Destinations: The Culture, History & Beauty of Italy

Italy in the fall, what could possibly be better? Maybe Italy in the spring! I really don’t think you can find a season that you don’t fall in love with Italia. As an avid traveler there is always a special spot for Italy in my heart but to have a wedding there, would be a couples dream come true. With the history, culture and outstanding beauty is no wonder it is a hot spot for celebrities and the jet set.

Arriving in Milan early in the morning to the full hustle and bustle of a very metropolitan city we were torn -do we explore this fashion capital or head to peaceful Lake Como. We will save the busy city of Milan for last so on to Lake Como. Off we headed, the cab ride took almost an hour but time flew as we watched the countryside wake up. We stayed at Hotel Asigno in Cernobbio on Lake Como, the road to the hotel wound around and up the mountain with a view overlooking the lake town resort. The restaurant in the hotel was all glass so you had a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the lake which is at the border of the Swiss and Italian Alps .

Hotel Asigno is accustomed to hosting weddings, and couples come from all over the world to celebrate their union here. The hotel greeted us with breakfast in traditional Italian manner, fresh juices, Italian meats and pastries. After breakfast we arrived at our rooms which were reminiscent of a lovely bed and breakfast. Our rooms overlooked the serenity of Lake Como what a romantic spot for a honeymoon! We decided to be adventurous and take the footpath down to town. The quaint town with its unique architecture had one exquisite shop after another. The weather was remarkably warm for October which is the perfect time to visit Italy. Tourism slows down a bit and you can thoroughly appreciate the town and the villagers. We visited Harry’s (Cippriani’s) Bar, sipping bellinis and light fare we couldn’t help observe the Italians and envy their lifestyle. Here there is no rush the locals take long lunches and really enjoy life.

The evening turned cool and we visited another restaurant near the hotel at the top of the mountain. We enjoyed a glass of wine and traditional fare gnocchi in a veal sauce which overflowed the plates it was divine!. Walking back to the Hotel Asigno with just the stars lighting the way you could totally understand why George Clooney has his home nearby. That night as I looked out the patio doors across the lake, the water shimmered with the lights from the homes embedded in the mountains. The next morning while having breakfast on the terrace the staff was setting up for a wedding so our timing could not have been better for a first hand glimpse of a wedding hosted with relaxed style. The simple elegance of gold and silver dinnerware, fresh flowers, modern décor and wonderful food. Lake Como and Hotel Asigno were beautiful, charming and peaceful the perfect place to celebrate a wedding and enjoy each other.

On to Venice

Venice is known as one of the most romantic cities in the world and nothing I could describe would prepare my colleagues for their first view. Winding through the mazes of streets and canals you are in awe as to how this ancient city on the water was built. Venice is romance; it is everywhere you look from the gondolas to the strolling couples. The Westin Regina and Europa Hotel was our destination and again Italian hospitality at its finest. The Westin is located right on the Grand Canal and its elegance surrounds you the minute you open the door. This hotel can host a wedding fit for royalty- it is lavishly decorated ranking it a 5 star with service to match. The cuisine is extraordinary, as the chefs cater to every pallet and there is a menu for every occasion. The accommodations are regal and out of town wedding guests will be happy to call it their home away from home.

There are a variety of elegant grand ballrooms to have a wedding in and the attention to detail that the Westin Regina and Europa provide is outstanding. One striking location is the Courtyard facing the Grand Canal, with greenery, plants, florals and tiny birds. The open air and water provides a view of traveling gondolas as well as the island’s architecture and the neighboring island of Murano famous for their blown glass. It was breathtaking!

This floating city has every designer store imaginable but also their own one of kind boutiques and a wonderful outdoor market. The island has a budget fit for every lifestyle. Everything is in walking distance and there are no cars on the island, in fact all the goods and produce are brought in on boats early in the morning. The famous San Marco square is steeped in history and is fascinating to explore from the famous church where the bones of St Mark are buried at the alter to the bell tower. The square welcomes millions of visitors each year and has many outdoor cafes with string quartets and of course the famous pigeons which will gladly take a picture with you! Crossing over the bridge of Sighs takes you from Dodge’s Palace into the prison where Casanova was held, you could almost feel what it would be like to have your last look at freedom hence the bridge of Sighs. Venice also offers entertainment with a grand casino to try your hand at luck. Winding through the narrow streets is elegant theater where “Carnival” a play about true Venetian history is performed as you dine on a gourmet dinner .The Rialto is another wonderful spot with lots of food and shopping. There is so much to see and do on this tiny island, and as told to me by the hotel’s marketing director Francesca “you will need to return again and again to experience the true romance of Venice”.

Next stop Florence.
The best way to get around Italy is the train so our train ride started in Venice and on to Florence. These are not ordinary trains they are luxurious, new, clean and have a food and wine bar!

You can’t visit Italy without seeing Florence- another city of wonder. An artist’s paradise, sculptures and statues everywhere tell the story. It is no wonder the city captured the heart of Leonardo De Vinci where “David” finds his home and the “Duomo” reigns supreme. The Architecture of this cathedral is breathtaking and the painted ceilings tell the story of Christianity in detail. Here to, this tiny city has everything in walking distance and there are no cars downtown on the streets, the locals travel by bicycle.
The Ponte Vecchio nearby is another landmark stop with a great story, it is a bridge which locals have inhabited for generations while humble in accommodations it is considered a privilege to live there. Florence is best experienced with a tour guide as there are so many historical details which not only impact Italy but the whole world.

Next Stop Tuscany.
We rented a car to experience the beautiful Tuscan countryside.
When you think “Tuscany” one conjures up images of wineries, olive oils and winding roads through the countryside. Off to Sienna we headed passing monasteries, hilltop villages and castles. Two nights were spent at the exclusive “Borgna La Bagnaia” resort, an 1100 hectare medieval estate 12 kilometers from Sienna. This resort/spa of Renaissance style caters to the connoisseurs of elegance- it is the site of an international equestrian event which has acquired an almost cult-like following amongst the international jet set. The medieval estate dates back to the 1200’s keeping its unique style with a full functioning convention centre and exquisite catering. There is a church with artifacts dating back centuries right there that alone is priceless for a wedding. The rolling lawns have pavilions, poolside terraces with a majestic backdrop complete with a distant castle on one side and the town of Sienna on the other. This beautiful facility has the finest cuisine prepared fresh daily and the presentation is a culinary delight. The dishes are pared with appropriate wines to compliment each other. The service is impeccable and Borgno La Bagnaia enjoys hosting weddings for couples all over the globe. The sunsets are beautiful here and the air smells sweet something I will always remember.

The Buddha Spa on the grounds features natural springs, therapeutic massages and high clientele services. Perfect for couples to unwind and de-stress after all the wedding planning.

Although we did not want to leave this resort we couldn’t come this far and not go to a winery to truly taste Tuscany. The Borgna Resort director Ferdinando provided us an excellent local driver/guide Miguel with Intercar, who in one day showed us more than we could have found in a week. The Altesino winery was our destination and as we approached it looked like a picture post card overlooking the hill town of San Galliano. The olive oil and wine tasting was a true Tuscan delight to our senses! We finished our day in Sienna’s town square within the ancient city walls. Outdoor café’s surround the main square where locals spend the sunny afternoon people watching. If you have the energy to really see a fabulous view you can climb the tower, a good 15 minute climb and the stairs narrow as you go. Sienna is known for its annual horse race around the town square- an ancient tradition still held today.

Our driver Miguel called this area his little jewel where people live to be a hundred!

Leaving for Milan I felt a little sad as I knew the trip was coming to an end. We had one day left to experience the romance of Italy. We arrived at the Westin Palace, another 5 star luxury living hotel and we were lead to the bridal suite, gorgeous! Its metropolitan elegance and rich surroundings had centre pieces in the lobby that were works of art. The martini bar is a great place to bring out of town guests before the wedding and dining here is a one of a kind experience as the food is prepared to perfection. The Westin is noted for hosting many a destination wedding and welcome the opportunity to make your day one you won’t forget.

A 15 minute walk to the main city centre there is so much to experience it could not be accomplished in a day, maybe a week. Landmark restaurants, great shopping, theater and all that a busy city and fashion capitol has to offer.
Our hotel suite was probably the most elegant yet and as I lay down for my last night I honestly could say- to have a wedding in any of these locations would be perfect. When you remember Italy- it is hard to pick just one thing- the scenery, food, wine, ancient villages, cobblestone streets, gondolas, music, cathedrals and the list goes on…

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