From the rolling vineyards of Tuscany to the mystical canals of Venice, Italy has an abundance of swoon-worthy destinations. If you’ve ever tried to distill the country into a one- or two-week itinerary, you know how challenging it can be — the boot-shaped nation packs a lot of punch. And it doesn’t help that each region has a distinct feel, with a cuisine, style and culture all its own.
Belmond’s spectacular properties are situated in some of Italy’s most jaw-dropping locations, making it easy to explore the country without the hassle of searching for worthy accommodations. Stay a week or a month, travel the whole country or explore just one region, the choice is yours.
Our experienced team of Private Travel Designers can help you create the Italian itinerary of your dreams. To help inspire your travel plans, here is a short but tantalizing introduction to each of Belmond’s distinct properties and the spectacular regions that surround them:
Venetian Romance:
Magical Venice has been beckoning travelers to its romantic canals for generations. The Belmond Hotel Cipriani sits on the tip of Giudecca island just minutes by private boat from San Marco, offering unrivalled views of the lagoon and iconic Doge’s Palace. Enjoy cicchetti at a waterside cafe, explore the city’s antique wineries or just stroll along the canal-lined streets at dusk.
Amalfi Attractions:
Set into a cliff’s edge 1150 feet above sea level, the Belmond Hotel Caruso offers uninterrupted views of the breathtaking Amalfi Coast — widely considered one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines. The building itself is a restored 11th century palace that sits among lush gardens in the town of Ravello and is the perfect perch from which to explore the area — that is, if you can pull yourself away from the jaw-dropping infinity pool.
Classic Florence:
Art, culture and Tuscan cuisine make for an unforgettable Italian experience in Florence. Nestled on a hilltop amid terraced gardens, the Belmond Villa San Michele has magnificent views of the city and surrounding Arno Valley. A complimentary shuttle whisks guests from this stunning villa to the heart of Florence, where terracotta domes and world-class art await.
Riviera Relaxation:
A thin strip of land between sea and mountain, the Ligurian Riviera is a surreal destination with quaint villages, posh harbors and dramatic scenery. The luxurious Belmond Hotel Splendido in famous Portofino is a spectacular destination in itself. Spend warm days lounging by the pool or enjoy dinner al fresco in the hilltop dining room that overlooks a picture-perfect harbor.
Sicilian Delights:
Captivating Sicily lies at the heart of the Mediterranean, offering visitors a dizzying array of landscapes and cultural influences. Belmond’s two properties are located just a few miles apart on Sicily’s east coast but offer distinct experiences. The Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo lies directly in front of the famous Teatro Greco, with sweeping views of the coastline and majestic Mount Etna; the exclusive Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea sits on a private beach in the secluded Bay of Mazzaro. From either location, explore wineries, soak up the sun or enjoy a tour of Mount Etna. Sicily will not disappoint.
Majestic Mallorca:
A relaxing retreat on the Spanish island of Mallorca, the Belmond La Residencia is the perfect place to unwind from the stress of life. Sheltered by green mountains on the edge of the artists’ village of Deia, this hotel takes your vacation to a whole new level. Sail the coast to admire dramatic cliffs or trek the Serra de Tramuntana, a World Heritage Site.
– The Tully Team