Andiamo! Citalia Magazine Winter 2023

Winter 2022/23 

Andiamo! 

6 Unmissable Destinations for 2023 

Embrace dolce far niente - the sweetness of doing nothing 

Time Will Tell: Italy's Timepieces 

Discover the unique stories of Italy’s clockmaking heritage 

It’s time to slow down with Citalia! This season, 

we celebrate holidays at a blissfully unhurried pace, 

from hopping on some of Italy's most scenic railways, 

to unearthing the heart of the Slow Food movement. 

Citalia.com 

Gennaro Contaldo 

My childhood on the Amalfi Coast 

Italy's Romantic Gardens 

Stop and smell the roses in Italy’s heart-stirring gardens! 

1 

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WELCOME 

Andiamo! 

GO SLOW 

How do you ‘go slow’ in Italy? 

That’s a question I’ve been pondering with the Citalia team 

recently. To mark a new season, our latest issue of Andiamo! 

magazine celebrates an unhurried approach to holidaying. 

To commence our exploration, our cover feature looks at 

6 Unmissable Destinations for 2023, which take us away from 

the city and into Italy’s dreamy coast and countryside. 

When 'going slow', you may think solely of the mode of 

transport. We enjoy a scenic route through southern Italy 

with Hop on Board: Italy's Railway Rides. But, for me, it could 

just as easily be about stopping - to appreciate nature in both 

its wild and manicured forms, as we do so when we go Into 

the Valley of the Orchids in Cilento, or observe the heartstirring 

beauty found across Italy’s Romantic Gardens. 

To appreciate the present, it’s helpful to look to the past, 

which we do in History of the Trulli and by acknowledging 

ancient winemaking origins in Behind the Cask: Classic Chianti. 

We also need to mark the hours and years, which we reflect 

upon in Time Will Tell: Italy's Timepieces. 

Slowness is more than just an idea in Italy though, it’s a way 

of life - and even a movement, as we share in our feature, 

The Slow Food Town. 

Perhaps, more than anything, the pleasure of slowness is a 

state of mind, perhaps as you sit by one of The Glittering Great 

Lakes of Italy, or enjoy a night at the opera under the stars in 

Arena di Verona, which celebrates its 100th birthday this year, 

which we talk about in our article, One Hundred Years of Opera. 

Whatever you choose, a tailor-made holiday in Italy that’s 

been crafted with our Personal Travel Planners ensures the 

pace is personalised to you. Our expert team is available 

around the clock to support you every step of the way, while 

our Travel with Confidence guarantee is in place to ensure 

you have a smooth and hassle-free experience. 

We look forward to welcoming you to Italy this year. 

Helen Adamson 

Managing Director 



Andiamo!

Andiamo! Go Slow 

COVER FEATURE 

KEY FEATURES 

08 12 

20 

6 Unmissable 

Destinations for 2023 

Hop on Board: 

Italy's Railway Rides 

Gennaro Contaldo: My 

childhood on the Amalfi Coast 

Embrace what the Italians call dolce far niente 

- the sweetness of doing nothing - with our 

dreamy destinations beyond the cities. 

Slow down with a leisurely journey 

through southern Italy’s historic railways. 

Choo choo! 

Citalia’s brand ambassador and favourite 

celebrity chef reminisces about his childhood 

food memories on the coast. 

INSIDE 

OUR WINTER 

2022/23 EDITION 

6 

8 

Slow Down with 

Citalia’s Personal 

Travel Planners 

6 Unmissable 

Destinations for 

2023 

16 

18 

A Journey Through 

Time: Grand Hotel 

Victoria 

History of the Trulli 

12 

Hop on Board: 

Italy's Railway Rides 

20 

An Adventure of 

the Heart 

14 

The Glittering 

Great Lakes of Italy 

22 

Gennaro Contaldo: 

My childhood on 

the Amalfi Coast 

Andiamo! is a publication of Citalia | Citalia.com | Travel with Confidence | 01293 839110 | customerrelations@travelopia.com 

Connect with us 

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

Cover image: Ischia streets, (Vivida Photo PC, Shutterstock) 

4 


TERMS & CONDITIONS. 

Prices correct as of 8th December 2022. All offers are subject to availability and change. 

Flights from regional airports are available. Full booking terms and conditions can be found at sovereign.com 

Designed by K8 Design & Marketing Ltd. 

www.k8designandmarketing.co.uk 

Bespoke Luxury Holidays with 

Award-winning Service 

Sovereign.com 

Exclusive Experiences 

& Expertise 

COLLECTION 2023 

Handpicked Accommodation 

& Destinations 

CoverArtwork-PRESS.indd 1 11/12/2022 17:18 

CONTENTS 

28 

Time Will Tell: 

Italy's Timepieces 

Discover a rich heritage of clockmaking 

and some unique time-telling stories. 

38 

Italy's Romantic Gardens 

Stop and smell the roses in the 

manicured gardens that truly get 

our heart’s beating. 

48 

The Slow Food Town 

Drift into a little Piedmontese town 

to unearth the roots of the Slow Food 

movement. 

24 

One Hundred 

Years of Opera 

34 

Spring Festivals 

of Liguria 

46 

Into the Valley 

of the Orchids 

26 

Into Sardinia 

38 

Italy's Romantic 

Gardens 

48 

The Slow Food 

Town 

28 



42 

Five Romantic 

Moments at 

Brunelleschi 

BACK COVER 

COLLECTION 2023 sovereign.com 

FRONT COVER 

51 

Discover Our 

Sister Brands 

31 

Behind the Cask: 

Classic Chianti 

43 

The Perfect Base: 

Sorrento 

ABTA No.V4068 

Images courtesy of: Albergo dell'Agenzia, Brunelleschi Hotel, Canne Bianche Lifestyle & Hotel, Cassie Harris, Chia Laguna Resort, Corte Valier, Du Lac et Du Parc Grand Resort , Forte Village Resort, Freepik, 

Gennaro Contaldo Grand Hotel Bristol Resort and Spa, Grand Hotel De La Ville, Grand Hotel Sitea, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Grand Hotel Victoria, Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Hotel Caesius Thermae and Spa 

Resort, Hotel La Palma, Londra Palace Venezia, Hotel Monaco and Grand Canal, Hotel Nazionale, Hotel Palazzo Avino, Hotel Saline, Hotel Santa Caterina, Hotel Savoia e Jolanda, Hotel Villa Belvedere, Hotel 

Villa d'Este, Jitender Sokhy, Palazzo Leopoldo Dimora Storica & Spa, PHI Hotel Bologna - Al Cappello Rosso, Phil & Carol Blackmore Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita, Trulli Soave, Villa D' Amelia. 

Prices are estimations based on 2023 travel and are correct at going to print but are subject to availability, restrictions, and change. Prices shown are based on 2 adults sharing and include accommodation, return flights 

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

5 Winter Citalia.com 2022/23 


Slow Down 

with Citalia’s Personal Travel Planners 

We asked our expert Personal Travel Planners for their secret spots for a blissfully slow moment in Italy. 

Sorrento 

“A perfect place to relax after a busy 

day of sightseeing in Sorrento is the 

Fauno Bar, sitting directly on the Piazza 

Tasso. It’s a great spot for peoplewatching 

and enjoying a refreshing 

aperol spritz in the sunshine.” 

Lucia Burleston 

Personal Travel Planner 

Calabria 

“Whether you’ve been visiting the famous 

Riace Bronzes in Reggio or the spellbinding 

swordfishing village of Scilla for the day, 

be sure to sit down at sunset in a cliffside 

café at the edge of the historic centre 

of Tropea. Look across the white sandy 

beaches, the rock of Santa Maria dell Isola, 

and the island volcano of Stromboli as you 

tuck into nduja salami or the sweetest, 

world-famous red onions, and sip a glass 

of gaglioppo wine. It’s a unique experience 

that will stay with you forever.” 

Lake Maggiore 

“One of my favourite places to relax is 

the beautiful rooftop Sky Bar at Hotel 

La Palma in Lake Maggiore. Surrounded 

by a frame of 360° glass, the views over 

the lake are absolutely breathtaking, 

and are a real treat alongside a cocktail 

at the end of the day.” 

Erin Bridewell 


Artan Prifti 


Sicily 

“Sicily is a destination that offers it all - from the 

busier tourist town of Taormina, to the charming 

hilltop town of Erice. It’s a region full of history, 

culture, and amazing food. Slow down your 

experience by sitting on your hotel terrace with a 

bottle of Sicilian wine. Relax and look at the beautiful 

coastline with Mount Etna as your backdrop!” 

Richie Howe 


Puglia 

“When enjoying beautiful Puglia, be sure to spend an evening in 

the bustling whitewashed town of Ostuni. Beanbags are laid out 

in front of the bars on the windy paths and steps of this magical 

hilltop town, and you can sit back and enjoy a delicious cocktail 

while watching people go by, with a magnificent backdrop of the 

countryside and sea in the distance.” 

Cassie Harris 


6 


INSIDE ITALY 

TRENTINO- 

ALTO ADIGE 

FRUILI- 

VENEZIA 

GUILIA 

Sky Bar at Hotel La Palma, 

overlooking Lake Maggiore 

AOSTA 

VALLEY 

Lake Maggiore 

LOMBARDY 

VENETO 

PIEDMONT 

LIGURIA 

EMILIA-ROMAGNA 

TUSCANY 

MARCHE 

UMBRIA 

ABRUZZO 

LAZIO 

MOLISE 

Ostuni, 

Puglia 

Sorrento 

Puglia 

A refreshing 

Aperol Spritz 

BASILICATA 

SARDINIA 

Taormina, Sicily 

Calabria 

Scilla, 

Calabria 

Sicily 

Discover the Real Italy at Citalia.com > 

7 

Winter Citalia.com 2022/23 


6 UNMISSABLE 

Destinations 

for 2023 

As we opt to Go Slow this issue, we look beyond 

Italy’s delightful cities to the dreamy destinations 

we believe deserve attention this year. 

Embrace what the Italians call dolce far niente - 

the sweetness of doing nothing. 

8 


COVER STORY 

Amalfi Coast 

WHERE IS IT? 

Lake Como 

In the Lombardy region of Northern Italy. It’s Italy’s third-largest lake after 

Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. 

WHY LAKE COMO? 

Lake Como exudes elegance. It’s a perfect all-year round destination and 

has been a popular retreat for leisure since Roman times. Activity revolves 

around the lake, from the fresh lake fish and seafood served up at meal 

times to the numerous lake activities of boat rides and watersports. 

Drawing an A-list crowd. George Clooney, Richard Branson, and 

Sylvester Stallone have all owned lakeside homes here, and many more 

celebrities are found wandering through the picturesque villages in 

the summer months. Even if you don’t meet anyone illustrious, you'll 

always feel glamorous with a trip to the town of Bellagio. 

Breathtaking views. Situated at the foothills of the Alps, you’ll be 

blown away by how perfectly framed the vivid blue waters are by the 

lush green mountains with their (occasionally) snow-covered peaks. 

It’s utterly romantic. 

HOW TO GO SLOW? 

Lake Como is laid-back by nature. All the colourful villages provide 

wonderful variety, and you only need to wander through them to discover 

gems among the gothic architecture and cobbled streets, be it a small 

trattoria or bar for a bite to eat or aperitivo. 

HIDDEN GEMS? 

Everywhere - you only need to look! The beautiful terraced gardens of 

Villa Serbelloni and Villa Carlotta (see page 39) in Tremezzina are absolute 

treasures. To escape the summer crowds, take day trips to Gravedona or 

Colico in the northern area of the lake, or further south towards Dervio, 

Bellano, and Varenna, home to the beautiful Villa Monastero. 

WHERE TO STAY 

Grand Hotel Victoria in Menaggio, where you can 

embrace the chic and VIP ambience. 

7 nights from £1,835 per person. 

WHERE IS IT? 

In the Campania region of southern Italy, the Amalfi Coast overlooks the 

Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno. 

WHY AMALFI COAST? 

The Amalfi Coast is an idyllic 25-mile stretch of coastline and a UNESCO 

World Heritage site in its own right. The area became a playground for the 

Romans, and this tradition was continued by aristocrats who built ornate 

summer villas here that continue to embellish the beautiful surroundings. 

Unique villages. The Amalfi Coast is made up of 13 towns and villages 

that hug the steep cliffs or are right by the beach. For glamour, head 

to Positano for boutique shops and beach clubs. For history, visit the 

impressive cathedral and cloisters in the town of Amalfi. For romance, 

you’re best going to the heart-stirring Ravello, home to some gorgeous 

gardens (see page 38). 

Lemons. Alluringly photogenic and distinctly Mediterranean, images 

of the Amalfi Coast are captured by the pop of yellow from the plump, 

zesty lemons that can be seen growing in the winding streets and on the 

clifftop terraces, all thanks to the rich fertile soil. These lemons add a zing 

to most meals and can be seen adorning local pottery. 


Explore the Amalfi Coast with a leisurely hike on the renowned Il 

Sentiero degli Dei (Path of Gods), or the Il Sentiero dei Limoni (Path of the 

Lemons) between Maiori and Minori. Or, you can simply pause to watch 

the sunset, with a spritz or limoncello in hand. Set sail with a boat ride 

on the sparkling waters by day, and return to the villages when they’ve 

quietened down in the evening. 

HIDDEN GEMS? 

Head to lesser-known villages for unique experiences. You can observe 

anchovy fishing boats in Cetara, discover a winery in the hillside village of 

Furore, get lost in the narrow streets of Atrani, or experience the alpinelike 

air of Agerola. Take a rowing boat from the timeless whitewashed 

fishing village of Conca dei Marini out to the Emerald Grotto, where 

sparkling light is cast over the waters of an underground cave. 

WHERE TO STAY 

Hotel Palazzo Avino in Ravello, for stunning sea views. 




3 

Sicily 

WHERE IS IT? 

Right in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is just off the coast of 

southern Italy and is the largest island in these waters. 

WHY SICILY? 

Sicily celebrates the Mediterranean climate, with pristine beaches, 

crystal-clear waters, and landscapes shaped by its famous volcano, 

Mount Etna. Right on the global trading route, Sicily has been colonised 

by invaders over many centuries, so it’s a delightful melting pot of culture. 

Beaches. The coastline stretches for 930 miles, and so there are many 

idyllic white sand beaches to unwind on and coves for you to explore, 

which are all lapped up by delightfully warm, blue waters. Embrace beach 

culture on the north shore by Palermo in seaside towns like Mondello, or 

look up at dramatic cliffs like the Scala dei Turchi in southern Sicily. 

Delicious food. Sicily’s flavours have been influenced by Arab, Greek, 

French, and Spanish cultures. Whether you’re tucking into the famous 

Sicilian street food - arancini, panelle, sfincione, cannoli, frutta martorana, 

and granita, to name but a few - or fine dining, you’ll be spoilt for choice. 

Don’t miss out on the homegrown pistachios, almonds, olive oil, and 

delicious locally-caught seafood. 


Why not explore the island by taking the regional Minuetto or 

Circumetnea train (see page 12)? 

HIDDEN GEMS? 

There are an incredible seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sicily, 

so you can dig into an array of ancient architectural styles found in the 

island’s various cathedrals and piazzas, such as the Norman Cathedral 

of Monreale. In the southwest, go to Agrigento Valley of the Temples for 

almost-intact Greek temples, or Syracuse to witness a 5th century B.C. 

Greek amphitheatre. Hop over to the nearby island of Ortigia to see the 

Temple of Apollo, or to Taormina to explore the Teatro Greco. 

WHERE IS IT? 

Piedmont 

Ensconced by the Alps on three sides, Piedmont is tucked away in 

northwestern Italy, and borders France. 

WHY PIEDMONT? 

The regional capital of Turin is distinctly elegant, with its baroque 

architecture and grand piazzas. Today the city holds one of Italy’s oldest 

and most successful soccer clubs, Juventus. Plus, Piedmont is home to 

dazzling Lake Maggiore, Italy’s second largest lake. 

Earthy food and wines. Piedmont is a foodie’s delight, where curly-haired 

truffle hunting dogs sniff out delicious mushrooms and truffles from the 

region’s misty woods. It’s also the birthplace of Italian gianduja - authentic 

chocolate hazelnut paste. 

Museums. In Turin in particular, you’ll find a wonderful collection of 

museums, from the Museo Nazionale del Cinema where you can learn all 

about the history of film, to the Museo Egizio, which boasts sphinxes and 

sarcophagus in one of the world’s largest collections of ancient Egyptian 

artefacts. 


Go on a foraging journey in Alba, or learn to make tagliatelle the authentic 

way in a cooking class. Or, you can venture into a movement of slowness 

in the small town of Bra (see page 48). 

HIDDEN GEMS? 

You’ll find delightful vineyards to visit in the many acclaimed wine zones of 

the region, such as Langhe, which produces Barolo, the ‘king of wines’, and 

Gavi, best for white wines. 

WHERE TO STAY 

Hotel Villa Belvedere in Taormina, for warm 

Italian hospitality. 


WHERE TO STAY 

Villa D'Amelia near Alba, for a gourmet stay in nature. 

5 nights from £839 per person. 

10 


SIX UNMISSABLE DESTINATIONS 

WHERE IS IT? 

Basilicata 

Basilicata is nestled between Puglia and Campania in southern Italy. 

WHY BASILICATA? 

Basilicata is often overlooked - and wrongly so. You’ll find a sleepy rural 

region characterised by rolling mountain landscapes that are crowned 

with age-old hilltop towns. From the beautiful scenery to a patchwork 

of historic sites, this is the off-the-beaten track destination you’ve been 

dreaming of! 

Ancient cave dwellings. The star attraction of the region, head to the 

historical centre of Massi, where you'll find the sassi - an entire network of 

stone caves that have been dug out from the rock. They’re thought to be 

some of the oldest human settlements in this part of the world, and would 

have been used to shelter pastoral families and livestock. Today they’re 

frequently featured in major films. 

Archaeological sites among natural wonders. You’ll find so much natural 

beauty in Basilicata, which is often mixed in with the ancient world. Go to 

Metaponto and Heraclea, where you’ll find Greek remains. 


It’s easy to feel unhurried in this deeply mountainous region as you hike 

through nature. If, however, you wish to relax by the water, then you can 

head to some wonderfully roomy beaches that are surrounded by pine 

and eucalyptus forests, and take a leisurely dip in the Tyrrhenian Sea. 

HIDDEN GEMS? 

Delve into Parco Nazionale del Pollino, which is one of Italy’s largest 

national parks and home to unique flora and fauna. Or head to gravitydefying 

mountain villages like Castelmezzano, Pietrapertosa, and Melfi. 

6 Puglia 

WHERE IS IT? 

Puglia is located right on the southeastern tip of Italy, in what’s known as 

the ‘heel’ of the country. 

WHY PUGLIA? 

Puglia looks, feels, and tastes quintessentially Italian, from the authentic 

whitewashed villages to the daydreamy seaside culture. Puglia is ideal if 

you like the heat - it’s so warm you’ll find an amazing display of pretty, wild 

cacti lining the roadside. 

Brilliant beaches. Puglia arguably has some of the best beaches in 

mainland Italy. There are plenty of enchanting destinations like Polignano 

a Mare or Marina di Pescoluse to venture to. 

Homegrown food. Puglia is one of the main food-producing regions. 

The hot sun helps nurture the endless, heavily protected olive groves 

that supply the region's renowned olive oil, as well as the bountiful vine 

tomatoes that thrive here. By the sea, the Apulian dishes always feature 

fresh seafood, such as pasta with a sea urchin sauce. 


Rest your head in a masseria (farmhouse) for delicious and daily farm-tofork 

experiences. Or, find a small hidden beach and a little cove, where 

you can go for a private dip in the blue waters of the surrounding Adriatic 

or Ionian Sea. 

HIDDEN GEMS? 

There are plenty of delightful hilltop towns and villages to explore, some 

of which are off-the-beaten track. You’ll find towns that have their roots 

as far back as the stone age, from the UNESCO World Heritage site of the 

trulli in Alberobello (see page 18) and the baroque architecture of Martina 

Franca, to the ‘white city’ of Ostuni. 

WHERE TO STAY 

Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita in Matera, for a 

unique cave hotel experience. Car hire recommended. 


WHERE TO STAY 

Canne Bianche Lifestyle & Hotel in Torre Canne 

di Fasano, for a boutique seaside escape. 


Inspired to plan your next Citalia holiday? Speak to one of our Personal Travel Planners on 01293 765061 



Hop on Board: 

From Rome to Sicily by Rail 

Slow down with a leisurely journey through 

southern Italy’s historic railways. Choo choo! 

Italy came late to the railway boom of the early 19th century. There 

had been no appetite or indeed need to connect up the peninsula’s 

very independent regions, with one exception. Italy’s oldest railway, 

the 4.5 mile Naples–Portici line, was built in 1839 and today forms 

part of the Naples–Salerno line. It was established as a vanity project 

by King Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies, who desired a train that ran 

from the city of Naples to his royal palace. The launch was full of 

pomp, with carriages filled with dignitaries and troops. This small 

railway line was hugely popular, and helped pave the way for more 

lines to be built. 

During the unification of Italy railway building gained pace, but most 

lines were concentrated in northern Italy. However, because of Rome’s 

importance as the new capital of a united Italy under king Victor 

Emmanuel II, the first railway opened in the Papal States in 1856. 

Travel had always been a genteel 

pursuit, but when the railways came to 

Italy, it opened up leisure travel to the 

European middle classes too. 

If you’ve not experienced the Italian railways before, we suggest you 

join us on the tracks of an epic rail ride from Rome to Sicily. 

Begin in Rome, known for its many Roman antiquities and Baroque 

attractions, from the great Colosseum and the Roman Forum, which 

was at the heart of political, commercial and judicial life in 1 AD, to the 

18th century Trevi Fountain. We suggest you stay at the elegant Hotel 

Nazionale, which is teeming with historic grandeur and just moments 

from the Spanish Steps in an area once known as the English Ghetto. 

Once you’ve had a few days exploring the Eternal City, head to Termini, 

Rome’s incredible train station. This latest building was opened in 1950 

and has a distinctly Italian futuristic style. It’s also one of Europe’s 

busiest railway stations, with 32 operational platforms and over 800 

trains departing from here each day! 

Board one of the many trains heading to Sorrento, where you will 

travel through the Apennine Mountains via Naples, which takes just 

over an hour on one of the high-speed trains. You might like to stop 

off in the city for a few hours of sightseeing and to taste that worldfamous 

Neapolitan pizza. 

From Naples, you can then continue on the regional Circumvesuviana 

train, which will take one hour and 15 minutes to reach the coast. This 

line also connects with Pompeii and Herculaneum, should you wish to 

explore either of these ancient sites. Stay a few nights at the Grand 

Hotel De La Ville right on the Neapolitan Riviera. You can island-hop 

with a ferry across to the glamorous islands of Capri or Ischia, and 

explore the Blue Grotto. 

From Sorrento, it’s time to take the most unusual train experience in 

Italy, as you depart for Sicily. Now, while the maps may suggest this is 

an enduring train journey, the reality is far more joyful. 

From Napoli Centrale, the route takes just four and a half hours and 

is absolutely blissful as you chug along the coast and through some 

beautifully rugged landscapes. Be sure to do as the locals do and pack 

a picnic and a bottle of wine for your journey. When you reach the port 

city of Villa San Giovanni, this is when the real excitement begins! 

Your train is disconnected from the tracks and split in two and, after 

a few groans and jolts, your carriage becomes swallowed up by a 

huge white ferry! Used exclusively for trains, this impressive feat of 

ferry engineering has operated since 1899. The latest fleet is hybridpowered 

using batteries and solar panels, so that it has zero emissions 

in the port. 

12 


You could stay in the carriage, but we suggest you leave your heavy 

luggage behind and head up to the deck, where you can enjoy a plate 

of arancini and a cappuccino as you breathe in the salty Mediterranean 

Sea air. 

After a 25 minute sail across the Strait of Messina, you'll be in Messina, 

the gateway to Sicily, where the train is reconnected and literally put 

back on track! Messina is also known as the forgotten place because 

it was devastated by an earthquake and tsunami in 1908. All of Sicily’s 

epic landscapes have been forged by nature, as well as by the many 

ancient civilisations who ruled the island for so many centuries. 

From Messina, it’s another one and a half hour train jaunt to the 

historic city of Taormina, where you can stay in Hotel Villa Belvedere in 

its secluded hillside location above the Ionian Sea. This is the perfect 

place to discover the island and all its age-old wonders. 

If you want to continue your railway ride through Sicily, you can 

board the regional Minuetto diesel train, which snakes through the 

island, and, as it does, crosses a whopping seven UNESCO World 

Heritage sites on the four hour train trip from Catania to Comiso. 

This historical route passes through spectacular scenery that hasn’t 

changed much since the line was built 150 years ago. Built by 

hand, it’s another engineering feat, with six large bridges, 43 small 

bridges, and 13 tunnels, including an incredible spiral tunnel in 

which the carriages travel for one mile inside the mountain to 

avoid a steep slope. 

Should you wish to explore Mount Etna without the great hike, then 

you can take the ancient Circumetnea Railway that runs right along 

the mountain slopes through incredible lava fields and the grapegrowing 

region of Riposta. 

Sit back, gaze out of the window, and enjoy the 

delights of slow travel through southern Italy. 

A 12 night holiday in Rome, Sorrento, and Taormina starts from £1,859 per person. 

Speak to one of our Personal Travel Planners on 01293 765061 



The Glittering 

Great Lakes 

of Italy 

Ever wondered what Italy's great lakes are like to visit? 

Citalia’s very own Jitender Sokhy shares his experience 

travelling around Lake Como and Lake Garda. 

ItaIy’s lakes are amazing. If you’re only familiar with regions like 

Sorrento and Puglia where everything is so typically Italian then 

you’ll be surprised by northern Italy. There’s a huge influence from 

bordering countries like Switzerland, Germany, and France, but 

then there’s still Italian culture! Both Lake Como and Lake Garda 

are scattered with little waterfront towns, all of which have their 

own character - some are sleepy and some bustle with visitors 

year-round. If you like your wild swimming then you’ll especially 

love it as there are designated areas to swim on the lakes. 

Lake Garda is huge and everything feels spread out. The region 

is rugged and outdoorsy, with many hiking trails to discover. 

Particularly in the summer months, Lake Garda becomes an 

adventure playground for watersports - you’ll find kayaking, 

stand-up paddleboarding, wind sailing, and even jet skiing. I’d 

suggest you make the most of the ferries to get around, rather 

than relying on the surrounding motorways, which take you away 

from the lakeside beauty. 

Lake Como, on the other hand, is really polished. It’s probably 

my favourite lake as it’s smaller than Lake Garda and feels more 

traditional, and for want of a better word, quaint. I found that the 

service is especially attentive in Como - they literally bend over 

backwards to do anything for you. Because of the mountains, the 

views are epic too, reminding me of a Norwegian fjord. 

One of the hoteliers told me that ever since 

George Clooney bought a villa here in 2002 

Lake Como has increased in popularity! 

Lake Como and Lake Garda really are so different. I can completely 

understand why our guests choose to combine a holiday here - 

and flying into Milan and out of Verona is the best way to do this. 

While there, I took advantage of the proximity to these amazing 

cities and enjoyed a great day sightseeing in Verona, visiting Juliet’s 

Balcony and the Arena di Verona, which I highly recommend. 

When to Visit 

July and August are hot, humid and can be really busy, so I’d 

recommend travelling during June, September, or October, which 

is when I visited. This time of year is peaceful, with mild, pleasant 

weather, so much so that I saw people still windsurfing on Lake 

Garda! While this is typically off-season and you get the sense 

of everything winding down, everything is still open, and you 

can easily get around even though the ferries go to their winter 

timings and are less frequent. 

Getting Around 

The ferry service that criss-crosses the lakes is fantastic, and you 

can buy passes that allow you to hop on and off. Most of the 

ferries can be caught right outside your hotel, or no more than a 

five minute walk away. If you hire a car then you can hop on the 

ferry with it too. 

Many of our guests use transfers to reach their accommodation, 

however I hired a car, and it was surprisingly easy to drive around 

using the sat nav. (If you’re a wine lover, I recommend arranging 

a tour of the lake’s lovely vineyards through your hotel, as that’s 

the only time I’d say you don’t want to drive!) 

The roads are a mixture of windy mountain roads with wonderful 

views and motorways. We stopped off at a service station to 

have a bite to eat and were blown away with the delicious fresh, 

homemade dishes of lasagne and risotto. There was obviously an 

Italian mama in the back cooking with love. You wouldn't get that 

in the UK! 

14 


Lake Como 

Of Lake Como’s towns, I really like and recommend Bellagio. 

I absolutely love Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, which is located on the 

edge of Bellagio but still near enough to amble into town. The hotel 

name is accurate as it’s very grand and historic - what I’d call high ticket 

- even boasting its own Michelin-starred restaurant. I love that it has its 

own private jetty, and it was amazing to see a couple board their boat 

from here - I wish it had been me! 

Bellagio epitomises the luxury lifestyle of Lake Como, 

with incredibly sophisticated boutique shops. 

The pretty streets are cobbled, narrow and hilly, 

with plenty of little traditional eateries and bars 

right on the waterfront so you can enjoy the lake views. 

Because of the location, the meals are generally hearty fayre, like 

risotto, lots of meat and mountain cheeses, as well as lots of freshlycaught 

lake fish. You always find pizza and pasta on the menu too. 

If you want to experience the golden age of travel, then I recommend 

Hotel Villa d'Este in Cernobbio. It has such an old world charm and feels 

incredibly formal, as if you were journeying on the Titanic. The mosaic 

gardens, grounds, and the views from the rooms are all incredible. 

There’s one place I wish I’d visited but didn’t get a chance to, which 

was the small town of Varenna. It looks so gorgeous from the lake, like 

something out of a film! 

Lake Garda 

Of all the towns in Lake Garda, Sirmione is my favourite. It has that 

classical Italian vibe with mostly pedestrianised lanes, all of which are 

filled with beautiful historical architecture, and lots of gelaterie and bars. 

Plus, there’s the beautiful castle that you can wander around. 

A lot of the hotels use natural, mineral-rich thermal water, so there’s a 

real spa culture in Sirmione, with wonderful treatments and outdoor 

pools that are naturally heated all year round. I’d love to return for a 

winter spa break! 

In Bardolino you'll find another spa hotel, Hotel Caesius Thermae and 

Spa Resort, which is popular among Citalia guests. I’d also recommend 

Corte Valier on the outskirts of Bardolino, as it’s really peaceful, with 

lovely grounds and a terrace that overlooks the lake. Plus, there’s live 

music on certain evenings. 

Don’t miss the small harbour town of Riva del Garda. We climbed the 

giant bell tower, which I highly recommend for gorgeous bird's-eye 

lake views. 

In Riva del Garda, Du Lac et Du Parc Grand Resort 

is stunning and great for families, with an established 

kids’ club and games room. Definitely the main 

draw is its nature and gardens, which looks like 

something out of a fairytale. 

In Menaggio, I discovered my personal favourite hotel spa at the historic 

Grand Hotel Victoria, which is Lake Como’s largest spa. It recently had 

a major renovation and has pristine interiors and high-tech gadgets that 

brilliantly blends traditional features with contemporary chic. This hotel 

feels trendy, so naturally attracts a lot of fashionable people! 

I’d return in a heartbeat to Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Tremezzo, because 

it has all the original Belle Époque interiors running through the hotel, 

which makes it really glamorous. The grounds are amazing, with garden 

terraces cut into the hill, and there are three swimming pools in total, 

two outdoor and one indoor. There’s a delicious new restaurant called 

Giacomo al Lago, which is an offshoot of an esteemed eatery in Milan. 

From the main road, you’d think it was a commercial ski resort, but from 

the back it’s out of this world. There’s direct access to a small beach, 

with mountains as your backdrop. While it’s not a private beach, you’d 

have a job finding it if you didn’t know it was there. 

A 7 night holiday in Lake Como, staying at Albergo Lenno, 

starts from £899 per person. 

A 7 night holiday in Lake Garda, staying at Le Ali del Frassino, 

starts from £795 per person. 

Are you ready to experience the Glittering Great Lakes? Speak to one of our Personal Travel Planners on 01293 765061 



A Journey Through Time 

How do you honour the past while bringing a historic hotel into the 21st century? 

Citalia sits down with Marco Montagnani, General Manager of Grand Hotel 

Victoria, located right on the banks of the esteemed and enduring Lake Como. 

Describe in three words… 

Grand Hotel Victoria? 

Welcoming. 

(An) Experience. 

Emotive. 

Lake Como? 

Historic 

Peaceful. 

Heart-stirring. 

Our five-storey Grand Hotel Victoria has been 

around since the 19th century. It was one of 

the many private neoclassical residences that 

graced Lake Como’s shore, and has always 

welcomed British guests. While we cannot 

confirm all the prestigious guests who would 

have stayed, legend has it that Queen Victoria 

- who would stay at a hotel in Varenna - would 

come by boat to enjoy lunch here. That’s 

the reason for our hotel name and my most 

favourite suite, the Queen Victoria Suite, which 

is located on the highest floor of the hotel. 

About 50 years ago, a historic Italian family 

bought the villa, and still own it today. We 

underwent a massive renovation that lasted 

almost four years, which made our property the 

newest five-star luxury hotel on Lake Como. 

Our architect, Franco Pè, focused on integrating 

history into the interiors, while uplifting the 

property into the 21st century. We also built a 

new palazzo to add additional rooms, so that we 

now offer 81 rooms and suites. 

If you see other luxury hotels around Lake 

Como, they are iconic and historic, but more 

traditional in style. We sought out a different, 

more chic and clean style. It's now very light, 

with large windows and neutral tones that 

reflect the colours of the lake perfectly. 

Grand Hotel Victoria celebrates art concepts, 

with a Made in Italy focus - we only use local 

materials and handmade products from Italian 

craftsmen. 

We have the biggest spa on Lake Como, 

at around 1,500 square metres. Inside is a 

beautiful indoor pool that’s not for swimming 

lengths, but a place to simply relax. In each 

corner we have little water games for you to 

play. There’s a salt water jacuzzi, an ice room 

and two wood saunas. While we do have a 

wonderful gym, I believe the best exercise 

is in nature. 

16 


To fully experience our spa, come in 

the afternoon after a day of hiking or 

biking around the lake. Begin with a 

one-hour treatment or massage so 

that you’re fully relaxed, and then 

unwind further for a couple of hours 

in our water paradise. Afterwards, you 

can enjoy the most important thing in 

Italy: food! Go and have a big dinner 

surrounded by breathtaking lake views. 

This is what holidays are all about. 

Menaggio is a small town of about 3,000 people and 

we are all working in the same direction to build the 

story of Grand Hotel Victoria. My most memorable 

experience to date was organising a big pre-wedding 

dinner in the main square of the village, which was a 

special request by a guest. I had to convince the mayor 

to give us the streets! It was a great night and I’m so 

proud of what we achieved through teamwork and hard 

work. It was a special moment, not only for the couple 

and their guests, but for all the local community. 

I think it’s important that our staff 

experience the hotel as a guest does, 

and so they occasionally get to be 

guests, and we send them to other 

hotels to develop an understanding 

and experience from that perspective. 

My favourite place in the hotel is our garden, 

surrounded by the lake and its mountains. This is where 

your experience begins. There’s a magic atmosphere, 

especially at sunset, where you can enjoy a glass of 

wine with the entertainment of live music. 

The best time to visit Grand Hotel Victoria is in the 

springtime, as you can visit the best attractions when 

Menaggio is not too crowded. The weather is usually 

good at this time of the year and you can enjoy the 

first sun in our heated outdoor swimming pool. In May 

and June, the roses, oleander, and lemon trees are all 

in bloom and you get the marvellous perfume of the 

flowers. It’s a luxurious experience. 

A 7 night holiday in Lake Como, staying at Grand Hotel Victoria, starts from £1,835 per person. 




History 

of the 

Trulli 

18 


Venture into rural Puglia and you’ll stumble across a marvel 

of whitewashed dry stone dwellings with curiously conical 

slab roofs. You’ve found the trulli. 

As their white walls sparkle against the 

blue sky, trulli have become an attractive 

backdrop for that quintessential Italian 

Instagrammable moment. 

Trulli - or trullo when you’re talking about 

just one dwelling - were initially built 

to provide temporary field shelters and 

storehouses. Over time they also became 

permanent dwellings for agricultural 

families and labourers of smallholdings. 

The simple traditional lime 

whitewash that decorates the 

trulli’s exterior complements 

the local geology and 

pastoral landscapes. 

To protect against the elements and balance the temperature all year 

round, the trulli walls are incredibly thick, made up of a double skin 

filled with rubble. Similarly the doorways and windows are small. 

These iconic rural dwellings began appearing as early as the 14th 

century, and their popularity originated because of a 15th century 

decree that made urban settlers pay taxes to the crown under feudal 

rule. If the king’s inspectors came collecting, the villagers could easily 

demolish these inexpensive buildings into a pile of stones and hide in 

the forest, and then rebuild them once they’d gone. 

However it was in the mid-18th and 19th century, brought on by 

an emerging winemaking scene, when many of these structures 

first appeared in the little town of Alberobello. 

These circular living spaces come with alcoves for storing things, 

and an internal fireplace. The unusual conical roofs are built 

from a layering of limestone slabs called chianche that sit directly 

atop the walls, and taper to a point or sphere called a pinnacolo. 

These pinnacles are not only hand-carved, but selected for their 

spiritual or proprietary symbolism, and some roofs also have 

esoteric markings. 

You’ll find the distinctive cone-shaped trulli all across the sunkissed 

Itria Valley, but the best-preserved examples remain in 

Alberobello, which boasts over 1,5000 trulli and dominates 

three-quarters of the quaint town’s architecture, of which 30% 

are used solely for residential use. 

Today, trulli are on the UNESCO World Heritage 

list and protected - they cannot be modified 

without a trullaro, a master craftsman. 

Truly Trulli 

Head to the neighbourhoods of Monti and Aja Piccola in 

Alberobello for the largest concentration of authentic trullis. 

Don’t miss these exemplary trulli, some of which have been 

declared national monuments! 

• Trullo Sovrano, a rare two-storey trullo with a backyard 

• Casa d’Amore, today the town’s tourist information centre 

• Museo Storico, a local heritage museum 

• Rione Aia Piccola, a pretty collection of trulli 

• Parrocchia Sant'Antonio di Padova, the only trulli church of its kind 

• Trulli Gemelli, two conjoined twin trulli 

• Trulli Soave, where you can enjoy a stay in one of five trullo! 

A 3 night holiday in Puglia, staying at Trulli Soave, starts from £669 per person. 




An 

Adventure 

of the 

Heart 

There’s an amorous air across Italy, but few places get the heart beating 

quite as much as Venice, Verona, and Lake Garda. Why not combine all 

three destinations in one for a decidedly romantic escape? 

Experience the most enchanting locations across northeastern Italy on Citalia’s personalised romantic 

eight night break. We’ll take you into the heart of Venice with its palaces and canals, then onto the 

historic city of Verona, known best as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, before giving 

you ample time to explore and unwind among the raw beauty of shimmering Lake Garda. 

Venice 

Begin your journey in Venice where, upon arrival, you can board a water taxi and navigate the 

famous canals into the city. With many hotels boasting private jetties, you may get to step straight 

into the lobby for a smooth entrance. We suggest you familiarise yourself with Venice by walking 

around at a leisurely pace, where you’ll come across many bridges, including the grandest and 

oldest, Rialto Bridge. In the evening, wander over to St. Mark's Square, and listen to a live orchestra 

while you sip on a glass of wine before a candlelit dinner. 

The next day you can use the regular water buses to hop along the main canals as you please, taking 

in the many museums, art galleries, and palaces to appreciate Renaissance and contemporary art. 

Perhaps you may also like to glide into the city’s side canals on a graceful gondola ride? 

Verona 

On your third day, sit back and enjoy the short train ride to Verona, which takes just over an hour. 

Verona, the city of star-crossed lovers, is perfectly compact, allowing you to easily roam around 

its medieval streets by foot. When you come across Piazza delle Erbe, take a pause to enjoy 

the delightful café culture. Not far away from this square lies the renowned Casa di Giulietta - 

Juliet’s House. Each year thousands of visitors stop by her balcony to leave love letters to Juliet, 

Shakespeare’s fictional character. 

Another full day in Verona gives you more time to explore this charming city. Head to the oldest 

part by the Adige River, where you can be mesmerised by the impressive Roman amphitheatre, 

Arena di Verona. Walk hand in hand to the classical Italian garden of Giardino Giusti for captivating 

views over Verona’s terracotta rooftop, before a romantic meal in a cosy trattoria. 

Lake Garda 

The following morning, you'll board a train to nearby Lake Garda, the largest of the Italian lakes, 

which takes just 20 minutes. With several days based here you can choose your own pace - whether 

you feel like hopping around the lake discovering pretty towns and villages, or simply just kicking 

back and admiring the mountain views while sipping the region’s excellent wines. Be sure to join 

the evening stroll along the lakeside promenades, before seeking out a romantic nook for dinner 

in the many cobblestone streets. You may like to visit the medieval fortress of Scaligero Castle in 

the spa town of Sirmione, or simply enjoy its thermal waters. Take the cable car up to the viewing 

platform of Sass Pordoi, right in the heart of the Dolomite Mountains, and experience heart-stirring 

panoramas together. 

20 


An 8 night holiday in Venice, Verona, and Lake Garda starts £1,299 per person 




Gennaro Contaldo 

My childhood 

on the Amalfi Coast 

Ever wondered how Citalia’s Brand Ambassador 

and celebrity chef Gennaro Contaldo spent his 

youth? Then dive right in. 

What was it like to grow up on the Amalfi Coast? Freedom, 

pure freedom. I come from a place that's 30 metres above 

the sea…our family house sits right on top and the night of 

my birth my father said, ‘The sea is rough, be sure to close 

the window properly!’ I guess because I could have tumbled 

into the water… 

As a child, the sea was my swimming 

pool, the mountains were my back 

gardens, and our little village of 

Minori was my playground. I don't 

even remember when I learnt to 

swim, as we would be at the beach 

every day. It was pure bliss. 

I used to get up in the morning and go jump in the sea. 

When I was in school my friends and I couldn’t wait to finish 

the school day so we could be wild, perhaps go fishing 

or even hunting in the mountains. I used to get told off a 

lot - probably because gallivanting around in the hills with 

weapons was a little dangerous. But it was like living in a 

kind of paradise. Everything was and still is so simple. 

There are just 2,000 people living in Minori today and back 

then there were probably less. We knew everyone, or at 

least all the kids our age. When I go back and look at my 

friends I think - and sometimes even say - ‘Gosh how old 

you’ve become!’ But then when I see in their eyes I suddenly 

feel we’re all young again. 

It’s almost a disadvantage to be born in a place like the 

Amalfi Coast, because you don’t fully appreciate it. 

When I was about 10 years old, I began to see people from 

around the world in my hometown. I remember asking a 

child my age from Milan why he was there, and he told me 

they were on ‘holiday’. I didn’t even know what this word 

meant, let alone understand why they would come to Minori. 

It was only when I began travelling all over the world and 

settled in England, that I began to realise. Someone showed 

me an old Roman ruin somewhere, and I thought, ‘What’s 

the big deal? My sister lives in a house built by the Romans’. 

When I came back as a young adult, I had the aha moment, 

‘Oh my God! My hometown is so very beautiful - wow, wow, 

wow! No wonder people love it here’. 

There’s a rhythm to life in Minori that is still the same as it 

always has been - everyone still stops for lunch at 1pm, and 

the shops all still close for a siesta. As a child I would walk 

the few hundred metres home from school and you’d hear 

people singing from their balconies, the rattle of dishes, and 

the wonderful smells. I couldn’t wait to get home. 

22 


Everyone in the Amalfi Coast always ate to 

the seasons and expressed themselves through 

food - and that’s still the same today. 

Every single village along the Amalfi Coast are proud of their own 

produce and fiercely compete with one another. My father used 

to say to me that Minori anchovies are lovelier than any of the 

other villages and I never took notice - because as far as I was 

concerned, they were all from the same sea! But now as an adult, 

I realise he might be right. It turns out there’s a space in the 

seabed right by our village that grows a certain algae, which 

brings a unique flavour of the sea, and the fish are more silver. 

Such a subtle difference, but you can taste the difference from 

the anchovies compared to a village one mile away! 

Nowadays there's a lot of what we call agroturismo. Quite a few 

of my friends are lemon growers and have created albergo agriturismo 

out of their houses so that visitors can come in and taste this and that, 

all with a glass of limoncello. 

Lemons are everything on the Amalfi Coast - not just for your gin and 

tonic. Use them for lemonade, to flavour your fish, to disinfect your 

table. While researching my book Limoni, I found out that the Queen 

always imported Amalfi lemons. She would place a massive bowl of 

them on her table because their smell was so inebriating. 

If you find lemons growing as you walk 

down the hill, it’s okay if you take one 

lemon, the growers will forgive you. I always 

did as a little boy - you can’t help it! 

Where I come from everyone can cook. My whole family - my father, 

mama, dad, sister, grandma - would all cook inside the house. We had 

a family shop selling natural linen, which is a big product in the Amalfi 

Coast. I used to go with my father to meet his many customers. One 

morning we went to Maiori, a village about half a mile away, to meet 

with his friend Alfonso, who ran a family trattoria. 

I begged my father to stay and pick me up later in the afternoon, and 

the joke is that he picked me up three years later, because I rarely 

left the trattoria! I loved it so much there, and Alfonso would give me 

little jobs to do. If someone ordered chicken, I would be sent out the 

back to capture a live chicken - the food was that fresh. Over time 

I was working there over the school holidays as a summer job, and 

that’s what inspired me to become a chef. Aged 20, after travelling 

around Italy, I landed in the UK, and I am so blessed that I can now 

split my time between England and my beloved birthplace! 

The Amalfi Coast is an emotion, in fact all of Italy is an emotion. 

You capture moments and they move you, but the feeling stays forever. 

A 7 night holiday in the Amalfi Coast, staying at Hotel Santa Caterina, starts from £2,069 per person. 




Years of Opera 

A language of love, opera is Italy’s modus operandi for 

storytelling, bringing together dramatic flair, humour, music, 

staging, costume, and movement. This year, in the world's 

largest amphitheatre, opera celebrates its 100th year. 

The Arena di Verona is a Roman architectural giant with impeccable 

acoustics. This grand work of open-air mastery, which once held 

30,000 people, has been hosting its great annual summer opera 

festival for 100 years. It began as a celebration, to commemorate the 

centenary of Giuseppe Verdi, arguably Italy’s most gifted composer. 

This year, from 16th June to 9th September 2023, the prestigious 

opera festival will exhibit a special programme like you’ve never 

seen before, kicking off with the grand opening weekend where a 

brand new production of Verdi’s Aida will be unveiled. In just three 

months, visitors to Verona will also be able to enjoy 50 unrepeatable 

performances that unite the finest Italian operas, and that are 

being directed and produced by leading luminaries of the stage. Top 

performers, symphony orchestras, and choruses from across Italy’s 

opera houses, such as Milan’s Teatro alla Scala, will be playing a role 

in this extravagant event. 

100th Arena di Verona 

Opera Festival 2023 

What’s On 

Aida 

by Giuseppe Verdi | New production 

Carmen 

by Georges Bizet | Staged by Franco Zeffirelli 

Il Barbiere di Siviglia 

by Gioacchino Rossini | Staged by Hugo de Ana 

Rigoletto 

by Giuseppe Verdi 

La Traviata 

by Giuseppe Verdi | Staged by Franco Zeffirelli 

Nabucco 

by Giuseppe Verdi | Staged by Gianfranco de Bosio 

Tosca 

by Giacomo Puccini | Staged by Hugo de Ana 

Madama Butterfly 

by Giacomo Puccini | Staged by Franco Zeffirelli. 

24 


If you prefer to celebrate opera away from the limelight of Verona 

this year, or wish to combine this centenary with other operatic 

delights in Italy, then we have several other destinations and festivals 

to recommend. 

Naturally, you can head to the world’s most prestigious opera house, 

Teatro alla Scala in Milan, or discover the floating city’s operatic 

roots with an evening at Teatro La Fenice in Venice. There’s both 

opera and ballet to be discovered at Rome’s Teatro dell’Opera, or you 

could regale in summer productions at the amphitheatre, Baths of 

Caracalla, on the city’s outskirts. 

Citalia offers a four day short break in the seaside town of Viareggio, 

where you’ll get to explore Tuscany and pop over to catch a fabulous 

performance at the Puccini Opera Festival, which takes place from 

14th July to 26th August 2023, in nearby Torre del Lago. One of 

Italy’s greatest opera composers, Giacomo Puccini, lived and worked 

in a house just moments from the festival’s open-air venue, which 

always features his most renowned operas, Madama Butterfly, La 

Boheme, and Turandot. 

For somewhere really off-the-beaten-path, we recommend a night at 

Teatro Comunale in Città della Pieve, a picturesque medieval town 

in Umbria. 

You can even combine your holiday on one of the Italian islands with 

an operatic performance! In Sicily, visit Italy’s largest theatre at Teatro 

Massimo in Palermo, or venture to the Sardinian town of Cagliari for a 

night at Teatro Lirico. 

Wherever you’re planning to visit, we can always help you secure 

tickets for some legendary productions. 

Where will you indulge or nurture your passion for opera? Speak to one of our Personal Travel Planners on 01293 765061 



Into 

Sardinia 

Nestled in the Mediterranean Sea, 

the Italian island of Sardinia makes for 

an idyllic spot for your summer holiday. 

But should you go to the north 

or south of the island? 

26 


North Sardinia and South Sardinia have common traits of sprawling 

coastline and natural landscapes, where you can embrace the outdoors with 

hikes and mountain biking. Both regions are spectacularly foodie too, with a 

brilliant local food and wine culture. 

It really depends on what you’re looking for in your holiday. 

Much of North Sardinia is untouched and invites exploration. It’s also a 

little more dramatic with dizzying cliffs and a mountain range. 

“One great place to visit is the unassuming Oliena, which lies in the 

foothills of the Supramonte Mountains,” says Heather Green, Citalia’s 

Regional Destination Manager. “This historic town is teeming with 

traditions and produces the ‘nectar of the gods’, the region’s muchguarded 

and delicious Nepente di Oliena wine.” 

Venture to Santa Teresa Gallura, and you’ll be welcomed by pretty 

beaches that are drenched in warm sunshine and surrounded by 

spectacular scenery. From Stintino on the northwest of the island you can 

take a boat trip to a gorgeous nature reserve, or from the lovely harbour 

town of Palau you can sail to the stunning Maddalena Islands. 

But there’s another side to this region too. 

North Sardinia is all about glamour. The famous 

Costa Smeralda strip is a luxurious coastline of 

soft white sand and glittering emerald waters, 

where it’s quite possible to spot celebrity visitors. 

At the heart of Costa Smeralda lies Porto Cervo, a purposefully-styled 

resort town that was the brainchild of Prince Karim Aga Khan in the 

1960s. You can best witness this characteristic style in the Sottopiazza 

portico, home to multicoloured balconies and curved alleyways. On the 

outskirts of Porto Cervo you’ll find a buzzing nightlife of haute cuisine 

restaurants and who’s who nightclubs. 

“Couples or groups of friends travelling together will love it here”, adds 

Heather. “The town adds a harmonious yet chic edge to the surrounding 

rural landscape”. 

So, with all this in the north, why would you venture south? 

South Sardinia is ideal for a good 

old-fashioned family holiday. 

There’s such an easy, friendly nature in the south, with several large 

resorts like Forte Village Resort and Chia Laguna Resort that cater to 

the whims of every family member. Within, there’s plenty of outdoor 

activities, adrenaline-fuelled watersports, theme parks, and water parks on 

offer to keep kids and big kids alike entertained. 

South Sardinia also offers rugged, scenic spots and has a great beach 

culture for rest and relaxation. 

“And, if you do want to enjoy a touch of glitz in the south,” adds Heather, 

“then you can always head to the capital of Sardinia, Cagliari, where you’ll 

find yacht clubs, golf clubs, and luxury spas. There’s a great culture of fine 

dining in the restaurants by the harbour.” 

Sardinia is a great self-drive destination, so you can always combine both 

regions for an ultimate Sardinia experience! 

An 11 night ultimate Sardinia holiday, combining the north and south of the island, starts from £1,749 per person. 




Pincio Water Clock, Rome 



It would be remiss of us to not mention Italy’s heritage with time-telling in our 

Go Slow edition. Discover Italy’s historical clocks and calendars, and their unique stories. 

Our human fascination to tell the time is, frankly, a tale as old as time. 

Today, time measuring instruments come in all shapes and sizes, but 

originally civilisation relied on rudimentary sundials and water clocks, 

which were then preceded by the hourglass and fully mechanised clocks. 

It was Tuscany’s own 16th century grandfather of time, Galileo Galilei, 

who identified the principle of the pendulum, which altered European 

clocks for centuries after. In the north, under the Dolomites of Friuli 

on the Swiss border lies Pesariis, a secluded ‘village of clocks’, where 

clockmakers have congregated over the decades, and where a route of 

monumental watch-making, an open-air museum if you will, holds over 

100 different timepieces. 

While often forgotten in the daily lives of our modern 

world, astronomical clocks were the common cogs of 

everyday life for centuries, and you’ll find many still 

ticking away across Italy. 

Astronomical clocks are works of art, often beautifully sculpted 

and part of grand architectural feats, and they represent not only 

chronological time but also more esoteric factors, such as the 

movements of the sun, planets, and phases of the moon, as well 

as their position in the sky. Discover a world of timekeeping - and 

unwinding - with us! 

Pincio Water Clock, Rome 

Looming out of the trees on a little island within the gardens of Rome’s 

Villa Borghese lies an unusual and rare grandfather clock. Reached 

by a rickety wooden bridge, it could be straight out of J. M. Barrie’s 

Neverland. Known as a hydrochronometer, this late 19th century clock 

is forged out of cast iron and glass, and uses a hydraulic system where 

the force of water both continuously winds the clock and keeps the 

pendulum moving. It’s named after the Terrazza del Pincio, just a short 

walk away. 

The water clock was invented by Embriaco, a Dominican monk who 

had to challenge Catholic institutions who didn’t favour his scientific 

advances. The clock was sent to Paris to be showcased at the 1867 

Universal Exhibition, however the organisers struggled to get it working 

without the friar’s help. 

The clock has been part of a larger fountain feature in the gardens since 

1873, and it accurately ticks away 24/7, which is no mean feat given 

that changes in water temperature can affect the speed mechanisms. It 

underwent a major restoration for several years before being returned to 

its rightful place in 2022. A second water clock by Embriaco also exists in 

Rome’s Palazzo Berardi. 

Suggested Stay: Hotel Nazionale, Rome 

28 


Astronomical Clock, Padua 

You could argue that the northern Italian city of Padua, in Veneto, is 

where time began. Having stood in the Loggia del Capitano clock tower 

in Piazza dei Signori since the mid-14th century, its astronomical clock is 

one of the world’s oldest working clocks. It's understood that this tower 

once held an even older original clock than this one, but it was destroyed 

centuries earlier. 

Padua's astronomical clock was designed by a medical 

scholar called Jacopo de’Dondi, and his clockmaking 

became so renowned that his family name was changed 

to Dondi dell’Orologio or ‘Dondi of the Clock’. 

This timepiece shares much more information than your average clock. 

You’ll see the 24 hours marked out in Roman numerals, which make 

the tower’s bells strike hourly. Interestingly, this means the hand points 

down instead of up at noon. The dial also shows the current day of the 

month, the motion of the planets, the phase of the moon, and even the 

position of the sun within the zodiac. Right in the centre of the clock is 

planet earth - and that’s no mistake! 

St. Mark's Clocktower, Venice 

There’s one place in the heart of Venice that has marked the passing of 

time and lives of Venetians for over 500 years. Facing Piazza San Marco 

and visible from the waters of the Grand Canal, is the 15th century 

Torre dell'Orologio. 

This famous clocktower played an essential role as a pinnacle point in 

the city’s original urban layout. Commissioned by the doge (duke), it was 

designed by a clockmaker called Codussi, and displays the current time, 

the moon phases, and the dominant zodiac sign. 

Rumour has it that the doge blinded the clockmaker upon completion so 

that he couldn’t recreate the masterpiece, but the truth is less dramatic - 

Codussi became one of the clock’s caretakers and lived within the tower 

with his family. 

Right at the top of the tower are two bronze ‘giant’ figures, known as 

the Moors, who strike and sound the original cast iron bell on the hour, 

every hour. 

Unusually however, there’s one incomplete detail - the missing zodiac of 

Libra. There are several myths surrounding the reason for this omission 

- some say it's because the builder wasn’t paid what he was promised 

and so removed the sign - as libra is also the symbol for justice. Others 

ruminate that it was a sign of protest against the cruelty of the Carraresi 

family that ruled the city. However the truth is likely more banal: the pre- 

Roman zodiac system had just one sign for Scorpio and Libra. 

Try to visit on a Friday or Saturday where you can arrange a guided tour 

inside the clock tower. 

Suggested Stay: Hotel Savoia e Jolanda, Venice 

You’ll also see a winged lion, which represents St. Mark, the patron saint 

of Venice, as well as the Virgin Mary, above the clock face. Marvellously, 

during the key Catholic festivals of Ascension week and Epiphany, you’ll 

find the magi (Three Kings) emerge from the clock face and bow to the 

Virgin Mary above, while an angel raises a trumpet. 

Given these delicate mechanisms and its complex system of gear wheels, 

the clock has been restored many times in the last few centuries. 

To truly appreciate the technological mastery of this 500 year-old 

timepiece, you’re best to take a guided tour inside, where you can 

venture up the spiral staircase and emerge on the rooftop, for beautiful 

views over Venice. 

Suggested Stay: Londra Palace Venezia, Venice 



TIME WILL TELL: ITALY'S TIMEPIECES 

Plana's Perpetual Calendar, Turin 

What if there was a historical calendar that could track every day, month 

and year, from the year 1 A.D to 4,000 A.D.? Well, there is. 

Tucked away in the tiny Baroque chapel of Bankers and Merchants in 

Turin is a quirky device known as the Perpetual Calendar. It was invented 

by an Italian astronomer and mathematician called Plana in the early 

18th century. 

Stopped Station Clock, Bologna 

There’s nothing quite like a stopped clock to demonstrate a psychological 

phenomenon. The small station clock that juts out of the stonework of 

Bologna Central Railway Station has its own strange chronological story. 

The original buildings were constructed in a neoclassical style at the turn 

of the 20th century. 

During the summer of 1980, a neo-facist terrorist group bombed 

the station, killing and injuring a few hundred people. The blast also 

temporarily caused the clock hands to freeze, but it was repaired quickly. 

Years later in 1996, the clock broke, and the city’s decision makers 

decided that it should not be repaired but permanently stopped and used 

to commemorate the tragic massacre that happened 16 years earlier. The 

clock was set to 10.25am, the time of the bombing. 

In 2008, a new station was completed to make way for the new 

high-speed train network, and the clock followed the same act of 

remembrance, which continues today. 

A team of psychologists interviewed local residents in 2010, including 

station staff and daily commuters who used the station every day. 

The majority of these people earnestly stated that the clock had been 

damaged in the blast and was frozen in time for the entire 16 years 

between 1980 and 1996, despite the fact they would have seen and 

relied on the clock during these years. This helped confirm the collective 

false memory phenomenon known as the ‘Mandela Effect’. 

You can see the stopped clock for yourself, particularly if you are going 

on a high-speed rail journey of your own through Bologna. 

Suggested Stay: PHI Hotel Bologna - Al Cappello Rosso, Bologna 

Despite its age and lack of WIFI, it can tell you what day of the week 

your birthday will fall in the year 3,000. The calendar is made from 

nine fragile wood and paper cylinders, which are inscribed with 46,000 

tiny numbers. You operate it by inputting the year under an ornate 

golden frame, and then various gears and chains simultaneously begin 

cranking into activity, showing information such as phases of the moons, 

tides, Catholic holidays, solar cycles, and days of the weeks across a 

whopping 40 centuries. The Perpetual Calendar took Plana 10 years to 

complete, from planning to final assembly, and it’s no wonder why. It can 

distinguish between dates that follow the Julian and Gregorian calendar, 

and even leap years! With delicate imagery, it also chronicles popes and 

features portraits of kings and rulers. 

Suggested Stay: PHI Hotel Bologna - Grand Hotel Sitea, Turin 

St. Andrew Tower Clock, Chioggia 

Chioggia, a seaside town south of Venice, is said to hold the world’s 

oldest still-functioning clock, the Torre dell’Orologio Sant Andrea, 

despite stiff competition from Salisbury Cathedral in England for the 

official world record title. Situated in a Romanesque tower, it dates 

back to the 14th century and is now attested to have been designed by 

Jacopo de’Dondi, long before the clockmaker and his family moved to 

Padua and designed the famous astronomical clock there. 

Interestingly, this clock moved from its original position in the town’s 

Palazzo Pretorio after a fire and now acts as a bell tower for Chiesa San 

Andrea, even though the church was built centuries later. 

Divided into 24 hours, the clock has just one hand. The clocktower is 

believed to have once been a lighthouse and a watchtower, but today its 

insides have been converted into an unusual vertical museum, which you 

can visit. It snakes up several floors as it celebrates Chioggia’s history, 

and from the belfry, you’ll receive an exceptional view! 

Suggested Stay: Hotel Monaco and Grand Canal, Venice 

The time is now to plan your next Citalia holiday! Speak to one of our Personal Travel Planners on 01293 765061 

30 


BEHIND THE CASK 

Classic 

Chianti 

In the heart of Tuscany, straddling Florence 

and Siena, are the renowned Chianti Hills, 

home to arguably Italy’s most famous dry red, 

and one of its most ancient wines. 



You may know Chianti best for Anthony Hopkins’ chilling line in the 

1991 thriller film, Silence of the Lambs: “I ate his liver with some fava 

beans and a nice chianti”. 

Chianti is made from the Sangiovese grape and, unlike some Italian 

wines that are named after the grape variety, Chianti is in fact named 

after the region in which the wine is made. It’s an elegant yet rustic 

wine, with the scent of spice and wild berries. 

The Fiasco 

Traditionally, Chianti was bottled in a fiasco, a rounded, half-strawcovered 

bottle with a flat base. This extra straw padding, made from 

sundried swamp weed, would offer protection during transportation. 

The Region 

Chianti isn’t just one type of wine, there are many varieties of style. The 

Chianti region is vast, and stretches across eight specific areas where 

you’ll find wine production in full swing, and which all produce their 

own Chianti wine with a specific label: Montespertoli, Colli Pisani, Colli 

Fiorentini, Colli Aretini, Rufina, Montalbano, Colli Senesi, and Chianti 

Classico. The borders of this wine region were established by the Tuscan 

Grand Duke Cosimo III de' Medici in the early 18th century, and his 

decree became the first legally enforceable wine appellation. 

The Cultural Landscape of Chianti Classico 

has bid to become Tuscany’s eighth UNESCO 

World Heritage site, aiming to be on a list 

among other prestigious winemaking 

regions, such as Veneto’s Prosecco Hills. 

The History 

You can trace the viticulture of this region back beyond the Romans 

to over 2,000 years ago. Artefacts suggest it was the Etruscans who 

cleared the thickly forested hills to cultivate vines, and the Romans 

continued this winemaking practice. The word chianti first appeared on 

parchment in 790 A.D., and documents suggest that the wine of that 

time may have been a white, not the ruby red wine we know today. 

During the Middle Ages, it was the dedication of local monks 

who continued to care for the region’s grapes, and who promoted 

winemaking traditions to the people. The monks considered the 

wine to be both nutritious and medicinal, and a safe alternative to 

polluted water. This is when Chianti wine became a popular drink 

for peasants and popes alike. 

“These traditional bottles can be unadorned 

and little presentable, but can contain an 

excellent wine - glorious and divine.” 

The Quality 

Galileo Galilei on Chianti wine 

In Chianti, winemaking became more than a mere income but an 

identity, and to this day, wine producers of the region take great pride 

in honouring its viticulture traditions. Chianti Classico is a DOCG wine, 

which means it must be produced to set rules. It can only be made 

using 80% Sangiovese red grape and 20% other native or international 

grape varieties, most commonly Canaiolo or Colorino, and must have a 

minimum alcohol level of 12% ABV. 

A label that indicates exceptional quality is the ‘Riserva’, which 

highlights that the Chianti has been aged for two years or more after 

harvest, and has a minimum alcohol level of 12.5% ABV. 

There’s also a third, even more exclusive Chianti Classico category, 

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, which is grown to even stricter 

regulations and must be approved by a special tasting committee. 

32 


BEHIND THE CASK: CLASSIC CHIANTI 

The Legend of Gallo Nero 

While all Chianti’s regions provide quality wines, 

bottles produced in the Chianti Classico zone are 

considered to be the most magnificent, and since 

1924, the gallo nero (black rooster) seal has been 

a historic mark that guarantees the authenticity 

and quality of a bottle from this region. 

The reason why a black rooster represents the mark 

of a true Chianti Classico goes back to a 13th century 

legend. Two knights, one from Florence and one 

from Siena, were disputing over land and they agreed 

that they would mark out their territories when the 

roosters sang at dawn. Before the day of this duel, the 

Florentines kept a black rooster in a box without food, 

so it crowed much earlier than dawn, which meant 

the Florentine knight left earlier and was able to 

claim most of the land right up to the walls of Siena. 

The Popularity 

Chianti has attracted esteemed figures through the centuries. The 

renowned 15th century Renaissance sculptor Michelangelo purchased 

several land plots and houses in Chianti, even making his own wine. 

The 16th century diplomat Machiavelli sought refuge here, as did the 

scientist astronomer Galilei. The 19th century composer Verdi was also 

an avid fan of Chianti wine. 

Discover Chianti 

Naturally, you’ll find enotecas in the tiniest of hamlets and local wine 

museums across Chianti, but you may be surprised to learn that a 

holiday here can go beyond the wine. The best way to explore this 

region is by car, and the Strada Statale 22 Chiantigiana is a delightfully 

picturesque road, sprinkled with interesting villages en route. 

To truly savour the timeless appeal of Chianti Classico wines, take 

a full or half day private tour with Citalia, so you can fully enjoy the 

experience with an English-speaking driver-cum-guide! We’ll take 

you on the Chiantigiana wine route, pausing at a local winery for a 

tasting at the cellar door, and a delicious light lunch of fresh, seasonal 

produce. Explore famous towns, like Greve and Radda, to taste their 

signature wines and other delights, such as home-pressed olive oil, 

handcrafted cheese, and aromatic balsamic vinegar. 

The land can always be appreciated through delicious food, with 

specialities like ham from the local breed of cinta senese, the Tuscan 

bread soup of ribollita, and collo ripieno, a stuffed chicken neck. 

Plus, there are numerous small Romanesque and Renaissance churches 

to explore, such as San Cresci in Montefioralle (Greve), Santa Maria in 

Spaltenna, and Sant’Appiano (Barberino Val d’Elsa). Then there’s sacred 

art to witness in the region’s museums, such as at San Casciano, or in 

Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, as well as an incredible archaeological museum 

in Castellina. You might also like to head to Chianti Sculpture Park, 

which boasts art objects from all around the world. 

Don’t Miss! 

L’Eroica, an annual vintage bike event in the small village 

of Gaiole, takes place every year from 30th September 

to 1st October, where you’ll find races, leisure rides, 

and challenging routes across this beautiful landscape. 

A 7 night holiday in Chianti, staying at Palazzo Leopoldo Dimora Storica & Spa, starts from £699 per person. 

Car hire recommended. Speak to one of our Personal Travel Planners on 01293 765061 



Spring Festivals 

of Liguria 

Get a spring in your step with our pick of Liguria’s finest spring festivals! 

There really is something for all the family. 

Shop 'Til You Drop… 

Every town and city has its own patron saint and celebrates 

them on a special day. In the Ligurian coastal city of La Spezia, 

it’s Fiera di San Giuseppe, where you’ll find a three day 

event that brings together street vendors from across Italy. 

To fuel your shopping, tuck into local food and embrace the 

accompanying cultural events. 

Race Around the Cinque Terre… 

For a thrilling way to see all the sights of the Cinque Terre, you can 

join the Sciacchetrail, a race that starts and ends in Monterosso. 

This circular route takes in almost 30 miles, winding along the many 

paths of the Cinque Terre. We’d say that one of the race highlights 

is passing the vineyards that produce the region’s renowned passito 

(sweet dessert wine) of sciacchetrà. 

MARCH 2023 

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La Spezia 

25 

MAY 2023 

20 

MARCH 2023 JUNE 2023 

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Monterosso al Mare 

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JUNE 2023 

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When Life Gives You Lemons… 

There’s one destination you’ll never be short of lemons and that’s 

in Monterosso! Each year this happening Cinque Terre town hosts 

a celebration of citrus with the Monterosso Lemon Festival. 

The village shines yellow as narrow streets are lined with lemonythemed 

food stalls. Aside from the many baskets and crates of 

lemon varieties that are grown in this region, you’ll find many 

delicious byproducts. Limoncino, Liguria’s own lemon liqueur 

(and not to be confused with limoncello), takes centre stage, but 

you can also tuck into lemon cake, lemon marmalade, and lemon 

cream. Take the 8,000 lemon-scented steps, a gentle walk that 

starts at the historical summer house of the Nobel Prize winning 

Italian poet, Eugenio Montale. The significance of including Villa 

Montale is because the fruit was the muse for Montale’s famous 

poem I limoni (The Lemon Trees), in his collection Ossi di seppia. 

There’s also a rhythmic marching band, a contest for the juiciest, 

sweetest, and largest lemon in the town’s main square of Piazza 

Garibaldi, and a competition for the best lemon-decorated 

shopfront. Monterosso beaches are never far away, if you fancy a 

refreshing dip in the sea. 


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A Land of Fairytales... 

While Portofino and the Cinque Terre tend to receive the 

most adoring gaze from visitors to the Italian Riviera, we also 

recommend you head to Sestri Levante, known as the fairytale 

town. Once a small and secluded island, now the town is 

connected to the mainland. You’ll find it delightfully easy to 

explore with its many hiking and cycling trails. In June, Sestri 

Levante hosts the Andersen Festival, which is all about celebrating 

fairytales and unconventional theatre. It becomes a magical 

world for little and big kids alike, with a programme of music 

and dance, circus shows, street theatre, puppetry, and even film. 

By the name, you won’t be surprised to learn that the festival 

is dedicated to the 19th century king of fairytales, the Danish 

writer Hans Christian Anderson, who wrote The Little Mermaid 

and the Ugly Duckling, and lived in the town for a short period 

during his Grand Tour. Be sure to visit the romantic beach in the 

Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence) by the Old Town, which also holds 

performances, from jugglers to children’s competitions. Outside of 

the festivities, Sestri Levante has a pedestrianised area filled with 

beautiful boutiques and restaurants, several lovely public parks 

with children's play areas, lidos, and a gorgeous promenade to 

enjoy an evening stroll, or passeggiata. 


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Sestri Levante 



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For the Fishermen... 

The pretty fishing town of Camogli becomes a feast for the senses 

in May. To honour San Fortunato, the patron saint of fishermen, 

Camogli holds Sagra del Pesce, which celebrates all things fish! 

Overlooking the port, you’ll find the main square of Piazza 

Cristoforo Colombo buzzing. A huge frying pan that weighs 28 

tons MARCH and 2023 holds a capacity MARCH of 2,000 2023 litres cooks MAY up 2023 an impressive JUNE 2023 

30,000 fish portions. These dishes are then sold to the public, with 

all money 

19raised going to 

25 

charity. Sagra del Pesce 

20has been taking 

8 

place since 1955, so it really has gained momentum over the years, 

and now features a wonderful bonfire and firework display. 


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Flower Power... 

To celebrate the festival of Christ, Corpus Christi, families spill 

out of churches and into the streets for a religious procession. 

Then 

MARCH 

it's 


time to eat, drink, 

MAY 

and 


enjoy fireworks 

JUNE 

displays 


together. 

Monterosso al Mare is the best place to celebrate as the streets 

are lovingly decorated with an array of flowers and petals, however 

25 20 8 

wherever you stay in Liguria, you’re bound to be welcomed into 

the celebrations. 


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SPRING FESTIVALS OF LIGURIA 

MARCH 2023 MARCH 2023 MAY 2023 


Into Summer... 

As spring 

19draws to a close, 

25 

a festivity known 

20 

across Italy is also 

8 

celebrated in Liguria. Midsummer Day and San Giovanni Battista 

Day, the feast day of St. John the Baptist, both provide a touch 

of magic to the evenings. Witness a wonderful blend of religious 

and MAY pagan 2023rituals, including JUNE 2023 bonfires JUNE/JULY 2023 

MARCH 

and processions 


throughout 

MARCH 2023 JULY 2023 

many towns and villages. We recommend you head to Riomaggiore, 

Vernazza, 

14or Monterosso 

11 

al Mare, which holds 

19291 

a large fried anchovy 

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event. You can also head to Portovenere near the Bay of Poets to 

watch a wonderful boat race. 

A MAY Taste 2023 for Wine JUNE 2023 

20 

8 

Celebrate all the finest wines from Liguria, including prestigious 

wine labels DOC and IGT at the Liguria da Bere, an event that takes 

place in the historic heart of La Spezia by the Bay of Poets. 


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Across Liguria 

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La Spezia 

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A 7 night holiday in Liguria, staying at Grand Hotel Bristol Resort and Spa in Rapallo, starts from £1,449 per person. 

Speak to one of our Personal Travel Planners on 01293 765061. 



Italy's 

Romantic 

Gardens 

It’s time to stop and smell the roses - and all the 

other flora and foliage that your heart desires too! 

Whether you wish to stay lakeside, in Italy’s rural 

heart, or right by the coast, you’ll always find a 

green oasis of majestic fountains, sculptures, and 

perfectly-manicured gardens closeby. Open and in 

full bloom from February to November, discover the 

gardens that truly get our heart’s beating. 

38 


Villa Carlotta | Lake Como 

Lake Como’s western shore has such a pleasant year-round 

climate that it’s called the Tremezzina Riviera. This sweet spot 

harbours the late 17th century Villa Carlotta, which is filled 

with art. Outside are its classical Italian gardens, where you'll 

find a delightful collection of camellias in spring, and roses in 

the summer! To top it off there’s breathtaking lake views 

and a woodland backdrop. 

Villa Rufolo | Ravello 

Seemingly suspended in mid-air, Ravello is the perfect host for 

Villa Rufolo’s romantic 19th century cascading gardens. These 

were reimagined by a Scottish botanist, who built an aqueduct 

to hydrate these sun-drenched mosaic flower terraces. Just 

driving down the cypress tree-lined avenue to this grand 

mansion is an experience. Savour classical music at the Ravello 

Festival, held here annually from June to September. 

Isola Bella and Isola Madre | Lake Maggiore 

Floating in Lake Maggiore lies Isola Bella, the beautiful island, 

which is covered by the flamboyantly Baroque gardens 

of a 17th century palace. White peacocks regally anoint 

the grounds and, with the lake and mountains as an idyllic 

backdrop, it’s a popular proposal spot. The island’s pièce de 

résistance is Teatro Massimo, featuring stacked terraces and 

a unicorn-topped monument. For a more modest villa and 

garden experience, take a boat to nearby Isola Madre. 

Boboli Gardens | Florence 

Tucked behind Florence’s Palazzo Pitti is one of the finest 

Renaissance gardens you’ll find: Boboli Gardens, which 

took 100 years to create. This dreamy urban haven feels 

like an open-air museum. From wide promenades and 

intimate trails, to an amphitheatre, glorious sculptures, 

and fountains, everything is perfectly prim and brimming 

with meaning. Stop at the Kaffeehaus for a bird’s-eye view 

over Florence’s skyline. 



Villa Balbianello | Lake Como 

When out sailing on Lake Como, the view of Villa Balbianello’s 

charming terraced gardens is what always catches the eye. 

With its seemingly effortless framing of the sparkling lake 

through columns and statues, the floral backdrop of this 

Baroque 18th century villa has been featured in several 

Hollywood blockbusters, including Casino Royale and 

Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones. 

Giardino Giusti | Verona 

Oozing dreaminess, the 16th century Italian Renaissance 

villa garden Giardino Giusti sure does make a statement with 

its labyrinthine hedges, scattered statues, and cool, shaded 

walkways. Mozart and Goethe apparently both found their muse 

here. Lovers who find one another in the maze are destined 

for eternal love, if you’re to believe local legend. Head to the 

belvedere for mesmerising views over Verona. 

Parco Giardino Sigurtà | Lake Garda 

Tucked into the hills overlooking Lake Garda lies the public 

Parco Giardino Sigurtà. These sprawling Italian gardens frame 

the fairytale turrets of an old castle, and hold treasures of 

ancient woods, ornamental ponds, as well as a hedge maze, 

grotto, zen gardens, and a fantastical topiary garden. In the 

springtime, the park proudly holds Tulipma nia, a dazzling 

display of over one million tulips. 

Villa della Pergola | Alassio 

Passion will be sparked at the Italian Riviera’s Villa della 

Pergola, where heady scents of jasmine, eucalyptus, and 

hydrangea all collide in a gorgeous bouquet. While the villa 

dates from the 19th century, the garden was established 

in the 1920s and has a quintessentially English style, 

which is a rare find in Italy, as you embrace the desirable 

Mediterranean views. 

40 


ITALY'S ROMANTIC GARDENS 

Villa Cimbrone | Ravello 

The heighty Amalfi Coast town of Ravello features yet 

again on our list, this time with the aristocratic gardens 

of Villa Cimbrone, which have been painstakingly 

restored over the last few decades. The result is a love 

letter to the past, where a heavenly body of botany 

is sprinkled with marble busts and statues, terracotta 

amphorae, and manicured pathways. 

Villa Borghese | Rome 

A green lung of Rome, Villa Borghese is a sprawling 

public garden just moments from the Via Del Corso 

and renowned Piazza Del Popolo. Within it, you’ll find a 

small lake where you can go paddle boating, a deer park, 

the artistic Borghese Gallery, and many sculptures and 

viewpoints. Head to the Pincio Terrace for starry-eyed 

sunset views over the Eternal City. 

Gardens of Augustus | Capri 

Despite being a short walk from the crowds of Capri, the 

cascading and terraced Gardens of Augustus feels like a 

world away. With the paradisiacal allure of ornamental 

flowers and greenery, they hang over a sheer cliff face. 

Giardini Iblei | Sicily 

Flanked by the old town of Ragusa, you’ll find an oasis in the 

19th century Giardini Iblei. Its shaded palm-lined promenades 

provide a cool respite from the beating Sicilian sun, while its 

colourful blooms and hidden nooks will delight you. 

Has one of these romantic gardens inspired the location of your next Citalia holiday? 




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An Amorous Arrival 

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begins, however, with a discrete entrance 

right in the heart of the historical centre in 

Piazza Santa Elisabetta. If you’re staying in a 

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to the Tower Bar for a drink? 

Michelin Meal by Candlelight 

For your ultimate evening of passion, 

savour a romantic, candlelit dinner 

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Dreamy Slumber 

The best way to soak up Brunelleschi 

Hotel’s intoxicating atmosphere is 

by choosing one of the unique suite 

rooms that boast whirlpool baths and 

breathtaking views over the city. From 

a round bed in an ancient tower to a 

whirlpool bath on the terrace for 360° 

views, all the rooms boast luxury in every 

detail, from super comfortable pillows and 

bedsheets, to decadently soft bathrobes. 

Experience the quintessential night in. 

Concierge at Your Service 

Throughout your stay you’ll be served 

by a team of top-notch concierges. As 

members of the esteemed Les Clefs 

d’Or ® , they all don an emblem of two 

golden crossed keys on their lapels. Your 

concierge will act as your guardian during 

your stay, supporting your every need 

and whim in Florence, whether that’s 

arranging special gifts or experiences, or 

making recommendations about where 

to witness the perfect sunset. 

Breakfast in Bed 

While tucked away in your elegant 

quarters, you may desire a lazy morning, 

and these are fully celebrated at 

Brunelleschi, as you have the option of 

having breakfast served in your room 

until 10.30am each day. Whether you’re 

seeking a classically continental breakfast 

of brioche, bread, fresh juice, and hot 

beverages, or looking for a little more 

variety like eggs or cold cuts, you’re always 

covered. What’s more, the room service 

has an exceptional menu, day and night, 

which extends to a full wine list too. 

A 3 night holiday in Florence, staying at Brunelleschi Hotel, starts from £639 per person. 


42 


GUEST STORY 

The Perfect Base: 

Sorrento 

Sorrento is an ideal base for hopping around and seeing southern Italy’s 

top destinations, as Citalia guests Phil and Carol Blackmore did in May 2022. 

We caught up with them to hear all about their experiences. 



We absolutely love Italy and over the years have been on city breaks 

to Venice and Rome, by Auto-Train to Tuscany, Umbria and the lakes 

with a day trip to Verona, and by air to the Cinque Terre and Pisa. We’d 

always wanted to go to Sorrento and so decided to make it a special 

trip to celebrate our golden wedding. 

We first heard about Citalia through Carol’s sister, who had travelled 

to Sorrento a few years earlier. After enquiring, we were immediately 

in touch with our Personal Travel Planner, Erin Bridewell, who looked 

after us from then on. Erin was absolutely brilliant and gave us great 

service. She was so patient with us, and offered recommendations in 

terms of our hotel, which was in a fantastic location. We would step 

out of the hotel and be straight in the marina, and we were just a short 

stroll away from Sorrento’s Old Town. 

As this was our golden wedding anniversary treat we planned a holiday 

for 10 days in total, which was perfect - I mean we could have had a 

few more days if you twisted our arms… 

Sorrento is quite a small coastal town and so 

you might think that you don’t need that length 

of time, but there are just so many interesting 

places around that it’s worth having a longer 

holiday - in fact this was one of the main pulls 

for staying in Sorrento. 

We took a small group tour in an eight-seater minibus to the Amalfi 

Coast one day, and enjoyed a lunch high up in the hills, taking in 

Positano, Amalfi town, and Ravello. Amalfi Cathedral was brilliant, and 

we had a wonderful day out. There's such spectacular scenery, and the 

winding road here is incredible but a little hairy. Apparently, the road 

was featured in the last James Bond film, however, we were not 'shaken 

or stirred'. Our driver had a fabulous sense of humour, like Italians 

often do - laid-back yet lively. At every bend he’d yell, 'Mamma mia!’ 

and tell us to cover our eyes! We understand that the ferry trip to this 

area is also an enjoyable journey and plan to travel that way next time. 

We also took a day trip to Capri, taking the ferry and then transferring 

to a smaller boat so that we could travel all around the island. We went 

up to Anacapri. Back in the 1960s this was the place for the wealthy 

‘in-crowd’ and one of the cafés we went to for lunch had many film 

stars photographed with the owner on the wall. Today, Capri is more 

touristy, but it doesn’t take away the attractiveness of the island. 

Apparently, after the ferries leave around 5pm, Capri settles down, so I 

think maybe if we did this trip again, we’d arrange a private tour to go 

in the evening, or stay a night. Or, perhaps we’d visit the sister island 

of Ischia. 

We had always planned to go to Pompeii and again, Sorrento was 

the perfect base to visit from! It was so simple to arrange too - we 

wandered along to the local railway station that had a little kiosk, and 

we were able to book train tickets and a guided tour for the following 

day. The train journey took 40 minutes, and upon reaching we knew 

exactly where to meet our guide. 

44 


THE PERFECT BASE: SORRENTO 

We highly recommend going to Pompeii 

with an expert, as it’s not like a museum 

where everything is labelled, and I’m sure 

we would have missed a lot even if we’d 

taken a guidebook with us. 

We were at the ruins for about three and a half hours. It was 

fascinating! I think next time, we’d also arrange a trip to the lessvisited 

Herculaneum, as we hear that’s a more complete site. 

We arranged a similar day trip by train to Mount Vesuvius. We joined 

a minibus to take us to within 500 or 600 ft of the top, and then we 

climbed the remainder up to the summit, which was rather steep. 

Walking around the rim was probably one of our holiday highlights, 

and we’re so glad we did it. We were really lucky as there’s frequently 

a big cloud that hangs over Vesuvius, but that day we had the most 

spectacular views over the Bay of Naples. 

You can't go to Sorrento and not eat well. While there are plenty of 

restaurants with canopied tables and waiters in waistcoats encouraging 

you to come in, we found a very unassuming place with just tiletopped 

iron tables and plastic chairs called Manneken Pis. We noticed 

that despite it being crowded, people would pause to look at the 

menu, decide it didn’t look very special, and move on. They missed out! 

We stopped there for lunch one day and enjoyed an excellent Caesar 

salad, and the food was so good we returned twice for dinner. 

We also went twice to a lovely, ‘typico’ Italian trattoria called Taverna 

dell '800, which was the only 18th century tavern in the town. 

They were very welcoming, and we enjoyed dishes of seabass and 

porchetta. For fish, we found a few really good seafood restaurants 

right at the end of the Marina Grande, including one where you can 

sit out on the jetty. 

We discovered one shop in the Old Town that produces their own 

limoncello, and so we stopped for an ice-cold limoncello and made a 

few purchases as you do. We got chatting to the owner and he asked us 

our names. A few days later, as we were walking past, the chap called 

out, “Hi Phil, hi Carol” It was great, we almost felt like regulars. 

A 7 night holiday in Sorrento starts from £689 per person. 




Into the Valley of the 

Orchids 

Enter a gentle wilderness in Cilento, where villagers 

proudly celebrate their natural heritage and 

traditions through the humble orchid. 

Along the jagged coastline is a world of greenery just 

waiting to be explored. You don’t have to venture far 

from the picture-postcard seaside town of Santa Maria di 

Castellabate, or the ancient Greek temples of Paestum to 

find it either. 

Overlooking the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, tranquil Cilento 

and Vallo di Diano National Park boasts many trails that 

you can comfortably hike. In the springtime, the mountain 

meadows burst alive with over 180 species of delicate wild 

orchids from April to June, which is why this is known as 

the Valley of the Orchids. 

In mid-May each year, the tiny, sleepy village of Sassano 

hosts an annual Orchid Festival, which has given it a 

reputation as paese delle orchidee - the village of the 

orchids. Steeped in tradition, you can tuck into delicious 

local fayre, and enjoy folk shows. 

At the village fountain you’ll find a signpost that marks the 

starting point of the Valley of the Orchids trail. Follow a 

red and white striped path through meadows, woods, and 

pastures dotted with cattle and horses. You’ll find several 

viewpoints and orchid stations where you can learn about 

various species. 

Venture to a small church called San Michele, before 

reaching a medieval bridge, Ponte Peglio, which looks like 

it’s straight out of a children’s storybook. Then, trek uphill 

to Belvedere di Graviola where you’ll find beautiful views, 

before reaching Campo Filano, where you’ll find the glory 

of a blooming wildflower meadow speckled with limestone 

rocks. Continue uphill to Piscina del Brigante (Brigante’s 

Pool) before reaching the final point, Il tavolo del paradiso, 

an installation by Salerno artist Ugo Marano. 

The trail is approximately 10.5 miles long, however you 

can do a shorter hike by driving to Belvedere di Graviola. 

Be sure to pack a picnic lunch! 

46 


A 7 night holiday in Cilento, staying at Hotel Saline, starts from £765 per person. 




The 

Slow Food Town 

Drift into a little town in Piedmont to unearth the 

roots of the international Slow Food movement. 

The unassuming Piemontese town of Bra is the best-kept secret of food 

lovers globally. Among the traditional food-producing landscapes of 

Langhe, it makes perfect sense that the headquarters for Slow Food are 

tucked away here. 

If you’re unfamiliar with Slow Food, then the easiest way to describe 

it is as the distinct opposite of fast food! Italian journalist Carlo Petrini 

founded this international not-for-profit grassroots organisation in 1986 

as a dissent against the rise of fast food. In doing so, his goal was to 

defend regional traditions, the pleasure of food, and the slow pace of 

life. Petrini believed that food should be good, clean, and fair for all, and 

these continue to be the core values of the movement today. 

You’ll now find these principles being championed in over 160 countries, 

organised by local groups known as convivia. 

With the Alps in the distance, Bra may just be the perfect place to 

start this think global, act local food revolution. You’ll find Slow Food’s 

conscious, appreciative pace reflected in every crumb of life in this rural 

town - from the gelatarias, macellerie (butchers), and cafés that proudly 

display the snail insignia, the symbol of the movement, to all the genial 

chatter about small-scale local producers from residents. In fact, the best 

way to absorb this unhurried culture is with an al fresco cappuccino, or 

simply strolling its Baroque streets. 

Alba is just a 25 minute drive away and is more renowned thanks to its 

annual truffle fair, but Bra holds its own principal event. The biennial 

Slow Cheese festival welcomes guests to celebrate natural, artisanal dairy 

products, including the prized local cattle breed of razza piemontese. This 

year, Slow Cheese takes place from the 12th to 20th September. 

48 


The region is similarly accustomed to 

students from across the world, as 

Slow Food boasts its own prestigious, 

international University of Gastronomic 

Sciences, located on the former royal 

estate of King Carlo Alberto of Savoy in 

nearby Pollenzo. 

In this sprawling campus, you can stay 

at a historic hotel, Albergo dell'Agenzia, 

where the beautifully restored rooms 

feel fit for royalty. 

In Bra, you’ll reignite your love for 

good food. 

Eat 

You’re spoilt for choice with places to eat in and around Bra, from 

street food vendors and cafés serving porchetta sandwiches, to 

fine dining restaurants serving five-course meals. Feast on regional 

cuisine always made with fresh, unadulterated, ingredients in 

Albergo dell'Agenzia’s chic Garden Restaurant. 

For the ultimate Slow Food dining experience, book a table at the 

family-owned courtyard tavern of Osteria Boccondivino, where 

you can feast on local specialities, including decadent roasted 

meats and the antipasti speciality of vitello tonnato, a sliced cold 

veal dish in a tuna and anchovy sauce. Be sure to try its renowned 

40 egg yolk tajarin pasta with butter and sage. 

Drink 

An unexpected surprise comes in the aged stone cellars of 

Albergo dell'Agenzia: la banca del vino (the wine bank), which 

houses 100,000 bottles of the world’s greatest wine. You can 

take a guided or self tour of the cellar and enjoy wine tastings. 

You can even learn to make your own vermouth, and it would be 

rude not to purchase a bottle of wine or two to take home with 

you, wouldn’t it?! 

Just 25 minutes up the road in Piozzo, craft beer enthusiasts can 

take a tour and tasting at the esteemed Baladin Brewery each 

Sunday. We highly recommend you try Nazionale, the first 100% 

craft beer in Italy, or the limited edition bottles of Riservo Teo. 

Relax 

If you don’t find the pace here relaxing enough, Albergo 

dell'Agenzia has its own wellness centre that adopts a Slow 

Beauty philosophy. There’s also a heated outdoor pool for you 

to dip into during the summer months. Moments from the hotel 

lies the Cherasco 18-hole golf course, where you can tee-off 

or simply enjoy club life. If you’d like to learn a few Piemontese 

dishes, it’s perfectly possible to arrange a cooking class too. 

Shop 

If you want to purchase the local delicacies, then the university’s 

bottega alimentare (traditional food shop), Local, is a great place 

to start. All the products on the shelves have been picked after 

visiting and getting to know the individual producers. While 

you’ll mostly find products from Cuneo and the rest of 

Piedmont, there’s also produce from the rest of Italy, such as 

olive oil from Liguria. 

Every Sunday, except during the month of August, Bra holds its 

weekly mercati della terra (earth market), where local farmers sell 

their produce, including raw-milk sheep and cow cheeses, cured 

meats, honey and beehive products, hazelnuts, bread, and artisan 

sweets. Not only is it a great place to pick up a souvenir or two, 

you can take part in some wonderful foodie activities, such as 

baking workshops or milking sheep! 



THE SLOW FOOD TOWN 

Slow Food Presidia 

The Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity boasts a 

renowned collection of Slow Food Presidia. More than 

just showy fine foods, these ingredients are catalogued 

in order to safeguard them from extinction, as well as 

preserve the traditional skills and techniques of their 

production, and protect the local environment. These 

include native breeds, varieties of fruit and vegetables, 

breads, cheeses, cured meats, and traditional sweets. 

A 5 night holiday in Piedmont, staying at Albergo dell'Agenzia, starts from £779 per person. 

Car hire recommended. Speak to one of our Personal Travel Planners on 01293 765061 

50 


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To book or find out more, visit Citalia.com 

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Andiamo! Citalia Magazine Winter 2023

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