Stadt Hotel Città and Palais Hörtenberg in the South Tyrol city of Bolzano offer access to the Dolomites.

Quality of life, culture, nature and innovation

Bolzano, one of the most fascinating destinations in Italy's South Tyrol, is a city that combines Central European elegance with Mediterranean warmth, offering a perfect balance of quality of life, culture, nature and innovation. Situated in the heart of South Tyrol, it is a strategic base for exploring the surrounding area and enjoying authentic experiences in every season.

A prime gateway to the Dolomites

The historic centre has characteristic arcades, lively squares and numerous bars and restaurants, and one of the most visited attractions is the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, home to the famous Ötzi the Iceman. The city also serves as a prime gateway to the Dolomites, Lake Caldaro and the South Tyrolean Wine Route, as well as hosting major cultural, conference and trade fair events that reinforce its role as a strategic hub for tourism and business. For the summer, PH Hotel offers a range of experiences for those wishing to discover Bolzano staying in comfort thanks to the offers available until 30 September at Stadt Hotel Città and Palais Hörtenberg.

Special summer packages

Overlooking the central Piazza Walther square Stadt Hotel Città is a refined four-star that has been a landmark of Bolzano’s hospitality for over a century. Its elegant rooms and welcoming atmosphere are complemented by the lively atmosphere of the Café and Bistrot Al Città, a popular meeting place for both guests and locals. For the summer season, the hotel offers packages designed to explore the local area and cuisine, ideal for those wishing to experience the city first-hand.

Palais Hörtenberg ph credits: Luca Guadagnini

Ideal for extended stays

Just a short walk from the historic centre lies Palais Hörtenberg, a modern urban residence that reinterprets the concept of serviced apartments with a contemporary and flexible approach. With 34 apartments, including studios and one-bedroom flats with a kitchen or kitchenette, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and underground parking, they are designed for couples, families, groups of friends and professionals on extended stays. Palais Hörtenberg has a reception with personalized assistance, self-check-in, a self-
service laundry, a gym and two private wellness areas available on request. Guests can also enjoy wellness experiences and exclusive treatments at the PH Hotel group’s partner establishments.

A choice of restaurants and pet-friendly

The Café and Bistrot Al Città serves contemporary cuisine showcasing local ingredients, with options ranging from brunch to quick lunches and evening aperitifs. For those seeking a more refined experience, the Le Segrete restaurant in the ancient cellars of Castel Hörtenberg, offers a gourmet menu and there is also Le Meridiane, a restaurant serving light, seasonal dishes. Pet-friendly and committed to sustainability, Palais Hörtenberg embodies the PH Hotel Group’s philosophy of modern, responsible and
personalised hospitality.

On World Bicycle Day, 3 June, Bressanone in South Tyrol celebrates cycling culture with 550 km of routes along Alpine trails and through local flavours.

Bressanone is a symbol of South Tyrolean cycling culture

In South Tyrol, the bicycle is not simply a means of transport. It is a common language, a form of everyday freedom and an authentic way of experiencing the region. Here, two wheels accompany residents and travellers along routes that wind through vineyards, historic villages and alpine landscapes, transforming every journey into a slow and immersive experience. Against this backdrop the town of Bressanone stands as one of the strongest symbols of South Tyrolean cycling culture. With its elegant medieval centre, arcades and intimate squares it is famous not only for the quality of the routes that surround it, but because cycling here comes naturally: public transport readily accommodates bikes, and many accommodation providers are equipped for those travelling on two wheels, offering secure storage, repair shops and dedicated services.

Scenic routes and trails for all levels

South Tyrol boasts around 550 kilometres of cycle paths connecting valleys and villages via scenic routes often carved out of disused railway lines, alongside rivers, through apple orchards and vineyards, with routes suitable for families and those seeking slow tourism, featuring stops, tastings and panoramic views. And for mountain bike enthusiasts the Plose offers more dynamic and spectacular scenery, while the Brixen Bikepark offers trails for every level, from smooth, accessible routes to technical descents for the most experienced riders.

The Südtirol Bike Festival:17 to 20 September

Bressanone will also be the centre of one of the most anticipated events of 2026: from 17 to 20 September, it will host the first edition of the Südtirol Bike Festival, an experience designed to bring together sport, culture, gastronomy and social gatherings. The Festival was conceived and planned to promote an open and accessible approach to cycling, without barriers of age or gender. From urban e-bike tours to high-altitude excursions to mountain huts and alpine pastures, every route invites you to slow down and observe the landscape with fresh eyes. And September, with the golden light enveloping the vineyards and the crisp mountain air, is probably the ideal time to explore this exciting region.

For information: www.brixen.org

Summer in Umbria means reveling in the beauty of spirituality, festivals and nature and it also combines contemporary culture and slow tourism.

The 800 anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi

From major events dedicated to the 800th anniversary of St Francis to festivals set in woods, along cycle paths, walking trails and historic villages, Umbria is The Green Heart of Italy and confirms its transformation into an experiential, well-organized and accessible destination. Today visiting Umbria no longer means simply letting yourself be guided by intuition or the beauty of the landscapes. In recent years, the region has built an integrated tourism system, where lightweight infrastructure, digital tools and local networks allow for the planning of detailed and personalized itineraries.


This is the case with Bike in Umbria, a project that has redefined cycle tourism through detailed routes, downloadable GPX tracks and itineraries with precise information on elevation gains, journey times and rest stops. The same approach underpins “Cammini in Umbria”, a network linking spiritual, nature and cultural trails throughout the region. One of the most successful examples of this new approach is the Lake Trasimeno area. Here a 58-kilometre circular cycle route connects Castiglione del Lago, Passignano, Tuoro and Magione, passing through lakeside landscapes and nature reserves. Branching off from the main route are paths leading to the hilltop villages of Panicale, Paciano and Città della Pieve, The Trasimeno museum circuit is accessible with a single ticket.

The summer Festival of Two Worlds

Alongside slow tourism Umbria continues to invest in culture and major events. The summer season opens with the Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto and Umbria Jazz in Perugia, historic events that attract international audiences. But the calendar extends well beyond the major urban centres. Suoni Controvento brings concerts to meadows and mountains, whilst Moon in June transforms Lake Trasimeno into a natural stage.


ph credits: Umbria Region

Exhibitions honouring Saint Francis

This year the symbolic heart of Umbria remains Assisi, with the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis transforming the city into an international cultural hub. Exhibitions, spiritual journeys and contemporary events accompany visitors throughout the year. Among the most eagerly awaited events is Michelangelo Pistoletto. Franciscus. Brother in Art, an exhibition at the Rocca Maggiore, which brings cntemporary art and Franciscan thought into dialogue. In Perugia the exhibition Giotto and St Francis. A Revolution in 14th-Century Umbria explores the deep connection between the saint and the region’s artistic history.

Castelluccio is famous for its colourful blossoms

The Valnerina also takes centre stage once more thanks to the reopening of Norcia’s historic centre and the Basilica of St Benedict. Here, the blossoming of Castelluccio continues to be one of Italy’s most iconic natural spectacles. Between late May and mid-July, the high plateau called Piano Grande is covered with huge patches of colorful flowers: poppies, cornflowers, daisies, violets, narcissus, and especially the tiny lentil flowers for which Castelluccio is famous. Nearby Cascia and the sites associated with St Rita reinforce the area’s spiritual appeal, and not far away, the Marmore Falls completes the picture with outdoor experiences immersed in nature.

Sardinia’s Ogliastra is a region for exploring ghost towns, and discovering art and ancient traditions.

The truest and most unspoiled side of Sardinia

In Ogliastra, the sea is not just a seaside destination, but a profound experience: a continuous dialogue between water and rock, between silence and wind. A place where every swim, every excursion and every glance towards the horizon reveals the truest and most unspoiled side of Sardinia.

Villages that preserve the deepest soul of Sardinia

Far from the most famous beaches, Ogliastra reveals an intimate and surprising soul with villages suspended in time. With stone streets, murals, ancient churches and stories of resilience these villages reveal the most authentic Sardinia. In the heart of Ogliastra, among imposing mountains and silent valleys, there are villages that preserve the deepest soul of Sardinia intact. Here, time seems to slow down, leaving room for ancient stories, centuries-old traditions and a strong sense of belonging that is reflected in the daily gestures and hospitality of the inhabitants.

A ghost village abandoned after floods

Gairo Vecchio is perhaps one of the most evocative places in the area. A ghost village abandoned after the floods of the 1950s, today it is an open-air museum. The stone houses, deserted streets and silent shops tell a story of loss but also of resilience. Walking among its ruins means coming into contact with the collective memory of a community that has been able to rebuild itself elsewhere, without forgetting its roots.

A meaningful culinary legacy

Tortolì, on the other hand, is a harmonious balance between urban life and tradition. A lively Ogliastra town, it retains a deep connection with local culture in its markets, artisan shops and typical cuisine. Here, carasau bread, cheeses and local produce tell the story of a simple but meaningful culinary legacy which is a direct expression of the local area.

Birthplace of Maria Lai

Ulassai is unique in Sardinia: a village that has transformed art into a language of identity. Surrounded by spectacular rock formations that dominate the landscape, the village is known for being the birthplace of Maria Lai. Her most famous work, Legarsi alla montagna (Tying Yourself to the Mountain), marked a fundamental moment in the history of Italian contemporary art, involving the entire community in a symbolic gesture of union and memory. Today, Ulassai is an open-air museum, where artistic installations constantly interact with nature. The village’s Su Marmuri Cave, one of the most impressive in Europe, fascinates with its majestic surroundings and millennial formations, while the Lequarci waterfalls, in the rainiest periods, offer a natural spectacle of rare intensity. 

Authentic Sardinia staying at the Arbatax Park Resort & Spa

Baunei, in addition to its famous coastline, retains a strong mountain village identity. Pastoral traditions, popular festivals and a deep connection with the land tell the story of an authentic Sardinia, made up of handed-down customs and an unbreakable bond with nature. Strategically located in relation to these towns the Arbatax Park Resort & Spa allows visitors to explore the villages of Ogliastra with ease, a starting point to discover the villages of Ogliastra, on an intimate journey, made up of encounters, silence and shared stories. 

Following the huge success of the 2026 edition, which attracted over 200,000 visitors, CioccolaTò is set to return to the heart of Turin from Wednesday 10 to Sunday 14 February 2027.

Dedicated exclusively to chocolate producers and artisans

The event, now a must-visit for chocolate lovers in Italy and beyond, once again takes place in the exceptional setting of Piazza Vittorio Veneto, one of the city’s most iconic locations, overlooking the picturesque River Po. The large exhibition area will be dedicated exclusively to chocolate producers and artisans. At CioccolaTò, in fact, space is given only to those who truly produce chocolate, guaranteeing quality, authenticity and a transparent supply chain.

For the first time CioccolaTò will host a foreign country: Belgium

Alongside the stands the public will be able to immerse themselves in a packed programme of events taking place across the city. from guided tastings and workshops to talks and conferences. The main new feature of the 2027 edition is its international expansion: for the first time in its history, CioccolaTò will host a foreign country, Belgium. Renowned worldwide for its chocolate-making tradition, Belgium will have a dedicated exhibition space in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, offering visitors the opportunity to discover new interpretations and techniques related to cocoa.

ph credits: Serena Bascone

The first day will only be for industry professionals

The 10 February opening day of the five-day event will be entirely dedicated to industry professionals and business-to-business meetings. The link with the Valentine’s Day period remains another distinctive feature. At a particularly significant time of year for the chocolate market, Turin presents itself as th Italian capital of the sector, offering an experience that combines taste and a romantic atmosphere.

The most international edition to date

Promoted by the Turin Chamber of Commerce and the City of Turin, and organized by Turismo Torino e Provincia with the support of the Piedmont Region, the event also benefits from the contribution of major foundations and the collaboration of leading trade associations. With this in mind, the 2027 edition promises to be the most international yet, set to consolidate Turin’s role on the European chocolate scene and attract visitors from all over the world. For informatiom: cioccola.to.it

The first edition of the walk along the Via Lauretana from Siena to Cortona concluded with impressive figures and appealed to all ages.

Slow tourisn and local discovery

Nearly 200 participants covered the approximately 120 kilometres of the ancient route over two weekends in April, passing through seven municipalities in the picturesque Crete Senesi and Valdichiana. An experience that successfully combined slow tourism, exploration of the local area and a sense of community. Promoted by DMO Lauretana ETS, the event confirmed the growing interest in sustainable and accessible forms of travel.

A free walk with a qualified guide

One of the most appreciated aspects was that the event was free of charge, which did not compromise the quality of the experience. Walkers were accompanied by a qualified guide throughout the entire route, ensuring safety and constant support. Participants could choose whether to cover the entire route or just a few stages, tailoring the experience to their own needs.

Encouraging train and bus travel

The focus on sustainability was also particularly significant. The organizers encouraged the use of the train to reach the starting points and provided a bus service for the return journey, reducing the environmental impact and demonstrating how mobility and tourism can coexist in a virtuous way. The warm welcome, consisting of refreshments, smiles and genuine encounters, transformed every stage into a moment of human connection.

A trial run for future similar projects

Alongside its media success, the walk also had significant technical value. It allowed the DMO’s organizational effectiveness to be tested, the condition of the route to be assessed, and useful information to be gathered for its future development. This first edition is not an end in itself, but the start of a broader journey. The aim is to consolidate and expand the project, involving more and more local organisations and building a system capable of promoting the area in a sustainable way. A journey that, step by step, continues to grow.

DMO Via Lauretana

In the heart of Perugia, in the historic rooms of Palazzo Baldeschi, the exhibition "St Francis. Our Contemporary between Art and Spirituality” will run from 18 April to 1 November.

In collaboration with the National Gallery of Umbria

Promoted by the Fondazione Perugia and curated by Costantino D’Orazio, the project celebrates the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi with a fresh and deeply contemporary perspective. Inviting the public to explore the figure of the Saint not only as a historical and religious icon, but as a universal symbol capable of engaging with contemporary sensibilities, the itinerary stems from a collaboration with the National Gallery of Umbria.

Different artistic languages and generations of artists

What makes this exhibition particularly fascinating is its ability to intertwine contemporary art and spirituality, bringing together different artistic languages and generations of artists. The works of leading figures from the 20th century and the early 2000s offer profound and sometimes surprising interpretations of Franciscan values: a harmonious relationship with nature, poverty as an ethical choice, care for the least among us, and the quest for authenticity.

Michelangelo Pistoletto Venere degli stracci ph credits: Archivio Pistoletto Biella

Also works by Chagall, Picasso and Gauguin

Among the artists featured, names such as Alberto Burri stand out, with his humble yet highly symbolic materials; Michelangelo Pistoletto, creator of the famous ‘Venus of the Rags’; and Marina Abramović, who explores the spiritual dimension through the body and presence. Alongside them, figures such as Giuseppe Penone, Maurizio Cattelan and Omar Galliani help to weave a collective narrative, rich in evocative imagery. The exhibition is further enriched by historical works and prestigious loans from institutions such as the MAXXI and the Pinacoteca Nazionale in Bologna, as well as the Custody of the Sacred Convent of Assisi. Particularly significant is the presence of artists such as Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso and Paul Gauguin, whose graphic works further expand the dialogue between eras and visions.
For information: www.fondazioneperugia.it

In the heart of north-eastern Piedmont, nature, agricultural tradition and gastronomic culture come together for an authentic Italian agri-food excellence: Baraggia Biellese and Vercellese PDO rice. 

A unique type of rice with a PDO recognition

This is the only Italian rice to boast the European Protected Designation of Origin, a recognition not only for the quality of the product, but for its deep connection with the region. The rice is grown in Baraggia, between the provinces of Biella and Vercelli where the soils, pure water from the Alps and day-night temperature variations combine to create a unique natural balance. This gives the grains a particular consistency, excellent cooking properties and an extraordinary ability to absorb flavours.

Rice fields that change colour with the season

The landscape is dominated by rice fields, which transform the area into a natural spectacle throughout the different seasons: mirrors of water in spring, green expanses in summer and golden fields during the harvest. An environment that tells the story of centuries of agricultural history and which today continues to be preserved by companies and producers committed to promoting a controlled and certified supply chain.

ph credits: Donatello Lorenzo

An annual event to promote the DOP rice

To showcase this excellence and bring the public closer to its history, “Riso d'Autore” (Designer Rice) was created, an event promoted by the Consortium for the Protection of Baraggia Biellese and Vercellese DOP Rice. The initiative aims to help consumers navigate the numerous varieties on the market and understand the value of certification that protects not only the product but also the territory that produces it.

ph credits: Donatello Lorenzo

An invitation to rediscover authentic Italy

This rice demonstrates that territorial identity, sustainability and certified quality represent the true path for the future of Italian agri-food. For any visitor the journey through rice fields, traditions and flavours is an invitation to rediscover the authentic value of what Italy brings to the table. The accommodation facilities available in the area will more than satisfy even the most demanding traveller, who will also delight in the choice of restaurants serving local specialties…and of course the wonderful local rice dishes. For information: www.risobaraggia.it