A Sicilian escape

Swimming pool at the Verdura Resort

Sarah Rodrigues discovers a world of relaxation and hospitality at the Verdura Resort near Agrigento in Sicily… Photos by Verdura Resort and Sarah Rodrigues   Standing atop a look-out point surveying the Verdura Resort, it’s striking how insignificant the construction seems in the context of its expansive, 230-acre grounds; the roofs are a mere smudge […]

Lake Garda travel guide

alliums in italy

Jon Palmer shares some highlights from his e-biking trip to Lake Garda – there’s plenty for all ages to enjoy! Read on to get inspired for your trip… Photos by Parco Natura Viva, Verona Garda Bike & Getty Images What to see & do Gardaland Lake Garda’s best amusement park (and Italy’s first) has fun and […]

E-biking in Italy, part 1: Lake Garda

If you really want to experience the beauty of a natural landscape there’s no better vehicle than the bicycle. And it needn’t be an exercise in strength and endurance. Jon Palmer goes e-biking in Italy… Photos by Getty Images & Verona Garda Bike The hills of Valpolicella, which rise in an uncoordinated eruption of undulations […]

Courmayeur travel guide

Auberge de la Maison

Make the most of your travels with Rachael Martin’s tips and advice for anyone travelling to this spectacular part of Italy… Photos by Rachael Martin and Auberge de la Maison What to see & do The Skyway The Skyway (left) offers breathtaking and emotional views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains. It’s Italy’s extreme […]

At the foot of Il Bianco

Auberge de la Maison, Mont Blanc, Italy

Rachael Martin spends a weekend exploring the alpine splendour of Courmayeur and its environs in the mountainous region of Valle d’Aosta Photos by Rachael Martin and Auberge de la Maison   What Cortina is to the Dolomites, Courmayeur is to Valle d’Aosta. It’s desirable, often exclusive, with fantastic skiing opportunities right next to the Mont Blanc […]

Florence travel guide

Florence

Amanda Robinson shares her pick of the best places to eat and stay in Florence – plus a few special spots to visit on your next trip to this Renaissance treasure… Photos by Amanda Robinson & Lungarno Collection What to see & do Piazza del Duomo  The complex of Santa Maria del Fiore is the […]

48 hours in Florence

Continentale Lungarno hotel Florence

Staying in the heart of Renaissance Florence, by its oldest bridge, it’s easy to immerse yourself in the city’s magnificent heritage, says Amanda Robinson  Photos by Amanda Robinson and Lungarno Collection   Once the only Florentine bridge across the River Arno, built at the river’s narrowest point, the Ponte Vecchio is made of stern stuff […]

Alta Maremma travel guide

Relais di Biserno, Maremma

In the realm of the ‘Super Tuscans’, Anna Blomefield shares the best places to eat and great accommodation choices for Tuscany’s gorgeous Alta Maremma area… Photos by Relais di Biserno   Where to eat & drink Osteria San Guido  The philosophy of the kitchen revolves around a respect for ingredients of the highest quality in a […]

Super Tuscany

Sassicaia barrels tenuta san guido, Maremma, Tuscany

Tuscany’s Alta Maremma – once a malaria-infested swamp – has become a mecca for hedonists the world over. Anna Blomefield finds out why… Photos by Anna Blomefield unless otherwise stated   I’m leafing back through my wine-tasting notes. “Perfumed, black fruits, baked, liquorice. Great length… amazing!” The page is stained with purple drips. I remember this […]

Genoa La Superba: the city that won’t be beaten

panoramic view from Spianata Castelletto

The collapse of the Morandi bridge last year shocked the world, but Genoa is a resilient city, and a splendid one to visit. Sarah Rodrigues samples its delights… Photos courtesy of Genoa Tourism and Sarah Rodrigues Who isn’t guilty of under-appreciating pesto, store cupboard stalwart that it is? It’s a staple I associate with nights when inspiration […]