Share our specialist knowledge

As specialists , passionate about the country we are representing , we feel it is important to convey to you the true flavour of Italy . Certainly , the well�known regions such as Tuscany , the Amalfi Coast and the Italian Lakes are representative of the real Italy and are immensely satisfying to visit . However , Italy also possesses a wealth of country , coast and islands that are not quite as well known . Our two or more centre holiday suggestions are a popular way to combine regions , utilising our wealth of experience . Discover the true flavour of Italy with Italian Expressions .

Undiscovered country As well as the better known regions of Italy , we bring you a variety of the relatively undiscovered too . For example Puglia , the so�called heel of Italy , a dignified and attractive region and a great producer of olive oil and wine . The landscape is noteworthy with its patchwork of olive groves , vineyards and the white�washed conical houses called trulli . At the other end of the country is the region of Piemonte , noted for its outstanding wine , Barolo , and its truffles . Even within the better known areas such as Tuscany and the Italian Lakes we also offer the more ‘ off�the�beaten�track ’ places as well as the obvious , for example , the Maremma in southern Tuscany and Lake Iseo , one of the lesser�known but still very natural Italian lakes .

Dramatic coast With Italian Expressions you can experience the unspoiled beauty of the dramatic coastline of Calabria and Basilicata , deep in the south . Then , there is one of our favourite stretches of coast , the Argentario , near Porto Ercole in southern Tuscany and either side of it splendid sandy beaches , flanked by a beautiful soft rural landscape .

Amalfi coast

Two or more centre holidays Italy demands to be discovered and there is no better way than to combine one or more cities and regions to get a real flavour of the country . Popular combinations are Venice and the Lakes , Florence and the Tuscan coast and countryside , Rome and the Amalfi Coast . Our suggested touring holidays that combine many places in one holiday can be found on pages 14 to 17 .

Capri

Sardinia

Sicily

Ischia

Magnificent islands

CAPRI Rediscovered by English and German expatriates in the 19th Century , Capri was once home to emperors and monks . Just off the coast opposite Sorrento , Capri is best reached by hydrofoil from Naples ( about 40 minutes ) or from Sorrento , Positano and Amalfi .

SARDINIA A large , sparsely populated island best reached direct by air . The countryside was poor for many years with the local population living off the land and the sea . The Costa Smeralda started to be developed by the Aga Khan in the early 1960s and now is known as one of the most exclusive and sophisticated coastal resorts in Europe .

SICILY Is a large island in its own right with its own character and traditions . Fascinating historically , it is well worth combining a stay on Sicily with a visit to the nearby Aeolian Islands , each with their own character and described in more detail within the Sicily section of this brochure .

ISCHIA Is the largest island in the Gulf of Naples lying about 40 minutes by hydrofoil from the city of Naples . The climate is mild and its vegetation luxuriant and sub�tropical . It is famous for its hot mineral springs and spa establishments . Monte Epomeo , a long�extinct volcano , affords panoramic views of the bay of Naples .

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