It barely needs to be said that Italy has long been a favored vacation destination for tourism; and especially for the rich, famous and the extremely famous. For centuries people have been attracted by its stunning coastline, its culture, its chic fashion sense, its gorgeous vineyards and its stellar mountain regions. Italy has always impressed the A-listers of many an era and today is no exception.
Simone Amorico, CEO of the exclusive tour company Access Italy, knows all about it and he is willing to share the names of the who’s who of today’s A-listers who love the Bel Paese and what are their favorite destinations.
Jessica Alba loves Villa Borghese. Amorico confides that “She very much enjoyed when we rented bikes and went to Villa Borghese in Rome with her kids…she also loved ancient Rome,” he said, mentioning that the Colosseum and Roman Forum were particular favorites. “We went inside a special entrance, through the gladiator entrance. We then walked to the old Roman Forum during sunset.”
Owen Wilson’s favorite spot is the Colosseum. Like Alba, Amorico says Wilson loved to check out the history in Rome. “Owen Wilson took his son for the Gladiator School and gelato making,” Amorico said. The Gladiator School experience allows guests to act like real gladiators for a day with hands-on lessons on gladiator fighting with authentic weapons and the opportunity to don authentic gladiator outfits. “But what he really loved when he was in Rome was playing tennis and riding bikes in the city.”
Sylvester Stallone, though no doubt careful about his diet, “very much enjoyed the gelato making and serving ice cream to customers in a Roman gelateria,” Amorico said.
While Oprah also loved Rome, Amorico confides that “she enjoyed very much doing truffle hunting in Umbria and eating the pasta with truffles afterward”.
Then there are those celebrities who aren’t happy just to visit Italy, they decide they want to live there—at least part time—so they buy a home.
Madonna bought her home in Verona for $10 million. In fact, the people of Verona love to have a celebrity around once in a while! If you’re visiting and come across the statue called “Madonna Verona”, know it has nothing to do with the pop singer. It was created by Cansignorio della Scala in 1368 as a homage to the city itself!
George Lucas owns a home in Passignano, Umbria. It is overlooking Lake Trasimeno, and it’s situated on the hills. He purchased it for $6 million and then made many restorations to the property. It’s 3 stories with wooden floors and bright lighting.
Anyone who follows celebrities on social media knows that George Clooney owns a stunning 22-room villa on Lake Como. It was purchased for $10 million. It lies on a narrow stretch of water and has spectacular views.
Brad Pitt owns an 18,000 square foot villa in Valpolicella in the Verona area. The home consists of 15 bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a gym, a theater, 2 swimming pools, and a Jacuzzi.
Helen Mirren is more attracted by the less beaten path. The actress purchased the abandoned farmhouse and turned it into an incredible home. It contains huge fireplaces and a dungeon. The property is enclosed by olive trees, rose bushes, and a vineyard.
Sting has a luxurious villa in Tuscany is situated on a huge estate. It’s a 16th century home and contains 9 bedrooms, beautiful gardens, a swimming pool, a tennis court, and stables.
But let’s not envy these A-listers, you don’t have to travel or live in luxury like these celebrities to enjoy the stunning views, friendly people, and the fascinating culture of the country. Just find your own patch to love and do it in your style.
