The Lazio region in the centre of Italy truly appeals in all four seasons, and its Turano Valley offers timeless escapes for nature lovers. 

The Turano Valley is just an hour and a half from Rome

In summer Lazio is a huge draw with its coastal towns and beaches but many visitors, especially those seeking nature’s quiet rhythms, authenticity and slower-paced travel, discover there are charming inland towns and villages to explore. Like in the Turano Valley, which is just an hour and a half from Rome in the province of Rieti, and invites travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in a world of scenic paths, authentic traditions, and charming small towns.

Solar-powered eco-friendly cruises on Lake Tora

One is Castel di Tora, which is perched dramatically above Lake Turano, a lovely medieval village that clings to a rocky promontory, with postcard-perfect views in every direction. Its old alleyways climb pas stone houses to the central square where locals gather, and the little Church of San Giovanni Evangelista. Its biggest attraction is the lake, which is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and for outings on the new eco-friendly cruises aboard the solar-powered Thiora boat. This offers narrated cruises, sunset aperitifs and educational tours year-round and is a refreshing way to rediscover the lake’s beauty, myths, and biodiversity. On June 21-22 and June 28 Casel di Tora will host the Turano Blues Festival which will echo across the lake, attracting lovers of music.  

Traditional wild boar ragu pasta and family-run B&Bs

Just ten kilometres away Paganico Sabino is another charming hill town. The Grotto Trail winds through woodlands and rocky outcrops, revealing natural caverns like the Sotterra and Ronoriu, once rustic shelters and now open to visitors. Paganico also delights food lovers with traditional dishes like pettole (small fried dough balls), pasta with wild boar ragù, and local cheeses. There are also many guesthouses and family-run B&Bs in and around the town.

Collalto Sabino has an annual pilgrimage every 24 June

Further along the valley, Collalto Sabino, officially one of Italy’s “Most Beautiful Villages”, is encircled by Medieval walls, with cobbled streets and mountain views. Its Monte San Giovanni in Fistola Trail leads to the ruins of a Medieval church and a Roman sanctuary, which is honored every year during the annual June 24 pilgrimage that turns the quiet hilltop into a stage where past and present meet.  Culinary traditions here lean toward grilled meats, lentils from nearby Santo Stefano, and handmade pasta dishes with truffles and prized porcini mushrooms. More than enough to satisfy even the most demanding of gourmets.

It is celebration time for the Mandarin Oriental Milan, which is celebrating its first 10 years in the Lombard capital and offering a city package.

The hotel has deep connections with the city

The festivities consist of a series of experiences that enhance the deep connection between the hotel and the city, paying homage to its rich cultural heritage. The link with Milan is also reflected in executive chef Antonio Guida's cuisine and with experiences dedicated to guests in the holistic Spa.


A special package available from 30 July to 21 December

“A Tribute to Ten Years in Milan” is the package guests can enjoy from 30 July to 21 December which includes: a stay in one of the Milano Suites, which have an elegant colour palette and chic Milanese design. There is also breakfast for two served in the privacy of the suite or in the lively Mandarin Garden and welcome delicacies featuring Milan as well as an aperitif for two at the Mandarin Garden, where guests can enjoy creations by the expert team of mixologists. It further includes a private tour of the new Palazzo Citterio, part of the Grande Brera project, to discover its collection of 20th-century art, and finally, a 10% discount on selected treatments at the Spa.




Contemporary cuisine in the Seta restaurant and a Spa

Mandarin Oriental Milan is housed in four elegant, completely renovated 18th-century buildings located on Via Andegari, in the heart of the city. The hotel has104 rooms including 36 suites and junior suites and an eclectic selection of contemporary cuisine and cocktails at the fine dining restaurant Seta and the Mandarin Garden. Both restaurants are overseen by Executive Chef Antonio Guida and have access to two beautiful outdoor courtyards for alfresco experiences. The Spa has six treatment rooms, a state-of-the-
art beauty salon, a hair salon, a fitness centre and an indoor pool.

Visitors, who come from far and wide, fall in love with the little town of Ceriana in Liguria. 

Historical, cultural and natural attractions

Ceriana, on Italy’s northeastern coastline in Liguria is a member of the Italy’s Most Beautiful Small Towns collection. This hilltop village, half an hour’s drive climbing up from the coast into the Ligurian hills, is known for its mix of historical, cultural and natural attractions.  

“Many visitors come back again and again” 

ItaliAbsolutely asked Ceriana’s mayor Maurizio Caviglia what visitors can expect to find in the little town. “Culturally we have a lot to offer, thanks to our well-preserved Medieval architecture, stone alleyways and over 20 ancient churches,- says the mayor.  - Many of our visitors come from abroad, even as far as the United States while others arrive from northern Europe. For example many of them come back again and again, from Denmark in particular, and they often stay for long periods also to partake in traditional events and customs.” 

Bundassu

Social media and events boost arrivals to the town

“Our main means of promoting Ceriana and its surrounding area is through social media and the many events we are able to organize throughout the year, as we are just 360 metres asl and so have a mild climate. One event which is always a big draw is Easter with processions and festivities, and in and around the town there is a good choice of home rentals and small agritourism properties which are much in demand. “

The annual Sausage Festival is on 16 and 17 August 

Another popular festival in Ceriana is the Sagra della Salsiccia, the local sausage festival held in August, which celebrates the village’s prize-winning traditional pork sausages with food, music, and dancing.  This year the festivities will be held on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August. “We are also popular with nature lovers who come to enjoy our biking, hiking and walking trails in the surrounding countryside and to enjoy panoramic views of the Ligurian Alps and the sea.” 

Close to the sea and 40 minutes from Nice-s international airport

Despite its small size Ceriana has a lively cultural scene with many exhibitions, shows and concerts, and not just during the summer months but year-round. In a peaceful rural context not far from the coast, it is also close to popular sun and sea resorts like San Remo which is just 12 miles or half an hour’s drive away – and so perfect for day trips - while the French Riviera city of Nice is just 40 miles away and has an international airport.  

The Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort by R Collection Hotels has been accepted into Virtuoso's exclusive portfolio of luxury travel partners which includes 2,300 preferred suppliers in 100 countries.

Virtuoso is the world’s largest luxury network

Having the property join Virtuoso will provide new sales and marketing opportunities for the network's luxury travel consultants and their highly desirable clientele. Virtuoso agencies worldwide sell an average of $35 billion a year, making the network the largest player in the luxury travel industry.

Through Virtuoso hotels connect with leading leisure agencies

“Virtuoso's selection process is incredibly selective, so becoming a preferred partner is a real honour,- said Riccardo Bortolotti, the hotel’s general manager. -The reputation of Virtuoso's affiliated agencies for their exceptional dedication to clients fits perfectly with our personalized approach to service. Now that we are part of this renowned network, we look forward to offering Virtuoso consultants and their clients special services, values and experiences that will exceed their expectations." The Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort's entry into Virtuoso allows it to establish direct relationships with the world's leading leisure travel agencies in North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. 

A Michelin-star restaurant and the Erre Spa

Owned and managed by R Collection Hotels, an extraordinary portfolio of family-run luxury hotels, the Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort is a five-star property on the Portofino coastline. Built in 1908, the hotel was renovated in 2023 and has 80 elegant rooms and suites, most with panoramic sea views. Guests can indulge in a wide range of dining experiences, from the Michelin-star Le Cupole restaurant to a casual bistro and a gourmet pizzeria by the pool. The multi-award-winning Erre Spa (the largest hotel spa in Liguria) offers state-of-the-art wellness treatments and relaxation with sea views. Ideally located within walking distance of Rapallo and close to destinations such as Portofino and the Cinque Terre, the hotel is a luxurious gateway to the Italian Riviera. For information: rcollectionhotels.co.uk/en/grand-hotel-bristol.

Calabria’s three airports are strategic hubs for Southern Italy, with over 2 million transit passengers in the first six months of this year.

Almost at the four million passenger mark

This is a 29.3% rise over the same period in 2024, and the aim is to cross the four million mark by December. “This result, the best ever for the Calabrian airport system over a six-month period, is the result of a strategy that has focused on a significant expansion of international routes, on the optimization of domestic traffic and on investments in Crotone, Reggio Calabria and Lamezia Terme airports,” reported a note from the regional airport management company SACAL.

New flights drive the excellent performance


In the first six months of 2025, travellers passing through Crotone totalled 155,823 (+34%), Lamezia Terme 1,371,434 (+15.1%) and Reggio Calabria 476,227 (+113.9%) for an overall total of 2,003,484 travellers (29.3%). With 444,813 passengers handled (+19.5% compared to June 2024), June marks the best result for the Calabrian airport system. Driving this performance were new flights together with the expansion of international routes.

Growth from many European destinations

Lamezia Terme is confirmed as a point of reference for international traffic, with an important growth in routes from France, Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic and Romania. Reggio Calabria marks the highest growth, with an increase of 113.9% in the six-month period, thanks to the expansion of domestic routes and a consolidation of international traffic, while Crotone continues its growth path with good numbers, the reopening of international connectivity and a renewed interest from tour operators.

“We record an excellent 98% punctuality on all flights”

“2025 is a decisive year for Calabria’s airports,- commented Marco Franchini, SACAL's administrator. - The data confirms that we are close to exceeding four million passengers and recording an excellent 98% punctuality on all flights. These results are the result of a well-defined strategy, built on four pillars: strengthening connectivity, targeted investments, quality of services and enhancing the skills of SACAL’s personnel. Our commitment continues with determination: we want to make the Calabrian airport system increasingly competitive, sustainable and fully integrated in the economic and social development of a region that is experiencing a positive and dynamic phase of change.”

The FS Italian state railway’s Trenti Turistici Italiani tourist trains to the Côte d'Azur, and art, food and wine journeys.

From the Côte d'Azur to the Maritime Alps

This summer, in addition to the Riviera Express Rome-Marseille, this season’s best-seller also sees a historic train on the Ferrovia delle Meraviglie railway between Ventimiglia and Tenda: two trains that interpret and sum up the travel philosophy of this FS Group. The Espresso Riviera is an international train linking Rome and Marseille in July and August: an iconic journey designed for tourists who wish to travel in comfort in sleeper or couchette coaches and with a dedicated in-car catering service. Trains operate from Italy to France every Friday and in the opposite direction on Saturdays.

A vintage train on the Ligurian Riviera

Another popular service is the Railway of Wonders, a collaboration with CARF (French Riviera Agglomeration Community) on board a vintage train from the Ligurian Riviera to the Val de Roya resorts. The historic train, with 1930s Centoporte carriages and pulled by a diesel locomotive in period livery, will also run on 3, 10, 17 and 31 August before making its last journey on 6 September.

From Rome, a journey through food and wine heritage

From October to December, it will be possible to travel to Arezzo every Sunday, passing through Assisi, to discover Umbria and Tuscany and with the possibility of visiting Terni, Spello, Spoleto, Assisi or Perugia in a day, travelling on board the comfortable lounge cars or enjoying tasting experiences on board the restaurant car. From October to November, on the occasion of the 95th Alba White Truffle Fair, it will be possible to leave from the capital and reach the fragrant heart of Piedmont aboard a night train with sleeper coaches and restaurant service.