Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese is a 5-star bijou city retreat with French flair in the heart of the Eternal City.

A central district close to many iconic monuments

French elegance blends seamlessly with Roman grandeur in Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese which welcomes guests like old friends, all under the banner of a Green Key certification that champions sustainable luxury. The hotel, in a19th-century palazzo, redesigned in 2019 to sleek sophistication, is just off the Via Veneto in Rome’s Ludovisi district which has many international and Italian corporate headquarters. Echoes of the Dolce Vita also draw visitors to the area, and with the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza del Popolo a leisurely stroll away, and luxury shopping along Via Condotti and Via del Corso, it is an ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers. 

Frescoed ceilings and integrated technology

As you step onto the marble mosaic floors of the lobby, the Sofitel art de vivre is unmistakable. Soft tones, fine materials, and contemporary touches honor the building’s heritage, and this style flows through to the 71 rooms and seven suites. Deluxe Rooms have frescoed ceilings, white marble bathrooms, and windows framing the green expanse of the Villa Borghese city park. Details like angled beds, integrated technology, Nespresso machines, and elegant lighting give each space quiet individuality.

Three terrace suites with Jacuzzis

Some of the connecting rooms are located on private corridors, and so are a great solution for families or friends traveling together, but the jewels in the crown are the three Terrace Suites. These have private Jacuzzis and terraces overlooking Rome’s skyline. Luminous, chic interiors feature contemporary art, bespoke furnishings, and deep marble soaking tubs, making these suites a top choice.

Fine dining and heart-stopping vistas

Settimo is the 7th-floor restaurant and has floor-to-ceiling windows and a wraparound terrace with heart-stopping vistas, from Villa Borghese’s green canopy to the dome of St. Peter’s, to the city’s rooftops glowing golden at dusk. Executive Chef Giuseppe D’Alessio fuses Roman tradition with French finesse, with flaky croissants and cappuccinos, artisanal jams and omelettes aux fines herbes at breakfast, while lunch and dinner showcase seasonal ingredients. There are three tasting menus, and à la carte highlights like gazpacho with tomato sorbet, supplì with luscious ragù, parmigiana with turbot, and crisp vegetable cannoli.  

Impeccible personalized service  

The service throughout Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese is impeccable and personalized, reflecting Accor’s philosophy of anticipating a guest’s every need. The concierge team, who know Rome inside out, are on hand to arrange private tours, theatre tickets and bespoke experiences in and around the city. For information: https://www.sofitelrome.com

As ABTOI - the Association of British Travel Organizers to Italy - approaches its 25th anniversary next year, it remains focused on its founding mission, to strengthen UK-Italy tourism.

“We network, share ideas and exchange information”

ItaliAbsolutely spoke with executive committee member Enrico Soresini who explained that the association members are businesses offering travel to Italy, from agencies and tour operators to travel suppliers. “We are a collection of travel operators who network, share ideas and exchange information,” Soresini explains.  One key service ABTOI provides is helping members navigate Italy’s complex regulatory landscape. “Every company has access to our associate member Kennedys Law,” says Soresini. “They have a specialist travel law department and can advise on regulations whenever necessary.”

Italy receives about 6% of the UK’s outbound travel market

Press updates and legal briefings are shared regularly, and this support has become even more vital in the post-Brexit environment. “Laws and regulations can be a challenge,- Soresini adds, - a good example is the introduction of DAC7, which has created additional compliance demands for some of our members.” Unlike a tourist board, ABTOI does not gather its own arrival statistics, but it draws on ENIT and WTTC data when needed. “Italy receives about six percent of the UK’s outbound travel market,- notes Soresini. -Demand is still strong post-pandemic and post-Brexit, and our members report lively discussions around how to adapt to changing consumer expectations.”

Overtourism and luxury travel are issues

Overtourism is one of the industry’s most pressing issues, but ABTOI has not adopted an official stance. “It’s an ongoing discussion within the trade,- says Soresini. -the Association does not have an official position on that yet.” Luxury travel is another area of debate. “Only a few of our members currently focus on the high-end market,- Soresini concedes, -but we’re discussing possible co-operation with other associations to better position Italy as a luxury destination.”

An annual summit between the UK and Italy

Training and networking remain an ABTOI commitment “We run sessions on legal, regulatory and business topics that matter to members,” says Soresini. “We also organize a couple of annual events and our summit, which alternates between the UK and Italy.” These gatherings have become vital for members seeking partnerships, fresh ideas and practical solutions. Looking ahead, ABTOI is preparing to celebrate its silver anniversary in 2026.

“Italy has universal appeal”

The association is run by an elected executive committee and today counts more than 60 members. “We are proud of what we’ve built over the past quarter century,- Soresini says. -The goal remains the same: to be the go-to network for UK operators selling Italy, to share knowledge, and to keep adapting to a changing market.” For Soresini, the UK’s love affair with Italy is enduring. “Italy has universal appeal. Our job is to help the British trade connect travellers with the right Italian experiences. That’s what ABTOI has done for 25 years - and that’s what we’ll keep on doing.”

Italy’s long-planned Strait of Messina Bridge, set to connect Calabria with Sicily, will be a costly crossing but will have big tourism potential.

The call toll will be expensive

The final approval for the long-awaited Strait of Messina Bridge – connecting the toe of Italy and the Calabria region with Sicily, Italy’s largest island, -  came from the Italian CIPESS planning body in early August.  Pre-construction work on sites is expected to kick off this autumn, and the completion date, at this early stage, has been set for 2032 or 2033. The Strait of Messina Bridge is already making waves in the travel industry, as the consumer group Codacons has estimated that the toll for cars would be around €10 per crossing, making it one of the most expensive per-kilometre tolls in the world.

The bridge will dramatically improve accessibility

Spanning just 3.66 kilometres, the crossing would cost about €2.73 per kilometre. By comparison Italian motorway tolls average €0.075 per kilometre, while even the 50.45 kilometre Eurotunnel crossing between France and the UK comes in at about €1.42 per kilometre.  While the headline-grabbing price raises eyebrows, for the travel trade the bigger story is opportunity. The Strait of Messina bridge promises to dramatically improve accessibility between mainland Italy and Sicily, giving a major boost to fly-drive itineraries, escorted tours, and cruise extensions. Faster connections could also open up new product possibilities such as Calabria-Sicily twin-centre packages, and enhanced logistics for group tours and events.

Opening up opportunities for Calabria

But for operators, pricing strategies will be key with self-drive holidays and coach operators having to factor the toll into packages. But there is no doubt that the time savings and the convenience of driving across a bridge could outweigh the cost, particularly for high-end and experiential travel. With Sicily’s rich cultural heritage, food and wine tourism, and Calabria’s emerging profile (which is too often underrated) the Strait of Messina Bridge could well unlock new itineraries that will make an impact on international markets.

Villa Mangiacane near Florence was designed by Michelangelo and is a historic treasure where Renaissance grandeur meets contemporary luxury. 

An exclusive retreat for discerning travellers

Just a short drive from Florence, Villa Mangiacane is a Renaissance gem with a story to tell. Originally designed in the 15th century by the great Michelangelo, today the Villa is an exclusive retreat, lovingly restored over eight years to bring back its original beauty while adding those modern comfort today’s discerning travelers appreciate.

Ideal for intimate escapes and larger group retreats

There are ten suites in the original Palazzo Machiavelli, and 18 rooms and suites in Villa Mazzei (some with private gardens and plunge pools) making Mangiacane an ideal match for both intimate escapes and larger group retreats. Many rooms and suites feature balconies or terraces like the Royal Suite, which has a fireplace and a private dining corner, as well as a Jacuzzi bath with a steam walk-in shower and two terraces with views over the vineyards and the Tuscan hills. 

Two pools, cooking classes and private wine tastings

The interiors of the guestrooms are a feast for the senses with period furniture, elegant fabrics, original artworks, and large windows framing views of the Italian gardens with a collection of Shona sculptures, vineyards, and olive groves. Guests can relax by two panoramic pools, indulge in spa treatments, enjoy private wine tastings of the estate’s premium labels, take cooking classes or set off on curated experiences in the surrounding Chianti Classico countryside. The villa’s restaurant celebrates Tuscan flavors and many of the ingredients are straight from Mangiacane’s own gardens and orchards.

Close to some of Tuscany’s most famous wineries

History is woven into every stone, adding an unexpected international twist to the villa’s heritage, as a former owner was Filippo Mazzei, a friend of Thomas Jefferson the third President of the United States.  The Villa is in the heart of Chianti, surrounded by some of Tuscany’s most celebrated wineries, including the legendary Antinori estate, and guests can enjoy wine tours and visit Tuscany’s great art cities, as well as cycling through scenic country landscapes. Villa Mangiacane invites guests to slow down, chill out and truly immerse themselves in the timeless beauty of Tuscany. For information: www.mangiacane.com

The fastest and easiest way to explore the pearls of the Mediterranean by sea is with the Ferryhopper app.   

Europe’s leading ferry and hydrofoil booking platform

Ferryhopper Europe’s leading ferry and hydrofoil booking platform, explores the pearls of the Mediterranean, and is simple, immediate and customizable. This simple, fast app brings together in a single interface hundreds of services in Italy, Greece, Spain and more and among the destinations suggested by the app, Italy remains the undisputed protagonist from Sardinia to the Tuscan Archipelago and the Tremiti Islands in Puglia. 

The Ferryhopper app is in 15 languages

On the Ferryhopper website which is in 15 languages, users can buy tickets in just a few clicks, saving time and money thanks to an innovative algorithm that compares prices and itineraries in real time among 160 ferry operators. With more than 3,000 itineraries available in as many as 33 countries, Ferryhopper offers a secure and reliable payment system, allowing users to book tickets from different shipping companies in one go. By 2025 further growth is expected through geographic expansion into emerging markets such as Turkey, Asia and Mexico. Ferryhopper is the first OTA ferry plugin on ChatGPT and aims to become the world's largest online ferry travel agency.   

Sardinia 2025: music, anature and authenticity

Beyond the glamour of the Costa Smeralda lies a little-known but deeply authentic Sardinia. It is the Sardinia of the forests of Montiferru, of stone villages overlooking hot springs, of Mandrolisai with its ancient vineyards and wine cellars. With Ferryhopper, it is possible to reach strategic ports such as Olbia, Cagliari or Golfo Aranci, and continue by car or bicycle to discover the authentic hinterland, a paradise of slow tourism. There is also the Sardinia of festivals, with Time in Jazz in Berchidda, dancing at dawn on the beaches of the north with Musica sulle Bocche, and vibrating to the notes of the Red Valley Festival in Olbia.

The Tuscan Archipelago: islands, nature reserves and hidden treasures

Maritime Tusany is also the island of Elba, which is easily reached from Piombino where you can snorkel in the turquoise waters of Fetovaia, or visit Villa San Martino, the former home of Napoleon in exile. Further afield there is Pianosa an untouched gem: a former penal colony, now a protected reserve, it can only be visited with authorized guides. North from Livorno you set sail for Capraia, a wild and fascinating island where you can dive into secret coves that can only be reached by sea. On the southern side, Porto Santo Stefano is the perfect base for exploring he island of Giglio, with its medieval village, and crystal-clear sea at Campese. And from here set off for Giannutri, an ideal destination for those who love archaeology and diving. All these connections can be booked in just a few clicks with Ferryhopper,.

Sailing from Tuscany to Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily

The ports of Livorno and Piombino are not only gateways to the Tuscan islands, but real hubs for seaside holidays on a larger scale. From Livorno you can reach Corsica (Bastia) in just four hours, and Olbia and the Golfo Aranci are ideal for those who want to avoid the plane and leave with their car in tow. There are three weekly connections to Palermo in Sicily: a 20-hour night crossing that becomes a trip down memory lane thanks to Ferryhopper.

The Tremiti: small islands, big emotions

The Tremiti Islands are a corner of paradise with a remote charm and easily reached with Ferryhopper: from Termoli in less than an hour, or from Vieste, Rodi Garganico and Peschici in the summer months, it is possible to enjoy short getaways. The Tremiti Islands are perfect for families, thanks to the absence of cars and the protected beaches.  With Ferryhopper, booking in  advance or at the last minute, you get your tickets electronically, avoiding queues, and making any changes to your reservation easy and secure.  For information: https://www.ferryhopper.com/it/

Enjoy Barocco promotes Baroque wonders, Inspector Montalbano magic, and five must-see towns in south-eastern Sicily

The five Baroque towns are deliciously marketable

Enjoy Barocco-Sicilian Experience is a fascinating journey into the heart of south-eastern Sicily, an ambitious project, promoted by the DMO Enjoy Barocco with the support of GAL Terra Barocco. Uniting five Baroque towns - Ragusa, Modica, Scicli, Ispica and Santa Croce Camerina - it celebrates the common identity and specific uniqueness of each of these must-see locations.  From 21 to 25 July the DMO opened the doors of their artistic, natural and lifestyle heritage to a group of Italian media, and also organized a B2B workshop for international buyers, sharing stories of the towns through guided tours and meetings with local tourism providers. Set against a rich backdrop of Sicilian colours, history, and landscapes, the Terra Barocco tourism brand is Sicily at its most theatrical and deliciously marketable.

GAL Terra Barocca promotes the Enjoy Barocco brand

Right now the Terra Barocco area is riding a wave of success. Behind the growth (+31% visitors in 2024 and a further +10% so far this year) is the coordinated work of the stakeholders, and the promotional force of the Enjoy Barocco brand. Marco Platania, director of the Enjoy Barocco Tourism Observatory, offered the media delegates a clear and passionate perspective on the vision driving the project, adding that that an unexpected catalyst has been the immense popularity of the Inspector Montalbano TV series. This has given once-sleepy towns movie-set dazzle, bringing visitors in to visit the film sites and enjoy the local culture, architecture, beaches and seaside vibes. In nearby Scicli they can tour the real-life set of Montalbano’s “police station,” housed in the town hall, now a popular go-to spot for Instagrammers.  Another popular haunt for Montalbano fans is the Punta Secca house with the famous balcony on the beach in Santa Croce Camerina where Inspector Montalbano used to take his morning espresso. From the nearby little marina, next to the 16^thcentury Torre di Mezza tower and the 1859 lighthouse it is possible to set off for excursions along the coast.   

The Sanbartolomeo Casa & Putia has four charming rooms

Looking out over the Mediterranean to the Tunisian coastline, the Terra Barocco area, which is also one of the island’s most productive agricultural regions, can be defined by the flamboyant contours and flourishes of Sicily’s late Baroque style, which is perfectly preserved. This architectural and artistic splendor is the result of a natural disaster that devastated the area in 1693 when a cataclysmic earthquake flattened the entire region, forcing an almost total rebuild. Today the town of Scicli is a jewel box of late Baroque artistry with sites like the Church of Sant’Ignazio which boasts a statue of a Madonna which is perhaps the only one in the world depicting the Virgin Mary as a sword-wielding warrior on a white horse.  The little town also has small hotels of charm like the Sanbartolomeo Casa & Putia, which has four rooms with Sicilian ceramics and period furniture. Here guests breakfast on a panoramic terrace overlooking the handsome three-tiered façade of the Church of San Bartolomeo and the rocky ravine where, up to the 1930s, locals still lived in the caves that dot the steep canyon walls. 

Gourmet chocolate and the Terradamare Resort & Spa Hilton Tapestry

Modica is famous for its heritage chocolate, and the artisanal shop Sabadì offers gourmet variations infused with everything from sea salt to Sichuan pepper to tobacco. It organizes tastings and guided tours that include the first chocolate-ageing cellar in the world. The town’s appeal goes well beyond chocolate to sites like the San Giorgio Cathedral with its theatrical stairway which can also be visited on the Grand Tour electric train which offers 60-minute city tours. Modica’s first lady mayor, Maria Monisteri, says they are betting on a year-round tourism model by expanding cultural events and promoting sport and cycle tourism. A recent welcome addition to the local scene is the Terradamare Resort & Spa in Marina di Modica. A member of the Hilton Tapestry collection it has 42 rooms and three suites, the latter with large terraces and Jacuzzis. It also has a meeting area, the extensive Ciatu Spa with a range of relaxation facilities, a private beach, and the ‘A Truvatura Restaurant which specializes in prime local seafood and wines.

Ragusa and Ispica pile on the Baroque glory

In Ragusa, the duality of the city, between modern Ragusa and historic Ibla, boasts aristocratic palazzi, the ornate San Giorgio Cathedral and the Relais Antica Badia, a boutique hotel in an 18^th-century building with 16 rooms and suites where Baroque elegance meets modern comforts.  Nearby the Donnafugata Castle has gardens with exotic plants and whimsical architectural follies, as well as a collection of evocative period costumes. Local pride also extends to the Ragusano DOP cheese produced by the Progetto Natura Consortium, and the cultivation of sesame just outside the town of Ispica (famous for its carrots) from where Salvatore and Simone Gambuzza export seeds around the world and produce spin-offs like tahini, sesame-covered almonds and cosmetic oils. From June to October it is possible to discover the secrets of its cultivation, and each visit ends with a tasting of sesame-based products. Ispica can wrongly be overlooked, as it missed out on UNESCO status, but it knows how to pile on the Baroque glory, from the votive-laden Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to the Loggiato del Sinatra. This semi-elliptical loggia designed by the architect Vincenzo Sinatra has 23 arches, and recalls Bernini's colonnade in St. Peter's Square in Rome.

The GAL’s Tourism Observatory provides data for operators

The recent press tour and buyer fam trip came under a project aimed at attracting new flows through storytelling and internationalization. Integral to this development plan is the Tourism Observatory which monitors the destination's performance and provides useful data to operators.  Investments are also going into digital innovation on the portal with the introduction of an AI chatbot to support travellers, a business intelligence dashboard at the service of operators, new thematic podcasts and social media campaigns. 

Florence has cracked down on tuk-tuks with a ban that allows only two routes and eight tourists per ride.

Three-wheeled tuk-tuks have come under a new ban

After months of complaints from locals and preservationists, Florence’s major has decided to officially limit the operation of these three-wheeled vehicles which in increasing numbers zigzag through the city’s narrow Renaissance streets. So in the Tuscany city as of this month tuk-tuks are now restricted to just two itineraries, and are allowed to carry a maximum of eight people per tour.

Too many loudspeakers and neon lights

The decision follows growing frustration among residents and heritage organizations over what they call the "visual and acoustic pollution" caused by these vehicles. Often outfitted with loudspeakers and neon lights, tuk-tuks are very popular with visitors for quick sightseeing tours and because they can access areas that are too narrow to take tourist coaches,  but locals have been far from happy for some time about their proliferation.  

“It's about preserving the soul of our city" 

Now, operators must stick to two pre-approved routes that keep them mostly along the Arno river and away from Florence’s historic center. The new rules also prohibit onboard amplification and limit operating hours to preserve the peace, especially during peak tourist seasons. Florence’s mayor Dario Nardella defended his decision saying, "This isn't about rejecting innovation. It's about preserving the soul of our city." And being a UNESCO heritage site Florence must also balance tourism with its history, as well as with its local life.

Tour operators are not happy with the ban

Of course tour operators have expressed concern, arguing that tuk-tuks offer an eco-friendly, accessible way to explore Florence, but their pleas obviously fell on deaf ears. Anyone planning to visit Florence should be aware that the rules have changed and so is the way visitors will be able to explore Florence. 

The magic of the Tuscan countryside at Belmond’s Castello di Casole in Tuscany.

Celebrating the beauty of slow living

During the summer months every Monday Castello di Casole’s ancient courtyard takes on an open-air party atmosphere, with live show cooking stations, Italian music, local producers, creative artisans and a warm and welcoming atmosphere that celebrates the taste and beauty of slow living. The Castle is in the countryside of Querceto which is in the province of Siena.

Stargazing and a movie screening

After dinner, guests move to the amphitheatre overlooking the rolling hills of the 1300-hectare estate to be enchanted by stargazing sessions guided by expert astro-tour guides or the screening of a cult film under the stars, depending on the evening. From 21 July to 15 September, the magic of the night is kindled with “Dinners under the Stars” combining the castle’s refined cuisine with the fascination of its sky, which has obtained the astro-tourist quality certification “I Cieli più belli d'Italia” (Italy's Most Beautiful Skies). This recognition identifies the best places for observing the Italian night sky, using state-of-the-art telescopes, professional lasers and the passionate narration of expert astro-tourist guides. 

A Moebius tasting and the castle’s signature cocktails

On Monday 4 August the stargazing evening will be made even more special with an introduction to Moebius, an iconic Milanese drink bar conceived by Lorenzo Querci. For the occasion, the Moebius team will also present a selection of three signature cocktails inspired by Tuscan botanicals, in a perfect encounter between contemporary mixology and the spirit of the territory. And there will also be three creations from the bar manager Alessio Onida and his team from Castello di Casole’s Bar Visconti. This is a tribute to nature and to the botanicals of the Castello Gardens, which extend over more than a hectare of land which is certified 100% organic.

Cinema under the Stars 

The season closes on Monday 25 August with an evening that pays tribute to the cinema and Italian slow summer experiences of pure “dolce far niente.2 After a convivial Tuscan dinner in the courtyard, guests will be able to enjoy the screening of William Wyler's iconic Roman Holiday in the amphitheatre. The experience begins on the romantic Terrazzino Visconti, where Moët & Chandon Champagne and popcorn will be served, and continues along an illuminated path to the atmospheric amphitheatre, where a large screen and every comfort await guests. Evenings at Casole Castle are an invitation to be surprised by the authentic beauty of the Tuscan countryside, where history meets the art of hospitality and every detail is designed to create moments to remember, under one of the most beautiful skies in Italy.

The major of Praia a Mare on Cosenza’s coast has imposed a midnight curfew for kids aged 14 and under.

Residents are outraged by nighttime clashes

Nights in the little seaside town on the Tyrrhenian coast of Cosenza in Calabria have become a nightmare for residents who are forced to endure nocturnal shouting and fighting between groups of young people, many under the influence of alcohol and drugs.  Now, the ordinance issued by Praia a Mare’s mayor Antonino De Lorenzo, as reported by the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, prohibits kids under 14 from going out from half past midnight to 7 am. 

Fines, and suspension of minors from public events

The fines for anyone breaking the rule will be €100 for children and €250 for their parents or guardians. And they will increase by 50% in the event of repeat offenders, and can also lead to the suspension of minors from public events organised by the municipality. Local police officers and carabinieri will be in charge of supervision. “It is a due act linked to security problems. Kids are doing damage, too many are riding scooters,” explains mayor Antonino De Lorenzo

“We designed the law to protect 14-year-olds”

Mayor De Lorenzo does concede that he would be ready to revoke the new law if parents do their duty in full. “We designed and implemented the law to protect 14-year-olds who run around at all hours of the night, assaulting their peers and causing damage to beach property. It seems to be their favourite game!”