Italy

A visit to Italy conjures images of crystal blue seas and vineyards dappled with sunshine. But let’s not forget the sun-kissed lemon groves and truffle-laced forests. Indulge in the Italy that few others see: In fact, once you are embraced by the goodwill and aromas of all corners of this land, you may just forget to return home.The secret to Italy? Communing with Italians (some of whom work in our Tuscan office). That’s why we don’t just find the best pasta on Yelp-we find out when our local friends are free, then invite you to a feast on their estate. (Grazie, Lungarellas!) We don’t merely visit the Statue of David—we host a private dinner party at the Academia. And we don’t just “see” Italy- we plunge you directly into la dolce vita. Fellini wishes he could do Italy like us.

Discover Italy

Crafted from the finest ingredients, get in deep and up close with our expertly designed portfolio of biking & walking tours in Italy.

Italy | Butterfield & Robinson

Piemonte

Famed for its truffles, spangled with more Michelin stars than any other region in Italy and home to towns with names like Barolo and Barbaresco, it’s easy to understand why Piemonte is a gourmand’s paradise. In fact, many argue that the region produces the best food in all of Italy. As with most places whose livelihood is so closely tied to the land, the people here are down-to-earth (pardon the pun), and the countryside as beautiful as it is bountiful.

Discover Piemonte

Experience Piemonte, a countryside as beautiful as it is bountiful, with Butterfield & Robinson luxury active travel. 

Piemonte | Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

Famed for its truffles, Michelin-star status and Slow Food movement, Piemonte is a food lover's paradise. As with most places whose livelihood is so closely tied to the land, the people here are down-to-earth, and the countryside is as beautiful as it is bountiful. Dive into Italy's most charming wine region, spin through river valleys and medieval towns, hike tranquil country trails and sample the freshest heirloom vegetables and Piemontese pasta.

Slow down in the home of Slow Food

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Prepare to savour some of the best meals of your life. Did we say meals? We meant wines (think Barolos and Barbarescos). Wait – we meant views (think Italian Riviera). Oh, shoot, no. We meant hotels (there’s a reason they call them Splendido).

Nowhere does the slowing down feel more apropos than Piemonte, the birthplace of 'Slow Food', where epicurean delights await around every corner and verdant vineyards abound. On this trip, you'll indulge in fresh cuisine paired with many of the best vintages (on us, natch), ride through UNESCO-listed villages and sparkling wine hubs, then kick back at your intimate and gorgeous stay.

Our little secret in Italy

Nowhere does the slowing down feel more apropos than Piemonte, the birthplace of Slow Food, where epicurean delights await around every corner and verdant vineyards abound. We pair our meals with many of the best vintages (on us, natch), then kick back at the intimate and gorgeous La Villa.

Sicily

Sicily has long extended a welcoming hand to visitors throughout the ages. It is a cultural crossroads where Greeks and Romans, Phoenicians and Arabs, French and Spanish civilizations have all left their mark over the centuries—artistically, architecturally and gastronomically. Visit Baroque towns, indulge in the local gastronomy and experience pure indulgence for the senses.

Discover Sicily

In Sicily, visit Baroque towns and experience pure gastronomic indulgence with Butterfield & Robinson luxury active travel. 

Sicily | Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

It’s hard not to be seduced by Sicily, from its sparkling beaches, Sicilian cuisine and historical hilltop villages. Everything that makes Italy loveable is magnified here, where cultures collide. Where Greeks and Romans, Phoenicians and Arabs, French and Spanish civilizations have all left their mark over the centuries—artistically, architecturally and gastronomically.  

A charming postcard destination of dry-stone fields of thick, twist-trunked carob trees, sparkling salt pans beside blue lagoons and sweeping vistas of grain and vine. But more than all these riches, what makes Sicily unforgettable is the warmth of the welcome.  

Sicily’s charm captivates and seduces all who visit 

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Visit lively Baroque towns, walk seaside trails and finish high in the Mediterranean sky on the upper slopes of Mount Etna. Between our explorations of history, we'll reward our appetites with an incredible array of classic Sicilian cuisine, from farmhouse lunches to Michelin-starred dining.Please note the hotel lineup for 2024:Il San Corrado di Noto,&nbsp;Gagliardi Boutique Hotel, Villa Neri

Sicily has long extended a welcoming hand to visitors throughout the ages. It is a cultural crossroads where civilizations of Greeks, Romans, Phoenicians, Arabs, French and Spanish have all left their mark over the centuries—artistically, architecturally and gastronomically. Our journey focuses on the eastern regions of the island, where we’ll visit the lively baroque town of Noto, walk seaside trails, and finish high in the Mediterranean sky on the upper slopes of volcanic Mount Etna. Between our explorations of history enhanced by local guides, we’ll reward our appetites with an incredible array of classic Sicilian cuisine, from casual lunches at an almond farm and a wine producer's home to Michelin-starred dining. The entire experience is a pure indulgence for the senses. 

Pure indulgence for the senses

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

Preview the itinerary

A breadbasket for Italy, the Veneto is home to lovers of good food and drink (consider the exquisite Valpolicella and Amarone wines, for instance). Add in the excellent riding, warm hospitality and colourful local personalities, and you’ll quickly come to understand why we’ve been going there for so many years.

A breadbasket for Italy, the Veneto is home to lovers of good food and drink, warm hospitality and excellent riding. 

Veneto | Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

$5,995 based on two travellers. $4,995 based on four travellers.

Some of the best things in life are enjoyed slowly, which is how we approach our exploration of the Veneto; a region that encompasses the area just south of the central Alps and Dolomites. We begin in timeless Venice, amid the palaces of a bygone era, with the renowned city of canals mere minutes from the start of our first ride. From here, we head west through the Po River valley along an ancient trade and military route—the Roman Road—via Postumia. The Veneto is the breadbasket of Italy, and naturally, the gustatory adventures here are unrivalled: the Prosecco is local, vegetables come straight from the field and pasta has been rolled the morning of. Salute!

$5,595 based on two travellers. $4,395 based on four travellers.

Umbria | Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

Dolomites

Glorious mountaintops wreathed in mists; fairytale villages with overflowing flower boxes; the bulbous domes of Baroque churches; log farmhouses dotting the valley floors—these are the images you’ll encounter on the lightly travelled pathways of Italy’s Dolomites, the mountains that divide the Venetian plain from Austria to the north.

Discover the Dolomites

Glorious snow-capped mountains and fairy-tale villages are only the beginning of what you’ll encounter on the pathways of the Dolomites.

Dolomites | Butterfield & Robinson

Crowning Italy’s northern border, the Dolomites are widely regarded as one of the most attractive mountain landscapes in the world. Trails wind between massive peaks, offering new vistas at every turn and charming rifugi (mountain huts) that welcome hikers and bikers alike.&nbsp;Evenings are a delightful mixture of South Tyrolean and Ladin cultures, where you can dine on distinctive culinary specialties and savour the region's fine wines.

Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, the Dolomites stand as a testament to Italy’s distinct, breathtaking beauty. With soaring peaks, dramatic cliffs and lush valleys, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for bikers and hikers alike. Trails wind between massive peaks, offering new vistas at every turn while charming rifugi stand ready to welcome visitors. Amidst the stunning terrain is a vibrant blend of culture and history that makes every experience completely unique.  

Experience the Italian Alps 

experience the italian alps

Experience Designer

$5,895 based on two travellers. ​$4,995 based on four travellers.

Discover one of the most attractive mountain landscapes in the world as you saddle up on an electric-assisted mountain biking journey through the Dolomite Mountains. Nestled in the north of Italy, this alpine land offers a unique blend of cultures and cuisines, stunning landscapes, always inviting hospitality and endless fun and exploration through its peaks and valleys. Pedalling through two of the region’s corners, the Alta Badia and the Alpe di Siusi, your rides can be as moderate or challenging as you wish, all guaranteed to be backdropped by craggy peaks, tranquil meadows and delightful (and delicious) mountain huts.B&amp;R Experience Designer Georgia Yuill has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

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Take on the Dolomites on two wheels

$5,995  based on two travellers. Request a detailed itinerary for pricing for more than 2 people

The Dolomites’ stunning peaks have drawn mountaineers for centuries, yet somehow they remain one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Explore the two most enchanting corners of the gorgeous Dolomites region: the Alpe di Siusi and Alta Badia. Experience the region’s remarkable people, unforgettable hikes, and sumptuous cuisine. Your taste buds will never forget the gastronomic surprises in store, the perfect reward after an invigorating (and jaw-dropping) alpine hike.

A spectacular alpine hideaway

Explore the gorgeous (and little known) Alpe di Siusi. Experience the region’s remarkable people, unforgettable hikes, and sumptuous cuisine. Your taste buds will never, ever forget the gastronomic surprises in store, the perfect reward after an invigorating (and jaw-dropping) alpine hike. B&amp;R Travel Expert Georgia Yuill was named Top Travel Specialist for the Dolomites 2020 by Condé Nast.

Italian Lakes

The Italian Lakes are grandeur, comfort and elegance incarnate. A lofty claim, sure, but once you’ve laid eyes on this land of perched villas and verdant hills, you’ll forgive our hyperbole.&nbsp;Truly incredible walks lead us through the charming streets of Lugano and über-chic Bellagio to unforgettable authentic meals at opulent waterfront resorts. Where much of Italy is built for bikes, the Lakes are to be explored by boat and on foot. Suddenly, a “week at the lake” takes on a whole new meaning.

Discover the Italian Lakes

Italian Lakes | Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

The Italian Lakes are comfort, elegance and grandeur incarnate. A lofty claim, sure, but once you’ve laid eyes on this land of perched villas and verdant hills, you’ll understand our hyperbole. Set near the legendary Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, and hugged by a stirring mountain range, the region has long attracted the world to its shores. Where much of Italy is built for bikes, the Lakes are best explored by boat and on foot. Incredible walks lead you through the charming streets of Lugano and über-chic Bellagio to unforgettable, authentic Italian cuisine at luxurious waterfront resorts. Suddenly, a “week at the lake” takes on a whole new meaning. 

Elevated elegance in the Italian Lakes

Travel beyond as we're the only ones who will take you to both the crystalline waters of Lake Como and over to the stunning Swiss side, wandering through charming Lugano and Ticino. Soak in the incredible views from the water on not one, two, but three separate boat cruises.

Where grandeur and elegance go to relax

Go beyond the crystalline waters of Lake Como as we’re the only ones who pop over to the stunning Swiss side, wandering through charming Lugano and Ticino. Soak in the incredible views from the water on not one, two, but three separate boat cruises.

Sardinia

The glittering coast, the incredibly clear azure seas and the supernatural beaches and isolation of Sardinia make for a devastating combination. It’s been many years since we first set foot here, and with our memories resurgent, we made it a point to return. &nbsp;

Discover Sardinia

Sardinia | Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

To truly understand Italy’s most enigmatic island, we explore it by sea, setting sail in an exquisite&nbsp;gulet&nbsp;which will serve as our home during our voyage. Biking or hiking off the ship each day, we explore sheep-covered hills, vertiginous limestone cliffs that plunge into the cobalt sea, and the glam of Costa Smeralda. Unforgettable? Cruising to La Maddalena and Corsica.

To truly understand Italy’s most enigmatic island, we explore it by sea, setting sail in an exquisite&nbsp;gulet&nbsp;that will serve as our home during our voyage. Biking or hiking off the ship each day, we explore sheep-covered hills, vertiginous limestone cliffs that plunge into the cobalt sea, and the glam of Costa Smeralda. Unforgettable? Cruising to La Maddalena and Corsica.B&amp;R Experience Designer Georgia Yuill has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.Please Note! This trip offers 12 available spaces, so book early to secure your spots. Or, get in touch with a Travel Advisor to Privatize the departure for an exclusive journey with your crew.

Italian Coastal Wellness

Glamorous doesn’t begin to describe it. Commonly regarded as Italy’s most spectacular stretch of coastline, this treasured region comes by its reputation honestly, having welcomed visitors for thousands of years.&nbsp;The whitewashed towns cling to towering slopes, the dramatic cliff-side vistas, hidden bays and beaches bask in the Mediterranean sun, and historic places like Ravello, Positano and Amalfi Town—together they provide a daily diet of comfort, culture and fabulous cuisine, and an escape unlike any other.

Discover the Amalfi Coast

Experience the Amalfi Coast with Butterfield & Robinson luxury active travel.

Amalfi Coast| Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

“A dream place"—that’s how Steinbeck described Amalfi. And when you take in the Path of the Gods, the hotels (we stay at Le Sirenuse, just like he did), the food and the Limoncello, you’ll understand why. Dream place? More like fantasy land—but who are we to correct a Nobel laureate?

In the Footsteps of Gods

Revel in Ravello, enjoy lunch delivered by horseback, stay in breathtaking—and B&R-exclusive—hotels and experience "The Path of the Gods."

A Dream Place...

Looking to luxuriate at a private Amalfi villa? Want to plan a birthday celebration in Positano with your best friends? Just say the word and we’ll start weaving our magic. 

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Amalfi Coast Walking | Butterfield & Robinson

Glamorous doesn’t begin to describe it!2

The Mediterranean has been a hallmark of well-being for centuries, and the Phlegraean Islands in the Gulf of Naples are no exception. History, natural beauty and glamour fuse against the sparkling azure backdrop of the sea. Colourful houses terrace the coastline dramatically while the hoovering volcanoes in the distance draw the eye upward. In this flowering cradle of civilization, you’ll be warmly greeted by the locals and privy to the best coastal secrets: understanding what makes the sirens sing and the lemon trees grow, all in the heavenly rhythm of island time.

Our decades-long love affair with the Amalfi Coast has us feeling like members of the Amalfitano family, so don’t be surprised if the barmen or concierge greet you like old friends. Here, nature forces life to slow down. Grapes are harvested by hand on terraced plots, then shuttled by mule along trails that connect colourful fishing ports. Boats cruise to Capri only when the Mediterranean is calm enough to allow it. And pizzas are garnished with hand-picked, wild herbs. If superb accommodation, challenging walks and ocean views are what you seek, then a bespoke trip to the Amalfi Coast is for you.&nbsp;

B&R has been enjoying a decades-long love affair with the Amalfi Coast. With its sheer cliffs, sun-drenched beaches and charming towns, it's no surprise why. Along this stretch of southern Italy’s coastline, nature forces life to slow down. Grapes are harvested by hand on terraced plots, then shuttled by mule along trails that connect colourful fishing ports. Boats cruise to Capri only when the Mediterranean is calm enough to allow it. And pizzas are garnished with hand-picked, wild herbs. If superb accommodation, authentic limoncello, challenging walks and ocean views are what you seek, then a bespoke trip to the Amalfi Coast is for you.

The allure of southern Italy's colourful coastline, Amalfi   

immerse yourself in the elegance of amalfi

Here, sweeping mountain vistas and the spectacularly placed Caesar Augustus (your Relais &amp;&nbsp;Châteaux away from home) conspire to make the sirens sing. Go at your own pace—with local guides at your beck and call—as you traverse the glittering coast (on foot and by private boat), and take in Amalfi’s idyllic mix of luxury and rustic charm.B&amp;R Experience Designer Courtney Mundy has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

From elegant streets to mountain vistas, there’s more than one “Path of the Gods” waiting to be discovered here. Enjoy the freedom to explore and uncover the secrets of this enchanting region—why the Sirens sing, the stories behind the gigantic lemons and how to navigate paths alongside chattering goats. The perfect blend of luxury and rustic charm reveals itself as you traverse the glittering coast, wander mountain trails and take in the stunning Amalfi Coast from the sea.&nbsp;

Amalfi's stunning coastline

$11,995 based on two travellers. $11,595 based on four travellers. $11,095 based on six travellers.

Discover Tuscany

We come here for the same reasons Shelley, Stendhal and Twain did. To behold the astonishing light, breathtaking views and learn the secrets of a life well-lived. Passing vines tended by generations of winemakers and savouring traditional cuisine made from the freshest and tastiest local ingredients, this is the region you imagine when you think of Italy. Home to olive groves and cypress trees, Roman battlefields and Renaissance churches, and a who’s who of charming villages. It can’t help but capture your soul.

Tuscany | Butterfield & Robinson

$5,695 based on two travellers. $5,495 based on four travellers. $5,195 based on six travellers.

While we’ve been travelling to Tuscany for decades, this is the first release in our challenging trip series. We’ve paired famous race trails with the&nbsp;crème de la crème&nbsp;of gravel bikes. The payoff is not just the challenge of riding along gravel with heart-pounding ascents and thrilling descents, but also the unbelievable places it takes you.

Savour a feast prepared by our local friends—and enjoy it in their backyard. Take in the evening energy of Siena and join in the laughter radiating from the piazza. Dine under the stars, at a winery, on a meal prepared by our private chef. We don't just visit Tuscany—we bring its story to life.Please note the hotel lineup for 2024:May 5th: Villa di Piazzano, Grand Hotel Continental, Pieve AldinaFor all other departures: Villa di Piazzano, Grand Hotel Continental, Le FontanelleFor information about the hotels assigned to your departure, kindly contact your Travel Advisor. You can also download the detailed itinerary to view the complete hotel lineup.

With lavish rolling hills, medieval towns and meandering roads keeping it all together, Tuscany is a biker’s idyll. There is something eminently peaceful in riding through hilltop towns that have stood watch since the Middle Ages, passing vines tended by generations of winemakers and savouring traditional cuisine made from the freshest and tastiest local ingredients. On this biking trip through Tuscany, we not only introduce you to our local friends, but we also take you into their backyard where they'll welcome us with open arms and a home-made feast prepared just for us. Welcome to our authentic Tuscany. 

Explore Italy's most exalted region

Experience Designers

Savour a feast prepared by our local friends—and enjoyed in their backyard. Take in the evening energy of Sienna and join in the laughter radiating from the piazza. Dine under the stars, at a winery, on a meal prepared by our private chef. We don't just visit Tuscany—we bring its story to life.

Savour a feast prepared by our local friends—and enjoyed in their backyard. Take in the evening energy of Sienna and join in the laughter radiating from the piazza. Dine under the stars, at a winery, on a meal prepared by our private chef. We don't just visit Tuscany—we bring its story to life.



$5,295 based on two travellers. $4,995 based on four travellers. $4,795 based on six travellers.

Our Super Tuscan has been finely crafted for the traveller who delights in truly exquisite accommodation, exceptional wine and wants to suss out the idyllic countryside through a well-structured blend of activity—pedalling past hilltop hamlets, ambling among vines tended by generations of winemakers and (optionally!) rising to salute the famous Tuscan sun on a yoga mat. In between, you’ll savour traditional cuisine made from the freshest ingredients. It’s a robust build. Fancy a taste?B&amp;R Experience Designer Courtney Mundy has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

Experience the epitome of luxury with our Super Tuscan—a finely crafted journey with exquisite accommodation, exceptional wine and immersive activities. Pedal past hilltop hamlets, stroll through vines tended by generations of winemakers, and dance in cycling shoes through silvery olive groves. In between, you’ll savour traditional cuisine made from the freshest ingredients. It’s a robust build. Fancy a taste? 

Embodying the finest of the region

Featured stays

Haven't found the perfect itinerary yet? No journey should be one-size-fits-all. With our bespoke trip planning, you have the freedom to curate a travel experience that fits your unique interests and desires.

Our Super Tuscan has been finely crafted for the traveller who delights in truly exquisite accommodation, exceptional wine and wants to suss out the idyllic countryside through a well-structured blend of activity—pedaling past hilltop hamlets, ambling among vines tended by generations of winemakers and (optionally!) rising to salute the famous Tuscan sun on a yoga mat. In between you’ll savour traditional cuisine made from the freshest ingredients. It’s a robust build. Fancy a taste?

Discover Puglia

Puglia’s location may be down at the heel, but there’s nothing remotely shabby about the stunning, sun-drenched coastline routes or the whitewashed villages and charming locals. Think Italy, with Greek parents, exquisite organic cuisine and some of the finest, most serene biking we’ve found anywhere.

Experience Puglia's exquisite organic cuisine and some of the most serene biking with Butterfield & Robinson luxury active travel. 

Puglia | Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

Discover the true magic of old Italy, surrounded by olive groves and our charming local friends. We make every step count with routes featuring sublime coastal roads, cobbled paths that weave through whitewashed towns and distinctive stone trulli. End your journey with two nights in UNESCO-listed Matera, with its ancient cave dwellings inhabited for thousands of years.

The magic of old Italy

Bask in olive groves and gorgeous whitewashed villages as you stroll along the aquamarine Adriatic in one of Italy’s most blissfully low-traffic corners (we’re the only walkers here!). Back at hotel Sant’Angelo – a B&amp;R exclusive in UNESCO Matera – feast on the freshest seafood you’ve ever had while you quaff luscious local Primitivo.

Between the sun, the shore and the food, Puglia has a way of making everything more sumptuous. Mozarella’s more delicious when sampled at a cheese-making demo. Cycling’s more serene along the Adriatic. And a post-ride aperitivo&nbsp;is even more refreshing when sipped in our friend’s garden.

Between the sun, the shore and the food, Puglia has a way of making everything more sumptuous. Mozarella’s more delicious when sampled at a cheese-making demo led by our friends Domenica and Giuseppe. Cycling’s more serene along the Adriatic. A post-ride lunch is even more delicious when enjoyed in our friend’s masseria. And the sound of live music is more enchanting when paired with an exclusive dinner in a fortified castle. After just a few days here, you’ll quickly see why Puglia has our heart. 

Adventure awaits on the Adriatic

Between the sun, the shore and the food, Puglia has a way of making everything more sumptuous. Mozarella’s more delicious when sampled at a cheese-making demo. Cycling’s more serene along the Adriatic. And a post-ride aperitivo&nbsp;is even more refreshing when sipped in our friend’s garden.

In the south of Italy, two unique and closely interconnected regions beckon exploration. Basilicata boasts the impressive city of Matera—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture, a city built into the rock that saw the origins of European civilization. Puglia’s olive groves, gorgeous, whitewashed villages, delectable food and generous hospitality, set against the aquamarine Adriatic, is simply idyllic. Together, Puglia and Basilicata capture the true magic of old Italy.  

The history, landscape and architecture reflect the myriad civilizations that were drawn to the region’s influential port towns and position on the Adriatic; the Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Normans and Spanish have all left their mark here. Be immersed in a magical place where art, culture, nature and gastronomy come together in perfect harmony. We'll visit sundrenched coasts, whitewashed towns, fortified farmhouses (Masseria), and distinctive stone trulli. The culinary highlights include fresh seafood, local wine and olive oil. Everything is more sumptuous in Italy’s south, making for a journey you won't soon forget. 

Experience old-world Italy in the heel of the boot

Tell the kids you’re are going to Puglia and they’ll ask “where-ya?” Tell them you’re going to snorkel in the sparkling Adriatic, make pasta by hand, and zipline over olive groves and they’ll ask a different question: “when-ya!?”Note:&nbsp;The activities on our Puglia&nbsp;Family Adventure trip are recommended for children age 8 years and older.

$5,395 based on two travellers. $4,995 based on four travellers. $4,595 based on six travellers.

Reconnect with the family on a rejuvenating, sprightly and (dare we say) educational adventure along the Adriatic sea.

Pedal past whitewashed villages on quiet routes through the rolling countryside blanketed in olive trees and along the aquamarine Adriatic Coast.