Milan Escape: 12 Must-See Attractions
Milan is the capital of Lombardy and the second most popular city in Italy. It may not be as famous as Rome, but that gives it the advantage of not being as crowded. And you do not have to worry about getting bored because there are plenty of attractions in Milan from castles and palaces to museums and galleries. Are you wondering what are the best...
6 Unmissable Specialties From Friuli
Specialties from Friuli may be more discreet than those of other Italian regions, but they're no less delightful. On a global level, Friuli-Venezia Giulia might get overshadowed by locales on the usual tourist circuit, such as Umbria, the Veneto, Lazio, and Campania, the northeastern Italian region is a force to be reckoned with – to know it is to...
Residences of the Royal House of Savoy, UNESCO World Heritage Site since1997
The system of the Savoy Residences is an artistic and architectural heritage spread throughout the region of Piedmont. These are marvelous royal and noble villas and palaces that reflect the power of the Savoy family (ancient italian noble family), determined to make this territory an important administrative, cultural and recreational center. Hist...
Aosta Valley: the Great St. Bernard Valley
E-bike tour in the Great St. Bernard Valley. A cycling route crossing the Via Francigena (i.e. Pilgrims Way), following the so called Salt Way. That’s history! Salt reached the whole region from the Alps along this route, it was used since ancient times to preserve meat. Salt plus breeding: this is the tradition of Aosta Valley cured meats! Our rep...
5 Enthralling Wines of Campania
Campania is a land of greatness and the wines of Campania live up to the region's reputation. Some argue that its whites are among the best in Italy, holding their own against those of Friuli-Venezia Giulia in the northeast. Fiano di Avellino stands front and center. The wine defies time and is excellent when paired not only with the seafood dishe...
Festa de’ Noantri: the story of an ancient religious festival in Rome
Rome is awash with religious traditions however few are as popular as the Festa de' Noantri which has attracted large crowds every summer for almost 500 years. The festival, which dates back to the early 16th century, is based between two churches in Trastevere, one of Rome's oldest and most characteristic quarters. Central to the annual event, who...
7 Essential Foods of Emilia-Romagna
As Stanley Tucci showed the world, the foods of Emilia-Romagna are some of Italy's most exquisite. The production area myriad exported goods, the region plays host to a treasure trove of palate pleasers. Here are seven essential foods of Emilia Romagna to keep an eye out for on your next trip – or to seek out at home. 1. Mortadella Bologna -Among...
Airline replacing Alitalia plans to take off in October
The new airline being created to replace the long financially ailing Alitalia will take off on Oct. 15 with its first flights, the Italian Economy Ministry announced Thursday. In a statement, the ministry said the new company, ITA, will be fully operating on that date, following the positive outcome of discussions with the European Union’s executiv...
Between legend and reality: who were Palermo's Beati Paoli?
The Beati Paoli are, perhaps, the most mysterious citizens of Palermo, so mysterious we don’t even know if they existed. For more than five centuries, their name and the legend surrounding it has permeated the streets of Sicily’s capital, with some believing not only that they existed, but that they were the archetype of the island’s infamous mafia...
Rome's Etruscan Museum opens its gardens for cocktails and jazz this summer
Villa Giulia, the home of Italy's National Etruscan Museum, opens its gardens to the public for the first time this summer, every evening until 30 September. Each evening the Villa Giulia Temporary Garden will combine culture with entertainment, offering guests cocktails and street food "served in bistrot style" to the backdrop of live music and ex...
Sardinia and Its Ever-Intriguing Wines
The wines of Sardinia are just as intriguing as the island's food. Recent studies have highlighted how Cannonau, the most popular regional red, is one of the Mediterranean's oldest grape varieties. When it comes to the island's most famous grape, Vermentino – a white varietal that's widespread throughout the island – gives Cannonau a run for its m...
Lombardy, you don't expect: the Oltrepo' Pavese wine routes
At the extreme southern border of Lombardy, where the Po Valley meets the Apennines mountain range, one of the most magical and least known territories of Italy unfolds: the Oltrepò Pavese. The hills of the Oltrepò Pavese are immersed in a beautiful wavy scenery characterized by a mild climate that benefits from winds from the Ligurian Sea, the hil...