The painting of Dante inside the Florentine cathedral

A painting often really does speak a thousand words and in this one, we get to dive into the mystical world of Dante Inside the cathedral in Florence, just before the presbytery, on the left aisle wall, there is a painting of Dante (1265-1321). It is a wonderful visual biography of this much-loved national icon. […]

5 religious festivals in Italy

From the Feast of the Immaculate Conception to La Festa della Befana, experience five of the most significant religious festivals in Italy and discover why they remain an integral part of Italian identity… Italy is steeped in history and tradition, and its religious festivals reflect this rich cultural tapestry. Religious festivals in Italy are celebrated […]

Wine, women & song

Mary Novakovich and friends enjoy a long-awaited reunion – and where better to do it than Tuscany? Better late than never. Covid had put the kibosh on so many celebrations during lockdown, but there was no way my friend Tracey wasn’t going to make a big splash for her 50th birthday – even if it […]

Life and property in Puglia

Great weather, endless seaside and fabulous food make property in Puglia a perennial favourite for buyers in Italy. Fleur Kinson guides you through this wonderful, affordable southern region Distinctive on the map as the ‘high heel’ of the Italian boot, Puglia sticks out from the bottom of the Italian mainland to be embraced by the […]

Travel through the natural wonders of Italy

From tracking Italy’s ‘big five’ to honing your photography skills or wild volunteering, Italy offers a wealth of travel opportunities to bring you closer to the natural world, says Jenny Oldaker… You’ve seen the treasures of the Renaissance in Florence, marvelled at Rome’s ancient history and been awestruck by Amalfi’s glittering coastline. What next? Italy […]

Portoferraio Travel Guide

Your guide to travelling in Portoferraio, Elba… What to see and do ACQUA DELL’ELBA Acqua dell’Elba, the island’s perfumer, creates fragrances based on Elba’s scents and colours, from deep blue to turquoise. The business does a lot to sponsor the arts and the environment in Elba. ELBA WINE ROAD The Costa degli Etruschi wine and […]