Travel News: Italy 2014

I've just returned from an amazing and very busy tour of Italy. As expected, the weather was hot. The ticket lines at major sights were long. And we managed to circumvent a railway strike, thanks to our capable tour director. The unexpected can also arise while travelling so if you're visiting Italy this summer, here are some things you should know.

Expect lengthy queues at the Vatican Museum, Rome

Postcards from Italy: Gondola Regatta

The twin-oared gondola regatta along the Giudecca channel, part of the Festa del Redentore festivities this weekend in Venice.

Postcards from Italy: Festa del Redentore

Thousands of people cross the Giudecca Canal on the floating pontoon bridge to the Redentore church.

Postcards from Italy: San Giorgio Maggiore

The bell tower on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore offers 360 degree views of Venice.

Postcards from Italy: Venice

The Giudecca Canal is preparing for Festa del Redentore celebrations over the weekend, beginning with the construction of a temporary floating bridge.

Postcards from Italy: Burano

Colourful houses on Burano, the fisherman's island, in the Venetian lagoon.

Postcards from Italy: Lake Maggiore

View from Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore.

Postcards from Italy: Italian Riviera

The harbour in the town of Portofino on the Italian Riviera.

Postcards from Italy: Tuscany

View of the Tuscan countryside from the hilltop town of San Gimignano.

Postcards from Italy: Florence

Good news for photographers: the Accademia in Florence now allows photos of Michelangelo's masterpiece, David.

Postcards from Italy: Sunshine and Sea Views

The breakfast view at Hotel la Residenza in Capri.

Postcards from Italy: Isle of Capri

Today we arrived on the legendary island of Capri.

Postcards from Italy: Morning in the Eternal City

Breakfast came with a view of the rooftops of Rome.

Postcards from Italy: Rome

Our first night in Rome we enjoyed dinner with a view of the Colosseum.