Footsteps through Italy

The Italian Alps

The Aosta Valley lies south of the Matterhorn and, whilst it is renowned as a winter ski area, it is a haven in the summer months for walking, cycling, golf, riding, and water sports, and has excellent food, wine, and cultural activities too. The Aosta valley makes a perfect destination for a summer activity holiday with access via the airports and stations in Turin. Or, combine with a stay in the Italian Lakes. The Hotel Hermitage in Cervinia is aluxury five star hotel with alpine lodge features, which offers rest and relaxation as well as being ideally placed for the summer activities in the mountains. The 38 bedrooms and suites are cosy and comfortable; there is a spa and wellness centre with indoor swimming pool, an 18-hole golf course, and gourmet restaurants combining refinement and regional heartiness. Prices from about £1,240 per person for 7 nights in summer, with flights and hire-car.

Piemonte

Rich in culture and history, Piemonte is particularly renowned for its magnificent wines and fine gastronomy. The local beef, truffles (including the white Alba truffles), butter, and cheeses combine to make Piemonte rich in flavours. The wines of Barolo, Barbaresco, and Dolcetto are world famous. The patchwork hills of vineyards are an attractive backdrop to the villages. Piemonte is easily reached with flights to Turin and even Milan, and can be combined with a stay on the Ligurian Riviera, the Alps to the north, or with the Italian Lakes. Just 9 miles from Alba, the Relais d’Amelia enjoys a setting amid hazelnut groves and parkland on a country estate. Traditional architectural features of the region have been preserved whilst new additions such as a wellness centre and Michelin-star restaurant welcome the guest. Tastings of the famous Benevello and Alba wines can be arranged. Nearby Alba offers events throughout the year including music, cheese, and truffle festivals. The Relais d’Amelia is the perfect centre for exploring the food, wine, and culture of Piemonte. Prices from about £1,320 per person for 7 nights including flights and hire-car.

Tuscany

Tuscany, we know, is an immensely rich region with its history, art, architecture, cities, landscape, food, and wine. Here, the focus is just to the south-east of the well-known and iconic walled town of San Gimignano, and not far from the equally interesting walled town of Volterra. From here you can easily reach Siena and Chianti. To the south is the less well-known area of the Val d’Orcia, a few miles from Montalcino and the UNESCO town of Pienza. From here you can admire the patchwork of vineyards, olive groves, and woods or travel to Monte Amiata. A historical hamlet offering hotel rooms and self-catered apartments amid 750 acres of parkland and grounds, the Borgo Pignano is a majestic and beautiful property. Comfortable accommodation in the local style, a restaurant serving locally grown produce, activities such as horse riding, swimming, painting, and cookery in the old grounds, all combine to make this an attractive and high quality place to stay amid the stunning scenery of Tuscany. Prices from about £1,480 per person for 7 nights with flights and hire-car.

The Amalfi Coast

This dramatic coastline, with its deep gorges, violently-shaped rocks, and luxuriant vegetation, is a magnet for the appreciative visitor who will revel in the unique landscape and atmosphere. You can soak up the Moorish and Byzantine architecture, the deep pinks of the buildings, matched only by the profusion of bougainvillaea that clings to them. Take boat trips to the island of Capri, explore the Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and soak in the peaceful romance of Ravello with its panoramic views of the sea. The Hotel Miramalfi is a family-run four star hotel of just 49 rooms, occupying a strategic position on the cliff-side about half a mile from the centre of Amalfi. Simply furnished with colourfully tiled floors, the hotel displays both contemporary and traditional styles in its furnishings and paintings. Outdoor pool, bar, and restaurant all offer striking sea views. Prices from about £1,220 per person for 7 nights with flights and transfer. The Hotel Antiche Mura is a superior four star hotel, built in Belle Epoque style, in the heart of Sorrento, which stands within its own garden of citrus trees beside a swimming pool. There is no restaurant, but the position of the hotel is such that numerous restaurants in Sorrento are within short walking distance. This welcoming hotel offers both excellent value and great charm. Highly recommended. Prices from about £1,880 per person for 7 nights with flights and transfer.

Prices from about £1,320 per person for 7 nights including flights and hire-car.