The Dolomites are UNESCO listed

A couple of weeks ago UNESCO added another location to Italy's impressive tally of World Heritage Sites: the Dolomites. This mountain range in northern Italy is only the second listing for Italy in the 'natural' category, with 42 'cultural' entries. You can read more about the Dolomites on the main website. Two other UNESCO sites which I've recently added to Italy Heaven are Paestum (Greek temples) and the volcanic Aeolian Islands (Italy's other 'natural' listing)
> Full UNESCO list for Italy, with links to articles

Dream islands

Where, just a plane, coach then ferry journey from the UK, could you see dolphins, climb an active volcano, swim in the sea, enjoy a fine meal of local products and relax by a harbour sipping sweet wine.. all in the space of a day? The answer is the Aeolian Islands, an archipelago off the northern coast of Sicily, close to the 'toe' of Italy. From thermal mud-baths to sophisticated hotels, from traffic-free solitude to lively bars, from flowery footpaths to barren lava-slopes, the seven inhabited islands offer a whole range of holiday options. The peak summer season is busy but outside July and August you'll find affordable prices and plenty of peace and charm.

> Read our new feature on the Aeolian Islands

I visited the islands a couple of weeks ago on a long tour of southern Italy. More new destinations, travel tips and a journal will follow on Italy Heaven, as well as an extended section for the seven Aeolian Islands: Lipari, Stromboli, Vulcano, Panarea, Salina, Alicude and Filicudi.

Berlusconi and Italian women

To comment on Italy's moral attitudes, gender relations and Berlusconi's crimes and vices would take a very long time, but this article from the Times makes a good start. The writer is far too sanguine about women's position in the status quo (compare her opinion to the comments of Italian journalists below), but it is a positive sign that Italy's 'showgirl' culture, introduced by Berlusconi, is now receiving such widespread critical attention. What were whispers a couple of years ago are now emerging as full-blown revelations, and feminist muttering is becoming more mainstream criticism.
> The Times: Berlusconi's Italy shows a strange type of feminism

Venice Carnival 2009

I have just put online some of my photographs of this year's Carnival in Venice. There have been some great costumes - including a real hot-air balloon - and colourful characters. This weekend is the final of the 'best costume' award and should see entertaining parades of costumed revellers.
> Venice Carnival photos 2009
> About the Carnival

Valentine's Day in Italy

If you are looking for romantic ideas for Valentine's Day, why not book a short-notice trip to Italy? It is Carnival time in Venice, and hotel prices are high... but the atmosphere should be very special. We've just published a new page, Romance in Venice, with insider tips for romantic places to stroll and share special moments. For more ideas on romantic breaks or honeymoons, try our Romance in Rome and Romantic Italy suggestions.

Yet another Ryanair charge

For several months Ryanair have been emailing travellers with warnings that they should only take one piece of hand-luggage aboard their plane. Now their motivation is clear. The low-cost airline is planning a £30 charge for anyone attempting to take extra luggage aboard - including duty-free purchases, laptops and handbags. Those of us who dutifully carry one piece of hand-luggage through security, then remove a second bag from within to carry over one shoulder, before heading to the airport shops to acquire bags of shopping will have to reconsider our moves. I don't know how Ryanair plan to enforce the charge - the staff amid the chaos of the boarding gates would presumably have this added to their workload.
> Guardian: Ryanair: £30 charge if you can't fit duty free in your hand luggage
> Ryanair: Cabin baggage allowance
> Ryanair: news item including the threatened £30 charge

Venice Carnival 2009

Venice Carnival time is rapidly approaching and if you are thinking of visiting you should book as soon as possible - this is a busy (and expensive) time for hotels in Venice. At the moment, though, there are still some decent prices to be had. Researching today, I've found a DIY 2-night trip for under £225 per person., with even cheaper options available. Weekdays are much less frantic and more economical. I looked for a trip from 16th - 18th February.

Ryanair flights for two people from London Stansted to Treviso (a 50-minute bus ride away; €20 for two return tickets) departing Monday morning and returning late Wednesday evening:
£171 for two (includes taxes but not hold baggage or credit card charges)

Superior double room for two nights in the good 3-star Hotel Antiche Figure on the Grand Canal (close to the Treviso Airport bus stop): €398 (at today's exchange rate, £358)

Total cost for flights, hotel & bus transfer: for 2 people: £547

Be romantic, have an adventure and beat the winter blues!


Want cheaper accommodation? Or something smarter? Other hotels with availability for those dates include:
Hotel Rigel (3-star on the Lido): €58 per night
Ca' Alexander B&B: €100
Hotel Campiello (really nice 3-star): €110
San Clemente Palace (5-star on its own island): €231
Palazzo Abadessa (one of Venice's best): €225
Hotel Luna Baglioni (5-star close to St. Mark's): €275
(price given is per night, for a double room)

> Search for more Venice hotels

For Venice lovers - here's a picture of snow on gondolas in Venice, today.