The Why and How of Booking a Company Retreat in Italy

For centuries, Italy has been the premier destination on every Grand Tour of Europe. Heck, even before "Europe" was a thing, "all roads led to Rome." From those ancient days through the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque, Italy has been at the heart (and stomach) of Western culture — and it remains a powerhouse in fields ranging from fashion and fine art to agriculture and automobiles. 

With such a rich history, Italy is a perfect country for getting your team's creative juices flowing. Whether you're looking for ways to get inspired or just refresh and recharge, there are plenty of Italian venues sure to satisfy your retreat needs. Plus, with OnsiteHub by your side, you don't have to worry about the logistics of finding a loggia. Our team has extensive experience booking retreats throughout this beautiful country, so you can spend more time savoring your Italian voyage. 

A Sampling of Major Italian Retreat Locations

Italy's landscape is as rich and varied as its cultural wonders. Choosing where to book your retreat in Italy will impact what's possible at your events, so consider features in different areas and compare them to your company goals.

Tranquil Tuscany

"The rolling hills of Tuscany" may be a cliché, but until you see them in person, you'll never truly grasp how serene this landscape is. Situated in central Italy, Tuscany provides a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere perfect for team building and deep introspection. As a bonus, this region's vineyards provide ample opportunities for wine tasting and gastronomic tours to satisfy everyone's hunger. 

But don't get too caught up in the food and neglect the fine arts! If you're visiting Tuscany, schedule a few days in Florence or Siena to take full advantage of awe-inspiring architecture and stunning masterpieces.

The Foodie Favorite: Emilia-Romagna

Everywhere in Italy has phenomenal food, but Emilia-Romagna may be the most attractive place for culinary enthusiasts. Home to delicacies like Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and balsamic vinegar, this area in northern Italy offers some of the most immersive food tours and cooking workshops. Charming towns such as Bologna and Modena also provide an excellent backdrop with medieval architecture, centuries-old universities, and vibrant markets.

Italian Island, Mediterranean Charm: Sicily

Odysseus didn't have a pleasant stay in Sicily, but don't let that stop you from considering this island for your retreat. Instead of the mythic Cyclops, you'll only find stunning coastlines and beaches ideal for relaxation and water activities. This Mediterranean gem also boasts a blend of many different cultures ranging from Greek temples to Norman cathedrals, perfect for those interested in historical tours.

‍Complete Your Bucket List in Rome

What hasn't already been said about Rome? Known as "The Eternal City," this was the epicenter of the ancient world's most impressive empire, and it continues to exert its power over the Italian state and the Roman Catholic Church. Landmarks like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City are probably on the bucket lists for all your team members, making this the most "selfie-centric" spot for retreats. Although Rome is better suited for those who want a bustling urban atmosphere, keep in mind there are plenty of parks, trattorias, and restaurants to take a breather between cultural excursions. 

Pompeii Plus Pizza: Napoli

Despite its location behind the ominous and active Mount Vesuvius, few cities in Italy have more life than Napoli. Perhaps it's the sense of imminent doom that inspires locals to really embrace that carpe diem lifestyle. From its rich architecture and museums to its culinary fame as the birthplace of pizza, this is one of the most dynamic settings for a retreat. Plus, you can't pass up visiting the ruins of Pompeii to ponder those eternal "what if" questions.

What Are The Benefits of Holding Company Retreats in Italy?

There's never a bad reason to book a trip to Italy. With awe-inspiring scenery, gastronomic wonders, and cultural treasures, it's hard to find reasons why someone wouldn't want to come to this country. But does Italy's status as a tourism hub make it a suitable place for company retreats? Absolutely! 

Italy's long history and impressive cultural attractions ensure your company retreat will captivate and inspire attendees. After all, some of Europe's most remarkable minds drew inspiration on their trip to see the Italian Masters. Why wouldn't that strategy work today? Whether you stand in the Raphael rooms, stroll through the Uffizi Galleries, or even take that cheesy photo holding the Leaning Tower of Pisa, there's something to raise your team's spirits on this retreat. 

But it's not all about Italy's past glories that make this a great destination for corporate or team-building retreats. There are also plenty of unspoiled areas that offer nature and agro-tourism opportunities if you want to unplug. Tuscany is an obvious option thanks to those iconic rolling hills, but areas like Umbria and Abruzzo offer plenty of opportunities for nature walks. Italy's terrain is so varied that you could even go snorkeling in Sardinia, volcano trekking in Sicily, or kayaking on Lake Como (and, yes, that's the lake featured in Star Wars if you've got a team of Jedi nerds). 

And did we mention the food? Sure, company retreats aren't about stuffing your faces, but isn't it true that the best bonding happens over a dinner table? You can use Italy's rich culinary history to foster positive relationships and build ties between your employees over rich red wine, pappardelle pasta, and globs of gelato. 

Examples of Retreat Activities in Italy 

There are endless excursions in Italy you could use to personalize your team's experience and focus on core values. Here are just a few popular suggestions to help get you started thinking of all the possibilities of an Italian retreat. 

Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tours in Tuscany

It's hard not to long for wine while driving by Tuscany's legendary vineyards. So, why not satisfy this craving (and add in some team bonding) with a company retreat for a local wine tasting? Whether you choose Chianti, Montalcino, or Montepulciano, you'll learn about the traditional winemaking processes from expert vintners on these tours and try world-class wines. If you don't mind getting messy, consider adding a grape-stomping session to your tour. Alternatively, upscale your Tuscany retreat with a private sunset dinner for the ultimate relaxation.

Culinary Workshops and Food Tours in Emilia-Romagna

Every city and region of Italy likes to think it's the "food capital," but Emilia-Romagna has a strong case for embracing this status. Befitting this high stature in foodie circles, this region offers plenty of hands-on experiences like pasta-making classes in Bologna, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese tours in Parma, and balsamic vinegar tastings in Modena. Teams can collaborate in cooking competitions or learn how to craft traditional dishes like tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù, and authentic Italian gelato. You could also go on a guided food tour through local markets and historic trattorias to savor local delicacies while immersing in the local culture. 

Historical Site Visits and Beach Activities in Sicily

Sicily is a tapestry of cultures ideal for teams interested in exploring antiquity up close and personal. Delve into the island's rich history with guided tours of ancient Greek ruins in Agrigento's Valley of the Temples, the breathtaking mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale, or the stunning Baroque architecture of Noto. After immersing themselves in Sicily's past, attendees can unwind with beachside activities such as sailing, snorkeling, or paddleboarding. Pro tip: Add a dash of team spirit and team-building with a beach volleyball match before leaving Sicily!

Guided Tours of Historical Landmarks in Rome

A retreat in the Eternal City won't be as relaxing as other ideas, but it's a great idea for teams who thrive on adrenaline. Start by walking in an ancient Roman's footsteps and learning about gladiators, emperors, and early Christian martyrs at the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Next, plan to spend time in Vatican City marveling at the grand St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican Museums. Stops at the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain also provide the perfect mix of history, architecture, and vibrant city life. For an interactive team-building element, companies can organize a historical scavenger hunt or private evening tour to enjoy these landmarks without bumping into dozens of other tourists. 

Street Food Tours and Cultural Excursions in Napoli

There's so much life on Napoli's streets, so why not center your company retreat walking around this energetic city? Guided walking tours to landmarks like the Napoli Sotterranea (underground tunnels), the Royal Palace of Naples, and the historic Spaccanapoli district offer a deep dive into the city's unique past while burning calories. As a bonus, teams can easily fuel up with authentic food like Neapolitan pizza, crispy sfogliatella, and fried seafood cones from local vendors. If you'd like to get even more intimate with Napoli's most popular culinary creations, book a pizza-making workshop with a pro pizzaiolo! 

A Few Practical Considerations for Italy Retreats 

The success of a retreat in Italy depends on proper planning. True, you could visit Italy any time of year and have a great time, but researching seasonality and travel logistics will ensure the best fit for your budget. 

In terms of the best times to visit Italy, it depends on the region. Here's a short list to keep in mind when reviewing different destinations: 

• Tuscany: April - June or September - October. These months offer mild weather that's great for outdoor excursions with fewer tourists than peak summer months.
• Emilia-Romagna: May - June or September - October. These are fantastic times for a food-focused retreat thanks to the pleasant weather for exploring culinary hotspots. If possible, avoid August because many businesses close here during the summer holidays.
• Sicily: April - June or September - November. Summer in Sicily is too hot and crowded. Spring and fall, however, offer comfortable temperatures ideal for this island's signature cultural tours or coastal retreats.
• Rome: March - May or September - November. The peak summer months are overly crowded and hot in Italy's capital. During spring or fall, you're less likely to sweat while strolling on your team-building events (but you can still enjoy a gelato!).
• Napoli: April - June or September - October. Similar to Rome, summer is expensive and crowded in Napoli. Spring and early autumn allow for easier exploration and even a memorable boat trip without overwhelming tourist numbers.

Case Studies and Testimonials

At OnsiteHub, we've seen first-hand how an Italian retreat can work wonders for team-building. For instance, we recently helped the German tech company QuoIntelligence plan a five-day team-building excursion in the coastal city of Rimini. 

As QuoIntelligence's Chief Operations Officer Antonio Lopez said, "OnsiteHub exceeded our expectations in every way. Their professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail were outstanding. They not only took the stress out of planning but also provided valuable local expertise that made our event truly memorable."

Read more about QuoIntelligence's experience with OnsiteHub on this case study page. 

Is Italy Calling For Your Next Team Retreat? OnsiteHub Can Help! 

It's hard to find a reason why Italy wouldn't be a fabulous place for your next team retreat. Whatever you're trying to accomplish, this country has everything you need to make retreat attendees happy. 

But even if you're sure about your Italy retreat schedule, making these plans a reality can be challenging. That's why OnsiteHub is here! If you're considering a retreat in Italy, contact our team for a free consultation. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter to learn even more with our "Retreat Planning Masterclass."