culture (15 community guides)

The Roman Empire was one of the largest the world has ever known, and is still famous today. Follow in the footsteps of the great Roman Republic in this tailor-made tour of the Eternal City.... read more »

Get some tips on the best places to go in Taormina, on the Italian island of Sicily, at any time of year, from someone who "knows their chickens", as the Italians like to say... read more »

Cafe culture, high culture, high-end shopping and the world's most delicious pizza and chocolate. If you're looking for an unforgettable Italian mini-break, Turin luck... read more »

Market stalls piled high with lovely food, trattoria waiters with time to chat and no queues (except at Tiffany's on Christmas Eve, but that's another story); Florence and Pisa are a delight in winter... read more »

In Rome for another day, or on a return visit? Read my ideal itinerary for seeing the cultural sights, art and amazing architecture of the Eternal City – and sampling its foodie delights... read more »

Perched high on a massive volcanic rock, Umbria's Orvieto is a fine mediaeval city with enormous charm. It may be best known for its brilliant wines but many delights await the enterprising traveller... read more »

Follow my advice (rather than the crowds) to avoid costly mistakes on your next trip to Venice... read more »

One of the most popular cities in the world, Venice is more than a collection of famous sights to tick off - it's the perfect place to sit at a cafe, sipping a coffee and watching the world go by... read more »

If you are planning a trip to Italy this year here are a few ideas for marvellous things to do, some of them unusual, some of them not, none of them expensive!... read more »

For opera buffs, following in Puccini's footsteps around Tuscany and watching his works performed under the stars in Torre del Lago makes for a blissful break... read more »

Thanks to the Soviet Union break-up, Black Sea resorts that were once the exclusive preserve of the Party are now playing host to curious cruise passengers... read more »

The Umbrian capital of Perugia is famous for Buitoni pasta, Perugina chocolate and jazz. I spent a month in the city, soaking it all up... read more »

It might not be brimming with Renaissance art or cultivate world-class wines, but the southern Italian city of Tropea offers a pretty, down-to-earth charm even its northern neighbours can’t deny... read more »

For gentle pleasures and old-school glamour, sign yourself up for a Hebridean cruise to Italy and the Balkans... read more »

Forget the Grand National - when it comes to horse racing, Siena's the place to be, as it has been since the Middle Ages... read more »