Small Boutique hotels in ITALY

Italy could almost be two countries: the rich, industrial, stylish north and the dry, rural, traditional south; it could be four with the distinct islands of Sardinia and Sicily both proud of their unique traditions and separate histories. Travel to any one of these and there will not be enough time to experience every aspect; travel to all and the experience is something akin to travelling through time itself.

Northern Italy is the most developed region with Milan, the world-renowned city of fashion and design, at its centre. Turin, much more than home of the Turin Shroud, has numerous World Heritage Sites while the historic Genoa is still today an important Mediterranean port.

From the style cities to the alpine South Tyrol and the waterways of Venice, northern Italy has a wealth of small luxury hotels. In the classic Italian landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria, where vineyards and Cyprus trees surround rural farmhouses, some of the most beautiful boutique hotels are waiting to be discovered.

Rome, ancient centre of the Roman Empire, seat of the Catholic Church, modern capital city, sits proud between north and south. Below, the towns around Naples and Capri offer dramatic coastlines and popular holiday destinations. While for those seeking a quieter experience, Apulia, the heel of Italy, is rich in both archaeological and natural sites.