In the heart of Puglia, at the heel of Italy’s boot, Lecce is a destiantion that should be on every travel radar.

The authentic beauty of southern Italy

Lecce combines the charm of ancient history with the elegance of Baroque architecture. Often referred to as the “Florence of the South” it is a must-see for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the authentic beauty of southern Italy. And while it may not have the global fame of Rome or Venice, it offers a treasure trove of cultural wonders. Located on the Salento Peninsula, at the southeastern tip of Italy, the city is an ideal base for exploring the stunning beaches of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas and so, is both a relaxing getaway and an exciting cultural adventure. Reaching Lecce is easy, with direct train routes from major cities like Bari and Brindisi, and with the nearby Salento Airport which offers connections to countless European destinations. 

Lecce’s ancient Roman Theatre

One of Lecce’s star attractions is its ancient Roman Theatre, a breathtaking relic from the 2nd century A.D. Situated in the heart of the historic center the theatre was once a thriving venue for performances which seated thousands. While only partially excavated, the ruins are nonetheless awe-inspiring, offering unique a glimpse into the past.  Today, the theatre occasionally hosts live performances, and for those lucky enough to be in town for one, it is an experience they won’t want to miss.

Strolling through Baroque Lecce

Lecce’s Baroque architecture is what truly sets it apart from other cities in Italy. It is packed with stunning churches, palaces, and piazzas, all adorned with intricate carvings, ornate facades, and beautiful stonework. One of the must-visit sites is the Basilica di Santa Croce, a masterpiece of Baroque design. The façade of this church is a riot of intricate detailing, with sculptures of angels, saints, and biblical scenes, all meticulously carved from the local limestone. Another architectural gem is the Piazza del Duomo square that is home to Lecce’s Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, and the Bell Tower.   

Vibrant markets and culinary delights

The city's central Piazza Sant'Oronzo hosts a lively market where you can find everything from fresh local produce to handmade crafts. The Pasticciotto is a traditional custard-filled pastry that goes down well with a glass of Primitivo, a rich, full-bodied red wine produced in the surrounding Salento region. Also not to be missed are the traditional Orecchiette pasta with turnip greens and fresh seafood caught straight from the Ionian Sea.

Beautiful beaches and cycling trails

Lecce is also the perfect base for exploring the Salento region. Just a short drive away the charming towns of Otranto and Gallipoli are known for their stunning coastline, historic centers and beautiful beaches. For nature lovers the Litorale di Ugento regional park offers hiking and cycling trails through protected wetlands, where you can spot local wildlife and enjoy the region’s natural beauty. Whether wandering through the ruins of the Roman Theatre, marveling at the intricate Baroque architecture, or savoring the flavors of Puglia’s cuisine, this hidden gem of Southern Italy is a captivating destination awaiting adventurous travellers.

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, San Gimignano is considered a Tiscan masterpiece, and known as the Medieval Manhattan 

The town has 14 Medieval towers

This little hilltop town enchants visitors with its towering skyline and timeless charm, and it owes its nickname to the 14 medieval towers that are a striking testament to the wealth and power of rival families in its heyday. As you approach across the Tuscan landscape the sight of its iconic towers rising against the Tuscan countryside is breathtaking. Inside the town walls, cobblestone streets wind through well-preserved medieval architecture. 

Visitors can climb the tallest tower

The best place to start is in Piazza della Cisterna, a charming triangular square surrounded by historic buildings. The nearby Piazza Duomo is home to the Collegiata di San Gimignano, a Romanesque church adorned with vibrant frescoes depicting biblical stories. Those seeking adventure should climb the Torre Grossa, which at 178 feet is the tallest tower, for panoramic views of the rolling Tuscan hills, while art enthusiasts will enjoy the Civic Museum, which showcases local art and history.

World-class ice-cream

Food lovers are in for a treat and can indulge in Pici pasta with wild boar ragu, or savor a platter of Pecorino cheese with a glass of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the town's renowned white wine. For dessert, San Gimignano is famous for its award-winning gelato, found at the Gelateria Dondoli which is hailed as one of the best ice-cream producers in the world.

Stepping back in time in San Gimignano

For those captivated by history, tantalized by flavors, or simply looking to soak up the charm of a Tuscan gem, San Gimignano is a destination that promises unforgettable memories. An invitation to visitors to step back in time while savoring the best of modern Italian hospitality. For information: www.sangimignano.com 

Oman Air has added a new flight to Rome with the inauguration of its new route from Muscat, making Fiumicino the airline's second airport in Italy after Milan.

“Opening new doors to tourism and business”

The new flights are operated four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays - and ensure continuous connectivity with the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and the Asia-Pacific. Pierluigi D'Elia, the Italian Ambassador to Oman highlighted how the direct service between Rome and Muscat will open new doors to tourism and business. “The more accessible flights for both Omani and Italian citizens, as well as for tourists and investors from around the world, will make an important contribution to the growth of the tourism and trade sectors in both countries”

Oman Air has been flying to Milan for 13 years

“The flights to Rome are a novelty that further enriches the solid relations that Oman Air has cultivated with Italy over the past 13 years thanks to its flights to Milan,- said the carrier's CEO, Con Korfiatis. -They also highlight the airline's commitment to enhancing connectivity between the two countries and to promote and strengthen economic, cultural and tourism ties between Oman and Italy.”

The Arabian Peninsula market  has grown by 21%

The Muscat-Rome “enriches the international network of destinations offered by Fiumicino Airport, once again underlining the great appeal of the Roman market, added Ivan Bassato, chief aviation officer Aeroporti di Roma. -Adr thus initiates a cooperation that will contribute to further strengthening the already significant flows with the Arabian Peninsula, a market with 1.8 million passengers transported in the period between January and November of this year and growing by +21% compared to the record levels of 2023.” 

Italy and France are closer again thanks to the reopening of the Mont Blanc Tunnel, which has  reopened after 15-weeks.

The tunnel is 11.6 kilometres long

The tunnel was opened again in the late evening of 16 December, after the 15-week stoppage for maintenance work and a total investment of €24 million. The works included maintenance on the tunnel vault, reflecting the importance of this project for the two concessionary companies, SITMB for the Italian side, and ATMB for the French side. At 11.6 kilometres long, the Mont Blanc Tunnel is one of the longest road tunnels in Europe and a crucial axis for travel between Italy and France. The reopening represents a breath of fresh air for the environment and for businesses.

“More than 150,000 working hours” 

Built 60 years ago and used daily by thousands of vehicles, the 11.6 km-long bidirectional infrastructure “requires major civil engineering work,” the two companies explained at the end of August. The two “test projects for vault rehabilitation” ended ‘after 105 days of round-the-clock activity for more than 150 workers, which equals “more than 150,000 working hours.” The closure also allowed various other civil, plant and exterior works to be carried out. The tunnel closure period was chosen because the autumn season is the lowest in terms of traffic, particularly light vehicles, 68% of the traffic.

Trenitalia has a winter packed with new services and connections, with more than 130 destinations and some 130,000 seats offered per day. These are the numbers of the 2024-25 winter schedule of Trenitalia's Frecce trains - joined by FrecciaLink (up to 14 train plus bus connections).

100 Frecciarossa trains between Rome and Milan daily

The Italian state railway company renews its commitment to guaranteeing quality services, comfort and intermodality for passengers, with the Frecciarossa trains reaching a record frequency: 100 daily connections between Rome and Milan, of which 9 with journey times of less than 3 hours, and 50 thousand seats available every day, of which over 35 thousand between Milan and Naples. In addition, thanks to the Frecciarossa 1000 in dual composition, more seats are offered on the days and times of greatest demand. The introduction of new direct services, such as those to Gorizia from Naples and Rome, further increases the number of destinations served by the iconic high-speed trains.

Services to the toe of Italy and to Alpine resorts

Trenitalia's commitment to connecting the country extends along the North-South axis with 16 daily Frecce express trains between Rome and Calabria, including two night runs that cross Italy allowing passengers to optimize their holiday time. Puglia is also in the spotlight with up to 16 daily connections between Rome and the region's main cities, as well as night connections that link Milan and Lecce on the busiest days. For mountain lovers, Frecciarossa and FrecciaLink offer new travel options to Bardonecchia, Val Gardena, Cortina and other renowned Alpine resorts, ideal for winter sports or Christmas markets.

Night trains with couchettes and sleeping cabins

The year 2024 also marked the relaunch of Intercity Notte, with demand increasing by 7% over 2023 and 30% compared over 2022, exceeding two million passengers carried by the end of the year. This growth is driven by awareness of sustainability and the convenience of night travel, which connects more than 150 stations - including 17 in Sicily - between northern and southern Italy. Ideal for holidays and long journeys these trains offer different comfort levels, from couchettes to sleeping cabins with dedicated services such as breakfast. Competitive with air travel, they make it possible to reach tourist destinations such as Taormina with 70% less CO2 emissions.

“Around half a billion passengers in 2024”

The Euronight/Nightjet connection, operated in cooperation between Trenitalia and the Austrian Oebb railways, connects La Spezia with Vienna and Rome, with Vienna every day expanding the cross-border offer and reinforcing the commitment to sustainable and interconnected tourism.

“Also this year - explains a Trenitalia note - passenger-friendly and new services better meet the needs of those travelling by train and bus for work, study, leisure or simply to reach leisure destinations during the Christmas holidays. Sustainability, intermodality and innovation are in fact at the basis of the new offer for Frecce, Intercity and Regional trains, which in 2024 carried around half a billion passengers.”

There are 19 Italian properties – three are new entries - in the 2025 edition of the Condé Nast Johansens international guide. 

There are 19 Italian hotels and resorts in the guide

The new entries are the Tivoli Portopiccolo Sistiana Wellness Resort & Spa in Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Golfo dei Poeti Relais & Spa in Liguria and the Villa Sparina Resort in Piedmont. The confirmed Italian properties are the Petrus, Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel & Spa in Trentino; the Cà Sagredo Hotel in Venice and the Color Hotel style & design in the province of Verona. In Tuscany there is the Monsignor della Casa Country Resort & Spa, the Speronari Suites is in Milan, while the Eitch Borromini, the Borgognoni Hotel with the Elizabeth Unique Hotel, Villa Spalletti Trivelli and the Parco dei Principe Grand Hotel & Spa are in Rome.

Sicily is represented by the Grand Hotel Des Étrangers in Ortigia

The Palazzo di Varignana Resort & Spa is in the province of Bologna; also in Emilia Romagna, the Villa Abbondanzi Resort is in Faenza. The Castello di Petroia is located in Umbria, the Gabbiano Azzurro Hotel & Suites in Sardinia. Finally, in Sicily there is the Grand Hotel Des Étrangers in Ortigia.

All properties are verified by Condé Nast Johansens’ local experts

But the guide naturally goes well beyond Italy, offering a selection of hotels ranging from Antigua to Zimbabwe, with a special focus on independent properties, historic residences, evocative locations for events, and spas of the highest level. All thanks to the work and verification of Condé Nast Johansens’ local experts.

Just a short stroll from the iconic Colosseum, the Church of St. Peter in Chains (San Pietro in Vincoli) houses two gems: Michelangelo’s statue of Moses and the chains said to have bound St. Peter.

One of Rome’s quieter, yet most magnificent treasures

While the little church might not grab headlines like St. Peter’s Basilica or the Sistine Chapel, its blend of history, art, and spirituality makes it a must-see for those seeking Rome’s quieter, yet equally magnificent treasures. It is tucked away in the central Monti district, at the top of the Scalinata di Borgia, a flight of stairs easily accessed near the Cavour metro stop, and a short walk from the Colosseum. Its location in Monti, which is Rome’s oldest neighborhood, makes it an ideal detour for those exploring the area’s cobblestone streets, artisanal shops, and charming cafés.   

The chains are in a reliquary under the main altar

The church’s name, San Pietro in Vincoli, originates from the revered relic it houses: the chains believed to have bound St. Peter during his imprisonment in Jerusalem and Rome. The old links are in a reliquary beneath the main altar and are a powerful connection to early Christian history. But it is outside the church that one of the greatest art works in the world can be admired, a true masterpiece by that great Renaissance sculptor, painter, architect and poet Michelangelo Buonarotti.  

One of Michelangelo’s masterpieces

Michelangelo’s Moses was completed in 1515 having been commissioned for the tomb of Pope Julius II. Michelangelo poured his genius into every chiseled detail of this imposing and powerful statue: from Moses’ furrowed brow to the veins on his hands and the saint’s vivid expression, which lead many to regard it as one of the artist’s finest achievements.  Visitors to San Pietro in Vincoli are captivated by the ethereal beauty of Michelangelo’s Moses and drawn by the story of St. Peter’s chains in this lesser-known jewel in the Eternal City’s glittering crown.