La Dolce Vita, Reimagined Through a Slower Lens

For UK travellers seeking a more considered style of travel without sacrificing variety, Palazzo Ripetta, Borgo Antichi Orti Assisi and Torre Sponda present an itinerary that captures Italy’s city, countryside and coastline through a seamless combination of rail and road.

The journey begins in Rome at Palazzo Ripetta, a quietly elegant base positioned within walking distance of many of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, including the Spanish Steps. From gallery hopping and long aperitivo lunches to wandering historic side streets at golden hour, Rome lends itself naturally to slower exploration. While summer brings late evenings and sun-drenched piazzas, the cooler months offer a more intimate perspective of the city, with fewer crowds and a stronger connection to its cultural rhythm.

From Rome, travellers continue north-east by rail into Umbria, where the scenery gradually shifts from dense urban landscapes to rolling countryside and olive groves. In under three hours, the route arrives at Borgo Antichi Orti Assisi, a retreat rooted in agricultural heritage and the philosophy of living from the land. Here, days unfold at a gentler pace. The hilltop town of Assisi can be explored slowly by foot, while the surrounding landscape encourages a more grounded and restorative style of travel, shaped by nature, simplicity and seasonal living.

The final stage journeys south towards the Amalfi Coast, where rail travel transitions into one of Italy’s most iconic coastal drives. A classic Fiat 500 adds a nostalgic layer to the experience, reflecting the enduring glamour and cinematic romance synonymous with Italian travel. Arriving at Torre Sponda, perched high above Positano, the atmosphere shifts once again towards stillness and seclusion. Mornings begin with sea swims and quiet terraces overlooking the coastline, while nearby villages offer layers of history, culture and understated local life waiting to be discovered.

For the UK market, the itinerary reflects a wider shift towards slower, single-country travel experiences that prioritise depth over distance. Rather than navigating multiple destinations across Europe, travellers are increasingly seeking journeys that allow them to fully immerse themselves in one country’s identity, culture and landscapes. By combining city, countryside and coast within a single, well-connected route, Italy continues to position itself as one of the most compelling short-haul destinations for meaningful and deliberate travel.