The Element team have been busy providing on-site management for travel incentives and prize packages in some very exciting places this year! One of our favourites was a group trip to Italy, taking in the Cinque Terra, Tuscany and Sicily, which make perfect destinations for groups of any size. Our event managers have gathered together some of their trip highlights as inspiration for your next incentive – from incredible Italian cusine and luxury hotels, to private boat trips and spectacular sightseeing tours, Italy really has it all!
Olivia’s Tips For Tuscany and the Cinque Terra
A guided tour of Tuscany in vintage Fiat 500s!
We felt so chic driving around the Tuscan countryside in tiny vintage cars, and stopped along the way for a classic Italian lunch and wine tasting (non-drivers only!). The fresh pasta was the best I’ve ever tasted, and the local olive oil was divine!
Sightseeing in Cinque Terra on e-bikes!
We whizzed through the Levanto Valley and some of Cinque Terra’s stunning towns on electric bikes whilst learning about the history of the area. This was a huge hit with the younger generations in the group, and was the best way to explore a large area without getting tired!
A gourmet Italian market tour!
We strolled though a local market to purchase fresh ingredients for an incredible private cooking class at a traditional Tuscan home! We made homemade pesto, pasta, and tiramisu in the traditional Italian method, then sat down to eat together, family style. The local wines and quintessential limoncello really topped off a gourmet experience, and I can’t wait to test out my new skills back in London!
A picture-perfect boat cruise around Porto Mirabello!
We spent an afternoon cruising around Porto Mirabello on a private boat! Taking in the beautiful views and watching the fishermen catch fresh mussels was a real highlight for the guests, and our incredible captain even treated us to a feast of fresh seafood and pasta to end the cruise!
A private concert in a vineyard!
We toured one of the hillside vineyards in the Cinque Terra National Park, where we learned the history of the vineyard and got an insight into the wine making process. Our tour was followed by yet another mouth-watering Italian lunch, accompanied by a private piano concert from the vineyard owner! Sampling the homemade wines and limoncello truly topped off an magical experience for the whole group!
Emily’s Tips For Sicily
Luxury living in Taormina!
This was a big, big highlight! We stayed at the Atlantis Bay hotel which is built right on the cliff edge. It had a really luxury but cosy feel, and all of our guests were treated to balconies with incredible sea views. Taormina itself is a must-visit in Siciliy, if you love the Amalfi Coast you’ll feel right at home, and the shopping was top-notch!
All the food!
I would say the best thing was 100% the food! Because of Sicily’s location and history the food differs from the traditional Italian cuisine as it also takes influence from the Greek, Roman, Arab, French and Spanish cultures too, which makes it really stand out. Obviously, there are the Italian favourites too, the arancini and cannoli were out of this world!
Exploring caves on a private boat trip!
It was a little chilly in April but that didn’t take away from the magic of the cruise! Our captain took us into little caves and coves, one of which had the brightest blue water I had ever seen, it almost looked like it was lit up from below! In warmer weather, a stop for a swim is definitely recommended. The coastline is unbelievably stunning, with little beaches and seafront hotels – we could spot ours from afar!
We can arrange bespoke itineraries for groups of any size, including travel arrangements and on-site management from our expert team. Speak to Sarah if you would like more information on +44 (0)20 8871 9959 or email sarah@element-london.com.
