5 fabulous reasons to go on escorted holiday to Italy

And while you can get a flavour of Italy on a few short breaks, an escorted tour to Italy really does give a deeper insight into one of the most visited countries in Europe. From meeting locals and wine tasting, to scenic train journeys and open-air performances, our Italy holidays really encompass all its captivating qualities. We give five fabulous reasons why Italy should definitely be on your radar.

Food, glorious food

There is nowhere else in the world that has a gastronomic scene quite like Italy. With each Italian region proud of their own specialities, there is no shortage of authentic, delicious food. Simplicity is the buzzword, but with superior ingredients and fresh produce, you can devour mouthwatering dishes from traditional pastas, pizza, seafood and cured meats to divine gelato and sweet-filled cannolis.

And let’s not forget the wine. With a bewildering amount of different wine varieties and grapes including Chianti and Prosecco, in over 20 different wine regions, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Stunning lakes

Enjoy the gentle sound of lapping blue water as you gaze out onto surrounding Alpine mountains and rolling verdant hills, as well impressive historic villas and flourishing gardens that are dotted along the shoreline.

The Italian Lakes combine a serene beauty that encapsulates the quintessential charm of Italy. From the smallest, Lake Orta, to the glitziest, Lake Como, you can wander the pretty lakeside towns and gleaming resorts, watch the fishing boats bob in harbours, marvel at the mountainous backdrops and breathe in the scent of lemon trees.

An art lover’s paradise

The birthplace of the Renaissance, Italy is home to many of history’s most lauded artists, scholars, poets, architects and forward-thinkers. The list of Italian artists through the centuries is an extensive one - Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Botticelli… As are the sheer number of priceless masterpieces to admire from the breathtaking frescoes at the Sistine Chapel in Rome to the Statue of David in Florence. 

Bucket-list sights

What was once the epicentre of the Roman Empire, is now a treasure trove of cultural riches. Italy has the most UNESCO World Heritage sites than anywhere else on the planet and its cultural wealth is simply mind-blowing.  Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in Pompeii, channel your inner gladiator in the Colosseum in Rome - one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, or perhaps discover the intricate cave dwellings of Matera, which have stood for several millennia.Even Italian destinations themselves have special status. From the bustling canals of Venice and the rainbow villages of Cinque Terre, to the Amalfi Coast’s azure coastlines and the Dolomite’s impressive mountain ranges, these protected areas capture the diversity of Italy’s powerful allure. 

Glorious landscapes

From the glittering islands of Sardinia and Sicily surrounded by azure blue seas, to the snowy peaks of the Alps, the variety of Italy’s landscapes is astounding. Where else can you admire the only active volcano in mainland Europe, Mt Vesuvius, which looms over Naples and beyond, or take in views of Tuscany’s winding medieval hills adorned with cypress trees. With an abundance of medieval cities and distinctive rooftops to glacial lakes and sweeping vineyards, the scenery is truly breathtaking. 

We have several escorted tours to Italy that will take in all of the above and more, from Sicily to the Lakes, see our Italy holidays here.