Vista Ostuni has welcomed the first guests, marking the brand's debut in Puglia. 

A Leading Hotels of the world member

The 5-star luxury property, owned by the Passera family and part of The Leading Hotels of the World portfolio, is in an exceptional location, just a few steps from the White City of Ostuni, set in a grove of centuries-old olive trees, just 20 minutes from Brindisi airport. The subject of a major restoration in full respect of its original architecture, the former tobacco factory is an iconic structure dating back to the 14th century, with a long history linked to the local community, and has always been a place of hospitality.

“Restoring it was a true act of love”

“This opening is a very important step in what has been an exciting journey for us,- said Bianca Passera, president of the group. -From the moment we discovered the historic building, we recognized its incredible potential. Restoring it was a true act of love which allowed us to honour its legacy by working with talented Italian craftsmen to give it a new lease of life. The result is an iconic place rediscovered in a new and timeless guise."

28 suites and rooms and two restaurants

On five floors on a total area of 6,000 sqm, plus 1,200 sqm of terraces and three hectares of garden, the 28 suites and rooms have an average surface area of 60 sqm. There are two restaurants, the Bianca Bistrot - an all-day dining garden restaurant - and “Berton al Vista” where chef Andrea Berton's cuisine embraces regionality through excellent raw materials.

Three swimming pools, a spa and a fitness gym

There is also the Infinity Bar on the rooftop with a breathtaking view over the city of Ostuni, the centuries-old olive trees and the sea, and the Chiostro Bar for a drink in a cozy and secluded setting. The property has three swimming pools, two of which are outdoor (an infinity pool on the terrace and another in the garden) and one indoor pool as well as a Spa, beauty centre and fitness gym with state-of-the-art equipment. The rooms have high vaulted ceilings and windows opening onto the olive grove and Ostuni and the local materials have been interpreted by master craftsmen and artisans.  Vista Ostuni is a concentration of technology and comfort masterfully integrated into a building of great historical and architectural value.

Service is at the highest level

Open all year round, the hotel boosts the Vista brand's commitment to luxury hospitality. By embracing its core values, the brand expresses a growing commitment to responsible hospitality that creates added value for locals through the redevelopment of historic buildings, innovation, sustainability, and the art of hospitality. At the heart of the experience is a service of excellence that is based on the beauty of the area and the appeal of the destination, and which is also confirmed by its inclusion in The Leading Hotels of the World portfolio.

Wizz Air to connect London Luton to Milan and Rome for the first time from 26 October.

New direct daily flights

Wizz Air is to boost its UK-Italy routes with the forthcoming opening of two new direct daily connections from London Luton to Milan Malpensa and Rome Fiumicino: these will be the Hungarian low-cost airline's first flights between Luton airport and Italy. The two new routes will be operational from 26 October with daily frequencies, which become double on the busiest days - Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Tickets are already on sale.

Italy is Wizz Air’s first market

Italy is confirmed as Wizz Air's first market in terms of the number of passengers carried, while the UK hosts one of the company's most important operational bases London Luton Airport - the carrier's first UK base, which opened in 2017.

“Italy is performing well in passenger demand”

"Italy and the UK now represent two key bases in Wizz Air's international growth. The introduction of additional connections between Milan, Rome and London, also flying out of Luton Airport, is a reflection of our strategy to strengthen in the most profitable markets, where Italy stands out as performing well in terms of both growth potential and passenger demand," said Salvatore Gabriele Imperiale, corporate communications manager Wizz Air.

10.5 million bookings in first 7 months

With more than 13 million seats on offer by 2025 and over 210 active routes to and from Italy, the Italian market remains the most important for Wizz Air globally, and the airline intends to continue to invest heavily in the future. In the first seven months of 2025, the low-cost airline operated almost 50,000 flights from and to Italy, maintaining a completion rate of 99.7% and registering over 10.5 million bookings, a growth of +9.1% compared to the same period last year.

The Sentieri e Pensieri (Paths and Thoughts) literary festival, organized by the municipality of Santa Maria Maggiore this year reaches the milestone of 13 editions. 

The Festival is planned for 17 to 25 August 

In the province of Verbania in Piedmont the 2025 Festival will consist of a preview on 17 August, with the main body of the festival from Monday 18 to Monday 25 August, consisting of numerous appointments and prestigious guests. All the events will take place on the stage in the enchanting Villa Antonia Park. Many themes will be addressed in the new edition of the festival organized in Santa Maria Maggiore which is an Italian Touring Club Orange Flag town.

For audiences of all ages

From science to politics, from the world of stories to the climate, essays and novels, there will also be a special events dedicated to art while the much-awaited Sentieri e Pensieri 2.0 (Paths and Thoughts 2.0) section will be aimed at a transversal audience of all ages. There will also be the fourth edition of the Santa Maria Maggiore Podcast Award.  The calendar of the 2025 edition of Sentieri e Pensieri, created in 2013 under the aegis of the International Turin Book Fair and now organized by the Municipality of Santa Maria Maggiore with the support and patronage of the Piedmont Region and the Piedmont Regional Council, will be of the highest quality and appeal.  

It is possible to reserve seats online

In the event of bad weather the events will be held in the Teatro Comunale and they will all be streamed on the Facebook page www.facebook.com/santamariamaggioreturismo and on the YouTube channel www.youtube.com/SantaMariaMaggioreTurismo. This year it is possible to reserve seats by 10 a.m. on the day of the event (8 p.m. on the previous day for morning events). Reservations, which are not compulsory but highly recommended, can be made by filling out a simple form that can be accessed from the programme published online at: www.santamariamaggiore.info/sentieri.

Cold bathing in the Aurina Valley lakes in Caminata di Tures, Alto Adige 

Olm Nature Escape promotes the ritual of cold bathing in the Aurina Valley's bathing lakes.

Suites with private Finnish saunas

Olm Nature Escape is the starting point of a journey into freedom and liberation, starting in the Ahrntal Valley which has 35 mountain lakes, ten waterfalls, 120 potable water springs, streams, snowfields, torrents and even 38 glaciers.  Add to this the private Finnish saunas in the energy self-sufficient Olm Nature Escape apart-hotel, where 25 of the 33 ApartSuites are equipped with the saunas.   

Bathing lakes and spectacular views

In addition to the bathing lake in Olm, which is a “workout” lake with temperatures of around 13 to 20 degrees, there are the Kofler lakes in Rein in Taufers, set against a beautiful backdrop of moraine debris piles. Slightly longer is the hike to Waldner Lake in Predoi, the northernmost lake in South Tyrol. Nestling amidst the panorama of the Zillertal Alps, at 2,162 metres, the Klaussee enjoys protection from the winds, the embrace of the Jochkofel and a breathtaking view of 80 mountains over three thousand metres in the Zillertal Alps. Immersing oneself in this context is worth the effort of the walk. 

Biking and hiking trails 

The Maler Lake, at 2,500 metres, is fed by glacier meltwater and surrounded by numerous peaks over 3,000 metres and is part of the Hohe Tauern, Vedrette di Ries and Cima Dura groups. The hike, about a 20-kilometre round trip, is recommended for experienced walkers.  Some 30 minutes from Luttach and also easily accessible by e-bike, the spectacular Pojer Waterfall is a variation on the bathing theme, while Lake Neves, with its glacier water, is finally a jewel at an altitude of some1,900 metres and is accessible via a circular path.

Hospitality and catering will be in the spotlight at the Longarone Fair from 6-8 November 2025. 

A fair focused on mountain hospitality and catering

The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics are approaching, and Longarone Fiere is working together with partners and stakeholders to prepare the area in the best possible way to welcome this great event. In fact, Dolomiti HORECA, the trade fair for hospitality and catering in the mountains and more, will be held in the Longarone Exhibition Centre, a 40-minbute drive from Belluno, on 6-7-8 October to promote the area’s many attractions. 

A roadmap for the 2026 Winter Olympics

The fair is an opportunity for hoteliers and restaurateurs to meet with the companies that supply goods and services to this important sector. Hospitality and catering starts with the work of the operators attending Dolomiti HORECA, now in its fifth edition. The geographical area of greatest interest mainly involves the mountainous and hilly areas of the Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Trentino-Alto Adige regions. It is a young trade fair, created to accompany hospitality professionals along the roadmap for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Rural tourism is the key to a sustainable future, enhancing nature, culture and territory with accommodation and recreational activities. Dolomiti HORECA is ideally located in Longone, between the Dolomites and the UNESCO hills of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano.

Three days with B2B meetings and masterclasses 

Thanks to the collaboration with numerous partners representing the entire Ho.Re.Ca. world, the three days will feature B2B meetings, masterclasses, and in-depth analysis for operators. And for the world of pizza making the challenge is on with competitions organized by Dolomiti Cup Show and masterclasses with Tiziana Garbo, Antonella Amodio, Gianfranco Iervolino, Vito De Vita, Helga Liberto and Enrico De Nigris, also in the role of training coordinator. Go to the official website for information and contact details at: www.longaronefiere.it/expo-dolomiti-horeca

History and mystery will be on display in the Padernello Castle near Brescia on 3 September, 25 October and 15 November 2025.

Secret passages and hidden rooms

his exclusive experience of history and mystery will be on display in the ancient donjon of the elegant manor house in the Lower Bresciana region. Padernello Castle, like any self-respecting ancient residence, hides mysterious and inaccessible places: secret passages, hidden rooms where people once sought refuge from danger, and stories that echo within the walls as in a timeless fairy tale

Guided tours through the Castle’s history

For three days the fascinating tower of the manor house will be open to visitors with exclusive guided tours of the castle and its ancient keep. The experience begins with the entrance on the original drawbridge of Padernello Castle, unchanged by the passage of centuries. Beyond the manor hall in the square courtyard, which is porticoed on two sides, every stone recounts stories of nobles, knights and ladies who lived, loved and fought here.  The exclusive guided tours are a complete journey through layers of history: from the main rooms of the castle to the ascent to the ancient donjon, reached by climbing up ancient wooden stairs that creak underfoot to lead to the top of the manor's highest tower. From this perspective the view sweeps over the ancient agricultural village of Padernello. The unprecedented visit will reveal the history of the manor from a new point of view, combining the beauty of the noble rooms with the emotion of the inaccessible tower.

The tours must be booked online

The restoration that has brought Padernello Castle back to life from the sleep of abandonment since 2006 has revealed surprising treasures: frescoed ceilings, 15th-century and 16th-century rooms that whisper of yesteryear and an elegant 18th-century staircase. Guided tours can be booked exclusively on the website: https://www.castellodipadernello.it/eventi-e-mostre/

The exhibition of treasures from Italian museums will run in Villa Aura in Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples to November.

Many works come from museum deposits

Curated by the Museum Project Consortium and promoted by the Region of Sicily in collaboration with the Italian General Museums of the Mic, it brings together 22 paintings by known and less well known artists, and spans six centuries of history, beauty and art. The selection of paintings from all 20 Italian regions narrate the history and cultural identity of the works, dating from the 15th to the 20th century. They are all from national museums in various Italian cities, as well as from museum deposits, and they symbolize the inexhaustible rediscovery of collections in Italy’s museums.

Paintings from down the centuries 

Starting with 15th-century paintings by the master of Castel Sardo and Antonello da Messina to the heights of the 16th century with giants such as Perugino, Raphael, Sebastiano del Piombo, Pordenone and Andrea Previtali, the exhibition continues with the 17th century and the powerful paintings of Tanzio da Varallo, Sassoferrato and Ludovico Carracci, and then explores the greatness of Baroque painting through the works of Giovanni Baglione, Luca Giordano, Francesco Fracanzano, Mattia Preti and Valerio Castello. Eighteenth-century delicacy and grace take shape in the paintings of Pompeo Batoni, Nicola Maria Rossi and Paul Troger, while 19th-century realism is represented by the works of Filippo Palizzi. Finally, the 20th-century restlessness of Carlo Levi closes this unprecedented mosaic of personalities, offering a comprehensive look at the country's artistic and cultural evolution.

This exhibition is the last of three on Italy’s treasures

The exhibition is also the last of the three sessions of the larger project I Tesori d'Italia (Treasures of Italy), which has already seen two previous sessions in Villa Aurea , with other works of Italian art, and is named after the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Regional Department of Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity and the General Directorate for Museums of the Ministry of Culture. 

The Continental Mare in Ischia has opened its doors for summer 2025 with the new Mare Suite which has a mini pool.

A small corner of paradise on the island of Ischia

In the quiet of Cafiero Bay, between the Spiaggia degli Inglesi and the Castiglione beaches, the Continental Mare Hotel is a small corner of paradise on the island of Ischia. Both intimate and secluded it was once the private residence of an American tycoon, and is now part of the Leohotels Ischia collection which belongs to the Leonessa brothers, hoteliers on the island since the 1960s.

The atmosphere is that of a family villa

It retains the architecture, style and colours of the former Mediterranean residence: set in the rock, facing the sea and breathtaking sunsets, it is surrounded by terraced gardens with Mediterranean and tropical essences. The atmosphere is that of a family villa rather than a hotel, of a secret hideaway by the sea, with every detail taken care of with the same loving attention that is reserved for a home. It is the perfect choice for those seeking privacy, silence, wellbeing and nature, and it has two thermal pools, a small wellness centre and exclusive access to the sea via a rock-paved descent.

The new Mare Suite has a patio and mini pool

The new suite, in collaboration with the Livio De Simone archive, is in a secluded and privileged location, an independent unit with a patio, garden and mini pool overlooking the sea. The interiors have Mediterranean style with exclusive painted majolica tiles, designer fabrics and the unmistakable geometries by Livio De Simone: an explosion of turquoise, white and blue which reflect the dazzling Mediterranean sky. The Livio De Simone Maison has also restyled other rooms and suites in the hotel, which has been undergoing work for two years. Cushions, bed heads, sommieres, curtains and upholstery details are handcrafted with fabrics inspired by the original designs from the historical De Simone archive and give the environment a sunny, artistic and timeless elegance

Two thermal swimming pools

The four-star Continental Mare has a private descent to the sea, 120 steps that wind gently down the rocky ridge to the pebble beach and the reserved bathing platform which has parasols and sun loungers. There are two thermal swimming pools: the Garden Pool, at 30°C, on the lawn overlooking the bay, and the Panoramic Pool at 28°C. The Wellness Club Mare is dedicated to the care of body and mind, with a wide range of massages and beauty and wellness treatments. Guests can also enjoy the sea-view Cafiero restaurant, the bar, and the garden. The hotel is just a few minutes from the centre of Ischia; a pedestrian path, which starts at the Continental Mare Hotel leads in ten minutes to the port and the centre of the island, passing through the village of Sant'Alessandro.

Itabus boosts its connections to the most popular summer leisure destinations, with a particular focus on Italian seaside resort towns.

Many new routes to summer destinations

The new routes include six new connections to and from Gallipoli (connected with Rome, Naples and Salerno), increased services to Calabria (locations such as Sibari and Crotone), four to six direct connections to Messina and Catania, two daily services on the Adriatic coast with stops in Cattolica, Riccione and Rimini,  and daily services to Pompei and Sorrento from the main Italian cities (Turin, Milan, Bologna, Rome).

Serving all the main airports and ports 

The Itabus company, part of the Italo railway group, today counts on a fleet of 100 buses, 80 daily services and 126 locations connected from North to South, as well as to many European destinations. Also confirmed are the routes between the main Italian cities and the airports of Rome Fiumicino, Rome Ciampino, Milan Malpensa, Bergamo Orio Al Serio, Venice Marco Polo and Catania Fontanarossa. And, on the maritime front, in synergy with Italo, Itabus serves the ports of Naples, Venice and Civitavecchia connecting with MSC Crociere ships.

“We are growing in Italy and Europe”

" The newly arrived summer is already showing a strong desire for Italy. Tourists from all over the world are arriving and want to visit our cities and reach our coasts,.  Francesco Fiore, CEO of Itabus.  -We have activated these new services to bring travellers to the most popular locations. We have connections with trains and ships, we reach the main high-speed train stations, the major Italian airports, and strategic ports for the entire cruise industry. We are growing in Italy and Europe and satisfying the needs of our passengers.”