Valle d'Aosta’s extraordinary heritage has given it an evocative and well-deserved nickname: the Valley of the Hundred Castles.

In the Middle Ages the castles were symbols of power

Between the 10th and 15th centuries, the Valle d’Aosta region became a mosaic of small feudal lordships - Challant, Quart, Sarriod, Vallaise, Avise, Nus, Fénis - each with its own coat of arms and ambitions. As the central authority of the Roman era disappeared, the castle became for each lord a symbol of power, an instrument of defence and at the same time a political message.

Giving ancient castles a second lease of life

The geographic position of the region, a natural crossroads between Italy, France and Switzerland, helped fuel this race to build, resulting in the extraordinary constellation of manors and fortified constructions that today watches over the Dora Baltea and its tributaries: the Hundred Castles. With the arrival of the Savoy dynasty some were turned into administrative headquarters, others into residences, and still others into military outposts. Then, in the 20th century, silence and it is only in recent times that this feudal heritage was given a second life, transforming them into cultural poles, museums, hotels and event venues.

The Fortress of Bard: from history up to Botero

The gatekeeper of the valley, the Fortress of Bard, is a monumental military complex which in 1800 resisted Napoleon's siege for a fortnight, was then destroyed and rebuilt by the Savoys. Today, the Fortress is one of the most important cultural centres in the Alps, hosting exhibitions of and the Museum of the Alps.From 29 November 2025 to 6 April 2026, it will host the exhibition “Monumental Technique,” dedicated to Fernando Botero, with over one hundred works including drawings, paintings and sculptures that tell the story of the Colombian artist's research into the relationship between form and matter.

Saint-Pierre Castle: from stronghold to place of science

With its fairy-tale silhouette, Saint-Pierre Castle is one of the symbols of the Valley. After a long period of neglect, it was completely restored and since 2021 has housed the Efisio Noussan Regional Museum of Natural Sciences. The ancient rooms now tell the story of Alpine geology, fauna, glaciers and the fragility of the mountain environment. Since 2024, they also house the oldest animal mummy in Italy: a small marmot dating back to the Neolithic period.

Verrès Castel ph credits: Pietro Celesia

Verrès Castle: a stage for the arts

In the 14th-century Verrès Castle every year, the Historical Carnival features torch-lit processions with drums and costumed figures. The medieval halls becoming the setting for shows, music and performing arts.

Tour de Villa Castle: from a noble legacy to elite tourism

In the vineyards of Gressan, the Castle of Tour de Villa is a refined bed & breakfast and a prestigious location for weddings, events and meetings. The restored stately rooms welcome guests to an atmosphere that combines history and contemporary hospitality.

ph credits: Enrico Romanzi

The BTO 2025 looked at Westen Ligurian villages as a model to adopt for sustainable tourism.

The contribution of women in reshaping the future of tourism

The BTO Women programme at the recent “Be Travel Onlife 2025. A Vision Born from Challenge,” was an event that celebrated the fundamental contribution of women in reshaping the future of tourism through more responsible, inclusive and sustainable models. Speaking at the event Lina Cha, the mayor of Cervo, said the real challenge was woman “as she embodied the essence required to face change, overcome obstacles, and transform difficulties into opportunities, combining strength and gentleness,
determination and empathy, resilience and the ability to reinvent herself.”


Uniting villages for a new form of tourism

The project “Western Villages - Stone Streets that Embrace the Sea” is a collaboration between the Ligurian municipalities of Cervo, Diano Arentino and Villa Faraldi, and is aimed at regenerating historic centres by revitalizing their cultural and natural heritage. As project leader, the Municipality of Cervo seized the opportunity to reshape its tourism identity, emphasizing authenticity, local roots and the intimate spirit of the territory.


From mass tourism to sustainable identity

“Beach tourism is no longer enough,” said Mayor Cha, - the shift toward a more customized, sustainable model responds to changing visitor expectations. The new brand has art, culture and nature at its core, expanding the offer through outdoor itineraries, cultural events and slow-travel experiences.” The “Stone Paths that Embrace the Sea” project connects trekking and mountain-bike routes with museums, food and wine traditions and artistic residencies, encouraging conscious, year-round tourism. The focus is on deseasonalization, social inclusion and human-scale experiences, bringing new life to villages as places to experience and not merely to visit.

“A form of tourism that respects, enriches and inspires”

“For us, sustainability meant taking care of our spaces and our people,- said Cha. -The goal is to create communities where residents, workers and visitors coexist in harmony, blending daily life with hospitality. Today, the true challenge lies in networking, in linking the coast with the hinterland and involving local businesses and associations to build an integrated, forward-looking model. In Western Liguria, where “the mountains plunge into the sea,” rebirth begins from its ancient stones and timeless paths, ushering in a form of tourism that respects, enriches and inspires.”

The Florence Marathon 2025 will be an exciting blend of emotions, sport art and culture through the city’s Renaissance heart. 

The Florence Marathon will be on Sunday 30 November

The event will welcome over ten thousand athletes from all over the world on a route that blends competition and beauty. On Sunday 30 November 2025, the 41st edition of the Florence Marathon, one of the most eagerly awaited and popular sporting events of the year, will see some ten thousand athletes from more than fifty countries gather in the heart of the Tuscan capital.

A flat and level city route of 42 kilometres

The marathon, included in the AIMS(Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) calendar and recognized by the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) , represents one of the most important marathons in Italy and among the top 20 in the world (in terms of number of participants and quality), a must for international running enthusiasts. The route, which is flat and level, starts and finishes in Piazza Duomo, touching on symbolic places such as the Cascine Park, Ponte Vecchio, the Lungarni and the Uffizi Gallery, in an itinerary that embraces all of Florence's Renaissance magnificence. A route of 42 km and 195 metres that turns into a true journey through time, among monuments, art and the passion of thousands of people sharing the same emotion.

Events on the days before the Florence Marathon

The Florence Marathon is not just a race, but an event that involves the entire city. In the days preceding the race, on 28 and 29 November, the Expo Village returns, a lively meeting point for companies in the sector, athletes and visitors, with meetings, conventions and moments dedicated to sporting wellness. There are also great expectations for side events such as the Ginky Family Run, the non-competitive 3-km race for families and children, the Firenze Marathon 10 km and the 3x7 km Charity Run Relay, which combines passion for running with a noble solidarity cause. Not to be missed is the Cetilar Run Notturna di San Giovanni (St. John's Night Run), which allows visitors to admire the historical centre under the stars, amid romantic views and soft lights.

A stay worthy of the event at the FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo

For a stay worthy of the event, the FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo, an elegant 4-star hotel on the Lungarno del Tempio, offers the Firenze Marathon Package, with overnight stay, early breakfast, dinner at Ristorante Arno, and late check-out. Just ten minutes from Piazza Santa Croce, it offers modern comforts, eco-friendly philosophy and attentive, refined hospitality, and is a perfect choice for participants in the Florence Marathon.

The Val Gardena’s Christmas Valley and its evocative markets are a must for the festive season.

Two very different markets

Val Gardena is the Dolomite valley par excellence, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site that turns into an enchanted place during Advent, with tradition meeting the magic of Christmas. The Christmas Valley i a unique experience that offers authentic emotions with snow-capped peaks and villages illuminated by a thousand lights. Two very different but complementary markets welcome visitors from all over the world: the Christmas Village in Ortisei and the Mountain Christmas in Selva di Val Gardena.



Christmas gifts and local specialties

In Ortisei, an elegant village and heart of the valley, the Christmas atmosphere is particularly felt in the centre which is filled with spicy scents, warm lights and festive sounds. The traditional little wooden houses sell wood carvings, tree decorations, nativity scenes, textiles, typical sweets and South Tyrolean wines. Here, Christmas is synonymous with authenticity and tradition, and in the cozy “Lodenlounges” you can savour local specialties accompanied by wine and mulled wine.

Old traditions with St Nicholas and the Krampus

Selva di Val Gardena, the “capital” of Alpine sports, welcomes visitors with a more sporty charm. Its Mountain Christmas is a tribute to the high mountains that surround it. The atmosphere is magical, almost suspended in time, and invites you to dream as you stroll among the stalls, admire the local handicrafts or enjoy typical dishes accompanied by live Christmas music. A much-awaited moment is dedicated to St Nicholas and the Krampus, legendary figures of Alpine tradition. During their parade, the streets are filled with excitement as St Nicholas rewards the good children, while the Krampus scares the naughtiest ones. An ancient tradition that tells the authentic spirit of the valley, based in legend, religion and folklore.

The magic of Christmas in the Dolomites

Visiting the Christmas Valley in Val Gardena means experiencing the magic of Christmas in the Dolomites, where nature, culture and traditions come together to create unforgettable experiences. For information: www.valgardena.it

The Valle d'Aosta, the highest region in Italy, offers thermal waters, Alpine glaciers and more. Natural and thermal water sources But water is not just a feature of the landscape, it is the leitmotif of a journey that unites nature, wellness, culture and food and wine. The region’s hydroelectric plants produce an amount of energy equal to 65% of the national production every year. There are numerous natural and thermal water sources that flow from underground, offering benefits to the body and mind. From the snow-capped peaks of Mont Blanc to the thousand-year-old thermal springs, the water flows and transforms, regenerates and inspires.

A spa dating back to Roman days

The Pré-Saint-Didier Spa, just outside Courmayeur, is the ideal starting point. Frequented since Roman times, these waters gush out at 36°C, rich in minerals and perfect for relieving tension in the body and mind. The panoramic baths overlooking Mont Blanc, with their saunas, waterfalls and sensory paths, are a unique experience, especially when combined with a walk in the Orrido di Verney, a spectacular gorge carved out over the centuries by the tireless force of water. Not far away, Courmayeur completes the picture with its mineral springs which are among the purest in the Alps.

Saint-Vinent is famous for its thermal complex

To the south, in the heart of the valley, Saint-Vincent has its famous Fonte della Salute thermal complex. The spa, elegant and modern, offers hydropinic cures, inhalations, and relaxing indoor and outdoor pools, and is a corner of tranquillity where time slows down.

Autumn foliage and gastronomic delights

But wellness in Valle d'Aosta does not only pass through the spas. Cogne, in the Gran Paradiso National Park, offers wilder emotions like the Cascate di Lillaz waterfalls, the Valnontey stream, and mountain trails that are the essence of a kind of relaxation that comes from direct contact with water and nature. Brusson, in Val d'Ayas, has ferruginous springs immersed in the woods, which are part of the “Acqua Viva” project. At this time of year when nature is showing all its colours, the Aosta Valley launches an invitation to discover it and delight in its gastronomic specialties.

For information:
https://www.lovevda.it/it

Tourist flows from the US to Italy grew by +2.2% from January to end August, this year.

The US market loves Italy

A total of 1.4 million arrivals were recorded in the first eight months of 2025 (+2.2%) and more than 765,000 are expected in the September-December period, +9.4%, with over €2.8 billion spent in the first half of this year (Bank of Italy). According to the Italian Ministry of Tourism in 2024 there were over 8.1 million arrivals (23.7 million overnights: Istat) and €6.4 billion of tourist spending (Bank of Italy).

US visitors spend and stay most in Italy

Travellers from the United States are those who spend and stay most in our country, with €191.1 per night on average and 10.3 nights, rising to 12 nights in the first eight months of 2025 (Embassy of Italy Washington). In addition, US tourists are the most satisfied with Italy, with a degree of satisfaction that, at 86.1/100, is well above average

Looking towards a rosy future

The 2024-2025 numbers suggest positive prospects and opportunities for further development for the tourism industry and relations between the two nations, also in view of the more than 17 million Americans of Italian origin it is estimated live in the US.

In the historic, pedestrianized heart of Bolzano, the Eisenhut Boutique Hotel is a charming luxury gem close to snow-covered slopes.

Art plays a central role in the hotel

Opened in May 2025 after a redevelopment, the hotel is housed in a 13th-century building which has been brought back to life with contemporary elegance, attention to sustainability and deep respect for the history of the area. Art plays a central role with photographs inspired by local architecture in the public areas, giving the place personality and identity.

Close to the railway station and a Christmas market

The hotel is on Via Bottai, a few steps from the railway station and the famous Piazza Walther, where every winter one of Italy's largest and most atmospheric Christmas markets is held. During this period, magic and history intertwine, and South Tyrolean food and wine delicacies can be enjoyed. In the period leading up to Christmas, Bolzano is dressed in lights, scents and traditions, and staying at the Eisenhut means experiencing this atmosphere to the full, combining the convenience of a central location with the tranquillity of spaces designed for relaxation and luxury.

A starting point for exploring the Dolomites

The strategic location also allows easy access to the shops, restaurants and high-quality venues in the centre, and is an excellent starting point for exploring the Dolomites, which can be easily reached by car or public transport. The ski slopes of Obereggen or Alpe di Siusi, as well as scenic hiking trails and alpine huts, can be reached in just a few minutes.

An Honesty Bar and fitness area

The Hotel Heisenhut has 33 rooms in seven different categories, with natural materials, warm colours and elegant design details. The wooden floors, clay plastering and soft lighting create an intimate and cozy ambience which is ideal after a day in the snow or enjoying the old centre. The ground floor has a lounge with a fireplace, a small library and the 24-hour Honesty Bar where guests can enjoy selected local specialities. There is also a fitness area with Pilates Reformer equipment overlooking a quiet, green inner courtyard.

For information:
https://www.eisenhut-bozen.com/it/camere-prezzi/offerte

In the glamorous heart of the Tyrolean Alps, the 5-star Bio Hotel Stanglwirt, an icon of Alpine hospitality since 1722, has always been in the hands of the Hauser family.

A perfect retreat for families, sports and wellness buffs

ph. credits Caroline Hechenberger
For more than three centuries the property has been a landmark of luxury hospitality. Founded as a farmstead in 1722, it evolved over time and today is an exclusive resort. The philosophy of the Hauser family is based on green hospitality and the harmonious coexistence of elegance and respect for the planet, transforming stays here into a perfect retreat for every season that are ideal for families, sports lovers, and all those who appreciate wellness and the good life.

Close to slopes for all levels of skiers

In winter its privileged location allows guests to reach the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental in just a few minutes, where there they find over 270 kilometres of slopes for skiers of all levels. In summer the many nature trails and outdoor activities make the resort an ideal starting point for hikes, nature adventures, relaxation and superb culinary experiences. And this winter the hotel is introducing Leni’s, a new à la carte restaurant where taste meets family conviviality.

A spa, horse riding and a Christmas village

Wellness is a fundamental pillar of the Stanglwirt experience. There are over 12,000 square metres of wellness and spa areas with indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and relaxation areas while the state-of-the-art treatments are designed to regenerate the body and the mind. For sports enthusiasts the resort offers indoor tennis courts, a modern fitness area with personal trainers, and horse riding with the world-famous Lipizzaner horses. During the Advent and New Year period the Stanglwirt transforms into a Christmas village where shows, music, flavours and markets provide an exclusive backdrop.