Beyond Italy consists of a series of meticulously designed itineraries around Italy.
At their heart are experiences that highlight the culture, the traditions and the local destinations beyond what’s shown in the usual, standard travel brochures.
The itineraries were built upon these main pillars:
- Italy’s cultural heritage should be accessible but not consumed, so Beyond Italy aims to support local communities throughout the year and to avoid mass tourism.
- Beyond Italy promotes parts of Italy that are unknown, unveiling them through sustainable tourism and events.
- The experiences enrich travellers by connecting them with locals and with nature, thus allowing them to feel the energy of the destination and to open their minds to new horizons.
Start traveling with your imagination…
We are happy to share just some examples of the Beyond Italy itineraries.
Contact us to discover the complete programme and other available options!
Visit the architectural jewel of Santo Stefano di Sessanio and discover its fascinating history. From a rich and glorious centre of wool production, it became one of the ‘borghi fantasma‘ (abandoned hamlets)… until a visionary entrepreneur decided to invest in a project for the conservation of the local cultural heritage.
Dine in authentic restaurants. Some use exclusively native crops, others propose ancient dishes of the region’s agro-pastoral culture. They all use simple, raw materials of the highest quality to tell the story of the local cuisine. A storyteller will join you one evening to narrate the ancient knowledge of the Abruzzesi.
Set off on amazing excursions in the pristine nature of Abruzzo. These include kayaking in Italy’s cleanest river, trekking to Castello di Rocca Calascio (one of the world’s Top 15 most beautiful fortresses according to National Geographic), and horse riding along a tratturo (an ancient path used by shepherds for transhumance).
Other highlights: visit the Wolf’s Center to learn about the precious work done to protect this amazing species of the Apennines; learn to cook with the traditional “carraturo” (wooden frame); hike underground in the Stiffe Caves; explore the region’s beautiful capital – L’Aquila.
Explore one of Italy’s most beautiful sea villages, Porto Ercole, with its small marina and its massive Spanish forts. Hike around the pristine Argentario Promontory and observe more towers and fortresses from the Stato dei Presidi… learn about this peculiar era of Tuscany’s history!
Practice yoga in beautiful and relaxing places with unforgettable views, such as on terrace in the Tuscan countryside, or between the cliffs overlooking the sea. Combine yoga with horse riding in an authentic Maremma-style farm, where you can also taste its delicious products.
Set sail for the Tuscan Archipelago with a private boat. Explore Giglio Island, a pristine and hidden gem in the Mediterranean, with our wellness coach and hiking guide. Taste the island’s wine, Ansonaco, and local products along your trek in the wilderness.
Other highlights: Visit Monte Amiata and taste its delicious, quality products like Pecorino DOP cheese, Seggiano DOP extra virgin olive oil, and Montecucco DOC wine; get inspired by Daniel Spoerri’s artistic garden; practice mindfulness in the Orbetello Lagoon (WWF Oasis).
Practice yoga with an expert teacher in amazing locations that have unique energies, such as on the pristine Reserve of Capo Milazzo, in the gardens of an ancient villa in the city of light, near the “megaliths” of the Argimusco Plateau, in the orchards of an organic farm.
Explore the beautiful nature of the island with passionate guides, starting from the enchanting ‘Pool of Venus’. Learn about the wonderful marine environment at the Mu.Ma., which is an atypical sea museum founded by marine biologist Carmelo Isgrò.
Re-live history by visiting one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, Montalbano, and one of Europe’s largest fortresses, Castello di Milazzo. Your visit is enriched by the presence of a “kuntastorie” (singing storyteller) and a master artisan, who will engage you with ancient legends and handmade masks.
Other highlights: Visit a farm that produces organic olive oil and jams; participate in the lemon harvest and learn how to make a homemade jam with the fruit that you just picked; experience a candle-lit dinner in the XV-century Feudo Spadafora, in the halls that once hosted Louis Philippe Joseph d’Orléans.
Get inspired by the elegant city of Santa Margherita Ligure, which attracts writers and intellectuals, and experience Portofino with its unique landscape. Go off the beaten path: visit the most idyllic hamlets – from those on the sea like Noli, to those in the hinterland, like Borgomaro.
Immerse yourself in the lush Mediterranean vegetation and blue-green waters of the Italian Riviera. Hike in the unique Portofino Nature Park and sail along the marvellous coast and bays of Paraggi. With a bit of luck, you might be able to observe dolphins in the crystal-clear waters!
Visit a mind-opening eco-farm and learn about how a passionate family brought back to life ancient cultivations in an abandoned land. Get closer to the Earth and your senses by walking along the honey path, the butterfly forest, the wine route and the bee garden.
Other highlights: Bike along one of Italy’s most beautiful trails (MareMonti in Levanto); dine in an exclusive barge that floats on the sea; learn to make pesto with a marble mortar and wooden pestle; learn how to make the refined Limoncino liqueur; visit the jaw-dropping Abbey of San Fruttuoso.
Visit the perfectly preserved hamlet of Montecchio. Learn how its ancient tradition of harvesting olives by hand continues today to produce its golden, delicious extra virgin olive oil. Enjoy a tasting lunch in an ancient oil mill that also hosts the Museo dell’Olio with rare and precious antiques.
Get inspired by the expertise of Deruta’s artisans, from the century-old craft of pottery to the precious art of embroidery with rare local techniques. Join the maestri in their bottega (workshop) and, following a demonstration, try to create a ceramic work or to embroider a cloth.
Accompany a fisherman in a fishing boat trip in Lake Trasimeno, to learn about the ancient fishing techniques and about the local biodiversity. Taste the genuine lake cuisine in a traditional restaurant that has been owned and managed by the same family since the 1800s!
Other highlights: Explore the amazing Monte Peglia Biosphere Reserve; learn about the ancient art of chocolate making in the artisanal lab of Augusta Perusia and in the Scuola Perugina; stroll in idyllic hamlets like Panicale; join a truffle hunter and his dog to search for the precious black truffle.
Why Beyond Italy?
You will benefit from…
- Niche knowledge about authentic and creative experiences that will make your holiday or event innovative and unforgettable.
- A carefully studied selection of activities and itineraries that engage all your senses and allow you to rediscover the pleasure of interacting with people, nature and yourself.
- A hand-picked collection of venues and suppliers that are committed to sustainability, and a range of event destinations and experiences that respect the principles of Seasonality and Slow Travel.
Can we help you?
Beyond Italy for Leisure Travellers
Let us help you plan the perfect Italian holiday characterised by authenticity, regional traditions and seasonality.
Beyond Italy for Companies and Event Planners
We connect your brand, product or team situation with the local destination where your event takes place, tailoring all experiences and activities.