A multi-centre holiday is one of the best ways to explore more of Italy. This is a country that racks up everything from fiery volcanoes and ancient cities, to pin-drop peaceful beaches. Why not make the most of your time there and hop between a few different destinations?
Our Italy Experts can put together pretty much any Italy itinerary – so we thought we’d put their holiday design skills to the test. We gave eight of them a budget (up to £5,000 for two people) and a time frame (departing any time between May and the end of July), and then left them to it.
What came back was a collection of amazing ideas that show just how many options there are when it comes to creating an Italian adventure. Have a look and see if any take your fancy – or give the team a call and challenge them to design your dream trip.
Treasures of the South: Rome, Puglia, Amalfi Coast & Sicily
Designed by: Artan Prifti
I’ve chosen an itinerary that covers as much as possible of Italy’s beautiful south. I selected each destination based on my first-hand experience – each one has unique history, architecture, cuisine and landscape. The holiday will start in Rome (the Eternal City). On your first full day, I have included our Vatican & St. Peter’s and Colosseum and Ancient Rome excursions to give you a real insight into the city’s history and culture. I’ve also included a walking tour of the city’s best espresso bars and gelaterias on your second day, to keep with the saying: ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’. In between these excursions, you’ll have time to stroll to the city’s other highlights, including the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona.
A direct train from Rome to the Apulian city of Bari will follow – a great opportunity to view some glorious countryside in Lazio and Puglia. After picking up a hire car (driving is the best way to experience Puglia), you’ll make your way to Lecce, one of the most beautiful Baroque towns in Italy. It makes a great base from which to visit the trulli town of Alberobello, the White City of Ostuni and the ancient city of Matera in neighbouring Basilicata. A short drive through the region’s famous olive groves (with more than five million olive trees, there are more trees than people here) will bring you to some beautiful sandy and rocky beaches between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.
From here, you’ll drive to the Amalfi Coast (one of the unmissable gems of Italy), where you’ll find a dramatically stunning coastline. Sights to see during your four days here include the ancient Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, the romantic island of Capri and the quaint picturesque towns of Positano, Ravello and Amalfi.
After dropping off your car in Naples, a direct train (a long but rewarding journey) takes you to Taormina in Sicily, via the beautiful region of Calabria and over the Strait of Messina. Staying beside Taormina’s beautiful beach (Mazzaro), a short cable-car journey from the town centre, you’ll be able enjoy Taormina’s quirky combination of lovely boutiques, cobbled streets and amazing Mediterranean vegetation, all overlooked by a beautifully preserved Greek-Roman amphitheatre.
I’ve included a trip to Italy’s biggest active volcano, Etna, best experienced at sunset, as well as a trip to the famous locations from The Godfather. I’ve also included our Forgotten Sicily excursion, which includes visits to two traditional Sicilian towns and dinner at an authentic local restaurant. Locally, you can also book trips to Syracuse, Ragusa, the Aeolian Islands and Palermo.
This itinerary will give you a good flavour of what the Italian South has to offer, and I’m sure it’ll have you itching to go back again and again for new surprises and experiences.
Total price: £4,973 for 14 nights (departing 7 May from Gatwick)
Taster of Italy: Florence, Liguria & Lake Como
Designed by: Lara Crowe
My itinerary gives you the opportunity to experience all the different elements Italy has to offer – city, coast, lakes and countryside. It’s a great way to have a ‘taster’ of all the different types of holiday Italy has to offer. You’ll travel around by rail, so it’s ideal for anyone who doesn’t fancy driving.
You’ll start off with three nights in Florence, and I’ve included a fantastic excursion out into Tuscany so you can see the countryside too. It takes you to Chianti for wine tasting, before heading on to the beautiful city of Siena.
Your next stop will be Monterosso, one of the colourful towns that make up the Cinque Terre – an area which is proving to be popular this year. It’s an ideal location for those who enjoy walking as there are many trails within the Cinque Terre National Park.
After four nights, you’ll travel to Lake Como for three nights in the town of Menaggio. I’ve included a half-day boat tour while you’re here – it’s the best way to see the lake!
Total price: £4,590 for 10 nights (departing 23 May from Heathrow)
Italian Islands Adventure: Sicily, Lipari, Vulcano, Sardinia & Elba Island
Designed by: Amanda Curry
I’ve chosen this itinerary as it’s something I’ve always wanted to do myself – hopping between the beautiful islands of Sicily, Lipari, Vulcano, Sardinia and, finally, Elba. It’s a really unique itinerary, and one that I don’t think you’ll be able to find anywhere else.
You’ll start off flying into Catania (Sicily), where a private transfer will take you to Hotel Villa Belvedere for three nights. It’s in the lovely clifftop town of Taormina – I’ve gone for a sea-view room as you’ll want to make the most of those views! You’ll then travel to the volcanic Aeolian Islands by car and ferry, where you’ll spend two nights on Lipari and two on Vulcano.
Another local ferry will take you to the south coast of Sardinia, where I’ve gone for three nights at the Hotel Costa dei Fiori. Then it’s up to Sardinia’s north coast for a further three nights. Your final stop will be Elba Island, with its secluded beaches and lush mountain scenery. Perfect for relaxing at the end of your trip!
Some of the ferries and car transfers will need to be organised and paid for locally, but your Citalia concierge or hotel can help you do this easily.
Total cost: £4,897 for 15 nights (departing 15 June from Gatwick)
Northern Discovery: Lake Como, Verona & the Dolomites
Designed by: Melissa Chisholm
I have chosen Lake Como, Verona and Merano for my multi-centre itinerary. It’s the perfect combination of rest and relaxation with action and adventure, and it’s a great price too, allowing you to take advantage of all the amazing sights and attractions nearby.
Start off with seven nights in picturesque Lake Como. You can really unwind here, so I think it’s an ideal place to begin your holiday. You’ll stay right on the lakeside in Menaggio – spend your days walking around the cobbled streets of the town, stopping off at coffee shops and restaurants as you go. You could also spend a day in the fashion capital of Milan. To make the most of the first part of your holiday, I’ve included our St. Moritz & Bernina Express excursion (just £42 per person). It’s a unique train journey which takes you up into Switzerland, soaking up views of the stunning mountain scenery on your way to St. Moritz.
After your stay on Lake Como, you’ll make your way to Verona. This lovely city has an amazing history – be sure to visit famous attractions such as the Piazzale Castel San Pietro and, of course, the amphitheatre, which hosts the annual opera festival. There’s a great shopping street called Via Mazzini, which boasts well-known brands – stop off to rest your feet at Via Mazzini 27, a little restaurant which is always full of locals and offers the best wine in Verona!
For your final stop, you’ll head north to Merano in the Dolomites. The town is surrounded by beautiful mountains and is perfect for someone who loves a bit of adventure. There are hiking trails all around which lead up into the hills, giving you fantastic views of the town below. Within Merano itself you have the famous thermal baths, with 25 indoor and outdoor pools. It’s an ideal place to come for a romantic spa retreat.
Total price: £4,625 for 14 nights (departing 12 May from Gatwick)
Seaside Escape: Sorrento & South Sardinia
Designed by: Antonia Coppolella
For my itinerary, I have put together a twin-centre to Sorrento and South Sardinia. I think the two destinations make a great combination, as you start off with five days of exploring and excursions, then follow it up with five days of pure relaxation, where you don’t even need to leave the resort (if you don’t want to).
Start off with five nights at the Grand Hotel Capodimonte in Sorrento, a beautiful, family-run hotel with breathtaking views over the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. It’s only a 10-minute walk from Piazza Tasso (the main square in Sorrento), so it’s a great location to get out and about from. As well as beautiful coastal views and delicious cuisine, there’s lots of history and culture in this area.
I’ve included three full-day excursions within the itinerary – all three are must-do trips in my opinion. The first includes a guided tour of Pompeii followed by a trip to the summit of Mount Vesuvius; the second is a trip along the famous Amalfi Coast road, stopping at the towns of Amalfi and Ravello; and the third is a day on the island of Capri.
On your sixth day, you’ll have a private transfer to Naples Airport where you’ll catch an afternoon flight to Sardinia. Another private transfer will take you to your hotel, Chia Laguna Resort. It’s a great hotel with lots of activities on offer, including windsurfing, canoeing and tennis. There’s a lovely spa, too, and a piazza with shops, bars and evening entertainment. To top it off, it has one of the most stunning beaches in South Sardinia, with white sands and crystal-clear waters.
Total cost: £4,435 for 10 nights (departing 12 June from Gatwick)
Adventure and Relaxation in Southern Italy: Sorrento, Basilicata & Calabria
Designed by: Iulia Robe
I have put together a fun, relaxing and adventurous itinerary that I think is perfect for honeymooners. I’ve chosen May as it’s an ideal time to visit southern Italy – temperatures are warm but comfortable, and days are longer and lighter. We start off in beautiful Sorrento, one of our most popular destinations, before travelling through gorgeous scenery to reach two of Italy’s hidden gems, Basilicata and Calabria.
Arriving in Sorrento, the staff at the incredibly romantic Hotel Corallo will welcome you with a friendly smile and make you feel like you’re their only customer. While you’re in Sorrento, make sure you save one evening for a trip to the stunning Sky Bar at the Hotel Mediterraneo across the road, where you can enjoy a sunset views with a delicious cocktail. There are plenty of excursions to enjoy from Sorrento. My personal favourite, the Amalfi Drive excursion (from £48pp), is a brilliant way to see the glorious coastline of this region in comfort and style. Make sure you sit on the right-hand side of the bus to get the best views. The Pompeii and Vesuvius excursion (from £43pp) is perfect if you have a taste for adventure and history.
The fun continues as you drive through beautiful natural scenery to reach the historic city of Matera. You’ll witness a very different landscape as you drive into the untamed nature of the region of Basilicata. Get your trainers on a go for a walk around Matera’s Murgia National Park and don’t miss out on the ‘sassi’, one of humanity’s oldest settlements. After a full day of sightseeing, the 15th-century Palazzo Gattini’s comfortable beds will ensure a good night’s sleep.
Having seen and done so much in Sorrento and Basilicata, the time has come to enjoy a little peace, spending time together in Calabria’s seaside town of Tropea, a beautiful old town that’s rich with history. The Capovaticano Hotel is a great place to stay, with its stunning views and fantastic spa & wellness centre. Why not end your holiday with a sun-filled day on the hotel’s private white-sand beach, or enjoy a boat trip to the Aeolian Islands with their dramatic geology and crystal-clear waters.
On this trip you can combine world-class hotels, sightseeing and relaxation in one of Italy’s most beautiful areas. I’m sure that when you return from this romantic getaway, you will have enjoyed a holiday you will never forget.
Total price: £4,610 for 12 nights (departing 8 May from Stansted)
Italy in Luxury: Venice, Verona, Bologna, Florence & Tuscany
Designed by: Miranda Jump
This itinerary incorporates my favourite cities as well as a few places I’ve got on my wish list. All of the hotels I’ve chosen are rated five stars by Citalia – if you’re going to do such an amazing trip, I say treat yourselves! The trip starts off in the north, with two nights at the Londra Palace in Venice and another two at Due Torri in Verona. Venice and Verona are my two favourite cities. I love just walking around them both, soaking up the atmosphere, having coffee (or wine) and people watching. July is the perfect time to go to the opera in Verona – I’ve never been in the city at the right time for the festival, but would love to experience a night at the opera (I’ve heard great things about Aida, so I think that’s the one I’d see).
Next, you’ll head to Bologna. Visiting this city would be a new adventure for me (and one I really need to have, seeing as it’s the place to go if you love Italian food). After a night there, it’s on to Florence for two nights at the beautiful Hotel Villa La Vedetta. Definitely visit the Uffizi while you’re in the city – I would love to go there again as it was quite a brief trip last time I went and I love art galleries.
Finally, it’s on to Tuscany and the gorgeous Relais La Suvera. I went to Tuscany for the first time last summer and fell in love. It’s so relaxing and quiet, and easy to explore by car. Visiting in July should be just the right time to see the fields of sunflowers (my favourite flower) in full bloom – when I went it was August and they’d just finished, so a month earlier should be pretty beautiful!
Total price: £4,987 for 12 nights (departing 2 July from Gatwick)
Italy by Rail: Paris, Milan, Florence, Rome, Bologna, Verona, Lake Garda & Switzerland
Designed by: Linda Kulka
I’ve gone slightly over the budget with this multi-centre itinerary, but I think it’s worth every penny! You get to see a lot of Italy without rushing too much, there are some lovely excursions included, and you can easily explore other areas nearby – and all without having to fly! The Paris and Switzerland add-ons give you a bit of variety, too.
You’ll begin with a Eurostar to Paris, where you’ll spend one night. The next day, you’ll take the train down to Milan for a two-night stay. Once you’ve seen Milan’s sights, it’s on to Florence for three nights. I’ve included a half-day wine tasting excursion out in the Chianti countryside while you’re here. Next up is three nights in Rome, where I’ve included a guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
Heading back north, you’ll have two nights each in the lovely cities of Bologna and Verona, followed by two nights on the shores of Lake Garda, with a full-day tour of the lake included. From Lake Garda, you’ll head to Switzerland for a two-night stay in Lucerne, before catching the train back to the UK.
Total price: £5,336 for 17 nights (departing 5 May)
All prices were correct at time of publication
Whose itinerary do you like best? Leave us a comment and let us know your favourite.
The post The Multi-Centre Challenge appeared first on Citalia Blog | From Ciao Citalia.