Articles - Italy

The following articles have some great information about Italy.


Active & Adventure
Italy’s accessible wilderness

On the trail in Sardinia
Hike & cycle in Italy



Amalfi Coast & Naples
36 hours on the Amalfi Coast
Amalfi Coast - a moveable feast
Naples - Pizzas & Piazzas
Idyllic island life, Italian style
Mini guide to Amalfi Coast culture
A good life on the Amalfi Coast
Drawing on experience: Naples
Mini guide to Naples
Naples - queen of the south


Art, music & culture
Verdi's surprising muse
Mini guide to Amalfi Coast culture
Italy's art master pieces
Through the pages of Tuscany


Dolomites

It's Italy.... but it's Austria
In Italy, Hiking and Haute Cuisine in the Dolomites
Legends of the Italian Dolomites


Florence
Florence's best kept secret 
A caffeinated return to Florence
Romance in Florence
Florence’s unlikely artistic win
Florence for foodies 
Mini guide to art in Florence 
Florence’s fading artisan culture
The Oltrarno artisans 
Living in Florence 
Florence's art for free 
Where to go in Florence


Food & drink
Florence for foodies
A caffeinated return to Florence
Amalfi Coast - a moveable feast
Mini guide to eating in Venice 
Mini guide to eating out in Rome
Milan's designer label food 
Slow Umbria
Italy’s happiest hour
A taste of Tuscany
Budget & blow out: Rome
Sicily's street food 
In Sicily, Tasting Seafood With a Skeptical Son


Italian Riviera
Have the Italian Riviera all to yourself


Italy
The perfect trip: Italy
Shakespeare's Italy
Italy's art master pieces
Italy's finest coast lines
The 10 most romantic small towns in Italy


Milan, Turin & the Lakes
Living in Milan
Mini guide to architecture in Turin 
Milan's passionate heart 
Milan's designer label food 
Mini guide to Milan
Spirit of the Italian Lakes
Trades of the Italian Lakes
Drawing on experience: Milan
Mini guide to the Italian Lakes
Two days in the Italian Lakes


Puglia & the southern mainland
Slowing down in Southern Italy


Ravenna, Bologna, Parma & Modena
36 hours in Bologna


Rome
Rome’s best bars for drinks as impressive as the views
Free things to do in Rome
First time Rome: a beginner’s guide to the Eternal City
Rome behind the lens
Unwritten rules of Rome
Drawing on experience: Rome
The classic wonders of Rome
Rome's urban gems
Mini guide to eating out in Rome
A new perch with views of Rome
Rome's architectural renaissance
Italy’s accessible wilderness
Hidden Rome 
Rome’s most mysterious places
All roads lead to Rome
Budget & blow out: Rome 
Living in Rome 
Rome must do's 
Rome Reborn – An Amazing Digital Model of Ancient Rome
The colossal cost of ancient Rome



Sicily, Sardinia & southern isles
In Sicily, Tasting Seafood With a Skeptical Son
Between Water & Fire
How 'The Franks' Do Sicily
A new dawn for Italy's south
Mini guide to Sicily's beaches
Sardinia - land and sea
The splendour of Sicilian antiquity
Sicily, an island of secrets
The fiery Mediterranean coast
Sardinia's island splendours
Mini guide to Sicily
On the trail in Sardinia
Postcard from SE Sicily
Mini guide to Palermo
Sicily's street food 
36 hours in Palermo 
Noto Bene - why Noto is our summer destination 
Enthralled by Sicily, again


Tuscany (see also Florence)
A short break in Siena
Trails through Tuscany
If you go down to the woods today
Living in Tuscany
Mini guide to Tuscany’s hill towns
Through the pages of Tuscany
Two days in Siena 
Tuscany's medieval-style festival
A taste of Tuscany
The perfect trip: Tuscany
Exploring Tuscany
In this part of Tuscany, no souvenirs needed


Umbria
In St. Francis’ Hometown, a New Kind of Pilgrim
Slow Umbria
Mini guide to Umbria


Venice & Veneto
500 Years of Jewish Life in Venice
A local's tour of Venice
First 24 hours - Venice
Living in Venice
Mini guide to eating in Venice 
Secret Venice
The heart of Shakespeare's plays
Shakespeare's Italy
Insider's guide to Venice
Authentic Venice
Venice in pictures
Venice on a budget

Best trips in Italy

Having written about the Highlights of Italy in an earlier post, here is my selection of the best trips in Italy.  For more great trips in Europe, check out the post Best trip in Europe.

Spirit of Amalfi - walking trip
On this enchanting walking adventure, we go beyond the crowds to experience the hidden treasures and authentic culture of this Italian paradise.  Highlights include a hike along the stunning Sentiero degli Dei (Footpath of the Gods), the mysterious Valley of the Mills and the spectacular village of Positano.  Included is a visit to Pompeii and a day trip to the Isle of Capri.  We are also based for four magnificent days in a wonderful hotel right on the waterfront in the village that lends its name to this glorious coast – Amalfi.

Colours of Tuscany - walking trip
The deep green of cypresses in rows. The glowing ruby of a waiting glass of Sangiovese. The burnt orange of terracotta rooves, mottled brown village piazza and the gold of endless fields. These are the colours of Tuscany you’ve dreamed of, and the colours we’ll show you.
Mouth watering feasts, undulating landscapes, rustic villas and a network of scenic trails – Tuscany is the walking adventure you’ve been dreaming of.


Secrets of Italy - sightseeing trip
The best of Northern Italy in one great 10-day tour.  Experience Venice from the water, walk the Cinque Terre, see the leaning tower, live the Renaissance in Florence, discover hilltop towns in Umbria and end this fabulous trip in Eternal Rome.

Highlights of Italy - sightseeing trip
Venice, Florence, Rome and Naples need no introduction as historically fascinating and architecturally impressive cities. Still, it isn't all about romantic canals, legendary monuments or religious heritage, as the best of Italy is in the family atmosphere of a traditional agriturismo where we enjoy some renowned warm hospitality. Travelling by train through Italy's beautiful landscapes makes for an unforgettable experience as we can absorb the incredible views of Lake Como, the Apennine Mountains and the stunning Mediterranean coastline. Optional visits to Capri and Pompeii should not be missed but the included visits to Verona, Pisa and Lucca add to a truly memorable holiday.


Classic Dolomites - hiking trip
The week is based at Hotel Adler, a lovely 4-star hotel with wellbeing centre and indoor swimming pool in the small village of Villabassa. Nestled close to the Austrian border and sandwiched between the spectacular, jagged limestone peaks of the Dolomites, our base offers an excellent choice of wonderful routes with the opportunity to relax in comfort at the end of a day's walking.

Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast - cycling trip
The Cilento National Park is largely undisturbed by the 21st Century and we cycle through quaint fishing villages where the traditional way of life is still very evident. Cycling is a great way to navigate this peaceful place and our route take us through the Greco-Roman city of Paestum, with its three major Doric style temples, before heading to the lovely town of Minori on the Amalfi Coast. In order to appreciate the area, we spend two days here, visiting beautiful towns such as Positano and of course Amalfi itself. All that cycling will help build your appetite for the fine food that the area is famous for.

Treasures of Sicily - sightseeing trip
Sicily has to be one of the most fascinating islands in Europe. It has an incredibly diverse history, thanks to the different marks left by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spanish civilizations. On this comprehensive tour, we explore the island through its picturesque villages, well-preserved archaeological sites and splendid scenery. Of course no trip to Sicily is complete without trying the local delicacies and we have plenty of opportunities to sample its mouth-watering cuisine and world-renowned wines.

Highlights of Italy

This post has been moved to our new blog.

New cycling trips for 2014

In an earlier post I wrote about new walking and hiking trips all over the world.  Here is our line-up of new cycling trips for 2014.  For more new trips ideas, click on these blog posts: Americas, Europe, Asia, Off-the-beaten-track.


Cycling France - Pedalling through Provence: dominated by rugged mountains and lavender fields, Provence has been inhabited since ancient times and boasts some fabulous Roman architecture.  The scenery is unsurpassed as we ride from village to village and soak in the landscapes of vineyards, poppy and lavender fields that captivated the artist Paul Cézanne. With time to discover typical Provencal market towns and sample the local food and wine, there is also plenty to enjoy when you're out of the saddle.

Cycling Spain - Rioja: Cycling & Wine: La Rioja is a broad valley of undulating vineyards and craggy hills, where walled hilltop towns reflect the turbulent times of earlier centuries. Our exploration on two wheels starts in the beautiful city of Burgos, the historic capital of Castile. Following the Via Verde cycle route, we continue into the heart of the Demanda mountain range and reach the fertile land of La Rioja. Surrounded by vineyards, we cycle across the gentle rolling countryside and taste the excellent wines produced in the region. We spend a night in the UNESCO-listed Yuso Monastery, now converted in a charming hotel.

Cycling Italy - Cycling in Sicily: Sicily has to be one of the most fascinating islands in Europe. There is an incredibly diverse history, thanks to almost every civilisation leaving their mark, including the Phoenecians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spanish. On our exciting cycle through the south-eastern part of the island, we enjoy varied scenery of high plateaux of lava and limestone, a number of impressive gorges and beautiful sandy beaches along the stunning coastline. Starting near Chiaramonte, we enjoy views of the wonderful Anapo Valley that includes all the flora and fauna typical of Sicily. We continue to historic Ragusa Ibla, Palazzolo Acreide and Noto, with their Baroque architecture and Greek ruins, some of the best preserved in southern Italy. The trip ends in Siracusa, one of the most historic cities of the Mediterranean. Each hotel we visit offers a warm welcome, and we can savour delicious Sicilian cuisine and enjoy relaxing on the beach.

Cycling through Croatia & Slovenia: Croatia's Istrian peninsula offers the perfect setting for a cycling holiday, linking historic towns, beautiful coastline and pretty inland villages with trails through green hills and lush fields, vineyards and olive groves. Our route will stop in the town of Rovinj, known as the 'little Venice' of Croatia, and Porec, famed for the stunning Byzantine mosaics housed in the UNESCO Euphrasian Basilica. Our trip ends in Slovenia with a ride around Postojna and the chance to visit the famous stalactite cave, before we head on to the vibrant capital of Ljubljana.

New hiking and walking trips for 2014

With walking and hiking trips all over the world, we still manage to find some great new trips each year.  Here is our line-up of new walking and hiking trips for 2014.  For more new trips ideas, click on these blog posts: Cycling, Americas, Europe, Asia, Off-the-beaten-track.


Wildflowers & Waterfalls of the Swiss Alps: the Bernese Oberland is the ideal picturesque setting for scenic walks: glaciers, numerous stunning waterfalls and lush green valleys provide a spectacular backdrop for a relaxing week. All walks are set at a gentle pace leaving plenty of time to admire the 'chocolate box' villages we pass through, or to stop and enjoy a refreshing drink in the warm spring sunshine.  Striking wild flowers flourish and carpet the meadows in colourful blankets. Our base for the week is a cosy, traditional Swiss hotel found in the charming village of Wilderswil and we use a mixture of local trains and buses to explore the natural beauty that this stunning region has to offer.

Provence: a stunning part of Provence and relatively untouched by tourism, Greoux les Bains offers the perfect base for a week of gentle daywalks. From our comfortable converted chateau, we explore the region with a mixture of walks from the door or following a short private bus transfer. With the bustling market town of Forcalquier, the dramatic Verdon Gorge and depending on the season, fields of lavender or poppies just a short drive away, there is much to be explored.

Lake Garda, Italy: the contrasting landscape of dramatic mountains, clear water and sandy coves make Lake Garda a wonderful place to visit. Close to the lake, the atmosphere is Mediterranean, with a mild climate supporting palms and lemon groves alongside the olives and vines. Away from the shore craggy mountains rise rapidly and the citrus groves give way to forest and alpine meadows. The multitude of lakeside villages have historically been linked by boat, which we use to explore the area along with a combination of buses and cable car.

Walking Dubrovnik and Montenegro: this walking trip is packed with highlights, combining gentle walks with the very best cultural attractions. We have plenty of time to explore the UNESCO cities of Dubrovnik and Kotor; interspersed with walks in the rolling hills and mountains that surround these cities. Enjoying the azure coastline will also be a priority and we will have the opportunity to appreciate the tranquility of the quiet bays on the idylic island of Lopud. Dubrovnik is a must see for any visitor to this area and with four nights here you will have plenty of time to explore. With gentle walks, fascinating culture and coastal serenity, this trip is the perfect amble towards relaxation.

Walking Malta and Gozo: in the heart of the Mediterranean, lie the beautiful and always sun-kissed Maltese Islands. The bustling island of Malta is home to the oldest megalithic temples on Earth, the UNESCO Old City of Valletta and bucolic inland paths. Leaving Malta behind, the tranquil, verdant island of Gozo, dotted with delightful honey-coloured villages and dramatic coastline, is a paradise for walkers. The hotels used on this holiday have been carefully handpicked for their charming character and unique location, perfect for relaxing after a day of walking.

Namibia, Trekking & Tribes: caught between the Kalahari and the Atlantic Ocean is a country of extreme natural beauty where wildlife roam and some of the continent's most charismatic tribes still live a traditional lifestyle. As well as exploring some of Namibia's highlights such as Etosha N.P. and the world's highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei, we learn about the San Bushmen's hunter/gatherer traditions, visit a Himba village and go on game walks in some of the country's smaller parks.

Trails of Ladakh, India: sandwiched between the western Himalaya, the Karakorum and the Tibetan Plateau, lies the high altitude desert of Ladakh, or 'Little Tibet'. Time in the capital Leh gives us the perfect opportunity to acclimatise as well as exploring the town, Leh Palace and some of the most important monasteries in the area. This fairly gentle trek gives us the chance to enjoy the views and experience village life, in this most remote area of India with its rich culture, where the way of life hasn't changed for centuries.

Trekking in Burma: we visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, the cultural heart of the nation, and Bagan with its plain of 4000 temples. For our trekking we head to the Chin Hills of north west Burma. This area is home to the ethnic Chin people whose culture and traditions have changed little over the centuries. Women are adorned with tattooed faces and we will stay in monasteries and school houses, immersing ourselves amongst this welcoming culture. Passing forested hills, tea plantations and lush valleys we end the trek with an ascent of Mt Victoria (3063m) for magnificent views of the surrounding area.

Costa Rica - Volcano & Tropical Paradise Walk: follow handpicked walking trails in search of wildlife, waterfalls and outstanding views. From emerald rainforests, smouldering volcanoes and tropical savannah, to steam-fed springs and bubbling mud pools, vibrant Costa Rica is a destination that always delivers. Country tracks or forest trails lead us to a number of waterfalls, where mineral rich water provides the perfect refresher after a day's walking! A visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs near Arenal Volcano is also included to soothe any aching muscles.

Walking Trails of Brazil: giant flattop mountains rise above the grasslands whilst crystal-clear waterfalls, streams, underground rivers, unusual rock formations and caves are scattered between limestone escarpments. This scenery, risen from the ocean and carved by wind, water and time, greets visitors to Brazil's 'Diamond Plateau'. Chapada Diamantina, in the northeast of the country, inland from the colonial capital of Salvador, may be little known but is Brazil's premier trekking destination and its own Lost World.

My top ten of best experiences in Europe

Europe is a continent with many cultures, languages and religions.  It is no wonder you can have so many different experiences.  Here is my top ten of favourite experiences in Europe.

1. great food - the number one reason I love to be in Europe is the food.  Be it a lovely salad in Greece, a good pasta in Italy, a simple leg of lamb in Andalucia or fish in Iceland, no matter where you go, the food always amazes me.  Enjoy it on a terrace, a patio or in a lovely restaurant, perhaps next to a cozy fireplace.
2. a good glass of wine - visit a winery in Tuscany, Rioja or Burgundy, find your favourite wine, and pair it with great food!
3. walk - my favourite way to get around Europe is on foot.  It allows you to stop where you please and literally smell the roses.  Or the aromatic herbs flanking a hillside in Croatia for that matter.  On one morning walk in Spain I walked through seven villages, each of them different and with it's own atmosphere.
4. cycle - another great way to travel Europe is by bike.  You get to cover slightly larger distances and feel the wind in your hair.  It allows you to explore larger areas, like the towns along the Danube, the chateaux of the Loire Valley or the baroque cities of Central Europe.
5. history - Everywhere you go in Europe, history awaits to be uncovered.  My favourite?  Each time I visit Siena in Italy I am blown away by the duomo - a fantastic cathedral in black and white, lined with frescoes and paintings.  
6. engage your spirit - with churches and cathedrals around every corner, it is not hard to find a quiet place to reflect.  Be it a church in eternal Rome, a monastery set deep in the hills of Italy, or walking the Camino de Santiago, take time out from your trip to recharge your spirit.
7. art - it flourishes in Europe.  From paintings to sculptures to funky installations, it is everywhere.  My favourite places include the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia and the Louvre in Paris, France.  But don't forget lesser known places such as Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
8. village life - I love the medieval towns and squares in Europe.  Wander the streets of Tallinn in Estonia, or the hilltop villages of Provence and Umbria.
9. the people - I have chatted with shopkeepers in Switzerland, gardeners in Russia and plenty of "ordinary" folk.  Each of them had lived a lifetime and had so many stories to share.  And I love just sitting down with a pint of beer and watch the people walk by (just as the carillon of the nearby cathedral starts playing a wonderful tune!).
10. markets - part of everyday life, markets are the place to shop.  Engage with the farmers or the artisans while you pick up locally grown fresh fruit, a handmade cheese and a bottle of wine.  Then make a beeline for a shady spot to enjoy a picnic.  Heaven!

What is your own European favourite?  Is there a place on your bucket list?  Email me!