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Charming Puglia

Taste of sardegna, la dolce vita in toscana.

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Welcome to Benfatti Tours Our boutique Food & Wine Tours of Italy

Escorted small group tours of Italy take you off the beaten tracks where you can experience the amazing true Italian lifestyle. You will savour delicious and locally sourced food and wines, mingle with the locals (including our family!) and dive into the rich Italian culture! Let us show you the authentic “dolce vita”

Ciao! I'm Sara

I’m your dedicated Italian tour leader and travel advisor for your next Italian holiday!

Why choose us

Benfatti Tours is an independent travel provider specialised in curating a select number of boutique food & wine tours of Italy per year. Having lived in Italy and traveled extensively, we have cultivated long-time friendships and relationships with locals that allow us to offer unique and exclusive experiences.

We take pride in selecting small family-run businesses and authentic boutique accommodation, so you can get as close as possible to the traditions and culture of the people we visit.

With our deep love for Italy and our commitment to quality, you’re in for an unforgettable and authentic Italian adventure that you’ll cherish for a lifetime!

The Classic - Central Regions

Join us for a 11 days / 10 nights tour across Lazio, Toscana, Emilia Romagna and Le Marche in central Italy!

Eat and drink your way around the gentle hills of Tuscany on our 6 days/ 5 nights tour of Toscana

Uncover the hidden treasures of Sardegna’s villages on this 7days / 6 nights adventure from north to south.

Explore the unique true taste of the Italian South with our 9 days / 8 nights tour of Puglia

Your Dream Italian Holiday Starts Here

Escorted tours of italy.

• Personally hosted by Sara
• Discover the authentic Italian lifestyle!
• Exclusive access to unique annual experiences!
• Small Groups, 4 to 8 people
• Only available ONCE A YEAR!

Bespoke Itineraries

• Sit back and relax, we plan!
• Fully Customised Itineraries
• Destination Research and Advice ​
• Based on your interests, budget and preferences ​
• Escorted or Self Guided

Our Guests Reviews

Words cannot adequately express how much I loved this tour. From the outset, Sara curated everything on the tour for us based on our likes, wants & the experiences we were looking for. Sara has so much local knowledge of Italia which made our tour one of a kind. From the pasta making, to the cheese making, to the private palace tours, to experiencing the best Tuscany had to offer, I could not recommend Sara & Benfatti tours enough.

It’s hard to put into words how an experience can tick so many bucket list items. Sara and the team at Benfatti Tours are practically perfect in every way. Every detail was perfectly thought out for our group. Our tour was full of memories to last a lifetime. Hard to pick a favourite but truffle hunting was something I never thought I’d get a chance to do. It was an amazing experience. The accommodation was always beautiful and charming and the food choices were immaculate. Sara’s local knowledge and the time she spent with us was beyond anything I have ever experienced on any tour. This is a hard recommend to reach out to Sara when you’re planning your next trip to Italia!

The Benfatti bespoke small group tour of Puglia and Sardinia was everything that the bigger “glossy-magazine-advertising” tour companies struggle to achieve – interesting, fun, village/ family venues, great food and wine, value-for-money, and personal attention to detail.  We had a fantastic time. Thanks Sara and Ben – we will see you again soon.

Ian & Carol

News and updates read our latest articles, an insider guide to visit alberobello in 2024.

Ciao, I am Sara, owner of Benfatti Tours and a curious traveler. I specialise in unique and authentic experiences, slow…

Why an Escorted Tour is the Best Way to Experience Italy

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Private Travel Perfected

Unique, private italy tours. whatever your interest,your own italy has you covered; italian art, ancestry, history & culture, authentic wine tastings, artisanal cooking classes & made-in-italy shopping excursions., the heart and soul of italy, distintive, premier vacations throughout italy, featuring private walking tours, day long tours and excusrions. bask in the history, arts, food and wineitaly thtough the eyes of a local., the art of emotions, experiences that transform you, private guided tours of venice, rome, florence, naples, amalfi coast. see all that italy offers.., make italy your own, create unforgettable vacations, with the custom vacation that makes your trip unique. whatever your heart desires, experience the history, art, museums, churches, culture or fun of italy with one of our italy tours.., private italy tours, vacations, shore excursions  throughout italy.

If you are looking for a vacation that goes beyond the ordinary, you will love our tailor-made private vacation packages, shore excursions and private tours in Italy. These are not just trips or tours, but immersive experiences that will let you discover the true essence of Italy with your loved ones.

You will have the opportunity to see Italy’s most amazing sights with private tours led by local experts. You will learn about Italy’s rich history, art and culture, and enjoy authentic activities such as wine tastings, cooking classes and shopping for Italian products. You will travel in comfort and style with your own driver and guide, who will make you feel like a local.

You will also have the freedom to customize your vacation with the help of our Tour Designer, who is more than a travel agent. Your Tour Designer is your personal assistant who can arrange everything for you, from booking tickets to finding the best restaurants. Whether you want to see a live opera, have a romantic dinner, or discover hidden gems in Italy, we can make it happen. You can choose from our ready-made packages or create your own from scratch. Whatever you choose, we will ensure you have a memorable experience in Italy.

YOUR OWN ITALY PRIVATE VACATION PACKAGES

Amalfi Coast Adventure

Experience authentic italy, unchanged, unaltered.

Rome - Sorrento Discover the gems of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. Set sail on a romantic tour of Capri on your private boat with a bottle of prosecco. Scout the ancient city of Pompeii and view the entire region from the pinnacle of Mt. Vesuvius. Wind through the heights and depths of the Amalfi Coast. This is your Amalfi Coast adventure of a lifetime.

Design Your Own Italy Vacation

This is private travel, perfected. Your Own Italy is proud to offer unique, tailored vacations throughout Italy for couples, families, and friends. We seek to create unforgettable vacations customized to make your trip unique. Our clients are travelers who want to be guided during their time in Italy but do not want to be part of a group. Our experience of over 30...

The Three Cities of Art

Rome, florence and venice.

Rome - Florence - Venice If everyone weren't speaking Italian, you'd be forgiven for thinking you were in three different countries when you visit Rome, Florence, and Venice. Rome is wide, broad, and majestic. Its baroque piazzas are the size of small ball fields and even in its historic center, which in some places dates back to the Middle Ages, the buildings are...

Sicily and the Amalfi Coast

Sorrento, syracuse and taormina.

Sorrento - Syracuse - Taormina This 10-night trip takes you to where the sun always shines! With three nights in Sorrento, three in Syracuse, and three in Taormina, you will visit Pompeii, lunch on Mt. Vesuvius, travel along the Amalfi Coast, cruise to Capri, and take a cable car up Mt. Etna. As a grand finale, you will experience Taormina, Sicily's most gracious...

The Soul of Sicily

Experience the pageantry.

Palermo - Trapani - Agrigento - Syracuse - Taormina This tour of Sicily last almost two weeks and hits all the high spots. From Palermo, Sicily's largest city, to the fishing village of Cefalu’ … from the archeological treasures of Segesta to the beautiful city of Trapani … from salt pans to olive oil … and that’s just the first few days! There's also the Valley of...

Italy's Heart and Soul

Rome and florence.

Rome - Florence Here is the perfect tale of two cities: Italy's "art" and "soul." Rome, once the capital of the western world, remains the secular capital of Italy and the seat of the Catholic Church, and as such should be on the bucket list of anyone who wants to understand western civilization. When Florence began flexing her muscles in the fifteen century, she...

The Eternal, the Spirit and the Art of Italy

Rome, sorrento and florence.

Rome - Sorrento - Florence With English-speaking guides throughout your trip, you’ll start right in the middle, in Rome, where you’ll explore history, art, religion, and more, with private visits to The Vatican Museums and Saint Peter’s Basilica. Then you'll head south into "il Mezzogiorno," where you’ll visit Pompeii, lunch on Mt. Vesuvius, settle into Sorrento,...

The History, the Shore and the Romance of Italy

Rome, sorrento and venice.

Rome - Sorrento - Venice If you are looking for maximum diversity in your Italian vacation, this 11-day trip is the one you want. With the history, religion, art and architecture of Rome, the blue waters of the Amalfi Coast and Capri, and the romance and shopping opportunities of Venice and its nearby islands, you will experience the best Italy has to offer, all...

The Glory of Rome, the Gems of Amalfi

Rome and sorrento.

Rome - Sorrento If you don't believe Italy runs the gamut of human endeavor, try this week-long adventure! It begins with the glory, pomp, and majesty of Rome, ancient, baroque, and modern; takes you through incredible Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius; and concludes on the Amalfi Coast with the tiny urban gems of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello and a romantic boat tour of...

The Lakes and Villages of Northern Italy

Milan, lake como, verona and venice.

Milan - Lake Como - Verona - Venice A trip to Northern Italy is a trip to one of Italy’s most beautiful and romantic regions. Milan, Italy's second-largest city, is a world capital of art and design. Whether experimenting with better ways to lay paint on walls, as with The Last Supper (an experiment that, admittedly, was not entirely successful) or developing...

The Complete Italian Experience

The grand tour of italy.

Venice - Milan - Monterosso - Florence - San Gimignano - Sorrento - Rome This is it: your Grand Tour of Italy. Seventeen days/sixteen nights touring the major regions of our amazing country! Beginning in the northeast, you’ll take in exotic, romantic Venice, then head west to chic and sophisticated Milan, world capital of fashion and design and home of Leonardo da...

Private Italy Tours

Vatican Under the Stars

Your guide will pick you up at your accommodations and accompany you to the Vatican for this enchanting stroll through the galleries of The Vatican Museums after dark! On select Friday evenings you can enjoy ancient sculptures, iconic paintings, and centuries of history brought to life by your private guide, and in the former palaces of the Pope you'll have the opportunity to view sculptures from antiquity that inspired Michelangelo almost 2,000 years later. You'll view the fantastic frescoes in the Raphael Rooms and the Borgia Apartments, named after the private chambers of Borgia Pope...

The Three Basilicas of Rome

Your guide and driver will pick you up at your accommodations and accompany you on a tour to visit the three great patriarchal basilicas of Rome. The Basilica of St. John Lateran, the oldest and most important, has been set aside for use by the Pope as his own parish. The famous church is topped with impressive statues along the outer face and full of beauty inside. The main walls are covered in beautiful frescos from the Renaissance age and the main nave, restored four centuries ago, will leave you in awe! Built between 422-432 under the instruction of Pope Celestine the 1st, the lovely...

Introductory Tour of Rome

Your guide will meet you at your accommodations and will accompany you on your “Dolce Vita” Tour. You’ll uncover the secrets locked in Bernini’s work, marvel at the Pantheon (ancient Rome's best-preserved monument), toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to the Eternal City, and simply enjoy Rome’s charming streets in a leisurely Italian fashion. By the end of the tour, you will realize that your guide has not only shown you around Rome, but has taught you how to get around Rome as if you were a native.

Rome by Night Tour

Your guide will meet you at your accommodations and accompany you on an enchanting tour of the Eternal City. Rome is an entirely different place at night: it glows in the warmth of amber streetlights and shimmers with the golden flames of candles on cafe tables. The stones of ruins and bricks of piazzas take on a surreal and breathtaking quality in the evening that can only be described as romantic. The leisurely late stroll will include many of the most important sights in the city, such as the Pantheon, the Capitoline Hill, the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona.

The Colosseum and Roman Forum Classic

Your guide will pick you up at your accommodations and accompany you on a journey back in time. At the Colosseum, one of the largest structures of the ancient world, Romans once gathered to watch gladiator games, animal contests, and even reenactments of sea battles. A massive stone amphitheater which seated an estimated 60,000 spectators, it was built in only eight years. Your guide will tell you about its design and construction, political purposes, fighters (both willing and unwilling), and eventual demise as an arena. At the Imperial Roman Forum, you will hear about the myths and...

Jewish Rome

Your guide will pick you up at your accommodations and accompany you on a lively tour of Jewish Rome. Ancient Rome, like contemporary New York City, was a sprawling area of diverse people trying to live and do business together. They were Greek, North African, Sicilian . . . and Jewish, many of whom went to Rome to work but ended up settling among their compatriots, building homes, raising families, and becoming vital parts of the Roman community for centuries. Jews have lived in Rome more or less continuously for over two millennia, making Rome’s Jewish community among the oldest in the...

In the Footsteps of the Medici Family

The glory of the Medici family began in the first half of the fifteenth century under the leadership of Cosimo de' Medici. Despite being expelled from the city twice, the family returned each time more determined than before to leave legacies of their absolute power in the form of the visual image. The tour begins at the San Marco Monastery and Museum, housing the world's largest collection of the works of Fra Angelico, an early Renaissance painter whose talent Vasari described as "rare and perfect." The monastery was nurtured by Lorenzo the Magnificent, and its magnificent library contains...

Florentine Food Markets and Tastings

The San Lorenzo market is comprised of two separate markets, but your tour will concentrate on the Central Market ("mercato centrale"), a two-level indoor food market with fresh local produce on the ground floor and restaurants and gourmet shops upstairs. On the other side of town, the slightly smaller market of Sant' Ambrogio retains more of a local flavor. With both outdoor and indoor stalls, it is a colorful place to get a taste of Florentine life any time of year. At both markets, you will enjoy tastings of olive oils, balsamic vinegars, cheeses, meats, and other local delicacies, and...

Cannaregio and the Jewish Ghetto with Chichetti

Your guide will meet you at your accommodations for a journey through winding streets, small squares, and picturesque bridges to the ghettos vecchio, novo, and novissimo (old, new, and newest). The Venetian word “ghetto” referred to its officially-mandated Jewish enclosure, a 16th century mixture of imposed ordinances, lively everyday life, and generally tolerant cosmopolitanism. The Cannaregio area’s open air markets are where Venetians do their food shopping, and the tour will include a break with a before-meal cocktail spritz and a cicheto (Venetian hors d’oeuvres) at a popular Jewish...

The Ca’ Rezzonico Museum, Accademia Gallery, and Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Your guide will meet you at your accommodations. The collections in these museums are among Venice's greatest, ranging from Byzantine and Gothic paintings through Renaissance masters to contemporary art. The opulent, marble-faced Baroque palazzo of the Ca’ Rezzonico Museum, on the Grand Canal, houses art works and objects of 18th century Venice, including paintings by Pietro Longhi, Canaletto, and Francesco Guardi; a collection of Murano glass; and furnishings from an antique Venetian pharmacy, including majolica canisters containing 18th century remedies. A boat will take you to the...

Introductory Tour of Hidden Venice and Gondola Ride

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to Piazza San Marco where your tour will begin with a walk around the square, with special attention to the outside of St. Mark’s Basilica, its Byzantine mosaic renditions of scenes from the life of Christ, and the history of the relics within the basilica. From there you will pass through narrow streets and small squares to La Fenice, Venice’s great opera house. Your tour ends with a private gondola ride.

Boat Tour to Murano and Burano

If you are looking for a unique and memorable experience in Venice, you should not miss this private boat tour to Murano and Burano, two islands famous for their handicrafts and architecture. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel and will accompany you to your private boat. You’ll speed along the Venetian Lagoon and enjoy the stunning views of the city and its surroundings.

Florence in a Day from Rome

Your driver will pick you up at your accommodations and take you directly to Rome's train station to board the high-speed train to Florence, where your tour guide will be waiting for you. Among the sights you'll see before lunch are the Piazza della Signoria and its beautiful outdoor sculptures, symbols of the rise of municipal power, and the Piazza della Repubblica, originally the old Roman forum and later the site of the main markets and Jewish ghetto. The tour will continue to the Piazza del Duomo, the location of the cathedral complex, which includes the Baptistery, Giotto's Campanile,...

Excursion to the Town of Asolo and the Venetian Villas

Your guide will meet you at your accommodations and accompany you to meet your driver. This region was, for most of its history, an independent republic, beginning life at the close of the Roman Empire as an outpost of refugees fleeing barbarian invaders; by the early Renaissance, thanks to some strategic looting and a location at the head of the Adriatic Sea, it had become an independent "republic" and one of the richest and most powerful cities in Europe. It did not become part of Italy until the 19th century. This tour begins with the beautiful 16th to 18th century villas along the Brenta...

Excursion to Vicenza and Verona

Vicenza and Verona are small cities, but between them is archeological, architectural, and artistic evidence of just about every significant period in Italy's history. In Vicenza, the emphasis is on the elegant and extremely influential work of sixteenth century architect Andrea Palladio, whose rediscovery of the building styles of the ancient Greeks and Roman changed the appearance of Europe forever and greatly affected construction design in the New World, as well. The city's beautiful historical center and environs boast numerous Palladio buildings, including his Olympic Theater and Villa...

The Roman Countryside Tour

Your driver will pick you up at your accommodations and accompany you to Tivoli, a historic hill town lying east of Rome in the breathtaking Monte Tiburtini hills. Your guide will meet you at the Villa d’Este, a former Benedictine convent considered to be one of the most enchanting villas of the late Renaissance period. You'll discover how the building was created as a lavish home for the son of Lucretia Borgia, that scandalous Italian duchess who created so much drama in 15th century Italy. The famous Fountain of Neptune is only one of the villa’s 500 fountains; its other outdoor delights...

Excursion to Pisa and the Town of Lucca

Your private driver will pick you up at your accommodations and accompany you to Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa where you will meet your guide. You’ll visit the splendid Cathedral complex comprised of the Duomo, completed in 1092, the marble Baptistery, a majestic circular-plan Romanesque building completed in 1153, and the Leaning Tower - one of the most beautiful and famous bell towers in the world. With a reserved ticket, you can reach the top of the tower for a truly memorable experience. Your driver will then take you to the nearby town Tuscan town of Lucca, known for its cobblestone...

Pompeii in a Day from Rome

If you must see Pompeii - and you must - but had not intended on venturing further south than Rome, let Your Own Italy handle the logistics. You will be driven in a private car directly from your accommodations to the world’s most well-preserved ancient town, Pompeii where your private guide will be waiting for you. Your guide will lead you through its wealthy dwellings, whose residents enjoyed vivid wall frescoes and airy courtyards, as well as the more plebeian residences, whose inhabitants ate on the go, groomed at public baths, and attended the 500-person amphitheater in the shadow of the...

Featured Vacation Package

Milan - Lake Como - Verona - Venice A trip to Northern Italy is a trip to one of Italy’s most beautiful and romantic regions. Milan, Italy's second-largest city, is a world capital of art and design...

Carmen's Corner

Carmen Carbonell

Carmen Carbonell is founder and President of Your Own Italy. Carmen was born in the United States. Following college, she married an Italian and moved to Rome, where she raised 4 sons. She also developed a passionate love for Italy – its art, its architecture, its cities, its countryside, its culture and cuisines, and its people. Now, after nearly 30 years living in Italy, Carmen wants to share her love for Italy with American travelers who...

Fit for Emperors & Popes

Rome's Castelli towns make for relaxing getaways from the city First Roman emperors, then pontiffs. Throughout the ages, when the powerful and the privileged wanted to escape the summer heat of Rome, they headed for their villas in the hills -- the Alban Hills, that is, southeast of Rome...

What Our Clients Say

Firstly, the team with Your Own Italy was outstanding and did such an incredible job of managing our itinerary. They were on top of everything and we loved having them as a resource for us throughout the trip. We visited 8 cities in all!

The tour guides they provided were exceptional and so knowledgeable. The restaurant selections were excellent and activities amazingly unique providing us with memories of a life time.

We are so happy and grateful for the expert advise and carefully selected experiences. The trip exceeded our wildest expectations.

Our wish is that we have this company in every country in Europe so we can have that level of service for future trips. We plan to return to Italy again and will definitely use them again. We highly recommend them!!! Our favorite places were Sorrento, Florence, Tuscany county side and Lake Como.

October 2023

Thank you Carmen! We are definitely sad to be back in the states after an incredible few weeks in Italy! We cannot thank you and your team enough for curating an insanely memorable experience and certainly a trip of a lifetime. From start to finish our experience was seamless and nothing but enjoyable. Each and every guide and driver enhanced our experience and made this a trip we will never forget. Aside from having to cancel our boat tour of Capri due to weather, our agenda was perfect throughout. Our experience far exceeded our expectations, Thank you!

While there were plenty of highlights, I do have to mention Vittoria who was so great to work with every day. She was proactive and responsive and made our experience stress free. Beginning with our Captain in Como, Carlo and our driver down the Amalfi Coast, Alberto Cocacola:), Gabby in Capri, Stefania, Yevgen and Marco (such a cool tour) in Rome, Antonella in Venice and Mirella in Milan, the entire team provided us with a once in a lifetime experience. If there is anywhere else you would us to leave a review, please let me know as we would be more than happy to do so.

Lastly, the one portion of our trip we booked directly was a private wine experience throughout Tuscany with Tom De Vries of Sommelier’s Choice. If you are ever looking for a partner in that region or specific to vineyard tours/experiences, I would highly recommend Tom. This too was another incredible highlight as we stayed in the gorgeous town of Cortona and visited 8 vineyards over 2.5 spectacular days in Tuscany. I would be happy to connect you via email if you have an interest.

Thank you again! We will definitely be in touch when we plan our return trip to Italy

We had the dream trip of a lifetime thanks to Yourownitaly.com. Carmen planned and Melissa executed a flawless vacation for 6. We were met promptly each morning, had great specialized guides at each location (Pompeii, Mt. Etna, Capri specifically). The accommodations were perfectly located and the trip while very active was not exhausting. We loved our cooking class with Gilda. Again thanks to Carmen, Melissa and the Yourownitaly team for an unforgettable vacation!!

We had such a great and memorable experience.

All the guides were great! Friendly, knowledgeable and patient. We are so glad we decided to use your company. It was the best decision we could have made!

Having each day scheduled, with all the arrangements made, was absolutely the best way to go. All the areas we visited (Rome, Amalfi Coast & Venice) were incredible and seeing each for 3-4 days was ideal for us.

We are so pleased with our experience with Your Own Italy. A big thank you to Carmen and her team for designing a wonderful trip to Italy for us. We had the opportunity to visit Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, Amalfi coast, Florence, Tuscany and Venice and loved every minute of it!

All of our accommodations were fantastic – rooms with views, breakfast buffet, friendly staff, quiet, convenient locations.

We’d like to thank each of our tour guides, Marco Lori, Maria Rosaria, Andrew (Pompeii), Gabby and Roberto (Capri), Amal and Lisa (Florence), Elio (Siena) and Antonella, for great experiences. Our guides were knowledgeable as well as friendly. We learned so much! We have some great photos and memories of each city we visited.

All of our drivers were prompt and professional. We’d especially like to thank our Amalfi coast driver Angelo and our Florence-to-Tuscany driver Timothi, who made sure that we enjoyed our drives with special views, stops and wonderful conversation.

All details, including restaurant reservations, were handled by Your Own Italy and everything went smoothly. Each evening Vittoria would update us with details for the following day. So nice to know she was available to help us and this made it so easy for us to relax and enjoy our day.

Some trip highlights – food & wine walking tour in Trastevere, wine tasting at Bosco de Medici Winery (the wine was great, the food was sooo good), Amalfi coast tour with lunch in Ravello, Capri boat tour (a lot of fun), food & wine at Villa Machiavelli, a stay at the beautiful agriturismo Mormoraia, gorgeous views from Siena, gondola and water taxi rides in Venice, and guided visits to Murano and Burano. And we had the most delicious food every day!

Venice, Italy , October 2023

Rome to Sorrento and Amalfi

First time using an agency to customize a vacation and YourOwnItaly was absolutely amazing. Every aspect from the original planning to in-country support was handled in a professional manner with drivers, tour guides, accommodations, and activities flawlessly executed. We had a small group of four and everyone agreed we would not only recommend YourOwnItaly but use them again for any future Italy vacations.

Date of experience: October 2023

Rome to Sorrento and Amalfi , Oct. 2023

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• Beyond Italy

Boutique tours in Italy: 3 authentic experiences for small groups

Jun 26, 2022 | Destinations & Seasonality , Tailor-made Tours & Holidays

Are you looking for authentic travel experiences in Italy for small groups of less than 20 people? Then boutique tours are the perfect solution for you.

A boutique tour provides unique and genuine itineraries and activities that cater to a specific taste, to a niche. Small groups allow for more personalised service and a more sustainable approach to tourism. This is one of the positive travel trends that has become popular because of the pandemic and that we hope is here to stay.

You might have heard about “ revenge travel “. This expression is today used to describe an increase in people wanting to make up for time and experiences lost to the pandemic. It has emerged as a dominant touristic behaviour, signalling a rapid return of global tourism , but with a greater desire to stay longer. Since our inception many years ago, we have supported this approach at Italian Special Occasions DMC & Events . But we are also noticing a return to some old habits, like choosing mass tourism spots without considering local seasonality or cultural tourism.

Luckily, we also know that most event managers and travellers are flexible and eager to listen and accept expert advice. For example, we were recently contacted by a company that wanted to organise a workation in Cinque Terre during summer. We listened to their needs and objectives and then explained how their desired destination might not be ideal in terms of logistics, impact on the local environment, and costs – at least not in summer. We proposed Umbria as an alternative, Italy’s green lung, a surprisingly beautiful region off the beaten path. We conceived some authentic experiences for a sustainable workation focused on educated travel , discovering hidden gems , and eating healthy local food in unusual places like the woods – for a complete immersion in nature and culture. The company embraced our philosophy with open arms and became our Client!

Thank you again for organizing everything for us – I have received very nice feedback from the group! 🙏🏻Absolutely wonderful! – Testimonial by one of our boutique tour clients

Whether you want to organise a workation , incentive or leisure vacation in Italy for a small group of people, we have many authentic experiences and itineraries under our #BeyondItaly initiative . Let’s discover three examples!

Foodie Umbria: a land of delicious flavours

If food is your primary area of interest, Umbria is the perfect destination for an unforgettable and tasty boutique tour.

Imagine yourself visiting Montecchio, a perfectly preserved village hidden among thick woods of incomparable beauty and rolling hills of olive trees. One of the region’s best extra virgin olive oils is produced here, thanks to the local population’s tireless efforts in hand picking the olives during autumn. Umbrian oil represents only about 2% of Italian olive oil production but is proportionately awarded a much higher number of prizes for its quality! Our idea for the perfect day out here? A visit to the Olive Oil Museum, where one of the rarest examples of a 16th-century press is exhibited, followed by an aperitivo under the olive groves and lunch in an old oil mill where you will taste specialities accompanied by the best local wines.

Truffles are another product of excellence in Umbria. While they are considered a luxury product internationally, truffles are part of the ancient local tradition. As part of our authentic boutique tours, you can join a hunter and his truffle dog in the quest to find these precious tubers surrounded by the sounds of nature. Along the way, you will uncover secrets and curiosities about the woods and plants of this magical region.

Wandering in Abruzzo: the wonders of nature

If you dream of a holiday or team building in the wilderness, an intimate and personalised nature tour in Abruzzo is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Get ready for an excursion aboard a canoe in the turquoise waters of the Tirino, the cleanest river in Italy. In this remote and unspoiled corner of the Abruzzo hinterland, you can observe the landscape from a different angle and regenerate your body and mind by immersing yourself in the cold waters of the river.

Have you ever heard of the transumanza ? The transhumance is a seasonal movement of livestock between fixed summer and winter pastures. In Abruzzo, this practice dates from time immemorial. One unforgettable experience is horse riding along the tratturi , or the ancient drovers’ roads that permitted the passage and grazing of herds between Abruzzo and Apulia. Along the way, you can appreciate the deep connection between humans and nature and admire the majestic peaks of the Gran Sasso.

Creative Sicily: ancient crafts and cultural gems

Love culture and crafts? Consider a boutique tour on the island of Sicily, which has long been a meeting point and a melting pot of various cultures and religions.

One of the authentic experiences you cannot miss is a visit to Santo Stefano di Camastra to learn about its handcrafted pottery, for centuries a synonym of excellence worldwide. Picture yourself in the charming bottega (workshop) of a master ceramicist who tells you the history of this art and its ancient origins dating back to the Arab era and the subsequent fusion of the peoples who dominated the island. Admire the process with which a shapeless piece of clay becomes a unique object and learn the difference between the different Sicilian pottery styles!

The list of hidden gems around Sicily is endless. One we would like to mention is the Cathedral of Messina that, despite the numerous destructions caused by the earthquake and the Second World War, still fascinates us for its beauty. The elegant bell tower contains the world’s largest mechanical and astronomical clock. The Cathedral also hides the secret Norman crypt, an underground church discovered in 2009, full of ancient columns from the Greek-Roman and Byzantine periods.

Do you need help designing the best boutique tours for your business or vacation needs?

Our mission is to provide sustainable experiences for small groups, combining learning and travel with new sights, sounds, flavours, textures, and genuine activities.

In the modern world of digital relations, fast food and skyscrapers, at ISO DMC we believe in the need to experience a new level of relaxation while you get soaked in the local history and traditions of a destination respecting nature and the environment.

Contact us : we will be happy to help you design your sustainable boutique tour and collect unforgettable memories during your corporate event or holidays!

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Travel to Italy's Lake District

Summer 2022.

Exclusive Wine Tours and Luxury Vacations in Italy Since 1996.

Divine tours is a boutique tour company specializing in exclusive vineyard tours, gourmet itineraries, and specialty programs in italy. our level of unsurpassed quality delivers extraordinary experiences to a sophisticated clientele..

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What we offer.

Whether it’s a single day-trip to the wineries in Tuscany, an archeologist guide to uncover the secrets of Rome, or a complete 12-day private group tour to Puglia or Sicily;  we take care of every detail to guarantee a truly DiVine Experience.

We arrange visits to intimate cellars and famous vineyards, take you to castles and secret boutique hotels, guide you through museums and historical locations, offer different styles of cooking lessons and also find you beautiful villa rentals. We coordinate everything so you don’t have to worry about anything but your airfare.

All of our tours and services follow CDC safety guidelines and measures.

DiVine Tours is the best kept secret for Italian wine and gourmet travel since 1996.

Upcoming Tours & Year-Round Services in ITALY

We offer several boutique, small-group tours each year and vary the regions we visit. Reserve your space now OR Schedule any of our individual services out of Florence, Rome, and any other major cities you may be visiting on your own.

New Destinations

Our White-Glove Services and tours are available year-round. Reserve your space for our daily tours or any of our upcoming small group Vip Vacation Programs.

DiVine Tours Offers

Luxury travel.

Our level of unsurpassed quality promises you the most extraordinary experiences throughout Italy. At DiVine Tours, LUXURY & COMFORT are a MUST & part of our services & products at all levels. Luxury for us is not a price tag, it is simply a standard.

Transportation

We take care of all your transportation needs once you land in Italy. From a direct airport pickup to a panoramic city tour or cross-country transfer, our private drivers & company fleets offer every type of vehicle.

EXCLUSIVE WINERIES

Our knowledge & longstanding relationships in the Italian wine world allow us access to exclusive properties in the entire country. Our directors & expert staff have winery experience & trade relations which greatly enhance our wine tours & cellar visits.

Gourmet Food

From exquisite restaurants & trattorias to unforgettable cooking classes; we'll introduce you to the best food, culinary traditions, & hidden gems not always exposed to travelers.

Planning Services

We are always available to speak in person. Our representatives speak English (Italian & Spanish) and available to assist with all your trip specifics & planning. Once you get to Italy you will receive the same assistance from our local hostess/concierge. We operate our own trips & services & control quality every single step of the way. We also offer exclusive Villa Rentals.

Best of Italy

Our coordinators, guides, art historians, hostesses & drivers have the distinction of being the best in their fields & are all certified by the Italian Tourism Department. They have the finesse & knowledge to bring a uniqueness in travel only we can offer.

“For wine enthusiasts interested in the ultimate wine experience, one needn’t look any further than Chianti’s premier tour operator, Myriam Angulo to provide a tasting experience like no other. – Mary Beth Merari, Buon Gusto Magazine

Testimonials

Happy thanksgiving to Divine Tours. I am glad to hear you are planning wonderful future trips despite the pandemic. We have such wonderful memories of travelling with you and feel so fortunate that we had those opportunities given the current travel conditions. All the best to you and here’s hoping we see you somewhere in beautiful Italy in the near future. Wishing joy over the Christmas season.

Connie V. (Canada),

“Jackie and I traveled a lot and have done other tours, all of these pale in comparison to this (Divine Sicily) tour, the absolute best ever!”

George Vanderhule,

Myriam: Together with you, Bill and your knowledgeable guides you have created a beautiful way to experience Italy. Your travelers have nothing to worry about! Just pack their bags and be ready for one of the best travel experiences of their life! Myriam our hats go off to you! Continue your fantastic trips! Hope to see you again very soon and explore some more of our beloved Italy!!! Baci, Sandy and George

Sandy and George ,

Hi Myriam, I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our day with Divine Tours. We had an amazing day. Alessandro was a fantastic guide for our family and Grazziano was a great driver. The two wineries/vineyards were awesome, and they were really different from each other, in a good way. We also got to visit some small villages along the way. We couldn’t have asked for anything more from our day with you.

She (Myriam) knows everyone in Italy and all the best places. She lived there many years. She was married to an Italian and she has dual citizenship. In Florence we stayed at this amazing place that would have cost us $1000 a night on our own for the suite we had. With Divine Tours We have been places where normal tourist don't even know about. Call Myriam, we highly recommend her company.

JOAN AND DAVID. K,

I wanted you to know that our guide was fabulous! He was an archeologist that trained other tour guides, so he knew everything about everything. I would recommend him to everyone and anyone. Thanks for your help

Susan G from California,

Michele was THE MOST BRILLIANT driver in the world. Like absolutely amazing. I totally loved him – as did my whole family. It was absolutely brilliant – thank you so much!!!!! And huge thanks to Michele – he was great. Kindest, Susan

Susan, London England,

"I just wanted to thank you for all the arrangements you made in Italy--the house, the hotel in Pisa, the car. Everything worked out great! The house was lovely--just perfect for us. We tried to visit you in Radda, but we probably got there just a bit too late. Sorry we didn't get a chance to meet you. Anyway, thanks again, and I hope to be able to send some referrals your way. Ciao! "

Stewart & Jody,

"My daughter Anne and I had a wonderful experience going to Italy for my son Paul and Wanda wedding in August, 2002. I was impressed with the beauty of the Chianti region wich we were able to enjoy thanks to the good choices made by DiVine Tours, Myriam, our guide. The restaurants where we ate had exquisite food, the vineyards where we did the wine tasting were beautiful in the rolling hills, interspersed with olive trees; all gave us the unforgettable flavor of Tuscany. I want to go back and spend more time in that beautiful area. Thank you very much. "

Maria Marta Air-Paul,

"We want you to know that out trip to Tuscany was simply wonderful, and DiVine tours was a major reason for our good time. The arrangements, the itinerary, the wonderful guides (especially Cristina) and most of all your personal attention to us was out of this world. We will never forget your energy, warmth and care of us. As we said to you, we were not exactly sure what to expect, but in our wildest dreams we could not have imagined how good DiVine tours really is. We thank you most sincerely for your efforts, which were often above and beyond the call of duty. You can know that you made two Canadians very happy with your friendship."

Keith and Helen Black,

"Our trip was one of a lifetime and we appreciate your part in making it that. We tell everyone who is interested in visiting Tuscany to be sure to get in touch with you at 'A Bit of Tuscany'. Hopefully, you will see some of them one of these days. Arrivederci e con affetto...."

Sandy and Jack,

"DiVine Tours is an Operation specializing in programs which have the distinction of being the most comprehensive wine tours in Tuscany. Enrolled in the Masters of Wine Preparatory Program and a Hospitality graduate of Florida International University, Myriam is known for providing VIP access to the smaller, lesser known vineyards and winemakers, as well as larger internationally recognized producers. During her tours guests receive first-class treatment as they are guided through tastings, and cellar visits. Meals take place at castles with winemakers, as well as in local and famous restaurants in addition to visiting places of historical and artistic importance. Myriam, a charming and knowledgeable hostess, leaves no stone unturned in her tasting tours and instruction. Under her guidance, guests can be assured that not only will they leave Tuscany having learned, they will have also fallen in love with a whole new world of wines unknown to them before."

Buon Gusto Magazine,

"We are finally back in hot, hot, Miami. Everyone is trying to get back into things even if all we want to do is gaze out at beautiful vineyards, taste some new and interesting wines, and above all have Myriam escort us and take us to truly awesome lunches where she knows who's who and what's what! It will take some time to have our feet on the ground--and that is a good thing! Thanks so much for your knowledgeable tour and your graciousness. We all have fond memories and are excited to tell everyone about your specialty in those beautiful hills and mountains. We really liked Radda, how lucky you are to be there! But if you are ever visiting in Maimi, remember you are welcome at our table! We'd love to see you and will certainly recommend you to all...we are hoping to put together some kind of wine group. Thanks again, take care of yourself around the curves, Ciao, Bella"

The Dominguez Family,

"We had THE BEST trip this past March with Myriam and Divine Tours! The choice of places we visited were an excellent mix and we loved having some free time on our own as well. Everything from the hotels, travel guides, city tours, meals and transportation were so well organized and first class. I can not recommend Divine Tours enough to friends and family! We had such a wonderful experience that we are planning another trip for March 2013- can't wait!!!"

SFLMom, Fort Lauderdale,

"For wine enthusiasts interested in the ultimate wine experience, one needn't look any further than Chianti's premier tour operator, Myriam Angulo to provide a tasting experience like no other. "

Mary Beth Merari, Buon Gusto Magazine,

"DiVine Tours combines top rate accommodations with unparalleled educational opportunities. Myriam combines her own cultural, historical and logistical expertise with an amazing assortment of local resources so that each element of a tour is uniquely rich and rewarding. Every trip becomes a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience."

Michael Gogna,

Espressino Travel stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement and against racism. Read our full statement here.

Discover this spectacular corner of Italy on our award-winning culinary tours

Based in the beautiful baroque town of Lecce, our Puglia tours explore the places, people and flavours of this wonderful Southern Italian region.

After the sun sets in Lecce, the city comes alive. Join us as we discover Lecce by Night, encountering local culture and street food in the Florence of the South.

espressino travel puglia tours

Unique, boutique culinary holidays in italy.

Join us for incredible, unforgettable tours in Puglia, the fascinating heel of the Italian boot. Espressino Travel will be your personal guides on weeklong Puglia culinary tours and day tours from our home in the stunning city of Lecce.

As we travel the region, you will partake in hands-on cooking classes, interact with locals, dine at amazing restaurants and explore the cuisine and culture of Southern Italy's last great undiscovered destination. With our team's insider local knowledge of Puglia, we provide authentic, exciting and engaging vacations that independent travellers simply can't find on their own. Visit for a week; be changed for life. Andiamo in Italia!

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Our award-winning Puglia tours visit the region's best sights while immersing you in the incredible local cuisine, wine and culture. Everything is included in the cost of our weeklong Puglia tour: luxury accommodation, all meals including wine, cooking lessons, excursions, guided tours, transfers, culinary experiences and entry fees. All you need to do is book your travel to Puglia; we will do the rest for you.

Espressino Travel was founded on a passion for Puglia. After countless vacations, and an unforgettable summer in Lecce, we became part of an amazing community of friends, teachers, chefs and hosts. Inspired by our experiences, we realized that the region, its people and its culture were too good not to share with the world. Join us on our Puglia tour and we believe you'll fall in love just like we did!

our inspiration

Guidebooks call Lecce the Florence of the South. The reality is even better. A city of baroque treasures and culinary delights, Lecce has somehow remained unspoilt by tourism. Lecce may be the jewel in Puglia's crown, but the region is bursting with undiscovered gems full of amazing food and wine. But above all, it is the warmth and kindness of the locals that makes the region the perfect place for our Puglia tours.

Benvenuti Tutti : Everyone is Welcome

Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to our core values at Espressino Travel. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences: whether it’s age, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, religion or sexual orientation. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our guests; where everyone can comfortably be themselves and experience the beauty of Italy.  

To give thanks to our wonderful host country and the communities in which we work, we support worthy local causes including post-Earthquake rehabilitation work in Central Italy and life-saving support work for immigrant families and refugees in Southern Italy. For more information please contact us. 

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Savour Italy Tours

Your Italy Travel Specialists

Savour Italy Tours is a boutique tour design company specializing in custom itineraries for singles, couples, friends, families.

Itineraries

Classic destinations, special interest, regional full immersion.

Personalized Experiences

We build tailor-made packages for every travel style. The tours are personalized to fit your interests. Visit the locations you want, indulge in local cuisine, learn about art, history, architecture, and much more. You are guaranteed a great experience and our tour experts are more than ready and available to meet your requests and curate a tour that you will never forget.

Discover Tours by Interest

Food and culinary, sightseeing, the savour italy difference.

Our itineraries are fully customizable based on your destination wish-list, travel habits and budget. We are true destination experts, some of whom lived in Italy and others who live there now. We know the country inside and out and have gained years of hands-on experience necessary to best assist you and provide a first-class experience. We offer in-country support so that you feel protected from the time you land to the time you take off. Whether you are travelling for a week or an extended vacation, you can feast your eyes on Italy’s best sites, indulge in authentic local cuisine, savour masterpieces of art, or tour small villages – we’ll take care of all the planning and accommodate any requests!

Let's Get Started!

We'd love to help you plan your perfect trip to Italy.

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Let your clients experience our escorted tours. Carefully selected, classy itineraries, accompanied by our multilingual experts...

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For small/medium private groups (friends, families, collegues or else) let us propose an elegant tailor-made tour, designed just for you...

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If your clients are to experiencing italian landscapes without driving themselves, they might appreciate our Smart GUIDE Drivers...

Davincitravels is your cultural Tour Operator and DMC in Italy. Carefulness, reliability and precise organization are our creed in order to make your trip unforgettable. Italy numbers over 50 Unesco sites that we love, as well as our traditions, folklore, monuments, arts. Our aim is to well arrange the exploration, the acquaintanceship and the essence of our country, at reasonable prices and with fine logistics. Excellence, both in beauty and culture.

The journey as an aesthetic experience. Beauty as a mean of overcoming prejudices among people. The physical knowledge of places and cultures generates awe, wonder and reveals the globality of human intelligence and nature.

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Luxury Tours & Trips to Italy

Searching for a top-class touring experience? Look no further, as our luxury adventures of Italy will walk you through exceptional destinations such as Rome and Florence. Explore and discover new cultures while enjoying premium services and facilities. Experience the best  luxury tours  in the world with TourRadar!

205 Luxury Italy tour packages with 2,189 reviews

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• Hiking & Trekking

Small Group Tour of Sicily: Highlights (Maximum 8 Guests)

This was a great experience. Four Australians and four from the USA. The hotels were top notch, the tour guides knowledgeable, the communication was very well done. There was one glitch related to transporting luggage from one hotel to another, which was immediately fixed. Wine tours, included meals and of course Sicily. All eight of us enjoyed this tour immensely, and my wife and I will definitely travel via Tour Radar again. Would love to assemble the same group!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Tour (Maximum 8 Guests)

Well organized tour, very good accommodation, excelent quality of tasted food including the one on markets. Cooking class led by excellent chef cook with sense of humor. Professional guides, professional drivers. There is nothing to complain about. I'll certainly come back to Sicily. One comment: please leave more time to visit Noto.

Best of Sicily - 8 Days (Small Group Tour)

Great tour hotel in taoromina not senior citizen friendly though centrally placed

Italy Family Holiday

I took my 12 year old son on the Intrepid Family Adventure. We had an amazing time. The guide was helpful, considerate and lots of fun. Playing games with the kids in the pool and making sure everyone was comfortable and happy. The pace was fantastic for a family with the mornings full of exploring with the group and the afternoons reserved for free time for families to spend together. Our highlight was the sailing trip to Capri. Can't recommend highly enough

• Coach / Bus

Best of Italy (Classic, Summer, 11 Days)

My wife and I took the Best of Italy tour in September, 2017. The tour director (Debra) and bus driver (Alessio) were excellent. The itinerary was also excellent. We visited all of the sights in Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Venice, Pisa, Assissi, Pompei, Sorrento, Positano, and Capri. The hotels were average at best. All of the breakfast buffets were disappointing. We had terrific lunches at rest stops while driving from city to another. The food at these rest stops is surprisingly good. My biggest complaint is the included group dinners which were either at the hotel or in a restaurant. These dinners did not offer any choice of meals. They just served everyone the same thing where the food was tasteless and sometimes inedible. My whole life I heard how amazing the food in Italy is supposed to be. Because this happened on several dinners, I cannot give Insight a overall good review. On the days where were able to eat out on our own for either lunch or dinner, we did enjoy the food at restaurants that we found by recommendations.

• Christmas & New Year

Lakes & Lagoon: Como, Lake Garda & Venice, 6 days private tour

Well organised. Excellent group. Both Tour Leader Federica and Bus Driver Filippo did an excellent job as a team. This was one memorable trip for our family!

Sicilian Secrets

The trip was well organized. The guide - Placido certainly knew his subjects and was very happy to answer questions. The accomodation was all very good as were the breakfasts. .The group was large and I didn't realise that when I booked. Also you did need to be fit ( I am) but some people found the wakking/steps very difficult

The Best of Italy

Sometimes it took quite a while to hear from anyone when I had a question.

• Wine tasting

Charming Sicily Food & Wine Small Group Tour - 8 days

I really enjoyed the tour!

Venice & the Jewels of Veneto (2024) (Venice to Venice, 2024)

Premium Sicily

Premium Puglia

• Educational

Enchanting Italy With Luxury Stay & Business Class Train Rides

A Fantastic Journey- Tuscany Small Group Bike Tour

We had an amazing trip. Luca and Rikky were both on our tour and they are the owners so everything was carefully thought through. The route, bikes, hotels and meals were all great! I would recommend the trip in a heartbeat. My husband, myself and our 21 year old daughter did the trip.

The best of Tuscany - 5 days private tour

What people love about luxury tours in italy.

This tour was the very best experience we have ever had traveling overseas. The booking process was seamless and painless. We felt especially grateful that while the group was limited to 8 participants, it was guaranteed to proceed with 2 people. As it ended up, our trip was just me and my husband and we felt so fortunate to have had the attention of the guides in such a personal way. The guides were all tremendous and I am confident that a larger group would have felt equally tended to. Special thanks to our guides and drivers: Denise, Orazio, Roberto, Carlos, Fabio and Massimo. Part of what was truly evident was how passionate they each were about Sicily and how many of them had connections with people at the restaurants, local businesses and attractions that we went to. We felt like we were in such good hands during the time we were with all of the guides. Each tour and activity was enlightening and educational. The included lunches and other meals were top notch. The opening night walking food and wine tour was a great way to kickoff the trip. There were some others who joined us for that portion, and it was most welcome. I don't think it would have been as much fun for the restaurants and enoteca to have just 2 people and the guide show up, and we knew the rest of the trip we would have individual attention. We felt pampered with our lunches on the Mafia tour, at the winery on Etna, in Marzememi and Agrigento. There was never a feeling of penny-pinching, more plush and like what we would have chosen for ourselves! The selected hotels were excellent! Centrally located, each with a fantastic breakfast spread and fun bar/restaurants. We would happily go back to any of them again and recommend them. We loved the scheduling each day and felt like we had a great mix of free time to explore on our own. Lastly, Graziana was out lifeline while we were traveling. She connected with us daily to check in, and to share the next days plan and name of our guide and where they would meet us. She made dinner reservations for us while we were there and provided recommendations that were helpful. We didn't encounter any issues, but felt that we had a ready ally if needed. Massimo also checked in midtrip, so we truly felt like everyone was interested in us having the best possible trip. I cannot wait to return to Sicily. We have recommended Sicily Activities to many people since our return and would book again in a heartbeat.

The food and guides were great! Hotels were very comfortable. Drivers were excellent!

Lovely tour. Great guides, nice hotels, perfect itunerary.

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More From Forbes

5 boutique luxury hotels you can’t miss in sri lanka.

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Sri Lanka may conjure ideas of tropical coastlines flanked with palm-trees but this island is more than just a paradise for beaches. With 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sacred cities and tea plantations, there’s a lot to experience in Sri Lanka’s interior during your trip. The “Cultural Triangle” — which includes Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Kandy — showcases the glory of Sri Lanka’s ancient empires, while its hill towns speak to its modern history as a British colony and are ideal for hiking, relaxing and immersing yourself in the country’s lush landscapes.

Here are the best luxury hotels to stay in to explore the many marvels of Sri Lanka’s vast interior. And if you’re looking for beachside accommodations, check out the best boutique hotels along Sri Lanka’s southern coast .

Uga Ulagalla

Effusively elegant and refined, Uga Ulagalla is the flagship property of Uga Escapes, a locally owned, sustainable luxury hospitality brand that boasts six hotels throughout the country. Opened in 2010, this sumptuous estate captures the country’s Dutch colonial flair: the hotel has 25 villas with pools dotted throughout the vast property with tasteful furnishings like chaise lounges, four-poster beds and stand-alone bathtubs. You can pick between views of the green paddy field, jungle fauna or tranquil lakes.

An expansive estate that sits on 58 acres, Sri Lanka's lush vegetation is on your doorstep, whether you opt to go kayaking or horseback riding in lakes with flowering lily pads or cycling through to nearby villages. The property can also arrange guided tours of cultural attractions including the Sacred City of Anuradphaura, with its many Buddhist temples and stupas, and Mihintale, an important pilgrimage site set upon three peaks. If you’re after the local fauna, book a scenic game drive that takes you off-the-beaten-path to Nachchaduwa Lake, a popular spot that attracts a myriad of birds, buffalos and elephants.

Uga Ulagalla’s 150-year-old mansion is the focal point of the property where you can enjoy your breakfast al fresco on the upper deck of Liyawela restaurant or sunbathe at the main swimming pool. In the evening, don’t miss the property’s signature “Kamatha” dining experience which serves an endless array of traditional Sri Lankan curries in a typical village home surrounded by paddy fields. A veritable epicurean feast, the spread features seasonal vegetables from the property's organic farm — like luffa gourd and starfruit — along with lake fish and free-range meats sourced from local farmers. A multi sensory experience for the palate.

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Water Garden Sigiriya

Just a short drive from Sigiriya, a 5 th -century AD royal palace located on top of a towering rock that dominates the skyline, Water Garden Sigiriya is an ideal base to visit Sri Lanka’s leading attraction. Set upon dozens of shimmering ponds and streams, the resort’s landscaping pays homage to the landscape designs atop Sigiriya’s citadel where Prince Kashyapa implemented advanced water irrigation techniques 2,000 years ago.

Water Garden Sigiriya is home to abundant wildlife, including 200 peacocks that roam freely around 30 spacious villas set upon the manicured property. Deluxe Villas are partially submerged on a natural lake, while Superior Deluxe Villas offer exclusive views of Sigiriya and boast spacious sundecks with private pools. At the center of the property, Twin Level Bar overlooks Water Garden Sigiriya's scenic outdoor swimming pool which is particularly enticing at sunset. Each evening, the Main Restaurant provides a curated tasting menu for guests alongside an à la carte menu with an extensive range of local and international dishes.

From Sigiriya, culture enthusiasts can easily reach the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa in 1-hour and the incredible painted Cave Temples of Dambulla in 30-minutes, two other must-see sites in Sri Lanka's cultural triangle. Nature lovers can enjoy outdoor activities which include archery, nature walks and a jeep safari of nearby Minneriya National Park, which boasts the world’s largest gathering of Asian elephants.

98 Acres Resort & Spa

What began as a thriving tea business has expanded into 98 Acres Resort & Spa : a fully-fledged hospitality and lifestyle brand. Owned by the same family that founded Halpé Tea, one of the largest tea factories in Sri Lanka, 98 Acres has 36 woodsy chalets suspended in the hillside. Designed with natural materials for an upscale, rustic feel, accommodations feature hard-wood floors, rubble stone bathrooms and furniture made with upcycled railway sleepers. The Royal Deluxe room features a roll-out bed where you can enjoy breakfast in bed while admiring views of Little Adam's Peak, while the Grand Executive Suites feature private plunge pools.

Set along the hiking route to Little Adam’s Peak, visible in the distance from your private balcony, 98 Acres offers a luxurious nature immersion in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. The colorful town of Ella, lined with bohemian cafes and small boutiques, is just a short tuk tuk ride away, and it’s a leisurely walk to the famous Nine Arches Bridge from here. Restaurant 98, spread out within a large hut at the top of the resort, serves a buffet breakfast and daily-changing set menu for lunch and dinner each day. Offering international and local dishes, the cuisine is a stand-out and will make it difficult to leave the property.

In addition to the 98 Acres fabulous spa and resort activities, which include bird watching and private cooking classes, guests can enjoy a more social atmosphere at the Ravana Pool Club or go zip-lining on the Flying Ravana Adventure through the hills. And don’t miss exploring the Halpé Tea plantation on a factory tour, which offers a unique insight into Sri Lanka’s longstanding tea heritage.

Camellia Hills

A stylish bungalow overlooking the picturesque Castlereagh Reservoir, Camellia Hills is an intimate retreat from the world surrounded by undulating tea plantations. Part of the Teardrop Hotels collection, it is one of the group’s seven boutique properties around Sri Lanka which promise exceptional service and amenities in unique locations throughout the island.

With only five bedrooms, the property operates more like a home than a hotel, and the staff’s warm and relaxed demeanor will make you feel like you’re visiting your chic friend’s countryside estate. At Camellia Hills, everything is highly personalized, and no request is too small. You can enjoy farm-to-table fresh meals at any time of the day, borrow books from the bungalow’s vast collection and enjoy leisurely strolls in the naturally manicured estate that surrounds you.

The home’s inviting open-air plan, with vaulted living room and outdoor patio, will surely coax you away from the comforts of your bedroom. Spend afternoons luxuriating by the infinity pool, sipping cocktails on the terrace or relaxing with a pot of tea by the fireplace. Despite its small size, Camellia Hills has designed an enticing menu with an array of creative dishes, from seafood pumpkin gnocchi and hoisin glazed pork skewers to wok-fried rice noodles with tamarind tofu. Dishes are made expressly for guests, guaranteeing fresh, seasonal flavors at every meal.

An ideal escape for couples or families eager to spend a few days unwinding between sightseeing, you can enjoy a number of curated activities in the area. Explore Castelreagh’s bright turquoise hues up close with an excursion on a fisherman’s canoe or enjoy picnics in scenic locations including nearby waterfalls and secret viewpoints in the tea plantation. Or experience a once-in-a-lifetime hike up to Adam’s Peak, a pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and Christians.

A petite boutique hotel in the fishing village of Negombo, Uga Riva is the newest member of Uga Escapes just opened last November 2024. Set within a 180-year-old manor house — the former residence of the prominent Colombo Chetty family — this 6th-generation family home has welcomed many notable figures throughout the decades. In 1927, Mahatma Gandhi visited the property during his visit to Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) and planted a tree in the garden.

This 5-acre coconut plantation is the perfect place to kick-off, or end your trip, through Sri Lanka thanks to its proximity to the airport. Colombo International Airport is just 30-minute drive away, making Negombo a more strategic base compared to Colombo. But when you step inside, you’ll realize this is much more than a traditional “airport” hotel.

With only seven bedrooms and exclusive access for guests, this tranquil resort offers privacy and seclusion from the world. The central swimming pool is a peaceful place to unwind after enjoying a meal at Uga Riva’s restaurant, which serves Sri Lankan and international specialties with a spin. Beneath the verandas, period furnishings are juxtaposed with contemporary illustrations and watercolors by Sri Lankan artists.

No matter what time you arrive, the staff will be on hand to welcome you with a warm smile and a refreshing drink. For an airport that receives visitors at all hours of the day and night, this kind of service is priceless. Uga Riva is a great place to rest, recharge and continue your onwards journey.

See More : The Best Hotels Along Sri Lanka’s Southern Coast

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