Covid-19 Travel Update

The escalation of the Covid-19 virus has left a lot of questions and concerns around planning travel. Luxo Italia would like to support all our clients in whatever way we can during this unprecedented time.

 

A Note from our Founders

“We are facing one of the biggest crises since WW2. Unfortunately, this virus will not only affect our lives in terms of our health, but will also have a major financial impact on many of us. Although the approach differs from country to country, for Italy, life is the most important value to protect and for that reason, a full lockdown was necessary to ensure the safety of our people. We were the first in Europe to make such an important decision, even though it surprised the rest of the world.Now , many other countries have followed suit.We believe that these extreme measures will help our country to get out of the crisis faster and we are looking forward to a new beginning.While we aim to look forward, we also keep in the forefront of our minds the extent of this tragedy and our deepest sympathies are with everyone that has been affected.

 

Our Approach

As suggested by the authorities, Luxo Italia has suspended all activity. We are currently working remotely and are using the time to focus on improving our services and products for the next year. We are lucky enough to be financially stable at this time, and will strive to emerge stronger on the other side of this crisis.

We have successfully helped our last clients to return safely home by arranging measures at the last minute such as private flights and transfers. For everybody that has booked with us in the upcoming months, we are arranging for all travel to be postponed to a later date. Those who had to cancel their trip at the last minute as a result of the lockdown were offered a choice to reschedule or a full refund.

 

The Situation in Italy

Italy is currently in full lockdown. Its borders are closed in an attempt to stabilize the situation and all non-essential services have been suspended. The government has managed to build temporary hospitals to support the health care system, and food supplies and essential services are still fully functional, so the initial panic has subsided. As a nation, we are calmly waiting for the situation to improve.

 

Guidelines & Advice

  • We are advising against all travel in the next 2/3 months.
  • Continue to check your own country’s travel advice as well as the updates from the WHO
  • Anyone with existing bookings with us, please get in contact so we can organize to postpone your travel where possible
  • We are available as a personal contact to all our clients to answer any questions or concerns
  • We fully endorse the ‘stay home’ policy and are dedicated to help in any way that we can
  • If you’ve recently traveled, upon return home, adhere to your country’s instruction to self isolate for 14 days to reduce the spread of the virus

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I have a trip planned with Luxo Italia in the next 2 months, what should I do?

A: If the lockdown is still in place, we suggest rescheduling your trip. We will put your deposit towards planning your new trip. Feel free to get in contact with us directly for more information.

Q: If I decide to postpone my trip, what will happen if there is a price difference?

A: We’ll do our best to keep the prices the same, and will discuss any increases or decreases on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Is it still possible to book trips?

A: Yes it is but we advise booking with caution. We don’t suggest booking any trips before July, but if you would like to do so, we are happy to offer a free cancellation policy.

 

In Closing

We are aware of the ripple effect that our client’s travel has across our country. We have made many incredible and valued partnerships in the industry over the years, whether it be experience providers or restaurant owners, and we want to continue to show these individuals our care and support both now and in the future.

We have been asked to stop for a moment, to settle down and to rest. When the crisis is finally over, it is our job to get back to traveling and showing love for our beautiful country. We ask you to consider the positive impact that choosing to postpone instead of canceling your travel will have on our country. It is the best way to help our country rise again.

Updated 27/03/2020

5 Spots to Say ‘I Do’: The Ultimate Amalfi Coast Wedding Guide

There’s no better place to start the rest of your lives together than atop a cliff overlooking the azure blue of the Amalfi Coast. With unparalleled beauty, a tantalizing wine selection and world renowned cuisine, a wedding along this extraordinary coastline already has all the ingredients for a perfect celebration. That being said, choosing a location that suits all your particular needs can be tricky, so we’ve put together the ultimate Amalfi Coast wedding guide to help you find the venue for you. Read on for our top choices for a fairytale wedding that people aren’t likely to forget.

Amalfi Coast Wedding Guide

Caesar Augustus

Private, artistic retreat turned luxurious escape, Caesar Augustus is a gem along the glistening coast. Explore the narrow streets lined with artisanal delis and local restaurants in the days before or after the celebration of your love, and relax into this traditional venue filled with old-world Italian charm. It’s the ideal choice for a couple looking for a balance of luxury and an authentic, age-old Amalfi Coast experience.

Destination Wedding Amalfi Coast

Casa Angelina

Stepping onto the terrace at Casa Angelina, you feel as if you’re stepping onto the edge of the world. With nothing but the still Tyrrhenian sea stretching out before you, this one of a kind luxury boutique hotel exudes calm and tranquility. Avoid the summer crowds and say ‘I do’ in a setting that’s chic decor balances perfectly with the exquisite nature that surrounds it. Crisp, white finishes set the scene to let the phenomenal views take center stage. This venue is for anyone that loves minimalist designs and a luxurious, off-the-beaten track feel.

Amalfi Coast Wedding Venue

Santa Rosa monastery

Breathe in salty sea air as it floats through the open window and experience complete relaxation at Monastero Santa Rosa . This unique venue just a stone’s throw from the sea offers the pinnacle of Italian hospitality and is perfect for both large groups and small parties, with a versatile space that can be transformed into the venue of your dreams. What’s more, the menu and wine list at the Michelin star restaurant will be the perfect addition to your special day.

Amalfi Coast Wedding Venue

Convent Of Amalfi Grand Hotel

Set against the rocky coast, Convento Di Amalfi is unprecedented luxury at the water’s edge. Palatial elegance and natural beauty meet just 80 ft above sea level at this Amalfi Coast wedding venue, offering a background like no other to start the rest of your lives together. This truly is a venue that speaks for itself.

Amalfi Coast Wedding Guide

Villa Three Villas

Villa Tre Ville is a five star Amalfi Coast wedding venue that will guarantee a celebration your guests will remember long after their tans have faded. No detail is too small, and the team at Villa Tre Ville will take meticulous care to ensure your wedding day is nothing short of perfection. Offering stunning indoor and outdoor settings, this versatile space is for couples who have a strong love for the true Italian way. Villa Tre Ville takes pride in delivering only the finest, most authentic cuisine and ensuring that each element of your day exceeds your expectations.

Amalfi Coast Wedding

Need a hand finding the Amalfi Coast wedding venue that ticks all your boxes? Our expert team at Luxo Italia have an unrivaled knowledge of the area, making them the ideal partners in planning the happiest day of your life. If you’re looking for help exploring options for a picture-perfect destination wedding in Italy, not to mention a honeymoon to match, get in touch with our team today !

Image Credit:
www.casangelina.com, www.monasterosantarosa.com, www.villatreville.com

72 Hour Florence Itinerary

Known for being the birthplace of the Renaissance and the architectural center of Italy, walking through the city of Florence is like walking through an open-air museum. The moment you step through the city walls you can feel the magic of this cultural epicenter. With something exquisite around every corner, a long weekend in Florence hardly needs an itinerary, and while an argument can be made for aimlessly wandering through the ancient streets, we’ve highlighted a few not-to-be-missed activities in the ideal 72 hour Florence itinerary to ensure you experience the city at its finest.

Friday

1pm: Lunch at Santo Spirito

The best way to start your weekend is by throwing yourself into the center of its charm. The Santo Spirito square stretches out in front of an exceptionally beautiful, sandstone Basilica of the same name. Stop for lunch at one of the restaurants that line the square and watch life go by while you sip on a glass of chilled white wine. If you like what you see, wander back to the square on Sunday for the little neighborhood market that takes place every week.

3pm: Book a private tour of the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David

No need to fight the crowds to get a glimpse of the heart-stoppingly beautiful statue of David . We’ll organize a private tour where an expert guide will fill you in on the fascinating history of this world-renowned work of art.

Image Credit Meagan White 2

5pm: Watch the sunset from B-roof at Hotel Baglioni

Finish the day on a high and sip cocktails under a canopy of flowers at B-roof while you watch the light change color across the city.

7pm: Dinner at Gucci Osteria by Massimo Bottura

Situated inside the Gucci Garden of the Palazzo della Mercanzia, Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura is a night of gastronomic delight you will not easily forget. We’ll let you experience it for yourself, but a word from the wise – go hungry.

Saturday

9am: Sip an espresso in front of the Florence Duomo

Before you do anything else in Florence, you’ve got to see the morning light hit the terracotta dome of its Duomo. We recommend having your first espresso of the day with a view of the magnificent cathedral to set the tone for what’s to come. There is an option to climb to the top of the dome, and if you can brave the 463 steps, you’ll be treated to a view of the city that’ll take your breath away.

Image Credit Pixabay

11am: Take a tour of Uffizi Gallery and gaze upon Botticelli’s ‘The Birth of Venus’

Take a tour of the Uffizi Gallery and spend a few long minutes taking in the beauty that is ‘The Birth of Venus’. This cultural drawcard is popular for a reason, and we recommend going earlier in the day to avoid crowds.

1pm: Treat yourself to a scrumptious lunch at Bucalapi Restaurant

Much like choosing a favorite child, there’s something not quite right about choosing your favorite restaurant. All the best ones are important and unique in their own way. That being said, we’ve got a few spots that are vying for the number one position, most of which we stumbled upon on our many trips through this dynamic city. We can highly recommend Bucalapi restaurant with its old-world charm and sensational menu. You won’t be disappointed.

4pm: Take a walk and watch the sunset from the Piazzale Michelangelo

A small distance from the city center, this elevated square is where you’ll find a postcard perfect panoramic view of Florence. The square is well known for this view, and you’ll always find rows of easels setup with artists looking to capture the incredible skyline.

Image Credit Josh Hild

7pm: Find the best aperitif in Florence

Florence is known for its exceptional cuisine, and the tradition of aperitif has to be one of our favorites. We’ve got a number of off-the-beaten track spots that serve up real and authentic Italian tastes paired with the best wines the region has to offer.

Sunday

11am : Beat the crowds to Ponte Vecchio and watch the morning light hit the river

If you’re an early riser, we recommend doing as the Italians do and taking a walk to the nearest corner cafe and having an espresso on the pavement as you watch the city wake up and start its day. Watch as vendors set up markets and ready themselves for another week in this special city.

Image Credit Meagan White

1pm : Learn a new skill on a pasta making course

You’ll soon learn that art comes in all shapes and sizes in this magical city, some of which even ends up in a delicious lunch! Learn the age old tradition of pasta making from the real life masters and feast on the fruits of your labor in true Italian style. There’s no better way to end off your weekend in Florence than learning how to take a bit of the magic with you.

Looking to experience a real taste of Italy? At Luxo Italia we will take the time to hand-craft a luxury Florence itinerary that’s tailored to suit your needs. With years of experience, our expert travel designers are able to capture the magic of Italy in a way that ensures even the most seasoned traveler would find something new. Get in touch with us and start planning your next long weekend in Florence today!

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