italy

There’s a reason why people (including us!!) visit Italy once and choose to return again and again: this amazing country has so much to offer! From the rich history to the incredible cuisine to top-notch shopping and everything in between, travelers with all types of interests can find something to experience in Italy. And since there is so much to do and see, we love working with our partners at IC Bellagio to create perfect itineraries that are tailored to each client’s preference. Their team is based in Italy and stays in the know on all the best activities and destinations. Learn about culinary, adventure, and family experiences in Italy below.

Catania Market

Italy for Foodies

If Italians know one thing, it’s how to make amazing food, making the country a paradise for foodies. And one experience foodies will love is IC Bellagio’s gastronomic tour in Sicily at Vuciata Kitchen & Market. This restaurant and market offers mouthwatering Sicilian cuisine created with fresh, local ingredients from the market. During the tour, you can visit the Pescheria (fish market), learn about the food, and, of course, enjoy a tasting of Sicilian dishes.

Hiking along the Pralongia High Plateau

Italy for Adventure Lovers

Adventure probably isn’t the first thing to come to mind when you think of Italy (or even the second or third), but there is plenty of it. In the northern area, the Dolomites provide some of Italy’s most spectacular scenery. If you like hiking, IC Bellagio can arrange for an expert guide to take you to the Pralongia High Plateau where you can enjoy lunch and a view of Marmolada, a nearly 11,000-foot peak that is home to the largest remaining glacier in the Dolomites.

For those that prefer two wheels, your guide can take you on a biking adventure to the Santa Croce Sanctuary. You begin in San Cassiano and ride through the hamlets of San Leonardo and Fornacia before going through the alpine meadows of Armentara and on to Santa Croce. There, you can enjoy traditional mountain fare at the restaurant by the church or a picnic before making your descent.

To the west of the Dolomites near Lake Como, there is another fabulous spot for hiking: Lake Maggiore. Here your guide can take you to the top of Monte Mottarone where panoramic views of the Italian lakes and Monte Roas on the Swiss border will take your breath away. And on your hike down, you can explore the beautiful Giardino Alpinia and see the local architecture.

Lake Como – the backdrop to your masterpiece

Italy for Families

There are so many family experiences in Italy. You can tour Rome in vintage Fiats, create a Carnival mask in Venice, and so much more. In Lake Como, an expert artist can teach you how to paint with watercolors directly on silk. She will teach you how to use the special textile paints to design your masterpiece while sharing about the artistic and cultural heritage of the area. And when you are through, you will have a souvenir that will bring back memories of your trip to Italy for years to come.

Italy for Romance

“You may have the universe if I may have Italy.” – Giuseppe Verdi. Perhaps one of the most iconic destinations for love, Italy will make your romantic getaway pure magic. My husband and I just spent our 20th wedding anniversary on the Amalfi Coast and we are both still dreaming of the sweeping views in Ravello, sipping wine from the romantic patios of Le Sirenuse in Positano and hiking the hillside in Praiano. Whether you’re celebrating a significant mark in your relationship or want a getaway filled with time alone with your loved one, Italy is ready to sweep you off your feet. From Tuscany, the Lakes District, the Amalfi Coast and beyond Italians have mastered the fine art of romance.

These experiences are just a sampling of what IC Bellagio can do in Italy. To learn more or start planning your trip, click here.