There are dozens of reasons for you to want to come to Italy and Croatia with us in September, but here are just 10 things that will make our 15-day exclusive tour together truly outstanding and trip of a lifetime.
1. Borghese and Bernini
It is always a thrill to see the Bernini sculptures in the Borghese Gallery. True wonders of the art world, Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s sculptural masterpieces – notably Apollo and Daphne and David – are sensational. In addition, you get to see the superb Pauline Bonaparte by Antonio Canova and Titian’s incredible painting, Sacred and Profane Love. These are beauties that must be seen up close once in a lifetime. Throw in exquisite works by Caravaggio, such as Boy With a Basket of Fruit and Saint Jerome Writing, and you have a feast for the eyes. The Borghese gardens and park in which the gallery is located are also a delight with romantic lake scenes and picturesque views over the city.
2. Trastevere
Trastevere is the soul of Rome, the bohemian area “across the Tiber” , just south of Vatican City, where the atmosphere is one of transcendent charm, especially at night when the ambient lighting gives the neighbourhood a distinctly festive feel. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a pre-dinner passeggiata as well as get a lift from the exciting buzz coming from the myriad of restaurants, bars and interesting artisan shops. But one of my most memorable times in the Trastevere was when I stepped into the beautiful church of Santa Maria in Trastevere and was lucky enough to catch a service in progress and was bowled over by the gorgeous sound of a congregation at worship, singing liturgical responses with such passion, sincerity and gentleness. Time in the Trastevere is never wasted, it is always a gateway for joy.
3. Rooftop Rome
Seeing Rome from a lovely garden rooftop is a delight many people miss when they stay in the Eternal City. Yet it is something that can be experienced with just a little planning. And if you pick the right rooftop, you get to see some of the superb architectural wonders of the city, such as St. Peter’s. Serendipity can also play into the thrill of the moment. When I was last on such a rooftop, fireworks were set off in the neighbourhood nearby, giving a celebratory feel to the moment. I am hoping our time on a Rome rooftop will be just as magical and one of those experiences that remains with you for the rest of your life. See the best rooftop bars in Rome.
4. Sacro Bosco
Italy has many outstanding gardens. We love the water garden at Villa d’Este and the hilltop garden of Villa Cimbrone in Ravello. But the Sacro Bosco in the quiet town of Bomarzo, outside Viterbo, is without doubt one of the most unique and novel gardens in the world with its giant and dramatic Baroque statuary. Built in the 16th century by Pier Francesco ‘Vicino’ Orsini in a woodland (hence “sacred wood”), the garden art includes stone monsters with giant bodies and laughing faces. It is a magical, mystical, mysterious place. It is a garden you won’t find anywhere else and despite the ghoulish overtones, it can touch your soul with its imaginative and surprising fantastical content. Predictably, one of the garden’s most enthusiastic visitors was surrealist painter Salvador Dali in 1948. This is definitely a place to bring your camera.
5. Villa Lante
Villa Lante has been admired for more than 400 years as one of Italy’s finest Renaissance gardens built by a succession of cardinals. It has magnificent grottoes, fountains and cascades as well as superbly clipped boxwood parterres that are laid out in graceful patterns. But it is the stone terraces at Villa Lante that command as much admiration as the water features and the statuary. The garden has a long history and suffered damage during the Second World War after which it was lovingly restored to its former glory. Today, it is still one of Italy’s great gardens and well worth our time and admiration.
6. Umbria
Umbria, the green heart of Italy, is well-known by many people but it is not as often visited as Tuscany or Venice or the Milanese lakes. This is why it has remained unspoiled and still retains its rustic charms. It is also the reason many Italians point to it as their most desirable place to live. Perugia is the capital of Umbria, but Orvieto is beautiful, too, and we will be visiting Spello, another old-walled town with lovely views and magical atmosphere. What I’m saying here is that you will want to experience Umbria, even if you have seen Venice, Florence, Milan, Amalfi and the rest of it. Umbria is different and special and has something very unique to offer.
7. Kotor, Budva and Perast
These are three pretty towns in Montenegro, all located on the Gulf of Kotor, an inlet from the Adriatic. Perast is the first one up, then comes Kotor a little farther down the coast, and finally Budva, which is 20 minutes south and famous for its medieval walls, sandy beaches and lively atmosphere. These are all lovely village-towns with beautiful views and walkable streets and soul-enriching ambience. Walking in these towns is a treat and will no doubt be one of the highlights of the whole trip, one of the most memorable.
8.Split
Everyone has been talking about Split for years, well, ever since Croatia opened itself to tourism. Split is well known as one of the prettiest towns on the Dalmatian coast. It is the second-largest city in the country. What do people love? Well, the Diocletian’s Palace, a Unesco World Heritage Site, look up Game of Thrones) takes up a good chunk of the town, but visitors always fall in love with the terrific restaurants, bars, shops and cafes that line the streets of the old walled town. When you throw in the gorgeous beaches, it all adds up to one complete, fabulous package.
9. Krka National Park
Krka is the river that runs through it – through the park, creating lovely waterfalls and filling the air with the sound and freshness. Even the ancient Greeks loved this place and, of course, the Romans had no choice but to follow suit. Krka park is 10 km inland from Sibenik and ranks one of the top attractions in Croatia. This is a place to rest and relax and feel your soul being restored. More about Krka Park.
10. Zagreb and Ljubljana
Here you have two wonderful cities, both well worth seeing and experiencing, simply by walking and relaxing in the quaint cobblestone streets and alleyways and taking time to absorb the attractive sights and sounds. Zagreb is the largest city and the capital of Croatia. Ljubljana is the same for Slovenia. But being only 143 kms apart makes it possible to visit both easily. You’ll find both places have first-class restaurant/cafe-cultures and both are a delight to wander around with plenty of great street artists to entertain you.
