A history made of aromas and flavours, terroir used for biodynamic production to make natural wines of the highest quality. Pur Suedtirol is a selection of red and white wines that you can only find at the markets of South Tyrol and online. A project that aims to show that the world of wines knows no boundaries, thanks to the innovative techniques, behind the small intuitive producers.

Christmas gifts for wine lovers

Among the most innovative wines, organic and biodynamic wineries such as Manincor, Lageder, and Loacker deserve attention. Winemakers who want to keep the wine tradition alive, but with an innovative twist while respecting the land and following old traditions. Like this original and certainly unique Christmas box, a small selection was created by a sommelier. In the package, you will find everything you need to know about the selected wines. You can then access the video tasting of the month with the story and curiosities behind each bottle.

Natural, organic and biodynamic wines

Natural, organic and biodynamic, the selection of wines offered by Pur Südtirol will certainly find followers among wine aficionados. A journey of flavours through the world of red and white wines, all at the highest level of refined gastronomy.

The second edition of Active Abruzzo, Real Experience brought together nine highly specialized tour operators including Jonas and Girolibero and Tourissimo from the USA , Sportourist, Italia Outdoor and Genius Loci Travel from Italy and Scape Travel from Spain as well as Benedetti Viaggi. 

A Walking Tour and a Cult Cycling Tour

This edition saw the participants take part in two tours: a Walking Tour and a Cult Cycling Tour. The Walking Tour, from the Apennines to the sea, was accompanied by an alpine guide and included visits to villages and hermitages, paragliding and wine tastings, while the Cult Bicycle Tour on the roads of the Giro d’Italia and the Tirreno-Adriatica visited villages and Bourbon fortresses along wine routes, and biking trails to the coast and to the mountains, with ad hoc wine and food tastings of typical local breads and oils. Both tours ended at the trabocchi, the traditional huts used as fishing machines on stilts which, it is believed, date back to the Phoenician era. 

2022 Walking and Cycling tourist packages

The event showcased the Abruzzo as a region where you can experience nature, traditions and culture in the form of active holidays and in 2022 tour operators will be able to include two Abruzzo walking and cycling tourist packages of 7 days and 6 nights in their programmes.

The 5-star Romantik Hotel Turm in Fiè allo Sciliar (BZ) is a destination unlike any other, an ancient building surrounded by 5 towers with magnificent views of the Dolomites. Inside, there is an extraordinary collection of artworks in the rooms and suites, all different from one other and furnished with designer pieces and antiques of local craftsmanship. In the original wellness centre the Salt Cave carved into the rock and the Mystic Sauna stand out. Also exclusive are the wellness treatments inspired by the area, such as the traditional hay bath, which you can enjoy alone or as a couple by candlelight. The restaurant amazes with refined dishes inspired by local cuisine, accompanied by intoxicating wines that Stefan and his wife Kathi produce on the Grottner farm.

Advent at the Romantik Hotel Turm

From 22 to 26 December 2021 Advent at Romantik Hotel Turm offers the opportunity to enjoy two romantic days discovering the traditional Christmas markets. The offer from €410  for two nights per person in a double room includes a small Christmas surprise in the room, a welcome punch, a day in half board with the 4-course Romantic  Menu or the 1001 Calories Menu, a Christmas bath in the imperial tub and a special final evening with a 5-course tasting menu and a wine pairing with the dishes.

New Year at the Turm

From 25 December 2021 to 7 January 2022, the package offers 7 nights in the Grouse double room at the price of €1,948 per person, including 6 days of half  board with the 4-course Romantic Menu or the 1001 Calories Menu, special New Year's Eve dinner and New Year's Eve party to welcome in the New Year!  Romantik Hotel Turn offers 7 nights for the price of 5, starting from €765 per person. From 9 to 31 January 2022, this will be enhanced by the convenience of the 7x5 formula with breakfast..

The 8th Gourmet Skisafari will take to the slopes of the Alta Badia on Saturday 11 December, giving skiers the opportunity to move from one Alpine refuge to another to taste the creations of the participating chefs. Chefs Simone Cantafio (Ristorante La Stüa de Michil, Hotel La Perla, Corvara, 1 Michelin star) and Marco Martini (Marco Martini Restaurant, Rome, 1 Michelin star) are participating for the first time, while Alberto Faccani (Magnolia Ristorante, Cesenatico, 2 Michelin stars) is representing the chefs who participated in previous editions. 

Passes for the Gourmet Skisafari can be purchased in advance at the tourist offices in Alta Badia, or directly at the participating refuges. The € 60 ticket includes 3 dishes and wines. For further information and reservations: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Sunrisa. Dawn skiing and a hearty breakfast at 2,000 meters

On Monday 20 December the Col Alto and Piz Sorega ski lifts open their doors at dawn to give passionate skiers the opportunity to see the sun rise at 2,000m and ski on perfectly prepared slopes. They can also enjoy gourmet breakfasts at the Club Moritzino, Ütia I Tablá, Ütia de Bioch, Ütia Piz Arlara and Ütia Las Vegas refuges.  

Sommelier on the slopes 

In Alta Badia you can enjoy the best South Tyrolean wines with Sommelier on the slopes scheduled for 14 December 2021, 11 and 25 January, 15 February, 8 March and 5 April 2022. Participants will be accompanied by a ski instructor and a sommelier and the price of the tastings is € 40.00 per person.     

A Wine Safari on Skis 

On Sunday 20 March 2022, Alta Badia brings the best South Tyrolean wines to high altitude for an exclusive tasting, which will be held from 10 am to 4 pm, at the Piz Arlara, Ütia de Bioch, I Tablà and Pralongià refuges. Tickets can be purchased directly on site, cost € 30,00 per person and include the entire wine selection. For information: Alta Badia Information Offices - www.altabadia.org

Discover Florence during the 8 December Immaculate Conception long weekend and enjoy the city at its most festive. The ideal choice is to stay at the Brunelleschi Hotel which has exclusive packages that are a mix of relaxation and fun. What better than these special offers and this 4-day weekend to dedicate to the exploration of Florence’s incredible artistic heritage?  

Christmas lights on the main monuments

Florence’s Christmas atmosphere starts in early December with the traditional Christmas markets, and to make the atmosphere even more festive the Moon F-Light Festival’s Christmas lights and projections light up the main monuments such as the Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo dei Medici and Piazza Santa Maria Novella. 

Art galleries open on 8 December 

The longest ice skating rink in Europe in the garden of the Fortress is another major attraction together with the famous Santa Claus Village, where you can enjoy excellent street food, and get to meet Santa Claus.  In addition to strolling around the old centre and Christmas shopping in the traditional Christmas markets, you must also visit the city’s famous museums and art galleries, from the Uffizi Gallery to the Palatine to the Accademia, all of which will be open on 8 December.

A signature restaurant with two Michelin stars

The Brunelleschi Hotel is the perfect solution for fully immersing yourself in the magical atmosphere of Christmas in Florence. Located in the heart of the historic centre the hotel has been renovated in an extremely elegant contemporary yet classic style. The Santa Elisabetta is the hotel's gourmet restaurant. It is one of the top gastronomic addresses in Florence, and was awarded its second Michelin star in 2021 The property’s more informal Osteria Pagliazza has a delicious menu based on local ingredients. 

Special packages from 3 to 11 December

To mark this year's Immaculate Conception festivities The Brunelleschi has a special offer for its guests. The Immaculate Conception Package includes one or more nights in the room of your choice, breakfast, free Wi-Fi, use of the fitness area, and a sweet gift with a cup of hot chocolate at the Tower Bar on 8 December. Prices in double rooms start from €398.00 and are valid for stays from 3 to 11 December. 

The online travel agency (OTA) Portale Sardegna, announces that it has created the company Welcomely S.r.l. with the aim of developing the non-hotel sector, in continuity with the growth and consolidation of Portale Sardegna Point and the Welcome to Italy project. The company was founded by two partners: l’Emittente, and Bentu Experience.

Network Expansion and strengthening connections

Welcomely's idea is to act as a driver of local innovation and to expand the network between holiday home owners and local Italian experts. The aim is to provide wide visibility and the necessary support to the members of the Welcome to Italy supply chain. Welcomely will create links and strengthen connections between the different "Welcome to Italy Points,” through their Local Experts and the local supply chain: owners of holiday apartments, Bed & Breakfasts, tour operators, organisers of leisure, cultural, gastronomic and wine experiences.

Confidence from the CEO of Portale Sardegna

Massimiliano Cossu, CEO of Portale Sardegna: "The great work that our Local Experts are doing on the island shows us that we are on the right track. We are confident that with Bentu Experience, as of today our new partner in Welcomely, we will significantly accelerate the objectives of the Welcome to Italy project in terms of hotel extras.  Marco Celani, CEO of Italianway: "We are delighted to continue supporting the development of the Local Expert network under the new Welcomely brand. We expect exponential growth both in the number of accommodations managed and in the value of bookings attracted.”

Although Ticino is known for its lakeside Mediterranean winters, it also offers the opportunity to enjoy nature in the stunning snow-capped mountains. Every year new hiking and snowshoeing trails await you. Monoski courses in Airolo extend the largest Ticino skiing district’s opportunities to those with disabilities. This special device allows for speed and mobility while also remaining compatible with ski lifts. Traditional dualskiing is also offered, both guided and unguided, accommodating all levels of autonomy.

New winter hiking trail to the Capanna Gorda

The new 6.23 km long winter hiking trail of the Bleno Valley, leads to the seasonal Gorda Cabin with an elevation change of roughly 600 metres. Tours set off from Camperio and go through an enchanting fir forest to the cabin, while overnight stays are available in the heated neighbouring building named GAIA.

Snowshoe tours and swings overlooking Nara

Nara is a sun-kissed, small, enchanting ski district in the Valle di Blenio. This winter Ticino’s winter sports offer will include a new 6-km snowshoeing circuit. The tour sets off by chairlift from Leontica to the station at Cancorì, where the new snowshoe route begins and ends.

Mono-skis and guides

Airolo is the largest skiing area in Ticino. The mono-ski, which is for people with limitations in the lower limbs, is the same as classic skiing, but those who prefer two skis can opt for dual skiing, with a guide or alone. And for the ascent they can use the chairlifts or the ski lifts. www.tirex.ch

Zoomarine will be the first amusement park in Italy, near Rome, entirely accessible to the deaf and hearing-impaired, with all activities translated and communicated in sign language (LIS) thanks to the Park’s commitment to social inclusion practices. The first steps include all animal demonstrations being translated into the LIS language while all videos broadcast on social media will be subtitled.

Training in the sign language for Zoomarine’s personnel

Following training in sign language the Zoomarine staff will be able to communicate and assist deaf and hearing-impaired visitors, making their visit a complete and satisfying experience.

The training course is due to start on 29 November and will continue until spring 2022. At the end of the course each department involved with the public will have a contact person who can welcome deaf visitors. This is an unprecedented innovation in the world of Italian parks.