The Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza, Italy.

Vicenza travel guide for first time visitors

Vicenza is one of Italy’s architectural treasures, showcasing numerous works by Andrea Palladio. It’s a perfect stop between Venice and Verona. What is Vicenza all about? Few people have had as great an influence on architecture as Andrea Palladio. His admiration for the symmetry and…
The Prato della Valle in Padua, Italy.

Padua travel guide for first time visitors

Often seen as a grittier sister of Venice, Padua has plenty of art and history in its own right. What’s Padua all about? In one spot, Padua is gritty. All galumphing Mussolini-era facades and grey stone. Then turn the corner, and it’s gorgeous. Elegant towers…
La Rotonda in Vicenza, Italy.

Exploring the architecture of Andrea Palladio in Vicenza

Andrea Palladio's Vicenza, summarised La Rotonda is a symmetrical villa with a central dome. The Palladio Museum showcases models of Palladio's architectural works. The Basilica Palladiana converts a Gothic building with Palladian windows and a marble façade. The Palazzo Valmarana demonstrates Palladio's adaptation to street…
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, seen from behind the Cathedral.

Pisa travel guide for first time visitors

Pisa isn’t all about the Leaning Tower. Look beyond the thousands of selfie-takers and there’s an engaging Italian city to explore. What is Pisa all about It’s tricky to think of another city so defined in the international consciousness by a single attraction. And, on…
Siena's Palazzo Pubblico.

Siena travel guide for first time visitors

Arguably the most beautiful city in Tuscany, Siena has sensational food and one of the world’s most eccentric festivals. What is Siena all about? It’s hard to rein in the giddiness walking through Siena’s winding hilltop streets. The walls climb high, the decoration leaps out…
A pasta dish.

Can I learn to make pasta in Florence?

If you're visiting Florence and want to do more than trawl through world class art museums, you can go the foodie route. It's possible to spend an afternoon learning to make pasta in the historic centre of Italy's Renaissance jewel. A small-group class held inside…