Susan Van Allen’s love for Italy stems from her maternal grandparents, who emigrated from Southern Italy. When she first stepped off the train into Roma Termini in 1976, she got hooked on Italian travel. Since then she’s explored the country up and down the boot–visiting relatives, immersing herself in the country’s masterpieces and culture, taking language and cooking classes, and going on boating, biking, and hiking adventures. She’s written about Italian travel for many media outlets, includingNational Public Radio, Town & Country, Student Traveler, Tastes of Italia,Chicago Daily Herald, several Travelers Tales anthologies (including Best Travel Writing 2009), and CNN.com. When she’s not in Italy, she is based in Los Angeles, where she lives with her husband and makes scrumptious lasagnas. Here are her top 10 loves of Italy to share with The Wife!
1. Visit Ravello, the jewel of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, a favorite of Jackie O’s. Go take a cooking class with Mamma Agata (www.mammaagata.com), who was a beloved private chef of Jackie’s, and stay at The Hotel Caruso www.hotelcaruso.com, one of the world’s dreamiest places.
2. In Rome, follow in the footsteps of Audrey Hepburn with a stroll through the Palazzo Barberini (her Roman Holiday home), then check in nearby at Villa Spalleti Trivelli www.villaspalletti.com for royal treatmenet in this luxurious family owned villa and spa.
3. In Florence, honor Salvatore Ferragamo, the shoemaker to the stars, by visiting his museum and shop on the fashionable Via de’ Tornabuoni, then sleep across the river at the magical Hotel Lungarno www.lungarnohotels.com, owned by the Ferragamo family.
4. In Venice, Enjoy the music of San Marco at the Caffe Florian, then escape to the nearby quiet island of Giudecca, where the Bauer Palladio Spa, www.palladiohotelspa.com, a Renaissance masterpiece awaits.
5. In Milan, get in on an exclusive private shopping tour with Select Italy, www.selectitaly.com, then flop at the ultra-chic Hotel Bulgari www.hotelbulgari.com, where spa, pool, and meditation areas are heavenly.
6. In Turin, don’t miss the classic Baratti & Milano caffe www.barattiemilano.it for hot chocolate, pastries and Turin’s claim-to-fame candy invention, gianduja (hazelnut and chocolate). Gianduja was so beloved by Grace Kelly she gave them out as favors when she married Prince Ranier. Stay at the Golden Palace www.thi-hotels.com, a contemporary gem.
7. Visit Bormio, an elegant ski town in the Dolomites where you can soak in an outdoor tub at the Hotel Bagni Vecchiwww.bagnidibormio.it surrounded by snow covered mountains.
8. Go to Panarea, the prettiest of Sicily’s Aeolian Islands, to bliss out with mesmerizing views of the Mediterranean from your private terrace at La Raya www.hotelraya.it
9. Get pampered in Puglia, in the hell of Italy’s boot, where olive trees and sparkling seas enchant your stay at the Masseria Torre Maizza Hotel & Spa www.masseriatorremaizza.com
10. Experience Umbria, the Green Heart of Italy, with wine tastings, ceramic shopping, and a stay at Le Tre Vasellewww.3vaselle.it, a countryside oasis owned by the Lungarotti family, one of the region’s best winemakers.
By: Susan Van Allen
7 comments ↓
I need to get my frequent flyer miles up. Haha. Excellent post
Wow, that would be SOME vacation!!
Great post.
You have to visit Zoagli, Liguria – very close to Portofino.
So beautiful.
Alice
Dear Taryn The Wife,
I love your attitude, your writing style, and Steve Tyrell – don’t correct my spelling here.
I’ll be watching you and who knows – a meet up in Rome?
Ciao,
Carol
Perfect timing as I am planning a trip to Italy in March!
What a dreamy list! I second #1 – visiting Ravello on the Amalfi Coast and taking a cooking class at the Mamma Agata Cooking School. Everything about the experience is outstanding, and you’ll never forget those moments from you vacation in Italy!
Couldn’t agree more! I was lucky enough to stay at Hotel Caruso for my honeymoon last July. We’re hoping to go back again this summer! It’s just that magical!
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