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

The Slow Fish Festival - a GASTRONOMIC thrill!

Gorgeous Liguria, Italy, gets even better when it hosts the 5th Slow Fish Festival from 27 – 30 May in Genoa, capital to this thin region that sits along the top of the Italian boot looking out to sea. Otherwise know as the ‘Italian Riviera', its where you will find many celebrities and the largest yachts you will ever have seen in your life.

And Genoa is one of those cities that you don't know is fabulous until you walk around its lovely cobbled streets down to the Marina and Harbour whilst discovering some amazing historic facts.  Apparently the very first cheque was written in Genoa!

The Slow Food network is vast and spans members from 150 countries.  The Slow Fish festival features events and activities along side its huge market of fish in every shape and form where you can taste and buy products from around the world.

And whilst you are ogling the 20 international top cooks preparing mouth watering dishes for you to try, don't forget to visit the Slow Fish Enoteca which is the space dedicated to good quality wine so that you can try from more than 800 bottles.

BA fly from London Gatwick, prices start from £49pp including all taxes and charges in April and May.  http://www.ba.com/

Ryanair offers flight out of Standsted to Genoa from £31pp including all taxes and charges in April and May.  http://www.ryanair.com/

For short breaks tour operators, http://www.loveitaly.co.uk/regions.php?id=9&r=Liguria

For more info on Liguria, http://www.turismoinliguria.it/

For more info on Slow Fish, http://www.slowfish.it/

  

A Day in Siena

If you are planning a stay in a self-catering property in Tuscany, you might want to spend some time exploring Siena.

Renowned as one of Italy's most enchanting cities, Siena is the perfect place to spend a day. With a historic medieval town centre, several attractive churches and a collection of fascinating museums, you are sure to find plenty of places to explore.

While legend states that Siena was founded by the son of Remus, its founders were most likely Etruscan and the settlement was a fully-fledged town by the first century BC.

However, it is Siena's medieval history that is arguably the most fascinating and you'll be able to get a firsthand glimpse of art and architecture from this time as you explore the city.

Siena was allied to Florence for nearly a century from the late 1200s and it is during this period that the city enjoyed prosperous growth. This is when many of the city's distinctive Gothic buildings were constructed, as well as landmarks including the magnificent Duomo cathedral, Palazzo Comunale and the famous Piazza del Campo.

The latter is not to be missed during a holiday to Siena. Considered to be one of the finest medieval squares in Europe, the piazza is known for its striking architectural design and plays host to a number of different events throughout the year.

Of these, the Palio di Siena is among the most exciting. This horse race is held twice a year and is a great favourite with locals and tourists alike.

Since 1966, motor traffic - with the exception of scooters - has been banned from the heart of the city, so you can stroll at your leisure without worrying about speeding cars.

In fact, the entire historic centre of Siena has been designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site thanks to its important medieval architecture.

If you want a deeper look into Siena's rich history, its art museums are also well worth exploring - particularly the Pinacoteca, which houses works dating back to its prosperous medieval heyday.

Whether you choose to base yourself in Siena or visit the city as part of your stay in Tuscany villas, you are sure to have a memorable break in this stunning historic destination.


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20 Romantic Things to do In Italy

1. Walk through San Marco in the early morning… best to do this in Spring or Summer just before sunrise.  It is just you and the early morning slowly stirring.

2. Take the early morning Vatican tour and get to experience the Sistine Chapel in its full glory just you, your partner and the guide.  There may be some other people there however not the crowds.  You will definitely be moved!

3. Get yourself organized and pre-book tickets for the Accademia Gallery in Florence and get to see David in the “flesh” ……… for all you others who prefer the female form how about pre booking the Uffizi and checking out Botticelli's "The birth of Venus".

4. Watch the sunset from the terraces of Ravello over a Mimosa cocktail or even better, a Rossini!

5. Book a table for 2 with candle-light at the 2 star Michelin Villa Crespi and enjoy one of the tasting menus which have been designed with you in mind.

6. Drive from a selection of classic convertibles including Alfa Romeo duetto 1967, MG MIDGET 1968, and AC COBRA 1977 to name but a few. We highly recommend that you choose to do this on the Amalfi Coast. The leather gloves, the foulard, the soft breeze in your hair, the dramatic scenery....

7. A romantic and private boat tour for 2 on Lake Como with your chilled bottle of Italian Sparkling wine.  Admire the lakeside villas which beckon you - Villa d'Este, Villa Erba, Villa Olmo, Villa Fontanelle, Villa Cassinella, the wonderful Villa Balbianello, Villa Carlotta……

8. Enjoy chocolate cuddles in Montecatini with an anti-age “Choco Energy” face treatment followed by a slimming-energizing “Choco Minceur” body treatment based on the properties of cocoa, chocolate, black pepper and honey.  If you fancy something a little more wine based… go for a purifying rebalancing wine treatment with a Chianti Sangiovese grape must  body scrub with massage followed by an ozone bath with wine nectar (Virgin Red Grape Juice), facial muscle toning massage and gel masks with Chardonnay Grapes from Lake Garda, strawberry juice and raspberry honey.

9. Enjoy wine tasting in the Roman cellars of this excellent restaurant in Piazza Erbe in the historical centre of Verona. With over 600 labels and a total of 7000 bottles managed and cared for by qualified and highly competent staff.  Or if you fancy something a little more intimate try a candle-lit dinner for 2 in the cellar with your own personal waiter for the night.

10. Why not spend 1 night in this wonderful hotel and enjoy a bottle of the veneto's finest in the evening under Juliet's balcony, just you, your partner and the stillness of the courtyard.

11. Try something a little different and stay in this “unique” art hotel where reality and fantasy seem to coexist in every room.  For all you lovers we suggest – La Torre di Sigismondo, an art room created by the movie director Raoul Ruiz.  With a huge round bed which revolves and occupies the entire space of the tower. Guests have the opportunity of opening up the roof revealing the starry sky.

12. What about a night at the opera? With so much romance to choose from: La Boheme at La Fenice in Venice in February/March; Romeo & Juliet at La Scala in Milan in June; Madame Butterfly in Teatro Petruzzelli Bari in July.....

13. Why not take part in the Venice Carnival and dress up for the occasion. Choose from the Commedia dell'Arte (costumes of 16^thcentury Italian theatrical characters), historical costumes of the ages, 1700 Veneziano to fancy dress.  With this comes all the accessories, the masks, the hats, the gloves, the shoes…..Be part of the mystery and make it romantic.

14. Enjoy a long bath and we have the perfect tub for you at this unique hotel Philippe Starck is in full swing here and the bathtub is just to die for… smooth and soft like marble allowing you to reach the height of total relaxation.  Add some essential oils to your water, rose petals and a few candles and I guarantee you will not want to come out.

15. When choosing your Italian coastal property, make sure that you opt for the room with an external Jacuzzi.

16. Stay in our candle-lit cave in the heart of Matera.

17. Hire a Vespa in Rome and discover the hidden treasures which await. Become Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn for the day.

18. In this section there are 3 things we feel will add to a romantic soiree a deux… Pizza in Naples. Particularly good pizzerias in Naples are rewarded with a vera pizza emblem. Some of the best are Brandi, the Lombardi in Via Benedetto Croce, 59, and last but not least da Pasqualino in Piazza Sannazzaro 78/9.  The Neopolitans eat their pizza with beer and when all is finished head to the Gran Caffè La Caffettiera in Piazza dei Martiri for a good cup of coffee and then end your evening with a Gelato (ice-cream)…and here are some of the best Naples has to offer…Bilancione in Via Posillipo 238, Otranto in Via Scarlatti 78, which specialises in seasonal fruit ice creams.  Chalet Ciro a Mergellina in Via Caracciolo and not forgetting Gran Bar Riviera in Riviera di Chiaia 181 and Remy Gelo in Via F. Galiani 30.

19. A balloon trip for 2 over Tuscany.

20. Head out to your own Italian island retreat.  Check out destinations like Pantelleria, Salina, Elba, Ponza, Stromboli…….. many more hidden gems.

Need a bit of romance?  A romantic break?  Want to celebrate something special?  Anniversary, honeymoon, a special moment?   Contact Rosa Spatola on 01424 728900.

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ITALY: Essential Tourist News You Should Know!

If you are thinking of visiting one of the great Italian cities this year, there are plenty of developing/renovation projects that may help you decide which city will be your choice for 2011.  Here are some helpful tips.

One of the most visited sites in Italy, the Colosseum, is being cleaned from top to toe as well as given permanent lighting for spectacular night time visits. The ambitious project could also open up new areas which were previously closed to visitors.

Great news that the Vatican Museum is running a very smooth online reservation system  http://mv.vatican.va/  Now you can even visit at night from April to October from 7 – 11 p.m. And after a long renovation, you can finally see the museum's Etruscan Rooms.

And not just at the Vatican Museum are visiting hours getting longer.  This year, it's getting even easier to buy Ferragamo shoes (and anything else) on Rome's fashionable Via Condotti.  No longer are shops closed for a long lunch break -  many are now staying open throughout the day — generally 10 a.m. to 7 p.m!

In Florence, the streets around the Duomo have recently been pedestrianized which is fabulous news. However, beware:  The Uffizi Gallery, famous for its fabulous Renaissance art, is undergoing a renovation, scheduled for completion this summer. Until then, its Tribune Room (with Venus de' Medici) will be closed. When it reopens, you'll view the precious marble statue of Venus through glass panels.

Again, more late opening with the Leaning Tower of Pisa opening late on summer evenings, making it possible to tour the landmark and survey the Field of Miracles from above after dark. The system for making reservations and sorting out the huge crowds that come to see and climb the tipsy tower is working well:  http://www.opapisa.it/

Venice has a new museum: The Punta della Dogana, housed in the former Customs House at the end of the Grand Canal in the Dorsoduro neighborhood. It features cutting-edge 21st-century art in spacious rooms. This isn't Picasso and Matisse, or even Pollock and Warhol — those guys are ancient history. But if you're into the likes of Jeff Koons, Cy Twombly, Rachel Whiteread, and a host of newer artists, the museum is as impressively contemporary as Venice is Old World. The displays change completely about every year, drawn from the museum's large collection. In fact, the art is spread over two locations — the triangular Customs House and Palazzo Grassi.

The Dogana traghetto, (or ferry gondola), is back, shuttling passengers across the mouth of the Grand Canal, between Harry's Bar (near St. Mark's Square) and the new Punta della Dogana art museum.

Venice's new People Mover monorail, a shuttle train fixed to a circular cable, opened in 2010 and carries passengers from the parking lot at Tronchetto to Piazzale Roma. It departs every few minutes, makes the half-mile trip in three minutes, is completely automated (no crew on board), and drops you a block from the Calatrava Bridge on Piazzale Roma, where the town center is an enchanting walk away.

For help to book the perfect fabulous Italian getaway, check all ABTOI members http://www.loveitaly.co.uk/