Travel & Tourism news articles: archives

Bull mosaic in Galreria, Milan which is in need of testicular renovation. Image credit: Getty Images

Milan’s lucky bull gets its testicles restored

May 31, 2026May 31, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Centuries of superstition, millions of grinding heels, and one lucky bull in need of renovation. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II’s most intimate mosaic is back under repair.

water rationing - tap drip of water into glass Tourist loses claim she has a right to drink tap water rather than bottled.

Italian restaurants have no legal obligation to serve tap water

May 28, 2026May 28, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

A tourist’s insistence on drinking tap water at a five-star Alto Adige hotel has produced one of Italy’s more unusual legal precedents. It confirms what most Italian waiters have always assumed.

24-hour transport strike back on after TAR ruling General strike

General strike to disrupt transport on 29 May

May 26, 2026May 26, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

A coalition of base unions has called a 24-hour general strike against military spending, precarious work, and the war in Gaza. There will be knock-on effects for rail, metro and bus passengers from Thursday evening.

la dolce vita orient express - luxury train travel. Image courtesy of Accor Rome-Istanbul route opens in October 2026

Orient Express to revive the legendary Rome–Istanbul route

May 25, 2026May 25, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

More than 140 years after the original Orient Express first pulled into Constantinople, Italy’s most celebrated luxury train is preparing to retrace the historic passage. Travellers can expect Michelin-starred dining, 1960s-inspired interiors, and a starting price of €20,000 per person on the Rome-Istanbul route.

Short-stay rentals to be banned in Florence historic centre Time Out places Florence ninth in world for culture

Time Out places Florence ninth best city for culture

May 23, 2026May 23, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The Tuscan capital, Florence, is the only Italian city in the global top 20 in a Time Out survey. It is recognised for a cultural offering that extends well beyond its Renaissance monuments.

Sardinia from the air Delta Air Lines have started direct New York to Sardinia flights

Delta launches first direct New York–Sardinia flight

May 23, 2026May 23, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Delta Air Lines’s new JFK–Olbia service, chosen by a public vote, marks a historic shift in transatlantic access to one of the Mediterranean’s most coveted destinations.

La-Minerva-Hotel-bathroom. the Orient Express La Minerva is named among the 16 most beautiful hotels in the world

Two Italian properties named among the World’s Most Beautiful Hotels

May 19, 2026May 19, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

A Roman palazzo with echoes of Stendhal and a freshly restored Ligurian monastery that has defined the glamour of the Italian Riviera for decades: Italy has claimed two places on the prestigious Prix Versailles World’s Most Beautiful Hotels List 2026.