After an eight-year international tour the funerary trousseau of Queen Nefertari (1295-1255 BC) returned to the Egyptian Museum in Turin on 9 August. 

The exhibits toured the world before returning to Turin

The tour, which started in Leiden in the Netherlands in 2016 then travelled to the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg and numerous museums in the USA and Canada before making its return to the norther Italian city.  Curated by Enrico Ferraris, with the collaboration of Cinzia Soddu, the new exhibition was realized with the support of the Crt foundation.

Over 40 tombs were discovered

Jewellery, amulets, ushabti and footwear: these are some of the exhibits on display, returning to the showcases that were commissioned by Ernesto Schiaparelli, who at the time headed the Egyptian Museum and discovered the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens near Luxor in 1904. It was in the winter of 1903 that Schiaparelli and his Egyptian and Italian colleagues concentrated their research for three years on the site, discovering over 40 tombs, but the most sensational discovery was that of Queen Nefertari.

Paintings of Nefertari’s afterlife journey 

The wooden model of the tomb, made by Schiaparelli in the early decades of the last century, are also on display. The reproduction offers the opportunity to look in detail at the complex cycle of paintings dedicated to Nefertari's afterlife journey, which served the Getty Conservation Institute as the basis for the restoration of the original paintings in the 1990s.
For information: https://www.museoegizio.it

The Elba Legend Run, a new trail running race on the Tuscan island, will be held on 6 October. 

Three different distances

The competition covers three different distances, 13, 25, and 60 kilometres, to meet the needs of both simple enthusiasts and trail running professionals. The two shorter distances are run almost entirely on the tracks of the legendary Capoliveri Legend Cup, a world championship trail. The route winds along the ridges of Mount Calamita between the town of Capoliveri and the open sea, offering natural settings and breathtaking views.

The longest route is 60 kilometres

The 60-kilometre race will be run on a more technical track, certainly more appealing to even the international public of experienced runners. The route, which winds mainly within the territory of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, covers the eastern side of the island, joining the two mining sites of Capoliveri and Rio. In addition to the mines, the route offers evocative passages over the sea and leads up to the Castle of Volterraio, in an up and down that gives the race a height difference of 3,000 metres.

Other sporting experiences

The programme of collateral events before the races will include all kinds of activities and sporting experiences from hiking on mining sites to yoga and pilates sessions, bike tours on the Legend Cup tracks and other spectacular destinations, to discover the eastern side of the island. Cultural tourism, cooking classes, as well as visits to mining sites, other island villages and Napoleonic residences will complete the offer.

Discounts on car ferries

Finally, a word on the island's October weather, which is still in its beautiful summer livery but without the heat and crowds of the high season. The collaboration with Moby will also make it possible to offer a special rate to those who register and reach the island with a car in tow. Agreements with hotels and campsites are also available.

Lake Garda in early autumn is a kaleidoscope of colours and scents at one of the Lago di Garda camping villages.

Swimming, canoeing, trekking and cycling

It is worth planning a few days on beautiful Lake Garda in one of the Lago di Garda camping villages, which offer a selection of facilities.  On the Veneto and Lombardy shores of the Benaco, in scenic spots, these villages overlook beautiful stretches of coastline with direct access to the water for the last swims of the year in the lake or in a heated swimming pool, or for some canoeing. And then there are also trekking and cycling routes, starting directly from the campsites and following, for example, the flat cycle path from Lazise to Punta San Vigilio. This route of about eight miles that touches Bardolino, a lakeside resort known for its beautiful historic centre and excellent Bardolino wine, and the village of Garda, on the romantic gulf which is known for its legendary fortress.

The Bardolino Grape and Wine Festival from 3 to 7 October

Now in its 93rd year, the Grape and Wine Festival will be held this year from 3 to 7 October in the town of Bardolino with five days of festivities, during which visitors will be able to enjoy evening concerts, food and wine stalls, stands dedicated to Bardolino wine, guided tastings (organized by the Consorzio Tutela Vino Classico DOC) theatre performances, conferences and and exhibitions of the best grapes and the best Bardolino wines.

The Lazise Honey Festival  from 4 to 6 October

Traditionally, the first week of October Lazise hosts an event in the name of sweetness: I giorni del Miele' (Honey Days), dedicated to beekeeping, honey and beehive-related products used for health and beauty. This will be the 45 edition of the festival and in addition to the rich market and exhibition dedicated to honeys from all over Italy, the large exhibition area will host beekeeping products, machinery and equipment, and a rare selection focusing on publishing in the sector.  The aim of the event is to promote knowledge of beekeeping, honey production and its derivatives, as well as a greater awareness of bee protection.

Lake Garda’s olive and grape harvests

From the beginning of autumn, Lake Garda becomes the scene of two festive activities linked to its excellence: the grape and olive harvests, with various producers opening their doors to visitors. Many of the facilities on lagodigardacamping.com work directly with producers, allowing those staying in the camping villages to enjoy the grape and olive harvests from a privileged vantage point. Among the companies that open their doors to guests are the Cantina Casetto in Cisano di Bardolino, the Azienda Agricola Roccolo del Lago in Lazise and the Azienda Agricola Guerrieri Rizzardi in Bardolino. 

Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake

Whether it is to take a break in nature, to do some gourmet shopping or discover something more about wine and honey, the Lago di Garda Camping facilities are the ideal choice to experience all the poetry of Italy's largest lake which in autumn is always a winning choice. For information: www.lagodigardacamping.com

“Aromas of Italy, Discover the Italy You Didn't Know – An Italian Journey” will promote Italy and its iconic foods, using an original an olfactory kit.

17 different Italian food products 

The aim is to identity Italy’s iconic foods through 17 different products and tastes on a latest-generation restaurant-bus that will tour the country using an olfactory kit. The project is supported by tourism minister Daniela Santanchè, as part of the Ministry of Tourism's National Promotion Plan 2022. 

The bus will tour Italy

The project, which is the brainchild of the Tuscany Region, with Toscana Promozione Turistica as the lead partner, will consist of two stages:  a state-of-the-art bus-restaurant equipped with all comforts that will tour Italy, and the creation of an olfactory kit that aims to be a new and original promotional tool for promoting the best of Italy’s gastronomy.

The Aromi d’Italia tour will end in October

The “Aromi d'Italia” tour will consist of 17 stops. The first in Turin was on 2 September and it will end in October. On each stage the 30 guests will include journalists, influencers selected from those who took part in the Italy Ambassador Awards and stakeholders – with tastings organized by the Italian Federation of Chefs featuring a regional dish that uses symbolic products.   

The olfactory kit will contain different scents

The fragrance of freshly baked bread, the aroma of the moka coffee pot or a ragù sauce simmering in the pot have the power to evoke powerful sensations. The connection between the sense of smell and emotions allows scents to influence our mood and recall memories. The original olfactory kit will contain different scents, to be used at events and trade fairs; an innovative promotional tool, a new approach to wine and food tourism.

“Italy’s cuisine is a main attraction for tourists” 

Underlining the importance of the project tourism minister Daniela Santanchè said:

“Italy’s cuisine, which is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status, is one of the main elements of attraction for Italian and international tourists. This project enhances our food and wines by promoting a narrative of Italian culture through different local aromas and flavours.”  

Isaholidays' Isamar Holiday Village is the ideal way to discover Chioggia in the Venetian lagoon.

Chioggia, a painting that opens onto the Lagoon

The New York Times listed Chioggia among the 52 places to visit in the world in 2022, describing the city’s architectural and environmental wonders in detail. A town “built on a cluster of islands in the Venetian lagoon, with centuries-old buildings rising from canals in all their decadent splendor.” Chioggia welcomes a more sustainable form of tourism, removed from the masses that descend on Venice. While  perhaps less well-known than Venice, it can boast an equally proud and authentic character. Known as early as Roman times for its strategic position linking the hinterland and the Euganean Hills to the sea, Chioggia gained commercial importance for its salt production. Beware! Chioggia is not just a Little Venice! 

Monuments, art and a fascinating fish market

To get to know Chioggia one must wander through picturesque Medieval alleyways, and cross the main street, the heart of the city, Corso del Popolo, to the Cathedral of Santa Maria inspired by the Palladian style. A little further on stand the Church of Sant'Andrea and the Clock Tower, which is among the oldest still functioning in the world. But to delve into the true spirit of Chioggia, visitors must go to the fish market which is a truly authentic and unforgettable experience. 

Not just art but also great beaches

Among Chioggia's marvels the New York Times cites its beaches which attract couples, families, and singles. The beaches of Sottomarina and Isola Verde are famous for their curative properties for respiratory problems. The Isamar Holiday Village beach has been a Green Flag since 2016. This ranking awards beaches with the best facilities for families and children. Chioggi’s beaches are sandy and have shallow waters with lifeguard services as well as recreational, sports and educational activities, and there are also swimming pools and water parks with everything needed for a great holiday. Isamar Holiday Village has the added bonus of a convenient shuttle bus that leaves directly from the village for Chioggia.

From Chioggia to Pellestrina, from Lido to Venice

Neither far nor near: Chioggia is connected to Venice by a convenient vaporetto public boat service to the Lido, passing through the Ca' Roman and Pellestrina nature reserves. This route can also be cycled thanks to the Actv landing stage just below “el gato de Ciosa,” a monumental column that looks out to sea from the piazza.

Isamar’s offers for  September

September from €130 per accommodation with entertainment included and services open (from 08/09 to 15/09). VIP week: from 22/09 to 29/09 with free parking for a second car, free minigolf and complimentary prosecco (prices from €355 per week per accommodation) The offers include the use of all the services of the Isaholidays villages: access to the Water Park with eight swimming pools and six slides, daytime and evening entertainment, mini and junior clubs, gym, five-a-side football pitches, tennis courts, archery, beach volleyball, collective sports courses, free WI-FI in public areas, 24H security service. For information: www.villaggioisamar.com;

Emilia Romagna and Marche, two Italian regions rich in history, culture, breathtaking landscapes and world-renowned cuisine.

Emilia Romagna is famous for its historic cities, vibrant cultural life, exciting gastronomy ranging from the world-famous lasagna and tasty tortellini to Modena’s balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese, added to which it offers opportunities for relaxation and fun on its golden Adriatic beaches.

The Marche region, while less well-known than Emilia Romagna is equally fascinating, with a variety of landscapes ranging from the Apennine mountains to the beaches of the Adriatic. As well as Urbino, the birthplace of the great artist Raphael, to Pesaro which is the birthplace of the famous composer Giacchino Rossini and Ancona, it is also admired for the spectacular Frasassi Caves karst formations, and for charming little medieval towns like Gradara and Offida.

Our fam trip is a short tour through these lands that offer a variety of experiences ranging from art to wellness, and from active tourism to centuries-old culinary traditions. Then participants will have the chance to spend two half-days with Italian operators who are interested in meeting international travel specialists and laying the foundations for fruitful and lasting collaborations.

To join this event write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.!

8 October:

- Arrival at Bologna airport

- Transfer to Rimini by GoOpti; check in at Club del Sole Rimini

- Free time

- Aperitif and presentation of the Club del Sole brand and facilities

- Dinner and overnight at the Club del Sole Rimini

9 October:

- After breakfast appointments with travel companies and organizations

- Lunch

- Appointments with travel companies and organizations

- 4.00 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Guided tour of Rimini's old town centre

- Return to hotel

- 20.00 p.m. Dinner 

- Overnight at the Club del Sole Rimini

10 October:

- After breakfast  appointments with travel companies and organizations

- Lunch and return to hotel

- 16.00 transfer to Pesaro

- Guided tour of Pesaro's historic center followed by a presentation and dinner offered by the Marche Region

- Return to hotel (about 35 minutes) and overnight at Club del Sole Rimini

 

11 October 2024

- After the breakfast, check-out

- Appointments with travel companies and organizations; lunch

- Transfer to Cesena, meet the guide at the IAT office in Piazza del Popolo 9 and start of the city tour. Visit to the Malatesta Library, a splendid example of a Renaissance monastic library, a time machine that takes us back to 1454 and that, for its extraordinary relevance, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005 as a “Memory of the World.” This is followed by a visit to the Rocca Malatestiana, an admirable example of defensive architecture, built on the Garampo Hill in a dominant position overlooking the city.
6.00 p.m.

- Transfer to Bagno di Romagna

- Overnight and dinner at the Balneum Hotel in Via Lungo Savio, 17.

 

12 October 2024

- After the breakfast in hotel, check out and departure for a guided walk around the spa town whose beneficial waters were already known to the ancient Romans, and is now a popular thermal centre selected as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy,” as well as being an ideal starting point for trekking and cycling routes for all levels of difficulty. The tour continues from Piazza Ricasoli to the ancient Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, to Palazzo del Capitano and to the Sentiero degli Gnomi (Gnome’s Trail), ending with a presentation of the thermal establishments

- Transfer to Sarsina where you will take a leap back 2500 years to discover the local stories, culture, traditions and curiosities. A history that starts in the 5th century B.C. and that you will admire through the exhibits in the National Archaeological Museum and around the town. You will also discover that Sarsina's most illustrious and famous citizen is Titus Maccius Plautus, the great Latin playwright who staged many aspects of daily life with liveliness, freshness and humour.

- Typical lunch and transfer by bus to Mercato Saraceno, visit to a wine cellar in Mercato Saraceno with a wine tasting, in particular of the Famoso, a Romagna variety of wine from the upper Savio Valley.

- Transfer to Genga (Frasassi caves area), check-in at the Hotel Le Grotte followed by a short site inspection

- Pre-dinner presentation of the Frasassi area and possible itineraries 

- Dinner at Ristorante Le Grotte

 

13 October:

- Breakfast and at 9:30 a guided tour of the Frasassi Caves followed by a visit to the Abbey of San Vittore  and the Speleopaleontological and Archaeological Museum    

- Site inspection of the Hotel Terme. Short visit to Pierosara and lunch at the Ristorante Da Maria

- Afternoon guided visit to the Madonna di Frasassi Sanctuary

- Return to hotel and time to relax

- 18:00 Guided visit of the town of Genga and the Museum of Territorial Art History with VR360 

- Dinner at the Ristorante La Scaletta

 

14 October:

- After breakfast transfer to Bologna airport

N.B. The programme can be subject to change. The final programme will be sent to buyers before their departure for Italy. All ground services are offered by Itadilux Srl. For the flights / international transportation Itadilux Srl will refund maximum 150 euro for European buyers and 250 euro for overseas buyers. 

 

 
Ph credits: 
Bagno di Romagna(FC), La Panoramica,ph.Lusini Mattia,archivio comunale
BagnodiRomagna Piscina EuroTerme ArchivioComunale
Cesena, Biblioteca Malatestiana, Aula del Nuti, Archivio IAT Cesena
Mercato Saraceno (FC) Città del vino 
Sarsina-Piazza Plauto e Basilica Cattedrale San Vicinio, ph Giampaolo Bernabini

 

Fifteen venues have been chosen in the towns of Camagna, Vignale, Montemagno and Castagnole to host Panorama Monferrato from 4 to 8 September 2024.

The Belmond Group is a main sponsor

This, the fourth edition of the diffused exhibition launched by the Italics network in 2021, and which comprises over 70 galleries of ancient, modern and contemporary art on an annual basis, connecting architecture, art and landscape with the territory and its communities. And, for the third consecutive year, the Belmond Group has confirmed its support as main partner.

This year the exhibition’s theme is Monferrato

After the experiences on the island of Procida (2021), in Monopoli (2022) and in L'Aquila (2023), the choice has therefore been made to deal with a very different context from the previous editions: Monferrato where hills, landscapes and rural traditions combine to create a unique cultural heritage. Curated by Carlo Falciani, Panorama Monferrato develops its exhibition itinerary in the four towns, creating an active and constant dialogue with the territory, its institutions and inhabitants.

Exciting venues in 4 Monferrato towns

From the former Cottolengo charity centre, to the town hall in Camagna, from Palazzo Callori to the Church of the Battuti in Vignale, from the castle to the Voltoni Scalea Barocca in Montemagno, from the Church of the Annunziata to the Maestra House and the former Regina Elena nursery school in Castagnole. These are the venues that are preparing to host a never-before-seen story, the result of the contribution of 62 Italics galleries and 63 artists (from the masters of the past to big names of contemporary art), who with their works, ranging from painting to sculpture and from installations to video-art, present a cross-section of art history from the 2nd century A.D. to the present day.

Each town is involved at a different time of day

As with previous editions Panorama will activate special projects and collaborations with the region's cultural institutions, with the aim of establishing deep and lasting connections and generating virtuous relationships that can go beyond the event itself. In fact Panorama Monferrato's public programme accompanies visitors by activating each town along the route at different times of day. For example, from the first Wednesday and for the entire duration of the event, in the Fiorenzo Rizzone municipal theatre in Castagnole, the public will be invited to take part in a visual journey through the history of Monferrato, its history, culture and territory with a continuous screening of films, short films and documentaries from 1950 to the present day.

According to a study by Holidu.it, one of Europe's largest booking portals for holiday homes and flats, Sardinia absolutely dominates the list of Italy’s 50 best-loved beaches. 

Puglia, Liguria and Tuscany follow well behind Sardinia

Sardinia has a truly impressive number of beaches in the top 50, with 39 out of 50 in the ranking, and all of them in the first 12 positions.  The Puglia region follows well behind with four beaches, the first of which is the Porto Selvaggio beach in 20th position, followed by San Pietro in Bevagna in 22nd. Liguria and Tuscany each have two beaches; for the former  Boccadasse in 16th place and Varigotti Beach 39th, while Tuscany  is represented by two beaches on the Island of Elba: Cavoli beach in Campo in 17th place and Padulella beach in Portoferraio in 38th place. And there is one beach each for Marche, Calabria and Abruzzo.

Scivu Beach on the Costa Verde takes first prize

The top 12 positions in the ranking are all in Sardinia and dominating the list is the beach of Scivu, one of the most enchanting stretches of the Costa Verde, in the territory of Arbus, on the south-west coast of Sardinia. Its strong point is certainly the fact that it is an isolated beach, far from any built-up areas. and it is also known for its golden sand dunes and crystal-clear waters.  Its wild and uncontaminated environment makes it one of Sardinia's most beautiful and striking beaches. 

Is Arutas

Is Arutas and Porto Giunco are 2nd and 3rd

In second place is the beach of Is Arutas located in the Sinis Peninsula on the central-western coast and  isfamous for its sand consisting of small grains of quartz of various colours ranging from white to pink to green: it is a true paradise for nature and diving lovers. The third place goes to Porto Giunco beach, located near Villasimius which has a long stretch of white sand and a turquoise sea and is not far from the Notteri Langoon which is populated by pink flamingos. 

The Chia area and the Gulf of Cagliari close the top five

Fourth is the beach of Su Giudeu located in Chia and famous for its golden sand and surrounding dunes whose extremely clear and shallow water makes it ideal for families and from which it is possible to spot flamingos and other spectacular bird species. Mari Pintau, in the Gulf of Cagliari completes the top 5. Mari Pitau means “painted sea” and refers to the extraordinary colour of the sea, which ranges from turquoise to deep blue. For information: https://www.holidu.it/casa-vacanze/italia#migliori-spiagge

The anchovy played a historic role in the history of the ancient salt trails of Liguria and Piedmont.

The ancient salt trading routes 

Piedmont and Liguria are two neighboring northern Italian regions, one with Milan as its capital and the other with Genoa as its main city. In the Middle Ages the salt routes between these two regions were lands of passage for shepherds, pilgrims, mule-traders, traders and travellers who, from western Liguria and nearby Provence in France, reached Piedmont via the Alpine passes, giving rise to dense networks of trade.

Itineraries and trails waiting to be discovered 

The territory between the Italian Alps and the Ligurian Sea is dotted with concrete evidence of these constant passages that can be visited today on itineraries that include churches, monuments, castles, places of rest and prayer along the walking trails.  Since Roman times salt had been one of the main ways of preserving food. In fact the word “salary” derives from the pay of Roman soldiers, and it was a precious commodity. It is believed that the trade in salted anchovies was used to disguise the transport of salt, thus avoiding the hated tax but then authorities levied a compulsory salt tax making anchovies an even expensive raw material.

The ancient salt routes are outdoor tourism attractions 

Today, those salt routes have lost their commercial connotation, assuming an important role for outdoor tourism, but there are many traditions still linked to these ancient routes. Among them, the Way of Worship of Saint Limbania, for example, follows the route of the muleteers who transported goods from the Genoese ports to Piedmont via the Via dei Giovi trail. 

Tours and workshops on the history of salt 

On this path of worship the first of the churches is in Voltri which is 17 kilometres from the city of Genoa. From there, the ancient salt road connects this part of Liguria with Piedmont, winding its way to another small church in Rocca Grimalda in the province of Alessandria in Piedmont. Every year this route is walked by courageous volunteers, who in three days faithfully retrace the road that once laboriously saw the transit of salt and other goods. Tours and workshops dedicated to the history of salt and these ancient trading routes between Liguria and Piedmont are organized by the Consorzio Sistema Monferrato and the ViA(E) per Viaggiare network. For information:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.