Summer in the South Tyrolean Dolomites is not only about mountains, but also multicultural and transdisciplinary events like music and art festivals.

Events begin in spring with LanaLive

LanaLive is a transdisciplinary cultural festival held in and around Lana and focuses thematically on the region. Through artistic interventions, performances, music, debates and lectures, LanaLive will explore the creative power of public space from 16 to 25 May.

Jazz with the Südtirol Jazz Festival and MeranOJazz

From city centres to mountains, from squares to castles, every location becomes a stage during the Südtirol Jazzfestival. From the last Friday in June to the first Sunday in July for ten days over 50 concerts and more than 150 artists from all over the world will feature in an event that involves an entire region, combining music, culture and local traditions. In July, another unmissable event for jazz lovers is MeranOJazz which will host world-famous artists in the field of improvised Afro-American music. The festival also includes master classes and workshops for professionals and beginners of all ages. 

Music, art and performances with a contemporary twist

The Südtirol Festival Merano, from 16 August to 22 September, offers a varied programme of classical and baroque music, jazz, chamber and vocal music with concerts in churches in the spa town of Merano. Also on the programme are film screenings, for experiences that combine musical excellence and local charm with breathtaking locations.  Transart closes the summer season and is a multidisciplinary festival ranging from music to dance, figurative arts and new technologies, with a focus on the contemporary. The Vigilius Mountain Resort in Lana, near Bolzano, is an ideal starting point from which to enjoy these events.

This year celebrating its 10th edition, the Agritravel Expo - Fair of the Territories and Slow Tourism will be held from 4 to 6 April 2025 at the Bergamo Promoberg Exhibition Centre.

Slow tourism generated 1,350,000 overnights in 2023

The fair will focus on the trails, paths and waterways that cross Italy and are the basic components of slow tourism, a sector in continuous growth. According to the latest annual survey from Terre di mezzo Editore, in 2023 for the first time the credentials, or pilgrim passports given to walkers, exceeded 100.000. This was A 25% increase over 2022, generating an indirect impact of at least 1,350,000 overnight stays.  These numbers show how Italy lends itself to being crossed at a slow pace, confirming the ability of the Italian regions in promoting the rediscovery of slow tourism  - which means walking and hiking excursions, tours and holidays. 

ph credits: Lorenzo Figaroli

ph credits: Alice Russolo

ph credits: Consorzio Turistico Valchiavenna

The event is in the Bergamo, not far from the international airport

The Agritravel Expo will be in the heart of Lombardy, a few minutes from the centre of Bergamo and the city’s railway station, as well as within easy reach of Milan-Bergamo airport (BGY), the first Italian and international bike-friendly airport and the third national hub in terms of annual passenger numbers.

The Path of the Terre Sospese 

Slow tourism is a privileged way of getting to know a region, and central to the Cittàslow (Slow Cities) circuit which will be at the Agritravel Expo together with municipalities from all over Italy. Among these will be the little village of Grumes in Trentino Alto Adige, the arrival point of the 4th Path of the Terre Sospese, a 90-kilometre route that crosses the Val di Cembra valley through hamlets and farmsteads that appear to be suspended in time (hence the name Terre Sospese). Visitors discover ever-changing landscapes, and venture along little-known paths in contact with the culture and identity of the region.. An experience that becomes a community project promoting a more sustainable development of the territory and favouring soft mobility and slow tourism.   

Walking is the essence of slow tourism, and Sardinia’s Sinis Peninsula offers a variety of trails and paths. 

Travelling at a slow pace to savour unique places

Walking to experience a territory in depth, to unveil its culture, to learn about it traditions, to savour unique places and to meet people. Travelling at a slow pace, along more or less well-known routes, is an authentic and conscious experience, whatever the motivation: to immerse oneself in history, to follow in the footsteps of a culture, to find oneself or to establish contact with nature. 

Experiential and customized itineraries 

Excursions and stays in touch with nature and local communities are increasingly sought after. Like Sinis in Sardinia, in the province of Oristano which is promoted by Sinis, your secret Experience in Sardinia. “Extraordinary experiences in authentic contact with places and inhabitants” is the slogan that encapsulates the philosophy and this group of companies involved in proposing a series of different approaches from agriculture, product processing and accommodation, to catering, team building, crafts, education and environmental sustainability. For experiential and inclusive itineraries which can also be customized.

Walking routes through intact ecosystems

The Sinis peninsula is a natural paradise that encompasses intact ecosystems: landscapes of sea and lagoon, salt pans, sand dunes and beaches. And it has some of the main routes recognized and promoted by the Region with the programme ‘Noi camminiamo in Sardegna’ (We Walk in Sardinia). These include the Cammino 100 Torri (100 Towers Route), the Via dei Santuari (Sanctuary Route) among others, follow the coast or go inland, through small villages and authentic hamlets, discovering traditions and artisan crafts, and the local flora and fauna. 

Cultural walks to the Monastery of Borutta

Among the themed itineraries that cross Italy, perhaps the most numerous category is that represented by the cultural routes in places rich in history, art, spirituality and nature.  Like the village of Borutta in the province of Sassari, in Sardinia which preserves the remains of over thirty nuraghe and ten tombs of giants. The heart of Borutta is the Benedictine monastery of San Pietro di Sorres, one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in Sardinia. Dating back to the 11th century, in 1894 it was declared an Italian national monument and houses the Benedictine Library, a collection of about 70,000 volumes including many unique specimens. 

Romanesque monasteries and paths of faith 

The Monastery of Borutta is a crossroads of itineraries of immense beauty that wind their way through the region, under the slogan We Walk in Sardinia. The path of Santu Jacu, and the Basilicas of Nostra Signora del Regno in Ardara, San Pietro di Sorres in Borutta and Santissima Trinità di Saccargia in Codrongianos encapsulate the soul of the island, the path of faith and devotion of a community.

The Wintergarden has made its debut at Terme Merano: an elegant and sustainable structure with large windows overlooking the  park. 

A sauna, snow room and honey steam bath 

With heated floors in winter and at one with the park in summer, the Wintergarden is the ideal place for a relaxing break in a natural setting, and is also perfect for a gourmet stop at the self-service restaurant. Highlights for Terme guests are the bathing room, the sauna with the -10°C snow room and the exclusive South Tyrolean honey steam bath. There are personalized treatments at the MySpa including back massages with hot lava stones, packages with an infrared cabin and a selection of massages.

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For sporting and cultural holidays 

Merano is the ideal destination for a holiday combining relaxation and sporting activities. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and winter hiking in the Merano 2000 ski area, which can be reached in just a few minutes by cable car. Those in search of historical and cultural entertainment will find the Women's Museum, the Prince's Castle, the Kunsthaus, a platform for contemporary art and more, the Palais Mamming Museum and the Rametz Castle with its Wine Museum where wine tastings and wine history events are organized. Until 6 January, the town will host its traditional Christmas markets featuring ancient customs and local food and wines. 

CioccolaTò, the chocolate festival will return to Turin from 27 February to 2 March

It all started in 1560 with a cup of chocolate

The relationship between Turin and chocolate began in 1560 when, according to legend, Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy offered citizens a cup of chocolate to celebrate the transfer of the ducal capital from Chambéry to Turin. And from this legend Piedmontese chocolate has gone on to become an excellence that has given rise to some world-famous specialties such as the Gianduiotto, the world's first chocolate, the Cremino a three-layer chocolate, and the Bicerin, a hot drink made with coffee, cocoa and cream. 

CioccolaTò will open the doors of Turin laboratories and factories 

CioccolaTò will offer the curious and professionals a multi-sensory experience in which chocolate will merge with the city's rich historical and cultural heritage. Museums, historical palaces and the city's elegant cafés, as well as such iconic locations such as the Circolo dei Lettori, the Gallerie d'Italia and the cinema Massimo, will be venues for tastings, and there will also be events for children, shows and meetings with Turin's, Italy's and the world's best master chocolate makers. 

South Tyrol in winter offers endless Dolomit experiences and alternatives like these three mountain chalet hotels for exclusive relaxation.

Hotel Engel Ayurpura in Nova Levante

In Nova Levante, in Val d'Ega, the Engel Ayurpura is a boutique hotel with 15 rooms that offers Ayurvedic treatments that balance the mind, the body and the spirit with personalized and regenerating experiences in harmony with nature. Just a stone's throw from Lake Carezza and the starting point for kilometres of winter hiking and skiing trails, this design hotel has a panoramic spa, a heated saltwater infinity pool and a panoramic sauna.

Hotel Plunhof close to cross-country and biathlon trails

Hotel Plunhof is located near Ratschings, a few kilometres from Sterzing, in the Ridnaun Valley, close to 65 kilometres of of cross-country and biathlon trails. Surrounded by forests and peaks soaring to over 3,000 metres, the 4-star Hotel S is a member of Alpine Pearls, a synonym for conscious, stress-free tourism in harmony with nature. The hotel's jewel in the crown is the award-winning Minera Acqua & SPA: 4,000 square metres of  wellness inspired by over 800 years of indoor and outdoor mining traditions,  and including saunas, a steam bath, and bio and infrared saunas. 

Hotel Gnollhof- Mystic Place Dolomites

In the Isarco Valley, in Gudon, the Hotel Gnollhof is an alternative destination to the classic winter routes, with the emphasis on snowshoeing and tobogganing trails which can be reached by shuttle. Not to be missed is the wellness area with honey and essential oils treatments which has a sauna, a steam bath and an infinity pool overlooking the valley. The hotel also offers curated cuisine and the opportunity to taste the award-winning wines from the Taschlerhof family estate.

For elegance and luxury in Cortina since 1922, the Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d'Ampezzo offers exclusive experiences in the heart of the Dolomites.

The five-star property is a “home away from home” 

The five-star Radisson Collection Grand Hotel Savoia is located in a privileged position in the historic centre of Cortina, a stone's throw from the ski slopes. An elegant and modern Art Nouveau building with an atmosphere that return clients like to call “a home away from home,” says general manager Rosanna Conti.  “Following a major renovation and rebranding, we have consolidated our presence in one of the most sought-after mountain destinations in the world,- said Yilmaz Yildirimlar, area senior vice president central & eastern Europe, Russia & Turkey, Radisson Hotel Group.  -We are confident that our guests will appreciate the hospitality and high-level services that distinguish the Radisson brand.”

A fine dining restaurant and a scenic bistro

The Grand Hotel Savoia has 130 rooms of different types - Collection Rooms and Superior, Junior and Premier Suites and the Royal Suite - that offers a tailor-made experience. There is also a ski concierge service, the Savoia Spa and the restaurants. New this season is the fine dining 1224 Restaurant, which is also open to outside guests, for breakfast and à la carte dinner, while 1224 Terrace & Bar Lounge is the scenic bistro and après-ski with a 360-degree view of the Dolomites, and is also open to outside guests. 

An adults-only spa, a personal trainer and a yoga teacher 

The hotel's Savoia Spa which is open from 5 p.m. is adults only, provides customized treatments and features a large indoor heated pool, Finnish sauna, bio-sauna, aromatic bath, Mediterranean bath and numerous relaxation areas. Among the services offered, the state-of-the-art gym has a personal trainer and yoga teacher and there is also a hairdresser's corner and a make-up service area.

A mini club to keep younger guests happy

The Residence Savoia, located opposite the Grand Hotel, has 45 apartments. During the winter the mini-club Rupi Clubhouse and the kids club for children aged 3 to 12 entertain the very young with dedicated activities.

In the Abruzzo region L’Aquila and the Apennine mountains are only an hour from Rome. 

Central Italy for winter sports enthusiasts

In the central Abruzzo Apennines, L’Aquila and the Apennine mountains offer numerous outdoor opportunities for a day in the mountains, and they are also ideal for extended stays. In the Velino-Sirente Regional Park, Campo Felice and the better known Ovindoli, are popular destinations for winter sports enthusiasts, and together with Campo Imperatore and Grotte di Stiffe, they are part of the Skipass dei Parchi ski area.

Away from the crowds

For an experience without crowds in Campo Felice, Centomonti is a cross-country skiing complex consisting of 12 miles of tracks for the classic and skating techniques, and suitable for all types of skiers. There is also a reserved area for snowshoeing with ski-hiking itineraries and a track dedicated to dog sledding which is particularly popular.

Instructors and equipment can he hired

It is possible to enjoy these activities accompanied by an expert instructor and hire all the necessary equipment on site. Reachable exclusively on skis or snowshoes the Tana del Fondista, is a great choice for an unusual and refreshing break. On the Altopiano delle Rocche - Piani di Pezza plateau, in the territory of Rocca di Mezzo the Nordic skiing slopes are among the longest in the centre-south of Italy.

Exciting activities all year round

In Ovindoli it is possible to find facilities equipped for all kinds of sports such as paragliding, archery and free climbing. The Gole di Celano is one of the most beautiful canyons in Italy, located between the municipalities of Celano, Aielli and Ovindoli. Halfway between Rome and Pescara, it is the ideal place for walking, trekking and outdoor excursions. Horseback riding is another popular passtime in the Val D'Arano, while there are numerous mountain bike trails throughout the area.

Events throughout the year

Among Ovindoli's many annual events CioccOvindoli is the chocolate festival held in December. Ovindoliamo, held every August, celebrates wine with an eno-gastronomic itinerary in the little town of Ovindoli. The Ovindoli Mountain Festival celebrates the mountains in January with outdoor sports activities on the snow and excursions along the local trails. 

A Tuscan seaside destination with golden sands, Viareggio is known as the home of Carnival and has a rich programme of 2025 events.

Allegorical floats along the seafront

From 8 February to 4 March 2025, the carnival in Viareggio lasts for a month, with masked parades, shows, exhibitions, parties and vigils. Gigantic allegorical papier-mâché works created by Viareggio artists make their way through the crowds accompanied by figures who, on targeted soundtracks, contribute to the narration of the theme chosen by the artist.

Six exciting masked parades

There are six Masked Parades scheduled, day and night. On Saturday 8 February, following the opening ceremony and flag-raising at 3 p.m., the first float will parade at 5 p.m., ending the day with a fireworks display. On Sunday 16, the parade will be at 3 p.m., while on 22 and 27 the floats are planned for the evening, at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. The penultimate event will be on Sunday 2 March at 3 pm, while on Shrove Tuesday, 4 March, the sixth Masked Parade will close the parade programme together with an award ceremony and fireworks display.

Political and literary figures on the floats

Since 1873, the characters of the floats have been enchanting, telling the story of every era through the satirical and metaphorical language typical of Carnival. Italian and non-Italian characters, emblems of a frenetic contemporaneity world full of contradictions on which the artists invite us to reflect, are in position on the floats and inspiration is also drawn from international literature such as Frankenstein, The Little Prince or The Lord of the Rings.  But Viareggio’s Carnival is not just floats, at weekends the Feste Rionali enliven the neighbourhoods with music, traditional dinners, and events for children, including a kid's singing talent contest, and the Carnival evenings also feature concerts, masked balls in prestigious locations and theatre shows.