Whether you long to tour the historic sites of Rome or sip wine from the terrace of a Tuscan villa, a trip to Italy is sure to rank as one of your top travel experiences.

Italy offers so many unique and interesting experiences; it can be difficult to narrow them all done 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.

Travel expert Karen Brown describes a variety of unique itineraries on her much-visited website. These itineraries will help you get the most out of your Italian vacation. As for lodging, her readers have voted the following as Italy’s best hotels:

Selecting the most romantic place to stay in a nation that is known as one of the world’s great romantic destinations is no easy feat, but Karen Brown’s readers have voted, choosing Locanda dell’Amorosa as the “Most Romantic” spot in Italy. This Tuscan treasure was its own village and has been converted into hotel, restaurant and wine bar. Each of the guest rooms is different, simply furnished in an elegant style with antiques and rustic pieces. Views of the surrounding countryside and vineyards are sure to charm you. The hotel is a perfect home base for travelers wishing to explore Tuscany and Umbria.

Il Falconiere Relais, just a few kilometers outside of Cortona, is yet another Tuscan gem. The hotel, the recipient of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for Italy’s “Warmest Welcome,” offers an assortment of beautifully appointed, romantic guest rooms and suites. The setting at this hotel is amazing, from the views of the surrounding countryside to the ambiance of the dining room.

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.

Tags: Hotels

Popularity: 9% [?]

Share This

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!