The 2013 Verdi Festival in Parma

Everybody knows that Parma is the home of some of Italy’s most famous exports, namely Proscuitto di Parma (Parma Ham), Parmesano Reggiano (Parmesan Cheese), Balsamic Vinegar and, of course, Ferrari and Maserati! But did you know that one of the greatest composers of all time also hails from the province of Parma? Giuseppe Verdi was born there in October 1813, and every year the region celebrates the life of one of their favourite sons! The Verdi Festival takes place every year in and around Parma and people come from near and far to listen to his operas being performed in his home territory. This year will be especially wonderful as 2013 marks the 200^th anniversary of his birth, and no effort has been spared to make this anniversary a very special showcase for his work.

Milano e Verdi — Verdi Festival is in Parma every year in October – source of picture.

Giuspeppe Verdi and Parma province.

Giuseppe Verdi was born in Le Roncole and later lived in near-by Busetto in the province of Parma. It is in Busetto that Verdi’s musical talent was first nurtured by Ferdinando Provesi, of the local Philharmonic. After some time spent in Milan learning all he could about music, the prodigy returned to the province of his childhood and became the town’s music teacher. His twenties were marred by great hardship when he lost both his children and his wife, but the Maestro went on to overcome his grief and his best works were composed in the years that followed his tragic loss.

The Giuspeppe Verdi Festival in Parma

The 2013 bi-centennial Verdi festival is a must for all opera lovers, and many special tours and opera packages have been arranged to bring music lovers to Parma. There will be an opera or concert every day at the historic Teatro Regio di Parma (which is also the final resting place of Nicolo Paganini, one of the most renowned violinists in the world) and at the Teatro Giuseppe Verdi in Busseto. Many other side events will take place all over the countryside.

Attending a Verdi Opera or concert at the fabulous Teatro Regio in Parma is an experience you will not easily forget; the beautiful neoclassic style of the theatre makes this an exceptional venue to enjoy the music, and you will be moved by the enthusiasm of the local opera patrons who are very knowledgable about Verdi’s music and respond most enthusiastically.

Operas are usually performed in their original language, and if you do not speak Italian, your experience will be enhanced by reading the libretti – an English synopsis of the story of the Opera – before you arrive for the concert. ( Libretti usually accompany your tickets). Oh yes, do dress smartly for the Opera – on opening nights formal attire is the norm, and for the other performances at least a tie and/or jacket would be acceptable.

The 2013 festival runs from the 30^th September to the 31^stof October and you can browse all the performance dates and book online at:

http://www.teatroregioparma.org/verdifest/

Riva: One of the best destinations around lake Garda

The pretty town of Riva del Garda, (also known simply as Riva), sits nestled between the mountains and the shore of lovely Lake Garda in the Northern Italian province of Trento. This is a particularly charming lake town to visit, and has become very popular as a holiday resort for both Italians and many English- speaking visitors from outside the country.

Gardasee - Riva del Garda — pretty Riva – source

Riva has plenty to offer her visitors; a mild Mediterranean climate means that it seldom gets uncomfortably hot in summer, when most people visit, making it the ideal location for action-packed holidays. Of course, there are lovely beaches, but if you like to be more active on your holiday, this is the place for you! The resort offers excellent opportunities for water-based sports such as sailing, wind-surfing, canoeing and fishing, but landlubbers are also well catered for. Hiking, cycling and mountain biking are very popular holiday activities in Riva – you can hire bikes at several places – and many people also come to enjoy playing tennis and golf. Those who just want to relax can explore the very attractive town, with her many Venetian-style buildings, wander around the Historic Centre, shop or just sit in one of the many outdoor cafes and enjoy an espresso while they watch the world go by.

Things to do and see in Riva

Explore the town and learn some of her history; Riva del Garda has been around for a very long time! Etruscan and Roman remains have been excavated, and it is documented that it was an important strategic town on the North/South trade route over the Alps. As such, it was necessary to build defensive structures to protect the town from invasions. Today you can visit some of the defensive structures that are still in place. Start with the Rocca, or castle near the harbour; built in the 12th century to protect the little town. Today the Rocca houses a museum which stages exhibitions about the history of the town. From the Rocca, you can walk to the Torre Apponale, the look-out tower of the town which was at one time connected to the castle by an underground tunnel. As defensive towers go, this one is quite modest – only 34 metres high – and dates from around 1300. You can climb to the top for a good view of the town and lovely Lake Garda. You can also take a walk (about 30min from the town) to the Bastione, once also a defensive structure on the wooded hillside above the town; today it is a museum and restaurant with excellent views.

Visit the Thermal Baths: the Garda region has been known for the curative properties of the thermal springs found around the lake and there are two excellent venues you can visit to “take the waters”; The Garda Thermal Park in Lazise or the Thermal Baths of Sirmione. This is a very relaxing way to spend a day or two.

Play some golf: Golfers are well catered for, with no less than 12 golf courses around the Lake, 3 of them within 30km of Riva.

Emilia Delizia offers chauffeured tours around Lake Garda for an unforgettable Italian experience please get in touch to know more.

Visiting Soave for wineries

The next time you visit Italy take the time to visit the charming and ancient town of Soave, just 23 km east of Verona in north-eastern Italy. If you thought you had to travel to Tuscany to see a walled hilltop village you are mistaken – Soave has all the necessary attributes and more!

Soave Wine

Most people will be familiar with the name Soave – the wine of the same name, produced all around the town, is world famous and probably the best known Italian wine after Chianti.

Soave is a white wine produced from predominantly Garganega grapes grown on the many hillside vineyards all around the town of Soave, and has been awarded DOC status.

Soave is produced in large quantities and in the past few decades the quality has been a little inconsistent. The introduction of stricter requirements for a Soave Superiore (minimum of 70% Garganega grapes, minimum alcohol content of 11.5% and at least 8 months maturation) has resulted in the production of some very fine Soave wines with much more character and flavour than was the case in the past. Some of the very best wines from the region are produced on family-owned and operated wineries and some of them are open to the public for cellar tours and tastings.

What to see and do in Soave

At the very top of your to-do list should be a cellar tour and tasting! Three of the foremost Soave wineries that you can visit and tour are:

Rocca Sveva: A visit to this winery is an experience you should not miss even if you are not a wine lover. You will be amazed at the sight of hundreds of meters of tunnels that have been excavated into the hills of the countryside – these tunnels are filled with thousands of oak barrels lined up along cool underground walkways. At the end of your cellar tour you will be treated to a tasting and both lovely Soave and other local products such as Olive Oil and honey are on sale in the winery shop

I Stefanini: A completely different experience awaits you at Il Stefanini where the last generation of the Tessari family, who have farmed the land since the 1800’s, have decided to combine elements of the old traditions and modern technologies. No Oak barrels here…(traditional Soave was never matured in oak)

Instead expect massive stainless steel tanks; not as romantic perhaps, but their wine is gaining acclaim in all the major guides and reviews.

Coffele Winery: This is one of the oldest wineries in the area and is situated right in the heart of the town. Their Soave Classico is a very well-balanced wine with an exceptionally mild acidity making it a perfect accompaniment to fish and risotto dishes. They also make two other complex Classicos and are well worth a visit.

After you have toured a couple of wineries, it is time to explore the town of Soave. The Castle and Medieval Walls are superbly intact and are the main attraction in the town. The castle is a traditional elevated defensive structure and dates from around 934. The medieval walls were a much later addition; they surround the town and lead up to the castle. On your visit to the castle you can see the remains of a 10th century church, visit the various castle rooms and the museum.

Also worth a visit are the Palace of Justice in the centre of town and the Palazzo Cavallli and the Scaliger Palace. There are also a few churches where you can see examples of 16th and 14th century art.

When it comes to food, you will not be disappointed. There are several good restaurants serving regional cuisine with plenty of emphasis on Risotto (Italy’s best Risotto rice is produced in the area) and Polenta, rather than Pasta, the more well-known Italian basic.

Make sure to accompany your meal with a glass of Soave made just around the corner!

Soave Classico Doc, Monte de Toni 2008 — Soave is one of the most recognised wined around the world – source

Gourmet food and wine tours around Verona

The Verona province is blessed with wonderful places to visit each holding its unique speciality. From the hilly regions of Valpolicella and Prealps to the relaxing Lake Garda, you can spend a pleasant holiday in attractive tourist destinations and appreciate their culinary traditions.

Don’t think twice to enjoy one-day tasting tours to learn more about the following three gourmet food typical of Verona province: Amarone wine DOCG, extra virgin olive oil Garda DOP and Monte Veronese cheese DOP.

The unique flavour of Amarone wine DOCG

Zeni one of the most renowned Amarone producer in the Valpolicella

This extremely robust red wine made from dried grapes, gained DOCG recognition in 2009 and is appreciated for its bitter and fruity taste. The fine wine is the result of a blend of three grape varieties: Corvina – which gives the fruity flavour -, Rondinella and Molinara.

To be an authentic Amarone, the grapes must grow in the hillside areas mentioned below which best guarantee the deepness of their roots. After the harvest, the grapes are put in special rooms to let them dry for about 120 days, while the wine fermentation takes about 30-50 days.

Amarone della Valpolicella being its full name, clearly indicate the area of production, in the province of Verona. So if you love to visit vineyards and wine cellars you should book a gastronomic tour in the towns of the Valpolicella area – such as San Pietro in Cariano, Negrar, Fumane – but also in Valpantena, Val Tramigna, Val d’Illasi and Val di Mezzane. During the tasting tours you may heard about the Recioto della Valpolicella – the sweeter and less fermented version of Amarone. It is actually said that Amarone was only produced by chance because a Recioto bottle fermented longer than usual!

The golden olive oil from Lake Garda DOP

Always in the province of Verona, you can enjoy the wonderful countryside during a visit to olive grooves and oil mills in the surroundings of the magic Lake Garda. This corner of Verona province holds a long tradition in oil making dating back to the Romans. Today it is produced extra virgin olive oil Garda DOP characterized by an intense golden colour similar to green and by almond flavour.

There are many oil mills that you can visit to learn more about the king of the Mediterranean diet. We suggest to book an inspiring tour to the Olive Oil Museum of Bardolino founded in the eighties next to Lake Garda and to an ancient oil mill. The Museum exhibition is very interesting because you can learn more about history and culture of olive oil.

The gourmet Monte Veronese cheese DOP

The mountainous region of Lessinia awaits cheese and nature lovers. Prepare for a journey into this surprising territory part of the Prealps, where the cheese method of production apparently never changed: cow’s milk rigorously coming from cattle bred in the Lessinia area. You can find up to three varieties of Monte Veronese cheese on the market, each varying for hardness and taste – depending on the ageing length.

Book a tour with Emilia Delizia to the dairy factories in the Verona province to visit in person the ageing rooms but also the countryside from where this tasteful cheese with a delicate aroma of grass originates.

Monte Veronese Cheese, a delight of the Veneto Region

The intense flavour of Monte Veronese DOP

This fabulous cheese is produced in the northernmost part of the Verona province since medieval times, when the Lessinia valley was occupied by the Germanic tribe of Cimbrians. Other say that its production was introduced in this area by immigrants from Lombardy.

The hilly region of Lessinia is part of the Prealps chain and is a tourist destination all year round for its great natural places – in particular the Regional Park of Lessinia – where visitors can do excursions, birdwatching and have fun at the Malga San Giorgio ski resort.

A gastronomic tour is recommended to gourmet travellers to find out the typical product which gained the DOP recognition in 1996: the Monte Veronese cheese. Furthermore, the Consorzio di Tutela del Monte Veronese was founded to preserve its territory of origin, its method of production and, indeed, its authentic flavour.

A great way to taste it is to visit the town of Zeno di Montagna – province of Verona – during the food festival dedicated to San Zeno chestnuts, Bardolino wine and Monte Veronese cheese. You may also enjoy tours in the dairy factories of Peschiera del Garda, Lazise, Bardolino – all close to the marvellous Lake Garda – Bussolengo and San Pietro in Cariano, to name a few.

How Monte Veronese is produced

Monte Veronese DOP (or POD) is made only from cow’s milk. But the factor that makes this cheese so unique is that the milk is exclusively taken from cows bred in the Lessinia valleys. This element, together with the period of ageing – safeguards its organoleptic properties and original aroma of grass. You can recognize Monte Veronese varieties by the label colour and by the denomination clearly marked on them.

Monte Veronese Aging period and varieties

Monte Veronese made from whole milk needs an aging time of 25-40 days and can be recognized by the light green label. Your palate won’t forget its sweet long lasting flavour. Try it with marmalade to enjoy the contrast between bitter and sweet.

Monte Veronese d’allevo – made from skimmed milk – is called “mezzano” if aged for more than 90 days. Its savour slightly spicy makes it perfect to serve grated on many gourmet first courses such as risotto all’Amarone or as filling in ravioli. It’s great also with the radicchio rosso di Verona IGP (PGI). Check the light blue label when you buy it.

If you’re looking for strong flavours, then the Monte Veronese d’allevo vecchio – which period of aging goes between 6 months and 2 years – is the one for you. Labelled with a black tag, you will soon recognize it also by its pleasant flavour of almond. You’d rather enjoy it at the end of the meal matched with great Italian red wines such as Bardolino or Valpolicella.

There is another variety, called Monte Veronese di Malga, that can be served with other food (eggs, pears, walnuts) to emphasize its flavour or with other kind of cheeses. It is the ideal ingredient of recipes based on polenta or salty pies since it gives an intense taste to the dish. It is superb if matched with the strong flavour of truffles.

Emilia Delizia Monte Veronese cheese tour from Verona.

Are you ready for a gourmet travel in the Verona province? Our company organises cheese tours from Verona, Bardolino and the Valpolicella area. With our food experiences you can discover this magnificent products during your holidays in Italy.

Ravenna a marvel of the ancient world

A cultural trip to Ravenna should definitely include a visit to the early Christian monuments and mosaics realized among the 5th and the 8th century.

Eight buildings – the Neonian Baptistery, the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe, the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, the Arian Baptistery, the Mausoleum of Theodoric, the Church of San Vitale, the Archiepiscopal Chapel and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia – are now inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List for a unique treasure of mosaic art enriches their interiors and show how religion could influence artistic world.

Mausoleum di Galla Placida — Mausoleum of Galla Placida – Source

The Mosaics Of Ravenna

It has been made such an abundant use of this artistic technique, that Ravenna is commonly known as the “city of mosaic”.

The mosaic art in Ravenna have a clear influence from the Byzantine culture and the Christianity. Then great works can be seen at the Basilica di San Vitale, such as an outstanding portrait of Emperor Justinian and a portrait of Jesus Christ in the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo.

Moreover, every year you can take part to the night festival Mosaico di Notte – which entertains visitors with guided tours of buildings concealing mosaics and performances of poets and musicians – and to the International Mosaic Festival, which promotes contemporary mosaic works.

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

One of the most important examples of Paleochristian architecture in Ravenna is the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, which honours the memory of the Empress who lived at the time when the city was the Western Roman Empire capital. The monument is situated on the backyard of the Basilica di San Vitale, an important Paleochristian and Byzantine church famous for its great mosaics.

Once you reach Via San Vitale, turn on Via degli Ariani and you will find a simple building made of bricks. At first glance you wouldn’t realize why it is a must-see attraction in Ravenna, but after you enter the small door, you will be surprised by the stunning view of the majestic mosaics decorating the inside walls.

Your attention will be soon caught by the wonderful blue sky mosaic full of thousands stars on the vault. Then you will notice the impressive mosaic of the Good Shepherd framed by an arch. On the other walls you can see other symbols of Christianity as a saint – probably Saint Lawrence who was martyred for its faith – the four gospels and the apostles pictured in mosaics. The chapel has three niches which host the sarcophagi of Constantius III, Valentinian III and a Roman noble man.

Built in 430 AD to be an oratory, Galla Placidia was never buried there but the Masousoleum was rightly entitled to Empress who commissioned the construction. During the reign of Galla Placidia, Ravenna become an important place and often represented religion through art. That is evident in the themes of the mosaics that you can see if you do a cultural and artistic tour in Ravenna.

Many important personalities such as Boccaccio, Gustav Klimt and Cole Porter fell in love with this extraordinary city of Emilia Romagna by the Adriatic Sea.

Come and see why during your holidays in Ravenna – European Cultural Capital to be in 2019!

Ferrara – the forgotten gem of the Italian Renaissance

Lovely Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the North East of Italy, did not just happen to be a beautiful city; it was planned that way! Designed to be both beautiful to look at and at the same time functional – fulfilling the Humanist concept of the “Ideal City” where all the needs of all the residents would be met, it is the only planned Renaissance town in Italy that was completed and the town planning principles that were used back then in the 13th century are still in existence today. Under the patronage of the ruling Este family, Ferrara became a centre for art and culture and attracted some of the greatest artists of the time, many of whom have left their mark in the city. There is a lot to see in Ferrara, but the following 3 examples should be at the top of your list:

FERRARA 2006 — Ferrara castle of the Ducal family – source

1. The Estense Castle.

This very imposing structure, half palace and half medieval fortified castle complete with a moat, was the home of the Este family. It started life as a defensive structure, the Castello di San Michele and the first phase was the construction of the Lion’s Tower (Torre dei Leoni). Following a particularly violent peoples’ uprising, the Este family commissioned the architect Batolino da Novara to improve the fortifications and build a palace worthy of the Este family . Three additional towers were built to form a rectangle with the original tower and then connecting blocks were constructed enclosing a huge inner courtyard. The moat was fed by the river Po, on whose banks the castle stands. The Estense Castle is right in the centre of Ferrara and guided tours are available several times a day: there is a lot to see from kitchens and dungeons to the Ducal Chapel and the Garden of the Oranges. A climb to the top of the Lion’s Tower provides a great view of the surrounding walls and countryside.

2. Palazzo Diamanti (Palace of the diamonds)

The Palazzo Diamanti is named after the amazing marble blocks which clad the outside of the building; each of the over 8000 blocks of while marble has been carved to resemble a polished diamond, and their placement has been carefully considered to maximise the light reflected off the walls. The outer walls enclose a Renaissance courtyard with a marble well at the centre – very characteristic of the gardens of this city. Today the Palace houses the National Gallery of Art, home of some excellent examples of Italian Renaissance art and many of the artists who were drawn to Ferrara as a centre of the Arts in the 15th century are represented here.

3. The City Walls

Only Ferrara and Lucca have such intact Renaissance city walls! Ferrara boasts over 9 kilometres of walls built mainly in the 15th and 16th centuries, completely surrounding the historic centre. This is a great place to walk or cycle and observe the locals who come there to relax under the trees and meet friends. Along the way you will be able to see towers, gates, passages and battlements, one after the next; a walk around the wall is an excellent way to work up an appetite for some of the fabulous food to be had in the town.

It is easy to get to Ferrara – it is on the main railway line from Venice, Florence or Ravenna and just 30 min from Bologna. Once you reach the city centre, which is strictly car-free, walking or cycling like the locals is your best way to get around and see all the attractions of this delightful town.

History and Food walking tour in Bologna with Pasta Making Demonstration, and Gourmet Tasting.

Departure point: Your hotel in central Bologna or train station

Duration : the tour lasts 2/3 hours.

Start time: Suggested start time is 9.30 am. However it can be flexible.

What is included: A Professional English speaking guide will lead your tour for the duration.

What is not included: Entrance tickets to monuments and attractions.

Bologna, in the Emilia Romagna region of North-Eastern Italy is a charming town dating from medieval times and home to one of the world’s oldest universities. Whether you are in the town for business or pleasure, be sure to take some time to see a few of the many really interesting attractions. The town centre is fairly compact, and it is quite easy to see at least three of the most interesting sights in an afternoon – just pick up your free map at the Tourist Information Centre in Piazza Maggiore are start your tour.

Explore the Foods of Bologna.

We have exclusive access to the behind the scene of certain local food shops, so if you explore Bologna with us you will be taken to see how fresh egg pasta is made with a pasta making demonstration and tasting.

Paolo Atti shop – pasta making demonstration

San Petronio Basilica: Start your walking tour at Piazza Maggiore, the main square of the town, to visit this enormous example of the Gothic style of architecture, the 6th largest cathedral in Europe. It is named after Bologna’s patron saint, and has an interesting history. At one point during the construction process, the original design was changed and a Latin Cross design was suggested, with the aim of building a church which would surpass the grandeur of St Peters in Rome. Legend has it that the Pope of the day, Pious IV, was not about to see the Vatican cathedral eclipsed and promptly put paid to that idea! Nevertheless, San Petronio is still very large – over 132 metres long and 66 metres wide – and it is a great shame that the red marble façade was never completed. Be sure to visit a few of the 22 side chapels, the bell tower, see the two very old organs and have a look at the largest sundial in the world, inlaid into the paving of the left aisle.

Torre degli Asinelli: After your visit to the cathedral, it is an easy walk to the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, to see the Two Towers, symbol of the city. Many centuries ago there were over one hundred defensive towers of various heights and grandeur piercing the Bologna skyline; sadly, today there are less than 20 remaining. The Asinelli Tower is the tallest, climbing a staggering 97.2 metres into the sky, and leaning slightly as becomes a very old matriarch! You can visit the tower and climb the nearly 500 worn wooden steps to the very top for the best view you will ever get of the city of Bologna. Take your time and rest occasionally, and it is not too difficult!! The smaller of the two towers, the Garisenda was originally about 60 metres high but had to be lowered in the 14th century when it became too unstable due to earth settlement; today it is 48 metres tall and leans significantly; it is not open to the public. Now continue your walk to the University district to visit a rather macabre attraction:

Twin towers, Bologna — Asinelli and Garisenda towers in Bologna – source

The Anatomy Room at the old University of Bologna

This room is known as the Anatomy Theatre due to its’ amphitheatre-like form, and dates from the sixteen hundreds. It was built almost entirely out of wood (spruce) and was used as a lecture theatre for students of anatomy – you can still see the marble table at the centre where dissections were performed. Some of the most famous Physicians from ancient times, such as Hippocrates, are represented by wooden statues around the walls of the room. Sadly, the original theatre was almost completely destroyed during the Second World War by an air raid in 1944. It was most realistically reconstructed from photos, using as much as possible of the original structure recovered from the rubble. This is a fascinating attraction and should not be missed, even if you have no interest in medical history.

Hidden Secret Spots of The Cinque Terre.

This year go on a holiday of a lifetime and visit the beautiful region of Cinque Terre in Italy. Just to the west of the city of La Spezia, this region of the Italian Rivera is ideal for all; from those looking for a quiet romantic getaway or a luxurious family retreat, this rugged portion of coast has it all.

Lying on the many perfect beaches you can be rest assured that it will be quiet and without the spoils of more populated and well known areas of Europe. There are many spectacular sunbathing and swimming spots dotting along the coast, take time to explore the different hiking and coastal paths and you are sure to find the perfect spot of golden sand and crystal clear sea.

Walking and Hiking.

Hiring a car can be a great option when holidaying in the Cinque Terre as it allows you to see each and every one of the villages and the coastal beauty that lies between them. But also you should considering taking the train as it is a stress free option, a local tourist train takes you to all villages.

One of the most popular routes for those on a romantic break is the aptly named Lovers’ Walk or Via dell’Amore, but there is more if you are up for exploring. Head into Riomaggiore and look for the start of the Blue Trail, or Sentiero Azzurro. A five hour long Cinque Terre hiking route that connects each village, between Riomaggiore and Manarola there is a simple stretch of trial that requires just a leisurely stroll rather than a hard hike. In between the romantic nooks and awe inspiring views you will find some of the best swimming and sunbathing spots, perfect to show off your designer swimwear. If you are interested in walking and hiking experiences in Cinque Terre check our our site dedicated to the area.

The Guvano beach – only if you dare.

Guvano beach ideal swimming spot in Cinque Terre — naturist beach – Guvano – source

Looking for the ultimate in relaxation and sunbathing heaven? Then head to the secret beach. The beach of Guvano, is host to a little known secret amongst the locals – Guvano is a secluded beach between Corniglia and Vernazza. This one is certainly for the more adventurous couples looking for something a bit different – the beach is described as ‘clothing optional’.

Access to this secluded location is gained through a secretive tunnel – you’ll know you are in the right place when you see a crudely painted naked figure above the entrance.

Almost as if you test your resolve to reach then beach you’ll then have to edge your way through a darkened tunnel for about a kilometre – be careful it can get slippery – while the noise of a train going through a nearby tunnel is enough to think the end might be nigh.

Keep on pressing ahead into the darkness despite the impending feeling you may be about to walk straight into a pole, eventually it will open up and you will realise that it has all been worth it as you are greeted by beams of light and leafy green trees.

Be warned a gatekeeper will be sitting nearby and may try and charge you but the beach is free to use but you will have to pay to use the tunnel, so you might want to hand him a tip for letting you through.

After all your troubles you will be greeted by the most idyllic spot for sunbathing (swimwear or not…) and taking in the surroundings. The piercing blue seas lap a pebble grey shore and the water is beautifully warm for a late afternoon swim. The trek down is treacherous so be careful, but you will certainly be rewarded for all your efforts.

The best way to navigate this beautifully diverse area is to talk amongst your fellow travellers so don’t be backwards in coming forwards to converse with your fellow travellers and swap tips when you get there – beforehand, TripAdvisor has an excellent section on the Cinque Terre as well as an informative forum which should help you find out everything you need to know before you leave.

But, you only need one tip – Keep your sunglasses and sun cream at the ready for a holiday to the Cinque Terre in Italy, as the sun sea and sand will be beckoning you wherever you stay in this Mediterranean paradise.

You can also consider to do a day tour from Cinque Terre to Florence, or take a gourmet tour in Parma.

Is San Gimignano worth Visiting?

San Gimignano and its surroundings are well worth a visit to enjoy both historical monuments and taste great wines. This town situated on the Via Francigena represents a pleasant stop for pilgrims directed to Rome in the Middle Ages and present visitors looking for ancient medieval towns in Tuscany.

Beautiful San Giminiano Tuscany, Italy – Source

Discover the medieval heart of San Gimignano.

Founded by Etruscans in the III century BC, San Gimignano turned into a fortified town during the Middle Ages, when numerous towers (up to 72!) where erected. If you come from the valley, you will notice the skyline of San Gimignano, dotted with the 13 towers left and palaces dating back to the thirteenth century built by important families to celebrate their power.

San Gimignano enjoyed maximum economical and political glory till the fourteenth century, that’s why you can still admire many historical buildings from the Middle Ages but also new monuments built at the end of the nineteenth century during the Gothic Renovation period.

The city centre being situated on a hill, you will have the chance to take scenic views of the Tuscan landscape, in particular if you have a walking tour along the city walls overlooking the unique panorama of Valle d’Elsa. If you enter the city by one of the gates, the main street will lead you directly to the heart of the medieval San Gimignano. As an example you may start the tour from Porta San Giovanni walking through Via San Giovanni and reach Piazza della Cisterna, the wonderful square dominated by a well, red brick palaces and the impressive Devil’s Tower.

You will find other beautiful point of interests at the adjacent Piazza Duomo: Palazzo Comunale (the City Hall), Palazzo Salvucci, Palazzo Chigi Useppi, Palazzo Vecchio and Torre Rognosa.

If you have an appetite for excellent Italian wines, the tour continues in cellars and wine bars…

Vernaccia di San Giminiano, a unique wine of Tuscany.

Gourmet travellers find San Gimignano to be the perfect place to taste DOC wines – Vernaccia, San Gimignano Rosso and Rosato, Vin Santo, Chianti Colli Senesi – whose grapes come directly from the hundred Tuscan vineyards that you may observe along the way from Florence.

Reach San Gimignano to taste wines praised by artists and poets such as Francesco Redi and Michelangelo Buonarroti. In his L’Aione, Michelangelo describes Vernaccia wine as follows: “It kisses, leaks, bites, pricks, and stings”. Actually, this delicate white wine gained DOCG recognition in 1993 and is characterized by a fruity flavour that will catch your senses.

Much of the wine history and production can be learned at the dedicated Vernaccia Wine Museum located in Villa della Rocca di Montestaffoli on a hilly position overlooking the vineyards. At the Vernaccia Wine Museum you can book a wine tasting workshop and a tour that will help to appreciate the essence of this wine which boasts a production of 9 million bottles per year, sold in Italy and abroad.

A travel to San Gimignano represents a joy for curious eyes and fine palates!

If you want to get to San Gimignano from Emilia Romagna, the best way is to catch a train from Bologna or Pisa directed to Siena, stop at Poggibonsi station, then take the bus to San Gimignano.