The Les Domaines de Fontenille brand makes its debut in Piave Aldina in Rada in Chianti.

A village with a hotel-citadel ambience

This stone complex, spanning over 2,000 square meters, comprises four traditional Tuscan farmhouses and ancillary units, all enveloped by 40 hectares of picturesque vineyards and olive groves. Pieve Aldina is a village with a hotel-citadel ambiance and has 22 rooms and suites in interconnected clusters of houses. The elevated terraced section has a swimming pool and stunning vistas of the surrounding vineyards and olive groves. 

Flavours of Tuscan traditions

The main restaurant, Le Rondini, is the heart of Pieve Aldina with seating for fifty in the charming garden and indoors. Chef Flavio Faedi and his skilled team have designed a menu rooted in the flavours of Tuscan traditions. The garden and pergola adjacent to the restaurant are a serene setting for enjoying an Italian aperitif or relaxing under the shade of the olive trees.

Ph Credits: Sylvie Bequet

“We are fully immersed in the Italian art of living”

Entrepreneurs Frédéric Biousse and Guillaume Foucher are also the founders of the Les Domaines de Fontenille brand.  “When you arrive at Pieve Aldina you can catch glimpses of lights and materials, and already sense the aromas and flavours from afar. As soon as you arrive you are invited into a grand rustic kitchen, where you can relish the delightful welcome of the schiacciata, a fragrant local wheat focaccia, or croutons with salami or Tuscan pecorino. We are fully immersed in the Italian art of living.”

©Sadik Sans Voltaire

The Ligurian city of Genoa gets a choice of new 5-star properties following the reopening of  the now 5-star Bristol Palace.

Luxury accommodation is growing in Genoa

Genoa, the capital of the Liguria region, is experiencing a boom in the luxury hospitality segment, with news of two further 5-star openings. Up to recently the 5-star offer in the Ligurian capital was limited to just two hotels, the Melià Genova with 99 rooms and the Grand Hotel Savoia with 117 rooms, but now the city is really changing. 

Hotels also in Arenzano

Palazzo Durazzo Suites opened in June in Genoa, a 12-room hotel with a spa and meeting rooms located where the Palazzo dei Rolli Durazzo-Cattaneo Adorno once stood. The hotel is owned and managed by Cemadis SRL, which also operates other hotels in Arenzano. These are the 4-star 110 room Grand Hotel and the 72-room Punta San Martino, the Mirandola Suites, a collection of six apartments and an annex, and Via di Francia–Residence Arenzano with a further eleven apartments.

The Astor Hotel in Nervi is to open in 2024

The opening of the former Astor Hotel in Nervi is already planned for next year. Set in a 1,800 square- metre park, the property will be rebranded as a 5-star and will have 37 rooms, a spa, two swimming pools, a restaurant, and a bar.

Olm Nature Escape, a new eco-aparthotel is set to open its doors in Valle Aurina in the Alto-Adige region on 1 December. 

The bio-architectural units are energy self-sufficient

Owned by Christian Lechner, the director of Carron Bau, a Carron Group company, Olm Nature Escape is testament to the principles of bio-architecture, including a focus on the local supply chain, self-sufficient energy production, and the utilisation of water resources from an artesian well.

Olm Nature Escape - ApartSuite

The circular units can accommodate from two to six guests

The Alto Adige Olm Nature Escape eco-aparthotel is an extension of an existing garnì, preserving the traditional essence of a 33-unit building. The units are arranged in a circular structure, with a diameter spanning 110 meters and encompassing a space of 4,200 square meters spread across two levels. The apartments can accommodate anything from two to six guests, with 25 of the units boasting private Finnish 90° saunas.

Olm Nature Escape - Pool

Olm has a spa and a well-equipped gym

Olm Nature Escape has a large spa with a well-equipped gym, dedicated yoga room, relaxation zone, and a 25-meter-long swimming pool which extends outdoors. The spa has two massage cabins, a steam sauna, Finnish sauna, and a Kneipp path. Guests can enjoy dining options twice a week, curated by Chef Berni Aichner, formerly the right-hand man of Michelin-starred Norbert Niederkofler. Each apartment is equipped with its own kitchenette, and guests can avail themselves of take-away products from the reception's shop. There are plans to host dine-around events and dinners with external chefs.

The Bristol Palace in Genoa has got its prestigious fifth star and a new presidential suite.

Hitchcock apparently used the spiral staircase for Vertigo

Situated in the heart of Genoa, the Bristol Palace, an Art Nouveau property, has been a beacon of luxury since 1905, attracting an international, discerning clientele including the Emperor Hirohito, Rudolf Nureyev, Simon Peres, and more recently the actor Colin Firth. Over the years, it has been the backdrop for legendary events and a repository of intriguing stories, including the anecdote that Alfred Hitchcock drew inspiration from its Art Nouveau staircase for the iconic spiral in his film Vertigo. 

New menus in the Giotto Restaurant

“We are growing along with Genoa. We've been motivated by the wave of revitalisation in the region,” says general manager Giovanni Ferrando. “The city is significantly present on the global market and the Bristol Palace is strongly supported by our Duetorrihotels Group.” 

The hotel embarked on an extensive renovation project encompassing both the property and services. The cuisine, a long-standing asset of the Bristol Palace, is also undergoing transformation. The Giotto Restaurant and its terrace have been refurbished and the new menus and culinary experiences are curated by executive chef Enrico Lo Presti and his team.

Prince Albert of Monaco was on a return visit

The hotel unveiled a brand-new Presidential Suite that serves as its flagship. Named the Superba the suite spans 170 square meters, has a foyer leading to the two bathrooms and is equipped with state-of-the-art spa amenities including a Turkish bath, and a caldarium. The suite's first distinguished guest was Prince Albert of Monaco, who returned to the Bristol and to Genoa for an honorary citizenship award and to attend the Euroflora event.

Leolandia aims to close the year with a turnover of €40 million and one million visitors. 

Events and indoor attractions for inclement weather

In the first part of the year the park, which is in the province of Bergamo in Lombardy, recorded an increase in performance compared to 2022 and substantially in line with 2019. Climate change plays a big part in the decision to make the park even more attractive both during the long hot summers and in the event of bad weather. With the inauguration of the Gulf of the Sea Dragon at the beginning of the summer, for an investment of €5 million, Leolandia increased its wet areas by 33%, for a total of over 10,000 square metres, including children's pools, water games and water rides. The park also continues to devote ample resources to programming events and indoor attractions that allow people to continue to have fun when the weather is inclement.

Giuseppe Ira, Leolandia's President

“We do not exclude the possibility of building our own hotels”

"The investments of the last few years, combined with the streamlining of expenses, have enabled us to significantly increase gross operating margins, which this year, according to our forecasts will grow by 15% over 2022,- says Leolandia's president, Giuseppe Ira. -We are planning to invest €20 million to make the park increasingly attractive on an international scale. Already over half our guests come from outside the region and from abroad. To accommodate them we rely on affiliated hotels, but we do not exclude the possibility of building our own hotels."

Flibco.com has launched a new Milan Central Station to Orio al Serio bus service with 60 daily trips, without intermediate stops, in both directions every day of the week. 

A central Milan bus stop

The new bus service, connecting the airport of Bergamo Orio al Serio with Milan's Central Station, allows passengers to reach their destination in less than an hour. The Flibco.com bus stop in Milan is in Piazza Luigi di Savoia, while for journeys departing from Orio al Serio airport, the Flibco.com fleet awaits travellers at the arrivals-side terminal bus station, from stops 2 to 5.

Flibco.com  has plans for expansion

The launching of this new route sees Flibco.com making steady progress in Italy. Founded in Luxembourg in 2005, the company is now also present in Belgium, Germany and France. To date there are 44 connected airports available on the Flibco.com platform, but it has ambitious goals. In fact, after having successfully launched the only direct bus service between Turin and its airport in June and, services also to Milan's Malpensa airport, in 2024 the company aims to consolidate its position in existing markets and expand further.

“Milan had 4 million arrivals in the first semester”

"We are very proud to kick off this new route connecting Milan with Orio al Serio airport, the third most transited in Italy.- says Flibco.com country manager Giuseppe Martino. -With more than 4 million arrivals in the first semester, Milan is one of the most vital and important cities in Italy and Europe from a tourist as well as economic point of view.”

The history, culture and typical cuisine of Brixen which is called Bressanone in Italian.

Autumn culinary traditions

When the trees in the Isarco Valley, in the Trentino Alto Adige region, change colurs in autumn the Törggelen season begins. This ancient South Tyrolean tradition is celebrated every year. The word "törggelen" derives from "torggl", meaning press, and tasty South Tyrolean dishes are served, with the delicious scent of roasted chestnuts filling the air.

Hiking through vineyards

Viticulture is also important to Törggelen, and one way to experience this is to take part in one of the Törggele hikes, which take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 3rd October to 9th  November. Together with a guide, you can explore the vineyards around Brixen and sample South Tyrolean specialties.

Brixen Philipp Seyr

Exploring the countryside

Every Wednesday until 10th October, there is an autumn hike to Plose , with a refreshment break in Malga, it is a simple route, suitable for everyone. Another trail route, the Monteponente, also offers numerous walks to make the most of the incomparable views. Thanks to the new Sentiero dei Masi di Caredo, 5.3 kilometres long, you can learn about the different lifestyles of the local mountain farmers.

Discover the Chestnut Trail

The area around Spelonca above Varna also offers a diverse cultural landscape. On the panoramic circular trail there are many exciting things to discover: an old grain mill, meadows and a beautiful untouched landscape. One of the most famous trails in South Tyrol is the so-called Chestnut Trail in the Isarco Valley, “Keschtnweg” in South Tyrolean. The path starts from Varna, near Novacella Abbey and runs for over 90 km beyond Castel Roncolo near Bolzano up to the Adige Valley, Terlano and Vilpiano. 

Chestnuts in every shape and form

The chestnut is central to the culinary scene of the Isarco Valley. Refined into a creamy puree, as a flour or stuffing, roasted, baked, or made into a delicate soup, it's always a delight. Don't miss the culinary weeks dedicated to chestnuts in the Isarco Valley from 14 to 29 October 2023. For information: www.brixen.org

Green Line’s new Explore Museums line in Rome is a cultural bus route with key stops throughout the Eternal City.

Diverse facets of the city and a stroll along the Tiber

The MAXXI Museum, Parco della Musica Auditorium, Borghese Gallery, National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Bioparco Zoo Museum are iconic cultural destinations. And they mark the key stops of the innovative Hop On-Hop Off panoramic sightseeing bus route named Explore Museums and launched by Green Line Tours. “It is an astonishing itinerary unveiling the diverse facets of the city’s ancient art, contemporary architecture and avant-garde design,” says Emanuele Orlando Desideri, CEO of Green Line Tours. “With the exceptional hop-on-hop-off concept, you can tailor your exploration to Rome's great museums. Depending on your cultural inclinations and time availability, you can visit monuments, ancient Roman ruins, modern neighbourhoods, or take a leisurely stroll by the Tiber.”

Galleria Borghese Rome

Crossing the heart of the city, the bus makes 15 stops

The Explore Museums line spans 15 distinctive stops and is accessible by purchasing day tickets, customisable based on the preferred duration. The route crosses the heart of the city, encompassing renowned landmarks such as the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, and Castel Sant'Angelo. It skirts the elegant expanse of the Villa Borghese Park before heading southwards, unveiling the vibrant districts of Testaccio, Garbatella, and Ostiense—areas steeped in tradition and local flavour.

Exploring Rome’s great art heritage

Tailored stops are provided for the city's foremost artistic treasures: the Borghese Gallery, the National Etruscan Museum at Villa Giulia, the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art (GNAM), and the Maxxi Museum. Additional stops include the Parco della Musica Auditorium, while the youngest visitors are treated to a special stop for a visit to the Rome Zoo. Enhancing the Explore Museums experience is an on-board guide available in 16 languages, presenting the city's history through prerecorded commentary. 

MAXXI Museum Rome

A fascinating blend of culture and cuisine

This new tour complements Green Line Tours' existing three itineraries: Discover Rome and Destination Eataly, which beautifully intertwine culture and cuisine, and the enchanting Rome By Night sunset tour. This network of three integrated routes currently constitutes a unique offering in Rome. Furthermore, the recently introduced Visit Civitavecchia establishes a link between the capital and this historically significant port of the Empire, home to vital archaeological sites, parks and spas. For information: www.greenlinetours.com.

A train journey to Sicily is an experience in itself. There are actually direct trains from Rome to Palermo. No changes necessary. The train boards a ferry in Villa San Giovanni and disembarks in Messina in Sicily.

There is also the option to book an overnight train on the route which is perfect for travelers who do not plan a stopover in Naples and want to arrive in Sicily early in the morning. All itineraries come from Greenpearls which specializes in green and eco-friendly travel. 

Stopping in Naples and Sorrento 

Of course a visit to Naples, the city under Mount Vesuvius is always worthwhile. Visitors can also visit the famous archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum by regional train. The train network reaches as far as Sorrento on the Mediterranean coast, and a loop around Mount Vesuvius is also possible by train. 

A historic train around Mount Etna

Once in Sicily traveling by train becomes more complicated. There are only a few rail lines and many places are not even connected to the network. But for those who don't want to miss out on a rail-tripping adventure at the very end, the Ferrovia Circumetnea is not to be missed. This historic narrow-gauge railroad takes travelers on a tour through vineyards and lava fields around Mount Etna, and the numerous stops in the towns around the volcano invite further exploration.

For information on sustainable accommodation in Italy and other inquiries visit Greenpearls partners' microsites at www.greenpearls.com.

Friuli’s 1st Terre Tagliamento Festival hops between the banks and villages of the Tagliamento river from 19 to 24 September.

A guide and a series of workshops 

With a rich programme of activities and events, the first Terre Tagliamento Festival will take place from 19 to 24 September, a collaboration between eight municipalities in the province of Pordenone, in the northern Friuli-Venezia Giulia region The festival aims to promote the destination with the publication of a guide and a series of workshops involving summer camp students. 

Cordovado

A cultural programme and nature excursions

The festival programme includes a week of events and activities that will invite the public to visit evocative and historically significant places, such as the former Casarsa della Delizia armoury and the furnace of San Paolo di Morsano al Tagliamento. There will also be innovative visits such as those to the Vivai di Rauscedo research centre, and historic centres such as San Vito al Tagliamento, Sesto al Reghena, and the Castle of Valvasone Arzene. The programme will also feature the nature and landscapes of San Martino, Cordovado and the Tagliamento river. Alongside walking and cycling excursions there will be a rich cultural programme with performances and meetings with authors, artists, and personalities from Friuli’s cultural and theatrical world.

Piazza del Popolo San Vito al Tagliamento


For information: https://terretagliamento.it