Italy is a location that offers breathtaking scenery, delicious cuisine, vibrant cities, and tranquil beaches with crystal-clear waters. Whether you're heading to the ancient city of Rome, the calm waters of Lake Como or the white-topped mountains of The Dolomites, Italy offers it all. If you're looking for a luxury holiday destination, then Italy is a country that can offer it all and is the perfect melting pot for all the senses to experience. In this article, we explore Italy through the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch, so you can head on your luxury Italy holiday knowing you're making the most of every minute.
Sight
Everywhere you turn in Italy, the landscape doesn't disappoint. Whether you are away from the hustle and bustle of the city enjoying the rolling landscapes of
Tuscany or you want to experience the splendour and charm of cities like
Venice and
Milan, Italy is a location that offers myriad wonders for the eyes.
Take a tour of Milan Cathedral
Milan Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in Milan and has been a focal point in the city for hundreds of years. Building started in 1386 but took almost six centuries to be completed and was finally finished in 1965. The large and imposing building is not just magnificent on the outside but on the inside too with its trademark pink and white Candoglia marble taking pride of place. Step inside and marvel at the historic stained glass windows, elongated aisle, and magnificent patterned floor. The cathedral can be visited between 7am and 7pm and is completely free of charge.
Float down the Grand Canal Venice
Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and is often a choice for a romantic getaway. It's iconic for having over 150 canals that weave in and around the historic buildings and under myriad bridges that connect the streets. However, there is no canal more breathtaking than The Grand Canal. Running right through the city, it is the beating heart of life in the quaint Italian mecca. The canal is lined with more than 170 buildings, most of which originate from the 17th and 18th centuries when the city was popular with young bachelors exploring Europe. To get the full experience of the canals, you're best to explore from the water, where the eyes will be able to take in the wonderful surroundings.
Cinque Terre
If you've seen pictures of Italian coastal villages online, you've probably seen pictures of
Cinque Terre. This iconic hillside village stretches along the Ligurian Coast and boasts memorable views and winding walkways. The villages are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and visitors can meander through the colourful houses and cobbled streets and experience true Italian charm.
Sound
Italy isn't just a location of beautiful views and wonderful cuisine; it is also the birthplace of classical music and sweet sounds can be found around every street corner, whether that is street performers or classical operas. No matter where you're planning to enjoy a
luxury holiday, music won't be too far away in Italy.
Go to an opera festival in Florence
If there is one thing that Italy does well, then it is the opera. Maggio Musicale Fiorentino is an annual Italian arts festival that happens in
Florence and includes a notable and popular opera festival. The festival was founded in 1933 and its aimed to present forgotten and overlooked operas in the form of visually dramatic productions. Happening between April and June, the festival usually contains four operas and is popular with tourists and locals alike.
Listen to the waves crashing in Capri
A true treasure of the Italian coastline,
Capri is a world-class location that holds luxury right at the epicentre. We don't believe there is a sound quite like the gentle lapping of the waves on the soft white sand. Capri is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, where crystal clear waters meet craggy coastlines and beautiful beach-side hotels offer breathtaking views. Experience the peace and tranquillity as the soft waters hit the shores and lap back and forth with rhythm and calmness.
Smell
![Orange Blossom]()
Orange Grove
Smell is one of the most important senses out of the five and can transport you back to memories and experiences within an instant. Smell is a wonderful way to remember a holiday and is something that can easily be bottled and remembered for years to come and there is no better place for wonderful fragrant scents than Italy.
Walk amongst the orange blossoms in Sicily
Due to the warm climes and consistent sunlight, orange trees thrive in Italy specifically Sicily and the volcanic soil makes for perfect growing conditions. As well as wonderful juicy oranges, you'll also spot the bright white, orange blossom flowers that hold the beautiful aromas that are often used in perfumes and sometimes even used in certain desserts. No matter where you are in Sicily, you won't be too far from the bright orange hues and delicate smells of orange blossom trees.
Smell the sweet aroma of handmade chocolate
Is there anything more romantic and enticing than the sweet smell of chocolate? Well, in Italy, handmade and local chocolate is a tradition they hold dear. Originating in Turin, chocolate making is an art that has expanded across the country, and you'll find a chocolate shop in most towns and cities creating their own variations on the classics. Many of the local chocolatiers allow the public to come into their shops and watch how these sweet treats are made, and sometimes even offer masterclasses.
Taste
There is no sense more heightened in Italy than taste, and rightly so. Italy is the home of pizza, pasta, and delicious salads full of fresh herbs and tomatoes and a trip to any region in the country is a feast for the mouth.
Try pizza in Rome
Where better to try pizza in Italy, than in Rome? Rome is full to the brim with world-class pizzerias that are on hand to make you authentic Italian pizza with all the traditional toppings and covered in delicious mozzarella cheese. If you're a lover of a classic margarita pizza, or you enjoy fresh ham and mushroom or salami, the choices are endless. If you're looking to get a slice of the very best, then make sure you consider Pizza E Mozzarella, CasaManco, Pizzarium and Panificio Bonci, to name just a few.
Eat Bolognese in Bologna
Pasta, pasta, and more pasta. Pasta dishes are a classic on any menu in Italy and there is no sauce more iconic to top them off than Bolognese. Bologna is the birthplace of this iconic tomato-based dish, and your taste buds will thank you for trying this delicious Italian delicacy. If you're in
Bologna, you'll never be too far from a restaurant that will serve you something made with this wonderful sauce, one that you can't miss if you're in the area.
Go wine tasting in Tuscany
We don't think there is anything that accompanies a luxury Italian holiday better than a tantalising wine tasting experience in Tuscany. Tuscany is known for its delicious wines and there truly is no better region in Italy to get a taste. You'll be able to try a selection of local and small batch wines, but the red wine is one of the very best in the country.
Touch
Touch is a sense we don't realise has such an impact on us, whether that is day to day or when on a luxury holiday. But, it's something that can still be bought alive with a trip to Italy.
Get your hands dirty in a cooking class
One of the best ways to get hands-on when visiting Italy is to take part in a cooking class. Italy is notorious for so many delicious foods including crisp pizzas, delectable pasta dishes and creamy and rich deserts. No matter where you choose to visit, you'll never be too far from a restaurant offering an evening filled with pasta or pizza making and plenty of wine. Not only will you learn how to make some delicious food, these classes are also a great way to make new friends and experience new cultures.
READ MORE:
Experience the Five Senses in Australia
If you're looking to enjoy the very best of Italy, whether that is through sight, sound, smell, taste or touch, you're not short of luxurious options. With so many wonderful Italian locations to choose from, where will you choose to travel to? For more Italian articles or travel-filled blogs, then make sure you check out our
luxury travel blog.