Citalia 2023 Digital Brochure

Citalia's Italy Expert's fine selection of: 

• Tailormade Holidays 

• Handpicked Accommodation & Destinations 

• Small Group Escorted Tours 

For our full product range please visit our website. 

Citalia.com

2 

Our History 

Citalia 

90Years of History 

Deeply rooted in Italy, what you know as Citalia today was originally founded in 1929 

by the Italian State Railway, known as Compagnia Italiana Turismo, or CIT. 

The company was set up to give Italians living in the UK the chance to enjoy holidays 

by train back to their homeland. After air travel was introduced, branches of the 

company appeared across Europe, America and Australia with the same goal. 

The idea that our holidays can meet Italian expectations of 

authenticity and style remains a driving force for us today. 

CIT England rebranded as Citalia, and in the 1980s we began 

offering charter flights to key destinations. 

For guests who preferred rail travel, we introduced our special ‘Napoli 

Express’, which departed from London Victoria with a stop in the capital of 

Rome, before arriving in Naples, the gateway to Southern Italy, with Sorrento 

and the Amalfi Coast nearby. With Citalia representatives aboard the train, 

this was our initial foray into truly personalising our guests’ holidays. 

There were three iconic Managing Directors who particularly shaped Citalia’s 

history: Luciano Rocca, Massimo Sabattini and Stefano Della Pietra. These 

personaggi are still talked about within the Italian tourism industry today! 

Relationships are at the heart of Italian life, and it is our 

long-standing partnerships that allow Citalia to maintain 

its status as the UK’s leading Italy travel specialists. In fact, 

many of our partners continue to affectionately call us CIT. 

In the late 1990s, Citalia was sold to the Gandolfi family from Varese, became part of the 

TUI group for over 15 years and was subsequently sold to a Private Equity firm in 2017. 

Citalia has been one of the experiential travel brands that 

make up the Travelopia group for the past five years. 

One thing has remained constant throughout 

our history: no one knows Italy like we do! 

Are you ready to discover Italy like a Citalian? Andiamo! 

For our full product range and to book/find out more visit Citalia.com or speak to one of our Italy Experts on 01293 765 061 *

2023 

Contents 

3Contents 

04 Why Citalia? 

05 11 

11 

Venice Simplon Orient-Express 

05 

Tailormade 

12 

Best of Both Worlds 

06 

Meet our Italy Experts 

16 

Small Group Escorted Tours 

08 

07 

08 

Discover Italy 

Families 

20 

18 

19 

Verona Opera 

Opera & Events 

09 

Getting Around 

20 

Off-the-Beaten-Track 

10 

Italy by Rail 

21 

Coasts 

76 

Lakes 

105 

Cities 

22 

Sorrento 

77 

Lake Garda 

106 

Rome 

30 

Amalfi Coast 

84 

Lake Como 

111 

Venice 

39 

36 

39 

44 

46 

48 

Tuscany Coast 

Puglia & Basilicata 

Calabria 

Cilento 

Liguria 

84 

88 

92 

94 

Lake Maggiore 

Lake Orta & 

Lake Iseo 

Countryside 

111 

116 

121 

124 

Florence 

Verona 

Other 

Cities 

52 

53 

55 

Islands 

Capri 

Ischia 

103 

95 

101 

103 

Tuscany 

Piedmont 

Umbria 

124 

124 

124 

125 

125 

Bologna 

Milan 

Turin 

Naples 

58 

North Sardinia 

68 

62 

68 

South Sardinia 

Sicily 

126 

Terms & 

Conditions 

ABTA No.V4068 

* See back page for opening times. Calls from UK landlines cost the standard rate but calls from mobiles may be higher. Check with your network provider. All prices are a guide and can increase or decrease. Prices are in £ per 

person based on 2 adults and include accommodation, return flights from London and private resort transfers (unless indicated as "car hire recommended" by the self-drive icon). Please see terms and conditions at the back of 

the brochure, a full version can be found on Citalia.com and must be read prior to booking. Prices can change – you will be quoted the current price at the time of booking. All offers are subject to restrictions and availability.

4 

Why Citalia? 

Why Travel 

with Citalia? 

EXPERT 

We live and breathe Italy! 

You will be assigned an Italy Expert who is your 

single point of contact for 24/7 destination 

support and up-to-date travel advice. 

Experience personalised service as standard, 

as we will craft your Italian holiday based on 

your interests and needs. 

TRUSTED 

Book with confidence. 

We will always prioritise your safety, with tried 

and tested accommodation, and exclusive perks 

from our established on-the-ground partners. 

Don’t just take it from us - we boast consistently 

high guest satisfaction rates. 

HASSLE-FREE 

A safe, smooth journey. 

We offer full flexibility before and during your holiday, 

and you’ll always receive exceptional experiences 

at competitive prices. 

We are fully ATOL and ABTA bonded and strictly 

managed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). 

Find out what other Citalia guests say about us 

on the independent review site Feefo. 

/5 


Italy: 

Tailormade For You 

5 

Tailormade 

Where do you begin when planning your holiday in Italy? 

With so much on offer, that’s where Citalia’s Italy Experts come in. 

For us, tailormade holidays are truly personalised. We go beyond the standard questions 

of where you want to go and how long for and take time to get to know you and your interests, 

so that you end up with a bespoke itinerary you’re 100% happy with. 

Travel 

We intimately know Italy, including the smallest of destinations, and we know the best routes 

to get you from A to B. We will arrange your flights from any regional UK airport of your choice, 

and at a time that suits you. We can also arrange any train journeys or car hire for extra freedom 

on your holiday, with our exclusive, preferential partner rates. 

Accommodation 

We have an impeccable collection of tried and tested accommodation, with partners who we know 

will take great care of you. With us, you can be as specific as you wish, as we have a wide variety of 

offerings the length and breadth of Italy. Do you want to sleep in a city palace hotel or rest up in a 

rustic farmhouse where you can enjoy a morning swim with a view? 

Activities 

Every moment on holiday counts - whether that’s time spent on the beach or an opportunity 

to witness Italy’s great masterpieces. Maybe you’re looking for a romantic dinner in a usually 

booked-out Michelin-starred restaurant, or perhaps you would prefer to indulge in the best Neapolitan 

street food? What about a private tour of Pompeii or would you like tickets to the Uffizi gallery 

in Florence? We will create a completely seamless and memorable holiday based on your wishes. 

Citalia offers an end to end service, where every little detail 

is considered. This all begins with an initial 

conversation in which we get to know you better. 


6 

Meet the Experts 

Say Hello 

to Your Italy Experts! 

What makes Citalia the leading Italian holidays specialists is 

more than just our 90 years of experience - it’s our friendly 

and expertly trained team who add the personal touch to 

every tailor-made trip. 

Right from the planning phase, your Italy Expert is available 

for you at every step of your holiday, offering attention to 

detail and support, so you can kick back and relax without 

worrying about logistics. 

Having travelled extensively throughout Italy, our team 

is brimming with personal suggestions and top tips, from 

off-the-beaten-track spots to unmissable sights. 

Linda Kulka 

Favourite Destination: 

Tuscan Countryside 

Treasured Gem: 

A lovely restaurant in Malcesine, Lake Garda, called Restaurant 

La Pace. As well as serving amazing food (the prawn carbonara in 

particular), they make their own limoncello, which is some of the 

best I have ever tried. 

Top Tip: 

Enjoy a glass of Prosecco on the terrace at the Excelsior Palace in 

Taormina, watching Mount Etna spurt lava in the darkness. 

Antonia Coppolella 


Amalfi Coast 


Le Tre Sorelle in Positano. It’s a beautiful seafront restaurant where 

you can sit and soak up the ambiance of Positano while sipping 

Prosecco and eating amazing food. 

Top Tip: 

It might seem a little obvious, but take time to sit in a piazza and 

watch the world go by – it’s my favourite thing to do in Italy. 

Katie Barton 


Rome 


An hour outside of Rome lies Tivoli Villa d’Este, with ancient gardens 

that have around 500 water fountains, which was completely 

unheard of at the time they were built. You can enjoy a tour of the 

house, grottoes and amazing views over the Roman countryside. 

Top Tip: 

Head to the Hotel Botanico San Lazzaro in Maiori for an amazing 

seafood linguine dish. It contains shellfish I’d never even seen before 

and it is delicious! 

Erin Bridewell 


Venice 


Puglia might not be your first choice of destination, but it should 

be! Puglia has such a rustic charm and beauty – the beaches are 

stunning and the roads are surrounded by olive groves as Puglia 

is Italy’s main olive oil production region. The trulli houses in 

Alberobello are a real highlight for me too as they are so pretty and 

make this area unique. 

Top Tip: 

Try simple dishes. I love Caprese salad (fresh tomato, basil and 

mozzarella), as it tastes so much nicer in Italy, especially with the 

local olive oil and balsamic vinegar. 

Romina Locci 


Sardinia 


On a holiday hopping between the Italian lakes, what I will always 

remember is that you are blessed with the most beautiful sunsets 

and sunrises. No matter where you are around the lakes, they are 

unmissable. 

Top Tip: 

Embrace Italy’s treasured traditions. For breakfast, tuck into a 

cornetto and cappuccino, and after a day sightseeing, take a wellearned 

stop for an aperitivo in one of the many piazzas. 


7 

Discover Italy, 

Andiamo! 

Airports 

TRENTINO- 

FRUILI- 

ALTO ADIGE 

VENEZIA 

Rail 

LAKE LAKE 

GUILIA 

COMO ISEO LAKE 

AOSTA 

GARDA 

LAKE ORTA 

& MAGGIORE 

VALLEY 

LOMBARDY 

VENETO 

VERONA 

MILAN 

VENICE 

TURIN 

PIEDMONT 

Bra 

Alba 

Pollenzo 

Monterotondo, Gavi 

BOLOGNA 

Serralunga d’Alba 

EMILIA 

LIGURIA GENOA 

ROMAGNA 

Alassio Portofino 

Cinque Terre National Park 

Sestri 

Levante 

Lido di 

Sanremo 

Rapallo 

Camaiore Montecatini Terme 

Portovenere Viareggio 

Lucca 

Candeli 

PISA FLORENCE 

San Gimignano 

Radda in Chianti 

Colle Val 

D'Elsa 

Monteriggioni 

LAKE 

Siena 

TRASIMENO 

MARCHE 

TUSCANY 

Assisi 

Montepulciano 

PERUGIA 

Pantalla 

Todi UMBRIA 

ABRUZZO 

ROME 

MOLISE 

LAZIO 

PUGLIA 

Polignano a Mare 

Santa Teresa Gallura 

Palau 

CAMPANIA 

BARI Monopoli 

Savelletri di Fasano 

Cannigione 

Torre Canne Di Fasano 

Baia Sardinia 

Porto Cervo 

Fasano 

Isola 

Procida Pompeii 

Ostuni 

Rossa 

Porto d’Ischia Minori Maiori 

Matera 

OLBIA 

Sorrento 

Paestum BASILICATA 

BRINDISI 

Capri 

Ravello 

Lecce 

Cilento National Park 

Otranto 

Positano 

Amalfi 

Santa Maria Di Castellabate 

Oliena 

SARDINIA 

Palinuro 

CALABRIA 

CAGLIARI 

LAMEZIA 

TERME 

Isola di Capo Rizzuto 

Villasimius 

Chia 

Santa Margherita di Pula 

Tropea 

Capo Vaticano 

Ricadi 

Lipari 

Vulcano 

Reggio 

Calabria 

Taormina 

PALERMO 

Cefalù 

Giardini Naxos 

Castelbuono 

CATANIA 

SICILY 

Agrigento 

Syracuse 

Noto 

Marina 

di Ragusa 

NAPLES 

Discover Italy

8 

Families 

Fabulous for... 

Family Holidays 

The birthplace of the world’s favourite wooden boy, Pinocchio, 

Italy pulls at the strings of old and young hearts alike. 

Our Italy Experts have seen an increase in bookings for family 

holidays, especially ones that include several generations. We can 

understand why - it’s a safe and relaxed destination that’s within 

easy reach. 

Activities 

Italy’s landscapes alone provide variety. From glittering lakes and 

Blue Flag certified beaches to the gorgeous countryside, unique 

architecture and amazing cities, you’ll find that there’s something 

for everybody. 

Italy is rich in legends that provide an amazing introduction into 

history for all the family: stories of lions and gladiators in Rome’s 

Colosseum, the treasure of pirates in Sicily, the ancient Romans of 

Pompeii, and, of course, the powerful boat traders of Venice. 

Add to that interactive museums and galleries with every 

theme imaginable - Italian automobiles, Egyptian mummies, 

and Michelangelo’s David included, and every family member is 

bound to return home pleased. Oh, and did we mention fun-filled 

adventure and aqua parks? 

Food & Drink 

Which youngster or teenager can say no to an endless supply of 

mouthwatering pizza, pasta, and gelato? For the adults, there’s the 

pull of delicious truffle risottos, rich carne dishes, and fresh seafood, 

coupled with quality wines and homemade liqueurs. 

Accommodation 

You might want a seaside resort where you can enjoy the beach 

and watersports. Perhaps you want a lakeside hotel where you 

can go sailing or stay in a region surrounded by trails for cycling, 

horse-riding and hiking. Italy delivers it all. 

One of our favourite family-friendly spots is Forte Village Resort 

in Sardinia, where you can enjoy a range of outdoor activities and 

experiences for all the family. 

Italy is a great all year-round destination for family 

holidays. For the most part, days are dry, warm, 

and sunny. Enjoy fabulous springtime breaks, 

summer holidays on the coast, and winter-warming 

festivities in the cities. 

Looking for a family friendly option? 

Any destination with this icon is 

sure to offer you and your family 

something special. 


9 

How About a 

Self-Drive Holiday? 

Our Trusted Partner: 

For our full product range and to book/find out more visit Citalia.com or speak to one of our Italy Experts on 01293 765 061 * 

Italy is wonderfully diverse - from historic, beautiful cities and the gorgeous countryside 

to stunning islands and glittering lakes - there’s a lot of land to cover. To really experience 

the depths of the country, why not hire a car in Italy and go at your own pace? 

Roads in the Italian countryside are fairly laidback and easy to 

navigate once you get used to driving on the right hand side. 

Whether you want to stay in one place or plan to hop between 

several destinations (see page 14), having a car throughout your 

stay will provide you with a lot of flexibility. 

“It’s so important to toddle out beyond the 

hotel pool and get stuck into what’s going on. 

What’s great about doing your own driving 

is that you get to join up the dots and 

go deep into the interior.” 

Ruth Stanley, Citalia guest 

Driving in Italy is dictated by unwritten rules, and so we suggest 

that to make the most of the experience that you avoid cities, take 

your time, trust your instinct, and drive outside of peak times. 

Most rented cars have GPS built in and there are plenty of 

roundabouts to turn back around if need be. Take it from us 

though, even if you do get lost, you’ll be amazed by what you 

find along the way! 

As a rule of thumb, Italian roads do become more challenging 

the further south you go. 

Car rental company Avis has a fabulous fleet of well-maintained vehicles at 

strategically located pick-up points across Italy. Whether you arrive by air, 

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

to explore Italy’s incredible historical sites and breathtaking landscapes. 

Want the freedom to go further into Italy? 

Tuscany and Umbria’s picturesque panoramas are 

an ideal starting place for your self-drive adventure 

in Italy, and there are always friendly locals to 

Spot this icon for our recommended destinations 

for a self-drive holiday. Some places are simply 

best explored by road. 

help you along the way. 

Getting Around

10 

Italy By Rail 

Get On Track: 

Rail Travel in Italy 

Thinking of combining multiple stops during your holiday in Italy? 

Then we recommend hopping on board Italy’s high-speed train network, Trenitalia. 

Travelling by train throughout Italy is really easy to do, with minimal 

stops and speeds of over 100mph. Unlike Italy’s airports that are 

on the outskirts, you’ll find train stations right in the heart of Italy’s 

cities and towns. You can hop between destinations while avoiding 

congested roads and parking problems. 

There’s a romantic allure about sitting in your 

carriage watching framed pastoral scenes pass by - 

and Italy never disappoints. Think rolling 

verdant hills, golden fields, and pretty vineyards. 

Every moment is different, whether you’re off to explore sleepy 

hidden gems or cultural city delights. Should you ever tire of 

gazing out of the window, you can close your window blinds for 

a little siesta. 

A step up from standard class, business carriages offer reclining 

chairs, additional leg room, and complimentary refreshments. 

At Citalia we will prepare a flexible rail holiday 

itinerary that works for you, whether you only 

have a few days or several weeks. 

If you like your creature comforts, then worry not - you’ll find lots 

of overhead storage on board. Even the standard seat carriages are 

really comfortable, with most seats providing a table for extra space 

and convenience, while information screens keep you updated 

about your journey. 

For a completely flight-free holiday, hop on board the Eurostar from 

London St. Pancras, which takes just over two hours. You can then 

spend a night in Paris before taking one of the SNCF or Trenitalia 

high-speed services from Paris to Milan, Turin, Florence or Venice 

the following day. 


11 

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express 

Step back to the 

Golden Era of Travel 

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe. 

For Italy’s most sublime train experience, we recommend a night 

on the epitome of luxury, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. 

Life on this historic and luxurious locomotive is served on a silver 

platter, as you step back in time for an immersive experience of rail 

travel’s glory days. 

In lovingly restored Art Deco train carriages, you can embrace 

the roaring 1920s in all its glamour and glory. The exquisite 

craftsmanship you witness on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express 

is absolutely flawless, which is further coupled with impeccable 

service and gourmet cuisine. 

As you wander through the train, you’ll find plaques at the end of 

each carriage that detail their historic journeys. 

Notably, Car 3309 was a carriage that was stuck in a 

ten-day long snowdrift in western Turkey in 1929. 

It became the inspiration for Agatha Christie’s renowned 

novel-turned-film Murder on the Orient Express. 

Just like it would have been for the high society of the 1920s, 

your night on Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is very much a social 

experience. Head to Bar Car 3674 to meet your fellow passengers 

and sip on vintage champagne, while the ivories of a baby grand are 

tinkled by the resident pianist. 

Don a tux and dress to the nines as you enjoy 

pre-lunch drinks, an evening aperitif, 

or a nightcap before a peaceful slumber. 

You can start or finish your journey in style, with two overnight 

journeys to choose from: London to Venice or Venice to London. 

Don’t be worried about missing out while you sleep though - both 

journeys have been intricately planned so that the most beautiful 

scenery is visible during the daytime. 

When it comes to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the old 

adage about it being the joy of the journey not the destination 

certainly rings true. This is a rail ride like no other, where every 

journey is an experience you’ll never forget. 


12 


Best of 

Both Worlds 

Why choose just one destination when you can combine several 

and start ticking off that bucket list! 

Our history and expertise providing rail travel, private transfers and even one-way car 

hire makes it easy to combine two, three, four or more destinations into a single trip. 

Create the adventure of a lifetime - limiting air travel - and maximising your time spent 

in this breath-taking country. There are so many options, it can be hard to choose 

but this is where our team of Italy Experts is here to help. They will work with you to 

curate your ideal trip – all tailored to you. Here you can find a few of our favourites. 

1 

Milan - Lake Como 

Be amazed in the fashion capital of the world with a visit 

to Milan. You can combine shopping in the boutiques in 

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II with relaxing by Lake Como 

as it’s less than an hour away by train. It’s the perfect 

place to rest after a busy day sightseeing in Milan. 

2 

Venice - Verona - Lake Garda 

You could have breakfast along the Grand Canal in 

Venice then enjoy lunch in Verona as you marvel at 

Juliet’s balcony. The train journey is just over an hour 

meaning you can enjoy both cities in the same day! 

Why not extend your trip further and add a stay in 

Lake Garda? That way you can enjoy the beauty of 

the lakes by day and a captivating opera performance 

under the stars at Arena di Verona by night. 

3 

Liguria - Piedmont 

Enjoy the beauty of the Italian Riviera and the food 

capital of Italy, Piedmont in one trip. Wander around the 

charming little town of Santa Margherita Ligure with its 

with its colourful promenade, daily market and Basilica, 

then swap this for a delightful meal in the countryside 

of Piedmont with a glass of the finest wine. Cheers! 

4 

Florence - Tuscany Coast 

Fancy city and sea? Then why not combine Florence 

with the Tuscan Coast? You could be sipping an espresso 

in Piazza della Passera in the morning, then relaxing on 

one of the many Blue Flag beaches by the afternoon. 

We’d recommend Viareggio or Forte dei Marmi!

13 

AOSTA 

VALLEY 

1 

MILAN 

Lake Como 

Lake Garda 

LOMBARDY 

TRENTINO- 

ALTO ADIGE 

VERONA 

VENETO 

2 

VENICE 

FRUILI- 

VENEZIA 

GUILIA 


PIEDMONT 

3 

LIGURIA 

EMILIA 

ROMAGNA 

Santa 

Margherita 

Ligure 

Viareggio 

Forte dei Marmi 

4 

FLORENCE 

TUSCANY 

SARDINIA 

More options on the next page 

5 6 7 8 9

14 


5 

Venice - Florence - Rome 

How about Venice, Florence and Rome? The train from 

Venice to Florence takes two to three hours so you could 

be wandering around St. Mark's Square in the morning 

and marvelling at the Uffizi Gallery by the afternoon! 

Rome is just an hour and a half from Florence so you 

could be shopping in the bustling Mercato Centrale in 

the afternoon then making a wish at the Trevi Fountain 

at sunset. 

6 

Tuscany - Umbria 

Discover two neighbouring regions in the heart of 

Italy by combining Tuscany and Umbria. Starting off in 

the charming town of Lucca you can get a feel for the 

real authentic Italy. Explore some other hillside cities 

including Siena before driving south to Umbria, a real 

hidden gem, stopping for lunch in the beautiful town 

of Cortona. Finish your adventure in other historic 

towns like Assisi or Perugia. You could even pay a 

visit to Lake Trasimeno - it’s so easy to get around! 

7 

Rome - Sorrento 

Heading further south you could match Rome with 

Sorrento for the best of both worlds. With a visit 

to the capital and coast you can enjoy an afternoon 

sightseeing at the Colosseum and then watch the sunset 

over the Sorrento coast and Bay of Naples. Finish your 

evening with a lovely Italian meal in Piazza Tasso. 

8 

Puglia - Matera 

Coast plus countryside equals Puglia and Matera. 

The latter is steeped in history and is famous for its 

caves so you can spend the morning discovering 

how the people of Matera once lived and then in the 

afternoon swap the caves for the shores of Puglia. 

9 

Palermo - Cefalù - Taormina 

Experience the best of Sicily with these three 

destinations. You could be picking up a feast in Palermo’s 

food market, then taking an evening stroll along the 

sandy beach of Cefalù as the sun sets. Then as a new 

day unfolds, head to Taormina to see the striking 

Mount Etna and the ancient Greek amphitheatre. 


15 

VENETO 

VENICE 


EMILIA 

ROMAGNA 

5 

Lucca 

FLORENCE 

5 

Siena 

Cortona 

6 

LAKE 

TRASIMENO 

MARCHE 

Perugia 

Assisi 

TUSCANY 

UMBRIA 

ABRUZZO 

ROME 

LAZIO 

MOLISE 

7 

Sorrento 

CAMPANIA 

PUGLIA 

8 

Matera 

BASILICATA 

CALABRIA 

PALERMO 

Cefalù 

9 

Taormina 

SICILY 

To find your ideal combination holiday, speak to one of our Italy Experts on 01293 765 061 *

16 


Citalia’s Exclusive 


It’s the stories behind Italy’s cities, towns and villages that bring her truly to life. 

From the archaeological areas of Pompeii and Herculaneum to the Amalfi Coast or Venice 

and its lagoon, Citalia’s exclusive escorted tours explain the legends and truths behind Italy’s 

impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

Your English-speaking local guide will take you into the heart of Italy. Our bespoke group tours are 

personal and immersive, with a maximum of 18 people on each one, making them ideal for solo travellers, 

couples, or small groups of friends. 

Delve deeper with our unique hands-on experiences 

that will provide you with memories to last a lifetime. 

Just imagine, you could learn to make pasta in Puglia 

or sample wine in a Sicilian vineyard! 

All our escorted tours include your accommodation, selected meals and transfers, 

and knowledgeable, professional guides, so all you need to do is show up! 

Sorrento & the Bay of Naples 

Our eight-day tour of Sorrento and the Bay of Naples takes in all the charming coastal towns and 

renowned historical sites. Starting in Sorrento with its cobbled alleys and Baroque architecture, you’ll 

then get to explore the picturesque Amalfi Coast. Visit the ancient city of Pompeii, look up at the 

magnificent peak of Mount Vesuvius, and embrace glamorous leisure on the island of Capri. 

2023 Tour Departure Dates: 12 May | 09 June | 01 September | 15 September 

From £1,825 per person for 7 nights 


17 

Treasures of Sicily 

Discover Sicily’s treasures with our eight-day tour. We’ll take you to majestic Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, 

before heading into pretty mountain villages and the seaside towns of Cefalù and Taormina with their golden sandy beaches. 

Experience the ancient Greek ruins of Agrigento and Monreale Cathedral. Along the way, tuck into bustling markets bursting 

with Sicilian street food and vine-fresh olives. Venture to a traditional winery and sip on delicious local wine. 




Jewels of Southern Italy 

We bring the gems of Southern Italy to life in this eight-day tour, which combines age-old traditions with cosmopolitan chic. Feast on 

rustic meals and locally grown delicacies and enjoy Italy’s high-style fashion boutiques. Starting in historic Naples, discover the enthralling 

archaeology of Pompeii and Herculaneum, before venturing to the mesmerising coastline of the Amalfi Coast after visiting the greek 

temples in Paestum and enjoy a cooking lesson in Cilento. Along the way, taste the sunshine with homegrown figs and limoncello. 

2023 Tour Departure Dates: 19 May | 22 September 


Authentic Puglia 

The beauty of Puglia comes to life with our eight-day tour. This relatively unexplored corner of Italy is awash with culture, 

history and authentic cuisine. Discover hidden gems such as the trulli of Alberobello, the caves of Castellana, and 007’s latest hotspot, 

magical Matera. Enjoy traditional Pugliese pasta making and olive oil and focaccia tastings along the way. Delicious! 



To find your ideal escorted tour, speak to one of our Italy Experts on 01293 765 061 * 




18 

Citalia Opera Verona 

Citalia 

Opera 

Verona 

The opportunity to experience a live operatic performance in Italy 

is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Opera originated in Italy at the 

end of the 16th century and was founded by a group of Florentine 

intellectuals who became known as the Camerata. They wanted 

to combine music and theatre to be like Greek drama. Opera has 

become a two-sided musical art form. On one hand, it is sombre 

touching on death and lost love. On the other, it’s playful and light 

with a dash of dramatic talent. 

Discover an electric atmosphere at Italy’s famous summer festival 

of opera. Taking place in the romantic and ancient city of Verona, 

within the world's second largest amphitheatre after Rome’s 

impressive Colosseum, it is more than just the acoustics that sing. 

Great Operas like Verdi’s Aida and Bizet’s Carmen grace the stage 

each year. The Verona Opera Festival is celebrating its 100th 

anniversary in 2023 – an event not to be missed! 

At Citalia we can help you to find tickets to performances by Italy’s 

legendary composers such as Verdi, Puccini and Rossini. We can 

also arrange access to exclusive opera festivals held across Italy, 

throughout the year. 

Are you ready to enjoy a night at the opera? Close your eyes and be 

transported on a journey through time as you get lost in the music. 

Open up your heart and feel the power that the atmosphere has 

driving your emotions. The full programme of 2023 performances 

is available on the website but we've highlighted five extraordinary 

evenings here. 

Five extraordinary evenings 

Roberto Bolle and Friends 

Dance without borders by Roberto Bolle 

19 July - 21:15 

Juan Diego Flórez in Opera-Arena 100 

Juan Diego Floréz making his grand début in the Arena 

23 July - 21:00 

Plácido Domingo in Opera-Arena 100 

A special event dedicated to Plácido Domingo 

6 August - 21:00 

Jonas Kaufmann in Opera-Arena 100 

Jonas Kaufmann’s eagerly-awaited return to Verona 

20 August - 21:00 

Teatro alla Scala in Arena 

A concert by the Orchestra and Chorus from the Teatro alla Scala 

31 August - 21:00 


Find your 

Passion 

in Italy 

19 

With Our Handpicked Events 

Italy is a land built on passion. Whether you stumble across a sagra 

(food festival) dedicated to the local produce in a sleepy village or 

have intentionally joined the celebrations of an iconic event in one 

of her major cities, there's fun to be found around every corner. 

Italians know how to inject just the 

Opera 

right amount of glamour, drama 

Home to the world’s best opera houses, including 

and bewitchment into every occasion. 

Teatro alla Scala in Milan, the Teatro La Fenice in 

Venice, and the open-air Arena di Verona, there’s no 

better place on earth to experience a magical evening in 

Age-old traditions collide with modern day culture at every turn, 

the hands of the great Italian composers: Verdi, Bellini 

with events of all shapes and sizes throughout the calendar year. 

and Puccini. The concert season is in full swing from 

October to April each year and is always teeming with 

Seeking a dedicated opera-themed holiday or want to watch 

elegance and romance. 

AC Milan play at home? Do you want to tour the finest Tuscan 

vineyards in search of the perfect bottle or feast on freshly picked 

truffles? Fancy donning a mask at a Venetian masquerade ball? 

We will add passion into your holiday, whatever it might be! 

Your Italy Expert is here to make this your holiday of a lifetime. 

Handpicked Events By Citalia 

Venice Carnevale 

Move over Pancake Day! Carnevale (which roughly translates as ‘farewell to meat’) 

takes place before the start of Lent each year. Wander the corners of Venice and 

get swept up in the festivities of this world-famous event. Think elaborate masks, 

grand balls, and gondola parades along the Grand Canal. 

Il Palio di Siena 

Held twice yearly during the summer in the gorgeous Tuscan town of Siena, Il Palio 

di Siena is more than just a horse race. As featured in the James Bond film Quantum 

of Solace, this is a celebration of a centuries-old apparition of the Virgin Mary, as 

vibrant, bareback riders descend upon the medieval square, Piazza del Campo. 

Ravello music festival 

Running throughout the months of July and August, this festival of music and arts 

was originally a tribute to Wagner, following his visit to the town in the 19th century. 

Today, it’s a time-perfected tradition with a programme of jazz, art shows, dance, 

photography and classical concerts. They all take place in different venues around 

Ravello including the open-air stage at the cliffside of Villa Rufolo, making it a truly 

unique experience with spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast. 


Opera & Events

20 

Off-the-Beaten-Track 

Look out for this icon if you fancy something 

a little more off-the-beaten-track! 

Undiscovered: 

Italy’s Unsung Regions 

It’s time to holiday like a local! We’re sure that the more you explore 

off-the-beaten-track, the more you'll fall in love with Italy. 

Head to medieval hilltop villages, along the coastline, and into 

romantic rural towns. The real Italy that we adore is found far 

away from the iconic sights. This is where you’ll find magical and 

memorable moments. Discover a slower pace, served up with 

genuine hospitality, and exceptional agricultural experiences. 

Piedmont 

Find your foodie heaven in Piedmont. The proud birthplace of the Slow 

Food movement, it’s an ideal region to tuck into delicious local produce. 

Venture into the vineyards to taste some of Italy’s finest wines at 

source. 

Cilento 

For the best buffalo mozzarella in Italy, visit the trattorias of coastal 

Cilento, tucked away south of Naples. Expect stunning harbour towns 

with inspiring sea views, highland backdrops teeming with hiking trails, 

and ancient monasteries and sanctuaries. 

Basilicata 

Sharing a border with Puglia in southern Italy, Basilicata is bursting with 

historic hilltop towns that look out across the mountainous landscapes 

of the Lucanian Dolomites. A visit to the 007 spot of Matera, with its 

prehistoric stone houses and cave dwellings, is a must. 

Umbria 

Meet the green heart of Italy. Landlocked Umbria is perfectly authentic, 

with fascinating Romanesque churches and museums dotting the 

gorgeous countryside. Highlights include beautiful hilltop towns, 

Etruscan caves, the historic town of Perugia, and the tomb of St Francis 

of Assisi. 

Calabria 

Step back in time along the scenic southern Italian coastline, home to 

vineyards, farms, and olive groves. Enjoy idyllic days on tranquil white 

beaches, where you’ll find natural grottoes and the warm waters of the 

sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea close by. Perfect! 

Lake Orta 

A serene region, forest-lined Lake Orta is stunning yet doesn’t receive 

the same attention as neighbouring Lake Maggiore, despite its gorgeous 

cobbled towns and lakeside gardens. To top off your stay, there’s the 

UNESCO World Heritage site of Sacro Monte di San Francesco to 

explore. 

Lake Iseo 

Situated between popular Lake Garda and Lake Como, crowd-free Lake 

Iseo retains charming natural beauty and a relaxed vibe. Explore some 

of Italy’s prettiest villages, with harbours filled with traditional gelaterie. 

Tipple into a wonderful wine heritage, found in the local wineries. 

“There’s a treasure chest of hidden gems in Italy” 

Heather Green - Citalia’s Senior Regional Destination Manager 


21 

Coasts 

Coasts 

Gaze out over sun-kissed 

sands and calm waters 

There’s magic to be found along Italy’s coastline. You might find it lazing 

on one of the many Blue Flag beaches backed by alpines in Tuscany, or in 

the dramatic winding cliff top villages of the Amalfi Coast. Perhaps you’ll 

discover it in the grottoes of Puglia, the swanky resorts of Liguria, or in the 

seafood restaurants of Sorrento. From the quaint fishing villages of Calabria 

to the sparkling waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the magic is always there.

22 

Sorrento 

Coasts | Sorrento 

The spirit of Sorrento is always welcoming. 

Dive right into a picture-perfect postcard as we head to the 

idyllic coastal town of Sorrento, just a short train ride from 

Naples, and your gateway to the nearby Amalfi Coast. 

Sorrento’s streets are lightly perfumed with zesty lemons, 

and there’s no better place to sip limoncello! Wander 

through the maze of cobbled streets with its old-world 

traditions, where you’ll find artisans selling their handcrafted 

leather and ceramic goods. Take time out in Piazza Tasso to 

enjoy a pick-me-up espresso and watch the world go by. 

Head to the promenade, filled with cafes and gelaterie, 

explore the Via San Cesareo or gaze across the Bay of 

Naples. Spend your evenings in the twinkling Marina Grande, 

where you can feast on fresh seafood in one of the many 

fish restaurants, and watch an epic sunset over the waters. 

Porto d’Ischia 

Naples 

Anacapri 

Capri Town 

Herculaneum 

Sant’ 

Agnello 

Sorrento 

Sant’ 

Agata 

Mount Vesuvius 

Pompeii 

Ravello Minori 

Conca 

Dei Marini 

Maiori 

Positano Amalfi 

Sorrento provides a great springboard for visiting some of the world-famous places and sites in this area 

– all facilitated by excellent transport links. A visit to Pompeii and Herculaneum is a must and also to the 

lesser well known Roman archaeological site of Oplontis. 


23 


Imperial Hotel Tramontano 

Sorrento 

Rising out of the rocks of the Sorrentine Peninsula, the Imperial 

Hotel Tramontano is situated amid lush grounds and is ideally 

located in the historic centre of bustling Sorrento on the 

Neapolitan Riviera. The hotel is traditional and the style is that 

of faded grandeur. It embraces its unique heritage - once a 

popular stop on the Grand Tours of the 18th and 19th centuries, 

the hotel has played host to many illustrious writers, including 

Byron, Shelley and Keats. And we can see why - the stupendous 

sea views over the Bay of Naples come complete with Mount 

Vesuvius in the background. 

The hotel’s gardens, designed in 1888, are home to many rare, 

centuries-old Mediterranean and sub-tropical plants. Picture 

yourself in the evenings on the hotel’s wonderful bar terrace, 

gazing out over the Bay of Naples with an apertivo in hand 

watching a stunning sunset. 

The tranquil pool means you don’t ever have to leave the grounds, 

but if you fancy a dip in the sea, then why not make a splash by 

taking the lift down to the bathing platform located directly below 

the hotel (not owned by the hotel), entrance is free of charge 

but sunbeds and umbrellas are payable locally. The platform also 

provides easy access to the port and is a great departure point for 

visiting the rest of this stunning area, including the nearby (and 

gorgeous) Amalfi coast and island of Capri. 

109 | Official hotel rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

From £949 Per Person 

7 nights, Bed & Breakfast 

Offers available: Up to 15% early booking discount 

Bedrooms are dated and incorporate the hotel's historic 

features. 




24 


Grand Hotel Capodimonte 

Sorrento 

Perched on the side of a cliff and nestled into a rockface, Grand 

Hotel Capodimonte fuses so seamlessly with its surroundings 

we wouldn’t be surprised if you missed it the first time around! 

Put simply, this prestigious 4-star hotel is an architectural 

masterpiece. Built in the traditional Mediterranean style, the 

modern hotel is light, airy and decorated in an elegant classiccontemporary 

style. 

Grand Hotel Capodimonte is a great escape for couples or 

families with older children. There are many quiet little corners 

to hide away in, as well as superb open spaces both in the 

lounges and on the terraces. As you can expect, the hotel enjoys 

gorgeous views of the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius, which are 

perhaps some of the best in Sorrento. But it is surely the hotel’s 

five cascading swimming pools that is its crowning glory. The 

pools all face that magnificent view, so you can cool off from the 

summer heat while admiring the sheer beauty before your eyes. 

For further relaxation why not indulge at the hotel's wellness 

centre where a range of treatments are available. 

Despite its hidden, hillside location, Grand Hotel Capodimonte 

is less than 15-minutes’ walk away from the centre of Sorrento. 

The town is world-famous for ceramics so be sure to stroll 

the pretty streets looking for bargains. Food and wine plays a 

huge part in the way of life here and the little town has many 

wonderful options suitable for every taste and budget! The port, 

with direct links to the Amalfi coast and Capri is only 30-minutes 

away by foot. 

184 | Official hotel rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

From £1,139 Per Person 

7 nights, Half Board 


25 


Grand Hotel de la Ville 

Sorrento 

Welcome to a slice of the good life. Channelling all the 

sophistication for which Italy is famous, Grand Hotel de la Ville 

is elegant, peaceful and above all stylish. 

Grand Hotel de la Ville enjoys a privileged position in a quiet 

part of Sorrento. The hotel is a perfect hideaway from the hustle 

and bustle (particularly in the popular summer months) but at 

just a 15-minute walk from the pretty town’s centre, it is also an 

ideal spot to visit all the main attractions. 

Sorrento is of course world-famous for its sweeping water 

views. In order to see these at their very best, take a trip to 

Grand Hotel de la Ville’s rooftop terrace. From here you’ll drink 

in the spectacular Sorrentine peninsula in all its glory, including 

the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius and Capri. But the hotel’s 

rooftop serves as much more than just a viewpoint. The terrace 

is equipped with a pool (the hotel has two, the other is in the 

gardens), so you can take a dip while you gaze amazed at the 

iconic view. 

Naturally, food and drink play a great part in your holiday 

at Grand Hotel de la Ville. The hotel has two bars and two 

restaurants, plus a snack bar that serves light meals at lunchtime 

and a comfortable lounge for tea-time. The restaurants serve 

both Mediterranean and international cuisine that bursts with 

flavour and local savoir-faire. Dining at Grand Hotel de la Ville is 

a unique and unforgettable experience, and bound to be one of 

the highlights of your trip. 

120 | Official Hotel Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 






26 


Hilton Sorrento Palace 

Sorrento 

Hilton Sorrento Palace boasts breathtaking views over the 

Bay of Naples, with the silhouette of Mount Vesuvius in the 

distance. The hotel offers facilities to keep the whole family 

entertained. The impressive swimming pool has six connected 

pools and a children's section. The spacious sundeck is the 

perfect place to relax under the shade of the orchards. La 

Pagoda restaurant offers an excellent menu of pizzas and 

risottos for lunch, or central Sorrento is just a ten-minute walk 

away with an abundance of cafés and restaurants. 

Children can enjoy activities at the kid's club and playground 

in the beautiful gardens. Spacious guest rooms equipped with 

modern facilities are decorated in a contemporary style with 

fresh, Mediterranean colours, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere. 

Families are catered for with interconnecting and larger rooms. 




Plaza 

Sorrento 

Sleek, design-led-interior and excellent location, Plaza Sorrento 

is a hotel worth visiting. The hotel’s trendy decor gives 

guests a taste of modern Italy with strong commitment to 

sustainability and you’ll find many eco-solutions throughout 

your stay. Contemporary, colourful and cool - Plaza Sorrento is a 

charismatic choice! 

Piazza Tasso is just a few minutes' walk away, where you can 

enjoy the sacred art of “la passeggiata”. Venture into the pretty 

side streets and be immersed in Sorrento’s authentic hustle 

and bustle; think trattorias serving delicious meals, ceramicists 

making the famous lemon decorated pottery and fashionable 

boutiques offering Italian style! 

Take a trip to the hotel's sixth floor for a drink at the Sky Bar. 

The lovely rooftop terrace has an infinity plunge pool which is 

perfect to soak up the fabulous Sorrentino views. 




Offers Available: Free night 


Hotel Jaccarino 

Near Sorrento | Citalia rating: ★ ★ ★ PLUS 

This traditional hotel is set in the hills above Sorrento, but is just 

a 15-minute drive from the busy town. A haven of peace and 

tranquillity, it guarantees to give you a restful, stress free break. 

Hotel Jaccarino is a grande dame of a hotel and is family run 

but the best thing is the sweeping views overlooking the Bay of 

Naples. Set against the phenomenal backdrop of sea and sky, 

the terrace is home to a large pool and ample sunbeds. 

27 


The beautiful, sleepy village of Sant'Agata is just a few minutes' 

walk from Hotel Jaccarino. This little village is full of surprising 

historic and gastronomic treasures. The two-Michelin starred 

restaurant ‘Don Alfonso 1890’ is well worth a visit if you want 

a luxurious, gastronomic treat! For those who want to go into 

Sorrento, then simply catch the complimentary shuttle bus from 

Hotel Jaccarino to the centre of town. 




Offers Available: 10% early booking discount | Free night 

Grand Hotel Ambasciatori 

Sorrento 

Situated on the cliff top overlooking the Bay of Naples, the 

Grand Hotel Ambasciatori is an idyllic location for a typical Italian 

getaway. Behind the terracotta façade which blends seemingly 

into the cliff face, the hotel’s bright and spacious rooms reflect 

the simple elegance of the region. The hotel’s selection of 

restaurants and bars are no exception to the theme; each offering 

a unique and sophisticated location where you can sample the 

region’s cuisine or relax with an after dinner drink in hand. 

The hotel’s swimming pool can be found amongst the lush 

greenery of the hotel garden, which is a secluded paradise 

where you can spend the day relaxing under the Italian sun. 

Alternatively, take the lift down to the private bathing platform, 

which stretches out into the sea and is equipped with sun 

loungers and swimming access. 









28 


Grand Hotel Riviera 

Sorrento 

Grand Hotel Riviera is an elegant hideaway immersed in nature 

yet close to the heart of historic Sorrento just 15-minutes' 

walk from the centre. Touches of modernism effortlessly 

blend with Italian art deco for a very elegant stay. Perfect for 

honeymooners and couples of all ages, Grand Hotel Riviera is 

the right choice when it comes to holidaying with style. 

Set high on a clifftop with great views, breakfast is served on the 

gorgeous terrace overlooking the Bay of Naples. What a way to 

start your day! 

The pool has fantastic views of the sea and is a tranquil spot 

for relaxing or for a change of scenery why not use the hotel's 

private bathing platform located directly below the hotel. 

If you feel like exploring the area, Grand Hotel Riviera’s staff 

will be happy to help. Boat trips to nearby areas such as Amalfi, 

Positano and Capri are bucket-list must do’s while Pompeii and 

Naples are an easy day trip away. 




Offers Available: 15% early booking discount 

Hotel Minerva 

Sorrento 

Hotel Minerva is a lovely four-star property on the Neapolitan 

Riviera. Overlooking the Bay of Naples, the hotel is situated 

on a hill above the marina of Sorrento with its shops, bars, and 

restaurants. The centre of Sorrento is just a 15-minute downhill 

walk away. 

Rooms are bright and spacious with private balconies offering 

sea views, perfect for relaxing. 

There is also a large rooftop swimming pool with plenty of 

loungers and umbrellas to provide shade when needed. With 

views of the dramatic Mount Vesuvius, this area is fantastic. 

Onsite there is also a bar and restaurant offering the finest 

drinks and cocktails. The restaurant uses the expertise of 

great chefs to create signature dishes showcasing local and 

international cuisine. 






Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria 

Sorrento 

Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is located in the heart of Sorrento. 

Built on the site of ancient Roman remains and surrounded by 

a centuries old citrus garden, Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria 

exudes old world charm and grandeur. The period furniture and 

frescoed ceilings create an air of grandeur. The service in this 

family run hotel is everything you would expect from a hotel 

whose distinguished guest list includes Oscar Wilde, Luciano 

Pavarotti and even the hotel’s namesake, Queen Victoria of 

Sweden. 

29 


Sorrento, with its narrow cobbled alleyways and luxurious 

hotels, is a delightful base to explore Italy's Amalfi coastline. 

Peruse the traditional artisanal shops selling local hand-crafted 

leather and ceramics, or enjoy classic Neapolitan pizza in one 

of the late night restaurants around Piazza Tasso and Piazza 

Sant’Antonino. Then take a stroll around the park at Villa 

Comunale and watch as the sun sets across the glistening Bay 

of Naples. 




Grand Hotel Royal 

Sorrento 

The Grand Hotel Royal sits on a cliff overlooking the Bay of 

Naples and Mount Vesuvius in a truly magnificent location 

and just minutes from the heart of Sorrento. The large building 

retains a personal touch and feel, offering cool colour schemes 

and elegant rooms for guests. You can enjoy the finest finishing 

touches, from crystal chandeliers to detailed wooden furnishings 

during your stay. 

Ideal for couples, the hotel is a feast for the senses. Head down 

to the bathing platform to relax in the sun for the day, perhaps 

enjoying a lunchtime snack at the nearby hotel snack bar. 

Alternatively, enjoy a dip in the pool or find some shade under 

the palm trees on a sun lounger. 









30 

Coasts | Amalfi Coast 

Amalfi 

Coast 

Breathtakingly beautiful sights await you. 

Explore the 13 quaint villages that make up the UNESCO 

World Heritage site of the Amalfi Coast. Under the 

majestic peak of Monte Cerreto, these pastel-shaded 

villages are hewn into dramatic cliffs, connected together 

by the bewitchingly scenic 16th century road, SS.163. 

Luxuriate in beach resorts that look out over the inviting 

turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea, or set sail in these waters. 

The Mediterranean vibe is intoxicatingly glamorous, 

with towns like trendsetting Positano, whitewashed 

Amalfi, and the aristocratic romance of Ravello 

- this is the Neapolitan Riviera, after all. 

If that’s not enough then the Sentiero degli Dei, Path of the 

Gods, provides an incredible panoramic hike in nature. 

Naples 

Sorrento 

Ravello 

Positano 

Amalfi 

Conca 

Dei Marini 

Minori 

Maiori 

Take a water taxi from Amalfi and visit La Tonnarella restaurant on the beach at Conca Dei Marini. 

Try the local speciality which is spaghetti con zucchine e provolone (spaghetti with courgettes and 

provolone cheese). Truly delicious! 


Hotel Marincanto 

Positano 

Hotel Marincanto is a family run hotel situated just 10-minutes 

walk from the very heart of Positano town on the Amalfi 

coastline of Italy. Established in 1967, the hotel offers fine 

surroundings with bright whitewashed décor throughout, 

interspersed with occasional splashes of colour. Tiled floors, 

large windows and plenty of natural light flood through all 

areas of this charming hotel. 

31 


The hotel is well suited to couples who will appreciate the 

relaxed and airy indoor settings and the beautiful terraces 

surrounded by vines and floral displays which are connected 

by steps. Take a dip in the infinity pool, walk into town and 

hop on board a boat tour along the Amalfi Coast, or hike along 

some of the oldest mule tracks in the area. 




Hotel Belvedere 

Conca dei Marini 

Protruding from a cliff overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean 

Sea, Hotel Belvedere offers spectacular views of this UNESCO 

World Heritage dedicated site – the Amalfi Coast. The hotel is 

situated in the area of Conca Dei Marini and is just 4-kilometres 

away from the town of Amalfi which can be reached by bus or 

the hotels minibus (payable locally). 

The Hotel Belvedere is a firm favourite amongst Citalia guests, 

and the hotel is family run offering a warm welcome. The hotel 

has a spacious lounge and panoramic restaurant offering stunning 

views of the area. Among the marine pines, tranquil terraces lead 

from the hotel towards the sparkling Mediterranean, and the 

hotel’s cliffside seawater swimming pool is one of the largest on 

the coast, perfectly positioned to receive maximum sunshine. 








32 


Palazzo Murat 

Positano 

Citalia is delighted to offer this stunning hotel. Situated in the 

heart of colourful Positano, Palazzo Murat is an oasis of calm 

and tranquillity in the centre of this bustling town. 

The hotel was originally a private residence which has remained 

in the family for generations and the hotel comprises two 

buildings. The deluxe rooms are in the original wing of the hotel 

on the upper floors whilst the standard and superior are in the 

new wing. Rooms combine traditional and modern features to 

give guests a unique stay. 

With plenty of amenities the hotel feels like a home from home. 

The lovely pool situated within the lush green gardens amongst 

trailing bougainvillea is the perfect spot for relaxing. The central 

courtyard is the location for the bar and restaurant which uses 

locally sourced ingredients to serve the very best in Italian food. 

There is also a wine cellar with an excellent selection of local 

wines for you to try. 

Just a four-minute walk from the beach and close to Piazza dei 

Mulini, Palazzo Murat really is the perfect location for discovering 

the best the Amalfi Coast has to offer and will provide a 

memorable stay. Please note there is no lift in the hotel. 




Hotel Santa Caterina 

Amalfi 

Hotel Santa Caterina is in a prime position overlooking the 

town of Amalfi. Family run, it is a favourite of Citalia guests. The 

beautiful main building is a converted villa with terraces offering 

sweeping sea views and an intimate atmosphere. The colourful 

gardens sit between the lemon and orange groves and descend 

the cliff face to the crystal waters below, where you will find a 

peaceful bathing platform. Head upwards via the panoramic lift to 

the intimate sun terrace, where you’ll find the perfect hideaway 

for a quiet aperitif as you take in truly unrivalled views. 

Hotel Santa Caterina reflects Amalfi’s history as the destination 

of choice for the British aristocracy. Behind its grand façade, the 

bright interior is effortlessly elegant with sophisticated décor, 

while the hotel’s restaurants are adorned with bougainvillea. 

Guests can enjoy a range of delicious menus where chefs use 

local ingredients to prepare the perfect meal. The hotel is a 

15-minute downhill walk from the centre of Amalfi and the hotel 

offers a complimentary shuttle service. 





33 


Hotel Marina Riviera 

Amalfi 

Hotel Marina Riviera has over a century of experience in 

providing excellent service to its many discerning guests. The 

charming whitewashed building is a highlight on the Amalfi 

Coast, well positioned to give guests the chance to explore all 

the local attractions. Rooms filled with light and comfortable 

furnishings offer a pleasant place to stay while you are in town. 





The hotel is perfect for couples looking for a relaxing and 

invigorating break. Take a dip in the rooftop swimming 

pool, enjoy the steam room and sample the finest cuisine at 

Restaurant Eolo, served in the cosy confines of a room carved 

from the rock. Alternatively, book excursions and day trips to 

Positano, Ravello or another local attraction. 

The hotel is ideally located just a 5-minute walk from the centre 

of Amalfi. 




34 


Hotel Palazzo Avino 

Ravello 

This prestigious family owned hotel has an enviable clifftop 

location in the heart of medieval Ravello, with some of the most 

breathtaking views of the stunning Amalfi Coast. Dating back 

to the 12th century, Hotel Palazzo Avino has been exquisitely 

furnished with a fresh blend of whites, greens and ultramarines. 

The sumptuous accommodation is wonderfully complemented 

by an interesting collection of contemporary art and sculptures. 

The elegant Michelin-starred restaurant Rossellinis has a terrace 

overlooking the coastline. The rooftop is the ultimate place to 

relax, with its magnificent sun terrace and two whirlpools. The 

outdoor swimming pool offers stunning views. Enjoy a visit to 

the spa and treat yourself to one of the beauty treatments. 

The hotel's beach club is a private villa accessed by a shuttle 

service and has a pool, relaxation rooms, lush gardens, sun 

terraces, a restaurant and direct access to the cooling waters of 

the Mediterranean Sea. 




Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, 

Amalfi Coast 

Ravello 

Positioned on the highest point of Ravello, this elegant and 

sophisticated hotel rests on a clifftop 1,000+ feet above sea level, 

with some of the most spectacular views over the Mediterranean. 

Originally built as an 11th century palazzo by the D'Afflitto 

family from Rome, it has hosted many famous names. Within the 

grounds some unusual white cave dwellings, dating back to the 

10th and 11th centuries, were recently discovered. 

Each one of the guest rooms exudes its own unique style and 

is comprised of sumptuous furnishings and modern comforts. 

The two elegant restaurants both prepare traditional Neapolitan 

cuisine and regional Italian dishes, incorporating fresh ingredients 

from the herb garden and vegetable plot. The al fresco Restaurant 

Belvedere is a splendid setting for summer dining. A truly 

great feature of the Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast 

is the outdoor heated infinity pool, complete with spectacular 

panoramic views that sweep across the Amalfi Coast. 


Prices Available On Request 


Covo Dei Saraceni 

Positano 

Situated in the very heart of Positano, the Hotel Covo Dei 

Saraceni sprawls across several terraces on the seafront, from 

where you can enjoy stunning views directly over Positano's 

coastline. A family-owned property, the hotel’s welcoming 

reception area leads to a relaxing lounge furnished with large 

white sofas, whitewashed walls and climbing bougainvillea. It 

is a great place to escape the bustling seafront and watch the 

world go by. 

35 


White, green and gold are used throughout the hotel to reflect 

the colours of Positano and lifts with glass backs reveal some 

interesting frescoed walls. Spend the days relaxing with views 

of the Duomo and coastline from the hotel’s rooftop panoramic 

terrace and heated swimming pool. 

The cosy guest rooms are simply decorated, but this is more than 

compensated for by the hotel's location, views and well-known 

restaurant. The hotel’s Restaurant Savino’s terrace, complete with 

beach views, is an ideal spot for a light lunch or al fresco dinners. 




Hotel Villa Fraulo 

Ravello 

Minori Palace 

Minori 

Minori Palace is located in the centre of the beautiful coastal 

town of Minori, within easy walking distance of restaurants and 

shops, and just metres from the sea. This hotel benefits from 

modern details, while the original architecture has been preserved. 

The hotel offers a warm atmosphere and elegantly decorated 

guest rooms, all with mountain views and furnished balconies. 

Prestigious paintings of contemporary art are on display in the 

public areas and the American Bar, decorated with brightly 

coloured marble, is a lovely place to enjoy a refreshing drink. 

Located a few steps from Piazza Vescovado, Hotel Villa Fraulo 

provides a comfortable stay in the heart of Ravello. The building 

dates back to medieval times and has been lovingly decorated 

to combine modern conveniences with the beautiful ancient 

architecture of vaulted ceilings and intricate details. Boasting a 

fantastic location overlooking the Amalfi Coast, the Hotel Villa 

Fraulo's guest rooms are perfectly placed to take advantage of 

the breathtaking views. Rooms are decorated in a neoclassical 

style and provide a light, airy space with comfortable furnishings 

and modern amenities. After a busy day exploring the 

picturesque surroundings, the hotel's spa and wellness centre 

offers the perfect place to relax. Enjoy a wide range of beauty 

treatments or head to the swimming pool, sauna or Turkish bath. 












36 

Tuscany 

Coast 

Coasts | Tuscany Coast 

Go beyond the Tuscany you think you know, 

and head to the coast. 

Away from the hilltop medieval towns and cypress-lined 

vineyards lie gorgeous golden sands with small but lively beach 

resorts for a perfectly sun-kissed Mediterranean holiday. 

The Tuscan Coast is 10 times the length of the Amalfi 

Coast, and boasts a whopping 19 Blue Flag beaches. 

Expect chic beach bars and stylish restaurants at Forte 

dei Marmi in northern Tuscany, or head to Viareggio, the 

region’s beating heart, where you’ll find a carnival spirit. 

A highlight of this region is the bagni concept - serviced beach 

clubs where you can pay a variable entry fee to enjoy the best 

beaches, as well as changing facilities, beachside swimming 

pools, and access to delightful waterfront restaurants. 

Seravezza 


Lido di Camaiore 

Viareggio 

Pisa 

Florence 

Siena 

The village of Seravezza, a short drive from Forte dei Marmi, was used by the Medici Family as a place 

for their summer vacations. For this reason, they deciced to build a big residence that today hosts a 

library and temporary exibitions of modern and contemporary arts. The Palazzo Mediceo was included 

in 2013 in the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Tuscany. 


37 


Grand Hotel Royal 

Viareggio 

As Italy holidays go, is there anywhere more romantic than 

Tuscany? Located just a short distance from Pisa, the Grand 

Hotel Royal on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea is one of the 

icons of the region. This beach hotel comes with a wealth of 

star-studded history - it was once a favourite of royalty, artists 

and celebrities in the early 20th century. 





This iconic 4-star hotel is located very close to the beach. 

Here you’ll find complimentary deckchairs and parasols - so we 

won’t be surprised if you want to spend all your time soaking 

up the luxurious Tuscan sun. The hotel’s luscious gardens offer 

a welcome respite from the afternoon heat and are well worth 

a visit. Enjoy an early evening aperitivo, or take dinner in the 

gardens, accompanied by bi-weekly live piano music. Lovely! 

This beautiful, four-star hotel in Tuscany has been one of our 

firm favourites for many years. 




38 


Augustus Hotel and Resort 


New to the Citalia portfolio, Augustus Hotel & Resort is a 

luxurious 5-star hotel in Forte dei Marmi, one of the top resorts 

on the Tuscany Coast. When you visit, you’ll notice two main 

structures: the Main House and La Nave (The Ship) complex, a 

modern complex with wide balconies and a spectacular view of 

the Apuane mountains range, plus seven private villas. 

Enjoy the grounds of this resort, including exclusive gardens 

making up a park of botanical flora and fauna creating a wellstructured 

canvas of variety and colour. Admire jasmine, rose, 

lavender, rosemary and hydrangea and gardenia under the shade 

of umbrella-pine tree. 

Facilities for guests include two heated pools, one in the garden 

and one on the beach with Jacuzzi, two restaurants, two 

lounge bars, spa and fitness room, bicycles and boats. 





Versilia Lido – UNA Esperienze 

Lido di Camaiore 

An exclusive seafront hotel, UNA Versilia Lido is ideal for 

combining the comfort of a luxury hotel with just a short stroll 

to Lido di Camaiore and its Blue Flag beach. 

Exuding contemporary style, the hotel is made up of gleaming 

glass panels and clean white lines. It’s modern and minimalist 

with trendy furnishings, mood lighting and elegant finishing 

touches. There’s a Grill Bar specialising in meat and fish, an 

international buffet restaurant and a panoramic Roof Garden 

overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, perfect for cocktails at sunset. 

The swimming pool is situated in the gardens with chic 

sun loungers and parasols. Massage and beauty therapies 

are available and there's also a heated indoor pool with 

hydromassage. For the more energetic there is a state-of-the-art 

fitness room and two tennis courts. 

Versilia Lido is just a five-minute drive from Viareggio and five 

miles from the boutique shops in Forte dei Marmi. 






Puglia & 

Basilicata 

39 

Coasts | Puglia & Basilicata 

Romantic, calming, and delicious, Puglia has it all. 

Located at the heel of Italy’s boot, sun-soaked Puglia delivers 

mouthwatering locally-grown produce. From the famously juicy 

Datterini tomatoes and Apulian wines, to renowned olive oil 

produced by the 50 million olive trees that grow in Puglia, you’re 

guaranteed a foodie holiday with a distinctly Italian vibe. 

While you might think Puglia is purely pastoral, there’s much 

more to discover beyond the idyllic countryside. Home to 

historic towns and cities with extravagant architecture, 

it’s a must to explore the Instagrammable trulli town of 

Alberobello, or labyrinthine white city of Ostuni. 


Bari 

Monopoli Savelletri di Fasano 

Torre Canne Di Fasano 

Fasano 

Alberobello 

Ostuni 

Matera 

Puglia 

Brindisi 

Basilicata 

Lecce 

Experience natural wonders, such as the Grottoes of Castellana, 

and Puglia’s patchwork coastline, filled with quirky fishing 

villages like Polignano a Mare and Torre Canne di Fasano, and 

pretty beaches in Savelletri di Fasano. Even further south, 

the Salento peninsula has an amazing snack culture. 

Otranto 

Self-drive hotspot! 

Brimming with scenic roads, Puglia is the perfect region to hire a car and explore on your own. Pop across to 

off-the-beaten track Basilicata and enjoy a day in the UNESCO World Heritage site and cavernous hilltop 

town of Matera, and other ancient towns. 


40 


Canne Bianche Lifestyle Hotel 

Torre Canne di Fasano 

Located on the seafront in Torre Canne, the boutique Canne 

Bianche Lifestyle Hotel is a perfect choice for those looking for a 

relaxing escape. A lovely swimming pool is located in the hotel's 

private gardens or for a truly relaxing experience, head to the 

Aqua Spa where a vast amount of treatments are available as 

well as a sauna, Turkish bath and Jacuzzi. 

The guest rooms at this welcoming hotel have been finished 

in a style typical of the region, using neutral colours and 

well-thought out amenities that ensure maximum comfort. 

The hotel's restaurant, T_imo, takes advantage of the region's 

produce and sources the freshest ingredients to create a 

delicious menu. The hotel also offers cooking lessons for those 

who want to learn more about Pugliese cuisine on their holiday. 




Offers Available: Up to 20% early booking discount 

Tenuta Centoporte 

Otranto 

Surrounded by lovely olive groves and lush manicured gardens, 

Tenuta Centoporte is perfect for experiencing the best of Puglia. 

Just a six-minute drive to the lively seaside town of Otranto, it 

also has the countryside on its doorstep, so you really do get the 

best of both worlds here. 

With plenty of facilities on site, you can truly relax. There is a 

saltwater swimming pool located within the manicured gardens 

and it also has a special hydro-massage area. If you want to relax 

some more, then there is also a private spa with a whole range 

of treatments for you to try. 

There is an onsite restaurant that has an elegant atmosphere 

and offers a selection of Mediterranean dishes made from local 

ingredients to showcase the best of Italian cuisine. 






Hotel La Sorgente 

Savelletri di Fasano 

Set 100m from the shops and restaurants of Savelletri’s main 

street, La Sorgente boasts a prime location on the seafront. The 

large swimming pool is positioned close to the water’s edge and 

the beachfront is fully equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas. 

Guestrooms are decorated in a modern style with comfortable 

furnishings. The restaurant offers typical Apulian cuisine but 

those wishing to eat out are just a five-minute walk from the 

centre of Savelletri di Fasano. This small fishing village boasts a 

number of fantastic seafood restaurants. 

41 






Hotel Monte Sarago 

Ostuni 

Hotel Monte Sarago has an enviable position just a ten-minute 

walk from the centre of Ostuni. This four-star hotel has been 

decorated in a modern style, with a welcoming bar in the lobby 

and a restaurant serving contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, 

with an extensive wine list. Guestrooms are stylish and wellequipped, 

providing a comfortable place to relax after a day 

exploring the nearby sights of Puglia. For those wanting to relax, 

there is an excellent SPA (payable locally) which offers many 

different beauty treatments and it's equipped with a heated 

indoor pool. 





Trulli Soave 

Alberobello 

One of Italy’s most well-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 

Alberobello has been drawing in visitors for years thanks to its 

unique collection of over 1,500 trulli. These ancient dwellings 

make for an impressive scene, with a sea of white-washed walls 

and cone-shaped roofs, many of which have been turned into 

shops, wine bars and cafés. Trulli Soave boasts four trullo, each 

right in the centre of Alberobello and beautifully furnished to 

offer guests an authentic experience. 








42 


Masseria Montenapoleone 

Fasano 

Masseria Montenapoleone is set within spectacular farmlands 

and surrounded by Puglia’s luscious countryside. You’ll find 

whitewashed buildings, vineyards, peaceful courtyards and an 

alluring swimming pool. Inside, you can enjoy expertly created 

dishes made using fresh local produce and Italian wines. 

The cosy, intimate Masseria Montenapoleone retains its 

original farmhouse feel, with lovingly restored features around 

every corner. Enjoy its hilltop position as you take in the rural 

surroundings, relax in cool interiors and enjoy individually 

decorated rooms with quirky details. 





Risorgimento Resort 

Lecce | Citalia rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Risorgimento Resort is located in the heart of the beatiful city 

of Lecce, with its meandering alleys, baroque buildings and 

ancient remains. Blending grand architecture with contemporary 

design, it provides a welcoming retreat after a busy day 

exploring. Spacious guest rooms decorated in natural hues to 

reflect the Puglian landscape provide all the necessary modern 

conveniences. Two restaurants serve delicious cuisine and 

the roof garden is perfect on a warm summer's evening. The 

hotel's bar and library offer a relaxed ambiance and the spa has 

indulgent treatments and a hammam. 





Borgobianco Resort & Spa 


Borgobianco Resort & Spa is situated in the heart of the Puglian 

countryside. The hotel combines rural seclusion with excellent 

facilities. White-washed rooms are decorated in style and centred 

around a large courtyard. Perfectly located for exploring Puglia's 

most popular sights, the town of Alberobello, famous for its trulli 

houses, is just 30-minutes away. Guests can relax at the hotel's spa 

or outdoor pool. The restaurant serves delicious local cuisine. It uses 

the freshest local ingredients and promises to give diners a truly 

fantastic experience. 






Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa 

Matera, Basilicata 

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa is a most unusual and utterly 

enchanting five-star hotel. Located in the heart of Sassi, a 

UNESCO World Heritage site in Matera, one of the world’s 

oldest cities and the 2019 European Capital of Culture, this 

luxurious cave hotel has been carved out of the rock. 

Opened in 2018, Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa was 

designed and furnished by renowned architect Simone Micheli. 

The brilliance of stitching modern function and technology with 

ancient material and simplicity is to be seen to be believed. 

43 


Every part of this cave hotel experience celebrates the natural 

limestone rock, from the 35 rooms and suites to the restaurant, 

bars, and outdoor courtyard. 

The highlight of your cave hotel stay will no doubt be time spent 

unwinding at the unique spacious spa and swimming pool, which 

features recovered underground rooms that date back to the 

9th century. 





Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita 

Matera, Basilicata 

Located in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sassi di Matera, 

the Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita offers 18 cave dwellings, 

carefully furnished to offer a unique experience to guests 

wishing to stay in this unusual setting. 

The Sassi of Matera has been a World Heritage site since 1993 

and is considered an expression of ancient life. The whole 

property is in the oldest part of the Sassi, the Civita. 

Guests can admire the dramatic views of Murgia Park and its 

rock churches. Many experiences are also on offer such as a 

candlelit dinner in the 13th century church, cooking lessons and 

wellness massages. 







44 

Calabria 

Coasts | Calabria 

Compared with the nearby island of Sicily, 

Calabria is a hidden marvel. 

Meet Italy’s toe (if we’re talking in terms of the boot of Italy, that is)! 

Tucked away and not well-known, you’ll still find classic Italian 

scenes in Calabria: of olive groves, vineyards and traditional villages 

dotted around. 

Flanked by three mountains, there’s a plethora of hiking and cycling 

activities to enjoy, while the coastline is simply spectacular, with 

over 300 miles of white sands and pebbled coves. 

In Calabria, you’ll find beaches that rival the Caribbean. And, with 

the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and the Ionian Sea to the east, 

you can scuba dive right into brilliantly blue waters to discover 

shipwrecks from the Second World War. 

Explore the seaside town of Tropea, which has such natural beauty 

that it’s known as the Coast of the Gods. Oh, and did we mention 

the seafood dinners at sunset? They are absolutely heavenly. 

What’s not to love? 

Tropea 

Capo Vaticano 

Scilla 

Reggio Calabria 

Lamezia Terme 

Isola di Capo Rizzuto 

Be sure to pay a visit to Scilla, a charming fishing village with colourful houses overlooking the 

Tyrrhenian sea whose history dates all the way back to mythological times. 

The vista of the village is dominated by the Scilla rock and Castello Ruffo sitting on the top, 

from here you can catch classic views of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands. 


Praia Art Resort 

Isola di Capo Rizzuto | Citalia rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ PLUS 

A refined oasis of tranquillity, adults only Praia Art Resort, is one 

of the jewels of the spectacular Ionian coast of Calabria, Italy’s 

best kept secret. 

Located in Isola di Capo Rizzuto the resort makes a striking first 

impression with the tasteful décor - a combination of authentic 

Mediterranean design and modern luxury touches, its rooms and 

suites sit perfectly in their natural surroundings. Visit the private 

beach, take in the breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and savour 

mouth-watering local flavours at the 1 Michelin Star Restaurant. 

45 

Coasts | Calabria 





Capovaticano Resort and Spa 

Capo Vaticano 

Capovaticano Resort Thalasso and Spa is located close to 

the historic town of Tropea, in the heart of Calabria with 

magnificent views over the Aeolian Islands and Stromboli 

volcano. This contemporary resort features modern guestrooms, 

a sea-water swimming pool, tennis courts, and two restaurants 

serving up Calabrian, Mediterranean and international dishes. 

Guests can choose to relax in the Spa offering three heated 

seawater pools, sauna, and Hamman as well as beauty 

treatments. For the more active, enjoy water sports from the 

hotel's private beach including windsurfing and diving. 





Baia del Godano Resort & Spa 

Ricadi 

Baia del Godano Resort & Spa in Ricadi is a tranquil beachfront 

resort that overlooks the stunning blue waters of the Tyrrhenian 

Coast and sits on one of Calabria’s most beautiful beaches. Rooms 

are elegant and contemporary. For variety, there’s a buffet 

restaurant and an à la carte restaurant. 

Spend a day on the private beach lounging under a parasol, before 

cooling off in the resort’s freshwater swimming pool. Head to 

Cleopatra Spa, where you can enjoy beauty treatments and massages, 

a Jacuzzi, or a steam bath. There’s also a fitness room. 








46 

Cilento 

Coasts | Cilento 

Naples 

Sorrento 

Ravello 

Positano 

Say hello to Italy’s best-kept secret! 

Amalfi 

Conca 

Dei Marini 

Minori 

Maiori 

Located on the west coast and in one of the more remote parts 

of Campania, it’s a marvel that this brilliant untouched region is 

just 2 hours away from Naples. 

Bathed in ancient wisdom, Cilento is teeming with remarkable 

sites, such as well-preserved Greek temples of Paestum, Saracen 

towers, Carthusian monasteries, and a dozen historic towns 

nestled between rocky peaks, always with an unhurried vibe 

and welcoming humble trattorie (restaurants). 

Immerse yourself in nature, with soaring mountains, dramatic 

coves and beautiful beaches, all within easy reach. It’s no surprise 

that literary greats, including Shelley, Goethe, and Hemingway, 

found inspiration here. In the heart of Cilento lies the vast 

Vallo di Diano National Park, replete with excellent walking 

trails, coastal panoramas, and the splendid Valle delle Orchidee 

(Valley of the Orchids). 

For foodies, there’s a big seafood scene, while the local buffalo 

mozzarella is considered to be the best in the country. 

Paestum 

Santa Maria 

Di Castellabate 

Cilento 

National Park 

Palinuro 

The National Park of Cilento is considered to be the centre of the Mediterranean diet. American scientists 

studied the eating habits and diet of the local people and believe this is why they live such a long life. 


Hotel Saline 

Palinuro 

In a prime location on its own private white-sand beach, the 

modern and spacious Saline is the perfect choice for a family 

beach-based holiday. The magnificent white art deco style 

building offers panoramic views of the bay and is situated 

about half a mile from the centre of Palinuro, a picturesque 

fishing village, which can easily be reached by the hotel's 

complimentary shuttle bus. 

47 

Coasts | Cilento 

Guest rooms each feature a balcony or terrace, many with sea 

views overlooking the enchanting Bay of Palinuro. The fresh 

water swimming pool is located just a few yards from the sea 

and is ideal for avid sunbathers. The hotel also boasts a bar, 

restaurant, wellness centre and tennis courts. There's also a 

mini-club and an entertainment team to ensure families are well 

catered for during their stay. 





Hotel Sonia 

Santa Maria di Castellabate | Citalia rating: ★ ★ ★ PLUS 

The traditional, family-run Hotel Sonia enjoys a superb position 

in the centre of Santa Maria di Castellabate, right on the edge of 

the sandy Marina Piccola beach. Its unique beachfront location 

in the heart of a delightful town means it is also near interesting 

sights such as the 17th century Torre Perrotti and the 13th 

century Palazzo Belmonte. 

Fresh greens and crisp yellows have been used in the simply 

furnished guest rooms and the restaurant serves local 

specialities including fresh fish that has been stone baked. The 

restaurant has a wonderful terrace that stretches out onto 

the sandy beach, where a snack bar is available, and the local 

Restaurant Taverna di Mare can be found. 

Just around the corner lies the archetypal, a picturesque little 

harbour, where you can see the local fishermen in their colourful 

fishing boats untie the nets at the end of the day. 








48 

Liguria 

Coasts | Liguria 

Welcome to the Italian Riviera! 

Divided by the Gulf of Genoa and tucked between the sea and 

mountains, Liguria has one of the mildest climates, making it a 

brilliant all-year round destination. 

We love Liguria because it seamlessly blends together Italian style, 

simplicity and sophistication. On one hand, there’s a strong regional 

identity steeped in tradition and culture where slow is the only 

pace, while on the other, there’s a luxurious edge, with super yachts, 

swanky resorts, and chic bars. 

You’ll find treasures across the region. Liguria boasts the most Blue 

Flag beaches in Italy, as well as enchanting coastal villages that 

make up the rainbow-hued Cinque Terre. 

The port city of Genoa is the notorious birthplace of explorer 

Christopher Columbus. To the east, you’ll find the chalky cliffs of 

Levante, which arch around Cinque Terre National Park, as well 

as Italy’s most exclusive resort, Portofino. To the west, you’ll find 

writer Hemingway’s favourite town of Alassio, and the steep streets 

of charming Sanremo. 

Festival Fun in Liguria 

There are always celebrations happening in Liguria, including 

a lemon festival in Monterosso, and a festival dedicated to 

Hans Christian Andersen in Sestri Levante. 

Sanremo 

Alassio 

Genoa 

Santa Margherita Rapallo 

Portofino Sestri Levante 

Cinque Terre 

National Park 

Riomaggiore 

Portovenere 

Liguria’s great rail network gives you the opportunity to visit many of unique and beautiful towns and 

villages in day trips. Take the train from Santa Margherita and in 47 min you can reach Riomaggiore, 

the further south of the five villages of the Cinque Terre. 


Royal Hotel Sanremo 

Sanremo 

The well-established white façade of the Royal Hotel Sanremo 

stands immersed in a subtropical park, with splendid sea views, 

blessed with a mild climate year-round. Since 1872, it has been 

an icon on the Italian Riviera. Just moments from the sandy 

beach and at walking distance from the centre of Sanremo, the 

Casino and the shopping area. The bright lights of Monte-Carlo 

and the famous French Riviera are just a 30-minute drive away. 

49 


A wonderful seaside hotel with a perfect blend of timeless 

elegance, with all modern comforts, warm hospitality and 

personalised service for an unforgettable stay. 

The hotel boasts a heated outdoor sea-water swimming-pool, 

with a children’s section, sun terrace, pool bar and restaurant 

serving tempting snacks, informal lunches, and pizzeria. There 

are two further restaurants including the à la carte Restaurant 

Il Giardino for a refined candlelit dinner al fresco during the 

summer months. Relax at Royal Wellness spa, the ideal place 

to rebalance body and mind in a stylish beauty oasis. 





Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, 

Portofino 

Portofino 

One of the world's most highly acclaimed hotels, the luxurious 

Belmond Hotel Splendido is set high amidst its own garden on a 

hillside overlooking the romantic bay and harbour of Portofino. 

The magnificent structure was originally a 16th century 

Benedictine monastery. 

Luxury runs throughout where each guestroom is unique in its décor, 

furnished with antiques and equipped with modern amenities. 

A range of leisure and well-being facilities include a swimming pool, 

tennis court and water sports based in nearby Santa Margherita 

beach. For that ultra relaxing environment, head to the Wellness 

Centre and sample treatments, massages, sauna and steam room. 

You can also hire a private speedboat with driver, discovering the 

beauty of the Italian Riveria. Wind down with an aperitivo on one 

of the sunset cruises, which take place around the splendid Bay of 

Portofino. You will find the picturesque town of Portofino is only 

a ten-minute walk away. 






50 


Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast 

Rapallo 

Bordered by the sparkling Mediterranean, the luxurious 

Excelsior Palace enjoys one of the most splendid locations on 

the Italian Riviera, just five minutes from Rapallo. The pretty 

marina of Rapallo can be seen from one side, and from the 

other there are views of Portofino Bay. The Excelsior Palace 

has been restored to its original turn-of-the-century splendour 

to beautifully combine in its interiors an old-style elegance with 

modern comforts. The guest rooms are beautifully decorated 

with fresh colours inspired by the surrounding region. 

The hotel boasts two fine dining restaurants; the refined 

Restaurant Lord Byron, spilling onto a panoramic terrace, and 

the Eden Roc Lounge & Restaurant, a lovely setting for a casual 

lunch or romantic al fresco dinner during the summer months. 

With its maritime décor, the smart Yachting Bar provides a 

relaxing atmosphere throughout the day in which to enjoy that 

morning coffee and retire to after dinner. Choose from a selection 

of treatments available at the Beauty Farm & Fitness Centre, 

complete with portholes and relaxing sea views, or spend the 

days lingering beside the two outdoor infinity pools and bathing 

platform or enjoy an aperitivo by the pool-side Sporting Bar, all 

accessible by a private footbridge over a coastal road. 





Grand Hotel Miramare - 

Santa Margherita Ligure 

Santa Margherita 

The elegant Grand Hotel Miramare stands overlooking the 

Ligurian coast surrounded by lush gardens, minutes from the 

centre of Santa Margherita with its boutiques, restaurants and 

coffee shops. Guests looking for a relaxing stay will enjoy the 

hotel's sea water swimming pool with coastal views, and the 

hotel also has its own park providing the perfect spot for a stroll 

among colourful flowers, blooming trees and calming lavender. 

51 


Those that want to explore the delights of the Italian Riviera 

will find Portofino a short 15-minute ferry ride away, and the 

UNESCO sight of the Cinque Terre further afield. 





Grand Hotel Portovenere 

Portovenere 

Once a 17th-century convent, the Grand Hotel Portovenere 

has been carefully renovated into the fantastic hotel that 

stands today. The hotel's charming character and elegance fit in 

perfectly with its surroundings, right in the heart of Portovenere. 

This picture-perfect coastal town is located on the southern 

border of Liguria and makes a perfect base for those visiting the 

five small villages of the Cinque Terre. 

The hotel overlooks Portovenere's small harbour and we 

recommend upgrading to a sea view room to enjoy these views. 

Each guest room is decorated in bright colours and comfortably 

furnished, creating a home away from home feel that is 

emphasised by the warm and welcoming staff. 

A restaurant on the top floor serves typical Italian cuisine and 

fresh seafood whilst boasting fantastic views over the sea and 

harbour. There's also a nearby wellness centre that guests can 

use with a gym and beauty treatments available. 








52 

Islands 

Islands 

Italy is an island paradise! 

There are over 80 islands surrounding the mainland, each 

with their own unique essence. From the thermal springs 

of spa island Ischia or the epicurean island of Sardinia, to 

the cobalt, boat-dotted waters of jet-setting Capri, and the 

laidback Aeolian Islands off the coast of Sicily, you’ll want to 

keep exploring. The only question is where to go next?

Capri 

53 

Capri has something of a stylish reputation - 

and rightly so. 

Natural Calm in Capri 

Naples 

We highly recommend you take the chairlift up to the 

Situated on the southern side of the Gulf of Naples in Campania, 

summit of Monte Solaro for spectacular views across the 

this suave island is bursting with designer boutiques, flashy hotels, 

island and surrounding sea, and there are plenty of easy and 

and opulent cafés. 

adventurous hikes in Capri’s mountains. Mount Vesuvius 

High society has been flocking here since Jackie Kennedy visited in 

Herculaneum 

the 1960s, however it’s been a popular holiday Pompeii 

Porto d’Ischia 

destination since the 

Romans, and you can still visit impressive villas from that period. 

Beyond the designer-stocked streets and the island’s two harbours, 

Marina Grande and Marina Piccola, Capri’s long-standing draw is 

undeniably her natural beauty. 

Sant’ 

Agnello 

Conca 

Away from the crowds, you’ll find an untamed side to Capri, which 

Dei Marini 

is steeped in mythology that dates back to the Palaeolithic era, from 

Sorrento 

the sirens who lured sailors to their death, to the flowing waters and 

Positano Amalfi 

popular attraction of the Blue Grotto. 

Within easy reach, include Capri in a combined holiday with Sorrento 

Anacapri 

Sant’ 

Agata 

and Rome, or the Amalfi Coast. 

Capri Town 

There are some fabulous walks in Capri and it’s great to go off the beaten track. Take the bus to Anacapri 

and then onwards to the lighthouse for beautiful views. You may even want to consider the fortress walk. 

Islands | Capri

54 

Islands | Capri 

Hotel Caesar Augustus 

Anacapri 

The Hotel Caesar Augustus enjoys one of the most spectacular 

views on the Isle of Capri, 1,000 feet above the Bay of Naples. 

Steeped in history, this stunning villa is filled with fascinating 

aspects of ancient Roman architecture and history, and was 

transformed over 60 years ago into a hotel by the Signorini 

family. Today it remains privately owned by the same family, 

with its guest rooms featuring a stylish combination of modern 

furnishings and antique pieces. 

An impressive infinity pool gazes out over the sea, surrounded 

by a sun terrace with panoramic views. In addition, the superb 

Restaurant La Terrazza Di Lucullo is a fabulous spot for romantic 

cliff edge wining and dining. 

The Hotel Caesar Augustus is a truly distinguished hotel in an 

exceptional setting, and a local bus service easily connects it to 

the famous piazzetta of Capri Town. 




Hotel Villa Sanfelice 

Capri Town 

Villa Sanfelice is ideally located 5-minutes' walk from the famous 

Piazzetta of Capri and is perfect for couples wanting to explore 

everything this glamorous island has to offer. Although centrally 

located the hotel is in a quiet secluded location and a perfect 

place to relax and unwind. 

Each of the guest rooms has neutral interior décor and pretty 

fabrics, with air conditioning, satellite TV, free Wifi and 

everything you need for a comfortable stay. When it comes to 

dining there are some excellent local dishes to be enjoyed in the 

Snack Bar, which is the perfect place to relax after soaking up 

the sun on the terrace surrounding the swimming pool. 





Ischia 

55 

Don’t miss the charmingly exotic La Mortella Gardens, which host 

The spa island of Ischia is the Neapolitan 

summer concerts in its amphitheatre, the village of Sant’Angelo 

Riviera’s pretty little secret. 

with its eclectic bars and pizzerias, or hiking through the forests 

Ischia was once a glamorous hotspot for the likes of Sophia Loren 

and hamlets around Monte Epomeo. 

and Elizabeth Taylor in the 1950s and 1960s, but, despite being Just a one hour ferry hop across from Naples, you’ll find it hard 

bigger and arguably more beautiful than neighbouring Capri, the to resist including Ischia in your next holiday. 

island has been out of the limelight for a few decades. The result is 

a more relaxed and low-key destination. 

Ischia’s iconic symbol is the medieval fortress of Castello Aragonese, 

which covers an entire islet off the main shore, but her most 

Naples 

powerful attraction actually bubbles up below the surface: natural 

hot springs. 

These mineral-rich thermal waters have been celebrated since 

Roman times, and across the island you’ll be able to pamper 

and soothe any aches and pains in the sulphur-rich water and 

volcanic mud. 

Procida 

Forio 

Porto 

There are gorgeous sun-soaked beaches to laze on, such as Maronti 

d’Ischia 

Castello 

Aragonese 

Beach with its bustling beachfront cafes that overlook crystal clear 

waters, while Ischia’s white-washed streets pop with the vivid pinks 

Sant’Angelo 

and tangerines of bougainvillea and citrus trees, creating an idyllic 

haven for leisurely ambling. 

Sorrento 

Whilst in Ischia town spend an afternoon exploring the stunning Aragonese castle which dates back 

to 474 BC. It was the home to 2,000 inhabitants and has been used as a prison in times of conflict. 


Islands | Ischia

56 

Islands | Ischia 

Grand Hotel Punta Molino 

Porto d'Ischia | Citalia rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Grand Hotel Punta Molino is located on the historic island of Ischia, 

which is not too far from Italy's dramatic Amalfi Coast. Designed in 

1968 by renowned Italian architect Giulio De Luca, the hotel offers 

traditional Italian hospitality in a beautiful location. With its white 

washed walls and subtle pastel interiors, it evokes the grandeur of 

its past. The guest rooms at the hotel enjoy sea views or overlook 

the green woodland that surrounds the hotel. 

With its own private beach, thermal spa and choice of three distinct 

swimming pools, Grand Hotel Punta Molino will appeal to couples 

looking for a break in a traditional Italian setting. With the nearby 

island fortress and bustling fishing villages to explore, there's plenty to 

see and do besides just soaking up the warm Mediterranean sunshine. 

The centre of Ischia town is a 15-minute walk away. 




Offers Available: Up to 20% early booking discount | Free night 


Excelsior Belvedere Hotel & Spa 

Porto d'Ischia 

Boasting a prime location in Porto d’Ischia, Excelsior Belvedere 

Hotel & Spa promises guests a refined stay and opportunities to 

admire panoramic views over the Gulf of Naples. Situated just 

5-minutes stroll from the town centre, there’s an array of bars 

and restaurants within walking distance, but the hotel is still 

peaceful and tranquil. 

57 

Islands | Ischia 

A lovely outdoor heated pool is perfect for relaxing, with a pool 

bar serving refreshing drinks and snacks. Just steps away from 

the pool, the hotel’s private beach boasts loungers and bathing 

platforms. The Roman-style spa uses the Island’s thermal waters 

to offer a range of wellness programmes. There is also a large 

indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath and fitness room. 

Guestrooms are all individually decorated, using local accents 

and bright colours. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, diners 

at the restaurant can enjoy traditional Mediterranean cuisine 

either inside or on the large terrace. 




Hotel Botania Relais & Spa 

Forio 

Botania Relais & Spa is a 15-minute drive from the small town of 

Forio, which can be reached by the hotel's shuttle service. 

It sprawls across three hectares of lush Mediterranean gardens 

with tropical flowers, ancient olive trees, and aromatic herbs. It’s 

utterly inviting with a comfortable blend of Mediterranean and 

colonial-style furnishings. 

There’s an outdoor swimming pool fed by a natural spring. Bathe 

in Ischia’s hot sun with a cocktail from the bar. The resort’s spa 

features an indoor pool, sauna and a gym, with massages and 

spa treatments available. 

Gentle jazz and classical music play as you enjoy a drink in La 

Grotta situated in a natural cave. The restaurant offers local 

gastronomy utilising vegetables from the resort’s garden. 

There are outdoor activities to enjoy close by, including the 

white sands of San Montano Bay, and the seaside town of Lacco 

Ameno. Away from the centre you can hike the hinterland or 

explore old monasteries and churches. 








58 

Islands | North Sardinia 

North 

Sardinia 

Sardinia is a Mediterranean paradise, offering 

you a perfect escape from the daily humdrum. 

Located 120 miles west of mainland Italy, you’ll find a whopping 

1,220 mile stretch of unspoiled coastline with sparkling azure waters. 

North Sardinia combines glitz and glamour with beach life. On the 

northern tip of the island, the charming coastal town of Baia Sardinia 

is a perfect base for exploring the coastline. Spend time on the 

world-famous Costa Smeralda, a sophisticated strip of white sands 

and glittering blue waters that always satiate sun seekers. 

Sardinia is an ideal self-drive destination for added freedom. For 

peace and quiet, head to the quieter beaches of Santa Teresa 

Gallura, which always boast impressive sunrises and sunsets over 

the strait of Bonifacio. Go to Porto Cervo, a celebrity hotspot that’s 

made famous by its culinary delights and fine wines, or visit the 

markets and artisan stores in the town of Badesi. 

Find tranquillity in nature when you head to rural Oliena or the 

nature reserve of Asinara. Don’t miss the traditional fishing village of 

Isola Rossa, which is crowned by a dramatic ancient tower. 

Isola 

Rossa 

Santa 

Teresa 

Gallura 

Cannigione 

Cagliari 

Olbia 

Oliena 

Palau 

Baia Sardinia 

Porto Cervo 


59 


Hotel La Bisaccia 

Baia Sardinia 

Sardinia has been captivating travellers for years and it’s not 

hard to see why! Italy’s glorious island is world-renowned for 

its out of this world beaches as well as its tastebud tantalising 

cuisine. 

Hotel La Bisaccia enjoys a superb location overlooking the bay 

of Baia Sardinia, one of the islands’ most picturesque spots. The 

hotel is just a stone’s throw from a lovely sandy beach which 

is characterised by its plethora of discreet little coves. Hotel La 

Bisaccia really is the perfect choice for both couples and families 

who want a taste of Italian island life! 

The hotel is traditionally Sardinian inside and out and is built in 

a typical rustic style. Rooms inside are airy and enjoy balconies 

that overlook the pool and sea. The hotel’s pool is found in the 

gardens and is the place to be if you want some sunny R&R with a 

view! There are plenty of sunbeds and parasols and there’s even a 

pool bar for drinks and light refreshments. 

Take a short stroll into Baia Sardinia and you’ll find everything 

you could need to complete your Italian holiday experience 

- from bars to boutiques to restaurants. Baia Sardinia is quite 

small, so if you’re looking for bright lights, then why not head up 

to the nearby Costa Smeralda, only 5 miles away. Known for its 

glitz and glamour, the “Emerald Coast” never fails to impress! 








60 


Grand Hotel Smeraldo Beach 

Baia Sardinia 

Just a 20-minute walk from the attractive shops and restaurants 

of Baia Sardinia, and only five miles from the famous town of 

Porto Cervo, the Grand Hotel Smeraldo Beach enjoys a quiet 

and secluded position with its own small beach (normally in use 

May to September). Set in a sheltered cove, this stylish hotel 

commands magnificent views to the neighbouring renowned 

Maddalena Archipelago. 

There are two elegant bars and terrace areas where you 

can relax with a classic Italian cocktail and enjoy the superb 

Sardinian sunsets, accompanied by views over the four 

swimming pools accessed by numerous steps. For those seeking 

something more active, three tennis courts are located only 100 

metres away. Take advantage of the boat trips organised by the 

hotel, and discover the beautiful coastline of Northern Sardinia 

with its sandy coves and rocky inlets. 





Su Gologone Experience Hotel 

Oliena 

Villa del Golfo Lifestyle Resort 

Cannigione 

Su Gologone Experience Hotel is a charming hotel and has acquired 

a reputation for its excellent cuisine. The terraces are the perfect 

place to unwind and join in activities such as yoga or stargazing. 

Built in a typical local style, the accommodation is in five linked 

buildings connected by a series of steps. Each guest room is 

unique, many featuring traditional furniture, tapestries and 

fantastic colour schemes. A spring-fed swimming pool, outdoor 

whirlpool, an 18-hole mini-golf course and a tennis court are set 

in the lovely gardens. Due to the location of the hotel car hire 

is recommended. 





Villa del Golfo Lifestyle Resort is located just outside the small 

town of Cannigione surrounded by clear waters and idyllic sandy 

beaches in Costa Smeralda. Guests can enjoy traditional Italian 

dishes in the Sardinian restaurant MiraLuna, located in the main 

building and available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, enjoying 

superb views of the bay. 

There’s a beautiful outdoor pool or a private beach deck with 

sun loungers and umbrellas. The hotel offers a free shuttle to 

Barca Bruciata beach. Typically furnished in a Mediterranean 

style, rooms are spacious and vibrant, with bright colours 

mirroring the beautifully articulated colonnades and terraces. 






Colonna Resort 

Porto Cervo 

Located in Cala Granu in a stunning and isolated location, 

just 2.5 miles from the centre of Porto Cervo and Porto 

Cervo Marina, Hotel Colonna Resort is surrounded by 15 

acres of parks and gardens, full of exotic plants. The typical 

Mediterranean architecture is elegant and calming and guest 

rooms are furnished in Sardinia style, mirroring the relaxed 

atmosphere of the hotel. Guests can unwind around the large 

swimming pool and sun terrace with spectacular sea views or 

stroll to the hotel's small private sandy beach. 

61 


Hotel Colonna Resort offers guests the opportunity to enjoy 

traditional gastronomic flavours accompanied with fine wines 

at the restaurant. The Wellness Centre is perfect to escape and 

unwind with massages and beauty treatments available and 

for the more energetic, there is a gym. The hotel runs a shuttle 

service to Porto Cervo during the day, however given the 

location of the hotel, you may prefer car hire. 





Colonna Park 

Porto Cervo 

Embracing traditional décor and styling the Colonna Park makes 

for an authentic stay in Porto Cervo. There is a large swimming 

pool that is surrounded by lush Mediterranean gardens and 

nearby you’ll find the pool bar serving a range of drinks and light 

lunches. 

The onsite restaurant makes use of top local ingredients to 

highlight a range of dishes that are both local and international. 

There is also a bar area to enjoy an aperitif and watch the world 

go by. 

The hotel is in an ideal location just 500 metres from Porto 

Cervo Marina and 1500 metres to the centre of glitzy Porto 

Cervo. The hotel offers a shuttle service to Pevero beach during 

the day and one service in the evening to Porto Cervo. 








62 

Islands | South Sardinia 

South 

Sardinia 

The capital city of Sardinia, Cagliari, is 

filled with architectural delights such 

as the 13th century cathedral and the 

walled medieval quarter. Be sure to 

make your way to the iconic hilltop 

castello that Cagliari is known for. 

South Sardinia is an ideal spot for family 

holidays, not least with all its endless activities. 

Away from the North’s glitz, South Sardinia provides an authentic 

and laid-back charm. 

On the coast you can go sailing and windsurfing, while as you move 

further inland you’ll find rugged trails and forests to explore by foot 

or mountain bike. 

Whether you want exquisite seafood at the coast, local dishes 

featuring farm fresh produce, or a spectacular vintage, South 

Sardinia is famed for its local food culture. 

While the coastline capital of Cagliari holds a trove of yacht clubs, 

luxury spas and golf clubs by day and chic cocktail bars and fine 

dining by night, you’ll also find a sleepier side, with floral-decorated 

residential streets peppered with little churches. 

Olbia 

Discover a rustic romance among the tiny hamlets and seaside 

towns, as you amble tree-lined promenades and browse artisan 

shops. There’s also vibrant history to unearth, from ancient 

archaeology to a proud military heritage. 

Cagliari 

Villasimius 


Chia 


Brilliant Beach Life 

At Chia Laguna Resort 

Families and couples alike can unwind in Chia Laguna, 

an idyllic beach location. 

63 

Located within the southwest of Sardinia, Chia Laguna is an Each hotel within Chia Laguna Resort has its own swimming pool 

incredible destination that focuses around an all-important holiday and restaurants, and congregates around the main entertainment 

necessity: a sun-soaked pristine beach. 

square of Piazza degli Ulivi. During the high season, you can 

choose from 11 restaurants, which cater to all taste buds. 

Chia Laguna is a resort within a resort and the award-winning 

soft white sands are conveniently reached in a few minutes by a When you’re not enjoying the beach life and water sport activities 

frequent shuttle service. You’ll also find pink flamingos living on in the sparkling crystal waters, you can play tennis or five-a-side 

the nearby lagoon. 

football, or go shopping in the resort’s own boutiques. 

Stay in one of three unique accommodation options, the cottage 

style Hotel Village for families, the luxurious Conrad Chia Laguna 

Sardinia for romancing couples, and Baia di Chia Resort Sardinia 

for private beach club style. 


Islands | South Sardinia

64 


Hotel Village 

Chia Laguna Resort, Chia 

The Hotel Village is comprised of 240 Mediterranean cottagestyle 

rooms set around the landscaped gardens and central 

swimming pool and conveniently located close to the resorts main 

facilities making it ideal for families. There is an array of children’s 

facilities (open during high season) such as pool and mini club 

with supervised activities as well as the teenagers club. Guests 

of the Hotel Village can enjoy a buffet-style dinner at the Domus 

Restaurant, also located near the Mezze restaurant is “Bimbi 

corner” the dedicated children’s dining area. Beach services are 

also included at the Le Dune di Campana beach (from third row 

onwards) which is easily reached by the “Trenino Chia Express” 

land train shuttle service. 

240 | Official Hotel Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ 




As part of the Chia Laguna resort, guests can be sure to enjoy 

a relaxing setting by the superb award-winning soft white-sand 

beaches of Chia. A culinary journey service is also available 

(payable locally) so guests can be sure to make the most of the 

11 restaurants (in high season) the resort has to offer. 


Hotel Flamingo 


A favourite with Citalia guests for many years, the Hotel 

Flamingo is set in a natural park surrounded by eucalyptus 

woodland, bordering soft white sands. It provides good facilities, 

with a superb seafront location offering traditional Sardinian 

hospitality. Bright whitewashed walls and cool tiled floors 

enhance the light, airy atmosphere and add to the hotel's 

relaxed ambience. 

The hotel is comprised of a main building and six garden 

annexes housing twin rooms and four two-storey Nidi Villas 

with Suites. Guests staying in the Nidi rooms eat at the Wild 

Duck restaurant. There is a small pool for children and one large 

free-form freshwater swimming pool, and a daily lunchtime 

buffet is served on the terrace. 

65 


During high season, an entertainment and activity programme is 

organised at the hotel. The hotel has a range of sports facilities 

in its grounds, and windsurfing and waterskiing are available. 





Hotel Costa dei Fiori 


Located in the tiny seaside commune of Santa Margherita di 

Pula, the Costa dei Fiori enjoys a peaceful setting in beautiful 

landscaped tropical gardens, with a salt water infinity pool 

complete with sunbeds and parasols, surrounded by over 400 

mature pine trees overlooking the sea. 

The guest rooms are tastefully designed in typical Sardinian 

style and are situated in low buildings which form a semi-circle 

around the tranquil gardens and main building where the 

reception, restaurant and bar are situated. In front of the 

hotel is another beautiful swimming pool with a separate 

pool for children. 

The nearby beaches of Chia, Nora and Teulada are easily 

accessible by car; and for those without, the hotel offers a daily 

shuttle to one of the beaches of Chia and to the village of Pula 

which is located approximately 4km away. 








66 


Family-Friendly Holidays 

With Forte Village Resort 

Action-packed Forte Village Resort is an ideal place for families, with its 

numerous outdoor sports and attractions across a whopping 55 acres of land. 

You’ll literally find something for everyone! 

Brilliantly imagined and executed, Forte Village Resort is situated 

next to a brilliant beach that was featured in Forbes magazine’s list 

of 25 best beaches in the world. 

Find just the right stay for your family, as accommodation includes 

an array of villas and suites to suit all styles. 

With absolutely no vehicles, this luxury resort is an ideal place to 

go on leisurely family bike rides through pine groves and beautiful 

gardens. 

Forte Village Resort is for water babies of all ages, with adults-only 

swimming pools, a child-friendly waterpark, not to mention the 

nearby Mediterranean waters that are ideal for watersports. 

Get active with a diverse range of state-of-the-art facilities, including 

13 tennis courts, multiple football pitches, basketball courts 

and fit zones. 

There are also specialist academies so that children as young as 

three and up to 16 years old can enjoy personalised training sessions 

in everything from fencing, boxing and go karting to dance, 

table tennis and even magic. Plus, there’s a theme park with a 

bowling alley and go-karting course. 

Adults can de-stress in the revolutionary Acquaforte Thalasso & 

Spa, get a makeover at the designer Italian and international shops 

in Piazza Luisa, or dance the night away. 

Every mealtime is sublime, with over 21 restaurants offering a 

wide range of dining options, from sumptuous buffets to celebrity 

chef nights. With ingredients sourced from the resort’s own veggie 

patch, there’s even a restaurant from the three Michelin-starred 

chef, Heinz Beck. 


Hotel Bouganville 

Forte Village, Santa Margherita di Pula 

Hotel Bouganville is perfect for a family holiday as it is right in 

the heart of Forte Village Resort meaning the wide variety of 

restaurants, pools and entertainment are right on your doorstep. 

Beautifully concealed amongst lush hedgerows, tall palm trees 

and tropical flowers, guests can enjoy privacy. Children and 

teenagers are catered for with the popular Mario's Village, 

Children's Wonderland and Leisureland, they even have their 

very own restaurant. 

67 


Designed in a typical Sardinian style, the elegant and spacious 

bungalows all have a television with satellite channels, minibar, 

hairdryer, safe and individually controlled air conditioning and 

heating system. 

An extensive buffet breakfast can be enjoyed on the terrace 

surrounding the Oasis pool and the dinner options are endless. 

Guests have access to three fresh water swimming pools at the 

Oasis and two fresh water pools with water slides at Baia delle 

Palme, as well as the white sandy beach. 





Family offer: up to 2 children stay free with 2 adults 

Hotel Castello 

Forte Village, Santa Margherita di Pula 

For a taste of Sardinian luxury, Hotel Castello is a traditional 

hotel and has been a favourite with Citalia guests for years. 

Situated in a secluded corner of Forte Village Resort, it is only 

a few metres from the gorgeous white sandy beach and within 

easy reach of all the facilities in the resort. 

The hotel is furnished in a contemporary style with natural 

colour tones and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the 

gardens. There is a chic cocktail bar waiting for you to sit back 

and relax with a refreshing drink, and the romantic outdoor 

Restaurant Cavalieri hosts an impressive candlelit buffet dinner, 

accompanied by gentle piano music. 

Between the beach and Hotel Castello, there is a beautiful 

freshwater heated swimming pool exclusively reserved for 

guests, and the glorious beach is a great place where you can 

try some of the various watersports such as sailing and even 

scuba diving. 








68 

Islands | Sicily 

Sicily 

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nissum eictem quasperum faciae comniscim ea qui blaut ea cum volo velestio que 

quatempore vid quiam, omnisti onsequi aut hari abo. Imusa vellaborpor accuptiam sed 

qui antotatur asitatem saestot assunte mporitatio ium dolore perovitem desciliquam 

nienihi cillitaspe auta dest dolorro ende voloreh endebisquam quatur aut peritium 

quundae. Ficaborunt, officillorem exerae num fugit abor senem et haruntotatem 

rerum faccus, ut is simped qui accat perum quidem ressum ad quis exerovid ma 

dolorer natatem. Ut exceri volesseni seque pa dicta voluptiate peri re num id magnihi 

liquam quunti blaccumquam, sunt et, sandunt otates exerorporis sitist, susdaerum, to 

berferior sincia autatus a dolorerovit, ne peleculparum quis sed quiamus, cusam quas 

deles aut ea autati cus net quodis plit volut adior min re voluptaspis dolum recab. 

Sicily is a cultural melting pot that we invite 

you to dive right into! 

Not only is Sicily the largest and most populated island in the 

Mediterranean, it’s just 90 miles from the coast of Africa. The 

island has been heavily influenced by Arab, Greek and Roman 

rule over the centuries, which still manifests itself in present 

day Sicilian architecture and food culture. 

Dominated by dramatic landscapes that centre around 

Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, every town and 

city in Sicily is unique. 

Head to the seaside town of Cefalù with its cobbled 

streets lined with craft shops and a wide sandy beach. 

Explore Palermo’s buzzing markets, which sell everything 

from seafood to vintage clothes, before visiting its ancient 

churches, art galleries, and crumbling Roman villas. 

For more history, go to Sicily’s most beautiful town, 

Taormina, with its spectacular amphitheatre and cathedral, 

or to Syracuse where you can delve into Greek mythology. 

Palermo 

Cefalù 

Castelbuono 

Realmonte 

Agrigento 

Marina di Ragusa 

Lipari 

Vulcano 

Taormina 


Catania 

Syracuse 

Noto 

Scala dei Turchi, or The Turkish staircase, is an unexpected sight along the stretch of sea between 

Realmonte and Agrigento. An astonishing, giant dazzling white cliff, it is simply breath-taking. 

Drive uphill and enjoy the view from above. 


69 


Hotel Villa Belvedere 

Taormina 

The Hotel Villa Belvedere is situated in the clifftop town of 

Taormina, on the east coast of Sicily. This family run hotel will 

welcome you with warm Italian hospitality. The spacious and 

elegant rooms are traditionally furnished. The Villa Belvedere 

boasts a perfect hilltop location with amazing views and a 

swimming pool set in the lovely terraced gardens. It caters for 

breakfast and lunch and the centre of Taormina with its many 

restaurants and bars is only 10-minutes away. 




The friendly atmosphere at this hotel makes it the ideal location 

for couples seeking romance, and those looking to relax in 

idyllic surroundings. Children are also more than welcome here. 

Shopping, souvenir hunting and traditional Sicilian cuisine can all 

be found in Taormina, as well as plenty of historic sites for those 

interested in exploring the cultural side of the town. A shuttle 

service is available to ease the journey from the hotel to the 

nearby beaches. 

The hotel may not be suitable for guests with walking difficulties, 

as there are steps throughout the property. 




70 


Hotel Villa Paradiso 

Taormina 

This family-run hotel has all the comforts of a stylish home, an 

ideal retreat for those who like to mix heritage with a modern 

touch. The hotel was one of the first on the island and has been 

a pioneering reference for stylish visitors ever since. Truman 

Capote, Greta Garbo and Orson Wells have all stayed here! 

Hotel Villa Paradiso dates back to 1892 when it was the 

Martorana family’s private residence. It was transformed into a 

hotel in 1912 by Salvatore Martorana who wanted to keep the 

hotel’s famous sense of tradition and architectural features intact. 

Perched above Taormina, Sicily’s charming historic centre, the 

hotel’s rooftop bar enjoys splendid views of the town, with 

the sparkling waves of the Bay of Naxos and Mount Etna in 

the background. Taormina’s treasures, including the beautiful 

Giardino Pubblico, grand Greek-Roman Theatre and the 

impressive Palazzo Corvaja, are just a 10-minute walk away. 





Hotel Excelsior Palace 

Taormina 

The Hotel Excelsior Palace boasts a spectacular setting. The 

property is perched on a promontory, which juts out over the 

western coastline of Sicily, allowing guests to enjoy unbeatable 

views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna in the distance. 

The hotel gives you a real taste of historic Sicily. It was one of 

the first properties to spring up in Taormina when it was built 

back in 1904, and is even bordered by the remnants of a Greco- 

Roman wall. Landscaped gardens encircle the hotel building, 

giving the whole place a tranquil feel. Orange, almond and carob 

trees line the terraced walkways which lead down to the pool, 

while tall pines offer plenty of shady spots. The pool itself sits at 

the bottom of 92 steps, and comes with panoramic sea views. 






Villa Sant'Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, 

Taormina Mare 

Taormina 

Wonderfully situated on the Bay of Mazzarò, the deluxe Villa 

Sant'Andrea, A Belmond Hotel enjoys an enchanting beach 

location just a short stroll from the cable car linking Mazzarò 

to Taormina. 

71 


Built in the early 19th century as the private residence of 

a distinguished English family, the villa still retains much of 

its original character and aristocratic charm with antique 

furnishings and paintings adding to its comfort and elegance. It 

now boasts an outdoor heated swimming pool, which overlooks 

the enchanting bay of Mazzaró and provides an ideal setting for 

a relaxing day. 

During the summer, enjoy meals outside on the pretty terrace, 

where there is also an open-air bar overlooking the hotel's 

private beach. Ristorante Sant'Andrea is a wonderful venue for 

a romantic candlelit dinner and, after dinner, head to the large 

terrace where you can enjoy those long balmy Sicilian evenings 

sipping prosecco and listening to piano music. 



Mazzarò Sea Palace 

Taormina 

Superbly situated in the picturesque bay of Mazzarò, close to 

the cable car service up to Taormina, the Mazzarò Sea Palace 

provides a high standard of accommodation in a stunning 

setting. The beautiful Bay of Mazzarò can be admired from many 

corners of the hotel, including the restaurant terrace where you 

can dine during high season and enjoy traditional Sicilian dishes 

whilst taking in the views. 

Guest rooms have been recently renovated and offer plenty 

of space with modern conveniences to ensure a comfortable 

stay. Each room enjoys sea views from generously proportioned 

furnished balconies. The beautiful saltwater swimming pool 

provides a perfect place to spend a relaxing day or guests can 

use the hotel's private beach. 








72 


Grand Hotel Timeo, 

A Belmond Hotel, Taormina 

Taormina 

The Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel dates back to 1873 

and successfully recreates the atmosphere and splendour of a 

bygone era. Taormina’s first hotel is surrounded by luxurious 

parkland filled with olive and cypress trees, magnolias and 

bougainvillea. 

Guest rooms are richly furnished and most overlook the sea and 

Mount Etna, whilst the suites evoke the grandeur of the Sicilian 

Baroque period. 

Head to the hotel’s restaurant and sample some of the Sicilian 

and Mediterranean gastronomy that is available. In addition, the 

hotel’s swimming pool and Health & Fitness Centre are great 

places to unwind in after a day’s sightseeing. 

For golfing enthusiasts, the 18-hole Picciolo Golf Club is 16 miles 

away. A complimentary minibus service runs to the private beach 

and kids club nearby. In addition, during the summer months the 

hotel offers complimentary boat cruises along the coast. 



Cefalù Sea Palace 

Cefalù | Citalia rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Located on the north coast of the island, Cefalù Sea Palace has 

a fantastic seafront position and it is only a short walk from 

Cefalù’s historic centre. 

The hotel is centred around a large swimming pool which has 

plenty of sun loungers and parasols for everyone to enjoy. 

The pool has a children’s area to keep kids happy all day long. 

The fantastic beach is just a stone’s throw away and has a 

private section for guests. 

The rooftop terrace offers stunning panoramic views of ‘La Rocca’ 

which towers over the town and makes Cefalù so famous. The 

restaurant serves a tasty variety of Mediterranean, Sicilian and 

international cuisine, made from fresh, local ingredients. 

The old town of Cefalù, with shops, restaurants and bars, is only 

10-minutes away. Enjoy the delights of this unique location and 

treat yourself to gelato, enjoy a cannoli and the Sicilian way of life. 






UNAHOTELS Naxos Beach Sicilia 


Located in Giardini Naxos in eastern Sicily, UNAHOTELS 

Naxos Beach Sicilia is an impressive complex that offers lots 

of facilities. Situated on the beachfront, this expansive resort 

is set in large tropical gardens with guest rooms scattered 

amongst the olive groves, shady palms and colourful flowers. 

Spectacular views of Mount Etna can be enjoyed from the 

resort, and the bustling town of Taormina is nearby. There is 

a private beach, or two impressive swimming pools to enjoy. 

A choice of restaurants serve a wide selection of delicious 

cuisine, including Sicilian specialities. 

73 






Relais Santa Anastasia 

Castelbuono 

Once a medieval abbey, Relais Santa Anastasia is a unique 

property full of historic character and charm. 

Its outdoor pool provides the perfect spot to relax during warm 

summer days and the neighbouring natural park and gardens 

have gentle walking trails. The two restaurants serve traditional 

meals, which can be paired with a bottle of wine produced at the 

hotel's own winery. 

The comfortable guest rooms are named after different grape 

varieties originating in the region. They are decorated in a 

Madonita style with rich colours and elegant furnishings. 




Acacia Palace Hotel 

Marina di Ragusa 

Acacia Palace is located in Marina di Ragusa, a pretty fishing 

village in Sicily. Its private sandy beach is just 100m away. Relax 

on the sands or explore the 5th century ruins and 19th century 

architecture of the town, before visiting the UNESCO sites 

at Modica and Ragusa. Its elegant décor and serene gardens 

surround a large swimming pool. Soak up the sun or enjoy 

delicious Sicilian cuisine. The à la carte restaurant also serves 

international cuisine, while the bar is perfect to try Italian wines 

and exotic cocktails. 








74 


Villa Favorita Relais 

Noto 

Villa Favorita is a historic hotel, which has been passed down 

through generations of the same family. Originally built as a 

summer residence in 1752, its history of charm and opulence 

has been maintained. 

Each of the classically decorated rooms has modern amenities, 

including air conditioning and satellite TV, and glorious views. 

Outside, Villa Favorita offers a tranquil swimming pool area and 

luscious garden full of ancient palms. Unwind and soak up the 

views as you enjoy a glass of the hotel’s wine, taking in the scent 

of olive trees and citrus groves. 

Traditional Sicilian dishes are lovingly created onsite using fresh 

local produce and vegetables grown in the garden. Breakfast 

includes sweet and savoury continental options, while lunch and 

dinner are served à la carte on the terrace. The white sands of 

Fontane Bianche are 300 metres away and Syracuse is within a 

30-minute drive. 





Minareto 

Syracuse 

Boasting a fantastic location in front of the beautiful island of 

Ortigia, the Minareto offers a relaxing experience. Its private 

beach, set within the protected marine reserve, has soft white 

sand and offers the perfect place to enjoy the Sicilian sunshine, 

with comfortable loungers and beach staff on hand to ensure 

your time there is enjoyable. There's also a freshwater pool 

located in the heart of the resort where the Grill&Bar Restaurant 

serves cooling drinks and typical Sicilian specialities. In the 

evenings, choose to dine in one of two restaurants including the 

Titanic where you can dine on the spectacular terrace that hangs 

over the sea. For a pre-dinner aperitif, the elegant lobby bar is 

the perfect choice. Guest rooms at this hotel are decorated in a 

traditional style with modern comforts, providing a comfortable 

home away from home. 






Hotel Mea Lipari 

Lipari 

Enjoying stunning views of the bay of Marina Lunga as well 

as the Castle of Lipari, Mea Lipari boutique hotel boasts 

comfortable rooms, ranging from cosy Classic rooms to 

spacious Suites. Located close to the historical centre of Lipari, 

you can lose yourself in its pretty streets with shops and 

restaurants offering local specialities or visit some of its sites 

including an archaeological museum, cathedral as well as the 

famous “castello”. 

75 


After a day of exploring, relax at one of the two swimming 

pools, enjoying a chilled drink from the pool bar. Later, head 

to Chimera Restaurant and savour some traditional Aeolian 

flavours whilst admiring the beautiful views over the bay. 

The rich buffet breakfast will set you up for another day of 

exploring the island, alternatively take advantage of one of 

the many boat trips available and visit the rest of the beautiful 

islands within the Aeolian archipelago. 





Therasia Resort Sea & Spa 

Vulcano 

On the island of Vulcano, Therasia Resort Sea & Spa has 

an understated elegance characterised by soft, light hues 

contrasting with black volcanic lavic stone. On the water’s edge, 

it has an impressive volcanic backdrop and stunning views from 

the terrace. 

Enjoy meals at Il Cappero, which has been awarded a Michelin 

Star. After, head to the Lounge Bar for exquisite cocktails, views 

of the island’s rock formation and live music. 

Beautiful throughout in a cool, classic Mediterranean style, the 

refined hotel interiors are composed of natural stone flooring, 

volcanic rock, Sicilian terracotta, and cedar and olive wood. 

There is a complimentary shuttle service to and from Porto di 

Levante. In addition, you can take a water taxi to the nearby 

bustling island of Lipari either for a spot of shopping during the 

day, or for dinner in one of its numerous restaurants. 








76 

Lakes 

Lakes 

It’s time to dive into 

Italy’s glittering lakes! 

The Italian lakes are not only utterly beautiful, they provide a 

grandeur and elegance that guarantees your holiday a VIP vantage. 

The magic of these crystal-clear waters have enticed the global elite 

to have lakefront properties here - from Richard Branson and George 

Clooney to Donatella Versace. All the lakes are edged with charming 

harbour towns and villages just crying out to be explored, and it’s 

easy to do so with local ferries crisscrossing them. From sailing 

and watersports, to venturing into nearby nature by foot, cycle, 

or on horseback, choose just the right amount of action for you.

Lake 

Garda 

77 

Lakes | Lake Garda 

Our favourite family-friendly destination, 

picture-perfect Lake Garda is the largest lake in 

Italy, and boasts plenty of fun activities both on 

and around the water. 

Riva del Garda 

Limone 

Lake Garda is framed by the mighty Dolomite Mountains, and 

on the northern shore, you’ll find a slightly breezy climate. With 

waters wonderfully ruffled by the wind, this is an ideal location for 

watersports, such as sailing and windsurfing. There are plenty of 

architectural and archaeological wonders to explore too, from a 

natural history museum to medieval castles. 

You’ll find warmer climes on the southern shore, home to pebble 

beaches and lakeside promenades ideal for ambling along. Spend 

time in sweeping vineyards that boast world-class wine, from crisp 

chardonnays to rich merlots. 

Gardone Riviera 

Malcesine 

Garda 

Bardolino 

Unwind fully in the ancient spa town of Sirmione, home to thermal 

waters and healing natural treatments. Alternatively, have a thrillfilled 

day out in Gardaland, Italy’s top theme park. 

Desenzano del Garda 

Sirmione 

Lazise 

No Lake Garda trip would be complete without at least two scoops of ice cream! Gelateria Cristallo 

in Bardolino is beatifully placed right on the promenade overlooking the ferry port and makes gelato 

to die for in every shape and form, using only natural ingredients. 


78 


Hotel Caesius Thermae 

& Spa Resort 

Bardolino 

Hotel Caesius Thermae and Spa Resort has just one focus: 

you. This superb hotel on the southern shore of Lake Garda is 

perfect for an unforgettable holiday that offers a healthy dose of 

relaxation. The hotel offers everything from bespoke packages 

to state-of-the-art treatments including detoxes, mindful 

massages, Ayurvedic treatments and couples’ spa breaks. 

Guests can also use the five swimming pools, hot tubs, 

hammams and saunas. 

The hotel is just a 20-minute walk away from the lovely town 

of Bardolino, one of the prettiest towns on the south shores 

of Lake Garda. Bardolino is in the heart of the Veneto wine 

country, and the eponymous product is the town’s pride and 

joy. Expect lots of stunning countryside here: pretty, rolling hills 

covered in olive groves, grapevines, wildflowers and tall cypress 

trees. And what could be better than enjoying a glass of local 

Bardolino in Bardolino? We’ll drink to that! 




Offers Available: €75 per adult hotel credit 

Regina Adelaide 

Garda 

Regina Adelaide in Garda is a beautiful Art Nouveau villa 

dating back to the early 20th century. Lovingly restored by 

the Tedeschi family over three generations, the hotel provides 

exceptional service in traditional surroundings. Guest rooms and 

communal areas all evoke a time gone by, stylishly furnished 

with antiques, yet the full service spa and swimming pools 

provide modern luxury. 

Guests can enjoy breakfast buffets of sweet and savoury dishes 

handmade in the kitchens of the pâtisserie adjoining the Hotel; 

or for a captivating culinary experience into contemporary 

Italian cuisine, the hotel also offers a gourmet restaurant with an 

elegant loggia just a stone's throw from the lake. 

Located in the centre of Garda, Regina Adelaide is ideal for 

stepping out into this historic, bustling town to soak up the 

atmosphere in the narrow streets. The hotel is also only a short 

stroll away from the lake. 






Hotel Corte Valier 

Lazise 

Hotel Corte Valier occupies a prime location on the shores 

of Lake Garda. Stunning views are complemented by the 

outstanding facilities which include the Laguna Wellness 

Centre & Spa and huge indoor and outdoor pools. Twice a 

week throughout the summer months, live music is played on 

the terrace and guests can sit back and relax in their beautiful 

surroundings. Clean lines and contemporary design are evident 

throughout the hotel and each guest room comes with a lake 

view to make the most of this spectacular lakeside position. 

Guests can stroll along the lakeside path to the wonderful town 

of Lazise which is approximately a ten-minute walk away. 

79 





Hotel Excelsior Bay 

Malcesine | Citalia rating: ★ ★ ★ PLUS 

Hotel Excelsior Bay occupies a superb position with splendid 

views over Lake Garda, situated on the lakefront promenade 

within a few minutes' walk of the centre of Malcesine. 

A highlight of this hotel is its large lakeside terrace that you can 

enjoy during those balmy summer evenings. Throughout the 

warmer months, start your days with an al fresco breakfast on 

the lakeside terrace (weather permitting) and spend hours lazing 

around the swimming pool. Whilst some areas of the hotel are 

slightly dated, the Excelsior Bay offers a unique location and 

is ideal for those wanting easy access to the beautiful town of 

Malcesine. 

Guest rooms are simply decorated and comfortable but this 

hotel enjoys a beautiful setting by the crystal-clear waters of 

Italy’s largest lake and within easy reach of Monte Baldo, one of 

the most evocative places to visit on Lake Garda. 








80 


Hotel Du Lac et Du Parc 

Grand Resort 

Riva del Garda 

Wonderfully and uniquely positioned in its own magnificent 

park, Hotel Du Lac et Du Parc is one of Lake Garda's top hotels. 

From here it is a 15-minute walk along the lakeside to the centre 

of Riva del Garda. 

The hotel looks out over mature trees, tropical plants, lawns and 

ornamental lakes, all beautifully maintained to create a haven of 

peace and tranquillity. 

Within its verdant grounds there is a lovely outdoor swimming 

pool, separate children's pool and a poolside restaurant serving 

lunch, and an à la carte menu in the evenings. The hotel also 

features the Aria Live Cooking Restaurant, heated indoor pool, 

gym and a bar where piano music can be enjoyed each evening. 

The hotel has successfully combined excellent service with a 

good range of facilities amidst a scenic setting to provide you 

with a relaxing holiday in one of Lake Garda’s most favoured 

resorts. 

159 | Official Hotel Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ 




Park Hotel Imperial 

Limone 

Park Hotel Imperial is a serene oasis tucked away in lush green 

grounds on the shore of Lake Garda just 500m from Limone 

sul Garda. 

This tranquil retreat embraces the lush sub-tropical gardens. 

The hotel’s centrepiece is without doubt the large, inviting 

swimming pool where you can unwind throughout the day 

with the lake glistening in the distance and the dramatic 

backdrop of Alpine mountains. 

For some added lakeside relaxation, there is an excellent 

wellness centre with an indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna, 

Turkish Bath, emotional showers, aromarium, whirlpool, body 

tonic water and beauty treatments. 

The hotel features 65 light and airy rooms of which 34 are 

well-appointed and welcoming suites overlooking Lake Garda 

or the inner Mediterranean garden, ideal for those that want 

to indulge themselves. 

The Park Hotel Imperial, surrounded by a landscape that 

inspired the verses of Catallus and Goethe, effortlessly combines 

comfort and modern elegance with attentive service. 






81 


Hotel Sirmione e Promessi Sposi 

Sirmione 

This historic hotel has been presiding over the southern 

shores of Lake Garda since 1890 and has become a reference 

for wellness. The Sirmione thermal spa is just a short walk 

away, and is a great way to experience what makes this place 

so very special! 

The beautiful hotel boasts a prime location in Sirmione, 

set on the banks of Lake Garda. The picture-postcard place, 

is presided over by Castello Scaligero. The 13th-century 

castle is exceptionally well preserved and even comes 

complete with a drawbridge and moat! 





Sail to the nearby towns such as Bardolino, Peschiera, 

Desenzano, Riva and Limone and discover why we think 

Lake Garda is so lovely. 

If you want to stay closer to home, the hotel’s restaurant 

overlooking the piazza is one of the best places to dine 

by candlelight. 




82 


Hotel Villa del Sogno 

Gardone Riviera 

The charming 20th century Hotel Villa del Sogno is set in its 

own secluded grounds and is attractively styled with traditional 

antique furnishings. 

Reached by a steep private road in the park from the lakeside, 

the Hotel Villa del Sogno’s features include a beautiful terrace, 

which commands stunning views of the lake, plus a swimming 

pool and tennis court located in its gardens. 

Built in 1904 by the German silk industrialist Maximilian 

Heydweiller in a Neo-classical style, the Hotel Villa del Sogno’s 

guestrooms are uniquely decorated in a classical manner that 

quietly blends in modern comforts. 

Fasano, the nearest village to the hotel, is only a five-minute 

walk away with steps from the hotel gardens leading to 

the lakeside road, while the centre of Gardone Riviera is a 

20-minute stroll away. 





Splendido Bay Resort 

Desenzano del Garda 

The Splendido Bay Resort offers a superb position on the edge 

of Lake Garda, just a 10-minute drive from the popular lake 

side town of Desenzano and a 5-minute drive to the town of 

Padenghe. 

A modern spa sits at the heart of the hotel (payable locally) 

offering a great range of facilities including a Turkish bath, 

Finnish sauna, experience showers and swimming pool. There is 

also a well-equipped gym on site or if you’d prefer to relax then 

you can make use of the outdoor pool and beach. 

The hotel has a range of dining options including The Rivale 

Restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine with a twist and set 

near the lake edge, or Bbay for fine dining and magnificent lake 

views. Further afield (1 km) and owned by the hotel, you can 

find Aquariva, which serves gourmet cuisine in a relaxed setting, 

or Kuoki (5 km), less formal with a range of different menu 

options and a well-stocked wine store. 






Hotel Salò du Parc 

Salò 

The spacious, peaceful Hotel Salò du Parc is just a few minutes' 

walk from the centre of Salò, a pretty pastel-coloured town 

occupying the western shores of Lake Garda. 

The hotel's attractive garden and swimming pool are situated 

directly on the lakeside where you can relax during the day and 

enjoy the panoramic views of the lake. Hotel Salò du Parc is 

ideally located for exploring the delightful town of Salò, whose 

cathedral houses a wonderful altarpiece by Veneziano. 





83 


Grand Hotel Terme 

Sirmione 

Situated adjacent to the Scaligeri Castle on the Sirmione 

peninsula, Grand Hotel Terme is in a prime lakeside location in 

this spectacular corner of Lake Garda. The guest rooms are all 

spacious and stylish and include a complimentary minibar. 

A wide range of spa treatments and beauty therapies are 

available at the wellness centre and there is a thermal outdoor 

pool with whirlpool and water jets from where you can enjoy 

the wonderful views of the lake and garden. 

The hotel's restaurant, L'Orangerie, is renowned throughout 

Italy for its excellent gourmet menu and serves Mediterranean 

and international haute cuisine. Dr. Anna Villarini, a leading 

biologist nutritionist helps to create the menu in accordance 

with the latest scientific research in the nutritional field. 








84 

Lake 

Como 

Lakes | Lake Como 

If you’re seeking inspiration, then Lake Como is 

swathed in creativity. 

Soul-stirring and whimsical, this great lake has inspired poets and 

artists for centuries, from Leonardo da Vinci to Mark Twain. Today, 

it’s a celebrity and jet-setting hotspot, creating a glamorous aura. 

Most of the lakefront mansions and towns ooze opulence, where 

fashionable boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants collide with 

traditional Italian establishments. One minute you are indulging in 

high-style retail therapy or sailing in a luxury yacht, the next you’ll be 

tucking into a plate of pasta from a local trattoria, or exploring 18th 

century palatial villas, including Villa Melzi, Villa Carlotta, and Villa 

del Balbianello. The further north you go, the more adventure you 

will find and the extensive ferry network means it is easy to visit the 

many towns on the lake. 

Moltrasio 

Cernobbio 

Como 

Menaggio 

Tremezzo 

Lenno 

Blevio 

Bellagio 

Visit the stunning Villa Balbianello in the charming village of Lenno but arrive in style by taking a water 

taxi. Lake Como has several stunning gardens owned by Fondo Ambiente Italiano ( FAI) which is the 

National Trust of Italy. If you are a National Trust member currently you are entitled to free entrance. 


Hotel Belvedere 

Bellagio 

The Hotel Belvedere, run by the Martinelli Manoni family, has 

been a popular hotel with Citalia guests for over 30 years due to 

its enduring high levels of service, accommodation and delicious 

food. With beautiful gardens that have spectacular views over 

Lake Como, Hotel Belvedere is only a 15-minute downhill walk 

from the bustling centre of Bellagio; a place with narrow cobbled 

stairways full of shops, coffee shops and eateries. 

The guest rooms are located in the main building or in villas set 

in the gardens. The Hotel Belvedere is a superb family-run hotel 

which is perfect for those wishing to sit back and relax with 

great food, kind hospitality and spectacular scenery. 

85 





Hotel Du Lac 

Bellagio 

A Citalia favourite for over 40 years, Hotel Du Lac is situated in 

a small piazza of Bellagio. 

In addition to its delightful history, much of its charm comes from 

the owners, whose wonderful hospitality, service and home cooking 

extend back to 1956. The lake views are outstanding, especially 

from the first floor restaurant and attractive roof garden. 

Hotel Du Lac’s ideal position in the main piazza is an ideal place 

to watch the world go by. Guests can easily visit the beautiful 

towns surrounding Lake Como by ferry and enjoy some of the 

most picturesque views. 

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni 

Bellagio 





The five star Belle Epoque Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni enjoys 

an enchanting setting below wooded hills on the edge of Lake Como, 

just a few minutes' stroll from the charming centre of elegant Bellagio. 

The magnificent interiors successfully recreate that lavish and tranquil 

environment of a bygone era, and the hotel’s exclusive one star 

Michelin-rated Restaurant Mistral comes with an impressive wine list 

to perfectly complement its delicious menu. 

On the water's edge is the large swimming pool where you spend the 

days swimming to or relaxing by the glorious surrounding views. 







86 


Grand Hotel Victoria 

Menaggio 

Completely renovated in 2021 the Grand Hotel Victoria is set 

on the glittering shores of Lake Como, in the quaint northern 

Italian town of Menaggio. It’s ideal for both families and couples 

wanting to make the most of this spectacular area of Italy. 

Take in the views of emerald green hills and azure blue waters 

of Lake Como, or explore nearby St Stephen’s Church, which 

dates back to 1890. Explore the delicate flavours of northern 

Italian cuisine in the onsite terrace restaurant Lago, or enjoy a 

drink in the bar. 

Outside, the hotel offers beautiful architecture with traditional 

shutters and tall windows, while inside you’ll find a combination 

of classic features and modern style. Guests can be sure to relax 

in the hotel's ERRE spa after a day of exploring the beautiful 

nearby towns. 





Grand Hotel Imperiale 

Moltrasio 

Villa d’Este 

Cernobbio 

The historic and charming Grand Hotel Imperiale is set in the 

small village of Moltrasio, offering views over Lake Como. The 

1920's art noveaux style building offers guests modern facilities 

within traditional surroundings. There are two restaurants, the 

charming La Cascata serving breakfast and a la carte evening 

menu, and the gourmet Imperialino, perfect for a special occasion. 

For those looking to relax and soak up the majestic lake views, 

the hotel’s swimming pool is located directly in front of the lake 

and is the perfect spot to enjoy those panoramas. 




Offers Available: Up to 30% early booking discount | 

Free room upgrade 

The iconic Villa d'Este embodies the ultimate in lakeside luxury. 

Set on the peaceful shores of Cernobbio, the villa was built in 

1568 and became home to Caroline, Princess of Wales. A sense 

of its former regal grandeur remains today throughout the formal 

gardens, distinctive architecture and exquisite interior furnishings. 

The hotel offers stunning rooms and suites, all different in decor 

with antique furniture, paintings, custom linens and drapery all 

deliberately placed to enhance their individuality, but all linked 

by the higher standards of the hospitality of a luxury resort. 




Offers Available: Free room upgrade 


Albergo Lenno 

Lenno 

The peaceful little town of Lenno is an excellent choice for 

exploring Lake Como, with its own ferry point that makes 

getting around by boat an easy and enjoyable experience. 

Benefiting from a good position between the lakeside towns of 

Moltrasio and Tremezzo, the family-run Hotel Lenno prides itself 

on its warm hospitality and relaxing ambience. The Cetti family 

has beautifully preserved the original belle époque façade and 

created bright and fresh interiors by placing carefully restored 

antiques with modern furnishings. 

87 


Its restaurant serves some wonderful regional dishes in the 

delightful Art Nouveau dining room. Hotel Lenno’s facilities also 

include a swimming pool and sauna which are ideal for those 

who wish to relax after exploring the areas of Lake Como. The 

Mansarda rooms are attic style rooms with roof-light windows. 

We recommend booking early for Front Lake View rooms. 





Grand Hotel Tremezzo 

Tremezzina 

Boasting unparalleled views over Bellagio and the rose-tinted 

Grigne mountains, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, a family-run 

business for over a century of history, is a symbol of the 

warmest Italian hospitality and the place-to-be on Lake Como. 

Built in 1910, it combines fabulous period décor characterised 

by vibrant colours and reflecting the exuberance of times past 

with contemporary luxuries to make every lakeside vacation 

truly extraordinary. 

This authentic Art Nouveau Palace features stunning rooms 

and suites overlooking either the lake's blue waters or the 

flowering garden. 

A multifarious array of world-class facilities ensures unique-ofa-kind 

stays: a lakefront sandy lido – where to live the real dolce 

vita –, two private Venetian motor launches, three breathtaking 

pools – one floating on the lake –, two-hectare secular parks 

with floodlit clay tennis court. To top it all, a three-level T Spa 

and five restaurants interpreting the most genuine expressions 

of Italian cuisine. 






88 

Lakes | Lake Maggiore 

Lake 

Maggiore 

Experience the breathtaking backdrop of alpine 

mountains at Lake Maggiore. 

Nestled between the border of Switzerland and Italy in the 

Southern Alps, you'll benefit from a fresh Mediterranean climate. 

The main resort of Lake Maggiore is the small town of Stresa, 

where you’ll find cobbled streets with bars and shops and local 

trattorie (restaurants). 

Cannero 

Beyond the romance of the lake itself you’ll find this region is 

teeming with cultural treasures. Take a picnic to the historical 

palaces and mansions, such as the 19th century Villa Taranto and 

its botanical gardens, or Park Villa Pallavicino. Take a boat to the 

Borromean Islands, a group of three small islands with ornate 

gardens and Baroque palaces. We highly recommend a trip to the 

nearby city of Milan or to the charming neighbouring Lake Orta. 

Baveno 

Stresa 

Passera 

Enjoy the beautiful walk from Stresa to Passera church. The walk is really peaceful, about 1.5 miles long 

and offers stunning views down over the Lake and surrounding area. Best enjoyed early morning. 


Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromées 

Stresa 

The Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromées represents beauty and 

tradition, all combined with first-rate facilities and enchanting 

views of the Borromean Islands and the Alps. This magnificent 

hotel opened in 1863 and has hosted a number of prominent 

guests, including Ernest Hemingway and Clark Gable. 

A wealth of facilities include stylish public rooms, the elegant 

Restaurant Il Borromeo, a health club and swimming pool. 

The guest rooms relive the Belle Epoque era, with warm, 

rich colours, fabrics and Murano chandeliers enhancing the 

authenticity. 

89 


Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromées is perfect for relaxation amidst 

wonderful surroundings but for the more active, a selection of 

water sports, horse riding and a number of golf courses are also 

located nearby. 

Just 500 metres away from the centre of Stresa and directly 

facing the treasured Borromean Islands, the Grand Hotel Des 

Iles Borromées embodies a truly romantic Maggiore setting. 





Hotel Astoria 

Stresa 

Just 10-minutes' walk from the centre of Stresa on the lovely 

lakeside promenade lies Hotel Astoria. The hotel hails from 

the mid-1950s, when Italy was enjoying its fabled dolce vita 

heyday, and touches of this Italian sophistication can be seen 

throughout. Spacious lounges and stunning alpine lakeside views 

preside, making Astoria unique. 

The hotel has been owned and run by the same family since 

its inception 70 years ago. What’s more, Hotel Astoria has 

been welcoming Citalia guests for over 35 years, so it is no 

understatement to say the hotel is part of our family too! 

Thanks to Hotel Astoria’s central location, Lake Maggiore’s 

attractions are easy to get to. The Borromean Islands are just 

20-minutes by boat, and are well worth a visit. Simply pick up a 

ferry from the nearby pier. 







90 


Hotel La Palma 

Stresa 

Situated opposite the lakeside promenade with only a fiveminute 

walk to the town centre of Stresa, Hotel La Palma offers 

elegant accommodation with guest rooms decorated to a high 

standard. The public rooms include a large open-plan lounge, a 

reading room within the reception area and a restaurant with 

a view across the garden and the lake. Just across the road, on 

a terrace above the shingle beach, lies the hotel’s large heated 

swimming pool. The hotel's spa boasts a sauna, Turkish bath, 

whirlpool and fitness centre. Magnificent views can be enjoyed 

from the hotel's top floor Skybar terrace. 

The hotel’s pretty gardens provide a lovely setting for relaxing, 

especially after having wandered amongst Stresa’s picturesque 

villas and gardens. 

Hotel La Palma is an ideal location from which to enjoy Stresa 

and the beauty of Lake Maggiore, from the wonderful Isola Bella 

that houses the impressive 17th century Palazzo Borromeo to 

the bordering mountains. 




Hotel Regina Palace 

Stresa 

Imposing, stately and opulent, Regina Palace offers a taste of a 

bygone era: lavish decoration, art nouveau details, chandeliers, 

stained glass and a feature staircase. Everything here is done 

with impeccable taste - rooms are decorated with the elegance 

of the 1900s and many include frescoes and four-poster beds. 

The historic hotel has been welcoming guests for over 100 

years. Queen Sofia of Greece was a regular visitor, as was 

George Bernard Shaw. It’s unsurprising really - the hotel 

commands wonderful views of Lake Maggiore, and its privileged 

placement, just five minutes from Stresa, means that it is an easy 

and pleasant walk to get to the pretty town. 

The impeccable park is packed full of surprises, including 

fishponds and water features. The freeform pool at the rear of 

the gardens is lovely and has lots of sunbeds for relaxing. 





Villa e Palazzo Aminta 

Stresa 

The beautiful Villa e Palazzo Aminta is positioned near to 

Stresa. Over the years, the hotel has been carefully restored 

to its former glory and each guest room features hand-painted 

frescoes and antique furniture. Le Isole restaurant serves local 

and international cuisine and has spectacular views of the 

Borromean Islands from its terrace, while I Mori restaurant 

serves a typical Italian menu. For a truly unique experience there 

is Camelia Grotta, a natural cave with a steam bath, ice waterfall 

and aromarium. 

91 


The pool sits at the front of the hotel and is surrounded by a 

generous patio and well-kept gardens, where you’ll be able to 

relax on the sun loungers. The historical fishing town of Stresa 

dating back to the 1st century is just one and a half miles away 

and the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service. You can 

even take a boat across to the famous Borromean Islands. 





Hotel Cannero Lakeside 

Cannero 

The charming Hotel Cannero Lakeside is owned and run by 

the Gallinotto family who will ensure a very warm welcome. 

The hotel occupies a beautiful spot on the quiet shores of 

Lake Maggiore, at the far northern end of Italy. It combines a 

monastery and baronial house to create a modern and unusual 

hotel with plenty of charm. Its well appointed rooms provide 

marvellous views over the lake or the private pool area. 

Couples can relax together, share fine Italian wines and 

appreciate a meal on the terrace. The hotel looks out over the 

lake, where boats regularly arrive and leave from the nearby 

landing platform, perfect if you prefer to explore. Full of rustic 

charm, the hotel benefits from cool tiled floors, fine furnishings, 

and a relaxed atmosphere. Walks, beaches, and attractions are 

within easy reach as well. 








92 

Lakes | Lake Orta & Lake Iseo 

Lake Orta 

& Lake Iseo 

Lake Orta and Lake Iseo are the untouched beauties 

of Italy’s great lakes. 

Lovere 

Lovere 

Lake 

Orta 

Pettenasco 

Orta San Giulio 

Given how relaxed, peaceful, and crowd free they are, we highly 

recommend them. 

Located just 12 miles from Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta may be Italy’s 

smallest lake on paper, but to the eye it’s huge, as it ripples off into 

the distance. There's much to see and explore here, including medieval 

Lake 

Pettenasco 

churches, the hauntingly beautiful Iseo island of San Lake Giulio, and the Orta Sacro 

Orta 

Monte, a collection of centuries-old chapels. 

Lake Iseo is less than an hour’s drive from Lake Garda, and yet it feels like 

miles from anywhere. Nestled within the striking peaks Orta San of the Giulio Alps, you’ll 

find pretty villages with picturesque harbours. Notable for its excellent 

wine heritage, Lake Iseo is surrounded by wineries and vineyards 

Iseo 

where you can enjoy days out tasting some top tipples. 

Lake 

Iseo 

Iseo 

Lovere is a historic and very picturesque town located on Lake Iseo and it has been listed as one of the 

most beautiful villages in Italy. The welcoming historic centre, artistic heritage, elegant buildings and a 

stunning lakefront with squares and cafes are well worth a visit. 


Hotel Giardinetto 

Pettenasco, Lake Orta 

Hotel Giardinetto sits right on the shores of Lake Orta, with 

its own private landing stage; this is as close as you can get to 

lakeside living in this picturesque corner of the Italian Lakes. 

Spend the day relaxing by the swimming pool (normally in 

use May to September) and sun terrace or on the sun deck 

positioned on the lake. The guest rooms are comfortably 

furnished and the lake view rooms offer a simply beautiful vista. 

The hotel restaurant is renowned for its local specialities and 

fish dishes, and the terrace provides a wonderful setting for 

dining late into the evening. 

93 

Lakes | Lake Orta & Lake Iseo 

Citalia recommends this hotel for its tranquil location. For added 

freedom and flexibility, we recommend car hire. 





Hotel Araba Fenice 

Pilzone, Lake Iseo 

Hotel Araba Fenice is set on the sparkling shores of Lake Iseo in 

northern Italy. It’s ideal for relaxing, with its outdoor swimming 

pool, excellent restaurant and tranquil ambiance. If you prefer 

to explore, you’ll find the small village of Pilzone within a 

10-minute walk and further afield the medieval town of Iseo, 

a 35-minute walk. Keeping active in Iseo is easy - there’s golf, 

sailing, cycling, hiking and swimming within easy reach. 

The hotel is set within a 19th Century villa which has been 

lovingly restored to include modern amenities and elegant 

touches of history. Enjoy a continental buffet breakfast and 

rich Italian dinners at the hotel’s restaurant. Delicious northern 

Italian dishes, including freshwater fish from the lakes, are 

served on the pretty terrace overlooking Lake Iseo. Each of the 

rooms is air conditioned and has Sky TV and free Wi-Fi. 








94 

Countryside 

Countryside 

Retreat into rural bliss in Italy 

Wake up to the rolling hills of vineyards, olive groves and cypress 

trees as you venture into Tuscany, Piedmont and Umbria. Savour 

time-honoured traditions as you watch grapes being handpicked 

from the vines, stamped on, or stored by the barrel in ancient wine 

cellars. Tuck into the most delicious local produce, from cured 

hams and ripe fruits to artisan cheese. Go off-the-beaten-track and 

embrace a slower pace of life in tiny medieval walled hamlets and 

prehistoric stone dwellings. Escape your daily routine. It’s easy.

Tuscany 

95 

There's so much to see and 

do in Tuscany but if you are in 

San Gimignano at sunset head 

to the Punto Panoramico for 

the most beautiful and serene 

views of the Tuscan rolling 

countryside, while sipping a 

delicious local wine. 

Ah,Tuscany - there’s nowhere in the world 

quite like it! 

Tuscany is the quintessential image that pops into your head when 

you think of Italy with its abundance of vineyards and age-old 

Lido di 

Montecatini 

agrarian traditions. 

Camaiore 

Terme 

Viareggio Lucca 

Imagine sitting among the vines with a glass of wine as you watch 

Florence 

San Giuliano Terme 

the sun go down over the rolling hills. Tuscany’s award-winning 

Candeli 

wineries are the ultimate place to become a wine connoisseur, as 

Pisa 

you learn about production and taste Tuscany’s most famous wine, 

Castelfalfi 


the red Chianti Classico. 

San Gimignano 

Colle Val D' Elsa 

Monteriggioni 

Naturally, you’ll know the main sites: the Leaning Tower of Pisa, 

and the medieval walled city of Lucca designed by the one and only 

Siena 

Castelnuovo 

Berardenga 

Leonardo da Vinci, but there’s much more to discover. 

Head into the gorgeous city of Siena with its famous piazza, 

Montepulciano 

exploring the cobbled streets before pausing for homemade gelato. 

Visit medieval hilltop towns with their soaring towers like San 

Gimignano, tiny romantic hamlets like Monteriggioni, or soothing 

spa towns like Montecatini Terme. 

What are you waiting for? 

Countryside | Tuscany

96 

Countryside | Tuscany 

Casa Vacanze Le Cellole 

San Gimignano 

Set on a verdant Tuscan hillside surrounded by vineyards, 

just two miles from the renowned medieval towers of San 

Gimignano, is this classic farmhouse that has been restored 

and refurbished to a high standard. The Romanesque church 

of Cellole, with majestic cypress trees in its grounds, is an easy 

walk from the house. 

In the lawned garden there is a pretty swimming pool framed by 

a paved terrace with sun loungers, a shared barbecue, laundry 

and parking facilities. The owner, Giuseppe Moschi, and his 

family personally oversee the maintenance of the property and 

live on the premises. There are seven apartments featuring 

original characteristics. Each apartment has its own shaded patio 

with a table and chairs, ideal for outside dining in warm weather 

whilst enjoying the magnificent views of San Gimignano's 

medieval towers. 



7 nights, Self Catering 

Grand Hotel Francia e Quirinale 

Montecatini Terme 

The Grand Hotel Francia e Quirinale is situated in the centre of 

Montecatini Terme with the beautiful thermal park and the train 

station, just a few minutes' walk away. This refined and elegant 

historic hotel has been with the family Giusfredi-Nencini for 

four generations. The hotel is decorated with every attention 

to detail, with fine tapestries, carpets, paintings and statues, all 

which can be enjoyed in the piano lounge with a glass of Chianti. 

The delightful swimming pool has a terrace where drinks are 

served during the summer months; a perfect place to relax after 

a day being pampered in the beauty centre. 






Hotel Garden 

Siena | Citalia rating: ★ ★ ★ PLUS 

Located on the outskirts of Siena, the Hotel Garden, as its name 

suggests, is surrounded by verdant parkland and gardens. Only 

one and a half miles (approximately 35-minutes' walk) from the 

centre of Siena, this hotel is the perfect base from which to 

explore the city and surrounding area. 

The hotel is an original 17th century villa, once home to a 

noble Sienese family, together with three buildings; Belvedere, 

Casabianca and Poggiarello. Situated amongst landscaped 

gardens, the original villa still boasts fine, frescoed halls in the 

elegant salon and reception area. Amidst the pleasant grounds 

you can find a large swimming pool with a separate children’s 

pool, a spacious terrace and a tennis court. 

97 






Grand Hotel Continental 

Siena 

The elegant Grand Hotel Continental is located close to the 

impressive ancient square, Piazza del Campo, famous for its biannual 

medieval horse race, Il Palio. Formerly the Gori Pannilini 

Palace, the building is steeped in history and underwent a 

painstaking restoration project, opening in 2002 as the only fivestar 

hotel in the heart of Siena. 

This refined hotel with beautiful original frescoes and priceless 

furnishings is combined with a luxurious service and a romantic 

atmosphere, that throughout the centuries has won over the 

hearts of an élite clientele. Young aristocrats came here in the 

1800s, as did Queen Margaret of Savoy, German statesman 

Horst Köhler, not to mention modern celebrities such as Dee 

Dee Bridgewater, Dario Fo, Andrea Bocelli and Daniel Craig 

whilst filming James Bond's 'Quantum of Solace'. 








98 


Villa La Massa 

Candeli 

A fine example of 16th century Medicean architecture, this 

dignified villa now ranks as one of Italy's finest luxury hotels. 

Villa La Massa enjoys an enviable semi-rural location amidst 

enchanting Chianti and Rufina hills on the south bank of the 

River Arno, yet the centre of Florence is only a 15-minute drive 

away. 

A member of 'The Leading Hotels of the World' collection, the 

villa has beautifully decorated lounges and guest rooms and is 

housed in four buildings. Guests have the opportunity to explore 

Florence on a regular basis using the hotel's courtesy shuttle to 

and from the Ponte Vecchio. 

The hotel provides the exclusive Arno Spa which features 

cold water pools and sensory showers, a Turkish bath, sauna 

and a fitness room. Guests can also unwind with a classic 

Italian aperitivo by the swimming pool before enjoying superb 

Tuscan specialities on the terrace of the elegant Restaurant Il 

Verrocchio. 




Castello Di Casole, 

A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany 

Casole d'Elsa 

Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel is set amid the rolling green 

hills of Tuscany. The site is ideal for culture lovers and dates 

back to the Bronze Age, with local artefacts on display in the 

10th Century castle which houses the hotel. The building retains 

many original details, including rustic wooden beams and stone 

architecture, while the spa is located in the former wine cellar. 

Surrounding the hotel are the luscious gardens which blend into 

the wider estate and its olive groves and vineyards. 

Spend days relaxing by the swimming pool, or explore the area 

with hiking, cycling or Vespa trips. Local experts will teach 

you to paint using watercolours, cook authentic dishes using 

seasonal ingredients or unwind with yoga. And when it comes to 

dining there are some spectacular options available, including a 

six course tasting menu. 




Borgo Tre Rose 

Montepulciano 

The charming Borgo Tre Rose is located near the small village 

of Valiano and is just 20-minutes from Montepulciano. Set in 

the heart of the Tre Rose Vineyard estate, the hotel has been 

built around the original structure of an ancient medieval village 

and is full of character and steeped in history. Each guest room 

is comfortably furnished and decorated to complement the 

surrounding area. The hotel's restaurant has a large, panoramic 

terrace with beautiful views. Families will enjoy the laid-back 

atmosphere and many local activities. 

99 






Borgo San Luigi 

Monteriggioni 

Located in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, Borgo San Luigi 

is a perfect getaway for discovering the area's artistic heritage, 

local wines and Tuscan food. 

Nestled in 15 acres of parkland, this unspoilt 17th century 

structure is formed by five ancient buildings all lovingly restored 

and furnished in traditional and luxurious décor. These beautifully 

renovated buildings sit gracefully amidst century-old trees, 

gardens and woodland and offer guests a swimming pool, bar with 

sun terrace, restaurant and tennis courts. 





Villasanpaolo Resort & Spa 

San Gimignano 

Villasanpaolo Spa Resort is 6.4km from the centre of San 

Gimignano. The estate covers almost 7.5 acres and sitting in 

the middle of the garden, stands the beautiful villa which was 

converted into a noble residence at the end of the 19th century. 

Villasanpaolo continues tradition and produces a very high 

quality extra-virgin olive oil. An outdoor swimming pool with 

spacious garden and bar area is situated in one of the prettiest 

spots in the estate and offers relaxation while enjoying the 

magnificent view of the historical town. 




Offers Available: 12% early booking discount | Free room upgrade 




100 


Toscana Resort Castelfalfi 

Castelfalfi 

Toscana Resort Castelfalfi is located in the heart of the Tuscan 

countryside. Offering great facilities and attentive service, 

the rooms are built with comfort in mind and give the feel of 

timeless charm. Enjoy a trip away from the hustle and bustle of 

everyday life and relax in the Tuscan hills. 

There is plenty of choice when it comes to food and drinks 

as the onsite bars and restaurants have wonderful menus 

combining the freshest ingredients with local recipes. 

Enjoy a trip to the onsite spa and feel rejuvenated with one of 

the many treatments on offer or take a dip in the pool to cool off 

from the Italian sun. 

There is also a Kids Club onsite with a plethora of games and 

activities to keep the little ones occupied. 





Palazzo Leopoldo 

Dimora Storica & SPA 


Palazzo Leopoldo Dimora Storica is located in the medieval 

village of Radda in Chianti. It is an elegant four-star hotel where 

traditional meets contemporary. In the heart of Tuscany, it is the 

perfect choice for exploring the lush Tuscan countryside. 

The rooms are charming and spacious and have relaxation in 

mind with all the finer details. Elegantly decorated, some rooms 

have glorious panoramic views of the Chianti hills. 

Enjoy a traditional Tuscan meal in one of the restaurants that 

boast an extensive menu of fantastic flavour and a bottle of 

wine to match. 

After all of the exploring and dining, relax and rejuvenate in 

the spa with its wide range of treatments, warm sauna and 

Turkish bath. 

Not suitable for guests with restricted mobility. 






Piedmont 

101 

Be indulged by the rural heart of northwest Italy. 

Piedmont competes with Tuscany with its panoramic views of 

vineyards and hilltop fortress towns that date back to the Middle 

Ages, and you can spend hours each day ambling or cycling around 

the scenery. 

A foodie’s delight, go to Barolo for the birthplace of the heady red 

wine of the same name, while the village of Gavi is a hidden gem 

Turin Airport 

with a strong winemaking culture and home of the ‘white barolo’. 

Turin 

Head to Pollenzo, a town that was built on viticulture (the science of 

winemaking) and boasts a University of Gastronomic Science and an 

Bra 

Alba Monterotondo, Gavi 

impressive Banco del Vino, which chronicles over 100,000 bottles 

Pollenzo 

Serralunga d’Alba 

of wine. 

Unearth the origins of the international Slow Food movement in 

the town of Bra, and go on food adventures in Serralunga d’Alba. 

You can even hunt for esteemed white truffles or visit the famous 

international truffle festival in Alba. 

When in Piedmont do not miss the opportunity to visit Alba which is the home of the white truffle and the best 

wines worldwide. Alba is also a culinary centre with a concentraction of many gourmet and Michelin starred 

restaurants, making it a must visit. 


Countryside | Piedmont

102 

Countryside | Piedmont 

Albergo L’Ostelliere - 

Villa Sparina Resort 

Monterotondo, Gavi 

Albergo L'Ostelliere - Villa Sparina Resort is a delightful 

winery-resort located in Monterotondo, within the famous wine 

region of Gavi, Piedmont. You can expect fabulous views of 

the surrounding countryside, with its bountiful vineyards and 

dramatic rolling hills. 

Villa Sparina Resort comprises 18th century farmhouse 

buildings, the Villa Sparina winery, and the exclusive, Michelinplate 

restaurant La Gallina. 

The hotel’s appeal is understated luxury, offering elegant 

simplicity through its natural, agricultural surroundings. Inhale the 

tranquillity of the region as you stay in one of 33 boutique rooms. 

When you’re not strolling around the gardens, hiking the verdant 

hills, or tucking into culinary delights, you can lounge in the 

solarium, or have a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool. 

Villa Sparina can also arrange several outdoor activities for you 

which showcase the beautiful countryside, including mountain 

biking, horse riding, truffle hunting, or playing a round of golf at 

a hillside golf course. 





Albergo dell’Agenzia 

Pollenzo 

Albergo dell'Agenzia is located in Pollenzo and is a 10-minute 

drive from Bra and Pollenzo, the birthplace of the global Slow 

Food movement and is housed in the same complex as the 

esteemed and unique University of Gastronomic Sciences. The 

hotel boasts charming neo-Gothic buildings that have been 

lovingly restored to their former glory. Directly across from the 

hotel is the Torrione, a Roman tower that stands testament to 

the town’s glorious past. 

Stay in one of the hotel's spacious rooms and suites, which 

have been named after the prestigious Barolo and Barbaresco 

wines of the region. All the rooms have been decorated with 

traditional and welcoming elements that evoke elegance, 

including terracotta floors and marble bathrooms, and feature 

complimentary WiFi, a flat screen TV, minibar and telephone. 

The main event of your stay at Albergo dell’Agenzia is the 

flavourful cuisine at the hotel’s chic Garden Restaurant. Enjoy 

authentic, traditional food made with fresh ingredients. 





103 

Countryside | Umbria 

Umbria 

Rustic and romantic, Umbria is untouched Italy 

at its best. 

Right in the heart of Italy, landlocked Umbria is a breath of fresh air. 

Enjoy roaming through a patchwork of countryside: from bright 

sunflower fields and olive groves to lofty cypress trees and fertile 

vineyards. Let the winding roads lead you to unexpected treasures, 

from fortified battlements to ancient hamlets steeped in legends and 

a powerful sense of tradition. 

Explore the old town of Umbria’s capital, Perugia, with its narrow 

streets and elegant piazzas. Each year, Perugia is home to a cool jazz 

festival in July and a chocolate festival in October. 

Just half an hour’s drive away, lies the hillside pilgrimage town of Assisi, 

home to the beautiful frescoed basilica and tomb of St Francis of Assisi. 

You’ll also find several Franciscan walking trails throughout the region. 

Città di Castello 

Lake Trasimeno 

Assisi 

Perugia 

Montepetriolo 

Pantalla 

Todi 

In Orvieto, glimpse a gorgeous Gothic cathedral, as well as a maze of 

underground Etruscan caves and tunnels, not to mention the renowned 

white wine, Orvieto Classico. 

EuroChocolate is an annual chocolate festival that takes place in Perugia. The festival has been held since 

1993, and is one of the largest chocolate festivals in Europe. Don’t forget to indulge in the famous Baci 

chocolates from Perugia. 


104 

Countryside | Umbria 

Country House Tre Esse 

Assisi 

Part of the Citalia programme for over 25 years, the Country 

House Tre Esse is just a 30-minute walk from the Basilica of 

San Francesco and Assisi centre. The hotel has a pretty garden, 

swimming pool and a sun terrace overlooking the beautiful plain 

of Santa Maria degli Angeli, which is a wonderful place to relax 

with a drink during the summer evenings. Rooms are simply 

furnished and located in the main hotel and in two separate 

buildings in the garden. 





Tenuta di Canonica 

Todi 

Tenuta di Canonica is a former medieval lookout tower 

transformed into a charming country hotel in the heart of 

Umbria. Near Todi and close to the border of Tuscany, it is 

perfect for discovering artistic culture. The hotel has the grace 

of craftsmanship shining through the property, with locally 

baked terracotta floors and vaulted ceilings. 

Admire delightful views over the Tiber River Valley on the 

terrace, featuring an outdoor swimming pool. Rest your head 

in a room which blends contemporary comfort with antique 

furniture, and fine, locally-crafted linens and tapestries. 

SINA Brufani 

Perugia 





Hotel SINA Brufani is a splendid example of an Italian hotel set 

in the heart of medieval Perugia, with fantastic views of the city 

and the Umbrian hills beyond. 

Rooms are decorated traditionally with antiques and sumptuous 

fabrics and the place evokes nostalgic feelings of times gone by. 

The crowning glory is surely the small indoor pool, where you 

can swim over the glass bottom and admire the Etruscan ruins 

below. Enjoy the pleasures of treatments from the spa and finish 

your days feeling at home in the traditionally English styled bar. 






105 

Cities 

Cities 

Step into Italy’s streets 

and make memories 

Italy’s cities are simply spellbinding, with an enticing blend 

of breathtaking scenery, architecture and diverse attractions. 

Shop til you drop in the fashion capital of Milan. Encounter 

passion in Renaissance Florence. Find love in the waterways 

of amorous Venice. Seek out La Dolce Vita in venerable Rome. 

Feast on pizza in Naples’ streets. Anything is possible, and 

we will tailor your holiday to just the way you like it.

106 

Cities | Rome 

Rome 

Vatican Museums & Galleries 

Spend a full day at the Vatican Museums & Galleries, in which 

long rooms teeming with priceless treasures and ancient 

works by Bernini and Caravaggio, literally go on for miles. 

Why is Rome called the Eternal City? The ancient 

Romans believed that no matter how many empires 

rose or fell, Rome had the power to live on forever. 

There’s a vast amount of iconic landmarks all within walking 

distance of each other. Roam around Rome for a lesson in 3,000 

years of history and, as you witness the hundreds of historic sites 

across Italy’s capital, there is a sense that immortality has been 

stamped on them - from the temple of the gods Pantheon to the 

Baroque Trevi fountain. 

The Colosseum is the main symbol of Rome and the world's largest 

amphitheatre. It is an imposing construction that, with almost 2,000 

years of history, will bring you back in time to discover the way 

of life in the Roman Empire. Don’t miss the Sistine Chapel with its 

famous frescoes by Michelangelo of course. 

Away from the main attractions in quieter neighbourhoods you’ll 

discover tipica Roma with its cobbled streets and secret trattorie 

serving wine from the nearby Lazio Hills. 

Often overlooked, the magnificient Palazzo and Galleria Doria Pamphili is a must see. A hidden gem 

housed in a lavish 17th century Roman-Rococo’ palace, it is home to a fantastic collection of works 

spanning the 15th to 18th century including pieces by Caravaggio, Raphael and Velasquez. 


Hotel Nazionale 

Rome 

The Hotel Nazionale is set in the heart of Italy’s grandest city, 

Rome. Recognisable monuments and the buildings which laid the 

foundation for the science and art of classical architecture can 

be viewed from the hotel’s windows. Inside, elegantly designed 

accommodation is representative of Rome’s traditional past, 

while also seamlessly blending contemporary furnishings and 

amenities for a truly comfortable stay. 

107 

Cities | Rome 

The Hotel Nazionale, today as in the past, bears witness to 

the glorious history of this area and is a landmark of Roman 

hospitality. Elegant, welcoming and beautifully furnished, 

enjoy an aperitif in the hotel bar before strolling through the 

neighbouring cobbled streets to a local restaurant where you 

can sample classic Roman dishes. 





Hotel Amalfi 

Rome 

Palazzo Ripetta 

Rome 

Hotel Amalfi is a small, family-run hotel conveniently located 

close to Rome’s main railway station. Friendly and intimate, the 

central location will suit guests looking to maximise their time in 

the Eternal City. 

After a day of sightseeing, head across the River Tiber to 

Trastevere. Head down one of the quiet cobblestoned streets 

around Piazza Santa Maria for a Neapolitan-style pizza washed 

down with a refreshing Italian craft beer before finishing the 

day in Hotel Amalfi’s comfortable and cosy guest rooms, which 

contain tiled flooring and elegant wooden finishes. 





In the heart of Rome, Palazzo Ripetta is a wonderful fivestar 

hotel. Newly opened in 2022 after undergoing major 

renovations, this hotel is located in an iconic building that 

dates back to 1642. 

Palazzo Ripetta has 78 rooms including 21 suites which are 

spacious and luxurious. Classic influences and modern designs 

combine together to bring you authentic Italian living. The 

welcoming atmosphere is complimented with the fantastic 

location in the Eternal City between the iconic Spanish Steps 

and Piazza del Popolo. 




Offers Available: Up to 20% Long Stay Offer 




108 

Cities | Rome 

Hotel Savoy 

Rome 

With its superb location in the heart of Rome, within walking 

distance from Villa Borghese and the famous Spanish Steps, 

the Hotel Savoy is an excellent base from which to explore the 

sights of the city. Housed in a 19th century palazzo, extensively 

renovated rooms throughout the hotel have retained their 

classical style. 

The Hotel Savoy lies just off the legendary Via Veneto where 

you can find Harry’s Bar, as immortalised by Fellini’s La Dolce 

Vita. The surrounding area has lots of restaurants and the Metro 

is close by for links to the Vatican and Colosseum. 

In addition to the welcoming staff, lovely guest rooms and great 

location, the Hotel Savoy is ideal for a short break amongst 

Rome’s top sights, and most exclusive shopping districts. 





Palazzo Navona 

Rome 

Enjoy a wonderful stay in the Eternal City in the fabulous fourstar 

Palazzo Navona. Located in the very heart of Rome with lots 

of great bars and restaurants on your doorstep, it is the perfect 

starting point for visiting all of the sights with the Pantheon and 

Piazza Navona nearby. 

The hotel offers contemporary rooms that have combined 

luxury and charm in their décor. Rooms have king size beds so 

you can relax in style. 

Palazzo Navona also offers an exclusive roof terrace which 

benefits from picturesque views across the city of Rome. Enjoy 

an innovative cocktail or a glass of wine as the sun sets on your 

next Italian break. 






Hotel Forum 

Rome 

Donna Camilla Savelli 

Rome 

109 

Cities | Rome 

Situated in the heart of ancient Rome and very close to the 

Colosseum, the Hotel Forum boasts an ideal location. This 

centrally located hotel is housed in a former Dominican 

monastery dating back to the 18th century and benefits from 

stunning views of the Forum and ancient city. 

The hotel has a traditional and elegant style with woodpanelled 

public rooms and comfortable guest rooms. From its 

rooftop terrace and restaurant, guests can experience a unique 

vantage point from which to appreciate the layout of this 

archaeological zone. 




Offers Available: 10% room discount 

Located in a popular area of Trastevere, the Donna Camilla Savelli 

is a former 17th century convent designed by Borromini offering 

an oasis of calm amongst the hustle and bustle of Rome. This 

bohemian area sits to the west of the River Tiber and houses 

many bars and restaurants along its narrow cobbled streets, whilst 

within walking distance of the many famous landmarks. 





Starhotels Metropole 

Rome 

The Starhotels Metropole is located in the heart of Rome’s 

central district, just minutes from the city’s Roma Termini train 

station, as well as many sights and museums, including The 

Baths of Diocletian and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. It’s 

housed in a modern and elegant building with stylish and sleek 

décor, and friendly Italian service. 

Enjoy warm colours, plush comfortable furniture, polished 

wooden floors and a range of room options during your stay. 

Guests will enjoy the tranquillity of the hotel, which offers a 

serene enclave in the bustling city centre. Spend your days here 

relaxing in the bar, enjoying Italian cuisine and exploring some of 

Rome's best sights. 




Offers Available: 10% early booking discount | 

Free room upgrade | Free night 




110 

Cities | Rome 

Parco dei Principi 

Grand Hotel & Spa 

Rome 

With stunning views over the Villa Borghese gardens, the deluxe 

Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa is a relaxing retreat in the 

heart of Rome. Surrounded by its own magnificent grounds, the 

hotel boasts an outdoor swimming pool and the impressive 2,000 

square metre Prince Spa, has an array of facilities including an 

indoor swimming pool, hammam and 12 treatment rooms. 

Enjoying a quieter city location, this urban resort is only a 

20-minute stroll from the Spanish Steps, perfect for combining 

a city break amidst the lush greenery of its park setting. Guests 

are able to relax in one of the impressive lounges, surrounded 

by marble, crystal chandeliers and lavish fabrics, and wander 

through the beautiful gardens. Luxuriously decorated bedrooms 

and suites complement the elegant public rooms and the hotel's 

renowned restaurant overlooks the Italian style garden and 

serves delicious cuisine. 





Hotel d'Inghilterra 

Rome 

Baglioni Hotel Regina 

Rome 

Located in the heart of Rome close to the Spanish Steps, the 

Hotel d'Inghilterra has been one of Rome's most exclusive hotels 

since 1850. Named in honour of the Englishmen who visited 

Rome during the days of the Grand Tour, this 17th century 

palazzo has spent more than 160 years hosting some of the 

world’s most distinguished guests. 






The stylish Baglioni Hotel Regina is situated on Via Veneto, one 

of the most famous walkways in Rome, and near key attractions 

including the Spanish Steps and elegant shopping areas. It was 

once the home of Queen Margherita of Savoy who took up a 

temporary residence whilst her home, Villa Margherita, was being 

built. The hotel's owner was granted permission to add 'Regina' to 

the hotel's name because of the kind hospitality she received. 






111 

Cities | Venice 

Venice 

Luring in lovers, artists, poets and traders for 

centuries, Venice simply inspires as it transports 

you into another world. 

You’ll find classic Venetian scenes at every turn - washing lines 

hanging across tiny canals, piazzas lined with market stalls and, of 

course, serenading gondoliers who row their boat with long oars. 

Road-free, the city is built on over 100 islands in a lagoon on the 

Adriatic Sea, making it easy to explore by foot. Wander the many 

pathways and bridges that collide with the epic grandeur of historic 

palazzi, the elegant noble mansions that fringe the canals. 

Head to St Mark’s Square to visit the twin jewels in Venice’s crown, 

the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) and St Mark’s Basilica. In the 

evening stop for the traditional spritz and cicchetti (snacks) and sip 

on Prosecco to the music of Vivaldi and Puccini. 

Artistic Venice 

There are plenty of museums and galleries to discover, 

from the naval history museum and the palatial rooms of 

Fondazione Querini Stampalia, to the Peggy Guggenheim 

collection and the modern and oriental art collection at 

Ca' Pesaro. For a legendary lesson in glassblowing, take a 

boat to the nearby island of Murano. 

Try and walk some of the streets about 06.30 when the city is empty. At this time head to the fish market 

at the Rialto Bridge to watch the locals at work. In the evening in this area there are also some good bacari 

(Venetian bars) to take a spritz and some ciccetti (finger food). 


112 


Hotel Bel Sito 

Venice 

This charming family-run hotel is housed in a 19th century 

building that sits in front of the imposing church of Santa Maria 

del Giglio. Originally founded during the 9th century, this 

church was later reconstructed in the latter half of the 1600s. 

Its façade, the work of Giuseppe Sardi, is an excellent and highly 

creative example of Baroque architecture in Venice. 

The nearby vaporetto stop, Santa Maria del Giglio is opposite 

the 1478 Palazzo Dario, with it’s striking façade comprised of 

beautifully coloured marble. 

Providing good value accommodation in an excellent location, 

the Bel Sito’s location in the charming square Campo Santa 

Maria del Giglio is only a five-minute walk from the Grand Canal 

and Piazza San Marco. 





Hotel San Cassiano Ca’Favretto 

Venice 

Step back in time with this delightful 14th century palazzo, once 

home to the Venetian Realista painter Giacomo Favretto, and 

now a popular choice with Citalia guests. Historically important, 

Hotel San Cassiano Ca’ Favretto was also the residence of noble 

families. Today it is a Residenza d'Epoca, or listed building. 

The San Cassiano's public rooms are decorated to embody 

a traditional Venetian style and the pretty breakfast room 

overlooks the Grand Canal. In addition to the 10 minutes' walk 

to the Rialto Bridge, an unusual yet interesting sight nearer to 

the hotel is La Peschiera, the site of Venice’s six centuries old 

busy fish market. Hidden away in a quiet street, this unique 

hotel lies on the edge of the Grand Canal, sitting virtually 

opposite Palazzo Sagredo’s waterfront façade with its exemplary 

Veneto-Byzantine and Gothic arches. 






Hotel Savoia & Jolanda 

Venice 

Hotel Savoia and Jolanda is perfectly located for city-wide 

exploration. Rooms are all different but are comfortably 

furnished and have Venetian furnishings and Murano glass. 

The hotel enjoys a waterfront setting overlooking the Venetian 

lagoon, just minutes from St. Mark’s Square. All of the city’s 

famous areas are easily reachable by foot - so be on the lookout 

for everything from luxury boutiques to glass blowers to 

artisanal mask makers. 

113 


But don’t overlook the city’s more off the beaten track 

neighbourhoods either. Step away from the main streets and 

you’ll find yourself in Venezia autentica. Stop in one of the 

baccari (bars) for some cicchetti (finger food), or enjoy one of 

the more secluded restaurants before making your way back to 

Hotel Savoia and Jolanda to freshen up and enjoy the rest of the 

city’s sights. 





Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal 

Venice 

Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal is the perfect base for your 

adventures in Venice. You can arrive by private water taxi, 

which will drop you off just outside the hotel, immersing you in 

the authentic spirit of Venice before you even check in. Enter 

the lavish 17th Century building and take in the aristocratic air 

which radiates from the hotel, echoing stories from glamorous 

times, past and present. 

One of the main highlights of a stay at the Hotel Monaco & 

Grand Canal is its central location. You can spot the treasured 

landmarks of Venice without even leaving your hotel, including 

the church of Santa Maria della Salute and the island of San 

Giorgio. It’s hard to wander through the labyrinthine streets of 

this stunning city without coming face to face with a historical 

treasure or postcard-perfect view. 









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Starhotels Splendid Venice 

Venice 

The Splendid Venice is conveniently located in the heart of 

the historical centre, between St. Mark's Square and the Rialto 

Bridge. Overlooking romantic bridges and old Venetian Palaces, 

the hotel features its own private dock on the canal and can be 

reached by gondola or water taxi. The hotels public rooms are 

spacious and in contemporary style but with Venetian touches. 

The Altana Solona rooftop terrace is a perfect place to enjoy 

early evening or after dinner drinks, with stunning views over 

the dazzling mosaics of San Mark's Basilica, the grandeur of 

the Doge's Palace and the Rialto Bridge. The guest rooms are 

decorated with subtle colour combinations to create unique 

bright interiors. The hotel also has a fine dining restaurant 'Le 

Maschere', serving a lovely selection of regional specialities 

and the Canal View Bar is the perfect place to end each day 

watching the gondolas drift by. 

A great feature of the Starhotels Splendid Venice is its location, 

which is terrific for long, leisurely strolls amongst the centre of 

Venetian activity. 





Free night | Free room upgrade 

Hotel Londra Palace 

Venice 

Londra Palace has been welcoming artists, poets and travellers 

to Venice since 1853. Experience the pumping heart of this 

unique city, with the Basilica di San Marco, the Palazzo Ducale 

and the Bridge of Sighs all just a few minutes’ walk away. To see 

another side to Venice, take a vaporetto or private water taxi 

from the landing point in front of the hotel and explore the city's 

hidden quarters. 

The building retains its old world charm and grand tour spirit, 

while offering modern amenities and excellent service. Spend 

your evenings relaxing in the award winning bar, or enjoy 

spectacular dishes at the excellent Do Leoni restaurant. When 

it’s time to head to your room, you’ll find each is individually 

designed and furnished with marble baths, warm fabrics and 

elegant wall coverings. 






Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice 

Venice 

The deluxe Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel is beautifully situated 

at the tip of Giudecca Island with some of the city's most 

magnificent views over the lagoon and St. Marks basin. The 

journey from Piazza San Marco to the Cipriani is spectacular in 

itself by the hotel's private boat and takes just 5 minutes. All 

95 guest rooms have been beautifully appointed, with a great 

amount of care and attention to detail going into their décor 

and furnishings. 

115 


Guests can savour freshly prepared haute cuisine in the hotel's 

restaurants and dining terraces, while enjoying the breathtaking 

views over the lagoon. Built on fertile land overflowing with 

flowers and vines, the hotel also benefits from a heated outdoor 

Olympic-size swimming pool and children's pool, tennis courts, a 

spa, Casanova Wellness Centre and a dedicated children's club. 

This splendid hotel grants the very best of Venetian hospitality, 

combining luxurious accommodation with the most attentive 

service in an atmosphere of calm and seclusion. 



Ca’ Sagredo 

Venice 

The Ca’ Sagredo is an impressive Venetian palazzo dating from 

the 15th century and once a noble residence. The hotel is 

situated on the banks of the famous Grand Canal, which runs 

through the heart of Venice. Ideal for adventurers wanting to 

explore much of the city on foot, it also has its own private 

landing area for those arriving at or returning to the hotel by 

private water taxi. Venice may be built on 118 islands, but it is 

also built on romance. 

Hotel Ca’ Sagredo provides the perfect setting, offering a truly 

historic location for your stay. Antiques, marble detailing, 

and fine décor permeate every corner of this impressive yet 

comforting hotel. Couples will delight in the terrace, which is the 

perfect place to appreciate a cocktail, an intimate moment, or 

even a proposal. 

The hotel is conveniently located and is just a 15-minute walk 

from the Rialto Bridge. 








116 

Cities | Florence 

Florence 

The beating heart of Tuscany, Florence is a small 

and charming city that is packed with world-class 

history and art in its many museums. 

At the centre lies Brunelleschi's miraculous cathedral dome. 

Venture to the Galleria dell'Accademia to witness Renaissance 

masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David, or explore the impressive 

13th century town hall, Palazzo Vecchio. 

With the River Arno snaking through Florence, by the medieval 

bridge of Ponte Vecchio you’ll find cobbled streets lined with tiny 

jewellery shops, while shuttered windows and quaint balconies 

create quintessential Italian street scenes. 

For an authentic treat away from the crowds and modern life, take 

a picnic to the top of Bellosguardo Hill, for incredible sweeping 

views over Florence and her gorgeous terracotta roofs. 

A Foodie’s Florence 

Tuck into street food at the bustling Mercato Centrale, taste 

cool gelato in the afternoon sun of Piazza della Passera, or 

dine at one of Florence’s seven Michelin-starred restaurants. 

The flea market in Piazza dei Ciompi is a favourite meeting place of all the Florence antique sellers where 

you can live the authentic spirit of Florence, here you can just browse or buy second-hand or antiques to 

decorate your home. 


117 


Brunelleschi Hotel 

Florence 

The four-star luxury Brunelleschi Hotel sits just moments 

away from Florence’s most famous sites, the domed roof of 

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore and Piazza della Signoria. 

The tradition, culture and remarkable spirit of Florence oozes 

from this truly authentic Italian hotel, which is built around a 

Byzantine round tower. 





This boutique hotel is the perfect choice to whisk away a loved 

one for a romantic getaway, with luxurious al fresco dining in 

the summer months and an intimate restaurant nestled in the 

tower for an unforgettable dining experience. On the doorstep 

chic wine bars and restaurants are set alongside traditional 

Florentine food stalls and quaint little shops selling artisan crafts 

and leather. 

An atmospheric and unique hotel, the Brunelleschi Hotel has 

been a favourite with Citalia guests for many years. 




118 


Helvetia & Bristol 

Florence 

Helvetia & Bristol is a 19th century palazzo that has been 

lovingly restored into a five-star hotel, part of the Leading 

Hotels of the World. Located in the heart of Florence’s historic 

centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you’re among many of 

the city’s architectural and artistic treasures. Helvetia & Bristol 

evokes grandeur and the heady atmosphere of the Renaissance 

era, with fine Italian fabrics, domed ceilings, and delicate 

antiques featuring throughout this magnificent palace. 






Hotel Alba Palace 

Florence 

Comprised of three historical buildings, the Hotel Alba Palace 

stands besides the cloisters of Santa Maria Novella, 800 metres 

from the centre of Florence. The buildings surround the covered 

courtyard, now the hotel's breakfast room, built in typical 

Florentine style. The recent renovation of the building has 

combined the ancient origins of terracotta, stone and wrought 

iron originally used in these traditional buildings together with 

the modern comforts you will find in every room today. 




Hotel Berchielli 

Florence 

Hotel Berchielli is situated in one of the best locations in the 

city; on the banks of the River Arno, only moments away from 

the world famous Ponte Vecchio. Conveniently, Piazza della 

Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery are only a 5-minute walk away. 

The hotel’s interiors are bright and spacious, decorated in an 

Art Deco style with stained-glass and marble in the public areas. 

A soft, neutral décor runs throughout the guest rooms, with 

recently renovated bathrooms adding a splash of colour. 






Grand Hotel Baglioni 

Florence 

Once a former residence of Prince Carrega di Lucedio, Grand 

Hotel Baglioni is fit for royalty. The grandiose interiors, the 

delicate, regal touches and the classic Italian furnishing mean 

that this hotel in Florence offers the very best in old-world style, 

romance and comfort. 

119 


Grand Hotel Baglioni is located in the heart of Florence - very 

close to Santa Maria Novella station and only a few minutes' 

walk from the bustling Mercato Centrale. Mingle with the 

locals and enjoy some delicious Florentine street food, take 

in an exhibition, listen to live music and shop til you drop in 

independent boutiques. 

No trip to Florence would be complete without a little 

sightseeing - there are monuments and galleries to explore as 

well as quiet courtyards and cobbled streets to discover. The 

Duomo is just five minutes away, so be sure to stroll the bustling 

streets for a taste of Tuscan city life. 




Offers Available: 10% early booking discount | 

Free room upgrade | Free night 

Villa San Michele, 

A Belmond Hotel, Florence 

Florence 

Located in Fiesole, the Villa San Michele's exquisite setting, 

surrounded by woodland and affording magnificent views 

over Florence, is a true delight. You will be greeted by the 

unique façade of this 15th century monastery, originally 

designed by the artist Michelangelo and later converted into 

a charming hotel. 

The elegant interior of this five-star hotel is tastefully decorated 

with the highest standard of comfort while still maintaining its 

original features. Guests may dine by candlelight in the elegant 

Loggia al fresco restaurant, enjoying a breathtaking view of 

Florence and the Arno Valley. Fiesole is a 25-minute drive from 

the heart of Florence and the hotel provides a regular courtesy 

shuttle bus to the city centre. 






120 


Hotel Rosso 23 

Florence 

A contemporary boutique hotel, the Hotel Rosso 23 is ideally 

situated in the centre of Florence overlooking the magnificent 

Santa Maria Novella Square. Decorated throughout in red 

and grey tones with an inner courtyard, the hotel is modern 

and stylish. The guest rooms continue the red and grey style 

concept that goes throughout the hotel, and the breakfast room 

and reception areas combine this theme with influences from 

Florence's famous heritage. 




Offers Available: Up to 20% room discount 

Hotel Balestri 

Florence 

Hotel Balestri is in the heart of the Santa Croce district of 

Florence and within walking distance of all the main attractions, 

including the Ponte Vecchio. Guests can enjoy a drink on the 

roof terrace with spectacular city views. The prime location 

is not at the expense of peace and quiet, this riverside option 

provides a tranquil alternative in the centre of the city. 





L’Orologio 

Florence 

L'Orologio is in a perfect, central spot for discovering Florence's 

many attractions. Uniquely inspired by famous watchmakers, 

each floor of L'Orologio takes its design inspiration from a 

different brand; Rolex, Vacheron-Constantin and Patek Philippe, 

and the elegant rooms are also influenced by the extravagance 

and expense of these famous timepieces. The top floor 

breakfast room has fantastic views over the city and is a great 

place to start each day. The cosmopolitan Bar L'O which serves 

Tuscan snacks and sandwiches is perfect to return to after a 

busy day exploring. 






Verona 

Holidays in Verona take you to a city 

steeped in culture. 

Galleries, opera and Romanesque and Gothic architecture 

make this the perfect destination for art and history buffs. 

Situated between Milan and Venice, the city has UNESCO 

World Heritage status thanks to its architecture and history 

as a military stronghold. 

In the city of love, you’ll understand why Shakespeare placed 

his star-crossed lovers in Verona, and a visit to the famous 

balcony of Casa di Giulietta is a must, as is a night at the 

dramatic and prestigious amphitheatre, Arena di Verona, with 

its summer-long season of opera. In 2023, the city will be 

celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Verona Opera Festival 

- an event not to be missed! 

121 

If you want a more tranquil place to relax and enjoy nature after all the walking through the 

charming but packed streets of Verona, Giardino Giusti is a beautiful green oasis. Located in the 

east of Verona it is surrounded by a magnificent sixteenth century palazzo and considered one of 

the finest examples of an Italian garden. 


Cities | Verona

122 

Cities | Verona 

Hotel Touring 

Verona 

Hotel Touring Verona offers modern amenities and comfortable 

accommodation in the heart of the city. It’s just a short walk 

from Verona’s many historic attractions, including Juliet’s 

balcony. History lovers will enjoy visiting the Roman theatre, as 

well as the Arena and Piazza delle Erbe. 

Spend your days relaxing in the hotel’s beautiful interiors. 

Fresh, modern design perfectly complements the hotel’s 

historic architecture. You’ll find an American style bar serving 

international and local wines, as well as a snack bar with light 

Italian dishes. 





Giberti 

Verona 

Giberti is a 12-minute walk away from the historic centre of 

Verona. 

A quality hotel with friendly, attentive staff, it offers modern 

comforts, including a lounge and a bar where guests can relax. 

Neutral décor runs throughout the public areas and guest rooms 

are decorated with patterned wallpaper and wooden floors, with 

an Art Deco feel to the furnishings. 

A comfortable, clean and contemporary option, Hotel Giberti is 

well situated for short stays to see the opera. 





Hotel Indigo Verona - 

Grand Hotel Des Arts 

Verona 

The Grand Hotel is an elegant property just a five-minute 

walk from Piazza Brà, graced by Verona's famous Arena. The 

beautiful marbled reception area leads to a private courtyard 

garden and public rooms include a relaxing bar. Guestrooms are 

well appointed and comfortable, combining the sophistication of 

a bygone era with modern comforts. 

123 

Cities | Verona 

After a day’s sightseeing, rest in the delightful private garden or 

enjoy a glass of prosecco before attending the opera. This highly 

acclaimed hotel has offered excellent service to many celebrated 

guests, including the late Queen Mother. 





Due Torri Hotel 

Verona 

In the heart of medieval Verona, the extensively renovated 

and sumptuously furnished Due Torri Hotel is famous for its 

first-class service and precious antiques of the 17th and 18th 

centuries. 

Since being built in 1334, it has been the residence of many 

famous guests, ranging from Mozart and Goethe to Garibaldi. 

Each guest room is decorated and furnished in the style of a 

different era. 

The hotel has one of the most distinguished restaurants in 

Verona and its unique panoramic terrace attracts people for 

coffee breaks, lunches and evening cocktails. 








124 

Other Cities | Bologna & Milan 

Other 

Italian 

Cities 

Come and explore these fabulous cities with Citalia! 

We’ve only mentioned a few, but Italy is teeming with legendary and alluring cities. 

Bologna is considered Italy’s cucina (kitchen), with its much-loved gastronomic heritage, 

and home to a remarkable medieval past. 

In fashion capital Milan you can explore sophisticated labels at one of the world’s oldest 

shopping malls, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and discover grand architecture like the 

Gothic Duomo di Milano, and world-renowned galleries hosting iconic art, including 

Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper. 

Backed by the formidable Italian Alps, the capital of Piedmont, Turin is blessed with rich 

Baroque architecture. It’s also at the heart of the Italian automobile industry and Slow Food 

movement, not to mention the ever-so-moreish artisan chocolate hazelnut spread, gianduja. 

The city where pizza was first baked, Naples is brimming with a mouthwatering street food 

culture, archaeological sites, and a warm-hearted seaside vibe. 

PHI Hotel Bologna -Al Cappello Rosso 

Bologna 

Only 50 metres away from the majestic Piazza Maggiore lies 

one of Bologna's oldest hotels. Dating back over 600 years, 

PHI Hotel Bologna - Al Cappello Rosso has been welcoming 

the city’s travellers since the 14th century. Located in the heart 

of Bologna, this hotel is the ideal starting point for exploring 

monuments, elegant shops, medieval streets and enchanting 

hidden corners. 

The hotel benefits from smart contemporary furnishings, 

combining stylish, modern comforts with individually decorated 

bedrooms. The hotel also features several theme rooms which 

have been decorated by world-famous artists. 




Sina De La Ville 

Milan 

This traditional hotel has a welcoming atmosphere and a superb 

location just behind Piazza Duomo, a short walk from Teatro alla 

Scala and the striking Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade. 

Public rooms are adorned with cherry wood panelled walls and 

English furnishings, and the elegantly-furnished guest rooms retain 

a traditional London townhouse feel in the heart of this vibrant city 

of northern Italy. 

A particularly attractive feature is the rooftop pool, heated through 

a transparent cupola. From here, you can gaze onto one of the 

world’s largest Gothic cathedrals. 





Grand Hotel Sitea 

Turin | Citalia rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

With over 85 years experience, Grand Hotel Sitea boasts a 

beautiful façade and in 2001 was awarded a prestigious title 

of ‘Locale storico d’Italia’ – meaning ‘Italian historic place’, 

offering guests a chance to experience a hotel which stays 

true to its history. 

Its idyllic location in the heart of Risorgimento Turin ensures 

guests are only moments away from central Via Roma and 

Piazza San Carlo. The hotel’s Carignano Restaurant is one not 

to be missed, offering both international and local Piedmont 

cuisine, with delightful garden views. 

125 

Other Cities | Turin & Naples 



3 nights, Room Only 

Hotel Paradiso Napoli 

Naples | Citalia rating: ★ ★ ★ PLUS 

Situated near the top of Posillipo Hill, Paradiso Hotel enjoys 

stunning views over the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, 

with the Port of Mergellina just a 25-minute walk away. 

This comfortable hotel is in a residential area and is ideal for 

longer stays given the location away from the centre of the 

city. The guestrooms are equipped with modern conveniences 

including complimentary WiFi. 

The hotel's rooftop restaurant provides breathtaking views 

over the Gulf of Naples and offers typical Italian cuisine and 

international dishes. 








126 

Booking Terms & Conditions 

Terms & Conditions 

Key points: 

You enter into a booking with us when we issue our confirmation 

invoice. If you then cancel, there will be cancellation charges. 

Initially this may only be a deposit, but can go up to 100%. 

You can make changes to your booking in certain circumstances. 

We make a charge for this. We can change and cancel your 

booking. 

We are responsible to you for providing your holiday but there 

are legal limits. 

We are a member of ABTA and we provide protection for your 

money as set out in clause 2 below. 

Adequate and valid travel insurance is compulsory for all our 

travellers and it is a condition of accepting your booking that you 

agree you will have obtained adequate and valid travel insurance. 

We recommend you take out insurance as soon as your booking 

is confirmed. 

Please read the full terms below for more information and for 

other important rights and obligations. 

1. Our details 

Your booking is with Citalia trading as Specialist Holidays (Travel) Limited, 

registered number 446617, registered at 2nd Floor Origin One, 108 

High Street, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 1BD (hereinafter called ‘the 

Company’, ‘we’, ‘us’ or ‘our’). 

2. Protecting your money 

a. The combination of travel services offered to you is a package within 

the meaning of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements 

Regulations 2018. Therefore, you will benefit from all EU rights applying 

to packages. We will be responsible for the proper performance of all 

the travel services included in the package. We provide full financial 

protection for our package holidays. 

b. For flight-based holidays this is through our Air Travel Organiser’s 

Licence number 0285 issued by the CAA of 45-59 Kingsway London 

WC2B 6TE www.caa.co.uk. When you buy an ATOL protected flight 

or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. 

This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on 

what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong. We will 

provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable 

alternative). In some cases, where we aren’t able to do so for reasons of 

insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services 

you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You 

agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL 

holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money 

outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative 

ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be 

possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will 

be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card 

issuer where applicable). 

c. If we are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable 

alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons 

of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment 

to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that 

in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those 

Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating 

to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the 

travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree 

that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other 

body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme. 

d. The price of any flight-inclusive holiday includes the amount of 

£2.50 per person as part of the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we 

pay to the CAA. This charge is included in our advertised prices 

e. When you buy a package holiday that doesn’t include a flight, 

protection is provided by way of a bond held by ABTA – The Travel 

Association 30 Park Street London SE1 9EQ www.abta.co.uk. 

3. Your holiday booking 

a. To make a booking you can contact us in several ways; directly over 

the telephone, via our website, through an approved Travel Agent or 

by email at italy@citalia.co.uk. A booking will exist as soon as we issue 

our confirmation invoice (the “Booking Confirmation”). This booking is 

made on the terms of these booking conditions. The person making the 

booking (the “lead name”) must be 18 years old or over and when you 

make a booking you guarantee that you have the authority to accept and 

do accept on behalf of your party the terms of these booking conditions. 

We may transfer your booking to another company in our group, but this 

will have no effect on your holiday arrangements. 

b. Whether you book alone or as a group, we will only deal with 

the lead name in all subsequent correspondence, including changes, 

amendments and cancellations. The lead name is responsible for 

ensuring the accuracy of the personal details or any other information 

supplied in respect of yourself and any other person travelling on the 

booking and for passing on any information regarding the booking or 

any changes made in relation thereto, to all persons travelling on such 

booking, including but not limited to information on schedule changes or 

copies of booking confirmations. 

c. When you receive the Booking Confirmation, Invoice and departure 

documents please check the details carefully and inform us immediately 

if anything is incorrect. Names on travel documents must exactly match 

those in your passports. Unless we are responsible for the mistake, we 

will not accept liability if an airline or other supplier refuses boarding 

because the name(s) shown in your passport differ from those on your 

ticket. If there is an obvious error on the Confirmation Invoice, we 

reserve the right to correct it as soon as we become aware of it, but 

will do this within 7 days of issuing the Confirmation Invoice or, if your 

departure is within 7 days, no later than 24 hours before you go. Travel 

documents will be sent or emailed to you (to the address given to us by 

the lead name at the time of booking) approximately 2 weeks before your 

departure, and will not be issued unless payment of the due balance has 

been received. Bookings made 14 days or less before departure incur a 

£15 per person administration charge and tickets will not be sent out by 

post but will more than likely have to be collected at the airport on the 

day of departure. 

d. We may not be able to confirm some of our ground arrangements 

straight away (e.g. bespoke accommodation, tours etc.). In these 

instances we may issue a Booking Confirmation. However, a contract 

for arrangements that have not been confirmed on that Booking 

Confirmation will only be made when we have sent you written 

confirmation that those additional arrangements have been completed. If 

there is any change to any of the details discussed at the time of booking, 

before the Booking Confirmation is issued, we will notify you promptly of 

any new or changed details, including a change to the total price (if any). 

If any detail on the Booking Confirmation is not correct tell us or your 

travel agent immediately. 

e. When you book your holiday through an approved travel agent, all 

communication between you and us will be made through that agent, as 

such please contact your agent in the first instance, as no changes can be 

made to your booking unless they are done through your agent. 

f. For those holidays where an additional local payment is required this 

will be confirmed to you. A local payment is a portion of the holiday cost 

which must be paid directly to the local representative as instructed. If 

the price of your holiday includes a local payment this must be paid in 

the currency specified. Please note that your holiday price will not be 

considered to have been paid in full until the local payment has been 

made. Tourist taxes, resort fees or similar that are charged locally may 

be implemented or changed without prior warning. We do not accept 

responsibility for these costs, which must be paid by you and are not 

included within your holiday price. 

g. Your personal safety is of paramount importance to us and therefore 

it is imperative that you advise us at the time of booking of any condition, 

medical or otherwise, that might affect your or other people’s enjoyment 

of the trip. This should include, but not be limited to, any special dietary 

requirements (including, for example, allergies) and any reduced mobility 

affecting you or members of your booking. Please contact our Customer 

Operations Team at email address customeroperations@citalia.com to 

discuss any such requirements. 

h. It is a condition of your booking that you and all members of your 

party provide certain information that may be sent to governmental 

authorities and border control and security agencies for the purpose 

of security and counter terrorism. This is known as Passenger Name 

Records (PNR) or Advanced Passenger Information, sometimes known as 

APIS. For the United Kingdom, it may be referred to as ‘E-Borders’. The 

information you must provide will include, but not be limited to, full name 

– as shown in your passport or travel document, gender, date of birth, 

travel document type, number, country of issue and expiry date, and for 

travel to the U.S., your country of residence and the address for your first 

night’s stay. You must provide this information to the airline between 6 

months and 24 hours before departure. 

i. All prices we advertise are accurate at the date published, but we 

reserve the right to change any of those prices from time to time. In 

the unlikely event of an administrative error leading to an incorrect 

price being displayed, we reserve the right to correct it (including after a 

booking has been confirmed). Offers are not combinable unless expressly 

stated and may be withdrawn at any time. All quotations are provisional 

until confirmed in writing on your Booking Confirmation. Before you 

make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen 

holiday including the cost of any supplements, upgrades or additional 

facilities which you have requested. 

j. The price of your holiday will include Air Passenger Duty (APD) for an 

economy seat. If you upgrade to a premium cabin this will be included in 

the upgrade cost. 

k. When the price per person is dependent on the number of people in 

the accommodation and the number of people changes, the price will be 

recalculated based on the new party size. Any increase in price payable 

is not a cancellation charge. A separate cancellation charge will be levied 

in respect of bookings cancelled. A new Booking Confirmation will be 

issued as appropriate on which the cancellation charge will be shown. 

4. Paying for Your Holiday and Insurance 

a. When you make your booking you must pay a deposit of £350 per 

person or 25% of the total holiday price, whichever is higher. The balance 

of the price of your travel arrangements must be paid no later than 

69 days before departure for bookings made via an agent, or no later 

than 97 days (14 weeks) before departure for bookings made directly 

with us. To pay your final balance, amend your booking or discuss any 

other aspect of your holiday booked directly with us, call our Customer 

Services team. If the deposit and/or balance is not paid in time, we shall 

cancel your travel arrangements. If the balance is not paid in time we shall 

retain your deposit. 

b. Please note that cheques require 5 working days to clear. Cheques 

that will not clear by the balance due date cannot be accepted. We only 

accept card payments from passengers travelling on the booking. 

c. If you book less than 69 days before departure for bookings made 

via an agent, or less than 97 days before departure for bookings made 

directly with us, full payment (less any payment which must be paid 

locally) must be made on booking by credit or debit card. If you do not 

pay the local payment on the due date your booking will be cancelled 

(and we shall have no further liability to you) and cancellation charges will 

be levied as appropriate. 

d. You may also be required to pay for any non-transferable and nonrefundable 

items, such as special air fares, tickets or entry permits and 

any other applicable supplements due, at the time of booking and they 

may be non-refundable in the event of cancellation. 

e. We cannot accept any liability for tickets lost in the post. Departure 

Documents may be in paper or email form depending on your chosen 

holiday. If requested in the Departure Documents or locally provided 

holiday information, you must reconfirm the reservations, timings and 

check-in details of your flight with the airline concerned at least 72 

hours before departure. This applies to your outward flight and to your 

return flight. If you miss a flight or suffer any disruption as a result of not 

following our instructions as to reconfirmation we will have no liability 

to you. 

f. Adequate and valid travel insurance for your chosen itinerary 

is compulsory for all travellers and it is a condition of accepting your 

booking that you agree you will have obtained adequate and valid travel 

insurance. We recommend you take out insurance as soon as your 

booking is confirmed. You are strongly advised to insure yourself against 

any possible risk that may occur and in particular to ensure that you have 

sufficient insurance in respect of dependent relatives and force majeure 

events. You are required to carry proof of insurance with you. 

5. If You Cancel Your Holiday 

You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements 

at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent 

must be received at our offices. Since we incur costs in cancelling your 

travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows 

(see also the exception below): 

Period before 

departure in 

which you notify 

us (bookings 

made via agent) 

Period before 

departure in which 

you notify us 

(direct bookings) 

Cancellation 

charge as a 

% of total 

holiday cost 

More than 69 days More than 97 days Loss of deposit 

56-69 days (inclusive) 56-97 days (inclusive) 30% 





Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge 

calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your 

cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may 

be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may 

be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation 

charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment 

the booking is confirmed. 

You can cancel your booking without paying cancellation charges if the 

performance of your package, or the carriage of passengers to your 

destination, is significantly affected by unavoidable and extraordinary 

circumstances. In such circumstances, we will arrange for your booking 

to be terminated and for you to receive a full refund. We will observe 

and act in accordance with advice provided by the UK Foreign, 

Commonwealth & Development Office. 

For the purposes of these terms and conditions “unavoidable and 

extraordinary circumstances” include but are not limited to: war, threat 

of war, airport closures, airspace closures (as well as other air traffic 

management decisions which may give rise to long or overnight delays or 

cancellations of one or more flights), the inability of airline(s) to operate 

flights as a result of the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European 

Union (including the loss or restriction of air traffic or transit rights or 

the right of airline(s) to enter any airspace), epidemic, significant risks to 

human health such as the outbreak of a serious disease at the travel 

destination, natural or nuclear disaster, serious security problems such as 

terrorist activity, civil unrest or events arising out of political instability, 

industrial dispute or strikes, bad weather (actual or threatened), UK 

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advising against travel 

to a particular destination and significant building work taking place 

outside of your accommodation (such as resort development). 

6. If You Change Your Booking 

If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change 

your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure 

date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes 

but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made 

must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be 

asked to pay an administration charge of £35 per person, and any further 

cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third 

party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking). 

You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the 

departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon 

as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable 

after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur 

a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements. 

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the 

conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at 

least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger 

accepts the transfer and these booking conditions. Both you and the 

new traveller are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the 

transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport 

providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 

100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable 

these charges will be passed on to you. 

7. If We Cancel Your Booking 

We reserve the right to cancel your booking. We will not cancel less 

than 4 weeks before your departure date, except for unavoidable and 

extraordinary circumstances (as defined in clause 5), or failure by you 

to pay the final balance, or because the minimum number required for 

the package to go ahead hasn’t been reached. The minimum number 

required will be provided to you with the holiday description. The time 

limit for cancellation for such failure to reach minimum numbers shall 

not be later than: 

(a) 20 days before the start of the package in the case of trips lasting 

more than 6 days. 

(b) 7 days before the start of the package in the case of trips lasting 

between 2 and 6 days 

(c) 48 hours before the start of the package in the case of trips lasting 

less than 2 days. 

If your holiday is cancelled you can either have a refund of all monies 

paid or accept an alternative holiday of comparable standard from us 

if we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is 

of a lower value). 

In the event a refund is paid to you, we will: 

1. Provide a full refund of your travel insurance premiums if you paid 

them to us and can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse 

your policy. 


127 

2. Pay compensation as detailed below except where the cancellation 

is due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances (as defined 

in clause 5). 

Period before departure in which 

we notify you 

Before balance due date 

Between balance due date and 29 

days (inclusive) before departure 

Between 28 and 15 days (inclusive) 

before departure 

Between 14 and 8 days (inclusive) 

before departure 

Amount you will 

receive from us 

Nil 

£10.00 

£20.00 

£30.00 

7 days or less before departure £40.00 

This table does not preclude you claiming more if you are legally entitled 

to do so. 

8. If we change your booking 

(a) Changes to the price 

We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain 

circumstances: 

Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from 

changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources the level of taxes 

or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or 

embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports or exchange 

rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after 

you have booked. However, there will be no change within 20 days of 

your departure. 

We will absorb, and you will not be charged for, any increase equivalent 

to 2% of the price of your travel arrangements, which excludes insurance 

premiums and any amendment charges. You will be charged for the 

amount over and above that. If this results in an increase equivalent to 

more than 8% of the price of your travel arrangements, you will have the 

option of accepting a change to another holiday if we are able to offer 

one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower 

value), or cancelling and receiving a full refund of all monies paid, except 

for any amendment charges. Should you decide to cancel: 1) you must do 

so within the time period shown on your final invoice 2) We will provide 

a refund of insurance premiums paid to us if you can show that you are 

unable to transfer or reuse your policy. 

Should the price of your holiday go down due to the cost changes 

mentioned above, then any refund due will be paid to you. We will 

deduct from this refund our administrative expenses incurred. Please 

note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency 

and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel 

due to contractual and other protection in place. 

(b) Changes other than the price 

It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any 

aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure 

that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include 

alteration of your outward/return flights by less than 12 hours, changes 

to aircraft type, change of accommodation to another of the same or 

higher standard, changes of carriers. 

If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly 

any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your 

package you will have the rights set out below. 

I. We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting 

the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept 

an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price 

difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the 

procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of 

changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us 

within the timescale given your booking may be cancelled. 

II. If you choose to accept a refund: 

a. We will provide a full refund of your travel insurance premiums if you 

paid them to us and can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse 

your policy. 

b. We will pay compensation as detailed below except where 

the significant change is due to unavoidable and extraordinary 

circumstances, which means a situation beyond our control, the 

consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all 

reasonable measures had been taken. 

Period before departure 

in which we notify you 

Before balance due date 

Between balance due date and 29 

days (inclusive) before departure 

Between 28 and 15 days 

(inclusive) before departure 

Between 14 and 8 days 

(inclusive) before departure 

Amount you will 

receive from us 

Nil 

£10.00 

£20.00 

£30.00 

7 days or less before departure £40.00 

The compensation that we offer does not exclude you from claiming 

more if you are entitled to do so. 

9. Our Liability to You 

You must inform us without undue delay of any failure to perform or 

improper performance of the travel services included in this package. If 

any of the travel services included in your package are not performed in 

accordance with these booking conditions, or are improperly performed, 

by us or the travel service suppliers, and this has affected the enjoyment 

of your travel arrangements, you may be entitled to an appropriate 

price reduction or compensation or both. We will not be liable where 

any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel services 

is due to (i) you or another member of your party; (ii) a third party 

unconnected with the provision of the travel services in the package and 

is unforeseeable or unavoidable; or (iii) unavoidable and extraordinary 

circumstances (as defined in clause 5). 

Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, shall be 

limited to a maximum of three times the cost of your travel arrangements. 

Our liability will also be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical 

manner to the following: 

a) You agree that any transport companies (or other supplier’s) own 

‘Conditions of Carriage’ will apply to you on any journey by road, rail, 

sea or air. When arranging this transportation for you, we rely on the 

terms and conditions contained within these international conventions 

and those ‘Conditions of Carriage'. You acknowledge that all of these 

terms and conditions form part of your contract with us as well as with 

the transport company. You can ask us or the travel agent booking your 

holiday to provide you with a copy of any of the conditions applicable to 

your journey. The airline's terms and conditions are available on request. 

We will tell you the identity of the air carrier when you book with us and 

if it is not known at that time or subsequently changes we will inform you 

as soon as possible and no later than at check-in for your flight; and 

b) Any relevant international convention, for example the Montreal 

Convention in respect of travel by air, the Athens Convention in respect 

of travel by sea, the Berne Convention in respect of travel by rail and the 

Paris Convention in respect of the provision of accommodation, which 

limit the amount of and conditions under which compensation can be 

claimed for death, injury, delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay 

to luggage. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of any limitation of 

the extent of or the conditions under which compensation is to be paid 

under these or any conventions. 

You can ask for copies of the travel service contractual terms, or the 

international conventions, from our offices at Specialist Holidays (Travel) 

Limited, Origin One, 108 High Street. Crawley RH10 1BD 

Under UK law (Regulation 261/2004) you have rights in some 

circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline in 

cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details 

will be publicised at UK and EU airports and available from airlines. 

However reimbursement in such cases will not automatically entitle you 

to a refund of your holiday cost from us. Your right to a refund and/ 

or compensation from us is set out in these booking conditions. If any 

payments to you are due from us, any payment made to you by the 

airline or any other service provider will be deducted. 

If it is impossible to ensure your return as scheduled due to unavoidable 

and extraordinary circumstances, we will bear the cost of necessary 

accommodation, if possible of equivalent category, for a maximum of 

three nights. The limit doesn’t apply to persons with reduced mobility and 

any person accompanying them, pregnant women and unaccompanied 

minors, or persons in need of specific medical assistance, provided that 

you notified us of these needs at least 48 hours before the start of 

your holiday. 

Standards of, for example, safety, hygiene and quality vary throughout 

the transport and destinations that your holiday may involve. Sometimes 

these standards will be lower than those which would be expected in the 

UK. The suppliers of the services and facilities included in your holiday 

should comply with local standards where they are provided. 

Note: this entire clause does not apply to any separate contracts that 

you may enter into for excursions or activities whilst on holiday for which 

liability rests with the excursion provider and not us. 

10. ABTA 

We are a Member of ABTA, membership number V4068. We are obliged 

to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. 

We can also offer you ABTA’s scheme for the resolution of disputes 

which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. If we 

can’t resolve your complaint, go to www.abta.com to use ABTA’s simple 

procedure. Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance in 

resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com or contacting ABTA 

at 30 Park Street London SE1 9EQ. 

11. Complaints and Assistance 

If you have a complaint about any of the services included in your 

holiday and/or need assistance whilst away, you must inform our 

local representative, or contact our Customer Operations Team 

on customeroperations@citalia.com. During out of hours, please call 

03303 321939. 

If it is not resolved locally, please follow this up within 28 days of your 

return home by writing to our Customer Relations Department at: 

Citalia Customer Relations, Origin One, 108 High Street. Crawley, RH10 

1BD, or email Customer.Relations@travelopia.com giving your booking 

reference and all other relevant information. Please keep your letter 

concise and to the point. If you fail to follow the requirement to report 

your complaint in resort we will have been deprived of the opportunity 

to investigate and rectify it and this may affect your rights under this 

booking. Please also see clause 10 above on ABTA. 

12. Additional assistance 

If you’re in difficulty whilst on holiday and ask us to help we will provide 

appropriate assistance, in particular by providing information on health 

services, local authorities and consular assistance; and helping you to 

find alternative arrangements and any necessary phone calls/emails. You 

must pay any costs we incur, if the difficulty is your fault. 

13. Passport, Visa, Health, Travel and Immigration Requirements 

Your specific passport and visa requirements, and other immigration 

requirements are your responsibility and you should confirm these 

with the relevant Embassies and/or Consulates. We do not accept any 

responsibility if you cannot travel because you have not complied with 

any passport, visa or immigration requirements. 

We are able to advise on mandatory health requirements; however, we 

are not medical experts. It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain 

proper and detailed medical advice at least 2 months prior to travel for 

the latest health requirements, recommendations for your destination 

and any costs. You should check this information at least 2 months 

before departure and again within 14 days of travel. Where you do not 

do so and either are not allowed to enter any country, or suffer personal 

injury or death as a result, we have no liability to you for any cost, loss or 

damage which you suffer nor will we refund you the cost of any unused 

portion of your travel arrangements. Clients with existing medical 

problems, pregnant women and anyone who has recently visited other 

countries should check requirements with their general practitioner. 

When assessing whether holidays will operate we use information 

from our local offices in conjunction with advice from the UK Foreign, 

Commonwealth & Development Office and other relevant government 

bodies. It is your responsibility to acquaint yourself with the travel 

advice provided by these government bodies. For more information, 

please visit our Travel Aware page and the government websites at 

www.gov.uk/travelaware and www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. 

14. Conduct 

We reserve the right to refuse to accept you as a customer or 

continue dealing with you if we, or another person in authority, believe 

your behaviour is disruptive, causes unnecessary inconvenience, is 

threatening or abusive, you damage property, you upset, annoy, disturb, 

or put any other traveller or our staff or agents in the UK or resort in any 

risk or danger, on the telephone, in writing or in person. 

If the Captain of your flight or cruise ship or any of our resort staff or 

agents believes that you could be disruptive or that you are suffering 

from a contagious disease, they can also refuse to let you proceed with 

your travel arrangements, restrict your movements on board, disembark 

you from a ship or aircraft, or remove you from your accommodation 

or excursion. 

If you are disruptive and prevented from boarding your outbound flight in 

the UK, we will treat your booking as cancelled by you from that moment, 

and you will have to pay full cancellation charges (see section 5). If this 

occurs overseas then you will become responsible for your own return 

home and any other members of your group who cannot or will not travel 

without you. We will not be liable for any refund, or compensation or any 

costs or expenses you incur. 

If you are refused carriage because of your behaviour, or you are under 

the influence of alcohol or drugs, your airline may pass on your details and 

date of the refusal of carriage to other airlines for their information. This 

in turn may make it difficult for you to book other airline tickets. In any 

of these circumstances no refunds or compensation will be paid to you. 

As a result of your behaviour during any stage of your holiday including 

on an aircraft, transfer, in any accommodation, cruise or excursion, we 

reserve the right to make a claim against you for any damages, costs and 

expenses (including legal expenses) incurred as a result, including but not 

limited to (i) cleaning, repairing or replacing property lost, damaged or 

destroyed by you, (ii) compensating any passenger, crew, staff or agent 

affected by your actions and (iii) diverting the aircraft or cruise for the 

purpose of removing you. Criminal proceedings may also be instigated. 

For the purposes of this section reference to “you” or “your” includes any 

other person in your party. 

15. Data Protection 

We will use and process your data in accordance with our privacy policy. 

This quick guide provides a brief summary of our data practices, but more 

details can be found in our full privacy policy. 

16. Excursions 

Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book or pay for whilst 

you are on holiday are not part of your package holiday provided by 

us. For any excursion or other tour that you book, your contract will be 

with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are not 

responsible for the provision of the excursion or tour or for anything that 

happens during the course of its provision by the operator. 

17. Travel Agents 

If you book with a travel agent, we will contact you via them. The agent 

will hold your payment on our behalf until your holiday is confirmed. 

The agent must give you a receipt or confirmation invoice. We will also 

send you a confirmation invoice within 7 - 10 days. Please take your 

itinerary with you on holiday as it may be required to confirm your hotel 

reservation. 

All monies you pay to the travel agent for flight inclusive product are held 

by him on behalf and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust 

at all times. This is subject to the agent’s obligation to pay it to us for so 

long as we do not fail. If we fail, any money held at that time by the agent, 

or subsequently accepted from you by him, is and continues to be held 

on behalf of and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust 

without any obligation to pay that money to us. When you buy a holiday 

not including a flight, all monies you pay to the travel agent are held by 

him on our behalf at all times. 

18. Law and jurisdiction 

This booking is governed by English Law, and the jurisdiction of the 

English Courts. You may however choose the law and jurisdiction of 

Scotland or Northern Ireland if you live there and wish to do so. 

19. Brochure Validity 

We published this brochure in November 2022 and the details and prices 

in it are valid from the 26th October 2022 until publication of any revised 

edition, or we or your travel agent inform you of different prices. Prices 

were accurate at the date of publication, but could have changed since 

then. your Travel Agent or our Personal Travel Planner will be able to 

confirm the price before you book. Holidays in this brochure operate from 

January 2023 to October 2024. 

Terms & Conditions 


For our full product range and to book/find out more visit Citalia.com 

or speak to one of our Italy Experts on 01293 765061 

Opening hours: 

Mon - Sat 9am - 5.30 pm 

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