Seven Wonders of Italy
by Uri Harash, Perfetto Traveler
If Italy were just history, art, great food, gorgeous landscapes, and beautiful sites, that would be enough already to make it one of the world’s most beloved destinations! Italy boasts all that, of course, but it is also a place that abounds in unique and authentic experiences—from learning how to paint frescoes in Florence to sailing around Lake Como on a private yacht—that can only be enjoyed in Bella Italia.
We have scouted the country from the top of the boot to the tip of the toe for inspiring and unforgettable ways to make every trip impress itself forever on your minds and hearts. Here are just seven of our favorite Italian experiences.
Secret Umbria
In this unforgettable full-day experience, visit the enchanting medieval center of Solomeo and the 14th-century castle that is the headquarters of Brunello Cucinelli. Follow this with an exquisite Umbrian lunch at one of the city’s finest restaurants. Then, ride to the town of Citerna to take part in an exclusive truffle hunt with a local truffle expert and his dog. Finally, join a local chef in his kitchen for a once-in-a-lifetime truffle-cooking class and dinner!
Private Fresco-Painting Workshop in Florence
Guided by an expert fresco painter, discover the secrets of this supremely Italian art form, and step into the shoes of Florence’s master painters for three hours of artistic discovery and delight! Your instructor leads you step-by-step through this ancient art as you learn how to paint your own fresco from start to finish. Then, visit the famous Brancacci Chapel—called “the Sistine Chapel of the early Renaissance”—to see, and better appreciate, the achievements of some of Florence’s master fresco painters, including the great Masaccio and Masolino. At the end of your visit, bring home your own frescoed masterpiece as well as a richer understanding of Florentine art!
Sailboat Tour of Lake Como
Enjoy stunning views of Lake Como on a luxury sailboat—either a 41.5-ft yacht designed by Philippe Starck, or a more traditional sailboat. It can either be the ultimate romantic experience, or the perfect set for a day with friends and family! Help out your skipper with sailing or just relax and soak in the scenery of the enchanting villages, such as Bellagio—the “pearl of the lake”—and the gorgeous lakeside villas, such as Villa del Balbianello, where Casino Royale and Star Wars were filmed. Stop for some wonderful swimming if you’d like. Enjoy music along the way if you wish, and wine with snacks at the end!
Private Visit of the Ninfa Gardens outside Rome
Take a VIP special-access tour of the enchanting Ninfa Gardens, an English country garden right in the heart of Italy, located in Cisterna di Latina outside of Rome. An Italian national monument, the captivating 20-acre gardens stand on the remains of a medieval town, where parts of a church, castle, and walls dot the landscape. Learn about the history of Ninfa, called “the most romantic garden in the world,” which was created in 1921 by Prince Gelasio Caetani and his mother. Explore the incomparable property, whose favorable microclimate hosts more than 1,300 varieties of plants and is replete with poplars and cypresses, cherry and apple trees, magnolias, birches, Japanese maples, grassy meadows, exotic plants, a river, a lake, and climbing roses that cover the stone towers and walls.
Dog-sledding Adventure in the Dolomites
In this extraordinary experience, take part in a dog-sledding excursion and drive your very own dog sled team! Enjoy breathtaking views of the natural park of the Dolomites, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as your team of Huskies pulls your sled at high speed through the stunningly beautiful snowy slopes! When back in your hotel or refugio, the food is guaranteed to be spectacular.
Path of the Gods Hike with a Picnic Lunch
What could be more thrilling than a hike on the Amalfi Coast? After a scenic drive along the coast, meet your private guide in Bomerano, a small village above Amalfi. Together, begin your hike on the spectacular “Path of the Gods” which, according to legend, was the path chosen by the gods to enter the earth. Explore the unique wild Mediterranean vegetation, coastal forests, and caves suspended halfway between the blue sky and the turquoise sea. Finally, arrive in Nocelle, a lovely and isolated mountain village of only 300 inhabitants with one of the most breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast. Extra reward - enjoy an enchanting Italian picnic.
Boat-Making Experience in Liguria
In this delightful workshop and boat ride in Portofino, discover the tradition of gozzi—the typical wooden boats used for centuries by Ligurian fishermen, which are now quickly being replaced by motorboat. Visit a gozzi-making workshop in Rapallo, where the ancient techniques of this fascinating art are still being used. Meet the craftsmen at the dock and get a first-hand look as they masterfully cut the wood, shape the hull, and paint the boat in a palette of lively colors. Then, continue your exploration with a 3-hour ride on a special gozzo, setting out from a beautiful harbor on the Tigullio Sea!