A Day Trip To Ischia

Any visit to Naples is enhanced by a trip to the islands. Robin Crews finds that it’s easy to hop over the water to Ischia… We all know that passion runs through the veins of Italians right throughout the peninsula, but in the Mezzogiorno there is something else coursing through the locals’ bodies. As you […]

The First Medicis – Godfathers of the Renaissance

ITALIA! presents a special, in-depth Past Italia! as Freya Middleton explores the long-lasting influence of the Medici family… The Medici family is one of the most extraordinary families in Italian history. They wielded economic and political power in Florence and in Europe for three hundred years. They were one of the wealthiest families in Europe in […]

48 Hours in Brescia

Amanda Robinson takes a pitstop in a city with an outstanding heritage, great shopping and a relaxed ambience – a rich mix of old and new, just an hour from Milan… One of the delights about il bel paese is the abundance of beautiful vistas and outstanding locations waiting to be discovered off the beaten […]

Creative Holidays In Italy

La Serena Creative Holidays La Serena Creative Holidays are an unforgettable experience, combining the luxury home-from-home of our beautiful Italian Villa whilst immersing yourself in your chosen special interest. Come by yourself, to meet like-minded people, or with a group of friends. Your five-day holiday price includes all accommodation, gourmet meals and excursions. Dressmaking 23-27 […]

Courgette bake

Tortino di zucchine This courgette bake is a great main course for vegetarians or alternatively a hearty first-course dish for four people. ➤ Serves 2 ➤ Preparation 10 minutes ➤Cooking 35 minutes 2-4 medium to large courgettes, topped, tailed and sliced lengthways into thick ‘tongues’ 2 tbsp plain white flour 250ml sunflower oil ½ an onion, chopped 2 tbsp […]

Ghiberti’s Doors

Ghiberti’s doors are a splendid masterpiece of what would become the characteristic of Renaissance art – spatial realism with people and buildings shown proportionately. The bronze, gold-covered doors of the Florentine Baptistery opposite the entrance to the Cathedral are one of the masterpieces of the early Renaissance period. They were 25 years in the making […]

Snow Covered Mount Etna

David Wakefield, South Staffordshire “The attached photo was taken at 9.00am on 28th April 2015 and shows the still snow covered Mount Etna, bathed in the rising sun, through the arches of the Teatro Greco in Taormina. A truly awe inspiring vista amongst many on the enchanting island of Sicily.”

48 Hours In Lake Orta

Peaceful, quiet and smaller than some of the country’s more famous lakes, Lake Orta gave Jane Keightley the chance to consider the understated beauty of this sub-Alpine secret… Described by Honoré de Balzac as “a pearl, enclosed by the green treasure chest of the Piemontese hills”, Lake Orta is one of the smallest of the […]