Italy

Exclusive guide to the best holiday destinations in Italy, independent reviews from award-winning travel writers

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Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi

Early morning in Amalfi and the sun is nearly melting the tiles on my balcony. It is however a small price to pay for such a heavenly view, on the cliff top some 80 metres above the town and the endless expanse of the Mediterranean. The Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi has had to endure this same view for over seven centuries, when it was originally a monastery and I have to admit, right now, I am having something of a religious experience myself.

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Walking the Salt Route in Liguria

Walking the Salt Route in Liguria. Discover dramatic Italian landscapes perfect for hikers.

The medieval Salty Way takes you through an unspoiled part of Italy and offers delicious hearty food along the way. Join Rupert Parker as he tries walking the Salt Route in Liguria..

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NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento Hotel

It’s not every day you can boast you’ve sat on a 3,000 year old piece of history, but I’m not ashamed to say I did just that on the front garden of Rome’s brand new NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento Hotel

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Foligno. Still undiscovered in Umbria

Early evening and the ancient Palazzo Candiotti in Folingno has a big smile on her face. It’s just like old times. A proper baroque banquet. The Festa d’Oro e di Vento no less, with 250 guests commemorating the 70th anniversary of the modern Quintana joust. I can almost feel this grand old dame sighing in contentment in her Sunday best. If I didn’t know better, I would think I’d been teleported back to the 17th century.

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Walking the Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites

The immense cathedral-like spires of the Northern Dolomites are the perfect venue for tackling one of Europe’s classic long distance treks. Forget about luxury hotels, the only accommodation is in mountain huts, known as Rifugios and I’ll have to carry everything on my back. Walking the Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites runs for around 140 km and my eight day walk will involve daily distances of between 9 and 16.5 km, with ascents of up to 900 m and descents of up to 1,300 m. Will I be tough enough?

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