Culture, History & Heritage

Discover thousands of years of places, objects and fabulous stories with one of these fascinating archaeological tours of Puglia's ancient sites.

Puglia’s history, like that of so many parts of southern Italy, has an abundance of rich social tapestry. Discover the past of Italy's hidden gem.

Sicily stands as one of the Mediterranean's most culturally rich destinations, boasting an extraordinary collection of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sicily that span millennia of human civilization and natural wonder. From ancient Greek temples to active volcanoes, these protected sites offer unparalleled insights into the island's remarkable heritage at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia.

What links Siena, Carrara, Matera, Gravina di Puglia, Venice, Lake Garda, Cortina D’Ampezzo, Corfu, Paris, the Côte d'Azure, and Chamonix? The answer is Bond. James Bond. The immense cultural, architectural and natural riches of our destinations have featured in 16 Bond films over the years, so in anticipation of the next instalment of the franchise (release date and principal star yet to be confirmed), we take a closer look at look at some of the stunning locations in Italy, Greece and France that have starred alongside 007 over the years.

The melting pot of the Mediterranean, Corsica has changed hands many times as empires waxed and waned. Learn how its history has shaped its culture here.

“C'e' acchi cosa di cchiu' beddu p'un populu d' 'a lingua di so' 'ntinati?” (What could be more important to a people than the language of their forefathers?)

With Archaeologists in Sicily dating pottery back to at least 2,400BCE, we explore the rich history and multi-national influences behind Sicilian ceramics.

We explore the reasons for three waves of Sicilian emigration and discover how the Sicilian diaspora live in their new homes in America, Australia and Monterey.

As much of Sicily's interesting history lies preserved underground as is visible in the ancient towns above ground. Dig deeper with us.

Uncover our favourite historical sites in the Mediterranean, including UNESCO Sites in Italy, ancient monuments in the Greek Islands, and mediaeval citadels in Corsica.

Nestled in the heart of Puglia's rolling countryside, trulli houses stand as one of Italy's most extraordinary architectural marvels. These distinctive cone-shaped limestone dwellings, with their mystical whitewashed walls and grey stone roofs, have captured the imagination of travellers for centuries. From their humble beginnings as peasant dwellings to their current status as UNESCO World Heritage sites and luxury holiday retreats, trulli houses represent a unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and Mediterranean charm.

When visiting Sicily, you'll encounter one of the Mediterranean's most distinctive and historically significant flags. The Sicilian flag, with its striking trinacria symbol and bold red and yellow colours, tells the story of an island that has stood at the crossroads of civilisation for millennia. From ancient Greek coins to modern football stadiums, this remarkable emblem continues to represent Sicily's unique identity, fierce independence, and cultural pride. Understanding the Sicilian flag enriches any visit to this extraordinary island, revealing layers of meaning that connect ancient mythology with modern regional identity. Whether you spot it flying from government buildings in Palermo or adorning local products in bustling markets, the flag serves as a constant reminder of Sicily's complex and fascinating history.