Andiamo - Summer 24 - Vol 2

Volume 2 - 2024 

Andiamo! 

Italian Island Escapes 

Can you hear the sirens call? Drift away with us on a relaxing and refreshing holiday 

Art Movements That Shaped Italy 

Observe Italy through a historic lens 

Go deeper into Italy! This issue, we take you on a journey 

of discovery, highlighting hidden gems, historic treasures, 

and rural customs of your favourite regions. 

Citalia.com 

Wines of Lake Garda 

Sip and dip with our wine-inspired lakeside adventures 

Italian Autumn Harvest 

Tuck into centuries-old rituals in the countryside

The 

Citalia 

Difference 

Crafting 

Italian 

Holidays 

for over 

No one knows Italy like we do! 

All our holidays in Italy are brimming with local authenticity and style. 

We offer a totally tailor-made, end-to-end service, as all elements of your 

holiday - from our long-standing hotel partners to our specific tours and 

unique experiences - are curated by us. 

Around-theclock 

support 

We offer a full 24/7 

concierge service for 

complete peace of 

mind, both before and 

during your holiday. 

Our holidays are ABTA 

and ATOL bonded for 

added protection and 

reassurance. 

A complete 

service 

All our holidays include flights, 

accommodation, and private 

transfers where possible, 

as standard.* 

Curated by 

Italy experts 

We have been curating 

holidays to Italy for 95 years, 

offering hotels and tours that 

are handpicked by us. Many 

of our team members have 

been working with us for 

over 10 years, so intimately 

know each and every 

destination. 

Expert • Trusted • Hassle-Free • Truly Tailor-Made 

* Where transfers are not possible, we will always suggest an alternative, whether that is local transportation or car hire. 

Subject to change. Correct at time of print as of 17/06/24. Please visit Citalia.com for the latest terms and conditions.

WELCOME 

Andiamo! 

Discovery 

Hello and welcome to Citalia’s magazine, Andiamo!, packed with inspiration for your next tailor-made holiday in Italy. 

This issue is dedicated to all things Discovery, where we take you 

into the depths of Italy. And who better to do it than us: we are 

the real Italy experts with over 95 years of creating tailor-made 

holidays in the country. 

We kick off this issue with the sparkle of the Mediterranean Sea 

in our cover feature, Italian Island Escapes, where we transport 

you into tranquillity with bubbling thermal spas and unspoilt 

beach days. You might like our Small Group Escorted Tour, 

Treasures of Sicily, which we also spotlight. 

To get away from the crowds, we share our Hidden Gems of the 

Amalfi Coast and secret worlds on our guided Urban Walking 

Tours. Or, venture into lesser-known Umbria, where you’ll find an 

unusually spirited pilgrim site, in our feature 

Meet St. Francis of Assisi. 

And Italy is an excellent destination for extended family gettogethers 

and quality time, as we highlight in Generation Game. 

Rome will kick off celebrations for its Jubilee Year on 

24 December 2024. It only happens every 25 years, so it’s 

a special time to visit the Italian capital, which is the perfect 

place to start or end your multi-destination holiday. If you want 

to learn more, speak to one of our Personal Travel Planners. 

We always share our deep knowledge of our destinations so you 

can have a hassle-free holiday tailored to your interests. 

Discover more of Italy with us! 

We also acknowledge the Art Movements That Shaped Italy, 

looking at the fascinating architecture you’ll encounter during 

your holiday. If you’re more of a foodie, you can uncover a few 

peculiar stories of Italy’s most exported food product in Eat Pasta 

Like a Citalian. 

Summer sunshine stretches much further in Italy, and the autumn 

months are my favourite time to visit. Discover the fruits of the 

Italian Autumn Harvest or dip into the Wines of Lake Garda. 

Helen Adamson 

Managing Director 

Citalia.com 

Volume 2 – 2024 

Andiamo!

MEET OUR 

Travel Family 

Citalia is part of a family of brands who live and breathe travel. 

Sign up to receive a £50 discount* off your first holiday with them! 

Crafting luxury tailor-made holidays for over 50 years. Sink your toes into 

warm sands, from Crete to Corfu, the Balearics to Barbados, Maldives to Mauritius, 

Santorini to Sicily, or Madeira to Menorca! Discover your island paradise. 

Enjoy awe-inspiring, 100% tailor-made holidays across America, Canada, 

and the Caribbean, from a Walt Disney World Resort family holiday in 

Orlando to a Route 66 road trip. Get ready for a guaranteed big adventure. 

*Terms & Conditions: Sign up to receive £50 discount* off your first holiday and get exclusive offers, holiday inspiration, and more. 

The SIGNUP50 discount is included in the final price of your holiday and applies to new package bookings made by 31 December 

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Offer is subject to change and can be withdrawn at any time. Normal booking terms and conditions apply.

CONTENTS 

Andiamo! Discovery 

COVER FEATURE 

TAKE A PEEK INSIDE 

6 

Go Deeper into Italy 

With Citalia's Personal 

Travel Planners 

22 

Art Movements 

That Shaped Italy 

8 


25 

Hidden Gems of 

the Amalfi Coast 

10 

Generation Game 

28 

From Coast 

to Country 

With Avis 

12 

Dan Brown's 

Florence 

With Brunelleschi 

Hotel 

30 


8 Italian Island Escapes 

Listen out for the call of the sirens 

with an utterly relaxing holiday on 

one of Italy’s epic islands. 

13 

14 

Sorrento Style 

With Ara Maris 

Italian Autumn 

Harvest 

32 

34 

Eat Pasta Like 

a Citalian 

Treasures of Sicily 

Volume 2 - 2024 

17 

Dance the Tarantella 

36 

Meet St. Francis 

of Assisi 

18 

Guest Story 

A True Citalian 

38 

Secret Worlds: 

Urban Walking Tours 

ABTA No.V4068 

20 

The Real Italy 

Experience 

With Kat Farmer 

Andiamo! is a publication of Citalia | Citalia.com | Travel with Confidence | 01293 738112 | holidays@citalia.com | Connect with us @citalia_holidays 

Managing Director: Helen Adamson | Publisher: Madhatter Creative Co. - Jen Marsden | Design: K8 Design & Marketing Ltd - James Palmer 

Cover image: Fiordo di Furore beach (Shutterstock) Other images courtesy of: Acacia Resort, Albergo L'Ostelliere - Villa Sparina Resort, Ara Maris, Brunelleschi Hotel, Colonna Park, Freepik, 

Hotel Bouganville Forte Village, Hotel Le Querce, Hotel Villa Paradiso, Kat Farmer, Palazzo Leopoldo Dimora Storica & SPA, Shutterstock, Tenuta di Canonica, Therasia Resort Sea & Spa. 

Prices are estimations based on 2024 travel and are correct at going to print but are subject to availability, restrictions, and change. Prices shown are based on two adults sharing and include accommodation, return 

flights from London, and private resort transfers (unless indicated as "car hire recommended"). Flights from alternative UK airports are available. Please note that any flight or travel times included are approximations. 



Crafting 

Italian 

Holidays 

for over 

Go Deeper 

Into Italy 

with Citalia’s Personal Travel Planners 

With just so much to discover in Italy, we asked our expert 

Personal Travel Planners about their favourite hidden gems! 

“For that fairytale feeling, I recommend 

Alberobello, a gorgeous village in Puglia, 

which is understandably a UNESCO World 

Heritage site. As you wander the narrow 

alleyways, you’ll see trulli, the traditional 

whitewashed conical buildings with 

amazing history. Against the backdrop of 

blue skies, this is the best place for your 

top Instagram-able snaps. While the town 

is getting more popular, with Citalia, 

you can stay overnight in a trulli for a 

more immersive experience!” 

Leanne King 

Senior Personal Travel Planner 

“I love a beach day, and there are a few 

outstanding discoveries in Italy. Located 

off Tuscany’s coast, the tiny island of Elba 

is rarely visited but offers an astonishing 

30 miles of secluded golden sandy beaches 

to lap up. Then there’s the Spiaggia Rosa, 

a fascinating pink beach on one of the 

Maddalena Islands in northern Sardinia. Red 

algae cause the colour, and while you can’t 

step onto the sands because it’s protected, 

you can view it during a boat tour of the 

archipelago! And then how can you forget 

the dramatic volcanic black sands of the 

Aeolian Islands, dotted off the coast of Sicily? 

They are simply brilliant to visit or stay on.” 

Erin Bridewell 

Personal Travel Planner 

“There are two standout places in Italy 

that fascinate me. The first is the ancient 

cave dwellings or sassi found in Matera in 

the region of Basilicata, which starred in 

the last James Bond film! Learning about 

their history and staying in one of our 

cave hotels is an incredible experience. 

The second is the 18th-century Royal 

Palace of Caserta, situated north of 

Naples. It’s twice the size of France’s 

renowned Palace of Versailles and just 

as impressive without the crowds.” 

Richie Howe 


“Hidden Italy, for me, means Cilento. All the 

little villages along the coast are charming and 

don’t hold any airs or graces, despite their Blue 

Flag beaches and fascinating sea caves like 

the Blue Grotto. It’s also home to the freshest 

buffalo mozzarella I’ve ever tasted and 

arguably the best in the world, and you can 

only taste it at source!” 

Artan Prifti 


“I don’t think it will remain a secret for long, but Lake Orta is a gorgeous 

lake in northern Italy that rivals Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. Stay by the 

waters in Orta San Giulio, a historic town filled with cobblestoned streets and 

wonderfully grand buildings. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a laidback holiday 

that revolves around sipping espresso or an aperitif, depending on the time 

of day! But my favourite experience here is heading to an island right in the 

middle of the lake, Isola San Giulio, which feels timeless and peaceful with its 

scenic monastery where nuns have lived since the 1970s.” 

Antonia Coppolella 


6 

Citalia.com

INSIDE ITALY 

Lake Orta 

TRENTINO- 

ALTO ADIGE 

FRUILI- 

VENEZIA 

GUILIA 

AOSTA 

VALLEY 

LOMBARDY 

VENETO 

PIEDMONT 

LIGURIA 

EMILIA-ROMAGNA 

Puglia 

Elba 

TUSCANY 

MARCHE 

UMBRIA 

ABRUZZO 

Cilento 

LAZIO 

MOLISE 

CAMPANIA 

PUGLIA 

BASILICATA 

SARDINIA 

Caserta 

CALABRIA 

SICILY 

Matera 

Discover the Real Italy at Citalia.com or speak to one of our Personal Travel Planners on 01293 738112 




Can you hear the sirens calling? Italy’s islands are a refreshing antidote 

to the daily humdrum. So come, drift away with us. 

Hotel Le Querce 

Ischia 

Unwind in an open-air swimming pool 

that’s heated by this mystical island’s 

natural thermal springs, and soak up 

enchanting sea views over the Bay of 

Naples, the natural port of Ischia, and 

Aragonese Castle. 

A 5-night holiday starts 

from £895 per person. 

Colonna Park 

North Sardinia 

Embrace traditional Sardinian style in 

this four-star hotel in the glitzy resort 

town of Porto Cervo. Spend your 

days on a nearby beach accessible 

by a shuttle service, or relax by the 

large swimming pool, and in the lush 

Mediterranean gardens. 


from £849 per person. 

Hotel Bouganville 

Forte Village 

South Sardinia 

Stay in an elegant and spacious 

bungalow in the family-friendly, 

luxurious five-star resort of Forte 

Village. Restaurants, swimming pools, 

and entertainment are right on your 

doorstep. It’s the perfect base for 

discovering the white sandy beaches, 

rustic hamlets, and untouched charm 

of southern Sardinia. 


from £1,149 per person. 

8 

Citalia.com

Therasia Resort 

Sea & Spa 

Vulcano, Sicily 

With an impressive volcanic backdrop 

and stunning azure sea views from 

the terrace and infinity pool, not to 

mention a Michelin-starred restaurant, 

this is the perfect escape. Vulcano 

is an often-forgotten island yet is 

bubbling with charm – and the island’s 

thermal springs add a natural element 

to your spa experience. 



Acacia Resort 

Cefalù, Sicily 

This modern, family-friendly resort 

feels like a little oasis with its relaxing 

landscaped gardens that lead to a 

private beach with plenty of waterbased 

activities. Yet it’s located just a 

25-minute drive from the popular and 

picturesque fishing port of Cefalù. 

A 7-night holiday starts from 

£995 per person. 

Hotel Villa Paradiso 

Taormina, Sicily 

Under the gaze of Mount Etna and 

just a stone’s throw from Taormina’s 

main pedestrian street, you’ll find 

this wonderful family-run hotel. 

Extensively renovated in 2021, it has 

a star-studded history, with previous 

guests including Truman Capote, 

Greta Garbo, and Orson Welles! 



Already dreaming about your Italian Island Escape? Speak to one of our Personal Travel Planners on 01293 738112 



Generation Game 

Bring all the family together for your next Italian holiday 

and create memories that last a lifetime. 

The day-to-day of life seems to fly by, and before you know it, another 

year has passed with missed opportunities of spending time with your 

loved ones. 

That’s why we recommend a multigenerational holiday. One where you 

can enjoy quality time together away from the stresses of daily life. 

If you think it sounds challenging to organise, don't worry - Citalia's 

Personal Travel Planners are here to help. Even if you've got family 

members up and down the country or overseas, we will arrange all 

the logistics to bring you together in one excellent Italian location that 

serves all ages and personalities! 

We've got an incredible collection of hotels and resorts with unique 

activities, facilities, and amenities that suit every interest and need. 

Your holiday can be as active or relaxed as you wish, with 

everything from summer sports academies and watersports 

to family entertainment, spa and wellness centres, and an 

array of dining options to suit all tastes - quite literally! 

After a day of fun with all the youngsters, the adults can unwind, 

perhaps with a relaxed, balmy evening on a balcony overlooking a 

gorgeous panorama or with a delicious traditional Italian meal. 

Should you wish to split up and enjoy activities solo or have more 

grown-up time during the day, you will be amazed at the quality of 

kids' clubs, crèche clubs, and babysitting services available. 

Creating a home-away-from-home base is easier than you think, 

with fabulous accommodation options ranging from multipleoccupancy 

family villas to large adjoining spacious suites. 

Stefano Nirta, Regional Destination Manager, recommends you 

limit social media while travelling - or use it to your advantage by 

getting children to create a family travel vlog so you have memories 

recorded forever. 

“Life happens when you’re not looking - 

and it’s time you just don’t get back.” 

A trend we're also seeing is Skip-Gen Travel, in which our guests 

choose to take their grandchildren or great nieces and nephews on 

holiday with them while leaving the parents behind! 

“One of the most obvious advantages of ‘skipping’ the parents is that 

the children often behave better and are generally more attentive 

when their parents are not present - and you get to spend quality time 

with them before they become too distracted with life,” says Stefano. 

“It’s a great way to travel as you and your 

grandchildren discover new things together.” 

The best family holidays combine a spot of culture and relaxation - 

this way, you can suit everyone's interests, and we've got some 

fantastic suggestions where you can dictate the pace. 

10 

Citalia.com

Citalia Recommends 

Rome and Sorrento 

We highly recommend our 10-night holiday that combines 

Rome with Sorrento. Kick off your holiday in one of the world's 

most ancient cities where you and your youngsters can enjoy 

a living history lesson! Dig deep into stories of gladiators and 

the thrilling duels at the grand Colosseum. Stay at Starhotels 

Metropole, located in the city's heart, just minutes from Roma 

Termini station. It boasts superior rooms that comfortably 

accommodate up to three adults and one child. After a day of 

sightseeing, you can dine on traditional Italian food in the hotel 

restaurant or in many other local trattorie, while the adults of 

your group can enjoy a nightcap at the bar! 

Then, take a short train ride to Naples, where you can quickly 

stop to relish arguably the world's best pizza in the birthplace 

of the humble Margherita! You will then head onto the coast, 

staying in the four-star Hilton Sorrento Palace, which overlooks 

the Bay of Naples! It's ideal for families as it features a kids' 

club, playground, large family rooms and a fantastic outdoor 

swimming pool that overlooks the gorgeous Mediterranean 

Sea! From here, you can all continue your adventure into 

ancient Rome with a visit to the impeccably preserved ruins of 

Pompeii and take in the splendid views from Mount Vesuvius. 

Alternatively, rest, rejuvenate, and soak up the sunshine for a 

few days. 

A 10-night holiday to Rome and Sorrento, for 2 adults 

and 2 children, starts from £1,299 per person. 

Venice and Lake Garda 

How about exploring the magical city of Venice with Lake Garda 

on this 10-night holiday? You will enjoy roaming the pedestrianised 

streets, with appropriate pit stops for gelato and cannoli! You 

can also discover the ancient craft of glassblowing on the island 

of Murano or go for a gondola ride through the city's narrow and 

crisscrossing waterways, which is more fun than a Disney ride! Stay 

at Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, which offers spacious suites and 

a fantastic restaurant overlooking the Grand Canal. It also has a 

private water taxi platform, making getting around Venice easier. 

You can then venture by train for a few days on the magical shores 

of Lake Garda. This region is bustling with child-friendly activities, 

including fun watersports such as windsurfing and sailing and a 

cable car ride for the most mesmerising views over the lake! Plus, 

there's always the Gardaland amusement park to visit. Stay at Hotel 

Du Lac et Du Parc Grand Resort in Riva del Garda, which boasts lots 

of green space, a separate children's swimming pool to complement 

the main outdoor one, a poolside restaurant, and contemporary 

family rooms. 

A 10-night holiday to Venice and Lake Garda, for 2 adults 

and 2 children, starts from £1,495 per person. 

Thinking of bringing all the extended family along for your next holiday? Speak to one of our Personal Travel Planners on 01293 738112 



ADVERTORIAL 

Dan Brown's Florence 

With Brunelleschi Hotel 

What am I doing in Florence? 

These are Professor Robert Langdon's first words in the mystery/ 

thriller Inferno (2016), based on Dan Brown's book trilogy. 

To Langdon, played by Tom Hanks, we say: everything. 

Particularly when you get a fresh perspective of Florence with a stay at 

the four-star Brunelleschi Hotel. Tucked right in its heart, you couldn't 

get much closer to the main sites of Florence. 

Steps away from Brunelleschi Hotel lies the famous Cathedral of Santa 

Maria del Fiore and the Piazza della Signoria. It's also a short walk 

from the Uffizi Gallery and the renowned and artistic double-decker 

bridge, Ponte Vecchio. The great Italian architect, Filippo Brunelleschi, 

dreamed up this entire area and is where the hotel gets its name. 

This luxurious hotel is part of the city’s living history. So, it's probably 

no surprise that in the novels, Brunelleschi Hotel was always the 

accommodation of choice for the protagonist: 

"It was early evening when Langdon made his way across Piazza 

Sant'Elisabetta and returned to Florence's elegant Hotel Brunelleschi. 

Upstairs in his room, he was relieved to find an oversize package waiting 

for him." 

"Langdon exited the hotel, carrying the delicate package with him in a 

Hotel Brunelleschi tote bag, which he had borrowed from the concierge. 

The evening was unusually warm, adding to the dreamlike quality of 

his walk along the Via Calzaiuoli toward the lone spire of the Palazzo 

Vecchio." - Inferno 

"When can I see you again?" Langdon reeled momentarily, lost in her eyes. 

"When?" He paused, curious if she had any idea how much he had been 

wondering the same thing. "Well, actually, next month I'm lecturing at a 

conference in Florence. I'll be there a week without much to do." "Is that 

an invitation?" "We'd be living in luxury. They're giving me a room at the 

Brunelleschi." - The Da Vinci Code 

Brunelleschi Hotel is much like a mystery that 

we're sure Langdon would like to unravel. 

For many decades this structure and its treasures were forgotten. But 

then, in 1980, it underwent an epic restoration, and history slowly 

revealed itself. 

From narrow alleyways, you enter the hotel through a hidden walled 

courtyard into an ancient Byzantine tower, the Torre della Pagliazza. 

This is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It dates back to the 6th 

century and was a women's prison in the 12th century. 

The hotel is also composed of a former medieval church, and these 

connecting buildings make for superbly quirky rooms, including the 

duplex Pool Suite, complete with a panoramic whirlpool bath, and the 

one-of-a-kind Tower Suite. Your decadent experience is all topped off 

with excellent personalised service from the esteemed Les Clefs d'Or ® 

concierge team. 

But that's not all in this enigmatic hotel. There's also a free-to-visit 

small museum in the basement, paying homage to another era because 

Roman relics and ruins were discovered and excavated here! 

After a busy day of exploring Florence, we highly suggest you prebook 

a candlelit meal in the hotel's bijou Santa Elisabetta 2-Michelin 

Star Restaurant. This is an exclusive experience, given that it holds 

just seven tables in the Pagliazza Tower. We know it's what Professor 

Langdon would do. 

A 3-night holiday in Florence, staying at Brunelleschi Hotel, starts from £849 per person. 

Speak to one of our Personal Travel Planners on 01293 738112 

12 

Citalia.com

ADVERTORIAL 

Sorrento Style 

with Ara Maris 

There’s a new boutique hotel on the Neapolitan Riviera, 

and it’s an utter haven for design-conscious adults. 

Newly opened in April 2024, Ara Maris is unlike any other hotel in 

Sorrento. It’s the first five-star and adults-only boutique hotel in 

the town! 

The property feels less like a hotel and more like a sanctuary, 

where sincere and warm service makes you feel extra welcome. 

We can’t think of anywhere more desirable right now 

for a romantic or relaxing getaway in Sorrento. 

Rediscover your inner balance in the exclusive retreat of THALA Spa, 

an oasis of tranquillity and luxurious treatments. 

If you can tear yourself away from this beautiful hotel, Ara Maris is 

located in the heart of Sorrento, with the main square of Piazza Tasso 

just a few minutes away. 

This new luxury concept also features a fabulous sky bar, which you 

will revel in with its sweeping views across the glorious Bay of Naples 

and Mount Vesuvius. If you listen, you may just hear the natural 

soundtrack of swaying waves. 

With just 49 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, all featuring 

a private balcony with a panoramic sea or garden view, Ara Maris 

is available only to those aged 12 and older. And no wonder: the 

harmonious interiors welcome a more refined eye, with their 

contemporary aesthetics of cool blues and whites and minimalist 

design to mimic the Mediterranean Sea. 

You can while away the day relaxing on the comfortable sun loungers 

by the swimming pool, which is surrounded by a thriving, zestscented 

lemon garden. To ensure you stay refreshed and satiated, 

enjoy a cocktail at the Pool Bar with its impeccable all-day service. 

As the sun sets, we promise you that the Lumi Sky 

Lounge is the only place you’ll want to be - with a drink 

in hand and tucking into tapas, naturally! 

The exclusive Cora Bistrot sources its ingredients using a zero-mile 

and local food philosophy. Tuck into Mediterranean flavours while you 

breathe in splendid sea views before settling down for a night 

of dreamy slumber. 

A 4-night holiday in Sorrento, staying at Ara Maris, starts from £1,149 per person. 




Italian Autumn Harvest 

The rites and rituals of the Italian countryside have remained unchanged for centuries. 

Tuck into a world of heart-warming harvest activity this autumn! 

Are you ready to pinch yourself? As you look out over landscapes of 

blonde and flaxen yellows, golden oranges, and burnt reds under stillwarm 

rays of sunlight, it’s hard not to smile at the natural beauty. It’s 

no wonder autumn in Italy has inspired the great poets, philosophers, 

and artists of our past. This season is spellbindingly beautiful - but it’s 

also delicious! 

The raccolto, or harvest season, is incredibly long in Italy, often 

extending from September through late December. This is partly due 

to the diversity that each region brings, be that in temperature, soil, or 

humidity. But it’s also due to the wealth of crops that are grown. 

After picking and plucking apples, grapes, 

olives, cachi (Italian persimmons), squash, 

pumpkins, chestnuts, and mushrooms, 

there's much feasting to partake in! 

Grapes 

Italy's winemaking traditions date back 3,000 years, and there's 

much pride in the time-honoured vendemmia (grape harvest). Much 

of the picking is still conducted by hand, and traditional grape 

stomping continues to be celebrated through local competitions. 

The grape harvest usually begins at the end of August and continues 

to early October. This is when grapes begin their fermentation 

process to transform into wine. It's an ideal time for you to become 

an Italian wine connoisseur with hands-on experience! 

Harvest time continues to be a family affair for all ages, much like it 

would have been centuries ago. Communities, especially in smaller 

villages, come together to help one another out and share their 

bounty. Spirits are high with much singing and occasional dancing! 

You'll find fires roasting nuts, and after a long day of gathering, it's 

standard practice to sample the spicier, just-pressed olio nuovo (new 

oil) on bruschetta and drink the vino nuovo (new wine). The weather 

in autumn can be a little unpredictable - one minute, you could be in 

your beach gear and the next in your light woollens, but you'll still find 

plenty of al fresco meals on balmy afternoons. 

Grains 

The fields become golden in the early autumn, and September and 

October are the months to gather the last of the barley, known as orzo. 

Dishes containing barley are popular in the autumn months, such as 

the risotto-style orzotto and orzo e fagioli, a barley and bean soup. 

Campania 

It's pretty common to stumble across small villages enjoying the last 

of their Feste del Grano, in which skilled native artisans parade giant 

traglie (carriages) made from handmade wheat and corn ears, pulled 

by a tractor or oxen through the town to the sound of village cheer. 

Tuscany 

The Romans declared Tuscany the breadbasket of their empire, and 

it's no wonder with all its rolling fertile hills, rural farms, and ancient 

vineyards that grow heritage grapes. The king of Tuscany is the 

Sangiovese grape, the core ingredient of the region's most famous 

wines, including Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile 

di Montepulciano. 

Don’t Miss! 

Greve’s annual four-day wine festival in early September, 

in the heart of Tuscany’s Chianti region. 

Piedmont 

In the northwest of Italy lies the rural village of Gavi, the gateway 

to Piedmont’s finest wines. This gorgeous region is teeming with 

viticulture, and you’ll find it taken particularly seriously in the town 

of Pollenzo, which houses its famous Wine Bank. You can sip on 

splendid wines, including the dry, white Cortese di Gavi DOCG, and 

the rich, earthy red Barolo. 

14 

Citalia.com

Olives 

The raccolta delle olive (olive harvest) usually follows straight after 

the wine season, from late October until early December. Olives 

in Italy are picked both by machine and by hand. They are then 

pressed immediately to make 'liquid gold' - the mouthwatering extra 

virgin olive oil that's the all-important staple of every Italian cucina 

(kitchen) - and dish! However, you'll likely find fresh whole olives 

being used in pasta or bread or scattered over a pizza. 

Olive groves are most commonly found in southern Italy, particularly 

in Puglia, Calabria, and Campania. 

Sicily 

The island of Sicily is also no stranger to the olive harvest, and 

there are always plenty of olive oil-tasting events and opportunities 

to produce your own using century-old olive presses during the 

autumn months. 

Don’t Miss! 

The month-long Ottobrata 

harvest festival, which takes 

place in a small town on the 

slopes of Mount Etna in October. 

Tuscany 

Tuscany's oil harvesting season is earlier, usually towards the end of 

September. Picking the small fruit early means they have less oil and 

a peppery and almost spicy taste, making the oil here unique. 

Truffles 

Mushrooms are synonymous with an Italian autumn as skilled 

hunters take their specially trained truffle dogs (the adorable breed 

of Lagotto Romagnolo) out to the woodlands and hills to sniff and 

dig out the best tartufi (truffles) and funghi (mushrooms). You’ll find 

truffles on the menu throughout the autumn and winter, not to 

mention several sagre (local food festivals) paying homage to them 

across Tuscany, Umbria, and Piedmont. 

For something special during your next holiday, Citalia can arrange 

a bespoke truffle hunting experience for you at the five-star resorts 

of Castelfalfi or Castel Monastero, both in the heart of the Tuscan 

countryside. 

Piedmont 

White truffles are considered the finest, and there’s no better - and 

rarer - than in the town of Alba, where foraging for the ripe truffles 

is both an art and a closely guarded secret. 

Don’t Miss! 

Alba's International Market and Fair of the White 

Truffle, which takes place over eight weeks and 

includes not only truffles and mushrooms, but also 

gourmet wine, cheese, chestnuts, and pasta! 



ITALIAN AUTUMN HARVEST 

Nuts 

An array of nuts are harvested from mid-August to the end of 

September, and when they're commercially grown on family-run 

farms, it can take an entire month to gather them up, which is 

always turned into a celebration. 

When hazelnuts fall from their trees, they excite the 

cinghale (wild boar), who crack the fallen shells and 

then rake them up all night long. 

Chestnuts date back to ancient Rome when they were used as 

currency. They’ve always been an inexpensive source of energy, 

particularly during the winter months, so chestnuts were ground to 

make flour for baking bread and polenta. However, today, they are 

more of a delicacy, and paired with wine. 

Tuscany 

You will find many sagre dedicated to chestnuts in the streets of 

towns and villages across Tuscany. You can watch the chestnuts 

roast in front of you in colossal roasting pans called tegliate. The nuts 

are then sold in little paper cones so you can snack as you stroll. 

Piedmont 

With such a plethora of hazelnuts, it's little wonder why they make 

such an appearance in the seasonal cuisine, with pasticceria up 

and down Italy selling nocciole biscotti (hazelnut biscuits) and torta 

nocciole e cioccolato (chocolate and hazelnut torte). They are also 

featured in savoury dishes such as pasta nocciole. 

Hazelnuts are as common as the vineyards in the UNESCO World 

Heritage site of the Langhe Hills in Piedmont. They even have 

their own high-ranking IGP classification, which specifies their 

geographical growing conditions. You can recognise a Piemonte 

IGP hazelnut with its plump, almost round shape, and creamy 

smooth taste. 

Don’t Miss! 

Sagra della Nocciola 

IGP Piemonte, an 

international hazelnut 

festival that takes place 

in Piedmont towards 

the end of August. 

Palazzo Leopoldo Dimora 

Storica & SPA | Tuscany 

Our Pick of Autumn Stays 

Tenuta di Canonica | Umbria 

Albergo L'Ostelliere - 

Villa Sparina Resort | Piedmont 

A 5-night holiday starts from £649 per person* A 5-night holiday starts from £979 per person* A 5-night holiday starts from £899 per person* 

* Note transfers are not included, car hire is recommended. 

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Dance the Tarantella 

Discover the southern Italian folk dance with unusual roots. 

When you’re in Calabria, Campania, or Puglia, 

you may just come across a frenzied folk 

dance called tarantella! 

Tarantella, which translates as the dance of 

the spider, is an unusual dance ritual that is 

thought to date back to the 11th century. 

Named after the town of Taranto in Puglia, 

the locals feared the poisonous bite of their 

native wolf spider. Legend has it that once 

bitten, you would become restless and overly 

excitable. Therefore, the only cure was for 

fellow townspeople to surround the victim. 

They would then play mandolins, guitars, 

and tambourines in a lively 6/8 tempo, 

encouraging the victim to dance until they 

sweated out the venom. The victim would 

dance until they collapsed, and sometimes, 

the dancing, fuelled by wine, would go on 

for days with only brief comfort breaks. 

The English diarist, Samuel Pepys, observed 

in the 17th century that during harvest 

time, ‘Fiddlers go up and down the fields 

everywhere, in expectation of being hired by 

those that are stung.’ 

To be clear, this so-called hysteria epidemic of 

tarantism was somewhat imagined - Taranto 

wolf spiders are not deadly. They have no 

more venom than a bee sting. The tarantism 

may have been somewhat of a cultural witch 

hunt as the victim was almost always a 

woman of lower status. Scholars hypothesise 

that the hysteria was likely caused by forced, 

unhappy marriages and recently widowed 

grieving women. 

However, tarantellas, also known as 

tammurriata, continue to bring people 

together and have become a popular couple’s 

dance, particularly during weddings and local 

festivals. It’s a flirtatious and feverish dance 

with rapid steps and gestures, usually guided 

by the beat of a tambourine or drum, and the 

music often quickly alternates between major 

and minor keys. The tarantella is nowadays 

considered unlucky if you dance it solo. 

Regions have their own take on this folk 

dance, and different instruments accompany 

it, such as a flute, an accordion, or singing. 

You may have heard of piano tarantellas 

written by greats including Chopin, Rossini, 

and Liszt, and this Italian folk music loosely 

inspired them. 

Back in the day, sufferers who were cured 

by manic dancing would also visit St. Paul’s 

Church in the baroque town of Galatina to 

give thanks to the patron saint who heals 

people inflicted by poisonous bites, St 

Paul, on his feast day each June. Today, this 

continues to be one of the region’s biggest 

festivals. 

During your next Citalia holiday in southern 

Italy, look out for this impressive local folk 

dance - we bet you’ll find it hard not to tap 

your toes! 

A 5-night holiday in Puglia, staying at Masseria Montenapoleone, starts from £1,095 per person. 




A True Citalian 

Meet one of Citalia’s longest-standing guests, Alexandra Paterson, 

who has been travelling with us since 1994! 

Our first trip with Citalia was our honeymoon to Sorrento 30 years 

ago, and we’ve been using the company ever since, at least once a 

year! So, it seems fitting that we’ll be celebrating our 30th wedding 

anniversary this year in Italy. 

I can honestly say in all our years travelling with 

Citalia, we’ve never had a bad experience. 

We like to travel in the most comfortable way possible, so we always 

choose five-star hotels and let Citalia tailor-make every detail. For 

example, they book our private transfers so we don’t need to worry 

about driving, and arrange all our trains so we don’t have to figure 

out train stations or tickets. It’s the same for the opera: we ask for the 

exact seats we want, and Citalia book it all for us. 

Citalia has really raised our expectations, as when we’ve travelled to 

other countries with other companies and something’s not quite right, 

we always say, ‘This wouldn’t happen with Citalia!’ 

Booking a holiday with our Personal Travel Planner Romina Locci is like 

talking to a friend. She always gives such great advice and has got so 

much knowledge. We can’t wait to pick Romina’s brain on a future trip 

to Sardinia, as that’s where she’s actually from! 

It’s the same when you’re away too, with all the staff who help you on 

the ground. They’re never intrusive, but if you need something, they're 

right there. 

We did consider returning to Sorrento for our anniversary, which we’ve 

been to many times over the years, but the summer opera season was 

calling us, so we’ll go next year instead and Romina has already put 

some great options together for us. 

Our first opera experience was about 10 years back when we 

booked the star dining experience, which was very special as we’re 

big opera fans. 

The opera in the Arena di Verona is always an amazing experience. 

It has such a special feel to it all, being in the open air and how they 

stage it. What’s even more remarkable is that after the performance is 

finished, the audience spills into Piazza Bra for a glass of wine. The cast 

comes out and walks along, taking a bow to applause and joining for a 

drink. It feels so very Italian. 

Verona is always fantastic, and then we usually head to Lake Garda. 

While we’ve visited Bardolino many times, we’ve never stayed in the 

town, so we’re looking forward to that. 

Because we live in Glasgow, it’s easy to get to northern Italy, so it’s a 

firm favourite. 

Choosing a favourite destination is difficult as it’s all so varied, but 

if we had to, it would probably be Sorrento, which is very vibrant 

and buzzy with a massive choice of restaurants, cafés, and shops. Or 

Positano, as we love the scenery and the views. The town has become 

much more popular since we first started visiting, but it’s still great fun 

at night once the daytrippers have left. 

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We’ve always loved Italy because it just feels so homely. The people are 

so friendly, warm, and welcoming. Then there are the obvious things: 

The weather and sunshine. And the fantastic food, which is especially 

good in southern Italy with its volcanic soils. 

Southern Italy is quite a different foodie experience from the more 

Germanic scene of northern Italy. I often wander around markets, looking 

at all the fresh produce and wishing I could take it all home to eat! 

I’m very fond of seafood: mussels, grilled squid 

and any grilled fish, but spaghetti alle vongole 

always has the edge. This is best enjoyed with a 

chilled glass of white, like a Lugana. 

My husband really enjoys lake fish, but I find the flavours of pike and 

suchlike rather strong. In Lake Garda I tend to eat a lot of mountain 

cheeses and vegetarian pasta, and the meat is just amazing, such as 

steak or ragù alla Bolognese. 

Shopping in Italy is second to none. My favourite place is probably 

Florence, where I buy clothes and jewellery or pick up the odd 

ornament for our house. Verona is also rather wonderful for shopping, 

probably because it’s close to Milan, with lots of boutique shops. Part 

of the charm is that it’s such a compact city and easy to walk around. 

You never need to dodge traffic or loads of people! 

Our most standout Citalia experience 

was in Sicily, staying in a palace hotel in 

Taormina. It was such a great holiday 

because, as luck would have it, there was 

so much going on that week: a vintage car 

festival, a film festival, and an opera festival! 

We always start off the day with some good Italian coffee. We do day 

about, so we’ll have one day exploring and then another soaking up the 

atmosphere and relaxing by the pool with a book. Or I go for a spa day 

while my husband takes a walk. 

If we’re on the lake, we’ll use the boats to explore, and it’s 

fascinating to see how the various towns have changed over the 

years. In the cities, we’ll take in all the sites and museums, whereas 

further south, we might take a trip to Pompeii or Herculaneum or go 

island-hopping. 

I have a particular fond memory of a guided day trip to Procida from 

Ischia. As the streets are so tiny and narrow, we went flying around 

the island in a converted three-wheeler van with our two guides who 

sat up front. One was really slim and one somewhat more portly 

and it made us smile so much as it felt like we were in an Inspector 

Clouseau film! 

Would you like to make memories with a tailor-made holiday in Italy? Speak to one of our Personal Travel Planners on 01293 738112 



The Real 

Italy Experience 

with Kat Farmer 

Instagram trendsetter Kat Farmer is often seen on our screens as a fashion presenter 

on ITV’s This Morning, but today she shares her Citalia experiences in southern Italy. 

Is it possible to spend five days 

in Italy, escaping the tourist 

traps, getting away from the 

hustle and bustle, mixing 

culture, a once-in-a-lifetime 

spa experience, sunbathing 

by a pool, eating and drinking 

the most incredible food AND 

staying in possibly the most 

incredible hotel I’ve ever been 

to in Europe? It is, indeed. 

And here’s how. 

Just over an hour’s car journey from Bari 

Airport is the incredible ancient city of 

Matera. Recently famed for featuring in 

the newest Bond film, you may recognise 

the distinctive streets and buildings. 

The third oldest city in the world, it 

was only restored in the 1950s and is 

a breathtaking example of how ancient 

architecture and culture can exist in the 

modern world. 

Matera is stunning, and you can cover 

most things in 24 hours. 

We stayed at the Aquatio Cave Hotel, a 

five-star masterpiece. The opportunity 

to stay in a hotel built into the caves 

with luxurious, spacious (and not 

claustrophobic as some might fear!) 

rooms is mind-blowing. 

The real star of the show is the spa. 

An underground cavern of utter 

fabulousness - serene and calming for 

the mind and body and a visual sensation 

of wonder for the eyes. Definitely a 

bucket list experience. 

With Puglia on the doorstep, it seemed 

rude not to explore more of this 

underrated part of Italy. Puglia is possibly 

best known for its trulli - the small Italian 

white stone houses. A trip to Alberobello 

is well worth a visit. 

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An afternoon is enough to wander 

around and soak up the atmosphere, 

marvelling at how the past and the 

present work so well together. I highly 

recommend a visit to the restaurant 

Vin & Amore. What looks like a deli is, 

in fact, a small trattoria packed with 

locals and some incredible, very 

reasonably-priced Italian gems. 

An hour’s drive towards the coast is 

the stunning hotel of Canne Bianche 

Lifestyle. It's one of those places that 

you know is going to be just incredible 

from the moment that you enter. Your 

car is valet-parked, your luggage is 

whisked away, and platters of nibbles 

and an Aperol spritz welcome you on 

check-in. This is subtle luxury on a 

supreme level. 

The entire hotel, including the rooms, 

is an interior design masterpiece. It's 

calm and elegant, with the attention 

to detail en pointe. It’s no surprise that 

the restaurants are therefore supremely 

fabulous too. 

The food and wine is top-notch - 

incredible, reasonably priced local 

Primitivo and my favourite discovery, the 

Susumaniello grape (it’s almost impossible 

to get the red in the UK). 

The service is the standout element 

of this hotel. The ability to combine 

catering for your every need without 

being overly attentive, they manage 

to nail the service like you rarely 

experience. 

There is a spa with heavenly massages 

and great pedicures and an on-site 

boutique with a wonderful selection 

of Italian gems, including fashion and 

home items. 

They also offer complimentary 

cookery lessons most days. An hour 

of joy, learning how to make local 

treats. I whipped up (with a lot of help 

admittedly), taralli, a savoury biscuit 

snack to have with a drink. 

Lastly and by no means least, the other 

major draw for me was the pool. A haven 

of peace in the sunshine, again with staff 

tending to your every need, be it a towel, 

a parasol, a drink or a snack. 

We visited at the beginning of the 

season, and I still got a good couple 

of hours lying in heaven, with the 

Mediterranean Sea in front of me. 

I will definitely be heading back. 

Kat Farmer is an 

acclaimed digital creator. 

@doesmybumlook40 

Are you interested in going deeper into Italy with a trip to Matera and Puglia, just like Kat? 




Art Movements 

That Shaped Italy 

Into a world of timeless architecture 

Art movements shape society and help us shift perspectives and forge new opinions. But when imprinted in history, they become a reflection 

of time. They inspire us to see through the eyes of previous generations and better interpret their lived experiences. 

Italy is no different. Numerous art movements have left an enduring legacy not only of renowned artistic masterpieces and luxury designer 

brands for all the world to enjoy, but also significantly shaped the country’s streets and towns. While this list is not exhaustive, we share 

monumental structures from our favourite Italian art movements. 

Ancient Rome 

Most art movements and architectural styles have somewhat 

blurry dates, but this is not true of ancient Rome’s timeline, 

which is firmly fixed from the beginning of the Roman Empire 

in 509 BC until it ended eight hundred years later. In this 

movement you’ll find grand geometric shapes, including 

arches, domes, vaults, and the triangular pediments that would 

front the buildings. 

The Pantheon, Rome 

This large granite building with its signature Corinthian columns 

was a significant temple during the Roman Empire and has been 

a Catholic church since 690 AD. 

WHERE TO STAY: Palazzo Navona 

Arena di Verona, Verona 

Sitting in Verona’s main square, this preserved ancient structure 

is a perfect living example of Roman amphitheatre design and 

continues to be used for large-scale opera performances. 

WHERE TO STAY: Due Torri Hotel 

Italian Romanesque 

The Romanesque movement lasted almost two hundred years 

from 1000 AD to 1200 AD. Many Italian churches feature 

this style, which is easily identified by their bell towers with 

semi-circular arches. Other notable features include tower-like 

structures, small windows, thick walls, and barrel vaults. 

Cattedrale di Pisa, Pisa 

While a new facade was built in the 12th century, the 

cathedral’s coffered ceiling and the Leaning Tower’s many 

arches personify the Romanesque style. 

WHERE TO STAY: NH Pisa 

Baptistery of San Giovanni, Florence 

Sitting opposite Florence’s cathedral, the baptistery is 

one of the city's most ancient churches. It’s typical of the 

Florentine Romanesque style and distinct with its eight 

sides that were wonderfully clad in geometrically patterned, 

coloured marble. 

WHERE TO STAY: Brunelleschi Hotel 

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Italian Gothic 

Italian gothic is undeniably one of the most distinctive art styles 

with its plethora of gargoyles, flying buttresses and pointed 

arches. This decorative and often startling style existed between 

the 13th and 15th centuries. 

Duomo di Milano, Milan 

Built over several hundred years, Milan cathedral’s gothic 

element makes a statement with its sharp points up to the 

heavens. Interestingly, reactions varied throughout time, from 

intense dislike to admiration. Head up to the rooftop to witness 

a forest of openwork pinnacles and spires, not to mention epic 

city views. 

WHERE TO STAY: Sina De La Ville 

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence 

While the Brunelleschi dome of Florence’s cathedral is distinctly 

Renaissance, its above-eye-level round clerestory windows and 

the vast, empty spaces of its interiors showcase the medieval 

gothic of this fascinating construction. 


Italian Renaissance 

The centuries from 1400 AD to 1700 AD were an era of 

prosperity. As such, budding artists and creators were hugely 

supported, and expression flourished. The Italian Renaissance 

looked to the ideas and philosophies of the ancient Greeks and 

Romans. From Brunelleschi to Bramante, some great architects 

came from this period with their distinctive domes and flat facades. 

St. Peter's Basilica, Rome 

The shining light of today’s Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica was 

always intended to be the grandest of buildings when Pope Julius 

commissioned it, and architect Bramante took his inspiration 

from Rome’s Pantheon. 


Santa Maria Novella, Florence 

Opposite the city’s central railway station, you’ll be blown away 

by the detailed marble facade of this mid-15th century church, in 

which architect Alberti took the ideals of humanist architecture, 

proportion, and classically inspired detailing. 




ART MOVEMENTS THAT SHAPED ITALY 

Italian Baroque 

Think frills and motives. The baroque period was a time of 

frivolity and all about displaying one’s wealth and power - even 

through architecture. Baroque buildings feature expensive 

materials that were considered costly even in the 16th century, 

and the stuccoed ceilings, curving forms, and three-dimensional 

shapes were intended to add a sense of theatre. 

San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, Rome 

This 17th-century Roman Catholic church in Rome is an iconic 

baroque design with its highly ornate design embellishments 

while curving flowing surfaces give the impression of movement. 


Liberty 

From the end of the 19th century, Italy became fanatic about 

the art nouveau movement, albeit rebranding it Liberty in 

Italy, after the famous London department store. It was the 

first architectural style in Italy that focused on secular rather 

than religious buildings. 

From the Sicilian capital of Palermo and the Tuscan spa 

town of Montecatini Terme to the Piedmont capital of Turin, 

entire seaside resorts, historic cafés, and bagni (bathing 

establishments) were built in this experimental style. Lavish 

exteriors and feature balconies characterise it, and it often 

draws from nature with floral and plant motifs. 

Sanremo 

Built during the boom of the belle époque period, the entire 

town is an artistic celebration of Liberty, which you can see in 

the town hall, its villas, and the extraordinary Municipal Casino, 

built in 1905. 

WHERE TO STAY: Royal Hotel Sanremo 

Viareggio 

Duomo di Siracusa, Sicily 

A fantastic example of the Sicilian baroque, the cathedral of 

Syracuse features intricate detailing such as acanthus leaves in 

the facade, twisting components, and grand full-sized statues. 

WHERE TO STAY: Grand Hotel Des Etrangers 

The resort town of Viareggio came to life in the 1920s with 

Liberty, when recreational sea swimming became the rage. The 

prestigious Bagno Martinell, the Grand Hotel Royal Viareggio, 

and the iconic coffee house Gran Caffè Margherita are prime 

examples of this style. 

WHERE TO STAY: Grand Hotel Royal Viareggio 

Quartiere Coppedè: One Neighbourhood, Many Influences 

If you’d like to see a neighbourhood combining a range of artistic-architectural styles, 

head to Quartiere Coppedè in the Trieste district of Rome. All the palaces and small villas 

of this eclectic neighbourhood combine vastly different styles of art deco, Liberty, gothic 

and medieval, which results in a Gaudi-esque vibe. It was the brainchild of architect 

Gino Coppedè, who built it in the early 20th century. He even included a stone statue of 

himself on one wall! At its centre lies the Fontana delle Rane (Fountain of Frogs), where 

the Beatles famously took a bath post-concert. The neighbourhood has gained much 

notoriety in popular fiction over the years, featuring in films such as The Omen (1976), 

The Perfume of the Lady in Black (1976) and Inferno (1980). 

Want to plan a holiday that celebrates Italy’s many art movements? Speak to one of our Personal Travel Planners on 01293 738112 

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Hidden Gems 

of the Amalfi Coast 

The Amalfi Coast is no stranger to holidaymakers - and with good reason. Stretching a dreamy 

31 miles across the coastline of Campania, the many cliffside fishing villages that gaze out over 

the sparkling teal waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea provide a sun-kissed and authentic Italian coastal 

experience. With all its alluring, natural beauty, you may feel like you’ve stepped into a painting. 

The popularity of the Amalfi Coast continues to rise, aided by the many A-list celebrities that 

have been snapped here, including Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Lopez, and Gwyneth Paltrow. The 

well-trodden, bustling streets and attractions of the main towns are undeniably worth visiting, 

but away from them, you will find many hidden gems. 

We've got you covered, from lesser-known villages and unusual activities to secluded beaches, 

cave grottoes, and romantic coves where you can take a picnic and dream away the day. 



Praiano 

Seeking tranquillity by the sea? Tucked between Positano and Amalfi, 

Praiano is a delightfully serene and artistic fishing village that you can 

easily reach by taxi, or local boat, docking at the tiny harbour Marina 

di Praia. Almost clinging to the cliffs, you’ll need a reasonable level of 

fitness to navigate the steep slopes of alleys and stairways. You will 

be rewarded with attractive whitewashed houses, boutique shops, 

galleries, and the picturesque Church of St. Gennaro. 

The pretty pebble beach hosts some excellent local eateries and is a 

lovely spot to watch local families splashing around. In the evening, 

head up to Café Mirante to breathe in gorgeous sunsets over distant 

islands while sipping inspired sundowners to smooth tunes. 

Vietri sul Mare 

Venture into a world of ceramics in this charming, colourful and often 

forgotten coastal town, even though it sits next to popular Salerno! 

Dating back to the Roman Empire, Vietri sul Mare’s handmade pottery 

tradition spills out into the streets as artisans invite you into their 

small workshops to show you how they make their vibrant, intricate 

traditional designs. We recommend you head to Piazza Umberto I, the 

town’s main square where you can enjoy a caffè or a spot of lunch while 

watching the world go by. 

Tramonti 

Nestled deeper into the hills than other towns, Tramonti is an excellent 

escape if you seek a more pastoral experience. The narrow streets 

boast an impressive mountainous backdrop of peaks and terraces of 

olive trees. Get a taxi here so you can visit the local wineries where you 

can learn about and sip full-bodied wines. You can pair this wine with 

some of the town’s typical dishes, including scialatielli ai frutti di mare 

(a seafood pasta dish) and pizza alla tramontina, which features toppings 

of locally-grown garden vegetables. 

Cetara 

If you love your fish and seafood, then you will love Cetara, a humble 

fishing village that continues to observe centuries-old anchovy and 

tuna fishing traditions. It’s an idyllic and laid-back spot, where you can 

gaze over the fishing boats bobbing about in the harbour, sunbathe, 

and swim the sea. As you wander its narrow streets you will be charmed 

by the pastel-painted houses, flower-strewn balconies, and locals who 

stop for a friendly chat with one another. Head to one of the seafood 

restaurants for the freshest fish accentuated by the zest of the locallygrown 

lemons. Be sure to try colatura di alici, the local speciality, 

which is a traditional anchovy sauce. 

Conca dei Marini 

As an alternative or to complement your visit to Cetara, consider a trip 

to the tiny fishing village of Conca dei Marini, which continues to feel 

historic and understated. Again, it’s a spot to go for fabulous fish dishes 

served with sparkling Mediterranean views. Another reason to go here 

is to explore the Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Cave), where you can 

witness the bright reflection of sunlight in an inner chamber of this 

karst cave, which also has a dramatic display of natural stalactites and 

stalagmites on its walls. 

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HIDDEN GEMS OF THE AMALFI COAST 

Don’t 

Miss! 

• Cloister of Paradise, Amalfi 

Escape the crowds of Amalfi Cathedral for some shade in this small, 

serene garden, which features a most beautiful church crypt. 

• Fiordo Di Furore 

Just five minutes from Conca dei Marini lies this hidden fjordlike 

paradise with beautiful emerald waters and inlets where 

you can soak up the natural beauty with a snorkel or swim. 

• Private Irpinia Wine Tour 

Citalia can arrange a full-day Neapolitan wine experience for you 

in the off-the-beaten-track inland region of Irpinia. Discover the 

cellars, and taste the region’s best wine with lunch. 

• Palazzo Mezzacapo 

Hidden in the heart of the authentic town of Maiori lies these 

gorgeous historic gardens, home to pavilions, a cave, and a 

water feature shaped in the design of a Maltese cross. 

• Museo della Carta 

Step into this cool and quiet museum to discover the art of 

Amalfi’s famed handmade bambagina (cotton) paper. You can 

even try to make it yourself in the medieval paper mill! 

A 5-night holiday in Amalfi, staying at Hotel Marina Riviera, starts from £995 per person. 




Ultimate Road Trips 

ADVERTORIAL 

Avis offers strategically located pick-up points across Italy, so whether you arrive 

by air, land or sea, you can enjoy a quick and easy check-in, giving you more 

time to spend exploring Italy’s incredible landscapes and historic sites. 

From Coast to Country 

Liguria and Piedmont 

With the help of our friends at Avis, 

our Ultimate Road Trips itineraries 

are carefully designed so that you 

can easily explore our favourite 

hidden destinations across Italy. 

There’s always plenty to do, so if 

you wish to swap any details or 

add more nights to our suggested 

itineraries, our Personal Travel 

Planners are here to help. 

This season, we take you on the perfect 

road trip from the distinctly Mediterranean 

Ligurian coast to the hidden countryside 

of Piedmont in northern Italy. Stay in our 

handpicked selection of hotels that reflect 

these diverse regions. 

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ADVERTORIAL 

Days 1-3 Liguria 

It may seem strange to begin your Italian road trip in France, but Nice is 

just an hour from the Ligurian town of Sanremo, making it the perfect 

airport to arrive at! En route, you may like to visit Nice or Monaco, the 

French Riviera’s crown jewels, and take in the famous cathedral or sip 

lattes from one of the Promenade des Anglais cafés, just for fun. 

Once you arrive in Sanremo, you have several days to explore this 

glamorous town. 

You may wish to dress to impress one evening and head to the 

spectacular Beaux Arts-style Sanremo Casino, which has a somewhat 

James Bond-esque vibe and is reminiscent of Monte Carlo’s famed 

casino. Play any of the numerous slot machines and table games before 

tucking into a meal in the stylish roof garden restaurant. 

Or you can simply relax by the beach and stroll along ‘The Empress’ 

promenade in the evening. 

Suggested Stay: Royal Hotel - Sanremo 

Days 4-6 Gavi 

After breakfast, it’s time to head to your next destination with a 

gorgeous drive along the coast. En route, you may stop off in the 

beautiful town of Alassio and visit the nearby prehistoric and crystaladorned 

Toriano Caves. Or you could enjoy lunch in the Ligurian 

maritime capital of Genoa - its Old Town is filled with delights. 

Days 7-10 Santa Margherita 

After gorging on all Piedmont’s delights, it’s time to return to Liguria 

and further along the coast. Here, you can spend a couple of sunkissed 

days in Santa Margherita. This small seaside town is a hidden 

gem on the Gulf of Tigullio, dubbed the Levante Riviera! 

By the afternoon, you’ll reach the gorgeous village of Gavi, right in the 

heart of the Piedmont countryside. The pace is delightfully slow here, 

so you can spend your days relaxing by the pool, strolling through 

the vineyards and taking a tour of the winery on your doorstep. 

You may wish to drive around and visit the many borghi (hamlets). If 

you're planning on visiting from late September to January, we highly 

recommend a truffle hunting experience in Alba. Or you may like to 

explore Bra, home of the global Slow Food movement, for a delicious 

foodie experience. Then there’s the historic village of Nieve and the 

nearby Langhe vineyards. There are also plenty of cycling and trekking 

trails throughout this region, should you wish to take a break from driving. 

Suggested Stay: Albergo L'Ostelliere - Villa Sparina Resort 

This entire area is dotted with Blue Flag beaches and gorgeous sandy 

coves, where you can embrace idyllic beach days coupled with leisurely 

lunches as you feast on trofie al pesto genovese or farinata (a savoury 

chickpea pancake). 

Nearby lies the pretty little town of Camogli, which is gorgeously lit at 

night and well worth visiting if you fancy a romantic evening. You can 

also venture to the chilled and charming town of Rapallo or fashionable 

Portofino or take a leisurely local train ride further along the coast to 

the brightly-coloured coastal villages that make up the Cinque Terre. 

On your final morning, head to Pisa airport for your flight home. 

Suggested Stay: 

Grand Hotel Miramare - Santa Margherita Ligure 

Our 10-day Avis Ultimate Road Trip of Liguria & Piedmont starts from £2,195 per person. 




Trentino- 

Alto Adige 

Lombardy 

Riviera del Garda 

Classico DOC 

Marzemino 

Veneto 

Garda Classico Groppello 

Lugana DOC 

Bardolino & Chiaretto 

Custoza 

Amarone della Valpolicella 


Delightfully quaint towns are scattered around the shoreline of Lake Garda’s expansive 

and glittering waters, and they hold treasures of medieval castles, thermal spa waters, 

and Roman ruins. But did you know it’s also home to rolling hills of fertile vineyards? 

We all know what that means: wine! 

Lake Garda was carved out of glaciers 

millions of years ago, so the soil is rich in 

morainic deposits, allowing for bountiful 

grape harvests. 

Signs of viticulture in this region date back to 

the Bronze Age, and winemaking increased 

during the medieval era when monasteries 

started populating the lake’s shores. 

Many of the Garda wines hold the special 

Garda DOC, the highest level of wine 

classification that guarantees wines are 

produced within the area of origin under 

stringent conditions. 

There are three distinct winegrowing areas 

around Lake Garda, each with its own 

wine varieties. Come with us as we take 

you on a lakeside journey to a few of our 

favourite wines! 

"Near the pretty town of Bardolino, one of 

Lake Garda's best-known resorts, you will find 

the Valpolicella area. It's a famous wine region, 

known for its rolling hills and green vineyards, 

where you will enjoy delicious wine, culinary 

delights and stunning panoramic views." 

Stefano Nirta - Regional Destination Manager 

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Trentino-Alto Adige | Northern shores 

Marzemino 

Mozart's wine 

Running parallel to Lake Garda and wedged between the mountains lies 

the valley of the Adige River, which boasts a wonderful microclimate 

and sandy soils favourable for wine production. Grown around Isera, 

just south of Trentino, you’ll find a gentle ruby red Italian wine often 

dubbed Mozart’s wine, as it was mentioned in The Marriage of Figaro 

opera. Marzemino is one of the oldest Italian wines made from a rare 

grape by the same name. It perfectly pairs with white and red meats, 

cold cuts, and mushroom or truffle dishes. 

Riviera del Garda Classico DOC 

Full, plush and pleasing wines 

To the northeast of Lake Garda, you’ll find a range of wines under the 

Riviera del Garda Classico DOC appellation, formerly known as Garda 

Classico. These include whites, rosé, a rosé sparkling wine, and reds 

made from Groppello and Barbera grapes. 

Veneto | Eastern shores 

Bardolino 

The renowned light red wine 

Arguably, the most popular - or at least well-known - red wine of Lake 

Garda is the Bardolino. It’s named after the picturesque village located 

on the eastern coast of the lake. This wine utilises three grape varieties - 

Corvina, Rondina, and Molinara - which are grown in nearby hillls. 

Bardolino is a fresh, pleasant and easy to drink red with fruity notes. 

Locals tend to drink it for the entirety of a meal as it pairs with many 

dishes, including pasta, risotto, lake fish, meat, frittura mista (a medley of 

fried vegetables), and cheese! There are two denominations: Bardolino 

DOC and the more robust, aged Bardolino Superiore DOCG. 

JOIN the celebrations of the Bardolino Grape and Wine Festival, which 

takes place from 4th to 8th October 2024 and includes music, dancing, 

and a fireworks display! 

Chiaretto 

Light and refreshing sparkling rosé 

For a fresh rosé variant of the Bardolino, there’s Chiaretto, made from 

the same grapes but with a more delicate flavour and notes of wild 

berries and vanilla. This wine's lightness means that it can be enjoyed 

as an aperitif, or paired with lighter dishes, from antipasti to fish and 

seafood to pizza and salads. 

Custoza 

An easy-drinking white wine 

Lombardy | Southern shores 

Lugana DOC 

A fragrant, fruity white wine 

Straddling Lombardy and Veneto lies a region producing Lugana DOC, a 

high-quality, light, easy-to-drink white wine that is relatively unknown 

outside of Italy. It’s typically made from the Turbiana (formerly the 

Trebbiano di Lugana) grape and comes as a still and spumante (sparkling) 

option. It’s ideal for your evening aperitif and pairs well with pasta, 

risotto, and pizza. 

VISIT Azienda Agricola Pratello, a family-run farm established in the 

1860s, which produces Laguna alongside excellent gastronomy. 

Garda Classico Groppello 

An indigenous-inspired ruby red wine 

For a special occasion, try the rare young red wine of Garda Classico 

Groppello. This wine is made from an ancient vine called Groppello 

di Mocasina, grown on the rolling hills of Valtènesi. Careful attention 

is afforded at every stage, with only the healthiest, ripest bunches 

harvested. Garda Classico Groppello has a gentle, fruity flavour with 

hints of wild berries and strawberry. It pairs well with salads, cold cuts, 

and medium-aged cheeses. 

VISIT Cantina Franzosi, a winery dating back to 1938, where you can 

taste award-winning Valtènesi wines. 

In the southeastern area of the morainic hills, you’ll find Custoza, a fresh 

white wine with a characteristic straw-yellow colour. Custoza is typically 

blended from aromatic and non-aromatic grape varieties, including 

Garganega, Trebbianello, and Bianca Fernanda, which give it a greater 

complexity with delicate floral notes. It’s highly drinkable and, given that 

it’s served chilled, makes for an ideal summer wine. You can pair it with 

marine or freshwater fish dishes, tortellini, salads, and cheeses, or enjoy 

it as an aperitif. 

VISIT Azienda Agricola Cavalchina, who pioneered the use of the name 

‘Custoza’ in the early 1960s. 

Amarone della Valpolicella 

A rich and expressive red wine 

Amarone della Valpolicella is a luxurious, dry, full-bodied red that has the 

strongest personality of all Lake Garda wines. 

Amarone is typically produced from a blend of Corvina, Corvinone 

Veronese, Rondinella and Molinara grapes, which are grown from the 

large viticulture area of Valpolicella, which ranks only second to Chianti 

for DOC wine production. 

The wine gives off an impressive aroma, and that's because the grapes 

have been dried for 100 to 120 days using the straw wine method. In 

Italian, this is known as appassimento (withering) and concentrates the 

flavour. It's also why this wine can be stored for over twenty years. 

Amarone is an ideal choice during the autumn and winter months, 

and you can pair it with wild game, meat, mature cheeses, and the 

traditional Italian soup, pasta e fasoi. And, it even has a signature dish, 

Amarone risotto! 

A 5-night holiday in Lake Garda, staying at Corte Valier, starts from £885 per person. 




Eat Pasta Like a Citalian 

Do you know your orecchiette from your tagliatelle? 

Delve into our world of pasta facts that only a Citalian would know. 

How many pasta varieties are there? 

The answer is one that not even pasta 

experts can agree on, but it’s thought 

that there are well over 500 varieties. 

To further confuse matters, some of 

the same pasta varieties hold different 

names depending on the town. 

The word pasta simply comes from 

the word paste - the word for the 

dough made from durum wheat flour, 

water and/or eggs. 

Pasta names are both imaginative 

and beautiful. For example, farfalle 

resembles bowties and directly 

translates as butterflies, while the 

thick tubes of paccheri refers to the 

slapping sound they make when 

mixed with sauce! 

Most pasta fits into a category: long 

ribbons, long and skinny, shells, twists, 

tubes, filled pasta, or mini shapes. 

They are made from a variety of 

carbohydrates, from wheat to potato. 

The origin of pasta is thought to date 

back to Marco Polo in 13th century 

Venice, or to the 8th century when 

nomadic Arab merchants could have 

brought dry noodles to Sicily. 

“The reason for the 

distinctive pasta varieties is 

always under debate, but all 

Italians know that selecting 

the right pasta shapes can 

complement specific sauces 

and enhance the texture 

and flavour of a dish. For 

example, we always pair 

thick, long pasta with heavy 

sauces, and thinner pasta 

with light, creamy sauces.” 

– Stefano Nirta, 

Regional Destination Manager 

The pasta you won’t find in 

restaurants: quadrucci is made from 

leftover egg pasta dough at home 

that’s rolled until thin and cut into 

small squares. It’s often served in 

broth and soup. 

Why not visit a Pasta Museum during 

your next Citalia holiday and learn 

more? There are museums 

in both Rome and Parma! 

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Gnocchi Origins: Veneto 

Inspired by a grain shortage in Verona, 

the flour of gnocchi is stretched out with 

boiled, mashed potato to make these 

delicious, famous pasta dumplings. It’s 

typically served with sage butter or a 

tomato and basil sauce. 

Tagliatelle Origins: Piedmont 

We’ve mentioned before in Andiamo! 

that the Emilia Romagna delicacy of 

tagliatelle has a specific size and thickness 

to denote the ribbon-like hair of a noble 

bride. It’s usually served with the rich ragù 

alla Bolognese. Thirty years ago, a local 

Piemontese chef also created a tagliatelle 

infused with fragrant dehydrated truffles, 

which has become a local delicacy, served 

solely with butter or olive oil and parmesan! 

Pappardelle Origins: Tuscany 

A pasta for the self-sufficient! The name 

is taken from the local verb pappare (to 

gobble up) and is popularly served with 

wild game such as rabbit, or hearty local 

mushrooms, both available freely in the 

Tuscan forests. 

Paccheri Origins: Campania 

The only pasta involved in an international 

smuggling operation. In the 17th century, 

the King of Prussia (now Austria) banned 

Italian garlic imports to boost his own 

country’s garlic industry. Instead, the 

Campanians stashed their homegrown 

cloves into these wide tubes and carried 

them across the border. 

Orecchiette Origins: Puglia 

Meaning ‘little ears’, this pasta is 

believed to have been a staple in the 

port city of Bari since the 12th century, 

when it was brought to Italy by Jewish 

settlers. Their small size made making 

and drying it on the merchant ships 

easy. It’s popular in the peasant dish 

orecchiette alle cime di rapa, traditionally 

made from turnip greens but now 

usually with broccoli rabe. 

Fregola Origins: Sardinia 

This pebble-sized pasta was inspired 

by the North African and Arab dishes 

of berkoukes and couscous and 

is named after the verb sfregolare 

(to crumble). It dates back to the 

10th century and is made by rolling 

semolina dough in a terracotta bowl 

called a scievedda until tiny beads 

form. After drying out, these ‘grains’ 

are toasted to give them a lovely rich, 

nutty flavour. It’s popularly served 

in Sardinia with clams in a garlicky 

tomato sauce. 

Trofie Origins: Liguria 

A classic example of a twist pasta, 

these small, rolled pasta shapes get 

their name from the Greek word 

thrépsi, which means nourishment. 

Trofie is almost always served alla 

Genovese, a deliciously fresh sauce 

named after the port city of Genoa, 

which comprises fresh basil pesto, 

green beans, and baby potatoes. 

Casarecce Origins: Sicily 

Bucatini Origins: Lazio 

Derived from the word buco (hole), it will be no surprise that this longform 

pasta is hollow in the middle. In its native Lazio, it’s often served 

with the fast-cooking sauce all’Amatriciana, made from guanciale (cured 

pork) and onions. This was a nutritious, flavourful, and convenient 

dish for shepherds who had to pack lightly for the long journey while 

moving their flocks from coast to mountain. 

This short, curved pasta couldn’t get more simple - its name means 

homemade. It’s made in the home by rolling dough around a thin 

wooden rod. Casarecce pairs perfectly with thin sauces and it’s most 

commonly served alla Norma (a fried aubergine tomato sauce), or with 

pesto alla Trapanese, a moreish Sicilian pesto that blends locally-grown 

almonds and tomatoes with creamy ricotta and olive oil. 

Can’t wait to tuck into a deliciously authentic bowl of pasta? Plan your next Citalia holiday today! 




Treasures of Sicily 

Located just off the toe of Italy’s boot, Sicily receives sunshine 350 

days a year. Top that off with all its culture and history, and the island 

is ideal if you’re seeking a sun-kissed holiday with plenty to see and 

do. Given that it’s also the largest Mediterranean island, you may be 

unsure where to start without missing any highlights. That’s precisely 

where our Treasures of Sicily Small Group Escorted Tour will help, as 

it’s the ideal introduction to the island as it covers Cefalù, Palermo, 

Agrigento, Mount Etna, and Syracuse. 

Exclusive to Citalia, our immersive itinerary 

features all the island’s highlights and 

includes some special Sicilian experiences. 

What’s more, it’s completely hassle-free, as 

we arrange all the transportation and details, 

including accommodation, breakfast, and 

many of your evening meals. 

You’ll be picked up from Catania Airport and taken to your first hotel, 

where you can settle in with a welcome drink and meet your travel 

companions over a traditional Italian meal. 

Like all our Small Group Escorted Tours, we limit the number of 

guests to no more than 18 to ensure you receive a more personalised 

experience. It’s an ideal holiday to take with your partner, a group of 

friends, or if you are travelling solo. Some of our guests have made 

new friends for life on our tours - as well as new travel partners! 

All the elements of our Treasures of Sicily Small Group Escorted Tour 

have been handpicked and include an English-speaking local guide 

for the guided elements. Here are just a few of the highlights you 

can expect. 

Cefalù 

Piazza Armerina 

Tucked deep in Sicily, this enchanting baroque city is teeming with 

history and archaeological heritage. You’ll enjoy a guided visit to the 

UNESCO World Heritage site of Villa Romana del Casale, a villa that 

holds fascinating mosaics and propels you back into ancient Rome. 

Cefalù Cathedral 

Learn about the history of this fascinating cathedral, which is also a 

UNESCO World Heritage site due to its beautiful Norman architecture 

and ornate interiors. 

Cefalà Diana Baths 

Wander through the dark, monastic-style interiors and pretty courtyard 

of these ancient thermal baths. Here’s a fun fact for you: while this 

bathhouse follows the traditional Arabian style, they are now believed 

to have been constructed in the 13th-14th centuries, which your guide 

will tell you all about! 

Palermo 

Capo Market 

You’ll be guided through Sicily’s largest market, with its bustling lanes 

and vibrant stalls, for an epic street food tasting experience. Discover 

the local delicacies shaped by Arabic, Mediterranean, and traditional 

Italian cuisine. 

Monreale 

Explore the pretty neighbourhood of Monreale, with its tangle of 

tightly packed houses and streets juxtaposed with beautifully serene 

courtyards and gardens. Visit the ornately decorated Palatine Chapel, 

the royal chapel of the Norman Palace, which blends Moorish and 

European architecture. You can also witness La Martorana, a majestic 

church, before taking in the breathtakingly intricate mosaics that cover 

the walls of the Cattedrale di Monreale, a national monument. 

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Citalia.com

Agrigento 

Valley of the Temples 

Immerse yourself in the myths of ancient Greece as you enjoy an 

engaging guided tour exploring partially preserved temples dedicated 

to Zeus, Hercules, Pollax, and more. The location of the Valley of the 

Temples is epic, with incredible views over the Mediterranean Sea. 

Scala dei Turchi 

On the drive back to your hotel, you’ll have the chance to stop 

for a photograph at the captivating Scala dei Turchi (Staircase of 

the Turks), where stratified sparkling chalky white cliffs hug the 

coastline! You may recognise them from the Italian detective 

series Inspector Montalbano! 

Taormina 

Sanctuary of Tindari 

En route from Cefalù to Taormina you can stop at this former Greek 

settlement, which is teeming with archaeological ruins. Thanks to its 

famed Black Madonna, it’s a popular place of pilgrimage. 

Teatro Antico di Taormina 

Discover the much-applauded Roman-Greek theatre that, despite its 

ruined state, continues to provide an excellent impression of what it 

would have been like during its glory days. 

Syracuse 

Syracuse Old Town 

Syracuse was the most crucial city when Sicily was under Greek 

rule, and it’s an ideal place to wander around and learn about. Take a 

guided trip to the cathedral, which sits in a beautiful square. 

Ortigia 

Visit this small island just across from Syracuse with its well-preserved 

buildings and ruins, which you can roam around at leisure. You’ll be 

amazed by the sheer beauty of the Fountain of Arethusa, a natural 

spring located on the island. 

Archaeological area 

Discover Syracuse's vast archaeological site, which includes the 

historic ancient Greek Theatre and former stone quarries ensconced 

by delightful gardens. 

Taormina Old Town 

You’ll be amazed by just how beautiful Taormina is. It's perched on a 

cliffside with luscious gardens, and the serene square, Piazza 9th of 

April, is located in the heart of the Old Town. Roam around and take 

in the views down the mountain to the sparkling Ionian Sea. Pick up 

souvenirs in the mile-long main shopping street of Corso Umberto. 

Etna Winery 

On the way back to your hotel, you’ll have the chance to visit a 

traditional winery and try the unique fine local wines that the volcanic 

landscape of nearby Mount Etna has naturally flavoured. This will be 

served with a few local appetisers, including Sicilian cheese, white and 

black olives, patés, and dried tomatoes. 

Mount Etna 

Mount Etna tour 

Visit the majestic Mount Etna and witness lava streams and huge 

craters. Depending on the weather, you can explore further by cable 

car or jeep to the main crater. If you’re lucky, you may get to see it 

smoking from the top! 

Etna Wine Tasting 

To celebrate your visit to the highest active volcano in Europe, stop at 

a famous winery for wine-tasting right on the slopes of Etna. 

Citalia’s exclusive 8-day Treasures of Sicily Small Group Escorted Tour will take place several times throughout September 2024, 

and starts from £2,399 per person. Speak to one of our Personal Travel Planners on 01293 738112 



Meet St. Francis of Assisi 

Discover the City of Saints and embrace a soulful journey 

where medieval stories come to life in Umbria. 

Umbria is often called Italy's green heart. Tucked among its verdant 

landscapes is a sacred city where pilgrims from across the world flock 

to honour the revered Catholic martyr St. Francis. 

Into Assisi 

Perched on the slopes of Mount Subasio, Assisi is a historical town 

that resembles a sanctuary away from the modern world. Even with 

thousands of visitors every year, life for its residents has remained 

much the same since the Middle Ages. 

Despite its popularity, Assisi is both peaceful and incredibly welcoming. 

Trek to the 14th-century fortress of Rocca Maggiore, located at the 

highest point, to be rewarded with enchanting views. 

Overlooking the Umbrian countryside with its olive 

trees and vineyards dotted with hundred-year-old 

stone houses, it seems strange to believe that St. Francis 

found Assisi to be a distraction from spiritual life. 

Yet there’s something profoundly intimate and tranquil about the 

alleyways and smaller churches. At sunset, the pink hues shroud the 

town in a mystical air. 

Even if you’re not religious, you can easily become fascinated 

by Assisi’s numerous beautiful churches and architectural and 

archaeological treasures, which have made it worthy of UNESCO 

World Heritage status. 

Spend a few days slowly exploring the pink marbled streets, 

and Assisi may surprise you. Stumble upon a hidden street 

shrine, the remaining gates of the medieval city walls, 

or even a Franciscan monk out in his simple robes. 

Long before St. Francis, Assisi was a sizeable Roman municipality, 

which you can learn all about at the Archaeological Museum, which 

houses the ancient city’s Roman Forum. Also, outside the 16th-century 

St. Maria Sopra Minerva Basilica, lies the brilliantly preserved Roman 

Temple of Minerva. 

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Who Was St. Francis? 

St. Francis was born to a merchant father and a noblewoman mother in the late 12th 

century, and even as a child, he had a strong leaning towards faith and compassion, giving 

cloth that he stole from his father to the poor. He was also the first recorded stigmatic. 

In 1206, St. Francis founded the Franciscan order to promote messages of non-materialism, 

peace, and tolerance. Over the centuries, this has become a vast, global religious order. 

St. Francis was a lover of nature and animals, and Pope John Paul II declared him the patron 

saint of ecology in 1979. 

The Way of St. Francis 

While there's no fixed historical path, it’s common to find pilgrims 

walking in St. Francis's footsteps on popular and meditative longdistance 

trails between Assisi and Rome, breathing in the natural 

beauty of Umbria, from majestic waterfalls to alpine lakes. 

Popular stops include an old hermitage, Eremo delle Carceri, located in 

a steep wooded gorge, and Eremo delle Allodole, an ancient Christian 

hermitage that holds caves below the chapel. Both places are said to 

be where St. Francis sought solitude. 

Also hidden in the hills lies San Damiano, a sanctuary where novices of 

the Franciscan order attend training. 

Basilica of San Francesco 

Built in the 13th century after the saint’s death, the early gothic 

Basilica of San Francesco has been attracting pilgrims for centuries, 

and is considered a masterpiece in more ways than one. 

The upper church has played a significant role in the history of Italian 

art, and features 28 vibrant frescos by the renowned Italian painter and 

architect Giotto, depicting the life of St. Francis. In the lower church 

you’ll find decorated, starry blue vaults that contain the saint’s tomb. 

Basilica of Santa Chiara 

St. Clare of Assisi fled her wealthy family to become the spiritual pupil 

of St. Francis, founding the Order of Poor Ladies (often dubbed Poor 

Clares). In turn she became another significant figure in Christianity 

hailing from Assisi. This gothic church was built immediately after St. 

Clare’s death and is home to many relics of hers and St. Francis. 

A 7-night holiday starts from £625 per person, staying at the Country House Tre Esse. 

Note transfers are not included, car hire is recommended. Speak to one of our Personal Travel Planners on 01293 738112 



Secret 

Worlds 

URBAN WALKING TOURS 

Florence 

Florence on foot is a remarkable way to experience this 

beautiful Renaissance city. 

What’s the best way to grasp a city’s stories? 

You could look up facts and figures in a guidebook, but this 

rarely brings a place to life. 

You can wander the streets and lose yourself in the 

atmosphere, experiencing new sights and sounds you 

wouldn’t otherwise discover. We certainly recommend this 

as one approach. 

But another way is to explore by foot with a local expert: 

someone who will show you things you never noticed before 

and bring historical tales to life! 

That’s what Citalia’s Walking Tours are all about. Join an 

English-speaking local guide who will show you the city in a 

small group and introduce you to the famous sights like you 

never knew them before. 

Complimentary Walking Tour? 

Book three nights or more in any of these cities from 

November to March, and you will receive a complimentary 

walking tour! 

For starters, it’s a highly walkable city. The River Arno is 

strongly tied to the city’s past, as it was once the access 

route for traders. It snakes through the centre, dividing 

Florence into two parts, which are then reconnected 

through ancient and characterful ponti (bridges). 

During your two-hour Small Group Walking Tour, many 

of Florence’s secrets will be unearthed as your guide 

delves into the stories behind the city’s fascinating art and 

architecture. 

• Explore the city’s main square, Piazza della Signoria 

with its town hall, the Palazzo Vecchio, once Florence's 

political heart. You’ll see a replica of Michelangelo’s 

David, set outside as a political statement. 

• Skip the line to visit the world-renowned Santa Maria del 

Fiore Cathedral with Brunelleschi’s famous dome. 

• Observe the exterior of the Baptistery next door, with its 

famous Gates of Paradise, which have been forged out 

of bronze. 

• Witness the medieval two-storey Ponte Vecchio or ‘Old 

Bridge’, lined with small, luxury boutiques. 

• You’ll also receive entrance tickets to the Museum of the 

Misericordia di Firenze. 

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Rome 

Italy’s capital is teeming with stories that take you through 

centuries of diverse history. 

As you stroll the historic centre, you’ll notice an urban 

tapestry with each neighbourhood, from the lively Jewish 

Ghetto, which holds shop windows brimming with traditional 

food specialities such as sour cherry tarts and carciofi alla 

giudia (crispy Jewish artichokes), to the English quarter 

famed for its baroque architecture and Romantic poets. 

• Start your tour at the Spanish Steps, most recently featured 

in the first part of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, 

when Tom Cruise rolled down them in a Fiat 500. 

• Visit the intricate and impressive Trevi Fountain, made 

famous for its scene in the 1960 film classic La Dolce Vita. 

• Discover the Pantheon, once an ancient temple dedicated 

to pagan deities, and today, with another life as a 

Christian church. 

• Venture into Piazza Navona, an impressive square filled 

with decadent fountains and the elaborate artworks of 

Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini, whose 

rivalry was legendary! 

Venice 

The centre of Venice is only accessible to pedestrians, 

making it particularly fitting for a Small Group Walking Tour! 

The floating city is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways, 

further jumbled by crisscrossing bridges of various shapes 

and sizes. It’s easy to get lost here, but somehow, you’ll 

always find your way back to the Grand Canal or Piazza San 

Marco, the city’s principal public square. 

To help you navigate and better understand Venice, spend 

an afternoon escorted by a professional guide. 

• Kick off your tour in Piazza San Marco, which comprises 

three main areas where some of the city’s most important 

monuments and buildings proudly stand. 

• Witness the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica, the famous 

Bell Tower and Clock Tower, and ornate life-sized horse 

sculptures. 

• Observe the enclosed Bridge of Sighs, recognisable from 

its epic scene in the 1963 James Bond film From Russia 

with Love. 

• Walk across the well-preserved Rialto Bridge, the oldest 

of the four bridges that span the renowned Grand Canal. 

• You also have the option of a shared relaxing gondola 

ride to get a unique perspective of the city! 

To find out more about our guided city tours, speak to one of our Personal Travel Planners on 01293 738112 



All Citalia's arrangements were excellent. 

They understood our requirements and chose the perfect 

hotels for us - all were very comfortable, with friendly and 

helpful staff and, crucially, were excellently located. I would 

strongly recommend Citalia for any holiday or visit to Italy. 

Richard Barber 

Citalia took all the stress out of booking a dual centre holiday 

for us. Their help and knowledge were invaluable, 

and they were more than willing to adapt our holiday 

to fit our wishes and our budget perfectly. Thank you. 

Frank Morley 

Complete commitment to finding the best holiday, 

meeting all requirements. Absolutely trustworthy in expertise 

and personal experience of the areas and hotels in Italy. 

Citalia are the experts! 

Elizabeth Thatcher 

Excellent personal service, including suggestions 

for ‘hidden gems’ to visit and tips on places to eat. 

We also received a couple of texts while away to check 

all was fine and to advise of transfer details. 

Thank you to all staff at Citalia - great job! 

Karen H 

To book or find out more, visit Citalia.com 

or speak to one of our Personal Travel Planners on 01293 738112

Andiamo - Summer 24 - Vol 2

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