Part 2 – The Piedmont Region Guide, the Southern Region

Southern Piedmont is the rich agricultural powerhouse of Italy. In part 1, we explored Turin, the Alps and Lake Maggiore. Part 2 of this Piedmont region guide focuses in on Asti and Alba where the truffle fairs attract a global audience. In the mountainous north, the climate is distinctly continental; the southern region is just […]

Our home in Tuscany

Alex Josephy and David Hornbrook had always thought that Tuscany was out of their reach, until they were introduced to a newly restored property that made their dreams come true… Alex Josephy and David Hornbrook bought their three-storey house in the wine-producing town of Montalcino, Tuscany, in 2008. The house is half of an old […]

5 Piazzas you just have to visit

Piazzas hold a special place at the heart of Italian life and Italy boasts some stunning examples. With so many it’s tricky to choose one, but we’ve narrowed down five favourites… 1. Piazza san Marco, Venice Famously dubbed “the finest drawing room in Europe” by Napoleon, Piazza San Marco is, quite simply, breathtaking. Even during […]

Grotesque Style

The term Grotesque derives from the caves, or grotte, where Renaissance builders unearthed this ancient form The Grotesque style was all the rage during the 1500s for both interiors and exteriors all over Italy. It continued to be so for the following two centuries. Nowadays, when the word is mentioned, negative images of unfortunate distorted […]

Viewpoint – Casole d’Elsa, Arte All’Arte

Once upon a time, deep in the heart of Tuscany, the ancient hilltop town of Casole d’Elsa was filled with plastic objects in the name of art… The small 12th century town of Casole d’Elsa near Siena saw its main street completely transformed by this unusual work of art in 2001. The quirky and colourful […]

Creative Holiday

Have you ever wanted to combine a holiday in Italy with a real learning experience? Then a creative holiday is just what you are looking for… Life Holidays Experience a luxury Pilates holiday in Italy with Life Holidays, May to October every year Life Holidays is an experienced holiday specialist, unique to Italy and Sicily.  […]

Holiday Rentals

Thinking of renting a holiday home? Or buying one to rent? Villa in Umbria Umbria, also called the ‘Green Heart of Italy’, is the landlocked region next to Tuscany, a popular holiday destination. Rolling hills with vineyards and olive trees, the fourth largest lake in Italy and a serious mountain range combine to make for […]

Best Spas in Italy: from thermal bathing to wellness temples

Seeking out peace and tranquillity, Catherine Sidwell experiences a thermal wellness tour in southern Tuscany… 1. Fonteverde Natural Spa Resort Location: Fonteverde Localita Terme, 1 53040 San Casciano dei Bagni Siena Tuscany www.fonteverdespa.com +39 0578 57241 info@fonteverdespa.com Fonteverde’s philosophy combines physical health, relaxation and beauty. A wide range of spa, massage, yoga, beauty, thermal mud, inhalation and […]

2016 Italia! Travel Awards

Welcome all to the inaugural Italia! Travel Awards – our team selects the very best places to visit, museums to view, beaches to relax on and much more. Discover the best of Italy right here… Every month we bring you the experience of Italy, with all the best places to go and all the best things to […]