5 Great Italian Weekends Away for Couples: Romantic Escapes You'll Never Forget
- Rosa Spatola
- Mar 6, 2019
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 1
1. Portofino – A Romantic Escape on the Italian Riviera
Fly into Genoa where your private driver will be waiting to whisk you away to the elegant fishing village of Portofino. Spend three wonderful nights here, arriving on Thursday and returning home on Sunday.
Wake up on your first morning with a leisurely champagne breakfast before spending the day browsing the exclusive boutiques of Portofino and nearby Santa Margherita Ligure. If you fancy exploring further afield, hop on a boat to discover the spectacular villages of the Cinque Terre, famous for their colourful houses clinging dramatically to the cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea.
The following day is all about relaxing. Board a private boat and cruise along one of Italy's most beautiful stretches of coastline, dropping anchor in secluded bays where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters before enjoying lunch at a charming waterfront restaurant.
Before you know it, Sunday morning arrives. After breakfast, your private transfer will take you back to Genoa Airport for your flight home, leaving you with memories of one of Italy's most glamorous coastal destinations.
2. Bologna – A Weekend for Food Lovers
Fly into Bologna where your private driver will transfer you to your centrally located hotel, perfectly positioned for discovering one of Italy's most underrated cities.
As evening falls, begin your Italian weekend with an Aperol Spritz at the atmospheric Le Stanze before settling in for dinner. We highly recommend the delicious Passatelli Asciutti con Funghi e Punte di Asparagi, followed by the superb Tagliata di Entrecôte al Sale Grosso e Rosmarino. Afterwards, enjoy a romantic stroll beneath Bologna's magnificent UNESCO-listed porticoes before perhaps ending the evening with music and dancing at the popular Covo Club.
The following morning, meet your local guide for an unforgettable walking tour that combines Bologna's rich history with its legendary food culture. Sample local delicacies, fine wines and traditional specialities while discovering why Bologna is affectionately known as La Grassa – "The Fat One".
Spend the afternoon browsing the city's elegant boutiques before deciding how to spend your final full day. Motorsport enthusiasts can visit the famous Motor Valley, touring the Ferrari, Lamborghini and Pagani museums or even experiencing a thrilling Ferrari test drive in Maranello. Prefer a slower pace? Join a traditional cooking class where you'll learn authentic Bolognese recipes alongside local Italians.
After a leisurely breakfast on Sunday morning, it's time for your private transfer back to the airport and your journey home, already planning your next Italian escape.
3. Piedmont – A Fairy tale Castle Escape
Fly into Turin and collect your hire car – perhaps a convertible if available – before driving through the beautiful Piedmont countryside to one of the region's most enchanting hidden gems.
Check into your magnificent Castle Suite and prepare to step back in time. Lovingly restored from a derelict building that had stood abandoned for over a decade, this remarkable 12th-century castle has been transformed into a luxurious and sustainable historical residence. Rich in history and character, every room has a story to tell. If you wish, a member of the castle staff can take you on a fascinating guided tour, bringing centuries of history to life.
As evening falls, enjoy an unforgettable candlelit dinner in the castle's stunning frescoed halls, where exceptional regional cuisine is served in truly magical surroundings.
The following morning, savour a leisurely breakfast in bed before spending the afternoon discovering the flavours of Piedmont. Visit the castle's enoteca for a guided wine tasting featuring three carefully selected local wines, accompanied by delicious regional appetisers. Continue your gastronomic journey with a relaxed lunch in the café, where a three-course menu showcases the very best seasonal produce from the region.
On your final full day, experience the romance of the Italian countryside with a traditional horse and carriage ride through the rolling vineyards and picturesque landscapes surrounding the castle. It is a wonderfully peaceful way to appreciate one of Italy's most celebrated wine regions and create memories that will stay with you long after you've returned home.
After breakfast, it's time to leave your fairy tale retreat and drive back to Turin Airport for your flight home, taking with you the unforgettable memories of a truly unique Italian weekend away.
4. Friuli Venezia Giulia – A Gourmet Weekend of Wine, Ham & Hidden Treasures
Fly into either Venice or Treviso, collect your hire car and enjoy a scenic drive into the beautiful region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, one of Italy's best-kept secrets. Head towards the charming province of Pordenone where you'll spend three relaxing nights in a Superior Double Room with buffet breakfast included.
Your weekend begins in style with an unforgettable gourmet dinner accompanied by an expertly guided wine tasting. Before taking your seat, you'll be invited to visit the hotel's atmospheric winery, housed within a remarkable ice cellar dating back to the 13th century. Here, an English-speaking sommelier will introduce you to four carefully selected wines, explaining their history, production methods and perfect food pairings before they accompany the delicious four-course "Lupus in Tabula" tasting menu. It's an elegant evening that perfectly showcases the rich culinary traditions of the region.
The following day, visit a renowned local wine producer set within a magnificent Venetian villa. Wander through the vineyards before enjoying a tasting of four regional wines, each served alongside traditional local canapés. As evening approaches, experience another Italian favourite by dining at one of the area's finest pizzerias, where you'll discover why Italians take their pizza so seriously.
On your final full day, you have a choice of two authentic local experiences. Food lovers can visit one of the oldest producers of the world-famous San Daniele Prosciutto, learning about the centuries-old curing process before enjoying lunch in a nearby traditional trattoria serving classic Friulian specialities.
Alternatively, spirit enthusiasts can visit the celebrated Distilleria Bottega, where the famous Alexander Grappa is produced. During your guided visit you'll discover why the art of distillation is often described as both a science and an art, before sampling four distinctive grappas accompanied by traditional sweets. Bottega is also one of Italy's leading Prosecco producers, with a team of expert winemakers dedicated to crafting exceptional sparkling wines.
Before you know it, your gourmet adventure has come to an end. With wonderful memories, a few bottles of exceptional wine and perhaps some local delicacies packed away, it's time to drive back to the airport for your flight home, already planning your next Italian escape.
5. Florence & Tuscany – Art, Romance and Ultimate Luxury
For the ultimate Italian escape, fly into either Florence or Pisa where your private driver will be waiting to whisk you away to your luxurious Florentine residence.
Located just a few steps from the magnificent Duomo and only a short stroll from the world-famous Uffizi Gallery, this extraordinary private apartment offers the rare opportunity to stay in a true piece of Florentine history.
Hidden behind the church of San Lorenzo, this elegant stately residence combines centuries of heritage with modern comfort. As you enter through the grand doors, you are welcomed into a beautifully preserved 19th-century hallway, complete with wrought iron gates and a historic doorway engraved with the family's coat of arms.
The magnificent piano nobile (noble floor) showcases original frescoes and precious wall paintings by renowned artist Vincenzo Meucci. Once a private family home, this remarkable apartment is now one of Florence's largest luxury rentals, offering an unforgettable stay for couples, families and art lovers seeking a truly unique experience in the heart of the city.
After settling in, begin your Tuscan adventure with an exceptional dining experience at Essenziale, where you will enjoy a six-course tasting menu showcasing contemporary Italian cuisine and the creativity of the chef.
The following morning, rise early for an exclusive early-access visit to the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's iconic David. After your visit, enjoy breakfast before embarking on a private food tour through Florence, discovering the city's fascinating history, hidden corners and legendary culinary traditions while tasting some of the finest local specialities.
Your final day is dedicated to pure relaxation and indulgence with a luxury spa experience in the heart of the Tuscan countryside.
Journey through the rolling landscapes of Tuscany to the enchanting thermal village of Bagno Vignoni, where ancient hot spring waters have been treasured for centuries. Enjoy six hours of complete relaxation in one of Tuscany's most beautiful spa environments, combining thermal treatments, exquisite cuisine and unforgettable experiences.
And for something truly unique… have you ever imagined bathing in wine instead of water? This extraordinary experience allows you to immerse yourself in the antioxidant properties of red wine as part of a luxurious wellness ritual designed to awaken the senses.
Perfect for a honeymoon, anniversary celebration or simply those who appreciate the finer things in life, this is Tuscany at its most indulgent — combining art, gastronomy, wellness and luxury in one unforgettable Italian escape.
After your Tuscan retreat, your private driver will return you to the airport for your journey home, carrying memories of a truly exceptional Italian weekend.
