Stuart Haines has long had a passion for exploring the Italian countryside on foot, and has written the Cicerone guidebook Walking in Abruzzo to share his experiences… What was your first experience of Italy? It was as a geology student, searching the Alps above Domodossola for the elusive and beautiful mineral, kyanite. It was September […]
Liz Harper gets the balance just right on a family holiday in Florence, as her young daughter Molly enjoys a uniquely educational treasure hunt? Taking a bite of the pizza she?d just created with the help of our hotel?s executive chef, my daughter Molly proclaimed it fantastico. No further words left her mouth until her […]
This month we showcase the most stylish retreats in the popular region of Tuscany, starting with a traditional family run hotel that offers a slice of slow Italian living? LOCANDA LE BOSCARECCE (HOTEL) A sparkling star in Tuscany?s firmament. Susanna is full of life and laughter, and her daughter Swan is equally warm. Susanna, or […]
Hannah Bellis visits the home of Prosciutto di San Daniele for sensational alpine scenery, wonderful local bars and the melt in the mouth ham that Italians want to keep to themselves… What?s the best reason to visit a place? Every region of Italy has something to recommend itself. Visitors are drawn by the culture, the […]
In a memorable visit to Rome, Mark Nicholls reflects on the absorbing atmosphere and ambience of the streets around Piazza Navona and beyond… The cobbles of Ponte Sant?Angelo are weathered and well-worn by the steady footfall of millions of pilgrims over the centuries. Lined by a double row of angels and in the shadow of […]
Marina Spironetti goes in search of the perfect landscape view in the popular Tuscan city of Lucca… When I first went to Lucca I left with a feeling of pleasing quietness. The crowds that cram into nearby Pisa seemed to spare this gem of a city, apart from a small number of discreet visitors who […]
Sally FitzGerald takes in the sights and sounds of the Brescia province, from the majestic attractions of southern Lake Garda to the hidden gems of the provincial capital city… “We will go straight to the island. We must be faster than the storm.” If I?m being honest these aren?t the first words I am hoping […]
For food enthusiasts, there?s nothing better than escaping to Italy to learn some new kitchen skills. We?ve selected some top cooking holidays for those who want to learn cucina italiana? CUCINA DELLA TERRA Set in the beautiful Italian countryside setting of Umbria, Cucina della Terra offers customized cooking vacations or one-day cooking classes that enable […]
Continuing to showcase some of the hotel highlights across Italy, this month we look at the elegant Veneto region and where to stay for luxury or local life? GIARDINO DI MEZZAVILLA (BED & BREAKFAST) In a town with a history ? it was the site of the Italian victory over the Austro-Hungarian forces, the end […]
Hannah Bellis finds her sea legs to discover Capri, Ischia and Procida islands in the Bay of Naples… Never one to turn my nose up at a tentacle, I love the fresh flavours and life-giving buzz you only really find in the uniquely crazy, wonderful city of Naples.?I?ve had some exceptional insalata di mare in […]