Over the last six months, I have been fortunate enough to experience three very different regions of Italy - Lake Garda, Venice and the breath-taking Amalfi Coast. Each destination offered something completely unique, yet together they reminded me exactly why Italy continues to be one of my favourite destinations for luxury and tailor-made travel.
Our journey began in the pretty lakeside resort of Garda on the shores of Lake Garda, where we stayed in a charming family-run hotel just a short stroll from both the town centre and ferry point. The location was perfect for exploring the wider region with ease, from the elegant streets of Verona to the colourful lakeside towns dotted around the lake itself. One of the highlights of the trip was experiencing the famous Bardolino Wine Festival - a wonderful celebration of local wines, incredible Italian food and spectacular fireworks lighting up the lake at night.
A few months later, work took me back to Venice, a city I have visited before but one that never loses its magic. Beyond the iconic canals and famous landmarks, I found myself exploring quieter corners of the city, discovering hidden restaurants, peaceful backstreets and beautiful architecture that reminded me why Venice remains one of the most unique destinations in the world. It is a city that truly rewards those willing to slow down and wander.
Finally came the Amalfi Coast - a destination that had long been high on my personal travel wish list, and one that certainly did not disappoint. We based ourselves in Ravello, which for me was the perfect escape from the busier resorts such as Sorrento. Ravello has an understated elegance and relaxed charm, with spectacular coastal views, beautiful gardens and a slower pace that makes it feel wonderfully authentic. It offered the perfect balance of luxury, scenery and tranquillity.
One of the things I would always recommend when travelling to Italy is not limiting yourself to just one region. The country is incredibly well connected, particularly by rail, making it easy to combine very different experiences within one itinerary. You can enjoy iconic cities, lakes, mountains, beaches, incredible food and rich history all within the same holiday - creating a journey that feels varied, exciting and completely bespoke.
Italy has a way of making you fall in love with travel all over again. Of course, the food is always a highlight - from simple fresh pasta dishes to local wines and family-run restaurants - but what stands out just as much are the people. Everywhere we travelled, we found warmth, friendliness and genuine hospitality. Italy is also surprisingly easy to navigate, with excellent public transport and ferry connections making independent exploration very straightforward.
The best time to visit really depends on which regions you are planning to include, however I would almost always recommend travelling during the shoulder seasons where possible. Spring and early autumn generally offer fewer crowds, more comfortable temperatures and a far more relaxed experience, particularly if you are combining popular cities such as Venice with coastal or lakeside destinations.
Italy benefits from excellent connectivity from the UK, with direct flights available from many regional airports. This makes it particularly easy to fly into one destination and home from another, allowing for multi-centre itineraries that maximise your time and experience without unnecessary backtracking.
