Viewpoint, Brunello di Montalcino

Sangiovese is the only grape permitted in the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, where the people of the town make one of Italy’s best wines. But eight years ago, they nearly lost it all… In 2008, a scandal broke in Montalcino. It was said that certain people in this small but highly prestigious DOCG region had […]

A tale of three cities, we visit Syracuse

Dive in to Sicily’s historic and picturesque Ionian Coast, today we visit Syracuse, an area featuring some fantastic ruins and beautiful lanes My final stop involved travelling south once again, to Sicily’s third city, Syracuse. Founded on the island of Ortigia in 734 BC by the Greeks, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a shining Baroque […]

Why we love these five open air venues

Not only does Italy boast a fantastically distinguished and high-profile operatic heritage, the nation also has some stunning open air venues to match… Verona Arena, Verona, Veneto Built in 30AD, this incredible Roman amphitheatre is the third largest in existence and provides an out-of-this-world setting for the city’s three-month opera season, from June to August. Blessed […]

Ham and Porcini Pizza Recipe

This is a simple but tasty pizza, which can be prepared and cooked in less than an hour. If fresh porcini are available, use 9oz (250g) of sliced, fresh porcini mushrooms in place of the dried ones Ham and Porcini Pizza Serves 4 Ingredients Dough  1¾ tsp (12g) active dry yeast ¾ cup plus 1 […]

The Tower of Pisa – a true Italia! Icon

Pisa, Italy

One of Europe’s most remarkable buildings, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is an icon not just of a nation, but of an entire continent… Along with the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Big Ben in London and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, this is one of Europe’s most readily recognisable buildings. You might include the Colosseum […]

48 Hours in Alba and Asti

With truffles, Barolo and hazelnuts on the menu, Francesca Unsworth is very happy to indulge herself at the gastronomic centre of Italy on an autumnal trip to Alba and Asti The Italians have elevated numerous foodstuffs to iconic gastronomic status, but no single region can boast quite the same gourmet cachet as Piedmont. Home to both […]

Italy’s new ‘Fertility Day’ Campaign seen as sexist

Italy wants its women to become baby-making machines.  The article was originally written by Fortune. September 22 is the official date for the Italy’s ‘Fertility Day’. The state sponsored celebration has been constructed in order to promote family planning and parenthood. If you can’t believe it, then wait until you hear this… The government’s campaign to raise […]