There’s no shortage of world-class museums and galleries in Italy but a visit to a lesser-known, smaller attraction delivers a crowd-free and often equally enriching alternative. These hidden pint-sized gems don’t have the size and grandeur of the country’s big hitters but they’re a great way to step straight into the local culture and history […]

Are you mulling over where to go for your next holiday? After several tricky years, suddenly the world is our oyster! Interestingly, though, that doesn’t seem to make the decision any easier, possibly because as the years pass and we understand…

The one thing you probably do know about Tuscany is that it’s one of the most visited regions in Italy, topped only by the Veneto, and also one of incredible beauty. Most visitors leave with memories of art-filled cities and medieval hilltop villages…

Does the thought of travelling alone fill you with abject horror? Or do you get a thrill at the idea of setting off on holiday on your own? The fact is, solo travel is on the up, with more of us travelling solo than before the pandemic and American women…

Next time you go to Italy, think twice about staying in the famous culture-driven cities and instead make tracks for some of the smaller towns and villages. Crowd free and infinitely charming, these towns also present the perfect opportunity…

Discovering and exploring local food is increasingly a significant part of our travelling experience, wherever we go. Even when the cuisine is fairly familiar to us – and for many of us, our diets include more and more international dishes and flavours…

A magnet for sun worshippers in spring and summer, the islands that dot the Mediterranean actually offer far more than gorgeous beaches lapped by translucent water. Dramatic mountainous landscapes, rugged coastal stretches…

How much do you know about wine? Can you identify an extravagantly-priced bottle compared to a cheaper one? Or explain why a particular wine paired with a specific dish really enhances your meal? Sometimes we know the answer instinctively…

Experiencing any event overseas can be a great way to get under the skin of the town or city where it takes place, but particularly if it’s an experience that’s essentially for locals rather than tourists. So many events today are staged…

Authentic travel. We’re all talking about it but what exactly makes a trip authentic? And more to the point, is it really possible to find authenticity on a fleeting one- or two-week holiday – and particularly if we’re partial to a touch of luxury?