Aeroitalia is boosting its Trieste service for the winter with increased frequencies on the route to Salerno and a special timetable for the Christmas period to OLbia and Alghero

Extra flights over Christmas

The main change concerns the Trieste–Salerno route, which is increasing from the current two to three weekly flights, operating on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays. In November and during the Christmas period, the schedule will be further expanded to four weekly flights, with the introduction of an additional flight on Saturdays.

Festive flights also for Sardinia

The expansion of this route is particularly significant in view of the closure of Naples Airport in November 2026, thereby providing a direct air link between the north-east and Campania. During the Christmas holidays Aeroitalia is also expanding its services from Trieste to Sardinia, with special flights to Olbia and Alghero, offering passengers further travel opportunities over the festive period. The Trieste–Olbia route will operate on 24 and 30 December, and 2 and 6 January, and the Trieste–Alghero route will operate on 23, 26 and 29 December and 4 January.

Excellent punctuality and regularity

Since 1 July 2026, Aeroitalia has been operating the Trieste–Milan Linate route as part of the territorial continuity scheme, with a timetable that makes it easy to organize same-day return journeys. The route is attracting growing interest, standing out for its high levels of punctuality and regularity, and is gradually establishing itself as a strategic link for travel between Friuli Venezia Giulia and Milan.

Looking forward to further growth

“We are pleased with the partnership we have established with Aeroitalia and the gradual consolidation of its presence at Trieste Airport. The increase in flight frequencies to Salerno and the special timetable for flights to Alghero and Olbia during the Christmas period further expand travel opportunities for our passengers. We are also pleased with the service provided by the airline on the route to Milan Linate, a vital route for our region, and on which we hope to see further growth in demand in the coming months,” says Fabio Gallo, Trieste Airport's chief executive.

"More convenient and flexible travel options"

“The increase in flight frequencies to Salerno and the introduction of special services to Olbia and Alghero over the Christmas period provide a concrete response to the region’s travel needs, offering passengers more convenient and flexible travel options,- adds Gaetano Intrieri, Aeroitalia's CEO. At the same time the service to Milan Linate, which forms part of our territorial continuity network, is of great value to us, designed to ensure efficient connections to a key hub for the country. We will continue to work, in collaboration with Trieste Airport, to develop an increasingly comprehensive service that meets the needs of travellers.”

La Dolce Vita Orient Express presents a new collection of journeys through the real Italy for 2027. 

Some of Italy’s most evocative scenery

At the heart of every itinerary lies the belief that the journey can be just as extraordinary as the destination. Guests are thus invited to rediscover a slower, more immersive way of travelling, in which the rhythm of the train, the landscape outside and the pleasure of the journey become an integral part of the experience. Rome, Portofino, Venice and Tuscany are the stops on "From the Eternal City to the glamour of the Riviera, via Florence and La Serenissima." The itinerary takes in some of Italy’s most evocative scenery, with each stop showcasing a different facet of the country’s identity. From Rome, the train heads north towards Portofino and then Venice, and from the lagoon, the route finally leads to Florence.

Photo Credits Mr.Tripper

The Italian Wine Route

Bolgheri and Verona, meanwhile, are the stops on “The Italian Wine Route,” which celebrates the country’s winemaking tradition stopping at Bolgheri and Verona, two destinations where exceptional terroir, gastronomy and centuries of tradition come together. Alba and the treasures of Piedmont feature on “The Truffle Route, which takes the La Dolce Vita Orient Express to Alba, in the heart of the Langhe. As well as truffles, the journey winds through the Langhe hills, where vineyards, historic villages and the famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines showcase the richness and refinement of Piedmont’s food and wine culture.

Savouring landscapes and flavours

Finally, from Rome to Venice via the vineyards of Bolgheri, the journey follows the changing Italian landscape, from the Tuscan countryside to the timeless beauty of the Venetian lagoon. With these new itineraries, La Dolce Vita Orient Express invites travellers to discover Italy from a different perspective: not merely reaching a destination, but savouring the landscapes, flavours and moments that unfold along the journey.

Leading the list of “The 20 buildings you must visit in your lifetime” compiled by The Telegraph’s travel correspondent Simon Calder is the Great Pyramid of Giza, and it is impossible to find fault with that. And in second place Simon puts the Pantheon in Rome which is unique for having the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. 

Although official figures place the Pantheon as the Eternal City’s 5th most visited monument after the Colosseum, St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Trevi Fountain, Simon says “There is nowhere greater to stand than directly under the oculus at the centre of Rome’s peerless Pantheon," describing the ancient temple as “a mingled miracle of heavenly symbolism and earthly engineering.” And once again it’s impossible to pick holes in his words. 

Built in its present form under the Emperor Hadrian, the Pantheon is almost 2,000 years old.  Through the central oculus in its dome, which opens directly to the sky, sunlight moves across the interior during the day, and rain falls through the opening onto the marble floor below.

Visitors still enter through the ancient portico, stepping into the vast circular interior. The building also serves as a church and contains the tombs of the Renaissance artist Raphael and members of the Italian royal family. Calder’s ranking puts it alongside the world’s great architectural landmarks, and its extraordinary survival provides a compelling reason why every visitor should put it high on their list of things to see in Rome.

Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor

Up to 1 November MagicLand will host the biggest Halloween party in Central and Southern Italy.

Magicland is close to Rome

Every day Magicland, which is just a few kilometres from Rome, offers more than 40 attractions for all ages, and it now comes alive with new themed settings, shows, parades, entertainment and special events featuring two distinct sides of Halloween. Halloween Horror is for those seeking adrenaline, suspense and intense thrills while Halloween Family is designed for children and families, with shows, music, colourful entertainment and fun. 

Halloween Horror. Fear has seven faces 

The darker side of Halloween comes to life through seven horror experiences, featuring eerie settings, immersive trails and actors ready to surprise and terrify visitors. Among the new additions for 2026 is Asylum, a prison where murderers, criminals and out-of-control guards await visitors as they try to find their way out.  The journey into fear continues with Katakumba, a cursed pyramid haunted by monstrous creatures; Haunted Hotel, a luxury hotel inhabited by eerie presences; Dungeons, a terrifying world of cells, chains and instruments of torture; The Cursed Lake, a campsite swallowed up by darkness; and Apocalypse Valley, a contaminated valley overrun by mutants. Then Transylvanian-The Horror Show will bring eerie characters, dark atmospheres and a touch of humour to the stage on 31 October and 1 November.  Asylum, The Cursed Lake and Apocalypse Valley will be available exclusively during the evening openings on 24 and 31 October, when the Horror experience will reach its peak intensity.

Halloween Family. Lots of new experiences for the whole family 

This year MagicLand presents Halloween Family for children and families with experiences, shows, parades and entertainment designed to celebrate Halloween in a fun-filled way. The Ghost Park is a fully Halloween-themed inflatable area with ghosts, pumpkins, bouncy castles and slides. At the Music Hall, La Fabbrica dei Mostriciattoli is a brand-new show for the whole family starring the most eccentric little monsters ever. The Fattoria delle Zucche is also back, where children can choose and decorate their own pumpkin before taking it home, and the Alebrijes Parade will bring colourful and fantastical creatures inspired by Mexican folklore to the streets of the park, with live music, dancers and face painting.

Magic Nights. Horror Edition

On 24 and 31 October, Halloween continues late into the night with Magic Nights-Horror Edition, two special events that transform MagicLand into a huge night-time party featuring DJ sets, music, horror experiences and attractions. On 24 October, DJ Ulisse Marciano will take centre stage with Ma Chi Kanta's karaoke show presented in a special Halloween edition, followed by a live DJ set. On Halloween night, 31 October, Carnival of Nightmares will take over the park with music, horror atmospheres and visual effects, featuring DJs Panico and Ulisse Marciano. Finally, on 31 October and 1 November, Wait & Rave-Horror Edition will bring DJ sets to the queuing areas of MagicLand’s main attractions, turning even the waiting times into part of the experience. For information: magicland.it

Trenitalia's Frecciarossa to ready to debut in Austria and Germany in summer 2027.

Milan-Munich and Rome-Munich trains

Technical trials are under way for the Frecciarossa’s debut on railways in Germany and Austria, with the first commercial services scheduled for summer 2027, once the international type-approval process for the new trains has been completed. The project for the new high-speed connections, which Trenitalia, an FS Group company, will implement alongside Deutsche Bahn and ÖBB, took centre stage at the latest edition of InnoTrans 2026. The service will include the first journeys on the Milan–Munich and Rome–Munich routes, marking a new phase in the Frecciarossa’s expansion beyond national borders. 

"A new way of travelling"

“It gives us great satisfaction to bring the Frecciarossa to Germany and, together with Deutsche Bahn and ÖBB, to launch a new phase of our international expansion,” said Simone Gorini, managing director Trenitalia. -The Frecciarossa will offer German and Austrian travellers the chance to discover and experience a new way of travelling that combines comfort, quality and speed. The services to Munich are a further step in the international growth of Trenitalia and the entire FS Group and confirm our commitment to bringing to European passengers the know-how and experience we have developed in Italy in the high-speed rail sector.”

In 2028 expanding to ten connections

The initial service will comprise four services on the Milan–Munich and Rome–Munich routes. The journey from Milan will take around six and a half hours, with stops at Brescia, Verona, Rovereto, Trento, Bolzano and Innsbruck. From Rome, the journey is expected to take around eight and a half hours, with stops at Florence, Bologna, Verona, Rovereto, Trento, Bolzano and Innsbruck. The opening of the Brenner Base Tunnel will reduce journey times by around one hour. From December 2028, the full service will expand to ten connections between Italy and Germany, on routes linking Milan, Rome and Munich, with extensions to Naples and Berlin.

Frecciarossa 1000 high-speed trains 

The trains operating will be the Frecciarossa 1000, Trenitalia’s high-speed train which complies with European technical specifications for interoperability and is designed to run on the rail networks of Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Belgium, overcoming differences in power supply and signalling systems. After France and Spain the Frecciarossa is thus set to reach Germany too, moving towards the goal of a high-speed European metro capable of connecting some of the continent’s major cities. The new connection will also be able to meet the transport demand to other European destinations, including Frankfurt and Kraków, thereby strengthening rail integration between Italy, Germany and Austria.

After more than 90 years in hospitality, the Roscioli family has launched 01 Hotels, a new hotel brand for Rome.

The business is now run by the 4th generation

Combining its roots with a forward-looking approach to hospitality, after more than 90 years in hospitality, the Roscioli family is entering a new stage with the launch of 01 Hotels. The new brand builds on the family's experience while creating a platform for future growth and marks the transition to the family's fourth generation, with plans to expand the portfolio through new acquisitions starting in 2027.

4-star hotels in central Rome

01 Hotels currently operates four-star hotels in central Rome, and a dedicated MICE offering. The portfolio includes the Best Western Premier Hotel Royal Santina, a four-star property on Via Marsala, just steps from Rome Termini station, and the Raffaello - Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western, a boutique hotel on Via Urbana in the Rione Monti district. This is a central location, and the property has the Tramonti rooftop and lounge bar, offering a contemporary perspective on one of Rome's most historic neighbourhoods.

A new chapter for a historic business

The Roscioli family's hospitality business has evolved alongside Rome's transformation into an increasingly international destination. The launch of 01 Hotels intends to bring that experience into a new operating and brand framework, while responding to changing guest expectations and the evolution of the hotel market. “The launch of 01 Hotels is an important step in our family's history. With more than 90 years of experience in hospitality, today a fourth generation is taking this heritage forward, interpreting it with a new perspective and looking to the future.” The new brand places continuity alongside development, using the family's experience in the field  of hospitality as a foundation for expansion.

Combining hospitality and MICE

A key component of 01 Hotels is how it blends accommodation and food and beverage with meetings and events. The Royal Santina has the Centro Congressi Roma Termini with four meeting rooms on 225 sqm and can accommodate up to 200 people. Its location next to Rome's main railway station provides direct access for domestic and international delegates and it can host a range of events, from corporate meetings and conferences to training sessions and hybrid formats. Audiovisual technology, Wi-Fi and a LED wall in the plenary room support both in-person and phygital events, while catering can come from the hotel's The White Restaurant. This combination of guestrooms, meeting facilities and food and beverage services gives 01 Hotels a range that spans both leisure and business travel.

Rome as the starting point

Rome remains central to the group's development strategy, with the two existing properties offering complementary locations within the capital. The Royal Santina benefits from its proximity to Termini Station, one of the city's principal transport hubs, while the Raffaello is located in Monti, within walking distance of the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums and other major historic attractions. The brand will make its official debut at TTG Travel Experience 2026 in Rimini from October 14 to 16. 01 Hotels will exhibit in Hall A1, Stand 528, presenting its new identity, current portfolio and development plans to tourism professionals, buyers and industry partners.

Delta Air Lines will link Boston and Venice with a a new route next May 2027.

An Airbus A330-300 with four classes

Yet another addition to Delta Air Lines’ Italian summer schedule: the airline will launch a new flight in 2027 from Boston Logan International Airport to Venice Marco Polo Airport. From 8 May, the service between the two cities will operate four times a week using an Airbus A330-300 equipped with Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort and Main Cabin classes. 

17 daily flights from Italy to the United States

With the 2027 summer timetable, the flight from Boston to Milan Malpensa will upscale from four times a week to a daily service. Including Rome, this brings the total to three Italian cities served by Delta from Boston. Flights operated to Italy during the 2026 summer season have also been confirmed, including flights to Olbia from New York-JFK and to Rome from Seattle, which were launched in May. Furthermore, some seasonal flights will begin operating earlier than in the previous year. Next summer Delta will operate up to 17 daily flights from Italy to the United States, offering over 30,000 seats a week in both directions between the two countries.

Turning travel dreams into reality

“Our passengers are constantly looking for new ways to explore Europe. With the new route from Boston to Venice and the further additions to Delta’s 2027 summer network, we are developing international connections across our entire US network to offer our travellers more choice and more opportunities to turn their travel dreams into reality,” said Jeff Arinder, Delta’s vice president international network planning.

Free high-speed Wi-Fi on flights to Italy

 As part of its ongoing investment in enhancing innovation, technology and passenger comfort throughout the travel experience, the airline is offering those flying on the Delta network between the United States and Italy access to free, high-speed Delta Sync Wi-Fi, provided by T-Mobile, in all classes of service. Delta is also investing in the pre-departure airport experience for passengers with the opening of its new Delta One Lounges, such as the exclusive Delta One Lounge in Boston, which draws inspiration from the city’s maritime heritage and offers fine dining, stylish spaces and an incredible view of the skyline.

Delta Air Lines is the largest carrier at Boston Airport

“The passenger flow between Venice and Boston exceeds 50,000 passengers a year, representing the largest European market not yet served by the capital of Massachusetts. Hence the direct flight operated by Delta Air Lines, the largest carrier at Boston Airport, which will also provide onward connections across the entire east coast of the United States as well as to the rest of the country,” said Camillo Bozzolo, Director of Aviation Development at the Save Group. 

It’s not easy to single out Italy's best thermal towns for a soak, stay and slow escape, but we are going to give you some of the one’s we love best.

The ancient Romans soaked in thermal springs

Italy has been perfecting the art of wellness for more than 2,000 years. Long before spa weekends became fashionable, the Romans were soaking in natural hot springs, convinced that mineral-rich waters could restore body and mind. Today, Italy’s best thermal towns combine those ancient traditions with beautiful scenery, historic centres, outstanding food and, in some cases, seriously luxurious places to stay.  From Tuscany to the Alps and Sicily, these are the Italian thermal destinations worth planning a trip around.

Saturnia is Tuscany’s most photographed hot springs

Few thermal destinations are as instantly recognizable as Saturnia, in southern Tuscany. Its star attraction is the Cascate del Mulino, a series of natural limestone pools filled with warm, sulphurous water flowing through the countryside. The setting is spectacular: rolling Tuscan hills, vineyards and stone farmhouses surround the steaming pools. The water remains naturally warm throughout the year, making Saturnia an appealing destination even outside the summer season. Beyond the springs, explore the villages of the Maremma like Montemerano, sample local wines and olive oil, and look for classic Tuscan dishes featuring wild boar, handmade pasta and pecorino cheese. The nearest major airports are Rome Fiumicino and Florence and from there Saturnia is best reached by car.

Montecatini Terme for Belle Époque glamour in Tuscany

For something more elegant, head to Montecatini Terme, one of Italy’s classic spa towns. Located between Florence and Lucca, it became fashionable in the 19th and early 20th centuries, attracting European aristocrats, artists and celebrities. Its grand thermal spas, parks and Liberty-style architecture give the town a distinctly Belle Époque atmosphere. The experience is not just about spa treatments: visitors can ride the historic funicular up to Montecatini Alto, a charming hilltop village with restaurants, narrow streets and magnificent views across Tuscany.

Abano and Montegrotto: The Veneto’s spa powerhouses

Just outside Padua, Abano Terme and neighbouring Montegrotto Terme form one of Europe’s largest and most established thermal spa areas. Their mineral-rich waters are particularly associated with therapeutic mud treatments, known as fangotherapy. They are the perfect choice for travellers who want wellness without disappearing into the countryside. Padua is only a short distance away,  home to the basilica of St. Anthony, and remember to book a visit to the Capella degli Scrovegni online – you will not regret it!  Venice too is easily accessible and the nearest airport is Venice Marco Polo, while Verona is another convenient option. Food lovers should also explore the Veneto’s excellent regional cuisine, from risotto and bigoli pasta to local wines produced in the Euganean Hills.

Bormio for Alpine Views and Hot Water

In northern Lombardy Bormio offers one of Italy’s most dramatic combinations: natural thermal waters set in the Alps. After hiking, cycling or skiing, there are few better rewards than soaking in warm pools while looking towards snow-covered peaks. The area has been known for its thermal springs since Roman times and today offers several historic baths and modern wellness centres. Bormio is also close to the spectacular Stelvio Pass, one of Europe’s most famous mountain roads. And don’t leave without trying local specialties such as pizzoccheri, bresaola and mountain cheeses.

Ischia an island escape, and Bagno Vignoni in Tuscany

For a spa break with a Mediterranean twist, the little island of Ischia is difficult to beat. In the Bay of Naples it is famous for its natural hot springs, thermal parks and wellness hotels, but it also entices for its beaches, vineyards and spectacular sea views. Spend the morning soaking in thermal pools, then explore colourful villages, or simply enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the water.  Tiny Bagno Vignoni, in Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia, offers something completely different. Instead of a conventional main square, the heart of the village is dominated by a huge rectangular thermal pool that has been there since Roman times. Although bathing is not permitted in the historic central pool itself, the village is surrounded by thermal facilities and beautiful countryside, and the location is ideal for combining wellness with some of Tuscany’s greatest highlights, such as Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano, and the surrounding Val d’Orcia is a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. 

Rome Fiumicino Airport is launching “Move and Fly” with yoga and minigolf.

Bringing sport to travel venues

The project transforms waiting times into valuable time, bringing sport to one of the iconic venues for travel and the meeting of people and cultures. A collaboration between ASI (Italian Sports and Social Associations) and Aeroporti di Roma, the project integrates physical activity into passengers’ experience at the Roman airport.

Yoga and mini-golf areas

In its initial trial phase, the project involves the installation of two areas, one for yoga and one for mini-golf,  in the Departures zones of Terminals T1 and T3, where passengers will be able to turn their waiting time into time for leisure and wellbeing. Each station will be staffed by qualified instructors, some proficient in English, to guide travellers through the various activities. Particular attention will also be paid to younger passengers, offering children a dynamic alternative before their flight, and encouraging interaction with their peers in a highly multicultural environment.

"Enhancing the quality of the waiting time"

“A major global hub like Rome Fiumicino is increasingly called upon to offer passengers an experience that goes beyond travelling and makes the most of every moment spent at the airport. Bringing sport into the terminals in partnership with ASI means enhancing the quality of the waiting time even further, introducing for the first time a new opportunity for wellbeing that is consistent with our vision of an airport that cares for the thousands of travellers who pass through it every day,” said ADR’s chief executive, Marco Troncone.

The journey begins even before you board 

“Waiting is Energy”, the message that accompanies the visual identity of “Move and Fly” for the areas dedicated to the project in the terminals, is therefore more than just a slogan: it is an invitation to change your perspective on waiting. Because even a few minutes can become an opportunity to get moving, meet people and enjoy sport. With Move and Fly, the journey begins even before you board."

"Promoting wellbeing and social interaction" 

Mario Baccini, Mayor of Fiumicino, added: “Fiumicino is investing in sport as a means of promoting wellbeing and social interaction. This is demonstrated by the numerous projects we are implementing. We want state-of-the-art sports centres that can host top-level competitions, and expand the scope of local sporting.