Key to a memorable villa holiday in Italy is easy access to the best local experiences on offer near your villa. With that in mind, we have simplified the process of finding and booking interesting activities and experiences for our villa guests, so that it is easier to make the most of your stay in Italy.
Over the last year, we have carefully curated a selection of our favourite authentic experiences near our villas, all provided by trusted local experts and bookable in advance. Furthermore, we have matched each experience to nearby villas so that you can easily see which experiences are available near your villa. Click through to our Experiences Page for a taste of what is on offer.
As you will discover, no two experiences in Italy are the same. Trekking across Mount Etna is something you can only do in Sicily. Similarly, a Carrara marble tour or Portofino boat trip are unique and available only to those staying in villas nearby. A wine tasting experience in Tuscany will be completely different in Puglia. This is a land where every region has its own ingredients, stories and savoir faire, and discovering them together is what makes a villa holiday so memorable.
Whether you are truffle hunting in the woods, scuba diving in Sicily or discovering how Chianti wine is made, these moments bring you closer to Italy’s diverse regional cultures, history and nature.
Why plan experiences through Emma Villas?
Why plan experiences through Emma Villas? Firstly, all experiences are selected for their authenticity, quality and connection to the local area. Secondly, they’re available to book directly through Emma Villas, saving you time and research. Thirdly, they suit a wide range of travellers, from young families to adventurous couples and multi-generational groups.
Let’s take a closer look at five of our exceptional experiences to give you a taste of what is available, along with villas nearby.
Truffle Hunting Experience
Head into the woods with a seasoned truffle hunter and their loyal dog for an adventure. After learning about the different types of truffles and how they’re found, you’ll enjoy a truffle-based lunch that celebrates the very ingredient you unearthed. This isn’t just a walk in the woods, it’s an age-old tradition led by someone who’s deeply connected to the land.
Where to stay for truffle hunting:
Villa Caterina is a rustic stone farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and olive groves in the heart of the Val d’Elsa, just five minutes from the iconic towers of San Gimignano. Once a working farm building, it has been lovingly restored to preserve its traditional Tuscan character, with terracotta floors, wooden beams and antique furniture. Outside, the garden and pool look out across a sweeping panorama of countryside, the perfect place to relax after a morning in the woods.
Find more villas near our Truffle hunting experience on our Experiences page.
E-bike Tour of Lake Bolsena Experience
Explore the volcanic landscapes of Lake Bolsena in Lazio on a guided e-bike tour. You’ll pass through scenic lakeside towns like Capodimonte and Marta, stop at local landmarks and enjoy a relaxed picnic of regional specialities. The pace is gentle, the bikes are electric, and the views are unforgettable.
Where to stay for the E-Bike tour
Villa Carmeli is a beautifully restored stone farmhouse just 10 minutes drive from Lake Bolsena. Set in the Lazio countryside near the Umbrian border, it blends 20th-century Italian farmhouse style with Provençal elegance and minimalist interiors. A separate annexe is ideal for extended families or groups. Outside, a pergola-covered dining area and pool provide the perfect setting to unwind after a day of exploration.
Find more villas near our E-bike tour on our Experiences page.
Treasure Hunt in Florence Experience
Florence becomes a playground in this imaginative and educational treasure hunt. Ideal for curious children, they follow maps, solve clues and uncover secrets of Renaissance art and architecture. With gelato breaks and a special gift at the end, it’s a joyful way to explore the city as a family.
Where to stay for the Treasure Hunt in Florence
Le Querce dei Medici is a welcoming former Medici hunting lodge, nestled in the hills of the Florentine Mugello, just 30 km from the centre of Florence. Ideal for families, the villa features spacious interiors, antique furnishings and plenty of room for children to play, including a table tennis area and shaded gardens. The garden features a large swimming pool and fragrant pergolas with views over oak trees. After a day in Florence, parents can relax in the garden while the children continue the adventure in nature.
Find more villas near our Treasure Hunt in Florence on our Experiences page.
Mount Etna and Granita Experience
Set off in a 4×4 to discover Mount Etna’s dramatic volcanic slopes and ancient snow wells. You then join your guide in recreating Sicily’s famous lemon granita, made the traditional way with ice and salt. This hands-on experience blends nature, culture and flavour in a setting like no other.
Where to stay for the Mount Etna and Granita experience:
Agrume’ Country House is located on the slopes of Mount Etna, surrounded by citrus groves and vineyards on a working estate. The villa blends historic character, once home to a winepress, with spacious modern living. Bright interiors open onto numerous terraces for al fresco dining, and the panoramic pool overlooks the countryside all the way to the sea. After an exhilarating day on the volcano, there’s nowhere better to unwind than in the garden by the pool while admiring the view.
Find more villas for Mount Etna and Granita on our Experiences page.
Little Farmers Experience
Situated in Monteroni D’Arbia in Tuscany, this family friendly activity is made for the younger members of your group. Spend the day at a working farm where children meet donkeys, goats, chickens and ponies. There’s an educational visit, a hearty lunch with local produce and plenty of chances for young ones to connect with nature and animals. Parents love it just as much.
Where to stay for the Little Farmers experience:
Il Colle di Donna Ilaria is a spacious villa just 20 minutes from the farm, making it ideal for easy access to this hands-on farm experience. Sleeping up to 16, the villa is perfect for extended families or groups of friends with children of all ages. Set in the hills south of Siena, it features two separate buildings, a large panoramic terrace for outdoor meals and a private pool surrounded by lawns. After a morning spent feeding animals, the villa offers space for everyone to spread out, rest or play.
Find more villas for Little Farmers on our Experiences page.
Experiences for all ages near your villa
Whether you are staying in Italy with family, planning a special occasion with friends or enjoying a romantic escape, these experiences help make your villa holiday even more special. Enriching, authentic and fun, they give you a memorable taste of local culture.
Watch this space for our next blog, to find out more about experiences you can enjoy in your villa, including private chefs, cookery classes, wellness and children’s entertainment.
Contact us to find out more or to speak to one of our travel specialists.
