Italy: Where La Dolce Vita Meets Luxury
Italy in the summer is like stepping into a dream—sun-kissed coastlines, vineyard-draped hills, ancient cobbled cities, and the aroma of espresso and basil drifting through the air. It’s where romance, culture, food, and history blend into the perfect luxury escape. Whether you’re craving barefoot beach elegance or countryside indulgence, Italy delivers in every way. Here are five iconic destinations and how to experience them in unforgettable style.
1. Amalfi Coast – Cliffside Romance by Private Yacht
The Amalfi Coast is Italy’s jewel-toned postcard come to life—pastel villages cascading down steep cliffs, citrus groves perfuming the air, and the sea sparkling like crushed sapphires. It’s effortlessly glamorous, alive with coastal energy, and made for slow, scenic living. Whether you’re sipping limoncello in Positano or wandering Ravello’s flower-draped terraces, the magic is in every detail.
Don’t Miss:
Charter a private yacht to cruise from Positano to Capri, with stops for swimming in sea caves and dining at the chic La Fontelina Beach Club.
Stay at Le Sirenuse, a 5-star cliffside resort with cinematic views and Michelin-starred dining—or try Caruso, A Belmond Hotel in Ravello for old-world elegance perched above the clouds.
2. Tuscany – Vineyard Bliss in a Wellness Estate
Tuscany is all golden hills, ancient stone villages, cypress-lined roads, and endless vineyards. It’s the heartland of slow travel—where time moves to the rhythm of harvests, afternoon light, and long dinners under the stars. Perfect for wine lovers, art seekers, and those looking to reconnect with nature in refined tranquility.
Don’t Miss:
Book a stay at Borgo Santo Pietro, a luxurious wellness estate with holistic spa treatments, cooking classes, and its own Michelin-starred restaurant.
Or, take a countryside tour from Castiglion del Bosco, a Rosewood resort and working winery, to explore medieval towns like Pienza and Montalcino—complete with private tastings of Brunello and Pecorino cheese.
3. Venice – Elegance by Gondola and Grand Canal Palace
Venice is pure enchantment. A floating city steeped in history, where each turn reveals a frescoed palace, a quiet canal, or an artisan’s hidden workshop. In summer, Venice glows with long golden evenings and the romance of serenades drifting over the water. It’s best savored slowly, with a chilled spritz in hand.
Don’t Miss:
Stay at Aman Venice, a 16th-century palazzo that combines Renaissance art with quiet luxury on the Grand Canal.
Enjoy a private after-hours tour of St. Mark’s Basilica, then take a traditional gondola ride through lesser-known canals at twilight for a peaceful, magical experience.
Want to add drama? Time your visit with the Venice Film Festival in early September.
4. Lake Como – Old World Glamour at a Lakeside Icon
Lake Como is elegance personified. Surrounded by the Alps and dotted with historic villas and lush gardens, it’s long been the summer escape of European nobility and modern-day celebrities. The lake’s stillness and splendor create a mood of refined relaxation, where luxury is subtle, tasteful, and timeless.
Don’t Miss:
Make Villa d’Este your home base—an opulent lakeside resort with floating pools, marble halls, and impeccable service. T
ake a private Riva boat tour of the lake, gliding past famous villas (including George Clooney’s) and stopping in charming towns like Bellagio for gelato and silk shopping.
For a more secluded stay, consider Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como, with its forest-framed infinity pool and gourmet lakeside dining.
5. Cinque Terre – Coastal Beauty by Scenic Train & Seaside Suites
Cinque Terre is a string of five rainbow-colored villages clinging to the Ligurian cliffs, connected by footpaths, rail, and breathtaking sea views. Each village has its own character—from the charm of Vernazza’s harbor to the romantic views of Manarola at dusk. This UNESCO World Heritage site feels both rustic and impossibly beautiful.
Don’t Miss:
Explore the region via the Cinque Terre Express train or hike the Sentiero Azzurro, stopping in each town for fresh seafood, lemon granita, and local wines.
For luxury with a local feel, stay at Hotel Porto Roca in Monterosso—perched above the sea with panoramic terraces—or opt for a private villa rental through The Thinking Traveller for a more secluded experience with concierge services.
Your Italian Summer, Elevated
Italy’s magic lies in its contrasts—the pulse of city life and the peace of the countryside, the buzz of a beach club and the silence of a vineyard at dusk.
With so many luxurious ways to explore—from private yachts to historic palazzos—your Italian summer can be as vibrant or serene as you wish.
Ready to design a custom experience that’s one-of-a-kind? Let us craft a trip where every moment feels tailored, elevated, and unforgettable. Send us a message today!
