Jane Keightley brings us six highlights of this magical Tuscan city… the things not to be missed when you visit Siena… Photos by iStock Piazza del Campo The shell-shaped piazza that is the centre of Siena was completed in 1340 and all manner of activities have taken place here, including boxing matches, bullfights and even […]
Having failed on previous occasions to see the actual races, Jane Keightley finally experiences all the pride and pageantry of Palio week in Siena… Photos by Jane Keightley This was far from the first time I had visited Siena, but never before had I actually been there to experience the Palio. On one occasion I […]
Like the city itself, Siena’s top hotel is steeped in history. Sarah Lane enjoys a stay in sumptuous surroundings Siena is indisputably one of Italy’s most alluring cities. With its fabulous art and architecture, strong traditions, delicious food and seductive air, it’s an unforgettable place. Delightful medieval streets dotted with shops and trattorie twist around […]
Mary Novakovich and friends enjoy a long-awaited reunion – and where better to do it than Tuscany? Better late than never. Covid had put the kibosh on so many celebrations during lockdown, but there was no way my friend Tracey wasn’t going to make a big splash for her 50th birthday – even if it […]
Learn the root and meaning of the Italian word ‘passeggiata’, and how the locals really use it… The Italian word ‘Passeggiata’ (from passo – to step, or pace) literally means ‘a walk’. As a verb, ‘to walk’, we use ‘passeggiare’. Present, past, and future tense: Oggi passaggio nel parco. Today, I walk in the park. […]
We go behind the scenes of an Italian Christmas with Mario Matassa as he explores the rich and austere festive food and traditions of Italy… To describe a celebration of food as both ‘rich and austere’ might seem something of a contradiction. Yet I can think of no more apt a description of this, the […]
A travel guide to the Italian region of Tuscany… Tuscany remains the most popular of Italian regions and is loved by tourists and would-be property buyers for many reasons, not least because of its beautiful countryside and cities laden with Renaissance treasures and historic monuments. But while property prices remain high, the allure does not […]
Dreamily perfect countryside and gem-like cities stuffed with art make Tuscany a perennial favourite for visitors and homebuyers in Italy. Properties here make a rock-solid investment, says Fleur Kinson At a glance… The Region: When we think of Tuscany we think of verdant rolling hills dotted with centuries-old farmhouses radiating late afternoon sunshine – much […]
Dreaming of Italy? Rachael Martin looks at how you can bring the country closer to you with online experiences, from live-streamed art history and cookery classes, wine tastings and more. There’s no doubt that the past two years have clipped our wings somewhat – and while travel appears to be opening up again, for many, […]
The Marche region has a glittering coastline, verdant hills, majestic mountains, and a trove of artistic treasures – Chris Allsop explains why your first cultural stop should be Urbino. Images by Val Nicastro The typical line trotted out about Le Marche – the fertile region between the Adriatic and the Apennines, between forested Abruzzo and […]