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Academic travel articles, written by our expert tour leaders.

 
Brescia & its Astonishing Museum of Santa Giulia
History, Art Architecture & Design, Archaeology Dr Eireann Marshall History, Art Architecture & Design, Archaeology Dr Eireann Marshall

Brescia & its Astonishing Museum of Santa Giulia

Few people would put Brescia, the 2nd largest city in Lombardy, near the top of their list of places to visit in Italy – perhaps because it is such an industrial city and associated with steel and arms manufacturing. Walking along the historical streets of the city, sipping the famous bubbly Franciacorta made in the province and, above all, visiting its historical heart

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Abruzzo
History, Travel Practicalities Neil Moore History, Travel Practicalities Neil Moore

Abruzzo

In an era of mass tourism with Italy amongst the world’s most popular destinations, it can come as a surprise to find that there are still entire regions in the country which are virtually unknown to the international traveller. But such is the case with the region of Abruzzo, nestling in the centre of the peninsular to the east of Rome. I first came to Italy in 1980 with the usual expectations of a place

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Unveiling the Enigma
History, Archaeology Neil Moore History, Archaeology Neil Moore

Unveiling the Enigma

Nestled in the heart of Italy, the Etruscans created Italy’s most fascinating and enigmatic culture prior to the emergence of Rome. Flourishing from the 9th down to the 3rd century BCE, they played a pivotal role in mediating the arrival of Greek and Eastern Mediterranean influence in the Italian peninsular and it was, above all, to them that the Romans looked in the early stages of their emergence as a

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Highlights of Chianti
History, Art Architecture & Design Kate Bolton-Porciatti History, Art Architecture & Design Kate Bolton-Porciatti

Highlights of Chianti

Stretching between Florence and Siena, nestled in the heart of Tuscany, is the romantic Chianti region – well known for its rolling green hills dotted with vineyards, terra-cotta-roofed towns and wine-soaked dinners. And while the copious amounts of red wine are well worth the visit, there is plenty more on offer for the cultural traveller amid Chianti’s winding roads and rolling hills.

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La Foce

La Foce

The estate of La Foce, located in the heart of Tuscany, is a beautiful testament to the creativity and passion of its creator, the British-born writer and historian, Iris Origo. Iris created La Foce as a refuge from the pressures of her busy life, and today it remains a tranquil oasis in the heart of Tuscany, where visitors can experience what is now considered one of Italy’s most beautiful private gardens.

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