Buongiorno Italy readers!

Enjoy a taste of Tuscany with a husband and wife team offering small-group cooking classes and market tours in Florence’s most authentic foodie neighborhood. As part of our featured region of the month, save our foodie guide to Friuli, and our expert's list of where to buy the best handicrafts. 

In a spectacular location, the Miramare Castle is no doubt one of Trieste’s major attractions, read all about it in the latest of our dual-language travel guides. If you consider yourself an intermediate Italian speaker? Check out our #learnItalian free lessons here and test your skills!

2017 has been declared the "Anno dei Borghi" (Year of Italy's Historic Villages so we are staring with five of Friuli Venezia Giulia's most picturesque hamlets.

We’ve asked a few Venice experts for their suggestions on lesser known spots that are well worth a visit, on shopping for authentic crafts beyond masks and glass, and on genuine, all-local foodie experiences. Here’s what they’ve come up with.

Halfway between Venice and Trieste is Lignano Sabbiadoro, one of the most popular summer resorts on the Adriatic coast in northern Italy.

Our top product picks of the week from our MadeinItaly online shop include this 'Giava' clutch handcrafted with a refined cashmere fabric which depicts ancient Persian and Indian motifs. For an environmentally-friendly product which also boasts a fashionable edge, check out this wooden bow-tie is now available in our shop.

Try a Tuscan favorite in the kitchen with a vegetarian twist, a delicious plate of ricotta and spinach Gnudi which mean ‘nude’ (i.e. sans pasta) ravioli. This weekend we're combining creamy gorgonzola dolce, juicy pears and crunchy walnuts on whole wheat pancakes for a contemporary take on classic Italian ingredients.

Where to stay in Tuscany: Villa le Barone is a small luxury hotel located in the heart of Chianti region, half way between Florence and Siena.

Lovely second floor apartment for sale, located in a charming holiday complex called “La Bussola,” only one km from the sea and the city center of Scalea, in Calabria.

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