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Villa d’Este: Live from the Water Organ in the Gardens at Tivoli

May 5, 2013 by
Villa d'Este Water Organ

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 today. Tony and Helen brave the crowds to bring you a taste of the experience! "Well here we are at the Villa D'Este - if you can hear me above the … [Read more...]

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Villa d’Este: live from the Gardens in Tivoli

May 5, 2013 by
Villa d'Este, 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, the Fountain of Neptune. "Hi, we're now in Villa D'Este (Gardens) in Tivoli. It is about 30 km outside of Rome. This is the largest and most important … [Read more...]

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Venice in Acqua Alta: Live From Piazza San Marco

April 15, 2013 by
Venice Acqua Alta

High Water at High Noon: Keep Your Balance in St. Mark's Square - or Go for a Paddle! "Acqua Alta" is Italian for "High Water", and when a big tide comes into Venice's lagoon, that's exactly what you get in Piazza San Marco and many pedestrian streets. Fortunately, it usually only happens from autumn to spring, and the city fathers set up a network of gangways (wide wood planks on iron supports) to help people get around, but in busy areas this can make for some exciting balancing … [Read more...]

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The Dolomites: Live from Rifugio Lagazuoi

April 8, 2013 by
Rifugio Lagazuoi Cable Car

At 2752m, the Dolomites look stunning from Rifugio Lagazuoi - especially with hot chocolate! Tony and Helen Page take the cable car to Rifugio Lagazuoi, built in 1965 by mountain tour guide Ugo Pompanin (and still managed by his family). From its terrace at 2,752m, you can get a stunning 360-degree panorama over the Dolomites, and the strüdel and hot chocolate is pretty good too! "Well, we're on top of the Italian mountains now (Ed: The Dolomites) and this is the Rifugio Lagazuoi and … [Read more...]

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The Dolomites: Live from Cortina d’Ampezzo

April 6, 2013 by
Cortina d'Ampezzo

Winter sports, Apres-ski, James Bond film set - but even in Summer Cortina is not to be missed Cortina d'Ampezzo is the jewel of the Dolomites, the Italian mountain range that's just a few hours away from Venice. More famous as a winter ski resort and setting for James Bond films, Tony and Helen Page found it well worth visiting in summer, and a good base for exploring the picturesque Alpine region. "The clouds are coming in, it's late afternoon and here we are in Cortina d'Ampezzo. (Someone … [Read more...]

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Burano: Live from the Island of Technicolor Houses & Lace

March 30, 2013 by
Burano's Coloured Houses

Burano's Brightly Coloured Houses are a Photographer's - and Dulux's - Dream Burano's No.1 tourist attraction is the eye-dazzling, brightly coloured terraced houses lining its canals, but its mask and lace shops, not to mention its restaurants, also draw the visitors in; Tony and Helen Page braved the crowds to see whether it was all it is cracked up to be... "I've now shifted over to Burano (from Murano), and here is the clock tower which when you see it from a distance looks crooked. But … [Read more...]

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Orvieto: Live From The Moro Tower

March 16, 2013 by
Orvieto: Duomo

A Bird's Eye View of This Famous Etruscan City in Southwestern Umbria, Italy High above Orvieto atop the Moro Tower, Tony Page gives you a bird's eye view of this famous mediaeval city in southwestern Umbria, Italy. Populated since Etruscan times, it's built above almost vertical cliffs and dominates the road from Florence to Rome. "Okay, here we are on the Moro Tower, a long way and a lot of steps above Orvieto. And there you've got the cathedral. I'm just going to walk around this … [Read more...]

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My Whistle Stop Tour of Italy

August 16, 2012 by
The Verona Arena

Jo Turnbull dashes down some quick-fire notes as she hot-foots it through Italy As the home of art, opera, and fashion and not forgetting ice cream and pasta, Italy is one of the most interesting countries in Europe. The shape of a boot with a football on the toe representing Sicily, it is a country of diverse scenery and landscapes. My recent trip over twelve days covered the cities of the north down to Rome and back, not enough time to do justice to the wonderful countryside and ancient … [Read more...]

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Restaurants in Cannaregio, Venice

April 13, 2012 by
Food in Venice

Restaurants in Cannaregio, Venice It's important to check that the restaurant at which you're interested in eating is open! Restaurants in Venice do not all close on a Monday, rest days vary, and not all open at night. Booking is highly advisable, especially when you want an outside table. And not all restaurants (especially the smaller ones) take credit cards. Cannaregio Al Giubagio Cannaregio 5039 (VE) 0415236084 Bar - Restaurant - … [Read more...]

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Restaurants in Santa Croce, Venice

April 13, 2012 by
Venice Restaurants

Restaurants in Santa Croce, Venice: It's important to check that the restaurant at which you're interested in eating is open! Restaurants in Venice do not all close on a Monday, rest days vary, and not all open at night. Booking is highly advisable, especially when you want an outside table. And not all restaurants (especially the smaller ones) take credit cards. Pizza - Restaurant Ae Oche Santa Croce, 1552/A 041-52-41-161 For more than twenty … [Read more...]

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