Standing on a golden tufa ridge, Pitigliano is one of Tuscany’s most beautiful hill towns and is known as the “Little Jerusalem.”

The town blends Etruscan roots with Medieval charm

From a distance Pitigliano seems to rise directly from the rock, its skyline lingering in the memory long after a visit. Known as the “Little Jerusalem” for its historic Jewish community, Pitigliano blends Etruscan roots, medieval charm, and a vibrant cultural heritage into one unforgettable destination. Ib the heart of the Tuscan Maremma, close to the Lazio border, it is just 80 kilometres from Grossetto, 120 from Siena and 150 kilometres from Rome, making it an ideal stop on itineraries linking central Italy with the Tyrrhenian coast. Driving there allows travellers to enjoy the rolling countryside and dramatic landscapes that unfold enroute, while anyone arriving by train can connect via Orvieto, Grosseto, or Albinia, with bus services linking to Pitigliano.

 A historic Jewish quarter and ancient Etruscan roads

The best way to experience Pitigliano is simply to wander around. Its Jewish Quarter is a highlight, with a beautifully restored 16th-century synagogue, ritual baths, and a kosher bakery that tell the story of centuries of coexistence. The Orsini Fortress which dominates the old town is now home to a fascinating museum of art and archaeology, while the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul on the main square has Renaissance frescoes. Beyond the historic centre, the mysterious vie cave, which are deep roads carved into the tufa rock by the Etruscans, offer an extraordinary walking experience where history and nature intertwine in a setting found nowhere else in the world.

What’s worth visiting in the environs

Pitigliano also serves as the perfect hub for discovering some of Tuscany’s lesser known gems. Just a short drive away are Sovana and Sorano, two Medieval towns surrounded by ancient Etruscan necropolises. For relaxation, the famous Saturnia hot springs with their steaming natural pools are less than half an hour away, and to the north Lake Bolsena is the largest volcanic lake in Europe, while Orvieto, with its magnificent Gothic cathedral, makes an excellent day trip.

Staying, dining, and tasting the best of Pitigliano

Staying in Pitigliano means choosing between boutique hotels, restored noble palaces and farm accommodation set in vineyards and olive groves. Dining here means feasting on hearty Tuscan cuisine, with Jewish culinary traditions, from wild boar stews and rustic bean soups to sfratti, a delicious pastry filled with honey and walnuts. Then there is the local pride, the Bianco di Pitigliano DOC, a fresh, crisp white wine that pairs beautifully with antipasti, pecorino cheeses, and light pasta dishes. 

Cogne, in the heart of the Valle d’Aosta region in the northwest corner of Italy, is a picture-perfect mountain village with Alpine charm all year round. 

Cogne is on the edge of the Gran Paradiso National Park 

Embodying the spirit of the Italian Alps Cogne is a place of clean air, quiet beauty, and authentic mountain life without any of the flashy après-ski vibes or luxury boutiques typical of so many Alpine resort towns. On the edge of the Gran Paradiso National Park, which is Italy’s oldest national park and one of its most spectacular, Cogne unlike many high-profile ski resorts has all the laid-back charm of an authentic mountain village.

A tale of two seasons: winter and summer in Cogne

Every winter Cogne transforms into a snowy paradise. Visitors will find over 80 kilometres of cross-country skiing trails, which are among the best in Europe. Ice climbing on frozen waterfalls and snowshoeing are also popular activities. When the snow melts summer reveals a different kind of magic. Cogne becomes a gateway for hiking, biking, and mountaineering, with trails starting right from the village and lead into the Gran Paradiso range, where ibex and chamois roam freely. The Valnontey valley, just a short walk away, delights with its Instagrammable views and a botanical alpine garden with over 1,000 mountain species.

The local culture

Despite its small size, Cogne has a proud cultural identity. Stone-roofed houses and wooden balconies decked with colourful geraniums give the village its storybook look, and the local Lace Museum offers insight into the centuries-old bobbin lace tradition, which is still kept alive by local artisans. It is worth visiting the Maison de Cogne Gérard-Dayné ethno-museum housed in a beautifully restored 17th–18th C farmhouse in Sonveulla, the historic upper district which is a short walk uphill.  This is an immersive experience that brings to life local traditions, like food production and lace making.  

Authentic flavours

Cogne’s food is hearty and rooted in tradition. From Polenta Concia (creamy cornmeal with fontina cheese) to Carbonade (a wine-braised beef stew), and the popular Tegole biscuits which are crunchy, sweet, and packed with almonds, while cheese lovers will not want to miss the Fontina DOP. There are many local trattorias and mountain huts serving these Alpine delights and they are invariably accompanied by wines from the nearby Aosta Valley vineyards.

What to see nearby

Beyond its natural wonders, Cogne is a perfect base for exploring. A short drive takes you to Lillaz Waterfalls, which is a pleasant hike in summer and a dramatic frozen cascade in winter. The Gran Paradiso National Park visitor center offers interactive exhibits for all ages, and Aosta, the nearest city, blends Roman history with Alpine charm Discovering its Roman theatre and the Arch of Augustus, and exploring its cobbled streets make for a rewarding day trip. For information: www.visitcogne.it

The Green Community project by Buy Tuscany was recently presented in Livorno.

A showcase of new ecotourism products

Sustainable tourism was the star theme at the opening of Buy Tuscany 2025, with the conference “Sustainable tourism and networked territory, a presentation of the tourist products of the Green Community project. Organized at the Garden Toscana Resort in San Vincenzo, Livorno, the meeting, moderated by tourism journalist Claudiana Di Cesare for ItaliAbsolutely and Travel Quotidiano  was the official conclusion of the “Green Community - Travel to the Rhythm of Nature” project, a showcase of new ecotourism products and how the regional offer has evolved.

Sustainability as a strategic lever for hospitality

The morning opened with the institutional greetings of Antonella Cucinotta, councillor of the Municipality of San Vincenzo, and Cristiano Pullini, tourism councillor of the Municipality of Castagneto Carducci, lead partner of the Area Community. Both stressed the value of territorial cohesion and sustainability as strategic levers for hospitality. Francesco Tapinassi, director of Toscana Promozione Turistica, recalled how the role of destinations is not only to attract tourist  flows, but to guarantee “an innovative, widespread model that can combine economic growth and the protection of local communities.” At the event the results of the “Green Community Costa degli Etruschi” project, coordinated by Cooperativa Itinera, were presented. Laura Giuliano, vice-president of Itinera, illustrated the stages of the journey: "From the mapping of experiences to the sharing of the Charter of Values, from the network of over 50 operators to the co-design of 15 ecotourism products. A project that directly involved the territory and today delivers concrete tools for promotion'.

Bicycle tourism is a strategic asset for the region

Bicycle tourism was the focus for Marco Pavoletti, consultant of the Costa degli Etruschi Area Community, who presented the “Gran Tour Costa Etrusca itinerary”. "A380-kilometre gravel route that will connect 200 local tracks, integrating sustainable mobility bike+train and enhancing villages, archaeological sites, and nature areas. It will be a strategic asset to diversify the offer beyond the seaside.” Valentina La Salvia of Itinera spoke of the involvement and coordination of the supply chain in all phases of the project, including in the visual narration, conveyed in a video that "gave life to a story made of images to convey the emotions and values of the project, restoring the true soul of the experience.”

15 ecotourism products for structured tourist packages

With the catalogue, the video spot and the dedicated digital platform, the 15 ecotourism Costa degli Etruschi Green Community” products are now ready for buyers and travellers, consolidating the destination's positioning as a model of widespread, sustainable and innovative tourism, as Luca Carnesecchi, managing director of Italia Highlights, also explained: "More than 40 experiences by 30 companies have been crafted into structured tourist packages - from green weekends to team building proposals - with trends ranging from forest bathing to barefooting, and from food foraging to cooking classes. It is an offer designed for independent travellers, groups and the corporate segment.”

The role of sustainable, integrated and multimodal mobility

Maria Paola De Rosa, head of trade sales at Trenitalia, gave her contribution on sustainable, integrated and multimodal mobility: "The Etruscan Coast is now served by high-speed, Intercity and regional trains, integrated with intermodal services such as Etruschi Line, Elba Link and Argentario Link. The train is a concrete choice to reduce emissions and make the territory more accessible.” International partnerships were touched on by Guy Saunders (Luxury Raid Travel), Francesca Pozzan (Itinarrando - La tua avventura a portata di zaino) and Gianluigi Puiè (Team Building Natura), who underlined the openness of the Costa degli Etruschi to experiences for domestic and foreign markets, confirming how sustainability is now an essential element of tourism strategies, leading to collaborative networks, innovation, and the enhancement of the territory.


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Nobu Hospitality announces that Nobu Hotel & Restaurant Roma is now accepting reservations.

The hotel blends Roman elegance with Nobu's Japanese aesthetic

Ahead of the hotel’s highly anticipated opening this early autumn, the global luxury lifestyle brand has proudly announced that reservations can now be made and, to celebrate this milestone, Nobu Hospitality has unveiled a preview of the interiors of the hotel and restaurant. Images that give a glimpse of the blend of timeless Roman elegance and Nobu's distinctive contemporary Japanese aesthetic.

Nobu Roma - a new culinary destination

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa brings his world-famous dishes to the Eternal City at Nobu Roma. Guests can enjoy Japanese cuisine with South American influences including the iconic Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Jalapeño, New Style Sashimi, Toro Tartare, Rock Shrimp Tempura and the acclaimed sushi synonymous with the brand. The restaurant offers the option to dine in the main dining room or experience an intimate Sushi Counter, giving diners a front row seat to admire the artistry created by Nobu's sushi chefs. The bar will serve a curated wine list, premium sake and Nobu's exclusive cocktails. The opening hours are Sunday to Wednesday from 6.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday from 6.30 p.m. to 23 p.m.

Redefining hospitality on Via Veneto

The public opening of the Nobu Hotel Roma marks the transformation of the former Grand Hotel Via Veneto. The award-winning international architecture and design studio Rockwell Group has designed the rooms, suites and rooftop, blending Nobu's refined Japanese minimalism with Roman traditions to create an oasis of modern luxury in the heart of the Eternal City. Nobu, the iconic Japanese hospitality brand founded by partners Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, has grown to include 57 restaurants, 46 hotels and 20 residences around the world. For information: www.nobuhotels.com/roma

Oasi Zegna, an outdoor destination in Piedmont, is an Alpine playground for all seasons.

Experiencing the mountains year-round

Oasi Zegna, founded by the textile industrialist Ermenegildo Zegna in the 1930s, is an outdoor destination in the Biella Alps of Piedmont offering year-round outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to skiing, along with stunning natural landscapes and cultural and heritage trails.  Spread over 100 kilometres and free to the public, it invites travellers to experience the mountains year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for trekking, mountain biking, and picnics in high pastures, while autumn brings the season of rich hues, offering some of Northern Italy’s most stunning foliage. Winter transforms Oasi Zegna into a playground for snowshoeing, skiing, and other adrenaline-charged Alpine adventures.

A hiking circuit, gourmet meals and simple snacks

Oasi Zegna’s Cammino di Ermenegildo is a three-day, 51-kilometre circular route combining natural landscapes, cultural points of interest, and industrial heritage. Experienced hikers can make their way through forests and alpine meadows, enjoying sweeping views over the Po Valley and the surrounding Alps. This multi-day trekking itinerary appeals to active tourists, wellness seekers, and groups looking for immersive experiences off the beaten path. From a gourmet meal to a simple snack, Oasi Zegna's dining options cater to all tastes, its array of culinary experiences reflecting the rich traditions of the Biella Alps with authentic Piedmontese dishes available at restaurants and farmhouses. 

An authentic choice for safe outdoor activities

Oasi Zegna also stands out as a model of sustainable tourism, replying to the growing demand among international clients for environmentally responsible travel. It is positioned as an authentic, low-impact alternative to more commercial Alpine resorts, and for families the park offers accessible trails, educational programmes about local flora and fauna, and safe outdoor activities suitable for all ages. Weekend getaways and slow travel itineraries can include wellness and reconnecting with nature, while adventure packages can focus on mountain sports and guided exploration.

A premier destination for sustainable travel

With its combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and year-round appeal makes Oasi Zegna is a must-have inclusion in Italy’s Alpine portfolio, reinforcing Piedmont’s position as a premier destination for sustainable and immersive travel.

At a time when tourism is increasingly demonized for its environmental and social impact, Jane Gooddall, primatologist and a lifelong advocate for both people and the planet, who died recently, offers a powerful reminder of the industry’s potential for good when managed responsibly.

“The travel industry, and especially I’m thinking of tourism….benefits in so many ways. It benefits the country because it brings foreign exchange in, it benefits the travellers because they learn about situations face to face that they otherwise might read about, but it wouldn't really get home to them, so they care more. It benefits the animals because the local people are now prepared to look after them rather than kill them, because by looking after them they know that brings in more tourists. It's basically spreading awareness about the problems, so I think you know, the tourism industry when it's done correctly and wisely, it is a really good investment for the future of conservation and biodiversity.”

In just a few powerful lines, Goodall distills what responsible tourism champions have said for years, that when done right, travel isn’t the problem. It’s the solution - a force for conservation, education, and economic empowerment rather than harm.

Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor

Generation 35+, aka the Millennials, is quietly emerging as an increasingly influential and lucrative travel sector. Traveling with no children and often solo, they bring something every destination dreams of - independence, flexibility, and an open-ended travel budget.

With no school holidays shaping their schedules, they can book shoulder-season city breaks, midweek escapes, and long-haul adventures at the drop of a hat. They want quality, from boutique stays to curated cultural encounters and wellness retreats with a touch of gourmet flair - and they are willing to pay for it.

For the trade, the message is loud and clear. Marketing that once invested heavily on families and honeymooners now needs to speak to confident solo travellers and small groups of friends who see travel not as a reward but as a lifestyle. Having traded hostels for heritage hotels and cheap beer for craft cocktails and high-roller bubbles, Generation 35+ is calling on the industry to keep pace.

Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor

For over 25 years Ferretti Hotels Group has grown with a family spirit.

Expanding locally and internationally 

Ferretti Hotels is a fixture of Italian hospitality, with strong roots on the Romagna Riviera. From the beginning, the vision was clear. “Our deveopment follows the path set 25 years ago, when from the very first property we saw growth both locally and nationally,” explains CEO Fabrizio Ferretti.

Looking at opening in a mountain area

The vision of bringing the Romagna’s style of hospital onto a national level has shaped a portfolio ranging from seaside resorts and lakeside destinations to art cities, business hubs, and inland tourism. “The only segment we’re missing is the mountains, but we’ll get there soon.” In a crowded market, the Ferretti formula is deliberately focused. “Our strength is being a small family group. Everything is under control, there are no unnecessary roles, and everyone works hard to achieve results.”

A raft of new openings in the pipeline

Sustainability is also important. “At the moment, we are starting with photovoltaic systems, but expectations are always higher, so to keep up you have to keep investing in properties, innovations and people.” The Group’s growth plans include developing a family hotel and a sports hotel with on-site facilities in Misano Adriatico. A new opening is also planned in central Milan, with further projects in Rome, Venice, Florence, Modena, and the mountains also in the pipeline.

“We will always be a family-run group”

As for the future Ferretti Hotels sees resilience in diversification. “During Covid, while art cities struggled, seaside hotels performed well. That balance sustained us.” And despite expansion Ferretti’s philosophy remains unchanged. “We will always be a family-run group, with our feet on the ground. Managing hotels isn’t easy, you need to think with your own head, invest wisely, and carry forward your own vision.”