If any country knows how to do romance, it’s Italy.

If you haven’t made a Valentines Day plan, and you’re feeling wildly spontaneous, here are some of my most beloved places to celebrate your love. Or maybe you’ll be inspired for next year!

1: Ravello

There’s a reason we named our small group tour of the Amalfi Coast “Romantic Amalfi Coast”. The light, the beaches, the palaces, the views of the Mediterranean Sea all along the coast road, and the scores of charming seaside towns and villages nestled into the mountains soaring up behind the cliffs… including the exquisite, poetic Ravello. Perched high atop a winding, fairy-tale road, this tiny, perfect town founded in the sixth century offers elegant restaurants, luxurious hotels, upscale rental apartments, and some of the most breathtaking vistas in the region.

A wander through the lush, terraced gardens of the Villa Rufolo and a view of the sunset from its promontory may be the most romantic moment of your year. Don’t forget the limoncello and gourmet picnic, obtained at the smallest cheese shop you may ever visit.

2: Punta San Vigilio, Lake Garda

Lake Garda may be the Italian Lakes Region’s largest lake. But Punta San Vigilio, located on its eastern shore, is one of its most intimate treasures – especially for a romantic occasion. Picture a small, cypress-forested peninsula extending into the crystalline water. Near its edge, you’ll find a stone inn dating from the 16th century, with a miniature harbor barely wide enough for a half dozen boats. What you won’t find is many other guests, because with only seven guest rooms, this indulgent establishment caters to travelers seeking the rare luxury of an elegant, yet quiet hideaway in a secluded parklike setting. A legendary destination for a few days of pure romance.

3: Paraggi/Santa Margherita/ Portofino

The words “Italian Riviera” conjure images of sun, sea, sky and several stylish, popular seaside resort towns. But, if your goal is a romantic retreat, the Bay of Paraggi, a petite cove between Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure, is the ideal destination. For one thing, it has an exquisite beach with clear, calm water made for snorkeling, and a beachfront walkway made for strolling. For another, there’s the Eight Hotel, a newly updated, well-appointed hotel featuring its own private beach. Everything about its subtle, contemporary decor, its restaurant highlighting Italian and regional seafood dishes, and its multiple welcoming spots from which to enjoy an aperitivo within sight of the bay’s sparkling turquoise water suggests amore.

4: The Dolomites

Ready for a break from cities and pavement? A few days in Northern Italy’s incomparable Dolomites will restore your love of natural beauty — and your love. Amongst the iconic sites in the South Tyrol: The fabled Three Peaks of Lavaredo (Le Tre Cime di Lavaredo) will take your breath away, even without climbing them. There’s a wonderful walk at ground level, too, if you’re more into scenery than heights. The Alpe di Siusi is a vast high mountain meadow bordered by noble Alpine peaks.

Winters here are a paradise for cross country skiers and trekkers with cozy, welcoming huts for warming up. It’s also ideal for spring/summer treks, bike tours, picnics (with love poems). And finally, a few days of marveling at the emerald Lago di Braies, (Lake Braies) will cleanse the cold damp winter from your soul; or next winter’s cold… Walk the paths around the lake, row a traditional wooden boat across it, or simply enjoy the scenery. Then, if you love a fine hotel, return to the nearby Hotel Lago di Braies for some world-class cocooning, and organic local cuisine.

5: Venice, Dorsoduro

If there’s an ultimate location for a romantic Valentines Day (or any other occasion), it’s Venice, especially the Dorsoduro section. Wake up in a gorgeous room in the Ca Maria Adele hotel, (often called the most romantic hotel in the world), and linger over a delectable breakfast in bed. You might start your day a few steps from the hotel, visiting Peggy Guggenheim’s intimate villa bursting with one of the world’s most glorious collections of modern art, spend the afternoon sightseeing, then book a gondola to arrive in Giudecca in time for a sunset “spritz” cocktail by the water. If fortune smiles, and your gondolier has a beautiful singing voice… this could become an annual tradition!

L'articolo Giovanna’s 5 dreamiest Valentine’s getaways proviene da Discover my Italy.

1. Pietrasanta

Where:
Tuscany region (1 hour drive from Pisa or 1½ hour drive from Florence)

Years ago while I was scouting the country for possible new tours, I came upon the ancient Italian town of Pietrasanta in the northwestern corner of Tuscany. My love affair with this town was immediate.

I vividly remember entering Pietrasanta on a late afternoon through the medieval gate of Porta a Pisa and arriving in the large main square, Piazza del Duomo. I sat down at one of the cheerful outdoor cafes and was mesmerized by the contrast between the beautiful rectangular shape of the square, the facade of the imposing white Duomo and the special installation of modern large sculptures, which are changed on a regular basis.

Pietrasanta is located near the famous white marble quarries of Carrara where over 500 years ago Michelangelo came to source marble for his Pietá. Known as “Little Athens” or “City of Artists”, the town’s sprawling art studios and galleries have long attracted famous international artists, including Henry Moore, Isamu Noguchi, Igor Mitoraj, Joan Mirò, Fernando Botero and Damien Hirst.

2. Ravenna

Where:
‍Emilia Romagna region (1 hour by car or train from Bologna)

If you have never visited Ravenna, you have missed an amazing life experience. An extraordinary delight, Ravenna is an art and history lover’s dream featuring splendid 5th and 6th century mosaics pretty much everywhere you look.

Ravenna was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, later the capital of the Kingdom of the Ostrogoths and then one of the privileged provinces to the Byzantine Empire. Its buildings preserve the superb mosaic works and mark the city’s glorious past. Eight of the mosaics are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Not to be missed is a visit to the Basilica of Sant’ Appolinare Nuovo, the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. The Mausoleum is my absolute favorite. From the outside it seems to be an unassuming small brick building but once inside…. what an incredible surprise…as I find it to have the most impressive and beautiful mosaics in Ravenna! A piece of trivia: Cole Porter visited Ravenna in the late 1920s and was so inspired by the Night Sky Mosaic in the Mausoleum with its 900 glittering stars, that he wrote his famous song Night and Day.

3. Urbino

Where:
‍Marche region (3½ hour by car from Rome or 2 hours by car from Bologna)

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Urbino is an evocative and perfectly preserved hilltop walled city in the Marche region and one of the most important Renaissance sites in Italy.

My personal love for Urbino is deeply rooted in my family…located less than an hour from Pesaro, which is my father’s hometown and the place where we spend our summers on the Adriatic Coast.

I visit Urbino at least once every summer, usually on a cool and cloudy a day when I might otherwise be on the beach. The drive towards Urbino from the Adriatic Sea through the gentle countryside is absolutely divine and always fills me with emotion when at the last turn, as if by magic, Urbino appears before my eyes.

When in Urbino I always like to revisit the National Gallery of Le Marche in Palazzo Ducale (Ducal Palace) a definite must see as it is one of the most impressive examples of Italian Renaissance architecture. It is also home to very important Renaissance masterpieces such as famous paintings by Raphael and many more. My favorite painting in the gallery is the “Ideal City” attributed to Piero della Francesca.

The small town of Urbino is not only the hometown of Raphael, the famous Italian artist and architect, it is also a lively town with one of the oldest universities in Italy. Taking the time to wander through the narrow and charming alleyways and porticos will make you feel as if you are in a medieval fairy tale.

Definitely stop at any of the many cafes or trattorias and enjoy the traditional “crescia”, a flaky flatbread filled with many options: wild greens, grilled vegetables, local prosciutto or salami, sausages and cheese. My favorite filling is stracchino (a soft fresh cheese), arugula and tomatoes.

4. Pienza

Where:
‍Tuscany region (2½ hours by car from Rome / 1½ hours by car from Florence / 1 hour by car from Siena)

To tell the truth I am not sure I can explain what makes the tiny town of Pienza so delightful. I do know that just getting there is pure bliss!

The drive through the Orcia River Valley, one of the most beautiful and magical areas of Southern Tuscany…with its winding hills and roads lined by cypress trees, vineyards, olive groves and in summer golden fields of wheat and sunflowers…always sets the stage for a glorious arrival in Pienza.

The town of about 2,000 inhabitants is known as the “Ideal Renaissance City” and has earned UNESCO World Heritage status for its 15th century historic center, urban design and architecture. For most however, myself included, what makes Pienza stand out is its position high atop the most beautiful view of the Tuscan countryside.

I find Pienza to be a great town for strolling or as we say in Italian, passeggiare. I love strolling through its beautiful soft-colored historical center and getting lost in the countless charming ivy-draped side streets with their colorful potted flowers framing the doorways…or walking through the many enchanting squares with people chatting over coffee or lunch at the cafes and restaurants.

Every time I’m in Pienza I have a ritual of finding the three small, super charming streets that legend says brings romance and good luck: Via del Bacio (kiss street), the famous Via dell’ Amore (love street) and Via della Fortuna (good luck street). I would recommend that you at least find Via del Bacio, because of its wonderful panoramic views over the Val d’Orcia, and definitely the ideal place to take a great photo.

Many tourists often skip Pienza for the better known towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino, but please trust me, if in the area, don’t miss this perfect place!

5. Civita Di Bagnoregio

Where:
‍Lazio region (1½ hour by car from Rome, 30 minutes by car from Orvieto)

The surreal 2,500 year-old Etruscan origin village of Civita di Bagnoregio, a UNESCO protected site, is a place suspended in time and space. It is located on the border between the regions of Lazio (Rome is the capital of this region) and Umbria.

Civita di Bagnoregio is one of the most beautiful and intriguing villages in Italy known also as “the dying city” (la citta’ che muore). It is perched on top of a canyon of crumbling volcanic tuff, rising above the Tiber river valley and in constant danger of destruction due to erosion.

It is an adventure getting to Civita as it is accessible only by a 300 meter (approx. 1,000 feet) pedestrian suspension bridge, but it’s a walk you will never forget! A truly unique setting like nowhere else in the world. The village, hosts a population of 100 in the summer and about 12 during the winter.

I vividly remember seeing Civita for the first time as a child from the panorama terrace across the valley and in the distance the town seemed floating in mid-air and to my young eyes it looked eerie and enchanting at the same time. I almost felt as though it was a dream until years later as a young adult I went back and totally fell under Civita’s spell.

You enter Civita di Bagnoregio through the gate of Porta San Maria which leads you through a cluster of pretty houses, decorated with hammered iron balconies, creeping ivy and overflowing flower boxes to the main square with its beautiful Romanesque church of San Donato.

I suggest wandering around the village, admiring the wonderful architecture spanning several hundred years of various styles with some surprisingly elegant renaissance palazzi and soaking in the unforgettable atmosphere. Also enjoy the small and excellent trattorias and cafes and the local artisans’ shops.

A visit to Civita di Bagnoreggio will stay in your heart forever!

L'articolo Giovanna’s top 5 gems of Central Italy proviene da Discover my Italy.

1. Pietrasanta

Located in the northwestern corner of Tuscany, just an hour and a half from Florence, (and a mere three kilometers from the coast) the gemlike medieval town of Pietrasanta won my heart the moment I stepped through the ancient gate of Porta a Pisa and found myself in the striking main square, Piazza del Duomo.

Although I first encountered this singularly beautiful town years ago, I can still recall the very first moment I fell in love. It was late afternoon and I sat down at one of the many lively outdoor cafes. I remember being instantly mesmerized by the dramatic contrast between the rectangular geometry of the piazza, the soaring white façade of the Duomo, and an installation of large, unexpectedly modern sculptures. I soon learned that the sculptures change frequently and, that this small town has a huge, worldwide reputation as a mecca for artists and art lovers.

Not only is Pietrasanta known for its proximity to the famed Carrara marble quarries where Michelangelo hand-selected the white marble for his inimitable Pietá, it is now a satellite hub of the international art world. Nicknamed “Little Athens” or the “City of Artists”, the town’s profusion of sculpture studios, foundries and art galleries are teeming with works by celebrated artists including Henry Moore, Isamu Noguchi, Igor Mitoraj, Joan Mirò, Fernando Botero, Damien Hirst and scores more, who have come here to work and to live.

If art and architecture are important to you, I cannot recommend this magical place highly enough. And when it’s time sit and process all you’ve seen, a quiet aperitivo in scenic seaside Forte dei Marme awaits, mere moments away.

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2: Ravenna

An hour’s drive or train ride from Bologna, in the Emilia Romagna region, is a city unlike any other called Ravenna.

An art and history lover’s paradise, ravishing Ravenna was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, then the capital of the Kingdom of the Ostrogoths and finally a privileged province of the Byzantine Empire. The evidence of this glorious past is everywhere you look, embodied in its remarkable, pristinely preserved architectural treasures and the spectacular 5th and 6th century mosaics that adorn them. Eight of these structures and their precious mosaics are designated as UNESCO World Heritage monuments.

For me, visits to the Basilica of Sant’ Appolinare Nuovo, the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia are essential on every trip. The Mausoleum is my absolute favorite. From outside it appears to be a small unassuming brick building, while inside awaits a breathtaking surprise… the most gorgeous and impressive mosaics I’ve seen in Ravenna or anywhere else!

A sidenote: when composer Cole Porter visited Ravenna in the late 1920s, the Mausoleum’s Night Sky mosaic with its 900 glittering stars inspired him to write the perennial classic Night and Day. Ravenna will surely inspire you too!

. . .

3: Urbino

Three and a half hours by car from Rome or 2 hours from Bologna, this UNESCO World Heritage Site perched atop a hillside in the Marche region is a perfectly preserved walled city and, one of the most important Renaissance sites in Italy.

My personal connection to this evocative place is deeply rooted in my family…it is less than an hour’s drive from Pesaro, my father’s birthplace on the Adriatic Coast, where we still spend summers. Every year, generally on a cool, cloudy day when I can bring myself to leave the beach, I drive to Urbino through the peaceful landscape. The drive itself is a delight and when at the very last turn, Urbino appears as if by magic, it never fails to bring tears to my eyes.

This is the city where revered Renaissance architect and artist Raphael was born; the influence of Urbino’s grace and light still illuminate his paintings. I always revisit the National Gallery of Le Marche in the Palazzo Ducale, hailed as one of the most impressive examples of Italian Renaissance architecture. Significant works by Raphael and many other Renaissance masters are displayed here. I adore the painting “Ideal City” attributed to Piero della Francesca, but you will surely discover your own favorite.

Urbino today is a lively town boasting one of the oldest universities in Italy. A stroll through its charming narrow alleyways and porticos will make you feel as if you are in a medieval fairy tale. Even if your time here is limited, don’t miss a stop at any one of the many cafes or trattorias to taste the traditional crescia, a flaky flatbread stuffed with wild greens, grilled vegetables, local charcuterie, sausages, and cheese. Personally, I dream about the version filled with soft stracchino cheese, arugula, and tomatoes.

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4: Pienza

Halfway between Rome and Florence, in Southern Tuscany, tiny Pienza is quite simply the most perfect town I know. To be honest, I’m not sure I can explain what makes it so delightful. I do know that even getting there is pure bliss!

The route through the Val de Orcia (Orcia River Valley), one of the most picturesque areas of Southern Tuscany, is a panorama of winding hills and roads lined by cypress trees, vineyards, olive groves and in summer, endless golden fields of wheat and sunflowers…an unforgettable prelude to arriving in this magical place.

With its scant population of 2,000 residents, Pienza is known as the “Ideal Renaissance City”. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage status for its 15th century “model” urban design, architecture, and graceful historic center. But for me, one of the things that makes Pienza so exceptional is its hilltop location, overlooking the single most beautiful view of the Tuscan countryside anywhere.

This is a town made for what we call in Italian, “passeggiare” or strolling. I love exploring its harmonious, warm-hued historical center and getting lost in the countless ivy-draped streets surrounding it, their doorways framed by pots of flowers…or walking past happy people chatting over coffee or lunch at the cafes and restaurants in each enchanting square.

On each visit, I have a ritual of finding the three small, but enormously charming streets that legend says will bring romance and good luck: Via del Bacio (Kiss Street), the famous Via dell’ Amore (Love Street) and Via della Fortuna (Good Luck Street). I urge you at the very least to find your way to Via del Bacio — a sure bet for a fabulous photo, given its stupendous views over the Val d’Orcia.

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Many tourists skip Pienza in favor of well-known towns like Montepulciano and Montalcino, but please trust me, if you’re within reach, this is the place!

. . .

5: Civita di Bagnoregio

In the region of Lazio, (a one-and-a half hour drive from Rome, and 30 minutes from Orvieto), sits the surreal 2,500 year-old Etruscan village of Civita di Bagnoregio. A UNESCO protected site, it feels as if it’s literally suspended in time and space. Hovering on the border between Lazio (where Rome is the capital) and Umbria, it is one of the most scenic and intriguing villages in Italy.

Known also as “the dying city” (la citta’ che muore), Civita perches atop a canyon of crumbling volcanic tuff that rises from the Tiber River Valley, where it faces the constant danger of destruction due to erosion. This miniscule village hosts a population of 100 in the summer and about 12 during the winter.

Even getting here is an adventure, as it is accessible only via a 300-meter pedestrian suspension bridge. It’s an unforgettable walk to a place that will always stay with you.

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I vividly remember my first glimpse of Civita as a child. Looking across the valley from a panorama terrace, the town seemed to be floating in mid-air. To my young eyes it seemed both eerie and enchanting, like a vision from a dream. Years later I returned as an adult and fell totally in love with this impossibly poetic place.

Entering the town through the gate of Porta San Maria you’ll wind through a cluster of pretty houses decorated with wrought iron balconies, creeping ivy, and overflowing flower boxes to the main square. There you’ll be greeted by the stately Romanesque church of San Donato.

I suggest a leisurely wander to soak up the atmosphere and admire the wonderful architecture spanning several hundred years of styles, including some surprisingly elegant Renaissance palazzi. And leave time to enjoy the excellent small trattorias, cafes, and shops of local artisans.

I can say from experience that your visit will truly be a high point!

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If you are ready to discover an Italy you’ll never forget, visit Discover my Italy for information about our spectacular small group tours or working with us to custom design the trip to Italy of your dreams!

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L'articolo Central Italy: something amazing, every day proviene da Discover my Italy.