As travellers look ahead to 2026, new data from Italian holiday specialist Citalia highlights the destinations and trends shaping luxury travel.
The company’s latest Luxury Travel Report reveals that demand is surging for experiences that feel purposeful, blending culture, heritage, and leisure.
Destinations on the Rise
Citalia’s booking analysis shows significant year-on-year growth across several Italian hotspots:
- Sorrento – bookings up 78.5%
- Cefalù – up 58.3%
- Rome – up 46.4%
- Lake Garda – up 42.5%
- Taormina – up 41.6%
Heather Green, Head of Product at Citalia, said: “Travellers want more than relaxation. They’re seeking culture, history, and adventure in one place. Sorrento, for example, offers mornings of exploration and evenings of authentic local flavours. Rome, particularly after the passing of the Pope, is seeing rising interest in religious pilgrimages.”
Key Luxury Travel Trends for 2026
Lakeside Luxe
Bookings to Italy’s lakes are booming: Lake Garda (+42.5%), Lake Maggiore (+18.9%), and Lake Como (+17.1%).
Amore in Italy
Romantic escapes dominate, with 84% of luxury bookings for couples. High-spend travellers book 26 days earlier and stay more than five nights.
The Amalfi Effect
Coastal demand is strong: Amalfi Coast trips are up 54.8%, Sorrento +78.5%, Cefalù +58.3%, and Taormina +41.6%.
Italian Overture
Cultural and musical tours are back in vogue, with strong demand for the Verona Opera Festival, Puccini Opera Festival, and small-group tours in Puglia.
The Grand Tour
Multi-destination journeys are surging, inspired by travel shows. Rail and coach itineraries are up 82.7% YoY.
The Suite Life
Luxury travellers are upgrading: 55% booked enhanced rooms, and 10% opted for suites or junior suites, often adding private excursions.
Turret Tales
Unique stays are in demand. In Matera, bookings for the Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel and Spa have spiked 107.2% YoY.
Adult Interrailing
Rail travel is reclaiming glamour, with interrailing up 16% YoY. Luxury journeys such as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express are increasingly popular.
Spiritual Pilgrimage
Rome and Vatican City are seeing rising demand, with interest in Rome up 46.3% YoY following the death of Pope Francis.
The Changing Face of Luxury Travel
Green added: “Luxury is no longer defined only by coastlines or fine dining. Travellers want experiences that connect them to local culture and community. They’re investing in curated tours, rail journeys, and distinctive accommodation that blend character with comfort.”
Italy’s luxury travel market in 2026 is being shaped by travellers seeking deeper, more meaningful connections. From lakeside escapes and cultural tours to rail journeys and unique stays, the trends point to a year where authenticity and experience matter as much as comfort and style.