The Venice-Simplon Orient Express is a one-of-a-kind experience that every traveler should encounter in a lifetime. From iconic routes that traverse France and Italy set in luxurious and stylishly appointed train cars filled with a storied past. The ride offers an unforgettable journey. With a unique combination of comfort and cultural immersion, you will be able to enjoy some of the most spectacular sights from the comfort of your plush private cabin.

A journey on the Venice-Simplon Orient Express is the epitome of a luxurious European travel experience– from the ambiance to the service, to the cuisine. Step aboard and be whisked back to an age of timeless nostalgia and glamour. We did and loved every minute of the experience!

The Epitome of Luxury Travel During a Bygone Era

The Orient Express first started running in 1883, and throughout the early 20th century, the train was the preferred mode of transportation for royalty, diplomats, socialites, artists, and celebrities. Today, the train continues its legacy of luxury and status and offers iconic multi-day experiences, one-night rides and afternoon tea experiences. Luxury Italian Tours can plan the rest of your itinerary.

Spectacular Landscapes, Food, Entertainment on Board

The pampering begins when you set aboard. Our personal butler popped open a chilled bottle of Veuve Clicquot and set the fluted glasses next to a spread of sandwiches and other bites. As we pulled out of the train station with numerous onlookers waving and taking photos of the iconic train, it was time to sit back and gaze at landscapes, small towns and historic sites along the way while sipping our bubbly and having our glasses topped by our personal butler.

After setting in, the dining car manager came to our door to offer a choice of two sittings for dinner. We opted for the earlier sitting to enjoy more time in the bar café afterwards. We also had a choice to dine in one of the three dining cars that each offer a different décor – L’Oriental has a chartreuse palette, Etoile du Nord has green plush velvet dining chairs and Côte d’Azur has a deep electric blue décor.

The meal was spectacular and soon we were clinking glasses with our new friends.

Be Entertained All Evening

Travel in beautifully decorated and refurbished 1920s cars while gazing at the scenery. After dining on fine cuisine and sipping wines from an exceptional wine list, you can move to for a night cap in the iconic Bar Car ‘3674.’ Sip some more bubbly or a cocktail while listening to the resident singer and piano player.

A Once in A Lifetime Experience that Should Be on Your Bucket List

It truly is an unforgettable journey on what is perhaps the world’s most famous railway line – one that no one should miss out on experiencing at least once in their lifetime!

Puglia is becoming an increasingly popular destination while still maintaining local tradition. The magnificent architecture of Lecce and Bari, the coastal charm of Polignano al Mare & Monopoli, the ‘hobbit’-like conical trulli in Alberobello, and local cuisine and wine offer a delightfully different experience of Italy. It is this melding of cultures that makes Puglia – the ‘heel’ of Italy’s boot – delightfully different.

The Flavors of Puglia

The Pugliese have found a natural way to savor life by eating locally grown foods washed down with wines descended from ancient vines. A trip to the region sounds like the perfect recipe for your next trip.

Puglia’s cuisine is often referred to as cucina povera, the cooking of the poor. Rather than being defined by the influence of trained chefs, the cuisine stems from the traditions found in homes, usually of nonna. And, nonna has plenty to choose from. Puglia’s penetrating summer sun ripens the region’s olives, fennel, chicory, fava beans, and artichokes to perfection. The warm climate and fertile soil make it easy to grow almost anything. The region is also a leading producer of wheat and offers more than 600 pasta shapes. If you are strolling in Bari Vecchia in the morning, you will see the ladies sitting outside and shaping orecchiette – pasta shaped like little ears – effortlessly.

Puglia’s strategic positioning – at the heel of Italy’s boot where the Ionian and Aegean seas meet – made it a prime target for invasions. The region exchanged hands numerous times since its founding in 2000 B.C. when the Mesopotamians settled in. The Greeks, Saracens, Normans, Turks, and Romans also conquered it, leaving the imprint of their cultures on the region’s food. The Swabians brought radishes; Arabs brought citrus fruits and almonds; Spaniards brought potatoes and tomatoes. The blend of influences results in a gastronomic kaleidoscope of colors and flavors in every dish. 

Keep Pouring

Local winemaking dates back to the Phoenicians. The Greeks called the land “enoteca.” Puglia is now the sixth-largest winemaking region in the world and is famed for cultivating Primitivo – a clone of Zinfandel grape – and Negroamaro. Most wines are red, full-bodied, and offer good values compared to its neighbors in the north.  You can sip wines in Lecce, where you can be elbow to elbow with other locals who frequent the numerous wine bars on Via Umberto I.

Must Visit Towns

Puglia is 250 miles long from north to south, providing lots of options for adventurous road trips. Some of our must-visit towns include Lecce, also known as the “Florence of the south;” the white hilltop city of Ostuni that is called la città bianca; the coastal town of Polignano a Mare and the fairytale town, Alberobello, with its unique conical shaped structures called trulli.

One of our most magical dining experiences was in Polignano a Mare at Grotta Palazzese. The venue is an Instagram favorite, but the restaurant is built into an impressive cliff and makes for a memorable experience. Set inside a natural cave, you can dine inside a grotto while enjoying gourmet dishes with the sounds of the sea.

Accommodations

Puglia is home to the masseria or fortified farms that were originally the residences of the landed gentry. With sprawling acres of olive trees and vineyards, they are a perfect stay.

If you prefer more of an urban feel, Lecce, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and Ostuni offer stunning architecture, seaside views, and Greek influences. During a recent visit, we were impressed by the new hotels in the cities that offer historic architecture in a chic, modern setting.

Puglia is still under the radar so book your visit before it is fully discovered.

Sit back as your captain speeds you away from the bustling crowds in Venice to enjoy three charming islands located less than an hour off the coast. Welcome to Burano Murano & Torcello.

Burano is a sixth-century fishing village, known for its lace-making and colorful homes. Murano is the world-famous island where artisans have been producing stunning glassworks since the 13th century. Torcello is lovely to explore with its stunning greenery, ancient churches and Locanda Cipriani, a boutique inn and restaurant counterpart to the famous Harry’s Bar on the Grand Canal. The next time you’re in Venice, these islands possess their own unique flavor and promise a great escape from the throngs of tourists and pigeons found in Piazza San Marco.

Burano: The Island of Lace

This quaint and beautiful town of Burano is located 40 minutes off the coast of Venice. When you pull up to its shores, you’ll be greeted by the tilted Bell Tower of the Church of San Martino. It stands out amid homes and businesses painted in vibrant hues of red, blue, orange, and lavender. The vivid colors are said to have guided fishermen to their homes through the fog when returning from sea.

These colors are not determined randomly. There is a specific system that has been followed for centuries. If property owners wish to paint their buildings, they must request permission and a selection of permissible paint colors from the government.

Like Venice, Burano is an archipelago. It consists of four individual islands separated by narrow canals, which you can traverse using a series of picturesque footbridges. The island rose to artistic importance in the 16th century when women on the island began making its famed lace. It became particularly desired after Leonardo da Vinci visited and purchased the cloth from the main altar of the duomo in Milan.

Soon after, the lace was in demand across Europe. Nowadays, there are few artisans left who make lace in this traditional manner, as it is extremely time-consuming and expensive. However, the ladies who carry on the tradition are eager to invite visitors into their shops to admire their handiwork. And you can stop by the Museo del Merletto, a museum dedicated to the island’s lace-making tradition.

Another of Burano’s claim to fame is a sweet treat called the Bussola Buranello, which translates roughly to compass of Burano. In a salute to the island’s marine traditions, these cookies come shaped in either a backward letter S or an outline of a circle. The flavorful bites are especially popular during Easter holiday, and on feast days, locals often dip them in wine before eating them. Their smell is so deliciously aromatic that packages of Bussola Buranello were once used to scent closed drawers, making them an ideal souvenir to toss in your suitcase.

Murano: The Island of Glass

Murano became a center of glass-making when the Venetian Republic ordered its glass makers to move their factories to the island in 1292. This was done to avoid the potential threat that their fiery works would set other Venetian buildings ablaze. By the 14th century, these glass makers were so highly regarded that they were afforded special privileges, including immunity from persecution by the Venetian state. There are many places to purchase beautiful glass pieces in and around Venice, but on Murano, you can head to the Museum of Glass in the Palazzo Giustinian for a demonstration of how craftsmen still employ 500-year-old techniques to create products from small figurines to elaborate chandeliers decorated with semi-precious gems.

The latter end up adorning the homes of the world’s wealthiest citizens from Arab sheiks to Russian tycoons. At the museum, the artisans reveal how they incorporate different materials and tools to achieve different kinds of glass. Varieties of Murano glass include smalto (enamel glass), aventurine with threads of gold embedded into the glass, millefiore, which displays a kaleidoscope of colors, and lattino (milk glass). The production process begins with silica, commonly found in sand, or quartz, both of which liquefy at high temperatures. The “lampworking” technique used to melt the glass into a molten state is named for the oil-heated lamps that were originally used for the purpose though glass fuel torches are used today.

Once the glass is heated into a workable form, artisans use a canna da soffio, or blowing pipe and borselle (long tongs or pliers) to form the red-hot glass and a pontello, or iron rod, to make finishing touches. Once you’ve seen the glass makers in action, head around the corner and have a peek at the Church of Santa Maria in San Donato. Legend has it that the bones of a dragon slain by San Donato are buried on the church grounds.

Torcello: The Island of Escape

The oldest of the three islands, Torcello was a safe haven where Venetians flocked to escape barbarian invasions 1,600 years ago. Torcello rapidly grew in importance as a political and trading center. By the 10th century, its population has exceeded that of the Republic of Venice. But in the 12th century, malaria epidemics caused residents to flee. And today, Torcello has less than 50 permanent residents. In 1941, Torcello, reemerged as a different kind of safe haven for those trying to escape from the Germans during World War II.

Giuseppe Cipriani was then the owner of the famous Harry’s Bar on the Grand Canal in Venice, from which would stem many Cipriani restaurants worldwide. He closed the restaurant during the war because he refused to comply with the German demands that he forbade entry to Jews and fled to Torcello when he founded Locanda Cipriani, the island’s famous inn and restaurant. Ernest Hemingway would eventually join Cipriani on Torcello, where he would write the novel Across the River and Into the Trees. The estate with its beautiful gardens has also hosted famous names such as Charlie Chaplin, Paul Newman, and the British royal family.

In addition to planning a stay or a meal at Locanda Cipriani, while on Torcello visit the beautiful Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Built in 639 AD, it contains a vast collection of Byzantine artwork, including many mosaics. If you have limited time, all three of these remarkable islands can be visited in one day.

Let Luxury Italian Tours book your boat and captain and get away from the crowds and enjoy these unique and historic islands.

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s day than to visit the most romantic city in Europe? Decadent chocolate, red roses, sparkling champagne, and unforgettable memories are awaiting. Luxury Italian Tours is here to help you create your fairy tale getaway so you can celebrate in style with your loved one.

Say Je T’Aime in Front of The Wall of Love

If you are in the mood for amour and you’re looking for a great place to say je t’aime – I love you – there’s no better place than Le Mur des Je T’aime in Montmartre. This 40-square foot wall displays over 311 ways to say “I love you” in 250 languages. You might notice red splashes on the wall – they represent the pieces of a broken heart and can be assembled to form a complete, whole heart.

Stoll Around the City

The most romantic streets in Paris are those that are steeped in history, grandeur and beauty. The Champs-Elysées is perhaps the most well-known of these romantic streets. But, for hidden gems, head to the Marais neighborhood to discover tiny alleyways filled with colorful houses. Here you will find quaint little restaurants scattered all around, perfect for romantic dinners. Don’t forget to take a detour through Place des Vosges – this square will transport you back in time with its symmetrical architecture and cobblestone pavements surrounded by centuries old trees. Or just meander and get lost in Montmartre!

Cruise On the Seine

A trip to Paris isn’t complete without a boat ride on the Seine. A great way to get stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum, a boat ride takes you through the center of Paris, giving you a relaxing way to enjoy the city sights.

If you choose to take a ride in the evening, you’ll understand why Paris is nicknamed the City of Lights. Imagine sipping on a chilled glass of champagne as you take in the landscape of illuminated trees and monuments. With over 50,000 street lights and 33 brightly lit bridges, it’s a sight you’ll never forget.

Sweet Treats

You can’t leave Paris without exploring the collection of artisanal pastries and desserts. Whether you are a croissant lover, an eclair enthusiast, or a macaron admirer – you’ll find mouthwatering treats all over the city streets of Paris.

Cedric Grolet cannot be missed. He is the undisputed master of his art one of his many accolades includes ‘Best Pastry Chef in the World 2018’ (The World’s 50 Best Restaurants). He has created a fantastical world of pastry, where even fruits are not quite as they seem. Visit at 6 Rue de Castiglione, 75001 Paris.

With five locations throughout City of Light, Pierre Hermé is a luxury patisserie operated by a Michelin star chef. It is best known for its macaroons.

For chocolate lovers, there’s no shortage of chocolatiers in Paris. You may choose to visit À la Mère de Famille, the oldest chocolate shop in Paris, founded in 1761. Give yourself some time to browse over 1,200 types of sweets including chocolate, marshmallows, candied fruits, and more. They may even stock some special Valentine’s Day treats.

For a more modern experience, famed chocolatier, Patrick Roger, marries chocolate making with art. Stop into one of his several locations in Paris and admire the latest sculpture made entirely from chocolate!

If you prefer to sip your chocolate, Angelina is iconic for its hot chocolate. After a visit to the Louvre, stroll under the arcades of the Rue de Rivoli where you will find the tearoom.

Dine with a View

The Eiffel Tower is the iconic symbol of Paris. After dark, the tower “sparkles” during a 5-minute light show on the hour, every hour from sundown until midnight. There are numerous places throughout the city where you can partake in this spectacle, but let us reserve your table at one of the restaurants with a direct view including Girafe, Les Ombres or le 6 New York.

Sip Champagne in Champagne

A perfect spot for a day trip from Paris is the historic region of Champagne. Only an hour train ride from Paris, it’s worth visiting the city of Reims and the stunning Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where 33 French kings were coronated including Louis XIV.

Sip some bubbly at one of the famed Champagne houses or meet some of the winemakers and walk the vineyards with them. Most places do not accept walk-ins but we can ensure you get the appointment you need at hand-selected locations.

For a memorable tasting in Reims, we recommend Ruinart, the oldest Champagne House that was founded in 1729. It is abundant with historic cellars and ancient white chalk quarries that go nearly 40 meters deep. Ruinart has been aging wine in these cellars since the late 1700s- even before the French Revolution started. Another iconic champagne house is Veuve Clicquot. Barbe-Nicole Ponsardintook over her husband’s wine business when she was widowed at 27 and built it into an iconic brand.If you are interested in learning more about her story, we highly recommend reading The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It which can be found on Amazon.com.

It is well worth visiting Epernay if you want to stroll along the Avenue de Champagne,another UNESCO World Heritagesitewhere other great names have houses including Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, Pol Roger, Mercier and G.H. Martel.

Book a private tour with us and enjoy the scenic road through the Champagne vineyards to the traditional villages of Verzenay and Verzy, Ay, Cramant and Avize. Arrive in a charming and authentic family-run estate and feel the intimacy of a private chateau run by a passionate family for generations. Or enjoy lunch at a typical champagne restaurant in the countryside, by the Marne River.

If you’re ready to book your romantic Paris getaway, Luxury Italian Tours is here to help. Let us know where you’d like to go and what you’d like to do and we’ll design an unforgettable escape filled with unmatched luxury, passion and romance.

If you’ve watched the latest season of The White Lotus on HBO, you might be yearning for an unforgettable vacation in Sicily. Luxury Italian Tours has you covered with highlights of the jaw dropping destinations and locations featured in the smash hit show.

The latest season is filmed around the Sicilian coast in Taormina, Noto, and Palermo. The San Domenico Palace Hotel, the five-star hotel where The White Lotus takes place, sits atop a rocky cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea in Taormina.

Taormina

Visible from the San Domenico, the main attraction in Taormina is the Teatro Greco. This ancient and majestic theater was built in the 3rd century BC by the Greeks and later expanded by the Romans. Now a cultural center that puts on plays, concerts, and film festivals, it’s a great place to catch live entertainment.

While in Taormina, stroll along the medieval Corso Umberto, the pedestrian-friendly main road, and find the Palazzo Corvaja, a palace with Arab, Norman and Gothic architectural characteristics from Taormina’s rich history. Continue your journey down Corso Umberto and reach Piazza IX Aprile, a square with spectacular views of the ocean and Mount Etna. Stop in one of the many cafés along the way for some afternoon granita or espresso. BamBar is known to have the best granita,

The Baroque Towns: Noto, Modica and Ragusa

In The White Lotus, Harper and Daphne visit Noto, a small town on the southeastern coast of Italy known for its baroque architecture. Its most famous sight is the 18th- century Noto Cathedral that sits atop the Piazza Municipio. Across from the Cathedral is the Palazzo Ducezio where you can access a terrace that overlooks the Cathedral and Piazza for the most stunning views.

A quick drive away is the town of Modica, another charming historic town. The town is split into two parts: Modica Alta and Modica Bassa. Modica Alta is older and you will find buildings carved from stone. Modica Bassa is the lower, more modern part of town and was built after the 1693 earthquake. Visit the Duomo di San Giorgio, a beautiful baroque church, where 250 steps connect the upper and lower parts of the town.

Don’t leave Modica without stopping for some renowned chocolate. The chocolate-making methods in this area date back to the ancient Aztecs, when the Spanish conquered this region. This scrumptious and crumbly chocolate can be flavored with cinnamon, vanilla, chili, coffee or citrus and is not to be missed.

Another noteworthy stop on this baroque excursion is Ragusa. Attractions at Ragusa include the Ibleo Regional Archaeological Museum, the Hyblaean Garden and over 50 baroque churches. Stop for a snack to try some of Ragusa’s delicacies: the pastieri, small pastries filled with goat and lamb, and scacce, thin dough balls stuffed with ricotta and spinach or sausage.

Agrigentoand Marzamemi

While in the South of Sicily, it’s worth visiting the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. A UNESCO World heritage site, this is the home of eight Greek temples and ruins that are over 2,500 years old. You can find statues dedicated to Zeus, Icarus, and Heracles.

Before you head back north, check out the seaside fishing village of Marzamemi. Here you can visit the original tonnara (tuna processing plant) built by the Arabs in the 10th century. The tonnara overlooks the old fishermen’s harbor and is used for extravagant private events.

Marzamemi is known for its seafood delicacies including canned tuna, smoked swordfish, and marinated anchovies. Stop by and have lunch at La Cialoma – and enjoy delectable seafood dishes while taking in the magnificent view of the sea from their terrace.

Siracusa and Ortigia

Heading back North, you can visit Siracusa and its old town center Ortigia. Ortigia is a small island, only 1 kilometer long and 600 meters wide, connected to the rest of Siracusa by 3 bridges. Similar to other parts of Sicily, Ortigia’s architecture has Arab, Roman, and Spanish influence due to its rich cultural history.

As you walk through Ortigia’s historic streets, explore the outdoor markets where you can find artisanal almonds, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers. Walk along Siracusa’s beautiful lungomare, or promenade, and enjoy the calming sights of the ocean. Check out the Temple of Apollo and the Fountain of Diana for more ancient relics.

Outside Siracusa’s historic center, the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis deserves a visit. Here you’ll find the Greek Theater, the largest in Sicily, where you can attend a theater performance in the summer months. Another highlight of the park is the Ear of Dionysus – a quarry with excellent acoustics where prisoners of war were kept in ancient times.

Palermo and Cefalù

Although Daphne and Harper visited Noto, the palazzo they stayed in, a 20 acre private residence named Villa Tasca, is actually located in Palermo. An interesting visit in Palermo is the Palace of Palermo and the elegant and elaborate mosaics inside the Palantine Chapel are not to be missed. Experience local street food at the ancient Ballaro market with origins from the 10th century when the city was under Arab domination.

As you head back to Taormina, you might choose to stop in Cefalù for a beach day. Because of the close proximity to Mt. Etna, the beaches in Taormina were too rocky for filming and so the beaches in Cefalù were used to get the sandy beach shots you see in the show.

If you’re ready to book your White Lotus Itinerary, Luxury Italian Tours and Luxury Italian Villas are here to help. Let us know where you’d like to go and what you’d like to do and we’ll ensure a vacation filled with memories, unmatched luxury, and adventure.

When travelers want to head to the coast in Italy, they flock to the Amalfi Coast. But, Italians prefer to enjoy the sea and sandy beaches in some of the lesser known coastal towns along the Tuscan Coast in an area known as Versilia which includes the beachfront towns of Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio. These towns are easily accessible to Florence, Pisa, Lucca, the Cinque Terre and Pietrasanta.

In less than two hours via a direct train from Florence, you can be relaxing at one of Forte dei Marmi’s beach cubs along a sandy seven mile stretch. Here you will enjoy a five star experience with your very own tent, cabana, sun loungers and chairs for a “modest” free. Andrea Bocelli owns Bagno Alpemare, one of the nicest beach clubs in town that has a café, restaurant and a collection of artwork on display.

The best way to explore the area is by bike. There are several rental shops in town and many hotels offer them. There is a bike path that runs along the seaside promenade.

Shopping and dining is another highlight in town. If you are looking for high end shopping, all of the major brands can be found and there is a weekly market held on Saturday and Wednesday that sells a wide ranges of goods from cashmere sweaters to household goods. You will also be spoiled with a number of Michelin starred restaurants and other vibey beachfront restaurants service the daily catch of the day.

Viareggio is another seaside town that is more low key than its posh neighbor. It is also less than two hours from Florence via a direct train and you can also enjoy the beach clubs and seaside atmosphere. It is best known for its annual Carnival, one of the most important in Italy and Europe. Held for five weekends between the second half of January through March, the carnival is renowned for its colossal and colorful floats.

If you are seeking some culture in between swims, the medieval artist town, Pietrasanta, is worth a visit. Many international artists have come to work in the town and have established marble workshops and contemporary art galleries. Many have also donated their work to the town making in a real open-air museum.

Even Michelangelo came to this town to source the purist white marble from the nearby quarries. He traveled through the hills on foot and by mule, personally checking for the best blocks. Be sure to stop at the popular Bar Michelangelo in Piazza Duomo where a plaque testifies that in 1518, Michelangelo worked there while selecting the marble for the façade of the San Lorenzo church in Florence.

Tourists flock to the region of Liguria to visit Cinque Terre, which is home to five picturesque seaside towns connected by a walking path, but this coastal region has so much more to offer. Visitors looking to enjoy breathtaking scenery, delicious food and wine, and less crowds–for now–need to consider adding Liguria to their Italian tour itinerary.

Touching the Borders of Tuscany and Piemonte

The Liguria region of Italy is perfectly located between Piedmont and Tuscany, making it an absolutely ideal stop in between visiting these two popular tourist regions. Liguria is composed of a narrow coastline that curves around the Ligurian Sea due north of the island of Sardinia. A part of the Italian Riviera, it boasts stunning landscapes of seaside cliffs and mountain ranges.

Cinque Terre: The Path Connecting Five Towns

The Cinque Terre, a collection of five seaside towns connected via a walking path, has mesmerized travelers and they flock in droves. The villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso have their own characteristics.

The largest village is Monterosso, which is also the least ‘vertical’ meaning that you won’t have to climb as much as in the others. The town also boasts the only sandy beach in Cinque Terre.

Proceeding east you reach the most famous village, Vernazza, characterized by its small harbor and seafront medieval church. It’s full of restaurant and bars, and often quite crowded – as opposed to its neighbor, Corniglia, which is the quietest of all.

Manarola is probably the most photographed village, thanks to its terraced vineyards that overlook the delightful port and the dramatic cliffs.

Riomaggiore features tower homes, a castle and a small rocky beach. It is the starting point of different hiking trails, most notably the Passeggiata dell’Amore (love path) which is slated to reopen in 2023.

Chic City of Portofino and Casual Seaside Towns

Visitors to Liguria would be remiss to skip a visit to the chic city of Portofino. Dotted with colorful houses, luxury shopping, quaint cafes, and extensive outdoor activities make it a city with options for everyone. For discerning palates, travelers can enjoy a Michelin-starred dining experience at Cracco Portofino and savor creative prepared dishes while perched over the sea. For breathtaking views, let us plan an experience at a local farm where all of your senses will be touched at the table and in the garden.

Camogli is one of the most picturesque villages off the beaten path that rests under the radar. It’s a typical fishing hamlet with candy-colored homes and a small harbor. The pedestrian promenade is magical to stroll along and oozes the ancient atmosphere of this maritime village.

Chiavari possesses a different vibe than its laid back neighbors. Its historic center is characterized by wide porticoes, stately palaces and artisan workshops. Here you local artisans welcome visitors in their workshops as they proudly carry on centuries of family traditions with great passion

Genoa, Liguria’s capital, is one of those captivating Italian cities that also remains off the tourist radar. You can easily get lost in the carruggi, or narrow cobblestone streets, of the medieval quarter, one of Europe’s largest.

Historical Sites

Travelers with an interest in history and architecture will find ample opportunities for learning and exploration. The abbey of San Fruttuoso provides an iconic image of the region itself. Part of its allure is due to its hard-to-reach location, which finds it surrounded by lush woods on either side and the sea to the front.

Local Culinary Delicacies: Pesto

If pesto is something that delights your palette, you are in the right place when visiting Liguria. Pesto can be used to describe any paste or sauce that is made with mashed herbs and oils but the “real thing” in Liguria is a protected recipe, which must be made with exact ingredients in a very specific way. Authentic pesto is made from basil grown in Genoa, pine nuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino, garlic, salt, and olive oil. The simple, but wildly delicious sauce is wonderful when spread on top of trofie, the queen of Genovese pasta, which holds the pesto best given its particular shape.

Also “born” in Liguria is the flat bread known as focaccia and there is no better place on Earth to indulge in its crispy, lightly-oiled, goodness. This is commonly found on the street, where you can grab it fresh from the oven and eat it as-is, dipped in sauce, or smothered in a tasty spread. Our favorite spot is Focacceria Revello in the heart of Camogli. These pillowy slices of bread are airy and light, but our preference is a thinner, crepe-like version stuffed with local cheese that oozes out with every bite. If you are lucky enough to be there when a batch comes out of the oven, you will experience a slice of heaven.

Regional Wines

Wines have been produced since the Etruscan and Roman times. Liguria is home to over 100 varieties of grapes and there are eight DOC wines (DOC stands for Denomination of Controlled Origin: an Italian certification with the aim to protect the quality and authenticity of Italian wines).

However, the landscape of Liguria with its steep slopes and cliffs makes wine growing an absolutely valiant pursuit. Grapes must be harvested by hand and the grapes are transported in baskets on the shoulders of the farmers. This results in small batches of precious wines that have been painstakingly produced. Be sure to try a crisp, dry white Vermentino or Sciacchetrà, a sweet wine that is typically paired with desserts or cheese.

Set Sail

A private boat trip is one of the great ways to discover the beautiful coastline with its rugged cliffs, turquoise water and colorful fishing villages away from the crowds.

The region of Liguria has so much to offer, with options to suit every traveler’s tastes. Although tourists flock to Cinque Terre making it quite crowded, visits further afield will allow for a more open, less congested experience–at least for now. Luxury Italian Tours can help plan the ideal itinerary to this region, while crowds remain less thick.

Coffee lovers who travel to Italy have the opportunity to drink some of the finest coffee found anywhere in the world. In fact, the agricultural ministry to Italy’s national UNESCO commission is presenting a bid to the U.N. body’s headquarters in Paris to have their espresso be given heritage status.

Italy currently holds such status for a slew of customs and traditions including truffle hunting, Neapolitan pizza, the Mediterranean diet, Sicilian puppet theater, and the craftsmanship that created Stradivari violins. Soon, the country may very well have official bragging rights for their espresso, too.

The art of drinking coffee is embedded in Italian culture with almost the entire population drinking a cup every day. Italians take their coffee seriously…very seriously. And the last thing you want to do as a tourist is fumble the time-honored tradition with a faux pas.

Show your appreciation by preparing yourself in advance to enjoy this ritual like a true Italian. If you want to drink like a local, you need to follow some basic coffee rules while in Italy. The keys to your coffee-drinking success? You need to know what you order, at what time of day to drink a certain style of coffee and where and how you drink it.

Italians Drink Espresso

When you saunter up to the counter to order a “caffè”, there is only one type of drink you will get: an espresso. There will not be a plethora of options in size, flavors, or sweeteners. This is not Starbucks.
Don’t call it an espresso, either. Just call it a caffè because for Italians, a “coffee” IS an espresso. The espresso will be served in a shot glass and it is served up strong. If you need an extra jolt, order a doppio espresso which are two espresso shots.

If you care for milk in your espresso, don’t order a latte. Latte is the Italian word for milk so ordering a latte will simply get you a cup of milk. However, if you like your coffee creamy, you can lighten up that espresso by ordering a macchiato, which gets you an espresso with a dash of steamed milk.

If you’re looking for something more like what you get back home, you can have it but you will certainly not be ordering like a true Italian. In fact, you will have to order a caffe ́ Americano, which is an espresso with added hot water served in a regular coffee cup, with or without milk and sugar.

Finally, you can enjoy the mother of all white coffees, the cappuccino, which tops an espresso with a generous dollop of frothy steamed milk and may be accompanied by a sprinkle of chocolate.
Which leads us to our next set of tips…

Never Order Cappuccino After a Meal

If you want to honor the Italian coffee culture, you will never, ever order a cappuccino after a meal. It’s not that Italians don’t drink coffee after meals, because drinking an espresso is acceptable, even after dinner.

It’s that Italians believe that dairy interferes with the digestion process so they never, ever order anything with milk after eating. In fact, if you want to adhere strictly to the unwritten rules of drinking coffee in Italy, milky coffees are only consumed in the morning.

If it is after 11 am, stick to the one-worded order, caffè. Before 11 am, be daring and order up a frothy variety if it suits you. After a few successful counter encounters, you may want to branch out and try one of these other iterations of espresso:

• Ristretto: a little bit of water added to a caffe
• Lungo: a bit more water added to coffee
• Macchiato: coffee with a splash of milk
• Corretto: coffee with a shot of grappa
• Schiumato: espresso capped with a dollop of hot milk foam and
• Granita: a Sicilian recipe made with coffee and ice topped with whipped cream. A popular drink in summer.

Master these choices and you will be sipping like a pro!

Coffee is Sipped at the Bar

Coffee is meant to be sipped and savored at the local bar. Most Italians order right at the counter, which provides an opportunity to socialize, gossip, and discuss football before beginning their day.
If you ask for a coffee to go, be prepared for some glares as you will have violated the most important cardinal rule. So, hang out at the counter and maybe you’ll even pick up a few Italian words. You will certainly be warmly welcomed.

Heading to Italy?

If you are planning to visit Italy to partake in the rich culture, tastes, and sights found in the cafes and well beyond, we can help. From finding the perfect luxury villa for your friends and family to organizing a custom itinerary , we are the partner every discerning traveler needs.

While there, test your Italian style coffee techniques at these favorite spots:

• Rome – If you are searching for the ultimate espresso, head to Café Eustachio in the Eternal City. Located behind the Patheon, it has been an institution for Romans since 1938. The thick foam that tops each coffee is made by a secret technique. So secret that the baristas’ hands are hidden by a barrier. The espresso is exceptional. Don’t miss the experience. Piazza di San Eustachio, 82
• Florence – With three locations across the city, Ditta Artigianaleis Italy’s original specialty coffee company. Coffee beans are sourced worldwide and roasted in Tuscany and brewed daily in Firenze. Here you can order your cappuccino with almond milk, flat whites, or coffee made using AeroPress or V60 filtering techniques. The menu items are worthy too. Via dello Sprone, 5n(near the Ponte Vecchio), Via dei Neri, 30/32 R (near the duomo) and Via dei Carducci 2R (largest location in the Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood).
• Venice – Opened in 1720, Café Florian is the oldest café in the world. Sip your coffee in Baroque splendor under the arches in San Marco’s Square. The café is pictured below. Piazza San Marco 57.
• Milan – Owned by Prada, the Italian iconic fashion powerhouse, Marchesi 1824 embodies Milanese style since its opening in 1824. The café is seeped in history and is faithful to traditions and artisanal products. Specialties are prepared by hand using high quality ingredients. Via Monte Napoleone, 9.
• Naples – In the center of the city, Café Gambrinus is a landmark 19th-century coffee house with an elegant interior – a contrast to the laundry strewn across the neighboring narrow streets. In a bygone era, this café was a meeting point for intellectuals, politicians and businessmen. Via Chiaia, 1 and Piazza Trieste e Trento, 42.
•  Noto – For the best view of the Baroque cathedral and the best cannoli in Italy, Caffe Sicilia is a must stop. Opened in 1892, Carlo and Corrado Assenza are the fourth generation in their family to run this institution. Corrado incorporates his chemistry and biology background to create awe-inspiring flavors to its pastries which are perfectly paired with a café! Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 125.

Nestled alongside the borders of France and Switzerland and surrounded on three sides by the Alpes, lies Piemonte or the Piedmont region of Italy. Piemonte is a rising star for travelers looking to explore something different. There are endless reasons to consider Piemonte for your next Italian adventure. It is a gastronomic paradise for food and wine lovers too. Let us open your mind to the delights that await you in this magical region of northwestern Italy.

Since the Renaissance period, artists have been bewitched by the dazzling landscape of Tuscany. Piemonte is every bit as alluring. In every direction, as far as your eyes can see, you will take in hills covered with vineyards, medieval castles and towers, ancient farmhouses, Romanesque churches seamlessly integrated into the natural surroundings. 

Stellar Wines 

Named a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Langhe area has vineyards that produce Italy’s best-known tannic red wines: Barolo and Barbaresco, from Nebbiolo grapes. Naturally the wines of Piemonte are a significant draw to this region of Italy. Celebrated alongside Tuscany as one of the top wine regions in all of Italy, Piemonte also gives wine lovers the opportunity to taste types of grapes not found anywhere else.

The region’s weather experiences varied temperatures because it is situated between the icy Alps and the warm Mediterranean sea. This push and pull results in dense fog on a daily basis that burns off throughout the day. The land above the fog gets more sun, leading to healthy, happy grapes that produce light, acidic wines.

The most recognizable wines coming out of Piemonte are Barolo, known as the “king” of wines, and Barbaresco, which is dubbed the “queen” for its softer tannin profile. The Barolo DOCG vineyards are found only on the hills facing south. They are brick red in color, but deliver different tastes based on the soil type in which the grapes were grown, which are either limestone, clay or sandstone. 

Barbaresco vineyards receive DOCG status only along the best southward facing slopes. Although the soils range from limestone to sandstone, the resulting wines are typically more approachable than Barolos. 

Dedicate two separate days to explore each of these wine areas. And, if you are a true wine lover, also explore the Roero area, home to the Arneis grape which produces a light floral white wine and Monferrato, where the Barbera grape dominates. Be sure to sample other indigenous red varieties such as Dolcetto, Grignolino and Ruchè. Luxury Italian Tours can book tastings, treks and bike rides through the vineyards. 

Prized Whites Truffles

One of the main reasons travelers embark on an Italian tour is to taste the food, which rarely disappoints even the most discerning of palates. The Piemonte region is no exception. For as long as people have debated such topics, Piedmont is one of two contenders for the unofficial title of Italy’s absolute best region for food. (The other is Emilia-Romagna.) Its fertile calcareous soil and unique geography of this region produces some of the world’s best food delicacies such as risotto rice, porcini mushrooms, toma and gorgonzola cheese, hazelnuts and the famous white truffle of Alba. The Slow Food movement, which preserves Italian and international local food traditions, was birthed in the region in the town of Bra.

Foodies from around the globe come to taste the world’s highest prized white truffle, making it a worldwide standout and major draw to the region. Visitors flock to the International Alba White Truffle Fair which occurs annually in the fall. The precious mushroom can fetch several thousand euros per kilo. Luxury Italian Tours can arrange a truffle hunt for you alongside a personal experienced truffle hunter (or trifulau in Piedmontese dialect) and his hound to search for these treasures in the forest. Unearth one or two and enjoy these fragrant shavings of mushroom on your pasta. 

Whatever your palate prefers, your taste buds will roll into a journey full of flavor and excitement in the region. There are so many varied dining options from numerous first-rate establishments, ranging from humble trattorie and osterie, where you can eat very well for moderate pricing, all the way up to Michelin-starred restaurants, that are among the critically acclaimed in the world.  

Castles, Roman Ruins, and Museums

Travelers looking to take in culture and history and find themselves dazzled by ancient architecture will be delighted by all that Piemonte has to offer. The landscape is positively covered in castles, many of which are open to tourists. 

This region enjoys a rich Roman history as well and offers visitors plentiful opportunities to visit well preserved and impressive Roman ruins. The triumphal Arch of Augustus, built in the 1st century BC, is highly regarded as the most extraordinary of all. The Acqui Terme is a very well-preserved Roman site dating back to imperial times. Visitors can also explore an amphitheater which would have accommodated 100,000 spectators from the 1st century. 

The Piemonte region is also home to the oldest Egyptian museum in the entire world. Located in Turin, the region’s capital and the former capital of all of Italy, it is considered second only to Cairo’s national museum in terms of quantity and quality of the exhibits. It is filled with relics and artifacts uncovered by the Italian Archeological Mission from 1900-1935. While in Turin, coffee and chocolate is another must for all visitors. Luxury Italian Tours will share its favorite spots in your itinerary. 

These are just a few of the very compelling reasons you should consider the Piemonte when planning your next Italian adventure. Luxury Italian Tours is ready to plan an exquisite itinerary to Piemonte, with the expertise and refined taste you have come to expect. Luxury Italian Villas has several options for accommodations in the countryside or in the town center. You will love discovering this region!