Back to the land in Siena, Tuscany

In the Siena region and neighbouring Chianti Classico territory, Amy McPherson meets a group of passionate Tuscans whose love for their land is creating a lifestyle and production choice of returning to the basics Giovanni Stella never thought he’d become a winemaker. “I wanted to go fishing!” he admits, arms waving like a conductor of […]

Siena’s Palio: the Thrill of the Race

Having failed on previous occasions to see the actual races, Jane Keightley finally experiences all the pride and pageantry of Palio week in Siena… Photos by Jane Keightley This was far from the first time I had visited Siena, but never before had I actually been there to experience the Palio. On one occasion I […]

Spirit of Siena

Like the city itself, Siena’s top hotel is steeped in history. Sarah Lane enjoys a stay in sumptuous surroundings Siena is indisputably one of Italy’s most alluring cities. With its fabulous art and architecture, strong traditions, delicious food and seductive air, it’s an unforgettable place. Delightful medieval streets dotted with shops and trattorie twist around […]

10 best things to do in Urbino, Italy

Discover the best things to do in Urbino, Italy’s Renaissance gem, where art, history, and fantastic food await – without the usual crowds. With its glittering coastline, rolling hills, and artistic treasures, Le Marche is often described as “Tuscany without the crowds.” However, as travel writer Chris Allsop discovered on a recent trip, this comparison […]

3 Italian dolci recipes for gifts and special occasions

Join Mario Matassa for a look at the delights of Italian dolci to recreate in your kitchen Featured photo © Irving Sandoval/Adobe Stock Words and recipe photos by Mario Matassa  There can be nothing more evocative and comforting than the wafting aromas of freshly baked biscuits and cakes. Bound up in childhood memories of hearth […]

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 […]

Italian word for the week: Passeggiata

Learn the root and meaning of the Italian word ‘passeggiata’, and how the locals really use it… The Italian word ‘Passeggiata’ (from passo – to step, or pace) literally means ‘a walk’. As a verb, ‘to walk’, we use ‘passeggiare’. Present, past, and future tense: Oggi passaggio nel parco. Today, I walk in the park. […]

Tuscany Travel Guide

A travel guide to the Italian region of Tuscany… Tuscany remains the most popular of Italian regions and is loved by tourists and would-be property buyers for many reasons, not least because of its beautiful countryside and cities laden with Renaissance treasures and historic monuments. But while property prices remain high, the allure does not […]