Keep fit in Tuscany

Tuscan Fitness offers revitalizing yoga retreats and health holidays in the heart of the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Combining yoga, fitness training and hiking with delicious yet nutritious food, these are fitness vacations designed to both recharge and relax. Guests of Tuscan Fitness are hosted at the Fontebussi Tuscan Resort, a charming hotel on a tranquil […]

News bites this February

In Italian news this February, 400-year-old dentures discovered, Italy’s best pastry shop, and McDonalds lawsuit against the city of Florence… Glad it’s all over ‘Gladiators’ have once again been banned from the streets of Rome. Following a similar regulation that expired in November, Mayor Virginia Raggi has ordered actors portraying the historical characters to keep […]

A Grand Tour of Puglia

The expression ‘Grand Tour’ was coined by Richard Lassels, a 17th-century Roman Catholic priest and travelling tutor, in his book The Voyage of Italy, Or a Compleat Journey Through Italy. Lassels included many northern Italian towns and central locations, but the remarkable region of Puglia does not get a mention. Perhaps lost to him were […]

The Medici Chapels

The Pope commissioned Michelangelo to build a new burial chamber for his family on the San Lorenzo church The Medici Chapels in Florence is a fascinating complex. It is entirely planned both architecturally and sculpturally by Michelangelo, whose own life was so intertwined with the Medici family. When he was commissioned the project by Pope […]

Fast Art: The Duke and the Duchess

They are double-sided portraits, painted by Piero della Francesca, who was the court painter at the court of Urbino These portraits of the Duke and Duchess of Urbino are amongst the most famous portraits in 15th century Italian art. Why? Because they are revolutionary in their depiction and fascinating in their symbolism. They are double-sided […]

This month’s top picks: from stylish scents to beautiful getaways

From state-of-the-art Italian design, home accessories and a bubbly Prosecco tour and a sparkling celebration in November’s round-up…  From a grate light These stunning lights really are at the cutting (or should we say grating?) edge of design. Italian artist and designer Oçilunam has been mixing art and design with his home accessories company In-es.artdesign […]

48 hours in Cagliari

From ancient to exotic, Cagliari has it all. Sardinian resident Heather Browne spends a weekend getting to grips with the island’s colourful capital In attractive centre boasting vibrant culture and history? Check. A mild climate that regularly permits shirtsleeves in January? Check. One of Europe’s longest beaches? Check. No, it’s not Barcelona but Italy’s latest […]