Luxury holidays in Italy

Perhaps no other country offers such a mix of rich pleasures as Italy.

Whether admiring the beauty of its landscapes, wondering at the magnificence of its cultural centres or enjoying outdoor pursuits in the countryside and the coastal resorts, the great Italian traditions of fine food and relaxed hospitality will be your constant companion.

Relics of Italy's mighty past abound and combine so well with the seductive allure of the landscape.

Rome and Venice
Vestiges of Rome's 4000-year-old history proudly live on in the heart of the modern city, where palaces, piazze and fountains jostle for pre-eminence. While in Venice, one of the world's most romantic cities, marvel at the magnificent Renaissance architecture of St Mark's Square and explore the intimate waterways by gondola.

Italian Lakes
The scenic lakes of northern Italy renowned for their mild climate; historic lakeside villa retreats and outstanding beauty are a delight to discover. From Lake Maggiore and Lake Como to the lesser known Lake Iseo, there is so much to discover.

Portofino
Nestled in a small harbour on the Italian Riviera, this picturesque village with its inviting bars, chic boutiques and galleries has long been favoured by Europe's affluent.

Tuscany and Umbria
Umbria with its charm and character and the idyllic Tuscan landscape is, for many, the essence of rural Italy. Home to beautiful renaissance cities, medieval towns, fashionable seaside resorts and rolling hills, this part of Italy is waiting to be discovered.

Amalfi Coast Ravello, Positano and Ischia
From the Renaissance gem of Ravello, its narrow streets dotted with tranquil gardens, and romantic Positano nestled in the heart of the Amalfi drive to the unspoilt island of Ischia set in the indigo water of the Bay of Naples, the Amalfi Coast boasts some of the finest scenery and coastal hotels to be found anywhere in the Mediterranean.

Puglia
Vineyards and endless olive groves mingle with white-stone hilltop villages, quaint fishing towns and sandy beach resorts lining the jagged Adriatic and Ionian coastlines form Puglia, the little know 'heel' of Italy.

Sardinia
This is a land of untamed forests, sheer cliffs, hidden bays, caves and breathtaking beaches, including the exclusive Costa Smeralda with its 80 scenic bays.

Sicily Taormina
Taormina, the most beautiful town in Sicily, has chic boutiques and intimate restaurants and bars with wonderful views of majestic Mount Etna and the rugged bays below.