The Secrets of Italy - Our Favourite Exclusive Experiences from Target Travel, Luxury DMC
Italy is a country that lifts spirits, gladdens the soul, and dances on the palate. With so much to uncover, it takes a real depth of knowledge to experience this country in its most authentic way.
With over 40 years of expertise, their beautifully crafted itineraries cater to every wanderlust dream, whether it’s savouring the fruits of the Mediterranean diet, diving into artisan traditions or basking in landscapes of legendary beauty. Their bespoke approach results in unique tours that share the cherished secrets of the Italians; from ways to peacefully savour even the busiest destinations to a plethora of exclusive experiences - all delivered with an artisanal touch.
Here, we’ve handpicked a few of our favourite Target Travel experiences, each one offering a fascinating glimpse into Italy’s secret soul.
Experiences for Gastronomes and Oenophiles…
It’s no secret that Italy is a paradise on Earth for food and wine lovers alike, and Target Travel's curated culinary journeys take indulgence to new heights…
Bacarando in Venice: A Food and Wine Tour with the Locals
In the company of a local private guide, this tour weaves through the lively San Marco and San Polo districts on what is less a food and wine experience and more an immersive trip into the city’s flavoursome soul.
Beginning with an iconic Venetian spritz, guests travel glass in hand through hidden alleyways to discover Venice’s bacari (authentic wine bars and taverns beloved by locals) and stop at small, family-run establishments to taste cicchetti, traditional snacks that pair perfectly with the region’s wines - think marinated seafood, creamy baccalà and bite-sized delights. Inviting guests into the convivial spirit of the city, where lingering over an extra glass of wine feels perfectly natural, this day teams the best of the region’s cuisine with the warmth and storytelling that make Venice so unforgettable.
Adopt an Olive Tree: A Taste of Italy’s ancient groves.
Available across the country, from the rolling hills of Veneto to the sun-soaked shores of Sicily, Target Travel's Adopt an Olive Tree experiences are a unique and exclusive way to enjoy this quintessential Italian taste..
Beginning with a day in the groves, visitors meet dedicated family producers handpicked for the high quality of the oils they produce. Walking among the silvered leaves, they’ll learn the secrets of olive cultivation, take part in the harvest and even follow the fruit’s transformation during a visit to the olive mill - culminating in a tasting of the nuanced flavours. After, for an annual fee of around €100 (paid direct to the farm), guests can continue to be part of the production story, regularly receiving personalised bottles direct to their homes - a wonderfully connected way to keep their trip alive in the most delicious way possible.
Adopt your very own Wine Grapes and Vintage.
For those who prefer their wines, it’s also possible to adopt a row and follow the lifecycle of a famous vintage in the same way. Covering Italy’s most prestigious wine regions, this fabulous experience allows guests to become part of the journey of some of the most renowned wineries around - beginning with a day at the winery itself. Here, after selecting their own row of vines, learning the secrets of viticulture and watching harvested grapes transform into wine, guests can choose if they want to pay an annual fee for personalised deliveries to their home - allowing them to savour the wine and the memories of where it came from on a continuing basis.
Experiences for Culture Lovers…
Italy’s cultural heritage extends far beyond colosseums, museums and cathedrals - here are three ways to step into living traditions and meet the artisans who keep them alive.
Textile Restoration on Lake Orta in Northern Italy
Lake Orta’s shimmering waters and serene monastery set an idyllic stage for an experience of quiet beauty. Taking a boat across the lake to the monastery, guests can explore the stunning surroundings and watch the nuns, who have devoted their lives to preserving Europe’s finest textiles, painstakingly restoring ancient fabrics and embroideries thread by thread. From church vestments to private family heirlooms, every piece carries its own fascinating story of history and devotion, and the combination of the peace of the monastery and the nuns’ meticulous craftsmanship is simply a delight.
The Art of Hat Making in Florence.
A chance to discover a newfound appreciation for the timeless charm of handmade fashion. We can think of few better places to do so than deep in the heart of Florence. The city is synonymous with fashion - and in the heart of the city, a small atelier keeps the art of handmade hat-making alive. A visit here is a wonderful chance to discover a world where every piece is a labour of love, combining patience, creativity and skills passed down through generations to craft the most elegant of headwear for all occasions - from weddings and countryside escapes to silver-screen glamour.
A Day as a Neapolitan Luthier in Naples
Nothing captures the spirit of Naples more than the music of the mandolin, and this experience is a fascinating glimpse into the work of a master luthier - one where guests get to help craft one of these iconic instruments themselves. With expert guidance, visitors learn to heat and bend the wood and glue the delicate staves as they help transform a piece of raw timber into a piece of intricate beauty and sound. This is an experience that blends artisanal technique with a deep connection to the soul of Naples - a soul that vibrates with music, history and passion.
Experiences for those seeking spectacular scenery
Italy’s landscapes are as diverse as its history, with everything from towering mountains and tranquil lakes to sun-drenched vineyards. Here are some of our favourite - and oh-so unforgettable - scenic adventures from Target Travel’s portfolio.
A Private Boat Tour on Lake Como
Gliding across the jewel-coloured waters of Lake Como on a sleek private motorboat? Yes please! On this fabulously starry-feeling day, guests pass historic villas, lush gardens and charming villages, hair in the breeze and spray on their faces as their guide recounts tales of the lake’s history and its A-list residents - pointing out sights like Villa Balbianello, the cascading waters of Nesso and (of course) George Clooney’s famous retreat. Later, as the sun paints the lake in twilight hues, guests finish their day by contemplating the old-glamour beauty of this place where time seems to stand still.
A Tuscan picnic in the vineyards of Montepulciano
Where better to slow down and savour life than in the lush greenery of Tuscany’s rolling hills? This delicious day begins with a tour of a family-run winery, where visitors can learn about the methods and secrets of producing two incredible wines - the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG and the Rosso di Montepulciano DOC - and enjoy a guided tasting to fully appreciate both. Then, picnic basket in hand, it’s time to head into the vineyards for a feast of local delicacies - pecorino cheese, cured meats and seasonal vegetables paired with a bottle of Rosso di Montepulciano - a joyously simple rural moment to treasure.
Cycling the ancient landscapes of Puglia
A bike tour is a wonderful way to discover Puglia’s unique beauty of centuries-old olive groves, charming masserie (historic fortified farms) and timeless traditions. Setting off from the picturesque town of Monopoli, this leisurely ride heads along quiet country roads flanked by dry-stone walls and ancient trees, discovering mediaeval villages carved into the rock, frescoed churches and a 13th-century oil mill hidden within a grotto. As the tour winds on past the beautiful beach views of Porto Ghiacciolo and rolling fields of fig trees, prickly pears and oh-so ancient olive groves, visitors stop at a working farm for a tasting of some of the finest local delicacies around. From tapenades, wines and marmalades to local extra virgin olive oil, this is a perfect day that immerses participants in the flavours, history and rhythms of Puglia past and present.
Experiences on the Islands…
And of course, Italy’s charms extend beyond its landlocked borders - its islands holding treasures as diverse as their landscapes. From the volcanic slopes of Sicily to Sardinia’s ancient artisanry, here’s just a tiny taste of what Target Travel have up their sleeves:
In Sicily…
Discover the volcanic majesty of Mount Etna on an e-bike tour from Catania, and learn to sew a traditional Sicilian shawl in Palermo. For a culinary adventure, the street food tour in Syracuse is a must.
In Sardinia…
Visit the bustling San Benedetto Market in Cagliari, and then head to Alghero to enjoy a guided sunset tour among wild herbs before a traditional Sardinian dinner. After, in Cuglieri, uncover the ancient weaving techniques that define the island’s artisan heritage.
In Calabria…
Indulge in a cheese-tasting journey in Miglierina, where each flavor captures the rugged beauty of Calabria’s landscape.
In Basilicata…
Bake Pane di Matera, an iconic bread with a long history, or explore the Sassi of Matera on an Ape Calessino tour. For a taste of tradition, visit Moliterno to experience the celebrated Canestrato cheese.
Best of all? With Target Travel Luxury DMC for Italy these experiences are just the beginning.
Whether your guests are longing for a gastronomic adventure, a cultural immersion or a scenic escape, they can help uncover the Italy of their dreams - get in touch today to learn more.