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Ten years ago, while exploring the Renaissance city of Mantua in Lombardy, I bumped into a bunch of cyclists embarking on a “bike and barge” trip all the way to Venice. It sounded like the perfect way to hit the quiet backroads of the little-known Polesine region, which surrounds the Po River and stretches to the Adriatic. Finally, here I am, joini...

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Burano Island makes a fantastic day (or half-day) trip from Venice. If you have time to spare in Venice, here’s why you should add Burano to your list! Ever seen those photos of Venice that show brightly-painted buildings and flowerpots? Those aren’t from the main island of Venice, but Burano. The island is a true photo-lover’s paradise!

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When I first heard about a “Shoe Museum” in small-town Italy, I wasn’t exactly brimming with enthusiasm. “But it has a fascinating collection of women’s footwear from the 1940s to the present day!” argued its proponents. I politely replied with an “Oh, cool. But I’m not really sure that’s my thing.” Guys and girls, sometimes in life you have to adm...

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Compared with costly French champagne and without the reputation of blended Spanish cava, prosecco is an accessible everyday luxury that we have come to love. It even has its own annual national day (13th August, in case you’re wondering). To drink Italian prosecco is indulgence without extravagance, while remaining light and easy on the palate. Ju...

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Is Venice overpriced? In some ways, sure, but not in others. The bad news is that hotels and restaurants tend to charge premium rates in this small city, where there’s no room to build anything new, and public transport tickets are eye-watering. But then there’s the good: the main sights are free, cheap bar snacks are nutritious, and the city cente...

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One evening during this spring’s Vinitaly fair in Verona, I met avant-garde Mount Etna winemaker Frank Cornelissen for an evening glass or two. We sat at a table with strangers under the ancient portico of the vintage, divey Osteria Sottoriva. At one point, Cornelissen proposed a blind-tasting of a white wine he had selected. From the tall, slender...

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Crowned by mountains and wooded hills, Lake Garda is a small sea between the mountains. Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, touching three regions (Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto) and it's a true paradise for visitors looking for culture, sport, adventure and wellness. Ancient villages, beaches and theme parks follow one another alon...

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The next best thing to visiting Lake Garda this spring is attending one of the special dining events scheduled in New York City over 10 days in June where one of Italy's best kept wine secrets will be shared. Running June 12 through June 22 at various restaurants and clubs, wines of the Lugana D.O.C., considered among the finest white wines in Ital...

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Murano Glass is a unique type of glassware that is known for its beauty, craftsmanship, and durability. Unlike other types of glassware and crystal, Murano Glass is made using a highly specialized process that involves melting and shaping glass at extremely high temperatures. One of the key features of Italian Murano Glass is the special furnaces u...

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The innovative construction of Venetian chimneys stands as a testament to the city’s unique approach to addressing the challenges posed by its specific geographical conditions. With high humidity, salt air, and densely packed dwellings of varying heights, the Venetians needed ingenious solutions to ensure safety and efficiency in chimney design and...

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