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Explore the heart and history of this stunning northern Italian city with the Visit Ferrara, tourism promotional agency which, up to 26 December 2021, is offering free guided tours of the city’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tours are on Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings

The Talking about Ferrara guided tour starts on Saturdays at 3.00 pm and on Sundays at 10.30 am and introduces the Renaissance soul of the city. And for tourists staying in one of the affiliated hotels the tour is free.


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Medieval and Romanesque-Gothic monuments

Starting from the Este Castle, the symbol of the city with its ancient moat, the visit continues on to the Medieval square where you can admire the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral and the Town Hall, and then wander along the ancient streets of the San Romano and Delle Volte districts and see the city’s three synagogues. 

Book your free tour on the Visit Ferrara site 

Twenty city hotels are offering this free tour and they can all be booked directly on the Visit Ferrara website. And for anyone who is not staying in one of the affiliated hotels the tour is available for €8.



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Published in Cities & Regions

Delight in the colours of autumn in the heart of the Monferrato area, a few kilometers from Turin at Grep Park, an enchanting Monferrato farmhouse in Monteu da Po where guests can stay in two tree houses: I Ciliegi and La Pineta. These fun well-equipped wooden cottages are suspended between the earth and the sky, and this is the best time of year admire the changing colors of the foliage and enjoy some of the region’s great wines and the local delicacies in the Locanda del Grep.4


Romantic landscapes, charming villages, fine food and wines.

Forest bathing is an extraordinary experience surrounded by the flaming colours of autumn and makes for sustainable never-to-be-forgotten holidays. And for those looking for a more adventurous and even greener stay, Parco del Grep also has suspended tents adding to the excitement of discovering this area of romantic landscapes, Romanesque architecture, charming villages, fine food and wines. 

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E-biking and visits to wine cellars

For lovers of the great outdoors there are countless outdoor activities to be enjoyed, from the marked trails in the park to horseback riding with certified guides, to e-biking. Rental bikes are available for sustainable excursions through the beautiful countryside between Monferrato and the river Po.  This is also a land of authentic flavours and great wines, so a visit to some of the local cellars is a must to discover wines like Bonarda, Freisa, Barbera, Chardonnay, Erbaluce di Caluso, as well as the famous Malvasia di Castelnuovo Don Bosco and other ancient Piedmontese varieties. And how can we forget the truffle, the king of autumn in this part of Piedmont?3


Midweek breaks for great glamping experiences

In the welcoming Locanda del Grep the cuisine, which is strongly linked to the peasant roots of the Monferrato area, is based on quality raw materials from the farm and selected producers. The availability of tree houses and tents is limited, and especially at weekends they are much in demand so it is a good idea to think of a midweek break to enjoy this unique glamping experience. For information and reservations: www.parcodelgrep.it.

Published in Experiences & Tips

Haller Suites & Restaurant in Kranebitt in the hills of Bressanone is ideal for those who love to relax in nature while enjoying good wine and food.  The large windows of the 18 spacious suites look out over rows of vineyards, and the larch wood interiors that blend into the landscape are an invitation to enjoy a good glass of wine and relax after a day exploring the Isarco Valley.

Mountain trekking, e-biking and Gault Millau dining

During the summer months the Plose hiking area is ideal for discovering mountain peaks that rise to 2,000 metres asl, and there are 427 kilometres of trails for biking and e-biking (available to guests). The day starts at the AO Restaurant with homemade delicacies from local farms: eggs from happy hens, regional cheeses and speck, artisanal muesli, hand-made bread and desserts. The restaurant has three Gault Millau Guide hats, and seasonal lunch and dinner menus are served in the courtyard, under the pergola on the terrace, or in the traditional Swiss pine stube room.

A 3-night package, wine tastings and free museum access

The Sleeping in the Vineyard offer, with prices starting from €490 euro per person, is valid all year round and includes three nights in the Terrace Suite, à la carte breakfast in the AO restaurant or in your suite, three dinners with a 4-course menu and wine parings. Winemaker Hans Pichler welcomes guests for wine tastings, and the BrixenCard gives free access to the Plose gondola lift and free admission to the Acquarena and most of the museums in the Alto Adige region.

Published in Food&Wine

The Palazzo senza Tempo palace in Peccioli, not far from Pisa is a Mario Cucinella real estate redevelopment with a most unusual and spectacular promenade suspended in the void.

From Medieval bastion to multipurpose events area

The project, part of a municipal programme to enhance and upgrade the historical heritage of Peccioli, involved the mighty 15th-century Medieval bastion on the Via Carraia, and transformeed the ruined palazzo which is part of the old complex. The aim of the project, on an area of ​​2,500 square meters, was to create new multipurpose spaces for meetings, services, culture and events. 

Skylights and bow windows to bring in natural light

The renovation of the Via Carraia Palazzo  - renamed il Palazzo senza Tempo, the Timeless Palazzo, for its links to the past, the present and the future - focused on reconfiguring the spaces and functions of the various floors, with work also carried out on the roof and the façade, the addition of  skylights and bow windows to bring in natural light, and a new glass roof covering the historic courtyard.

A new centre for events and university laboratories

The complex, formerly owned by the de 'Medici family, is aimed at infusing the town with new life and the building will be used for exhibitions and installations but also for residential laboratories by Italian and international universities, and as a study center on the resilience of small Italian villages.

Published in MICE & Events

The Relais Borgo Campello in Campello sul Clitunno a few kilometres from Spoleto was turned into an albergo diffuso in 1997 when Vincenzo and Daniela Naschi saved some old buildings that had been reduced to ruins by an earthquake. With an extraordinary dose of imagination they have created an authentic experience turning the ruins, the castle and the monastery into this appealing property far from the beaten tourist track and surrounded by 14th-century walls.

Historical suites and rooms in minimalist style

The Medieval complex, which has been given a minimalist touch, have suites in the old  tower and granary, single rooms in ancient cells rooms, rooms that once belonged to the abbot and the prior and apartments overlooking the valley. The centuries-old beams on the ceilings, ancient terracotta floors, large fireplaces and typical Montefalco furnishings and fabrics all tell of the glorious history of the original manor which was built in 921 by Rovero di Champeaux, Baron of Burgundy, with the two convents being added in 1604.

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Wellness in an intimate spa

In the Borgo Campiello spa treatments cost €30 for 90 minutes and the contemporary lighting and furnishings add a touch of glamour to the old structure. Guests can also enjoy excursions to old churches and to the villages of Campello sul Clitunno - famous for its extra virgin olive oil – as well as to art cities like Spoleto, Assisi, Norcia and Perugia. There are also many nature trails and experiences to be enjoyed in the immediate surroundings.

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Cooking courses and truffle hunting

The 4-hour Chef for a Day course in the restaurant's kitchen is a chance to learn about Umbrian traditions and the basics of making homemade pasta, desserts and typical local dishes.

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For nature lovers there is also the one-day Wild Herbs and Asparagus expedition to nearby woodlands to search for wild asparagus and field herbs with the help of a local guide. They can also enrich their stay as the mood takes them, even choosing to participate in an exciting truffle hunt, lunch in a farmhouse, ad hoc food and wine tastings and visits to the Sacred Forest of Monteluco and the 1218 Convent of St. Francis.


Published in Leisure

The Turismo Torino e Provincia promotional agency and the Municipality of Ivrea, a town just an hour from the Italian city of Turin, have launched a series of new e-bike pedal-assisted tours of Ivrea and the surrounding Canavese region.  Following the success of the Welcome Tour Ivrea and Welcome Tour Ivrea Industrial City – Unesco guided walking tours, outdoor operator Canavese Outdoor is offering new bicycle tours around the area.

Sustainable mobility tours that respect the environment

 "I believe that this is another step towards making Ivrea a more tourist oriented city”, said Tourism Councillor Costanza Casali.  “We have been collaborating with Turismo Torino e Provincia on this new project for a long time. It will make it easier to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ivrea, Industrial City of the 20th century, allowing tourists to discover the city and the area while respecting the environment by using sustainable mobility”.

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Pedal-assisted bikes are the latest trend 

Cycle tourism is a constantly expanding market. In a recent report on cycle tourism Isnart-Unioncamere and Legambiente highlighted how about five million Italians used bicycles during their 2020 summer vacation. "Pedal-assisted bikes are the latest trend,” said Marcella Gaspardone of Turin and Province Tourism, “a type of tourism that involves physical activity, exploration and respect for the environment. We are sure that it will be popular with visitors who want to use an e-bike to discover the capital of the Canavese as well as the hills, castles and lakes in the area.

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E-bike rentals with helmets and GPS

E-bikes can be rented every first Saturday of the month from 10 to 18, in 2-hour time slots (approximately 10-12 / 13-15 / 16-18). The pick-up and drop-off point is in front of the Turin and Province Tourist Office in Piazza Ottinetti. The e-bikes (for a minimum of five) come with a helmet and a GPS with tracks for Ivrea and its environs. Technical assistance is provided upon departure and in the event of a puncture. Rental cost: € 18 per e-bike for 2h (including helmet and GPS). The service can be booked on www.turismotorino.org

Published in Cities & Regions

Vicolungo The Style Outlets, one of the two outlets that the European sector leader Neinver manages in Italy, has won the coveted prize -  International Outlet Center-Renovation Award -  for the most innovative concepts in the retail and leisure sector at the 16th edition of the prestigious Global RLI Awards.

“We are proud of this award. It is a recognition of the exceptional success of Vicolungo The Style Outlets and, above all, of the commitment of the whole team that made this project possible”, said Eduardo Ceballos, Country Head of Neinver Italy.Vicolungo Outlet

One of Neinver’s 18 outlets in Italy, Vicolungo has been expanded and restyled

Vicolungo The Style Outlets is one of the 18 outlets owned by Neinver in Europe and the first in Italy. Since opening in July 2004 it has been expanded and today it covers a commercial area of ​​over 34,000 square meters. The structural restyling, by the prestigious international studio Chapman Taylor, involved the renewal of the facades, the outdoor furniture, the canopies, the lighting system and the central square for an improved visitor experience thanks to new, even more functional spaces and new services.

The central Piazza Santa Rita has a business area and a new Info Point  

The central Santa Rita Piazza square has been completely redesigned and has a new triangular layout dominated by a mirrored canopy that protects the relaxation areas and entertainment spaces. The square is also home to the renovated Info Point that was expanded with the introduction of the Vico Lounge, a new business & lounge area for meetings, events and relaxation.

The Joy of Moving Park combines fun and educational motor activities for children

Vico Junior, on the other side of the square is an indoor play area for children. In this safe area they can have fun with professional educators or with their parents, and there is also a changing and breastfeeding area. The square also has the Kinder Joy of Moving Park on 1,700 square meters, combining fun and educational motor activities. This is part of the Ferrero Group’s Kinder Joy of Moving programme and consists of eight attractions designed to bring children closer to movement and sport and includes climbing walls and routes, an area for surfing, a free jump station, a rotating mushroom and much more.

Shopping as an experience with gourmet pauses 

Vicolungo The Style Outlets offers recreational activities for all ages: from sports to musical entertainment through playful, educational, creative and supportive activities. And much attention is given to the variety and refinement of the catering on offer. Among the most recent openings Antonino, Il Banco di Cannavacciuolo is a smart gourmet outlet that takes inspiration from Neapolitan street food traditions, and Saporè serves designer pizzas by chef Renato Bosco.

Neinver operates over 800 brands in six European countries

Neinver is a Spanish real estate multinational specialized in the management, development and investment of commercial and logistical assets. A leader in outlet management in Spain and Poland and the number two player in Europe, it has two proprietary brands: The Style Outlets and Factory.   Founded in 1969 Neinver operates 18 outlet centers (including projects under development) and over 800 brands in six European countries: France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the Netherlands. It is the only company in the sector in Europe to have obtained sustainability certification for all the centres it manages.

Published in Leisure

Forget your electronic devices and delight in the placid waters of Laghi Nabi, the first natural oasis in Italy’s Campania region. This large nature area, in what were once old sand quarries along the Litorale Domizio stretch of coast between Naples and Caserta, is isolated from the world and an example of sustainable tourism thanks to the natural setting which is ideal for wellness and outdoor adventures. 

A resort with elegant tents floating on the lake and on the lake shore

The wonders begin at Nabi Resort & Glamping in the elegant floating tents, equipped with all comforts, that float on the lake and are on the lakeshore. And there are also exclusive lodges suspended over the water with outdoor Jacuzzis.  The Laghi Nabi natural oasis is on 50 hectares and visitors can enjoy horse riding or bird watching to observe the many species of birds that live in this protected area. Laghi Nabi also has the longest natural luminescent cycle path in Europe where you can ride by day and by night. 

Sailing, wakeboarding and a large wellness area with an infinity pool

Water sports enthusiasts will find many activities to enjoy, from learning the secrets of sailing on courses organized by professional teachers, to experiencing the thrill of wakeboarding (a mix of snowboarding and water skiing) or relaxing on a kayak or on a pedal boat. And for those who just want to take the sun there is the west beach and the new east beach, where you can also take courses or excursions on a sailing boat. The amphitheater area has a new swimming pool and an expanded wellness area, the Nabi Water Spa, with a large heated infinity pool on the lake with water jets.  Prices at Nabi Resort & Glamping start from €220 per night for 2 people.

Published in Experiences & Tips

2021 marks the return of art exhibitions to Rome, and Autumn is the ideal season to plan a cultural stay in the capital. What makes it such a good time to visit the Eternal City? Well, temperatures are no longer so hot, and museum-hopping is twice as nice on a rainy day.   


Sebastião Salgado, Amazônia at MAXXI from 1 October to 13 February 2022

This exhibition premiers in Italy and consists of over 200 works that immerse you in the universe of Brazilian Amazonia, combining Salgado's photographs with the sounds of the rainforest. The event highlights the fragility of this ecosystem, bringing us to reflect on the vast area’s ecological reality and the relationship that humans have with it.


First, woman. Margaret Bourke-White at the Museo di Roma in Trastevere until 27 February 2022

Margaret Bourke-White is one of the most representative and emblematic figures of photojournalism. In over 100 images this retrospective exhibition documents her nonconformist  vision and life. She was a pioneer and explored every aspect of photography from major reports for prestigious newspapers such as Fortune and Life, to visual chronicles of the Second World War, famous portraits of Stalin and Gandhi, apartheid in South Africa and the racial conflicts in America.   


Klimt at Palazzo Braschi from 26 October 2021

Over 100 works by the great Austrian artist will be on display at the exhibition organized in collaboration with the Belvedere Museum in Vienna, and with the cooperation of the Klimt Foundation. The paintings, drawings, sketches and posters divided into 14 sections honour Klimt, with particular attention to the time he spent in Italy.

 
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Dante's Inferno at the Scuderie del Quirinale to 9 January 2022

An international event that will contribute to the celebrations for the seven hundred years since the death of Dante Alighieri. This is the first exhibition dedicated to the presence in iconography of hell and damnation from the Middle Ages to the present day. 200 works and the words of Dante will bring visitors to the places of Dante’s Hell as represented by artists from all eras.

 

All About Banksy Exhibition 2 at the Chiostro del Bramante until 9 January 2022.

A new exhibition to discover everything you ever wanted to know about the most famous unknown artist in the world through 250 works from private collections. In addition it is an encyclopaedic study of the artist’s work, with an important documentary section consisting of photographs, reports and videos.

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The Torlonia Marbles. Collecting Masterpieces at the Capitoline Museums until 9 January 2022

On display are 92 Greco-Roman works selected from the marbles of the most prestigious private collection of Greco-Roman art in the world. The works on display have been part of the Torlonia collections since the early 1800s, and are a journey through the history of collecting and the restoration methods of ancient, Greek and Roman marbles.

 

Raphael and the Domus Aurea. The invention of the grotesques at the Domus Aurea until 7 January 2022

An exhibition that pays homage to the great artist Raffaello Sanzio in the year of the celebrations for the 500th anniversary of his death, it also illustrates the history of the rediscovery of the beautiful original frescoes in Nero's residence. A new entrance to the Domus Aurea has been inaugurated for the exhibition with a pedestrian walkway from the Parco del Colle Oppio to the Sala Ottagona.

Published in Cities & Regions

Brescia is a modern and vibrant, trendy and contemporary city to be savoured at a leisurely pace. It is an unusual city break for anyone looking for an authentic and stimulating destination off the beaten tourist track. It is also an open-air museum to be discovered as you stroll through its piazzas and past palaces and elegant arcades that blend history with contemporary  art. Shopaholics will love the smart boutiques, craft shops and concept stores, art galleries and antique dealers.  And foodies will delight in sipping cocktails, relaxing to live music in trendy clubs, and gourmet moments in restaurants with cutting-edge cuisine. The city’s modern suburbs are as fascinating as its historic centre and in 2023 Brescia - together with Bergamo – will be the Italian Capital of Culture. Brescia: a city to be experienced and discovered.

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Three historic squares in the heart of the old city

The tour begins with the three historic squares around which the largely pedestrian historic center is divided: the medieval Piazza Paolo VI - named after Giovanni Battista Montini, the Pope who was born in Brescia - with the Broletto, the New Cathedral and the Rotonda (the ancient Romanesque cathedral on a round plan that incorporates the lines of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem), the Renaissance Piazza della Loggia with the majestic palace of the same name, the arcades and the Clock Tower, and Piazza Vittoria with its candid and rigorous architecture, symbol of the Age of Reason. Here you can linger in the bars with outdoor terraces and enjoy a Pirlo (the Brescia aperitif par excellence) or relax in one of the elegant restaurants and enjoy the local cuisine or a creative contemporary menu.

The Castle is the largest city vineyard in Europe

From the historic center a beautiful walk brings you up to the Castle, one of the largest fortified complexes in Europe, which was awarded 3rd place in the FAI’s 2021 Luogo del Cuore Awards. Secret and underground walkways lead through gardens and past towers and bastions, that fascinate adults and children. In the keep you can visit the Luigi Marzoli Museum of Ancient Weapons, one of the most important in Europe. From its ramparts there are incomparable views over the city. The Castle is perched on the Cidneo Hill, with the urban Pusterla vineyard on 3.4 hectares, the largest urban vineyard in Europe.

Published in Cities & Regions
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