Whether you long to tour the historic sites of Rome or sip wine from the terrace of a Tuscan villa, a trip to Italy is sure to rank as one of your top travel experiences.
With so many choices, it can be a daunting task to plan a visit to Italy. Your best course of action is planning a personalized itinerary, listing the top places you want to visit. One choice might be to explore Tuscany, a region synonymous with romance. Perhaps you'll choose to spend your time exploring Rome, Milan and the Italian Riviera. Another fun choice would be to explore the island of Sicily.
On her popular website, travel writer Karen Brown details some wonderful itineraries for travelers to Italy, complete with maps, local attractions and excellent lodging suggestions. Her readers also have voted the following hotels as Italy's best:
Locanda dell-Amorosa, chosen by Karen Brown readers as Italy's "Most Romantic" lodging, is in an ideal spot for those wishing to travel around Tuscany and Umbria. The historic hotel is part of a larger complex that once formed a small town. The stables have been transformed into a restaurant, the main house now offers more than two dozen guest rooms, and each one has been individually decorated. The rooms boast views of the vineyards and surrounding valleys, and they feature antiques and rustic wood-beamed ceilings.
Il Falconiere Relais, just a few kilometers outside of Cortona, is yet another Tuscan gem. The hotel, the recipient of the Karen Brown Readers' Choice Award for Italy's "Warmest Welcome," offers an assortment of beautifully appointed, romantic guest rooms and suites. The setting at this hotel is amazing, from the views of the surrounding countryside to the ambiance of the dining room.
Albergo Villa Belvedere is proof that you can eat your cake and have it too. This beautiful villa was chosen by Karen Brown readers as Italy's "Greatest Value." While not luxurious, the guest rooms are clean and comfortable with simple furnishings, and some have pleasant views of Lake Como. Breakfast and dinner, both filled with hearty fare, are included in the rates, adding to the value of this lakeside retreat. The Cappelletti Family and their warm hospitality are another huge plus, and you'll be treated more as a friend than a hotel guest.
Spend a few days at Il San Pietro di Positano and you may never want to leave. Located in Capri on the Amalfi Coast, this glorious hotel boasts spectacular sea views and has its own private beach cove. The guest rooms, many of which offer an excellent view, are spacious and elegant. The hotel's restaurant is fabulous with a huge wine list. There's a full-service spa, fitness center, swimming pool and tennis court. During the summer season, complimentary boat charters are available for morning rides along the coast.