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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