The Wallabies have flown into the magnificent Renaissance city of Florence to prepare for this weekend's Test against Italy.

The Grand Hotel in Rimini, beloved of film maker Federico Fellini, is to close for the European winter as the economic crisis continues to bite.

Kirk Penney remains fully committed to the Breakers despite walking out on the club to attend his brother's wedding in Italy.

Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi's promiscuous behaviour isn't really frowned upon by his countrymen, writes Gwynne Dyer.

Readers of Conde Nast Traveler have rated their top 10 European islands.

Seasoned Wwoofer Venetia Sherson gets more than she bargained for on an olive picking job in the hills of southern Tuscany.

Wwoof stands for Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms or Willing Workers on Organic Farms. It is an international network linking people who want to work on organic farms with people looking for volunteer help.

For further information see wwoof.org.

Mary MacKillop, who died more than 100 years ago, had strong ties to New Zealand.

How chick-flick Eat, Pray, Love sold out to the forces of materialism. By Guy Adams.

Prominent figures from the world of art and architecture demand action over huge, floodlit ads obscuring palaces up and down the Grand Canal.

You can't get much more Italian than a Dolce & Gabbana show.

Team New Zealand were today formally crowned Med Cup yachting champions again.

A last placing in the day's opening race today dropped Team New Zealand from the head of the fleet in the Med Cup regatta in Italy.

Italian authorities are investigating the Vatican Bank over possible money laundering.

Former Penrith star Craig Gower is investigating a surprise return to the NRL with Canberra or Parramatta.

Team New Zealand, who have a second Med Cup title almost in their grasp, will look to finish the season off in style.

McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh has made it clear that he does not want Hamilton to curb his aggressive style despite the high cost of it on Sunday.