Puglia
Puglia is definitely the region for those who love trying local cuisine. From the Orecchiette pasta to panzerotti, to freshly caught seafood that is available to buy daily from the harbour, there is plenty to try, and something for everyone! If exploring is more your thing, there is plenty to do in Puglia to keep you busy.
Walk around the dazzling streets of Ostuni, also known as the ‘the White City’, or take a trip to historical Lecce, which is also known as the ‘Florence of the South’! Maybe a trip to the beach is more to your liking; with places such as Gallipoli, Monopoli and Polignano a Mare, you will be spoilt for choice!
But what about accommodation? Here at Long Travel, we want to offer you the chance to really immerse yourself in the culture, with a stay in the incredible trulli houses of Alberobello. These quaint, historic buildings are exclusive to Puglia, and are used as houses, shops and even restaurants! You can find out more about staying there for a ‘trulli’ authentic Italian experience in our trulli.
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Sardinia
If it’s beautiful scenery and stunning sunsets that you want, then Sardinia is for you! Take a trip to see the natural phenomenon of Neptune’s Grotto in Alghero, or have a stroll along the harbour front of Cagliari and marvel at the stunning architecture that surrounds the island’s capital.
If you fancy some spectacular seafood, then definitely take a trip to the coast, whereas if meat and local produce is more your thing, then take a trip further inland to an Agriturismo, and immerse yourself in the authentic, Sardinian experience. With historical and archaeological sites around every corner, and blissful beaches in abundance, Sardinia can offer a relaxing getaway that oozes culture and sophistication.
Whether you want to be poolside or beach-side, half-board or self-catered, a couples’ holiday or a fun-filled family holiday, Sardinia has something for everyone.
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Sicily
With sunshine and beaches, architecture and history, Sicily has so much to offer. Take in the citrus-based scents of the Sicilian lemons and try the quintessential Italian cuisine. Here, you will find dishes such as the typical pasta and pizza, but the French, Greek and Arabian influences mean that there is so much more to offer, cuisine that you cannot get anywhere else!
Sicilian cannoli are definitely a must if you have a sweet tooth, whereas the amazing arancini are not to be missed if you want to try something a bit different. With idyllic white beaches for you to relax on and plenty of towns for you to explore, you'll never want to leave this beautiful island!
For those who want to venture out, Sicily’s fantastic transport links make it is easily accessible to travel around the island. If an adventure is what you are craving, but the stress of planning it is too much to fit around your schedule, then why not check out one of our tailor-made itineraries? These exclusive itineraries include 5* hotels, city trips and visits to the many UNESCO sites that Sicily has to offer.
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Amalfi Coast and Sorrento
Liaise with A-listers on the island of Capri, take in the views of Vesuvius from the bay, and explore the beautiful coastlines of the Amalfi here in the South West of Italy. Sorrento is a popular spot, and boasts some of the most beautiful sea views that Italy has to offer; with beaches, boat rides and blissful blue skies, Sorrento is one for those who want to holiday in style.
A popular spot with celebrities, Capri Island offers high-end boutiques for those who love a bit of retail therapy, as well as the Blue Grotto, a picturesque cave with clear, blue waters. There are frequent boat rides to Capri from Sorrento, so it is easily accessible for those who fancy a trip to the stunning island.
For those who fancy a tipple, Sorrento is also the home of Limoncello, the famous Italian liqueur. The shops in Sorrento and the Amalfi offer freshly made Limoncello, and there are places where you can see it being made! So, if Limoncello is what you love, then come and try it for yourself!
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Tuscany
As the birthplace of Italian Renaissance, Tuscany has some of the greatest history and culture, that you will be spoilt for choice as to where to visit; including world-famous sites, such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the beautiful galleries of Florence and the Palio de Siena.
Maybe a visit to San Gimignano is on your list, where you can explore the ‘Town of Fine Towers’, whilst treating yourself to the world’s best ice cream (really, we aren’t kidding!) at Gelateria Dondoli. As well as historical sites, cities and world-famous ice cream, Tuscany also boasts beautiful countryside, with views that will take your breath away. With a mix of historical landmarks and tranquil landscapes, Tuscany offers the best of both worlds!
If you’re a wine connoisseur, then a trip to the winery of Chianti is a must! There are guided tours, with people coming from all over the world to try the famous wine that it produces, and to see where it all began!
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Naples and South Campania
As the home of Vesuvius and the Neapolitan pizza, Naples has so much to offer. The cuisine accounts for a true, authentic Italian experience; after all, Naples is the home of pizza! One for the foodies, Naples has the largest number of stars as accredited by the Michelin Guide in Italy, which is pretty impressive!
If a spot of culture is more your thing, Naples boasts historical sites at every turn. As well as the large number of museums and galleries in Naples, the world-famous UNESCO site of Pompeii and Vesuvius is also located here, and is definitely worth a visit. What is often overlooked is the smaller town of Herculaneum, just a few stops from Pompeii. Another town completely destroyed by Vesuvius’ eruption, the preservation of Herculaneum is astounding, and definitely one for those who want to learn about the history of Campania.
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Umbria
Welcome to the wine region! The town of Montefalco is renowned for its vineyards and production of wine; even though it has previously been overlooked by its neighbouring region of Tuscany, Umbria has emerged in recent years to gain a name for itself as THE place to produce wine.
The views from this hilltop town are like no other, with panoramic views of mountain tops and forests as far as the eye can see. If a countryside retreat to somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds is what you want, then Umbria is perfect; often labelled as the ‘green heart of Italy’, this is definitely a place for relaxation and a place to immerse yourself in all that rural Italy has to offer.
If you’re a fan of chocolate, then Perugia is the place to go. It hosts the annual EuroChocolate festival, which is one of the largest chocolate festivals in Europe! This festival includes chocolate art displays, chocolate sculptures and of course, chocolate tasting!
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Calabria & Basilicata
The region of Basilicata boasts the third oldest continually inhabited town; Matera, which is supposedly thought to have been inhabited for over 9000 years. Bordering Puglia and Campania, Basilicata is the perfect balance between historical sites and countryside, so whether you want relaxation or to immerse yourself in the culture, there is something for everyone.
SpeakingofMatera, it rocks; literally!SassidiMatera has caves carved into the mountains, and were used as dwellings to the locals until the 1950s. In modern day,Matera has developed into a culture-richhostspot, with museums and architecture to compete with most other places in Italy. The caves are now used as restaurants and hotels, with stunning interiors, offering a rustic and unique experience to those who stay there.
Calabria is toe part of Italy that nudges Sicily into the Mediterranean! Here, life’s a beach, with the most stunning coastlines for all those that love to be beside the seaside. If you’re a fan of spice, then the cuisine of Calabria is definitely for you, with chilli peppers being incorporated into dishes, as well as strong tastes such as sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. For those wanting to try a richer and powerful dish, then Calabria can offer it!
