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 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 […]
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 […]
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; […]
Jenny Crombie takes a relaxing trip to the sunny shores and calm sapphire waters of Lake Garda. The delights of pretty Bardolino tempt her to stay a little longer in paradise… There must be something in the air around Lake Garda. Some other-worldly matter, maybe exuding from the lake itself, that won’t allow any other state but […]
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 […]
Today, we cross some stunning Italian ponti as we dare to travel a bridge too far with our guide to the top five bridges in Italy for romantics to meet on. Ponte di Rialto Venice With a wealth of Venetian bridges to choose from, the Rialto Bridge, which is situated in the heart of Venice, remains […]
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 […]
Sarah Lane takes a relaxing stroll around the lakeside oasis in Lombardy to find out more about nesting storks, Latin poets and the singularly rampant Gonzaga dynasty Approaching Mantua from the east you’re presented with the captivating sight of the city’s fairy-tale skyline, seemingly afloat on its watery foundations. Mantua is built in the middle […]
A tiny island off Italy’s west coast hides in the shadows cast by its more popular neighbours, Ischia and Ponza. Sarah Lane finds out why Ventotene deserves a visit. The island of Ventotene is one of Italy’s best kept secrets. It is officially part of the Ponza archipelago off the coast of southern Lazio, but in […]