La Rocca Calascio – The Highest Fortress

“He who controls the high ground controls the battle,” goes the old military adage – and it doesn’t get much higher than La Rocca Calascio. Standing at  1,460 metres above sea level – that’s 300 metres higher than Ben Nevis – this medieval fortress provides a vantage point over huge swathes of land… Standing in […]

Homes in Apartments

Well-built, comfortable and great value for money, an Italian apartment can make a wise buy. Whether you’re looking for somewhere urban, coastal or rural, Fleur Kinson guides you through some of the practicalities… Italy’s property prices are lower now than they were eight years ago, and current exchange rates allow non-euro buyers like yourself to get even […]

Lakes and mountains

Italy’s northern lakes and the mountains that surround them are recognized as one of Europe’s most beautiful regions. Start planning your stay for 2016… Private Italy Tours Discover the real Northern Italy Our Lake Region and Northern Italy small group tour provides you with the opportunity to encounter the romantic soul of Italy. From a […]

The columns of the Palazzo Ducale, Venice

The sculptural decoration on the three exposed corners of the Ducale Palace proclaims the fragility of man. Venice is a wonder which never ceases to amaze me. It often seems, when I look at old favourites, that I am viewing them for first time, so wonderful is the artistic detail and layered meaning. Saint Mark’s […]

Wines of the Veneto

The northeastern region of the Veneto combines gentle plains in the south with mountains in the north. From robust reds to subtle prosecco wines, it really does have it all… It’s the largest-producing region of DOC wines (accredited wines by law) in all Italy. Although not vast in size, being the eighth-largest region in land […]

Estruscan art

What few examples have been found reflect a wealthy and sophisticated culture with refined tastes This fascinating civilization is often overshadowed by its more ‘famous’ fellow Ancients, the Greeks and the Romans; however, the Etruscans stand on their own for their cultural development, artistic production and commercial prowess. They were contemporaneous with the Ancient Greeks; […]

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 […]

The Grand Tour – Part 1

In the first of our new six-part series, Jon Palmer crosses the Alps into Piedmont to follow the trail of that uniquely 18th-century phenomenon, the Grand Tour The foundations of the Grand Tour can be traced back to the begin of the 17th century and a young squire called Thomas Coryat, whose travel journal was […]