Italian Paradise: Perfect and peaceful Puglia

Puglia is a piece of paradise just waiting to be discovered. It has as much to offer as the more famous parts of Italy, but is yet to be overrun by tourists as KATH FREER discovers

STEFANO lined up the shot glasses and poured a generous measure in each.

Eyeing the gloopy liquid apprehensively, I lifted a glass to my lips, gave the contents a sniff and then swallowed it in one gulp. My verdict: an almost odourless oil with an inoffensive peppery aftertaste.

Sipping vino and savoring vistas in Tuscany

MONTALCINO, Italy - Wandering the hilly, narrow cobblestone streets in our home base of Montalcino, a medieval city of interlocking passageways, steps and alleyways curving around and through and behind and beyond the main square, I reminded myself that I was walking through history spanning 800 years.

Whatever the village, be sure to walk off the main square to see where the people really live. Perusing 13th century corridors an arm's length wide, flanked on both sides by two- and three-story stone apartments, we eavesdropped on venues teeming with life. The back streets appear even more historic and colorful than the already-enthralling but more touristy central piazza.

Gail Hecko, Leader of tours to Italy

She leads weeklong, small-group tours to a villa in a mountain village in Tuscany, the part of central Italy near Florence. She is the hostess for up to 16 people who can tour the region, visit wineries and restaurants, taste local wine and cheese, take art and cooking classes, relax with yoga and meditation instruction, or just sit back and enjoy the countryside.

"I'm not Italian, but, when I'm there, I'm at home," said Hecko, 63, of Roswell, who often is accompanied and aided by her husband, John.

Cheese Rolling in Italy

This ancient game is still practiced several places in Italy. In the Umbrian hill town of Panicale cheese rolling takes place the day after Easter, La Pasquetta. There contestants roll a huge wheel of cheese around the village walls using the fewest number of strokes. Check out last year's Panicale cheese rolling event on Stew's Italy Blog. Read more about the town of Panicale or see Panicale pictures on Europe Travel.

In Italy, the Monday after Easter is also a holiday so you may find small festivals, music, or celebrations. Find out more about Easter week and Easter events with Easter in Italy.

Does Italy have cheap and clean road side hotels?

Sunday Times travel expert Richard Green responds: Italy has far fewer budget chain hotels than France, with no Premiere Classe or Formula 1's, and just the three Campaniles ­ one in Padua and two in Turin. It's slim pickings with most of the other budget chains too, with eleven Ibis Hotels, two of which are in Rome (from £75), and 15 Holiday Inn Express', five in Rome, from £95.

Win an escape to Italy

Prize - “Jewels of Italy” 2 Malaysia Airlines return Economy Class tickets from Adelaide to Rome with a Cosmos 15 day tour of Italy (tour 6370) with travel insurance provided by QBE Travel Insurance. Personal expenses, meals, Government taxes and levies at winner’s expense.
Value $8,500