Despite being one of the most famous and appreciated seaside resorts in Italy, Cinque Terre (the Five Lands) are one of the perfect Italian tourist locations for short trips or a long weekend and are ideal in any season of the year. Not surprisingly the Cinque Terre are part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. They make up a panorama of incomparabl...
READ MOREWhen you think of Lake Como it’s hard not to conjure up images of boat trips, George Clooney and Bellagio for Bellinis! These are all very enjoyable things to see here; although I would recommend the Bellinis in Harry’s Bar, Cernobbio! The glitz and glamour of the lake district is a more recent attraction of this area but back in 1700 when the Gran...
READ MOREFor a city so deeply rooted in history and traditions—from its 14th-century palazzi and Byzantine basilicas to its boats-only transport system—Venice is perennially popular with modern-day travelers. (So much so that over-tourism and a proposed “day visitor” tax geared towards cruise-ship passengers have become big topics of conversation.) But the...
READ MOREIf you thought Italy’s allure lay largely in the opportunity to wile away the hours eating and drinking endlessly in pastel-hued piazzas—well, you’d be right. But that’s just part of its perennial magic. For those whose version of la dolce vita includes extraordinary natural beauty, the Dolomites are a true Valhalla. Rising over 10,000 feet in the...
READ MOREThe Italian aviation sector wasn’t ever going to be ready for the disruption a small, rebranded airline was about to present to a monopoly-driven air travel market that’s for years been shrouded in government interference, corruption, and a long-standing expectation that “the flag carrier is invincible, bankrupt or not, regardless of competition” a...
READ MOREEmilia-Romagna is considered one of the richest gastronomic and winemaking regions of Italy. It is commonly known for its egg and filled pastas made with soft wheat flour as well as for balsamic vinegars and cheeses. On the occasion of Los Angeles Times Food Bowl, experience the wine and food of the Emilia-Romagna region during an event led by Giam...
READ MOREMany Italian regions are known for one famous city, although they have many others that are worth visiting. Veneto is definitely one of those regions, most famous for Venice, but the area is extremely rich in opportunities for a holiday full of fun, relaxation and culture that extend beyond the lagoon city. Given the climate, the best time to visit...
READ MOREThe cultural park is home to about 20 different species of bamboo, ranging from dwarf to giant. The labyrinth is a living demonstration of the plant’s immense potential. Even the parquet floors of the park’s buildings were made of the same material. The labyrinth takes the shape of an eight-pointed star, a nod to star-shaped fortress cities. Becaus...
READ MOREThis year 385 Italian beaches in 183 different municipalities were awarded the prestigious Blue Flag, meaning Italy still has 10 percent of all Blue Flag beaches in the world. The international Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) awards the marker based on 32 different criteria, from water quality to facilities for visitors, and various s...
READ MOREStepping onto the grounds of the Villa d’Este in Tivoli is like taking a trip back in time. The gorgeous complex, totally reimagined under the ownership of Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este in the 16th century, is a testament to the ingenuity and beauty that were hallmarks of the Renaissance period. History of the Villa d’EsteIppolito II, the grandson of...
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