Racking up the Awards

Is there no end to the wonders of Itay and its award winning array of hotels, cities, spas and restaurants.   We thought you might like to checklist the following and find out why did Italy rank as the top overall country according to readers of Conde Nast.

Italy was the only country to have 3 cities in the top 20 (Rome 4^th, Venice 6^th and Florence 9^th. 

Across Europe, Italy had the most favoured hotels in the Top 20 with 7 fab hotels - Four Seasons Florence (7th),       Capri Palace, Capri (9th), Splendido, Portofino (10th), Villa d'Este, Lake Como (11th) Cipriani, Venice (16th), Feltrinelli, Lake Garda (18th) and Il Pellicano, Porto Ercole, Tuscany (19th).

Italy was the only country to have two destination spas ranked in the top 15; Terme di Saturnia and Fonteverde, both in gorgeous Tuscany.

As for train journeys, Italy was number 3 with the glorious Venice Simplon Orient Express.

And for the 'small cruise ships' category, Silversea (Italian-owned and Italian-style) was at number 2.  

Get booking.

 

 

Who wins the Cous Cous Fest comp in San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily?

Not just food at the Cous Cous Fest, the main Sicilian culinary event held annually in San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily. The Festival focuses on a competitive cook-off with chefs coming from all over the world preparing delicious couscous recipes.

The festival features a rich entertaining program including multicultural workshops, music, belly dancing, food and wine samples and the gastronomic village where visitors can taste delicious couscous from countries like Senegal, Brazil, Turkey, Ivory Coast, Palestine etc.

France is the country winning the 14^th edition of Cous Cous Fest 2011.

soloSicily attended this year's festival and summed up the most exciting happenings in a very inspiring video-clip. 

Visit soloSicily youtube channel to watch Cous Cous Fest video, click here.

www.youtube.com/user/solosicily

 

soloSicily - Villas in Sicily to rent
www.solosicily.com
Tel UK: 0044 (0)20 7193 0158
Tel IT: 0039 091 687 0639

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Launching next month....

A new website for ABTOI - our Loveitaly.co.uk is currently being revamped, with a fresh new design and  simplified navigation. Watch this space for further updates!

Why Italy was voted top wedding destination

A recent survey by Weddings Abroad & Honeymoons indicates that European countries like Cyprus, Italy and Greece are top of the list for UK couples looking to getting married abroad.

Of the 1600 brides and grooms who participated in the survey, 12% indicated they were exploring getting married in Cyprus. A further 11% were looking at Italy and 7% looking at the Greece.

While these countries are going through economic difficulties, “they remain popular as they are picturesque and romantic, relatively easy to get to and most often have better weather than you would get in the UK” says Ursula Barzey, Marketing Director, Weddings Abroad & Honeymoons. “Also, whereas a wedding in the UK will cost on average around £20,000, a wedding at one of these destinations will be around £6,500 so quite a savings for a new couple starting out!”

To chat to one of our UK specialist wedding operators try:

Italian Weddings : http://www.italian-weddings.co.uk/ 

Luna Rose:     http://www.lunarosa.co.uk/

The Italian Connection: http://www.italian-connection.co.uk/home.asp

Think Sicily wins Best Villa Company in Conde Nast Traveller Readers Awards

Readers of the prestigious travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller have voted Think Sicily the top villa rental company in the world.

Huw and Rossella Beaugié, the founders and managing directors of the company, picked up the award at the ceremony in London on Wednesday night.

"After ranking in the top ten consistently over the last few years, we are hugely proud to receive this accolade," said Huw. "Our thanks go to everyone who voted for us, to all those who have travelled with us over the last 10 years, to our fantastic team and to our wonderful villa owners."

In the voting, Think Sicily never scored less than 82 and sealed the win by receiving top marks for its range of villas and presentation of villas.

In the same awards, readers voted Italy as their favourite country for holidays, while Sicily was voted 11th best island destination in the world. In the overall Top 100 listings, Italy came 5th and Think Sicily was the only specialist Italy operator to make the cut, coming in at a remarkable 83rd.

Think Sicily was founded in 2002 after husband and wife team Huw and Rossella gave up their careers (engineer and cell biologist respectively) to pursue a passion: they thought that Sicily had the most impressive mixture of history, culture, gastronomy, climate and natural beauty of anywhere they had ever visited and they wanted to share it with other discerning travellers.

Think Sicily rapidly grew into the leading up-market villa rental company for Sicily, offering the most desirable villas, specialist knowledge and an on-the-ground support network that was voted the best of any villa company by readers of Condé Nast Traveller a few years ago.

In 2010, the company's passion for the south of Italy saw the launch of Think Puglia, now provider of the most desirable luxury masserie, restored trulli and sea-front villas with pools in the region.

“We've come a long way in 10 years,” said Rossella. “Our clients and our owners have given us so much encouragement and satisfaction and it is thanks to them that we have achieved what we have. Our goal is simple: to hear our clients tell us that they've just had the best holiday of their lives.”


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The Most Expensive, Exquisite Food in the World!

In the world of gourmet foods, there is one treasure that is literally worth its weight in gold. Truffles are the pinnacle of gourmet.  As one of the most sought after foods in the world, is only used in the highest of high cuisine, except in parts of Northern Italy and Umbria where Tartufi are a key ingredient in local dishes.

Truffles are related to mushrooms with their root-like structures but never emerge from the surface. They form below the soil close to a tree's root system, living off its nutrients like another type of ‘fruit'.  The reason why it is so unbelievably expensive is that once the fungus is attached to a root, it produces just one truffle per year from that tree.

Harvested from late summer to early spring by experienced gatherers known as trifolau, they are a secretive lot that keep their special truffle groves to themselves, often taking long winding paths at night or in the early morning fog to confuse those that would try to follow. They have very guarded conversations with each other, lest any "trade secrets" are leaked. These men are the masters of the poker face; you can never tell if it had been a good harvest day or bad - they would never give out that kind of information. This secrecy has ensured that these rare edibles are still around for us to enjoy and not ravaged by poachers, who would not dig with the care to preserve the truffle forming fungus underground. The trifolau does have some help in his hunt, as the actual finding of the truffle is done by either a trained pig or by a mongrel dog (it is said pedigree dogs cannot smell truffles) with its superior sense of smell. Without these four-legged friends, truffles would be virtually unheard of.

Harvested in a time-honored tradition that has little to do with gourmet sophistication, harvest season is a time of celebration for both truffle harvesters (trifolau) and the towns that host the ever-popular truffle festivals. A visit to Piemont or Umbria in autumn will reward you with culinary gold in the form of a variety of regional specialties graced with freshly shaved truffles, probably harvested that very morning.  A gastronomique treat for all who are lucky enough to take part.

Quick - Special Offer details for a Gastronomique Weekend:

We give you a fantastic chance to spend a week end on a truffle quest at the 27th Santagatafeltria National Truffle Fair where the village main square is turned into a huge eating area and all the local restaurants will serve their best traditional dishes using only the best truffle, porcini mushroom and other local autumn produce. You will also have a choice of a Gastronomique Tour Bonanza with wine, cheese and olive oil tasting and lunch in local trattoria or a chance to go back in time with the Cultural and Historical Tour visiting the Medieval Towns of Santarcangelo and Verucchio with their museum, fortress and historical caves. A rare opportunity to enjoy a pure week end of Gastronomique enjoyment and cultural discovery.  http://www.loveitaly.co.uk/special-offers-more.asp?Offer=290

 

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LUCCA IS ON THE RISE

Lucca is the only Tuscan city to see an increase in tourist numbers.

New figures just announced from the Tuscan tourism authorities show that Lucca is the only Tuscan city that has increased tourism in the last three years. 

Visitor numbers this year are already up by 12 percent. The Mayor, Marco Favilla, thinks it reflects well on the whole city, and is not just due to the popularity of key initiatives, such as the summer festivals although there have seen some wonderful events appealing to a global audience .


Lucca is now mainly a non-car city where it is more the norm to use a bicycle rather than a motorized vehicle.  There is something very continental about cycling around an historic old walled city, through its pretty paved streets and piazzas with your gorgeous deli lunch sat up front in the basket.   Currently bike hire for half a day costs approx Euros 7.50 per person from the local Tourist Board offices dotted around the city.

New flights to Naples for 2012

BMIbaby announce new flights from East Midlands to Naples which are already available online, book early to avoid disappointment

Flights are operated every Thursday and Sunday between April and October

Thursday flights

East Midland to Naples   dep. 08:00, arr. 12:00
Naples to East Midlands  dep. 12:45, arr. 14:45

Sunday flights

East Midland to Naples   dep. 06:30, arr. 10:30
Naples to East Midlands  dep. 11:15, arr. 13:15

For more information click on  http://www.bmibaby.com/bmibaby/flights/home.aspx

Naples, an ideal city break on its own, is the gateway to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida and the steaming Phlegraean Fields.

Few destination in the world can offer such a high concentration of history, beautiful scenery, world class sights and of course excellent food.

Check what's happening in Naples on Qui Napoli Magazine >>

See our selection of hotels on the Neapolitan Riviera >>

As a fully bonded tour operator (ATOL 1249), ExpertoItaly.com can book any schedule, charter and low-cost airline to your favorite destination.

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Win a week in a Tuscany Villa with To-Tuscany!

    Win a week in a Tuscany Villa with To-Tuscany!

                                     The To-Tuscany Foodie Blogger Competition has launched!

The To-Tuscany Foodie Blogger Competition has launched!

Tuscany Villas specialist, To-Tuscany is challenging foodie fans to a Tuscan cook-off with its Foodie Blogger Competition!

If you consider yourself a bit of cooking connoisseur and have your own blog, you have the opportunity to enter and win a week in a beautiful Tuscan villa, plus £150 towards flights.

All you have to do is prepare a Tuscan-inspired dish, which includes three key ingredients: olive oil, tomatoes and parmesan cheese, and create a blog post about it. Entries will be posted on the To-Tuscany competition page and the public will then vote for their favourite entries. The most popular three entries will then go through to the final round.

Nico Atrigna, the chef of one of Tuscany's finest restaurants, Osteria Le Logge in Siena will be judging the entries in the final round, and highlights what he is looking for:

"Dishes should demonstrate real cooking expertise, Tuscan authenticity, creativity and innovation. Presentation is key too, entrants should consider not just the dish they create, but how they present their entry. There are some fantastic prizes to be won so I'd encourage anyone to try their hand at the cook off!"

For an added incentive, all competition participants will be automatically entered into a random prize draw to win a Tuscan cookery book and a bottle of authentic Tuscan olive oil from a local farm in Tuscany. There will be 10 of these prizes up for grabs, so everyone has the chance to win something!  

Foodie fans who want to follow all the action on twitter can use the hash tag - #TTFBC.
The competition is now open for entries and will run until midnight on Monday 15th August 2011.

To see the full information on how to enter, visit the Foodie Blogger Competition page. Full terms and conditions can be found on the To-Tuscany website.

About To-Tuscany
To-Tuscany is a family-run business offering a wide range of holiday rental properties in Tuscany and Umbria, with private swimming pools and gardens. The company has been established for 10 years, offering self-catering accommodation in small cottages, villas and farmhouses, apartments and luxury estates. For more information visit http://www.to-tuscany.com/.

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For an added incentive, all competition participants will be automatically entered into a random prize draw to win a Tuscan cookery book and a bottle of authentic Tuscan olive oil from a local farm in Tuscany. There will be 10 of these prizes up for grabs, so everyone has the chance to win something!

Foodie fans who want to follow all the action on twitter can use the hash tag - #TTFBC.

The competition is now open for entries and will run until midnight on Monday 15th August 2011.

To see the full information on how to enter, visit the Foodie Blogger Competition page. Full terms and conditions can be found on the To-Tuscany website.

About To-Tuscany

To-Tuscany is a family-run business offering a wide range of holiday rental properties in Tuscany and Umbria, with private swimming pools and gardens. The company has been established for 10 years, offering self-catering accommodation in small cottages, villas and farmhouses, apartments and luxury estates. For more information visit www.to-tuscany.com.

                              

Surprising Sicily

Hi - I'm Nigel. I've been leading tours with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays since 2004. 

I don't think it's any one thing that makes a destination so special. It's the rich combination of the natural beauty, the history, the architecture, the food, the people; all the different layers contribute to the real spirit and personality of a place. There is such an incredible wealth of varied scenery and culture within Europe I think there's really almost no need to venture further afield!

My upcoming tour to Sicily is one of my favourites to lead, I love walking in Italy. The history is absolutely fascinating; successive Greek, Carthaginian, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, Spanish, Neapolitan, British, Piemontese, Fascist, American and Mainland Italian occupations have all left their mark. I absolutely love the way that on a single walk, one can spot evidence of these periods scattered at random in the countryside.

Our tours look at the close intertwining of the surviving relics of radically different historic cultures in an awesome natural landscape. For example, on the morning of the first day at Francavilla, we head up the hill to the ruined Norman castle, from where there is a fabulous view across the Arab citrus orchards and the Greek citadel of Castiglione to the stately, smoking, snow-capped bulk of Mount Etna. It is truly magical.

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Land of the Trulli

Discover the history, traditions and unique flavors of the land to the south east of Bari From the portual city of Monopoli, with its castle and city walls on the sea, there are spectacular and enchanting Castellana Caves, karstic complex that you can visit in a guided tour of 3 km among multicolor stalatthytis and stalagmythis, caves and formations with mythologic names until you reach the "White Cave", the most beautiful cave on the planet.

Conversano will fascinate your spirits with its legend related to the famous and dreadful Earl Giangirolamo, and will conquer your heart with its castle, siege of a strong and powerful county, its churches, its palaces and alleys; Polignano a mare will offer a breathtaking scenery for an unforgettable evening with its historic centre "on the sea", the wonderful Palazzese cave, the balconies and the nice nightlife ambiance.

One can visit the archaeologic site of Egnazia, with its acropolys, its necropolis, the ancient Trajan Way remainings, and also go through the 400 meters high "Selva di Fasano", overlooking panoramic scenery made by trulli, fields and beaches. And from Locorotondo, named this way because of its white houses arranged in concentric circles, you will finally reach the heart of the "Land of Trulli", Alberobello. Its historic centre, unique for its typical houses called "Trulli", part of UNESCO heritage, will frame out the end of this great experience to tell and relive.

Interested in a tour?  Contact  http://www.discoverypuglia.com/en/tour-offer/theme-tours/south-east-of-bari

Noblesse Oblige - Apulian Castles

Dreaming of a kingly experience? Discover the most fascinating castles of Puglia!

Let the mystery of Castel del Monte unfold, summer residence of Frederick II of Swabia and today part of the UNESCO heritage, built according to astrological calculations that have not been unveiled yet.  The wonderful area of Barletta, known for the Disfida, battle between French and Italians in 1503, for its cathedral and its majestic castle wait for discovery.  Through Bisceglie, one can go south to the castle and the old city of the Apulian capital Bari, well known for its St Nicholas, worshipped by Catholics and Ortodox. Then the infamous earl of Conversano will capture your attention with his legends whilst in Monopoli one can walk between the castle and the sea.

Part of the Apulian experience, one can also enjoy the area around Brindisi with the fortress of Carovigno and a visit to the Messapian centre of Mesagne, the fairy tale city of Oria, and the massive castle of Massafra will complete your appetite to be king of your holiday!

Interested in a tour?  contact -  http://www.discoverypuglia.com/en/tour-offer/theme-tours/noblesse-oblige

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The Secret Pearls Of Lecce, Apulia

The elegant seduction of Lecce's baroque will make you live a crescendo of emotions in a fabulous long weekend.

Take a brief stop in Conversano, where the nuns of the Crucified keep the little gem of the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian, stroll through the streets of Martina Franca, which will frame the evening. Enjoy a pleasant walk in Massafra which, with its clock tower, the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Scala and the Monastery of St. Benedict, will prelude the apex of your trip: Lecce.

The extreme adaptability of that particular stone, used to decorate those monuments, allowed architects and artists to build these unique masterpieces: the Basilica of Santa Croce, the church of S. Irene, the Duomo, Piazza Sant'Oronzo and patrician houses of the city will be the setting for an enjoyable day of beauty and artistic culture.

Admire Corigliano d'Otranto, with its noble palaces, Melpignano, home of the famous Night of Taranta, Galatina with its Mother Church, superb example of Baroque art, and finally the beautiful Nardo', rich in baroque examples including baroque Piazza Salandra, the city palace and the church of San Domenico, a worthy completion of this journey into the fascinating subtleties of Lecce's Baroque.

You can do all this and more - http://www.discoverypuglia.com/en/tour-offer/theme-tours/secret-pearls.

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Where is the second best coast in Italy?

With 180 kms of coastline and 26 seaside resorts, LE MARCHE was awarded no less than 16 Blue Flag Awards for 2011!

Blue Flag Awards recognise an area that meets exceptionally high standards, testing the quality of the water, the natural clean environment and many other related services.

From Gabicce Mare to San Benedetto del Tronto, the forms and colours of the coastal landscape are constantly changing. The white cliffs facing onto the Adriatic Sea alternate with the deep green of the hills, spotted with the venerable villages and the ochre hue of the long beaches. The coast runs along in two straight and almost perfectly flat portions divided by the Monte Conero promontory.

Those in the know come to Le Marche in search of authentic Italy, idyllic scenery of snow capped peaks, rolling hills and meadows of olive groves and vineyards with its fair share of charming old villages.

Now there is another reason to come to Le Marche – its fabulous award winning beaches, from the lively seaside resort of Pesaro to the smaller resorts such as pretty Sirolo on the Conero peninsula.

Ask our experts about Le Marche. http://www.paradisepossible.com/


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Italian honeymoons that are just beachy

With the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge making the Seychelles their choice for a honeymoon, suddenly beach destinations have become the hottest spots to celebrate the first few days of wedded bliss. Here we explore our top four picks for an Italian style beach honeymoon that goes beyond peachy – they are what we call simply “beachy.”

Picking the right beach for your needs in Italy can be somewhat difficult as there are so many to choose from however here are our top “romantic” Italian beaches….and yes it was very difficult to choose.

Salina, one of the Aeolian islands is a lava beach and sea which is simply beautiful.  The water is clean and home to a variety of sea animals, plants and volcanic craters. Rocky rather than sandy with the bay of Pollara as its main centre piece.  Couples can enjoy good food here in the surroundings and take advantage of the natural environment and a bit of unwinding and tranquillity.   If you fancy some partying then check out Panarea or Lipari as it is all going on here in the height of the season, July and August being the main time to dance the night away.

Sardinia is pure bliss and has so many wonderful beaches to offer. It is just so hard to have to pick one so we have selected a few great ones.  The beach of Cala Goloritzè, located along the Sardinian northeastern coast in the north of Arbatax. With a clear bottom and a white pebbled beach.  This is a hard beach to get to and I feel that this adds to its fascination. We nowintroduce you to the Bidderosa beach run by the district of Orosei, a heavenly configuration, accessed via a path filled with eucalyptuses and junipers and to this you can add the scent of wild lilies. The sand is silver in colour, the rocks red and the sea a deep blue and in total there are 5 coves of incredible beauty to discover.  Considered by some to be one of the best in the world. Sardinia also has Cala Luna, white sand backed by high limestone cliffs with blue and clear water which is shallow hence why it is also a great recommendation for families. Not forgetting Cala Fuili and Cala Mariolu.

Capalbio is not only famous for the beauty and charm of its town centre and let me tell you it is truly charming....but also for its splendid beaches and coastline which face the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, one of the most beautiful areas in Tuscany. The Coast of Capalbio is 12 kms long and the beaches are strikingly beautiful with soft dark sand and clear blue water.   The beaches are under environmental protection which restricts the number of people who can be on the beaches at one time. This is because the coasts are part of the Oasis of WWF, which is responsible for the management and protection of environmental treasures.

Fornillo beach is located in a pretty cove in the beautiful village of Positano.  Better off season but still it is sheer heaven. The beach is cuddled by the mountains at the back and then before you, you have the blue waters of the Mediterranean and Li Galli islands while being partly guarded by the 16^th century watchtower.

Have you a favourite Italian Beach - Well please tell us about it....

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A Luxurious Retreat ?

In the days of Caesar and Marcus Aurelius, this “seaside resort” was the 'in' place to be where Roman emperors would come to relax and ease away the worries of the Empire.

How it has all changed and there is very little to enthuse you in the area and it is only when you get to the villa that you absorb a hint of the past grandeur.

This is where John Paul Getty came to in the 1960s and restored this villa to its former glory bringing with him his assorted range of treasures. While restoring the villa, the ruins of a Roman villa  were uncovered and Getty lovingly preserved the ruins and built a small museum in the villa's basement showcasing artifacts found there, including crockery, lamps and makeup tools from the 1st century.  In the 1970s Getty's grandson was kidnapped forcing Getty to leave the country and leaving the villa completely untouched.

Today this villa is a 19-room hotel and bears Getty's heart and soul. Tapestries, antique furniture, paintings, linens……this villa is a fantasy, a serene and heavenly home, somewhere to get away from it all.

An exceptional hotel for exceptional people. For further details please click here. 

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NEW - Guide to Sicily APP released by Think Sicily !

Sicily has never been easier to discover, thanks to the release of Think Sicily's A Portrait of Sicily App, available for both iPhone and iPad.

Brought to you by Think Sicily, provider of the most desirable rental villas in Sicily, A Portrait of Sicily is the most comprehensive iPhone and iPad guide to Italy's largest and most diverse region. Rich, colourful, and informative, A Portrait of Sicily is no ordinary guide, but a highly readable, fully illustrated “aperitif” that will whet your appetite, give you a taste of what Sicily has to offer and help you choose when it's time to order!

With text and photographs produced exclusively by Think Sicily's locally based team of experts, A Portrait of Sicily takes you inside Sicily as it was meant to be explored and gives you the kind of expert advice and guidance that only years of experience and local knowledge can provide.

The App allows users to trace Sicily's rich cultural history using a scrolling timeline, unlock the secrets of the island's historic towns and archaeological sites, find out where the best beaches are, plan fun activities for your children, choose a restaurant for an unforgettable dinner or simply swipe your way through hundreds of stunning full screen photographs brought to life by the bright screen of your iPhone or iPad… A Portrait of Sicily will help users experience all that is best of Sicily.

Says Huw Beaugié, founder and Managing Director of The Thinking Traveller, “A Portrait of Sicily was first published in book form in 2008. Its transformation into an App confirms both our commitment to adding value to our clients' holiday and our desire to keep pushing back the boundaries in the field of luxury villa rental holidays.

“Whether you're already in Sicily and in need of a personal pocket guide, in the midst of planning a Sicilian holiday or simply interested in one of the most fascinating, diverse and beautiful places in the world, A Portrait of Sicily is an invaluable tool.”

Think Sicily's App, A Portrait of Sicily is available free from iTunes.

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Amazing Volcanic Landscape Walking by Andrew Mundy

Highlights of Andrew Mundy's walking in Italy with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays in Sicily, including the formidable Mount Etna, still erupting..... 
He reports back; “I really enjoyed it. Really lovely weather, a pleasant group and lovely walks.” Read on for his highlights of walking this amazing volcanic landscape. Helen, Community Co-ordiantor for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays.

The highlight of my holiday was visiting Mount Etna. Etna was visible from the plane from 500 miles away; a slightly brooding presence with its upper slopes cloaked in snow.

The hotel bus took us up a steep road with hairpin bends; the journey being an experience in itself. We passed through the village of Bronte with its Lord Nelson connections.

The extent of the 2001 / 2002 eruptions and lava flows were evident and made one aware of the sheer force of nature. Etna dominates the island at 3323 metres high. In March there was still snow around so the walk was always going to be interesting.

We started our climb fortified with hot chocolate. The walking was easy with the ground being a mixture of soft snow and volcanic ash.

We climbed to about 2000 metres and rested, taking in the views and just enjoying the fresh air tinged with a slight smell of sulphur. We all enjoyed pointing out where we had walked on other days. It was interesting walking past two craters and looking down into their depths.
We all enjoyed running down a steep path. It was a question of leaning back and just going for it. There was lots of boot emptying at the bottom with black volcanic ash being the main offender.

This holiday has everything: enjoyable walks, and a comfortable hotel with excellent food. It was Easter and the flowers were beautiful, we saw many orchids.
On the free day choices include Syracuse, Taormina or just chilling out. I explored a disused railway line but could have visited the Circumetnea railway which circles the base of Etna.

And every day the delightful chore of watching Carlo making your lunch, he made it into an art form.

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A Perfect Picnic in Puglia: Rosabel Richards

Rosabel Richards has returned from her holiday walking in Italy and sent in this mouth-watering blog! When she travelled to Puglia she was determined to try the famous delicacy Burrata (a specialty cheese) and it sounds like it lived up to all her expectations…

Several guide books to Southern Italy mention a Puglian speciality called Burrata – a mozzarella type cheese with a creamy centre – and, never having heard of it, far less tried it, I was on a mission to find it.

The cheese shop near our hotel in Alberobello did sell Burrata but whenever I went there, I was either too early for the mid morning delivery or too late in the afternoon to get any.

At last I found it in that beautiful city of Ostuni in a small salumeria situated in one of the charming side streets off the main square. Five others from our group were with me and the owner of the shop kindly cut two of the cheeses (they are egg-sized) into pieces and put them on a plate with a knife and fork. Encouraged by his interest we all ordered our lunchtime panini from him. This time the rolls were soft and had olives baked into the centre.

Although it was only 12.15 we sat outside on some steps in the warm spring sunshine and sampled the cheese, which was very mild in flavour with a centre which resembled cottage cheese. One of the group had some raw salad vegetables, another had some strawberries and another popped back into the shop and emerged with a bottle of rose wine and some plastic cups.
We shared this feast and all agreed it had been a delightful picnic, made more enjoyable because it had been so unexpected. Dessert was an ice cream from one of the gelateria in the square and

the owner moved his tables and chairs outside    so that we could continue to sit in the sun.

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31 Blue Flags for Liguria!

The beautiful coastal region of Liguria has been awarded 31 Blue Flags – the highest number of blue flags in Italy. The voluntary eco-label has been awarded to over 3,450 beaches and marinas in 41 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean. 14 of Liguria's marinas have also been awarded the Blue Flag.

The Blue Flag Programme takes into consideration water quality, environmental education, management and safety, among others.  It works towards sustainable development at beaches and marinas. The Blue Flag is a statement of quality so visitors can be assured of the most crystal clear waters, pristine shores and a welcoming, safe environment.

Pick of the best Blue Flag beaches in Liguria:

Lerici Beach offers a stunning backdrop of green cliffs, crystal clear waters and a charming Italian town bathed in shades of terracotta. The beach is a perfect combination of sandy stretches and rocky cliffs, with views over to the islands of Tino, Tinetto and the distinctive lighthouse on Palmeria. After a day on the glorious beach, head for the town for an aperitif and delicious seafood.  Lerici is perfect for exploring the Riviera east of Genoa, including the magnificent coast of the renowned Cinque Terre.

Check out the ABTOI tour operators for help in planning your fabulous holiday in Liguria http://www.loveitaly.co.uk/regions.php?id=9

The Gargano Peninsula, Walking the Spur of Italy

Hi, I'm Nigel Shervey. “If our lives are dominated by a search for happiness, then perhaps few activities reveal as much about the dynamics of this quest – in all its ardour and paradoxes – than our travels” wrote Alain de Botton in “The Art of Travel”. I'm going to spend the next few paragraphs promoting the pursuit of happiness in an area of Italy that the British have yet to discover…


The Gargano Promontory in Apulia is the spur on the Italian heel. One of the privileges of being a Ramblers Worldwide Holidays leader is the opportunity to explore places that one would not normally visit and then make a holiday that is physical, good walking; mentally stimulating, a new environment and culture; and spiritual, an emotional uplift. I'm sure that the Gargano is going to offer all these and that it would be difficult to experience them without the planning and research put in by Ramblers Worldwide Holidays (try and find a walking map of the area). And the first two tours let you escape a general election campaign!

These also are the flower holidays when the orchids and irises should be at their best. Most of the flower knowledge that I have has come from clients on other tours. One of the pluses of Ramblers Worldwide Holidays is the varied interests and enthusiasms amongst the group that enrich the enjoyment and appreciation for all. I always carry the Marjorie Blamey and Christopher Grey-Wilson flower book with me to cope if there is no ‘expert'!

Expect the unexpected and you shouldn't be disappointed. English patriots can celebrate St George's day in style at a palio (horse race) on the glorious sandy beach at our centre Vieste. Other surprises… well, come and find them! Whatever the time of year the Latin temperament prevails here in the European south. I think that Latin people show their joy of living more openly than (the more emotionally inhibited?) from northern climes. Who doesn't need a lift right now? Having done nearly all of the Ramblers Worldwide Holidays' Italian holidays, I know this should be one to remember and treasure.

If you're still not convinced, look at the price – come and feel the quality of walking in Italy with me!
Nigel Shervey

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Beautiful Bologna

The multi talented Italian region of Emilia Romagna has the good fortune to have the richly cultural and gastronomic city of Bologna as its capital.

Not just home to the most celebrated sauce and the best tortelloni, Bolgna can lay claim to some of the best cuisine in Italy.  It also happens to be home to Europe's oldest university, established in 1088, and endowed with a rich variety of history and culture.

You can see why Bologna's nickname is La Rossa.  The lovely medieval streets, arcades, churches and Renaissance palazzi appear as a palette of dusky pinks and burnt umber. 

Bologna's spiritual and geographical heart is the gracious Piazza Maggiore, flanked by some of the city's most important landmarks. Two of Bologna's main thoroughfares converge here; Via Indipendenza and Via Ugo Bassi – the decuman, or main entrance, of the Roman city.

As with most of Italy's old cities, Bologna is best explored on foot. The historic centre has traffic restrictions making it safe to wander and enjoy the authentic cobbled streets.

The main tourist office is in the Palazzo de Podestà, Piazza Maggiore 1 (00 39 051 239 660; bolognaturismo.info which may be amid renovations. Check just behind for the temporary office open 9am-7pm daily.

Must-See Cultural Experiences

The original university site was in the Archiginnasio, at Piazza Galvani 1 now the main city library. Its beautiful arcades are adorned with more than 7,000 hand-painted coats of arms of former students. The first floor is home to the stunning wooden 1637 Anatomical Theatre. archiginnasio.it

In the heart of the university quarter, the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna, Via Belle Arti 56, houses an impressive collection that includes works by Tintoretto, Titian, Giotto and Carracci pinacotecabologna.it

For a more contemporary gallery, try the MAMbo at Via Don Minzoni whose permanent and temporary exhibitions are displayed in a former bakery mambo-bologna.org

Must-Eat Gastro Experiences

Visit the medieval Mercato di Mezzo in the Quadrilatero district just off the Piazza Maggiore and try the hand-made mortadella sausage from Simoni at Via Drapperie 5   and the local Parmesan-like cheese, sua maesta il nero, at Vecchia Malga Negozi at Via Pescherie Vecchie 

Take a picnic from the market to the Osteria del Sole at Vicolo Ranocchi  osteriadelsole.it which has been open since 1465. No food is served but you can order a glass of wine for €2 and tuck into your spoils at one of several tables dotted around its two rooms.

Book in advance to secure a table at Da Gianni tucked down a small alleyway close to the Piazza Maggiore at Via Clavature 18 (closed Mondays). Sample delicious Bolognese fare such as green lasagne, tortellini in brodo, veal cutlets and a superior Bolognese ragu – eaten only with tagliatelle, not spaghetti.

Join the Sunday morning buzz at the fashionable Caffè Pasticceria Zanarini on the corner of Piazza Galvani and Via Farini. Order a creamy cappuccino for €1.50 plus a delicious pastry such as a crema-filled cornetto or bombolone.

Must-visit Architectural Experiences

The piazza is overlooked by the Palazzo Re Enzo which became the luxurious prison of Enzio, king of Sardinia in 1249. Aim south-west across the square to the adjoining Piazza Maggiore flanked by several of Bologna's most impressive landmarks: the magnificent 13th-century Palazzo del Podestà, the City Halls and the huge Basilica di San Petronio currently undergoing a facelift in time for its 350th anniversary in 2013.

Along its southern edge is the Palazzo dei Banchi built in 1412 to hide the narrow streets of the market behind and named after the banks and moneychangers that once occupied the site. Cross the square and bear right under the Palazzo dei Banchi's portico. This, the Pavaglione, is the finest section of Bologna's 50 kilometres of covered walkways (a Bolognese will never bother taking an umbrella when going out for a walk).

Pass the Piazza Galvani to your right, cross the Via Farini and look up to the ceiling of the portico of the Palazzo della Banca d'Italia with its stunning 19th-century decorations by Gaetano Lodi.

Continue along the upmarket Via Farini until it meets Via Santo Stefano and the Abbey of Santo Stefano – actually a cluster of seven churches and a museum. Head along Via Santo Stefano until you reach the shadow of the Asinelli and Garisenda towers at Piazza di Porta Ravegnana under the loggia of the Palazzo della Mercanzia.

The most extraordinary of the porticoes is the Portico di San Luca, which connects the Porta Saragozza with The Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca which sits atop the Colle della Guardia hill above the city. Reputedly the world's longest stretch of porticoes, this architectural marvel extends for 3.8km and features 666 arches sanlucabo.org

Best of the Rest

The Giardini Margherita, named after the same queen as the pizza, is a verdant sprawl of gardens, open since 1879. Stroll the shady avenues of lime, cedar, sycamore and oak where you can also see two reconstructed huts of an Etruscan settlement  uncovered during the construction of the gardens. Open 6am-midnight, free.

Domenico, who established the order of Dominican Fathers, founded the Basilica di San Domenico in the early 13th century. He was laid to rest here, and his tomb is adorned with two statues later sculpted by Michelangelo. Mass is celebrated on Sundays at 10.30am, noon and 6pm centrosandomenico.it

Start at the north-eastern corner of Piazza del Nettuno and admire the city's most celebrated water feature, the Fountain of Neptune, also known as "The Giant".

Getting There

There are 3 airlines departing from Gatwick:  EasyJet easyjet.com, BA ba.com and Ryanair ryanair.com. Ryanair also departs from Stansted and Edinburgh.

Guglielmo Marconi airport is just 6km north-west of the city centre. A cheap shuttle bus  leaves every 15 minutes, stopping at Bologna's main train station to the north of the old centre and Piazza Maggiore. A taxi will set you back around €20.

For help to plan and book a trip to Bolgna, click here http://www.loveitaly.co.uk/regions.php?id=6

Blessed Basilicata

Not many fans of Italy can say they have been to Basilicata and many no doubt, have not even heard of it.  Its one of those regions that rarely gets a mention although there are some wonderful areas to explore as well as the fabulously long Ionian coastline of pristine silver sand beaches.  The region is blessed with spectacular hill top villages and historic sites, Abbeys and volcanic lakes.

Matera Sassi – the first human settlement in Italy

Check out the fascinating Sassi di Matera -  ‘stones of Matera' - prehistoric cave dwellings in the Italian city of Matera. Situated in the old town, they are composed of the Sasso Caveoso and the later Sasso Barisano.  They originate from a prehistoric (troglodyte) settlement, and are suspected to be some of the first human settlements in Italy.

The Sassi are houses dug into the tuff rock itself, which is characteristic of Basilicata and Puglia. Many of these "houses" are really only caverns, and the streets in some parts of the Sassi often are located on the rooftops of other houses. The ancient town grew in height on one slope of the ravine created by a river that is now a small stream.

Craco – the ‘ghostly' abandoned village

The medieval village of Craco is about 25 miles inland from the Gulf of Taranto at the instep of the “boot” of Italy between Matera and the Pollino National Park.  It's not accessible unless you have a car as it's on a hill that has suffered from landslides and is crumbling away.

The old centre is uninhabited and although it's not permitted to walk through the ruins, the view of the town on approach is quite spectacular. It is possible to walk up to the Castle's tower at the summit and admire the amazing panorama.

Craco was built on a very steep summit, for defensive reasons, giving it a stark and striking appearance and distinguishing it from the surrounding lands which are characterized by soft shapes. The center, built on the highest side of the town, facing a ridge runs steeply to the southwest where newer buildings exist. The town sits atop a 400 meter high cliff that overlooks the Cavone River
                                                                            valley.

Lake Monticchio  and the Benedictine Abbey

Just southwest of Melfi is Laghi di Monticchio - 2 beautiful volcanic lakes, surrounded by thick, green vegetation perfect for walking year round.  With the stately Benedictine Abbey of San Michele looking down across the lakes, high in the forests, it's a wonderful place of calm.




For information and help with a holiday to the region of Basilicata http://www.loveitaly.co.uk/regions.php?id=3

More Music More Sport More For Clean Energy A Better World, In Sicily Next Week

Palermo in Sicily, Italy hosts the World festival on the beach next week. The twenty sixth World festival on the beach event starts on the 16 May and runs through to the 22 May 2011.

There is a fantastic combination of water sports contests as well a beach sports complemented by air displays and live music, their motto is “More Music More Sport .. .. More for Clean Energy a Better World”. What more could you ask for?

The World festival on the beach attracts contestants from far and wide to the beautiful north coast of Sicily where they battle it out in the water either sailing, windsurfing, wakeboard, surfing, kite surfing, stand up paddle or zipping around in A class Hobie Cats. A great spectacle in the bay of Palermo.

The golf driving contest, the fencing events and volley ball take place on the beach. Look to the blue skies and you can enjoy watching the air show, sky diving and paragliding. The beach stage is taken by the musicians who offer classic, jazz and contemporary entertainment into the evening.

It is unusual to come across an event with quite so much variety and in many ways it highlights just how much the Italian island of Sicily has to offer apart from the rich culture and natural wonders for which it is well known. Perhaps explaining why Sicily has become such a popular holiday destination in recent years. For more information visit wwfestival.com

Villas Worldwide has a fabulous selection of over thirty holiday villas in Sicily on the northern coast, many of which have their own private swimming pool. Why not enjoy a relaxing break in a villa in Sicily combined with a lively day or two at the World festival on the beach?


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Tuscan Tennis Holidays - Why Choose Florence?

• The most beautiful example of renaissance architecture in Europe
• An amazing variety of shops, cafes and restaurants not to mention ice cream parlours!
• One of the best tennis clubs in Tuscany, with 16 courts, pool, gym, sauna, Turkish and a great restaurant
• Idyllic accommodation in a classic Tuscan settingwww.tuscanytennis.com/locations/florence/

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Roma wine festival 2011 for Frascati and the best of Italian wine

Held in the Citta del Gusto, the 2011 Rome wine festival takes place on the 7th and 8th of May

A professional event for wine producers, buyers and reviewers alike the Roma wine festival event is also open to the general public and offers an opportunity discover to more about Italian wine and talk to the experts.

Although the Lazio region is not a prolific producer of Italian wine it does have some special white wines including Est di Montefiascone and Frascati. Frascati is a delicious white wine founded on Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes, which is best when served cooled with aperitifs. The Roman's call it the golden wine and it has been produced in the area for over two thousand years, so they must be doing something right!

The Roma Wine Festival web site www.romawinefestival.it has more information of the Rome wine festival or you can email segreteria@romawinefestival.it

For anyone taking a holiday in the Lazio area in May then this is a great chance to do a little homework before stocking up with your favourite Italian wine.

Villas Worldwide has a fabulous selection of villas with pools in Lazio which are within an easy train ride of the marvelous city of Rome. In Lazio you can enjoy a relaxing villa holiday in one of the world's great cultural regions and brush up on the fine wines of Italy.


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Tuscan holidays with Children

Visiting the spectacular Cities of Florence, Pisa and Siena are high on the list of parents choice of things to do, but don't always rate highly with the children.  Tuscany is a magical place full of Castles, History and Culture.  Whilst this often gains the attention of adults, children the world over can be heard saying “I don't want to go to a stuffy museum”. 

Here at To Tuscany we have come up with some ideas and tips for those of you that are venturing to Tuscany with your family in tow in the hope that you can survive some cultural and historical visits with everyone happy at the end.  It goes without saying that you will still have to provide lots of Italian ice cream and pizzas but you may just get to see some of the things that you want to see without too many complaints!

Our comprehensive free guide book includes a dedicated page to entertaining children in Tuscany, for when they have finished playing in the pool.

My children's favourite was the ice cream making and tasting in Castellina, one of the 5 main Chianti towns, make sure you book with Simone though!

 http://www.to-tuscany.com/local-tuscany/tuscany-for-children/foodylicious-fun/

Personal knowledge of villas in Tuscany   http://www.to-tuscany.com/

Picture sent by To Tuscany client staying in Hamlet Pretaccione which has added advantage of tennis court on site.

Lisa Leggate To Tuscany Ltd


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Villas Worldwide reports an upsurge in demand for the Italian island of Sicily

Villa holiday specialist Villas Worldwide reports increased demand and interest for villa holidays in Sicily this year as well as Italy as a whole. With 2011 bookings for Italy up by over 100% compared to the same time last year Italy is proving one of the major success stories.

Sicily can be easily reached by its many airports access using some of the budget airlines.  It has a diverse appeal from gorgeous sandy beaches, stunning scenery, beautiful coastal drives, important archeological sites, crystal clear warm sea as well as historic Italian villages and towns with their cobbled streets and elegant shops.  This collectively with the delicious Sicilian food and wine makes for the perfect holiday throughout the year.  As Sicily is one of the most southern mediterranean destinations, it has a mild year round climate although the Summer can be extremely hot.

Villas Worldwide has a selection of over 100 villas in Italy, mainly in the regions of Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio and Sicily. Around one third are located in Sicily, many with private pools, some that share and many close to the beautiful beaches. Pices begin from £600 per week per villa in low season.

Follow the highlighted links to view our fabulous range of villas in Italy and our selection of Sicily villas.

Villas Worldwide celebrated five years of trading this year, is independently owned and all holidays are fully bonded.


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Pre and Post Easter holidays tips from soloSicily

Visit the town of San Biagio Platani in Agrigento and admire the amazing Archi di Pasqua (Easter Arches). Made with reeds, asparagus, laurel, rosemary, cereal and bread, these spectacular arches decorate the town's main street and will remain visible even after Easter for a few weeks.

Where to stay? soloSicily has the finest collection of villas in Agrigento.
http://www.solosicily.com/9_villas-in-sicily-near-by-agrigento.aspx

soloSicily - Sicily Villas & Sicily Holidays
website: www.solosicily.com
Tel UK: 0044 (0)20 7193 0158
Tel DE: 0049 (0)69 5960 3981
Tel IT: 0039 091 687 0639

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Sicilian wine, an age-old tradition from ThinkSicily

According to legend, Dionysus (aka Bacchus) was the God who brought pleasure to mankind, and wine to Sicily.

Legend aside, it is certain that wine has been made in Sicily for millennia. There is evidence that Mycenaean traders cultivated grapes in the Aeolian Islands as early at 1,500 BC and when the Greeks began to settle in Sicily in the 8th century BC, they too were unable forgo their favourite libation, "oinos", and introduced several varieties of vines.

The next important date in Sicilian wine history is 1773, the year John Woodhouse started producing what was to become one of the island's most famous products: Marsala.

Woodhouse understood immediately that the decent local wine could be transformed, using in perpetuum techniques (similar to the solera system used to make sherry), which, through the addition of alcohol, would not only fortify the wine but also help it survive the sea journey back to England in tact. It was an instant success with the British, and other entrepreneurs, such as Ingham and Whitaker, soon hurried out to exploit the wine's popularity.

Towards the end of the 19th century, the English dominion in Marsala-making was brought to an end by the arrival of Vincenzo Florio, one of Italy's first tycoons, who bought up much of the land around Marsala. Cantine Florio, though in different hands today, remains one of the best producers of Marsala and a visit of their enormous barrel-filled winery is recommended.

For most of the 20th century, Sicily continued to produce enormous quantities of grapes, most of which, however, were exported to be added to wine made elsewhere in Italy.

The last 20 years have seen enormous changes to the island's wine culture and, as the many international prizes won by Sicilian producers confirm, some of Italy’s finest wines are now being made in Sicily. A new generation of Sicilian producers are realising the full potential of the island’s enviable climate, its autochthonous grape varieties and its fertile soil.

Sicily is a wine-lover's paradise, such is the variety, complexity and abundance of Bacchus' unique gift!

Find out more at the ThinkSicily blog http://goo.gl/J1NRE