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 […]
We have some grand highlights from newly published Italian books, including novelist Pietro Grossi, the latest offering from Lonely Planet and posh nosh to inspire you in the kitchen? Nuovo Mondo by Stefano de Pieri and Jim McDougall, Hardie Grant Books, ?25 (hardback) Translating as ?new world?, this innovative cookbook brings together modern twists on […]
Writer Christine Smallwood joins vegetarian chef Jane Baxter on a culinary adventure in Umbria to discover its meats… Recipe for a culinary exploration of Umbria: Take two friends ? Christine Smallwood, the writer of An Appetite for Umbria, and Jane Baxter, an acclaimed chef who was the creative culinary force behind the Field Kitchen, the […]
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 […]
A lesser-known gem of northern Italy, often shrouded in mist, Marina Spironetti shows us what Cremona has to offer ? a city known as the capital of the violin industry… The diligent lady at the tourist information office has equipped me with everything I could possibly need for my short stay in Cremona: maps, leaflets […]
Dreamily serene, with breathtaking views across the Amalfi Coast, tiny Ravello has long inspired major artists, writers and musicians. Fleur Kinson heads to this sublime little heaven? Like most visitors, my 48 hours in Ravello begin in Amalfi. I had been hurtled to this famous coast?s eponymous town along the hair-raising Amalfi Drive, gasping each […]
Italy is full of inspiring landscapes and stimulating history, the perfect place to immerse yourself in the culture and enjoy an artistic retreat. Abruzzo School of Creative Art Abruzzo School of Creative Art is offering five fabulous days of art classes mixed with fun cultural activities, such as a cooking class, a visit to the […]
Marian Hale, of Homes Italia, explains which areas of Italy are good to relcoate to when the more expensive areas are out of your price range. A CLOSE CALL Q. I’m looking to move to Italy and really love Tuscany but would like somewhere more affordable. What other regions have similar landscapes but lower price […]
Stewart and Ruth Holland swapped life in southern England for life in southern Abruzzo seven years ago… They bought a 200-year-old stone property on the edge of the Maiella National Park that had been divided into two houses. Now they live in one and offer holiday rentals in the other – which, among other accolades, […]
The Italian festival season really gets going in May, and sees the country celebrating everything from ancient traditions to the modern motor car. If you’re planning a trip, read through our top recommendations for this vibrant month… PROCESSION OF THE SNAKE CATCHERS 1 May Cocullo, Abruzzo The month kicks off with this rather unusual event […]