Searching for Italy? Top Italian villas and foodie experiences inspired by Stanley Tucci’s popular TV show

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 Ischia: Piano 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.

Terrazza Grande (5 bedrooms, 10 guests)

This Terrazza Grande luxury villa to rent on the Amalfi Coast is one of just several houses on a private complex with four acres of terraced gardens and orchards. A small shared pool is also available for use by all guests at the properties here.

Situated right above the sea, with wonderful sea views, there are private steps leading down to a small sandy beach below, and the centre of Positano can be reached in around 15 minutes on foot. With accommodation on three floors, the luxury holiday rental on the Amalfi Coast also benefits from three private terraces, one on each level. The ground floor terrace has a furnished outdoor living and dining area, and the lower floor, has a small indoor pool, leading out to the terrace and garden. The first floor also has a sun terrace.

Villa La Rondinaia (6 bedrooms, 12-14 guests)

A luxury villa to rent on the Amalfi Coast is an elegant and historic property, situated close to the beautiful town of Ravello. Situated on a cliff face, with sensational sea views, the luxury villa to rent on the Amalfi Coast is just an eight-minute walk, via a private flat pathway, from the beautiful town of Ravello

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.

Rome: Vicolo 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.

Vista Piazza Navona (3 bedrooms, 6-10 guests)

The Vista Piazza Navona is a luxurious villa apartment available for rental in the heart of Rome, Italy. Offering a unique and enviable location, this exquisite holiday rental is directly overlooking the world-renowned Piazza Navona, providing guests with unparalleled views and access to one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. With its prime position, this vacation apartment is just a short walk from the city’s major tourist attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring all that Rome has to offer.

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 Como: Vassena Lake View

(7 bedrooms, 14 guests) Situated right 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 Malakoff (4 bedrooms, 8 guests)

Built in 1860, the luxury Villa Malakoff to rent on Lake Como stands on a small hill within the beautiful grounds of the Villa d’Este, only a few steps from the lake itself. One of Italy’s iconic properties, Villa d’Este and the surrounding villas occupy an enviable spot on Lake Como, amid 25 acres of luxuriously landscaped park. The four private villas to rent, located within the park, offer all the services of the Hotel combined with the privacy and exclusivity of a private villa- the perfect Lake Como experience.

Florence: Via dei Rustici (2 bedrooms, 4 guests)

This charming Via dei Rustici luxury apartment to rent in Florence is in the Santa Croce area, on the eastern edge of the historic city centre, and within a 2 minute walk of Piazza Santa Croce and its famous Basilica. The neighbourhood offers a glimpse of “old” Florence with its lively markets and small leather and artisan workshops, including the flea market (Mercato delle Pulci) at Piazza dei Ciompi. The Mercato St. Ambrogio, the city’s second main food market after the Mercato San Lorenzo, is also within a short walk of this luxury Florence rental apartment. 

Piazza Pitti (4 bedrooms, 8-12 guests)

This wonderful contemporary-styled Piazza Pitti luxury apartment to rent in Florence, offers guests the perfect blend of old and new. This luxury apartment is situated in the Piazza Pitti, just steps from the Ponte Vecchio. Several of the apartment’s windows offer impressive views of the Palazzo Pitti, home to the Medici’s during the Renaissance, and now housing a huge collection of important art (at night the sparkling lights of the palace can be seen from the apartment windows). Nearby to this beautiful vacation rental, you will also find Piazza della Signoria, the Bargello, Santa Croce, the Duomo, and the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery.

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).

Tuscany: Villa 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 Experiences, We work with Out of the Box sustainable tours, which offers adventures, hiking, wine tastings and food tours in Tuscany and Florence.

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 ancient Greek theatre. Recommended Experiences: For local experiences and tours in Sicily, please contact us directly on [email protected] giving details of your preferred type of tour, and we would be happy to help.