Luxury vacations in Italy
Embark on a luxury vacation to Italy and discover a nation world-renowned for its remarkable coasts, mountains and lakes, many of which are listed as World Heritage Sites. Of course, Italy is also well known as one of the world leaders in fashion as well as being celebrated for its many fine wines and fine dining. With all of this in mind it is easy to see why it is one of the uppermost tourist destinations in the world and a must-do on the luxury vacation hot-list.
Italian cities are amongst the most romantic in the world, whilst families enjoy luxury vacations exploring the stunning coastline and artistic treasures which offer infinite pleasures. The more adventurous traveller can head for the many world-class ski resorts in either the Alps or Dolomites.
We recommend a luxury vacation to Italy that combines a few nights in one of the cities but with time in the country or at the Italian coast.
Feel free to call and speak to one of our luxury vacation consultants for more information or to create your own bespoke itinerary.
We'd be happy to create a personal Itinerary that's as simple or as detailed as you require,
Simply call 1-877-350-2007 and speak to one of our luxury vacation consultants.
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Travel Facts
Time difference: EST +6 hours, PST +9 hours.
Flying Time: Around 8 hours from New York, and about 12 hours from Los Angeles.
Best time to visit: Italy is a country of contrasts, the summers in the south are very hot, so best avoided in July or August, while the mountains enjoy a cooler atmosphere. Winter in the mountains is excellent for skiing.
Health and Visas: Visit the State Department for further information.
Hotel Caruso, Ravello
The Hotel Caruso in Ravello is a former 11th century palace set on cliffs beside the Amalfi Coast. This Orient-Express property sits perched on a cliff top, 1000ft above the Mediterranean. The ancient walls and fresco-covered ceilings have been carefully preserved to make it look like a work of art in itself.
Hotel Splendido, Portofino
Portofino, on the Italian Riviera, is a magnet for the rich, famous and fashionable, so as you’d expect, there is a good helping of luxury accommodation too, which includes the Hotel Splendido. Upon the walls are pictures of past guests of distinction which gives you the feeling that this is a very special place.
Splendido Mare, Portofino
Orient-Express's Splendido Mare, Sister hotel to the Hotel Splendido, sits in the heart of the charming old fishing port of Portofino. It's a collection of several village houses with prevailing warm and cosy atmosphere and just sixteen charming rooms and suites, making it the perfect choice for those looking for an intimate retreat.
Il San Pietro, Amalfi Coast
Il San Pietro can boast one of the most dramatic hotel settings in the world. The hotel sits perched atop a rocky Amalfi promontory and is truly an architectural wonder. This family owned hotel boats spectacular views from the guest rooms, the dining area and the terraced tropical gardens.
Le Sirenuse, Amalfi Coast
The multi-award-winning Le Sirenuse enjoys a prime position in the heart of Postiano and is the perfect place in which to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast. This privately owned 18th century property has retained its luxurious elegance featuring period antiques and works of art.
Santa Caterina, Amalfi
Nestled amongst dramatic cliffs and immersed in the beautiful scenery of the Amalfi Coast, Santa Caterina enjoys stunning views over this stretch of beautiful coastline. The hotel features a private beach which lies beneath a number of naturally-landscaped terraces. This is indeed a special place to experience the finest Italian hospitality.
Capri Hotel & Spa, Capri
Reminiscent of the Mediterranean palaces of the 18th century featuring cool, cream coloured floors, columns and vaulted ceilings. Every room and suite enjoys breathtaking views over the beautiful islands of Ischia and Procida and the Gulf of Naples. Many rooms feature a private pool and garden.
Il Salviatino, near Florence
Set within twelve acres of private park, this stunning property, dating back to medieval times, nestles on a hillside in Fiesole affording guests outstanding views of the surrounding landscape.
The owners have been careful to integrate into the decor employing local artisans to painstakingly wash and replace the centuries-old mosaics and re-panel the library resulting in a living piece of history that has been lovingly filled with impeccable pieces of art and furnishings.
Villa San Michele, Near Florence
There can be no more quintessential Italian experience than a luxury vacation to the Villa San Michele, a 15th century Franciscan monastery with amazing views of Florence and boasting a façade by Michelangelo
Villa San Michele, fully restored by Orient-Express Hotels and voted one of the world's most beautiful, promises a rare experience indeed. Situated close to the Renaissance splendour of Florence.
Casta Diva Resort, Lake Como
Enveloped in stunning landscape and surrounded by magnificent beauty, the hotel sits on the seductive shores of the legendary Lake Como with privileged views across the picturesque waters.
Romantic and enchanting, the grandeur of Casta Diva plays perfect companion to the nostalgic lake, the exquisite building, with its high ceilings and vast windows is spacious and refined whilst rooms are decorated in luxurious silks and velvet.
Villa Cortine Palace, Lake Garda
With a picturesque setting in the Italian Lake District, Villa Cortine Palace is pure enchantment, from the approach via the cobbled streets of the old town and the picture-perfect gardens, to the Neo Classical splendor of the original villa. Within the villa you will find spectacular paintings, furnishings and frescos, while the more modern wing of the property has its own charm and many of the balconies in the guest rooms offer stunning lake views.
Hotel Eden, Rome
A host to royalty, celebrities and leaders from all over the world, the Hotel Eden has gained a reputation for a sophisticated luxury that reflects its turn-of-the-century origins. Overlooking the seven historic hills of Rome, set in the heart of the 'Eternal City', It provides the perfect cultural ambience in which to immerse yourself as you take in the many sounds and sights of this enchanting city.
St Regis Grand Hotel, Rome
Built in 1894 and Located in the heart of Rome, The St. Regis Grand Hotel is within walking distance of many of the city’s most famous sights and has become a landmark in its own right. As the city’s first deluxe hotel, it exemplifies iconic elegance with its millennium renovation only reaffirming its position as one of the finest hotels in Rome.
Hotel Cala di Volpe, Sardinia
With its charming archways, porticoes, irregular roofs and turrets the hotel beautifully emulates the charm of a local fishing village. The hotel is located on the enchanting Costa Smeralda, facing the glittering, turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
Hotel Pitrizza, Sardinia
Hotel Pitrizzi is an excellent choice for anybody seeking tranquillity. The hotel is set on a rocky peninsula which is surrounded by the turquoise, clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel encapsulates the architecture and culture of Sardinia and compliments the natural beauty of its surroundings.
Hotel Romazzino, Sardinia
The beauty of the Mediterranean coastline is encapsulated by Hotel Romazzino. The hotel is perched on a hillside overlooking a sheltered by, surrounded by turquoise seas, sandy beaches and rugged coves. The hotel architecture boasts beautifully restored interiors blending the many textures and colours of the Costa Smeralda area giving it the style of a typical Mediterranean village.
Grand Hotel Timeo, Sicily
Grand Hotel Timeo stands adjacent to the impressive ruins of a Greek Theatre. This Orient-Express property rests on the rocky hillside of eastern Sicily enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline with the majestic Mount Etna in view.
This hotel exudes opulence and class with exquisitely furnished suites and a stylish elegance that is unique to the Grand Hotel Timeo.
San Domenico Palace Hotel, Sicily
This property can lay claim to being the most famous monastery in the world. The hotel was built on the site of a 15th century Dominican monastery which it remained until 1896 when it was converted to the hotel we see today.
Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily
Located on the south coast of Sicily near the seaside town of Sciacca, the resort enjoys a magical location dotted with olive trees and is adjacent to a private stretch of coastline. This first-class resort was recently picked by Conde Nast Traveller to appear on their 2010 Hot List.
Villa Sant'Andrea, Sicily
This exclusive beach side villa was built by an aristocratic family in 1830. Set amongst lush, sub tropical gardens, this Orient-Express retains all of its original charm and seclusion as a private residence.
The interior décor boasts cool courtly spaces and rich polished woods. All guest rooms are bright and spacious with many enjoying stunning views across the Bay of Mazzarò.
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Sorrento
This cliffside hotel, located in the popular vacation destination of Sorrento, is one of the most historic in the Italian Riviera. It has belonged to the same family since 1834 and is thought to have been built on the site of the villa of a Roman Emperor. It is just off the main square in Sorrento, yet the grounds of the hotel – filled with lush plants and citrus trees –are a wonderful place to relax away from the hustle and bustle.
Bauer Il Palazzo, Venice
One of Venice's most luxurious hotels, The Bauer Il Palazzo is an 18th century palace boasting an extraordinary location, close to St Mark's Square and overlooking the Grand Canal where it joins the Giudecca Canal.
With its stunning arched lancet windows and Gothic façade, this intimate boutique retreat reflects Venetian opulence at its best.
Hotel Cipriani, Venice
You feel the sense of calm that pervades the Hotel Cipriani from the moment you arrive. This atmosphere continues as you wander through the gardens, where Cassanova once held clandestine courtships and works of art now adorn the pathways.
Within the hotel itself, Interiors are decorated with precious fabrics and delicately blown glass features. The beautifully appointed suites and rooms offer scenic garden or lagoon views.
Hotel Danieli, Venice
Designed in the late 14th century to meet the demand of Europe’s travelling nobility, The Venetian Gothic landmark of the Hotel Danieli continues to embrace the rich cultural heritage of Venice.
Located just steps from the Piazza San Marco, this masterfully restored palace of the Doge Dandalo’s family, boasts opulent decor, including Murano glass chandeliers, ornately-carved pink marble columns, delicately woven rugs, stained glass and high ceilings decorated with gold leaf.
Hotel Gritti Palace, Venice
Hotel Gritti Palace has welcomed kings, queens, presidents and prime ministers over the centuries. Commissioned in 1525 as the residence of the Doge of Venice, Andrea Gritti, and later used as the official residence of the Vatican’s ambassadors to Venice.
Boasting an extraordinary position overlooking the Grand Canal with truly luxurious rooms, Gritti Palace was described by Ernest Hemingway as 'the best hotel in a city of great hotels’.