If this is something you're keeping longer term and using for regular driving as well as the long-haul, load-lugging trips, an estate car might be better, perhaps a Skoda Superb, which has a huge boot. For a van-based option, we'd recommend a Citroen Berlingo - these have been made for a long time now so there are all sorts of options to suit all budgets. The seats are removable, so leaving them at home will give you a huge amount of room for trips to Italy.