Walking in the Cinque Terre

Liguria has some of the most stunning coastline in the Mediterranean making the Cinque Terre one of Italy’s top tourist attractions.

Chin Chin

The chinotti oranges have been experiencing something of a revolution in recent years.

The Father of the Risorgimento

Revolutionary and intellectual, Rosie Whitehouse tells the story of Giuseppe Mazzini.

Something fishy

Author Rosie Whitehouse takes us fishing off the coast of Noli.

A bitter paradise

Mary Shelley’s summer on the Golfo dei Poeti was not as idyllic as you might think.

The Secrets of the Genoa Silk Road

Author Rosie Whitehouse takes a tour of Genoa’s silk merchants.

The demon of the Mediterranean

The Barbary pirates ramsacked towns along the north African coast in the 16th century.

Buzz off!

The story of Rinaldo Piaggio, creator of one of Italy’s icons – the Vespa.

The Cricket

Beppe Grillo — comedian, political activist, a founder of MoVimento 5 Stelle.

An Englishman’s home: Europe’s most impressive castles

From complex histories to spectacular architecture, castles have so much to offer.

Emilia-Romagna: a foodie paradise

Even within a country that is itself known worldwide for its popular cuisine, the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy is famed for its delectable food.

Towers and Tortellini: Taking a Bite of Bologna

It’s a world in itself, this pianeta porticata – ‘arcaded planet’, as the Bolognesi call their peculiar city. They like to be different, the Bolognesi.

European city breaks for wildlife lovers

Can’t decide whether you want a city break or a nature-oriented trip to Europe? Why not do both culture and vulture on the same short holiday?

Making the most of a long weekend in Abruzzo

You’ve made it to Abruzzo but you’ve only got a weekend to spare. Here’s how to make the most of a long weekend in the region. 

Scanno: At the forefront of fashion?

Scanno is particularly well known for its traditional costume.