I have such a soft spot for Italy. No matter how many times I visit, I always seem to discover something new to fall in love with.

A beautiful little town, an incredible meal, a hotel I can’t stop thinking about, or a conversation with someone who makes me appreciate a place in a completely different way.

And that’s one of the things I love most about this country. There are so many wonderful ways to experience it!

Of course, there’s the Italy we all dream about. Wandering through Rome, admiring the beauty of Florence, exploring Venice’s winding canals, or enjoying a glass of wine overlooking the Amalfi Coast. These places are iconic for a reason, and there’s something pretty magical about finally experiencing somewhere you’ve dreamed of visiting.

But I also love the quieter side of Italy.The little villages you stumble upon unexpectedly. The leisurely lunches that somehow turn into an entire afternoon. Wandering through local shops, discovering a restaurant you never would have found otherwise, and having enough time to simply enjoy being somewhere beautiful.

I love a fabulous hotel and an incredible restaurant as much as anyone, but some of my favorite travel memories have come from those unexpected discoveries!

So, What Kind of Italy Are You Dreaming Of?

For some travelers, Italy is all about the food and wine. It’s cooking classes, vineyard visits, tasting regional specialties, and planning an afternoon around a wonderful meal. And honestly, I can completely understand that approach!For others, it’s the history, art, and culture. Exploring ancient Rome, discovering the treasures of Florence, visiting beautiful churches, and learning the stories behind places they’ve dreamed of seeing for years.And then there are those who want to slow everything down. Waking up in the Tuscan countryside, enjoying a leisurely breakfast, exploring a nearby village, and returning in time for a glass of wine with a view. No rushing from one attraction to the next. Just enjoying the experience.

Personally, I love a little bit of everything! Give me a beautiful hotel, a fascinating walking tour, an incredible meal, and enough free time to wander into a shop I had absolutely no intention of visiting. There’s a very good chance I’ll come home with a new leather handbag, too!But that’s the beauty of Italy. You don’t have to experience it the same way as everyone else.

And the choices don’t stop with where you go or what you do. Where you stay can completely change the feeling of your trip, too.

Three Different Ways to Stay in Italy (And Why I Love Them All!)

One of my favorite things about exploring Italy is discovering the incredible variety of places to stay. From charming family-run bed and breakfasts to spectacular five-star hotels and intimate boutique properties, each offers something special.And I genuinely love them all for different reasons!

The Charm of a Small Bed & Breakfast

There’s something so lovely about staying somewhere small and family-run.Imagine waking up to the smell of fresh espresso, sitting down to a homemade breakfast, and chatting with the owners about their favorite restaurant or a little town nearby that you might never have thought to visit.

These are the places where hospitality feels wonderfully personal. You might not have a grand lobby or an elaborate spa, but you have warmth, character, and an opportunity to connect with the people who call that destination home.Sometimes those simple moments become the ones you remember most.

The Indulgence of a Five-Star Luxury Hotel

Now, don’t get me wrong. I absolutely love a beautiful five-star hotel!

There’s something pretty wonderful about arriving at a gorgeous property with spectacular views, beautiful rooms, fabulous restaurants, and a team that seems to have thought of everything before you even ask.

Maybe it’s a romantic getaway, a milestone celebration, or simply a trip where you want to be completely spoiled for a few days.

And Italy certainly knows how to do this beautifully! I love the feeling of settling into a hotel where the service is exceptional, the surroundings are breathtaking, and you can simply relax and enjoy being there.

The Personality of a Boutique Luxury Stay

But I have to admit, smaller boutique properties hold a particularly special place in my heart.

These are the places where luxury might look a little different. Rather than hundreds of rooms and endless amenities, you find beautiful design, thoughtful touches, intimate surroundings, and people who have poured so much love into creating something truly special.

My visit to Villa Porporano was such a wonderful reminder of this.Inside Villa Porporano, where every corner felt thoughtfully gathered.

I had the pleasure of meeting Elena, and I honestly could have listened to her talk about her beautiful property all day! Her passion for what she’s created is so genuine, and what made it even more special was seeing that same love and pride reflected in every single member of her team.

You know when you visit somewhere and you can just feel how much everyone cares? That’s what stood out to me.

It’s not simply about having a beautiful place to stay. It’s about the people who bring that experience to life.

And that’s one of the reasons I love discovering properties firsthand. Photos can show you a gorgeous room or a spectacular view, but they don’t always capture the heart of a place.

The Best Italy Trip Is the One That Feels Like Yours

The truth is, I would happily stay at any of these three types of properties! It all depends on the trip, the people I’m traveling with, and the experience I’m hoping to have.

Sometimes luxury is a spectacular suite overlooking the water, with every amenity you could possibly imagine. Sometimes it’s a homemade breakfast and a wonderful conversation with the owner of a little bed and breakfast. And sometimes it’s being welcomed into a beautiful boutique property by a team that makes you feel like you’re part of something special.

To me, luxury isn’t necessarily about the number of stars a hotel has or how much you’re spending. It’s about how an experience makes you feel. And the same goes for the rest of your vacation.

Two couples could spend ten days in Italy and have completely different experiences. One might fall in love with the energy of Rome and the glamour of the Amalfi Coast. Another might be happiest exploring Tuscany’s smaller towns, enjoying long lunches, and staying somewhere intimate in the countryside.

Neither trip is better. They’re simply different!

That’s why I love getting to know the people I’m planning for. I want to understand what excites them, what makes them feel comfortable, and what kind of memories they’re hoping to create.

Because there’s no single perfect way to experience Italy. And you certainly don’t need to see everything in one visit!

In fact, I think one of the most wonderful things about Italy is that it has a way of making you want to come back before you’ve even left.

So, if Italy has been on your mind lately, I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming about. A romantic escape, a food-filled adventure, a beautiful countryside retreat, or a little bit of everything?

Whatever your version of Italy looks like, I’d love to help you bring it to life.

With love,
Lucia
Wander With Lucia