The Four Corners of Italy

There is no end to Italy’s riches. The food, wine, style and, of course, destinations deliver again and again. 

For those lucky enough to have experienced some of the country’s greatest hits (Rome, Florence, Venice and Capri)—or those who march to the beat of their own drummer—we are here to share the ‘four corners’ of Italy as part of your next Italian itinerary, which you should begin planning now with our partners at Valerie Wilson Travel.

Puglia

Lovingly referred to as the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia is hot for its incredible coastline, range of Roman amphitheaters, rock-carved churches, beloved orecchiette, and its countless, white-washed towns. While the hordes make their way to the Amalfi Coast and Capri, you should head east to Brindisi and hunker down at the Borgo Engnaza from where all of Puglia is at your fingertips. Make sure you take a gander of Galipolli and Lecce, to boot! 

Friuli

From the heel to the thigh, Friuli is in Italy’s northeast region nestled between Venice and Slovenia. Home of one of the country’s celebrated areas for white wine production, all of its vintners—typically cloistered—throw open their wineries the last Sunday in May for all to enjoy. After wine, tuck into some of Italy’s famous San Daniele ham, also from Friuli. And, then hike the Dolomites, spelunk the Grotta Gigante, and stroll the streets of Trieste. Take a load off at the Grand Hotel Duchi D’Aosta. 

Lago Maggiore

Let the Clooneys have Como. You take Maggiore. Among the many destinations this northwestern Italian lake has to offer, it offers… Switzerland! Locarno, the northern-most town on Maggiore is in the Italian-speaking zone of Switzerland. It still delivers on all Italian fronts—food, wine and art (masterpieces such as the Santuario della Madonna del Sasso —while giving you all sorts of Alp love. Boat your way to Borromean Islands in the middle of the lake and take in the spectacular botanical gardens and town-hop all of the villages and towns around the lake. Tip a glass and spend the night at Hotel Eden Roc. 

Sicily

From heel to toe, Sicily is home to the Valley of the Temples, Stairs of the Turks, Siracusa, Taormina and Castelmola. Few places in Italy hold as many relics, vistas, and characters as does Sicily. Best way to meet some of those characters is learning how to make Sicily’s unrivaled cuisine. Grand Hotel Timeo should be your home away from the mainland. 

Whether you’re craving an get-away or planning an engagement, destination wedding or honeymoon, the four corners of Italy should definitely be on your list for next year and Valerie Wilson Travel should be you partners in planning this Italian adventure.