From the Via Francigena to the ancient Via degli Abati, and from the Via Matildica del Volto Santo to the Via di Linari with Visit Emilia. This is the authentic Emilia to be experienced on foot, rewarding travellers and hikers willing to leave behind the frenzy of the city to immerse themselves in history, nature, culture, food and wine. These great historical paths have been travelled by many thousands of pilgrims over the centuries, crossing the Apennines, passing through the UNESCO Biosphere and invoke the atmosphere of the region’s ancient fiefdoms. 

Monastery of San Colombano di Bobbio

The Via Francigena led pilgrims to Rome

One of the most popular routes for travellers of all ages is the Via Francigena, which runs through the heart of the Apennines in the provinces of Piacenza and Parma. The Via degli Abati is an ancient medieval route followed by the monks of the monastery of San Colombano di Bobbio, in the province of Piaena, on their way to Rome.

Rewarding journeys along a network of trails 

The network of trails along ancient medieval routes that constitutes the heart of the Via Matildica del Volto Santo (the Matildic Way of the Holy Face) is an opportunity to exercise both body and mind as you imagine the atmosphere of the fiefdom of Countess Matilda di Canossa, from her magnificent castles to her villages. This was a route of commercial passage and an alternative pilgrimage path to reach Rome and Lucca and today is a rewarding journey rich in nature, art, fine food and wine.

Nauralis Bio Resort & Spa is an 18th-century masseria, a former rural hamlet just 20 kilometres from Otranto and Lecce and only 20 minutes from the Adriatic coast. Carefully and expertly restored and transformed into a splendid hotel de charme, it is part of the Naturalis Azienda Agricola farmstead  - 45 acres on which olives, aloe vera, wheat, and grapes as well as wide variety of medicinal plants are cultivated.

Rooms with atmosphere and air conditioning

The 11 rooms – Deluxe, Junior Suite and Suite – are named after plants and trees and are in the courtyard and in the tower, which is an old silo where long ago they used to store wheat. Comfortable and elegant, they have wrought iron beds, artisan and antique furnishings and linens made by local weavers. There is also independent air conditioning, a minibar, Wifi, satellite TV and showers with Jacuzzis.

Exclusive spa treatments with organic extracts

In the spa, which is in an ancient barn, the pampering sensory treatments, Ayurvedic massages, foot reflexology sessions and the exclusive 4 Elements treatment are all based on organic wheat, wine, olive oil and aloe extracts. Owners and Domenico and Marinella Scordari suggest that when guests are not relaxing by the pool they should visit the organic vineyard, enjoy cycling through the countryside and to the little town of Martano, relax with yoga and meditation sessions or discover the ancient craft of basket weaving. 

Gluten-free, vegetarian and kids’ menus

Many of the products on the restaurant’s menu come from the estate. The kitchen can also cater to gluten-free and vegetarian requests, and children’s menus, packed lunches and afternoon snacks are also available on request.  Small animals are welcome at no extra charge, and transportation to and from the airport by taxi or private car with a driver can be arranged. For information: www.naturalisbioresort.com.  

Visitors to the Eternal City can now take their experiences to a whole new level on an Ancient & Recent Oculus VR Walking Tour. On these exclusive walking tours, using Oculus VR and the latest generation of smartphones, participants find themselves in a 3D historical reconstruction of the Colosseum and other ancient Roman monuments. Moving around the old amphitheatre’s three areas - the square, the arena and the underground - in real time they are catapulted back 2,000 years and find themselves part of the ancient Roman empire.

“Through the Oculus participants interact with objects around them”

“Our virtual, multimedia, multisensory tours with audio reproductions and historical fighting animations allow participants not only to learn, but to live history as spectators of some of the most thrilling spectacles that used to take place in ancient Rome,” said Cristina Antal, Ancient & Recent’s Co-founder and Sales Manager. “Controlled by the movement of their head the oculus allows them to interact with the recreated ambience and objects around them. Just imagine sitting among the roaring crowds at a gladiator contest in the Colosseum, or riding a chariot around the Circus Maximum – who doesn’t remember Charlton Heston’s nail-biting race in Ben Hur?” For information: https://ancientandrecent.com

These unique experiences in the Val Gardena Dolomites are mainly, but not only, on the snow.  Let's start with the adrenaline rush of being the first to leave tracks on a snowy slope after the snow cats have passed during the night. Even before the ski lifts open the cable car takes skiers to Dantercepies every Tuesday and to Seceda every Thursday to catch the first rays of sun on the Sassolungo mountain range.  A hearty breakfast then helps to make this a truly unforgettable experience.

The Dolomite valley’s Legendary 8

The Legendary 8 are the most beautiful slopes in the Val Gardena and extend for a total of 36 kilometers. What they all have in common is that they are perfectly maintained and offer impressive views of the legendary Alpine world of the Dolomites.

Snowshoeing accompanied by local Alpine guides

Luxuriate in the unspoiled nature of the Val Gardena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover its breathtaking landscape and Ladino culture. Accompanied by an expert Alpine guide you can explore the most beautiful places in the valley, and there are also evening snowshoe excursions that end in cozy mountain refuges.

Torchlight processions to Ortisei

The Val Gardena’s splendid natural scenery adds a touch of romance to the evening torchlight processions through the woods on the Troi UNIKA trail. These then go through the center of Ortisei to discover and enjoy the best of local Val Gardena craftsmanship.

Special nights on e-bikes, sleds and snowshoes

Set out on e-bikes, on sleds or with snowshoes to enjoy some cross-country skiing in the moonlight. The crystalline mountain air, the snow and the imposing mountain peaks make for unforgettable moments in the magical world of the Dolomites.

Zipping down the mountain on the Monte Pana ZIPline

For those who want to experience a really fast descent the brand new Monte Pana ZIPLine starts at the Mont de Sëura chairlift mountain station. Equipped with a safety harness you cover 1,500 meters at full speed. This thrilling experience is at a maximum height of 100 meters above ground and allows you to “fly” at almost 100 kilometres an hour. For further information: www.valgardena.it

Villa Le Prata - del Vescovo is an aristocratic residence in the centre of a centuries-old park that Anna Vittoria and Bernardo Losappio have transformed into a property where the excellence of wine is combined with the magic of a special land.

Vineyards and a  swimming pool  

Built in 1862, the property is now a charming winery where each room is unique. You can walk through the park surrounded by vineyards, dive into the swimming pool with a Jacuzzi and relax at sunset with a glass of Brunello di Villa le Prata wine.

A wine lovers delight

Excellent Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino wines have been produced here since the 1980s on the three hectares of vineyards that surround the villa where picnics or dinners can also be organized. Tours of the Val d'Orcia on an old Vespa and sunset e-bike tours are also available as well as a personal trainer for Pilates, bodyflying and yoga classes. And for wine lovers there are guided wine tastings and tasting courses.

Wine and art. A perfect match

Villa Le Prata's newest project focuses on combining art and wine in an immersive experience. A unique, dynamic art gallery has been created in all areas of the villa. “Combining a passion for art with that for wine making was a natural step for us - says Bernardo Losappio - transforming the 18th-century summer residence of Bishop of Montalcino into something more than a charming hotel.

Contemporary artists, fine dining and wines

Wine, Art and Beauty, curated by artistic director Michele Crocitto together with Edoardo Losappio, will host contemporary artists. The first will be Wine & Glass, the new collection by Modenese sculptor Carlo Baldessarri designed especially for Villa Le Prata, which will be on display in the vineyard and in the park of the property until 31 December. There will be areas where guests can meditate while tasting a Brunello and admiring the works on display, and a QR code for further information. “The special thing about this project - continues Edoardo Losappio - is that every guest, every art lover, will have the opportunity to dine with the artists, to interact with them and to participate in the creative workshops we will be organizing."

Christmas holidays away from the tourist crowds with family and friends, spending relaxing and peaceful days dedicated to outdoor exercise and discovering Montepulciano, Val di Chiana, Val d'Orcia and other iconic corners of Tuscany while enjoying good food and excellent wines. The charming Podere Casanova farmhouse, attached to the renowned winery of the same name guarantees maximum privacy with its three independent flats and their private green spaces, making them a comfortable home away from home for holidaymakers.

Walking and cycling trails and guided wine tastings 

Nestled in vineyards Podere Casanova is only ten minutes from the beautiful old town of Montepulciano, rich in history and art and typical of Tuscany with its exceptional cuisine, old churches and museums. The uncontaminated landscape encourages relaxing walks or cycle outings in every season. In the nearby winery the Nobile di Montepulciano and other noble wines of the estate age in semi-darkness. In the tasting room with a panoramic terrace overlooking the vineyards, at guided tastings of the wines and typical products of the region you will learn to recognise the wines, evaluate their tastes and aromas and discover their best combinations with typical regional specialties.