Italian Cheese

Italy is a major player in the EU dairy industry. It is not the biggest producer, Germany is, but in terms of exports to France – arguably a telling statistic – Italy is Number 1 in Europe… As you will be aware, the French and the Italians have a friendly little argument going on between […]

Cinque Terre

Eldar Øye, Norway  “I enclose this photo taken in Riomaggiore in 2009. It is a symbol of the good life and the atmosphere we experienced on our hiking trip to Cinque Terre. We rented an apartment in Monterosso for 12 glorious days of hiking, relaxing, seafood and wine. We have returned two times since then and […]

Santa Maria in Aracoeli

Reg Murray, Dundee “While walking up steps to the side door of Santa Maria in Aracoeli I paused to look down onto and over Via dei Fori Imperiali when a seagull landed on the wall and was quite happy to be close to me. I immediately thought ‘ a birds eye view of Rome ‘ – […]

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 […]