Italy
The secret to making the world’s best pesto? Do it in the place it was born
Basil. Garlic. Parmesan. Pecorino. Pine nuts. Salt. Olive oil. Pesto doesn’t seem like it should be hard, but it’s more complicated than you think.
- Michael Ruffles
In Italy’s home of pizza, there’s another type of food that’s a must
Although they are overshadowed by Neapolitan pizza and pasta sauce, I’ve heard about the city’s pastries and am keen to find the city’s best.
- Kate Armstrong
It may have 2000 years of horrible history, but this is a wonderful part of Italy
A guided tour of Sicily takes in striking mountain landscapes, tremendous monuments and neglected grandeur, but doesn’t shy away from its dark past.
- Brian Johnston
The true story behind the infamous name of this Italian pasta favourite
You may think you know the origin of the name “puttanesca”, but you’re probably wrong.
- Ben Groundwater
- ★★★★
- Cruises
Even sceptics of large ships will be impressed by this superbly run giant
From toddlers to 80-year-olds, this cruise giant offers something for everyone, including solo travellers.
- Kate Armstrong
‘People only come here by accident’: The tiny Venetian island most tourists miss
Those few that do set foot on this postage stamp of an island rarely venture into the walled garden footsteps away from the pier. Which is a shame, as they’re missing one of Venice’s unique sights.
- Chrissie McClatchie
To explore this spectacular elevated world, it helps to have a ladder
The origins of these “iron path” routes go back to World War I, when they were built to help move troops over otherwise inaccessible terrain.
- Andrew Bain
Everyone’s a winner: You’re spoilt for choice on this big ship
With staff, crew and passengers hailing from all over the globe, this cruise giant is a microcosm of the world.
- Kate Armstrong
- ★★★★½
- Europe
You can take Italy’s ‘red arrow’ fast train even if you’re not in Italy
A business class trip passes in a blur of bucolic French countryside and Italian food and wine.
- Chrissie McClatchie
Italy’s ‘Little Venice’ is so overlooked even many Italians don’t know it
This small lagoon town, close to the Adriatic coast, is another of those tiny jewels in Italy’s vast treasure chest of cultural riches.
- Justine Costigan