Italians have proven time and time again that everyday pleasures are the cornerstones of la dolce vita. So swap your takeaway coffee for an impossibly tiny (and surprisingly strong) espresso savored on a terrazza in one of Italy’s countless quaint towns. Stand in front of a renaissance masterpiece — Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Botticelli, the choice is yours — and take in the craftsmanship one painstaking detail at a time. The same principle spans all aspects of Italian life: keep it simple but do it well. A map of Italy is like a tasting menu of carefully perfected regional delicacies to be enjoyed among some of the most stunning scenery in Europe. Truffle pasta in Piedmont, steak cooked to perfection in Florence, Neapolitan pizza with Mediterranean views... all topped off with an obligatory gelato. Two words: elastic waistband.

Northern Italy at its Best

As elegant as a finely staged opera, as exuberant as a street carnival, as earthy as a white truffle snouted fresh from the ground – Italy manages to be all things to all people. It’s almost a cliche to list Italy’s abundant assets, so well known are they on the world stage. Almost any kind of trip you could imagine is possible in this boot-shaped nation, from ski-trips in the icy Alps to cultured city breaks and beach escapes on the shores of Sicily. Whether your tastes run to Roman ruins and Renaissance sculpture or catwalk fashion and Europe’s most passionate cuisine, Italy always delivers. The only challenge is how to fit in all the architectural tours, gourmet tastings and languorous, two-hour long lunches.

Italy manages to be all things to all people

Italians have proven time and time again that everyday pleasures are the cornerstones of la dolce vita. A map of Italy is like a tasting menu of carefully perfected regional delicacies to be enjoyed among some of the most stunning scenery in Europe. Two words: elastic waistband.

Customized travel to Italy. Wander through Rome, explore the cliff-side Cinque Terre, or browse the Renaissance art in Florence. Local travel. Responsible travel.