Last year over 79 million people visited Italy and its most famous monuments, with even more crowds expected in 2016, we let you in how to skip the crowds at some of the most popular spots. Gorgeous ski slopes with stunning backgrounds, charming villages nestled in the snow --for those looking to go on a mountain retreat, here is part one of a two part series focusing on the various areas within the Alps.

This week we take you to a fascinating ‘monster park’ in Lazio, a tarot garden in Tuscany and various ‘bizarre’ and curious places al around Italy. Also we have it on good authority that Cinque Terre Park authorities may limit the number of visitors to the area beginning this summer, here’s the scoop.

Hungry for something hearty this weekend? Try our writer Amy’s recipe for ‘pancotto’ a bread soup that is as delicious as simple to make at home, along with a staff favorite around here – mozzarella in carrozza.

Our #LearnItalian series kicks off with a dual-language article on why you should visit the Capitoline Museums in Rome, and we advise on how to respond to a wedding invitation, in Italian.

 Shop true Made-in-Italy products in our shop and we share our favorite items under 50$.

Looking to buy in Italy? This week we travel to beautiful Molise, our first property pick is this lovely five-bedroom villa with a panoramic sea view or what about a lovely one bedroom in the historic town of Agnone. Further north in the region of Basilicata, this adorable fixer-upper is for sale surrounded by 25,000 square meters of land.

Our spring/summer accommodation pick for the week is a cool modern Trullo property with a private pool in one of the best areas of Puglia.

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