Italy

Capturing the hearts of many throughout the ages, Tuscany remains as timeless and as captivating as ever. The wealth of history, art, culture and beauty it has to offer is astonishing, an open invitation to visit time and time again. Tuscany encapsulates all that is Italy: beautiful landscapes of green hillsides dotted with olive groves and vineyards, framed by lines of tall cypress trees; stunning medieval hilltop villages unchanged for centuries, and Renaissance towns such as Siena and San Gimignano. Cities such as Florence and Rome need no introduction as they have been attracting travellers for centuries and their charms are legendary. But there is also a myriad of lesser known towns and villages which reveal equivalent splendours, tucked away in winding alleyways or sunny piazzas.

The heart of the Roman Empire, Lazio (Latium) is sometimes overlooked in favour of its neighbours Tuscany and Umbria but to do so is to ignore an area steeped in ancient history with Etruscan tombs, Roman ruins, and medieval villages still very much in evidence. It is also an area where massive volcanic eruptions of the past have shaped the landscape, leaving craters which are now beautiful lakes. And last but not least, the iconic sights and unparalleled art and architecture of the Eternal City, Rome, are easily within reach from our Lazio properties.

Forming the ‘heel’ of the Italian ‘boot’, Puglia (Apulia in Italian) is one of the most distinctive regions in Italy. Bordered on one side by the Adriatic Sea and on the other by the Ionian Sea, its long coastline reveals sandy beaches of Caribbean allure, secluded coves, sand dunes, traditional fishing villages, picturesque ports and fortified towns, chic beach clubs and nature reserves. 

Majestic olive trees cover the countryside, interspersed with vineyards and orchards. Visit hilltop towns and Baroque cities, which offer tantalising views, history and culture and a relaxed way of life where alfresco cafes and restaurants will tempt you with delicious local dishes.

Relaxed and serene, Umbria’s verdant landscape, sprinkled with olive groves and stone hamlets, has earned it the title ‘Il Cuore Verde d’Italia’, the Green Heart of Italy. Take a leisurely meander along its quiet country lanes, passing fields of sunflowers, stopping every so often to explore an ancient village and, of course, put time aside to discover the beautiful art and architecture of the regional capital, Perugia. At the end of the day, reward yourself to traditional Umbrian fare accompanied by one of the excellent wines produced here.