When In Italy, Do These 3 Things

Planning what to do on a trip can be overwhelming – especially if that trip is to Italy. The country is incredibly beautiful and incredibly old, offering iconic landscapes in every direction and a slew of buildings that date back centuries.

But, according to our experts, figuring out what to experience is much simpler than you’d think. Just be sure to add these three things to your itinerary…

1. Take a cooking class
Learn how to make all your favorite Italian foods – homemade pastas, Neapolitan pizzas, rustic panzanella – with a hands-on cooking class. And, while you’re at it, sip world-renowned local wines that have been expertly paired with your creations.

2. Explore the coast
Ranging from the glitzy and glamorous to the rugged and sleepy, Italy’s coastal towns couldn’t be more different. Though, that doesn’t mean one is less enchanting than the next. Each region offers a different type of beach, a unique landscape, and a distinct cuisine. And the experiences are also similar. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the waters on a boat tour or experience incredible snorkeling – and be sure to remember your camera.

3. Go shopping
While Dolce & Gabbana, Salvatore Ferragamo, and cool-kid brands like MSGM seem synonymous with shopping Italy, don’t forget about artisanal goods. Each region of the country is known for a different product – from leather items to famous artwork – and they shouldn’t to be overlooked. In Capri or Positano, look for handmade sandals. In Sicily or Florence, explore new scents with a personalized perfume maker. Thinking of heading to the Amalfi Coast? Invest in the famous pottery of Vietri.

Ready to start planning your Italy villa vacation? Our concierge team can help! They can arrange all the details for experiences (including the ones above), plus provide you with insider tips to make your trip memorable.