Italy is a destination that truly checks all the boxes. Culture. History. Beautiful landscapes. Food and Wine. So much diversity packed into a relatively small country.
And while Italy is always a top destination for summer travel, this past summer it might have felt like everyone you knew was vacationing in Italy – right?
In fact Italy was our #1 top selling destination at Videre Travel in 2022!
We could not have done it without the MOST amazing partners on the ground across Italy. These guides, hoteliers, tour operators and friends are our eyes and ears on the ground, the true destination experts on hand to support you 24/7 while traveling.
So once the dust settled on a truly bananas summer of travel (not only for Videre Travel but the travel industry as a whole!) we decided to head over to Italy as a team, share an aperitivo with our partners and curate some of our favorite experiences.
Here are 5 of our favorite signature experiences in Italy.
The VERY Best of Rome – by Golf Cart!
Over the past few years, golf carts tours of Rome have become all the rage. Especially during the summer heat, tour by golf cart is a great way to see the highlights in a very comfortable style. Your guide picks you up at your hotel in the golf cart and you set out together to explore the city.
But here’s where the Videre experience takes a unique twist. You will have a great introduction to all the most famous sites of the city, and along the way stop into wine bars and local restaurants to sample local flavors for a perfectly well rounded Roman experience.
This is a perfect introduction to Rome and a great way to start your Italian trip!
Cinque Terre Boat Day
This Signature Experience packs a lot into one spectacular day. Hop on a small private boat with a local captain and check out a few of the towns along the Cinque Terre. Start with a coffee in Riomaggiore (and pick up some traditional pesto to enjoy on the boat – it’s the best we’ve ever had!), then carry on to a few magical swimming stops. Enjoy lunch in Vernazza with a reservation at one of our favorite spots before returning around sunset.
Arriving by boat to the towns is so special – and a lovely day on a boat is the perfect mid-trip interlude!
Burrata Cheese Experience in Puglia
While traveling in Italy you will discover that everyone has an opinion of where to buy the best ricotta cheese (we know the stall at the market in Florence the locals rave about!), the best olive oil (there are a few Masserias in Puglia that get mentioned time and again) and of course the beloved burrata cheese.
Burrata’s outer casing is solid cheese, while the inside contains stracciatella and cream, giving it an unusual, soft texture. Ask anyone in Italy and they will tell you that the best burrata comes form Puglia. Typically it’s made that morning and consumed the same day. Burrata you have anywhere else – especially if it is packaged up and shipped outside of Puglia – just is not the same.
And truth be told, we agree. This hands-on experience is a must for all foodies!
Our Secret Florence Food Tour
Who needs a boring walking tour when you can discover Florence alongside a local – through food! You’ll pass by the city’s most famous sites of course, but along the way pop into local coffee shops, wine bars, specialty food stores and the vibrant local market to experience a uniquely authentic side of this beloved city.
Hunt for Precious Black and White Truffles (with Dogs!)
Truffle hunting with dogs is an experience not to be missed. Spend a few hours hiking in the forest with a Truffle Hunter and his dogs, who are trained to sniff out black and white truffles. We stick to less trafficked areas across Tuscany and Piedmont so you’ll have the forest to yourself. The hunters tend to be secretive about their preferred spots so no crowds on this experience!
Things will go from a relaxed, leisurely hike to frenetic as the dogs get onto the scent. The precious mushrooms grow on the roots of specific trees, and the conditions must be perfect. So it’s very exciting when the dogs are successful.
After the hunt enjoy a fabulous lunch al fresco featuring lots of – what else – Truffles!
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