Italian

The prime minister blames pro-Russian hackers for the leak, as her top diplomat says the cyberthreat was ongoing.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has said his personal data had been disseminated on the dark web, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni blaming pro-Russian hackers for the leak.

Tajani announced in a social media post on Saturday that “for days now, cybercriminals have been publishing my personal data on the dark web and seeking further information, effectively exposing me to new threats and intimidation”.

The threats against Tajani, who is also vice prime minister of Italy, come amid a spate of hoax bomb threats across Europe that have forced flight diversions, security alerts at broadcasters, and attacks on supermarket refrigeration systems.

“They are also targeting my family; they are willing to pay for more details about me and my loved ones,” Tajani added in his X post. “My response is very simple: I will not be intimidated in any way.”

‘Matter of grave concern’

Meloni expressed solidarity with Tajani “following the revelations about the activities of pro-Russian hackers, and the publication on the dark web of personal data”.

She called attempts to sell confidential information about government officials “a matter of grave concern that must be addressed with the utmost determination”.

Tajani added in his statement that Italy’s “position on Ukraine is the political reason I have been targeted: defending the freedom of a sovereign state, taking a clear stand in support of a nation’s democracy and independence, is dangerous in the eyes of these criminal entities”.

He also suggested that the cyberthreats may also be a reaction to the Italian government’s efforts to strengthen the Foreign Ministry’s digital defences.

Tajani did not specify what kind of information had been shared, but suggested that the cyberthreat was ongoing.

He added that the ministry was taking the threats seriously and was coordinating its response with allied countries.

A UNIQUE hotel just steps from one of the UK’s busiest high streets, The BoTree is a must when visiting London.

Here is everything you need to know about staying at the hotel.

Where is The BoTree?

Just steps off the main streets of Oxford Circus, BoTree is a welcome respite from the bustle of the city.

But it is also right by Bond Street, which takes you straight to London Heathrow Airport too.

You even get free fizz when you check in, with the lobby decked out in green plants.

What are the rooms like?

I was wowed by my room as soon as I stepped in, with chic gold glass doors dividing my entrance from the main living space.

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Simple marble counters contrasted with a euphony of colour in the form of multicoloured patterned wallpaper and accents.

It has everything you’d expect, from a tea and coffee station to a fully stocked minibar.

But it’s the little touches – the fleece lined dressing gown, the complimentary steamer – that set it above other London hotels.

Despite its central location, my room was blissfully quiet, with little trouble falling asleep in the huge king-size bed.

Options range from King Premium rooms or the suites which sleep up to four.

Rooms start from £283. See hilton.com.

What is there to eat and drink?

On the ground floor of the hotel is Lavo, which makes you feel like you are world’s away from the busy high street just outside.

Start off at the bar which has a great cocktail menu which offers a twist on the classics – my tomato martini was the perfect start, alongside a fantastic DJ set.

Otherwise come to the restaurant with an empty stomach to fully enjoy the fresh Italian dishes and fantastic portion sizes.

My tuna tartare starter was piled high, while my penne a la vodka was rich and hearty.

I was tempted by the build-you-own cannoli but thought it would be remiss not to try the tiramisu, which was one of the best I’d eaten (outside of Italy, of course).

I was excited to return for breakfast, with a great spread from hot counters to pastries.

Need to grab something to go? Try Ground, the wellness cafe for a huge range of smoothies and healthy snacks.

What else is there?

Also at the hotel is triplebond, a wellness members club with spa, gym and rooftop pool.

Suite guests get access or you can book a day pass for £95.

Otherwise get your comfy shoes on and head out to Oxford Circus for a day of shopping, with all the top high street brands on offer.

Is it family friendly?

The hotel has connecting rooms for families while cots and high chairs can be requested.

The restaurant has a kids menu too.

Is the hotel accessible?

The hotel is wheelchair accessible, which includes to reception, the bar and restaurant.

There are 21 accessible guest rooms, with amenities including with roll-in showers and emergency call systems

A MUCH-LOVED Italian holiday destination is set to charge visitors £25 just to enter the city.

Venice is looking to raise its tourist entry fee to €30 (£25.13) as well as increasing the time frame for when it applies.

Venice’s budget and taxation councillor Michele Zuin told Reuters that the current €5 (£4.19) to €10 (£8.38) fee is no longer deterring excessive visitor numbers.

As a result, there are now proposals to raise the fee in 2027.

The proposed new fee of €30 (£25.13) would cost more than some flight tickets to Venice from the UK.

For example, one-way flights in November and December cost as little as £13 per person.

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And a return would only cost you a couple of quid more than the proposed fee, with £27 return flights in December from the UK.

Michele Zuin told regional news: “The current €5-10 charge is affordable for virtually everyone; ​the risk is that it no longer has the deterrent ​effect that this measure is supposed to have.”

There are even talks of the fee going up to €50 (£41.89) in the future.

The fee was originally introduced back in 2024 for day trippers entering the city.

Visitors would be able to pay less if they booked in advance and there are a number of exemptions including for children under the age of 14-years-old.

This year, the fee was in place between April 3 and July 26, between 8:30am and 4pm each day.

The new fee would need to be agreed on by the government before being introduced.

The fee was originally introduced to battle overtourism in the city.

The fee and when it applies for 2027 will be announced before the end of the year.

Tuscany is often sold on Florence and Pisa, but a walled city I visited in late September stood out for its piazzas, rooftop views and brilliant food. With averages of 15°C in November and 12°C in December — and far fewer crowds — it’s ideal for a winter break.

Nestled in the heart of Italy, Tuscany is celebrated for its gently rolling hills, charming medieval villages, vast vineyards and iconic Renaissance masterpieces. Boasting mouth-watering local food and a relaxed pace of life, the region has something for every holidaymaker seeking the very best of Italian culture.

Tourists can spend their mornings strolling through ancient towns, savour unhurried lunches with vineyard views, and watch the sun dip below the horizon with a glass of locally produced wine in hand. Having visited the region in late September, I find it equally worthwhile to head there in November and December as a winter getaway.

Average temperatures in the city are around 15°C in November and 12°C in December.

Tuscany is made up of 10 provinces, with its capital, Florence, celebrated for its extraordinary Renaissance heritage, iconic artwork and breathtaking architecture.

Other provinces include: Arezzo, Grosseto, Livorno, Massa-Carrara, Pistoia, Prato and Siena.

Florence and Pisa tend to be the first places that spring to mind when Tuscany is mentioned, yet one destination I discovered on my travels left a lasting impression — Lucca.

What is Lucca famous for?

The historic city walls

Among Lucca’s most treasured landmarks is its four-kilometre circuit of Renaissance walls, built between the 16th and 17th centuries. Originally constructed for defensive purposes, the walls today serve as a tree-lined public walkway, giving visitors the opportunity to stroll or cycle while soaking up sweeping views of the ancient city below.

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Piazza dell’Anfiteatro

Piazza dell’Anfiteatro stands as one of Lucca’s most striking landmarks. Constructed on the foundations of an ancient Roman amphitheatre, the oval-shaped piazza is surrounded by vibrant buildings, cafés and eateries, creating an idyllic spot to unwind and absorb the city’s ambience.

I stopped for lunch and took in the delightful views across the square. Prices here are typically a touch steeper, though that’s hardly surprising.

I opted for boar ravioli at €9.60 (£8.07). It might not seem expensive, but the serving was modest, leaving me rather peckish afterwards. Worth remembering when dining in a popular tourist area.

Torre Guinigi

The medieval Torre Guinigi ranks among Lucca’s most peculiar attractions, instantly recognisable for the oak trees flourishing in its rooftop garden. Visitors can ascend to the top for panoramic views over the city’s terracotta rooftops and the surrounding Tuscan countryside.

Lucca Cathedral

The Cathedral of San Martino is celebrated for its ornate Romanesque design, beautifully decorated marble frontage and impressive collection of sacred artworks.

Other significant religious sites include the Basilica of San Frediano, distinguished by its eye-catching mosaic exterior, and the Church of San Michele in Foro, positioned in a historic piazza at the city’s centre. When is the best time to visit Tuscany?

Lucca tends to be far less crowded during the winter months, making it an ideal period to discover its museums, historic churches and traditional eateries.

The city is perfectly suited to those who prefer to explore on foot. We covered the whole place in just half a day without relying on public transport, though a full day or longer is recommended if your schedule allows. That said, visitors should be ready for chillier temperatures and a higher likelihood of rain.

How to get to Lucca?

The most straightforward route from the UK to Lucca is to fly into Pisa, then continue onwards by train, taxi, or hire car.

By car, the trip typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

By train, passengers can hop on a service from Pisa Centrale to Lucca railway station, with the journey usually taking around 25 to 30 minutes. Extra time should be factored in to travel from the airport to Pisa Centrale.

Direct return flights from London to Pisa are priced at around £31 in November and £32 in December (at the time of writing).