Camogli is a picture-perfect traditional fishing town not far from the more famous Cinque Terre, and just half an hour by car from tiny upmarket Portofino.

Relaxation, culture, and good food

Camogli is a somewhat hidden gem but well worth discovering for its brightly painted houses and its magnificent natural setting that enchants visitors in search of relaxation, culture, sea and good food. 

There are an enchanting little harbour and colourful historical buildings on the waterfront, and the magnificent promenade packed with bars and typical restaurants was built on the model of the promenade des Anglais in Nice, in neighbouring France. The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta was built in the 12th century on a rocky outcropping overlooking the sea. It has three Baroque-style naves, crystal chandeliers and numerous works of art and valuable frescoes dating back from the 1500s. 

30,000 plates of fish in one day

Every year on the second Sunday of May, Camogli celebrates its Fish Festival. The star of the show is the gargantuan frying pan which is four metres in diameter and has a six-meter handle.  It uses three tons of fresh fish and 3,000 litres of olive oil to produce 30,000 plates of fish for visitors to one of Italy’s tastiest festivities. Punta Chiappa, a traditional fishing village is one of the symbols of Camogli and a must-see. Divers will not want to miss its many caves like the Grotta dei Gamberi the name of which derives from the many tiny shrimps that cover its walls.

  

San Fruttuoso Abbey and a luxury hotel 

Another interesting visit is to the Bay of San Fruttuoso, which can be reached by a steep road or by boat to admire the little village built around the monumental and complex of the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. There is a small sandy beach right in front of the Abbey.  Deep sea lovers will not want to miss the opportunity of diving down to see the famous Christ of the Abyss that was placed on the seabed of the bay of San Fruttuoso in 1954. Although pricey, the lovingly restored Cenobio Dei Dogi Hotel on the Bay of Camogli, is the best choice for anyone wanting to stay in the lap of history and elegance. And it has superb views from the pool terrace.

Heavenly honeymoons under the Tuscan sun at Relais La Corte dei Papi in Cortona, one of the region’s most atmospheric and photogenic cities. 

Famous for the blockbuster movie Under the Tuscan Sun

Famed for the heart-warming love story and blockbuster movie Under the Tuscan Sun, Cortona offers an enchanting setting and romance by the bucket-load.  And for memorable honeymoons there is one of Tuscany’s most beautiful boutique hotels, Relais La Corte dei Papi. This classic country estate just a stone’s throw from Cortona, is set among olive groves and cypress pines, and is an authentic taste of rural Tuscany.

An opulent honeymoon suite with an XL Jacuzzi

Relais La Corte dei Papi has built its award-winning reputation on its unique sense of laid-back luxury. An easy drive from Rome, Pisa, or Florence, this family-owned hotel perfectly combines the warmest of welcomes with an innate air of refined hospitality. Guests can choose from one of the 16 beautifully appointed suites, or the opulent L’Antico Granaio honeymoon suite which features split-level accommodation and an XL Jacuzzi pool. For guests looking for cultural experiences there are wine-tastings, cooking classes, and tours of the area with expert local guides. Private in-room massages, hot-air balloon rides and Ferrari drives will add a touch of adventure to any honeymoon.

Gourmet fining and tailor-made honeymoon stays

The property’s gourmet cuisine and seasonal fresh produce take centre stage, highlighting the delicious flavours of Tuscany, from light lunches in the gardens or beside the pool, to savouring five-star dining in the restaurant. At La Corte dei Papi romantic breaks and honeymoons can be tailor-made for complete relaxation or romantic breaks in this picture-postcard Tuscan property with its unique sense of old-school glamour and romance.

Borghese Contemporary Hotel, ideal for an art stay in the heart of Rome, blends innovative design and art.

Close to the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps 

Borghese Contemporary Hotel is a unique destination for those who wish to experience art during their stay in the Eternal City.  The property is just a few minutes from the Pantheon and Rome’s elegant shopping street Via Condotti, and also the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.

"Each space has been designed with art as the fulcrum"

The 4-star boutique hotel embodies the vision of its owners, the brothers Romeo and Guglielmo Piperno. "The Borghese Contemporary Hotel combines our deep passion for modern art and contemporary art" - says Guglielmo Piperno. "Each space has been designed with art as the fulcrum, with different works that give personality to the areas. The aim is to introduce established and new artists" - continues Romeo Piperno. 

The Picasso Suite has a print signed by the Spanish artist

Art reaches into every corner of Borghese Contemporary Hotel, from the public areas to the rooms and suites. Each of the 24 rooms has its own distinctive artistic identity. Among these, three stand out: the Borghese Suite, named after the historic building and the area where the property is located in Largo della Fontanella di Borghese, the Elle Suite, a tribute to the Brazilian artist Elle De Bernardini, and the Picasso Suite with a print of a 1960 work by the Spanish. The peculiarity of this work lies in the artist’s handwritten signature, adding a unique and personal value.  

For information: https://www.mascagnicollection.com/borghesecontemporaryhotel/

The long-awaited Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá has finally opened its doors, the Spanish group’s first hotel in Milan. 

Meliá’s first Milanese hotel

In historic Palazzo Venezia, which is part of the Generali group’s heritage and the company's Milan headquarters for more than a century, the new hotel marks the Spanish brand's arrival in the Lombard capital, and stands alongside its sister property in Rome the Villa Agrippina. 

Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá

There will be two restaurants, a wellness area and a gym 

The redistribution of the interior spaces has made it possible to create 84 rooms and suites while the F&B outlets have been entrusted to Sunset Hospitality Group and are divided into four different concepts: the Gioia Pasticceria, the Giardino Cordusio cocktail bar, and the Italian and Japanese restaurants Isola and Sachi. On the first floor, guests will also have access to a wellness area with an indoor swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath and relaxation area, while on the third floor there is a Technogym-equipped gym with a view of Palazzo della Ragione and Piazza Mercanti.

Aeroitalia is putting the spotlight on Milan Bergamo Airport where it will launch a new route from London’s Southend airport on 25 March 2024. 

Fast rail links between Southend Airport and central London

The flights which are already on sale, will operate daily except Saturdays, with Boeing 737-800 aircraft configured with 189 seats. The strategic decision to operate from London Southend Airport was also taken in virtue of the excellent links between the airport and central London, which can be reached by train in just 52 minutes. The railway station right opposite the airport terminal makes for easy and fast connections to the city.

“This new route will become a bridge between cultures” 

"We are determined to continue to improve and expand our operations, always offering high quality services. We are confident that this new route will become a bridge between cultures, connecting our beautiful Italian cities with the vibrant energy of London,” said Gaetano Intrieri, CEO of Aeroitalia.

A route serving the British capital and the Essex region

Giacomo Cattaneo, aviation sales director of Sacbo, the managing company of Milan Bergamo Airport, added: "The new route operated by Aeroitalia from London Southend to Milan Bergamo coincides with the start of the 2024 summer season. Our airport's network is strengthened with a destination that allows us to serve both the Essex region and the British capital thanks to the rail connection with two lines that quickly and frequently reach the centre of London.” 

Last year Venice narrowly escaped being put on the UNESCO’s list of heritage sites in danger, due to the damage being done to its delicate ecosystem by overtourism. So it announced a limitation on large cruise ships entering the Giudecca Canal and this year, on 29 days between April and July, day-trippers to the city will have to pay a €5 entrance charge.

But as it heralded in the New Year, Venice was still desperately worried by the prospect of a repeat of last year’s massive tourism flows, which are not expected to be put off by the €5 entrance fee. So now it has banned tourist groups of over 25 people (about half a full tour coach) and the use of loudspeakers.

Issue solved? We don’t think so. Groups of up to 25 are still too big for the lagoon city, and its little islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. And, while we do welcome the loudspeaker ban, we trust tour companies will invest in individual headphones and not expect tour guides to out-shout each other!   

Qatar Airways is to resume its Doha-Venice flights from 12 June 2024, operating seven flights a week with a Boeing 787-8.

A welcome return for the Doha-Venice

The daily flight will take off from Doha at 09:00, arriving in Venice at 14:20, and will return from Venice at 16:50, landing in Qatar at 23:10. The return of this route is part of the 2024 network expansion that will also include Hamburg from July. The Doha-Venice route is expected to see strong demand from destinations such as Japan, China, and Australia.

“A leading gateway for international travel and connectivity”

“As this year draws to a close, we present new and exciting travel opportunities for 2024. From the resumption of connections with Venice to the inaugural flight to Hamburg, Qatar Airways and its hub, Hamad International Airport, continue to position themselves on the map as a leading gateway for international travel and connectivity,” said Qatar Airways Group CEO, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.

Ita Airways has unveiled the new Piazza Vincenzo Bellini lounge at Catania airport, marking the fourth lounge opened by the airline in Italy.

A brand-new lounge for premium passengers

In the check-in area before the security gates, the lounge is dedicated to Business Class passengers, Executive/Premium cardholders of the Volare loyalty program, Elite Plus Skyteam customers departing on an Ita Airways or Skyteam airline flight, and Sac VIP Cardholders. Qualified customers can relax in the lounge before heading to the nearby Fast Track security gate. Operating from 5am to 9pm daily, the lounge offers a self-service bar and buffet service and passengers can wait for their flights in the seating or work areas which have Wi-Fi connection.

“A high-level experience for passengers”

 “The new lounge meets the growing demand of passengers who want exclusive services and reflects SAC's continuous commitment to guaranteeing leisure travellers and those traveling for work a high-level experience,” said Nico Torrisi, SAC’s CEO.

International and intercontinental destinations

“Catania is one of the main destinations of Ita Airways, on which we operate 15 daily flights -  eight to and from Rome Fiumicino and seven to and from Milan Linate,” said Andrea Benassi, general manager, Ita Airways. “In our development strategy, Sicily is very important and we have focused on it since we launched. We want to contribute to connecting Sicily with Italy and with the international and intercontinental destinations in our network through Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate airports.”