Autumn in Italy is a season of transformation, where the countryside becomes a tapestry of fiery reds, burnt oranges, and golden yellows. The cooler temperatures make it an ideal time for exploration, from strolling through Tuscany’s vineyards, adorned with ripened grapes and vibrant foliage, to hiking the dramatic trails of the Dolomites. Truffle dominates in Piedmont and Umbria, while cities like Florence, Rome, and Venice offer a quiet, atmospheric charm with fewer crowds. Let’s not forget about wellbeing, a time to recharge post-summer, and absorb a sense of quietude to prepare for winter. Here are five experiences to try in Italy during the Autumn season.
1
Hike amid the stunning foliage
Italy’s landscapes are particularly enchanting in autumn, offering some of the most scenic walks for admiring the vibrant colors of changing foliage. In the north, the Dolomites are breathtaking, where hiking trails like the Val di Funes or the Alpe di Siusi provide panoramic views of jagged peaks contrasted by golden larches and auburn beech trees. Lake Como also transforms beautifully, with trails such as the Greenway del Lago revealing vibrant foliage against the serene lake waters. Central Italy’s Tuscany is spectacular in fall, especially in areas like Chianti and the Casentino Forest National Park. In southern Italy, the Amalfi Coast offers unique autumn beauty, with the Path of the Gods trail presenting views of the sea framed by autumn colours, while Sicily’s Mount Etna region adds the contrast of fiery foliage set against dark volcanic rock.
2
Candle Massage at Borgo Santo Pietro
Imagine hearing the rain drops outside, and you’re lying there, on a heated bed receiving a calming, nourishing massage with whiffs of vanilla, rose and oud wood. Each ritual at the Borgo Santo Pietro spa, doesn’t just end with physical benefits (and even those, you feel as though you’re on cloud 9 from the moment you walk out the doors), but mental as well. A sense of calm, with the classical music, hot tea infusion either at the start or end of your treatment (or both), candles flickering away, and the bushy nature outside swaying in the breeze. This cozy Tuscan hideaway offers seclusion within the secluded countryside – who thought that would be possible? but truly. Twelve villas are nestled away among trees, bushes and flowers, and three of these with their own private pool. So whether you’re indulging in a treatment at the spa, taking a bubble bath ritual in your room or reading a book by the flickering fireplace, autumn becomes purely magical. WEBSITE
3
Make your own cosmetics at castello di casole
Did you know that at Castello di Casole you can walk in the Etruscan footsteps and learn their smart approach to creating natural skincare? By joining the Cosmetology workshop, you’ll not only create your own set of beauty products to take home but also learn all the hacks for making face creams, oils, scrubs, and bath salts right in your kitchen. With just a few natural ingredients, like almond or olive oil, clay powder, distilled water, sea or Himalayan salt, and essential oils, you’ll be able to mix and match based on your desired benefits, designing your own unique line of skincare essentials. WEBSITE
4
Truffle hunting at Nordelaia
In the region that bridges Piedmont and Liguria, nestled between the sea and mountains, the Nordelaia relais places truffles at the heart of its autumn offerings. White truffles, a hallmark of Monferrato and an iconic local variety, take center stage here. The property offers a range of activities, from truffle hunting amidst the fall foliage to savouring a special menu at the LORTO and Bistrot restaurants, where Chef Charles Pearce brings out the finest flavours of this delicacy. At the gourmet restaurant LORTO, white truffle takes centre stage in dishes like the soft Varesio egg with 36-month aged Parmesan fondue and caramelized onion. Meanwhile, at the Bistrot, the menu features a refined take on a classic: 40-yolk tajarin pasta with alpine butter and a rich chicken jus. WEBSITE
5
Wine tasting At La Collina dei Ciliegi
Leaving Verona and heading toward the Lessini Mountains, you’ll pass through Valpantena, a region marked by sweeping forests interspersed with orderly rows of vineyards. Autumn brings a vibrant palette of reds and oranges, calling for forest strolls, horseback rides and wine tasting. From Tuesday to Sunday, you can enjoy daily tastings that showcase the enological excellence of Valpantena and Valpolicella, curated by the team at La Collina dei Ciliegi winery. For a full immersion in this area, you can book a room at the Resort La Collina dei Ciliegi, and alternate your time with spa treatments and delicious meals at their Ca del Moro restaurant. WEBSITE
