Panniers and pasta: a foodie cycling tour in northern Italy
In 2018, our writers cycled from Bristol to Bangkok, staying with locals in 22 countries. They remember Italy fondly for its warm hospitality – and fabulous carb-rich cuisineWe had been on the road for...
View Article10 of the best cheap restaurants, cafes and bars in Milan
Milan’s reputation for stuffy high-end dining is changing. Our selection focuses on fabulous flavours without the fancy pricesNot long ago, Milan was considered to be Italy’s least exciting food city:...
View ArticleHigh and healthy: an eco-minded break in Italy’s South Tirol
The Dolomites take centre stage in a region where Italy meets Austria but there is a sustainable approach to food, wine and accommodation that’s eye-catching, tooOf all the things I’ve ever wanted to...
View ArticleLago land: walking and paddling Italy's River Ticino
South of Lake Maggiore, the Ticino offers picturesque towns, the odd secret bar and even an open-air pool. Perfect for exploring on foot and by canoeLet me take you down my home river, the Ticino. The...
View ArticleTurin city break: the best music, restaurants and culture
Electro music fans are heading to Turin for this weekend’s Kappa Futurfestival, but this also one of the best cities in Italy for culture and affordable restaurantsWithout Turin, Italy would be a...
View ArticleHoney, we forgot the kids: a child-free holiday in Umbria
No kids for a week means a group of parents get the chance to be themselves again amid Umbria’s green hills As usual we’re running late. Our three children help rush us down to the bus stop. They’re...
View ArticleItaly on holiday: a day at the beach in the Cilento
For many families in Naples, Santa Maria di Castellabate has become a favourite summer seaside escape. We joined them for a day on the beach, Italian styleCries of “Cocco bello, cocco fresco” carry...
View ArticleLike Cinque Terre – but without the crowds
A few miles from Italy’s honeypot villages, but overlooked by the cruise ship tours, Framura offers tranquil hamlets and gorgeous walks, sea views and cuisine‘For me this is the best place in the...
View ArticleMatera: Italy's magical city of stone
After 10,000 years, the ancient city in Basilicata is having a moment: it’s a European capital of culture for 2019 – and even James Bond is making a visit‘This room is called Senza Nidd– without...
View ArticleFood, wine and antiquity in Frascati and the Roman hills
On sultry evenings, canny city-dwellers escape the heat for carafes of chilled white and traditional foods in maker-run wine bars a short train ride from Rome‘We’re going for an aperitivo,” says our...
View ArticleTruly, madly, steeply: a via ferrata tour of the Dolomites
Northern Italy’s iron paths give hikers the chance to feel like mountaineers but without rope, anchors or knots. Our writer straps in for the high-altitude thrill of his lifeI am standing on an...
View ArticleA private view: explore the quieter side of Florence
Away from the bustle of the crowds is a far gentler version of Tuscany’s great art and food city. All you need is a bikeIt’s midnight, and I am lost in Florence. I’m on a bike without lights (almost no...
View Article20 of the best Alps ski resorts by train
Think skiing in the Alps has to mean taking a flight? Think again: our rail and ski expert picks resorts to suit all abilities – all accessible by train from LondonSWITZERLANDContinue reading...
View ArticlePowder sharing agreement: plans to create Italy’s biggest ski area
The small Alps resort of Champoluc, with its famed off-piste, is set to be linked with mighty, pricey Zermatt. So go now, while it’s relatively untouchedIs there such a thing as too much snow? The week...
View ArticleA local’s guide to Bologna, Italy: top 10 tips
Famous for its medieval buildings and culinary brilliance, this vibrant university city also has a radical edge, offbeat cafes and great countryside at handBologna stakes a claim to being the oldest...
View ArticleWalking in Italy: on the trail of Saint Francis of Assisi
We follow a route through the green hills of Umbria walked 800 years ago by the ‘first environmentalist’ – but swap prayer and poverty for soft pillows and handmade pasta Peace, universal love, respect...
View ArticleA local’s guide to Treviso, Italy: 10 top tips
Criss-crossed with picturesque canals, this historic town also offers great art and eating – to a soundtrack of popping prosecco corksTreviso is a cycling city. We all get around the historic centre on...
View ArticleForever in fashion: a tour of Naples’ finest arts and crafts makers
At Christmas, Naples’ famous nativity figurines dominate its shops, but the city buzzes with artisans creating beautiful ceramics, fashion and accessories year-round In Naples the build-up to Christmas...
View ArticleThank you to … my Uncle Ron, who brought my Italian heritage alive
In this series writers celebrate a person who changed their lives. Paula Cocozza recalls the relative who lived in Worthing ‘but always seemed to have one foot in Italy’Dear Ron,Or should I say “Uncle...
View ArticleFrom Tooting to the Tirol: a family cycle trip by train
Sunburn and one spectacular tumble aside, it’s good times all the way when one family takes the train from London to the start of their freewheeling Italian cycling holidayI’d like to take credit for...
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