Destinations
Portofino – The Jewel of the Italian Riviera
Nicknamed the "Pearl of the World", Portofino is Absolutely Gorgeous: Once … [Read More...]
Montepulciano – Famous for its Vino Nobile
Montepulciano - A Hill Town in Tuscany that's Famous for its Vino … [Read More...]
Portofino: Live from the luxury Ligurian Resort
Portofino has luxury designer shops, big boats and 5 euro coffees - Cinque Terre … [Read More...]
Shopping
Portofino – A Shopper’s Paradise?
Shopping in Portofino - Portofino Has Plenty of Designer Shops: Most … [Read More...]
A Visit to the Contucci Cellar in Montepulciano
Wine Shopping at the Contucci Cellar, One of Montepulciano's Many Wine … [Read More...]
Shopping in Capri
Capri Has a Reputation for being Expensive, but There are Things to Buy … [Read More...]
Sightseeing
Villa d’Este: Live from the Water Organ in the Gardens at Tivoli
The legendary Renaissance gardens of the Villa d'Este, arguably the most important in Italy The famous fountains and gardens of Italy's Villa d'Este made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Water Organ Fountain above the magnificent Fountain of Neptune entranced Villa D'Este's residents and visitors in the early 17th century, as it does … [Read More...]
Villa d’Este: live from the Gardens in Tivoli
The famous Fountains and Gardens of Italy's Villa d'Este made it a World Heritage Site The legendary Renaissance gardens of the Villa d'Este are arguably the most important in Italy, and inspired many other gardens all over Europe. The great fountains are particularly striking, and Helen sets the scene for you in front of the most magnificent, … [Read More...]
Capri: Live from the Monte Solaro Chair-lift!
The ride up from Anacapri is open to the elements but it's a real thrill with great views! The chair-lift up to Monte Solaro from Anacapri is an exciting and exhilarating ride - provided the weather is good! There are great views on the way up (and down) and tremendous panoramas of the Faraglioni Rocks and over to the mainland from the … [Read More...]
Food
Lunch at La Zagara – One of the Many Positano Restaurants
La Zagara - A Restaurant With a Delicious-Looking Cakes but the Food and Service Disappointed: There are heaps of restaurants in Positano and our guide, whom we suspect is a bit of a dessert addict, suggested that La Zagara is a good place to take a break as it has the best cakes in town. After quickly pointing out to the group where things … [Read More...]
Food and Wine in San Gimignano
San Gimignano is a Great Food Destination: If you're a foodie or love cooking, San Gimignago is a destination for you. The traditional cuisine of this Tuscan hill-town features many of the typical dishes that you'll see on menus of trattorias and restaurants in Tuscany, and if you're into cooking, you can easily buy these Tuscan food … [Read More...]
The World’s Best Gelato in San Gimignano
San Gimignano is a Pilgrimage Destination for Gelato-lovers: When you visit Piazza della Cisterna in San Gimignano, an interesting phenomenon you will observe is the number of people eating gelato. Enjoying a gelato or two is one of the pleasurable pastimes when visiting Italy, and there's nothing unusual about visitors eating gelato, especially … [Read More...]
Useful Facts
A One Night Stop at the Hotel Regina Elena
Hotel Review: Best Western Regina Elena Hotel, Santa Margherita Ligure: When our coach shot past the centre of Santa Margherita Ligure and pulled in at the Best Western Regina Elena Hotel further up the road, we were a little disappointed. We were only staying in the Italian Riviera for one night to visit Portofino and the Hotel Regina Elena … [Read More...]
A Sweltering Stay at the Hotel Aquila Bianca in Orvieto
Hotel Aquila Bianca in Orvieto has Great Location but the Air-conditioning Was Ineffective: For a central hotel in the historical heart of Orvieto, you can't complain about the Hotel Aquila Bianca. Located in Piazza della Repubblica, the hotel is within easy reach of shops and restaurants and the Orvieto Cathedral is just a 7-minute walk … [Read More...]
Grand Hotel La Favorita in Sorrento
Hotel La Favorita is Centrally Located 4-Star Sorrento Hotel: For our three day visit in Sorrento, we stayed at the Grand Hotel La Favorita. This relatively new four-star hotel on Via Torquato Tasso enjoys a convenient location in the historical centre of Sorrento. Hotel La Favorita Hotel La Favorita is a beautifully appointed hotel with … [Read More...]