Italy takes top spot on the luxury charts

New research released by the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), has revealed Italy to be the most popular country for top-end travel. “From the exquisite fashions of Valentino to the heart-throbbing design of Ferrari, Italy offers the best of what life has to offer. The Italians know what it means to enjoy la dolce vita and are willing to share this way of life with their visitors,” she added. According to the ILTM research, other destinations tipped to be in strong and growing demand over the coming year include the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Vietnam and China.

New book divulges 'Where to Go When'

Thirty destinations are presented for each month, with 11 covered in depth. Tuscany, Italy, is recommended for October, when the grape and olive harvests take place, and when porcini mushrooms, prized truffles and other specialties appear on regional menus. The listing includes a six-day itinerary on the "Chianti Trail," from Florence to Siena.

Rome: "I'm searching for your face, Lord"

An airline with a difference is due to take to the skies on Monday. Its slogan: "I'm searching for your face, Lord". Flights will be chartered from Rome by the Vatican.
The first will be to Lourdes, followed by other places of pilgrimage, including Santiago de Compostela in Spain, Guadeloupe in Mexico and Fatima in Portugal. The Italian cargo airline Mistral Air, which will operate the flights, is not promising miracle cures, but it does say it will show mercy, if not charity, when it comes to setting fares.

Sicily - Italy's Island Adventure

Sicily is a great place to visit off peak October/November to March/April - during Italy's winter and cooler months and outside the core Italian tourist visiting months of April to October. A Sicilian summer is not for the faint hearted when it can be very, very hot particularly in July and August; so if you travel to Sicily avoid these months. In August, the Italian holiday month, many of the hospitality industry close up shop and go on holiday - it's just too hot to work. However during the winter months November to March while Milan's temperature ranges between 1.1C and 6.9C [34F and 44F] Palermo the capital of Sicily, in the north west of the island, enjoys the wonderfully mild winter weather of between 12.5C and 17.1C [54.9F and 62.8F].