Monti says Italy ‘understands’ No to Rome 2020 Olympic bid

Strasbourg, February 15 – The Italian public understands the hard economic facts that led Premier Mario Monti to scratch a bid for Rome to host the 2020 Olympics, Monti told the European Parliament Wednesday.

“I had to take a difficult decision (to reject) a magnificent project, and there was a lot of disappointment” Monti said.

“But I have the impression that public opinion has understood (why I did so),” he added. Monti failed to give the bid his required endorsement Tuesday, citing financial risks at a time when crisis-hit Italy is enduring tough austerity measures.(ANSA)

Share this story

Bruschetta alla Liguriana. Our favourite go-to str

Bruschetta alla Liguriana. Our favourite go-to street food snack when visiting the Cinque Terre. Featuring pecorino cheese, basilico, fresh tomato and pesto, this dish is both delicious and reflective of its region. Find out more on our Cinque Terre & Portofino tour by visiting the link in our bio.

Michelangelo's masterpiece David celebrates 140 ye

Michelangelo's masterpiece David celebrates 140 years at the Academy Gallery. Inaugurated in the summer of 1882 the purpose built Tribuna has exhalted one of the most extraordinary masterpieces in the history of art made by the hand of the Florentine genius. Learn more about Michelangelo's David in our latest Travel Blog. Link in bio.

Greco-Roman theatre of Taormina in Sicily. An arch

Greco-Roman theatre of Taormina in Sicily. An archaeological marvel of rare beauty carved into the hard rock of Mount Tauro, in the third century BC. The dramatic natural landscape of the ever present Mt Etna Vulcano in the distance. Simply a must see site when visiting Sicily.

Want to experience this and other Sicilian wonders on a luxury small group tour of Italy? Prefer a tailored private itinerary? Check the link in the bio.

Michelangelo's monumental dome at St Peter's Basil

Michelangelo's monumental dome at St Peter's Basilica in Rome. A must see when visiting the Eternal City. Probably more well known for his works of sculpture and fresco, but did you know in his later years the Renaissance genius was a self taught architect? The ailing artist never saw the domes completion as his design was realised by Giacomo della Porta. The Dome of St Peter's Basilica remains one of the largest in the world and arguably cements Michaelangelo's legacy as one of the greatest and most influential artists of the Italian Renaissance.

The local inhabitants of the Cinque Terre may have

The local inhabitants of the Cinque Terre may have originated as farmers and grape growers on their famed steep terraced plots of land but they also live in harmony with the sea. Local fisherman still ply their trade using the traditional wooden boats called ‘Gozzi’. Anchovies are most commonly caught but on our most recent tour of the Cinque Terre we met this local fisherman in the town of Vernazza who had brought back in a ‘Pagello Fragolino’ which is a local bream destined for a local restaurant.

Surrounded by imposing mountains, rolling valleys

Surrounded by imposing mountains, rolling valleys and picture-perfect villages, it is little wonder that Lake Misurina in Italy's Veneto region is often referred to as the 'Pearl of the Dolomites'. This natural basin has crystal clear water and is a gateway for hikers, mountain bikers and sightseers to the famed Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the most famous mountain group in the alps. Lake Misurina is always a favourite stop for travellers on our Northern Lakes & Dolomites small group tour. For more info on this tour check the link in our bio.

Lake Garda is at the foot of the northern alps and

Lake Garda is at the foot of the northern alps and surrounded by mountains. The protection of the mountains give Italy's largest lake a unique microclimate that allows for typical Mediterranean style vegetation to flourish like olive trees, vines, citrus, palms and bougainvillea. Houses such as this covered in vines is a common sight around the lake. The beautiful landscape and ideal climate make Lake Garda such a favourite stop for travellers at any time of year.

Rome more than any other city of the world is ador

Rome more than any other city of the world is adorned by fountains large and small. The popes restored many Roman aquaducts and built monumental fountains in the highly decorative Baroque style. In our latest travel blog we take you on a walking tour of Rome's most famous fountains. Check out the link in our bio.

Tagliatelle ai funghi di bosco is always a favouri

Tagliatelle ai funghi di bosco is always a favourite for us when travelling in Le Marche Region. Wild foraged mushrooms have so much flavour and work perfectly with hand made pasta. Simplicity at its best. If you would like to find out more about Le Marche Region, check out the link in our bio. Buon appetito!

One of the most beautiful and unique urban centres

One of the most beautiful and unique urban centres in all of Italy. Piazza del Campo is the heart and soul of Siena and the home of the famous horse race Il Palio. The Torre del Mangia towers over the piazza and the city. It is 400 steps up a winding staircase to the very top of the tower which rewards travellers with unparalleled views of the city.

Molise is the perfect destination to get away from

Molise is the perfect destination to get away from it all. Beautiful rolling countryside with quaint hill-top towns make up this little-known corner of Italy.

In our latest travel blog article Mario pays homage to the forgotten Italian Region of Molise where, family roots run deep.

Check out the link in our bio.

📷 @antonio.cangianiello

The stunning coastline of Torre del Orso in Puglia

The stunning coastline of Torre del Orso in Puglia known as the Caribbean of Salento.

Puglia has some of the most beautiful stretches of

Puglia has some of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in all of Italy. White limestone cliffs and cyrstal clear blue water. It is a must for all travellers to southern Italy. Discover this and other stunning areas of Italy on our small group tour the Spectacular South. Link in our bio.

San Gimignano is one of those magical places where

San Gimignano is one of those magical places where you feel like you are walking back in time. From the moment you set foot through the medieval gates, you are greeted by impeccably preserved stone houses and palaces, small cobbled alleyways, piazze, fountains and of course towers.

Check out our latest travel blog about this enchanting Tuscan hill-town. Link in our bio.

We love to introduce our travellers to the abundan

We love to introduce our travellers to the abundance of fresh seasonal produce and traditional local food that the Italian cuisine has to offer. The Mediterranean diet is such a key part of Italian cuisine and indeed the Italian way of life. It is about sharing a meal together with family and friends paired with a nice glass of Italian wine.

Piazza della Madonna in the town of Loreto in Le M

Piazza della Madonna in the town of Loreto in Le Marche Region. This beautiful fountain in the piazza graces the entrance to the Basilica della Santa Casa, an important site of religious pilgrimage. The beautiful colonnaded Palazzo along with Basilica were both realised in the high renaissance style by master architect Donato Bramante who was born in the nearby town of Fermignano.

Loreto is a beautiful hill-town that we have been taking travellers to for many years. It is located very close to the Regions seaside capital Ancona. This seldom visited town also has a number of great little trattorias as well as sweeping view of the surrounding hills, the seaside and Ancona's famous Monte Conero which dominates the costal landscape.

Check out our website for our small group tours visiting many small and interesting hill-towns off the beaten track in Le Marche Region. Link in bio.

One of the most pictureque fortresses in Italy, Sc

One of the most pictureque fortresses in Italy, Scaligero Castle in Sirmione, Lake Garda. Located on a narrow peninsula at the southern end of Lake Garda the castle was built by the powerful ruling Della Scala family of nearby Verona in the 13th century. Known as the 'floating castle' this fortress appears to be resting on water as it is completely surrounded by the lake, moats and a small harbour. Sirmione becomes quite a popular spot in the summer months as travellers flock to Italy's largest lake for recreation and relaxation so if you prefer to avoid the large crowds try visiting in early spring or late autumn.

Travellers are always searching for the unique and

Travellers are always searching for the unique and the unusual. Alberobello in the southern Italian region of Puglia with it's iconic trulli is certainly one of those places. Check out our travel guide of this must visit destination. Link in bio.

Puglia in the south of Italy is famous for it's 'c

Puglia in the south of Italy is famous for it's 'cucina povera' (humble cuisine). The characteristics of this regional cusine is simplicity, seasonal freshness and quality. Vegetables, cheese, pasta, legumes, seafood and arguably the best bread in all of Italy.

A standout dish from our small group tours in Puglia was this Gnocchi with vongole and pistachio sauce. Few ingredients done to perfection.

Buon appetito!

Assisi stands without a doubt as one of Umbria's m

Assisi stands without a doubt as one of Umbria's most stunning medieval centres. It is in a perfect setting surrounded by valleys and forests glistening against the backdrop of Mt Subiaso. Check out our travel tips and highlights of this picturesque hill-town.

Click the link in our bio.