Puglia, Italy's southern most province, is rich in ancient heritage and bathed in warm Mediterranean sunshine. In the "heel of the boot", just south of Brindisi and an overnight ferry away from Greece, warm aquamarine waters grace dinner tables with just caught seafood.…

It’s easy to be romantic about rural life. In the UK we have the Victorians to thank for the cutesy rural images which adorn greetings cards showing young girls standing outside thatched cottages carrying beautiful wicker baskets overflowing with flowers and produce. This was far from the reality of the tough rural existence which prompted so many to abandon their fields and head for the city.…

On one very special eve in July, the 'La Notte Rosa' or 'Pink Night' sees the entire Italian Riviera di Rimini transform into a pink party paradise. The dawn to dusk celebrations are coined as Italy's summer New Years Eve party. It is among Italy's top 5 festivals.…

Rather like the best 1970s disaster movies or the science fiction B-movies of the 1960s, the spaghetti western still boasts a strong and dedicated following many decades after the last movie was produced and the dust, quite literally settled. And like these other genres, even those who look back fondly at the age…

I'm something of a language geek, and I'm particularly fascinated by the linguistic patchwork of Europe. I mean, many of us know about Spain's regional languages like Catalan, Basque, and Galician. But when it comes to, say, Germany, Italy, or France, I've found many people tend to assume everybody speaks…

Sitting down to eat or drink at an Italian café costs more than standing at the counter and nowhere will charge you more for the honour than Venice, particularly if you're outside, in somewhere like St Mark's Square and there's an orchestra playing. The mark-up on your bill can be over 500%! Here are a few tips that will help you keep within your food and drink budget.…

Christmas in the UK, where I grew up, thrives on tradition. Although conventionally described as a Christian celebration, a British Christmas has roots in ancient pagan festivals, subsequently layered with influences from around the world. In today's cosmopolitan (and largely secular) Britain, December 25th concerns itself as much with the Eastenders Omnibus as it does the birth of Christ.



I wanted to know more about Christmas traditions in the rest of the world, so I…

Every bottle of wine or liquor I can think of has a label. Many times the label simply indicates the contents with a brief description of origin and flavor. But sometimes, labels go beyond the basic requirements with a higher purpose. Campari and Fonseca Bin 27 Port are two brands with labels promoting…

This story is part of our series “Our Team Travels” in which our travel professionals journeys are recorded. This “OTT” is based upon Silvana Martinello, who traveled to Italy to see her family for the first time in 23 years.

Is there a better time to visit Italy than in the fall? The summer madness has died down, yet Italy remains warm and inviting. In the town of Alba, in the Piedmont region, in the northwestern corner of Italy, is a food-festival lover's delight. The region is much less touristed than its Tuscan neighbor.



From October 6 to November 18 in the town of Alba, each weekend it's all about truffles. Yes, truffles, the key ingredient of many a gourmet meal. …

Casa Angelina's timeless elegance of style and service combines with cosseting accommodation, gourmet cuisine, restorative wellness therapies and an unsurpassed location, delicately perched above the azure tranquillity of the Mediterranean. Choose from one of our 39 exquisite and luxurious rooms and suites,…

Hotel's patio

I've been at Hotel Touring, a Bologna 3 star hotel, and I found the best place to be!

The roof top patio is one of the best features of Touring and of Bologna; you get a panorama view of Bologna while being able to relax…

 Okay let me put this into perspective.…

by Nellie Huang



She’s hot, sassy and sultry. In the sizzling Mediterranean heat, her shapely curves and sculpted body give her an even bigger sex appeal. Lively and spontaneous – she’s every man’s dream. While not many get the chance to truly understand her, those who do always end up…

There are many reasons to travel. Some of us travel to take a much needed break, others simply to take a holiday, maybe one is on a business trip. But one thing for sure. While on your journey, you will need to eat.  Cuisine is an integral part of any local culture. Not liking the locals eats can be a valid reason not to travel to a destination.  As culinary travel is one of the fastest growing segments in the travel industry, here are some of my favorite foodie towns to enjoy one of my…

We left Umbria after 6 days of wonderful tours, meals, making new friends and never reaching for our wallet all courtesy of the Umbrian tourism authority. When in Italy be sure to visit Umbria.. We took a nice train ride of about 2 hours into Rome’s central train station.

I got off the train and desperately needed to relive myself of that morning’s espresso shots. The men’s room…

Who doesn’t dream of tasting some of the best wines in the world in the very vineyards where the grapes are grown? Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a wine lover or simply wine-curious, you’ll find that there’s something for everyone in these European wine regions.

#1. Loire…

Nowadays nothing but money counts: a fortune brings honors, friendships; the poor man everywhere lies low. — Ovid

The "Old Man Fountain" and our guide, Francesco

My friend Novelia tells me that the tourists are finally coming back to Abruzzo. It’s been a…