Over the past few years many people have asked me to write a blog, me, I’m not even on Facebook! But, I do like writing and relish the opportunity to share our Italian adventures with you. Was it the classic midlife crisis move, maybe, maybe not, I like to think of it as making the […]
Our experts are here to help with all your questions about Italy. This month, alternative Sorrento, travelling around the south, fractional ownership in Le Marche, and EU driving licences… Alternative sorrento Q: I’d love to visit Sorrento, but still want to have that ‘authentic Italy’ feel. Are there any smaller hotels that might fit the bill? […]
Fractional Ownership is a growing successful concept, but few people really understand exactly what it means, or the benefits it can give. It is frequently confused with timeshare, conjuring up a very negative view of being chased down the street in Marbella by an over enthusiastic salesman inviting you to enjoy a liquid lunch and […]
Meet the Family. As a child my favourite TV programme was the Waltons. The love and warmth, the sharing and caring, working together were all important things to me. I always imagined having a large family, six children seemed a nice even number. Dressed in denim dungarees, chopping wood and baking cakes. Fast forward a […]
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you won’t see it all in a lifetime, but our new series will guide you through what you mustn’t miss… Perhaps the most iconic of all the tourist destinations in Rome, the Colosseum looms large at the heart of what was once the city centre. There will be […]
Treat your friends to this yummy Crostata alla crema pasticcera e albicocche! Ingredients: 600g sweet pastry 350ml whole milk 3 medium free-range egg yolks 100g caster sugar 50g plain flour 8 firm but ripe apricots, sliced 4 tbsp apricot jam Method: To make the cream, heat the milk in a pan and whisk the egg […]
Early summer vegetables such as beans and courgettes are joined this month by a variety of fruits and fish as the year’s main harvest really begins come in… Apricots – albicocche In the peak of its season during the summer, the apricot, with its peach-like tang and pale orange skin, is a flavoursome, colourful ingredient to add […]
Our editor Amanda Robinson discovers authentic Italian flavours and new friends at a hands-on cookery course in the Veneto hills… Total immersion: it’s the best way to learn, right? Speak a second language like a native, pass your driving test, swim like a fish, become a chef… It’s a tried-and-tested route to success. So, how about […]
This month’s selection includes ideas for al fresco feasts, home décor, organic wines, a creative holiday in Umbria and much more… Get figgy with it Scent your home with this hand-poured candle, £32, www.notonthehighstreet.com Hot seat Limited edition Vespa Scooter Chair, £820, www.smithersofstamford.com Cutting edge Make easy work of chopping herbs with […]
A wealth of glorious sights, sounds and splendidly diverse landscapes awaits any traveller who ventures to Le Marche to explore its many treasures Le Marche is as steeped in history as any other region of Italy, but with the inhabitants enjoying a relaxed attitude and way of life, the region’s tourist trail is less stressful […]