Gondolas on the Grand Canal, Venice

Gondolas on the Grand Canal by Sian Jones “This was taken from Rialto bridge, it shows the variety of boats using the Grand Canal, as well as  the elaborate buildings. My partner and I were there in May, we had been to explore the wonderful Rialto markets. It looks like the gondolas are going to […]

The Colosseum

colosseum

Almost 2,000 years ago, Emperor Vespasiano built the Colosseo in Rome – a giant oval stadium capable of hosting over 50,000 spectators that still stands today. No other monument says ‘Rome’ quite as much as this: the Colosseum, situated towards the south of the central area of the Eternal City (in the grounds of Nero’s […]

Mount Etna, Sicily

mount etna

A steady plume of smoke and ash continues to spew from Mount Etna- Europe’s highest active volcano. But can we expect another major eruption? Although it’s the tallest volcanco in Europe, it’s pretty difficult to say just how high Mount Etna actually is. With each eruption its height changes – and it erupts often. Currently […]

Chair and Flowers, Bevegna

bevagna

Chair and Flowers, Bevegna by Peter Colligan “Whilst strolling round Bevagna, one of our favourite towns in Umbria, we came across this delightful little scene by the Roman Amphitheatre. The warm colours are simply delightful.”

The Saltpans of Trapani

Among the most striking views in Sicily are the glittering saltpans between Trapani and Marsala. Dating way, way back to the time of the Phoenicians (who were sailing the Mediterranean from 1200BC), the saltpans on the western coast of Sicily are still active today, desalinating vast quantities of sea water and shipping the recovered salt […]

Lake Bolsena Fog

Lake Fog by Cathy Powell “We were living on Lake Bolsena at the time and my children had just caught the school bus. As I often did, I headed into town to do some shopping, luckily armed with my camera. It was late November when I took this photo and just after 8am. The lakeside […]

Venice by Stephen Fryer

Venice by Stephen Fryers “I had lived in the Ventian lagoon in the late ‘90s but had not returned to the island for well over 12 years, until a recent business trip allowed me to go back. I was lucky to have a Sunday free and the weather in December played ball with one of […]

A.L.F.A 24HP

In 1910 a new car manufacturer was formed, launching its first vehicle, the A.L.F.A 24HP. What was A.L.F.A went on to become Alfa Romeo, one of Italy’s producers of design icons… Who hasn’t, at some point, hankered after an Alfa Romeo? Anyone who has petrol rather than blood running through their veins will appreciate the […]

Finale Ligure, Liguria

Famed for its white sand beaches and dramatic sea views, the Ligurian resort of Finale Ligure is popular with sun-seekers – and also with cyclists, of both the on-road and off-road variety… In stark contrast to the lazy days and white linen lifestyle of the French Riviera just a few miles down the road from […]

A trip out to Burano

Brian Lloyd Duckett, by email “Please see the attached, it was taken last week in Venice, on a trip out to Burano. We were sitting on the wall looking out to the Lagoon, enjoying a gelato, when this guy came past…”