arezzo

Muriel Spark’s Italian Life in Arezzo

I sat in the lounge of the Hotel Continentale in Arezzo, reading Lynn Barber’s 1990 interview with Muriel Spark. The hotel is still there, just off the main piazza, and I could picture the seventy-two-year-old novelist in a neat armchair, deflecting questions about marriage. That moment sums up her Italian life: fierce independence, sharp wit, and a refusal to apologise for putting writing first. “I’m too interested in my writing: I couldn’t work at a marriage.” – lithub.com Emily’s Take

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Arezzo’s Frescoes: Piero della Francesca’s Masterpiece

You know those small towns that feel like a secret, just waiting to be explored? Arezzo is one of those places. Tucked away in Tuscany, it’s not usually the first Italian stop for most travelers, but it’s surprisingly easy to get to, especially from Florence. I found it to be absolutely wonderful, a real gem that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s no wonder this town inspired scenes in the movie “Life Is Beautiful.” A Town

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Italy’s Best Teen Campsites For A Fun Holiday

Planning a trip to Italy with teenagers can be a balancing act, aiming for relaxation for the adults and plenty of engaging activities for the younger crowd. It often means finding places that offer more than just a pretty view and a sunny beach. My recent travels to Italy revealed some fantastic spots that truly cater to this dynamic. These locations managed to keep everyone happy, from kids glued to their phones for Wi-Fi to parents craving a break. Northern

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Tuscany: Savor Olive Oil Tastings in Chianti

Tuscany has always held a certain magic for me, a dream destination woven from art, stunning landscapes, and that incredible Italian food and wine. From its majestic mountains to its sparkling coastline, this region offers an endless array of discoveries. This year, with the premiere of a new series inspiring our travel plans, we decided it was time to explore this beloved corner of Italy in depth. Taste of Tuscany Olive Oil Experiences One of the first things we wanted

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Italy: Family Adventures in Rural Retreats

Italy truly is a country that welcomes families, making it a fantastic destination for a trip with young children. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to embrace the chaos and joy that kids bring, and where embracing local life feels wonderfully accessible. From rolling vineyards to ancient farmhouses, the opportunities for discovery are endless, offering a refreshing alternative to predictable tourist resorts. Exploring Tuscan Charm Tuscany, with its iconic landscapes, offers so many delightful family-friendly spots. I found myself drawn

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Italy in September: Harvest Festivals and Antique Markets

September in Italy feels like a gentle exhale after the summer’s intensity. The air cools just enough to make exploring comfortable, and there’s a wonderful sense that the country is settling into a rich autumn rhythm. As a freelance writer, I’m always looking for those sweet spots in travel, and September truly delivers in Italy, with a blend of pleasant weather, fewer crowds than July or August, and a calendar packed with authentic happenings. Discovering Autumnal Delights This time of

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Day Trips From Florence: Beyond Wine Country

Florence is a magnificent city, but sometimes you need to step away from the crowds to truly experience Tuscany. The beauty of basing yourself in this Renaissance gem is the easy access it provides to the surrounding region. While wine tasting is a classic day trip, exploring culture and daily life beyond the city’s limits offers a different, equally rewarding dimension. Within a 90-minute train ride, you can discover fascinating towns that showcase the diverse offerings of this beloved Italian

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Retire In Italy: Affordable Sun & Slower Living

Thinking about a retirement that blends sunshine, a slower pace, and excellent healthcare? You’re certainly not alone. Many people are finding Italy to be an appealing option, especially as interest from expats continues to grow. It seems to offer that perfect mix of quality of life and affordability, particularly if you venture beyond the most famous tourist hotspots. It truly feels like a place where you can soak up the weather and enjoy life. In fact, Italy was ranked 6th

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Discover Italy’s Best Luxury Villas

I’ve spent years wandering Italy’s backstreets and hill towns, and one thing I keep coming back to is how different the country feels when you have a proper base — a place with a kitchen, a pool, and enough space to actually breathe. The luxury villa market here has grown 40% in value since 2019, reaching an estimated €35.7 billion, and it’s not hard to see why. More travellers are trading hotel rooms for private gardens, olive groves, and the

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Discover Italy’s Best Luxury Villa Escapes

Choosing a villa for our Italian getaway has become my favorite way to experience the country. It offers a sense of freedom that hotels just can’t match. We set our own pace here, from leisurely breakfasts on sunny terraces to spontaneous dips in private pools, followed by quiet explorations of charming nearby towns. It means no rigid schedules, just the pure joy of shaping our days exactly as we wish. Whether it’s for a quiet escape, a big family gathering,

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