Citalia Blogs

Live like a Citalian

Are you ready to discover the real Italy? Take a look at our blog articles below and be inspired by all of the wonderful places and hidden gems that make up this beautiful country. Give our Italy Experts a call today and start turning those dreams into a reality. Andiamo!

Discover Italy...

/blog/italy-best-european-destination-winner/Italy - Best European Destination Winner

/blog/what-are-italy-multi-centre-holidays/What are Italy Multi Centre Holidays

/blog/citalias-guide-to-lake-como/Citalia's guide to Lake Como

/blog/savouring-sicily-a-multicentre-adventure/Savouring Sicily: A Multicentre Adventure

/blog/citalias-guide-to-lake-maggiore/Citalia's guide to Lake Maggiore

/blog/indiana-jones-and-the-dial-of-destiny-filming-locations-in-sicily/Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny: Filming Locations in Sicily

/blog/citalias-guide-to-lake-garda/Citalia's guide to Lake Garda

/blog/citalias-guide-to-sicily/Citalia's guide to Sicily

/blog/gennaro-contaldo-my-childhood-on-the-amalfi-coast/Gennaro Contaldo: My Childhood on the Amalfi Coast

/blog/james-bond-in-italy-007s-most-scenic-settings/James Bond in Italy: 007's Most Scenic Settings

Where to go in Italy?

/blog/your-year-in-italy-top-events-for-2024/Your Year in Italy: Top Events for 2024

/blog/exploring-italy-in-may/Exploring Italy In May

/blog/the-wine-windows-of-florence/The Wine Windows of Florence

/blog/sorrento-the-perfect-base/The Perfect Base: Sorrento

/blog/citalias-guide-to-opera-in-italy/Citalia’s Guide to Opera in Italy

/blog/locations-of-love/Locations of Love

/blog/five-italian-cities-to-fall-in-love-with-this-november/5 Italian Cities to Fall in Love with this November

/blog/italy-in-october/What could be better than Italy in October?

A view of the coast of Sorrento, with a classic building on the right, and mountains in the background

Citalia’s Italian Heritage: Over 90 Years of History

Citalia is the leading Italian expert, and for good reason. Discover our Italian heritage and 90 years of history to see what makes us the leading Italian holiday provider.

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Taormina Treats: Sicily’s Most Beautiful Town

Explore the best of Sicily’s Taormina from actress Catherine Tyldesley. Whether you’re a history explorer, nature lover, or solo traveller on the lookout for your next adventure, Taormina offers something for everyone.

Christmas Manger scene with figurines including Jesus, Mary, Joseph, sheep and magi.

How to Celebrate Christmas like an Italian

Christmas is a time for gathering with loved ones and feasting on a delicious meal. Here’s how to celebrate Christmas like an Italian.

Beautiful bay with colorful houses in Portofino, Liguria, Italy

Hidden Italy: Liguria

Discover the hidden Italian gem, Liguria. Explore the history, beaches, astonishing architecture, and incredible places to stay.

The best places to spend New Year in Italy

As we approach the end of another year, we take a look at the best places to spend New Year in Italy.

View of the street in Sorrento, Italy. Sorrento beautiful way to the sea between the rock

Citalia's guide to Sorrento

If you are looking for picture-perfect postcard Italy, then you've found it. Sorrento is one of the most beautiful, quintessential towns in Italy and with so much to explore both in the town itself and nearby it is the perfect base for an authentic Italian escape.

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Hidden Italy: Ischia

One of Italy’s best kept secrets, the island of Ischia invites you to enjoy some well deserved relaxation. Have a look at the things to do in our Hidden Italy guide.

Neive village and Langhe vineyards, Unesco Site, Piedmont, Northern Italy Europe. High quality photo

The Slow Food Town

Drift into a little town in Piedmont to unearth the roots of the international Slow Food movement.

Red wine bottle and wine glass on wodden barrel. Beautiful Tuscany background

Behind the Cask: Classic Chianti

In the heart of Tuscany, straddling Florence, and Siena, are the renowned Chianti Hills, home to arguably Italy’s most famous dry red, and one of its most ancient wines.

Hidden Italy: Calabria

For an off the beaten track adventure to discover the real Italy be sure to add Calabria to your bucket list.

Alberobello, Puglia, Italy: Typical houses built with dry stone walls and conical roofs, in a beautiful day, Apulia

History of the Trulli

Venture into rural Puglia and you’ll stumble across a marvel of whitewashed dry-stone dwellings with curiously conical slab roofs. You’ve found the trulli.

Glasses of rose wine seen during a friendly party of a celebration.

The Wines of Italy

Legendary sommelier, Richard Bampfield and Citalia’s Senior Regional Destination Manager, Heather Green hosted an exciting virtual wine tasting to share their love of Italy. Join us as we take your tastebuds on a tour of Italy with wines from around the country.

Verona, Italy. Flying over the historic city center. Arena di Verona, summer, Aerial View

Italy's Famed Composers

Opera season is upon us and with Verona’s 100th Anniversary taking place this year, we take a look at Italy’s Famed Composers.

Hidden Italy: Aeolian Islands

The Aeolian Islands are a true gem off the coast of Sicily. With plenty to see and do, your holiday here will be unforgettable.

View of Turin city center during summer day-Turin,Italy,Europe

Tuneful Turin

Eurovision fans unite! We take a look at 2022 hosts, Turin and showcase the music of the city.

Beautiful view of traditional Gondolas on famous Canal Grande with historic Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute in the background in romantic golden evening light at sunset in Venice, Italy

Top 5 Things to Do in Venice

Venice is a unique city with lots to offer those who travel there. Come with us as we take a look at the top 5 things to do in Venice.

Hidden Italy: Palermo

Capital of Sicily, Palermo is a true melting pot of cultures. Have a look at some of our favourite hidden gems.

Verona, Italy. Night picture of the famous Arena

Italy's Great Theatres

Enjoy a night at one of Italy’s Great Theatres and be in awe at the opera. A particular highlight is the 100th anniversary of the Verona Opera Festival!

Aerial cityscape view from the tower on Bologna old town center with Maggiore square in Italy

Hidden Italy: Bologna

Bologna, the gastronomic heart of Italy, offers plenty of delicious dishes as well as beautiful architecture and fascinating history.

a large building with a mountain in the background

Italian Christmas Traditions

The Christmas season in Italy boasts one of the longest celebrations in the world and is undoubtedly the most delicious type of Christmas you’ll find. Come with us and discover some Italian Christmas traditions! Buon Natale! (Happy Christmas!)

Rich variety of chocolates, candies and biscuits with a gift box in display window of italian pastry shop at the street of Florence city

A Chocolate Lover’s Guide to Italy

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love our chocolate lover’s guide to Italy. Andiamo!

Morning view of Amalfi cityscape on coast line of mediterranean sea, Italy

Italy Inspiration: 6 Great Multi-Centre Ideas

Combining destinations allows you to discover more of the real Italy in one trip. Allow us to inspire you with our top 6 multicentre ideas.

ocean with train alongside the coast Taormina Sicily Italy September 2016

Hop on Board: From Rome to Sicily by Train

Slow down with a leisurely journey through southern Italy’s historic railways. Choo choo!

Hidden Italy: Naples

A city filled with history and hidden gems, Naples should be on your list of places to visit in Italy.

On set with The Godfather

Join us as we take you on a tour of the beautiful Italian island of Sicily to discover where The Godfather trilogy was filmed.

The Po river aerial panoramic view in the centre of Turin city, Piedmont region of Italy

Hidden Italy: Turin

There’s lots to do in Turin, Italy’s fourth largest city. With a stunning backdrop of the Italian Alps, the views are incredible.

View of Grand Canal and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute in Venice

Italian City Guide: Venice

Transport yourself to another world with a trip to the iconic city of Venice. A holiday to Venice offers you the delights of historical buildings, majestic waterways and romantic ambience. If you are thinking of visiting the beautiful city, below we have created an ultimate guide to Venice to help you along the way.

Aerial view of Verona historical city centre Veronetta, medieval buildings with red tiled roofs, cypress trees, blue sky background, Veneto Region, Italy. Verona cityscape, panoramic view.

Hidden Italy: Verona

Verona is a beautiful city in the north of Italy, famous for the world class Verona Opera Festival which will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023.

Panoramic view of the resort town of Lazise on Lake Garda, north of Italy. Aerial photography with drone.

The Glittering Great Lakes of Italy

Ever wondered what Italy's great lakes are like to visit? Citalia’s very own Jitender Sokhy shares his experience travelling around Lake Como and Lake Garda.

Glass of rose wine on rustic table. Food and drink background

Perfect Dinner Wine Pairings with Gennaro Contaldo

Looking for the perfect dinner wine to pair with your delicious dish? Our favourite Italian chef Gennaro Contaldo lets you in on some secrets.

View to Village of Pettenasco at Lake Orta,italian Lake district,Piedmont,Italy

Hidden Italy: Piedmont

A foodie’s paradise, Piedmont has lots to offer – take a look at some of our favourites.

The Gaiola Island, one of the minor islands of Naples, a coastal scenery close to the Underwater Park of Gaiola, a protected marine area. Some boys take a swim by the rocks.

The Cursed Island of Gaiola

The Cursed Island of Gaiola has led to the ill-fate of so many, are you brave enough to explore?

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balcony of Juliet's house in Verona, Italy

Venture into Verona with Michael

Looking to capture some of Verona’s top spots? Follow along in Michael’s footsteps as he recommends some of his favourite historic and cultural landmarks in fair Verona.

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Hidden Italy: Umbria

A hidden gem, Umbria is Italy's 'green heart' and is filled with lots of secrets for you to discover.

The beautiful village of Santa Maria di Castellabate, Cilento, Campania, southern Italy.

Hidden Italy: Cilento

One of Italy's best kept secrets, Cilento is the perfect choice for your next holiday to Italy. Not far from Naples, it is just waiting to be discovered.

cityscape and panoramic view of old bridge with warm sunset sky water reflections and dome of St. Peters cathedral church with old buildings and architecture in Rome, Italy

Italian City Guide: Rome

Rome still captivates all that visit. With its hundreds of historic sights around every corner, there is no wonder why they call it the Eternal City. Rome's culture, food and people make it such a special city, and we have put together a guide to our favourite things to see, eat and where to stay to make planning your city break that little bit easier.

Citalia's guide to Sorrento

Beautiful cityscape skyline of Firenze (Florence), Italy, with the bridges over the river Arno

Italian City Guide: Florence

If you are planning a city escape to a beautiful Italian city this year, how about Florence?

Home made limoncello served in stemmed glasses. Summer still life

Love for Limoncello

The fresh lemons of the Amalfi Coast create the most delicious summer spirit - quite literally! Read this zesty blog and get intoxicated by the citrus tang of sweet limoncello.

Michael's tips for getting around Venice

If you’re looking for tips on the best way to get around Venice, look no further! Our very own Commercial Executive Michael, has pulled together the best forms of travel to suit your budget and preferences.

a boat is docked next to a body of water

Michael's tips for culture enthusiasts in Venice

With an abundance of museums, galleries and cathedrals, Venice is the ideal spot to enjoy the centuries of rich culture that Italy offers. Follow Michael on his trip around Venice enjoying taking in this art lovers dream.

Michaels Adventures: Exploring Venice

Our very own Commercial Executive Michael, visited this beautiful famous Italian city last month whilst stopping over at a few of our hotel partners to say hello.

Secrets of Italy's Streets

There are several major cities in Italy, yet each one has a distinct character that’s worth exploring in its own right.

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Ellie’s Adventures: Venice to Verona by Rail

In November 2021 our Marketing Executive Ellie Harding went on her own Italian cross-country rail adventure to Venice, and Verona, flying into Venice Marco Polo Airport and departing from Malpensa Airport, Milan. Capturing moments along the way, Ellie shares her trip with us.

Ellie's Adventures: A Sicilian Road Trip

In May 2022, our Marketing Executive Ellie Harding went on her latest Italian adventure, this time was a road trip around the sensational island of Sicily. Flying into Catania–Fontanarossa Airport and departing from Palermo Airport after a week of exploring. Ellie shares Sicily’s secrets with us as well as the benefits of hiring a car for your next Italian escape.

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Exploring Authentic Tuscany

Explore the beauty of Tuscany with Marie Kidd our Tuscany expert.

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empty wooden table on the background of vines, tuscan landscape at sunrise

The Beauty Of Italian Culture

If you’re a culture vulture, Italy is filled to the brim and ready to be explored.

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A man holding mushrooms black truffles in front of a Cocker Spaniel dogs. Dogs in a car

A Nose For Italian Truffles

Venture into the undergrowth with Citalia’s field guide to truffle hunting in Italy. November is considered the ultimate month for a truffle-themed holiday, as this is when you’ll find the best truffles and most of the truffle fairs and sagre (food festivals).

Call us today to speak to one of our Italy Experts for further travel advice, hotel recommendations or to begin planning your next Italian holiday.

01293 765055 Or Make an enquiry

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