Exploring Italy’s Past

Paul Beston, an experienced guide from Peter Sommer Travels, explains how an appreciation of the layers of Italy’s history adds an extra dimension to any Italian holiday Photos by iStock     There’s no such thing as an Italian tour. You can’t do justice to this magnificent country by reducing it to that homogenised prospect. […]

Vero Italiano: la salumeria

The third instalment in Mario Matassa’s new series uncovering the secrets of Italian food involves a trip to the deli counter to discover exactly why cured meats are so cherished by the Italian nation Photos by Mario Matassa Years back, driving through customs, it was common practice for Italian immigrants returning from their annual summer […]

Learning to Row in Venice

Mark Nicholls visits Venice, where he goes beyond the usual tourist sites to take lessons in rowing like a real gondolier… Photos by Sharon Nicholls unless otherwise stated Nan McElroy is patiently attempting to teach me the technique. The words grip, twist, lunge, push and return are in the instructions, chanted like a coded mantra, but […]

Homes in Sicily

Long summers, spectacular landscapes and super-friendly people are just three things to entice you to Sicily. A vast range of property options – including some of Italy’s most affordable homes – should be another, says Fleur Kinson Photos by iStock   Sitting like a big, bold triangle perched at the toe-tip of the Italian boot, […]

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 […]

Homes in Lombardy

Dreamy lakesides, elegant little cities, super-stylish dressers and a sky-high quality of life – it’s no wonder this mighty northern region has long been so popular. It still makes a great choice for property, says Fleur Kinson Photos by iStock   Sitting at the heart of northern Italy, with its romantic head in the Alps […]

Emilia-Romagna: University of the Good Life

Think of Italy and its most well-known food exports, and a third of them come from one region: Emilia-Romagna. Alexander James finds out why this part of the country is such a gastronomic hot-spot… Photos by Bologna Welcome (www.bolognawelcome.com) unless otherwise stated Visit this region between the Adriatic Sea and Tuscany and you’ll find the […]

Casa al modo tuo… your house, your way!

Whatever your needs, Kevin Gibney of PropertyForSaleMarche.com brings us an essential guide to buying your perfect Italian property How do you find the perfect property? It’s a question that has been posed hundreds of times to property expert Kevin Gibney of Le Marche estate agency PropertyForSaleMarche.com. And now he guides Italia! readers along the road […]