It's no surprise that Italy has been a firm favourite for holidaymakers for decades. The weather is sunny, the food is famously delicious, and there's plenty to do whether you're after a cultural getaway or a beach break. Plus, you don't need to break the bank for a visit - there are plenty of cheap flights on offer, not to mention the wide array o...

I'm a bit early. Not, admittedly, in terms of the morning – there is still time for a cappuccino on the terrace of Hotel Melodia del Bosco. Below, the Alta Badia valley flirts with the sunlight; above, the hard ridge of Mount Santa Croce forces itself on the skyline. But I am definitely ahead of schedule in terms of cycling. Klaus Irsara checks the...

It was two gentlemen afflicted by various health issues who discovered the therapeutic properties of the karstic Giusti Grotto, in Monsummano Terme (Pistoia). They had decided to test the healing powers of the mysterious cave on their own ailing bodies. Here is what a publication from the mid-1800s reported only a few years after the episode (“Espo...

Francesca Mannino came to St Louis when she was only 10 years old with her entire family and spent an entire 15 years of her life in the Gateway City. Now, she is back in her Sicilian hometown as a personal tour guide. Being bi-lingual makes her job fairly easy. Having lived in the United States, she is a perfect fit for first-time American tourist...

No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Fontana di Trevi, or Trevi Fountain. Located in the Quirinale district of Rome, the Trevi Fountain is known as one of the most stunning fountains in the world. But there’s a lot more than just beauty behind this famous fountain! Though it was one of 1,352 fountains in 4th century Rome, the Trevi Fo...

Seattle native Elizabeth Weitz fell in love with Italian culture while working as an au pair in Bari, a major port city in southern Italy, from 2014 to 2015. No place is perfect, however, and when she returned to Seattle, Weitz thought about how she could find a way to spend more time in Italy while addressing a few of her concerns. The result? Put...

With its lush countryside, plunging coastlines, snow-capped peaks, and glittering lakes, Italy offers epic driving experiences for every kind of traveler. Here, we’ve put together our favorite Italian road trip itineraries — including where to stop, where to stay, and what you’ll see along the way. 1. Amalfi CoastKnown for its dramatic bluffs, past...

Judy Starkman, who worked as a London-based feature documentary filmmaker for networks, such as ABC, CBS, CNN, and SKY-TV, alongside several incursions in still photography and the shooting of commercials, has been constantly training her storytelling skills, from a visual and informative perspective.  She is married to Bill Lagattuta, a former awa...

In survey after survey, marketing firms, tour operators and consortia name Italy as the most or second-most popular destination of choice for Europe-bound American travelers. The country’s multifaceted appeal is certainly a draw. History buffs, art lovers, architecture aficionados, fashionistas and — perhaps most notably — foodies will find plenty...

Take a trip to Italy to discover the fascinating community of Cinque Terre. The town unites five distinct Italian villages that are full of character. Cinque Terre made up of five separate villages. You can arrive at this town from the nearest airport in 90 minutes. Monterosso offers the most hotel choices of all five villages. Vernazza is best for...