Articles

Venice off the beaten path

Adam Jones

With millions of tourists every year and a local population of only 55,000, Venice can get a little cozy — particularly during high season. All it takes is a little research and know-how to easily dodge the crowds by visiting some hidden treasures and escaping to wondrous nearby places. Venice’s tourist season peaks between May and September. If you can plan your visit outside the busiest season, you’ll already be off to a head start. And if you truly want to avoid the crowds, do not schedule your trip to Venice during Carnival, Mardi Gras or Redentore. Near Venice The good news: there are plenty of fascinating things to do just outside Venice. The city is situated in a series of islands. Simply traveling to an island for the day can give you a needed break from the crowds in Venice. One of the most fascinating nearby Venice excursions is a visit to nearby Burano Island. Burano is one of the most colorful sectors of the city; its houses are painted in all the colours of the rainbow. A working fisherman’s island, you’ll enjoy some of the best seafood in Venice while you explore the island. Burano has long been an artisan hub in the archipelago and home to the region’s traditional lace makers. Hidden Venice If discovering Venice off…

Tuscany for foodies

Adam Jones

Tuscan cuisine is renowned for its simplicity, seasonality, and reliance on the best fresh foods. Cooking in Tuscany derives largely from its famous terroir, the wonderful landscape that produces such fresh and delicious ingredients. Tuscan dishes often contain olive oil rather than butter (which is more commonly used in the north). Tuscan extra virgin olive oil ranks among the best in Italy. Tuscany is also known for its fine wine as well as some of the world’s best steaks. Much of traditional Italian food comes from the notion of cucina povera or “poor cooking” — simple peasant meals that can be produced in large amounts. The same can be said of the fresh & simple Tuscan food so beloved today. Let’s take a look at some classic dishes considered to be the soul of Italian cuisine in Tuscany. Pappa Al Pomodoro This mouth-watering dish has humble peasant origins— a way of using dry leftover bread to form a hearty soup. Made with fresh tangy tomatoes it includes generous amounts of garlic that give it some of its characteristic zip. This soup is eaten year round - a warming comfort food in winter, served chilled with a dash of olive oil and topped with fresh basil in summer. Bistecca alla Fiorentina These massive juicy steaks are the stuff of legend. Big enough to be…

Exploring Italian coffee culture

Adam Jones

Italian coffee culture is famous throughout the world. Whether you're in Lazio, Molise, or Veneto, you can guarantee you'll be sipping on a delicious cup of joe. Part of the reason for this is the regional passions found throughout Italy. These passions are informed by Italian traditions, regional climates, local flavours, and of course, Italians themselves. Region to region, even sometimes city to city within a specific region are known to have their own coffee culture. Coffee in Italy differs greatly depending on whether you’re in the north or the south. In the south, Italians like their coffee on the strong and creamy side. They will sometimes have a glass of cold water first so that their mouths better withstand the high temperature of the coffee. This will also cleanse your palate, making the flavour of the coffee stronger. The end result is a sharp bitter aftertaste, which can be managed with a bit of sugar. In the north, drinkers prefer a more delicate approach to Italian espresso. Here you are more likely to find medium roast coffee, which is why the Arabica bean is popular in this region. Northerners are after a sweet aftertaste while enjoying some time at an Italian cafe. Italian coffee regional variations Drinking coffee in Italy is a game of regions, with different regions having particular specialities and…

Hiking the Amalfi Coast reveals its hidden charms

Paul De Tourreil

The Amalfi coast is justifiably famous for its magnificent villas, gardens and global reputation as a destination for the international jet set. But as summer turns to fall, a quieter (and more affordable) side of the region reveals itself. Once the scorching summer heat is past, autumn visitors can enjoy some of the best hikes in Italy. By mid-October, the crowds have thinned out, the weather is a pleasant 15 degrees, and your list of things to do on the Amalfi Coast looks like a glimpse back in into the old world traditions of this unique destination. Chestnuts, porcinis and pumpkins show up at the markets, and the pageantry of the holiday season begins to brighten each town and village. A wonderful way to take it all in is to hike the old shepherd's trails that crisscross the region, from mountaintop to village and back again. Lace up your hiking shoes and discover these five Amalfi coast hiking trails: 1. Agerola to Amalfi on the Valle delle Ferriere (the Ironworkers’ Valley) Named after the iron-wheeled carts that once hauled medieval goods such as Ravello silk to the port in Amalfi, this trail is full of surprises. Its lush microclimate, spectacular waterfalls, and unique collection of local plants and animals will have you wondering if you are actually still hiking in Italy, and not in…

Everything you need to know before you visit Pompeii

Lina Branter

Pompeii is one of the must-sees of Italy for a reason: when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, the bustling Roman city was quickly buried under ash and pumice, a terrible tragedy where most of the inhabitants did not escape. However, the ash preserved the city, providing us with an excellent snapshot of what Roman life was like at the time. While Pompeii is a must-see, or maybe because of it, it’s also one of the most popular sites to visit in Italy. Read on for our expert Italy travel tips for what to bring, where to go and how to beat the crowds during your a Pompeii day trip. Taking the train to Pompeii Rome to Pompeii by train The train between Rome and Pompeii takes about two hours. There are 12 trains that depart from Rome to the Trenitalia station near Pompeii every day. From there you hop on the Regionale train to the Pompei Scavi-Villa Misteri station. Naples to Pompeii by train The train between Naples and Pompeii only takes 30 minutes. There are eight daily trains that leave Naples for Pompeii. The train lets you off at the Pompei Scavi-Villa Misteri station which is only a short walk to the excavation. Learn more and book your tickets on ItaliaRail. Things to know before you visit Pompeii Dress for the cobblestones Pompeii is…

Venice off the beaten path

Tuscany for foodies

Exploring Italian coffee culture

Hiking the Amalfi Coast reveals its hidden charms

Everything you need to know before you visit Pompeii

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