Italy is a place where you could spend a year, exploring every day, and still not scratch the surface of all the things to do and see. From Tuscany to Rome to Florence to Venice and all spots in between, you’ll find some of the world’s finest art, architecture, food and scenery.
Italy offers so many unique and interesting experiences; it can be difficult to narrow them all down for one vacation. Perhaps the best way to approach Italy is to plan to follow several different itineraries and focus on a few unique places. You might decide to combine a visit to Sicily with a driving trip that takes you from Rome to Milan. Another option is explore southern Italy and hit Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Capri and the remote area around Apulia. A unique option would be to head inland and explore the mountain towns and lake regions of Italy. For more information, check out our list of itineraries for Italy.
Il San Pietro di Positano - Italy
In addition to these wonderful itineraries (complete with maps, local attractions and excellent lodging suggestions), also check out what KarenBrown.com readers have voted as Italy’s best hotels and inns:
If you wish to bask beneath the romance of a Tuscan sun, look no further than Locanda dell’Amorosa, which was chosen by Karen Brown readers as Italy’s “Most Romantic” hotel. The hotel is located in what once was a small village, which has been converted into a hotel, restaurant, extensive wine cellar and wine-making facilities. You can wander the grounds, take a dip in the pool or sip a glass of wine from one of the well-appointed common areas and share your daily adventures with other guests. The guest rooms are simple, yet elegant with a few antiques and lovely views. The hotel’s restaurant boasts an amazing setting, perfect for a romantic Italian dinner for two, featuring traditional Tuscan recipes and an extensive wine list.
Hospitality and Italy are practically synonymous, and a stay Il Falconiere Relais is further proof of that fact. This Tuscan hotel was chosen as the recipient of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for the “Warmest Welcome” in Italy. Just outside of Cortona and nestled in the Italian countryside, the hotel provides an excellent home base for day trips to Florence, Assisi and Siena. After a day exploring, return to the inn for a scrumptious dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. Hotel guests can opt for special themed visits, one of which includes a mini cooking school and another includes guided tours of five different wine regions, such as Chianti and Montefalco.
Albergo Villa Belvedere is proof that you can eat your cake and have it too. This beautiful villa was chosen by Karen Brown readers as Italy’s “Greatest Value.” While not luxurious, the guest rooms are clean and comfortable with simple furnishings, and some have pleasant views of Lake Como. Breakfast and dinner, both filled with hearty fare, are included in the rates, adding to the value of this lakeside retreat. The Cappelletti Family and their warm hospitality are another huge plus, and you’ll be treated more as a friend than a hotel guest.
Spend a few days at Il San Pietro di Positano and you may never want to leave. Located in Capri on the Amalfi Coast, this glorious hotel boasts spectacular sea views and has its own private beach cove. The guest rooms, many of which offer an excellent view, are spacious and elegant. The hotel’s restaurant is fabulous with a huge wine list. There’s a full-service spa, fitness center, swimming pool and tennis court. During the summer season, complimentary boat charters are available for morning rides along the coast.
Here is more information about these hotels in Italy and other Italy details.
