Loading…
Ignite Cruises, LLC
1700 N Cruise Blvd
Miami, FL 33132
800-303-2125
david@ignitecruises.com

Italy

Overview of Italy

Italy, the best of both worlds
Photo credit: PhotoLab XL
Italy dips down out of Europe and into the Mediterranean like a sleek stiletto, so it's hardly surprising its citizens are known for impeccable style and fashion. Once containing the great Roman Empire that stretched across the globe, it now boasts some of the most spectacular architecture, frescoes, sculptures and Renaissance paintings in all of Europe.

More than 3,000 years of history are spread across landscapes ranging from quiet, pastoral hillside olive farms and seaside fishing villages to the Armani-wearing, scooter-driving and espresso-drinking buzz of the big cities. Italy is also has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country on earth, with an incredible 54 places of global historical significance dotted around the country.

The country's cities reveal awe-inspiring architecture, from the curved arches of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence to the crumbling magnificence of the Colosseum in Rome. Home of da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio and Botticelli, its artworks are a visual feast.

Nestled into the outskirts of Rome is the independent Vatican City, seat of the Pope and the location of the famous St Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel. The influence of the Holy Catholic Church on the people of Italy is still evident today, with holy festivals, carnivals, and parades in almost every city, town and village.

From the twisting canals of Venice to the beaches of the Riviera, and the rocky crags of the Alps to the slopes of the Dolomites and Apennines, Italy offers unique experiences to every kind of tourist.

map of Italy


Key Facts

Language:
The official language of Italy is Italian. English is understood in the larger cities but not in the more remote parts of the country.
Passport/Visa:

The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. All foreign passengers to Italy must also hold visible proof of financial means to support themselves while in the country, return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Visitors may be refused entry, either for public security, tranquillity, order or health reasons. Extensions of stay in Italy are possible by applying to local authorities. It is highly recommended that travellers' passport have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Currency:

The euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided into 100 cents. Those arriving in Italy with foreign currency can obtain euros through any bank, ATM or bureau de change. ATMs are widespread; credit cards are accepted in upmarket establishments and shops around the cities. Banks are closed on weekends but tend to have better rates than foreign exchange houses.

Electricity:
Electrical current in Italy is 230 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use, including the European-style two-pin plug.

Travel to Italy

Overview

Littered with more than 3,000 years of history, Italy is a sightseer's paradise. Visitors can spend some time in Rome taking in famous sites such as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, as well as the Pantheon. With artworks on display from the likes of Da Vinci, Caravaggio and Botticelli, it's a visual buffet of the highest order.

Those who head north can indulge in the wonderful shopping in the fashion capital of Milan. A little further south is the magical city of Florence, which teems with culture and Italian flair. Continuing south past Rome, Naples is graced with the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, both of which were destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The active volcano can be seen standing sentinel over the city.

Italy takes a lifetime to explore properly because there is so much on offer for visitors. From the gondola-lined canals of Venice and the white sandy beaches of San Remo to the iconic Alps, Dolomites and Apennines, Italy has everything from beach holidays to luxury mountain ski resorts and a whole lot more in between.

The most popular time of year to visit Italy is during the summer months when most of the country can be enjoyed slowly like a fine Italian vintage. A trip to the rolling hills of Tuscany is a must to sample some fine wine and olive oil, as well as plenty of old Italian cuisine, while taking in the scenery of cypress trees, lush vines and olive groves. The more adventurous travellers can head to the Italian Alps and visit the resorts of Courmayer and Brevil Cervinia for some world-class skiing.

Climate in Italy

Italy has a largely temperate climate with regional variations. In summer, the northern parts of Italy are warm with occasional rainfall, the central region is somewhat stifled by humidity and the south scorches under the dry heat. In winter, conditions in Milan, Turin and Venice are dominated by cold, damp and fog and Tuscany's winter temperatures approach freezing, while temperatures in the south of the country are more favourable, averaging 50 to 60F (10 to 20C). Most people visit Italy in the summer months between June and August; but the best and cheapest time to visit is in spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is good and there are fewer tourists. The sea is warm enough for swimming between June and September. Visitors should note that most Italians take their vacation in August and many shops and restaurants are closed during this period. It also means that during August the coastal resorts are crowded with locals. The ski season runs between December and April and the best time to walk in the Alps is between June and September. The best time to visit Italy will vary depending on region and desired activities.

Health Notes when travelling to Italy

There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Italy and visitors should be able to travel without special vaccinations and medications. Medical facilities in Italy are good but travel insurance is still recommended for non-EU citizens, as medical attention can be expensive. EU citizens can make use of Italy's health services provided they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), with UK citizens using their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC replaced the EHIC for UK citizens and allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. Although it should be possible to get most medication in Italy, travel authorities always suggest taking any prescribed medication in its original packaging with a signed and dated letter from a doctor.

Safety Notes when travelling to Italy

Tourists are vulnerable to pickpocketing in the bigger cities, particularly on public transport, in crowded areas and around tourist sites. It's advisable to be careful when carrying large amounts of cash and valuables. Travellers should be particularly careful around Termini, which is the main train station in Rome. Visitors should be wary of groups of children, some of whom will distract attention while the others try to steal what they can. Strikes by transport workers take place regularly throughout Italy and delays are possible.

Customs in Italy

In Italy, it's an offence to sit on steps and in courtyards near public buildings, including the main churches in Florence; eating and drinking in the vicinity should also be avoided. Shorts, vests or any other immodest clothing should not be worn inside churches.

Duty Free in Italy

Travellers over 17 years from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. Nor do they have to pay duty on 4 litres of wine, 16 lires of beer or 1 litre of spirits over 22 percent volume, or 2 litres of alcoholic beverages less than 22 percent volume. Other goods up to the value of €430 are also permitted (reduced to €175 for children under 15).

Travellers from EU countries travelling within the EU are limited to 110 litres of beer, 90 litres of wine, 10 litres of fortified wine, 10 litres of spirits and 1kg of tobacco, 800 cigarettes, 200 cigars or 400 cigarellos. Prohibited items include narcotic drugs, medicinal products, arms and weapons, explosives and protected animal and plant species.

Doing Business in Italy

Italians can be very formal and old fashioned, but are also warm and welcoming. Face to face communication is best and often a third party introduction can speed initial negotiations. Business attire is formal and stylish, and handshakes are the norm, with first impressions counting a lot in Italy. Business cards are used. Visiting business people should also expect plenty of gesticulating, interruptions or people talking over each other. Unfortunately the bureaucracy in Italy can slow down deal-making. Business hours are usually 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, but can vary according to season and region.

Communication in Italy

The international access code for Italy is +39. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available; as international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.

Tipping in Italy

Tipping is customary in Italy and 10 to 15 percent of the bill is acceptable in restaurants, unless a 15 percent service charge has already been added to the bill. Hotels add a service charge of 15 to 18 percent, but it is customary to tip the service staff extra. Italians rarely tip taxi drivers but a 5 to 10 percent tip is always appreciated.

Passport/Visa Note

The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. All foreign passengers to Italy must also hold visible proof of financial means to support themselves while in the country, return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Visitors may be refused entry, either for public security, tranquillity, order or health reasons. Extensions of stay in Italy are possible by applying to local authorities. It is highly recommended that travellers' passport have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay in Italy. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Entry requirements for Canadians:

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay in Italy. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay in Italy. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond their intended stay in Italy. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Italy. No visa is required.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

New Zealand citizens must have a passports valid for three months beyond period of intended stay in Italy. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond their intended stay, and a valid Schengen visa, to enter Italy.

Tourist Offices

http://www.enit.it

Italy Embassies

In the United States:

Italian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 612 4400.

In Canada:

Italian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 232 2401.

In the United Kingdom:

Italian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7312 2200.

In Australia:

Italian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3333.

In Ireland:

Italian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 660 1744.

In New Zealand:

Italian Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 473 5339.

In South Africa:

Italian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 423 000.

Foreign Embassies in Italy

American Embassy

United States Embassy, Rome: +39 06 46741.

Canadian Embassy

Canadian Embassy, Rome: +39 06 85444 2911.

British Embassy

British Embassy, Rome: +39 06 4220 0001/ 4220.

Australian Embassy

Australian Embassy, Rome: +39 06 852 721.

Irish Embassy

Irish Embassy, Rome: +39 06 585 2381.

New Zealand Embassy

New Zealand Embassy, Rome: +39 06 853 7501.

South African Embassy

South African Embassy, Rome: +39 06 852 541.

Travel Advisories

Health Information for Travelers to Italy, including Holy See and Vatican City

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Hide

Vaccines and Medicines

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

 

  Find Out Why Protect Yourself

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

get_vaccinated hygiene

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Italy, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Rabies

Although rabies can be found in bats and other mammals in Italy, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites or other animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
  • People who will be working with or around animals (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
get_vaccinated animals

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Italy, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you.

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

get_vaccinated animals
Rabies

Although rabies can be found in bats and other mammals in Italy, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites or other animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
  • People who will be working with or around animals (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
Key
  • Get vaccinated
  • Eat and drink safely
  • Keep away from animals
  • Reduce your exposure to germs
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment

Top

Hide

Stay Healthy and Safe

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Italy, so your behaviors are important.

 

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards in Italy are similar to those in the United States. Most travelers do not need to take special food or water precautions beyond what they normally do at home.

Hide

Prevent bug bites

Although Italy is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?
  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
    • DEET
    • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
    • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
    • IR3535
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.

Hide

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Italy include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity in the heat of the day.
    • If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Hide

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Hide

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
  • Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Italy’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).

Hide

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Walking

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Make sure there are seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in Italy, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Italy, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Italy.

Hide

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave
  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Hide

Top

Hide

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Italy for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

Top

Hide

Travel Health Notices

Be aware of current health issues in Italy. Learn how to protect yourself.

 

Watch Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions

  • Updated  Carnival and Mardi Gras December 06, 2017 If you plan to travel outside the United States to celebrate Carnival, you can take some simple precautions to help you stay safe and healthy. Destinations include Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Trinidad and Tobago.
  • Measles in Italy November 13, 2017 Health officials in Italy have reported an outbreak of measles. CDC recommends that travelers to Italy protect themselves by making sure they are vaccinated against measles.
  • Malaria in Italy October 19, 2017 Italy has reported limited local transmission of malaria in the town of Ginosa in the Apulia region. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area may have been infected with malaria and are spreading it to people.
  • Chikungunya in Italy October 04, 2017 The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported locally transmitted cases of chikungunya in four areas of Italy. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in those areas of Italy have been infected with chikungunya and are spreading it to people.

Top

Hide

After Your Trip

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.

Top

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

Currency

The euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided into 100 cents. Those arriving in Italy with foreign currency can obtain euros through any bank, ATM or bureau de change. ATMs are widespread; credit cards are accepted in upmarket establishments and shops around the cities. Banks are closed on weekends but tend to have better rates than foreign exchange houses.

Exchange rate for 1 EUR - Euro
0.00 BMD
Bermudan Dollar
1.00 USD
U.S. Dollar
0.87 GBP
U.K. Pound Sterling
143.38 JPY
Japanese Yen
1.32 CAD
Canadian Dollar
0.96 CHF
Swiss Franc
1.49 AUD
Australian Dollar
36.65 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia
475.34 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge
1,507.02 LBP
Lebanese Pound
4.93 LYD
Libyan Dinar
6.88 BOB
Bolivian Boliviano
126.98 NPR
Nepalese Rupee
0.38 OMR
Omani Rial
3.67 QAR
Qatari Rial
1.41 SGD
Singapore Dollar
10.70 SEK
Swedish Krona
6.78 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar
0.00 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar
52.90 DOP
Dominican Peso
7.53 HRK
Croatian Kuna
20.03 MXN
Mexican Peso
655.66 XOF
West African CFA Franc
3.52 PGK
Papua New Guinean kina
1.00 BSD
Bahamian Dollar
2.24 FJD
Fiji Dollar
24.62 HNL
Honduran Lempira
140.42 DZD
Algerian Dinar
2,096.32 MMK
Myanma Kyat
13.00 BWP
Botswana Pula
3.87 PEN
Peruvian Nuevo Sol
921.20 CLP
Chilean Peso
404.44 AMD
Armenia Dram
24.53 CZK
Czech Koruna
19.31 MDL
Moldova Lei
138.73 ISK
Icelandic Krona
10,921.62 UZS
Uzbekistan Sum
3.44 ILS
Israeli New Sheqel
0.71 JOD
Jordanian Dinar
0.31 KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar
40.69 UYU
Uruguayan Peso
45.09 MUR
Mauritian Rupee
35.87 NIO
Nicaraguan Córdoba
10.13 NOK
Norwegian Krone
4.73 PLN
Polish Zloty
3.75 SAR
Saudi Riyal
363.92 LKR
Sri Lanka Rupee
36.71 THB
Thai Baht
3.67 AED
U.A.E Dirham
5.21 BRL
Brazilian Real
4.93 RON
Romanian New Leu
7.84 HKD
Hong Kong Dollar
656.83 XAF
Central African CFA Franc
23,518.80 VND
Vietnamese Dong
142.79 ARS
Argentine Peso
2.71 XCD
East Caribbean Dollar
7.78 GTQ
Guatemalan Quetzal
10.62 MAD
Moroccan Dirham
0.38 BHD
Bahrain Dinar
1.00 PAB
Panamanian Balboa
1.69 AZN
Azerbaijan Manat
4,413.27 COP
Colombian Peso
80.74 KGS
Kyrgyzstan Som
407.16 HUF
Hungarian Forint
10.23 TJS
Tajikistan Ruble
14,847.81 IDR
Indonesian Rupiah
19.40 EGP
Egyptian Pound
1,396.62 KRW
South Korean Won
6,965.59 PYG
Paraguayan Guaraní
4.52 MYR
Malaysian Ringgit
632.07 CRC
Costa Rican Colón
1.67 NZD
New Zealand Dollar
223.34 PKR
Pakistani Rupee
60.17 RUB
Russian Rouble
17.52 ZAR
South African Rand
3.21 TND
Tunisian Dinar
2.02 BBD
Barbadian Dollar
1.96 BGN
Bulgarian Lev
18.25 TRY
Turkish Lira
57.24 PHP
Philippine Peso
31.13 TWD
New Taiwan Dollar
427.92 NGN
Nigerian Naira
119.27 XPF
CFP Franc
10.03 GHS
Ghanaian Cedi
152.15 JMD
Jamaican Dollar
1.79 ANG
Neth. Antillean Guilder
1.40 BND
Brunei Dollar
117.26 RSD
Serbian Dinar
6.98 CNY
Chinese Yuan
7.44 DKK
Danish Krone
3.50 TMT
New Turkmenistan Manat
79.71 INR
Indian Rupee
       
Exchange Rate for
U.S. Dollar to Euro

1 USD = 1.00 EUR

Exchange Rate for
Canadian Dollar to Euro

1 CAD = 0.76 EUR

Exchange Rate for
U.K. Pound Sterling to Euro

1 GBP = 1.15 EUR

Exchange Rate for
Australian Dollar to Euro

1 AUD = 0.67 EUR

Exchange Rate for
New Zealand Dollar to Euro

1 NZD = 0.60 EUR

Exchange Rate for
South African Rand to Euro

1 ZAR = 0.06 EUR

Bologna Airport (BLQ)
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport
http://www.bologna-airport.it

Location: Bologna The airport is located four miles (6km) northeast of Bologna's city centre.

map of Bologna Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Information desk: +39 051 647 9617 or +39 051 9680/3.

Getting to the city: There is a special airport bus which takes you into the centre of Bologna. It leaves every 15 minutes during the day from outside the arrivals hall. The first bus is at 5.30am and the last one is at 1.15am. The bus is called Aerobus or BLQ and is easily identified as it is grey and light blue in colour as opposed to the orange urban buses. The BLQ's farthest point in its route takes one to Bologna Central Railway Station, four miles (6km) from the airport. It is a major transport hub, with connections to places all over Italy. The journey from the airport to the railway station takes about 25-30 minutes, depending on the traffic.

Car rental: There are plenty of car hire agencies at the airport, including Hertz, Avis, Budget and Thrifty.

Airport Taxis: There are fixed-fare taxis outside the terminal; however, they are in high demand during peak times, so it may be a good idea to book in advance.

Facilities: Airport facilities include bank and currency exchange services, ATMs, left luggage facilities, a business lounge, travel agents, an information desk, and many shops and restaurants.

Parking: The airport provides both short-term parking and long-term parking. For short-term parking, the Express Car Park is adjacent to the terminal building, and charges about €3.70 per hour, or €30 per day.

Milan Linate Airport (LIN)
Milan Linate Airport
http://www.milanolinate-airport.com/en

Location: Milan The airport is situated five miles (8km) from downtown Milan.

map of Milan Linate Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +39 02 7485 2200 or +39 02 2810 6306.

Getting to the city: Bus number 73 runs from Linate Airport to Milan Piazza S. Babila every 10 minutes, between 5.35am and 12.35am. Alternatively, there is a bus that travels to Milan Central Station every 30 minutes. All buses departing from Linate Airport depart from the area just outside arrivals.

Car rental: Car rental companies at Linate Airport include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Maggiore/National, and Thrifty, all of which have desks in the arrivals section.

Airport Taxis: Taxi services are available outside the arrivals hall. The journey to the city centre will take 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Shared taxis are available.

Facilities: Facilities at the airport include ATMs, currency exchange, a post office, left luggage and baggage wrapping, a business centre and executive lounge, a pharmacy and first aid station, a hair salon, laundry facilities, a chapel, and an information desk. Duty-free shopping is available, and dining options range from fast food joints to good restaurants.

Parking: Parking comprises about 4,500 spaces. There are both short- and long-term parking options available, all within a two-minute walk to the terminals.

Naples International Airport (NAP)
Naples International Airport
http://www.gesac.it

Location: Naples The airport is located five miles (8km) north of the city centre.

map of Naples International Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +39 081789 6111

Transfer between terminals: The terminals are within walking distance of each other; however, Terminal 1 is for scheduled airlines and Terminal 2 is generally used for charter flights.

Getting to the city: There is regular bus service from the airport to the central station of Naples, Stazione Centrale, with the journey taking 15 to 20 minutes. Taxis and rental cars are also available.

Car rental: Car rental companies at Naples International Airport include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Locauto, Maggiore and SicilybyCar. Representatives of each operator have desks in the Arrivals Hall.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available from the stand in front of the arrivals concourse. The journey to the city centre takes around 30 minutes and fixed rates are in use for the main destinations nearby.

Facilities: Airport facilities include ATMs, currency exchange, postal service, lost property, left luggage facilities, meeting rooms, VIP lounges, a medical centre, information desks, shopping, restaurants and cafes.

Parking: Both short-term and long-term parking is available.

Reggio Calabria Airport (REG)
Reggio Calabria Airport
http://www.aeroportodellostretto.it

Location: Reggio Calabria The airport is located four miles (6km) from Reggio Calabria city centre.

map of Reggio Calabria Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Getting to the city: Transport to Reggio Calabria is available at the airport via ship, taxi, bus and train. Fast transport connections between Reggio Calabria, Messina and the Aeolian Islands are available by ship. Train transport is available from Reggio Calabria Airport station which is less than a mile (1.6km) from the airport terminal; a free shuttle connects the station to the airport. Local buses are also available to the city: buses into the city depart roughly every 90 minutes from 8.45am to 7pm on weekdays, and 8.45am to 5.35pm on Saturdays and holidays.

Car rental: Car rental companies represented at the airport include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Maggiore, Sixt, Auto Europa, Locauto and NLTSUD.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available at the airport. Taxis use a meter for most destinations. Additional fees are charged for night fares, holidays, airport pick-ups, and luggage.

Facilities: Airport facilities include a police station, lost and found, first aid station, tax refund desk, shops and cafes.

Parking: The airport has two parking areas, including disabled bays. Parking is €1 for up to 40 minutes, €1.50 for the first hour, €2.50 for two hours, €5 for five hours, €6 for up to seven hours, and €9 for 24 hours. Long-term rates are €8 (per day) for two to three days, €6 for four to seven days, and €5 per day thereafter.

Trieste-Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport (TRS)
Trieste-Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport

Location: Trieste The airport is located less than a mile (1.6km) from Ronchi dei Legionari, which is about 19 miles (30.5km) northwest of Trieste.

map of Trieste-Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Getting to the city: Trieste airport is well-integrated into the public transport network, and buses are available from the airport to Trieste. Buses are also available to Udine, Gorizia, Monfalcone, and Grado.

Car rental: Car rental companies available at the airport include Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Locauto and Maggiore.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside the passenger terminal between 8am and midnight.

Facilities: Airport facilities include shopping (including duty-free), a VIP lounge, bar, bank, lost and found, first aid station, tourist information, and a post office.

Parking: The airport car parks can accommodate up to 1,100 cars in three different parking areas. P1 is for long-stay parking, charging €9 to €12 for the first day (seasonal variations in price) and €10 to €11 per day thereafter. P2 is for long and short-stay parking, charging about €3.50 for up to two hours, €9 for up to 12 hours, and €14 per day. P3 is for short-stay parking, charging €2.80 per hour.

Pisa International (PSA)
Galileo Galilei International Airport
http://www.pisa-airport.net

Location: Tuscany The airport is located four miles (6km) northeast of Pisa, and 50 miles (80km) west of Florence.

map of Pisa International

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).

Contacts: +39 050 849 202/ 209

Getting to the city: The PisaMover Bus departs roughly every 10 minutes for Pisa Central Station, located less than one mile (2km) from the airport. A comprehensive bus network also provides connections to Tuscan cities such as Florence, Siena, Lucca, and Viareggio.

Car rental: Car rental operators at the airport can be found in the Car Rentals Terminal, which is connected to the arrivals area via shuttle bus. The shuttle bus stop is just outside arrivals and rental operators at the airport include Avis, Auto Europa, Europcar, Hertz and Goldcar.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available at the airport; it is a 10-minute drive into Pisa (with an extra fee being added on public holidays and Sundays). The taxi stand is located near the exit of the arrivals hall.

Facilities: Airport facilities include a railyway ticket office, police station, first aid station, chapel, chemist, hair stylist, laundry facilities, currency exchange, a bank, plenty of shops, restaurants and bars.

Parking: Short and long-term parking is available. Lot P3 is closest to the terminal and provides short-term parking, charged by the hour. A multi-level car park (P2) is nearby, offering similar hourly rates but charging less for long stays. Lot P4 is the cheapest long-term option.

Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Rome Leonardo da Vinci International Airport
http://www.adr.it

Location: Rome The airport is 19 miles (30km) southwest of central Rome.

map of Rome Fiumicino Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Telephone: +39 06 65 951 or +39 06 6595 4554.

Transfer between terminals: A free shuttle bus operates between the terminals and car parks every 15 minutes.

Getting to the city: The train station is across the road from Terminal 3, near car park D. There are two trains to the city. The Leonardo Express travels directly to Roma Termini, the station in the city centre, every half hour from 6.30am to 11.30pm. Buy a ticket at the ticketing counter in the station and then validate it at one of the machines (the ticket will then be valid for an hour and a half). A cheaper option is the slightly slower Regional FL1 train, which runs to major stations (Tiburtina, Tuscolana, Ostiense and Trastevere) every 15 minutes, or every half hour on Sundays and holidays. Cotral buses leave from Roma Tiburtina railway station and stop at Piazza dei Cinquecento in front of the national museum.

Car rental: The car rental desks are in the multi-level car park lots C and B, directly in front of the terminal and connected via passenger walkways. Simply follow the signs from the arrivals area. There are several major companies represented, including Hertz, Avis, Sixt and Budget, as well as a few local operators.

Airport Taxis: Authorised taxis can usually be found in the arrivals areas.

Facilities: Airport facilities include ATMs and currency exchange, information desks, travel agents, pharmacies, massage parlours, a beauty parlour, a hairdresser, as well as slot machines and laundry facilities. There are business facilities, and there are myriad shopping and dining options.

Parking: Parking spaces are available in front of the terminal, and there is a variety of options within the garages and long-term lots. All parking options are connected to the terminals via walkways or shuttle buses.

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
Venice Marco Polo Airport
http://www.veniceairport.it

Location: Venice The airport is located five miles (8km) north of Venice.

map of Venice Marco Polo Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Contacts: +39 041 260 6111 or +39 041 260 6400.

Getting to the city: Buses go to the Venice-Santa Lucia railway station, via Piazzale Roma, every 20 minutes. The ATVO bus and ACTV buses leave regularly for the Piazzale Roma and Mestre Railroad station. The Alilaguna boats (vaporettos) are a fast, cheap and comfortable way into central Venice, and the dock is seconds away from the airport. Note that you will need cash for the vaporettos, they don't take cards. Most hotels can organise a transfer, that often involves a taxi to Piazzale Roma and then via water taxi to the hotel.

Car rental: Car hire companies with offices at the airport include Autoeuropa, Maggiore, Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Locauto Rent.

Airport Taxis: Both regular and water taxis are available from the airport. An authorised (yellow) taxi cab to the city centre takes between 40 minutes and an hour.

Facilities: Facilities at the airport include ATMs, currency exchange facilities, banks, a tax-free customs service, VIP lounges, a business centre, a prayer room, information desks, travel agencies, baby-changing facilities and first aid facilities. There are also a range of shopping and dining options.

Parking: Short- and long-term parking is available; all parking lots are within easy walking distance of the terminal.

Verona Airport (VRN)
Verona Villafranca Airport
http://www.aeroportoverona.it

Location: Verona The airport is located six miles (10km) southwest of Verona.

map of Verona Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Contacts: +39 045 809 5666

Transfer between terminals: The two terminals are adjacent and connected.

Getting to the city: The Verona Airport is connected to the Verona train station via a Shuttle/Aerobus service that runs every 20 minutes. Rental cars and taxis are also available.

Car rental: There are several car hire companies with offices at Verona Airport, including Hertz, Avis and Europcar, among others.

Airport Taxis: There is a taxi stand outside the terminal building, with several taxi companies offering services to downtown Verona.

Facilities: The facilities at Verona airport include currency exchange, a children's play area, meeting points, a first aid station, duty-free shopping, and several restaurants.

Parking: Short- and long-term parking is available at the airport. Fees vary depending on the parking lot.

Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA)
Giovan Battista Pastine Airport
http://www.adr.it

Location: Rome The airport is situated nine miles (15km) southeast of Rome.

map of Rome Ciampino Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in September).

Contacts: +39 06 7934 8521 or +39 06 7949 4234.

Transfer between terminals: Not applicable - Ciampino Airport has only one terminal building, though you will take a shuttle from your plane to the arrivals area.

Getting to the city: Airport taxis are available, but taxi fares from Ciampino Airport into the centre of Rome (defined as the area within the Aurelian walls) can be prohibitively expensive. To combat this problem, the airport has set up an official taxi stand, located opposite the arrivals hall. Here, taxis operate on a fixed rate of about €30 per cab, good for a maximum of four passengers and their baggage. The trip should take 25 minutes but it'll be closer to an hour in traffic. Buses are another option, and there are many service providers. Travellers are advised to choose to go the public bus route.

Car rental: Car rentals are provided by Avis, Budget, Europcar, National, Sixt and Hertz. The rental offices are well-signed and are located near the airport's entrance. You will require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in order to rent a vehicle, and all cars will feature automatic transmissions.

Airport Taxis: Only use authorised taxis (white cars with meters). The journey to central Rome will take about 40 minutes. A surcharge is added on Sundays, public holidays, late at night and for excess baggage.

Facilities: A bank (Banco di Roma) is located in the departures area, and numerous ATMs and bureaux de change are scattered throughout the terminal building. A lost and found office is also available, as is a VIP lounge with a snackbar and private boarding/disembarkation gates. Other facilities include nursery and medical facilities; a passenger assistance and customer service desk; tour operators and travel agencies; shops and cafes; and full access and comprehensive facilities for disabled passengers (the airport is renowned for its convenience for disabled passengers).

Parking: Both short- and long-term parking is available at Ciampino Airport. The first 15 minutes are free, thereafter various charges are levied.

Departure Tax: Departure tax is included in the price of your ticket.

Perugia Airport (PEG)
Perugia-Sant Egidio International Airport
http://www.airport.umbria.it

Location: Umbria Sant Egidio, 12km from Perugia

map of Perugia Airport

Time: Local time in Perugia is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in September).

Contacts: Information: 8488-6564, International Flights: 8488-65642, Domestic Flights: 8488-65641

Getting to the city: There are regular buses from the airport to Perugia, with the main stop being the Piazza Italia.

Car rental: There are car hire facilities at Perugia, including Avis, Hertz, Europcar, AutoEuropa, and Maggiore N.

Airport Taxis: There are taxis available to Perugia and Assisi. Passengers can book in advance via TaxiTender.

Facilities: There is a cafe in the airport.

Parking: Perugia Airport offers free parking.

Turin Airport (TRN)
Turin Caselle Airport
http://www.aeroportoditorino.it

Location: Milan The airport is located 10 miles (16km) northwest of Turin.

map of Turin Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the the last Sunday in October).

Contacts: +39 011 567 6378

Getting to the city: The GTT railway has service directly to central Turin from the train station adjacent to the passenger terminal. There are also regular buses to the city centre, which take approximately 45 minutes.

Car rental: There are several car hire companies located in the car park, including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Locauto and Maggiore.

Airport Taxis: There is a taxi rank located at the exit of the terminal. The trip to Turin takes approximately 30 minutes.

Facilities: The terminal contains duty-free shopping, several restaurants and bars, a bank, baby changing facilities, a first aid station, and a tourist information centre.

Parking: There is a multi-storey car park located near the terminal.

Olbia Airport (OLB)
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport
http://www.olbia-airport.com

Location: Sardinia The airport is located 2 miles (about 3km) southeast of the city of Olbia.

map of Olbia Airport

Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in September).

Contacts: Tel: +39 0789 563 400

Getting to the city: Public bus lines 2 and 10 connect Olbia airport to the city. The journey takes 10-20 minutes.

Car rental: Car rental companies include Auto Europa, Avis, Budget, Ellepì Autonoleggio, Europcar, Hertz, Maggiore Rent and Sixt.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside the arrivals area. It should take about 10-15 minutes to reach the city.

Facilities: Facilities include ATMs, bureaux de change, snack shops, Internet access, and luggage storage.

Parking: Short- and long-term parking is available.

Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)
Catania Fontanaros International Airport
http://www.aeroporto.catania.it

Location: Sicily The airport is located 3 miles (about 5km) southwest of the city of Catania.

map of Fontanarossa Airport

Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in September).

Contacts: Tel: +39 095 7239111

Getting to the city: The AMT Alibus service (#457) connects Fontanarossa Airport to Catania city centre.

Car rental: Car rental companies include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Maggiore.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside the arrivals area.

Facilities: Facilities include ATMs, bureaux de change, restaurants and cafés, Internet access, a nursery and play area, a post office and duty-free shopping.

Parking: Short- and long-term parking is available.

Genoa Airport (GOA)
Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport
http://www.airport.genova.it

Location: Genoa The airport is located about four miles (7km) from Genoa.

map of Genoa Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in September).

Contacts: Tel: +39 010 60151 Email: info@airport.genova.it

Getting to the city: The Volabus shuttle departs the airport every 30-60 minutes from around 6am to midnight, heading to the Brignole and Principe Train Stations via the city centre. Tickets can be bought from the airport or on the bus. Another option is the i24 service which links the airport to Sestri railway station.

Car rental: Car hire companies at Genoa Airport include Avis, Budget, Sixt, Europcar, Hertz and Maggiore.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside the arrival concourse. The official airport taxi company is Radio Taxi. Flat rates to the major train stations are available for shared cabs.

Facilities: There are restaurants and bars, shops, ATMs, VIP lounges, a lost and found, and information services at the airport. An airport hotel is also available, and the airport has meeting facilities.

Parking: There is parking available within walking distance of the terminal. It is possible to pay by either cash or card at either the automatic pay points, or at the manned pay station (between the hours of 4pm and midnight only).

Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF)
Lamezia Terme International Airport
http://www.lameziaairport.it

Location: Lamezia-Terme The airport is located nine miles (15km) from central Lamezia-Terme.

map of Lamezia Terme International Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Getting to the city: Buses are available to a variety of stops within the city. The train station is also connected to the airport by bus and taxi.

Car rental: Car rental companies represented at the airport include Avis, Europcar, Maggiore and Hertz.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal building to transport passengers to their required destination.

Facilities: The terminal offers a lost and found service, ATMs, first aid, a tourist information desk and plenty of shopping and dining facilities, as well as a VIP lounge.

Parking: The airport offers parking space in two separate parking lots, one of them right in front of Arrivals and Departures, the other in front of the Cargo Terminal. The main parking area is just a 30-metre walk from the terminal building. P2 charges €2 for up to two hours, €3 for up to six hours, and €10 for 12 hours. Parking for a full 24-hour period costs €14.

Florence Peretola Airport (FLR)
Florence Peretola Airport
http://www.aeroporto.firenze.it

Location: Florence Florence Peretola Airport is located three miles (5km) northwest of Florence.

map of Florence Peretola Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Getting to the city: The airport is connected with the city by a bus service from the central railway station every half hour, operated by the local Florence city bus company ATAF. The bus is called the Volainbus and runs from 6am to 11:30pm. The route typically takes 20-25 minutes and you can buy a ticket directly from the bus driver or from newsagents and coffee bars in the airport. Note: you must buy roundtrip tickets before boarding the bus, not from the bus driver.

Car rental: Auto Europa, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and National/Maggiore operate car hire facilities from the airport.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are located in front of the terminal and the journey to downtown Florence takes roughly 15 minutes.

Facilities: Airport facilities include a lost and found, information desks, VIP lounges, public phones, disabled assistance, medical facilities, and a variety of shopping and dining options.

Parking: Short and long-term parking options are available.

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Milan Malpensa Airport
http://www.airportmalpensa.com

Location: Milan The airport is situated in the province of Varese, 31 miles (50km) north-west of Milan.

map of Milan Malpensa Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +39 02 23 23 23

Transfer between terminals: Malpensa Airport provides a free shuttle service for passengers transferring between terminals.

Getting to the city: The Train Station is located in Terminal 1 on level 1. The Malpensa Express runs from around 5am until just before midnight and links Malpensa airport with the centre of Milan. There are also several buses that run from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to Milan's Central Station, as well as the Malpensa Shuttle which connects each 20 to 30 minutes from both terminals to Milan's Central Station.

Car rental: Car rental companies at Malpensa Airport include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Maggiore/National, and Thrifty.

Airport Taxis: Various taxi companies provide service at Malpensa airport. They are located at Arrivals on the ground floor at both terminals 1 and 2.

Facilities: Facilities at the airport include ATMs, VIP business lounges, lost property, currency exchange, a post office, left luggage and baggage wrapping, a pharmacy and first aid station, and an information desk. Duty-free shopping is available, and dining options range from fast food joints to good restaurants.

Parking: There are both short- and long-term parking options available at the airport. Short-term parking is only minutes away from terminal 1 and payment is calculated according to a parking meter. Long-term parking is low cost and is just a four minute walk to terminal 1.

Ancona Airport (AOI)
Marche Airport
http://www.aeroportomarche.it

Location: Ancona The airport is located about seven miles (12km) from the Ancona city centre.

map of Ancona Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Getting to the city: Marche Airport is connected to Castelferretti railway station which offers services to Ancona rail station. Raffaello Aerobus transports travellers to and from the airport between 7am and 10.30pm. Taxis are available along the sidewalk adjacent to the terminal. Shuttle buses positioned outside the passenger terminal are also an option.

Car rental: Car rental companies represented at the airport include Hertz, Avis, and Europcar.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available to passengers at the exit of the Arrivals Terminal, along the sidewalk adjacent to the terminal.

Facilities: Airport facilities include ATMs, currency exchange, a bank, shopping (including duty free shops) and restaurants.

Parking: Short and long-term parking is available at the airport. Short-term parking rates are €3.50 for one hour, €5.50 for two hours, and €25 for 24 hours. The first 20 minutes are free.

Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI)
Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport
http://www.aeroportidipuglia.it

Location: Bari The airport is located five miles (8km) from central Bari.

map of Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Getting to the city: Public buses are available during the day to transport travellers to the city centre, with various stops along the way.

Car rental: Car rental companies represented at the airport include Avis, Hertz, Auto Europa Sicily by Car, LocaAuto, Budget and Europcar.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available from the airport to the city centre of Bari.

Facilities: Airport facilities include a place of worship, shopping (including duty-free shops), a bar and a restaurant.

Parking: Parking is available at the airport and is open 24 hours.

Brindisi Airport (BDS)
Brindisi - Salento Airport
http://www.aeroportidipuglia.it

Location: Brindisi The airport is located four miles (6km) from Brindisi city centre.

map of Brindisi Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Getting to the city: Buses are available from the airport to the city centre with various stops along the way. A shuttle service, Pugliairbus, is also available. Tickets are available from a ticket office at the airport, online or, in some cases, from the bus conductor. Taxis are also available.

Car rental: Car rental companies represented at the airport include Maggiore, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Locauto, Sixt and Auto Europa Sicily by Car.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available from Radio Taxi company from the airport to the city centre.

Facilities: Airport facilities include a nursery, shopping, ATMs, a pharmacy, a cafe and free wifi.

Parking: Parking is available at the airport, with the first 15 minutes of parking free. Parking fees are €2 for up to two hours, €8 for two to eight hours, and €15 hours for eight to 24 hours.

Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG)
Cagliari Elmas Airport
http://www.sogaer.it

Location: Cagliari The airport is located four miles (7km) northeast of central Cagliari.

map of Cagliari Elmas Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Getting to the city: The airport is easily accessible by train from Cagliari city centre. The rail service starts at about 5am and ends after 9pm, with an average frequency of 20 minutes. The journey to and from downtown takes five to seven minutes. The airport train station is just a five minute walk from the air terminal. Taxis are also available to the city centre.

Car rental: Car companies represented at the airport include Sardinya Autonoleggio, Autoeuropa, Ruvioli, Pintauro Rent a Car, Hertz and Avis, among others.

Airport Taxis: The fastest and most comfortable option for getting to and from the airport is taking a taxi.

Facilities: Airport facilities include restaurants, bars, snack bars, shops, a bank, an ATM, a chapel, a VIP lounge, a first aid station, a help desk and facilities for people with disabilities.

Parking: There are a few parking areas surrounding the airport for short, medium and long-term parking. Long-term parking in P1 costs €12 for the first day with an additional daily rate applied thereafter; short-term parking in P2 costs €1 per half hour for the first two hours, with a maximum daily rate of €18; and flat rate parking in P3 costs €6 per day.

Palermo Airport (PMO)
Palermo Falcone-Borsellino International Airport
http://www.palermo-airport.com

Location: The airport is situated 22 miles (35km) west of Palermo.

map of Palermo Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Getting to the city: Buses service the airport daily, leaving for Palermo roughly every half hour. Taxis and rental cars are also available.

Car rental: Europcar, Avis, Hertz and Autoeuropa are among the car rental companies represented at the airport.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside the terminal; the journey to Palermo takes about 45 minutes.

Facilities: Airport facilities include a small shopping area, a restaurant, bars, lost and found facilities, a bank, a post office, ATMs, an information kiosk, and two VIP lounges.

Parking: There is short-term, long-term and valet parking at Palermo Airport.

Abruzzo Airport (PSR)
Abruzzo Airport
http://www.abruzzoairport.com

Location: Pescara The airport is situated two and a half miles (4km) from the centre of Pescara.

map of Abruzzo Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Getting to the city: Buses travel between the airport and the Pescara railway station and central Pescara every 15 minutes. Buses operate between about 5am and midnight on weekdays. Taxis and rental cars are also available.

Car rental: Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Maggiore, Sixt, Auto Europa and Budget are represented at the airport.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside the terminal. The journey to central Pescara takes about 10 minutes.

Facilities: Airport facilities include restaurants, shops and conference rooms equipped for business needs.

Parking: Parking at the airport is free for the first 20 minutes, €2 for the first hour, €4 for two hours, and roughly €1 for each additional hour, up to a daily maximum of €11.

Courmayeur
Italian Alps

Courmayeur
Photo credit: Ivan Borisov
Located below Mont Blanc on the Italian side of the mountain in the Aosta Valley, the atmospheric ski resort of Courmayeur is full of grand old buildings, narrow cobbled streets and plenty of traditional Italian village charm. The scenery is spectacular, as the resort is surrounded by fourteen mountain peaks at the junction of Italy, France and Switzerland.

The village was once known as a spa town and base for climbing, but became recognised as a ski resort with the opening of the Mont Blanc Tunnel, which provides easy access from Chamonix and Geneva International Airport. The town's proximity to both Geneva and Turin's airports makes it a popular destination for weekenders. A transfer from Geneva takes just over an hour and Turin is 1 hour 45 minutes away. Milan is a little over two-hours' drive away.

Nightlife in Courmayeur

Visitors on holiday will find that the après-ski in Courmayeur is a drawn out, rather laid back affair with fire-warmed bars spilling out onto the main street. The bars are numerous, including cozy traditional pubs, lively bars with dance floors and theme nights, as well as stylish venues for the more fashion-conscious.

Shopping in Courmayeur

The shopping in Courmayeur is centred on the pedestrianised Via Roma, which is lined with stylish boutiques, cafes, restaurants and delicatessens, as well as many ski and mountain shops. The streets are alive with immaculately dressed Italians, many who come to Courmayeur to party and shop rather than ski.

Things to do in Courmayeur

There is plenty of winter and summer action to be had while on holiday in Courmayeur. Tourists can enjoy the beautiful surroundings and indulge in extensive lunches, cable car rides or simply soak up the sun at high altitude swimming pools. Besides skiing and snowboarding in winter, there is also cross-country skiing, heli-skiing and heli-boarding, snowshoeing, dog-sledding, snow biking, ice skating, paragliding and curling. A sports centre has tennis and squash courts, a fitness club and climbing wall. In summer, hiking, parachuting, mountain biking and trout fishing are available.

Things to be aware of in Courmayeur

On weekends, there can be a long wait at the main cable car in Courmayeur. To avoid the queues, visitors should head to the nearby Dolonne gondola or the cable-car up the valley at Entrèves. The weather in Courmayeur is sunnier than nearby Chamonix, meaning the slopes can get slushy in the afternoons.

Dining in Courmayeur

Like most Italian ski resorts, evenings begin with the passeggiata, a stroll down the main street before a late dinner. The holiday destination of Courmayeur has numerous restaurants, cafes, pizzerias and trattorias to suit all tastes and budgets, and eating out is almost as popular as time spent on the slopes. Most establishments are fairly informal and relaxed, but there are upmarket fine-dining options for more romantic and exclusive dining.

Cortina d Ampezzo
Italian Alps

Cortina d'Ampezzo
Photo credit: Manuel Bierbauer
Regarded as one of the most beautiful holiday resorts in the world, Cortina overlooks the spectacular Dolomites region of the Italian Alps. It is considered Italy's most fashionable ski resort and most of the visitors are Italians, particularly weekenders from Milan and Venice visiting their second homes.

Many rarely make it to the slopes as they'd prefer to enjoy the restaurants and shops, and to wander through the streets in their finery, partaking in the passeggiata, which is the traditional Italian early-evening stroll. This leaves the slopes wonderfully empty for those who come to ski. Cortina is a two-hour drive from Venice or Innsbruck.

Nightlife in Cortina d Ampezzo

Cortina is easily as popular for its amazing nightlife as it is for its skiing. There are glamorous nightclubs and bars, which see the fashion brands and furs on parade, as well as some more basic and unpretentious apres-ski venues. However, the nightlife mostly revolves around classy wine bars instead of the karaoke venues normally found at mainstream resorts.

Shopping in Cortina d Ampezzo

Cortina offers some of the best and most upmarket shopping of any European holiday ski resort through a number of clothing boutiques and plenty of spots selling ski and snowboarding equipment, which during summer focus on mountain biking needs. Shopping is one of the perks of a holiday in Cortina, fuelling the resort's fashionable reputation.

Things to do in Cortina d Ampezzo

One of the things that sets Cortina apart as a ski resort is the fact that, even during peak season, the town attracts many travellers who are there to enjoy the shopping, restaurant scene and mountain scenery. Visitors don't have to hit the slopes to have a fun and interesting holiday.

The Olympic bobsled is most definitely worth some attention and the chance to gain speeds of 75 mph (120km/h) can be enjoyed by those brave enough. Sledding is another popular activity for those who want a break from ski or snowboarding boots, as are snowshoeing and hiking. Day trips to Venice and a number of other exciting destinations can be arranged.

Things to be aware of in Cortina d Ampezzo

Cortina can get crowded with day visitors during peak periods and is quite expensive as Italian resorts go. Snow reliability can vary.

Dining in Cortina d Ampezzo

Cortina is all about traditional Italian fare and holidaymakers can enjoy delightful, cosy restaurants offering good times and great views. Must-eat local dishes include the classic casunziei (beet-filled pasta envelopes sprinkled with poppy seeds) and canederli (bread dumplings). Both fine dining and more casual options are available. Eating out in Cortina tends to be expensive, but the quality of food is generally high.

Overview of the Attractions in Italy

Littered with more than 3,000 years of history, Italy is a sightseer's paradise. Visitors can spend some time in Rome taking in famous sites such as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, as well as the Pantheon. With artworks on display from the likes of Da Vinci, Caravaggio and Botticelli, it's a visual buffet of the highest order.

Those who head north can indulge in the wonderful shopping in the fashion capital of Milan. A little further south is the magical city of Florence, which teems with culture and Italian flair. Continuing south past Rome, Naples is graced with the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, both of which were destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The active volcano can be seen standing sentinel over the city.

Italy takes a lifetime to explore properly because there is so much on offer for visitors. From the gondola-lined canals of Venice and the white sandy beaches of San Remo to the iconic Alps, Dolomites and Apennines, Italy has everything from beach holidays to luxury mountain ski resorts and a whole lot more in between.

The most popular time of year to visit Italy is during the summer months when most of the country can be enjoyed slowly like a fine Italian vintage. A trip to the rolling hills of Tuscany is a must to sample some fine wine and olive oil, as well as plenty of old Italian cuisine, while taking in the scenery of cypress trees, lush vines and olive groves. The more adventurous travellers can head to the Italian Alps and visit the resorts of Courmayer and Brevil Cervinia for some world-class skiing.

Trastevere
Rome

Separated from central Rome by the Tiber River, Trastevere is a picturesque medieval neighbourhood characterised by a quirky Bohemian atmosphere. Its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with overhanging flower boxes and washing lines and are home to numerous cafes, boutiques, pubs and restaurants. The area has long attracted artists, celebrities and expats, escaping the grand developments of central Rome. There are some glorious old churches, perhaps the most lovely being the Basilica of Santa Maria, which has wonderful mosaics and draws many visitors into the area for the first time. It is quite different at night time, when it seems more elegant, and it's worth visiting more than once.

map of Trastevere

Galleria Regionale
Sicily

Palermo's largest art museum is housed within the Gothic Palazzo Abatellis, built in 1488. The collection is fascinating and includes several particularly interesting works. The Bust of Eleanor of Aragon by Francesco Laurana, for example, dates from 1471 and is considered to be the epitome of Renaissance Sicilian sculpture; while the beautiful masterpiece painting Our Lady of the Annunciation is considered Antonello da Messina's greatest work. Also renowned is the chilling Triumph of Death fresco by an unknown 15th-century artist that covers an entire wall. The art is wonderful but so is the building, and visitors will get a good sense of the layout of the palace as they wander from room to room.

map of Galleria Regionale

Website: http://www.wondersofsicily.com/palermo-abatellis-museum.htm

Capitoline Hill
Rome

Opening time: Museums are open Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am to 8pm. Closed 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December.

Admission: €15 (adults) for access to all the museums, with concessions available.

Capitoline Hill was the original capital of Ancient Rome. Once housing the Senate, it's the smallest but also the most famous of the Seven Hills. The main feature of the area is Michelangelo's Piazza del Campidoglio, which is bordered by the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the twin structures of the Palazzo dei Senatori and Palazzo Nuovo. Boasting the largest collection of classical sculptures, notable statues include The Dying Gaul, the Resting Satyr and The Capitoline Wolf. Paths cut along the side of the hill from the Campidoglio allow visitors to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Forum and Colosseum, with the Hill giving an overawing sense of the Roman Empire's peak glory.

map of Capitoline Hill

Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, Rome

Website: http://www.museicapitolini.org

Roman Forum (Foro Romano)
Rome

Opening time: Open daily from 8.30am until dusk. Closed on New Year's Day, 1 May and Christmas Day

Admission: Free

The site of Ancient Rome's commercial, political and religious centre rests in the valley between the Capitoline and Palatine Hills. The Forum's main thoroughfare, Via Sacra, slices through the old market square and former civic centre. Some of the best-preserved and most notable monuments include the impressive Arch of Septimus Severus, the former atrium of the House of the Vestal Virgins and the Temple of Vesta. Also of note are the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, and the Arch of Titus, built to celebrate Titus' destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. To the right of the arch are stairs snaking up the Palatine Hill, through a series of terraces to the Farnese gardens. The scented avenue, festooned with roses and orange trees, gives way to a magnificent vista over the Forum.

map of Roman Forum (Foro Romano)

Address: Via dei Fori Imperiali

Website: http://www.tribunesandtriumphs.org/roman-life/roman-forum.htm

The Colosseum
Rome

Opening time: 9am to 6.15pm in summer, and from 9am to 4.30pm in winter.

Admission: €12 (adults); €7 (reduced fee)

Known to be one of the most impressive buildings of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum was the largest structure of its era. Once holding crowds of 55,000 spectators entering via 80 entrances, this enduring symbol of ancient Rome tenaciously clings to its foundations as the site of former gladiatorial conquests and brutal public entertainment. Its architecture boasts an impressive array of Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns and an underground network of cells, corridors and elevators used to transport animals from their cages to the arena. The magnificence of the original structure has been eroded through the years by pillaging and earthquakes so that only a skeletal framework remains, but it remains truly unforgettable and awe-inspiring.

map of The Colosseum

Address: Piazza del Colosseo

Website: http://www.the-colosseum.net/around/visit.htm

Pantheon
Rome

Opening time: Open Monday to Saturday, from 8:30am to 7:30pm; on Sundays from about 9am to 6pm. Closed New Year's Day, 1 May and Christmas Day.

Admission: Free

The Pantheon is one of the world's most inspiring architectural designs. Almost two thousand years after it was built, the Pantheon's is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. Built as a temple to the Roman gods by Hadrian in 120 AD, it's perfectly proportioned floating dome rests seductively on sturdy marble columns. The only light source is the central oculus, which was used by the Romans to measure time, and the dates of equinoxes and solstices. The sunlight pouring through the oculus and illuminating the floor in the otherwise dark church is quite a sight. The south transept houses the Carafa Chapel and the tomb of Fra Angelico rests under the left side of the altar.

map of Pantheon

Address: Piazza della Rotonda

Telephone: +39 06 6830 0230

Website: http://www.pantheon-rome.com/opening-hours/

The Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna
Rome

The graceful Spanish Steps elegantly curve from the Piazza di Spagna to the Church of Santa Trinit dei Monti, a pastel-tinted neoclassical building. The shopper's paradise of Via Condotti leads back from the Spanish steps to Via del Corso, and during spring the steps are decorated with pink azaleas. At the base lies Bernini's boat-shaped Barcaccia Fountain, and to the right is the unassuming Keats-Shelley Memorial House. The steps are iconic and if you do walking tours of Rome you are almost guaranteed to stop here, with lots of artists and musicians performing in the area which gives it a festive feel.

map of The Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna

Address: Piazza di Spagna

Website: http://www.italyguides.it/en/lazio/rome/squares-and-fountains/spanish-steps

Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)
Rome

The tiny Piazza di Trevi has been immortalised through this fountain built for Pope Clement XII. Arguably the most famous and most beautiful fountain in all of Rome, it's also the largest Baroque fountain in the city. The fountain marks the terminal point of an ancient aqueduct that supplied Rome for more than four hundred years. Anyone who tosses a coin over their shoulder into the water with their back turned is supposed to guarantee a return trip to Rome. This well-known myth has ensured that thousands of euros are thrown into the fountain every day. The money is used for charitable projects so visitors are at least supporting a good cause.

map of Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)

St Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)
Rome

The Basilica lies above the reputed site of St Peter's tomb, containing notable sculptures including Michelangelo's Pieta. In the central aisle stands Arnolfo da Cambio's bronze statue of St Peter, its foot worn down by the constant flow of pilgrims' kisses. Proudly resting above the papal altar is Bernini's Throne of St Peter. The Vatican Grottoes, containing papal tombs, can be reached by steps from the statue of St Longinus. This is the legendary site of St Peter's tomb and advance permission has to be obtained to view it. Tours of the Necropolis, called the Scavi Tour, take about 90 minutes and are fascinating.

map of St Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)

Website: http://www.stpetersbasilica.info/contacts.htm

Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel
Rome

Scandal has somewhat tarnished the Vatican over the years, but this does not detract from the magnificence of the art collections housed within its buildings or the passion the city inspires in the many pilgrims who flock to its holy sites. The Sistine Chapel is known for its famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo which looms above the frescoes on the side walls, while the altar wall is covered by The Last Judgement. The chapel is justified in its fame and leaves travellers breathless; it is a profoundly special place to visit. The Vatican Museums provide access to one of the world's greatest collections of art. The galleries stretch over four miles (6km) and include the magnificent Raphael Rooms, the Etruscan Museum and the Pio-Clementino Museum, boasting the world's largest collection of Classical statues.

map of Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel

Website: http://www.vatican.va

The Uffizi (Gallerie degli Uffizi)
Florence

The Uffizi is one of the world's greatest art galleries, with a collection of Renaissance paintings that includes the works of Giotto, Masaccio, Paolo Ucello, Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Titian and Caravaggio. The collection is housed on the top floor of a building designed as the offices of the Medici, commissioned by Duke Cosimo I. From 1581, Cosimo's heirs used the upper storey to display the Medici art treasures. Ancient Greek and Roman sculptures line the inner corridors of the gallery and a series of rooms showcases the chronological development of Florentine art from Gothic to High Renaissance and beyond.

The queues can get frustratingly long so it is best to arrive as early as possible. Ideally, visitors should be there when the museum opens at 8.15am, and avoid peak hours, which are between 10am and 12pm. It takes between three and four hours to properly explore the museum, so visitors should not arrive after 4pm, as they won't have enough time to fully appreciate the place.

map of The Uffizi (Gallerie degli Uffizi)

Website: http://www.uffizi.it/en/the-uffizi

Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square)
Florence

Florence Cathedral is set in the heart of the city, its most distinctive feature being the enormous dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The Campanile was built according to Giotto's designs in 1334, serving as an elegant prop to Brunelleschi's stout Cathedral. The tower is decorated with two garlands of bas-reliefs, strung around its pink, white and green marble exterior. Above, sculptures by Donatello of the Prophets and Sybils look down upon the city below.

The neighbouring Baptistry is one of Florence's oldest buildings, the gilded brass doors marking Florence's deliverance from the plague. It also contains the machines used in the construction of the cathedral's dome. Other noteworthy artefacts found in the museum include Michelangelo's Pieta and Donatello's Magdalene. In the anteroom are Andrea Pisano's panels from the first few levels of the bell tower.

map of Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square)

The Bargello (Museo Nazionale del Bargello)
Florence

This Gothic Palazzo built in 1255 shelters a treasured national collection of Renaissance sculpture. It's one of the oldest buildings in Florence and has been the setting for some important episodes of history, including sieges, fires and executions. The most famous of these involved Baroncelli, who was executed for plotting against the Medici and whose execution was witnessed by Leonardo da Vinci. An extensive collection of decorative art is on display, in addition to the magnificent sculptures of Michelangelo, Donatello and Giambologna.

The inner courtyard is ornamented with numerous coats of arms and the grand stairwell leading to the second-story loggia overflows with bronze birds created for the Medici's gardens. Other notable displays include an Islamic collection, an assortment of ivories and 16th-century majolica porcelain from Urbino, Faenza and Florence.

map of The Bargello (Museo Nazionale del Bargello)

Website: http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/museum_of_bargello.html

Santa Croce
Florence

Santa Croce, a magnificent Gothic church built in 1294, contains the tombs of many celebrated Florentines, such as Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli, as well as the famous composer Rossini. The interior is graced by the radiant frescoes of Giotto and his pupil Taddeo Gaddi, and integrated into the cloister next to the church is Brunelleschi's Pazzi Chapel. The large square in front of the church is a great meeting place and there are some lovely restaurants and cafes about for refreshments.

map of Santa Croce

Website: http://www.santacroceopera.it/en/

Ponte Vecchio
Florence

The Ponte Vecchio's status as the oldest bridge in Florence saved it from destruction during the Nazi retreat from Italy in 1944. To one side of the bridge is the majestic bust of the most famous Florentine goldsmith, Benvenuto Cellini, while perched above the overhanging shops is a secret passageway named the Vasari Corridor, providing an elevated link to the Palazzo Pitti via the Uffizi. It was the private walkway of the Medicis who wanted to move between the various residences without having to rub shoulders with the commoners. The Ponte Vecchio is charming at night, when it's lit up and the bright shops beckon visitors closer. It's an icon of Florence and an enduringly popular attraction.

map of Ponte Vecchio

Palazzo Pitti and Giardino Boboli
Florence

Once the property of the iconic Medici family and the one-time residence of the Italian king, the Palazzo is a grand structure boasting no less than seven museums. Among these are the Medici treasures showcased in the Museo degli Argenti, the Museum of Costumes and the Porcelain Museum. The Galleria d'Arte Moderna provides a fascinating display from the Macchiaioli school, as well as a collection of Neoclassical and Romantic art. The collections in the Palazzo Pitti keep will visitors captivated for hours.

Extending behind the palace are the elaborately landscaped and beautifully maintained Boboli Gardens, well-known for their fountains and grottos. Their most celebrated treasure is the Grotta del Buontalenti, in which rests the sculpture Venus Emerging from her Bath. Another notable structure is the enormous amphitheatre, which contains a granite basin from the thermal Baths of Caracalla in Rome, and an Egyptian obelisk dedicated to Pharaoh Ramses II.

map of Palazzo Pitti and Giardino Boboli

Website: http://www.polomuseale.firenze.it/en/musei/pitti.php?m=palazzopitti

Etruscan Sites
Tuscany

Attracted by the mineral wealth found in the regions of Tuscany, Lazio and Umbria, the Etruscans made their way to Italy around 900 BC. They were preoccupied with the afterlife, dedicating much effort to carving burial sites into rock or constructing them out of stone slabs and filling them with artefacts.

The Museo Civico Archeologico in Grosseto contains a selection of Etruscan artefacts found in nearby tombs, while the most important excavated Etruscan and Roman remains in Tuscany are in Roselle. At Saturnia, travellers can explore rock-cut tombs, while the famous Tomb of Ildebrando is found in the Necropolis of Sovana.

The town of Pitigliano is peppered with Etruscan tombs and tunnels. The town itself is a spectacular vista of houses jutting out over soft limestone cliffs and caves bordering the River Lente. From this quaint town, visitors should head to the extensive necropolis on the outskirts of Marsiliana, and finish at Talamone and Maremma for visits to the Etruscan temple, Roman villa and baths.

map of Etruscan Sites

Website: whc.unesco.org/en/list/1158

Chianti Region
Tuscany

A circular route from Siena through the Chianti Region provides visitors to Tuscany with a wonderfully scenic and sensory travel experience. The route covers the villages of the Chianti Classico wine region, which are garnished with ancient castles and rambling farmhouses. The vineyards and wooded hills are best explored along the winding back roads or from within the sleepy hamlets.

The first stop is at Castello di Brolio, a magnificent vineyard owned by the Ricasoli family since 1167. The SS484 will go south of Brolio and north past the hamlets of San Gusme, Campi and Linari, before a diversion to the Meleto Castle. Another worthwhile stop is at Badia a Coltibuono, for its restaurant and Romanesque church.

The winding road west to Radda, in Chianti, is especially picturesque. A further nine miles (15km) from here is the delightful hamlet of Volapia and Castellina. Within the ramparts of this walled village is the Bottega del Vino Galla Nero, at Via della Rocca 13, which showcases the region's delectable wines and olive oils.

map of Chianti Region

Montepulciano
Tuscany

Montepulciano is Tuscany's highest hilltop town, and is built along a narrow limestone ridge 1,950ft (605m) above sea level. It is fast being discovered by tourists seeking out the best of the region, while still retaining its mystery and authenticity.

Sheltered within the fortified walls are charming streets packed with Renaissance-style palaces and churches. Within the intact historic centre, no major building work has been done since 1580, making it one of the best-preserved historic centres in Italy.

While Montepulciano's most celebrated achievement is its Vino Nobile vintages, other attractions include the pilgrimage church of Madonna di San Biagio; a treasured collection of Etruscan reliefs and funerary urns; and the views from the tower at the Palazzo Comunale.

map of Montepulciano

Museo Archeologico Nazionale
Naples

This fascinating, world-class museum houses the Farnese collection of antiquities from Lazio and Campania, as well as the incredible treasures of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Notable among these collections are The Farnese Hercules and The Farnese Bull, the largest known sculpture from antiquity. On the mezzanine level is The Alexander Mosaic and at the furthest end is the Secret Room, showcasing erotic material found in the brothels, bath houses and taverns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The top section of the museum houses the Campanian wall paintings, supported by a range of Campanian artefacts in the form of glass, silver and ceramics.

map of Museo Archeologico Nazionale

Website: mann-napoli.it

Duomo San Gennaro
Naples

The Chapel of San Gennaro is accessed from the south aisle of the Cathedral of Naples. Tradition tells the story of how two phials of San Gennaro's congealed blood liquefied in the bishop's hand after his martyred body was transported to the church. Legend has it that disaster will strike if the blood fails to liquefy on specific festival days, specifically the first Saturday in May, on September 19 and December 16. Known as the Miracle of the Blood, the ceremony takes place during a special Mass in full view of the congregation. The first chapel on the right upon entry holds the famous phials of blood and a silver reliquary containing his skull. Beneath the Duomo are the excavations of well-preserved Greek and Roman roads that stretch beneath the modern city.

map of Duomo San Gennaro

Museo e Gallerie di Capodimonte
Naples

This museum occupies a restored 18th-century palace perched upon the city's hills. The Farnese and Bourbon rulers amassed impressive collections of Renaissance paintings and Flemish masterpieces. Notable among these are Masaccio's Crucifixion, Filipino Lippi's Annunciation and Saints and Raphael's Leo X, as well as Bellini's Transfiguration, Michelangelo's Three Soldiers and Breughel's The Allegory of the Blind. The palace is an attraction in its own right and the royal apartments are beautifully decorated and preserved with their 18th-century furnishings. Capodimonte is a pleasant neighbourhood in Naples, and the park surrounding the gallery is great for a peaceful stroll after ogling the art and finery of the museum.

map of Museo e Gallerie di Capodimonte

Pompeii
Naples

Mount Vesuvius erupted in the year 79 AD, burying the Roman city of Pompeii in volcanic lava and ash. The most evocative testimony to its victims is the 'frozen people', calcified remains whose anguished contortions and facial expressions reveal the horror of their untimely deaths. Pompeii is one of Italy's most popular tourist attractions, seeing nearly 2.5 million visitors every year. It's one of the most intriguing sites of the ancient world and a full day of walking barely covers the many sites of interest. Pompeii is truly an unmissable attraction, along with the four associated sites of Herculaneum, Oplontis, Stabia and Boscoreale.

map of Pompeii

Website: http://www.pompeiisites.org

Paestum
Naples

Paestum was founded by Greek colonists in the 7th Century BC, later falling under Roman rule. The well-preserved Greek temples are arguably the best of their kind in the world, easily rivalling those of Sicily and Athens. These remarkable structures comprise the Basilica; the Temple of Poseidon; and the Temple of Ceres. A guide to the excavations and Archaeological Museum can be bought at any of the roadside shops. Heading north along Via Sacra will take visitors to the Roman Forum, gymnasium and amphitheatre. Finally, Paestum's Museum contains a fascinating collection of pottery and paintings found in the tombs of the area.

map of Paestum

The Grand Canal (Canalazzo)
Venice

The Grand Canal is a hub of activity in Venice, encircled by the elegant facades of the palazzi testifying to the city's past opulence. The best way to explore the architectural splendour of these Renaissance buildings is on board a vaporetto. Although a gondola ride along the Grand Canal is glorious, it is often better to explore the smaller waterways by gondola, as the Grand Canal can become crowded and stressful in peak season.

Palaces and buildings to look out for include the Ca da Mosto; the House of Gold; and Palazzo Corner-Spinelli and Palazzo Vendramin Calergi, which combine classical and Byzantine elements. Architect Jacopo Sansovino was inspired by Codussi's style and infused this in his creation of the Palazzo Corner (Ca Granda).

Another notable Palazzo is the Grimani di San Luca, designed by Michele Sanmicheli. Pedestrian access across the canal is only provided along three bridges situated at the station, Rialto and Academia.

map of The Grand Canal (Canalazzo)

St Mark's Square
Venice

The city's first citadel and church were erected on the Piazza San Marco: the Palazzo Ducale and the Basilica di San Marco, respectively. The latter is a unique juxtaposition of Byzantine, western European and Islamic architectural styles. Its most precious relic is the Pala d'Oro, a Venetian-Byzantine gold relief adorned with precious gems.

Tourists pay dearly to eat or drink at the elegant cafes that spill onto the Piazza. Designer shops line the streets radiating from the square, and there are other worthwhile places such as Museo Correr, the Archaeological Museum and the Museo del Risorgimento, housed within the Procuratie Nuova. Attached to the Procuratie Vecchie is the Torre dell'Orologio, its adjoining archway guiding one through to the Mercerie, Venice's main commercial street stretching to the famous Rialto Bridge.

map of St Mark's Square

Rialto Bridge
Venice

One of Venice's most iconic landmarks, the Rialto Bridge is often described as the heart of the city. It is the oldest bridge spanning the Grand Canal, and is one of only four that do. The bridge standing today is over 400 years old, but isn't the original structure. Today, the Rialto area still resembles the bustling fruit and vegetable market of former times. If travellers are visiting Rialto to take pictures of the bridge or explore the area for the first time, it's best to go early in the morning when the throngs of visitors won't disturb them. There are loads of lovely restaurants and cafes in the area as well.

map of Rialto Bridge

Basilica dei Frari
Venice

The Basilica dei Frari was constructed in the 14th century, and is primarily known as the burial place of Renaissance painter, Titian, and the Venetian sculptor, Antonio Canova. Titian's tomb in the south aisle watches over the large marble pyramid created for Canova. The interior of the church is adorned with a number of famous pieces, such as Donatello's St John the Baptist, Bellini's triptych of the Madonna and Saints and Titian's Assumption of the Virgin. This great Franciscan church is well worth the effort for art lovers and anybody interested in Gothic architecture. The church receives rave reviews and is consistently one of the top-rated attractions in Venice according to visitor reviews.

map of Basilica dei Frari

Website: http://www.basilicadeifrari.it

School of St Roch
Venice

San Rocco is known for the canvases of Venetian painter, Jacopo Tintoretto, adorning its interior. Tintoretto, who was admired and criticised for the speed with which he painted and the unrivalled boldness of his brushwork, was commissioned to decorate the School in 1564 and dedicated 23 years to this task. The paintings are arranged in chronological order that can be followed by beginning on the second floor in the Sala dell'Albergo. Notable among his works are the scenes from the Life of the Virgin and the Crucifixion. The interior is ornate and quite overwhelming in its artistry, and visitors will struggle to find somebody who doesn't rave about the experience of exploring San Rocco.

map of School of St Roch

Website: http://www.scuolagrandesanrocco.it

Gallerie Accademia
Venice

This famous gallery was established in 1807 to house the artwork removed from Venetian churches and public buildings on Napoleon's orders. It's housed in three old religious buildings: the Scuola Grande di Santa Maria della Carita, built in 1344; the Church of the Carita; and the Convento della Carita, a monastery from 1561. The gallery's display follows the progression of Venetian art from the 14th to 18th centuries. Notable works in the gallery include Paolo Veneziano's Coronation of Mary, Carpaccio's Crucifixion and Apotheosis, Giovanni Bellini's Madonna with Child between Saints Catherine and Mary Magdalene, Giorgione's Tempest, Lorenzo Lotto's Portrait of a Young Gentleman in His Studio, Paolo Veronese's Feast in the House of Levi, and Tintoretto's Theft of St Mark's Body and Crucifixion.

map of Gallerie Accademia

Website: http://www.gallerieaccademia.it/en

Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Venice

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, and is one of the most illustrious collections of modern art in Italy. It spans the artistic movements of Cubism, European Abstraction and Surrealism, with notable works by Kandinsky, Picasso, Rothko, Ernst, Dali, Pollock and many more.

Born to the wealthy New York City Guggenheim family, American art collector, bohemian and socialite, Marguerite 'Peggy' Guggenheim, built up her collection between 1938 and 1947, and bought the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni in 1948, where she lived until her death in 1979. This exciting, prestigious and often bizarre collection is a great departure from the overwhelming amount of Gothic, Byzantine and Renaissance art pervading Venice.

map of Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Website: http://www.guggenheim-venice.it

Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral)
Milan

One of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals, the Duomo presides over the Milanese Piazza bearing its name. Construction began in 1386 and continued sporadically until Napoleon ordered its completion in 1809. Its lengthy creation bestowed on it 3,400 statues, 135 spires and 96 gargoyles, as well as a colourful mosaic of stained glass windows.

The 16th-century marble tomb of Giacomo de Medici lies in the southern transept, and lying buried at its heart is St Charles Borromeo, the cathedral's most important benefactor. Every year in May and September, a nail from the cross of Christ is displayed to worshippers, retrieved from its resting-place by the bishop who is hoisted to the nivola to reach it. Across the piazza are the Museo del Duomo, displaying the treasures from the cathedral, and the Museo d'Arte Contemporanea, showcasing Italian Futurist art.

map of Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral)

Website: http://www.duomomilano.it/en/

La Scala Opera
Milan

This world-famous opera house rests on the site of the Church of Santa Maria alla Scala. For opera fanatics. seeing a performance at La Scala is the experience of a lifetime. The La Scala Museum is also worth a visit, as it provides a wealth of mementos from the opera house dedicated to the nation's beloved composers and performers, such as Rossini, Puccini and Toscanini.

Two halls are devoted to Verdi alone, containing memorabilia such as the spinet on which he learned to play, hand-written scores and the baton given to him after the momentous reception of his best-loved work, Aida. There are also exhibitions featuring some of the elaborate costumes worn in the theatre over the years, and mementoes from the plays and performances.

map of La Scala Opera

Website: http://www.teatroallascala.org/en/index.html

Santa Maria delle Grazie
Milan

The church and convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular attractions in Milan. Located in the refectory next to the church is Leonardo's famous painting The Last Supper and, although the church is an attraction in its own right, it's this iconic masterpiece that draws so many admirers. Controversy has erupted over the removal of layers of corrective over-painting completed in the 18th and 19th-centuries. The painting has endured more than hot debate, managing to escape the bombing during WWII that destroyed the roof of the refectory.

map of Santa Maria delle Grazie

Website: http://www.cenacolovinciano.org

Museum of Historic Art of the Sforzesco Castle
Milan

The gargantuan 15th-century Sforzesco Castle is one of Milan's foremost monuments, conveniently located in the centre of the city. It contains three museums, the most notable of which is the Museum of Historic Art. Within its collection is the famous Pieta Rondanini, Michelangelo's final sculpture, as well as paintings by Mantegna, Bellini, da Vinci and Fra Filippo Lippi. The two other museums within the Castle's ramparts are the Museum of Applied Arts and the Archaeological Museum, which offer unusual exhibitions showcasing musical instruments, Egyptian art and other unexpected things. The castle grounds are big and lovely to stroll, with no entry fee, meaning it's a great place to come for some fresh air.

map of Museum of Historic Art of the Sforzesco Castle

Website: http://www.milanocastello.it

Leonardo da Vinci National Science & Technology Museum
Milan

This remarkable museum is a popular tourist attraction and a fitting tribute to one of history's greatest minds. Within the Leonardo Gallery of the museum is a collection of da Vinci's ingenious designs, detailing everything from plans for war machines to architectural visions. Applied physics is the focus of another room, in keeping with the museum's tribute to the history of science, and there are also departments for energy, communication and transport. There are loads of interactive exhibits and scientific experiments to actively participate in.

map of Leonardo da Vinci National Science & Technology
Museum

Website: http://www.museoscienza.org

Portofino
Milan

Nestled in a sheltered inlet within the stretch of the Italian Mediterranean is the coastal resort village of Portofino, famous for its picturesque harbour. It has long been the playground for the rich and famous, attracting the likes of Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly. The scenic surrounds can be explored from the outlying nature reserve, which is graced with cypress and olive slopes. Travellers can set off from here on a 90-minute trek to San Fruttuoso, or a two-and-a-half hour hike to Santa Margherita. Other sights around Portofino include its castle and the lighthouse, with its breathtaking view of the coastline. The most famous beach in the area is the beautiful Paraggi Beach, with nearby alternatives including Camogli, Chiavari, Lavagna, and Sestri Levante.

map of Portofino

Cinque Terre
Milan

Strung along just over 11 miles (18km) of rugged cliffs between Levanto and La Spezia, the five fishing villages of the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre nestle precariously on the cliffs. Overlooking the azure ocean of the Italian Riviera, it's a picture-perfect dream of sparkling clear waters and dramatic vistas, contained within the tranquil embrace of the villages that are connected to one another by a scenic pathway that curves through the hillside among olive groves and vineyards. Monterosso is the largest and is recognisable through the huge statues carved into the shore's rocks. The village of Riomaggiore is identified through the myriad fishing boats festooning its shores, linked by the 'lovers lane' to the charming town of Manarola. Corniglia perches on the mountainside and is accessed through a steep climb, while Vernazza's promenade and piazza have beautiful sea vistas.

map of Cinque Terre

Website: http://www.cinqueterre.com

Marionette Museum
Sicily

One of Palermo's most unique attractions is the engaging Museo Internazionale delle Marionette, a museum dedicated to the age-old Sicilian art of puppetry. The Opera dei Pupi of southern Italy is famous, with Palermo, Catania and Naples all having distinct marionette traditions. The museum was opened to preserve local traditions and the collection consists of more than 3,500 puppets.

Adjoining the museum is the library of Guiseppe Leggio, which houses about 3,000 books on puppetry and folk traditions; there is also a video library documenting theatrical folk performances and puppet shows from different cultures. Most of the antique puppets on display evoke Norman Sicily, representing chivalrous heroes and Saracen pirates, nobles and troubadours. The collection includes puppets from the Far East and even some 'Punch and Judy' dolls.

map of Marionette Museum

Amalfi
Amalfi Coast

The town of Amalfi sits elegantly against a backdrop of steep cliffs and thickets of lemon trees. Terraced buildings climb down to the shoreline, their pastel hues enhancing the fairytale allure of this Italian seaside retreat. Amalfi was once one of the great maritime republics that thrived off trade and rivalries with Pisa, Genoa and Venice. The 9th-century Amalfi Cathedral is a breathtaking example of Arab-Norman Romanesque architecture, while museums include the fascinating Museo della Carta and the Arsenal of the Maritime Republic.

The Piazza del Duomo is the main hub, and is dotted with cafes, gorgeous boutiques and romantic restaurants. A promenade allows visitors to gaze over the picturesque marina and beyond to the memorable emerald waters. The main beach is the sheltered Marina Grande, with sandier beaches found at the villages of Minori and Maiori.

map of Amalfi

Cagliari
Sardinia

Cagliari is Sardinia's capital. The biggest city in the region and a busy industrial port, its old centre is charmingly compact and contained within the city walls and Pisan fortifications. The main attractions are the National Archaeological Museum, which contains prehistoric tombs and other significant artefacts from the Punic and Roman periods; the impressive cathedral; and a smattering of Roman ruins.

The suburb of Poetto has a four mile (6km) stretch of sandy beach with some small bars nearby. The famous archaeological site of Su Nuraxi near Barumini is also within easy reach of the town.

Sardinia's history and culture are found in the Citadel of Museums complex: the Archaeological Museum houses artefacts from all the ancient cultures of the island, such as ceramics from Phoenician tombs, Punic jewellery and Nuragic bronzes; the Picture Gallery boasts contemporary art and sculpture; the Siamese Museum exhibits fascinating items from the East; and the university houses sculptures by wax artist Clemente Susini.

map of Cagliari

Nuraghe
Sardinia

Having arrived in Sardinia around 1500 BC, the mysterious Nuragic people festooned the island with about 30,000 circular fortified structures, of which 7,000 remain standing today. The complex of Nuraghe in Barumini has been added to UNESCO's World Heritage List and is the finest and most complete example of this prehistoric architecture. Other well-preserved Nuraghe can be seen at Sant Antine, while at Nora are the remains of an extensive Nuragic village including an amphitheatre, forum, baths, temple and kasbah. Other good Nuragic sites are near Villanovaforru, Alghero and Abbasanta. The purpose of the beehive-like buildings remains unknown but archaeologists assume they were used as religious temples, meeting halls and military strongholds.

map of Nuraghe

Trenino Verde
Sardinia

Sardinia has an unforgettable coastline, but the interior of the island is equally as beautiful. A fun way to explore it is aboard the Trenino Verde (Little Green Train), a vintage steam locomotive that puffs its way through forests, over bridges and through tunnels into some of the island's most scenic mountain areas. The train runs on scheduled routes, connecting Nuoro and Bosa, Sassari and Alghero, Sassari and Palau, and Cagliari and Arbatax. The train is small and tickets are limited so it's best to book in advance. The train sometimes stops at scenic spots so that passengers can stretch their legs and take photographs.

Neptune's Grotto (Grotta di Nettuno)
Sardinia

A popular sightseeing expedition from Alghero is a boat ride to Neptune's Grotto, an impressive deep marine cave at the bottom of the sheer cliffs of Capo Caccia. At the cave, visitors take a 45-minute tour entering through the long meandering passage delved into the rock to view dramatically-lit stalagmites and stalactites. The contrast of the sun sparkling bright on the sea and orange cliffs against the dark depths of the cave is truly magical. But the grotto can also be reached by bus from the main terminal in Alghero, or by car, which on arrival necessitates climbing down 650 steps to the cave entrance.

map of Neptune's Grotto (Grotta di Nettuno)

Garibaldi's House
Sardinia

The famous Italian general and politician Giuseppe Garibaldi lived the last third of his life on the woody, undeveloped island of Caprera. Considered a 'founding father' by Italians, he's famous for his military campaigns in South America and during Italy's unification period. The elegant homestead has been preserved as he left it and visitors can learn a lot about his lifestyle from exploring the farm; on Caprera he lived a simple, peaceful life tending his gardens and orchards. Tours of the property end with his tomb in the garden, as well as a relic room filled with some of his personal belongings and historical artefacts. For many Italians and foreign visitors Garibaldi's house and grave are a pilgrimage of sorts, a place to pay homage to a national hero.

map of Garibaldi's House

Website: http://www.compendiogaribaldino.it

Monreale Cathedral
Sicily

Of all the many architecturally beautiful and fascinating places of worship in Palermo, the most renowned is the 12th-century cathedral in the mountain suburb of Monreale. This dazzling cathedral is a mixture of Arab, Byzantine and Norman artistic styles, blending medieval Christian and Muslim architecture. The magnificent mosaics cover 68,243 square feet (6,340 sq m) of the cathedral's dome, and all of the walls on the interior are unsurpassed. The adjacent Benedictine abbey features a cloister with 228 carved stone columns, many inlaid with mosaics depicting scenes from Sicily's Norman history. Entrance to the breathtaking cathedral is free, but there are small admission charges for the Treasury, Cloisters and Terraces, which are worth exploring.

map of Monreale Cathedral

Website: http://www.visitsicily.info/en/monreale-cathedral-and-cloister/

Capuchin Catacombs
Sicily

The fascinating subterranean world of the Capuchin Catacombs contains the remains of about 8,000 inhabitants of Palermo. The friars began mummifying and embalming bodies of the city's nobles back in 1533, a tradition persisting for centuries until 1920. After embalming, the corpses were hung along the walls of the catacombs dressed in their best, such as the military officer in an 18th-century uniform complete with tricorn hat. The bodies are arranged according to profession, sex and age, with separate sections for virgins, children and lawyers, among other things. Cool and dimly lit, the atmosphere is one of respect and care for the ancestors. While quite emotional for some, it can be disturbing for others.

map of Capuchin Catacombs

Website: http://www.palermocatacombs.com/

Palazzo Mirto
Sicily

The excessive opulence of the Baroque period is best demonstrated in the magnificent Palazzo Mirto, which offers visitors to Palermo a glimpse into the lifestyle of Sicily's noble 19th-century families. Most of the princely rooms and salons are furnished with original artefacts, while visitors can also see the old stables and stagecoaches. The feeling of visiting a home is amplified by the fact that the palace is not thronged by tourists, many of whom don't know it exists. Signage and information is in Italian, so it might be worth getting a guide.

map of Palazzo Mirto

Ustica
Sicily

An underwater city and a landscape of petrified black lava are the characteristics of the unusual little island of Ustica, which is just a short ferry ride from Palermo. The ancient volcanic island was once inhabited by the Phoenicians and often fell prey to pirate raids during the Middle Ages. There are many shipwrecks off the island and the Greeks believed it was inhabited by sirens that lured ships to their doom on the rocks.

The Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans all left their mark on the landscape too. Today, the island is a designated national marine park and its crystal-clear waters and undersea treasures, particularly the submerged ancient city of Osteodes, attract divers from all over the world. The snorkelling is also brilliant, as the waters around the island teem with marine life.

map of Ustica

Solunto
Sicily

The Roman ruins at Solunto overlook the coast near Santa Flavia on the slopes of Mount Catalfamo. The site was originally a Phoenician village, expanded by the Greeks who conquered it in 396 BC. By 255 BC it had fallen to the Romans, who rebuilt much of the original town. The ruins consist mainly of floors and the lower portions of walls and columns. Portions of mosaics and paintings are still visible and really exciting to stumble upon. There is an impressive view of the Gulf of Palermo from the hilltop above Solunto, and there is a small archaeological museum at the site. Travellers should note that most of the artefacts from Solunto are in Palermo's Regional Archaeological Museum.

map of Solunto

Ortygia
Sicily

The Ponte Nuova connects the mainland city of Syracuse to the island of Ortygia, where most of the area's best sights are located. Greek colonists fortified Ortygia and the remains of the Temple of Apollo from 565 BC can still be visited in the Piazza Pancali. The cathedral in the nearby Piazza Duomo is uniquely made up of the original walls of a 5th-century BC Greek temple known as the Athenaion, and the mythical Spring of Arethusa lies near the sea and can be reached along Via Capodieci. There are medieval relics on the island too, including Maniaces Castle, dating from the 11th century.

map of Ortygia

Catania
Sicily

Catania was founded in 729 BC and is the second largest city in Sicily. Located in the shadow of Europe's highest volcano, Mount Etna, its elegant old buildings were constructed from white marble and black lava, many of which have since fallen into ruins or been destroyed by war, earthquakes and lava flows. There are two Roman amphitheatres, one reminiscent of Rome's Colosseum, and a 13th-century fortress and now museum, Ursino Castle. The cathedral contains some royal tombs and was built in the 11th century, though much of the historic downtown dates back to the 17th-century, which certainly earns the area its listing as a heritage site. Catania is regarded as the hottest city in Italy, with temperatures often soaring to 104F (40C).

map of Catania

Mount Etna
Sicily

Sicily's greatest natural attraction is Mount Etna, an active volcano which has been spewing lava and shaking the earth for centuries. The craters below the summit can be reached from the town of Piano Provenzana at the base by bus or on foot. This town also serves as a ski resort in winter, while summer sees it shift into a base camp for hikers intent on enjoying the wooded scenery and exploring the area's interesting caverns. Various species of oak, pine and birch grow over the lower mountain slopes; toads, tortoises and lizards hide in the forest streams. Foxes, weasels and other small mammals stalk the forests, and a plethora of bird species fill the trees and the Gurrida Lake area.

map of Mount Etna

Orvieto
Umbria

The medieval fortress town of Orvieto is dramatically perched on a hilltop overlooking the Umbrian countryside. It's thought to have been an important centre for Etruscan civilisation and many impressive artefacts can be viewed in its archaeological museum. The town remains almost unchanged since medieval times, and even in summer is not too packed with tourists.

The 13th-century Duomo of Orvieto, with its magnificent facade and frescoes, dominates the skyline. Visitors should also take time to wander around the town's backstreets to find hidden gems and enjoy amazing views over the city walls and battlements. The best restaurants are tucked away in the side streets off the main square.

map of Orvieto

Positano
Amalfi Coast

Positano retains the authentic character that endeared it to artists and writers such as Picasso, Escher and Steinbeck. Pastel-coloured houses and bougainvillea-draped hotels are connected by steep roads and steps to a boat-filled harbour below. In the town centre is the cobbled Flavio Gioia Square, which is surrounded by boutiques, bars and restaurants. Rising above is the 11th-century Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, with its beautiful golden dome. There are two main beaches in Positano. Just below the town centre, Spiaggia Grande's expanse of dark sand is packed with deckchairs and sunbathers, while Spiaggia del Fornillo is a ten-minute stroll from the centre. There are also lovely hiking trails found in the surrounding Monti Lattari mountain range. Sorrento and Amalfi are short drives away, and there is a daily ferry to Capri from the harbour.

Ravello
Amalfi Coast

Typical of the picturesque towns along the Amalfi Coast, the small hilltop village of Ravello clings to the coastal foothills and steep rocky cliffs above the town of Amalfi. Houses climb slopes green with olive trees and lemon orchards, while emerald waves lap against the sands of Castiglione Beach.

Its views are some of the best in the Mediterranean, with famous American writer Gore Vidal praising the vistas from his perch at the classically stunning Villa Cimbrone. Here, visitors can explore its gardens and vineyards, as well as gaze out from the famous Terrace of Infinity.

Villa Rufolo serves as the unofficial town centre, its centuries-old windows and domed towers looking out onto the cathedral square. Ravello cuisine is dominated by white wine and fresh ingredients found in the hills above or the waves below, offering pasta, pizza and gelato, and a host of dishes containing the area's famous lemons and limoncello, a lemon liqueur.

map of Ravello

Burano
Venice

Burano is a small picturesque island set within the Venetian lagoon that's famous for its pastel-coloured houses and for the handmade lace that was historically made by the wives of the local fishermen. Although it can get crowded on busy days, it is a welcome respite from the melee of Venice and is a popular day trip. It takes around 45 minutes to get to Burano on a vaporetto (route 12), and two or three hours is all that's needed to potter the streets, take a few photos, and enjoy a good lunch.

map of Burano

Maiori and Minori
Amalfi Coast

Maiori may lack the glamour and crowds of its more famous neighbours, but is famous for having one of the largest beaches on the Amalfi Coast. The beachfront hotels make Maiori ideal for those who love the sea, while the dominating Castle of San Nicola de Thoro Plano and the fishing town's long history means there's plenty to discover and explore.

Maiori is a great spot for foodies, and some wonderful restaurants line the promenade and the main street, Corsa Reginna. Depending on the time of day, visitors can enjoy a cappuccino, gelato or the locally produced limoncello liqueur. The tiny nearby town of Minori basks in history, being the oldest town on the Amalfi Coast. It has numerous historic sites, most notably a 1st-century Roman maritime villa.

map of Maiori and Minori

Basilica di San Giovanni
Rome

The Basilica of St John Lateran was built in the 4th century by Constantine the Great and was the first church built in Rome. As the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, it ranks above all other Roman Catholic churches. The official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope, it's here where he celebrates Mass on certain religious holidays. The building is characterised by its 18th-century façade, containing several important relics, a 13th-century cloister and an ancient baptistery. Inside are numerous statues and paintings, the High Altar that can only be used by the Pope and a cedar table that is said to be the one used by Christ at the Last Supper. Across the street is one of the holiest sites in Christendom: the Palace of the Holy Steps, believed to be the 28 marble steps of Pontius Pilate's villa. They have been in Rome since 1589.

map of Basilica di San Giovanni

Caribe Bay
Venice

Caribe Bay is an extremely popular Caribbean-themed water park in the seaside resort town of Jesolo that has been earning rave reviews from visitors to Italy. Situated on an island near Venice, Caribe Bay has around 26 attractions, including one of the highest water slides in the world, a sky-high bungee jumping tower and a huge central pool. However, just strolling around the place and lounging on the beaches is an adventure.

There are fun shows and live music acts, as well as restaurants, shops and the popular Vanilla Club for those who want to party. A fun day at a water park is a great treat for children and a nice break from traditional cultural sightseeing.

map of Caribe Bay

Website: http://www.aqualandia.it

Padua (Padova)
Venice

Padua is often tragically overlooked due to its close proximity to Venice. The fabulous architecture of the old town, dating back as far as 1,000 AD, is a magnificent backdrop for its deep wealth of culture. The main attraction is the cathedral dedicated to St Anthony, its high altar decorated with bronzes by Donatello, who was one of the most influential sculptors from the Italian Renaissance. Donatello is also responsible for the proud equestrian statue (il Gattamelata) in the Piazza del Santo.

Padua has picturesque canals, a number of markets and many impressive churches filled with beautiful frescoes. It boasts Europe's oldest botanical garden, established in 1545, and a fun and festive nightlife, thanks to its youthful university population.

map of Padua (Padova)

Assisi
Umbria

The picturesque hill town of Assisi is famous as the birthplace of St Francis, a 12th-century monk who founded the Franciscan order, which is devoted to practices of asceticism, frugality and chastity. Tourists and pilgrims flock to the bustling town for inspiration and worship, and a multitude of annual conferences, festivals and other religious activities. Assisi is a visual spectacle of shimmering white marble buildings perched halfway up Mount Subasio. The town is set against the backdrop of the towering 14th-century hill fortress of the Rocca Maggiore, a landmark with which to orientate oneself from inside the city's medieval ramparts.

One of the most loved and visited churches in Italy is the 13th-century Basilica di San Francesco, which contains frescoes by Giotto commemorating the life of St Francis. Giotto is regarded as the father of European painting and the first of the great Italian masters.

Other notable works include paintings by Pietro Lorenzetti and Simone Martini's frescoes based on the life of St Martin. St Francis's tomb rests below the lower church, while other popular sights include the 13th-century Basilica di Santa Chiara, the 12th-century Romanesque Duomo di San Rufino and the Eremo delle Carceri, a monastery situated in the woodland outside Assisi.

Assisi is a beautiful city with winding streets, Roman ruins and magnificent churches, feeling like it has changed little since medieval times. The greatest gems are the small medieval treasures and glorious views to be found all over the small city.

map of Assisi

Pinacoteca di Brera
Milan

Housing one of Italy's finest collections of medieval and Renaissance art, the 17th-century Pinacoteca di Brera is by far the best collection of northern Italian paintings. Many of the masterpieces here were secured by Napoleon, who used the Palazzo as a storeroom for all the art he confiscated from public and private holdings. Three of Italy's great masterpieces are found here, namely Andrea Mantegna's Dead Christ, Raphael's Betrothal of the Virgin and Piero della Francesca's Madonna with Saints. The collection also includes notable works by Caravaggio. One of Milan's most popular tourist attractions, the Pinacoteca di Brera houses mostly religious art and will impress even the uninitiated with its vast collection and the stunning building.

map of Pinacoteca di Brera

Website: http://www.brera.beniculturali.it

Orto Botanico di Brera
Milan

The Orto Botanico di Brera is a botanical garden located behind the Pinacoteca di Brera in the centre of Milan. The garden has greenhouses from the 19th century that are now used by the Academy of Fine Arts, as well as flower beds and elliptical ponds from the 18th century. Orto Botanico di Brera is home to one of the oldest ginkgo biloba trees in Europe, and various other mature botanical specimens can be found within the grounds. The Orto Botanico di Brera is small by botanical garden standards but is well worth visiting for its historical charm and the originality of the mixture of art and nature that often results from the influence of the Academy of Fine Arts.

map of Orto Botanico di Brera

Website: ortibotanici.unimi.it/en/brera-botanical-garden/

Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio
Milan

Opening time: The Basilica is open from Monday to Saturday from 10am to noon, and again from 2.30pm to 6pm.

The Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio is one of the oldest churches in Milan, built by Bishop Ambrose between 379 and 386 AD. Located in an area where numerous martyrs of the Roman persecutions were buried, it was originally called Basilica Martyrum. In 1099, the church was rebuilt in the Romanesque architectural style but the basilica plan of the original edifice was maintained, including a portico with elegant arches in the front entrance. Of the two bell towers, the left and higher tower dates back to 1144 AD. Inside there is an apse mosaic from the early 13th century portraying the Christ Pantokrator, an inspirational religious and artistic artefact. As well as the tomb of Emperor Louis II, there are also mummified bishops in its chapels.

map of Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio

Website: http://www.basilicasantambrogio.it

Bell Tower (Campanile di San Marco)
Venice

Originally built in the 9th century, this 318 feet (97m) bell tower is the highest structure in Venice, offering visitors breathtaking views of the cupolas of St Mark's, the lagoon and neighbouring islands, as well as church domes and red rooftops. When the air is clear, one can even spot snow-capped peaks of the distant Dolomite Mountains.

Once a lighthouse to assist navigation on the lagoon, the tower collapsed unexpectedly in 1902 but was rebuilt exactly as before, even including one of the five historical bells that are still in use today. Each bell was rung for a different purpose, such as war, the death of a doge or religious holidays.

map of Bell Tower (Campanile di San Marco)

Website: http://www.visit-venice-italy.com/bell-tower-venice-italy/bell-tower-saint-mark-venice-opening-hours-visit-price.htm

Costa Smeralda
Sardinia

The jet-set strip of Sardinia, Costa Smeralda is a six-mile (10km) stretch of coastline between the gulfs of Cugnana and Arzachena. The local villages and towns around Costa Smeralda have become discreet upmarket resorts, crammed with private villas, luxurious holiday villages and huge yachting marinas packed with gleaming vessels. The main town of the area is Porto Cervo, a playground of the rich and famous with its ranks of pale pink and red villas climbing the hill from the busy marina.

Another favourite retreat for celebrities is the town of Porto Rotondo, which offers a wealth of beaches, nightclubs and restaurants, most clustered around its Piazza San Marco and the marina. The main attractions are the many sequestered beaches, among the most scenic being Cappriccioli, Rena Bianca and Liscia Ruja.

map of Costa Smeralda

Villa Doria Pamphili Park
Rome

The best place to go to get some fresh air and a break from traditional sightseeing is the Villa Doria Pamphili, the largest landscaped public park in Rome. It's extremely large, boasting streams, a lake, lots of shaded areas and plenty of open grassy spaces. There are playgrounds, a skating rink and soccer fields, as well as pony rides, along with a little restaurant for refreshments. The park is lovely all year, even in winter, though it's obviously at its best in good weather. Playgrounds and parks are hard to find in Rome which automatically makes Villa Doria Pamphili a big hit with families visiting the city.

map of Villa Doria Pamphili Park

Website: http://www.villapamphili.it/

Murano
Venice

The Venetian Islands of Murano are joined by several bridges, making for a great trip for the whole family and the perfect place to seek out special Venetian souvenirs. In 1291, all the glass makers in Venice were sent to the islands for fear of fires starting in the wooden buildings of the city, meaning Murano has been a centre of glass crafts ever since.

Visitors can enjoy watching the local art of glass-blowing, developed over centuries in the place that made Venetian glass so famous and sought-after. Murano is a picturesque mini-Venice with its own Grand Canal, boasting colourful old buildings and great restaurants.

There are also some interesting churches to visit: the Basilica dei Santa Maria e San Donato has stunning 12th-century mosaics; and the Church of Saint Peter the Martyr houses two artworks by Bellini.

map of Murano

Po Delta Natural Park
Venice

A flatland along the Adriatic Coast, the vast Po Delta is one of the most stunning natural landscapes in Italy. It's divided into two regional parks: the Emilia-Romagna and Veneto. The latter, easily accessible from Venice, encompasses woodlands, extensive farmlands, marshes, lagoons, beaches and rivers, as well as historical monuments and even cities.

Visitors to the Po Delta Natural Park can enjoy a day exploring the great outdoors, and can discover the park by bike, boat, canoe, horseback or on foot. Tours are also available for those who want to visit the more protected areas of the park, and avid fisherman can enjoy the lagoons, where bream, bass and grey mullet are plentiful.

There are great bird-watching opportunities here too, so visitors should pack their binoculars. There are many areas to camp and wonderful walking trails.

map of Po Delta Natural Park

Ponte Scaligero
Verona

Also known as the Castelvecchio Bridge, the Ponte Scaligero spans 160ft (49m) across the Adige River, the largest span in the world at the time of its construction in the mid 14th century. The bridge's upper part was built with red bricks, as are all Veronese landmarks from the Scaliger era, while the lower part of the bridge is made up of white marble. It's one of the best places to enjoy spectacular views over the city of Verona, as well as those of the adjoining Castelvecchio Castle, a 14th-century red-brick structure of considerable grandeur. On weekends, there is often a delightful market spanning the length of the bridge.

map of Ponte Scaligero

Piazza delle Erbe
Verona

The Piazza delle Erbe is a square in Verona once home to the city's Roman Forum. The piazza contains the Britney Verona fountain, the ancient town hall and the Lamberti Tower, as well as the 14th-century Gardello Tower and the Baroque Palazzo Maffei, which is adorned with statues of the gods. The markets are famed for their fresh fruit and vegetables but there are other things on offer, such as Venetian masks and beautiful shawls. Street artists add to the festive atmosphere and the clash of ancient and modern is memorable and picturesque. The piazza is also a lot of fun at night, when its numerous bars beckon visitors.

map of Piazza delle Erbe

Verona Arena (Arena di Verona)
Verona

This enormous theatre from Ancient Rome is the third-largest surviving theatre in the world, and is Italy's largest opera stage. Its exterior may be crumbling, but it only adds to the character and authenticity. The very fact that this theatre is still fully functional after 2,000 years and has withstood a devastating earthquake makes it an attraction not to be missed while on holiday in Verona. In recent times, the Verona Arena has also played host to popular music artists such as The Who, Elton John and Tina Turner. Seating up to 15,000 people, the best time to visit the Arena is during the lyrical season in the summer, when operas take place inside this ancient theatre on balmy summer nights.

map of Verona Arena (Arena di Verona)

Website: http://www.arena.it

Valpolicella
Verona

One of Italy's most renowned wine regions, the valley of Valpolicella makes a fabulous day trip for those visiting Verona. Ranking just after Chianti, Valpolicella wines are made from three grape varietals, namely Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and Molinara. Winemaking here has existed since at least the time of the ancient Greeks and the region is famed for its Recioto, Ripasso and Amarone wines.

A visit to Valpolicella will reward travellers with not only some of Italy's finest wines, but also fine food and dining in the quaint, picturesque villages of San Pietro Incariano, Fumane and Negrar. The nearby park of Cascate di Molina showcases Italy's countryside at its best, and boasts beautiful natural waterfalls and hikes for adventurous visitors to enjoy.

map of Valpolicella

Spoleto
Umbria

The beautiful town of Spoleto was established by the Romans in the 3rd Century BC, and many Roman buildings, ruins and artefacts remain, including the Coliseum and the Church of San Salvatore, which dates from the 4th Century, making it one of the oldest churches in the world. The medieval castle and the cathedral dominate the well-preserved Upper Town: the Duomo di Spoleto has a lovely facade with eight rose windows, while inside there are beautiful frescos by Filippo Lippi.

Another popular attraction in Spoleto is the impressive Tower's Bridge, which was built in 1350 AD and is still traversable today. The church of San Pietro can be found in the wooded hills a short trip out of town. This church served as the cathedral of Spoleto until 1067, and sports some of the best Romanesque carvings in Italy.

map of Spoleto

Cortona
Tuscany

Dotted with olive groves and vineyards, Cortona is a richly historic city that enjoys a scenic position above Lake Trasimeno and the plain of Valdichiana. It has some of the best-preserved Etruscan buildings, as well as a strong artistic pedigree through its sons, Renaissance painter, Luca Signorelli, and Baroque painter and architect, Pietro da Cortona.

Most of the Etruscan city is hidden in basements but part of the original 4th-century BC walls can be seen at the base of Porta Colonia's outer side. Climbing the city's cut-stone staircases and meandering along its cobbled streets guides visitors back through the past from the Renaissance to the Middle Ages and beyond. The medieval houses along Via Janelli are the oldest in Italy; other special sites are the Palazzo Comunale, Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca and the church of San Francesco.

map of Cortona

San Gimignano
Tuscany

San Gimignano is a popular village on the tourist trail that attracts many with its charm, history and towers. Only 14 of the original 72 towers remain, which is unsurprising as their dual role as status symbols and defensive structures saw them caught in the middle of the many feuds that eventually caused the town's downfall.

Nevertheless, these 14 towers are among the best-preserved in Italy, and are the envy of Florence and Bologna, whose towers have long since crumbled. The ideal starting-point for a visit to San Gimignano is the Piazza del Duomo, which is the centre of the town and framed by historical buildings.

Nearby is the Collegiata, a church that dates from the 11th-century and is famed for its frescoes, which include The Creation by Bartolo di Fredi, who was one of the most influential painters in the region during the second half of the 14th century.

map of San Gimignano

Pisa
Tuscany

Most famous for its leaning tower, Pisa's equally notable drawcards include its maritime legacy dating to 1000 BC, its prized university and its status as the birthplace of Galileo Galilei, who many consider to be the father of modern science. The Pisans also created one of the most beautiful squares in the world in the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles).

The essential holiday attraction is the famous Leaning Tower, whose layers of heavy marble were constructed on a shifting subsoil foundation that has been the bane of Pisan engineers for more than 800 years. It seems that the tremulous soil underneath the Field of Miracles has exacted its price on the other buildings too, most notably San Michele dei Scalzi.

Other attractions of interest in Pisa include the Museo delle Sinopie; the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, with its arabesque panels and Corinthian capitals; and the Museo Nazionale di San Matteo's Florentine art from the 12th through to the 17th-centuries.

map of Pisa

Lucca
Tuscany

The charming city of Lucca is laid out on ancient Roman roads and framed within well-preserved medieval ramparts. Founded by the Etruscans and a Roman colony from 180 BC, it still boasts many fascinating old buildings.

The city walls are one of the main attractions as they are still perfectly intact despite the expansion of the city and their great age. The city is famous for being the home of Giacomo Puccini, who's considered the greatest proponent of Italian opera after Verdi. His 15th-century house serves as a shrine.

Lucca is also celebrated for its museums, monuments and splendid Romanesque churches. With its flat terrain and narrow lanes, Lucca is perfectly suited to explorations on foot or by bicycle, the same methods local people use to commute. Key sights on a visit to Lucca are the Duomo, San Michele and San Frediano, as well as the Museo Nazionale Guinigi, Torre Guinigi and an ancient Roman amphitheatre.

map of Lucca

Pisa
Florence

A popular day trip from Florence, the famous town of Pisa is most well-known for its Leaning Tower. However, other equally notable charms include its long maritime legacy, its prized university and its status as the birthplace of Galileo Galilei, who's regarded as the founder of modern physics. The Pisans also created one of the most beautiful squares in the world in the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles). Pisa is home to dozens of other historical churches and buildings such as the Museo delle Sinopie, the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo and the Museo Nazionale di San Matteo, with its range of Florentine art from the 12th to the 17th century.

Palermo
Sicily

Palermo, Sicily's capital, has some fascinating historic Byzantine, Baroque and Norman buildings and artefacts, as well as some great museums. It has remained a rich heart of arts and culture through much of its history, having endured for around 2,700 years. Some of the more breathtaking sites include the Palazzo dei Normanni, the Cattedrale and the simply stunning interiors found in the churches of La Martorana and the Capella Palatina. The creepy yet intriguing Capuchin Catacombs may fascinate those interested in the macabre, while the Botanic Garden is perfect for a stroll after catching a performance at the splendid Teatro Massimo.

Genoa Aquarium
Genoa

Genoa's Acquario di Genova is the second-largest aquarium in Europe and the best in Italy. The ship-like building on the promenade houses no fewer than 50 stunning habitats that range from the Amazon basin and Red Sea coral reefs to Antarctic penguin pools. Hundreds of species call the aquarium home, such as seals, dolphins, caiman, piranhas, jellyfish, sea turtles and sharks. It's a fantastic family attraction that gives kids a fun break from traditional sightseeing. The aquarium also has a hummingbird sanctuary.

map of Genoa Aquarium

Website: http://www.acquariodigenova.it

Palazzo Tursi
Genoa

Formerly Genoa's City Hall, the Palazzo Tursi is the largest and most majestic of all the magnificent buildings on the Via Garibaldi. Built in 1565, the building is now a museum housing unique artefacts such as the violin of Nicolo Paganini, and ashes that are said to be the remains of Christopher Colombus. The museum also contains numerous decorative artworks, such as tapestries, furniture and Ligurian ceramics, as well as historical artefacts such as ancient coins and medical devices.

On sunny days, visitors can break from the museum's collections and just enjoy the beauty of the building's many-columned interior courtyard. The museums are known collectively as the Musei di Strada Nuova and the individual buildings are the Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Tursi.

map of Palazzo Tursi

Website: http://www.museidigenova.it/it/content/palazzo-tursi

Museum of Sant' Agostino
Genoa

The 13th-century church and monastery of Sant'Agostino was built by the Augustinians in 1260, and is now one of the few Gothic buildings remaining in Genoa. Its cloisters are a museum housing more than 4,000 works, such as metal and stone sculptures, frescoes and many architectural artefacts. Although not large, the museum is one of the most popular attractions in Genoa. The museum is gradually linking its artefacts to mobile phone guides in English and Italian but this project is in its infancy.

map of Museum of Sant' Agostino

Website: http://www.museidigenova.it/spip.php?rubrique262

Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi)
Sicily

The Valley of the Temples is one of Italy's oldest and most interesting archaeological sites, and is filled with some of the most outstanding examples of Magna Graecia architecture in the world. The Doric-style structures, built in the 5th century BC, are dedicated to gods and mythological characters, including, quite rarely, an imposing structure dedicated to Vulcan, god of fire. There are also some fascinating commemorative structures, built in celebration of Rome's victory over Carthage and in memory of Roman soldiers who were killed in the Second Punic War. In the tradition of Greco-Roman architecture of the period, all the structures face east to be illuminated by the rising sun.

map of Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi)

Sassi de Matera
Naples

The unbelievable cave-dwellings of Matera were dug into the tuff rock of the region, the 'houses' often little more than caverns. They remain testament to a troglodyte population believed to be the first human settlement in Italy. Some of the streets of present-day Matera double as rooftops to the underground dwellings, and beneath the surface, a network of labyrinths and caverns once traversed by the prehistoric civilisation can still be observed. As has been noted, the inhabitants of Matera's Sassi are the only people who can claim to live in the same houses as their ancestors did 9,000 years ago. It's fun to hire bikes and ride to the caverns further afield.

map of Sassi de Matera

Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra)
Naples

An emblematic tourist attraction, the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) is reason enough for any visitor to Naples to make the short trip across to the island of Capri. A world-famous sea cave, the Blue Grotto is perpetually filled with brilliant sapphire light, caused by sunlight entering through an underwater cavity and shining through the seawater from beneath. The cave also contains a smaller opening right at the level of the waterline, through which bright sunshine pours and tourists are admitted by rowboat.

map of Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra)

Frasassi Caves (Grotte di Frasassi)
Umbria

Located just 50 miles (80km) from the region of Umbria, the city of Genga's Frasassi Caves are considered to be some of the most wondrous in Italy. A remarkable cave system comprised of limestone dissolved over millennia, it's fitted with safe, comfortable walkways and theatrical lighting to bring the otherworldly stalactites and stalagmites into greater relief.

Visitors will experience a genuine thrill while travelling down as the temperature drops and breath begins to mist. The overwhelming silence is broken only by the resonance of dripping water. One of Italy's most talked-about tourist attractions in recent years, tourists stopping off in Umbria should be sure to make the short trip to the Frasassi Caves.

map of Frasassi Caves (Grotte di Frasassi)

Website: http://www.frasassi.com

Gondola Rides
Venice

Surely one of Italy's most iconic images is that of gondolas being oared through the narrow canals of Venice by stripe-shirted, serenading gondoliers. These flat-bottomed boats are unique to the canals and waterways of Venice, meaning it's an obligatory tourist activity.

Although expensive, a gondola ride in Venice is sure to leave visitors with a warm and lasting memory of their holiday in Italy. Tourists are encouraged to make the most of the investment by taking a trip down the back canals of Venice and not the Grand Canal, as it's too crowded and impersonal. Travellers can pick an ornately-carved gondola, with a comfortable seat and blankets if it's cold.

map of Gondola Rides

Alghero
Sardinia

The flourishing fishing port of Alghero is Sardinia's tourist centre, and consists of a picturesque and well-preserved old town enclosed in stout walls. Outside, the new town sports a grid of parallel streets, filled with hotels and restaurants. A favoured package tour destination, Alghero offers beautiful beaches, hotels and restaurants, together with numerous places of interest.

The narrow cobbled streets are lined with ornate churches, wrought-iron balconies and a number of boutiques and cafes, as well as the workshops of craftsmen working the famed coral of Alghero. The local cuisine has a taste of Spain, with Alghero renowned for its authentic Spanish paella, lobster Catalan and tasty fish soups, along with delicious sea urchin and aromatic wines.

The coast offers many secluded bays, small inlets bordered by pine forests and high, jagged cliffs. Nightlife is sedate, tending more toward sipping cocktails at a sidewalk cafe and watching the sunset.

map of Alghero

Syracuse
Sicily

Found along Sicily's Ionian coastline, Syracuse once rivalled Athens as the most important city in the ancient Greek world. Its Greek heritage can still be found in the abundance of ruins and in the myths and legends centred particularly on its oldest quarter, the island of Ortygia. Renowned Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, astronomer and inventor, Archimedes, once strode the streets here and, today, tourists can still get a feel for Syracuse's golden age of power and prosperity. As well as the Hellenic relics, Syracuse also boasts more than its fair share of Roman ruins and some fine medieval Gothic architecture and art. Most visitors prefer to make day trips to the city from the more comfortable resort areas nearby, where soft white beaches and fine wines can be enjoyed on the shores of the Ionian Sea.

map of Syracuse

Taormina
Sicily

Taormina has it all, from stunning surroundings, lovely nearby beaches and medieval charm to great shops, superb restaurants and interesting archaeological remains. Sicily's most famous holiday resort town, it boasts what is surely the most photographed view in Sicily: the beautiful ancient Greek amphitheatre with the sea and Mount Etna in the background. Taormina is ancient, inhabited since before 734 BC when the Greeks arrived on the Sicilian coast. Its winding medieval streets and tiny passages hide some great restaurants, cafes and ice-cream parlours, while the beach at Giardini-Naxos is particularly popular. The stone walls of the old city enclose some fascinating archaeological monuments and medieval palaces, including the Palazzo Santo Stefano.

map of Taormina

Siena
Tuscany

Siena is one of Italy's best-preserved medieval cities, and one of the major drawcards for visitors to the popular regions of Umbria and Tuscany. Siena's peak as a wealthy city-state dates back to the 13th-century, when the Duomo di Siena was completed along with the distinctly scallop-shaped Piazza del Campo, which is regarded as one of the finest public spaces in Europe.

The town's university was founded in 1240, and to this day ranks as one of the most prestigious in Italy. Amid the winding lanes of the medieval city are many gorgeous churches and museums, chief among them the 13th-century Chiesa di San Domenico; the Fortezza Medicea; and the pilgrimage site of Sanctuary of St Catherine of Siena.

Notable landmarks include the Palazzo Pubblico, the Duomo, Palazzo Piccolomini, Pinacoteca Nazionale and the Museo dell'Opera. Torre del Mangia is the bell tower to the left of Palazzo Pubblico which stands at 330ft (102m), the second highest in Italy.

map of Siena

Dolomite Mountains
Milan

The beautiful Dolomite Mountains and Renon Plateau are popular excursions from Milan, with quaint mountain villages such as Bolzano and Collalbo completing the package. The Dolomite mountains are famously picturesque and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while interesting and unusual rock formations dot the Renon Plateau. Hiking is naturally a popular activity in the region and photographers will be in their element. Stunning panoramic views of the Dolomite landscape await those taking the Renon Cable Car up the mountain to Bolzano or hopping aboard the train to Collalbo. Bolzano is an interesting town with a distinctly German atmosphere and Collalbo is a charming village perched high on the plateau and surrounded by pristine countryside.

map of Dolomite Mountains

Sorrento
Amalfi Coast

Sorrento is a sophisticated seaside resort in the heart of the Neapolitan Riviera, its lively bars, enticing restaurants and chic boutiques remaining popular among the world's travellers season after season. The town is perched on a cliff that overlooks glorious azure waters, where visitors will find some good diving and great sea fishing. Boat cruises are also available.

Although there's a small beach at the harbour, most bathers swim off the rocks or from wooden jetties, or laze around their hotel swimming pool, enjoying the stunning views of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Sorrento is a popular base for exploring the local area. It's an hour's drive from Naples and a short distance from the gorgeous towns of Amalfi and Positano. Many visitors will also make a boat trip to the island of Capri, the mythical home of the Sirens, or travel by train to the ruins of Pompeii.

map of Sorrento

Capri
Amalfi Coast

Capri has long been a favoured destination for celebrities and the megarich. Believed to be Homer's mythical land of the Sirens, it was once home to Emperor Tiberius, who ruled from his clifftop villa. The island is now most famous for its dramatic landscape, upmarket hotels and the expensive boutiques and restaurants.

Travellers can escape the crowds by heading up Mount Salero, an hour or two's walk or a 12-minute ride on a chairlift. A boat trip is also a wonderful way to enjoy the island. Most tours stop at the famous Blue Grotto, where visitors pass through the caves in small rowing boats. Capri sits in Italy's Bay of Naples, and is a popular day trip from Sorrento and Positano.

map of Capri

Port of Call - Naples

Naples
Photo credit: Alexandra Svatikova
Visiting Naples, the birthplace of pizza, is a must for any Italian cruise passenger. Naples, Italy's third largest city, is an enticing mix of chaos and culture with state of the art museums situated beside crumbling tenement blocks. Naples is the real face of Italy, where glitz and glamour share the stage with grit and grime. Most visitors include Naples on their itinerary because of its proximity to Herculaneum, Pompeii and the gorgeous Almalfi Coast.

The port, known as Stazione Maritima, is a short walk from the centre of town and quite central to the city. The official tourist information centres can be found at Piazza dei Martriri, Via San Carlo, and Piazza dei Gesu Nova, as well as at the Central Station and Mergellina.

map of Naples

Shopping in Naples

The best place for shopping in Naples is the area around Via Tolendo, one of the city's longest shopping streets, which goes all the way down to Piazza del Plebiscito. Sunglasses, jewellery, hats and purses can be bought along this street or cheaply from the vendors along the Bay of Naples. Via San Gregorio Armeno is a great place to buy souveniers, such as the elaborate nativity scenes built in the city.

Dining in Naples

Pizzeria La Notizia- a popular restaurant serving some of the best pizza in Naples. It is located between Via Donato Bramante and Via Torre Cervati.

All seafood enthusiasts should visit Dora which is just off Riviera di Chiaia. The seafood antipasti will have you coming back for more.

Gran Caffe Gambrinus, near the Palazzo Reale, is a great place for a snack and some people watching.

Things to do in Naples

Visit the city of Pompeii, which was buried by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD.

Stand at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, which some say is one of the world's most dangerous volcanoes.

Take a boat to Capri to see the Blue Grotto and the ruins of Ville Tiberio.

See one of Italy's best preserved Greek temples: the Paestum.

Tourist Board of Naples

Tel: +39 (0)81 402 394

http://www.inaples.it

Port of Call - Rome (Civitavecchia)

Civitavecchia
Photo credit: Jorge Brazil
Italy's capital is a living museum and a popular destination for cruises in the Mediterranean region. It is also one of Europe's top cruise destinations. Rome is a city filled with awe-inspiring architecture, gorgeous artwork and ancient sites; as well as trendy cafes, modern buildings and picturesque family residences.

Popular attractions include the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City. Other popular destinations in and around the city include The Colosseum, The Pantheon and the Roman Forum as well as many others.

Civitavecchia is Rome's commercial port and gives passengers access to the Eternal City. The port is located about two hours from central Rome. Trains are available to take passengers between the port and Rome's city centre.

map of Rome (Civitavecchia)

Shopping in Rome (Civitavecchia)

Rome is a great shopping destination whether you're after couture goods or simple crafts. The markets in Central Rome operate from Monday to Saturday and are great for souvenirs, crafts and keepsakes. Piazza San Silvestro has a selection of exquisite jewellery, while Piazza di Spagna is home to the majority of the city's boutique stores such as Fendi, Gucci and Prada.

Dining in Rome (Civitavecchia)

Ai Tre Scalini is popular for gourmands and tourists alike. It's also convenient for those visiting the Colosseum.

Alberto Ciarla is a great café to relax in and watch the world go by as you take in the beautiful neighbourhood.

Things to do in Rome (Civitavecchia)

Visit St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City.

Stand in awe beside the Colloseum.

See the ancient Roman Forum as well as Capitoline Hill, the country's original capital.

Climb the Spanish Steps and take pictures on Piazza di Spagna.

Ensure a return trip to Rome by throwing a coin into Pope Clement XII's magnificient Trevi Fountain.

Tourist Board of Rome Tel: +39 060608 http://www.turismoroma.it

Port of Call - Venice

Venice Cruise
Photo credit: Benson Schliesser
The romantic and picturesque city of Venice is a favourite port for most cruise passengers on a Mediterranean cruise itinerary. With its gondola-lined canals, fine cuisine, pokey cobblestone streets and ancient history, Venice attracts more than 700,000 cruise passengers every year.

Key attractions include the Piazza San Marco, the Chiesa di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, the 17th-century Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, and the Gallerie dell' Accademia.

Cruise ships dock at Venice's main port, the Terminal Venezia Passeggeri's Marittima basin, which handles the largest ships and is located near the causeway linking the historic city with the mainland. The San Basilio terminal in the Giudecca Canal handles smaller ships.

map of Venice

Shopping in Venice

The best shopping areas are located just off San Marco Square, while most of the designer boutiques can be found in Accademia. Tourist shops and other boutiques can be found in the Rialto, which is the commercial core of Venice. Visit Venetia Studium on San Marco for fine velvets and silks. Many of the fashionable shops are located on or off the main drag between the train station and St Mark's Square.

Dining in Venice

Ristorante Quadri - popular eatery serving international cuisine overlooking San Marco Sqaure.

Trattoria alla Rivetta - seafood restaurant popular with locals

Al Covo - trendy tourist-friendly restaurant serving Venetian cuisine

Things to do in Venice

Watch glass making on the island of Murano

Take a gondola ride

Visit the island village of Burano

Visit Guidecca

Visit the nearby city of Verona

Tourist Board of Venice Tel: +39 041 5298711 http://www.turismovenezia.it

News about Italy

7 Reasons Why You Should Visit This Authentic Underrated City In Italy
Italy is indisputably one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Home to numerous iconic landmarks, including Rome's ancient Colosseum, the UNESCO-listed canals of Venice, and the leaning Tower of Pisa to name a few, it attracts tens of
Travel Off Path
Thursday March 28, 2024
Five Luxury Hotels Opening Around the World This March - And How Much It’ll Cost to Stay
Luxury hotel stays can elevate the entire vibe of a vacation. With plush bedding, high-end amenities, and designer touches, adding five-star accommodations can enhance any travel itinerary. From Italy to Australia, here are five new hotels opening around this
Travel Noire
Monday March 25, 2024
Getting Around Sardinia, Italy
Despite being the Mediterranean's second largest island, Sardinia is relatively compact, measuring roughly 300km (186mi) north-to-south and 125km (78mi) east-to-west. You can cross the entire island in a few hours, though sinuous two-lane roads and limited rail and bus connections can make short distances more time-consuming to cover than you might expect. Traveling with your own car
Lonely Planet
Tuesday March 19, 2024
Delta Is Expanding Nonstop Service to Venice This Summer — What to Know
Delta Air Lines has a stacked schedule to make it easier for travelers to get to Italy, with several new routes to Venice ahead of the summer. By the end of this month, Delta will relaunch nonstop service between its New York-JFK gateway and Venice Marco Polo Airport on a Boeing 767-300, configured with Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin seats, the airline
Travel+Leisure
Thursday March 14, 2024
Travelers Can Be the First to Embark on Collette’s New ‘Spotlight on Northern Italy’ Tour
Pawtucket, RI (March 7, 2024) - Collette reminds travelers that they can be among the first to embark on their all new “Spotlight on Northern Italy” tour. Seats are still available on the first-ever departure for this tour on Aug. 15, 2024.Collette reminds travelers that they can be among the first to embark on their all new
Travel Research Online
Tuesday March 12, 2024
Popular ski resort has no snow this year. See the scene
The Campo Felice ski resort in Italy's Apennine Mountains is facing a major crisis due to climate change. CNN's Barbie Nadeau has more
CNN
Wednesday February 28, 2024
The 18 Best Hotels In Italy According To The 2024 DUCO Awards
From the Greatest Hotels in Italy to the Most Charming Hotels, DUCO honors the best in Italian hospitality
Forbes
Friday February 23, 2024
Best hotels in the Dolomites
Northeastern Italy's charming mountain region is home to some extraordinary properties - these are the best hotels in the Dolomites for every type of stay
Conde Nast Traveller
Monday February 19, 2024
Italy's Largest, First LNG Cruise Ship Delivered by Fincantieri to Princess
The cruise line famed for operating “The Love Boat” from the 1970s TV show took delivery on its newest, but delayed, cruise ship today in Italy on appropriately Valentine’s Day. At 177,882 gross tons, the Sun Princess is the largest ship built in Italy to date
The Maritime Executive
Thursday February 15, 2024
Italy, Croatia: The cities set to see an influx of cruise ships
Here are the historical cities where cruise passengers may find themselves instead of Venice this year
EuroNews
Wednesday February 14, 2024
Italy takes aim at tourists with Airbnb crackdown and loudspeaker bans
Italy's fight against overtourism now includes stopping tourists from lingering on bridges
BBC
Friday February 09, 2024
This Travel Company Wants You to Take a Phone-free Vacation — and Has Curated Trips to Italy, Cuba, Portugal, and Mexico
Need to break up with your phone for a bit? FTLO Travel just launched phone-free vacations around the globe
Travel+Leisure
Tuesday February 06, 2024
CELESTYAL LAUNCHES “HEAVENLY ADRIATIC” SHORE EXCURSIONS
ATHENS, GREECE (February 02, 2024) – Celestyal, the award-winning, number one choice for travelers to the Greek Islands and beyond, has released the shore excursion program for its new-for-2024 “Heavenly Adriatic” itinerary, with 35 tours available to book now. Sailing on the 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey, the seven-night itinerary launches on March 2, 2024. Departing from Greece, it includes three new countries - Croatia, Montenegro and Italy - and six new maiden ports - Kefalonia, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Bari and Katakolo
Travel Research Online
Monday February 05, 2024
Italy: a first-timer's guide
With its iconic monuments and irresistible food, Italy is one of Europe's best destinations. But the possibilities can seem overwhelming. Until now
Lonely Planet
Tuesday January 30, 2024
22 Best Day Trips from Florence in 2024
Are you looking for the best day trips from Florence, Italy? From Cinque Terre to Pisa these are the top day trips from Florence you don't want to miss
The Planet D
Wednesday January 24, 2024
Procida in Italy emerges as Europe's iconic honeymoon destination
Procida in Italy emerges as Europe's iconic honeymoon destination. It rivals other Italian hotspots that are popular for their colourful buildings
Travel And Tour World
Thursday January 11, 2024
Get ready to travel: Top 10 Must-See Destinations in 2024
We share out list of the top 10 must-see destinations for travel in 2024, from enchanting lakes in Italy to cultural and historical wonders around the world
Reader's Digest
Tuesday January 02, 2024
The Abdication of Pope Celestine V
Pietro da Morrone became Pope of the Catholic Church in 1294. He had become a Benedictine monk at the age of 17 and had adopted an ascetic life, living in a cave on the Mountain of Maiella in south Italy. There, he founded the order later called the Celestines. At the death of Pope Nicholas IV, Morrone was chosen Pope without his consent. For five months, he issued very few decrees, the most notable being the one allowing a Pope to resign his office. At the end of five months, on December 13, he exercised his option and
Travel Research Online
Wednesday December 13, 2023
Germany and Italy Declare War on The United States
The United States was still reeling from the surprise attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and had formally declared war on Japan. Tens of thousands of young American men rushed to join the armed forces. On December 11th, Germany and Italy responded by declaring war on the United States. Germany had recently opened an eastern front by attacking Russia. Soon, however, the two-front strategy would backfire, and Germany would find its supply lines and armies pitted against the greater might of the Allied Forces.
Travel Research Online
Monday December 11, 2023
Celestyal Adds Three Countries and Six Ports for 2024
Celestyal is sprucing up its offerings for 2024, adding two ships, three countries and six ports to its Mediterranean offerings. Just two weeks after acquiring its second new ship, Celestyal Discovery, the company announced new itineraries that include Croatia, Montenegro and Italy, with stops in
Travel Research Online
Wednesday November 29, 2023
At This Italian Castle-Hotel, Nostalgic Details Make for Epic Design Moments
The air in northern Umbria, a beguiling pocket of Italy that is densely forested and dotted with hilltop medieval towns, smells of sweet anise, chestnuts, and honey. It is a land of truffles and Orvieto, of ceramics and textiles. This is where Reschio, a nearly 3,700-acre estate, is nestled against the border of Tuscany
Domino
Tuesday November 21, 2023
This spectacular island country is the fastest-growing destination among Gen Z travellers
Travel bookings here have increased by 1,300 percent since 2019, but Italy, Australia, Rajasthan and San Miguel de Allende have also soared in popularity
TimeOut
Tuesday November 14, 2023
Sorrento, Italy Destination Guide
From its scenic ocean views to its endearing streets lined with boutiques and gourmand delights, Sorrento is the ideal alternative to more crowded destinations such as Positano and Amalfi. Read on for our suggestions that are sure to make for a memorable getaway to this beloved
Hotels Above Par
Wednesday November 08, 2023
U.S. Citizens Will Need to Register and Pay a Fee to Travel to Europe—Here’s When and What to Know
In 2025, U.S. travelers to European countries like Germany, France, and Italy will need to apply and pay a fee for an ETIAS travel authorization, which is not a visa
AFAR
Friday November 03, 2023
European luxury ski hotels and chalets for winter 2023-2024
Swish ski hotels and chalets to book for your next skiing holiday in France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy
The Week
Thursday November 02, 2023
Travel on 7 of the World's Most High-end Trains Through Canada, Italy, and More on This 80-day Trip
The epic journey starts on the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Jasper and ends on the Eastern & Oriental Express in Singapore
Travel+Leisure
Friday October 20, 2023
The All-New “Old World Sicily & Malta” Tour Sees Travelers Get a Tremendous Taste of Sicily With Collette
Pawtucket, RI (October 10, 2023) – Collette reminds travelers that they can explore the many tastes of Sicily with one of its three tours to the region. While journeying through on Collette’s new “Old World Sicily & Malta” tour, the “Southern Italy & Sicily” tour, or “Sicily and Its Isles,” travelers will dabble in the wide range of dishes. Sicilian food has been influenced by the Greeks, Arabs, Spaniards, and French settlers that settled across the island. Collette ensures that travelers are able to
Travel Research Online
Wednesday October 18, 2023
Italy Is Establishing Evacuation Plan for Travellers & Residents in Case of Super Vulcano Eruption
Italy is preparing for possible evacuations from a supervolcano near Naples, with the government working to ensure that the necessary measures are in place in case there is a need for the residents to leave the area
SchengenVisaInfo.com
Tuesday October 10, 2023
Supernova 1604
On this day in 1604, observers in Northern Italy witnessed a supernova taking place in the Milky Way, in the constellation Ophiuchus. Johannes Kepler, famous astronomer and mathematician, named it after himself. Visible to the unaided observer of the night sky, it was brighter than any star. It was, and still remains, only the second supernova (or exploding star) to ever be observed in the Milky Way. The only
Travel Research Online
Monday October 09, 2023
These 15 Photos Capture the Beauty of Italy
Whether you prefer cliffside homes or palazzos on the canal, Italy offers beautiful architecture and buildings. Roman ruins, which draw tourists from all around the globe, spark the imagination and provide a glimpse at the structural achievements of civilizations past. The only thing more
Smithsonian Magazine
Friday September 29, 2023
I’m an American Mom Living in Italy: Here’s How to Best Visit Italy With Kids
I’m an American who’s been living in Italy for nearly 10 years and am often asked about visiting with children. First, let me say, that Italy is a country that loves kids. For example, it’s completely normal to bring kids into restaurants and essentially let them run loose
The Every Mom
Thursday September 28, 2023
The Discovery of Ötzi the Iceman
On September 19, 1991, two German tourists were hiking through the Otztal Alps on the border between Austria and Italy. In a receding glacier, the couple spotted the body of a man. They contacted authorities who assumed the corpse to be of recent origin. Onlookers touched the body and in some instances actually removed pieces of clothing, contaminating the find. In a morgue in Innsbruck, the true nature of the discovery was learned. Current estimates are that "Otzi" was approximately 45 years of age at his death more than
Travel Research Online
Tuesday September 19, 2023
25 Best Things to Do in Florence, Italy
If a European getaway — the type where you spend your days museum hopping, visiting historical sites, drinking wine, and doubling your usual daily step count — sounds like your ideal next adventure, it's time to book a trip to Florence. The capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, Florence is
Travel+Leisure
Monday September 18, 2023
New Jersey Teens Spend Thousands on Non-Existent Italy Trip
Thirty-five high school seniors from Whippany Park High School in New Jersey showed up at the airport for a summer trip to Italy to an unpleasant surprise: their plane tickets had never been purchased, even though they had paid for them. The trip, called “The Jewels of Italy,”
The Daily Beast
Monday September 11, 2023
I traveled around Europe, and my accommodation ranged from a castle to 5-star hotels. Here are my tips for finding unforgettable stays.
Insider's reporter stayed in a European castle and the luxury hotel where 'The White Lotus' was filmed in Sicily, Italy
Insider
Tuesday September 05, 2023
Italy, France and UK airport and rail strikes planned for September
Europe is a hive of strike action right now, with many employees unhappy that sky-high inflation has not been matched by higher wages
EuroNews Travel
Friday September 01, 2023
A Famous Italian Attraction Returns After Over A Decade — What’s Different Now
It’s been a long wait, but the famed Via dell’Amore, or “Path of Love,” in Italy’s Cinque Terre has partially reopened. The walking trail, which is carved into seaside cliffs and connects the coastal villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola, was closed in 2012 after it was damaged in a landslide
Travel Awaits
Wednesday August 16, 2023
Seabourn Pursuit Welcomes Guests on Maiden Journey
Seabourn’s second purpose-built expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit, welcomed its first guests onboard on 12 August before embarking on its eight-day maiden voyage from Valletta, Malta, to Rome, Italy. The ship was officially handed over to Seabourn in Italy earlier this month. It is
Cruise & Ferry
Tuesday August 15, 2023
Sicily Flights Canceled and Delayed After Mount Etna Erupts
Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, erupted Sunday evening, forcing a slew of cancellations and delays of flights operating to and from Catania Airport (CTA) in Sicily, Italy. The volcanic eruption has left services in and out of the airport suspended until 8 p.m. local time Monday
The Points Guy
Monday August 14, 2023
Savoring Maremma, a Quiet Corner of Italy
I woke up to the braying of donkeys. Opening the window to morning air perfumed by wisteria and honeysuckle, I could see the herd — 16 sweet-eyed animals in all — grazing by the olive groves of La Pescaia, a country estate turned idyllic inn that embodies a fantasy of
New York Times
Friday August 11, 2023
Wildfires in Europe: Is It Safe to Travel to Greece & Italy?
Deadly wildfires in Southern Europe haven’t stopped UK holiday companies from bringing packages to Rhodes back on sale, while the Greek island experienced one of the worst weeks of the year as the blaze resulted in two casualties. However, climate change’s impact on Italy
SchengenVisaInfo.com
Tuesday August 01, 2023
Seabourn Reveals Seabourn Pursuit
Today, Seabourn Cruise Line has released Seabourn Pursuit during a maritime ceremony at the T. Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, Italy! Seabourn Pursuit is the cruise lines’ second purpose-built ultra luxury vessel and newest expedition ship. “I am honored to share this
Porthole Cruise and Travel News
Tuesday August 01, 2023
Tourists Warned About Visiting Sicily as Wildfires & Evacuations Carry On
High temperatures across southern Europe have increased the risk of fires and casualties occurring due to the extreme weather in Italy, with many airports shutting down and thousands of residents and tourists being evacuated. According to Euronews, wildfires in the Italian island of
SchengenVisaInfo.com
Monday July 31, 2023
Cheers, America! USA Today 10BEST Readers Cite the Best of the American Wine Scene in 2023
While France, Spain and Italy may be known as the heavy hitters in the world's wine industry, the United States alone is home to nearly 250 American Viticultural Areas (AVA) and, according to the Wines Vines Analytics Winery Database, has over 10,000 wineries. And many of
USA Today
Tuesday July 25, 2023
The Best Part of Nomadic Travel Is Discovering Places I Never Knew Existed
Back in June 2018, during my husband, Michael’s and my first year of nomading, we found ourselves in the town of Matera in the central part of southern Italy. We’d ended up there because we’d been enjoying “coliving” — living with other nomads in facilities designed specifically for
LGBTQ Nation
Monday July 24, 2023
Europe Heatwave: Exploring Refund Options for Travel Cancellations Amid Scorching Temperatures
A scorching heatwave is gripping southern Europe, with record-breaking high temperatures expected to persist for another week. Countries across the Mediterranean, including popular holiday destinations like Spain, Italy, Croatia, and Greece are experiencing extreme heat. Parts of
Travel Noire
Friday July 21, 2023
This New High-Speed Train Will Get You From Rome to Pompeii in Less Than 2 Hours
It’s now easier to visit the historic town of Pompeii, Italy, thanks to a new high-speed train route. The new service will only operate on the third Sunday of the month, as a nonstop train from Rome to Pompeii, Euronews reported. While the service initially launched on July 16, the
Travel+Leisure
Thursday July 20, 2023
Explora Journeys takes delivery of Explora 1 from Fincantieri
Explora Journeys has taken delivery of Explora 1, the first ship to join its fleet, from Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The ceremony was attended by Gianluigi Aponte, founder and chairman of the MSC Group; Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s cruise
Cruise and Ferry
Thursday July 20, 2023
This Is The Top Cultural Destination In Italy This Year
Italy is America’s favorite European getaway when the hot winds of summer begin blowing. A historical nation home to some of the world’s most iconic sights, including the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Milan Cathedral, it has enough attractions and sights to keep you
Travel Off Path
Thursday July 06, 2023
Treaty of Versailles
On this day in 1919, the governments of Belgium, Britain, France, Italy, the United States, and all allies on one side and Germany and Austria Hungary on the other signed the Treaty of Versailles in Paris, formally ending
Travel Research Online
Wednesday June 28, 2023
The Art of Being a Flâneur
Your “first care must be to ignore the very dream of haste, walking everywhere very slowly and very much at random,” Henry James advised visitors to Perugia, the capital of the Umbria region in Italy. A self-described flâneur, or idle stroller, James applied
New York Times
Monday June 19, 2023
Collette Sees Travelers Flock to South Pacific, Italy, and Iceland During Spring Sale
Pawtucket, RI (June 12, 2023) – Collette saw travelers flock to the South Pacific, Italy, and Iceland, during its spring sale this year. Travelers were eager to explore with the “Complete South Pacific,”
Travel Research Online
Wednesday June 14, 2023
This Unknown Beach Town in Spain Will Be One of the Country’s Biggest Destinations This Summer
Many travelers look forward to their summer trips all year long. Destinations like Miami Beach, San Juan, and Cancún will be filled with sunshine, fruity cocktails, and tons of stuff to do. If you’re traveling to Europe, places like Greece and Italy will be the hot spots for many
Travel Off Path
Monday June 12, 2023
MSC Foundation Partners With UNWTO To Provide Sustainability Courses Aboard MSC Euribia
Following the success of the first Global Youth Tourism Summit held in Sorrento, Italy, in 2022, the MSC Foundation has partnered with UNWTO to provide several educational courses related to sustainability aboard MSC Erubia. As a result, the specially-equipped MSC
Porthole Cruise and Travel News
Tuesday June 06, 2023
6 Reasons Why This Underrated City In Italy Is The Next Big Tourist Destination
Italy is a must-visit bucket list destination for many travelers. Big-name cities such as Venice and Rome attract millions of tourists every year. But what if you want to travel somewhere a little less packed full of tourists and a little more under the radar? CNBC surveyed 175
Travel Off Path
Tuesday May 30, 2023
Collette To Launch Brand New ‘Spotlight On Northern Italy’ In 2024
Pawtucket, RI (May 25, 2023) – Collette is excited to announce that its all new “Spotlight on Northern Italy” tour will be launching in 2024.North America’s longest-running tour operator will offer travelers the chance to
Travel Research Online
Monday May 29, 2023
First the Floods, Now a Volcano Eruption: Tips for Those Travelling to Italy These Days
Recent weeks have been particularly tough for Italians, as heavy rain showers, which resulted in massive floods, have caused the death of 14 people, and another 36,000 residents of the Emilia Romagna region had to leave their homes behind, if there is anything left of them
SchengenVisaInfo.com
Thursday May 25, 2023
Mount Etna Eruption: Flights Cancelled After Catania Airport Runway Covered In Volcanic Ash
Europe’s largest active volcano Mount Etna erupted on Sunday, forcing a slew of cancellations and delays to flights operating to and from Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) in Sicily, Italy. The volcanic eruption reportedly left runways and other parts of Catania, Sicily's capital
The Points Guy
Tuesday May 23, 2023
These Are the 10 Best (And Oldest) Trattorias in Italy
Italy is an ancient country, where one of the main activities has always been to “mangiare, mangiare, mangiare” (eat, eat, eat) delicious and traditional dishes handed down across centuries. So, it comes as no surprise that there are dozens of trattorias serving guests a slice
Fodor's Travel
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Long-Haul Travel on Path to Recovery Despite Major Challenges, Analysis Reveals
A recent analysis carried out by Mabrian has shown that long-haul travel is on the way to recovery despite major challenges. The analysis of air connectivity, the data of which focuses on the markets of the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, and France for long-haul destinations from April 2023 to October 2023
SchengenVisaInfo.com
Thursday May 18, 2023
'Book Club' Stars Reminisce About Filming Sequel in Italy — and Their Love for Aperol Spritzes
The ladies of "Book Club" are back — and this time they're visiting one of our favorite destinations. Icons Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen — who played lifelong friends who discovered the novel "50 Shades of Grey" in the hysterical
Travel+Leisure
Thursday May 11, 2023
Florence, Italy Travel Guide: Discover Your Renaissance In Tuscan's Capital City
Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a treasure trove of art, architecture, culture and cuisine. The city’s Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery are a few of the attractions drawing visitors from around the world. Beyond its history and art
Travel Noire
Thursday May 04, 2023
Watch Out for These 10 Common Scams When You're in Italy This Summer
Italy is a relatively safe country in terms of violent crime, but times are tough, people are shrewd, and there are a few common (yet frustratingly ingenious) tourist scams to be aware of. Some may even go so far as to call it a game: scam the foreigner–except no one
Fodor's Travel
Thursday April 20, 2023
Searching for That ‘White Lotus’ Vibe This Summer? These 13 Hotels Deliver
Season two of the award-winning HBO hit series White Lotus brings viewers on a virtual trip to Sicily, Italy’s largest island, where the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean, intricate, Baroque architecture, and ancient Greco-Roman temples serve as the sultry
Fodor's Travel
Friday April 14, 2023
All The Reasons You Should Travel To Catania, Sicily
Catania, Sicily, is a beautiful city on the eastern coast of Italy. There are many great things about Catania that make it a popular destination for tourists and a wonderful place to live. Catania is steeping with a rich history and culture that dates back to ancient times
Travel Noire
Wednesday April 05, 2023
Popular Tourist Spot In Rome Will Soon Charge Visitors To Enter — Here’s How Much
The most visited cultural site in Italy will no longer be free to visit. Italian church and culture officials have agreed to begin charging to enter the Pantheon — the ancient Roman temple that draws millions of visitors annually. Officials will charge visitors 5 euros, or about $5.30, to
Travel Awaits
Tuesday March 21, 2023
Travelers From China No Longer Need To Show Proof Of Negative Covid Test, CDC Says
A requirement that travelers to the U.S. from China present a negative COVID-19 test before boarding their flights expired last Friday after more than two months as cases in China have fallen. Following other countries like Italy and Japan, the restrictions were put in place on Dec
USA Today
Friday March 17, 2023
Rest Your Head in Heaven (or Hell) at This Boutique Italian Escape
Shuffle too fast down the narrow ancient maze-like cobblestone streets of Florence, Italy, and you might walk right past 25Hours Hotel Florence Piazza San Paolino. But one step inside is like being transported into an alternate universe with a crazy personality— a soul that
Fodor's Travel
Wednesday March 15, 2023
Carnival Cruise Line Adds Cruises to Iceland and Greece in 2024
Carnival Cruise Line has announced new cruises to Europe in 2024 including sailings that will visit Iceland, Greece, Italy, Spain and other European destinations. Carnival will sail a series of 17 cruises in Europe on Carnival Legend in 2024. The cruise ship will homeport in the following three cities in
Cruise Fever
Monday March 06, 2023
I've Spent 100 Hours Traveling Over 3,000 Miles By Train In 5 Countries. Here Are My 7 Tips For Making Time Fly On Long Rail Journeys.
I take more trains than anyone else I know. Over the last year and a half, I've spent nearly 150 hours traveling by train in places ranging from the East Coast of the US to the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Québec, and the European countries of Germany, Austria, Italy, and
Insider
Friday March 03, 2023
American Travel Restriction To Schengen Zone To Be Delayed
Among the top European countries visited by Americans are the United Kingdom, Italy, France, and Germany. With the exception of the U.K. since Brexit, the other three European countries are part of the so-called Schengen Area. U.S. travelers will be relieved to know that
Forbes
Tuesday February 28, 2023
Venice's Beloved Canals Are Drying Up
Visitors heading to Venice may not see as many of the city's picturesque canals, or potentially enjoy a gondola ride, as the waterways have dried up due to a high-pressure weather system sitting over Italy. The dry weather has led to a stretch of ebb tides — or a receding current
Travel+Leisure
Thursday February 23, 2023
6 Beautiful Road Trips In Italy
The drive along Italy's Amalfi Coast, preferably in a vintage Alfa Romeo Spider, is the stuff of travel legend. And it's just one of dozens of epic road trip routes in this fascinating, richly layered country. Don't be put off by stories of impatient local drivers – the countryside here
Lonely Planet
Thursday February 23, 2023
A Trick for Exploring Italy’s Amalfi Coast
Visiting a new place can get overwhelming quickly. But I learned a trick that I think everyone should adopt: Before setting out for the day in said place, pick an “arbitrary stupid goal.” I learned about the arbitrary stupid goal (or ASG, as I will call it moving
Eater
Wednesday February 22, 2023
Why Is There an Italian Town…in Mexico?
They might be 6,200 miles apart, but visitors to the quaint Mexican pueblo of Chipilo could be forgiven for thinking that they ended up near Venice, Italy. But it’s not for the miles and miles of canals; those simply don’t exist. Nor is it for an overabundance of cats, Venice’s most
Fodor's Travel
Tuesday February 21, 2023
Why Your Dream European Vacation Is Already Booked Solid
When it comes to planning a European vacation, travel industry experts have traditionally advised tourists hoping to save money and avoid crowds to visit popular destinations like Italy, France, and Spain in off-season windows, like late winter or early spring. But as the bounceback of international
CNN
Monday February 06, 2023
This Is Where The Heart Of Little Italy Lies & What You Can Do There
Every traveler's must-see list includes Little Italy because of its genuine pasta meals, which are offered by the top Italian restaurants, and its romantic, old-New York ambiance. In the 1880s, immigrants from Naples and Sicily flooded the region, creating the once-Italian neighborhood that
The Travel
Tuesday January 24, 2023
12 Of The Best Things To Do In Italy
Italy, with its awe-inspiring art, architecture and food, is no background actor on the world's stage. The epicenter of the Roman Empire and the birthplace of the Renaissance, this European virtuoso practically groans under the weight of its cultural cachet. The challenge is not so much where to go
Lonely Planet
Friday January 20, 2023
Italy's Friuli Region Is One Of Europe's Best Kept Secrets
Its mountains, canyons, beaches and lagoons make it one of Italy's most beautiful and varied landscapes, but few people -- and that includes Italians -- know anything about it. Perhaps because it's tucked away on the country's northeastern border with Slovenia and Austria, perhaps because of
CNN
Wednesday January 18, 2023
How To Plan A Trip To Tuscany?
Tuscany: the beautiful hills of Italy, dotted with romantic villas, lush vineyards, and unforgettable sunsets. It is a place that many dreams of visiting and an experience that can last a lifetime. But before you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Tuscany, there are some
Luxury Travel Magazine
Thursday January 12, 2023
Collette’s New ‘Best Of Italy’ Tour Gives Travelers A Taste Of Some Of The Nation’s Finest Cuisines
Pawtucket, RI (Jan. 5, 2023) – Travelers taking Collette’s new ‘Best of Italy’ tour have been getting the most out of one of the nation’s most popular aspects, the food! Meals featured on the 12-day experience have been a hit
Travel Research Online
Friday January 06, 2023
Citron: The Exquisite Fruit That Brings Rabbis
Every summer, in preparation for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, Hasidic rabbis from all over the world travel to the northern part of Italy's Calabria region to handpick the best citron fruits for their lulav, the bundle of four plants used to bless the small, temporary huts built every autumn by Jews
BBC Travel
Friday January 06, 2023
Two Cruise Ships Depart on World Cruises From the Same Port Today
For the first time ever, two cruise ships will sail simultaneous world cruises from the same homeport. The two MSC Cruises’ ships will depart from Genoa, Italy later today on 117 and 119 night cruises that will sail all around the globe. The two cruise ships will sail together for the start of
Cruise Fever
Thursday January 05, 2023
Ireland Named Europe's Best Travel Destination - Here's Why So Many Americans Love It
For the ninth year in a row, Ireland has been crowned Europe’s Best Travel Destination at the annual Travel Weekly Reader’s Choice Awards. It beats off strong competitors – with Greece, Italy, and Croatia, to name a few – but what is it about this chilly insular nation that has got
Travel Off Path
Thursday December 22, 2022
How to Plan a Glitzy Italian Getaway Fancy Enough to Impress Your Mother
The first time that I went traipsing through Italy, I had only a backpack, a single change of clothing, and a pair of worn-in boots. I ate slices of focaccia and drank straight from three-euro bottles of wine. In my exhilarated state, I lost track of time and took a train from Cinque Terre to
Fodor's Travel
Tuesday December 20, 2022
The Abdication of Pope Celestine V
Pietro da Morrone became Pope of the Catholic Church in 1294. He had become a Benedictine monk at the age of 17 and had adopted an ascetic life, living in a cave on the Mountain of Maiella in south Italy. There, he
Travel Research Online
Tuesday December 13, 2022
Collette introduces new ‘Mediterranean Coastal Journey: Spain, France, & Italy’ Explorations tour
Pawtucket, RI (December 9, 2022) – Collette is excited to announce that its brand new “Mediterranean Coast Journey: Spain, France, & Italy” small group Explorations tour is open for sales. Travelers will have the opportunity
Travel Research Online
Monday December 12, 2022
Virgin Voyages Takes Delivery of Its Third Cruise Ship, Resilient Lady
Sir Richard Branson’s cruise line Virgin Voyages has officially taken delivery of its third vessel, Resilient Lady. Built in Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy, the 110,000 gross ton Resilient Lady marks the brand’s third completed vessel in the span of two years. Resilient Lady is
Cruise Radio
Friday December 09, 2022
Solo Travelers: Enjoy The Italian Bella Vita By Staying At These 10 Cool Hostels
It’s no secret that Italy is a bucket list destination. Whether ringing in the New Year or making memories to last all year, Italy is a popular destination from summer through winter. Each city has its unique charm informed by a rich culture and millennia of history – much of which
The Travel
Tuesday November 15, 2022
10 local foods you must try in Italy's Piedmont region
In the gastronomic powerhouse that is Italy, the Piedmont region holds its head high. This northwest section of the country has culinary roots that are as French as they are Italian. Geography and generations of rule by the Savoy family add up to a cuisine that is rich in
USA Today
Tuesday November 08, 2022
What to Know About the State Department's New Travel Advisories for Europe
Between pandemic outbreaks and unrest in much of the world, global travel inherently comes with more anxiety than before. On top of that, earlier in October, officials issued an updated U.S. State Department travel advisory for a slew of countries, ranging from Belize and Italy to South Africa and the U.K, putting them
Conde Nast Traveler
Friday October 28, 2022
Limoncello 101: Where to try it and how to make your own
In Sorrento, on the island of Capri and the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy, there's no escaping lemons. They hang from trees in virtually every garden. Terraced lemon orchards sidestep dramatically up coastal hillsides, just as they have for centuries. Souvenir shops sell ceramics
USA Today
Friday October 21, 2022
Azamara Cruise Ships Returning to Venice Next Year
Azamara, one of the world’s leading destination focused cruise lines, is returning to Venice, Italy in 2023 with their four cruise ships visiting the city 32 times. The cruise line’s return to Venice, beginning April 3, 2023, is part of Azamara Journey’s 12-Night The Best of The Med Voyage
Cruise Fever
Wednesday October 19, 2022
This region in northern Italy wants to pay you to visit—here’s what to know
If collecting $15,000 to up and move to Sardinia is too much of a commitment right now, why not get paid to just travel to one of the most beautiful regions in Italy instead? Friuli-Venezia Giulia, in the far northeast of the country, is covering transportation costs to the
CNBC
Wednesday October 12, 2022
US travelers warned about increased terrorism and crime in Italy, France, Belize and more
U.S. citizens planning to go on an international trip may want to take the time to check online as the State Department issued new Travel Advisories for Italy, France, Belize and other countries on Tuesday. In total, 81 new Travel Advisories were posted, including four "Level 4" Travel Advisories for
USA Today
Wednesday October 05, 2022
What Makes Rosewood Castiglion Del Bosco One Of The World's Best Hotels?
Planning a trip to Tuscany, Italy, seems like the ultimate romantic vacation. Travelers can easily spend a few weeks in the region visiting some best vineyards in the country and Saturna, the famous natural hot spring. For those who want to make the experience even more unique
The Travel
Thursday September 22, 2022
The Discovery of Ötzi the Iceman
On September 19, 1991, two German tourists were hiking through the Otztal Alps on the border between Austria and Italy. In a receding glacier, the couple spotted the body of a man. They contacted authorities who
Travel Research Online
Monday September 19, 2022
8 best hikes in Italy
Italy’s beaches and art-rammed cities often steal the limelight, but – trust us – it isn’t until you strike out into the wild mountains and trek along vertiginous coastlines that you can even come close to understanding how ravishing this country really is
Lonely Planet
Friday September 16, 2022
10 Underrated Italian Villages to Add to Your Travel Bucket List
If you’re planning a trip through Europe, don’t forget to consider these Italian villages. “To visit them is to participate in Italy’s beauty while helping keep these enchanting places alive,” says Fiorello Primi, president of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy” association (I Borghi più belli
Architectural Digest
Friday September 02, 2022
You Might Not Expect This European Country to Be Perfect for Leaf Peeping
Italy during the peak of summertime is majestic. And Italy during the ski season offers endless days of fun. But those in-the-know visit in that little period between when nature across this country is at its most beautiful. That’s especially true if you’re heading to Italy’s northern or mountainous regions, which experience a stunning transformation from green to golden, red
Fodor's Travel
Wednesday August 31, 2022
They met on a promenade in Nice. Now this couple makes a living traveling in a world of sounds
Seven years ago, American Libby Green was traveling with her mom in Italy and France, capping off their trip with a visit to the southern French Mediterranean resort city of Nice before flying back to the US. Meanwhile, German-born Marcel Gnauk and a friend were also in Nice, attending the
CNN
Wednesday August 24, 2022
My 5 Favorite Unexpected Perks Of Slow Travel
My best travel experiences have been when I decided to stay in one place for an extended length of time. I have traveled and lived in Iran, Nicaragua, Mexico, France, Italy, England, Spain, and Portugal. Each of those experiences consisted of staying in one city or village for more than 2
Travel Awaits
Wednesday August 17, 2022
23 Cities In Europe Urge EU To Limit Short Term Rentals
For years, destinations like France, Italy and Spain, just to name a few, have been struggling to contain the overwhelming tourism influx, mostly to no avail. Regardless of accommodation taxes, controversial alternate plate measures, and the trialing of a new
Travel Off Path
Tuesday August 09, 2022
Croatia Is The Most Sought-After Destination In Europe Right Now
Move over, Italy. If the recent AirDNA data is anything to go by, the ever-busy Mediterranean has a new regional leader, and the fact that the trendy Croatia has taken up the mantle should come as no surprise to some. According to the vacation rental research group, Croatia is now officially
Travel Off Path
Friday July 29, 2022
The Quest to Save the Pink Apples of Italy
On a warm April day, with poplar pollen cruising through the air like snowflakes in midwinter, Graziella Traini welcomed me to her farm in Montedinove, in the heart of Marche, a hilly region half the size of Tuscany, in central Italy. All around, towns and farmhouses stood on hilltops like
AFAR
Thursday July 28, 2022
How Naples Blends Its Historic City With The Best Mediterranean Vibes
Naples is a stunning and historic city in southern Italy - it is the third-largest city after Rome and Milan. It boasts a long history having been first founded by the Greeks in the first millennium BC making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is a crazy city that offers
TheTravel
Thursday July 21, 2022
Selfie-snapping U.S. tourist falls into Mt. Vesuvius' crater after dropping phone
A 23-year-old Maryland man was rescued over the weekend after falling into the crater of Mount Vesuvius in Italy while taking a selfie. The man, identified as Philip Carroll, visited the famed volcano, notorious for destroying the Roman city of Pompeii and blanketing it with ash in A.D. 79
NBC News
Friday July 15, 2022
Revenge travel is here. Not all tourist destinations are ready
Revenge travel is here - Americans "sticking it to COVID" by going on holiday regardless of the risks. One of the major destinations it seems this summer is Italy. Where the crowds are growing so big that some tourists can't see the major sights.
NPR
Tuesday July 05, 2022
Check Into This Medieval Tower Turned Luxury Hotel in Florence, Italy - Maxim
The 800-year-old landmark epitomizes stylish excellence and Italian hospitality.
Maxim
Friday July 01, 2022
Treaty of Versailles
On this day in 1919, the governments of Belgium, Britain, France, Italy, the United States, and all allies on one side and Germany and Austria Hungary on the other signed the Treaty of Versailles
Travel Research Online
Tuesday June 28, 2022
Dancing Mania Breaks Out in Germany
On this day in 1374, a severe outbreak of "dancing mania", also known as "St. John's Dance" or "dancing plague", occurred in Aix-la-Chapelle, Germany. This particular outbreak soon spread across the European continent, as far as Italy, Luxembourg and France. Dancing mania involves men and women breaking into frenzied, erratic dancing - dancing which continues until they physically collapse from exhaustion. The dancing proved highly contagious and overtook entire townships. No one is sure what caused dancing mania - ideas put forward today include physiological and sociological explanations.
Travel Research Online
Friday June 24, 2022
How To Travel The Four Hours-Distance From Rome To Capri
Capri is usually only about a four-hour trip from Rome and makes for an excellent adventure that should be included in any trip to Italy.
The Travel
Tuesday June 21, 2022
E-scooters were supposed to fix travel in Rome. Then they became a major problem
Introduced as a transport solution during Covid, e-scooters have become a scourge in Italy's capital, blamed for deaths, injuries and damage to historic landmarks.
CNN
Monday June 20, 2022
What are travel coaches, and what do they do?
When Vera Russo decided to visit Italy this summer, she didn’t go online to book a plane ticket or call a travel agent. Instead, like a growing number of Americans, she contacted a travel coach.
Washington Post
Thursday June 16, 2022
Stanley Tucci Tells Us His Favorite Spots in Italy
Stanley Tucci, actor and host of "Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy" talks about his favorite things in Italy: favorite Italian hotels, unforgettable Italian restaurants, and the Italian cities he loves.
Fodor's
Wednesday June 15, 2022
Best time to visit Turin
As one of Italy’s great unsung destinations, Turin is a good year-round destination. Here's when to make the most of it.
Lonely Planet
Monday June 13, 2022
What You Need To Know Before Planning A Trip To Italy, According To Italians (video)
Locals explain how tourists like you and me can get the best out of an Italian visit - including tips, tricks and hacks that'll make your trip extraordinary.
Digg
Monday June 13, 2022
Italy Vacations Threatened As Airport Staff Announce Strikes Over Summer
Airport workers consider striking throughout summer as travel demand continues to soar in Italy and work conditions worsen.
Travel Off Path
Friday June 10, 2022
The man who bought an entire village in Italy
Scottish businessman Cesidio Di Ciacca yearned for the hometown of his ancestors so much, he set about buying it all up and reviving it as a thriving wine destination.
CNN
Wednesday June 08, 2022
7 Italy vacations that check every travel style
Tiny islands, wineries and mountain towns that will get you away from crowds
Washington Post
Tuesday June 07, 2022
Italy Just Lifted All COVID-19-era Travel Restrictions
Italy lifted all COVID-19-related entry requirements this week, allowing travelers to visit the country without having to show proof of vaccination, get tested, or show proof of recovery
Travel+Leisure
Friday June 03, 2022
This is Switzerland's "little Italy"
Just over an hour's drive from Milan or a panoramic train and ferry journey south from Lucerne, Ticino is Switzerland's very own little Italy.
EuroNews
Friday June 03, 2022
VILLNOSS, ITALY: THE NEWEST SLOW FOOD TRAVEL DESTINATION - Slow Food International
On the 28th of May, Villnoss Valley will become the newest Slow Food Travel destination, the first in Alto Adige / Sud Tyrol province of Italy
Slow Food International
Monday May 23, 2022
This Business Class-only Airline Is Launching Flights From NYC to Italy Just in Time for Summer Travel
La Compagnie will fly direct routes from New York City to Milan five days a week starting Apr. 15, 2022.
Travel+Leisure
Thursday May 19, 2022
The Italian place where you don't eat 'Italian' food
Like everywhere in Italy, Lake Trasimeno, in Umbria, has a rich food tradition. But it's one that's far from what outsiders might consider Italian food thanks to traditions dating back 2,500 years.
CNN
Friday May 13, 2022
Tuscany's 'unattractive', unmissable town
In the 1800s, Livorno boasted Italy's top seaside resorts and most famous guests. These days, it's largely ignored - and tourists are missing out on a vibrant city full of surprises.
BBC
Wednesday May 11, 2022
One euro home sell-off has created a 'Little America' in Italy
Sambuca in rural Sicily was among the first Italian towns to sell off old houses for next to nothing. Local officials say most of the buyers are from the US or elsewhere in North America.
CNN
Friday May 06, 2022
In Italy’s Dolomite mountains, a peak experience for hikers
My first encounter with Italy’s famous “three peaks” — the Tre Cime di Lavaredo — was in a traffic circle. In the picturesque town of Dobbiaco/Toblach, three small painted sculptures
Washington Post
Thursday May 05, 2022
I'm a travel writer who moved to Rome 20 years ago from the US. Here's my ultimate guide to the city.
A complete travel guide to Rome, Italy, includes the best places to stay and eat, incredible things to do, and more, all according to a local.
Insider
Wednesday May 04, 2022
This Is How To Explore Italy's Capital, Rome, On A Budget
People think the Italian Capital is expensive, but it is possible to visit and explore the city without spending so much. Here is how.
The Travel
Friday April 29, 2022
Italy: Venice to Impose an Entrance Fee for Tourists In a Bid to Reduce Number of Visitors
Internationals planning to visit the Italian city, Venice, from next year, must ensure they have enough money with them after the country's government has decided to impose a tourism fee
SchengenVisaInfo.com
Friday April 29, 2022
There's an Idyllic Vineyard Hotel in Tuscany Opening Just in Time for Summer Travel to Italy
Borgo San Vincenzo, named for the patron saint of wine, opens in southern Tuscany in July 2022.
Travel+Leisure
Friday April 22, 2022
The beauty of a solo trip to Italy
But Rome is more than just its frequented sites. Many locals offer off-the-beaten-path tours, great for solo travelers looking to connect with people
Washington Post
Monday April 18, 2022
10 of Europe's most beautiful train journeys
Europe's train lines are some of the most spectacular in the world. Here are some of the most beautiful, from Scotland's Harry Potter train to Italy's knockout views of Vesuvius.
CNN
Thursday April 07, 2022
Italy May Soon Offer a Digital Nomad Visa for Remote Workers
The Italian government just voted a bill allowing for remote workers to log on from the country into a law.
Travel+Leisure
Tuesday April 05, 2022
7 destinations where you can travel like a celeb without breaking the bank -
Yacht-filled party hot spots like Ibiza, the coveted coastline of Cannes or the private tranquillity of Italy's Lake Como -- celebrities tend to flock to
The Points Guy
Wednesday March 30, 2022
This Italian destination will pay your wedding bills
Lazio, Italy's capital region, will reimburse couples up to $2,200 of expenses if they hold weddings in the region, which includes destinations such as Rome, Civita di Bagnoregio and Viterbo.
CNN
Monday March 14, 2022
Inside the stunning Norwegian Cruise Line ship that's debuting in 2023
Norwegian Viva, which will accommodate 3,219 guests at double occupancy ;is being built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Marghera, Italy. Here's a look inside...
Daily Mail
Wednesday February 16, 2022
The Italian city unchanged since the Renaissance
Urbino, in the Marche region of Italy, was built by Federico da Montefeltro in the 15th century. Today, it looks the same as it did in its Renaissance heyday.
CNN
Monday February 14, 2022
On the Orient Express
This Once-in-a-lifetime Train Ride From France to Italy Has Free-flowing Champagne and Luxurious Suites
Travel+Leisure
Wednesday February 09, 2022
These New Sleeper Train Routes Are the Most Stylish Way to Travel Through Europe
With new sleeper train routes rolling out across Europe, travelers can meander through Italy, France, and Sweden inside their own comfortable compartment.
Conde Nast Traveler
Friday January 28, 2022
A New Version Of The Orient Express Train Is Coming To Europe In 2023
A new version of the Orient Express is hitting Europe in 2023, whisking travellers all through Italy, alongside trips to Istanbul, Paris and Split.
Secret London
Wednesday January 26, 2022
The unsung treasures of Staten Island
Staten Island, which sits 5.2 miles south of New York City’s Financial District and measures 58.5 square miles, has been called many things: the greenest borough, the Forgotten Borough, Staten Italy, the Rock
Washington Post
Tuesday January 25, 2022
Carnival Horizon Resumes Service After Emergency Drydock
The Carnival Horizon is resuming cruise service in Miami after the completion of an emergency drydock in Italy. The vessel is welcoming guests back today for
Cruise Industry News
Monday January 24, 2022
The Best New Hotels In Florence: Where To Stay In 2022
Discover the best new boutique art hotels on your next trip to Florence, Italy
Forbes
Monday January 10, 2022
Katarina Line Takes Travelers to ‘the Other Italy’ In 4-Day Istrian Rooftops Land Tour
Katarina Line, Croatia’s leading DMC and premier small ship cruise specialist, continues to enhance its wide array of guided land tours that offer seamless connections to many of its popular cruises. Among its most unique tours, the company’s 4-day Istrian Rooftops explores the picturesque hilltop villages of Istria, offering a taste of the region’s exceptional cuisine, wine, architecture and scenic charm. Situated between the Gulf of Trieste and the Kvarner Gulf
Travel Research Online
Wednesday January 05, 2022
COVID-19 travel restrictions: Italy
As of December 2021, Italy is open for tourism for a limited number of countries. Please take your time to learn the information presented below to check if you can enter Italy and what COVID-19 restrictions are in place
Kiwi.com
Monday December 27, 2021
With the Return of the Orient Express to Italy in 2023, Travel Just Got a Little More Exciting
The six Orient Express La Dolce Vita trains will pay homage to the craftsmanship, design and creativity of the 1960s and 1970s
Yahoo!
Monday December 27, 2021
Explore Italy Next With Orient Express's Upcoming Luxury Train
The original Orient Express is set to relaunch with a new train La Dolce Vita with itineraries in Italy and to other cities in Europe
Forbes
Wednesday December 22, 2021
10 Tips For Mastering The Art Of Visiting Castles In Italy
Italy's castles are some of the most unique in Europe, and here are some tips (with destination suggestions!) for future castle-tourers
The Travel
Friday December 17, 2021
CDC adds Italy to travel warning list
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is adding Italy to its list of countries to which Americans are urged not to travel because of "very high" levels of coronavirus cases
The Hill
Wednesday December 15, 2021
The Abdication of Pope Celestine V
Pietro da Morrone became Pope of the Catholic Church in 1294. He had become a Benedictine monk at the age of 17 and had adopted an ascetic life, living in a cave on the Mountain of Maiella in south Italy. There, he founded the order later called the Celestines. At the death of Pope Nicholas IV, Morrone was chosen Pope without his consent. For five months, he issued very few decrees, the most notable being the one allowing
Travel Research Online
Monday December 13, 2021
The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2022
Here are the best places to travel right now and in 2022 for summer, spring, winter, or fall vacations. Our list of best vacation spots includes destinations in Hawaii, California, Italy, the UK, Asia, and beyond
Travel+Leisure
Thursday December 09, 2021
W Hotels Debuts in Italy with the Opening of W Rome
W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today makes its stylish and spirited Italian debut, with the much-anticipated opening of W Rome. The 162-room hotel, spanning two adjacent 19th century palazzos, makes a captivating entrance as
Hospitality Net
Tuesday December 07, 2021
The Travel Institute Closing 2021 with Continued Strong Momentum for Content Development
As we wrap up 2021—along with our own holiday gifts for friends and family—our team at The Travel Institute is grateful for the collective progress our industry has made in moving past the pandemic. As we all learn to live, work, and travel in the new normal, The Travel Institute has maintained strong momentum for content development, most recently updating our Caribbean, Italy, and Mexico destination courses and migrating them to our interactive, e-Learning platform. This marks the final migration of all courses at The Travel Institute to our best-practices learning experience, which has demonstrated success in higher engagement and
Travel Research Online
Friday December 03, 2021
Books That Satisfy Your Yearning for Far-Off Places
The travels chronicled here include a journey to track snow leopards in Tibet, a trip along Colombia’s Magdalena River and a retracing of Garibaldi’s famous 400-mile retreat through Italy in 1849
New York Times
Friday December 03, 2021
I'm an American who recently visited Italy for the first time. Here's why I'm glad I made the trip now.
Traveling to Italy right now looks much different than usual with few crowds in popular tourist spots in Milan, Rome, Venice, Florence, and Pisa
Insider
Thursday December 02, 2021
Radisson Collection further expands in Italy with the opening of fourth hotel in the heart of Venice
Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice is situated close to the Venetian Ghetto in the northern part of the city. The hotel's 52 beautifully designed rooms, offering views of the Cannaregio Canal, city streets or the quiet
Hospitality Net
Tuesday November 30, 2021
7 Restaurants in Rome Locals Love
As far as foodie destinations go, few places come close to Italy; it's a nation dedicated to making life delicious. When visiting the birthplace of so many global favorites, it's easy to find your fill of pizza, pasta, and gelato, but it's worth traveling the entire length of the boot to try
Travel+Leisure
Monday November 29, 2021
Here's What It's Like to Fly ITA Airways — Italy's Newest Airline
ITA Airways — the new Italian flag carrier — took over from the bankrupt Alitalia on Oct. 15, 2021, with 52 planes and 2,800 staff members, compared to Alitalia's respective 110 and 10,500. Many thought that
Travel+Leisure
Wednesday November 17, 2021
Italy's New National Airline Has Arrived - Here's What to Know
ITA Airways, the just-launched Italian airline, is gearing up for flights to the U.S. as early as November
Conde Nast Traveler
Monday November 15, 2021
MSC Cruises on Track With 13 Ships Back in Service
MSC Fantasia becomes the 13th ship in the fleet to resume cruise operations after restarting from Genoa in Italy
Cruise Hive
Wednesday November 10, 2021
10 Best Places to Go in January
From a ski trip in Italy to a safari in Africa, here are 10 of the best places to travel in January 2022
AFAR
Wednesday November 10, 2021
Europe's most beautiful towns
15 of the most beautiful small towns in Europe, from Italy to Spain and France
CNN
Thursday November 04, 2021
Italy reveals new national airline
ROME: They’ve long dominated the food and fashion worlds, this year they’ve dominated sports, and now they’re aiming for the skies, CNN reported
BOL News
Wednesday October 20, 2021
What You Need To About Visiting The Historic City Of Matera, Italy
Materia was once known as the 'shame' of Italy due to its once-abandoned past, but it has now done a complete 180 in the tourism department
The Travel
Tuesday October 19, 2021
Spain, France, Italy & Poland Are Among the Safest Countries to Travel to, ECDC Says
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has disclosed that Spain, France, Italy, and Poland are some of the safest EU countries to travel to since they have been registering low infection rates for several weeks now
SchengenVisaInfo.com
Monday October 18, 2021
How Italy's high-speed trains helped kill Alitalia
Alitalia closes on October 14, but Italy's high-speed trains, the Frecce and Italo networks, are set to increase their passenger numbers.
CNN
Wednesday October 13, 2021
Special Luxury Hotels In Italy To Know About For 2022
These family-owned luxury properties, ranging from the Alps to Amalfi and Sardinia, part of the newly expanded Autentico collection, want to help you have an unforgettable stay.
Forbes
Tuesday October 12, 2021
The Tribune Hotel in Rome Reopens Under The JdV by Hyatt Brand
Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced today the opening of the first JdV by Hyatt branded hotel in Italy - The Tribune Hotel. The newly renovated upscale property, operated by AG Group's AG Hotels, features 52 unique bedrooms
Hospitality Net
Monday October 04, 2021
On the trail of Italy's newest cycling route, hidden between the Dolomites and Lake Garda
Aimed at enthusiasts, not experts, this new route in northern Italy is perfect for a crowd-free pedal-powered autumn adventure
Telegraph (London)
Monday October 04, 2021
Royal Caribbean Group to build, operate new Ravenna cruise terminal
Italy's Ravenna Port Authority awarded Royal Caribbean Group the tender to construct a new two-berth cruise terminal and the concession for Porto Corsini's cruise operations
Seatrade Cruise News
Thursday September 23, 2021
Top 6 Reasons To Visit Italy’s Campania Region
An exciting list of fabulous experiences and destinations for visitors to enjoy when they visit the glorious region of Campania in Italy
Travel Off Path
Wednesday September 15, 2021
Bordeaux, the Swiss Alps, Florence, Rome and more: Hyatt continues its expansion in Europe
Hyatt's expanding in Europe with hotels in Spain, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland across brands like The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, JdV by Hyatt, Hyatt Centric and Hyatt Regency
The Points Guy
Wednesday September 08, 2021
The Founding of San Marino
The tiny nation of San Marino, landlocked in its entirety by Italy in the Apennine Mountains, was founded on this day. It has the third highest GDP in the world and boasts the smallest population of any of the members of the Council of Europe. San Marino is the oldest constitutional republic still
Travel Research Online
Friday September 03, 2021
The Buzziest New Hotels to Discover in Italy
Travelers from all over the world have long had a love affair with Italy, and it’s not hard to see why: the country has endearing locals, incredible food and wine, scenic landscapes, and historical sites that would take many lifetimes to see
Architectural Digest
Thursday September 02, 2021
A Truffle-Hunting Tour Might Just Be Your New Favorite Pastime In Florence, Italy
No one truly understands truffle culture until they've been to Italy, and hunting these prized edible gems gives visitors a new appreciation for them
The Travel
Thursday September 02, 2021
Italy's New National Airline Reveals US Route Plans | One Mile at a Time
Alitalia's replacement, ITA, has filed with US authorities to request permission to fly to the United States. Here's what we can expect
One Mile At A Time
Monday August 30, 2021
Cooler than gelato: 25hours opens its first hotel in Italy
The first 25hours hotel in Italy will open on 8 September 2021. The 25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino occupies a central location in the Santa Maria Novella district at the heart of Florence
Hospitality Net
Friday August 27, 2021
Venice, Italy To Require Reservations, Entry Fee Starting Next Summer
As travel ramps up again in Venice, officials are moving forward with several new policies designed to reduce the numbers of tourists
Travel Awaits
Wednesday August 25, 2021
The Egadi Islands, Italy's Best Kep Secret
The Egadi Islands are an archipelago located off the western shores of Sicily. These islands have a different slice of Italian life, where the locals live a relaxed, Bohemian type lifestyle
Travel Off Path
Wednesday August 25, 2021
Italy is the Ultimate Golf Destination
Golfing in Italy is unlike golfing anywhere else on earth. As the country prepares to host the Ryder Cup in 2023, here's what you need to know to tee off in Italia
Sports Illustrated
Tuesday August 24, 2021
The Best Hotels in Puglia to Book for an Idyllic Italian Escape
From medieval castles to beachfront suites, these are the most stunning places to stay on the heel of Italy's boot
Vogue
Tuesday August 03, 2021
Inside the Glamorous Italian Hotel Where Sports Stars Celebrate Championships in Private Pool Villas
Italy's Manuel Locatelli just celebrated his Euro Cup victory at Sardinia's Hotel Pitrizza, but he wasn't the first star to choose the ultra-private luxury villas for a special getaway
Travel+Leisure
Wednesday July 28, 2021
Italy Makes Vaccine Passport Mandatory For Indoor Activities Including Restaurants
Italy has mandated an official COVID-19 vaccine pass to enter various indoor activities, including bars, restaurants, and cafes
Travel Off Path
Monday July 26, 2021
10 Ways To Avoid Looking Like A Tourist In Italy
As they say, “When in Rome…” But what does it mean to “do as the Romans do”? Quite literally, the phrase means that it is advisable
TravelAwaits
Friday July 23, 2021
Italy's Hotels Champion Workcations For Travel-Hungry Telecommuters
Italy's hotels are tapping into the rising "workcation" trend, a new holiday concept that is capitalizing on the growth of remote working amid the pandemic
Forbes
Thursday July 15, 2021
Italy Bans Large Cruise Ships In Venice Starting In August
After years of debate, the government of Italy has changed its laws regarding where cruise ships bound for Venice can dock
TravelAwaits
Thursday July 15, 2021
Italy cruises: Country bans large cruise ships from sailing into Venice as of Aug. 1
Italy is banning mammoth cruise liners from sailing into Venice
USA Today
Wednesday July 14, 2021
This Brand-new Hotel in Italy Is Home to the World's First Truffle Concierge
Casa di Langa, a 39-room hotel on more than 40 acres of vineyards and forested hills, just opened in the heart of Piedmont (a.k.a. truffle country)
Travel+Leisure
Tuesday July 13, 2021
The Italian gardens hoping to change tourism
Travelers to Italy want the countryside instead of cities of art post-pandemic. And there's a hope that this new trend might change tourism in the country for the better
CNN
Wednesday July 07, 2021
4 Top Italian Riviera Destinations You Might Not Know About But Should
When seeking out new destinations in Italy, you often don't have to go far to find them. Even as popular an area as the Italian Riviera has a good choice of intriguing villages and towns that many well-traveled visitors have yet to discover
Forbes
Wednesday June 30, 2021
Treaty of Versailles
On this day in 1919, the governments of Belgium, Britain, France, Italy, the United States, and all allies on one side and Germany and Austria Hungary on the other signed the Treaty of Versailles in
Travel Research Online
Monday June 28, 2021
Dancing Mania Breaks Out in Germany
On this day in 1374, a severe outbreak of "dancing mania", also known as "St. John's Dance" or "dancing plague", occurred in Aix-la-Chapelle, Germany. This particular outbreak soon spread across the European continent, as far as Italy, Luxembourg and France. Dancing mania involves men and women breaking into frenzied
Travel Research Online
Thursday June 24, 2021
Italy moves to halt overtourism before travel restarts
The Uffizi Diffusi project will see Renaissance artworks from the Uffizi Galleries exhibited around the region of Tuscany, turning the area into one giant gallery in a bid to combat overtourism
CNN
Wednesday June 23, 2021
U.S. Tourists Can Now Travel to Italy without Quarantining
As of Monday, U.S. tourists can travel to Italy without a quarantine period, following a recommendation from the E.U. to lift travel restrictions for Americans
Conde Nast Traveler
Tuesday June 22, 2021
Italy Drops All Restrictions For Vaccinated U.S. And Canadian Travelers
Italy has completely removed its mandatory self isolation for Americans and Canadians arriving in Italy from June 19th
Travel Off Path
Monday June 21, 2021
Europe travel restrictions for vaccinated visitors: Making sense of rules in France, Spain, Italy
Travelers will need patience to figure out the patchwork of COVID border restrictions governing who's allowed into which country, how and when
USA Today
Friday June 11, 2021
Italy Plans to Transform a Former Prison Into a Future Tourist Destination
Italy is hoping to create its own version of Alcatraz, the California prison that has since become a tourist destination off the coast of San Francisco
Travel+Leisure
Friday June 11, 2021
Cruise passengers test positive for Covid-19 in Italy
Two passengers disembark from MSC Seaside during a cruise around the Mediterranean, one of the few sea voyages currently underway following a global halt to cruising as the coronavirus pandemic spread last year
CNN
Thursday June 10, 2021
Italy penalizes tourists who remove sand and shells from the beaches of Sardinia
More than 40 tourists have to shell out fines totaling nearly $3,650 for removing beach sand and shells from the Italian island of Sardinia
Blasting News
Monday June 07, 2021
The Best Europe Cruises for 2021 and Beyond
Whether it's sailing around Norway's fjords or taking a family-friendly cruise in Italy, Europe cruising is returning with ample options for those who craving a turn at sea
AFAR
Friday June 04, 2021
Best places to visit in Italy
Home to some of the greatest artworks, historical monuments and food on the planet, Italy inspires like no other. Here are the country's must-visit spots
Lonely Planet
Friday June 04, 2021
7 Roman Ruins To Explore Outside Of Italy
France, England, Croatia, and Turkey are just a few of the other places you can find outstanding examples of Roman history and culture
TravelAwaits
Wednesday June 02, 2021
The Secret Island Destinations of Italy
Italy recently allowed Americans back for tourism. Your next trip to Italy should be spared of the overcrowded tourism cities of Rome, Florence and Venice
Travel Off Path
Thursday May 27, 2021
Americans Can Finally Visit Italy Again Following a Year of Restrictions
Italy has opened its borders for leisure travel. Americans can enter with proof of a negative PCR or antigen test from select US airports
Thrillist
Wednesday May 19, 2021
American Airlines joins Delta in welcoming all customers on COVID-tested flights to Italy
American becomes the second airline, after Delta, to offer quarantine-free flights to Italy for all customers. Here are the details
The Points Guy
Monday May 17, 2021
Italy Is Reopening to Travelers—Here’s Everything You Need to Know
An Italy-based writer on what travelers need to know and whether Italy really is ready to relax its borders
AFAR
Monday May 17, 2021
One of Italy's most idyllic islands is 'Covid-free'
As Europe plans its gradual reopening to visitors from further afield, the battle lines are being drawn between destinations eager to get the tourist dollars flowing
CNN
Tuesday May 11, 2021
Europe's Most Popular Hotels, According to Experts
Trusted travel advisors share their favorite hotels in Europe—the most booked, most raved about properties from Italy to Montenegro
AFAR
Friday May 07, 2021
Italy Planning to Reopen in Second Half of June
Italy is planning to reopen to visitors from across the globe in June with a health passport in effect. Here's what we know so far
Luxury Travel Advisor
Wednesday May 05, 2021
Neos Airlines Connecting American Travelers With Italy
Neos Airlines has unveiled a new route, connecting New York with Milan and bringing Americans affordable travel to Italy this summer
Travel Off Path
Monday May 03, 2021
MSC Cruises' exclusive beach day at Taranto, Italy, to be first of more
Private beach awaits MSC Seaside passengers at Taranto, Italy. MSC Cruises expects to introduce more such experiences in Mediterranean this summer
Seatrade Cruise News
Friday April 23, 2021
Top 10 Luxury Hotels in Italy
Italy specialists, Luxo Italia, have traveled across the country to sample the best of the best and have compiled a list of the top ten luxury hotels in Italy. Whether you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track gem or a sanctuary in a city center
LUxury Travel Magazine
Monday April 19, 2021
Italy Has A New Airline: EGO Airways Operates Maiden Flight
Although the airline company was founded almost two years ago, EGO Airways only operated its maiden flight just last week. On March 30th, the airline’s
Simple Flying
Monday April 05, 2021
Costa Cruises delays restart to May
Costa Cruises moved back its restart to May in light of travel restrictions still in place in Italy and other countries
Seatrade Cruise News
Tuesday March 23, 2021
Italy unveils 'covid-free' trains to tourist destinations
Trains running to top tourist destinations in Italy such as Venice, Rome and Florence will have special services where passengers are tested for Covid-19 before departure
CNN
Thursday March 11, 2021
Costa Cruises Status Update
Costa Cruises, Carnival Corporation’s Italian brand, was among the first to suspend operations in China due to the COVID-19 pandemic in January 2020, but was also among the first to start cruising again, sailing from Italy in September
Cruise Industry News
Friday February 26, 2021
One of Carnival's Cruise Lines Will Resume Cruises on March 13
Costa Cruises will now resume cruises on March 13 with Costa Smeralda, which will sail guests to some of Italy’s most beautiful destinations with three and four day mini-cruises
Cruise Fever
Monday January 25, 2021
This Colorful Island Was Just Named Italy's Next Capital of Culture
Located in the Gulf of Naples, the tiny, stunningly colorful island of Procida has officially earned the title as Italy's Capital of Culture for 2022. Procida is the first island to win this designation since the award was started in 2014
Travel+Leisure
Thursday January 21, 2021
MSC Cruises To Resume Cruises This Weekend
It seems that we can always count on MSC Cruises to bring positive news when other cruise lines seem to have to cancel more and more cruises. Over the Holiday period and New Year, the cruise has had to suspend its cruises leaving Genoa, Italy
Cruise Hive
Wednesday January 20, 2021
MSC Cruises Is Setting the Standard
“We’re leveraging the fact that we were the first ones to start operating in Southern Europe to set the tone on how to operate a safe cruise,” said Ken Muskat, executive vice president and COO of MSC Cruises (USA). The startup of the Grandiosa in Italy last August set the standard
Cruise Industry News
Tuesday January 19, 2021
Celebrity Travel Expert Creates the Ultimate Italian Dream Getaway
Recognized as the number one expert for Italy and curator of luxury holidays for the likes of Jude Law and Stella McCartney, Merrion Charles has harnessed her expertise and incomparable little black book to create a brand new ultimate luxury Italian Grand Tour. With so many holidays cancelled in 2020
Luxury Travel Magazine
Thursday January 14, 2021
MSC Cruises Will Resume Cruises This Month
Strict measures implemented in Italy that restrict people’s movement within the country have forced Swiss Cruise Operator MSC Cruises to halt operations temporarily. However, guests do not have to wait long as cruises will resume from the end
Cruise Hive
Friday January 08, 2021
Cruises from Italy to Resume While North American Cruises are Delayed
MSC and Costa Cruises both announced plans to restart their cruises from Italy in January after the Italian Government’s requested pause during the holiday season. The efforts to resume large ship cruising from Italy come as the North American cruise lines are continuing
The Maritime Executive
Thursday January 07, 2021
4 Top Luxury Italy in Winter Itineraries
A real pleasure of traveling is being able to experience a destination in an authentic way; not as a tourist but as a guest. Winter travel is one way to shift your vacation from a run of the mill experience, to a trip that will unlock something you might never have expected. We’ve found a few packages that highlight
LuxuryTravel Magazine
Wednesday December 23, 2020
Airline stocks slide as highly contagious Covid mutation in UK prompts travel restrictions
Airline stocks slipped Monday as a highly contagious mutation of Covid-19 found in the U.K. and South Africa prompted travel restrictions by more than two dozen nations. Countries from Italy to India to El Salvador have banned flights from the U.K.
CNBC
Tuesday December 22, 2020
Germany and Italy Declare War on The United States
The United States was still reeling from the surprise attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and had formally declared war on Japan. Tens of thousands of young American men rushed to join the armed forces. On December 11th, Germany and Italy responded by declaring war on the United States
Travel Research Online
Friday December 11, 2020
Major Cruise Lines Like Disney, MSC, and More Cancel Trips Into 2021 — and Even Into 2022
More cruises have been canceled into 2021 — and some even into 2022 — the latest disappointing news for a beleaguered industry even as some lines have tried to resume sailing with mixed results. The latest round of cancelations stretch across the globe from the Caribbean to Italy, Japan to Argentina
Travel+Leisure
Tuesday December 08, 2020
How Italy accidentally invented the perfect Covid-era hotel
Medieval architects, deserted towns and remote countryside -- what sounds like the ingredients for a horror movie could actually be the recipe for the perfect Covid-era hotel.
CNN
Thursday November 26, 2020
Aman's New Hotel In Italy's Dolomites Mountains
Aman has signed a partnership agreement with Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa, in San Cassiano, Italy. The property is located in Italy’s UNESCO-listed Dolomites mountains.
One Mile at a Time
Friday November 13, 2020
Italy Is Travel + Leisure's Destination of the Year — Here’s Why
All you have to do, really, is close your eyes, and you’re there. Your specific there might be the Val d’Orcia, where cypresses march in rows across low, undulating hills. Or it might be the vertiginous cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, where pastel-hued villages cascade down to pebble beaches and secret coves.
Travel+Leisure
Thursday November 12, 2020
Assembly Begins on China's First Domestically Built Large Cruise Ship
Assembly work is being on China’s first domestically built large, ocean-going cruise ship. The ship, which is part of a joint venture between China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) and Carnival Corporation, is viewed as the first step for the Chinese to enter the cruise ship construction business that is currently concentrated in Italy, Germany, France, and Finland.
The Maritime Executive
Wednesday November 11, 2020
Cruise passenger booted from ship for breaking COVID protocol
A passenger on AIDA Cruises’ AIDAblu was not allowed back on the ship after violating COVID-19 protocols during a shore excursion in Catania, Italy, on Tuesday, the cruise line told Fox News.…
Fox Travel News
Friday October 23, 2020
20 Stunning Hotel Rooms With Private Pools
From the Maldives to Italy, here are 20 of the best hotel rooms with private pools that are worthy of your travel bucket list.
Travel+Leisure
Monday October 12, 2020
Supernova 1604
On this day in 1604, observers in Northern Italy witnessed a supernova taking place in the Milky Way, in the constellation Ophiuchus. Johannes Kepler, famous astronomer and mathematician, named it after himself. Visible to the unaided observer of the night sky, it was brighter than any star. It was, and still remains, only the second supernova (or exploding star) to ever be observed in the Milky Way. The only other similar occurrence was observed in 1572. Remnants of the event are still visible by specialized telescopes.
Travel Research Online
Friday October 09, 2020
Princess Cruises welcomes its new 3,660-passenger ship, Enchanted Princess
The Enchanted Princess is a 3,660-guest vessel that was scheduled to make its debut in June 2020. It was officially handed over to Princess Cruises at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, according to a press release.
FOX Business
Friday October 02, 2020
Italy Travel: 3 Of The Best Winery Farmhouse Stays In Chianti Tuscany
I am sitting facing Chianti countryside on a balmy, cricket-filled September night. Like a triptych painting in a portrait gallery a ripple of hills stretch before me, lit up by sparkling villages along its crest.
Forbes
Monday September 28, 2020
Ireland delays relaxing strict COVID-19 travel restrictions until October
Ireland on Tuesday announced new rules that will likely cut popular holiday destinations Greece and Italy from a quarantine-free “green list” and leave some of Europe’s strictest travel restrictions in place for another month.
Reuters
Wednesday September 16, 2020
MSC Expands Itinerary for October Restart of Magnifica
MSC Cruises today announced that its second ship to return, the MSC Magnifica, will set sail on October 19, 2020 with a series of seven cruises including an eight-night Christmas cruise departing on December 18 from Genoa, Italy.
Cruise Industry News
Monday September 14, 2020
Conde Nast Traveler Names Slovenia Best 2021 Destination Due to Location, Cuisine & Environment
US luxury and lifestyle travel web portal Conde Nast Traveler has picked Slovenia as the top holiday destination for 2021. Tucked between old favourites Italy and Croatia, Slovenia offers Michelin-starred food, excellent wine, turquoise rivers, glacier-fed lakes and soaring, snow-capped peaks, it says on its web site.
Total Slovenia News
Friday September 11, 2020
The Founding of San Marino
The tiny nation of San Marino, landlocked in its entirety by Italy in the Apennine Mountains, was founded on this day. It has the third highest GDP in the world and boasts the smallest population of any of the members of the Council of Europe. San Marino is the oldest constitutional republic still in existence. Founded by Marinus of Rab on September 3, 301, its constitution dates back to 1600. It is not a member of the European Union and its population is approximately 29,000. Nearly 50% of its GDP comes from tourism, with approximately 3 million tourists each year.
Travel Research Online
Thursday September 03, 2020
The First Cruise to Sail the Mediterranean Since COVID-19 Left Port This Weekend
The first Mediterranean cruise since Italy lifted its coronavirus lockdown set sail on Sunday evening. The MSC Grandiosa set sail from Genoa in northern Italy on Sunday evening for a seven-night cruise of the western Mediterranean.
Travel+Leisure
Tuesday August 18, 2020
First Mediterranean cruise sets sail after Italy's coronavirus lockdown lifts
Cruise ship passengers were having their temperatures checked and taking COVID-19 tests Sunday so they could set sail on what is being billed as the first Mediterranean cruise after Italy’s pandemic lockdown.
USA Today
Monday August 17, 2020
Costa Cruises Given Green Light to Restart Cruising in Italy
Costa Cruises has been given the go ahead to restart cruises by the Italian government. The Carnival Corp.-owned line announced that it had been "given the authorization to cruise" by the Italian authorities and said it would announce its full program of itineraries shortly.
CruiseCritic.com
Tuesday August 11, 2020
Italy Reopening For Cruise Ships on August 15
Prime Minister, Giuseppe Conte announced late Friday that Italy will be reopening its borders for cruise ships starting on August 15th, 2020. It's the latest move to boost Italy's tourism industry hit hard by the global pandemic.
Travel Off Path
Monday August 10, 2020
PERILLO TOURS INTRODUCES A NEW SOUTH & SICILY TOUR FOR 2021
WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ (July 20, 2020) – Perillo Tours, a leader in escorted travel to Italy for 75 years, debuts its 2021 Italy portfolio with a new tour program that explores southern Italy. Perillo Tours is extending a full refund policy for any cancellations made 90 days prior to departure on all 2021 Italy itineraries.
Travel Research Online
Tuesday July 21, 2020
US Travel Ban: This Is How It’s Costing Europe Billions
Europe’s tourism-dependent economy is being hard hit by the lack of some 15 million US tourists this summer. This due to the ongoing travel ban dished up by the EU last week. It’s already hurting, with billions of dollars in losses predicted. Particularly in the countries who rely most heavily on them: France, Italy, Germany and Spain. But across the EU, the economic ripples are being felt.
Forbes
Monday July 06, 2020
13 tourist hot spots planning to reopen this July
Destinations like Italy, Iceland, Spain, the Florida Keys, and Jamaica rolled out the welcome mat once again to tourists in June. Other destinations decided to wait a little longer to put ample health measures and precautions in place amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Insider
Friday June 26, 2020
Dancing Mania Breaks Out in Germany
On this day in 1374, a severe outbreak of "dancing mania", also known as "St. John's Dance" or "dancing plague", occurred in Aix-la-Chapelle, Germany. This particular outbreak soon spread across the European continent, as far as Italy, Luxembourg and France. Dancing mania involves men and women breaking into frenzied, erratic dancing - dancing which continues until they physically collapse from exhaustion. The dancing proved highly contagious and overtook entire townships. No one is sure what caused dancing mania - ideas put forward today include physiological and sociological explanations.
Travel Research Online
Wednesday June 24, 2020
Top 10 Beautiful, Safest European Beaches For Summer 2020 Holidays
For UK travellers, it’s cheering to hear that the government is planning to relax its travel quarantine rules in early July for a number of European countries. UK officials have been in talks with their counterparts in Portugal, France, Italy, Greece and Spain
Forbes
Monday June 22, 2020
When will the Mediterranean open up to cruises?
The Mediterranean is gradually opening up to tourism, hoping to salvage what's left of the summer high season – but not to cruises anytime soon. Italy is already open; Greece opened Monday and Spain opens next week.
USA Today
Wednesday June 17, 2020
Visit One of These 8 Western U.S. Destinations for a Taste of Traveling Abroad
These eight western U.S. destinations in California, Colorado, and Washington will seemingly transport you abroad to Italy, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand, and more.
Travel+Leisure
Monday June 15, 2020
AG Hotel Group Plans Q3 Opening of New Five-Star Hotel, Il Tornabuoni, in Florence, Italy
AG Group proudly announces the unveiling of IL Tornabuoni, the group's first five star luxury hotel, due to open in Q3 2020 in Florence, Italy. With the addition of this new property in the Italian Renaissance city, AG Group's AG Hotels collection will expand to offer guests a 5-star luxury hotel in Florence and ten 4-star boutique hotels in Rome.
HospitalityNet
Wednesday June 03, 2020
We went backpacking with suitcases in Italy and it was a mess
Like many people, I developed an obsession with Italy relatively early in life. Unlike many people, mine was probably inspired by a cartoon dream sequence in which Yogi Bear and his girlfriend Cindy sailed through Venice on a gondola.
CNN
Wednesday June 03, 2020
Instead of traveling to Europe, visit these 7 destinations in the US — Napa Valley over Italy, Vail in place of Switzerland, and more
Most summers see a surge in cross-continental travel as Americans flock to European cities like Paris, Venice, and London. Last year, 6.7 million Americans traveled to Europe during the months of June, July, and August, according to US Commerce Department data.
Business Insider
Tuesday June 02, 2020
'So thankful to be back': Italy, first to lockdown in Europe, is slowly reopening, welcoming back tourists
Starting Wednesday, Italy will allow travelers from the 25 other members of the Schengen Area in Europe to come to Italy with no restrictions.
USA Today
Monday June 01, 2020
Dreaming of Travel Helps Me Face an Uncertain Future
There’s a pandemic, we can’t travel, and I’ve been self-isolating in Brooklyn for nearly 10 weeks. Naturally, I’ve begun writing a travel novel. The plot thus far: A mother and son return to countries they’ve seen together on holiday—Italy, Portugal, France, the Emirates, Japan
Conde Nast Traveler
Thursday May 28, 2020
Airline resumes flights to Italy (but turns around when airport's shut)
We're all pretty excited about being able to travel again -- but German airline Eurowings might be more eager than most. The low-cost carrier resumed services from Düsseldorf to Sardinia, Italy, on Saturday -- but was forced to turn around at its destination because Olbia Airport is
CNN
Tuesday May 26, 2020
Florida man says he's been stuck on cruise ship in Italy for 8 weeks after testing positive for COVID-19
This family just wants their son to come home. A cruise ship worker says that due to positive test results for COVID-19, he’s still stuck on a cruise ship that’s docked in Italy. According to the Florida resident, he’s been waiting on the ship for about eight weeks now and doesn’t know how much longer he’ll be there. Taylor Grimes was working at a cruise ship jewelry store when the coronavirus pandemic
Fox Travel News
Monday May 18, 2020
Cacio e pepe: Italy's beloved three-ingredient pasta dish
Cacio e pepe is a dish of only three ingredients, two of which are evident at first glance to anyone familiar with Roman dialect. Cacio is Romanesco for sheep’s milk cheese. Along with pepe, or black pepper, the cheese – ideally Pecorino – unites with pasta (and a hefty dose of starchy cooking water) to form a rich, creamy sauce that is as delicious as it is difficult to perfect. According to legend, the dish
BBC
Thursday May 14, 2020
Italy Is Reopening in Bits and Pieces—Here's What It Feels Like
"If you love Italy, keep your distance." This was the message from Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte when he announced plans for stage two of Italy’s exit from eight weeks of coronavirus lockdown beginning May 4. Now this country—which has been among the worst affected by COVID-19—is taking the first tentative steps out of one of Europe’s most stringent lockdown regimes while the rest of the
Conde Nast Traveler
Wednesday May 13, 2020
Sicily to subsidise post-Covid holidays as Italy ponders reopening to tourists
Sicily’s regional government is offering to subsidise holidays on the island for both domestic and international visitors in an effort to kickstart tourism after the coronavirus pandemic. News of the scheme came days before a statement from the Italian government that it expects borders to be open to tourists this summer. A financial pot of €75m of regional government money has been set aside to
The Guardian
Wednesday May 06, 2020
Italy Continues to Lift Lockdown Restrictions — Here's What's Happening Now
Italy has continued in lifting its lockdown restrictions, now allowing locals to go to work and see family members. In what is considered "Phase Two" of the lockdown lift, those employed in construction, manufacturing, wholesale and real estate returned to their jobs on Monday, with employers deciding on when and how people arrive and work. Architects, accountants, lawyers, and engineers also
Travel+Leisure
Tuesday May 05, 2020
34 crew members positive for COVID-19 on docked Costa Atlantica; Costa Deliziosa docks in Italy
More than a month after the no-sail order from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the cruise industry is continuing slow progress towards a halt in operations in the face of coronavirus. A few cruise ships have guests on board, and others are still hosting crew members, some of whom are facing difficult conditions, including time on board without pay. "All ships within the CLIA fleet have
USA Today
Thursday April 23, 2020
Even With COVID-19 Cases, Suing Cruise Lines Is 'Extraordinarily Difficult'
The last cruise ship carrying passengers finally docked this week. On Tuesday, the Costa Deliziosa disembarked passengers in Genoa, Italy, allowing more than 1,500 people to return home after a 113-day voyage. Under an order from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it will be another three months—at least—until cruise ships will once again be able to sail from U.S. ports. In the meantime
NPR
Wednesday April 22, 2020
How to make pizza like a Neapolitan master
When you think of Italy’s most memorable dishes, its beloved pizza will most likely be among your top five, if not top three, favourites. It’s an ultimate comfort food that has become an ever-growing obsession around the world. But what is it that makes pizza from Italy so special, and where do you find the very best? Like so many of the country’s most prized gastronomic delights like wine, olive oil and
BBC
Friday April 17, 2020
Will you go anywhere this fall? A look ahead to autumn travels
Nick Runge is planning to go to Italy in mid-September to host a workshop on painting watercolors, soak up the Tuscan scenery and celebrate his girlfriend's birthday. "It's at a vineyard, so they have their own wine. And then the town of Vinci where Leonardo da Vinci comes from is very close," says Runge, a Los Angeles-based artist. "This will be the first time I've ever visited Italy, so I'll be really
CNN
Wednesday April 15, 2020
From Housing to Food Donations, the Travel Industry Is Stepping Up
Sweeping travel restrictions and advisories. Grounded planes and canceled cruises. Pitch-dark casinos. And a completely locked-down Italy, a much-loved destination for travelers all over the globe. There’s no denying that the coronavirus outbreak has changed, and will continue to change, how we travel. But even in light of the bleakest news—like the potential loss of 4.6 million
Conde Nast Traveler
Friday March 27, 2020
Great Italian Cooking Lessons With Celebrated Chefs To Watch During Quarantine
While you can’t travel to Italy now, you may want to bring some of its indelible flavors into your kitchen. Master the how-to’s of the country’s scrumptious cuisine with online cooking videos featuring some of the world's most celebrated chefs—a selection is included below. (The videos are free, with the exception of a series of classes that requires a subscription.) Massimo Bottura stands
Forbes
Thursday March 26, 2020
Italy's inspiring response to the coronavirus
It’s late afternoon and my daughter and I are leaning out of our living room window, looking down at the usually bustling square in Rome’s historical centre where we live. On any normal day, we’ll watch groups of meandering tourists, couples walking their dog, a gaggle of nuns or a lover’s quarrel. Today, the piazza is empty. There’s just one person wearing a mask and gloves walking quickly
BBC
Thursday March 26, 2020
Japan warns against travel to US
Japan is warning its citizens against non-essential travel to the U.S. amid the worldwide coronavirus outbreak. Japan’s foreign ministry also issued similar warnings for most European countries as well as South Korea, Iceland, San Marino and some regions of Italy, Switzerland and Spain, The Associated Press reported. The decision comes after the State Department raised travel warnings for Japan and four other
The Hill
Monday March 23, 2020
Uganda restricts travel from 16 countries including UK and US because of coronavirus
Uganda has restricted visitors from some countries with what it terms high cases of coronavirus, including China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, South Korea, and Spain. "Government has decided to ask travelers from the affected countries not to come to Uganda because the high cases they are reporting can easily be imported into the country," the country's health minister Jane
CNN
Friday March 13, 2020
All of Italy Is on Lockdown to Contain the Coronavirus
Over the weekend, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte placed 15 northern regions of the country on lockdown in an attempt to contain the spreading coronavirus. On Monday, March 9, he announced the measure would be extended to the entire country, thus banning public gatherings, closing schools and museums, and preventing travel except for work or emergencies
Conde Nast Traveler
Wednesday March 11, 2020
Italy expands travel restrictions to entire country to contain coronavirus
Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte put his entire country on lockdown Monday to combat the coronavirus, banning all but the most important travel and putting the final kibosh on social gatherings after Italians failed to take previous warnings to heart amid skyrocketing infections. Two days after imposing the same strict measures on a quarter of the country, in the hard-hit north, Conte urged all 60 million Italians to stay
USA Today
Tuesday March 10, 2020
Amid coronavirus outbreak, these airlines will waive flight-change fees
Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, airlines are changing their fee waiver and cancellation policies for trips to China, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan and South Korea.
Today
Thursday March 05, 2020
Coronavirus: Trump adds travel restrictions on Iran, advisories for Italy and South Korea
President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday announced additional travel restrictions involving Iran and increased warnings about travel to Italy and South Korea to combat the coronavirus after the health officials in Washington state announced the first death in the U.S. from the virus. Pence, who's been placed in charge of the administration's response, said the U.S. was "expanding
NBC News
Monday March 02, 2020
Coronavirus Travel: 10 Steps to Follow Before Rethinking Your Plans
As the world watches the Covid-19 coronavirus evolve into what may soon become a pandemic, many travelers have been left wondering what this means for trips they have booked. Whether you're heading to China, Italy, or nowhere near current outbreaks, here's everything you should think through before altering or cancelling your travels plans. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) is
Conde Nast Traveler
Thursday February 27, 2020
How the Coronavirus May Impact Travel to Italy
After months of the disease's rapid spread within China, the new Covid-19 coronavirus is starting to take hold of other regions, causing concern that the outbreak may become a global pandemic. Over the weekend, Italy became the latest hotspot for the virus, along with South Korea and Iran, when cases jumped from three on Friday to over 322 on Tuesday, making Italy's the biggest documented outbreak outside of
Conde Nast Traveler
Wednesday February 26, 2020
Which Cruise Ports are Closed?
Between outright cruise port closures and ports only denying entry to Chinese nationals, it might feel like cruise ships are being bounced around Asia -- and even Caribbean and South Pacific waters -- due to mounting concerns over the spread of coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China. Recently, Italy became the location of the largest outbreak of the virus outside of Asia, with 283 cases reported as of February
CruiseCritic.com
Wednesday February 26, 2020
Coronavirus: Your rights as a traveller
But one thing is for certain: the disease has already become a nightmare for travellers and the tourism industry alike. China, Italy, South Korea and Iran have reported significant numbers of cases and are doing their best to contain the threat. If you have a trip booked to one of those destinations, your rights can depend on your choice of airline and the small print of your insurance policy. But in practice, insurers and airlines
BBC
Tuesday February 25, 2020
The black women travelling to Italy for love
Italy, a country known for its language of love and for its men who publicly shower overtures on women like a centuries-old art form, is often associated with romantic encounters of the kind portrayed in the movies, from Roman Holiday to The Lizzie McGuire Movie. So, some black women ask, why shouldn’t it be the same for them? Latrese Williams is one such traveller. When Williams goes out in Chicago or pretty much
The Independent
Monday February 24, 2020
Central Holidays Presents a World of Unparalleled New Travel Packages and Experiences in its Just-released Collection of 2020 Brochures for Egypt, Africa & West Asia, and Latin America
Moonachie, NJ – (February 19, 2020) – Central Holidays has announced the debut of its 2020 brochures for Egypt, Africa & West Asia, and Latin America that round-out its virtually world-wide range of travel opportunities and add to its recently introduced new Italy and Europe brochures. Celebrated for its affordable
Travel Research Online
Thursday February 20, 2020
A captivating coastal town where memories of Napoleon still linger – an expert guide to Ajaccio
Lucky Napoleon, who was born in Ajaccio in 1769, for his hometown is delightful, framed by low hills and sandy beaches, graced with a picture-perfect harbour, and full of quaint squares and streets dotted with tempting sights, shops and restaurants. Charming and easy-going, it mingles hints of Italy – the Genovese having ruled Corsica for four centuries – with a dash of France and plenty of the island’s own appealing
Telegraph (London)
Tuesday February 18, 2020
Diamond Princess Passengers Cleared to Disembark for Rest of Coronavirus Quarantine Period; U.S. and Several Other Countries to Repatriate Passengers
Seventy more people (the highest single-day total) tested positive for coronavirus onboard Diamond Princess on February 16, which brings the total number to 355 infected passengers. The ship is under a two-week quarantine in Yokohama, but the U.S., Australia, Canada, Italy and Hong Kong embassies have announced passengers are to be repatriated back to their respective countries. The 2,670-passenger ship, which
CruiseCritic.com
Monday February 17, 2020
Made for travel: When tourists demand something to see
When it comes to tourist attractions, some things are made solely for entertainment -- like amusement parks, zip lines, and death-defying skyscrapers with photo-ready viewing platforms. But what happens when a person comes to your city, hoping to visit an attraction that doesn't actually exist, and ready to fork over money for the privilege? Take the case of Verona, Italy as an example. Millions of travelers first
CNN
Friday February 14, 2020
New York's 'real' Little Italy
It’s a dark winter evening on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. Shopkeepers are bringing in tins of olive oil and tomatoes from sidewalk displays and pulling down the metal grates in front of their bakeries and butcher shops. As the surrounding shops darken, the narrow windows of Mario’s restaurant glow, beckoning hungry diners inside where the Blue Grotto of Capri glitters and Mount Vesuvius looms over the Bay of
BBC
Wednesday February 12, 2020
John A. Klados Named VP Of Group Sales At Perillo Tours
WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ (February 5, 2020) – Steve Perillo, president and owner of Perillo Tours, a leader in escorted travel to Italy for 75 years, announced the appointment of John A. Klados as the new vice president of group sales for Perillo Tours. In this new role, Klados will lead the charge in targeting and growing sales
Travel Research Online
Thursday February 06, 2020
U.K. and Russia Report Their First Coronavirus Cases
The U.K. and Russia each reported their first cases of the dangerous coronavirus, and other countries moved to limit air traffic with China as the number of people infected there approached 10,000. Pakistan, a strategic ally of China, said Friday it would ban all commercial air travel to and from mainland China, a day after Italy suspended flights to China, including the territory of Hong Kong. Russia, too, said it would
The Wall Street Journal
Friday January 31, 2020
How To Travel As A Vegan In Italy
People decide to go vegan or plant-based for various reasons, but mainly for the animals, to help stop climate change or to improve or maintain their health. Vegan travel is becoming more and more popular and it’s easier than ever to eat plant-based foods on your next adventure. With more people identifying as being vegan than ever before it’s no wonder vegan tours are on the rise. Intrepid Travel, the
Forbes
Friday January 31, 2020
6,000 passengers held on cruise ship in Italy amid concern over coronavirus
An estimated 6,000 passengers and crew are being held onboard the Costa Smeralda while medical teams run diagnostic tests on a 54-year-old Chinese woman and a traveling companion who have been quarantined, the Italian cruise line confirmed to USA TODAY. The quarantine comes amid concerns about the coronavirus outbreak, which originated in Wuhan, China. The woman and her traveling companion
USA Today
Thursday January 30, 2020
Napa Valley Has Its Own Gondola Tours — and It's the Perfect Way to Celebrate Valentine's Day
Cruising down the canals of Venice on a real gondola is quite possibly one of the most romantic ways to ring in Valentine’s Day. But if you can’t get to Italy by Feb. 14, there’s another Venetian-style way to celebrate your love – and it’s right here in the U.S. DoNapa.com is a one-stop spot for all the things you can do in Napa Valley, California. And one of the most popular and romantic activities currently available is a
Travel+Leisure
Thursday January 30, 2020
Italy’s Secret Ski Resort Is One Of The World’s Best
Ask a skier you know to name the top resorts of Europe, and chances are good you will get responses like Courchevel, Zermatt, Chamonix, Innsbruck, Verbier, Val d’Isere, St. Anton, Kitzbuhel, Lech, Gstaad, St. Moritz and a few other biggies. But chances are equally good that
Forbes
Wednesday January 22, 2020
J.K. Place Has Opened Its First Property Outside Italy
A teal velvet armchair draped with an orange cashmere blanket. Assouline art books on a Chinoiserie tea table. A Classical nude standing on a geometric colorblock carpet. Some might call it overwhelming — but at J.K. Place Paris, a just-opened hotel that infuses Left Bank eccentricity with Italian bella figura, it's entirely intentional. In the lobby, a black marble clawfoot fireplace is
Travel+Leisure
Friday January 10, 2020
Collette Announces Sale to Italy on Air-Inclusive tours!
Pawtucket, RI (January 3, 2020) – Collette, global tour operator, announces a much anticipated sale where guests can save big on air-inclusive tours to Italy! For limited time only, guests will save on a huge range of tours and departures. From 34 eligible air gateways, tour choices include
Travel Research Online
Monday January 06, 2020
Italy creates Europe's first plastic-free ski resort
An Italian ski resort is endeavouring to become the first in Europe to ban plastic after discovering that a nearby glacier contained a significant amount of microplastics
The Guardian
Friday December 27, 2019
'Star Wars' locations that actually exist
A galaxy far, far away is a whole lot closer than you think. These Star Wars filming locations are just a plane ride away -- from Iceland and Italy to Tunisia and Arizona.
CNN
Tuesday December 24, 2019
Here Is A Very Good Reason To Visit Milan In 2020, In Case You Haven’t Yet Planned To
Italy is renowned for its priceless bounty of art and architecture, but with a millenia-spanning cultural legacy, the country’s contributions to the modern and contemporary art scene can sometimes be overlooked. Italy’s creative sectors have long embraced the future (and not to forget as you ogle historic masterpieces— many of the artists who created them, e.g., Da Vinci and Raphael
Forbes
Tuesday December 17, 2019
The Abdication of Pope Celestine V
Pietro da Morrone became Pope of the Catholic Church in 1294. He had become a Benedictine monk at the age of 17 and had adopted an ascetic life, living in a cave on the Mountain of Maiella in south Italy. There, he founded the order later called the Celestines. At the death of Pope Nicholas IV, Morrone was
Travel Research Online
Friday December 13, 2019
Germany and Italy Declare War on The United States
The United States was still reeling from the surprise attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and had formally declared war on Japan. Tens of thousands of young American men rushed to join the armed forces. On December 11th, Germany and Italy responded by declaring war on the United
Travel Research Online
Wednesday December 11, 2019
The Italian village that celebrates ugliness
Tucked in a valley between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea in central Italy, Piobbico is a handsome medieval town full of grand stone buildings surrounded by lush forests. But despite its picture-perfect setting, Piobbico is renowned for the “ugliness” of its people. Since 1879, this 2,000-person town has been home to the Club dei Brutti (“The Ugly Club”), an association whose members
BBC
Wednesday December 11, 2019
Want to travel more in 2020? Here are tips on where and when to go
On its Best in Travel 2020 list, Lonely Planet picked Salzburg, Austria as the number-one city to visit next year, ranking Washington, D.C. second and Cairo, Egypt third. Italy continues its reign as the favorite place to go, according to global luxury travel network Virtuoso, while Croatia heads the list of emerging destinations. Destinations topping Fodor’s list in the United States and Canada are
CNBC
Monday December 09, 2019
Italy Revives Abandoned Villages as Experiential Travel Destinations
As Venice continues to suffer from both climate change and overtourism, and cities like Rome and Florence are overrun with visitors during peak summer months, an alternative concept rooted in Italy’s ancient hill villages is gaining momentum. It’s designed for travelers who want to go beyond the usual stops on the Grand Tour and experience local
Skift
Wednesday November 27, 2019
Paul Gauguin to Triple Fleet Size With Order for 2 New Cruise Ships
Two new ships have been ordered for South Pacific cruise line Paul Gauguin Cruises, which has been operating cruises from Tahiti since 1997 with a single vessel, Paul Gauguin. The new order, which will triple the size of Paul Gauguin's fleet, comes as a result of the line's recent acquisition by French cruise operator Ponant. Ponant has ordered two 230-passenger ships from Italy's Fincantieri
CruiseCritic.com
Thursday November 21, 2019
A local’s guide to Treviso, Italy: 10 top tips
Treviso is a cycling city. We all get around the historic centre on two wheels: it’s a good way to avoid traffic jams, and tourists have to get used to bikes weaving between them in what look like pedestrianised streets. The surrounding region is perfect for both serious 70 to 80km routes – around picturesque hilltop Asolo and the climb up 1,775-metre Monte Grappa – or a lazy ride
The Guardian
Monday November 18, 2019
'We were amazed': Venice tourist recounts flooding inside hotel, resilience of the city
In the aftermath of Venice's historic flooding, tourists are trying to figure out how to salvage their trips to one of Italy's most popular vacation destinations. The city saw its second-highest recorded flood levels – just over 6 feet above sea level – on Tuesday. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said the government plans to declare a state of emergency to help Venice recover. Those visiting Italy are
USA Today
Friday November 15, 2019
The Ski And Wellness Resort In Italy To Get To Before Everyone Else Does
While the world’s top skiers head to Bormio for the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup races (December 28-29 in 2019), a time when this town near the Swiss border turns up in the media spotlight, the resort is a little-known destination for many international schussers, who are more likely to aim their Rossignols and K2s down power pistes in St. Moritz, Courchevel or Cortina d’Ampezzo. Bormio has long
Forbes
Monday November 11, 2019
The ‘Insider’ Mountain Resort In Italy You Might Not Know About But Should
Prominent Italians and Europeans have long considered Madonna di Campiglio a special haven offering great skiing and a stylish village atmosphere where they can go about with relative ease and without paparazzi in hot pursuit. “A lot of VIPs have houses here,” says Alberto Schiavon, a former Olympic snowboarder who with his family owns the Hotel Chalet del Sogno, a five-star luxury property in the
Forbes
Thursday November 07, 2019
Pretty Italian town gives homes away for free
Over the past few years, numerous towns in Italy have resorted to selling homes for just over a dollar in a bid to revitalize their dwindling communities. Zungoli near Naples and Sicily's Sambuca were the most recent Italian destinations to get in on the act, launching schemes promoting dilapidated properties for just over a dollar with the hope of attracting new residents. Now, the Sicilian
CNN
Monday November 04, 2019
Central Holidays Unveils the Ultimate Experiential Opportunities in New 2020 Italy Brochure
Moonachie, NJ – (October 30, 2019) – Central Holidays today announced the launch of its new 2020 Italy brochure with exclusive experiential travel opportunities for all ages of travelers in this 100-page publication. Celebrated for exclusive experiential itineraries, uniquely presented by Central Holidays, the
Travel Research Online
Friday November 01, 2019
7 Helpful Tips I Have for Anyone Else Traveling With Type 1 Diabetes
If you live with a chronic illness, there’s no such thing as taking a vacation from looking after yourself—even when you’re, you know, actually on vacation. I say this as someone who’s been traveling with type 1 diabetes for 21 years (I was diagnosed at age 7), taking incredible trips from Vietnam to Italy to Nicaragua and more. No doubt, being diabetic means you’re going to be traveling with some
Self
Friday October 25, 2019
The Italian region that 'doesn't exist'
Molise, a small region in south-eastern Italy, is famous for one thing: it doesn’t exist. Well, technically, it does exist. As one of Italy’s 20 official regions, Molise has a status equal to Tuscany, Lombardy or Piedmont. It holds regional elections and votes in national ones. It borders the regions of Abruzzo, Puglia, Lazio and Campania, all indisputably real places. So why do Italians like to pretend that Molise doesn’t exist?
BBC
Thursday October 24, 2019
Chocolate-themed cruise to set sail in 2020
Straight out of every chocoholic’s dreams comes a new eight-day Mediterranean cruise dedicated entirely to chocolate. The Eurochocolate Cruise, the product of a collaboration between Italian line Costa Cruises and the Eurochocolate Festival, the world’s largest international event dedicated to all things chocolate, which takes place annually in Perugia, Italy—Umbria’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. The Eurochocolate
Fox Travel News
Thursday October 24, 2019
Windstar Cruises Begins Ambitious Three Ship “Stretching” Renovation Program In Italy
Windstar Cruises has kicked off one of the most ambitious refurbishment programs within cruising to date, beginning the process of “stretching” its three small cruise ships: Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride. The $250 million Star Class Initiative will take the three ships, currently with a passenger capacity of 212, and essentially pull them apart, inserting a section with 50 staterooms for
CruiseCritic.com
Friday October 18, 2019
Black Travel Vibes: Indulge In The Mediterranean Vibes Of Malta
The Mediterranean is home to coastal jewels travelers love to explore like Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Croatia. However, one destination in the region many still tend to sleep on is the beautiful island nation of Malta. From historic sites like the baroque St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Azure Window with its impressive seaside views to island hopping to nearby Gozo for a day of hiking, there is so
Essence
Wednesday October 16, 2019
Porsche drivers stuck after Google Maps error
Unspoilt beaches at the foot of steep cliffs, romantic winding roads, and plenty of mountain wilderness -- Italy's Mediterranean island of Sardinia has it all. But some tourists are finding the combination a little too difficult to take. Authorities in Baunei, in Sardinia's eastern province of Ogliastra, have launched an appeal to visitors, telling them not to rely on Google Maps to get around the area
CNN
Tuesday October 15, 2019
Culinary Travel: The Big Cheese Tariff
Travel offers opportunities to savor foods and wines unique to certain countries and regions directly at their source. For example, who wouldn’t jump at the chance to sip Champagne at its appellation in France? Or, want to nibble on a piece of aged PDO Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy? Of course, for culinary travelers, one thing often leads to another—including
Forbes
Monday October 14, 2019
Typhoon Hagibis affecting Japan travel
As Typhoon Hagibis threatens to wreak havoc in Japan, travelers may find themselves having to change plans at the last minute. Tourists in Japan for the Rugby World Cup have already been affected by the impending storm. Two matches, England-France and New Zealand-Italy, have been preemptively canceled. Although Hagibis was previously classified as a "super typhoon," the JTWC
CNN
Friday October 11, 2019
Black Travel Vibes: Explore Majestic Lakes And Mountains in Italy
The hit book and movie Eat, Pray, Love would have you believe that all there is to Italy is crowded espresso bars, lusty locals and endless plates of pasta and pizza (to go along with your ancient sites, of course), but that’s far from the case. Go beyond the typical tourist spots and you’ll discover a side of Italy very few ever see on their adventures. A few hours north of Rome lies a peaceful
Essence
Friday October 11, 2019
Supernova 1604
On this day in 1604, observers in Northern Italy witnessed a supernova taking place in the Milky Way, in the constellation Ophiuchus. Johannes Kepler, famous astronomer and mathematician, named it after himself. Visible to the unaided observer of the night sky, it was brighter than any star. It was, and still
Travel Research Online
Wednesday October 09, 2019
10 things you didn't know about Milan
Well, it's time to rethink the biggest city in northern Italy. It offers hidden travel wonders, cool new districts and savory dishes. Milan has a style of its own -- it's unique, cosmopolitan, wild. A city where tradition melds with innovation. Locals pride themselves on being the efficient, hard-working class that keeps Italy's economy afloat. They're always in a rush and think anyone living below the Po River that
CNN
Thursday October 03, 2019
Collette Launches Northern Italy and Its Lakes Tour
Pawtucket, RI (September 18, 2019) – Collette, global tour operator, launches their Northern Italy and Its Lakes Featuring Padua and Venice tour. Wander along the winding canals and cruise on mountain-lined lakes as you journey through Northern Italy. Explore Padua, an ancient city of Veneto, and delve into the city’s
Travel Research Online
Wednesday September 25, 2019
The best places to visit in Italy in the fall
Why travel to Italy in the fall? The better question is: "Why not?" While the country's peak summer tourism season is over, insiders know that September through the fall is in fact the best time to travel to Italy. "Italy is gorgeous in September," says Fulvio De Bonis, the founder of Imago Artis Travel, a Rome-based company that sells luxury Italy trips. "The popular spots are still happening without the mad crowds of
CNN
Wednesday September 25, 2019
Mont Blanc glacier could collapse at any moment, Italy warns
Italian authorities have closed roads and ordered the evacuation of huts on the Italian side of Mont Blanc, following warnings that part of a glacier could collapse at any moment. A staggering 250,000 cubic meters (8.8 million cubic feet) of ice could break away from the Planpincieux glacier on the Grandes Jorasses mountain in the Mont Blanc massif, experts at the Valle d'Aosta regional government and the
CNN
Wednesday September 25, 2019
MSC Cruises Releases More MSC Seashore Details at New Ship's Coin Ceremony
MSC Cruises unveiled new details about MSC Seashore -- the first of MSC's two Seaside EVO vessels, scheduled to debut in 2021 -- at a coin ceremony for the ship at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, on September 19. MSC Cruises' Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said, "Today's ceremony marks another key milestone in the
CruiseCritic.com
Tuesday September 24, 2019
Escapes: Is San Francisco's North Beach at low tide?
That headline question is the one Christopher Reynolds poses in his fascinating look at a neighborhood — the only one left in San Francisco, one resident asserts — that once was the Little Italy to end all Little Italys. Is change the only constant? And if so, what’s next? I’m Catharine Hamm, the travel editor for the Los Angeles Times, and what’s next in this newsletter is how you can win a stay at the real-life Downton Abbey; where
LA Times
Friday September 20, 2019
The Discovery of Ötzi the Iceman
On September 19, 1991, two German tourists were hiking through the Otztal Alps on the border between Austria and Italy. In a receding glacier, the couple spotted the body of a man. They contacted authorities who assumed the corpse to be of recent origin. Onlookers touched the body and in some instances actually
Travel Research Online
Thursday September 19, 2019
You Could Get Paid $27,000 to Move to Italy and Start Your Own Business
If you’ve ever dreamt of moving to Europe but thought you couldn’t afford it, now may finally be your time. That’s because the mostly mountainous and partially coastal region of Molise, Italy will actually pay you — handsomely — to move there. The community, located southeast of Rome, is offering potential newcomers €700 (about $772) a month for
Travel+Leisure
Friday September 13, 2019
10 Best Places to Visit in Italy (That Aren’t Venice, Florence, or Rome)
Rich with history, culture, and great food, it’s no wonder that Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. In 2018 alone, 14.5 million American tourists came to enjoy the splendors of this Meditteranean paradise, which boasts more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country. And while many focus their travel plans on cities like
My Modern Met
Wednesday September 11, 2019
The Founding of San Marino
The tiny nation of San Marino, landlocked in its entirety by Italy in the Apennine Mountains, was founded on this day. It has the third highest GDP in the world and boasts the smallest population of any of the members of the Council of Europe. San Marino is the oldest constitutional republic still in
Travel Research Online
Tuesday September 03, 2019
Family awaiting Royal Caribbean cruise 'trapped' in Italy after their hotel room's safe was stolen
Though one member of the Canadian family reportedly stuck in Italy after their passports and wallets were stolen ahead of a Royal Caribbean cruise has acknowledged that the gorgeous country is “definitely not the worst place to be trapped,” the Ontario residents are eager to return home – and track down the crooks who stole their valuables, along with the safe from their hotel
Fox Travel News
Friday August 30, 2019
Unforgettable activities to enjoy on a cruise adventure this winter
Winter is the time to hibernate, right? Wrong. With a Saga cruise, this is the time when when things really heat up – with the Explore Ashore programme offering a smorgasbord of thrilling, expert-picked adventures. Highlights sweep from behind-the-scenes carnival experiences in Italy and spa retreats in Tenerife through to dog-sledding in Norway and jaw-dropping helicopter
Telegraph (London)
Friday August 30, 2019
Venice fines architect $86K for tourist-unfriendly bridge
Venice has spent the last few years trying to curb the overtourism that has plagued it. But now Italy's famed city of canals has taken action against a bridge that isn't capable of handling the tourists they already have. Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava has been fined €78,000 ($86,000) for what the city deemed design flaws on the Constitution Bridge that spans the Grand Canal. The decision was handed down on
CNN
Wednesday August 21, 2019
Perillo Tours Debuts Spain Itinerary In 2020
WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ (August 14, 2019) – Perillo Tours, a leader in escorted travel to Italy for 74 years, expands its 2020 travel portfolio with a new 12-day tour program to Spain. “Spain has so much character from the food to the architecture, to the people,” said Steve Perillo, third generation owner
Travel Research Online
Monday August 19, 2019
Italy on holiday: a day at the beach in the Cilento
Cries of “Cocco bello, cocco fresco” carry intermittently across the beach as a coconut seller slaloms between rows of bronzed Neapolitans outstretched on sunbeds under a collage of coloured umbrellas. I am doing as the locals do in the fishing town of Santa Maria di
The Guardian
Tuesday August 13, 2019
A trattoria with a hidden, ancient underworld
“Finally. I’m happy!” proclaimed Luciano Faggiano, his son Andrea translating the Italian words into English for me. It was two days before the 8 June 2019 opening of Quo Vadis, the trattoria he’s been dreaming about in his hometown of Lecce, in Italy’s south-eastern Puglia
BBC
Thursday August 08, 2019
Rome bans McDonald's from ancient site
McDonald's fast food outlets are ubiquitous sights around the world, but Italy's culture ministry has banned the chain from building yet another restaurant in the capital, Rome. The proposed restaurant would have been built next to the ancient Baths of Caracalla, but plans were rejected. "Already expressed my opposition
CNN
Thursday August 01, 2019
Italy's city that revolutionised pasta
As a sea breeze blew in from the Gulf of Naples, small, gold-coloured dust-devils slowly sprouted along the factory rooftop, spiralling their way east toward Mount Vesuvius with the precision of ballerinas pirouetting across a stage floor. In Gragnano, a town of 29,000 inhabitants located 30km south-east of Naples in Italy’s
BBC
Monday July 29, 2019
These Are The New Places You Should Go In Italy's Puglia
“The way to enter Ostuni is the same way that you go into Alberobello,” said Francesco, my guide through the villages of Puglia as we crept up the stairs and over rooftops in the back of the town. This region in the heel of Italy’s boot has been discovered the last few years by travelers looking for a new rustic region to explore so to escape the tourist shops that now
Forbes
Friday July 26, 2019
The Women Who Travel Trips to Colombia Are a Foodie's Dream Itinerary
To be quite honest, I wasn’t going on the Women Who Travel trip to Colombia for the food. I was going for the sweaty, aguardiente-filled salsa nights in Cartagena, the lazy lake house days in Guatape, and the shopping (and boy did I shop) in Medellin. But what stuck with me were the 18 new friends—from Malaysia, Charleston, Australia, Canada, San Francisco, Italy
Conde Nast Traveler
Wednesday July 24, 2019
Hidden Italy: Insider Luxury Travel with Beyond the Gates
“The castle is a mess.” That sheepish warning came as Alessandro Cavazza de Altamer was driving me to Emilia-Romagna. There, he would be showing me around Tabiano Castle, an imposing medieval structure near Parma. It was originally built in the 10th and 11th centuries. The Corazza family acquired it in the 19th century and restored it in grand Romantic style. Alessandro's
Forbes
Tuesday July 23, 2019
UNESCO names 29 new World Heritage sites for 2019
From the ruins of ancient Babylon in Iraq to the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright to the Prosecco region of northeast Italy, UNESCO's World Heritage Committee added 29 new cultural and natural sites to its World Heritage List at its annual meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan. The United Nations' cultural body meets annually to
CNN
Wednesday July 10, 2019
Zest of Italy: Discover Authentic Italy Through Its Cuisine
Many travelers have come to recognize that culinary travel is a unique way to experience a destination and connect with locals. This has led to an exponential increase in the number of tourists taking cooking classes, making winery tours and market tours; visiting farmers and food producers; participating in foraging experiences
Forbes
Wednesday July 10, 2019
The Sicilian ghost town that refuses to die
Half a century ago, the picturesque Sicilian town of Poggioreale was hit by an earthquake that caused most of its citizens to flee for good, even though many buildings remained standing. What they left behind has become one of Italy's largest ghost towns -- a place frozen at the exact time of the earthquake. In the school, only part destroyed, pupils' scribblings
CNN
Monday July 08, 2019
'James Bond' Is Filming in This Small but Stunning Italian Town This Summer
The 25th installment of the James Bond franchise will spend two months this summer filming in a small town in the south of Italy. Come July and August, the Italian town of Gravina in Puglia will be overrun with film crews, actors, and (we’re assuming) a fleet of Aston Martins. “After recently hosting the latest films of Sergio Rubini, Matteo Garrone and Checco
Travel+Leisure
Monday July 08, 2019
Italy firefighters douse fires on Stromboli after eruptions
A pair of hikers found themselves trapped by flames after a volcano erupted on the Sicilian island of Stromboli and thought they had escaped to safety but only one of the men survived, a Brazilian tourist said Thursday. Thiago Takeuti, 35, told Italian news agency ANSA that after Stromboli volcano's violent eruption Wednesday, he and the friend he was
ABC News
Friday July 05, 2019
Turin city break: the best music, restaurants and culture
Without Turin, Italy would be a totally different country. It was pivotal to the unification in 1861 and served as the first capital, until 1865. Its royal palaces were home to the ruling House of Savoy until the second world war and then its factories – and the influx of migrant workers they attracted – were integral to the economic miracle that rebuilt and transformed the country after it
The Guardian
Wednesday July 03, 2019
This Historic, Greek Island Wants to Pay Young Families to Live and Work There
A lot of people have fantasized about running away to an idyllic island, but very few actually get the opportunity. Until now, that is. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Greek island of Antikythera is looking for new residents to come live on its beautiful and historic shores. Much like the various towns in Italy, Sicily, and Sardinia that have launched special programs to
Travel+Leisure
Tuesday July 02, 2019
Treaty of Versailles
On this day in 1919, the governments of Belgium, Britain, France, Italy, the United States, and all allies on one side and Germany and Austria Hungary on the other signed the Treaty of Versailles in
Travel Research Online
Friday June 28, 2019
High and healthy: an eco-minded break in Italy’s South Tirol
Of all the things I’ve ever wanted to do in life, being naked and trapped inside a haystack has never been one of them. But four hours into my stay in Italy, that’s exactly where I find myself. I’m in South Tirol – a place renowned for its affinity with nature. Bordering Austria and Switzerland, it is a gorgeous sliver of rocky landscape, peppered with lagoons
The Guardian
Wednesday June 26, 2019
Black Travel Vibes: Live La Dolce Vita on Italy's Amalfi Coast
Rome. Milan. Florence. These are just a few of the Italian cities that come to mind when first timers begin planning their summer getaway. As great as these destinations are, there’s only one destination that should be at the top of your list – the Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi Coast is pure vibes. From the shopping and celebrity sightings to the late
Essence
Tuesday June 25, 2019
The Location of the 2026 Winter Olympics Has Been Announced
The 2026 Olympics will be held in Milan. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted in Switzerland on Monday to bring the winter games back to Milan. Italy last hosted the Winter Games in Torino in 2006, and the games have not been held in the capital region since 1956. The competition will be held between Milan, the alpine town of Cortina
Travel+Leisure
Tuesday June 25, 2019
Dancing Mania Breaks Out in Germany
On this day in 1374, a severe outbreak of "dancing mania", also known as "St. John's Dance" or "dancing plague", occurred in Aix-la-Chapelle, Germany. This particular outbreak soon spread across the European continent, as far as Italy, Luxembourg and France. Dancing mania
Travel Research Online
Monday June 24, 2019
Why Sicily's Mount Etna Is A Hot Spot For Wine Production
Between 1786 and 1788 German philosopher Johann Wolfgang Goethe travelled throughout Italy. He then wrote his book titled, in Italian, Viaggio in Italia—or, Italian Journey. After passing through Verona, Venice, Rome and Naples he explored the island of Sicily, and wrote that in order to understand the entire country of Italy, ‘Sicily is the clue to everything.’ Italy
Forbes
Monday June 24, 2019
Peek inside Italy's newest luxury hotel, run by a world-famous chef
Food-loving travelers can now add a new, exclusive oasis to their dream destination list. Situated just outside of Modena, in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, is the luxurious Casa Maria Luigia, a stunning country inn surrounded by picturesque gardens, lovely fountains and art sculptures. But what makes this bed and breakfast so special isn’t just the gorgeous
USA Today
Thursday June 06, 2019
The most beautiful villages in Italy
Fabulous food, amazing art, rich language, dramatic and gorgeous landscapes -- we all know what makes Italy so special. Perhaps best of all are the scenic small towns and villages, where it's possible to enjoy all these while surrounded by picturesque coastline, mountains, valleys, rivers or volcanoes. Here are some of the most idyllic villages where you can
CNN
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Getting fizzy with it: the Italian wine route that sparkles
An Italian region and a sparkling wine, Franciacorta may not be well-known but it is great for vineyard visits and fine places to eat and stay. Put sparkling wine and Italy together and the usual answer is prosecco, but 200km west of the Veneto – the home of prosecco – lies another, little-known, sparkling wine region: Franciacorta. Wine has been made in the area for centuries but
The Guardian
Thursday May 16, 2019
Inside Vista Palazzo: Lake Como's First Urban Five-Star Hotel
Virgil referred to Como as "the greatest lake". The deepest lake in Italy, it had a cameo in a Bond film, has been referenced by Hemingway, and today, the famous faces who linger on Lake Como range from Sir Richard Branson to George and Amal Clooney. Yet despite being a world-class destination since the Roman nobles began building vacation villas overlooking this
Forbes
Tuesday May 14, 2019
Amazing destinations with almost no tourists
Parisian bridges are weighted down with copycat "love locks," while visitors crowd cheek-to-jowl into Barcelona churches and Dubrovnik's historic center. In Italy, attempts to manage the impact of tourism range from segregating visitors to fines for flip-flops. As a glut of anxious headlines document overtourism, it's easy to think that the planet is simply full
CNN
Friday May 10, 2019
36 Hours in Milan
More than three years have passed since Milan hosted the 2015 World Expo, a six-month extravaganza that generated more than 20 million visitors, corruption inquiries and a budget that ballooned to some 2 billion euros (or more). So was it worth it? In addition to improving infrastructure, the city used the event to position itself as the gateway to Italy — a destination
New York Times
Thursday May 09, 2019
Amazing destinations with almost no tourists
Parisian bridges are weighted down with copycat "love locks," while visitors crowd cheek-to-jowl into Barcelona churches and Dubrovnik's historic center. In Italy, attempts to manage the impact of tourism range from segregating visitors to fines for flip-flops. As a glut of anxious headlines document overtourism, it's easy to think that the planet is simply full
CNN
Wednesday May 08, 2019
At least 34 mummies found in hidden Egyptian tomb
Archaeologists from Egypt and Italy have discovered at least 34 mummies in the southern Egyptian city of Aswan. The remains date back to the late Pharaonic and Greco-Roman period, between the 6th century B.C. and the 4th century A.D. Alongside the mummies, the archaeologists found artifacts including pottery, painted funerary masks and wooden
CNN
Friday April 26, 2019
CELESTYAL CRUISES SETS SAIL WEST IN 2020; LAUNCHES NEW ADRIATIC ITINERARIES
Celestyal Cruises, the regional leader for the Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean has announced it is taking its award-wining program west in the fall of 2020 for six departures into the Adriatic visiting seven new destinations in Italy, Montenegro, Croatia and Greece. The new
Travel Research Online
Wednesday April 24, 2019
20 great agriturismos and farm stays in Europe: readers' tips
The agriturismo movement started in Italy but readers have had breaks on working farms from France to Iceland and Croatia to Crete. This country is dotted with amazing organic farm stays but we love Pri Plajerju in the Trenta valley. There’s something pure and timeless about Slovenia and this farm. It has self-catering apartments, but we sleep in the
The Guardian
Friday April 19, 2019
Witchcraft still practiced in Italian village
Piedmont might be famous for its wine, white truffles and lavish castle, but there's far more to this idyllic region of Italy than meets the eyes. Around 80 kilometers southeast of Turin in the High Langhe hills can be found a relatively unknown hamlet with a history -- and present -- steeped in black magic. With a population of just 230, Paroldo is a maze of
CNN
Thursday April 18, 2019
36 Hours in Marseille
No city divides the French like Marseille. For every admirer cooing about the sun-warmed sea, craggy coastlines, fish-rich bouillabaisse and the Mediterranean melting pot (thanks to 20th-century immigration from Greece, Spain, Italy, Corsica, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria), someone else is grousing about corruption, dirty streets and eroding Frenchness. And
New York Times
Thursday April 11, 2019
Buying a $1 Italy dream house just got easier
What's stopping you buying one of those homes that Italy keeps selling for less than the price of an espresso? Maybe it's the fear of buying something sight-unseen, or anxiety over bureaucratic red tape and labyrinthine regulations? Well, you might just have run out of excuses. Two Italian destinations, hoping to revive declining communities by luring new
CNN
Wednesday April 10, 2019
World's most scenic airport landing revealed
Aosta Valley Airport in northern Italy has the 10th most scenic airport landing in the world. Which nine airports does PrivateFly rank even higher in its annual poll for beautiful arrivals?
CNN
Monday March 25, 2019
Here's Why Your Travel Agent Might Be Inviting You To A Party
Chances are when you hear from your travel agent, it might be to see if they can help you with a getaway for your upcoming birthday or to check in after you returned from that vacation trip to Italy they helped you plan to perfection. But that’s changing.
Forbes
Tuesday March 12, 2019
Five Places to Eat in the Dolomites
“The Dolomites have all the greatness of Italy, but transported to the mountains,” says Massimo Bottura, a habitual visitor to his country’s sharp-summited, northern territory in the Alps. The chef of Osteria Francescana in the small north Italian town of Modena, which topped the 2018 World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Mr. Bottura has little
New York Times
Wednesday March 06, 2019
Where to Find the Best Pasta in Rome
Pasta is having a powerful moment. From New York and Singapore to London and Austin, Texas, top kitchens are highlighting freshly milled grains and nifty tools to create beautiful strands and curious shapes that thrill diners. Yet no city can rival Rome for its beloved, soul-satisfying pastas. The city’s history with it goes deep. Pasta is commonly believed to have arrived in Italy
Bloomberg
Thursday February 21, 2019
New Regent Seven Seas Cruise Ship Floats Out During Shipyard Ceremony
Regent Seven Seas Cruises celebrated a major milestone on February 9 when its new ship -- Seven Seas Splendor -- touched the sea for the first time during a float-out ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy. To kick off the ceremony, which occurs once a new ship's exterior construction is complete, a Champagne bottle was smashed against Seven Seas
CruiseCritic.com
Monday February 18, 2019
Venice's Bibione beach is the first in Italy to ban smoking
The Venetian seaside resort of Bibione will be the first Italian beach to go completely smoke-free, in a mission to safeguard the environment from discarded cigarette ends and protect visitors from secondhand smoke. The decision comes after eight years of trials, as part of the Breathe the Sea Air project, which saw an initial smoking ban between the first row of umbrellas
The Guardian
Friday February 15, 2019
10 of the world's most beautiful gardens to visit this spring
There is nothing quite as refreshing as a garden holiday. Here we select some spectacular itineraries at home and abroad. Italy’s capital is best known for its archaeological, architectural and artistic sights, but there is a wealth of grand gardens in the region surrounding it. Expressions Holidays traces the historic development of these, beginning in Orvieto and Frascati
Telegraph (London)
Wednesday February 13, 2019
Explore France's Loire Valley in the Footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci
Most think of Leonardo da Vinci as being geographically tied to Italy, and for good reason. The visionary artist and scientist spent the majority of his life there. He was born in Vinci, Italy, in 1452. When he was about 15 years old, Leonardo began an apprenticeship with painter, sculptor and goldsmith Andrea del Verrochio in Florence, and joined the city's painters' guild. He
Smithsonian
Tuesday February 12, 2019
Viking Ocean Cruises Takes Delivery of Sixth Ship
The sixth ship in Viking Ocean Cruises' fleet, Viking Jupiter, was officially delivered to the line today at the Fincantieri shipyard in Alcona, Italy. Like its nearly identical fleetmates, the 930-passenger ship will operate destination-intensive cruises and include several perks in its fare. Viking Jupiter will sail a mix of Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries during its
CruiseCritic.com
Monday February 11, 2019
The Chef Behind the World's Best Restaurant Is Opening an Inn in Italy This Spring
World-class Osteria Francescana chef, restaurateur, Chef’s Table star: Massimo Bottura has plenty of accolades under his belt, and he’s about to add another—innkeeper. This spring, Bottura and his wife, Lara Gilmore, will open a 12-room inn in Emilia-Romagna, near Modena, reports The Wall Street Journal. This is the first time Bottura has delved into the hotel realm, a
Travel+Leisure
Thursday February 07, 2019
Italy's practically perfect food
It’s like a culinary riddle: what is a food made of only three ingredients where the main processing is done by invisible workers; which can be eaten as an appetizer, condiment or dessert; and which is prescribed by doctors to cure ailments? Need a hint? It’s also a dairy product… that can be eaten by the lactose-intolerant. The answer: Parmigiano-Reggiano
BBC
Monday January 28, 2019
Pretty Italian town sells homes for $1
Looking for a dose of instant sunshine to help you through the winter? This latest deal out of Italy could be just the warm jolt of vitamin D you need. As of right now, you can buy a house on southern Italy's beautiful island of Sicily for less than the cost of an espresso. Sambuca, a hilltop town with views over the Mediterranean island and nearby beaches, has placed dozens of
CNN
Thursday January 17, 2019
The Most Googled Travel Destinations of 2018
We've called out tons of emerging destinations and hot travel trends over the course of 2018 (hello, electric scooters). But which places were the Googling masses obsessed with this year? Always quick with an answer, Google gave us a list of its top trending "Trip to..." searches ("Trip to Italy", "Trip to France," etc.) from the past 12 months, and the
Conde Nast Traveler
Thursday December 13, 2018
The Abdication of Pope Celestine V
Pietro da Morrone became pope of the Catholic Church in 1294. He had become a Benedictine monk a the age of 17, and had adopted an ascetic life, living in a cave on the Mountain of Maiella in south Italy. There, he founded the order later called the Celestines
Travel Research Online
Thursday December 13, 2018
Germany and Italy Declare War on The United States
The United States was still reeling from the surprise attack by the Japanese on Pear Harbor on December 7, 1941 and had formally declared war on Japan. Tens of thousands of young American men rushed to join the armed forces. On December 11th, Germany and Italy responded
Travel Research Online
Tuesday December 11, 2018
Vacations in Italy: Cooking Under the Tuscan Sun
We are on the terrace of Hotel La Costa in the 13th century hilltop village of Montefollonico, situated about 100 kilometres south of of Florence. George, along with his wife Linda and their daughter Whitney, are our wonderful hosts of Cook in Tuscany, a week of gourmet cooking classes run by local women, fine dining and excursions. We step inside
Vancouver Sun
Tuesday December 04, 2018
Value-Packed Europe City Stay Deals Unveiled by Central Holidays
Moonachie, NJ – (November 28, 2018) – Central Holidays is now offering stupendous savings for travel to some of the most remarkable destinations of Europe. When traveling this November through mid-March 2019, travelers can visit an array of enticing cities in Italy, Spain, France and Malta at amazing prices.
Travel Research Online
Thursday November 29, 2018
Leaning Tower of Pisa is Straightening -- But You Still Have Thousands of Years to Take Pictures
Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa is leaning a little less these days. But, a story from CBS reports, you still have thousands of years to catch the famed attraction before it no longer leans. The news network said engineers have labored for a couple of decades to stop the Tuscan bell tower from possibly toppling over. Those efforts have been successful
NOLA.com
Monday November 26, 2018
Finding Serenity—and Forest-Grown Truffles—in the Mountains of Abruzzo, Italy
Ask anyone and they’ll tell you driving in Italy is a nightmare. When I explained to U.S. friends and distant Italian relatives that my girlfriend and I were planning an Italian road trip, both parties were quick to respond with sensationalized warnings about narrow, curving roads, hot-headed speeders, and single lane passing. But it’s not
Vogue
Monday November 26, 2018
Central Holidays Unveils Innovative New 2019 Italy Brochure
Central Holidays unveiled its new 2019 Italy brochure with innovative travel opportunities for all ages of travelers in this new 92-page publication that showcases the company’s most comprehensive range of travel programs ever. Central Holidays is pleased to present even more exciting places to explore, more exclusive experiences to enjoy, and more travel
Travel Research Online
Thursday November 08, 2018
Travel Guide Ranks Catskills the World's Second-Best Destination for 2019
A travel guide named the Catskills the second-best region to visit in the world. Lonely Planet included the region as part of its annual Best in Travel guide for 2019, ranking it just below Piedmont, Italy. The Catskills was the only region on the list in the United States. “We’re just really excited and honored and couldn’t agree more,
Times Herald-Record
Tuesday November 06, 2018
9 Destinations Everyone Will Be Visiting in 2019
Winter is officially here. The days are shorter, temperature is colder and summer seems a both a long time ago and a long way away, which leaves us thinking about one thing: where to go on holiday this year? Over the past 12 months, places like southern Italy
Bazaar
Monday November 05, 2018
In Venice's War on Mega-Ships, Cruise Lines Fire Back
The population of Italy's Renaissance canal city of Venice has been on a steady decline for years. At the same time, the number of tourists keeps rising and many Venetians complain their city should not be turned into what some critics describe as a "Disneyland on water." Their biggest complaint is about the arrival of gigantic cruise ships that dock right at Saint Mark's Square. Big ships present a dilemma for the city and its economy.
Voice of America
Wednesday October 31, 2018
Supernova 1604
On this day in 1604, observers in Northern Italy witnessed a supernova which occurred in the Milky Way, in the constellation Ophiuchus. Johannes Kepler, the famous astronomer and mathematician, named it after himself. Visible to the unaided observer of the night sky, it
Travel Research Online
Tuesday October 09, 2018
Photo Tour: The Legendary Villa d'Este on Italy's Lake Como
Like a fairy tale scene, the legendary Villa d’Este in Cernobbio, Italy, has commanded attention since it was transformed into a hotel in 1873 along the shores of Lake Como. It has hosted celebrities aplenty and diplomatic functions with great aplomb. Its loyal clientele of well-heeled travelers make the journey to this idyllic lakefront
USA Today
Friday October 05, 2018
The 52 Places Traveler: Two Versions of the Slow Life in Central and Southern Italy
“You know the word decumano?” asked Armando Comi, a friend of a friend I had just met at a small bistro near his apartment in Bologna’s medieval city center. In an ancient Roman city like this one, he explained as we downed Campari and sodas, a decumano (Decumanus Maximus in Latin) was the most important street, where all business took place. In the daytime, at least.
New York Times
Tuesday October 02, 2018
The discovery of Ötzi the Iceman
On September 19, 1991, two German tourists were hiking through the Otztal Alps on the border between Austria and Italy. In a receding glacier, the couple spotted the body of a man...
Travel Research Online
Wednesday September 19, 2018
Italy Is Offering a Massive Tax Break to Retirees Who Move to Sicily, Sardinia or Calabria
The project aims to repopulate rapidly declining regions. If you’d prefer to put your IRA toward limoncello and a charming Italian casa di campagna rather than taxes, you might be in luck
Time
Thursday September 13, 2018
Ryanair cabin crew from five countries to hold one-day strike
Ryanair cabin crew from five countries will hold a coordinated one-day strike on 28 September. Unions from Spain, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands and Belgium have confirmed the 24-hour stoppage will go ahead after months...
The Independent
Thursday September 13, 2018
Italy's Hottest New Destination? Yes, Milan
THERE’S A HOT NEW destination—a cultural, culinary and style center—trending in northern Italy. It’s called Milan and it’s been hiding in plain sight for decades beneath its reputation as “Italy’s industrial capital” with countless references to its factories belching gray smoke over gray buildings in gray weather. Though social media has paraded the city’s charms during Milan Fashion Week
The Wall Street Journal
Wednesday September 12, 2018
Italy's Florence Bans Eating In the Street
Italy might be the home of al fresco dining, but in the tourist mecca of Florence street-snacking has become such a problem that local authorities have introduced fines of up to €500 ($581) to combat it. The city ordinance, which came into effect on September 4, bans people from pausing in the historic center to eat food on sidewalks, roadways and on the doorsteps of shops and houses.
CNN
Thursday September 06, 2018
Central Holidays Introduces Amazing Winter Travel Deals
Moonachie, NJ – (August 27, 2018) – Central Holidays is pleased to introduce amazing Europe winter travel deals to splendid destinations throughout Italy, Spain, France, Malta, and Greece – unbelievably priced from just $349 per person. The travel brand’s product development team of destination specialists has negotiated remarkable preferred pricing and is leveraging its strong buying power to present these exclusive travel deals, chock-full of value-added perks, bonus sightseeing, and one-of-a kind experiences – all at unparalleled package prices.
Travel Research Online
Wednesday August 29, 2018
Lavazza Has Opened a Coffee Museum in Italy
If Italy's deep-rooted café culture and exquisite, inky espresso weren't enough reason to visit, here's one more: a museum dedicated to all things coffee has opened in Turin. The Lavazza Museum, opened this summer, is the latest venture from this veteran Italian company — founded in 1895 by a mustachioed grocer named Luigi, and now the market leader in Italy and
Travel+Leisure
Tuesday August 28, 2018
High Heaven: Hiking Italy's Cottian Alps
The first day of my hiking trip in the Valle Maira in Piedmont, north-west Italy, begins with a hot, lung-bursting, heart-pounding three-hour slog up a steep path. I should have expected as much. The tour operator classes its new circuit in this Alpine wonderland as “Grade 3: Challenging” – and my one-day training hike along the Devon coast hadn’t prepared me.
The Guardian
Tuesday August 21, 2018
Visit Rome, Florence, and Venice by High-Speed Train for Less Than $40
One of our favorite train deals is back, and it's even better than last year. One-way rides on direct, high-speed trains between Rome and Florence, and Venice and Florence are as low as $11.71, thanks to a partnership between search platform GoEuro and Italy's Italo train service. That's more than 50 percent off the usual price, and means you could hit up all three cities for less than $40 round-trip.
Conde Nast Traveler
Monday August 20, 2018
Ghost Towns of Tuscany: Scenic Splendor Frozen in Time
It’s easy to miss the ancient Tuscan town of Sommocolonia, Italy. Perched on the spine of a high ridge amid a wild expanse of canyons, ravines and chestnut forests 38 miles north of Pisa, there are no restaurants, inns or cafes there. Nor are there any banks, grocery stores, pharmacies or things that really make a town a town. The stone settlement isn’t included on most local
USA Today
Friday August 17, 2018
The Best Palazzo Hotels in Italy
Hundred of years ago, Italy's palazzos were home to members of the Italian nobility; today, more and more of these impressive palatial buildings have been transformed into romantic hotels that certainly make for an atmospheric place to bed down. Many have preserved original features and decorations – think precious antiques, detailed ceiling frescoes, decorative
Telegraph (London)
Thursday August 16, 2018
The 10 Best Tours Around the World, According to Actual Travelers
TripAdvisor recently announced the winners of its Travelers' Choice Awards for Experiences. Using an algorithm that took into consideration the reviews and popularity of the activities on its site, TripAdvisor compiled a list of the top travel experiences around the world. From climbing a bridge in Australia to learning how to cook in Italy, TripAdvisor's top-rated activities cover a diverse array of
Insider
Wednesday July 25, 2018
PERILLO TOURS’ NEW 2019 ITINERARIES SPOTLIGHT CUISINE AND SOUTHERN ITALY
Perillo Tours, a leader in escorted travel to Italy for more than 70 years, debuts its 2019 itineraries with two new tour programs designed specifically for food lovers and for travelers looking to explore southern Italy. To celebrate, Perillo Tours is offering an “Early Bird Special.” Guests who book any of the 2019 Italy escorted tours and make a deposit by October 1, 2018 will save $200 per couple when
Travel Research Online
Wednesday July 25, 2018
A Surprising Hotel Brand Luxury Travelers Need To Know
Dukes Hotel in London is arguably the most famous place to have a martini in the entire world. It’s the very spot where James Bond creator Ian Fleming drank his while ruminating on famed character 007’s penchant for the drink. It’s where white-tuxedoed staff roll a cart filled with gins and vermouths (and organic lemons imported especially from Italy) right to your chair in the stately library style
Forbes
Tuesday July 24, 2018
Virgin Has Revealed the Name of Its First Cruise Ship
Virgin Voyages unveiled the long-awaited name of its first ship today - “Scarlet Lady” - at its shipyard in Genoa, Italy. Founder Sir Richard Branson and president and CEO Tom McAlpin revealed further details about the cruise line’s debut ship, including a ban on single-use plastics on board, renderings and animations of nine new public spaces and the plans for its wellbeing programme, “Vitamin Sea”.
Telegraph (London)
Friday July 20, 2018
This High-Tech Planetarium Is on a New Cruise Ship
Viking Orion, the newest Viking Ocean Cruise ship, made its debut in Italy on June 14, revealing a unique high-tech feature: a planetarium at sea. The ship is named after the constellation Orion (the hunter) and NASA's Orion spacecraft, the first crewed capsule designed to carry astronauts beyond low Earth orbit. The ship's name also honors retired NASA astronaut Anna Fisher, who is the
Space.com
Tuesday July 17, 2018
The Best Airbnbs for Stargazing
Don't worry, you won't have to pack your telescope for this adventure. Home-sharing platform Airbnb—which saw 50,000 people from all over the world book with it during the solar eclipse last year—has you covered, with spectacular domes, glass homes, forest lookouts, outdoor bedrooms, and bubbles ideal for staring up at the heavens. From Chile to Italy to the U.S.'s West Coast, these
Conde Nast Traveler
Monday July 16, 2018
13 Beautiful Lakeside Hotels Around the World
When hot weather hits, travelers tend to have beaches on their brain. And while taking a refreshing dip in the ocean may be top of mind, there’s something special about a lake vacation. With opportunities for kayaking, canoeing and lounging, lakes also make for great playgrounds in the summertime. So before you start searching for sandy stretches around the world, take a look at our list of gorgeous lakeside hotels, from Idaho to Italy. Some are bright blue oases tucked beneath towering peaks,
USA Today
Wednesday July 11, 2018
Inside MSC Cruises' New MSC Seaview, One of the World's Largest Cruise Ships
Thinking about a voyage with MSC Cruises? Our latest Cruise Ship Tour, in the carousel above, offers a deck-by-deck look at the fast-growing line's just-unveiled MSC Seaview — one of the largest new cruise vessels of the year. Christened last month in Genoa, Italy, Seaview measures about 154,000 tons, making it the 16th largest cruise ship in the world. It holds 4,134
USA Today
Wednesday July 11, 2018
Eight Hidden Italian Islands Where You Can Escape the Crowds
With more than 450 islands, Italy is home to some incredible beaches and coastlines, many with fascinating ancient history — but the secret’s out for many of them. For a quieter, more authentic experience, head to these eight Italian islands before the crowds do. Gelato, ocean vistas, and seclusion await.
USA Today
Friday July 06, 2018
Seabourn Cruise Line to Get Into Expedition Cruising with Two New Ships
Add Seabourn to the list of cruise lines getting into expedition-style cruising. The Seattle-based luxury cruise operator on Monday signed a letter of intent with a shipyard in Italy for the construction of its first two expedition vessels. Scheduled to debut in June 2021 and May 2022, respectively, the as-yet-unnamed ships will offer all-suite luxury accommodations and carry
USA Today
Tuesday July 03, 2018
Treaty of Versailles
On this day in 1919, the governments of Belgium, Britain, France, Italy, the United States, and all allies on one side and Germany and Austria Hungary on the other signed the Treaty of Versailles in Paris, formally ending World War I. The terrible war lasted 37 days short of 5 years.
Travel Research Online
Thursday June 28, 2018
First look: Inside Viking Cruises' newest ocean ship, Viking Orion
Thinking about an ocean voyage with Viking Cruises? Our latest Cruise Ship Tour, in the carousel above, offers a deck-by-deck look at the line's newest ocean-going vessel, the 930-passenger Viking Orion. Unveiled earlier this month in Italy, Orion is the fifth ship for Viking's fast-growing ocean cruising division, which just debuted in 2015. Founded more than two decades ago as
USA Today
Tuesday June 26, 2018
Viking Ocean Cruises: What's Its Recipe For Success?
Over the last six years, Viking has made a big splash on Europe’s rivers launching more than 40 riverboats. On the heels of that robust success, the cruise line is also making waves on the ocean. Earlier this month at a naming ceremony in Livorno, Italy, Viking accepted delivery of its fifth sea-going vessel, Viking Orion
Forbes
Wednesday June 20, 2018
MSC Offers European-style in the Caribbean
MSC Cruises recently took delivery of the sister-ship to its trendsetting MSC Seaside. Known as MSC Seaview, the 4,132-passenger ship is the largest cruise ship ever built in Italy. Like MSC Seaside, the massive MSC Seaview is loaded with onboard features that include 10 restaurants and 20 bars and lounges.
Vancouver Sun
Wednesday June 13, 2018
MSC Offers European-style in the Caribbean
MSC Cruises recently took delivery of the sister-ship to its trendsetting MSC Seaside. Known as MSC Seaview, the 4,132-passenger ship is the largest cruise ship ever built in Italy. Like MSC Seaside, the massive MSC Seaview is loaded with onboard features that include 10 restaurants and 20 bars and lounges. There are also five waterslides onboard; a bowling alley; a Formula One racing simulator; a 4D cinema; a kids splash park; a pair of ziplines; and an outdoor movie screen.
Vancouver Sun
Friday June 08, 2018
Leros: The Greek Island With Just a Touch of Italy
This Dodecanese gem has 20th-century Italian influences as well as the classic repertoire of secret beaches and laid-back tavernas. ‘It is an unusual island,” said my friend Yannis, slightly self-consciously. “We are a bit different from our neighbours.”
The Guardian
Friday June 08, 2018
Central Holidays Unveils Novel New “Top Ten Destinations” Publication for Agents and Guarantees Departures on Featured Italy and Israel Escorted Tours
Central Holidays today unveiled its new “Top Ten Destinations” brochure, featuring vacations exclusively offered by the travel brand to its most highly requested destinations and guaranteed departures on the company’s most popular signature Italy and Israel Escorted Tours. Known for its specialized destination expertise and affordable-luxury line-up of diverse travel programs, Central Holidays is making it easy for agents to find the best program for their clients via this novel publication that showcases the top destinations and programs that travelers are booking this year.
Travel Research Online
Friday June 08, 2018
How to Get a Vegan Food Tour in India, Italy, and Thailand
An adventure travel agent is bringing veganism to the forefront with curated eight-day long trips. Veganism is growing at a substantial rate, and Intrepid Travel has taken note. Three new tours to India, Italy, and Thailand will soon share the world’s hidden vegan gems with foodie explorers.
Lonely Planet
Wednesday June 06, 2018
Secret Europe: The 10 Least-visited European Countries
Leave the massive crowds of tourists behind in France or Italy, and make your next trip to one of the least-visited European countries. To compile this list of least-visited European countries, I used data from the annual UNTWO Tourism report, which tracks international tourist arrivals. Note that the organization does not have data on record for certain countries (including Belarus and Slovakia), so those nations were not taken into consideration for this story.
USA Today
Monday June 04, 2018
Secret Europe: The 10 least-visited European countries
Leave the massive crowds of tourists behind in France or Italy, and make your next trip to one of the least-visited European countries. To compile this list of least-visited European countries, I used data from the annual UNTWO Tourism report, which tracks international tourist arrivals. Note that the organization does not have data on record for certain countries (including Belarus and Slovakia), so those nations were not taken into consideration for this story.
USA Today
Thursday May 31, 2018
Virgin Voyages: Sneak A Fun Peek At Richard Branson's New Cruise Line
In a lively recent reveal, Richard Branson's new Virgin Voyages sumptuously showcased drawings of its first of three contracted cruise ships, yet unnamed, presently being built by Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa, Italy. With a 2020 launch date, this adults-only, luxury vessel will inaugurate its coming-out-party season in Miami, sailing seven-day itineraries to the Caribbean.
Forbes
Tuesday May 29, 2018
21 Places in Italy You Never Thought to Visit
Planning an Italian holiday in 2018 but want to escape the tourist hordes? Then head instead to one of these lesser-known gems: Marina de Pisciotta, Campania; Bergamo, Lombardy; Montefalco, Umbria; etc.
Telegraph (London)
Friday May 11, 2018
Italian Hotels: 20 of Italy's Loveliest
There are many reasons to visit Italy, whether it’s famous museums and ancient ruins in Rome, splendid architecture and world-renowned art galleries in Venice and Florence, or picturesque resort towns on the coast. But after a day of sightseeing, where should you spend the night?
USA Today
Thursday May 03, 2018
Celebrate! 9 European Festivals Worth Traveling For
From Spain to Macedonia, celebrating food, flowers, seasons and traditions. Jasmine in France, truffles in Italy, medieval pageantry in Germany: Beyond Europe’s well-known music and literature festivals, there’s a panoply of celebrations, ranging from the mainstream to the decidedly quirky. Our writers share some of their favorites.
New York Times
Monday April 30, 2018
Italy's Islands of Mermaids
In ancient times, sailors once lashed themselves to their masts to avoid being lured to death by seductive mermaids known as sirens. Today, on the sun-kissed western shores of Italy, mermaids are once again stirring up trouble as two rival destinations battle it out to lure tourists with claims of being home to the mythological fishy creatures.
CNN
Monday April 30, 2018
These Are the Best Alpine Resorts for Late-Season Skiing
After several disappointing ski seasons, 2018 was the year the snow finally returned to the Alps. All across France, Austria, Switzerland and Italy, holidaymakers were greeted by tantalising white pistes from January onwards, with some of the best conditions of the last five years.
The Independent
Friday April 20, 2018
10 Unique, Legendary Places to Visit in Florence, Italy
The city of Florence, Italy has more than its fair share of historical sites to see, from the spectacular Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral topped with Brunelleschi's magnificent dome to the treasures of the Uffizi and Accademia museums to the ancient Ponte Vecchio bridge.
NOLA.com
Thursday April 19, 2018
10 Best Tours of Italy for 2018
Italy is a country that can easily be explored on your own. So why take an escorted tour? First, there's the reduction in stress and hassle: it's a well-known fact that driving and parking in Italian cities can be challenging. Second, the sheer amount of culture on offer
Telegraph (London)
Tuesday April 10, 2018
Florence Renaissance: How to Experience the Historic City Now
Florence, Italy is having something of a renaissance right now. With the opening of Gucci Garden, and jewelry designers such as Temple St. Clair opting to set up shop in historic locations like the Ponte Vecchio, there’s never been a better time to visit.
Vogue
Thursday April 05, 2018
Italy's Robot Concierge a Novelty on the Way to Better AI
Robby Pepper can answer questions in Italian, English and German. Billed as Italy’s first robot concierge, the humanoid will be deployed all season at a hotel on the popular Lake Garda to help relieve the desk staff of simple, repetitive questions.
Vancouver Sun
Monday April 02, 2018
New Luxury Cruise Ship One Step Closer to Launching
Luxury cruise line Seabourn's newest ship, Seabourn Ovation, has completed its final round of sea trials in the Mediterranean, off the coast of Italy -- a milestone that brings it one step closer to its debut in late April 2018.
CruiseCritic.com
Thursday March 22, 2018
Your Complete Guide to Rome's Art
Our top recommendations for the best art and architecture in Rome, Italy, with pictures and travel tips. Find fun things to do, best places to visit, unusual things to do, and more for couples, adults, and kids.
Conde Nast Traveler
Wednesday March 14, 2018
Looking For a Room for the Night? Europe's Convents Offer Tranquility - and treats
Around Europe, particularly in Spain and Italy, convents provide tranquil and often economical sleeping quarters. They can also be a way to tap into a deeply ingrained cultural heritage.
Miami Herald
Monday March 12, 2018
Cycle, Eat and Cook on Bicycle Tours of Italy with 'Top Chef' Contestants
Tour places where tortellini, prosciutto di Parma, balsamic vinegar, and Parmigiano-Reggiano are made
LA Times
Wednesday February 28, 2018
From Peppers to Pork Pies, the Most Interesting Food Festivals of the Year
Events include a chocolate festival in Italy, a pepper celebration in France and a chef showcase in the Caribbean
New York Times
Wednesday February 21, 2018
Central Holidays Guarantees Departures on Italy Escorted Tours, Plus Agents Receive a $100 Amex Gift Card Per Person Booked and Travelers Receive 5% Additional Savings
Central Holidays is pleased to offer travelers guaranteed departures through May 2018 for their Italy Motorcoach Tour programs – giving travel agents the assurance that they can carry out their clients’ dream vacation with no worries of cancellation
Travel Research Online
Wednesday February 21, 2018
Air Italy: Sardinia's Meridiana Aims to Become Italy's New National Airline
The new Air Italy, which is part-owned by Qatar Airways, aims to replace Alitalia, the bankrupt flag carrier that is in the process of being auctioned off in parts to other European airlines
The Local Italy
Tuesday February 20, 2018
How to Tackle the Most Beautiful Cycling Route in Italy
A target gives purpose to a bike ride, and the news that the pilgrimage route to Rome has been resurrected as a cycling trail is an invitation to saddle up
Telegraph (London)
Tuesday February 13, 2018
50 Secret Things to Do in Italy
For our Italy issue, we asked the most knowledgeable people we could think of about their favorite places all over the country: where they found the best cacio e pepe, spent quiet afternoons in 14th-century hamlets, and bought beautifully tailored shirts
Conde Nast Traveler
Wednesday February 07, 2018
Collette Announces Incredible Savings On Tours To Italy
Collette, global tour operator, is pleased to announce a week long flash sale on air-inclusive tours to Italy! Beginning today, February 5, 2018 through February 12, 2018, air inclusive tours start at just $1,598* per person
Travel Research Online
Tuesday February 06, 2018
It's got Ancient Greek Ruins, Spicy Food and an Active Volcano. It's Extreme Italy.
The island of Sicily, a little smaller than Massachusetts, is home to some of Europe's most important ancient Greek sites, the most active volcano in Europe, and some of Italy's most intriguing architecture and tastiest food
Miami Herald
Friday January 26, 2018
10 Reasons To See Italy's New Hot Destination
The central Italian region of Abruzzo, a world away from modern Italy, is on the verge of an international tourism boom
CNN
Monday January 15, 2018
The Abdication of Pope Celestine V
Pietro da Morrone became pope of the Catholic Church in 1294. He had become a Benedictine monk a the age of 17, and had adopted an ascetic life, living in a cave on the Mountain of Maiella in south Italy
Travel Research Online
Wednesday December 13, 2017
Budget Airline easyJet Announces Three New Routes from Belfast
The Isle of Man, Naples in Italy and Valencia in Spain will be served by easyJet from Belfast International , the budget carrier announced
BelfastLive
Tuesday December 12, 2017
Germany and Italy Declare War on The United States
The United States was still reeling from the surprise attack by the Japanese on Pear Harbor on December 7, 1941 and had formally declared war on Japan
Travel Research Online
Monday December 11, 2017
Dream Trip for Car Lovers: Ferrari, Maserati and more in Modena, Italy
Northern Italy's Emilia Romagna region is known to car enthusiasts as Motor Valley, home to Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini and more
USA Today
Wednesday December 06, 2017
Beyond Mykonos: 6 LGBT-Friendly Destinations for Your Next Holiday
From Uruguay to Italy, a set of beachy destinations that could very well overtake Mykonos as the leading gay destination
Vogue
Friday December 01, 2017
8 Cozy Ski Hotels in the Alps
while the U.S. and Canada have their fair share of divine ski-centric properties, there’s something magical about a snowy adventure in the Alps. From France to Italy to Switzerland, take a look at these eight ultra-cozy ski hotels
USA Today
Thursday November 30, 2017
Take the Road Less Traveled with these European Gems
While most people flock to Europe in the summer, winter has its own charms — especially if you avoid the most popular destinations like France and Italy. Often overlooked, these three European destinations prove they are just as alluring as their next-door neighbor
USA Today
Tuesday November 21, 2017
6 of the Most Romantic Towns in Northern Italy's Lakes Region
While they remain largely unknown to many, the trail of towns skirting northern Italy's lakes have become a haven for true romantics thanks to their enchanting, cinematic settings
CNN
Friday October 27, 2017
New Celebrity Cruises Ship to Spend First Summer in Mediterranean
Celebrity on Tuesday revealed that the 2,900-passenger Celebrity Edge would operate voyages out of Barcelona, Spain and Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome) in 2019 from the middle of May through September
USA Today
Friday October 20, 2017
Skipping Turkey at Home for Thanksgiving? Consider a Hotel Stay Overseas
Hotels from Italy to Argentina to Iceland are offering savings over the long Thanksgiving weekend
New York Times
Tuesday October 17, 2017
It’s About Time you Visited the Least Visited Country in Europe
With only 60,000 visitors last year, San Marino became Europe’s least-visited country in 2016. While it’s certainly no under-the-radar destination, the microstate, which is landlocked by Italy and lies just a short distance from the Adriatic Coast, holds a lot of historical, cultural, and eye-candy appeal
Escape
Monday October 16, 2017
Where to Stay (and What to Eat) in Matera, Italy
Entrepreneurs have returned home after stints in Rome and Milan and given new life to the city, which will be 2019’s European Capital of Culture. Thankfully, they’ve allowed the place to speak for itself — opening elegant hotels with vaulted cave rooms and restaurants that offer refined takes on local classics
New York Times
Wednesday October 11, 2017
Supernova 1604
On this day in 1604, observers in Northern Italy witnessed a supernova which occurred in the Milky Way, in the constellation Ophiuchus
Travel Research Online
Monday October 09, 2017
Ancestry.com Teams Up with Tour Company to help you Discover your Roots
Go Ahead Tours and Ancestry.com have partnered to offer unique tours that delve into participants’ personal histories. The new portfolio of heritage trips offers 2018 itineraries to Ireland, Italy, and Germany. New tours and destinations will be announced in early 2018, with departures in 2019
The Boston Globe
Friday October 06, 2017
Viking Takes Delivery of their 4th Ocean Cruise Ship
Viking Sun’s maiden voyage will set sail from Venice, Italy on October 4, making her way through the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. In early November, Viking Sun will cross the Atlantic to sail fall itineraries
Cruise Fever
Tuesday September 26, 2017
The discovery of Ötzi the Iceman
On September 19, 1991, two German tourists were hiking through the Otztal Alps on the border between Austria and Italy. In a receding glacier, the couple spotted the body of a man
Travel Research Online
Tuesday September 19, 2017
Northern Italy Walking Tour Takes You Through The Lakes District
Immerse yourself in the color and culture of the area on a weeklong, self-guided trip from Lake Maggiore to Lake Orta. The area, which offers lakes, islands, mountains and stunning views, brings the flavor of the Alps to walkers of modest abilities
LA Times
Monday September 18, 2017
36 Hours in Perugia, Italy
One of Italy’s most underrated destinations is filled with remnants of an ancient past, complemented by a host of new bars, cafes and boutiques
New York Times
Thursday September 14, 2017
Where to Go in Italy's Small, Dying Towns
Staying a night or two (or longer) in an ancient, largely depopulated but glorious Italian hill town is not for everyone, but for those who like the idea of passing a couple of quiet days walking, reading, eating (really well) and drinking in the sublime surroundings, it can be bliss
New York Times
Friday September 08, 2017
Among the Masters at the Ferrari and Lamborghini Museums
The designs are dazzling at three automobile museums in Italy. And then you get to drive
New York Times
Wednesday September 06, 2017
The German City that Looks Like it Belongs in Italy
Germany’s third biggest conurbation and a blur of 1.5 million people it may be – but Munich is also an antithesis of the country’s stereotypical image as a slab of bratwurst, bracing winters, and a festival – running this year between September 16 and October 3 – dedicated to the drinking of beer
Telegraph (London)
Friday September 01, 2017
36 Hours in Trieste, Italy
A distinctive Adriatic experience awaits in this Old World city, with its broad, breezy plazas, coffeehouses and cozy seafood restaurants
New York Times
Tuesday August 29, 2017
Five Places to Learn to Make Gelato in Italy
What’s more pleasurable on a vacation to Italy than enjoying a scoop or two of gelato? There may only be one answer, and that’s savoring the gelato you made yourself
New York Times
Friday August 25, 2017
Couple Turned Away from Italian Hotel for Having 'Dark Skin'
A couple have allegedly been turned away from a hotel in southern Italy for having "dark skin". Cristobal Rojas, an Italian citizen of Cuban descent, attempted to check into his beach hotel in the town of Margherita di Savoia, Puglia, with his wife Josephine
The Independent
Monday August 21, 2017
Terme Di Saturnia Is Bound To Be Your New Happy Place
Way out in the Tuscan fields lies a magical little swimming spot that confirms Italy is pretty much a fairytale come true
The Huffington Post
Tuesday August 08, 2017
Europe's Most Remote Hotels
From Italy to Iceland, stylish lodgings in tranquil locations, we rounded up a list of eight secluded hotels in Europe -- some of which require a long journey -- where you won’t have to worry about elbowing your way through crammed streets or fighting over a lounge chair on the beach. Will you go the distance?
USA Today
Wednesday August 02, 2017
'Pipe bomber' Stopped at Manchester Airport Let on Plane Two Days Later
A man who tried to smuggle a pipe bomb on to a flight from Manchester to Italy was able to board another plane two days later, a court heard. Nadeem Muhammad, 43, was searched as he attempted to board a flight to Bergamo on 30 January
The Guardian
Tuesday August 01, 2017
Take Me Away: Sorrento, Italy's Paradise by the Sea
There's an Italian paradise by the sea that is home to mermaids, volcanoes, limoncello, Greek legends and Italian traditions
USA Today
Wednesday July 26, 2017
Don't Let the Mount Vesuvius Fire Put you Off Visiting Naples
Naples has long been a much maligned city, painted by those in other parts of Italy – as well as abroad – as a lawless place that’s best avoided
The Independent
Monday July 17, 2017
Milan: Italy's Overlooked City is the Crossroads of Art, Fashion and Culture
Milan usually plays second fiddle to Italian vacation destinations such as Florence or Rome. It’s known by most Americans as a center for fashion and industry, but Milan is also a magnificent place to visit with incredible art, museums and attractions
Fox Travel News
Friday July 14, 2017
Luxury Breaks in a Secret Italian Region
Pacitti is a rosy-cheeked shepherd, but not an ordinary one. He's a billionaire, like all his colleagues who inhabit Comino Valley in Ciociaria, a virtually unknown misty patch of fluorescent green land stuck in central wild mountains of Italy
CNN
Monday July 10, 2017
Treaty of Versailles
On this day in 1919, the governments of Belgium, Britain, France, Italy, the United States, and all allies on one side and Germany and Austria Hungary on the other signed the Treaty of Versailles in Paris
Travel Research Online
Wednesday June 28, 2017
Cunard Queen Victoria Cruise Ship Emerges from Overhaul
Two of Cunard's three sister cruise ships are now sporting makeover as Queen Victoria emerged from a $40 million overhaul this month. The ship, which is the smallest of three vessels in the Cunard line, spent more than a month at the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo in Italy
Sun Sentinel
Wednesday June 21, 2017
10 of the Best New Summer Activity Holidays in the Alps
From ziplines in Switzerland to walking holidays in Italy and France, plus mountain bike breaks and an outdoor festival, the Alps are worth a ‘peak’ this summer
The Guardian
Monday June 05, 2017
Norwegian Air to fly to Italy from Three U.S. cities; $189 one-way Fares
Norwegian Air is adding another new European destination from the United States: Rome. The service will start in November with non-stop flights from both Newark Liberty and Los Angeles
USA Today
Thursday June 01, 2017
Cirque de Soleil Takes its Act to Sea on New Mediterranean cruises
As Cirque du Soleil takes its act to sea through a new partnership with MSC Cruises, there’s no use rehearsing on solid land. The maiden trip leaves June 4 from Marseille to Genoa, Naples and Messina in Italy; Valletta, Malta; and Barcelona
The Washington Post
Wednesday May 31, 2017
What White House Correspondents Pack
Packing to cover a nine-day presidential trip with stops in four countries — Saudi Arabia, Israel, Belgium and Italy — is a bit more complicated than packing for your typical family vacation. So what are White House correspondents Peter Baker, Mark Landler and I taking with us when we accompany President Trump on his first official foreign trip?
New York Times
Friday May 19, 2017
The Bubbly Made in Zncient Italian Undergrounds
Franciacorta is Italy’s most unspoiled, elite wine paradise. Forget overrated, mass-produced Prosecco – and even Champagne. This heavenly patch of fertile land, 30km northwest of Brescia, makes a bubbly that’s perhaps even more prestigious than the iconic French drop
BBC
Friday May 19, 2017
The Ghosts of Turin
Turin at a glance is a grid. The fourth largest city in Italy, it’s distinguished from the others (baroque Rome, wild Naples) by the rigidity of its plan, an inheritance from its origins as a Roman military camp. It’s difficult to get lost here, but also hard to appreciate the particularity of any one area, given its impressively refined sameness. Once the seat of the country’s aristocracy, the Savoys, the city still bears the impress of the family’s stiff, uncompromising dignity. An almost suffocating elegance suffuses it, every orthogonal street a sheer face of mute, balconied 18th-century facades, each wonderfully preserved in a kind of aristocratic amber
New York Times
Wednesday May 10, 2017
A Food Tour of Arthur Avenue, the Bronx's Little Italy
Little Italy in Lower Manhattan has long been associated with pizza parlors and gelato bars. But with gentrification, the neighborhood has shrunk and many residents have relocated to other boroughs and suburbs. One of the most noteworthy is the Bronx's Arthur Avenue, where another, more authentic Little Italy proves harder to get to for tourists but infinitely more rewarding to visit
CNN
Tuesday May 09, 2017
Suite Spot: Il Sereno Lago di Como, Italy
If George and Amal Clooney didn’t already have a home in Italy’s Lake Como district, the ultra-luxurious Il Sereno Lago di Como could provide them a suitable “babymoon” retreat. Now open for its first full summer season, the 30-suite resort is also welcoming a new addition: the Spa at Il Sereno, featuring Swiss skincare treatments and lake views. Other amenities include Berton Al Lago, the indoor-outdoor restaurant created by Michelin-starred chef Andrea Berton; and custom-built boats that allow celebrities and non-celebrities alike to arrive in style at the private dock
San Francisco Chronicle
Friday May 05, 2017
Windstar Announces New "Have You Ever" Campaign
Today, Windstar Cruises announces its new “Have You Ever” campaign focusing on a Europe 2017 summer sale, aimed at turning these “never have I evers” into “yes, I haves” with prices from $1,299 per guest. More than 20 voyages in Northern Europe, Italy, Greece, and the Mediterranean are included in the sale
Travel Research Online
Wednesday April 19, 2017
Trieste, Italy - Multicultural Dining and a Grand Sea-Front Hotel
The borders and rulers of Italy have always been fluid, at least until the twentieth century, and there are are parts of the country that bear clear – and, for a food-lover, tasteable
The Huffington Post
Tuesday April 04, 2017
New Silversea Cruises flagship debuts in Italy
The Monaco-based cruise company on Monday took delivery of its first newly built vessel in seven years, the 596-passenger Silver Muse
USA Today
Monday April 03, 2017
The McDonald's where you eat on a Roman road
The latest McDonald's in Italy features an intact section of ancient Roman road and skeletons under the floorboards. But it's not the first time the brand has gone in for something a little different
The Independent
Thursday March 16, 2017
The spectacular region of Italy you've probably never heard of
You’d think Abruzzo – the region east of Lazio and above Puglia, where you can stand on the powdery peaks of the Apennine mountains and survey the cobalt Adriatic Sea – would be a household name. Yet even regulars to Tuscany, Puglia and the rest of the 'bel paese' have never set foot in it
The Independent
Wednesday March 15, 2017
These Hotels Prove That Italians Do It Better
Discover the hotels, all on our 2017 Gold List, that make an already-memorable trip to Italy even better
Conde Nast Traveler
Thursday February 23, 2017
Construction Begins on MSC Cruises' MSC Seaview
MSC Cruises officially began construction of MSC Seaview, the second ship in MSC Cruises' Seaside Class, with a rainy day coin ceremony at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy
CruiseCritic.com
Friday February 03, 2017
Italy Avalanche: Hotel Rigopiano Destroyed, Up to 30 People Missing
An avalanche buried a ski resort in central Italy early Thursday morning, after four successive magnitude-five earthquakes hit the region earlier that day. The four-star Hotel Rigopiano in the Gran Sasso resort area of the Abruzzo region was in the direct line of the avalanche
Condé Nast Traveler
Friday January 20, 2017
Why You Should Take a Sake Bath in Japan
When we heard about a castle in Italy offering wine-inspired spa treatments, we pretty much thought we were in heaven—hello booze, castles, and spas. But a few spots in Japan may have just kicked it up a notch by offering relaxing baths made of sake, or rice wine
Condé Nast Traveler
Monday January 16, 2017
How Italy's Monuments Are Getting a Makeover
Some of the country’s most iconic sights have been restored—and not by the usual suspects
Condé Nast Traveler
Friday January 13, 2017
More places in Italy you never thought to visit (but really should)
It's popular with Italians, but - as Telegraph Travel's Andrew Purvis discovered after a holiday there - very few Britons have discovered the forgotten stretch of coast between Pisa
Telegraph (London)
Tuesday January 10, 2017
Italy summer holiday guide: where to go and the best holidays for 2017
Tuscany and Umbria are by far the most popular destinations for villa holidays, and our online expert destination guides provide comprehensive information on both regions
Telegraph (London)
Thursday December 29, 2016
Italy summer holiday guide: where to go and the best holidays for 2017
Read our insider's guide to summer holidays in Italy, as recommended by Telegraph Travel. Find expert advice on the best regions for food, culture and beaches
Telegraph (London)
Wednesday December 28, 2016
Bubbly and Beauty in Northern Italy
It’s evening on the Adriatic, and we’re on a terrazza high on a karst cliff over the Gulf of Trieste, holding a glass of Prosecco and watching harbour lights dot the dusk
Vancouver Sun
Thursday December 22, 2016
The 10 best food and wine holidays in Italy
Our experts pick of the top 10 food and drink holidays in Italy for 2016, including wine tasting, olive harvest and traditional Italian cookery courses, in destinations such as Florence, Sicily, Umbria, Puglia and Liguria
Telegraph (London)
Friday December 16, 2016
The Abdication of Pope Celestine V
Pietro da Morrone became pope of the Catholic Church in 1294. He had become a Benedictine monk a the age of 17, and had adopted an ascetic life, living in a cave on the Mountain of Maiella in south Italy
Travel Research Online
Tuesday December 13, 2016
Seabourn Receives Newest Luxury Cruise Ship, Seabourn Encore, From Shipyard
Seabourn Cruises has received its newest luxury cruise ship, 600-passenger Seabourn Encore, from the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy
CruiseCritic.com
Thursday December 01, 2016
The best places and cities to visit in Italy and where to stay when there
An insider's guide into the top places and cities to visit in Italy – and where to stay while you're there – including the best for couples and families, in locations including Venice, Rome, Florence, the Amalfi Coast, Milan, the Italian Lakes, Sicily and Puglia
Telegraph (London)
Tuesday November 29, 2016
Italian hotels offer free stays to guests who conceive there
A group of 10 hotels in the hilltop town of Assisi in central Italy’s Umbria region is offering a free stay to any couple who gets pregnant during their stay at the hotel, The Local reports
Telegraph (London)
Tuesday November 22, 2016
This Epic 119-Day Cruise Will Take You to 6 Continents
If you want to see the world all in one trip, a new 119-day-long cruise spanning six continents could be just the ticket. Departing from Genoa, Italy, on Jan. 5, 2019, MSC Cruises' “World Cruise” will make stops at 49 destinations in 32 countries
Travel+Leisure
Wednesday November 16, 2016
Italy's New 'Scattered Hotel' Trend May Save Its Historic Towns
The albergo diffuso, or “scattered hotel,” is breathing new life into dwindling villages
Condé Nast Traveler
Monday November 07, 2016
The 20 greatest destinations in Italy - and the best time to go
From the splendour of Rome, the colour of Venice’s Carnevale, the art of Florence and the quaint trulli homes of Puglia, Italy is a country of year-long delights
Telegraph (London)
Friday October 28, 2016
Falling in Love With Italy’s Blissful, Rustic Aeolian Islands
Where simplicity is luxury, time slows to the roll of the Mediterranean and meals are rivaled only by the crisp white wine
New York Times
Tuesday October 25, 2016
Exploring the haunting ‘ghost villages’ of Italy’s Umbria region
In Umbria, just a 90-minute drive from Rome, Ellen Himelfarb discovers some of Italy’s most striking ‘ghost villages’ – towns of haunting beauty where mere handfuls of residents struggle to keep their way of life alive
Globe and Mail
Monday October 24, 2016
The secret behind Italy's rarest pasta
It's so difficult and time-consuming to prepare, that for 300 years only the women of a single Sardinian family knew how to make it
BBC
Wednesday October 19, 2016
Italy's beautiful new attraction
It's hard to escape the pull of the Italian capital, but these new pilgrim trails open up a beautiful new world
CNN
Friday October 14, 2016
Piemonte, Tuscany's lovely stepsister, is the perfect wine trip
At harvest time in northern Italy, layers of fog drift romantically over hillside vineyards of ripened nebbiolo grapes. Those from five tiny villages near Alba, the sleepy capital of the Langhe region of Piemonte, will go into the country's greatest red wine, Barolo
Chicago Tribune
Tuesday October 04, 2016
The discovery of Ötzi the Iceman
On September 19, 1991, two German tourists were hiking through the Otztal Alps on the border between Austria and Italy. In a receding glacier, the couple spotted the body of a man. They contacted authorities who assumed the corpse to be of recent origin. Onlookers touched the body and in some instances actually removed pieces of clothing, contaminating the find
Travel Research Online
Monday September 19, 2016
Venice residents take to the streets to protest rising tourism
Venice, Italy is romantic, enchanting and postcard-perfect, attracting up to 20 million visitors each year. But now the frustrated locals want their city back. Hundreds of Venetians have clogged the city's narrow streets, brandishing shopping trolleys and prams, to protest against the hordes of tourists that pour into the city every day
Fox Travel News
Wednesday September 14, 2016
Cat Survived for 16 Days Under the Rubble After Earthquake in Italy
In what some some are calling a miracle, firefighters pulled a cat out alive from the rubble in Amatrice, Italy, 16 days after a devastating earthquake rocked the region
Travel+Leisure
Monday September 12, 2016
Get swept off your feet by Sorrento and Capri
When people think of Italy and romance, most think of the Tuscany region or Rome. But Sorrento and Capri remain for me among the top spots for lovers
Miami Herald
Thursday September 01, 2016
Powerful Earthquakes in Italy Kill Dozens and Shatter Towns
Strong earthquakes struck a mountainous stretch of central Italy early Wednesday, killing at least 38 people, trapping scores under debris and setting off tremors that awakened residents in Rome, nearly 100 miles to the southwest
New York Times
Wednesday August 24, 2016
The Italian Wine Regions You Should Visit Next
Looking for the next Chianti, Barolo, or Brunello? Oenophiles should plan a trip to one of these wine regions in Italy, chosen by experts as the next big thing
Condé Nast Traveler
Tuesday August 23, 2016
Touring wineries in Chianti, Italy with an expert
Visitors can stop at any winery and usually find someone to give them a taste of wine and even sell them a bottle. Sometimes you can visit the castle, palazzo, monastery or even stay on the wine estate
LA Times
Tuesday August 16, 2016
Sikelia Pantelleria, Sicily, Italy - in pictures
A tranquil island retreat in the middle of the Med, the elegant and exclusive Sikelia has the last say in luxury getaways
Telegraph (London)
Tuesday August 16, 2016
By paddle and pedal, Lake Como reveals its secrets
Traveling via water gives you a different perspective. Sitting in the front cockpit of a tandem kayak 200 feet off shore from Varenna, Italy, in the middle of Lake Como, I count three gelaterias faster than you can say, "I know why George Clooney spends so much time here."
Chicago Tribune
Friday August 12, 2016
six language tips for traveling abroad
Last semester I had the opportunity to live in Florence, Italy, a city famed for its food, fine arts, and fashion. But during my time here what I was really interested in was the language. As an itinerant educator - and a linguist to boot - I have always had the lofty goal of learning the language of the country I’m living in
The Huffington Post
Thursday August 11, 2016
The 10 best beach holidays in Italy
Our experts' pick of the top 10 beach and seaside holidays in Italy for 2015, including the best spots for families, watersports and relaxation, in destinations such as Sicily, Tuscany, Sardinia, Puglia and Ischia
Telegraph (London)
Tuesday August 02, 2016
36 Hours in Parma, Italy
This riverside city may be synonymous with fine food — Parma ham, Parmesan — but it also satisfies appetites for art, music and history
New York Times
Friday July 22, 2016
Searching for Tuscan fun: Italy for families
Florence may be the Renaissance capital of the world – all that breath-taking architecture, those stunning museums, art galleries, churches, squares and fountains, fecund with tubs of sublimely delicious ice cream – but frankly I’d had enough of it. My mother moved to Tuscany when I was in my late teens and I went there, every summer, for the next 15 years. During this time I was dragged around every museum, every church, every hill top town, and made to marvel at every single painting right down to the most obscure frescos in the most out of the way places
The Independent
Wednesday June 15, 2016
Trulli delicious: a taste of southern Italy in Puglia
“So, is the slow-cooked donkey off tonight? No d’asino al vino rosso?” The waiter, who speaks as little English as I speak Italian, disappears to consult with the kitchen. Back he comes, and all’s well. The donkey’s on. Everyone at the table breathes a sigh of relief and tucks into the salumi and cheese and the first of what will be many €12 bottles of house red
The Independent
Friday June 10, 2016
Europe's best secret beaches
The beach is the key to many a great holiday – from first childhood steps across the sand to teenage posturing and strolls en famille. But the perfect beach is rarely found by chance. The coasts of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic are fringed with an overwhelming array of beaches - many of which have been spoilt by concrete tower blocks and flocks of tourists. Head, instead, to one of these secret beaches - 52, one for every week of the year - chosen by our European experts in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Greece and Turkey
Telegraph (London)
Thursday June 09, 2016
Is Genoa Italy's most underrated city?
In some ways, there’s no more appropriate a port of call for a cruise than Genoa. True, the capital of Liguria isn’t the most glamorous corner of Italy. Indeed, as a salty workhorse, its eyes ever on the sea, the country’s sixth largest city isn’t even the most elegant part of the mountainous, beach-laden region of which it is king
Telegraph (London)
Tuesday June 07, 2016
Introducing the clothing-optional 'Desire Cruise' for couples
Theme cruises will heat up in 2017 when Original Group, the Mexican adult hospitality and Desire Resorts curator, puts on the “Desire Cruise” aboard Azamara Club Cruises’ Azamara Quest. The couples-only, clothing-optional sailing is scheduled from September 26 to October 3, 2017 in the Mediterranean, a roundtrip voyage from Venice, Italy
Fox Travel News
Tuesday May 31, 2016
In This Part of Tuscany, No Souvenirs Necessary
Punta Ala, Italy, is not high profile, and that is one of its many charms — along with beautiful beaches and leisurely seafood lunches
New York Times
Thursday May 26, 2016
Holland America Line Releases Name for Next Pinnacle-Class Cruise Ship
The second Pinnacle-class ship in Holland America Line's fleet, slated to arrive in fall 2018, will be called Nieuw Statendam. The 2,650-passenger ship will be the sixth vessel in the line's history to bear the name Statendam. Construction will begin this summer at the Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard in Italy
CruiseCritic.com
Friday May 20, 2016
Carnival Cruise Line turns attention to Carnival Vista II
Carnival Cruise Line has its first new ship in four years with Carnival Vista, but already has its sister ship taking shape in Italy. What the line is calling Carnival Vista II is due in March 2018, but its bow structure has already been completed and was launched at the Fincantieri shipyard near Naples on Thursday, May 18 to make its way to another of the company's shipyards up the coast near Venice where it will take its full form
Sun Sentinel
Thursday May 19, 2016
What I love - and loathe - about Italy
I have recently been to two extremities of Italy – Sicily and Liguria – so have been reminded that I like almost everything about the country
Telegraph (London)
Tuesday May 17, 2016
Carnival to Return to Europe in 2018 With Second Vista Ship
Carnival Cruise Line will return to Europe in 2018 with its second Vista-class ship, currently being built in Italy, the line's president Christine Duffy revealed at a QampA onboard Carnival Vista
CruiseCritic.com
Tuesday May 17, 2016
Where to Go in Europe, and How to Stay Safe
The terrorist attacks in Europe over the last year haven’t lessened travelers’ enthusiasm for vacationing there this summer. Virtuoso, a global luxury network of travel advisers and more than 1,700 hotels, cruise lines and tour operators, recently analyzed more than $35 billion of transactions from its clients and found that Europe dominated the top 10 list of future bookings, with Italy, Britain, France, Spain and the Netherlands being the most popular destinations
New York Times
Wednesday May 11, 2016
Italy: Walk from Siena to Rome along the ancient Via Francigena
Tens of thousands of people hike the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in Spain each year. But less known and far less traveled is the Via Francigena in Italy
LA Times
Wednesday May 11, 2016
20 of Europe's most beautiful hotels
With so many iconic cities and diverse landscapes, beautiful hotels in Europe are commonplace. But some are, quite simply, more beautiful than others. From clifftop luxury retreats on Italy's Amalfi Coast to art nouveau masterpieces in the heart of Budapest, we've handpicked Europe's 20 most beautiful hotels
CNN
Wednesday May 11, 2016
Italy's Veneto region sparkles with delight, like a fine Prosecco Superiore
Think prosecco is nothing more than a poor cousin of Champagne? A visit to Italy's Veneto region will change your mind - and perhaps your next drink order
Globe and Mail
Tuesday May 10, 2016
How to survive a long-haul flight
As the ambitions and expansion plans of low-cost airlines such as Norwegian and Wow suggest, the demand for long-haul leisure travel is growing fast. It’s a trend which was confirmed by the results of our survey of Telegraph Travel readers which we published this month. Some 16 out of your top 20 favourite countries involve a flight of more than 12 hours - if you are travelling from Britain of course. Only one - Italy - is less than eight hours away
Telegraph (London)
Friday April 29, 2016
Secret Italy: 21 places you never thought to visit (but really should)
Lee Marshall, author of Telegraph Travel's guides to Rome, Florence, Tuscany and Sicily, recommends this unheralded spot in the Province of Salerno. "Twenty years ago, I promised the friend who told me about Pisciotta and its Marina that I would avoid writing about it," he says
Telegraph (London)
Tuesday April 26, 2016
Travel guide to... Gourmet Italy
There's no such thing as "Italian food". In Italy, arguably more than anywhere else in the world, food is supremely site specific, which makes for a great excuse to get out, explore and eat. From the infinite varieties of sun-ripened grapes and grains that carpet the country's hillsides, to the olive trees and pungent, often priceless tubers that have, for centuries, taken root in its rich red soils, produce here paints a very detailed culinary map of Italy's mainland, and seafood-blessed beaches and islands
The Independent
Friday April 22, 2016
The 50 best hotels in Italy
An expert guide to the 50 best hotels in Italy, featuring the most amazing hotels in Venice, Rome, Florence, Amalfi Coast, Italian Lakes and other fabulous locations throughout the country
Telegraph (London)
Friday April 22, 2016
Carnival Vista completes sea trials as it preps for first cruise
The 3,954-passenger cruise ship — the first in a new Vista-class of vessels for Carnival Cruise Line — is in the final stages of construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy
Sun Sentinel
Thursday April 14, 2016
Walking the Cinque Terre in winter
Everyone wants to go to the Cinque Terre it seems. And there, among the lemon trees and under a tentative February sun which painted with gold the pastel houses that dot the Ligurian hillside, it was not hard to see why. Around every bend, one of Italy’s five iconic candy-coloured villages rests upon a clifftop or in a small cove
Telegraph (London)
Thursday February 25, 2016
Italy's ancient cave dwellings are a source of awe and wonder
Once derided and a source of shame, the ancient sassi – or cave dwellings – of Matera are now a source of pride and wonder. Spend a night in an underground boutique hotel and you’ll never use ‘troglodyte’ as an insult again
Globe and Mail
Monday February 22, 2016
Italy at Easter: City break, beach escape and active holiday
Each week, we approach three companies to ask for their best offer on a specific break. This week, a trip to Italy at Easter
The Independent
Thursday February 18, 2016
Hotel News: A Moxy in New Orleans; Van Gogh in Chicago
What you need to know if you’re on a trip or planning one soon, including pizza-making at a hotel in Italy and beauty products for a beach vacation
New York Times
Wednesday February 17, 2016
Ten reasons to visit south Italy
Ten reasons why Italy's deep south is the country's best kept secret
Sydney Morning Herald
Wednesday February 10, 2016
Europe's 10 best hidden beach resorts for 2016
The best secret beach resorts for family summer holidays in France, Italy, Croatia, Turkey, Greece and Spain, with tips on the best hotels and apartments
Telegraph (London)
Monday December 28, 2015
Naples: what to see, plus the best restaurants, bars and hotels
Southern Italy's biggest city has scrubbed up beautifully - without losing its anarchic charm - and is now a great choice for a winter city break
The Guardian
Wednesday December 23, 2015
The Least Visited Countries In Europe Are Also Some Of The Prettiest
Some dwarf in comparison to their gargantuan neighbors, others are still branded with a scarlet letter thanks to past global conflicts and none can compete with France's food scene, England's charms or Italy's gorgeous coastline, but nevertheless you should check out the ten least visited countries in Europe.
The Huffington Post
Monday November 23, 2015
Is Italy failing to protect its ancient wonders?
After tourists were accused of stealing fragments of a fresco at Pompeii, Nick Trend argues that "incompetent" Italian authorities are putting ancient sites at risk
Telegraph (London)
Friday October 16, 2015
10 of the best places to stay in Italy for foodies
Explore Italy's most fertile and interesting regions at these atmospheric guesthouses where you'll feast on fantastic local food and wine
The Guardian
Monday October 12, 2015
Why You Should Visit 'The Paris Of Italy'
Turin has long been synonymous, for better or for worse, with Fiat -- and as the home to the car manufacturer since the early 1900s, the northern Italian city has held the ignominious rap as the Detroit of Italy. But no more. Here's why it's worth a detour
The Huffington Post
Monday October 12, 2015
36 Hours in Bologna, Italy
This food-loving city has a wide array of bistros, cafes and markets, along with museums devoted to its history, and, yes, gelato
New York Times
Thursday October 01, 2015
Molise: Italy's frontier country
Molise is the least known Italian region, even among Italians, but it offers untouched landscapes, ski resorts, beaches and hearty food
CNN
Wednesday September 23, 2015
Strange and stunning: Italy's most beautiful fountains
From a fountain that survived the eruption of Mount Vesuvius to another that stretches on for over a mile, here are a few of our favorites
Fox Travel News
Tuesday September 22, 2015
Misfired champagne cork forces easyJet flight to divert to Italy
A Turkey-bound EasyJet flight from the United Kingdom was forced to divert to Italy after a popped champagne cork smashed into a ceiling tile hard enough to force the plane's emergency oxygen masks to drop
USA Today
Tuesday September 01, 2015
Why You Should Visit 'The Paris of Italy'
Turin is often left off travelers' lists of Italian cities to visit. But this northern charmer has plenty to offer
Conde Nast Traveler
Wednesday August 26, 2015
Seven Seas Explorer Cabins to Offer Opulence, Exceptional Space
Today in Genoa, Italy, Regent Seven Seas gave a sneak preview of cabins that will be available onboard Seven Seas Explorer when it debuts in July 2016
CruiseCritic.com
Wednesday August 26, 2015
Trullo Terrabronzata, Puglia: Not down at heel in southern Italy
When a stranger tells you "Meet me at the graveyard" you do wonder what to think. But in Cisternino, a small Italian town where street names have little meaning and there are few landmarks, the graveyard is a perfectly sensible rendezvous point and - as it turns out - very close to our destination
The Independent
Tuesday August 04, 2015
The alternative city guide to Turin, Italy
We head to Turin, where a new generation has transformed the old factory city into the beating heart of Italy's progressive music, food and arts scenes
The Guardian
Monday July 27, 2015
Trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc
Covering 170km and 10,000m of ascent, the TMB - which takes in France, Italy and Switzerland - is one of the world's greatest walks
The Guardian
Monday July 20, 2015
A Honeymoon Through Italy
We danced at midnight in Venice, motored through Tuscany and made memories. Just as newlyweds should
New York Times
Friday July 10, 2015
11 Best Italy Experiences
Italy is so much more than a bucket list country. Not only does it consistently top just about every list of most desirable travel destinations, but people return again and again. And it's really not surprising. Italy offers visitors such an extensive variety of experiences that you probably don't even know half of them exist
IndependentTraveler.com
Tuesday July 07, 2015
48 hours in Cagliari
Italy's Capital of Culture in 2015 has 25 centuries of heritage, with new flights from the UK making it even more accessible
The Independent
Wednesday June 24, 2015
Gourmet Italy: what to eat and drink in Umbria
Tim Jepson offers a guide to the best dishes, destinations and food-themed holidays in Umbria, the "green heart of Italy"
Telegraph (London)
Thursday June 18, 2015
Gourmet Italy: what to eat and drink in Puglia
The heel of Italy is renowned for superb traditional cuisine. Tim Jepson offers a guide to the best dishes, destinations and food-themed holidays
Telegraph (London)
Wednesday June 10, 2015
Hiking through Italy's South Tyrol
Healing treatments, Alpine blooms, and a First World War battleground
The Independent
Monday May 11, 2015
A weekend break in... Turin
A guide to short breaks in Turin, Italy, including the best bars, restaurants, hotels and things to do
Telegraph (London)
Thursday April 16, 2015
Naples: Passion and death in Italy's underrated gem
Vibrant, chaotic and gloriously dilapidated, Naples is a place where life, romance and death are passionately entwined
Telegraph (London)
Friday April 10, 2015
Dress code for the Vatican
Ask the experts: Lee Marshall, Telegraph Travel's Italy expert, advises a reader on dress codes and bag restrictions at Rome's key attractions
Telegraph (London)
Monday April 06, 2015
As long as humans are in control, it's impossible to erase all risk
The average wage earner in Britain, France, Italy, Spain or Germany has the immense good fortune to be able to invest a very modest amount of disposable income to travel effortlessly to foreign lands
The Independent
Friday March 27, 2015
Discovering the Ruins of Italy’s Ionian Coast
Tracing ancestral connections in the Basilicata region, where Greeks built temples, monks painted in caves and Francis Ford Coppola opened a hotel
New York Times
Friday March 06, 2015
Oceania Cruises Announces 2016 Itineraries for Newest Cruise Ship
Oceania Cruises' newest ship, Sirena, will debut in the Mediterranean next year, sailing a series of 10- to 14-night itineraries that include the line's maiden call to Gaeta, Italy
CruiseCritic.com
Wednesday March 04, 2015
Ravenna, Italy, Glittering Still
A few miles from the Adriatic Sea, the city has arcade-lined piazzas, wine bars brimming with locals and spectacular Byzantine mosaics
New York Times
Thursday February 26, 2015
Keel laid for 'most luxurious cruise ship ever'
A shipyard in Italy today officially began construction on what's being billed as the most luxurious cruise ship ever
USA Today
Wednesday January 21, 2015
In Milan for Fashion Week? Here’s What to Do
There’s more to do in Milan, Italy’s second largest, than gaze at models with chiseled cheekbones, in well-tailored suits. Here are our suggestions
New York Times
Monday January 19, 2015
Truffles and Barolo in Piedmont, the Frugal Way
A trip to the source, in northwest Italy, can turn the pricey specialties into affordable treats
New York Times
Thursday December 04, 2014
Exclusive: First look at luxury line Regent’s new ship
Billed as the most luxurious cruise vessel of the modern era, the 738-passenger Seven Seas Explorer is under construction at a shipyard in Genoa, Italy
USA Today
Thursday December 04, 2014
The Cinque Terre on a Budget
In this coastal corner of Italy, you can lounge on the beach, take in dazzling views and even indulge in a seafood splurge — all on a frugal budget
New York Times
Tuesday December 02, 2014
The Cinque Terre on a Budget
In this coastal corner of Italy, you can lounge on the beach, take in dazzling views and even indulge in a seafood splurge — all on a frugal budget
New York Times
Tuesday December 02, 2014
Costa Cruises Christens New Flagship Costa Diadema
Costa Cruises today launched its new flagship vessel Costa Diadema at a naming ceremony in Genoa, Italy
CruiseCritic.com
Friday November 07, 2014
Reports: Ex-Ferrari boss to head Italy’s Alitalia airline
Alitalia will be led by the former chief of Ferrari, according to multiple reports this week
USA Today
Friday November 07, 2014
Italy’s Il Salviatino named best hotel in Europe
The Condé Nast Readers Choice Awards 2014 announced the top places to stay around the world
The Independent
Thursday October 30, 2014
Murano, Italy, Still Sparkling After 700 Years
On this island in the Venice Lagoon, glassmaking has been revered by doges and tourists alike
New York Times
Monday October 20, 2014
Sweet Dreams in Seven Heavenly European Inns
Hop from the coast of England to an island in Germany to an olive orchard in Italy, exploring a suite of value-priced properties
New York Times
Wednesday October 15, 2014
Roaming Europe with your mobile
Ask the Experts: Donald Strachan looks at the best deals for mobile data in France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland
Telegraph (London)
Tuesday October 14, 2014
36 Hours in Florence, Italy
See the skyline without battling crowds, sample pastries from a secret gem, sip artisanal beers and soak up culture during a weekend in the Tuscan capital
New York Times
Thursday September 25, 2014
The World’s Deepest Pool Is The Biggest Deep End We’ve Ever Seen
An indoor pool in Italy is giving new meaning to the deep end and it’s slightly terrifying
The Huffington Post
Wednesday September 24, 2014
The best cookery courses in Italy
Sophie Butler suggests the best cookery courses in Italy, including in Tuscany, Umbria and Puglia
Telegraph (London)
Monday September 22, 2014
Sicily hotels
The best hotels and agriturismo accommodation in Sicily, Italy, chosen by our resident expert, including luxury hotels, budget hotels and family-friendly hotels. Read the reviews and book them here at the lowest prices
Telegraph (London)
Tuesday September 16, 2014
Mantua, Italy: powerhouse of the Renaissance
With its elaborate palaces, elegant frescoes and magnificent art, Mantua has much to shout about and there’s even a subtle link to the Bard, says Rodney Bolt
Telegraph (London)
Monday September 15, 2014
Italy sets water and wine pairing trend
Emerging approaches to whimsical Italian cuisine, while contrasting, are united by an emerging culinary trend here in the city — and across Italy: an increased emphasis on wine and water pairings