores to head to the near east. Moving through the old Jewish quarter of town reveals much about how the way life in Trani was conducted, in particular seeing how the synagogues have evolved through the eras.

Today the harbour in Trani is a fishing port ringed by waterfront restaurants. Each morning the fishermen sell their fresh fish from the pier where they dock. Lunch is in a seaside restaurant making the most of this fresh catch.

Day 6 - MARKETS - LOCOROTONDO - WINERY - COOKING

This morning is the weekly market day in Locorotondo, we get to see how the locals do their shopping – rows and rows of stalls with cheese, seasonal fruit, vegetables, and other fresh produce. We take the time to look around Locorotondo, an absolutely gorgeous town, in fact voted as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy ("Borghi piu belli d'Italia").

After browsing the market we depart to visit a family run winery, focussed on making quality wines from the traditional varieties that are grown in this area such as fiano minutolo and susumaniello. The winemaker takes us through the vineyard, and we taste a range of wines. Some of these wine varieties were so rare that they were not made commercially up until a few years ago.

Today we take the opportunity to show you a local folk dance called the ‘pizzica’. This is a fascinating experience, as it reveals much about the culture and traditions of Puglia. The pizzica dance is specific to this area, and many people who visit Puglia do not get the chance to see it. You’ll love this private performance, while relaxing with a glass of prosecco.

In the evening we have a special touch for our final evening, taking a cooking lesson from a local chef. Since you’ve been with us for a week now you will all be Puglia food experts. The focus will be on cooking typical Puglia dishes, first taking you through the types of ingredients used and their provenance. The cuisine of Puglia is based on the produce at a very local level, so is different to the food from other Italian regions.

Seasonal vegetables, as well as focaccia and other breads, dominate this cuisine. All these are based on the abundant fresh ingredients as well as the ever-present extra virgin olive oil - a simple and effective cuisine. Recipes have been handed down through the generations and are truly expressive of the Mediterranean diet. The session is hands on and we are all involved in making a series of dishes, and we finish off the session by dining on the meal we’ve prepared.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (4 courses including wine)

Note: pizzica dance performance is based on availability/group size.

Day 7 - ARRIVEDERCI PUGLIA!

By now you know the local barista by name and he knows which coffee you order - but we must say 'arrivederci'.

We organise transport for you to your departure point in Bari and bid you “buon viaggio”.

The tour finishes in Bari at 11 a.m.

Meals: Breakfast

Best of Puglia Tour Dates 2024:

5 - 11 May 12 - 18 May 19 - 25 May 26 - May - 1 June 2 - 8 June 9 - 15 June 16 - 22 June 14 - 20 July 1 - 7 September 8 - 14 September 15 - 21 September 22 - 28 September 29 Sep - 5 October 6 - 12 October 13 - 19 October

Tour Price: €2500

* Price listed is based on twin share * Single supplement of €300 for solo travellers

Tour Price Includes:

• All Accommodation is included
• Meals as listed in the itinerary: breakfast every morning, plus a main meal each day of 3-4 courses including wine
• All costs/entry fees for activities listed in the itinerary are included
• All transport during the tour is included. Travel is in our van/minibus with a professional driver
• 'Italy With Pleasure' provides a tour manager for the duration of the trip on hand to provide any support that you need

“The tour was first class, excellent in every way. An amazing way to see & learn about Puglia. The accommodation, sightseeing, superb food & mini van with great driver and Anita leading the group was sensational. We highly recommend this is the best way to see and learn about Puglia”

“We travelled to Puglia with friends in 2019 and loved the experiences arranged for us by Italy With Pleasure. The tour group was only 7 people, so the spectacular tour manager could easily cater to each of our needs and wants. The visits to the various towns and monuments coincided with some of the best and most regional meals we have ever had. Food and wine were plentiful and the selected venue's proprietors were very committed to ensuring that we all enjoyed our multi course meals and learned as much as we wanted about the unique cuisines that changed from town to town. Italy With Pleasure selected wisely on all counts and we thoroughly enjoyed our travels with them.”

“The Puglia tour, September 2022, exceeded our expectations. We have travelled a bit but have never participated in an organized tour group. Our tour participants were inclusive and a joy to get to know. Andy was an excellent guide/facilitator. He is so knowledgeable and filled with interesting factoids. He guided our group of 16 with humor and patience. He even made sure the restaurants we were scheduled to eat at knew our dietary restrictions. (Italians are so very accommodating) Each restaurant was carefully chosen, the food/wine excellent and we were treated as honored guests.”

“Our hotel in Polignano a Mare was very comfortable and the breakfast had a wide selection of lovely food. I cannot choose a single place I "loved the most". Each town was unique and the history varied and rich. A highlight was our "cooking class" and "learning" a folk dance on Friday evening. The whole experience was such fun.”

“Italy's history is vast and ancient. Malcolm and Antonella selected outstanding "subject matter experts" to guide us in the World Heritage Sites we visited. My favorite subject matter expert was Tiziana. She possesses a depth of knowledge and is able to tie the vast, varied history of this region together in a clear, concise way. The pandemic delayed our trip by 2.5 years. During that time, Malcolm and Antonella were readily available for all of our questions. This is the first time were we not ready to come home. A truly lovely adventure.”

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Discover the beauty of real small group travel – Live like locals with the locals!

All our leisurely paced tour itineraries are designed directly by us as we believe it is most important to guide you to make the right choice when choosing the right tour experience. All our tours are in a small group context of max. 12/14 participants only giving a more personal touch and flexibility where needed. We want you to experience our featured destinations as a local through unique experiences, staying in charming local accommodation and enjoying culinary experiences. We’ve proven that real small groups and excellent value, combined with premium quality are a great mix.

We also leave some time each day for you to explore at your own pace the hidden corners so you can get a sense of how it is to live like a local. We like travelling through scenic back roads, when possible! No motorways… You’ll find that Secret Italia Tours  offers the best package of real small group travel and quality – at an excellent value. Those are the ingredients of our travel experiences!

We all look forward to making your small group tour with us a unique moment and make you feel like a LOCAL!!!!!

Where will 2025 take you?

WESTERN SICILY PRIVATE TOUR: ESSENCE OF WESTERN SICILY

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SPAIN SMALL GROUP TOUR: BARCELONA,VALENCIA, ALICANTE & MADRID

SOUTHERN ITALY SMALL GROUP TOUR: SOUTHERN ITALY ADVENTURE

SICILY WINTER SMALL GROUP TOUR: A WINTER IN SICILY

SICILY SMALL GROUP TOUR: CAPTIVATING SICILY

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SICILIAN BAROQUE PRIVATE TOUR: TREASURES OF SICILIAN BAROQUE

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Ciao Bella Italia!

Whether it’s old-world traditions and wonderful culture, cuisine, history, fashion or natural beauty, Italy is special to many people for different reasons. Few other countries boast so many legendary cities. There are also many charming hill towns and coastal villages that showcase Italy’s amazing natural beauty. From the big cities to the small towns, there is always something exciting to see in Italy. With so many reasons to visit, the rest is up to you!

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Destination must-see's.

Cinque Terre:

Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which means that it is a valuable and protected place on earth. Feel like you have stepped back in time when you visit this collection of colorful medieval villages sitting high on the edge of the sea.

Visit a place that was frozen in time in the summer of A.D. 79. Soak in 2,000 years of history at the excavated ruins of Pompeii as a local expert provides you with a detailed view of this incredibly preserved archaeological site.

The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built and perhaps one of the most recognizable places on the planet. It sits right in the center of Rome and was constructed by emperors of the Flavian dynasty. Imagine being there in its day!

Go off the beaten path to see the Castello Sestiere area with a local guide and get to know authentic Venice. You’ll be able to walk canal by canal through streets lined with historic buildings and old churches. See how the locals live every day with each step you take in this unique city.

Destination Must-Do's

Get a Taste of Sicilian Street Food:

Each region of Italy has its own dishes of renown, and Sicily has a rich street food culture. Chickpea fritters (panelle), fried potato croquettes (crocchè) fried risotto balls (arancine/arancini), and cannoli are just some of the items you may find while sampling the local fare.

Tour Lucca:

The fascinating medieval city of Lucca is surrounded by 16th-century Renaissance walls. Choose to see it by bike or on foot, but either way will bring you to see the Cathedral of San Martino, the Piazza Napoleone and the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, all sites you simply should not miss.

Visit Capri:

On a beautiful day, take a boat trip from the stunning Amalfi Coast to the lovely Mediterranean island of Capri. There, a local expert will bring you on a tour of a dreamy place that can only be described as paradise on earth.

Drink wine:

Just about anywhere you go in Italy, you’re going to encounter fantastic wine. Whether you’re in Tuscany, Stresa, Piedmont, Umbria or any other region of this beautiful country, taste the wine. Buy a few bottles and bring it home to enjoy with friends and family.

Expert Advice

Some of what you think of as traditional Italian foods are actually American interpretations and not widely available there. Some examples are heavy cream sauces such as alfredo, spaghetti and meatballs, and chicken parmigiana (however, you may find these items in more tourist-oriented restaurants).

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An Italian summer with Citalia

It’s never too early to start planning next year’s holiday to italy – so from amalfi and the islands to lake garda and liguria, let italian holiday specialists citalia inspire you….

With nights drawing in and leaves starting to turn, we think it’s the perfect time to start dreaming of beach-front trattorias, al fresco espressos and daily gelato breaks…

Head to the Neapolitan Riviera for a classically Italian seaside holiday. From private tours of Pompeii’s ruins and the Amalfi Coast’s cliff-side villages, to cooking classes and Italian language lessons in Sorrento, this part of Italy offers la dolce vita in spades.

The region’s postcard-worthy good looks mean it tends to book up quickly, so we’d always recommend securing your stay early. Our local concierges offer on-the-spot advice so you get the most from your holiday experience. “Sorrento is the perfect base for exploring the Neapolitan Riviera. Take a quick ferry crossing to Capri or Ischia; Pompeii and Herculaneum are an easy train journey away, and the Amalfi Coast is a short drive along the stunning coastal road,” says Rosetta Fanzo, Citalia concierge.

Already done Campania? Try Liguria’s pastel-coloured villages and sandy beaches instead. Alternatively, you could venture to the Lakes, where you can spend your days strolling through spectacular waterside gardens and your nights enjoying creamy risottos paired with regional wines. Pick Lake Garda for vineyards and fairy-tale castles, Lake Como for upmarket towns and lavish villas, and Lake Maggiore for the palazzo-topped Borromean Islands and day trips to Zermatt and the Matterhorn.

Italy’s islands are also ideal summer spots. Sardinia is all about the beaches, with hundreds of white-sand bays and coves to pick from. It’s a surprisingly food-focused  island too, particularly in the north, where hyper-local cuisine reigns. Sicily has beaches too (pebbled coves around Taormina and sandy stretches in Cefalù), plus baroque hill towns, Greek temples and theatres, and wine tastings on the slopes of Mount Etna. For medieval hamlets, sunflower fields and vineyard-view pools, make tracks for the countryside. A laid-back week in a rural village makes a great pairing with a city break.

Team Tuscany with Florence or Umbria with Rome for the perfect blend of sightseeing and relaxation. Southern Puglia goes well with Rome too (it’s an hour’s flight away), plus it has the bonus of beaches as well as trulls-dotted countryside.

Discover your dream holiday on the Citalia website .

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BY Citalia Partnership

20th Mar 2023 Travel Guides

Welcome to our Ultimate Guide to Italy!

City: Verona

Lake: Lake Como

Coast: Liguria

Island: Sicily

Countryside: Puglia

Citalia's choice: sightseeing from sorrento, discover the real italy with citalia     .

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Amalfi Coast Experience

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Private Tour of Sicily: Highlights

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Mamma Mia! - 13 Days/12 Nights

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The Italian Dream

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We enjoyed ourselves and that is the principal objective in any holiday. Travelling in April meant that the weather was perfect for us - not too hot. The hotels were good - the Mercure in Palermo and the one in Agrigento excellent. Either lunch or dinner was laid on and we're of a high standard. The sites we visited were truly impressive although sometimes a little fleeting. Sicily is a big island so we did spend a lot of time on the coach. Thankfully we had a smart vehicle, Dino the driver was brilliant but the most plaudits have to go to Angelo the tour guide. Angelo was in turns helpful, informative, knowledgeable and great company. He went out of his way on a number of occasions to assist members of our party be it with lost property, illness or other mishaps. The tour was great value and I would strongly recommend.

Good guides and good hotel and meals. Didn't expect my initial group of 30 to swell to 45 a few days later. Such a large number made visiting sites difficult. Didn't have listening devices for the first 3 days. Couldn't hear guides very well. Didn't expect to have to pay entrance fees. Web site should make that clear. Loved the selection of sited we visited.

The accommodation was a bit too small but wasn’t as big a deal as we were out for most of the day. Overall, it was an amazing experience and a great way to make new friends!

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The 30 greatest Italian holidays

A h, Italy. It is a perennial favourite, of course, with its cradles of culture – Venice, Rome and Florence – attracting the bulk of tourists. But there is so much more to be discovered away from the big-hitting highlights. 

This year, there’s an increased focus on outdoor activities, with hiking and cycling holidays popular choices. While Tuscany’s rolling hills have long been the go-to rural escape for British travellers, they are only part of the story. Hit TV series such as The White Lotus have put Sicily firmly on the tourist map, and there is a wealth of experiences to be had, including sailing the volcanic Aeolian Islands on a classic wooden windjammer. 

And while we have listed some firm favourites in our list, we hope to inspire you with getaways that are not your conventional Italy holiday, too, from learning about Ladin culture in the German-speaking Alta Badia region to horse-riding through the wilds of Molise in central Italy.

Prices and temperatures soar in July and August so, if you can, try and visit outside these months. If you can only travel then, but don’t like the idea of overly hot weather, make for the mountains instead, where altitude will give you a welcome respite from the stifling heat further south.

Wild wanders

This east-coast region is home to some of Italy’s wildest landscapes – the Gran Sasso and Majella are among the highest massifs in the country outside the Alps, with wild animals including wolves, endangered Marsican brown bears and chamois roaming the dense beech forests. This five-night tour combines e-biking and walking, taking visitors across the Majella and Gran Sasso National Parks along quiet paths that meander through forested valleys and high plateaus, stopping off to refuel with hearty mountain fare.

The five-night trip with The Slow Cyclist costs £3,250pp, and includes airport transfers, tour guides, accommodation, meals, all activities, e-bikes and helmet hire. Flights not included.

Saints and sights

2023 marked the start of three years of celebrations to celebrate the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, who left an indelible mark on Umbria, with no shortage of monasteries, shrines and pilgrimage routes associated with his life. This trip includes Francis’s birthplace of Assisi, taking in the spectacular frescoes of the Basilica di San Francesco along with the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli, where Saint Francis announced he would cultivate poverty, founding the Franciscan movement. The holiday also includes a wine tasting tour and a leisurely boat ride across Lake Trasimeno, where Hannibal famously defeated the Roman army during the Second Punic War.

Ramble Worldwide’s Sights and Delights of Umbria trip costs from £1,479 pp including seven nights’ half-board with one lunch, wine with evening meals, flights, transfers, local transport, guided walks, wine tasting tour and lunch at a local vineyard.

Horseriding heaven

Sleepy, mountainous little Molise, snugly tucked away in central Italy, remains well off the tourist radar – and there’s no better way to explore this rugged region than on horseback. A recently launched trail ride follows the region’s tratturi, ancient sheep and cattle-driving routes used by shepherds and herders to move their flocks from high pastures to the lowlands in winter.

The Tratturi Altomolise Trail with Far and Ride costs from £950pp including six nights’ accommodation in shared rooms, all meals, wine and beer with lunches and dinners, five days of riding and transfers to/from Isernia train station. Flights not included.

Boutique rooms

Franco Zeffirelli was one of Italy’s greatest opera and film directors, whose adaptations of Shakespeare tragedies brought him international fame. His former home is now a boutique hotel, set in in a dramatic location perched on a cliffside above Positano on the Amalfi Coast – all lush gardens, secluded terraces and hidden pools shaded by tropical plants. The villa houses Zeffirelli’s memorabilia and family heirlooms, with original sketches for his sets also on display. 

Treville Positano (00 39 089 812 2401) offers doubles from £675 on a B&B basis. Plan the perfect holiday on the Amalfi Coast with our guide.

Astounding archeology

Earlier this year, artworks depicting scenes from Greek mythology were uncovered in Pompeii, while last year the site’s Casa dei Vettii reopened after 20 years’ restoration, revealing head-turning frescoes and offering an incredible insight into Roman domestic life. As well as Pompeii and nearby Herculaneum, this tour includes a visit to Paestum, an ancient Greek city on the Tyrrhenian Sea where you can admire beautifully preserved Doric temples.

Travelspher e runs eight-day trips from £1,424pp, including return flights, tour guides, accommodation and meals.

On your bike

The 111th edition of the Tour de France is set to host its Grand Départ on Italian soil for the first time this year, with the opening stage from Florence to Rimini. To mark the occasion, a new self-guided cycling holiday in Emilia Romagna takes biking enthusiasts from Parma to Modena, with a leisurely itinerary (complete with luggage transferred ahead by road) designed to allow time to take in the sights and refuel with local specialities along the way.

Inntravel’s six-night Flavours of Emilia Romagna is priced from £1,065pp based on two sharing, including B&B accommodation,  bike hire, route notes and maps, GPS navigation, luggage transfers, and a guided visit to a balsamic vinegar producer with tasting. Electric bikes available for a supplement of £33pp. Flights not included.

Operatic immersion

The Arena di Verona Opera Festival has an incredible programme of events taking place throughout the summer, from operas to other musical performances by world-renowned artists. Two dedicated arrangements offer a novel way of experiencing the event – one with backstage passes to soak up the vibes before performances begin, the other with a Michelin-starred meal on the Arena’s Star Roof before taking front-row seats.

A three-night trip with Citalia costs from £699pp, including return flights, three nights on a B&B basis, a night at the Arena di Verona and private transfers. The additional Michelin-starred dining experience is priced at £995 pp and includes a gourmet dinner with wine and front-row seats; the Backstage VIP pass experience is priced at £475 pp and includes stall seats.

Nature and culture

Italy’s largest island has been in the spotlight recently, its arresting landscapes the setting for episodes of comedy-drama series The White Lotus. Its capital, Palermo, is abuzz this year as it celebrates the 400th anniversary of the Festino di Santa Rosalia, with scores of events held throughout the year. The central focus is the historical parade on July 14 and 15, when the saint’s statue is carried from the city’s Norman Palace to the seafront aboard a lavishly embellished handcrafted float. The parade culminates in a spectacular fireworks display over the city.

Villa Igiea offers rooms starting from £469 per night on a B&B basis. Plan the perfect holiday in Sicily with our expert guide.

Open-aired arias

Named 2024 Capital of Culture, the Adriatic coastal town of Pesaro in the Marche region has a long (and strong) musical tradition, with over 80 musical festivals held annually. The most prestigious is the Rossini Opera Festival in August (the city is the birthplace of the composer), although it’s not only Pesaro that excels in operatic tradition – the Marche’s Macerata Opera Festival celebrates its 60th anniversary this summer with Norma by Vincenzo Bellini, one of the first operas staged in the town’s open-air neoclassical arena.

Scott Williams’ latest addition to its portfolio is Casa Aria , set in the Marche countryside. Sleeping up to 10 in six bedrooms, it comes with a panoramic swimming pool, sauna and steam room, with prices starting from £8,685 per week.

Florence & Venice

Arts and crafts.

A recently launched foundation helps visitors scratch beneath the surface of two of Italy’s greatest art cities, introducing them to Florence and Venice’s hidden artisans. The Place of Wonders seeks to safeguard and promote artistic craftsmanship, providing exclusive access to family-run workshops, from porcelain-making ateliers and historic workrooms producing luxury cashmere in Florence to lampwork and jewellery studios in Venice.

Experiences are based on voluntary donations that go towards funding full scholarships for Italian craft students. In Florence, visits can be organised through The Place Firenze , where rooms are priced from £580; in Venice, through Londra Palace Venezia , where rooms are priced from £555. Plan the perfect trip to Florence with our expert guide.

Architecture in style

Occupying the heel of Italy, Puglia has increasingly been on visitors’ radars in recent years, and little wonder – its whitewashed villages, Baroque architecture and powdery beaches with turquoise waters are a major draw, as is the region’s cuisine, heavily influenced by the region’s former Greek and Spanish rulers. The Apulian masserie (farmhouses) and famous trulli, distinctive conical buildings built as temporary storehouses or dwellings, have been converted into chic guesthouses and luxury hotels.

In partnership with StayOne, Mandarin Oriental Exclusive Homes has launched a couple of new holiday homes in Puglia this season, including the ten-bedroom Masseria Pistola, which combines original architectural features, including conical trulli ceilings and gable-roofed arches. Prices start from £1,430 per night.

Family adventures

In the heart of Tuscany lies the WWF-affiliated Oasi Dynamo nature reserve, harbouring rare species of plants and providing a rich habitat for wildlife including deer and wolves. Children can swoosh across a lake on a zip line and get involved in hands-on sustainable activities from a new beekeeping experience to wildlife tours, paper workshops using plants, leaves and seeds, and sensory activities, including discovering the sounds of nature and learning how to obtain ink and colours from the natural environment.

The eight-day group trip with Large Minority is priced from £2,264pp based on two people sharing and travelling together in one Piaggio Ape, and includes breakfast and two dinners. Flights not included. Plan the perfect holiday in Tuscany with our guide.

Northern Italy

Three-wheeled foray.

First introduced to Italy’s roads over 75 years ago, the iconic, three-wheeled Piaggio Ape has become a symbol of Italian way of life, its whirring and rumbling sound as distinctive as its shape. This adventurous tour is aimed at travellers, whether solo or in small groups, who want to explore the country behind the wheel of an Ape, combining adventure, fun and food in four of Italy’s northern regions. A little competitive streak is an optional bonus – there are challenges along the way – and there is the chance for teams to meet up at pre-booked hotels to share travel tales.

The eight-night group trip with Large Minority is priced from £1,500pp, based on three travelling together, including breakfast and two dinners. Flights not included.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia & Veneto

Ham and history.

Tucked away in Italy’s north-eastern corner, hugging Slovenia and a little stretch of Austria, Friuli Venezia Giulia is often overlooked in favour of neighbouring Veneto. Along with some of Veneto’s highlights outside of Venice, this new trip takes in Friuli’s Trieste, an elegant Adriatic city that was once the Habsburg Empire’s only port. The trip also includes a visit to the town of San Daniele del Friuli, renowned for its soft, buttery prosciutto that some would say edges the better-known prosciutto di Parma for quality and taste.

Cox & Kings’ eight-day fly-drive Beyond Venice: Veneto and Friuli trip is priced from £1,975 and includes flights, accommodation, one dinner, car hire and guides.

Making a splash

Porto Flavia in southern Sardinia is an extraordinary sight: a 1920s port terminal carved into the rockface along the Masua coastline. You can admire it from the water as you take part in a diving or snorkelling tour, travelling by boat from the port of Portoscuso to Pan di Zucchero, a towering sea stack whose underwater white limestone reefs are coated in sponges and inhabited by rich marine life.

Sardinian Places offer holiday stays in Southern Sardinia, with seven-night B&B packages starting from £999 including flights and private transfers or car hire. A half day diving tour with Ajoo Dive costs from £90 (snorkelling trips from £43), and includes boat transfers, guide and all diving equipment. Plan the perfect holiday in Sardinia with our guide.

Fitness al Forte

Nearer to Corsica than Tuscany, Capraia is the remotest island of the Tuscan Archipelago, and its only volcanic island, with steep cliffs dropping into deep blue waters home to groupers, barracuda and amberjack – there’s great snorkelling and diving to be enjoyed. An exclusive new fitness retreat immerses visitors into the island’s rugged scenery, with open-air lifting, yoga, hiking and breath work, complete with organic meals prepared by experienced chefs.

Wild Fitness retreats start at £2,674 per person per week at Forte San Giorgio , a listed national moment that has been converted into a sleek island retreat with 11 bedrooms, terraces for sunbathing, and two infinity pools. The fort is also available for exclusive buy-out hire.

Roman Jubilee

It’s over 70 years since Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck zipped around the cobbled streets of Rome on a Vespa in the iconic rom-com A Roman Holiday. Now is the time to explore the Eternal City before pilgrims descend next year for the 2025 Vatican Jubilee. The beginning of the jubilee is officially marked later this year on December 24, with the opening of the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica.

Onefinestay offers a range of carefully curated holiday rental apartments and homes in the capital, with prices starting from £260 per night. A 24/7 concierge service is available to all guests, with services including private chefs and babysitting services. Plan the perfect trip to Rome with our expert guide.

Emilia Romagna

A foodie foray.

This region is Italy’s foodie heartland, the home of Parmesan cheese, Parma ham, balsamic vinegar and lasagne. This gastronomic tour in the company of chef, broadcaster and food writer Valentina Harris includes a pasta-making class, visits to local markets, artisans and food producers complete with behind-the-scenes tours, along with cultural trips to galleries and museums, refuelling here and there with hearty meals at traditional restaurants.

Kirker offers the Italy’s Gastronomic Heart tour from £2,689pp for five nights, including return flights, accommodation on a B&B basis, two lunches and three dinners and all entrance fees.

Calabria & Basilicata

Scenic drives.

Occupying the toe of Italy, sun-kissed Calabria remains well off the beaten track. A new self-guided road trip introduces visitors to the region’s rich heritage, driving along wild stetches of the rugged Ionic coastline, taking in historical sites, powdery white sand beaches and sweeping sea vistas before crossing into Basilicata, home to the otherworldly troglodyte settlement of Matera.

Wexas offers a 12-day self-drive trip from £3,995pp, including return flights, accommodation on a B&B basis, 12 days’ car hire, three half-day private guided tours and a private home hosted dinner in Bari.

Concerts galore

This year marks the 100th anniversary of composer Giacomo Puccini’s death, with musical celebrations and events held in his honour in his native Lucca. The Puccini Festival, which celebrates its 70th edition, commemorates the occasion with some of his most loved operas, including Tosca and Madama Butterfly. If contemporary tunes are more your musical flavour, the Lucca Summer Festival hosts international big names, with an exclusive view of the main stage from the Champagne Rooftop of the Grand Universe Lucca.

Double rooms at Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Collection start from £220, room only.

Turin & Milan

Eye for design.

Turin’s Fiat Lingotto factory was inaugurated 100 years ago, its iconic rooftop track famously featuring in the harum-scarum police chase in ‘The Italian Job’. This trip traces the development of Italian design from the turn of the 20th century to the present day, with visits to iconic buildings and access to private collections. Tours are led by expert lecturer Dr Philippa Joseph.

Martin Randall Travel (0208 742 3355) offers the Modernism in Turin and Milan tour from £3,570pp and includes flights, accommodation, one lunch, four dinners, travel by private coach, all admissions and the services of the lecturer and tour manager. Plan the perfect trip to Milan with our guide.

Off-the-beaten lake

Lake Como’s iconic Villa d’Este remains open once again this year throughout the autumn and winter, paving the way for an extended lake season. December is a magical time to visit, with the gardens – listed as a National Monument – bedecked with fairy lights in a spectacular display, and a cosy winter glasshouse where you can sit back with winter-themed cocktails as you take in panoramic lake views. The hotel’s new Snow Dream adventure whisks guests by helicopter to some of the Alps’ best ski resorts for a day on the slopes accompanied by an expert guide.

Doubles at Villa d’Este start from £1,100. Prices for the Snow Dream adventure available upon request. Plan the perfect trip to Lake Como with our guide.

Vie ferrate

Scenic high-altitude trails crisscross the Dolomites, many equipped with vie ferrate – mountain routes with rungs, ladders and steel cables that cling to steep rock faces, making for an exhilarating way to take in the mountain panoramas. Two to seven-day experiences in the dramatic Pale di San Martino massif take hikers along scenic trails through the Parco Naturale Paneveggio, crossing several vie ferrate and overnighting in traditional mountain huts.

Ferrata packages with Palaronda Trek cost from £156pp for two nights on a half-board basis. Flights not included.

Sweet highs

The Umbria Jazz Festival yearly pulls in quite a crowd, with an exciting line-up of artists playing in the regional capital, Perugia (Lenny Kravitz is set to open this year’s festival). Jazz aside, Perugia is renowned for its exquisite chocolate, celebrated yearly during the Eurochocolate Festival, which this year marks its 30th edition. And if you’re seeking a way to burn off your energy, you can do so by walking Sellano’s new Ponte Tibetano, which stretches half a kilometre over the Vigi River valley at a record height of 175m – it’s said to be Europe’s highest suspension bridge.

The 10th-century Hotel Castello di Reschio northwest of Perugia offers rooms from £787, B&B.

Aeolian Islands

Making waves.

The ruggedly beautiful volcanic Aeolian Islands can get exceptionally busy in summer, with prices hitting a peak in July and August. Experience all the beauty of the archipelago away from the crowds aboard a classic wooden windjammer sailing boat, with daily trips ashore to explore the islands. There are plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel in secluded coves, and there are SUPs and kayaks for guests, too.

The eight-day Aeolian Islands sailing trip aboard Florette with VentureSail is priced from £1,095 on a half-board basis, including six meals, full crew and tuition, all tender trips during the voyage to and from the boat, and equipment.

Gourmet delights

The vine-clad hills of Piedmont’s Langhe-Roero and Monferrato are real foodie territory, with outstanding restaurants and some of the world’s best wines produced in the area, including fine Barolos and Barbarescos. Complete with 1920s wooden carriages, the historical food and wine TrEno rolls through the landscape, with a new itinerary added this year to enhance the experience. As well as wine tasting on board, gourmands will enjoy a traditional lunch Acqui Terme, renowned for its Brachetto, a lightly sparkling, sweet red wine.

Stay at La Villa Hotel , a 15-minute drive east of Nizza Monferrato, where rates start at £225. The TrEno experience costs £140.

Lessons on the water

In April, Venice was the first city in the world to introduce an entry fee for day-trippers. Big cruise ships, meanwhile, were banned in 2021, although it’s still possible to experience Italy’s greatest city on water aboard a boutique river cruise boat (complete with House of Fortuny fabrics, original Murano glass chandeliers and objets d’art). A new activity has been added to this year’s programme to support local traditions, with Venetian rowing lessons aboard traditional batele run by Row Venice, a non-profit organisation of female rowers.

Uniworld’s eight-day Venice and the Jewels of the Veneto starts from £2,799pp. Plan the perfect trip to Venice with our guide.

South Tyrol

Ladin culture.

Alta Badia and Val Gardena are home to the Ladin people, who settled here thousands of years ago and share age-old traditions, customs and a common language in Ladin, part of the Romance family. Visitors can learn about a handful of new ‘Nos Ladins’ experiences on offer in Alta Badia, including time spent with a local luthier at her workshop, learning about the art of violin making – the instruments are handcrafted using pine wood sourced from the surrounding forests.

First opened in 1932, Pralongia is the oldest and highest mountain hut on the Pralongià plateau, and re-opens this year for its first summer season following a complete refurbishment, with double rooms starting from £127pp per night, half board.

Valle d’Aosta

New heights.

It may be Italy’s smallest region but the Valle d’Aosta has no shortage of awe-inspiring scenery (it’s home to Mont Blanc, after all). Last July saw the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing go into operation, connecting the ski resort of Cervinia with Switzerland’s Zermatt, offering views of the Matterhorn from the moment you step onto the cable car until you reach the summit. In summer, over 400 kilometres of hiking trails crisscross the mountain peaks, with marmots and chamois a common sight.

Macs Adventure offers the self-guided, six-day Tour of the Matterhorn South for experienced hikers, with two glacier crossings with experienced guides. Ending in Zermatt, the tour is priced from £1,190 and includes B&B accommodation in traditional mountain huts and hotels, four dinners, a qualified guide, route notes and maps. Flights not included.

Mastering culinary skills

The volcanic soils of Sicily’s Mount Etna are known to produce excellent wines along with outstanding agricultural produce, including plump lemons, olives and pistachios. You can get a flavour for the region’s rich cuisine at Palazzo Previtera, a centre for contemporary art with rooms on the slopes of the peak, with foodie experiences including foraging for hazelnuts and wild herbs at a nearby farm, joining a local shepherd to learn about Sicilian cheese making, and hands-on Sicilian cooking classes in the Palazzo’s kitchen.

Palazzo Previtera offers rooms starting from £153 on a B&B basis. Foodie experience start from £30 per person.

The article was first published in April 2023 and has been revised and updated.

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