Sardinia
Famed for its pristine coastline, Sardinia is home to stunning landscapes and soft sandy shores. While popular beaches attract crowds all year long, the island also hides secluded treasures where nature reigns supreme. In the Costa Verde region, Piscinas Beach captivates with golden dunes, lush vegetation and an uninterrupted landscape that feels worlds away from the tourist hot spots. For those seeking authentic natural beauty, Cala Luna and Spiaggia di Scivu showcase crystal-clear waters, tranquil scenery and a sense of exclusivity.
One of the most enriching ways to immerse yourself in Sardinia’s authentic spirit is through its cuisine. Elevate your culinary experience with a private, local cooking class where you will learn to prepare regional dishes such as Culurgiones and almond-infused amaretti. Set in a charming country kitchen or your private villa, these enriching experiences offer a true taste of Sardinian life.
Nestled in the rugged hills of Sardinia, the village of Orgosolo may not appear on every tourist itinerary, but its cultural richness is undeniable. What this small village lacks in size, it more than makes up for in art, history and soul. Orgosolo is renowned for its open-air gallery of over 150 striking murals depicting political resistance, local heritage and everyday Sardinian life, transforming its narrow streets into a living canvas of expression and identity.
In the heart of Sardinia, Gennargentu National Park provides an authentic escape for discerning travellers seeking natural beauty and cultural immersion. Far from the crowds, this unspoiled gem is defined by dramatic mountain landscapes, dense forests, and traditional villages. Discover secluded hiking trails, explore Sardinia’s shepherding heritage, and savour artisanal cuisine in traditional agriturismos where every ingredient tells a story. For those searching for an authentic connection to Sardinia, Gennargentu is the ultimate destination.
Tuscany
Reported to have been created by a lightning bolt thrown by Jupiter against Saturn, the thermal baths of Saturnia are a place steeped in legend and natural beauty. Nestled among rolling countryside and ancient volcanic terrain, these cascading hot springs provide an unparalleled experience. While Tuscany boasts many thermal baths, Saturnia offers a unique setting, with mineral-rich waters, natural pools carved into the rock and a serene ambience.
For a truly unique and immersive experience in Tuscany, spend a morning truffle hunting through the rolling hills and ancient woodlands of the Italian countryside. Harmonising the delights of fine food and nature, this sensory adventure takes you off the beaten path with an expert guide and trained dogs, uncovering the secrets of Tuscany’s unique vegetation.
After the forage, indulge in a gourmet lunch or dinner featuring the truffles you’ve unearthed.
Just like in Sardinia, the true essence of Tuscany is best experienced through its cuisine, using home-grown ingredients and centuries of passion. Food is truly at the heart of this enchanting region, from the sun-ripened fruit, artisanal cheeses and freshly baked bread.
In a traditional farmhouse, gather around the table and learn the art of Tuscan cooking from local nonnas, whose generational techniques and invaluable lessons ensure an unforgettable and authentic experience.
In the heart of the Val d’Orcia, the village of Monticchiello is an undiscovered treasure. Located in the hilltops, this charming historical village offers phenomenal views, stone-paved streets and a profound sense of local tradition, making it the ideal destination for travellers seeking an intimate Tuscan experience. Visit in summertime and enjoy the traditional performances of Teatro Povero, the village’s outdoor theatre production, to experience the true heart of this haven.
Lake Como
The enchanting medieval settlement of Corenno Plinio, nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Como, offers a rare and refined escape into the timeless soul of Italy. Framed by ancient stone alleyways, a majestic medieval castle, and impeccably preserved architecture, this idyllic hamlet transports travellers back to a time of historic legend and grandeur. With winding staircases running from the heart of the town to the glistening lake, discerning travellers will discover a place where rich cultural heritage seamlessly blends with breathtaking natural beauty, all within a setting untouched by the pace of modern life.
No journey to the beautiful shores of Lake Como is truly complete without experiencing the gentle sway of its glistening waters. For travellers seeking something more authentic than crowded ferries, a serene paddle in a traditional Lucía boat offers an unparalleled connection to the lake. Historically used by local fishermen, these elegant, hand-crafted boats now provide a peaceful way to explore Lake Como’s waters, immersing passengers in the quiet beauty of timeless tradition.
Explore the taste of tradition in Lake Como and venture into the serene valleys above Bellano or Valsassina to visit a traditional mountain cheese farm. An adventure through the valleys will immerse you in lush greenery and panoramic mountain views as you make your way to these hidden gems. Witness age-old cheese-making techniques, tour the traditional farm and sample fresh artisanal cheese paired with local wines. Explore an authentic connection to Lake Como, its land and its people through this sensory experience away from the tourist trails.
Lake Garda
Lake Garda offers a spectacular calendar of local festivals, each one a celebration of the region’s finest cuisine, music and traditions. At the end of May, the village of Bardolino comes alive with the Festa del Chiaretto, where the latest vintages of the renowned rosé wine are showcased alongside live music, gourmet food stalls and lakeside entertainment. In autumn, the cosy Chestnut Festival displays market stalls brimming with artisanal gifts, local music and traditional chestnut dishes. From folk and jazz performances to seasonal festivities for olive oil and cherries, there’s always something to celebrate, and no better way to mingle with the locals.
For an authentic taste of life around Lake Garda, immerse all of your senses by exploring the vibrant farmers’ markets. Celebrating traditional flavours, farmers and communities, these markets invite travellers to discover the ingredients that define Lake Garda’s cuisine. Taste your way through stalls of cured meats, freshly baked bread, artisanal cheese, golden olive oil and sun-ripened fruit. Scattered across the lakeside towns and held on different days of the week, travellers can seek produce from the town of Desenzano to Bardolino and Lazise.
Among the rolling sun-drenched hills that surround Lake Garda, family-run wineries offer an authentic and traditional escape into the region’s winemaking heritage. Discover intimate spots where generations have learnt the passion and craftsmanship of producing elegant and characterful wines. As you sample a rare local vintage overlooking panoramic countryside views, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the land, its stories and the people who shape its legacy.
