tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219513822012-01-23T22:11:02.946ZItaly Heaven Blog: Italy news, updates, travel tips and comments from <a href="http://www.italyheaven.co.uk/">www.italyheaven.co.uk</a>Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.comBlogger1201100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-32591692058151927652012-01-23T22:08:00.000Z2012-01-23T22:11:02.965Z

This is a good time of year to think about the summer, and temporarily forget the cold while indulging in a spot of escapism. I've added a couple of new articles to the Italy Heaven website as well as a few bright and sunny pictures. The best seaside holiday destinations Amalfi Coast There are so many good seaside resorts in Italy - and so many coastal towns now featured on the website -

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-29966966105802704822012-01-03T14:17:00.002Z2012-01-03T14:34:54.713Z

Latest news The coastline of the Cinque Terre was hit by floods in October 2011, which severely damaged both the resort of Monterosso and the picturesque village of Vernazza (featured on the home page of Italy Heaven). The other resorts in the area will be open for business as usual this year, though walkers would be well-advised to check latest updates or telephone ahead to ascertain the

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-17015543576981593822012-01-02T12:29:00.003Z2012-01-02T13:22:49.215Z

Here are my personal Italy highlights of 2011Most luxurious hotelCa' Maria Adele, VeniceBest off-the-beaten-track accommodationHotel Novecento, Scicli Most frightening experience Walking right around the rim of VesuviusBest views (and best exercise) Amalfi Coast walking holiday with Exodus > See a view Best ruin Castello Eurialo – an ancient Greek fortress outside Siracusa Best meals A tie

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-90335879590025892422011-12-16T12:21:00.003Z2011-12-16T12:26:23.157Z

Here's a link to an article I wrote a couple of years ago about Christmas shopping in Venice. The only real change is that this year's antiques market in Campo San Maurizio runs from the 16th December (today) until the 18th. Stay tuned for more about winter in Venice...> Christmas shopping in Venice

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-84722832390959789392011-12-10T15:28:00.004Z2011-12-10T16:01:43.273Z

Many Italians aren't at all happy with the package of cuts proposed on their behalf by their new unelected leader Mario Monti. So December in Italy is likely to be disrupted by a number of strikes and possibly demonstrations. Although strikes are often threatened and do not always go ahead, travellers should be aware of the following provisional strike dates. This list contains all the relevant

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-90578680243393468442011-11-06T22:44:00.003Z2011-11-06T22:55:28.437Z

Last month I returned from a trip around Sardinia. At the end of September and beginning of October the weather was still hot and sunny. The island's resorts were open for business, but the famous beaches of Sardinia were almost empty. It was a great time to visit and see Sardinia at its best, and I explored some fascinating places, from the lively tourist town Alghero to the remote beaches of

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-15163080207389548932011-08-20T12:02:00.003+01:002011-08-20T12:10:10.306+01:00

(See the long version) Booking my BA flights as part of a holiday through a tour company has taught me: - Group bookings are treated differently from normal bookings, even if you have a booking reference number - You cannot check in online or using BA's mobile app, you will have to check in at the airport - You can request that your flights are associated with your Executive Club membership

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-52601474874118053652011-08-20T10:59:00.003+01:002011-08-20T12:11:45.717+01:00

(see the short version) In case this is of use to other travellers... I booked an organised holiday through a tour company (Exodus). I had the option of booking my own BA flight to Naples, or letting Exodus include them in my holiday booking. A quick check showed me that the prices would be pretty much the same. Considerations of potential liability/insurance claims led me to book the holiday

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-55924294523941727242011-08-15T15:22:00.003+01:002011-08-15T15:33:51.960+01:00

As an update to my previous post about the merits of upgrading from BA's Euro Traveller class to Club Europe, I've now upgraded on a UK - Italy flight. This was my first opportunity to sample the hospitality of a dedicated British Airways lounge - and I was very impressed. The BA lounge at Gatwick is large and very lavish compared with standard airport lounges. It's large, with a TV area, a quiet

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-320001814214242962011-08-10T16:23:00.008+01:002011-08-10T17:22:26.179+01:00

Is it worth upgrading from BA Euro Traveller to Club Europe? Euro Traveller is the British Airways standard class for travel within Europe. Club Europe is the business-class equivalent. Sometimes, before your flight, BA may offer you 'upgrade offers' – for example, £59 per leg of your journey. Is it worth the additional expense? It all depends on your journey – destination, length of

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-81682450644609615752011-07-05T19:59:00.004+01:002011-07-05T20:27:49.006+01:00

Out for my daily stroll around Venice, I found a tourist's handbag on a bench. It's awkward, isn't it? You don't want to sit down and go through someone's wallet in case they reappear while you are rummaging among their valuables. But I couldn't just leave it there - someone less scrupulous may have come along, the owner may not remember and return to the spot, or perhaps it was stolen elsewhere

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-53499007775543687332011-07-02T13:00:00.002+01:002011-07-02T13:12:33.046+01:00

Italy has a new UNESCO listing for 2011:'Longobards in Italy. Places of power (568-774 A.D.)'. This listing includes seven different sites which are important monuments to the Lombard era. These sites include Cividale del Friuli, which I visited a few months ago and wrote about. It is a very attractive small town in the north-east corner of Italy, and its monuments and museum are a great

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-33480906348510024132011-06-02T12:25:00.003+01:002011-06-02T13:49:48.395+01:00

It's time for Venice Biennale again. This week, during the launch, the city has been full of artists, hangers-on and parties for the select few. Next week the common folk are allowed to view the exhibition. It's an expensive and arduous business visiting the two principal sites, the Giardini park and the Arsenale shipyard. Hundreds of exhibitions and installations begin to blur into one another

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-27825953617761145702011-02-26T13:28:00.005Z2011-02-26T17:18:26.128Z

Being able to get connected while you're travelling is very useful – you can check Italy Heaven for holiday ideas, for a start.Previously I've always used my laptop computer for internet access, but I've just acquired a couple of smartphones and did some research into accessing the internet in Italy, which I'll share here.Hotels and public placesMost hotels offer some kind of internet access, and

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-63647138038550714042010-12-10T16:53:00.007Z2010-12-10T17:17:52.494Z

How much do Italians love Nutella?You can travel with itspread it on pizza and focacciaand even decorate your Christmas tree with special festive mini-jars(http://www.ferrero.it/nutella-natale/)

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-29033674172541799922010-10-15T16:06:00.004+01:002010-10-19T22:51:56.224+01:00

STOP PRESS - The transport strikes scheduled for Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd October have now been called off. According to the Ministry of Transport, trains and local transport should be running normally.A transport strike is scheduled to take place in a week's time in Italy. A strike will affect railway services from 9pm on 21st October until 9pm on 22nd October. Other forms of transport,

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-12097567653662215172010-10-14T10:19:00.005+01:002010-10-14T11:29:58.571+01:00

The news from the BBC is that soon ALL travellers departing through Manchester Airport will have to go through body scanners. These are the devices which will display your entire body on a screen, along with any intimate items you are wearing. Why do I hate the idea?[NOTE: since I wrote this article the BBC report has been amended; not all passengers will be forced through the scanners... but

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-37343398834202082642010-09-26T22:52:00.005+01:002010-09-26T23:03:58.031+01:00

Sunshine and high water in Venice today, and a man pretending to be a shop-window mannequin.I was out and about experimenting with my new camera (a Panasonic Lumix G2).The high tide had gone down but St. Mark's Square was still mostly flooded - I cut across the dry 'causeway' in the middle of the square but access to the duckboards was blocked by a metre of shallow water... it took some patience

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-83613679800511478112010-09-17T17:30:00.005+01:002010-09-17T17:41:58.962+01:00

You really need to carry a camera about the whole time in Venice. There is always something new to photograph. I was only popping out to collect a train ticket half an hour ago, and it was starting to rain, so after some thought I left my camera at home. And just around the corner I came upon a dog in a gondola. Sitting on the cushions in solitary state, being rowed along by a gondolier. He

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-46285778995321415112010-07-23T18:04:00.004+01:002010-07-23T18:52:07.320+01:00

In Rome - and indeed across Italy - Monday is the traditional closing day for museums and tourist sights. This is very frustrating for tourists, as almost every museum and gallery in Rome is closed on the day when a lot of holidaymakers and long-weekenders might want to be sightseeing.Here are some places which are open on a Monday in Rome, and some ideas for a fulfilling day:- the Forum, the

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-73085394498617147762010-07-16T11:14:00.003+01:002010-07-16T11:35:28.058+01:00

Tomorrow night (Saturday 17th July) is the Notte di Caravaggio in Rome. From 7pm to 9am on the 18th, various sites holding Caravaggio masterpieces will stay open all night, with free entry. There are also events and entertainment - if you are an art lover, this is a must. It's also a good way to deal with the current heatwave in Italy - take a long daytime siesta, then head out into the cooler

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-1131864986390940292010-07-08T14:59:00.002+01:002010-07-08T15:15:53.486+01:00

It's a summer weekend, so workers across Italy have decided to prolong their holiday by staging a strike on Friday 9th July. Transport is the sector most affected; if you are in Italy at the moment, the best advice is simply to stay put.There is a railway strike from 9pm tonight until 9pm tomorrow. Meanwhile, local public transport firms are striking for 24 hours tomorrow. The times, schedules

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-8271715847873437912010-05-09T14:19:00.004+01:002010-05-09T14:31:31.608+01:00

After the now-legendary Ash Disruptions of April 2010, train travel across Europe seems an even more attractive prospect. The ongoing threat of flight cancellations (today several Italian airports are closed as a volcanic ash cloud drifts by), ever-increasing airport security hassles and environmental considerations are enough to make many travellers consider alternative options.Thanks to

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-53332663367843370432010-05-05T19:25:00.006+01:002010-05-05T19:48:21.728+01:00

Interesting sights in Venice today included a whole team of cement-mixing lorries on a barge on the Grand Canal, pumping cement along a tube to building works by the Salute church, while a workman with a red/green bat managed the pedestrian traffic.In a sunny break between rain showers, I walked along the Zattere and photographed Johnny Depp's yacht. The actor has been here for some time filming

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-65361284414613364712010-03-30T20:41:00.011+01:002010-03-30T21:59:03.504+01:00

On Saturday I enjoyed a lovely day out in Conegliano, a small historic Veneto town. After my trip to see the Giorgione exhibition in his hometown on Castelfranco Veneto, this time the main motive (or excuse) for my trip was a major exhibition of the paintings of Giovanni Battista Cima da Conegliano. Since encountering his paintings in Venice (one can be viewed for free in the Church of the

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-81890983451413469022010-03-25T21:08:00.004Z2010-03-25T21:48:23.555Z

I arrived back in Venice yesterday and the cold weather has (hopefully) ended. Today was a glorious spring day with sunshine and a blue sky. The tourist numbers are increasing, bolstered by large school parties. I saw one large group in Piazza San Marco enacting a curious circle ritual, possibly a European equivalent of the Hokey Cokey (see photo below). I walked to my current favourite gelateria

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-15573164160422632072010-03-02T22:31:00.007Z2010-03-02T23:31:41.309Z

Today I visited Castelfranco Veneto for the Giorgione 2010 exhibition. This marks the 500th year since the painter's death; which is one of the few known details of his life - a letter referring to it is included in the exhibition. The man's paintings are as mysterious as his life: there aren't many positive attributions to Giorgione and there's much debate over the images and symbolism in his

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-87342716317154683342010-02-24T16:41:00.004Z2010-02-24T18:14:34.524Z

Have you been deterred from visiting Greece by the repeated strikes, unrest and uncertainty over the country's economy? (Today's Times: Clashes as strike brings Greece to standstill over austerity measures).Italy may have its own problems but you would probably be justified in thinking it a better holiday prospect at the moment. Greek colonies in Italy - grouped together under the name Magna

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-67275469556026508692010-02-13T12:04:00.004Z2010-02-13T13:14:40.385Z

There's an Alitalia strike on Tuesday (if you've followed Italy Heaven's advice, you won't be flying Alitalia anyway, though). On Tuesday afternoon there is also a 4-hour strike by staff of Meridiana and Eurofly.On Friday 19th February there are public transport strikes which will affect more travellers - of local transport and trains, between 10am and 2pm. The manner, impact and timing will

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-25705474881965405022010-02-12T20:23:00.005Z2010-02-12T20:35:54.565Z

Such a lovely sunny afternoon in Venice - Carnival costumes, mulled wine, lively atmosphere - but now I'm in the hell of Treviso Airport. I've complained before about how badly designed their terminal building is - someone told me the architect was in prison and I really hope that it's true. Designed by someone with no idea how an airport works, Treviso boasts a departures hall too small for

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-25630102269409097982010-02-07T22:06:00.007Z2010-02-07T22:39:03.403Z

The 2010 Venice Carnival is underway; the weekends are the busiest times so today Venice was filled with tourists and day-trippers. The council estimates 75,000 people were in St. Mark's Square for the Volo dell'Angelo, a traditional event in which some bizarrely random 'personality' is winched down from the Campanile dressed as an angel.It was a sunny day and despite the crowds on bridges and in

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-78368349643966144972010-01-28T12:28:00.003Z2010-01-28T13:36:14.899Z

Easyjet, British Airways or Ryanair? Cost or comfort?I fly frequently between London and Venice, with both budget and convenience as priorities. Here's some advice based on my experience:Obviously flying from a UK airport which is convenient for your home will be important, and your choice of airline may be limited accordingly. I'll discuss the big three airlines below, but it's worth checking

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-84408709086799453962010-01-19T21:01:00.005Z2010-01-19T21:22:44.393Z

It's cold and mostly grey in Venice, though there are bursts of sunshine and a pleasantly 'local' feel without all the tourists. The last few days have been atmospherically foggy.Here's a selection of photos from this evening and the last few days.Piazzetta di San Marco, nearly deserted at 7pm:Three photos of a special blessing of animals outside the church of San Nicolo dei Mendicoli, on Sunday,

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-12637845344870640672010-01-12T15:40:00.002Z2010-01-12T16:19:08.030Z

In the downtime after one of my recent snow-cancelled flights I signed up to Twitter and despite my doubts I've found it a useful tool for travellers. If you're already on Twitter you can follow Italy Heaven here: http://twitter.com/italyheaven. If you're not signed up, but you're curious, read on.Twitter is a very basic means of communicating within a network of people. You can1. Publish very

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-4282678386406472402010-01-12T08:54:00.002Z2010-01-12T09:49:32.326Z

Venice is in a large lagoon with lots of interesting birdlife. But the birds we see most commonly in the town are the species with more irritating habits. Scrawny sparrows fly off with bits of your meal in their beaks. But the worst are the seagulls and pigeons. As I write this I am fighting a defensive battle with a combined squad of seagulls and pigeons who are attacking the rubbish (garbage)

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-80077318712364453182009-12-18T10:32:00.004Z2009-12-18T10:43:01.249Z

The BA strike is now off (for the moment anyway) but the weather has stepped in to disrupt travel. I'm stuck in Venice for another 24 hours after my Easyjet flight to Gatwick was cancelled due to snow (the outbound flight didn't take off). So hoping the weather is better tomorrow.Anyone else stranded by Easyjet cancellations: you can rebook on their website by clicking 'Manage bookings'. The

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-40886539724908719582009-12-08T22:41:00.003Z2009-12-08T23:09:41.094Z

If you are visiting Venice in December and are looking for Christmas presents, here are some shops where you can find good gifts and stocking-fillers.The Guggenheim shop (on the canalside outside the gallery) has a good range of art gifts, cool novelty items and books. I liked the souvenir Venice mugs (more stylish than you'll find in a tourist shop), a black-cat-shaped neck pillow, and groovy

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-37100510412571098352009-11-30T22:30:00.010Z2009-11-30T23:32:30.909Z

We had a very high tide in Venice this morning, though not as dramatic - or unexpected - as the big acqua alta one year ago. This time there were plenty of advance warnings over the weekend, culminating in the sirens which sounded at 5am with three rising notes to warn that the waters would reach 130cm. It was an accurate prediction: the peak was 131cm at 9am.When the water is this high it isn't

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-3442705319713619862009-10-12T09:20:00.005+01:002009-10-12T09:37:48.360+01:00

If you are planning a trip to Reggio Calabria over the winter, and hoping to see the famous Greek statues known as the Riace Bronzes, call ahead first. According to the Repubblica, a political storm is whipping up over mysterious 'restoration work' which is sending the statues to Rome at the beginning of November. The rest of Reggio's museum is closing for restoration work itself; the fear of

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-52910643722264133442009-10-10T10:08:00.004+01:002009-10-10T10:26:07.326+01:00

I have just added a new feature to the website: suggested travel itineraries in Italy. These are ideas to help the independent traveller plan an interesting tour, and include maps. They are all based around public transport, meaning that a hire car is an option, not a necessity. So far I have created four itineraries:> Classic tour: Rome ,Florence, Venice> Art and Architecture of the Veneto>

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-88000907921546928192009-09-22T14:20:00.004+01:002009-09-22T14:35:58.260+01:00

Ryanair's current special offer is worth checking out - it lasts until tomorrow night and includes some genuinely good offers without all the usual taxes and online check-in charges. If you're happy to travel without hold luggage and you fancy an impromptu city break, you could visit Italian destinations like Rimini, Genoa, Bologna or Parma for next to nothing. The main expense is the booking fee

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-7465922578616799662009-08-31T21:33:00.005+01:002009-08-31T22:14:07.327+01:00

I noticed in the news today that the Carabinieri have uncovered a stash of 400kg of illegal drugs, money and weapons, the latter hidden under a statue of Padre Pio in a notorious district of Naples (Scampia, where scenes from the film Gomorra were shot). Early today, on the Venetian island of Burano I took another photograph of a statuette of Padre Pio. Recently made a saint, this south Italian

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-66391612162330935002009-08-24T14:17:00.003+01:002009-08-24T19:33:22.706+01:00

The newest article on Italy Heaven is about Maratea, a lovely village in the Basilicata region. Maratea is on the coast, but is high above sea level and it makes an unusual holiday destination. You can walk up the hill above town (where there is a giant statue of Christ the Redeemer), sip an aperitivo in the elegant village piazza, explore historic alleys... or catch the bus down to the sea to

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-44193548621067103482009-07-29T18:06:00.004+01:002009-07-29T18:41:02.067+01:00

As usual, I was quite appreciative of the vegetarian sandwiches offered by BA on my flight from London to Venice last night. Now I learn that the nervous airline is to scrap food on flights after 10am lasting less than two and a half hours - in other words, many of their UK to Italy flights. It sounds as though drinks and tiny snacks are still on offer... although there have already been reports

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-37414146580878861732009-07-12T14:38:00.002+01:002009-07-12T14:49:05.107+01:00

A couple of weeks ago UNESCO added another location to Italy's impressive tally of World Heritage Sites: the Dolomites. This mountain range in northern Italy is only the second listing for Italy in the 'natural' category, with 42 'cultural' entries. You can read more about the Dolomites on the main website. Two other UNESCO sites which I've recently added to Italy Heaven are Paestum (Greek

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-1390108938522431062009-06-25T16:07:00.002+01:002009-06-25T16:20:31.185+01:00

Where, just a plane, coach then ferry journey from the UK, could you see dolphins, climb an active volcano, swim in the sea, enjoy a fine meal of local products and relax by a harbour sipping sweet wine.. all in the space of a day? The answer is the Aeolian Islands, an archipelago off the northern coast of Sicily, close to the 'toe' of Italy. From thermal mud-baths to sophisticated hotels, from

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-63824691447676785542009-06-23T12:19:00.003+01:002009-06-23T12:37:05.689+01:00

To comment on Italy's moral attitudes, gender relations and Berlusconi's crimes and vices would take a very long time, but this article from the Times makes a good start. The writer is far too sanguine about women's position in the status quo (compare her opinion to the comments of Italian journalists below), but it is a positive sign that Italy's 'showgirl' culture, introduced by Berlusconi, is

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-4942312525611044622009-02-20T22:31:00.005Z2009-02-20T23:04:57.186Z

I have just put online some of my photographs of this year's Carnival in Venice. There have been some great costumes - including a real hot-air balloon - and colourful characters. This weekend is the final of the 'best costume' award and should see entertaining parades of costumed revellers. > Venice Carnival photos 2009 > About the Carnival

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-46719757465685722112009-02-04T22:34:00.003Z2009-02-04T22:46:56.003Z

If you are looking for romantic ideas for Valentine's Day, why not book a short-notice trip to Italy? It is Carnival time in Venice, and hotel prices are high... but the atmosphere should be very special. We've just published a new page, Romance in Venice, with insider tips for romantic places to stroll and share special moments. For more ideas on romantic breaks or honeymoons, try our Romance in

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-84938175119241357192009-02-03T14:56:00.003Z2009-02-03T15:08:12.337Z

For several months Ryanair have been emailing travellers with warnings that they should only take one piece of hand-luggage aboard their plane. Now their motivation is clear. The low-cost airline is planning a £30 charge for anyone attempting to take extra luggage aboard - including duty-free purchases, laptops and handbags. Those of us who dutifully carry one piece of hand-luggage through

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-12057371201992727532009-01-08T21:33:00.004Z2009-01-08T22:43:46.526Z

Venice Carnival time is rapidly approaching and if you are thinking of visiting you should book as soon as possible - this is a busy (and expensive) time for hotels in Venice. At the moment, though, there are still some decent prices to be had. Researching today, I've found a DIY 2-night trip for under £225 per person., with even cheaper options available. Weekdays are much less frantic and more

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-51443696192492139972008-12-10T23:08:00.003Z2008-12-11T21:13:17.412Z

There is a general strike due to take place this Friday, 12th December 2008, in Italy. Travellers should be prepared for delays and inconvenience. Try to avoid journeys within Italy on Friday if you can. The government may step in and ensure some services, but it will nonetheless be a difficult day for travel in particular.> Our article about strikes in Italy, with further links for transport

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-43542667712330015362008-12-10T22:17:00.006Z2008-12-11T14:36:43.361Z

After the big flood in Venice last week - the highest level of water for a couple of decades - this week is due to see more abnormally high tides. Anxious not to be caught on the back foot, the local council has issued 'code red' warnings for the next few days. Tonight as I write this the high tide was measured at 116cm (lower than the predictions but still unusually high; you need wellies to get

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-41714226387539728272008-12-03T12:30:00.003Z2008-12-04T14:49:01.191Z

> Read our eyewitness account of Monday's floodsAnxious travellers shouldn't believe the fearful warnings in the international press. Venice was flooded for a few hours on Monday but there is no need to avoid the town - and local businesses would much rather you didn't. The town was never 'under five foot of water' - a massive exaggeration caused by a misunderstanding of the city's tidal

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-66583495123589280752008-12-01T12:34:00.009Z2008-12-02T13:39:57.648Z

The highest for about 30 years; most of the city impassable for a couple of hours. > A day of flooding: journal entry> About high water in Venice

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-32786489088323647312008-11-07T10:37:00.005Z2008-11-09T18:01:03.130Z

On Monday 10th November 2008 there is a national transport strike in Italy. Railways will be on strike from 9pm on the evening of Sunday 9th for 24 hours. Most local transport will operate only limited hours on Monday.If this strike goes ahead (occasionally they don't) it will obviously make travel very hard for tourists as well as locals. Trains will attempt to operate a minimal guaranteed

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-48322874198976057192008-09-10T14:08:00.002+01:002008-09-10T14:20:54.588+01:00

There's rather a good story in today's Gazzettino, (for those who read Italian: Il pentimento di un marinaio inglese: torna a Venezia e dopo 34 anni si scusa per il furto di una gondola) about a British sailor's return to Venice. The repentant visitor, in Venice with his family, went to a gondola stand to make an apology 'to all the gondoliers of Venice' for an escapade in 1974. He was stationed

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-61536237974436149552008-09-06T10:52:00.004+01:002008-09-06T11:20:05.155+01:00

This weekend in Italy is a popular one for traditional events and festivals. In Venice the Regata Storica - a boat procession and races - takes place on Sunday 8th September - last year ended in controversy with angry rowers. Also this weekend, in the mainland Veneto, with the climax on Sunday evening, are palio events in Montagnana and Castelfranco Veneto, both historic walled towns. Like the

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-59887293444726107292008-08-14T11:52:00.003+01:002008-08-14T12:04:04.339+01:00

As travellers become more adventurous, hotels in Italy are diversifying and instead of traditional accommodation, you can now choose from some rather more interesting options. In the last few months we've stayed in a cave in Matera, in a trullo in Alberobello and, last week, on a yacht in Venice. We'll be looking for some more unusual places to stay, but in the meantime here are our reviews:>

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-37377794575840231912008-04-25T20:40:00.005+01:002008-12-08T23:23:26.972Z

The recent furore over a Lonely Planet travel writer who confessed to various unethical escapades (as discussed by various writers and readers in the Guardian's travel blog) has provided a fascinating insight into the world of print travel writing. To be honest, although I do frequently find errors in travel guides, I hadn't realised how brief some writers' research really is.I prefer to keep a

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-17580203944750259752008-03-09T21:21:00.003Z2008-03-09T21:30:01.394Z

BBC's Around the World in 80 Gardens tonight featured some of central Italy's finest gardens. We've visited and written articles about some of these:> Villa d'Este, Tivoli - fountain-filled hillside garden close to Rome> Villa Adriana (Hadrian's Villa), outside Tivoli - the huge country palace of the Emperor Hadrian> Villa Lante, Bagnaia - exquisite Renaissance garden in northern Lazio

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-17569034860507375582008-03-09T21:06:00.003Z2008-12-08T23:23:27.063Z

An exciting new sight has opened on the warren-like Palatine hill in Rome: some frescoed rooms of the villa of the Emperor Augustus. But with the good news comes bad: visitors must now pay to enter the Roman Forum (Foro Romano). I used to enjoy the fantastic experience of walking through the ruins on my way home; such casual visits will now be a thing of the past. Hopefully the extra revenue will

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-61709956842847187732008-03-08T10:00:00.004Z2008-03-08T10:20:21.149Z

A useful article in today's Times gives UK travellers a good run-down of the pitfalls and problems of using plastic abroad. For several years now, overseas businesses have offered customers the chance to pay in sterling. It may seem that this is helpful but in fact they are almost certainly out to profit from you, by using an exchange rate which is in their favour. Meanwhile your bank are

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-24263378497261971842008-01-29T21:01:00.000Z2008-01-29T21:21:05.749Z

The 2008 Venice Carnival is under way - it's an early festival this year. Venice is full of revellers dressed in masks and cloaks. Saturday's opening events were all cancelled or postponed for what were basically political reasons (the city in mourning over two port-workers killed at work; a current media hot issue). But the city filled up anyway. We tend to avoid the huge crowds, but Carnival is

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-4520618587502114662008-01-09T21:52:00.000Z2008-01-09T21:57:23.361Z

It's the last chance for Londoners to see the Renaissance Siena exhibition at the National Gallery, which closes on the 13th January. It would be a great way to prepare for a visit to the lovely Tuscan town ...> Renaissance Siena exhibition> Our tourist guide to Siena

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-68406551679537534332008-01-07T11:07:00.000Z2008-01-07T11:13:18.593Z

Good news for UK travellers in January: the airport strikes scheduled to start today have been cancelled. The bad news is that although the one-bag hand-luggage rule has now been relaxed, this only applies to some airports and some airlines, so pessimistic onlookers are forecasting yet more delays due to the confusion. Ryanair and Easyjet, for the moment, are sticking to a 'one bag only' policy.>

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-30775198748465349292007-12-30T14:40:00.000Z2007-12-30T14:56:17.815Z

Readers who are planning a New Year getaway this January should bear in mind the risks of disruption to flights at seven UK airports. Strikes are scheduled at BAA airports on the 7th January 2008 and the 14th January 2008, each starting in the morning and lasting 24 hours. A third strike, on the 17th January 2008, is due to last 48 hours. The airports involved - Stansted, Gatwick, Heathrow,

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-81494472366879408762007-11-28T21:53:00.000Z2007-11-28T22:22:15.567Z

The most exciting piece of news from Italy in the last few weeks has been the announcement of a hugely important discovery in Rome. In the honeycomb of the Palatine hill, archaeologists have uncovered (by accident) what is thought to be the Lupercal: the cave revered in Ancient Rome as the site of the mythical founding of the city, where Romulus and Remus were suckled by the wolf.> BBC: 'Mythical

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-53939474761475994772007-09-26T21:17:00.000+01:002007-09-26T21:43:54.488+01:00

Over recent weeks we've been adding to our coverage of north-east Italy, particularly the mainland around Venice. Italy Heaven's latest pages include descripions of the Veneto spa towns Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme, and the much more picturesque Lake Garda resorts Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda. In Desenzano we stayed in the nice little Hotel Piroscafo, which we recommend. We also had a

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-68518466521197708762007-09-10T21:48:00.000+01:002007-09-10T22:07:49.502+01:00

As outlined in our recent article about Italian beaches, access to the sea can be tricky and expensive in Italy. Despite the many fee-paying beach establishents, the public ought to have free access to the water's edge. Often, however, this is hard or even impossible. Each summer there are protests in Italy from consumer groups. And this year they have an unlikely hero: British actor Rupert

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-83616059336885469162007-08-28T13:32:00.000+01:002007-08-28T13:40:49.885+01:00

One of the big issues in Venice in the last two months has been the appearance of Romanian child pickpockets – the sort you'll have seen in Rome and other Italian cities if you have travelled around Italy in recent years. Under 14 years of age, these children cannot be held accountable for their crimes by local law. They're picked up by police, taken to child refuges, then they abscond in the

travellingblondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11751217745848570670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-58833749691473392702007-08-26T09:23:00.000+01:002007-08-27T21:50:53.642+01:00

This year's Venice Film Festival begins on the 29th August, with a flood of directors and actors arriving in the city. The event takes place on the Lido with boat services from central Venice. As well as the festival films, there are also showings around Venice, including at the summer's open-air cinema in Campo San Polo. It gets quite a lot of coverage in newspapers (a great jaunt for

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-38476223748735135942007-08-21T16:10:00.000+01:002007-08-21T16:14:40.045+01:00

UK travellers will be interested in an article from The Times which revealed the cheaper prices available for British Airways flights if you book them through US websites. As an example they found prices for flights between Rome and London which were cheaper than those on BA's official UK website.> Cheap flights via US websites (The Times)

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-62389358288973951002007-08-08T15:21:00.000+01:002007-08-26T09:22:48.061+01:00

After 11 years of controversy, Venice's new bridge -only the fourth bridge over the Grand Canal - is due to open this winter. The 'Ponte di Calatrava' as it is currently known (its final official name has yet to be decided) was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and crosses the Grand Canal at its busy entrance alongside Piazzale Roma.Major issues of contention have included the lack

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-78735891559720791092007-05-16T16:36:00.000+01:002007-05-16T16:46:37.109+01:00

This week in Italy it is the Settimana dei Beniculturali, during which state-owned museums run special cultural events and offer free admission. The event runs until the 20th May so if you're visiting Italy in the next few days you'll be able to take advantage of some free heritage and culture.

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-3230236853142722142007-04-07T09:51:00.000+01:002007-04-07T09:58:49.385+01:00

The BBC has a short article and photographs about the Good Friday procession in Rome, where the Pope leads a candle-lit Via Crucis procession around the Colosseum - a very atmospheric rite, and an evocative location, given its history> Pilgrims mark Holy Week in Rome.There's also a feature about a creepier parade in Sicily, in the Cosa Nostra heartlands:> Sicily's Easter penitents parade.

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-48866299263910181172007-03-29T11:25:00.000+01:002007-03-29T11:27:48.955+01:00

A friend just sent me this link to Dolce and Gabbana's website with the comment "and they wonder why other countries think they're gay!?"> Footballers modelling underwear

travellingblondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11751217745848570670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-63123259239117010862007-03-28T11:56:00.000+01:002007-03-28T12:01:00.532+01:00

Just came across a recent article on the Repubblica news website:> Internet gratis e senza fili. Roma raddoppia gli hot spotEven if you don't understand Italian you can scan down the article to the list of free wireless internet 'hotspots'. The first twenty listed should be activated by the end of this month, the others are still at the planning stages. Here is the official website of the project

travellingblondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11751217745848570670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-2676975951561218392007-03-27T09:38:00.000+01:002007-03-27T09:50:27.210+01:00

As usual my travel journals have been sitting in an untidy pile. I will endeavour to stick more of them on my online blog in the future. My latest entry is for a trip to Venice a couple of weeks ago. I will be spending a lot more time in the city over the next few months so expect plenty more tales from Venice.> Venice March 2007 trip: travel journalNew Italy Heaven pages following this trip:>

travellingblondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11751217745848570670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-33649369249528364062007-03-08T13:35:00.000Z2007-03-08T13:40:15.238Z

There is an Italian show on in London at the moment. Running from 8th-11th March 2007, the Dolce Vita exhibition at Olympia features property/food/travel stands and a number of activities and events. It's not cheap (£16 admission) but if you're obsessed with Italy you might find it an interesting excursion.

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-7949636542531259572007-03-01T16:07:00.000Z2007-03-01T16:27:22.955Z

Italy news-watchers have a fair number of stories to interest them this week, from the country's unsteady politics to its unstable geology.Prime Minister Romano Prodi offered to resign and is currently between votes of confidence, and now (you're right if you thought you haven't seen the last of him) Berlusconi offers Prodi support.Meanwhile down off the southern coast, two new craters have

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-53111223852374056152007-02-12T22:06:00.000Z2007-01-07T14:48:53.507Z

It's Carnival time in Venice and the BBC has run a couple of interesting features on the town lately:> In pictures: Venice Carnival 2007 > Venice tourism squeezes out residentsCoincidentally, we've been working on our own Venice features and a large new section of Italy Heaven is now underway: Our new Venice tourist guide . Watch out for our own report on the Carnival in a week or so.

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-13640264297811721842007-01-07T14:39:00.000Z2007-01-07T14:48:53.099Z

There's an interesting article on the BBC about the Cinque Terre National Park. This stunning stretch of coastline has protected status and great efforts are being made to preserve the traditional small-scale farming on steep terraces. It's a big contrast to the Amalfi Coast where road access and hotel developments have transformed the area. The Cinque Terre still retains its simple village-y

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-68121563892714490132006-12-18T13:48:00.000Z2006-12-18T14:01:03.769Z

We love this story from the BBC about the determination of a little village in Italy to capture some winter sunshine: Italy village gets 'sun mirror' . Through the cunning placement of a large mirror on the hillside, Viganella can now direct the sun's rays into the town square. Sunshine and an outdoors social life are crucial to the Italian way of life, although one would have thought the

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-1166199304689618422006-12-15T15:53:00.000Z2006-12-15T16:18:35.973Z

There's a lovely new chapter in the saga of the Tenor and the Opera House. First he walked out on the Scala during the second performance of their new high-profile Aida. Roberto Alagna was in a huff after some boos from the audience. Then his employers - understandably, one might think - accused him of breach of contract. Alagna retaliated by threatening to sue them, claiming they hadn't

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-1166019360331222412006-12-13T13:58:00.000Z2006-12-13T14:20:04.346Z

Until the 17th December Piazza Santa Croce in Florence is taken over by an annual Christmas Market, the Mercato di Natale di Heidelberg. This German market is colourful and bright and a great place to visit in the early evening when the Christmas lights are on. Visitors can sip hot mulled wine while gazing up at the facade of Santa Croce, feast on beer and sausages, or browse for unusual

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-1165354183828021352006-12-05T21:22:00.000Z2006-12-05T21:29:43.840Z

If you're planning a long weekend in Rome it might be worth considering the tourist board's Roma Pass. This costs €18 for 3 days, and includes public transport, free entry to 2 museums, and a range of discounts. A standard 3-day travel card costs €11, so by comparing ticket prices of your chosen museums you can work out whether the Roma Pass will represent a worthwhile saving for you.> Roma Pass>

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-1163435762376829432006-11-13T16:13:00.000Z2006-11-25T11:58:07.610Z

Over the last few days news reports have been buzzing with rumours with Hollywood actors Tom Cruise and Katy Holmes are about to get married in Castello Odescalchi, a castle overlooking Lake Bracciano, north of Rome. By coincidence, the location is featured in Italy Heaven's latest report: Lazio tourist information: Bracciano and the Castello Odescalchi . Now may not be the time to visit

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-1162253137823794692006-10-30T21:44:00.000Z2006-10-31T00:10:11.676Z

Yesterday's Sunday Times features an article entitled The Real Rome, in which "Stanley Stewart picks 20 ingredients for a more authentic weekend in the Eternal City". His list of recommended sights avoids the obvious attractions and we'd concur with most of them as being good things to do. His list is still a tourist list, of course. After reading the article, we put our heads together to come up

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-1161891798330300312006-10-26T19:41:00.000+01:002006-11-15T23:58:30.603Z

Enterprising budget coach operators Terravision have started new Italian airport services for the ski season. The routes are worth investigating if you're planning a cheap winter trip to the Dolomites via budget airports. Keen walkers will hope that the bus services, which are due to operate December - April, may later be extended to the summer for the hiking season. Online prices are €12

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-1161639538146116792006-10-23T22:18:00.000+01:002006-10-23T22:38:58.156+01:00

I was in Rome last week, when a collision on Metro Linea A killed one, injured two hundred and shocked the city. In the immediate aftermath it emerged that it is common practice for underground trains to pass through red lights during the rush hour - provided that they obtain verbal permission from the control room and don't exceed 15km/ph. In this case one of the new - supposedly safer - trains

travellingblondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11751217745848570670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-1160757751369352462006-10-13T17:35:00.000+01:002006-10-13T17:42:31.386+01:00

Rome has launched its first International Film Festival, opened by Nicole Kidman. In previous years there have been various small festivals and seasons (showing films from the Venice film festival, for example). Now the city has set itself up in competition to other European film festivals with a large-scale event lasting from today until the 21st October. As well as film showings and premieres,

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-1160574935206063672006-10-11T14:50:00.000+01:002006-10-11T14:55:35.236+01:00

This story about Italian MPs being secretly drugs-tested (while having their foreheads 'mopped for sweat') doesn't really require much additional comment: > Italy MPs 'caught in drugs sting' (BBC)The TV show concerned, Le Iene, is a curious programme which combines irritating pranks, showgirl-presenters cavorting and political satire. It can be found on a channel belonging to Berlusconi - hence

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-1159873385572809832006-10-03T11:44:00.000+01:002006-12-14T00:07:21.743Z

A rare surviving ancient bronze statue has gone on show in Florence. Fished out of the sea off Croatia, where he had lain for around two thousand years, the bronze athlete, now known as the Croatian Apoxyomenos, has spent seven years in conservation laboratories. Thought to be a 1st century BC Roman copy of an earlier Greek original, the statue will be on display in the Palazzo Medici Riccardi

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-1159607559607661282006-09-30T09:51:00.000+01:002006-09-30T10:16:46.620+01:00

Frequent travellers like ourselves will be depressed by this news article in the Guardian: Where the cold virus is an uninvited guest. According to the research quoted "people with colds can spread the virus to almost everything they touch, even if they stay for just one night". Of course, it's pretty obvious that travelling exposes you to many new germs. Not to mention insect bites, food

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-1155807721155451002006-08-17T10:34:00.000+01:002006-08-17T10:42:01.166+01:00

Another Italian-themed show is taking place in London this autumn, at Olympia. The Viva Italia Show runs from 22-24 September 2006. Organised in conjunction with the Italian Chamber of Commerce for the UK, the fair is a chance for Italian firms and organisations - and UK ones with an Italian theme - to promote and peddle their wares. The brochure promises Italian entertainment, cooking, tourist

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-1154961383825428822006-08-07T15:00:00.000+01:002006-08-07T15:36:23.846+01:00

Stretches of Italy's coast near Rome and along the Italian Riviera near Genoa have been closed to bathers in the last couple of weeks after an invasion of toxic algae. Traces of poisonous seaweed have also been found in the sea off Palermo, in Sicily.The closure of Rome' s beaches must have been a blow to local businesses and sunbathing Romans, although the area which was closed last week,

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-1152651029369521342006-07-11T21:42:00.000+01:002006-09-03T22:32:48.173+01:00

On the one hand it's reassuring to read about other travellers' holiday nightmares ... but if you're a pessimist or a nervous traveller they only add to your fears.Read a funny article in the Times by Giles Coren, whose hire-car problems marooned him in the staggeringly expensive Hotel Splendido in Portofino (no, we've never heard of a meal that expensive in Italy either... although it could have

travellingblondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11751217745848570670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-1152479890441762542006-07-09T22:11:00.000+01:002006-07-09T22:51:24.436+01:00

After years of heartbreak Italy have finally won the World Cup! For once, a penalty shootout has gone Italy's way. It may not have been the most fulfilling or artistic way to win, but Italy have earned these celebrations. Fans of Italian football can now spend a few hours rejoicing before the home scandal takes over the headlines tomorrow. Congratulations to the whole squad for some superb

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21951382.post-1151054889930227502006-06-23T10:07:00.000+01:002006-06-23T10:28:09.946+01:00

Underwater volcano found by Italy (BBC News)As if Sicily didn't already face enough natural risks!One of Europe's largest volcanoes is also an underwater volcano off the coast of Italy: Mount Marsili.- Italian volcanoes

Italy Heavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226825524352732232noreply@blogger.com0