Jump to Main Content

Essential Italy

Useful Links

Below are some links we feel may be useful to you. We are always more than happy to discuss aspects of your holiday as well as accommodation.

Do feel free to call or email if you have any questions.

National Train Timetable
Italian Tourist Board
Puglia Property Solutions
Inter Italia
Airlines
Ferries to Sardinia
Useful Rail Travel information
Skype – free voice over internet calls
Events in Italy information
Pre-book for museums and galleries in Florence and Rome
Research the history of your chosen destination
Recommended online Italian food store (shops in Italy too)
Passport Services
Foreign Office advice
Il Palio, Siena – 2 July and 16 August

Mad bare back riding in one of the most beautiful Piazzas in the world. The days before and after Siena dresses up. The day itself is very busy and only those with sharp elbows or a contact with a balcony should go.

Giostra del Saracino, Arezzo – third Sunday in June & first Sunday in September

A much more sedate and formal jousting festival than the above Palio. Fantastic setting in the Piazza Grande, the whole weekend is taken up with spectacular parades through the city.

Calcio Storico (Historical Football, Florence) – three days in June, final on 24 June

Take the worst of football and Rugby and put them together and the result is Calcio Storico. Set in Piazza Santa Croce this is a real spectacle. Half the local prisons are emptied and the city’s four quarters battle it out to put a ball... somewhere. The final coincides with the Saint’s Day of San Giovanni – St John, the patron Saint of Florence. All this fighting must build up an appetite... the prize is a cow!

Easter Scoppio del Carro, Florence – Easter Sunday

In front of the Duomo a cart is pulled by oxen into the piazza, a flying dove lights a spectacular display of fireworks.

Bravìo delle Botti, Montepulciano – Last Sunday in August

At the end of a weeks festivities, teams of burly men push hefty barrels up the steep streets of Montepulciano. This works up a thirst – good job there is plenty of wine on offer. (Pushing barrels after a bottle of Vino Nobile is not advised!)

Other Festivals

Carnivale in Viareggio – Shrove Tuesday
Montalcino Sagra del Tordo – last weekend in October
Steak festival in Cortona – 15th August;
Puccini Festival* – June–August