If Instagram is any indication, it seems like everyone is spending the summer in Europe.
The good news? There’s still plenty of time to plan an Italian escape and arguably one of the best times to visit is just around the corner. As peak-season crowds begin to thin and temperatures remain pleasantly warm well into fall, destinations like Lake Como, the Portofino Coast, and the Italian Alps offer a more relaxed way to experience la dolce vita.
Call it Italymaxxing: the art of getting the most out of Italy by experiencing its lakes, coastline, and mountains in a single trip. Instead of choosing one destination, travellers are increasingly combining iconic landscapes, exceptional food, wellness experiences, and cultural discoveries into one unforgettable itinerary.
For travellers looking to turn vacation envy into actual travel plans, R Collection Hotels offers a portfolio of luxury properties across some of Italy’s most coveted destinations:
Lake Como
In Varenna, guests can choose from Hotel Royal Victoria, Hotel Villa Cipressi, or Casa du Lac, each offering front-row lake views and easy access to Bellagio and the region’s iconic villas and gardens.
In Menaggio, Grand Hotel Victoria serves as an elegant lakeside retreat, ideal for exploring charming villages, scenic hiking trails, and the broader lake circuit.
Those seeking a private escape will find what they’re looking for in this 10-room hidden gem on the banks of Lake Anonne and in the shadows of the Prealps. Quiet by nature thanks to the limited-room-availability, Bianca Relais encourages guests to embrace slow mornings, long lakeside Michelin dinners, spa rituals, and quiet contemplation immersed in nature.
Portofino Coast
In Rapallo, Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort blends Belle Époque 5-star elegance with sea views, exceptional dining, and convenient access to Portofino and the Italian Riviera.
Valle d’Aosta (Italian Alps)
In Courmayeur and La Thuile, Montana Lodge & Spa and Grand Hotel Courmayeur Mont Blanc offer refined alpine escapes, where contemporary mountain design meets wellness-forward stays, glacier views, and easy access to hiking, thermal experiences, and year-round alpine adventure.
