Heavens Portfolio Australia took a select group of Australian travel advisors on an immersive ten-day Italian famil in May, moving from the sun-soaked hills of Tuscany to Lake Como, Rome, the Amalfi Coast and Capri.
The journey began at Castelfalfi in Tuscany, where three nights on the estate included a truffle hunt with trained dogs followed by an intimate truffle dinner prepared by the property’s chef. A pizza masterclass rounded out the Tuscan chapter, with the group reaching firm consensus that it ranked among the finest pizza eaten anywhere in Italy.
Two nights at Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como delivered the full GHT experience, with standout dinners at Da Giacomo Al Lago and La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi. The most memorable evening was hosted by Group Managing Director Silvio Vettorello at L’Escale Trattoria. A day on the lake also included a personal tour of Passalaqua, consistently ranked among the world’s finest hotels, led by owner Valentina De Santis.
In Rome, the Shedir Collection proved a revelation. Spread across multiple properties within walking distance of the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, the portfolio was showcased by CEO Mario Petraroli in an immersive site inspection. Dinner at Vilon and a private lunch at Palazzo Shedir were among the Roman highlights.
The Amalfi Coast brought two remarkable stays. At Palazzo Avino in Ravello, family owners Mariela and Attilia delivered hospitality that felt entirely personal. At Villa Treville in Positano, the group enjoyed a pasta making class and the property’s signature complimentary speedboat transfers to and from town at any hour.
The journey concluded on Capri at the Capri Tiberio Palace, where Mr Petraroli made the crossing from Rome to join the group for their final evening.
The famil was hosted and led by Chrissie Lincoln, Heavens Portfolio Australia Managing Director, with attendees Jacqui Keating and Katrina Lesnie of Smartflyer, Gabrielle Thackray of Wentworth Travel and Emma McCallum of Portmanteau Travel.
