Inghams Italy Magazine 2021 by HotelplanUK

Italy

Your passions, your holiday CITIES - COUNTRYSIDE - COASTS - ISLANDS - LAKES - TOURS

Travel with confidence

Neapolitan Riviera

The Dolomites

Liguria

Sicily

Puglia

Contents

Why Inghams

Italy at a glance

Be inspired on where to visit next - we highlight our favourite regions and what they have to offer.

Explore Italy - your way

There’s so much to see and do - find out the best way of travelling through Italy and seeing it all.

Tour Italia

Want to discover Italy’s hidden gems? We’ve packaged the best bits of Italy into our escorted tours - let us take the lead, so you can just enjoy the ride.

Head to the coast

Why should you choose Inghams for your next Italy holiday? Because you’re in safe hands with us.

Self-guided tours

The flexibility is all yours - if you prefer to take things at your own pace but still want to see the best bits of Italy, then try our self-guided or self-drive tours.

If you’re planning a holiday by the coast - let your search start here. With mile after mile of beautiful Italian coastline to choose from - let us help you pick the perfect place for you.

Italy for art-lovers

Something for the art lovers out there - Italy’s cities are full to the brim with culture. We show you our favourite must-see spots.

The Neapolitan Riviera

We’ll take you through our favourite resorts in the Neapolitan Riviera - one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in Italy.

Puglia

Looking for a quieter spot? This region is largely untouched by tourism and yet it’s steeped in white-gold beaches, clifftop cities and ancient olives groves.

The Dolomites

A walker’s paradise - it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site with a reputation of culinary excellence. We share our favourite hotels.

Sicily

Famous for its tasty street food, rich history, active volcano and beautiful islands. Sicily is full of surprises.

Mouth-watering Italian food

Something everyone can enjoy in Italy - the food and drink. We give you a taste of what Italy has to offer.

Liguria and The Italian Riviera

The Italian Riviera - think glamour, colourful chic seaside towns and sleepy hamlets. We love it here and we’re sure you will too.

The Italian Lakes

Italy is famous for its lakes in the North - think shimmering lakes and snowcapped mountains. Not a bad view whilst enjoying a drink or two?

Book with confidence The air holidays and flights in this brochure are ATOL Protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Our ATOL number is ATOL 0025. Your holiday price includes £2.50 per person as part of the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. All other holidays are bonded with ABTA.

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We’re with you every step of the way Now more than ever, we are here for you every step of the way. Here’s a little bit about us…

Innovative

Trusted

Every season we hand pick our resorts and accommodation to ensure we have just what you are looking for.

We’ve been taking people on holiday for over 85 years, so we have a wealth of experience and knowledge.

Distinctive

Passionate

It’s all about bringing your passions to life. We are here to help you find the perfect holiday for you.

We put together summer holidays in the places we know best. All of our staff love to travel and have visited many of our resorts - they are ready to share their recommendations with you.

Secure your summer holiday for just £75pp deposit Terms & Conditions: Valid from 15th October-18th December 2020. For all summer 2021 departures between 1st May-31st October 2021. Remaining deposit value of £80pp is due 31st January 2021. Final balance due 10 weeks before departure. For some dates we might need to increase the deposit a little if the holiday includes a scheduled flight rather than one of our charters.

In Safe Hands Travel with confidence

Check out the steps we are taking to ensure you can travel with confidence this season. • Your money’s safe – Low deposit, Covid - 19 refund promise, ATOL & ABTA protected and no amendment fees.* • Staying safe on holiday – All partner hotels will be managed by their own local, professional teams - compliant with Covid laws of that country. We only work with very carefully chosen, trusted partners. • We’re with you at every step – Before, during and after your holiday. We have 85 years of trust and experience - you can judge us by our actions. *T&C’s apply. For more in depth and up to date detail on how we plan to keep you safe on your next Italy holiday Click here

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This is where the Cinque Terre is - five of the prettiest towns for you to explore. It’s also got the most Blue Flag beaches in Italy, and if you think about how many incredible parts of the coast there are, this is really saying something. Overall a relaxing area, very sunny and sandy.

The Italian Lakes Lake Maggiore

Lake Como

Liguria

Italy at a glance

Portifino Pisa

Tuscany

Find your perfect Italian holiday Italy has so much to offer - we can take you to 85 resorts across 14 regions. To help you decide where to visit next, we have selected our favourite spots, with suggestions on what to get up to while you’re there. It’s time to be inspired... Porto Cervo

When you see the beaches, you might think you’re in the Caribbean. There’s water sports everywhere, and the Archipelago di Maddalena - seven islands full of hidden coves, beaches and rocky outcrops. A lovely spot to relax and explore.

Key Airports Rail Network

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Sardinia

One of the most famous coastlines in the world, with incredible walks up cliff-side paths, down to beaches, and through cute, colourful Italian towns. Discover what’s around every corner, then sit back and devour the local food. Neapolitan pizzas, limoncello and fresh seafood are all on the menu.

The Amalfi Coast

Italy at a glance - Find your perfect Italian holiday

The Italian Lakes The Dolomites

Lake Garda

Verona

Venice

Bologna

It’s no secret that Rome is packed full of historic sites. See the colosseum, the Vatican and all the art and culture you can handle. There’s loads to do here and you’ll definitely want to come back.

Adriatic Coast

Florence

The lakes are so varied that you can always find one to match the holiday you want. Garda, Maggiore and Como are the big three, but there are smaller ones off the beaten path - our favourite is Orta. Check out our guide on page 30 to see which one’s right for you.

Perfect if you want to see proper Italian life and take it easy on holiday. There’s a huge farming history so you’ll be eating lots of fresh local food, as well as trying olive oil and wine. It’s got a lovely coastline, sandy beaches and whitewashed towns to wander around.

Umbria

Perugia

Rome Puglia

Rome

Neapolitan Riviera Naples Sorrento

Basilicata Alberobello

Capri Matera

Lecce

Puglia

Sicily

Tropea

Sicily

Palermo Cefalù Taormina

Agrigento

Syracuse

If you love seeing places with interesting history and lots of variety, definitely think about Sicily. It’s got influences from all over the world, which show in the food, history and architecture. The Aeolian Islands are our favourite bit, but the whole place is like another world, very laid-back and beautiful.

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Explore Italy - your way

Explore Italy - your way If you’ve got a few Italian places on your shortlist, we can help you see them all. With multi-centre trips you can go to two or more spots and we’ll sort all the travel and accommodation. Trains around Italy are brilliant for this. Another option is to have a relaxing holiday, then add a city-break to mix things up. Everything’s flexible and we’ll do all the arranging.

Multi-centre holidays

City add-ons

The passion to travel is one we know all too well, so if you want some extra adventure and to make the most of your precious time off, we’ve got just the thing. We call them multi-centre holidays.

This is the simplest way to get some variety. Go on holiday wherever takes your fancy - maybe it’s a walking holiday in the mountains or a relaxing break by the coast - you can add a few days to see a city and get some local culture, do some shopping or taste your way around the restaurants.

Italy’s the perfect place to travel around because there’s so much nature, art, architecture, history and last but not least absolutely incredible food with local favourites wherever you go. The choices are endless in Italy. The best bit is that we take care of all the arrangements. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy your holiday at your own pace, that’s tailored to you. You get to travel independently but with the finer details are taken care of by us, and we’ll always be on hand to help. A few recommendations... • Wear out your walking shoes in the Dolomites and Lake Garda. • Taste your way around all the food and wine of Bologna, Florence and Tuscany. • See some of the greatest art and history - head to Milan, Venice and Florence. • History fans can’t miss Rome and Sicily. • Fill up your memory cards with endless photography at Lake Como and Liguria.

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As always, we can arrange all the travel for you and give you any inspiration or advice - depending what passions you want to indulge while you’re away.

Trains around Italy There’s nothing quite like settling into your seat for a train ride and seeing the world go by outside. Italy’s got high speed connections between all the major cities that don’t take long at all. Venice, Florence and Rome are a nice combo for this.

The trains themselves are great quality, good value and run on time. You get allocated seats with charging points, and in first class you’ll have the added luxury of a bubbly glass of prosecco - bliss. The regional trains are slower but you can enjoy some nice scenic routes - a couple of our faves are through Tuscany or along the Italian Riviera. You can even go through Calabria and across the water to Sicily. The train car is actually put onto a ferry for the crossing - brilliant for the train lovers.

A special mention the Venice SimplonOrient-Express When we say special, we mean it. The whole experience is every train fan’s dream - get the classic British Pullman train from London Victoria to Folkestone, enjoy a brunch served with a Bellini as you take in the Kentish countryside. After crossing the channel, you’re on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. A four-course dinner is served by skilled French chefs, then finish the evening with a drink in the bar car or relax in your luxury cabin - It’s like something from a Bond film. Wake up to the Swiss mountains and tuck into your breakfast, served to your cabin. A three course lunch and pastries follow, before it’s time to disembark and enjoy your time in Italy.

Click here to find out more Rome

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Tour Italia Every region of Italy has something special. Dramatic nature in the north. Sunny coasts in the south. Local food specialities everywhere.

Click here to find out more 8

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Tour Italia

You can’t really go to one place and say you’ve ‘seen Italy’. These 8-day escorted tours let you see a huge range of sights, tastes and sounds without you having to lift a finger. Our experienced tour leaders will show the way, all tour groups are kept to small groups and we include as much as we can in the price, to avoid any unexpected expenses!

Neapolitan Splendours The Amalfi Coast is world-famous for lots of reasons. The coastline has earned its UNESCO status - beautiful buildings and sundrenched cliffs as far as you can see. You’ll be based in the centre of Sorrento and from there you’ll see the prettiest towns on the coast - Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. You’ll also get to see Pompeii. It’s a popular spot but it’s huge and worth every second of exploring. It’s unbelievable how much of it is still intact - buildings, amphitheatres, mosaics, ovens, kitchens… you can literally see what everyday life was like. 7 nights from £1,199 per person

Grand Tour of Sicily This one’s all about architecture, nature and food you’ll never forget. You’ll be shown the best bits of the baroque city of Ortigia, followed by a boat trip around the peninsula with wine and snacks. Explore in the morning, relax in the afternoon - the perfect combo. Also on the agenda is the Valley of the Temples with some of the world’s best-preserved ancient Greek temples. An impressive sight for anyone, but especially if you’re a history buff. Top off the trip with the architecture and amazing food scene in Palermo, along with a visit to the mighty Mount Etna volcano.

Puglia & Basilicata

7 nights from £1,535 per person

8 days of exploring food, art and architecture in some of Italy’s lesser known gems. There’s wine and olive oil tasting in Ostuni, as well as more wine and delicious local food in Alberobello. Otranto’s Norman cathedral is quite the sight, with the bones of 183 martyrs on display. Definitely one for the history buffs. You’ll also get to see one of our faves - the baroque city of Lecce. It’s as flamboyant as they come, and known as ‘the Florence of the south.’ 7 nights from £1,199 per person Vieste, Puglia

Prices are all correct at time of printing, but may vary up or down - see inghams.co.uk or call for up-to date prices. Prices are based on lowest priced departure date and airport. For booking conditions, visit inghams.co.uk/terms.

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Self-guided tours - Travel at your own pace

Self-guided tours Travel at your own pace These are perfect if you like to do your own thing, but want all the best local tips, and directions - you’ll make every second of your holiday count. We’ll arrange everything so all you have to do is arrive and enjoy it. Click here to explore more of our self-guided and self–drive tours

Flavours of the Amalfi Coast Food, glorious food. The sunshine and rich volcanic earth around Vesuvius make the Amalfi Coast a hugely flavoursome place to grow food. You’ll get to try it all. Go to an agriturismo for a local lunch with wine. You’ll also be picking fresh herbs and veg to use in your Italian cooking class - and of course, you’ll tuck into it at the end. You haven’t done Amalfi without street food, so the tasting tour is a highlight too - including the iconic Neapolitan pizzas. 4 nights from £1,045 per person

Trekking the Cinque Terre This is your chance to combine a love of walking with five of the prettiest villages in Italy AND a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vernazza is one of the most picturesque villages for walkers - our favourite is path two which has amazing coastal views among the vineyards on the cliff tops. Overall you can look forward to the combo of trekking trails and wandering around the fishing villages. There are lots of colourful, sundrenched houses along the coast, as well as narrow cobbled streets to get lost down. Throw in some history and architecture, and you feel like you could explore it forever. 7 nights from £1,329 per person

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Highlights of Calabria Get ready for a week of Italian history and architecture in lots of gorgeous coastal towns. You’ll also get to look out to the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas from the tip of Italy’s toe. There’s so much to see here that this tour is a perfect way to make the most of your time. You’ll be exploring narrow winding streets, beautiful churches, cliff-top castles and famous archaeological museums. It’s based from one hotel and we’ll arrange all the excursions for you - Tropea, Capo Vaticano, Pizzo, Zungri, Nicastro and Tiriolo. 7 nights from £659 per person

Flavours of Sicily Self-Drive Sicily is a proper melting pot of food - the influences come from Arabia, Spain and mainland Italy - so this tour is very much designed to indulge your foodie passion. You’ll be eating at street food markets as well as top restaurants in Syracuse and Taormina. Throw in a wine tasting in an ancient abbey plus an olive oil tasting and dinner at a farm. We’ve got all the top tips and detailed driving maps for where to go, the prettiest drives, and where to stop on the way. 7 nights from £949 per person

Puglia & Basilicata Self-Drive If you see yourself cruising the roads in the Italian countryside, windows down and wind in your hair, this is for you. Having your own car is a great option if you want independence on your holiday, but as always, you’ll get detailed directions and local recommendations. You’ll see the stunning towns of Alberobello, Otranto and Lecce as well as the Gargano National Park. You can also spend some time in Matera - the 2019 European Capital of Culture and the setting of the new James Bond Movie! Make sure to see the ancient cave dwellings for a bit of history too. 7 nights from £759 per person

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Head to the coast Sardinia Imagine you had a catalogue of beaches and you could pick the perfect one for you. That’s what it’s like in Sardinia because there are so many. There are amazing views, lots of water sports, quiet beaches, and a few off the beaten path. The choice is yours, but here are our faves

Chia, Southern Sardinia This is one of the most picturesque bays in Sardinia - a title that’s not easy to earn. It’s an impressive sight of soft white sands that stretch up to 750 metres long and 90 metres wide. There are gentle slopes going down to the crystal-clear waters which is great for families, plus the land around the beach is protected - paradise for you nature-lovers.

Archipelago di Maddalena, Northern Sardinia One for the explorers - this is just north of Sardinia. There are seven scattered islands that are only a 20-minute ferry ride from Palau. Find all the hidden coves and wander along the long stretches of beach and rocky outcrops.

Arutas, Western Sardinia The sand is made up of small grains of quartz in varying shades of pink, green and white - the effect is beautiful. Also a great spot for surfers. Where to stay Resort Valle dell’Erica, Northern Sardinia 7 nights from £1,485 per person

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Adriatic Coast If you’re looking for lots to do when you’re not relaxing on the sand, the Adriatic Coast might be the spot for you. The beaches also have long promenades with seafood restaurants and interesting towns with tons of history. Plus, you can go inland for some lovely countryside - you’ll find quiet medieval hamlets and fortified towns and villages. Where to stay Hotel Ambasciatori, Riccione 7 nights from £975 per person Prices are all correct at time of printing, but may vary up or down - see inghams.co.uk or call for up-to date prices. Prices are based on lowest priced departure date and airport. For booking conditions, visit inghams.co.uk/terms.

Head to the coast

Sardinian coastline

Calabria

Tuscany

You can explore the natural, beautiful Calabrian coastline for days long sandy stretches, secluded coves and impressive rock formations.

There’s so much to do here, and the best bit is that all the towns are connected along the coast by a pedestrianised promenade - you can cycle it too. Viareggio has the obligatory wide sandy beaches, along with art deco beach clubs and art nouveau hotels.

On most beaches you can rent umbrellas and sun loungers to put your feet up in style. Try Capo Vaticano and Tropea for the best ones, and if you’re feeling adventurous, get a boat out to the Aeolian islands. Where to stay Villaggio Baia d’Ercole, Capo Vaticano 7 nights from £595 per person

Lido di Cammiore is more laid back, and Forte dei Marmi has the most glamourous and exclusive beach clubs, plus designer stores and lots of Ferraris driving around. Where to stay Hotel President, Tuscany Coast 7 nights from £789 per person

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Italy for art-lovers The Italians have been creating art and architecture for thousands of years, and it’s largely still there for you to walk around. Lots of pieces are in the same place they were originally made for, so you can picture generations of people admiring them - it’s like looking back in time. Click here to find out more about our city breaks

Rome Rome doesn’t need much of an intro - it’s world-famous and for very good reason. The big sights are at the Vatican City, especially Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling. The queue can be long and you’ll need to book - but it’s worth it. For pure genius in a sculpture, you have to see Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne which is intricate beyond words. A hidden gem is Villa Farnesina in Trastevere. Pope Julius II commissioned the great artists of the time to paint the big, airy space. It’s stunning. 3 nights from £335 per person

Venice As if Venice wasn’t a work of art in itself, the floating city has culture going back hundreds of years. St Mark’s Basilica is a must. It’s packed with treasures from the crusades and conquest of Constantinople, plus there’s over 8,000 square metres of mosaics. It’s easy to lose a few hours wandering. If you visit just one gallery, the Gallerie dell’Accademia is the one to go for. You’ll see the classic Venetian style of painting with deep, rich colours, using the effects of light too. It would have been the closest thing to photography when it was first seen. 3 nights from £649 per person

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Italy for art-lovers

Milan For lots of us art-lovers, Milan is a dream destination. It’s got everything from the Gothic and Renaissance, to Futurism and contemporary art. You’ll be like a kid in a sweet shop - it’s all there, in the architecture as well as the galleries. For Gothic art, the Duomo has around 3,400 statues and gargoyles - it’s difficult to imagine until you see it yourself. Next door in the Piazza del Duomo there’s the Museo Novecento where you can literally walk your way through the history of modern Italian art. For the film buffs, you’ve got to take a break in Bar Luce designed by film director Wes Anderson. 3 nights from £475 per person

Florence Get up close to the masterpieces of the Renaissance. It’s got an incredible medieval centre, along with paintings, frescoes and statues from some of the greatest artists of all time. Think Raphael, Titian and Michelangelo - all on your doorstep. There’s not many places in the world where you can see masterpieces exhibited in the way the artist originally intended. In Florence, every chapel, church and Duomo has beautiful artistic treasures inside. 3 nights from £345 per person

Verona It’s known as the home of Romeo and Juliet but the cultural sites here were famous long before then. When you arrive, there’s thousands of years of culture you can walk around and see for yourself. In the first century, Verona was a Roman stronghold. Arena di Verona - one of the most impressive Roman sites in Italy - transforms into a spectacular opera venue in the summer. 3 nights from £325 per person

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The Neapolitan Riviera - Cities, islands, volcanoes and coastal luxury

8 Resorts 28 Hotels 3 Tours

Click here to find out more 16 Inghams Italy

The Neapolitan Riviera Cities, islands, volcanoes and coastal luxury This is a special part of the world that you’ll love to explore. A busy but pretty city in Naples, then down to Vesuvius and Pompeii. From there it’s the Amalfi Coast 50 kilometres of jaw-dropping coastline and lovely towns. Hop on the boat to islands like Capri and Ischia. You won’t want to leave.

Amalfi Coast

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Sorrento Sorrento is one of those places where you can always find new little nooks, restaurants and fancy buildings to pop in to.

It’s a great base for a holiday in the Neapolitan Riviera because the town itself is beautiful and has lots to do, but it’s well-connected to the rest of the area. This is what we think a perfect week in Sorrento looks like. The first day just enjoy yourself and get a feel for it - stop for coffee at Piazza Tasso and head down to the marina for a seafood dinner. For day 2 - The Amalfi Drive. It’s one of the most spectacular roads in Europe, winding along the cliffside from Sorrento with panoramic views at every bend. Day 3 - Some people skip Naples but we can’t recommend it enough. The buzz of the city, the narrow cobbled streets, and the home of pizza. On day 4, swap the city for the luxurious island of Capri. Go shopping in the boutiques, or just sip an Aperol Spritz below the clocktower. Get further into the island and you can go up to Mount Solaro on the cable car which is a treat in itself, and the view from the top is vast. Complete the perfect trip by seeing Pompeii and Herculaneum. You can also go up Mount Vesuvius to see one of the most famous natural sites in the world, as well as the view over the Gulf of Naples.

Our Sorrento hotel recommendations

Hotel Mediterraneo, Sorrento HHHH

Grand Hotel La Favorita, Sorrento HHHHH

Grand Hotel Capodimonte, Sorrento HHHH

The views from the Sky Bar are incredible you’ll look forward to coming back here every day. It’s away from the centre - a 25-minute walk or get the free shuttle.

The whitewashed rooms are stunning and the rooftop pool is somewhere you could spend all day. It’s in the centre so it’s close to everything.

This is in a peaceful spot above Sorrento. It’s got an elegant Neapolitan style, plus a series of interconnected swimming pools, and like the others - views for miles.

7 NIGHTS FROM

£1,115pp

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7 NIGHTS FROM

£1,395pp

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£1,135pp

The Neapolitan Riviera - Cities, islands, volcanoes and coastal luxury

The Amalfi Coast The towns along the Amalfi Coast are an absolute joy to explore if that’s what excites you.

Ischia This island is very much off the beaten path - there’s a different pace here, with lots of thermal spas, sandy beaches and botanical gardens to go and discover. For the green-fingered fans, you have to go to the La Mortella Gardens to see the blend of exotic flowers and ornate fountains. It’s very skilfully arranged so you can see the glistening of the Mediterranean through the leaves and petals. The spas are proper thermal ones because of Ischia’s volcanic origins. Lots of the hotels have wellness centres using the natural waters, or you can go to a thermal garden that have pools among the lush green plants and flowers.

Procida is a well-kept secret - the little island between Ischia and the mainland. Lose yourself in the pastel-coloured houses and then go down to the harbour for the freshest seafood. If you want to mix up your relaxation with a good walk, try the trails up to Mount Epomeo. You’ll be wandering past caves, pine-green forests and the occasional family-run vineyard. When we said ‘off the beaten path’ - we meant it.

The coastline is relentlessly pretty and instantly recognisable because of the way the cliffs plunge down to the sea, with houses and hotels dotted all the way. At the bottom there are often little harbours and beaches. You’ll love it for the views, endless exploring, the history and the freshest food. Tomatoes, mozzarella, seafood and limoncello in particular. Plus, you can get to lots of other popular Italian spots like Pompeii, Vesuvius, Capri and Naples. Try the Walking the Amalfi Coast self-guided tour 3 nights from £1,029 per person If you never go on holiday without your walking shoes, try a tour with our local guide. Head to Ravello, through the hamlet of Torello high above the coast, then to Maiori for a cool glass of limoncello and a slice of cake. The Path of the Gods up to Positano is spectacular the whole walk is varied in heights, sights and things to do. Try the Flavours of the Amalfi Coast self-guided tour 4 nights from £1,045 per person If the only walking you do is to the best restaurant in town, then it’s the foodie tour for you. Lunch on a family-run farm, a local cooking class and a street food tour are the highlights. Italy is all about freshness and you’ll get to try everything.

Hotel Capizzo, Ischia HHH

Hotel California, Positano HHH

Sea-view rooms, Mediterranean gardens, geothermal swimming pools, and the freshest seafood from the head chef at Ristorante Sole. A lovely spot with a great location.

Get the perfect Instagram photo of Positano from here while sipping a cool, fizzy prosecco. It’s a boutique hotel and there are only 15 rooms, so you’ll always feel looked-after.

7 NIGHTS FROM

£595pp

7 NIGHTS FROM

£715pp

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8 Resorts 10 Hotels 4 Tours

Puglia A taste of the real Italy You really don’t feel like a tourist in Puglia, you’re just living like an Italian. Check out the mix of food, beaches, history and architecture - it’s all there for you to explore.

Click here to find out mor Trulli houses, Aberobello

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Puglia - A taste of the real Italy

Our favourite hotels

Puglian providence the freshest food It doesn’t come fresher than this. Puglia is a farmer’s region which means your food is straight from the field to your table. Naturally, the style is simple so they can showcase the ingredients, and it tastes heavenly.

Most of Italy’s olive oil comes from here, and there are lots of farms to go to. See how they make it, then taste all the varieties and ages.

Trulli Houses, Puglia HHH It doesn’t get more authentic than this - it’s why Alberobello has UNESCO status, and you get to stay here. The trulli houses are fully restored and surprisingly spacious. 7 NIGHTS FROM

£685pp

Pasta is very popular to go with the seasonal veg. If you go to Bari, you’ll see women sitting in the street making orecchiette - ‘little ears’ - which is Puglia’s pasta. It’s perfect for cupping delicious mouthfuls of sauce. Fancy a wine to accompany your food? Puglia produces full-bodied reds - our favourite is Primitivo but Negroamaro deserves a mention too. Nothing beats trying them from the source - Enoteca Thalos in Alberobello is the best spot to do a tasting.

Coastline and beaches The coastline has a lovely mix of rocky coves, sandy beaches and little towns. Polignano a Mare is a lively one, built into the cliffside so you can expect some huge views. The best gelaterias in Puglia are here too, if you can pry yourself away from sunbathing in the tucked-away coves.

History and architecture

Canne Bianche - Lifestyle Hotel, Puglia HHHHH You’ll feel relaxed the second you arrive - we love chilling out beside the saltwater pool and listening to the sound of the sea. All rooms have king size beds and terraces or balconies. 7 NIGHTS FROM

£815pp

You’ll also see some of the best examples of southern baroque architecture. Go to Lecce to find the ‘Florence of the South’ and the goldhued buildings that glow in the sun. Head to Trani for the ivory-white cathedral over the harbour. And don’t forget Alberobello - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is filled with Trulli houses, which make for a very distinctive skyline.

Cala Ponte Hotel, Puglia HHHH Strikingly modern and close to the centre of Polignano a Mare - a buzzing seaside town. Large outdoor pool, spacious rooms and the perfect spot to explore Puglia from.

7 NIGHTS FROM

£795pp

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The Dolomites A walker’s paradise You couldn’t be more spoilt with the sheer amount of walking trails here, plus it’s arguably the most beautiful mountain range in the world - and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s easy to explore the trails because the excellent lifts link you to almost every resort. The length and difficulties are completely varied too, so it doesn’t matter what sort of ability you are. Lots of resorts have Nordic walks as well if you’re looking for that extra challenge.

Dolomites mountains

Sporthotel Panorama, Corvara HHHH

Hotel Medil, Canazei HHHH

One of the sunniest spots in Corvara with a birds-eye view of the village and valley. There are fantastic walks straight from the hotel, with lifts to even more trails, plus they’ve got free hiking poles.

They have such great knowledge of the local walking trails and bike routes. There are also six free walking excursions every week - so you can get to know the area with the help of a local.

The owners run two free guided walks, a Nordic walk and a mountain bike trip. They always have good recommendations too, just ask.

The hotel’s central - the Col Rodella is your gateway to the Dolomites and it’s just around the corner. There’s a classic alpine feel, panoramic views of the peaks, and we love the traditional food - look out for the cosy candlelit dinner on a Wednesday.

When you want a rest, head to the large indoor pool with a sauna and treatments available. It’s also known for having tasty local food, to end the day off nicely. 7 NIGHTS FROM

£1,099 pp

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7 NIGHTS FROM

£829 pp

The Dolomites - A walker’s paradise

8 Resorts 25 Hotels

Click here to find out more Hotel Diamant, San Cassiano HHHHH The trails around the hotel are some of our favourite. They start at the hotel so you can set off straight away, but you should also try one of the free guided walks that go three times a week. It’s got a very authentic South Tyrolean feel to it, and you’ll always get a warm welcome from the Rudiferia family who own it. The food is amazing - you can really taste the passion that goes into it. 7 NIGHTS FROM

£1,249 pp

Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti, Ortisei HHHH Pure luxury from the moment you step in the door, and the staff go out of their way to make sure you have a relaxing time. They’ve got free guided walks every day except Sunday, and Nordic hikes three times a week. Grab a free e-bike or go on a guided tour - they run every day. For dinner, you can look forward to five courses - order a bottle of local wine and sit back to enjoy the feast. 7 NIGHTS FROM

£1,499 pp

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Sicily A melting pot of culture, beaches and food Sicily is a real cultural mash - tons of history from the settlers over the centuries. Romans, Ancient Greeks, North Africans and Normans have all played their part, as well as the obvious Italian culture. The food and wine is incredible for the same reason, and if you don’t like to be far from a beach, you’ve got plenty of options here. Click here to explore more of Sicily.

Taormina

Aeolian Islands

Great for a bit of shopping, street food and

These feel like a whole other country -

lots of sunbathing. Wander down Corso

seven islands, each one with something

Umberto - the main street - to have a look

special. You can stay on one island and

at the shops, get some arancini or cannoli,

visit them all because the ferries go

then take the cable car down to Taormina

between them every day.

Mare and sunbathe in front of Isola Bella.

Vulcano is a real showcase of nature. Walk up the volcano and bathe in the

Cefalù

mud springs, then go to the black sand

For history and architecture, you have

a small selection of friendly bars and

to go here. The Norman cathedral is the

beaches - a very unusual sight. There’s restaurants in the harbour too. Lipari is

main attraction, but all the architecture

the largest island with more going on and

is stunning. It’s got little winding streets

fresh seafood restaurants. Salina is the

through the centre where you can casually

green isle and has brilliant sea views from

stop at the bars, shops and restaurants. To

the winding roads. They produce Malvasia

top it off, there’s a wide sandy beach too.

wine here.

Stomboli has an active volcano if you’re feeling brave! Panarea is the most glamourous, with lots of super yachts stopping off at the harbour.

South East Sicily This is the baroque part of the island with lots of beautiful towns to explore. Ortigia is completely pedestrianised and on a peninsula. It’s beautiful to walk around - the white marble Duomo is dazzling, and you can grab a coffee in the piazza with the view. They have a daily food market and at lunchtime there’s normally pop-up restaurants. Try some fresh snacks and watch the world go by as the locals do their shopping.

Our favourite hotels

Therasia Resort Sea & Spa, Aeolian Islands HHHHH

Atahotel Capotaormina, Taormina HHHH

Hotel Villa Favorita, South East Sicily HHHH

Total relaxation in an incredible setting. Lovely terraces with infinity pools, three excellent restaurants and just look at the pictures - that view is always exciting.

There’s a private pebble beach here and the lift down is carved into the rocks. The hotel is three kilometres up the mountain so you get amazing views.

A beautiful, baroque country villa built in 1752. Lovely gardens with palms and almond trees, plus it’s family-run too. There’s an outdoor pool, and the rooms are bright and airy.

7 NIGHTS FROM

£1,199 pp

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7 NIGHTS FROM

£975 pp

7 NIGHTS FROM

£899 pp

Sicily - A melting pot of culture, beaches and food

IMAGE TO BE PURCHASED

7 Resorts 17 Hotels 4 Tours

Go for a drive Try one of our self-drive tours - fly to your destination where you’ll collect your hire car and begin your adventure. We’ll give you detailed maps and itineraries so you’ll be fully ready to explore. Flavours of Sicily 8 days of scenic driving, food markets, wine, olive oil, history and volcanic nature. 7 nights from £949 per person Sicily & the Aeolian Islands Road trip through Sicily and hop across to the Aeolian Islands by boat for even more exploring. 14 nights from £1,629 per person Sicily See all the baroque towns of the south east, visit the Valley of the Temples and relax in towns around the island. 7 nights from £699 per person

Isola Bella, Taormina

Inghams Italy 25

Mouth-watering Italian food We could talk about Italian food all day, so we’ve really picked the best of the best for this. Italy is known for its regional, local specialities, and also for fondly arguing about whose version is the proper way of making it. That passion for food is everywhere you go. These are our favourite local foods and where you should go to get them. Click here for a bigger taste of Italy.

01 Arancini in Sicily

04 Pizza in the Neapolitan Riviera

Get some cooked rice, stuff it with a delicious filling, then roll it into a ball, coat it in breadcrumbs and fry. It’s comforting, oozy, crispy on the outside and soft in the middle.

There are a few reasons pizza’s so amazing here. The dough is incredibly light and easy to digest - when you finish one, you feel like you could have two more.

Arancini is also part of the extensive street food scene in Sicily. Each stall or restaurant specialises in something different, which means you get to try the lot.

They generally use san marzano tomatoes from the rich volcanic soil near Vesuvius. Once crushed, they usually just add salt and basil - super simple.

Check out the Flavours of Sicily self-drive tour to get a full 8 days of Sicily’s famous food.

Add fresh mozzarella and cook in a stone oven at extremely high temperatures - they’re done in about 60 seconds. The dough melts in your mouth.

02 Tagliatelle alla Bolognese in Bologna You might do a good spag bol at home but we can promise you a treat if you try it from the home of bolognese. Top tip - they don’t use spaghetti here because thicker pastas like tagliatelle and taglioni soak up the sauce better.

03 Tiramisu in Venice Tiramisu translates as ‘cheer me up’ - and if you’ve ever had one, you’ll know that’s the perfect name for it. Coffee, chocolate and cream - do you need to know any more? They created it in Treviso, near Venice, so you’ve got to try one when you’re here.

Check out the Flavours of the Amalfi Coast self-guided tour for 5 days full of tasty Neapolitan food.

05 Porchetta in Tuscany Proper hearty, countryside food, a bit like a hog roast with plenty of garlic, sage, rosemary and wild fennel. The whole pig is roasted and is one of the most common street foods in central Italy. Porchettaros are everywhere, selling sandwiches as well as sliced porchetta to take home.

06 Orecchiette in Puglia Orecchiette means ‘little ears’ and you won’t have to keep your eyes or ears open too much to find it in Puglia. The sauces and veg are the stars of the show because they come straight from local farms - the style is simple, tasty and this little pasta, shaped like a tiny cup, catches it all.

26 Inghams Italy

Mouth-watering Italian food

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Liguria and The Italian Riviera

Liguria and The Italian Riviera A special part of Italy, particularly for views, beaches and walking. It’s a mix of sleepy hamlets and chic towns, including the famous Cinque Terre. For fans of sun and sand, it’s got the most Blue Flag beaches in Italy too.

Cinque Terre

Sestri Levante

Rapallo

You can walk the winding paths along the coast between the five villages, and it goes without saying that the views are amazing all the way. We always recommend setting out early to do the whole walk, then catch the train back, but you can slow down the pace as much as you want - it’s easy to get around.

One of the most beautiful little towns on the Ligurian Riviera - it’s basically a thin strip of land with a wide beach on one side and the gorgeous Bay of Silence on the other. In between is a pretty wooded promontory so it’s all lovely and peaceful to explore. The old town has cobbled streets and houses with lots of character.

This place will charm you, and has a few interesting highlights. There’s a cable car that goes up to the Sanctuary of Montallegro with spectacular views at the top. If you like making clothes or are interested in fashion, Rapallo is also famous for making lace and weaving silk.

Monterosso is the biggest of the five cliff-side villages and is in two quite distinct parts. The old part has lots of narrow lanes and traditional fisherman’s cottages for you to wander around. The newer part has plenty of shops, restaurants and the beautiful Fegina beach. The train station is handy too for exploring the rest of the area.

Allasio

Portofino

The architecture here is pretty special - the buildings are colourful and classic, but there’s also some roman ruins to explore too. It’s got one of the best beaches in the area, which is a bit busy near the centre of town but it stretches for 2.5 miles so there’s plenty of space.

Portofino is a must-see when you’re in Liguria. Colourful houses line the jet-set harbour - spend your afternoon in one of the many cafés watching the super-yachts moor up. If you feel like stretching your legs, you’ll find plenty of designer boutiques for a spot of window shopping.

Our favourite hotels

Hotel Porto Roca, Cinque Terre HHHH

Hotel Excelsior Palace, Rapallo HHHHH

Grand Hotel Diana Majestic, Diano Marina HHHH

It’s built into the cliff above the sparkling blue sea below so you’ll have infinity pools and endless views. A great restaurant that’s popular with locals too.

If it was any closer to the sea it would be a boat. Amazing food, a big choice of pools and it deserves every one of its five stars. You could easily spend a whole day just relaxing.

Handy for exploring Liguria. It’s on the coast and has a private beach, plus two outdoor pools and lovely gardens to chill out. An easy walk into town too.

7 NIGHTS FROM

£1,265 pp

28 Inghams Italy

7 NIGHTS FROM

£939 pp

7 NIGHTS FROM

£915 pp

7 Resorts 10 Hotels 2 Tours

Click here to find out more Portofino, Liguria

Inghams Italy 29

The Italian Lakes Which lake is right for you? All of the Italian lakes are sparkling and relaxing, but each one has its own personality and character. If the lakes are on your list, this should help you pick the one that’s perfect for you.

Click here to find out more Get some glamour in Lake Como

See the sights in Lake Garda

Laid-back Lake Maggiore

The vineyards of Lake Iseo

Make sure you pack your sunglasses and fanciest shoes. Everywhere you turn, the scenery is amazing - with palatial villas and botanical gardens by the water. Keep your eyes peeled to spot the odd celebrity.

It’s Italy’s largest lake so you’ll find snow-capped mountains in the north and rolling countryside in the south. You can just as easily spend your days walking and cycling as you can chilling next to the lake, but we like a mix.

Maggiore is for leisurely strolls ‘passeggiata’, as the Italians call it - and soaking up the lake views. The Borromean Islands are the centrepiece, including the garden islands of Isola Bella and Isola Madre.

Put down your prosecco and pick up a Franciacorta DOCG sparkling wine in Lake Iseo. It’s made in the family-run vineyards towards the south of the lake, and you won’t struggle to find a beautiful spot to enjoy a glass or two.

The lake stretches to the Alps in the north, and Milan in the south. For great walking routes and impressive views, go up the mountain on the famous Bernina Express.

Boats around the lake are regular, and whatever you’re into, there’s a town for it. The 13th-century castle in Sirmione is a must-see for history. Try Riva in the north for mountain-biking and water sports. Go to Limone for a hike - there’s about 70 trails to choose from.

The centre of Stresa has plenty of family-run restaurants, charming little cafés and opulent villas along the promenade. Baveno is further up the coast - it’s smaller and quieter.

There’s lots of great cycle routes in the area as well. Our favourites are the ‘wine routes’ - hire an e-bike and ride through the vineyards for a few tastings.

7 nights from £679 per person

7 nights from £399 per person

7 nights from £559 per person

7 nights from £719 per person

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The Italian Lakes - Which lake is right for you?

20 Resorts 100 Hotels

Riva del Garda, Lake Garda

Nature-lovers do love Lake Ledro

Swimming and spas in Lake Levico

Adventure in Lake Lavarone

Put your feet up by Lake Orta

It’s in the mountains just above Lake Garda and is the prime place for you walkers, cyclists and nature-lovers.

You’ll be amazed by the beautifully clear water and it’s hard to resist going straight in for a dip. Levico Terme is a historic thermal spa town and it’s just a short stroll from the shore. You can walk around the flower-lined, pedestrianised streets for ages.

Get your fill of outdoor sports and adventure. Folgaria & Lavarone are great starting points if you’re into walking and mountain biking. The scenery rivals the Dolomites, but the lower altitude and smaller peaks mean there’s very accessible trails for all abilities.

For hiking and cycling, there’s gentle shaded routes around the lake but the mountains have more adventurous trails.

The ski lifts are open in the summer too, so getting up to the highest peaks couldn’t be easier. On the lake, you can wild swim or hire a kayak to find hidden spots only reachable by water.

And… relax. You’re in Lake Orta. It’s romantic, quiet and has lots of little picturesque squares for you to wander around. The local trattorias and cafés are something quite special too - you’ll find all the home-made cakes and mouthwatering food that you’d hope for when you come to Italy - they have a truly authentic feel.

7 nights from £635 per person

7 nights from £689 per person

Pieve or Mezzolago are good starting points for the woodland trails around the lake, up the valley or down through the valley. Our favourites are the ones where you can stop off at mountain huts along the way.

7 nights from £589 per person

7 nights from £699 per person

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S U M M E R

E XP E R IE N C E S ,

W IN T E R

A DVE N T UR E S,

T OUR S

SA N T A

BR E A KS

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Inghams Italy Magazine 2021

Articles inside

Liguria and The Italian Riviera

Italy for art-lovers

Head to the coast

Mouth-watering Italian food

Tour Italia

Why Inghams