Go slow Italy - Alastair Sawday

Italy, the birthplace of the Slow movement and the home of Slow Food, is the second destination in our new "Slow" series. We have handpicked 46 exceptional places to stay - places where attention is lavished on some of the most important things in life: convivial meals, community, friends and family, a respect for the environment and a celebration of regional distinctiveness. From the mountainous north, through cypress-dotted Tuscany and on down to the gutsy, colourful south, you'll discover an unmatched passion for Slow Food and Slow Travel. You will meet farmers, literary people, wine-makers and craftsmen - all with rich stories to tell. "Go Slow Italy" celebrates fascinating people, fine architecture, history, landscape and real food.