Santa Severa and Tolfa, which are a few kilometres from Civitavecchia, Italy’s biggest cruise port, and respectively an hour, and 90 minutes, from Rome, are a sea and a mountain pearl in the heart of the Lazio region.

Santa Severa: the charm of the sea and history

Santa Severa is a hamlet of the municipality of Santa Marinella, best known for its castle by the sea. Built in the Middle Ages on a pre-existing Etruscan and Roman site, the Castle of Santa Severa is in a unique position right on the beach. It can be visited and regularly hosts museums, exhibitions and cultural events year-round. It is also possible to stay in the Medieval village in the fortress, which has 14 rooms, nine of which with sea views.

Tolfa. Traditions and nature

Tolfa, a Medieval village rich in history and culture, lies some 25 kilometres inland from Santa Severa on a mountain ridge next to the sea. Known in the past for its alum mining, today it is a virtuous example of how local heritage can be enhanced. The historic centre retains its Medieval layout with narrow alleys, small squares and lovely views. On the highest point of the village, from the ruins of the Castle of the Rocca, there are splendid views and the small Medieval church of the Madonna della Rocca. Tolfa is also home to the famous “Tolfa” leather bag, a handcrafted product that has been handed down through generations.

Santa Severa and Tolfa are two contrasting sides of the same territory, set between the blue Tyrrhenian Sea and the green Lazio hills, and are perfect for a day outing or weekend itinerary.

In the heart of the Julian Alps, the Val Canale lakes in Friuli Venezia Giulia offer enchanting natural wonders in every season of the year.

The two Fusine Lakes

This small corner of Italy, on the eastern border, just a stone's throw from Slovenia and Austria, can boast unforgettable landscapes and evocative experiences. It has the two Fusine lakes of glacial origin, known as Lago Superiore and Lago Inferiore, which are set between the mountains and joined by a pathway through a centuries-old forest. In summer the green of the fir trees is reflected on the surface of the water, in autumn the larch trees turn golden yellow and orange and in winter the lakes freeze over while in spring the ice melts slowly and the waters become crystal-clear.

A Mushing Sleddog School

Thanks to the International Mushing-Sleddog School, located on the Fusine plain, it is possible to try your hand at driving sleds pulled by Siberian huskies, through snow-covered landscapes. The Centre is led by the legendary Ararad Khatchikian, protagonist, among others, of the legendary expedition “In the footsteps of Balto, 1,200 kilometres in Alaska”. The entire area is rich in wildlife, and it is not difficult to encounter roe deer, deer and foxes. The walks along the path between the lakes are suitable for everyone, while the more experienced can proceed to the Zacchi alpine hut, at an altitude of some 1,400 metres. In summer, rowing boats and pedal boats can be hired, and cycling enthusiasts can enjoy the Alpe Adria Radweg cycle route, which connects Salzburg with Grado.

Lake Predil is another Alpine gem

A few kilometres from Fusine, Lake Predil is another Alpine gem. The second largest lake in Friuli Venezia Giulia, it is also the deepest lake in the region. At an altitude of almost one thousand metres, it lies at the foot of the imposing Cima del Lago and Monte Cinque Punte, which reach a height of two thousand metres. The colour of its waters is typical of Alpine lakes, ranging from deep blue to emerald green, and even in summer its waters are cold and clear, with temperatures constantly around 6°. Predil is also relevant from a historical-geological point of view, having been an important mining centre until not so long ago. The road along the lake leads to the picturesque Predil Pass, the border pass with Slovenia. 

Tarvisio is close to Austria and Slovenia

Tarvisio, which is a short distance from the two lakes is a small town very close to Austria and Slovenia. It offers a warm welcome to visitors and is famous for its market. A cable car that starts near Tarvisio goes up to Mount Lussari where, in addition to a breathtaking view over three European nations, there is an ancient and evocative Marian sanctuary, and a small village (the highest in the region). In winter, Mount Lussari is the centre of the Tarvisio ski resort, with slopes for all levels. 

Bolgheri, in the heart of Livorno’s Maremma region, is Tuscany in a glass.

Authentic simplicity and elegant charm

The little village of Bolgheri has become world-famous for its wine, its timeless beauty and a poem that has made it immortal.  With just a handful of stone houses, a Medieval castle and an avenue famous in Italian literature, Bolgheri is a destination that enchants with its authentic simplicity and elegant charm. 

The iconic row of cypress trees

The village can be reached by following the legendary Viale dei Cipressi, a row of cypress trees made immortal by the Italian poet Giosuè Carducci. About five kilometres long, this straight avenue is flanked by over two thousand cypress trees and is one of the most iconic views in Italy, as well as being the symbol of a profoundly identifiable agricultural landscape. Bolgheri, in the Tuscan Maremma region, is what Italians call a borgo, a hamlet or village, and though it is small it is rich in history with the castle of the Della Gherardesca family dominating the entrance. Visitors wander along cobbled lanes with artisan workshops and stop for refreshment at small restaurants serving traditional Maremma dishes. 

The famous local wine cellars

The area is world-famous for its wine production. Since the 1970s, Bolgheri has become synonymous with excellence thanks to the so-called “Super Tuscans”, red wines of the highest quality such as Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Grattamacco that are true icons of world oenology.  The Wine Road of the Etruscan Coast offers numerous opportunities to visit and taste local wine cellars, where the combination of innovation and respect for tradition is tangible in every glass. And not only wine as the area also produces fantastic olive oil, chestnuts, wild boar and mushrooms.

The surroundings of Bolgheri

A few kilometres from Bolgheri the Tyrrhenian coast offers a perfect alternative for those who wish to combine art, culture and good wine with the pleasure of the sea. Marina di Castagneto Carducci is the nearest and easily accessible seaside resort, with long sandy beaches, clean water and shady pine forests. The coastline is largely free, but there are also well-equipped private lidos, restaurants and accommodation facilities suitable for families and travellers seeking tranquil surroundings. The sea here is shallow which is perfect for children, and the Blue Flag awarded each year testifies to the quality of the water and the services. 

The Rimigliano Park has sand dunes, woods and beaches

A distinctive feature of the coast is the Mediterranean scrub that reaches down to the beach, with maritime pines, holm oaks and junipers creating a unique and well-preserved ecosystem.  A little further south, the Rimigliano Park has sand dunes, woods and beaches and continuing along the coast, a stop at Castiglioncello is a must. This refined seaside resort beloved by artists and intellectuals, is still a  popular and elegant beach resort. The Via Aurelia, an ancient Roman consular road, easily connects Bolgheri with the entire coastline, facilitating fast and scenic travel between villages, vineyards and the sea. The road is also a strategic route for those wishing to head fowards Pisa, Livorno and Rome. 

There is a Sardinia you’ve got to discover: a mountain oasis half an hour from the beaches of Olbia and the Costa Smeralda. 

A stunning mountain where peace reigns

Mount Limbara – it’s peak is called Punta Balistreri - reaches a height of 1,362 metres in the  Gallura region and is a spectacle of granite rocks and mountain woods, where peace reigns. On the way up, at about 1,000 metres, along the panoramic road that climbs towards the peaks of the Limbara, there is a delightful little country church, dedicated to the Madonna della Neve.

For hikers, photographers, nature lovers and botanists

The entire area of this mountain massif is a paradise for hikers and trekkers, but also for photographers, nature lovers and botanists. Its forests are home to birds of prey, deer and mouflon, and there are beautiful views of the Gallura coast, the hinterland, and, on some days, even as far as Corsica. This is Sardinia at its most authentic.

Nuragic giants’ tombs

Around Limbara there are some of the island's iconic sites: the Nuraghe Majorinear, the town of Tempio Pausania, several domus de janas and giants’ tombs representing the Nuragic civilisation (one of the oldest in the world) a well as the large Lake Coghinas. And just 20 minutes away the village of Berchidda is worth visiting for the museum of the famous Gallura Vermentino wine, although its is perhaps best known to jazz enthusiasts.

A festival organized by the trumpeter Paolo Fresu

In this remote town, every year since 1988, the well-known trumpeter Paolo Fresu has brought some of the world's greatest jazz musicians to Sardinia for the international “Time in Jaz”  Festival (official website timeinjazz.it) Fresu organizes the festival in his hometown, and it has become one of the most important musical events in Europe. In the middle week of August each year the event combines music, art, cinema, literature and the environment.

Time in Jazz is from 8-16 August this year

 “Time in Jazz” is a scattered festival, which events that takes place in Berchidda in the evening, as well as morning and sunset concerts in evocative locations such as woodlands, country churches, small villages, and natural sites. Ornette Coleman, Uri Caine, Bill Frisell, Jan Garbarek, Omar Sosa, Pat Metheny, and the Italians, Enrico Rava, Ornella Vanoni, and Stefano Bollani have all played in the various editions. This year the event will take place from 8 to 16 August and will star Richard Galliano, Jan Lundgren, Danilo Rea and other famous artists. 

Mount Etna, from the sea to the sky is Sicily’s fiery heart, and is the highest active volcano on the Euro-Asian plate.

Close to Catania and Taormina

Rising to a height of 3,400 metres, Mount Etna stands thirty-five kilometres from the centre of Catania and fifty-six from the spectacular little town of Taormina. Located in the Etna Park, it is a unique natural environment on 59,000 hectares with an extraordinary landscape. Ascending to the top all kinds of views and vegetation alternate from forests to broom, pine and birch, almost as if you were in northern Europe, until you reach the incomparable scenery around the upper crater.

A UNESCO natural environment  

“A muntagna,” as the islanders call it entered the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013 in the category of natural environments joining the Dolomites, the Aeolian Islands, and Monte San Giorgio. The motivation reads: “Etna is one of the most active iconic volcanoes in the world and an extraordinary example of continuous geological processes and volcanic formations. The stratovolcano is characterized by almost continuous eruptive activity from its summit craters and fairly frequent eruptions and lava flows ...” In winter it snows up there, and the white slopes can even be seen from Catania, Siracusa and Taormina, and often lasting until summer. And of course there is skiing. 

The Mareneve cycle trail and an exceptional wine 

For those who want to go all the way up to the top, there is a cable car and a series of trekking routes of all levels on the craters. To be done preferably with the numerous guides and tours that leave from the neighbouring towns. The road up to the summit of the volcano is the famous Mareneve, recognized by National Geographic as one of the 70 most evocative routes to be cycled. On the way up there is the Grotta dei Ladroni, a tunnel of lava flow where, equipped with helmets and torches, it is possible enter and find out about Etna’s history and geological conformation. For the more adventurous there is horseback riding, quad biking and Etna Wine Tours, to sample Sicilian foods and wines. An exceptional wine is in fact produced on its slopes, given the fertility and typicality of its soil resulting in a wine with hints of red fruits, strawberries, raspberries and floral notes, which derive from the particular and unique characteristics of the lava soil.