ITALY
Target Travel
Rich heritage, cultural depth and sublime scenery - Italy has long been a firm favourite with those seeking sun-drenched European luxury so we’re beyond delighted to welcome Target Travel to the Travel Kinship family, ready to guide your guests to a deeper and more immersive Italian experience.
With 40 years’ of expertise behind them, their masterful, creative and experiential itineraries are meticulously tailored to immerse guests in Italy’s lesser-known regions, and to head off-trail in even the most well-travelled spots with experiences that offer a fresh perspective.
Imagine a tailor-made tour that strolls the ancient streets of Rome, explores the rustic hills of Tuscany, soaks up the 50s vibes of Capri and the Amalfi coast and discovers the world-class food and wines of Friuli… and so much more! But the best bit? We know your guests will love their main USP - a personal concierge service complete with their own dedicated expert, always available to ensure a flawless trip, every time.
Italy Beyond the Classics
Of course, icons like Venice, Florence, and Rome are all on the menu. But Target Travel specialises in meticulously curating immersive experiences that take guests off the beaten path, exploring lesser-seen, but oh-so captivating Italian spots that will leave your guests feeling like they’ve uncovered a rich travel secret. Some are better known than others, their understated charms capturing the hearts of the discerning and the romantic alike.
Like the Amalfi Coast and Capri, whose winding streets bring the just-discovered 1950s spirit of travel back to life. This is the Italy that romantics long for, a utopia of picturesque villages and cliffside restaurants best explored in a convertible, hair flowing in the soft Mediterranean breeze, or by boat, sailing like a movie star from one beautiful hidden bay to another. Or Puglia, whose coastlines, charming villages, Baroque architecture and mouth-watering local cuisine make for an unmissable destination.
This treasure trove of authentic experiences are ever-more popular - think food festivals and local artisan crafts, all wrapped up in scenery that offers endless beauty. And let’s not forget the spectacular regions of Tuscany, Marche and Umbria, their unmatched rustic beauty nestled in Italy’s hinterlands. Here, guests can stroll through mediaeval villages visiting local artisans, olive mills and world-renowned wineries, all while revelling in the lush, rolling hill landscapes that change with each and every turn.
Diving deeper still…
But we spoke of rich travel secrets, and it’s here that Target Travel’s magic truly comes alive with immersive, intimate experiences rich in history, culture and gastronomy. In the North, Piedmont, known for its elegant wines, art-filled cities and snow-capped majesty, is breathtaking all year-round. This is a place of both cultural and culinary delights - sophisticated Turin in particular exuding an effortless blend of elegance and innovation, its baroque palaces, grand piazzas and art nouveau cafés shoulder to shoulder with a cutting-edge culinary scene of traditional Piedmontese flavours with a modern gastronomy twist.
Bordered by Austria, Slovenia and the Adriatic Sea, Friuli is a storied, multicultural place with diverse beauty in landscapes that range from from dramatic peaks to serene lagoons. The regional capital, Trieste, has a gorgeous old-world charm of grand Habsburg-era architecture and a vibrant café culture; while the Roman ruins of Aquileia and mediaeval towns like Cividale del Friuli offer glimpses of more ancient times. And this region too is a paradise for wine lovers and foodies alike - Friuli’s rolling vineyards producing some of Italy’s most exquisite white wines and local cuisine blending alpine heartiness with coastal freshness.
Sustainable, Off-Season Travel
Can you visit Italy off-season? Yes you can - and should. Between mid-November and March, guests can forget the thronging crowds and embrace a more intimate side - just them and the locals, with time to stop, chat and share their love of their hometowns. And of course, the weather is far more clement than the fierce heat of summer for those whose interests lie in the exploration of culture, art and architecture. These are the months to truly savour Italy’s history and natural beauty with a tranquillity it’s hard to find in the bustling high season - enjoying the ultimate luxury of visiting world-famous cities, attending local religious festivals, browsing stunning seasonal markets and exploring serene landscapes in perfect peace and comfort.
Last but absolutely not least, in the toe of Italy’s boot, rugged Calabria is a place of untamed beauty and ancient history that remains far removed from the well-worn tourist trails. Whether you're exploring Byzantine monasteries, diving off the Capo Vaticano or sipping wine under the shade of ancient olive trees, this is Italy’s untamed soul. Here, dramatic mountains plunge into the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas, secluded coves feel like they belong to you alone and the coastline is dotted with charming fishing villages and cliff-clinging pastel houses.
Inland, the Aspromonte Mountains rise with wild abandon, wound by some of Italy’s most spectacular hiking trails. And the region’s culinary heritage is equally rich - Calabria is famous for its fiery ‘nduja sausage, robust olive oils and bold red wines from indigenous grapes like Gaglioppo.
A Taste of Target Travel’s Signature Italian Experiences
And those unique experiences? Target Travel’s collection of signature tours are designed to showcase the essence of Italy - each one carefully curated to engage authentically with Italian culture, history and/or nature in a deep and meaningful way. Here are just a few of our favourites…
Vermouth Tasting in Turin
Heading to the historic centre of Turin, this expertly guided walk takes guests through the story, legends and customs of Turin’s most famous aperitif, from the tale of Mr Carpano to the success of Cinzano. A brilliantly original way to uncover the heart of the city, guests discover some of the most glamorous new places to enjoy the aperitif, finishing with a Vermouth tasting at a traditional restaurant - a fabulous blend of history and flavour.
Hiking Cinque Terre
Along the Italian Riviera, the five picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre are unmissably beautiful - a UNESCO-designated gift of tiny villages, iconic colourful houses, dramatic cliffs, breathtaking coastal scenery and lush pine forests sure to leave guests speechless. Accompanied by one of Target Travel’s expert storytellers, guests explore the village of Manarola before hiking through the forests and terraced vineyards, taking in the incredible views, learning about the centuries-old traditions of wine production and ending in the village of Corniglia with a fine wine tasting and some delicious local snacks.
Cycling through the Prosecco Hills
In northeastern Italy, the UNESCO-designated rolling vineyards of the Prosecco Hills are renowned for producing this famous sparkling wine. The best way to discover the beautiful sights and tastes of the region? Take an e-bike tour where, in the company of expert guides, guests explore unforgettable landscapes and visit wineries and trattorias for a great food and Prosecco experience to remember!
Olive Harvesting in Assisi
Assisi, in the heart of Umbria, is a serene hilltop town known for its spiritual significance and mediaeval charm, being the birthplace of Saint Francis, founder of the Franciscan order, and home to the magnificent Basilica of San Francesco, a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with frescoes. In this family-friendly activity, guests can participate in the olive harvest here, learning the stories and subtle flavours of the ancient groves before tasting the fruits of their labour on delicious warm bruschetta, washed down (for the adults!) with some of the finest DOC Assisi. Better yet, guests can even choose to reserve 12 bottles of olive oil extracted from the olives they pick, with the bottles shipped home.
Bread Baking in Matera
A hands-on experience in one of the city’s historic bakeries sees guests immersed in the art of breadmaking, learning the secrets behind Matera’s famous bread, a unique artisanal product with centuries of history. The day begins with a guided tour through local traditions, learning how this ancient bread has been a staple of the Mediterranean diet. Then it’s time to get stuck in! Rolling up their sleeves, guests bake their own loaf in a blend of traditional and modern techniques, ending the workshop with a tasting of freshly baked bread paired with a glass of Lucanian wine.
Wine Growing in Monteciccardo
An unforgettable and oh-so authentic experience for any wine lover, this is a day spent learning the ancient art of winemaking - the traditional way - in the beautiful setting of Monteciccardo’s vineyards, just a breath away from the sea. Taking a step back in time, with scissors and baskets in hand, guests help with the harvest, learning its time-honoured ways as they go. After? Yes, it’s bare footed into the vats to press the bunches, just as untold generations have done before. After, an idyllic picnic lunch is accompanied by a tasting, before a tour of the cellars finishes the day in style.
Step back in time with a Friuli winery tour
Friuli’s border location has created a complex past of occupation and mixed cultures, and there are few better ways to understand the influences of this storied culture and tradition than with a visit to one of the region’s best wineries. This incredible place, a renowned international winery, is steeped in fascinating history and after, guests are welcomed into the owners’ stunning historic villa, where they will be personally guided through a tasting of their finest wines, sipped amidst frescoed walls and centuries-old architecture - a real step back in time to 17th century Italy.
What types of accommodation can guests expect?
With their customary attention to detail, Target Travel search for and personally test every hotel so you can be sure that their selections are of the highest possible quality, and - in their own words! - always with “that touch of quality and Italian class”. Their range covers everything from classic luxury hotels to boutique stays and even luxury apartments, houses and villas. Their classic range is made up of 4 and 5* properties while their boutique and independents have been handpicked from the best of the best, each one offering a family welcome but always at the highest level.
In the Italian Art cities, the demand for luxury apartments and homes has grown quickly, and Target Travel have their own portfolio of top notch properties to choose from, while houses and villas are available in the outlying regions - perfect for families and groups. For those staying in the Italian countryside or on islands like Sicily, charm and quality go hand in hand, with stays of all kinds available - from high end Agriturismo accommodation to regionally unique properties like the ancient Masserie houses of Puglia and the Bagli of Sicily (all renovated to provide the best in modern comfort).
And more on that Personal Concierge Service?
Before we sign off, it would be lax of us not to revisit what truly sets Target Travel apart, and that’s their personal concierge service. With it, your guests will enjoy access to a dedicated expert who is available 24/7 to make sure that every detail of their trip is flawless.
Whether it’s last-minute adjustments or a surprise request, Target Travel’s concierge ensures a seamless, luxurious travel experience from start to finish - resulting in delighted guests that will come back time and time again.
For an introduction to the team, get in touch today!