Driving northeast from Rome, into deepest Lazio, you soon come across some places that could only be in Italy. Penny Wainwright takes the tour… Photos by Penny Wainwright On the drive from Rome through the tree-covered hills of Lazio, on the shores of Lago Turano, is Castel di Tora, one the Borghi più belli […]
Here’s our round up of really special Italian drinks to take you through the rest of the festive season and all its celebrations! Information correct at time of publishing. Please check for current availability and prices A well-chosen drinks menu is essential for an exceptional Christmas celebration, so we asked our experts to suggest fine […]
If you’re heading for Italy in the autumn months, you may be lucky enough to stumble across a chestnut festival – wonderful events for foodies to enjoy! Photos by Getty Chestnut festivals take place all over Italy in autumn. As well as the one at Vallerano, there are chestnut festivals at Marradi near Florence, […]
Chestnuts and chocolate are a winning combination in this delicious torta di castagne e cioccolato recipe… Chestnut flour is a great gluten-free alternative, giving cakes and biscuits a delicious nutty background flavour; and in many European countries, such as Italy, France and Spain, chestnut spread or jam is found slathered on bread and croissants at the […]
Julie Friend attends a special food festival in the province of Viterbo, and discovers that here the chestnut is not just for Christmas Photos by Getty unless otherwise stated Clinging to the side of Mount Cimino, in the province of Viterbo, is the hilltop town of Vallerano. Perched 400 metres above sea level, the […]
Milan has something to offer the visitor at all times of the year, but Rachael Martin finds its café culture particularly appealing in the lead-up to Christmas… Photos by Rachael Martin unless otherwise stated It’s late afternoon along Corso Magenta. The streetlights have come on, and the orange Carrelli trams wind their way through the […]
Each December, the terrifying costumed figures of Krampus paint South Tyrol red with their extravaganza. Marina Spironetti attends a traditional parade of the monsters in Castelrotto Photos by Marina Spironetti If your idea of a typical Italian Christmas involves getting dressed up as Babbo Natale for the fun of the little ones in the […]
Six rowers, all dressed as Father Christmas, cut a steady course across the Venetian lagoon on their mission to deliver presents to children… Photo by Getty In the far north of Italy, the bringer of gifts is St Nicholas, who comes on December the 6th, while children who have not been good may expect a […]
In the countryside of Nizza Monferrato, surrounded by vineyards, not far from town. Recently refurbished with great care for the interior, keeping details of the old farmhouse such as vaulted ceilings and the original staircase. From the spacious and bright entrance, you enter directly into the living room with fireplace, then to the functional, modern kitchen with a vintage […]
A few kilometres from Acqui Terme, overlooking the hillside. Large entrance hall, dining room, kitchen, a beautiful living room with access to a cellar with infernòt, bathroom and laundry. Upper floor: 4 bedrooms, two ensuite, third bathroom, living room. Attic floor: large ensuite bedroom and 2 other rooms. The porch leads to a romantic garden […]