Arquà Petrarca and Galzignano Terme are a microcosm of excellence.

A combination of culture, authenticity and wellbeing

In the Euganean Hills Regional Park, which is part of the UNESCO MaB World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2024, Arquà Petrarca and Galzignano Terme are two examples of excellence in the Veneto region. The former, one of “Italy's most Beautiful Small Towns,” has preserved its medieval charm and is associated with the figure of the poet Francesco Petrarca.  Galzignano Terme is a well-known spa resort which has become a destination for wellness and wellbeing tourism. Together, they offer a unique combination of culture, authenticity and wellbeing.

ph credits M Danesin

Walking trails and food and wine experiences

Thanks to their strategic location in the Euganean Hills, Galzignano Terme and Arquà Petrarca are starting points for walking or cycling in nature through woodlands and vineyards. Lake Costa, part of the UNESCO serial site “Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps”, can be admired from below and also from above, along the Cammino di Sant'Antonio (St. Anthony's Way) which crosses the Regional Park, passing through the village of Arquà, and from here, there are various hiking trails.  The village is lively all year round thanks to a calendar of events ranging from concerts and markets to cultural gatherings and food and wine experiences. 

Celebrating the jujube and local olive oil

Among the most popular events in Arquà Petrarca is the Festa della Giuggiola which takes place on the first two Sundays of October and celebrates the jujube in all its forms, including the famous “brodo di giuggiole” (jujube broth). Alongside the jujube, Galzignano Terme boasts the production of De.Co. cherries which is celebrated on 2 June with markets, tastings and events. There are numerous wineries and vineyards that can be visited to appreciate the wines of the Euganean Hills, and the local extra virgin olive oil, among the best in Italy, is celebrated in November with the Festa dell'Olio Novello and can be tasted on guided tours.

Galzignano Resort Terme & Golf is ideal for wellness, nature and sport and is set in a 35-hectare park.

In a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

In the heart of the Veneto region, overlooking the Euganean Hills Regional Park - part of the UNESCO MaB World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2024 - Galzignano Resort Terme & Golf is a complex of three 4-star hotels set in a 35-hectare park. 

A complex of three 4-star hotels 

Located in Galzignano Terme, in one of the largest spa centres in Europe, the resort consists of three 4-star hotels: Majestic, Sporting and Splendid. Each has its own identity, but they all share wellness, sport and nature. The complex stands out for its large spa area with salt-bromine-iodine pools, specialized spa services and a natural setting which is ideal for outdoor activities and wellness programmes. Thanks to its sports facilities, meeting rooms and modular hospitality solutions, the Galzignano Resort Terme & Golf is the ideal solution for a weekend dedicated to beauty and wellness for couples, families or business travellers.

The Hotel Majestic is modern

The three properties have spacious and bright guestrooms, many with balconies, with panoramic views of the Euganean Hills, and provide direct access to all the resort's facilities, from thermal pools to sports fields, restaurants and children's areas. The Hotel Majestic is modern with nature-inspired interiors. It has five different types of rooms and suites, and is the ideal choice for those seeking a stay that blends nature with discreet luxury.

The Hotel Splendid offers greater privacy 

With its classic style and spacious rooms, the Hotel Splendid offers greater privacy, thanks in part to its secondary entrance and it can accommodate up to 300 people, making it ideal for the MICE segment. The Sporting is the most popular hotel with international guests. Of the 110 rooms and suites, there are some with views of the golf course, and it is the closest to the Revital Wellness & Spa and the sports fields. 

The Revital Wellness & Spa is the heart of the resort

The resort has indoor and outdoor thermal pools and the spa area also includes saunas, steam baths, hydromassage courses and relaxation rooms. Revital Wellness & Spa, the heart of the resort's wellness programme, offers numerous treatments including regenerating courses, holistic massages and personalized beauty treatments. The complex also promotes wellbeing through a range of sporting activities, with seven tennis courts, a 9-hole golf club and a free bicycle hire service for exploring the green landscapes, vineyards and historic villages of the area. Galzignano Resort Terme & Golf is located 30 minutes by car from Padua station and 50 minutes from Venice station. From Padua it is possible to continue by train to the smaller station of Battaglia Terme, located five minutes by car from the resort.

From 12 February to 14 June, Rome’s National Galleries of Ancient Art will host the exhibition “Bernini and the Barberini” at Palazzo Barberini. 

The exhibition is in six thematic sections

This will be an in-depth look at the relationship between Gian Lorenzo Bernini and one of the most influential families of 17th-century Rome. It will present the public not only with a portrait of an artistic genius, but also with the historical and political context in which he lived and worked. Divided into six thematic sections, the exhibition will take visitors through Bernini's entire career, highlighting the decisive role played by the Barberini family's commissions and, in particular, his relationship with Pope Urban VIII, the artist's first and most important patron.

Works from international collections

The exhibition brings together sculptures, drawings and sketches illustrating Bernini's creative process, alongside works of great value from international collections that are rarely seen in Italy, such as “Saint Sebastian” from the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, “Putto with Dragon” from the Getty Museum and “The Four Seasons” from the Aldobrandini collection. On display are drawings, engravings and preparatory models of the famous Baldacchino di San Pietro (Baldachin of St. Peter's) and the funeral monument of Urban VIII.

Bernini the painter 

The exhibition also reserves a space for Bernini the painter, presenting a selection of canvases, some of which are on public display for the first time. The exhibition concludes with a comparison with other great protagonists of the 17th century, including Guido Reni, François Duquesnoy and Alessandro Algardi, offering a broader view of the European artistic landscape of the time.

His famous colonnade in St, Peter’s Square

Bernini and the Barberini coincides with the 400th anniversary of the consecration of the new St Peter's Basilica in 1626, one of the most significant moments in the history of Roman Baroque. This anniversary provides an opportunity to explore the figure of Bernini and to highlight a historical period that marked the history of Rome and Italy. Bernini’s colonnade and baldachin of St. Peter's Basilica, the latter created in collaboration with Francesco Borromini, and the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona are other well-known examples of his mastery as a sculptor and architect. 

Peak Lake Garda 42 returns from 10 to 12 April 2026 with a weekend dedicated to Lake Garda runs.  

Races, side events and product testing

In addition to the marathon and half marathon, the programme will include side events for everyone: on Friday, the 10-kilometre Oxyburn Trail Run in Malcesine; on Saturday, the 8-kilometre PEAK Morning Run in Limone and the Kids Run in Arco. The Expo Area will be open throughout the weekend with stands and product testing and registration is officially open on the lakegarda42.com website. As per tradition, the programme will be enriched by a series of side events which, starting on Friday 10, will make the weekend a complete experience for enthusiasts, curious onlookers and families. 

The Oxyburn Trail Run on Friday 10 April

The weekend kicks off on Friday 10 April with the Trail Run, which this year welcomes a new Title Sponsor: Oxyburn “We chose to collaborate with PEAK LAKE GARDA 42, because of the quality of the event, the environmental context and its focus on sports tourism,- said Jacopo Pea, CEO of Oxyburn. -The event is now a benchmark in the world of running, a market in which our brand is recognized for the quality we offer.” 

ph credits matteo zanga

A 10-kilometre loop route

The route is a 10-kilometre loop around Monte Baldo with an elevation gain of almost 500 metres. This is a non-competitive community run with no rankings and, at the end of the race participants can enjoy a final aperitif with partner Birra Monte Baldo and a get-together with Oxyburn and its ambassadors. There are 250 places available. All participants will receive a free pair of Oxyburn 1216 socks, specially designed for trail running to ensure maximum breathability and effective heat dissipation and the GRS polyester sponge insole that offers excellent cushioning against impact with the ground.

Saturday 11 April – PEAK Morning Run

The programme continues on Saturday morning with the PEAK Morning Run in Limone del Garda The start is set for 10:00 a.m., for a non-competitive community run that will see participants running along the picturesque promenade overlooking Lake Garda, along an 8-kilometre route. There are 150 places available and all participants will find a hearty breakfast waiting for them at the finish line and will receive a free PEAK T-shirt.

Saturday 11 April – Kids Run

In the afternoon, at 6 p.m., it's time for the little ones with the Kids Run, which this year will take place in a new location: in the historic centre of Arcodi Trento, a few kilometres north of Riva del Garda. There will be two routes: the first, 1000 metres long, is open to children up to seven, and the second, 2 kilometres long, is reserved for participants up to 12 years of age. In both cases, registration includes a race pack, a medal and refreshments at the finish line. There are 150 places available and those who register by 24 March will receive a personalised race number with their name and nationality. For information: www.lakegarda42.com

Among the trends that will guide tourism in 2026, one is that people no longer travel just to reach their final destination. 

Enjoying the slowness and authenticity of the journey

In fact today seven out of ten young people attribute the same importance to the journey as to the destination, investing considerable sums in experiences that leave a mark (source: Global Travel Trends Report 2025 and McKinsey & Skift) and choosing to enjoy the slowness, authenticity and emotional value of the journey. 

Increased demand for secondary cities

In an age marked by hyperstimulation and frenetic rhythms, young people are transforming travel into a slow experience, full of meaning, well-being and deep connection with places and with themselves. “It is no coincidence that in Italy we are seeing a significant increase in bookings in secondary cities, that allow you to experience a slower pace,” says Rosa Giglio, Head of Brand Marketing and Communication at BWH Hotels Italy & South-East Europe.

Souljourn is a new micro trend

Soft Reset (or Souljourn) is also among the new micro-travel trends for 2026. This is a way of travelling that no longer involves numerous activities and intense schedules, but rather the pleasure of stopping and “resetting” the mind. “For 2026 we are seeing an increase of more than 20% in bookings in secondary destinations in Italy, i.e. medium-sized cities and less popular destinations such as Lecce, Reggio Emilia, Cesena, Lucca, Bergamo, Marsala and Padua,” says Rosa Giglio.

Puddling means simplicity and quiet places

Then there is puddling, a trend that focuses on simplicity and prolonged contact with nature in secluded and quiet places. “Given this need for simple and authentic experiences, weekend stays in small towns are on the rise, as these places allow visitors to explore the surrounding areas at a leisurely pace and experience a slower rhythm of life. In Puglia, for example, more and more travellers are choosing Massafra; in the Treviso area, villages such as Castelfranco Veneto, Quinto di Treviso and Silea are being rediscovered, and in Alta Valtellina, Tirano is growing in popularity. Along the Via Emilia, cities such as Parma and Forlì offer a mix of history and tradition, while in Umbria, Perugia remains the ideal destination for slow tourism. Even the vineyards of Verona, with San Bonifacio, are experiencing renewed interest. In all these locations, we have seen an average increase of 10% in weekend stays,” adds Giglio

Seaside and lake locations are in demand

Another trend stems from the deep sense of well-being that comes from connecting with water: “In Italy, resorts and retreats by the sea or lake are responding to this new sensibility by offering experiences that regenerate the body and mind. This winter we have seen a significant increase in requests for various seaside locations (+30%) from the Ligurian Riviera to the peaceful landscapes of the Circeo National Park with Sabaudia, to the Romagna Riviera with Rimini and the more intimate coasts of southern Italy, such as Catanzaro Lido or Nova Siri.” 

Birdwatching, fishing and staegazing are popular

Hushed and contemplative activities such as birdwatching and fishing, and grand gatherings, which bring the social dimension of travel back to the forefront with the desire to share time and experiences with family, friends and groups, are on the rise. Star Bathing, night-time stargazing, and Cowboycore, for a travel experience on isolated ranches, horseback riding, bonfires under the stars and country cooking, are particularly appealing and attractive.

The Chianti hills are a gentle, undulating chain straddling Florence and Siena. 

Wine growing was established in 1832

From a historical point of view, for centuries Chianti included the municipalities of Gaiole, Radda and Castellina, part of the old Chianti League, established in 1384 by the Florentine Republic and whose symbol was the still famous black rooster. With the establishment of the wine-growing area in 1932, the territory known as Chianti was significantly expanded.

Home to the Chianti Classico DOCG red wine

The history of this territory has always been inextricably linked to the wines produced in these areas, and more. Chianti is therefore the ideal destination for a journey into Tuscany’s food and wine traditions. The municipalities in this area are part of the production zone of Chianti Classico DOCG red wine, which is famous throughout the world. The Sangiovese vines, the basis of Chianti Classico, are spread across the hills of this territory, leaving room here and there for villages and hamlets. 

Tuscan food has entered the most refined cuisines 

Chianti wine pairs perfectly with tasty products such as cold cuts and with local  dishes that use ingredients that traditionally fed the poor, now ennobled to the point of becoming part of the most refined international cuisines: dishes such as ribollita, stuffed neck, chicken livers and tripe.

The Chiantigiana road is popular with motorcyclists

A perfect way to make sure you don't miss a single stop in this area is to travel along the Chiantigiana, the road from Florence to Siena that is so beloved by motorcyclists. Stops along the way include the villages of Greve in Chianti, with its curious triangular square surrounded by porticoes, Castellina, with its fortress, home to the archaeological museum, and typical villages such as Montefioralle and Panzano.

Fascinating museums, and wineries 

The Chianti roads also lead to castles such as Volpaia, in the municipality of Radda, the scene of centuries-old struggles between the Florentine and Sienese republics. Castelnuovo Berardenga is home to a unique museum, the Museo del Paesaggio, a space for reflecting on the relationship between man and the environment, while a few minutes from San Casciano in Val di Pesa we find the fascinating Cantina Antinori winery.

A luxury hotel, designed and promoted by Grandi Stazioni Retail and developed in collaboration with Pacini Group, will open in Milan's main Central Station.

The hotel brand has still to be announced

The hotel, on which work has already begun, will be affiliated with a leading international hotel brand to be announced in the coming months and is designed to accommodate international leisure and business customers.

“Transforming stations into complex and plural ecosystems”

This is an absolute first for Milan Central Station and beyond: “The arrival of the first hotel in an Italian railway station is a fundamental step in the process of transforming stations into complex and plural ecosystems, places that are increasingly integrated into the urban fabric and capable of offering increasingly diversified services and experiences,” says Elena Sorlini, CEO of Grandi Stazioni Retail.

Expanding high-value services in railway stations

The project is part of a broader urban regeneration strategy aimed at expanding and diversifying the range of high value-added services offered in railway stations. Grandi Stazioni Retail has identified Pacini Group S.p.A. as the operating partner for the management and marketing of the future hotel. “This project is a challenge of great strategic and symbolic value for Pacini Group,’ says Emidio Pacini, CEO and Founder of Pacini Group. “Bringing hospitality to an iconic location such as Milan Central Station for the first time means combining respect for history, a contemporary vision and the ability to interpret the needs of an international clientele.”

PONANT Explorations presents a themed cruise focusing on Italian arts and crafts of excellence.

Five world-renowned luxury brands

For an audience interested in high-level cultural and lifestyle experiences, the 11-day, 10-night itinerary, from 8 to 18 September 2027, will be on the Le Boréal, sailing from Livorno to Venice. This cruise stands out for its exclusive programme created in collaboration with five world-renowned Italian fashion, jewellery and tableware brands: Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Brioni, Pomellato and Ginori 1735.

credits: PONANT Nicolas Matheus

Cultural stops, private receptions and wine tastings

Each day alternates between sailing and cultural stops with visits to museums, old towns and  villages, archaeological sites and wine tastings. Guests will have access to private receptions in historic palaces in Florence and Venice, meetings with the country's finest artisans, live demonstrations, workshops and exclusive private events. On board, the experience is  one of by elegance with an intimate atmosphere, exclusive exhibitions, personalized service and Mediterranean cuisine.

credits: Francois Lefebvre

One-of-a kind visits to luxury brands’ factories 

Specific experiences include a special opening of the Gucci Archives, housed in a 15th-century Renaissance palace not usually open to the public, and a visit to Palazzo Gucci in Florence, as well as the on-board exhibition “The Art of Travel”. Bottega Veneta offers an exclusive tour of Venice with access to the Bottega Veneta Residence at Palazzo Soranzo Van Axel and a closing cocktail party. With Brioni guests will attend a tailoring demonstration by a master tailor, while Pomellato will delve into the world of designer jewellery with the expert guidance of a Gem Master. Finally, Ginori 1735 offers a private tour of its Florentine factory and, on board, demonstrations of porcelain decoration and a space dedicated to “Italian-style coffee.”

Pre and post-cruises to Chianti and Verona  

Among the optional PONANT Signature Moments experiences, there is the possibility of a pre-cruise in Florence, enjoying the landscapes and flavours of the Chianti hills, with local wine tastings, and a post-cruise stay discovering exclusive Verona historic buildings and hidden gardens. PONANT Explorations is marketed in Italy by Gioco Viaggi, a leader in the representation and sale of cruise products in Italy for major shipping companies.

On the border with France, a 50-minute drive from Turin, the ski resort of Bardonecchia is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the Alps. 

100 kilometres of slopes and 23 ski lifts

Thanks to an offer designed to welcome families with children and skiers of all levels, combining sport, fun and special offers, the area has 100 kilometres of slopes, 23 ski lifts and a snow park.  It also offers numerous easy and well-groomed slopes, ideal for those taking their first steps on skis or for those who want to ski in complete safety. 

The area has many ski schools

One of the area's strengths is the numerous ski schools in the area, with qualified instructors and teaching programmes designed specifically for children and beginners, such as the Scivolandia area, where little ones can take their first steps on the snow.

An indoor pool, snowcats and high-altitude dining

In Bardonecchia, in January, March and April there are advantageous accommodation and ski pass rates for families and other holidaymakers offering an opportunity to enjoy the snow outside the busiest periods. In addition to skiing, Bardonecchia has numerous alternative activities for adults and children: from an indoor swimming pool to the two-seater Alpine coaster, electric mountain bike rides and snowshoeing. To complete the experience, there are areas and activities dedicated to entertainment for the whole family, including dinners at high altitude with transport on a snowcat or night-time events such as BardoLesa, the famous sledding competition. For information:  www.bardonecchiaski.com