We hear of Italy’s fashion designers, great artists, Michelin-starred restaurant chefs and the Vatican. But what we don’t hear are stories of real Italian people; ordinary men, women and children who work hard to preserve its glorious past and shape its glamorous future. Tales of a Beautiful Nation takes you on an insightful weekly journey into the lives of these people.
Cinque Terre: explore Italy’s ‘famous five’
Renowned for their outstanding beauty, the five pastel-hued seaside villages of the Cinque Terre, or Five Lands, are the Italian Riviera’s most iconic highlight. On Italy’s western coast, in the region of Liguria, just above Tuscany, the Cinque Terre get its name from the five fishing and wine-making villages perched along a 11-mile stretch of coast, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola [...]
Amalfi Coast’s most sought-after yacht destinations
Italy is the perfect place for sea lovers. A coastline of outstanding beauty, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most romantic and alluring destinations in the Mediterranean, offering a stunning backdrop to your Italian charter escape, with luxury harbors and chic marinas to dock your yacht. Sailing in the Bay of Naples and along the Amalfi Coast, listed as a UNESCO [...]
The top five things to do in Venice during your first visit
Venice is unique among world cities. It has been described as the most beautiful city built in the human history. And we believe this is true. In this guide we want to suggest you the top five things you can do in Venice during your first visit, in order to enjoy the city from a vantage point. Grand Canal Private [...]
The Palio of Siena and the Val d’Orcia; frolic amidst luxuries and gorgeous landscapes
There's something to be said about Tuscany's breath-taking landscapes. Italy offers, of course, a wide variety of mesmerizing locations and captivating sceneries, but few sights can rival with the magnificient sense of awe and wonder of a Val d'Orcia experience. In anticipation of the highly spectacularized Palio of Siena, and amidst the many luxuries and excellences that Tuscany showers on visitors and tourists, [...]
Umbria : a relaxed escape in Italy’s Green Heart
Discover Umbria with ILC Landlocked between Tuscany and Lazio and separated from Marche by the jagged spine of the Sibillini Mountains, Umbria is brimming with history, natural beauty and art treasures. Often called Italy's Green Heart, Umbria has a coronet of lovely terracotta-topped villages and Medieval hill-towns, none more than a few miles from the next. A hire-car is useful for a touring [...]
Secret spots of Rome
There is nothing worst than living a city like a ‘tourist’. While traveling, you should always focus to the keyword ‘Experience’. So, especially when in Rome, you should definely do as the Romans Do, by eating roman Food and visiting places where locals go during their spare time. In this way you’ll be able to discover real treasures usually forbidden [...]
A stroll in the glamorous Florence; suggestions and itineraries for an exclusive Tuscany retreat
A tour of Florence, basking into the many excellences of Tuscany Florence is by far a must-see, whether you're just visiting Tuscany on the fly or plan to spend some leisure time amidst the luxuries and comforts of this beautiful corner of Italy. Of course, Florence's prestige dates way, way back in time, and for many centuries the town has been [...]
Volterra, Tuscany: a trip in the city of alabaster
A beautiful walled Tuscan village of Etruscan origins, Volterra is famous for its cobblestoned streets, alabaster workshops and well-preserved medieval ramparts. Strolling through its atmospheric cobblestone streets will make you feel like you have stepped back into time. Read on to find out more about Volterra, in Tuscany, the most picturesque region in central Italy. What to see in a tour of [...]
Best places to visit in Montepulciano, Tuscany
Wine-lovers rejoice: this blog will be taking you through the best places to visit in Montepulciano, Tuscany, home to the ‘noble’ red wine and Montepulciano grapes. To locals, the wine is known as ‘Vino nobile di Montepulciano’ which can be sampled at most of the local wine bars and restaurants. The village itself is set in the world-famous rolling valleys [...]
Positano: the jewel of the Amalfi Coast
Built vertically on the face of a steep cliff above the sea, Positano is one of Italy’s most picturesque holiday destinations. It started out as a small fishing village and became hugely popular with artists, writers and painters in the mid-1950s. With its pastel colored houses tumbling down to the blue sea, its steep walkways and winding staircases lined with ultra-luxe hotels, [...]
Holidays at high altitude: summer in the Dolomites
Alto Adige is the Italian name for South Tyrol, where heavenly mountain valleys, shimmering turquoise lakes, meadows beamed with wildflowers, apple orchards and forests of indescribable loveliness spread across the landscape, dominated by pink-grey peaks of the Dolomites mountain range. Instagram likes will come rolling in! From winery tours to picturesque mountain bike tracks, South Tyrol is packed with wonderful things [...]
Tropea, Calabria: the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian
Summertime in the Bel Paese is synonym with heat, sun-kissed beaches and shimmering coves. High on the list of Italy’s best beaches is Tropea or, more precisely, the beach of La Rotonda. In southern Italy’s Calabria region, Tropea is a beautiful seaside resort that boasts white-sand beaches and a picturesque clifftop historic centre. Perched on a cliff with stunning views [...]
The most luxurious resorts in Costa Smeralda
Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the most interesting summer destinations in Italy. Clear blue water, amazing beaches ranging from snow-white to cinnamon brown, charming towns, trendy clubs : these are just a few reasons why you will love this italian island, whether you want to relax or enjoy an eccentric nightlife. Costa Smeralda is [...]
Comacchio tourist guide : discover another ‘Italian Venice’
Comacchio : a smaller Venice in Emilia Romagna Comacchio is a charming historic town, comprising 13 small islands in a stunning lagoon setting in Italy’s north eastern Emilia Romana (italian : Emilia Romagna) region. Less than an hour’s drive from the historic cities of Ravenna and Ferrara, this picturesque settlement is ideally placed for exploring the nearby Adriatic coastline and [...]
Elba Island : a corner of Chiantishire sequestered by the Tyrrhenian Sea
Famous for harboring French Emperor Napoleon during his exile, the Tuscan island of Elba has an exotic blend of Mediterranean cultures, stunningly picturesque architecture and idyllic landscapes, from green highlands to golden sandy bays, from lush valleys to Mediterranean pine forests. Napoleon Bonaparte would probably think twice about fleeing Elba today. Six miles off the Tuscan coast, this lovely small island is [...]
Rasiglia tourist guide : an hidden gem in the Umbrian heart
Rasiglia tourist guide Tucked away in the foothills of Italy’s lofty Apennine mountain range, in the Umbrian province of Perugia, lies the tiny medieval town of Rasiglia. A 15 minute drive from neighbouring Foligno, and 40 minutes from Assisi, this quaint settlement is located 600m above sea level on a tranquil wooded hillside surrounded by nature. Escaping the stifling heat [...]
Tremiti : Secret islands in the Adriatic Sea you should visit
Tremiti : a place you shoud visit Showstopper islands like Lampedusa, Elba and Capri are world renowned, but there are so many more secret islands in Italy to be explored, loving every minute. Bite-size islands off the Gargano promontory, the spur of boot-shaped Italy, the Tremiti are the only Italian islands in the Adriatic Sea. The tiny and gorgeously peaceful Tremiti Islands still [...]
Montegiovi tourist guide : an hidden Tuscan treasure
Just 50 chilometers away from Grosseto, on a beautyful hill on the western limit of Val d'Orcia lies Montegiovi, a small village that you should not miss in your next italian trip. So let's learn more about Montegiovi in our Montegiovi tourist guide. This old stone-made village welcomes us at the Sant'Elena gate, the main entrance to the upper town. [...]
Why you should be curious about “Firecrackers”.
If you plan to exchange midnight kiss in Venice with fireworks to crown the moment, you should want to know more about pyrotechnicians, or pyros as they are called. A moment like that may lead to an even more special one. And wouldn’t you like the same firecrackers to fire up the sky above you when you tie the [...]
Parma Tourist guide : an attractive city in the Emilia-Romagna region
Parma is an elegant, historic city in the Emilia Romagna region of northern Italy. Just over an hour’s drive from Bologna and less than two hours from Milan, this thriving university town is a popular traveller destination. Visitors flock to enjoy Parma’s celebrated cuisine, and to immerse in its abundance of galleries, museums, and diverse architecture. Let's discover Parma with [...]
Otranto: Italy’s easternmost town
Charming, lively and picturesque seaside town in the region of Apulia, Otranto offers an amazing mix of history, laid-back holiday atmosphere, clear waters and a bustling sea-front area gazing out over the Adriatic Sea towards Greece and the Balkans. The city’s east-facing sea-front position has deeply influenced its history. It was important as a Greek and then Roman commercial port, later [...]
Experience the wonder of an Italian wedding with ILC
The timeless enchantment of an Italian wedding You'll surely have been told - and odds are, if you're going to tie the knot anytime soon, you'll have been told this many times over - that no other day of your life will ever live up to your wedding. It's not just a ceremony of the love between yourself and your spouse. Rather, [...]
Top 10 most expensive and luxurious things to do in Italy on a billionaire budget
The opulent life can be pretty amazing. Here is a list of the most expensive, exclusive and luxurious things to do in Italy for the rich enthusiasts. 1. Helicopter transfer from airport The fastest and most extravagant way to arrive as quickly as you can to the hotel of your choice is by helicopter, making your arrival a scene from [...]
Alberobello: UNESCO World Heritage site
Alberobello is a small town in the province of Bari, in the Italian region of Apulia, famous for its fairytale-like 14th-century Trulli huts, which are distinctive cone-roofed beehive-shaped houses. A fascinating place to visit, the Trulli zone of Alberobello has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 6th December 1996. What’s a Trullo? A Trullo is a small [...]
Rimini’s treasure trove; artistic legacy, historical background and jaw-dropping landscapes
Ah, Rimini. The scope of this town's beauty is perhaps only equal to its popularity as one of Emilia Romagna's top destinations. When you think of a glamorous high-class vacation in the heart of Italy, Rimini's name is one of the first - if not the very first - that comes to mind. And rightfully so! If you've already been [...]
Discovering Valle d’Aosta : 10 best things to do
From paragliding, rafting and hang gliding to exclusive spas and Michelin-star gastronomy, the Valle d’Aosta (Aosta Valley), mountainous Italian-French bilingual region in northwestern Italy, offers different options for thrills and relaxation, surrounded by spectacular scenery and some of the highest peaks in Europe. Italy’s smallest and least populated region, bordered by Switzerland and France, has much to offer in summer. If you have [...]
Amalfi’s Coast; timeless dreams of an outrageously lavish vacation
Flights of fancy in the glorious Amalfi's Coast Anyone who has visited Amalfi - however fleetingly - will tell you that its reputation as one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring Italian destination is no boast. Even the italian name of its coastline - "costiera amalfitana" - evokes a powerful aura of prestige and deep fascination. Amalfi's Coast is a dream [...]
Sample some great wines in Menfi, Sicily
If you love wine-tasting, vineyard-hopping, blissful beaches and delicious food, you should definitely head to the ancient wine-making town of Menfi, sitting between the fisherman city of Sciacca and Selinunte with its magnificent temples, in southwestern Sicily. A true gem of Southern Sicily, in the province of Agrigento, Menfi, is one of Italy's finest and most historic wine towns, surrounded by [...]
Take a tour of Tuscany’s thermal centers
Extraordinarily rich in underground thermal waters, Tuscany has the highest number of thermal centers in Italy. Well-known since ancient times for their therapeutic properties, its sulphur hot and healing springs are perfect for a visit any time of the year. Here is a selection of hot water springs in Tuscany that you can’t miss on your next trip to Italy. [...]
A luxury winter vacation in Alta Badia
The Italian Alps are an amazing place where to spend a winter vacation. One of our preferred mountain destinations is Alta Badia : a charming, white valley in South Tyrol. Probably there is no place where you can experience the beauty of Alps more than there. The Heart of the Dolomites It is no coincidence that Alta Badia is usually called [...]
Luxury thermal resorts in Tuscany : an hidden treasure
Luxury thermal resorts in Tuscany for SPA vacation in Italy Extraordinarily rich in underground thermal waters, Tuscany has the highest number of thermal centers in Italy. Well-known since ancient times for their therapeutic properties, its sulphur hot and healing springs are perfect for a visit any time of the year. Here is a selection of the most exclusive thermal resorts [...]
Città della Pieve : discovering the town
Discovering Città della Pieve Città della Pieve è una piccola cittadina , famosa per i suoi monumenti storici . Le sue origini sono ancora dubbie, ma già nel II secolo d.C. un gruppo di cristiani si stabilì qui costruendo l'antica "Pieve di San Gervasio". Il nome moderno della città deriva probabilmente da questa espressione. Ma la città aveva però [...]
Find your perfect costume and become part of Venice Carnival
Venice Carnival is approaching. If you are planning to visit the city during this amazing event, you should consider to wear a carnival mask during your trip. Many photographers and journalists from around the world will come to Venice for this edition. Wearing the right costume is not just a pleasant experience. It is an opportunity to become part of [...]
Best places to visit in Orta San Giulio, Piedmont
Welcoming romantics from across the globe, let’s explore the best places to visit in Orta San Giulio – one of the prettiest towns in Italy, reminiscent of Venetian magical squares. It is home to the enchanting Lake Orta, a little-known Milanese gem that has garnered the local nickname of La Cenerentola – Cinderella. Why, you might ask? This ethereal lake [...]
Maddalena archipelago : the beaches you should not miss
Maddalena Archipelago is located in the northern part of Sardinia, not far from the Costa Smeralda. This complex consists of 7 different islands : Maddalena, Caprera, Budelli, Santo Stefano, Santa Maria, Spargi, Razzoli. The beauty of the natural scenery is the first reason that drives many tourists to visit the archipelago. This area has become National Park in 1994 and its pristine and [...]
Lake Braies: one of the greatest gifts of Mother Nature
The largest and most stunning natural lake in the Dolomites, Lake Braies is heaven on Earth. Blessed with charming colours, spectacular reflections and a breathtaking alpine backdrop, it is a wonderful emerald gem nestled between a majestic collection of giant peaks in the Prags Dolomites, in South Tyrol. One of the most stunning and photogenic lakes in the world, Lake Braies, [...]
Sanremo, on the Italian Riviera: a storybook seaside town
Sanremo, located on Italy’s Riviera di Ponente, a stretch of coastline that extends from the France-Italy border to Genoa, is famous for its century-old Casino, but has many other attractions. A good year-round destination, Sanremo is situated at the heart of the sunny Riviera dei Fiori, which has warmer temperatures than most places in Northern Italy. The town sits on [...]
Lake Como: a tranquil paradise for A-list celebrities
With its stunningly beautiful mountain geography, spectacular coast and lovely stone-clad villages, Lake Como is one of the most famous Italian Lakes destinations, 30 miles north of Milan. Shaped like an inverted Y, Lake Como is surrounded by roaming mountains and lush, towering hills dotted with historic grande dame hotels, Baroque villas and picturesque hillside towns offering awe-inspiring panoramic views. [...]
Sicilian islands : an outstanding beauty
Sicilian islands Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, and comprises a number of smaller satellite sicilian islands in the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas, where astonishingly beautiful beaches, underwater adventures, swimming paradises and superb seafood await you. Pelagie Islands Some of the most stunning islands in Italy, the Pelagie islands, south of Sicily, between Malta and Tunisia, are the three islands of Lampedusa, Linosa and Lampione. [...]
Lake Maggiore : an italian jewel
Lake Maggiore (also called Verbàno Lake) is a truly fascinating Italian travel destination. In its beautiful location just south of the Alps, this lake is able to embody the beauty of a landscape in close contact with nature, along with the charm of fashionable and perfectly groomed locations that can be found on its shores. For many Italians, indulging in [...]
A day in Rome
Rome, the eternal city : our first day proposal for a relaxing - no rush - charming visit. The Colosseum : a brilliant start The greatest architectural wonder of Rome (and probably one of the greatest of the entire World), the Colosseum is a must-see in Rome. With our ticket service you will be able to avoid any line and [...]
Val d’Orcia Experience
Discover Val d'Orcia from a luxury point of view. Have you ever been in Val d'Orcia, one of the most beautiful destination in Tuscany ? The hometown of Brunello (and many other famous wines) is the perfect destination for a luxury spring vacation. Where to stay : your castle facing Val d'Orcia For your staying in Val d'Orcia, ILC has selected [...]
7 best-kept secrets in and around Venice: explore unusual attractions, secret spots and unbeaten paths
Along with visiting top attractions like the Rialto Bridge, Murano Island and Saint Mark's Basilica, you shouldn't miss exploring the hidden corners of Venice, in the Veneto region, on the northeast coast of Italy. My tip for you is to try and visit La Serenissima’s top attractions before 10am, when the city is still relatively quiet. Then, explore Venice’s non-touristy secret spots, hidden gems and [...]
Forte dei Marmi: top things to do and see
Forte dei Marmi is a small town in the province of Lucca, considered a must-visit destination for those who love sea, luxury and fashion. The beauty of the sea, the stunning views of the Apuane Alps and the stylish manors surrounded by pine groves attract every year tourists from all over the world. Top things to do and see in [...]
Matera: get to know Italy’s most spectacular city
Located in a remote corner in the southern region of Basilicata, Matera is a breathtakingly beautiful maze-like settlement of ancient stone dwellings dug into soft tufa limestone, on the side of the Gravina Valley. Known for its picturesque Sassi districts, the first site in Southern Italy to be declared a World Heritage Site, the small town of Matera is one of the [...]
Cortona: why is it famous and what to see
Cortona is located in the province of ArezzoTuscany, very close to the border with the Umbria region. What to do and what to see in Cortona? This city is visited every day by numerous tourists who come from all over Italy, but also from Europe. In fact, many people are curious to know the peculiarities of this city. Cortona stands [...]
Visit Trieste, in the far northeast of Italy
Do you want to enjoy the Bel Paese without having to deal with the throngs of tourists in Venice, Rome and Florence? Try the seaport city of Trieste, located on the verge of the Italian and Slovenian border, in the northeastern region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. This still little-known region has its own language and is kinda different from the rest of [...]
Sorrento : what to do and see
A cliff-edged promontory jutting out from the mainland in the southern part of the Gulf of Naples, the Sorrento Peninsula is a renowned travel destination in Italy. At the heart of the peninsula is the amiable good-tempered town of Sorrento, famous for its art, historic architecture and liquors. Well-connected and easy to get to, Sorrento is a straightforward holiday choice. [...]
Must-visit yacht charter destinations in Sardinia
Yacht charter destinations in Sardinia When it comes to sailing, nowhere in Europe can beat Sardinia and its surrounding islands, a big sailing field for cruising enthusiasts, with over 1100 miles of stunning coastlines, harmoniously mixing limestone cliffs, small islets, rocky coves and breathtaking white sand beaches, with secluded anchorages and marinas located along Sardinia's exclusive stretches of coastline. Experience the luxury yachting holiday [...]
Cilento: Italy’s wonderfully authentic pristine gem
Have you ever heard of Cilento? Located in the central and southern part of the Province of Salerno, in the Campania region, in southern Italy, it is a uniquely enchanting part of the country that has remained thoroughly and unexpectedly pristine. Packed with secluded rocky coves, undulating tree-clad mountains, sandy bays, archaeological sites and picturesque villages still devoted to a traditional way of life, [...]
Luxury Shopping in Tuscany : an amazing experience
When Mother Nature was distributing charm, she must have piled up the goodies high when it came to Tuscany, midway down the Italian peninsula. Known for its fine wine, Renaissance art and gourmet food, Tuscany prides itself on being also a great destination for luxury shopping in Italy. Luxury Shopping in Tuscany : Florence Milan might be an internationally famous [...]
Discovering Ortigia, Syracuse, Sicily
Founded by the Greeks about 2,600 years ago, Siracusa is one of the oldest and most influential cities of the Mediterranean region. The island of Ortigia is the heart of the beautiful city of Syracuse, the inhabited primitive nucleus where you can go through centuries of history, art and culture that characterized this charming Sicilian place. Although it is an [...]
Paestum: explore the most magnificent temples of Magna Graecia
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the archaeological site at Paestum, in the Italian region of Campania, can be visited as a day-trip from Salerno or the Amalfi Coast, and takes as much as three hours to stroll among the ruins and admire the splendor of its ancient Greek temples. Lacking the tourist crowds that flood Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata each summer, [...]
Best Places to visit in Sorano, Tuscany
Looking for the best places to visit in Sorano, Tuscany? If you are reading this article then congratulations! You have found one of the most stunning medieval towns in Tuscany – a true gem in the hills, hanging from a tuff stone over the Lente River. This spectacular little town is built from tuff rock, which is forged from volcanic [...]
Mugello: a round-up of a few must-dos in the Mugello valley
Historic region and valley in northern Tuscany, Mugello, located to the north of Florence, is a wide, green valley crossed by the Sieve, tributary of the Arno River. This is a paradise for trekkers, hikers and mountain bikers, with a wide range of itineraries in different locations, ranging from rolling plains to hills and mountains. There's a lot to see and do in the Mugello valley, full of [...]
What to visit in Corinaldo: polenta, wine, witches and fig cannons
Discover Corinaldo: polenta, wine, witches and fig cannons Wondering what to do in Corinaldo ? This picturesque village is in Marche and has been previously voted “I borghi piu bellu d’Italia” – or to English-speakers “Italy’s prettiest village,” and it’s not hard to see why. Steeped in medieval history, including 1100 year old walls, moats and battlements, Corinaldo tells the [...]
Milan: the most stylish restaurants in Italy’s fashion capital
Style doesn’t stop at the catwalk in Italy’s fashion capital. From top chefs to award-winning kitchen brigades, in Milan you will find some of the best restaurants in Italy. More than fashion week, high-street shopping and well-dressed people, Milan is a perfect food destination with a long and venerable history as a center of gastronomy. Follow our guide to the most stylish restaurants [...]