Long Work Trip? Italy’s Top 10 Weekend Getaways

Mention a business trip to Italy to your friends and they are sure to be jealous. Whilst work will be top of your agenda, you will want to take time to relax on your days off. With over 45 million visitors each year, Italy is packed full of things to do during weekend breaks away from the office.

1. Florence

Florence is a haven for art lovers, with dozens of galleries for those seeking a culture fix. The impressive Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery, where you can see Michelangelo’s famous statue of David, are must sees. Art leads the way in terms of  economic growth in Florence, so earn extra brownie points by exploring the city’s cultural hotspots.

2. Bologna

Food lovers can head north to Bologna, for a masterclass in how to make Spaghetti Bolognese at the Bologna Cookery School. With full and half day courses available, you will still find time to explore the other culinary delights of the city, including a trip to nearby Parma for the ultimate ham experience.

3. Rome

Whether it’s your first or fifth visit to Rome, there is something new for you to enjoy in the capital. The Sistine Chapel, The Colosseum and The Pantheon will delight history enthusiasts and are definitely worth the long queues. Perhaps the best thing to do in Rome is to wander down the labyrinth of side streets, laden with wine bars, small churches and big name attractions, such as the Trevi Fountain.

4. Milan

If you are in need of a little retail therapy, Milan is the city for you. Top name fashion houses are concentrated in the Quadrilatero d’Oro area of the city centre but, if big brand names are not your cup of tea, you will find an array of quirky fashion stores dotted around town. The city is home to the largest urban economy in Italy, a place where being business savvy pays off.

5. Lake Garda

For picturesque views and ultimate relaxation, head to Italy’s great lakes. A walk along the lakeside promenades followed by a glass of red wine or two will definitely blow away the stresses of your working week.

6. Naples

What can we say other than Naples is THE place to go for the best pizza in town! The city attracts over 400,000 tourists each year and is constantly buzzing.

7. Selva Di Val Gardena

Situated in the heart of the Dolomites, Selva is one of the best places for skiing in Italy. With Austrian influences, eating and drinking can be varied but you will still find Italian favourites. Locals love hitting the slopes just as much as tourists, making it a good place to make new business contacts.

8.Venice

If your partner has the chance to visit you for a few days, a trip to Venice is the ultimate romantic destination. Take a trip across the Grand Canal on a gondola, visit the Basilica di San Marco and enjoy a birds-eye view of the city at The Campanile.

9.Rimini

Soak up the sun and sip on a Limoncello or two at the beautiful beaches in the area. Why not hire a vintage sports car for the day and  weekend in style?

10.Sicily

Take a guided tour to unearth the mysteries of this beautiful island then trek the famous volcanoes, Etna and Stromboli. Syracuse is is a breathtaking town, where you can spend hours sat in the piazza watching the world go by.

If this sounds like a dream to you, it really can come true. Go the extra mile and join the 65 million EU residents people who speak Italian. You really will woo your clients with your bilingual charm. Contact our language centre for information on available courses. If you already know a little on the local lingo, take our online test to refresh your skills.