“Once you have tasted the taste of sky, you will forever look up” – Leonardo da Vinci Leonardo was right. A visit to Milan is as much about looking up at soaring buildings and exquisite art as looking around. I’ve been fascinated with the Italian Renaissance since I studied the history of Florence and Venice […]
18
Oct
Oct
I thought I had planned the perfect trip to Italy’s lakes region. Our itinerary took in historic villas covered in wisteria, perfect lake views and pretty towns. I researched restaurants thoroughly and scheduled visits to local attractions. Everything was going to plan and then we found out about this.. a local food festival. Why hadn’t I […]
05
Oct
Oct
Venice is a dream but it can also be a nightmare. In summer the huge crowds of people can almost ruin your experience. I will never forget the tide of humanity that greeted me when I first stepped off the vaporetto into St Mark’s square many years ago. And those crowds are only getting bigger. […]
25
Aug
Aug
Do you read to take yourself to another place, another time? Every now and again I come across a novel so powerful that I feel drawn to the people and places it describes. This book, My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante, took me straight to Naples, the island of Ischia and Florence. It is the story […]
21
Aug
Aug
Does your dream vacation in Italy include a leisurely day exploring the Tuscan hills? I am sure you want to see all the sights of the big cities in Italy – Rome, Venice and Florence. And most people cannot resist the call of Sicily, the Amalfi Coast or the Italian Riviera. But I also recommend taking […]