Explore bustling markets, inspirational island walks, and enjoy the bounty of autumn on a relaxing getaway to scenic Lake Orta. It’s October when I arrive at La Darbia, which lies tucked away in the midst of ancient forest between Lake Orta and Monte Rosa in northern Piedmont. The smell of chestnuts roasting fills the air, wafting […]
Step into the shadows of these haunted Venice streets and join us in the search for the city’s spookiest legends. The maze of narrow alleys, combined with the tricks of the light reflected in the canals, the decaying palaces and the fog make Venice the city of mysteries par excellence. The ghosts we will meet […]
Revel in the ornate, flamboyant architecture of the Val di Noto as we pay a visit to the most enchanting Baroque towns in Sicily. Characterised by dramatic theatricality, intricate detailing and a sense of grandeur, the Sicilian Baroque is a distinctive architectural style that emerged at the end of the 17th century. Though clearly influenced […]
Stretching from Genoa to Ventimiglia, with charming towns and beautiful beaches, the Riviera di Ponente has so much to explore, whatever the season, says Jane Keightley. Though it is not as well known as the Riviera di Levante, where visitors flock to the Cinque Terre and Portofino, the Riviera di Ponente has a charm all […]
Join us on a road trip from Milan to Arezzo to discover the secrets of this Etruscan town and experience its famous antiques market. We were planning our regular Easter break with the kids and we had all agreed that this year we would be going to Tuscany. It was my Italian husband who suggested that […]
Explore beaches, castles, and thermal gardens as we spend 48 hours in Ischia, a perfect little gem in the glittering Gulf of Naples. Affectionately known as the Isola Verde, the ‘Green Island’, Ischia has so much to offer for a short getaway. The terrain is small enough to explore in just a few days and the […]
Explore Tropea town, the Coast of the Gods and the surrounding countryside with Kate Wickers. Sitting pretty on Italy’s Calabrian toe sits southern belle Tropea. This seaside resort town remains delightfully off the tourist map (compared to other coastal beauties such as Amalfi) and is still more popular with holidaying northern Italians than it is […]
Overwhelmed by the endless options in Italy’s capital? Narrow it down with the top 20 essential things to do in Rome, whether it’s your first visit or your twenty-first. Italy’s capital is so full of treasures, you could spend years here and not manage to see them all. So what hope is there for the […]
From idyllic trails to picture-perfect towns, discover the most beautiful Venetian islands you won’t want to miss on your next Venice trip. 1. Burano: Best for postcard-perfect views A vibrant, picturesque island which, in the 16th century, began to flourish through the rise of its lace-making traditions, Burano is truly captivating for its colourful fishermen’s […]
If you’re planning a stay in Rimini, don’t miss a day trip to San Marino, Italy’s closest neighbour and the world’s oldest surviving republic. If you think the Italians are a proud bunch, you haven’t met the Sammarinese. “We’ve not been to a war since the 15th century,” said Maria Sara Forcellini, my tour guide, […]