Planning a trip to Italy – whether it’s to celebrate your surprise proposal, honeymoon, family vacation, or solo adventure – is one of life’s sweetest thrills. Who hasn’t dreamed of checking into a room with a terrace overlooking the turquoise Mediterranean sea, or a villa nestled in the rolling Tuscan countryside with roads framed by Italian cypress trees. 🇮🇹
Everyone could use some insider tips to turn this dream into reality, and we are here to help! We asked some world-class travel advisors about their favourite hotels that will make your next trip to Italy that much more memorable. While we all know that Rome, Milan, Venice, Sicily, and Naples have their charms, we are venturing off the beaten path to discover some truly hidden gems. So pour yourself a glass of vino and dive into these fabulous recommendations by our community’s top travel experts, spanning from the sun-soaked Amalfi Coast all the way to the foothills of the Alps. 🏔
Photo: Barbara and Claudio in Amalfi Coast for Flytographer. Diana and their partner celebrate their anniversary in Positano with a couple photoshoot.
1. Le Sirenuse | Positano, Amalfi Coast
With breathtaking coastlines, picturesque lemon groves framing ocean views, and oh-so-many small villages to explore, the Amalfi Coast is teeming with tantalizing sensory experiences. 🍋 It is simply a must-visit on your Italian adventure.
Leah, a Travel Advisor from World of Luxury Travel, recommends staying at the Le Sirenuse in Positano which has breathtaking views from every window of the five-star hotel and has hosted famous guests such as John Steinbeck. She confirms this family-owned hotel & spa “simply can’t be topped and boasts the best of la dolce vita.”
As one of the best Amalfi Coast photo spots, Positano Village overlooks pastel homes situated on quaint hillsides, a beautiful beach dotted with colourful umbrellas and sparkling turquoise ocean. ⛱ From gelato under the shade of the Amalfi Cathedral to sampling limoncello, we’ve compiled the best things to do in Amalfi straight from our local Flytographers to help showcase the region in our ultimate guide to Amalfi.
2. Borgo Finocchieto | Buonconvento, Tuscany
While the cobblestoned streets of Florence could keep us endlessly entertained, a trip into the Tuscan countryside can’t be missed for a true Italian experience. Visit a winery to discover how your favourite Tuscan wines are produced, or simply go for a drive along the rolling vistas. 🍷 Located just 90 minutes south of Firenze, Buonconvento is close to some of the most magical photo spots in Tuscany, including Siena and Montepulciano.
Kristin, a Travel Advisor from Winkaffe Global, says that a dream trip to Italy would not be complete without a stay at Borgo Finocchieto in Buonconvento. She says, “What used to be an old farming village has been converted into the dreamiest hideaway right in the middle of some of the best wine-growing areas in the world. A visit to the guest rooms of these modern Tuscan farmhouses will have you feeling like you stepped back in time, in the best way possible.” Hit the private tennis courts by day 🎾 and ride in a hot air balloon at sunset to experience the best that the Tuscan region has to offer.
Photo: Emma in Florence for Flytographer. Wendy and their family celebrate their trip to Venice with a family photoshoot.
3. Belmond Splendido | Portofino, Italian Riviera
Nestled in a protected harbour on the Italian Riviera, Portofino was once a small, sleepy fishing village. Perched along the yacht-studded turquoise sea, colourful rows of houses and stately castles watch over Portofino’s lively walkways and terraces. ⛵️
Limor, a Travel Advisor with Embark Beyond, recommends staying at Belmond Splendido Portofino – a grand hotel overlooking the fabulous harbour of Portofino with impeccable service. The Belmond Hotel is a beautifully restored former 16th-century Renaissance monastery and staying here will make you feel like you are living in a glamourous Italian movie. Have a soak in the saltwater infinity pool overlooking the “splendido” view of the ocean. It’s easy to see why it’s on the list of the best hotels in Italy. 🌊
Photo: Ramon and Sonia in Barcelona (photo taken in Portofino) for Flytographer. Zane and their family capture memories in Portofino with a family photooshoot.
4. Villa d’Este | Lake Como, Northern Italy
Simone, Travel Advisor of Simone Travel Edge suggests Villa d’Este on the stunning Lake Como or Lago di Como as the locals say. Bellissima! 🤌🏽 As another former 16th-century luxury hotel of royal descent, this gem lies lakefront in the heart of Cernobbio, a quaint village less than an hour from Milan. This fashionable hotel sits within 25 acres of gardens and has everything you need to live your best life: world-class dining, spa (with saunas and Turkish bath!), tennis and squash courts, a golf course, and SUPs, canoes, and sailboats to get your pampered self onto that famous glistening lake.
If you like to pick up a few fashionable items on your trip to Italy, here’s another secret straight from Simone: “Outside the villa grounds, there’s a small shop selling authentic Italian handbags at a fraction of the price of those in the touristy gift shop! With all the savings, you can sip Negronis back on the inviting terrace with its stunning lake views or on a private beach at Villa d’Este. Aperitivo anyone?” 🍹
Photo: Marta G. in Lake Como for Flytographer. Karen and their partner celebrate their pre-wedding trip with a couple photoshoot in Lake Como.
5. Villa Cordevigo Wine Relais | Verona, Veneto Region
Ferne, Travel Advisor of Travel Edge recommends Villa Cordevigo Wine Relais, a luxe boutique hotel near Verona. Her top tips? “Take a cooking class with Michelin star chef Giuseppe D’Aquino in their kitchen, or take an escorted boat ride around Lake Garda with a stop for aperitifs along the way. 🚤 Or, take a day trip into Verona with a private walking tour and then a stop on the way back for wine tasting. Of course, there are other opportunities for day trips including visits to castles and quaint Italian towns. These can all be arranged at the Villa, and at the end of these busy days touring the surrounding beauty, you can relax at a luxury collection of amenities such as the swimming pool, sauna or spa.” 🧖♀️
Photo: Giulia in Verona for Flytographer. Joanna and her partner capture memories in Verona with a couple photoshoot.
Best Italian Hotels
Whether you choose to explore the quaint villages of Ravello and Sorrento along the Amalfi Coast, rent a car and drive through the Tuscan countryside, work your way through vineyards in Verona, or relax on a terrace overlooking Lake Como – paradise awaits with this collection of Italy’s top 5 luxury hotels. Capture memories with a local, professional Flytographer in Italy and let’s celebrate your story! ❤️
“It was such a pleasure working with Barbara! We met at the beach in Positano for a quick 30 min shoot on our honeymoon. She took us to a few different areas to capture photos with all of the beautiful scenery. Now we have special photos of our honeymoon that we’ll cherish forever! Thank you so much, Barbara!”
Carson
Barbara and Claudio on the Amalfi Coast
“We travelled to the Amalfi Coast for our honeymoon and wanted to capture our experience with some great photos. Claudio was amazing. He was very flexible when the weather forecast called for rain during our shoot and knew some great spots in the city to go to capture the light and the essence of the Amalfi Coast. We had a great selection of photos at then end with the stunning architecture and beauty of Positano in the background. Grazie Claudio!
Kyla & Graeme”
Kyla
Barbara and Claudio on the Amalfi Coast
“Andrea was wonderful! Our family photos were easy and enjoyable thanks to his expertise and kind demeanor, I cannot recommend him enough. If you are looking for a photographer in the Amalfi coast area I highly suggest reaching out to Andrea.”
Julie Ann
Andrea on the Amalfi Coast
