6 Resources To Consult When Planning A Trip To Italy

6 Resources For an Italian Vacation

The Sardinian Locale of Arbatax Park Resort

9 Great Italian Films

1. La Dolce Vita (1960)
2. Mamma Roma (1962)
3. Bicycle Thieves (1948)
4. Cinema Paradiso (1988)
5. The Leopard (1963)
6. The Decameron (1971)
7. Gomorrah (2008)
8. Nights of Cabiria (1957)
9. Paisan (1946)

Discover Villa Rinaldi in Venice

In Depth

With 63.2 million tourists every year, Italy is the fifth most visited country. Nothing beats spending a long day walking around the ancient streets of Rome, eating creamy pasta for dinner, and enjoying a liter of Italian vino with your famiglia. Whether you're dreaming of the beaches of the Amalfi Coast or the intense, steep streets of Naples, here, in no particular order, are some companies to reference before you hop on a flight to the "Bel Paese."

For #1, we have Experience Sicily, which offers tours of the island region of Italy. There are unique experiences for those who wish to practice yoga or learn how to cook Sicilian food. There is also a "Myths and Mysteries" tour, which lets tourists discover off-the-beaten-path towns, interact with locals, and learn about Italy's ancient history.

Founder Allison Scola has lectured about Sicily at various higher education institutions, such as the University of Pennsylvania, the New School, and Queens College. She was featured as the cannoli expert in the documentary "Cannoli, Traditions Around the Table." In addition to pre-set itineraries, Scola will help any tourist plan a custom tour to meet their needs.

Founder Allison Scola has lectured about Sicily at various higher education institutions, such as the University of Pennsylvania, the New School, and Queens College.

Up next, at #2, we present Italophilia, a blog about the lifestyle, culture, and people of "the boot." Writer Ishita includes information about traveling to Italy, such as "What to Eat in Sicily Under 5 Euros," "The Doors of Rome," and "11 Pictures to Make You Fall in Love with Tellaro."

Ishita, a resident of India, taught herself Italian and also offers lessons on the language. Readers can learn about words such as "speranza," which means hope, or "divino," which means divine. She has also compiled many tips for solo female travelers to Italy, suggesting that these visitors try group tours, take morning flights, and to be extra careful at train stations.

The #3 entry is the Arbatax Park Resort and Spa in Sardinia. It covers nearly 150 acres on the edge of the Capo Bellavista peninsula. The park is surrounded by a rugged coastline, with numerous bays, and has several nearby beaches such as Le Palme, Moresca Cove, and Arenas where visitors can swim and lounge.

It covers nearly 150 acres on the edge of the Capo Bellavista peninsula.

The resort takes its name from Arbatax, a small town of around 1,000 inhabitants on the sea of the larger city of Tortoli. It is the world's only resort within a natural park. Many endemic Sardinian species reside in the area, including Giara horses, white Asinara donkeys, boars, wild goats, and many birds.

Coming in at #4 is Oliver's Travels, a site that helps tourists book luxurious vacation rentals in Europe. Those traveling to Italy can rent homes with pools, beachside villas, or family-friendly properties. The company curates a list of recommended locations, picked for their exceptional views, unique character, or excellent value for money.

The website includes travel guides for various popular Italian cities and regions, including Venice, the Amalfi Coast, Puglia, Tuscany, and Umbria. There is also a list of the top 10 must-visit historical sites in the country. Oliver's Travels offers a free concierge service that can assist with private car hires to local activities, catering, and transfers.

Oliver's Travels offers a free concierge service that can assist with private car hires to local activities, catering, and transfers.

Next up, at #5, we present Follow Me Away, a travel blog featuring detailed itineraries, packing lists, and insider tips. The website has curated a list of the 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Cinque Terre, Italy. It includes Hotel Porto Roca, which is located on a clifftop and offers a panoramic view of the sea.

On its "17 Best Day Trips From Rome Worth the Effort," Follow Me Away suggests visiting the ancient town of Ostia Antica, the village of Calcata, and Terme di Saturnia, Italy's famous thermal springs. They date back 3,000 years, are purported to have antioxidant properties, and are nearby an architecturally-significant Catholic church called the Chisea di Santa Maria Maddalena.

Last but not least, at #6 we have Cuoche in Vacanza, a company that offers private cooking classes and dinners to visitors in Tuscany. Founder Erika Elia is a professional chef and sommelier born in the Maremma province. Cuoche in Vacanza also offers an herb-gathering walk in the Pisa Countryside where travelers can forage for wild carrot, dandelion, wild oregano, and more.

Founder Erika Elia is a professional chef and sommelier born in the Maremma province.

For the private cooking classes, the chefs at Cuoche in Vacanza will travel to guests' lodging in Tuscany with all of the necessary ingredients. They will then offer instruction in making various Italian dishes, including pasta and focaccia. Vacationers only need a table, a fridge, and a stove to participate.