The new ITA Airways flights from Bangkok to Rome were introduced on 17 November and now operate five days weekly.

ITA Airway’s entry into the Thai market

The new flights are scheduled on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays and are operated by an Airbus A330-900. They mark the company's entry into the Thai market, which is strategic for business and leisure traffic, while boosting the airline’s Asia network which already counted Tokyo and New Delhi. The new flights, which staeted on 17 November, will also operate during the 2025 summer season – starting on 30 March 2025 - with three weekly frequencies on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The Bangkok-Rome flights mark the entry of the airline into the Thai market which is strategic for both business and leisure travel, they also extend the Asia network which already counted Tokyo and New Delhi.  and Fridays.  

“A growth opportunity for our tour operator partners”

“The new direct Bangkok-Rome Fiumicino flight is the only direct connection between the two capitals and the fifteenth intercontinental destination in our network, - said Emiliana Limosani, chief commercial officer of the carrier and CEO of Volare.  - This connection boosts our commercial strategy and is a growth opportunity for our tour operator partners who consider Thailand one of the most popular destinations internationally. The cargo sector is already showing significant demand, both inbound and outbound, and we are confident that this positive trend will consolidate in the coming months.” 

Thailand’s potential is +400,000 passengers annually

“This flight is a further step forward for connectivity with the Asian continent, - said Federico Scriboni, aviation business development director Aeroporti di Roma. – For us the Bangkok flights are strategic for the development of leisure flows between two of the world's tourism capitals. They further boost business opportunities and trade exchanges with Thailand, a market with a traffic potential for Italy that has abundantly exceeded 400,000 passengers in the last year.”

The inauguration of Rome-Bangkok follows the introduction of daily services to Dubai, launched on 27 October, and anticipates the re-launch of the seasonal connection to Malé, capital of the Maldives, starting from 20 December. Moreover, from 12 January 2025, ITA Airways will inaugurate the - Tripoli Mitiga- Rome Fiumicino flights, which are already on sale.

American Airlines will add a new flight, with the launch from 6 May 2025 of the new daily Chicago-Naples.

Philadelphia-Naples kicked off in summer 2024 

During next summer the American airline will operate up to two flights a day from the United States to Capodichino Airport. The new service follows the success of the direct Philadelphia-Naples service which kicked off in summer 2024.  

“Improving connectivity on both sides of the Atlantic”

“With this new route we are offering US passengers even more ways to get to Naples, the Amalfi Coast and other famous destinations in Southern Italy,- said José Freig, vice president international operations for American Airlines. -The new flight between Chicago and Naples contributes to strengthening our European network, in addition to our extensive presence in Italy underscoring our commitment to improving international connectivity for passengers on both sides of the Atlantic.”

“Naples has the potential to increase connections worldwide”

“American Airlines is further investing in Naples airport, confirming the flight to Philadelphia and adding Chicago, one of the largest and most interesting cities in the United States, and the fifth largest city in North America that can be reached by direct flights next summer. - said  Roberto Barbieri, managing director of Gesac. - Naples has the potential to increase intercontinental traffic and connections worldwide. The market has responded very well to our commercial policies aimed at generating quality tourism, which eans high-spending travellers taking longer than average stays, and this has an extraordinary economic and employment impact on our region.” 

They call San Sperate the town of peaches, and the town of murals, but all over the world, it is known as the town of Pinuccio Sciola, the sculptor who gave stones a voice. 

A legacy of stone and sound

Not far from the Sardinian capital Cagliari, in the little town of San Sperate, the Park of the Sound Stones resonates with music, art, and nature, and is a sensory haven that fuses sound and stone. It is the creation of the visionary artist Pinuccio Sciola, a sculptor whose work transcends traditional boundaries and speaks directly to the soul, and who was born in 1942 in San Sperate, where he left his legacy for all to admire. 

Pinuccio Sciola’s Sound Stones Park

An integral part of Sardinia’s soul

Sciola, who died in 2018, dedicated his life to transforming cold, inert rock into living, breathing instruments, an art deeply rooted in the Sardinian landscape, culture, and history, drawing inspiration from the island’s ancient Nuragic civilization, where megalithic stones were revered as sacred objects.  Sciola’s stones are made from the same materials that man has used on the second-largest island in the Mediterranean for centuries, limestone, basalt and granite, durable and rich in texture and colours and that for centuries were used to built the “muri a secco” walls that crisscross Sardinia. His sculptures are also reminiscent of the nuraghe, Sardinia’s prehistoric stone towers that dot the island and speak of a civilization that thrived thousands of years ago.

There are over 700 stones in the park  

The artist believed that stone is not lifeless but rather a repository of history, energy, and music, and his life was spent unlocking its voice through his carvings. Sciola’s method involved precise, geometric incisions into the surface of the stone which, when stroked, emit a variety of melodic tones—deep, resonant hums, or soft, ethereal harmonics—resembling the vibrations of nature.   Walking among the sound stones - there are more than 700 in the park - feels like stepping into an ancient yet futuristic soundscape, where every tone evokes the primal music of the earth.  Each piece is carved with grooves that interact with human touch or the movement of air, transforming the stone into a resonant body. Some stones are monumental, towering like ancient monoliths, while others are smaller and more intimate, inviting closer exploration in this open-air museum which is also an active cultural center. Whether you’re a music lover, an art enthusiast, or just a curious traveler, this is a unique opportunity to delve into Sardinia’s cultural and natural heritage, and into Pinuccio Sciola’s world which invites us to listen more closely to the world around us.   For information: https://www.psmuseum.it

Forget about the glitz and glamour of 5-star stays; the 4-star hotel is having a major comeback worldwide, and savvy travelers are loving it. A study by Hotelchamp revealed that 4-star properties get nearly double the booking conversion rates of their 5-star competitors, which means that more guests are choosing and booking 4-star experiences.

Forbes’ latest Star Awards list released in February 2024 underscores this trend. Of over 2,000 global hotels reviewed, 600 earned 4-star ratings - against the 340 with five stars - making it the largest category on the list. But what exactly makes a 4-star hotel? And why are so many guests flocking to them?

The 4-stars, also known as upper upscale properties, are all about delivering a high-quality, stress-free experience. With spacious rooms decked with plush bedding, designer bath products, and stylish decor, key amenities like 24-hour room service, spa treatments, pools and on-site dining are also the norm. And many 4-stars are in premium locations close to major attractions.

This blend of comfort, convenience, and quality means 4-star hotels are a perfect choice for travelers who want a high-end experience without having to shell out thousands of dollars for a night in a 5-star pile.  

Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor

Exploring the captivating streets of Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, with an Ape Calessino buggy tour. 

Hassle-free tours in English, Spanish or Italian

Simone Accalai isn’t just a guide, he’s a storyteller, an historian, and a Sardinian at heart who does  tours in English, Spanish or Italian. We set off for a two-hour afternoon tour in his Ape Calessino buggy that can seat up to three people.  Simone can also do one-hour tours, and this form of transport is the ideal way to see Cagliari up close, by day or by night, soaking in the sights, scents, and sounds of the city without the hassle of hopping on and off tour buses.  The size of the Ape is also ideal for a city like Cagliari, as Simone can easily fit into even the tightest alleyways. 

pink flamingoes

Pink flamingoes and a 10-kilometre golden beach 

Our adventure began at the Salina salt flats that stretch into the Regional Molentargius Nature Park and are a peaceful sanctuary for the hundreds of delicate pink flamingoes that have made it their permanent home. Simone then brought us to Poetto Beach where the city’s 10-kilometre golden stretch of sand and turquoise waters is lined by palm trees and still has old beach lidos that rent out deckchairs and sun umbrellas.

The hilltop Castello district is the oldest in the city

Shifting gears from nature to history, the tour brought us up to the Castello district, perched high above the city. This oldest quarter of Cagliari is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets and ancient houses, with the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria at its heart. The cathedral’s blend of Gothic, Baroque and Neo-Romanesque style is as awe-inspiring as the views from this hilltop neighborhood. Moving back down towards Villanova, we entered a quieter, colorful enclave. Simone’s buggy revealed Villanova’s cobblestone alleys where every second doorway overflows with potted trees and plants and the old facades, weathered yet vibrant, offer a charming glimpse of the city’s daily life. 

Local cuisine and magnificent sunsets

As the day unfolded into evening, we found ourselves at the Santa Croce Bastion that pairs historic grandeur with romantic ambiance. Here visitors relax and watch the sun sink into the horizon, as the twinkling lights of the port and the city reflect in the water.  No visit to Cagliari, said Simone, would be complete without diving into its culinary heritage, and the city is very liberally sprinkled with restaurants, which in the warmer months, offer alfresco dining.  On the menus there are local specialties like tender porceddu roast suckling pig, delicious fregula hand-rolled pasta with baby clams called arselle, and sebadas, which are golden puffed ravioli filled with ricotta and honey. For information: www.facebook.com/p/Calessino-Cagliari-Tour-Simone-Accalai-100063588192941/

Located just 62 miles and less than two hours north of Rome, Viterbo is a medieval treasure and a charming city that is a world apart from the bustling capital. 

A well-preserved medieval city 

With its rich history, stunning medieval architecture, and serene atmosphere, Viterbo is a destination that deserves to be on every traveller's list. While it’s close enough to visit on a day trip, it is worthwhile spending at least three to four days here to truly soak in its beauty and explore its surrounding area. Viterbo’s main draw is its impeccably preserved medieval center, encircled by ancient protective walls. Wandering around it, visitors feel as if they have stepped back in time and they should start at the Papal Palace, a majestic structure where, for 24 years in the 13th century, Viterbo served as the seat of the Pope. Its grand halls and the stunning Loggia of the Popes offering a glimpse into the city’s important past.

Majestic monuments and hidden corners

Then there is the Duomo di San Lorenzo, a striking cathedral that blends Romanesque and Gothic styles, and the Church of Santa Maria Nuova, one of the oldest churches in Viterbo with its fascinating blend of history and spirituality. For those who love wandering through quaint cobbled alleys and discovering hidden squares, the San Pellegrino quarter is a must-visit as it is the oldest part of the city, with every corner telling a story and each stone seeming to whisper ancient secrets.

Thermal waters and a beautiful villa

One of the most relaxing and unique experiences Viterbo has to offer is a visit to the Terme dei Papi. These historic thermal baths have been soothing weary travelers since Roman times and are the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring, soaking in the mineral-rich waters and relaxing in the modern thermal complex. Just beyond the city’s walls the stunning Villa Lante in Bagnaia is a masterpiece of Renaissance landscape architecture, with meticulously designed gardens, fountains and sculptures.  

An annual UNESCO festival

For a taste of local culture, the 3 September Santa Rosa’s Festival is an annual event that was added to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage in 2013. It consists of a massive, illuminated papier-mâché statue of Santa Rosa, Viterbo’s beloved protector, which is carried through the narrow streets of the city center on the shoulders of the townspeople, and as the sum sets and the lights dim, the sight is nothing short of magical.

Viterbo’s Culinary Delights

No visit to Viterbo is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. And any culinary journey should include the Acquacotta, a traditional Tuscan soup made with fresh vegetables, bread, and olive oil. Another must-try is Fieno di Canepina, a type of pasta unique to this area and often served with rich meat sauces or porcini mushrooms. And for a sweet treat, don’t miss the Tozzetti crunchy almond biscuits that pair perfectly with a glass of Vin Santo, a local dessert wine.
For information: www.visit.viterbo.it

Nestled along the little bay of Calamosca just outside Cagliari, the Sardinian capital, the Calamosca Restaurant is a pinnacle of fine dining.

A family legacy with timeless appeal

The restaurant, under the Devil’s Saddle promontory with its iconic rock formation, is perched overlooking the sea is not just a haven of fine food and stunning vistas, but also a beacon of sustainability and innovation. Under the stewardship of Matteo, Alessandra and Massimiliano Porcu this remarkable destination venue offers fine dining that marries Sardinia’s extraordinary wealth of foods and wines with environmental responsibility. It was Vittorio Porcu, grandfather of the current owners, whose design shaped the curved property overlooking the bay and the Capo Sant’Elia lighthouse. Following a recent renovation, helmed by managing director Matteo Porcu, the restaurant enhanced its timeless appeal, Matteo's passion for his family's legacy revitalizing not only the restaurant but also the next door Le Terrazze di Calamosca terraces.

The Art of Sardinian Cuisine  

The kitchen is helmed by Chef Michele Ferrara, a Sardinian native with a wealth of international experience who brings a refined touch to every dish. This showcase for the local flavors that feature in Ferrara’s seasonal menus, blend Sardinian staples with global inspirations. A master of minimalist plating, Ferrara emphasizes the natural essence of each ingredient, and among his standout creations is the Polpo per Silvana, a tribute to the Porcu family matriarch which combines crispy octopus with Sardinia's signature scabecciu agrodolce sauce. 

Matteo PorcuThe pasta is crafted in-house every day 

The pasta, which Chef Ferrara crafts daily, takes center stage at Calamosca with signature dishes like Calamosca 1952, a pacchero pasta paired with prawns, calamari, swordfish, mussels, and the quintessential Sardinian Culurgiones  potato-filled ravioli.  The menu changes three to four times annually, showcasing the finest seasonal produce in exquisite dishes like the Cottu e Crù crispy swordfish, while beef and chicken are also on the menu in dishes like the Orgoglio Sardo, a tartare of local beef with sun-dried tomatoes and anchovies.

Combatting food waste is high on the agenda

At the heart of Calamosca’s commitment to sustainability are its initiatives to combat food waste, such as the "magic boxes." Filling boxes with high-quality, unused food from weddings, birthdays, and events, Calamosca demonstrates how small, thoughtful actions can make a significant impact on both the local community and the planet.  

Beyond dining: Le Terrazze di Calamosca  

Complementing the restaurant is Le Terrazze di Calamosca, an elevated bar experience offering breathtaking views of the bay. Whether savoring an Italian breakfast, a light lunch, or an expertly crafted cocktail, guests are treated to a multisensory journey. And the bar's partnerships with prestigious food and wine brands, many of which are local, amplify its allure, while events like summer DJ parties add a festive touch.  With its dedication to culinary artistry, unforgettable vistas and sustainability the Calamosca Restaurant and Le Terrazze redefine luxury dining in Sardinia. 

For information: http://calamosca.it

At the recent BTE non-hotel travel show in Palermo Antonio Gargano, municipal councillor of Bagheria explained why this Sicilian city should be on the radar of all visitors.  

Historic villas and the Renato Guttuso Museum

“From the second half of the 17th century onwards the most important rich and powerful Sicilian aristocratic families, who lived in Palermo, chose the Bagheria area to build their holiday villas on what was both forest and farmland.”  This epic story lasted 150 years, ending in the 18th century and in those 150 years, some 44 magnificent villas were built in little more than six kilometres. “Today there are still 33 of these villas left standing, and then we have Villa Cattolica, home to the Renato Guttuso Museum, which the critics say is among the most important in the Mediterranean, housing over 1,000 works by Guttuso, and many other artists.”

Non-hotel choices and the Domina Club Zagarella

Bagheria and the Marinara d’Aspra – which is the only area on the sea in the province of Palermo that enjoys the entire Gulf of Palermo – has over 500 B&Bs and holiday homes. “There we have ten hotels, and in the nearby municipality of Santa Flavia, there is the Domina Club Zagarella which is ideal for larger groups. Many visitors arrive by plane at Falcone-Borsellino Airport.  Bagheria is about 50 kilometres to the east by car, or they can take the metro to Palermo railway station from which there are trains leaving every 15 minutes for Bagheria.” 

“We have extraordinary wines and two Michelin restaurants”

Bagheria is a city of taste, and the local cuisine blends the traditions of its typical more rural style of cooking with its seafaring heritage. “We also have extraordinary wines like those from the Duca di Salaparuta winery, which are appreciated the world over.   And, although we have only 60, 000 inhabitants we can boast two Micheli-starred restaurants: II Pupi, with two Michelin stars, and Limu, which also has two stars and is inside a 16th-century tower in the historic centre of the city.”  

This winter, Rimini’s seaside is set to sparkle with French flair and cabaret as the revamped Mamì Bistrot reopens in Rivabella. 

Theatre and dining from breakfast to dinner

The bistrot restaurant in Rivabella di Rimini has reopened, doubled in space, and embraces a new chapter marked by a grand theater  ambience and opulent, turn-of-the-century decor that evokes the splendor of Art Nouveau Paris. With its expanded capacity Mamì can now seat 90 guests in a dining space that is brimming with true French theatrical ambiance. It is a spacious setting where guests can enjoy an extensive menu filled with both local delicacies and international favorites, complemented by expertly crafted cocktails. Merging theatrical allure with French elegance, this is one of the most unique and original dining options on Italy’s famous Adriatic Riviera coast.

Cabaret shows and French-style cuisine

Guests will find themselves transported into the vibrant world of French revue theater, with cabaret shows that are a feast for the senses. The entertainment is guaranteed with Mamì’s shows, Les Folies, that pay homage to classical French cabaret and that showcase the talents of professional dancers.  In the cozy charm of Mamì, every piece—from the mismatched coffee cups to the ostrich feathers—tells a tale of tradition in an intimate and immersive space with talented artists ensuring that audiences experience true theatrical magic. 

Open all winter from breakfast to midnight

With weekend (Thursdays to Sundays) dinner shows with a French twist - from potage to foie gras and from salads to escargots, as well as brunches and cocktails and a resident dance troupe, Mamì Bistrot’s will be open all winter, bringing a new bohemian spirit to the tranquil seaside town of Rivabella di Rimini. Open from Thursdays to Sundays from 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to midnight. For information: www.mamibistrot.it