In recent weeks, The Luxury Travel Book team have been inspired by the first series of Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, which charts the actor’s incredible foodie trip around one of our favourite European countries. Tempted by the regional cuisine in every episode, it got us thinking about some of our most popular villas and apartments in the destinations that Tucci visits. What could be nicer than getting together with family or a group of friends, staying in a beautiful Italian apartment or villa and trying some of Stanley Tucci’s recommended restaurants, too!
The destinations below are all mentioned in the first series of Searching for Italy, and The Luxury Travel Book offers a variety of villas and city apartments in each location to suit groups of all sizes, from a couple or small family, to groups of up to 18 guests. In the spirit of Tucci’s quest for delicious regional cuisine, we are also recommending some of our tried-and-tested local food and wine experiences to entice you further.. Buon appetito!
Amalfi Coast and IschiaPiano di Sorrento(4 bedrooms, 8 guests)Situated on the Sorrento peninsula, this villa sits in a breathtaking position overlooking the ocean and the Li Galli islands. Set in large gardens, Piano di Sorrento has an infinity salt-water pool, with a hydro massage bench.Situated on the Sorrento peninsula, the villa sits in a breathtaking position overlooking the ocean and the Li Galli islands.
Vista Li Galli (2 bedrooms, 4-6 guests)This small property is situated in a quiet position in Positano, a short walk from the shops, restaurants, and sandy beach of Spiaggia Grande. Guests will love the small terrace with sea views, where a complimentary continental breakfast is served every morning.
Villa La Rondinaia (6 bedrooms, 12-14 guests)Perfect for a larger group or special occasion, this unique historic coastal villa is set in stunning terraced gardens. Benefitting from a beautiful swimming pool and wonderful sea views, the villa is also just an 8-minute walk from Amalfi town.
Villa Ischia (6-9 bedrooms, 11-18 guests)Situated just a 12-minute drive from Tucci’s recommended Il Focolare restaurant, Villa Ischia sits in large grounds, including palm trees, olive and lemon trees, and flowers, and descends directly down to the sea. The swimming pool area, walking paths and terraces are lit up at night for a truly magical atmosphere. Recommended Foodie Experience:Your Private Chef in Naples offers private chef services at your villa, as well as cooking classes, and catering for private events – perfect for those organising a larger family celebration, or for those simply wanting to learn more about the local cuisine.
RomeVicolo dei Panieri (4 bedrooms, 8 guests)This stunning, modern apartment, which boasts a spa, jacuzzi and sauna, is just a 5-minute walk from the Piazza di Santa Maria, Trastevere’s main square. Take a short walk across the Tiber river and the Campo dei Fiori and Piazza Navona can be reached within 15 minutes.
Via dei Foraggi (3 bedrooms, 6 guests)Arguably one of the most spectacular locations to stay in the city, this beautiful apartment to rent in Rome is situated to one side of the Roman Forum, and just a few steps from the Colosseum. Guests here will love the stunning views of the Forum from the apartment’s terraces, a totally unique experience for a stay in Rome!
Via del Corso (4 bedrooms, 8 guests)This apartment is very close to the Piazza Venezia, with its famous Monument of Victor Emanuel II, which can be seen from its spectacular roof terrace, which also has a jacuzzi. Piazza Navona, Campo dei Fiori, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum are all within a 15-minute walk,Recommended Foodie Experience:RomexLoveFor an authentic Roman foodie experience, we highly recommend Rome X Love, which offers everything from food tours in the markets of Rome, to cooking classes (in a group or with a private chef) and wine tastings..
Lake ComoVassena Lake View (7 bedrooms, 14 guests)Situated rigiht on the shores of Lake Como, just a short drive from Bellagio, Vassena Lake View is just a few minutes’ walk from the village of Vassena itself. With huge private grounds, a large swimming pool, dining area and barbecue, the villa also offers a landing stage for boats, perfect for those looking to explore the lake.
Villa Sala Comacina (6 bedrooms, 12 guests)This property benefits from a stunning location on the western shores of Lake Como, just outside the charming village of Sala Comacina, which is known for its shops, restaurants, and quaint, colourful houses. The villa also offers a long infinity swimming pool as well as a heated jacuzzi, and benefits from.outstanding views over the lake to the mountains beyond..
Villa Pescallo (3 bedrooms, 6 guests)In a wonderful lakeside location, overlooking the small hamlet of Pescallo and the beautiful town of Bellagio, Villa Pescallo also offers spectacular views over all three branches of the lake, and the Alps in the distance. For larger groups, the villa is 30m away from 5-bedroom villa, Villa Aureggio, and the two properties can be booked together.Recommended experiences:Marco’s Kitchenoffers cooking classes and/or a private chef at your villa. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious family meal or something deliciously decadent, Marco’s Kitchen is sure to deliver.
FlorenceApartment Bellini (4 bedrooms, 8 -12 guests)This beautiful, spacious apartment, located on the first floor of a 16th century building, is directly opposite the historic Piazza Pitti, and just steps from the Ponte Vecchio. Inside the apartment, 16th and 17th century frescoes decorate the walls and ceilings, and there are original pieces of furniture dating back to the Art Deco period. The modern kitchen has wonderful cooking facilities, and the owners can also arrange cooking classes here.
Via de’Bardi (2 bedrooms, 4 guests)The Oltrarno is a wonderful location to stay in Florence, with its authentic atmosphere, enticing restaurants and local artisan shops. This beautiful apartment also benefits from stunning views from its living room windows, which look out across the river Arno to the spectacular Uffizi Museum.
Signoria Palazzo (5 bedrooms, 10-11 guests)This historical family-owned Palazzo sits in a superb location, just steps from Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi and the Ponte Vecchio. Beautifully designed and furnished, the apartment is located on the fourth floor of the Palazzo and can be accessed by lift. The large, open plan living/dining room offers a fireplace, high beamed ceilings and French doors which open onto the furnished terrace and roof garden. Recommended experiences:The cooking classes at Apartment Bellini, as well as other local food, wine and walking tour experiences, can be arranged on request. We also recommend Out of the Box (more info in the Tuscany section below).
TuscanyVilla Fonterutoli (7 bedrooms, 14 guests)Amid the hills of the Chianti wine region, Villa Fonterutoli offers panoramic views over the countryside and vineyards. This beautiful villa is furnished with Tuscan antiques, while offering an array of modern amenities. It also has wonderful outdoor spaces for dining and relaxing, including an outdoor kitchen and grill, a fitness room, and a saltwater swimming pool.
Villa Gracciano (4-5 bedrooms, 7-9 guests)Situated on an organic wine estate, close to the beautiful and historic hilltop town of Montepulciano, Villa Gracciano’s light and spacious rooms open on to a large garden with a swimming pool. A terrace behind the house has a vine-covered pergola with a large stone table, perfect for outdoor dining.
Villa Capalbio (6 bedrooms, 12 guests)In southern Tuscany, just a 15-minute drive from the charming medieval town of Capalbio, and 10 minutes’ drive from the beach, this beautiful villa sits in large grounds with wonderful countryside views. In a beautiful location on a lower level, there is a swimming pool with jet stream and optional heating. Porto Ercole and Santo Stefano on the Monte Argentario peninsula, are both within an easy drive.Recommended ExperiencesWe work with Out of the Box sustainable tours, which offers adventures, hiking, wine tastings and food tours in Tuscany and Florence.
SicilyVilla Letojanni (7 bedrooms, 14 guests)The seaside resort of Letojanni, is just 10kms from the beautiful hilltop town of Taormina, with its historic centre and narrow winding streets. Set in a panoramic position, Villa Letojanni benefits from a very inviting saltwater swimming pool, and breathtaking views of the sea and Taormina Bay from its spacious terraces and garden.
Villa Cassibile (5 bedrooms, 8 guests)Villa Cassibile is located on the Gelsomineto Reserve, just a few steps from one of the most unspoilt beaches in the south-east of the island, making it perfect for a seaside holiday. It’s also the only property to have direct access to the beautiful Il Gelsomineto Marchesa beach. Within a large private garden, there is a large furnished terrace, a barbecue area and an infinity swimming pool with sea views.
Vista Isola Bella (6 bedrooms, 12 guests)Surrounded by mature gardens, Villa Isola Bella has a magnificent infinity pool, with wonderful views across to the island of Isola Bella itself. There are plenty of areas in the gardens for al fresco dining, or just relaxing in the sunshine or shade. The villa is also within walking distance of Taormina, with its restaurants, bars and its ancientGreek theatre. Recommended Experiences:For local experiences and tours in Sicily, please contact us directly on info@theluxurytravelbook.com giving details of your preferred type of tour, and we would be happy to help.
