Italy
Rome, Florence & Puglia: A Luxury Family Italy Holiday
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Roman gladiators, handmade gelato and vintage Vespas, this nine-night adventure through Italy has everything and more to keep the whole family entertained. Perfectly balancing culture with cuisine, history with hijinks, our travel experts have come up with the perfect itinerary to keep the little ones engaged and entertained. Forget the days of dragging them through museums whilst they eye up gelato stands outside, we’re giving the great Italian classics a twist bound to put a smile on their faces. You’ll get a real taste of Italy as you take in the beauty of Florence, before heading down to the icons of Rome and finishing up in the sun-drenched bliss of Puglia. Who said Italy was all about amore?
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Start PlanningThe Flavour of Florence
Grand, elegant and refined. Just three words that spring to mind when we think of Tuscany’s crowning glory; Florence. Perched overlooking all of this, is Villa Cora, a unique and utterly charming 14th-century hotel that oozes traditional Italian glamour like nowhere else. Dip into their gorgeous pool and enjoy the secluded location overlooking the enchanting terracotta skyline of Florence. Whether you’re looking to stroll the cobbled streets of Florence or cruise the country lanes, you’ll be fully immersed in the stunning Tuscan countryside while being just a 15-minute drive away from the city centre. But to really see Florence properly, there’s only one way to do it; on a sunset cruise down the River Arno. Gliding past the lungarno avenues of palazzos and churches and watching the setting sun dip down behind the Ponte Vecchio, Florence really comes to life at the golden hour.
A holiday where you can be confident the kids will never complain of rumbling stomachs, back in town, tomorrow you’ll enjoy the ultimate pizza-making masterclass. Learn how to roll your dough out to the optimum thickness, before mastering that all-important toss and adding all of your favourite toppings. It’s the perfect activity for the whole family. Stomachs full, be sure to spend some time strolling (or cycling) through Florence’s spectacular architecture, admiring the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery. But for the best views of the city, head up to the Piazzale Michaelangelo and look out over the length of the River Arno and the rolling countryside that surrounds this charming city.
When in Rome…
From Florence, you’ll then head south to Rome to discover a city that in so many ways, is everything the rest of the world wants to be. Beauty piled high, layer upon layer of history and centuries of tradition, substance and power. But what’s the secret to running an empire? With three nights at the iconic Hotel de Russie, we’re sure you’ll soon find out. Lying almost at the foot of the Spanish Steps, you’re ready to spring into action from this luxurious base in the heart of the city.
…do as the Romans do
And where better to start than at the mighty Colosseum where we have a one-of-a-kind experience in store for all the family. The beating heart of Roman society, life didn’t get much more exciting (or gory) than watching gladiators battle to the death, either against each other or fearsome beasts. Step into the amphitheatre and grab a slice of the action as you don a centurion helmet and enrol in Gladiator School for the day. Armed with a sword and shield and with an expert instructor to put you through your paces, this is an experience that really brings Rome to life.
But so is this (though perhaps with an altogether sweeter kick) as you head to one of the capital’s best gelaterias and learn the art of making gelato. Fold in fresh and innovative ingredients to create your perfect flavour, before a lip-smacking taste test to finish. To round off your Roman Holiday in true style, you’ll then all hop on the back of a vintage Vespa and zip through narrow alleys and across picturesque piazzas to see Rome as the locals do, before jumping on a waving goodbye to the Eternal City and flying down to Puglia.
A Puglian Paradise
Spend the last three nights of your Italian adventure down in Puglia at the breathtakingly beautiful Borgo Egnazia. Nestled within 49-acres of olive groves, amid blossoming bougainvillaea and fragrant jasmine, and just a few hundred metres from the coastline, it’s the perfect way to end any family holiday. Spend the next few days diving in between the pool and the sea, teeing off at the oceanside golf course and basking in the summer sun. Plus, with everything from football to go-karting, water sports to bike rides, you can guarantee hours of entertainment for the whole family.
Relaxed and refreshed, it will soon be time to head home, but Italy is a beautiful country and we know you’ll be back again soon. After all, there’s still so much left to explore.