An Italian Love Affair at Monaci delle Terre Nere - Sicily

Located on a gravel road dating back to the times when monks settled at the foot of Mount Etna in Sicily, the exquisite nobiliary house ‘Monaci delle Terre Nere’ sits amidst an organic farm overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. 

This stunning home has been brought back to life by its charming host Guido Coffa, who spent five years rescuing the villa from despair investing every drop of his energy to create a relaxing and stylish retreat that couples will love. You can now stay here and enjoy the utmost of intimacy - guest numbers are kept to a minimum with only 6 bedrooms, and that Italian style is everywhere from the traditional Sicilian architecture to the contemporary art and modern designer furniture. 

Your stay here will be a true sensory experience - Guido is also always at hand to arrange whatever your heart desires: an Italian feast at a small restaurant before the other guests arrive, a private tour of Mount Etna, trips to famous Taormina with its Greek Theatre and Medieval Quarter, the fish market of Catania as well as the coast, of course, with fashionable Isola Bella in Taormina and 18km of sandy beaches stretching  between Catania and Syracuse. And being Italy, there's ample scope for wine tastings at remarkable wineries for some heavy reds and fruity whites from the region. Or from the farm itself: Guido produces an exceptional red wine that’s available for you to sample. 

It really does look and sound like a truly special experience. And that villa .... totally divine. It's amore!

Experience 'La Dolce Vita' with an Italian River Cruise in 2013

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will add another extraordinary river cruise destination to their collection of itineraries: Italy, the Po River, and the Venice Lagoon. The 13-day Splendours of Italy itinerary combines a 7-night river cruise along the Po River and the Venice Lagoon with a 2-night land stay in Florence and 3-nights in Rome.  

What a stunning way to explore the region's art, architecture, music, cuisine, landscapes, culture, religious and political history - you get to experience the 'must see' sights in the iconic cities of Rome, Florence and Venice, and have the opportunity to venture off the beaten path, travelling to such places as Ravenna, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enchanting Verona―the home of literature's most famous lovers―Romeo and Juliet. 

And hey, this is Italy .... food features big! Guests will also be introduced to Italy's distinctive culinary delights attending a pasta-making workshop in Bologna, the culinary capital of northern Italy. Throughout the journey, they'll also indulge in the culinary flavours of the region―from crispy Roman pizza to creamy Venetian gelato to hearty Chianti. Yum!

Couples wishing to travel to Italy with Uniworld during their inaugural season, will receive from $700 to $800 savings p/person by paying in full at the time of booking before June 30, 2012. From $6049 (p/person - twin share, excluding tax), Uniworld's new 13-day Splendours of Italy includes: 7-nights in a riverview stateroom onboard the luxurious River Countess; 2-nights in a deluxe hotel in Florence and 3-nights in a deluxe hotel in Rome. All meals onboard with complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, fully guided excursions with local experts and all transfers on arrival and departure days, and throughout the program. The 8-day Venice & the Po River cruise only itinerary is priced from $3199 (p/person - twin share, excluding tax). 

A room with a view, Amalfi Coast

A collective 'sigh' just swept over the Holidays for Couples headquarters, thanks to these photos of Le Sirenuse Hotel in Positano, on the Amalfi Coast of Italy. Perched high above the coastline of one of the most splendid locations in the world for romance and luxury, Le Sirenuse has a rich history that spans over 50 years under the loving patronage of the Marchese Sersale family. This 18th-century palazzo located half way up the near-vertical village has a truly intoxicating setting. Wake to a spectacular view down to the sea and over the rooftops of pastel buildings and church domes. Spend the daytime hours cruising up and down the coast to Capri aboard the family's vintage Riva speedboat. Dine on Neapolitan delights under the stars at the hotel's restaurant La Sponda, and sip on bubbly by candle light at the champagne and oyster bar.

It's an expensive indulgence to stay at Le Sirenuse, so it's a given that you must be willing and able to dish out the cost of a deluxe room with a view. But just imagine it. The stuff of romantic holiday dreams!