Where we stay

The hotels we stay in on our tours are individually tried and tested by us. More often than not they are family owned and run, and we choose them for their comfort, authenticity and charm.  Most tours have two or three different hotels across the week, and these can be a combination of friendly local guest houses in the heart of a medieval village to more luxurious establishments with famous reputations.

Some of the places we stay are olive oil farms, or converted Ducal palaces, former abbeys and monasteries or mountain resorts with fabulous spa facilities.  We are particular fans of Italy’s “Alberghi Diffusi” – a scheme which successfully breathes life back into the stones of ancient and deserted hamlets, turning them into hotels with rooms scattered throughout the original buildings of the village.  Perhaps the most magical of these is on our Southern Italy tour, where our guests sleep in rooms converted from Matera’s unique cave dwellings.  

We have long-standing and close relationships with all our hoteliers, and receive the warmest of welcomes whenever we return with our groups.