ITALY and Group Incentives

ALL ROADS, THEY say, lead to Rome. And certainly there are lots of roads in Italy to draw incentive organisers – whether their achievers are looking for history, culture, art and religion or are hungry for high-energy sport and delectable cuisine or well…la dolce vita.

Easy air, road and rail connections with the rest of Europe, and a tradition for hospitality make Italy an unashamedly five-star offer.

Entering a new millennium, Rome’s role as the pivotal point of Christian heritage takes on a special meaning. Audiences with the Pope aren’t the easiest of events to arrange but could be the ultimate incentive experience. Less ambitious groups might be content with joining the tourists shuffling round St. Peter’s in search of the Sistine Chapel and its mind-boggling Michelangelo ceiling.

Rome has so many high-spots: the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps…

Milan, too, has lots on offer. Cap a trip with a night at the opera – La Scala is, after all, the world’s premier venue for such high culture. Then maybe an InterMilan or Milan FC soccer game would be more the ticket.

Culture devotees will appreciate an incentive trip to glorious Florence with its profusion of historic architecture, museums, galleries – and all those churches.

No longer can you walk to the top of the leaning tower of Pisa, but a group picture at its base will make a lasting memory of a good trip which is bound hinge largely around Italy’s culinary offerings, of which mega-pizzas and the full pasta and salad repertoire are put together.

A culinary-themed visit to the northern province of Trento is perfect for meetings and groups, with its fascinating mix of Germanic and Italianate cultures, incentives could include a drive in a blood-red Ferrari (yes they can be hired for an ultimate boy’s toy incentive), a drink of the namesake Ferrari – the region’s sparkling wine – organised visits to vineyards and orchards and samplings of such unusual delicacies as the oddly-named “strangled priest” (it’s a kind of speciality dumpling), alongside tours through the mighty peaks of the Dolomites and a boating excursion on delightful Lake Garda.

Beaches can be as strong a theme as are lakes and mountains. The Adriatic resort of Rimini bases much of its business around conferences and incentives. Nearby is the odd little independent republic of San Marino, home to a major motor race. How about a drive round the circuit in the wheelmarks of Schumacher, Hakkinen and the rest? Or, as an alternative setting, heading back to the Milan area and paying homage at the historic Monza circuit? Down south, Naples has much to offer. A full group of programme could include visits to Vesuvius and Pompeii, an excursion along the stunningly picturesque Amalfi coast and a trip across to the delightful little islands of Iscia and Capri, the latter the one-time home islands of entertainer Gracie Fields.

Bigger islands call too. Sardinia is laced full of history and boasts the fabulous Costa Smeralda, with its profusion of five-star resort hotels developed through the inspiration of the Agha Khan. Forte’s holiday village, for example provides a wide range of package options for incentive business travels.

Sicily is truly fascinating, its heritage a mix of Greek, Roman, Norman, Arab and other influences. Here, the tourism infrastructure has been massively upgraded over recent years and if you want to take your group right to the top, try a guided walk to the smoking crater at the summit of might Mount Etna, an activity ideal for team building initiatives.

Towering peaks and lush valleys, tiny villages and cosmopolitan cities. Italy’s motivational magnetism displays a delectable timelessness.

Where to stay

Elegance is the key word to describe Boscolo Hotel Exedra, the outstanding marble palazzo dating from the 19th century, situated just seconds away from Michelangelo's Basilica degli Angeli. The hotel includes 238 luxurious rooms and suites, all decorated in a timeless design with fine fabrics, beautiful furniture and state-of-the-art technology. Suites feature a bar, hamman and Jacuzzi, for the ultimate luxury.

Enjoy sumptuous food in the restaurant, where experienced chefs prepare amazing Italian cuisine, while falling in love with the splendid view over Piazza della Repubblica. Moreover experience soothing spa treatments in the wellness centre or relax in the integrated sauna, Jacuzzi and steam bath. For a refreshing drink, visit the lovely bar. The ideal location and the luxurious approach, makes this hotel the perfect choice for an incentive.

Boscolo Hotel Exedra is a member of Great Hotels of the World Luxury Collection. Rooms start from £202. For more information or to book please visit http://www.ghotw.com/boscolo-exedra-roma or call 020 7380 3658

Right on the shores of the scenic Ischia island on Maronti bay, Miramare Sea Resort & Spa is the perfect location for your next incentive, only a short distance from botanic and thermal gardens, museums and wine cellars. The hotel boasts 110 luxurious and elegant guestrooms, almost all featuring balconies with fantastic sea or town views and direct access to the hotel's private beach.

Guests can also enjoy the Miramare Terrace at the hotel, which serves local and Mediterranean cuisine and boasts an impressive wine list. Not to mention, Appolon Restaurant, a beachside property, serving fresh food and salads. There are also two bars and an exclusive wellness centre, featuring swimming pools with thermal water, Jacuzzi baths, a naturally heated sauna and a well-equipped fitness centre. Miramare Sea Resort & Spa is the perfect place for those seeking a luxurious incentive in astonishing natural surroundings with a wealth of history.

Miramare Sea Resort & Spa is a member of Great Hotels of the World Premium Collection. Rooms start from £95. For more information or to book please visit http://www.ghotw.com/miramare-sea-resort-spa or call 020 7380 3658

Hotel Brunelleschi is located in the heart of the historic city centre of Florence. With the popular Uffizi Gallery & Academy of Fine Arts on walking distance and the famous Cathedral and the Signoria Square just a few steps away, it makes it the right location for an incentive. The hotel features 95 spacious rooms, all elegantly decorated and all with beautiful views on either the picturesque square Piazzetta del Giglio or on the famous street of Via dei Calzolari.

Head chef Simone Bertaccini is ready to prepare the most delicious cooking creations, which you can enjoy in the charming restaurant. In addition, visit the lounge bar to experience the best cocktails and mouth-watering ice creams. Furthermore the hotel boasts a workout room, wine tasting experiences and a museum, dedicated to the history of the Brunelleschi. Hotel Brunelleschi is absolute an excellent choice for your next incentive full of history and culture.

Hotel Brunelleschi is a member of Great Hotels of the World Premium Collection. For more information or to book please visit http://www.ghotw.com/Hotel-Brunelleschi or call 020 7380 3658