Tuscany’s largest island is a paradise of white beaches and clear waters, with some fabulous walking routes thrown in. It can be packed-out in summer, so Fleur Kinson nips over nice and early… In travel as in life, journeys should be as interesting as destinations. And my long, convoluted voyage to Elba – a plane, […]
Patricia Cleveland-Peck revels in the peace and tranquillity to be found walking among the many gardens around Venice. Join her for a tour of the undiscovered secrets of La Serenissima… Everyone loves Venice and everyone from Ruskin to Donna Leon has written about it – so is there anything left to say? Well yes. One […]
Introduction Restorations in Italy can often take longer than you thought and cost more than you budgeted for – it is simply the nature of Italian laws and working practices. But with that in mind, Italy does provide excellent property renovation potential. The piano casa, introduced in 2009, allows property owners to enlarge their homes […]
A weekend away at the Castello di Casole offers you luxurious relaxation at the Essere Spa as well as fine Tuscan food and, if you like, a spot of truffle hunting… It’s winter, the leaves have fallen from the trees, the weather is still getting colder and wetter, and it’s already dark by the time […]
Tuscany is rightly recognised as being one of the world’s most beautiful regions – here we highlight ten of our favourite destinations that justify this claim… 1. BAGNO VIGNONI HOT SPRINGS, VAL D’ORCIA While traditional towns may have a main town square in their centre, in Bagno Vignoni it is simply a huge thermal pool. […]
The tenth anniversary issue of Italia! is on sale now! Do you dream of owning your own property in Italy? Well, buying a restoration project is one of the cheapest ways of achieving that goal – and you get to oversee the crafting of your house precisely to the specifications you desire. In the latest […]
Find your way around beautiful Tuscany with this extensive guide… TUSCANY by Rebecca Ford, Footprint, £13.99 (paperback) Tuscany has an embarrassment of riches for the visitor, and so it’s no surprise that this exhaustive guide book runs to 320 pages. It features in-depth advice and tips for all the major parts of the region and […]
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 […]
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 […]
Keep active this January by taking part in an array of Italian events ? from skiing and boat racing to religious and jazz festivals, plus the iconic fashion show in Milan which showcases the best new international designers? Umbria Winter Jazz Festival 25 December – 1 January Orvieto, Umbria The prestigious summer festival comes alive […]