48 hours in Mantua

This is the city to which Romeo was banished, and it is also home to a palace entirely dedicated to love. Little wonder, then, that one English author considered it to be the world’s most romantic city, writes Jane Keightley Images by Jane Keightley unless otherwise stated Aldous Huxley once called Mantua “the most romantic […]

The Baron Corvo’s grave

The final resting place of an English eccentric who made Venice his home, writes Joe Gartman Images by Patricia Gartman  The pale red brick walls and tall cypresses of San Michele Island rise from the lagoon waters less than a quarter mile from Cannaregio’s Fondamente Nove. They form a perpetual memento mori, a reminder of […]

Top 10 guide to Liguria

Rachael Martin is spoilt for choice as she picks out ten good reasons why Liguria is a favourite destination for all the family Images by Foto Archivio Agenzia In Liguria unless otherwise stated Home to the ancient Liguri and later the maritime Republic of Genoa, Liguria’s spectacular coastline, pastel-coloured villages, well-equipped beaches and mild climate […]

The Marble Faun

Discover more about the Roman inspirations for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 19th-century Gothic novel with Joe Gartman. Long ago in Rome, wealthy families often embellished their palazzi with tall, fortified towers. This allowed them to impress rival clans or perhaps dump noxious liquids on their heads when the situation required it. The owners of one such tower […]

10 best places to visit in Italy

Italy has it all – incredible landscapes, evocative history, stunning architecture, amazing weather and fabulous food. If you’re planning a holiday to Italy, then check out our suggestions below of some of the top sights you should see in this stunning country. 10. The Dolomites One of the best natural attractions in Italy are the […]

The Top 10 guide of what to see in Lomellina

Val Nicastro explores this quiet corner of Lombardy known as ‘the Little Loire’ for its picturesque castles in a rural landscape and its traditional village life – and its great local produce Images by Val Nicastro  The Lomellina region is an unspoiled little pocket of rural southwestern Lombardy, between Milan and Alessandria, stretching towards the […]

48 hours in Rimini

There’s so much more to Rimini than just its beaches – the city was founded by the Romans and boasts a full 2,000 years of history. And, of course, it was the place where it all began for Federico Fellini, writes Abigail King Images by Abigail King unless otherwise stated It’s Friday night, so it’s […]

Our top ten guide to off-peak Alto Adige

Rachael Martin visits Alto Adige and picks out ten highlights to embrace in the months between the ski seasons. Alto Adige is the northern part of Trentino-Alto Adige and is famous for its Dolomite mountains. The 18th-century French mineralogist Déodat de Dolomieu first described and gave his name to both pale-coloured rock and mineral, and […]

Sicily? A holiday you can’t refuse

Are you tempted to visit Sicily? Michelle Jackson, The Novel Traveller and friend of Travel Department, shares her highlights of this wonderful part of Italy. Travel with confidence: Your holiday is a very special time, and Travel Department craft the itineraries to make sure that you get the most enjoyment. The world is continuously changing, and […]

Discover San Gimignano, Tuscany

Discover the historical centre of San Gimignano and how its downfall became its architectural saviour. Midway between Siena and Florence stand the towers of San Gimignano, no modern city skyline but a sight largely unchanged since the medieval era. Taking advantage of their hilltop elevation, the wealthiest San Gimignano families fortified their palaces with a […]