Sabbatical & Experiential Travel to Italy

Holidays & Sabbaticals to Italy – In a Nutshell

The historical centre of the Roman Empire, it’s no surprise that Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country (54!). Famed for its iconic landmarks, architecture and art, Italy possesses a treasure trove of attractions, from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the Colosseum. These historic gems and grails of Renaissance art offer a glimpse into Italy’s rich history. Travelling in Italy is a journey through this history, from the Tramontana Valley where Hannibal passed 2200 years ago to the streets of Florence where Michelangelo, Botticelli and Leonardo de Vinci produced masterpieces.

Beyond the historic sites, Italy offers the indulgent experience of exploring its world-famous cuisine. Taste the variations of pizza across regions, sip on espressos in Verona’s piazzas, enjoy ragù alla bolognese in Bologna and indulge in all flavours of gelato. From the ancient ruins of Rome, the romantic canals of Venice, the quaint villages of Tuscany and the sparkling shores of the Amalfi Coast, the spirit of “La Dolce Vita” awaits you.

Experiences you shouldn’t miss in Italy

Enjoy a passeggiata along the cobbled streets of Rome, admiring the most iconic sites of the Eternal City. Take in everything from Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel to the exquisite architecture of the Pantheon.
Ride a gondola through the waterways of Venice, admiring the architecture of sites like Doge’s Palace and Rialto Bridge.
Learn from the masters of glass blowing on how to transform sands and oxides into beautiful art pieces on the island of Murano.
Roam the ruins of Pompeii, an ancient Roman city destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.
Witness the wonders of human creation in Milan, with highlights such as the Piazza del Duomo and Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’.
Admire the world-renowned works of art in the Uffizi and Accademia galleries in Florence.
Hop along the five villages of Cinque Terre that dot the rugged coastline of Liguria. Each town possesses a unique charm with their terraces of brightly coloured houses rising from the ocean.
Indulge in Tuscan delights as you tour the famous wine estates in the Chianti region.
Immerse yourself amongst Italy’s Great Lakes. Lake Garda, Maggiore and Como are all a haven of natural beauty.
Walk through the streets of Bologna’s Quadrilatero market tasting the local specialities that have been passed down through generations.
Relax along the picturesque Amalfi Coast, with glistening bays, lush hillsides and charming villages.

Off the Beaten Path in Italy

Visit an ancient olive grove in Puglia and meet the family who have owned it for generations. Descend to the underground hideouts that were used in Roman times to stash the precious oil from marauders.
Discover the historical town of Siena with its medieval traditions of the Palio.
Stroll through the vibrant village of San Gimignano with its narrow streets lined with restaurants, overlooking the rolling hills of Val d’Elsa.
Stay in a traditional, ‘trullo’ in Puglia – a cosy, round house of dry stone painted white with a conical roof.
Embark on a gourmet food tour in the province of Parma, learning the traditions behind the local specialities of Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar.
Any petrol head can’t miss the opportunity to visit Maranello, home to a Ferrari Museum where you can take on a F1 car driving simulator.
Hike up Europe’s largest active volcano Mount Etna past its glistening lava fields.
Explore the stunning harbour of Portofino, a beautiful fishing village on the Ligurian coast.
Trek through the heart of the Italian Dolomites amidst its towering mountains, pristine lakes and unspoiled landscapes.
Sail along Maratea’s coastline dotted with hidden grottoes, containing some of the most magical beaches in Italy.
Swim in the water surrounding Italy’s most beautiful island Isola di Tavolara.

Wildlife

Italy’s biodiversity thrives in its alpine regions. The Central Apennines are home to a variety of impressive animal species: brown bears, wolves, deer, wild boars and chamois. Birders will have the opportunity to spot gems such as the European Roller on its migratory path.

How to Get to Italy

The major international airports are the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Rome), Milan Malpensa Airport and the Marco Polo Airport (Venice).

Flight time from London to Rome is around two and a half hours.

Flight time from New York to Rome is around eight and a half hours.

When & Weather – Italy

Italy’s climate varies across the regions, from the Mediterranean coastline to its alpine mountains. The coastal regions feature a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The summer months often exceed 30°C (86°F). Inland features a more continental climate with summers typically around 25-30°C (77-86°F) and winters often reaching below freezing.

Italy is a tourist hotspot in the summer. To avoid the crowds while still enjoying the weather, we recommend visiting Italy in spring (April – May) and autumn (September – November). Italy is also a magical Winter destination.

Who will Italy Appeal To?

Italy’s rich culture, delicious cuisine and beautiful coastlines will appeal to:

History buffs
Art enthusiasts
Gastronomy lovers
Keen photographers
Culture lovers
Families
Honeymooners

Accommodation

Throughout your stay you will experience Italian elegance to the highest degree. Your accommodation will vary from chic townhouses such as the Palazzo Scanderberg in Rome’s historic centre to classical, historical hotels such as the Grand Hotel Majestic Gia Baglioni in the heart of Bologna.

Start Planning

Our experienced team will guide you through a number of ideas based on how you would like to experience Italy.

Browse our gallery for inspiration and read the sample itinerary below to whet your appetite.

No matter how long you have to travel, we’ll guide you through the planning process to ensure a trip is carefully pieced together to suit your interests, pace of travel and budget.