Free of the summer’s foreign tourists, but no less lively, Sorrento is a beautiful place to be at Christmas – here’s why it’s a perfect festive destination… Words and photos by Fleur Kinson The Christmas period seems to come earlier and earlier in Britain, with shops piled high with gifts, tinsel and crackers long […]
For a Christmas break with a difference, join Rachael Martin as she heads to Milan and nearby Lake Como to soak up the festive atmosphere… Milan photos by Comune di Milano unless otherwise stated 1. Christmas starts early in Milan with the Sant’Ambrogio festival On 7 December it is the feast day of Milan’s patron […]
For a true taste of Italian Christmas, you can’t beat a slice of classic (or flavoured) panettone – here are seven to help you decide which one to serve this year The origins of panettone go back to Roman times, but it was the bakers of Milan in the early 20th century who made the […]
Every winter the streets of Turin come alight with sophisticated electric installations by renowned artists – Joe Gartman investigates… Photos by Patricia Gartman Thomas Edison started it all, of course. Not content with inventing the light bulb, he strung dozens of coloured lamps around his laboratory for the 1880 holiday season. In 1882, his business partner, […]
From festive markets to presepe, Italy is especially magical in December – here are a few good excuses to book that flight! Photos by iStock & Getty Images 1. Where better to be at Christmas than in a festive high-altitude town known for its fantastic traditional outdoor market and with the stunning Dolomites as a picturesque […]
Milan has something to offer the visitor at all times of the year, but Rachael Martin finds its café culture particularly appealing in the lead-up to Christmas… Photos by Rachael Martin unless otherwise stated It’s late afternoon along Corso Magenta. The streetlights have come on, and the orange Carrelli trams wind their way through the […]
Each December, the terrifying costumed figures of Krampus paint South Tyrol red with their extravaganza. Marina Spironetti attends a traditional parade of the monsters in Castelrotto Photos by Marina Spironetti If your idea of a typical Italian Christmas involves getting dressed up as Babbo Natale for the fun of the little ones in the […]
Bring a dash of Italian style to the festive season with our gift ideas for the whole family Prosecco Soap For a truly indulgent cleanse, this prosecco soap is enriched with linden flower extract and infused with the sparkling aroma of Italian bubbly. £4.99, Oak Room Shop Lime Di Sicilia Handbag Travel Set Take your […]