As we look toward 2026, the “Eternal Italy” we love is undergoing a stunning chapter of growth. From the high-octane energy of the Winter Olympics in Cortina to the unveiling of reimagined luxury hotels in Florence, Venice, and the Costa Smeralda, Italy will shine next year.
However, at Nota Bene, we look beyond the “where.” It really is all about the doors we open—the private viewings, the curated restaurants, the access, and the introductions. It’s taking an idea and bringing it to life with quiet confidence that our discerning eyes never fail us.
Below, discover our month-by-month guide to your 2026 Italy calendar.
Winter: Alpine Adrenalin & Carnival Spirit
January
January brings perfect conditions for skiing the Sellar Ronda ski circuit in the Dolomites.
The new Mandarin Oriental is the rebranded Hotel Cristallo and will be the brand’s first alpine resort with a superb location in Cortina, home of next year’s Italian Winter Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games. Meanwhile, in the charming small village of San Cassiano, the privately owned Rosa Alpina, now an Amanresort, is great for accomplished skiers.
February
In 2026, the Venice Carnival coincides with Italy’s Olympic year for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, making this a thoroughly exciting time to be here, enhanced by the opening of Airelles Venezia. Hot on its heels, the newly upgraded Hotel Cipriani is due to reopen in late April, following extensive multi-phase renovations by Peter Marino Architect. Talk to our expert team to arrange bespoke costumes, the best seats and top suites in Venice for the Carnival.
What to watch for:
- The Winter Olympics: High-octane energy in Cortina.
- New Openings: Mandarin Oriental, Cortina and Airelles Venezia.
- Venice Carnival: Costumes, best seats, and VIP access.
Spring: Wildflowers & Reimagined Classics
March
The start of spring is a lovely time to explore Sicily off-season, with the Almond Blossom Festival in Agrigento, the island starting to bloom with wild flowers, and a mild climate that offers comfortable conditions for exploring ancient Greek ruins or hiking on Mount Etna. It’s easy to combine Sicily with one of the major Italian cities, such as Rome or Florence, for world-class restaurants, high fashion, and contemporary art.
April
2026 is an exciting year for Florence, with the unveiling of the newly reimagined Villa San Michele following an extensive 18-month renovation project. La Réserve Firenze will also open its doors in June, with six beautifully styled contemporary apartments, a mere five-minute walk from the historic centre and the Pitti Palace. With a slightly later opening in June, you might choose to combine a visit with the beautiful Tuscan countryside and the Versilian Riviera at Forte dei Marmi.
May
Visit Naples, the most underrated city, where we’ll arrange a private tour of Madre Napoli, led by the museum’s director, besides other highlights of this majestic city. Continue to the eternally gorgeous Amalfi Coast and Capri, where we’re awaiting an exciting new beach club from Le Sirenuse in Nerano.
Spring Highlights:
- Sicily: Almond Blossom Festival in Agrigento, Greek ruins, and Mount Etna hiking.
- Florence: The reopening of Villa San Michele.
- Naples: Exclusive art experiences, the new beach club from Le Sirenuse.
Summer: Yachting & Sporting Events
June
June is a wonderful month to charter a private yacht and journey from Portofino to Giglio Island, stopping the next day in Porto Ercole for lunch before heading west to Sardinia and the Costa Smeralda. Then sail back to the mainland for some shopping in Rome.
July
The Siena Palio is another reason to visit Tuscany, when new life is breathed into the city with its historic horse races on 2nd July—one of the most significant sporting events in Europe. Talk to us for high-level planning, including VIP access, front-row seats, premium views from private terraces, and special dinners. The intriguing Riviera of Versilia makes a fine addition, complete with art, beaches, and stylish boutiques. Otherwise, cross over to Umbria and Castello di Reschio, where it is vital to have us reserve those suites with the best light and finest views.
August
A yacht charter on Sardinia’s fabled Costa Smeralda, where a new Rocco Forte is opening, as well as Cheval Blanc Pitrizza. With more cruising time, venture on to Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, spend a few nights en route in Basilicata, Italy’s least known region between the toe and the heel, where the highlights are Francis Ford Coppola’s utterly charming boutique hotel as well as the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site at Matera.
The Summer Wish List:
- Private Charters: Cruising from Portofino to the Costa Smeralda.
- The Palio di Siena: Front-row seats for Europe’s most iconic race.
- Hidden Gems: Exploring Basilicata and Matera.
Autumn: City, Lakes & Truffles
September
Milan is ideal in September, when you can experience fashion shows, design, and contemporary art—a city of design, art, opera, great restaurants and the finest shopping in Italy. We’re excited for the opening of the new JK Place, Milan. Combine with the lakes, where something exciting is opening on Lake Maggiore, not to forget our favourites on fashionable Lake Como, and Villa Feltrinelli on Lake Garda.
October
Bring in the autumn with a stay in Tuscany or Umbria, taking over an exquisite Tuscan estate, where we’ll arrange a private performance by Andrea Bocelli. Explore the winding hillsides by bicycle, capture the landscape with a painting class, taste delicious wines from the region, and savour nutty Tuscan truffles.
November
November is truffle season in Piemonte, when you can sample prized white truffles, particularly around Alba. This is a splendid time of year to visit, when the landscape transforms, and the region is alive with the International White Truffle Fair. We’ll take care of all the details, including private truffle hunting experiences, tastings, and cooking classes.
Seasonal Experiences:
- Milan: Fashion week and the opening of JK Place.
- Tuscany: Private estates, cycling, painting, and cooking.
- Piemonte: Exclusive white truffle hunting in Alba.
December: The Eternal City
December
The festive season is a spectacular time to explore Rome and the majestic Vatican, and to spend a few days at a private estate in Umbria. Weave through the streets of Trastevere on a Vespa, enjoy a private visit to the Sistine Chapel, and explore the Eternal City’s gorgeous monuments and gardens with carefully vetted subject experts.
Whichever month captures your imagination, choosing Nota Bene ensures you are supported by the very best in the industry. It’s really as simple as that. If receiving nothing less than the best matters to you, CONTACT US.
FAQs
How should we decide where to go in Italy in 2026?
Great question, as Italy has seemingly endless appeal, making it hard to narrow down exactly where to go and how long for. Much will depend on the month of your visit and how long you intend to travel for. We know Italy inside out and back to front, so talk to us first for a no-commitment chat.
Which are the most luxurious private villas and estates in Italy?
Italy has some exceptional private residences, many of which are offered under the radar. Whether the finest villa on Lake Como, something spectacular on Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda, a Tuscan countryside estate, or a family home in Sicily, we have privileged access to Italy’s most exclusive rental properties.
How do you source the best tour guides in Italy?
This is such an important question, as having the right tour guide is an absolute essential. In fact, it can make or break your trip. We look for subject experts who truly understand our client base and can read the signs. They know when to go easy on the historic facts, how to keep things fun and engaging, when to give the clients a break, and how to make it interesting for kids. We vet professional guides extremely carefully and have a “black book” with all our favourites.