A guide to the most interesting routes and events for cyclists on holiday in five Italian regions in a new guide from hu openair.

Veneto’s Mincio cycle path

The hu openair brand of the Human Company group has ten open-air facilities in Italy and Europe. The Veneto region with its evocative Prosecco hills, Lake Garda and historic art cities such as Verona and Vicenza, is also an ideal destination for cycling holiday lovers. One trail not to be missed by enthusiasts is the scenic Mincio cycle path which connects villages such as Valeggio and Borghetto on over 45 kilometres between Mantua and Peschiera del Garda. The hu Altomincio village, located along the banks of the river, is an excellent base for convenient access to the cycle path.

Discovering the Trentino Alto Adige’s nature

Trentino Alto Adige is famous for its imposing Dolomites and peaceful Alpine lakes and is among the top destinations for cycling tourism in Italy. The Valsugana cycle path is a stand- out route that passes through evocative landscapes and picturesque villages. Linking Trentino and Veneto it is ideal for a day of sport, discovery and contact with nature. The track stretches for about 80 kilometres from Pergine Valsugana, near Lake Caldonazzo, to Bassano del Grappa in Veneto, following the course of the Brenta river for a cycling experience to satisfy all skill levels.

Historic cycle events in Tuscany

Tuscany with its rolling hills, vineyards and centuries-old olive groves, is the perfect choice for lovers of nature, open spaces and cycling. The Setteponti road is a cycle route past typical villages, ancient religious buildings, terraced vineyards and olive groves. To comfortably explore the beauty of Tuscany stay in the village of Norcenni Girasole which is a few kilometres from Florence and framed by the Chianti hills. For cycling enthusiasts Gaiole del Chianti will host the 27th edition of the Eroica event on 5 and 6 October. This important and historical event will see the participation of cyclists wearing vintage or historically inspired clothing and racing on vintage bicycles. Then on 7 and 8 September the area will welcome the participants of the Marzocchina di San Giovanni Valdarno, a cycling tourism event that combines a passion for cycling with art and food and wine. Then on 21 and 22 September the Fiorino Mud gravel cycling event will be held, starting from Norcenni Girasole.

Lazio’s UNESCO-listed Appian Way

In addition to the capital, the Lazio region offers a variety of enchanting landscapes, from the Roman Hills to the volcanic lakes of Bracciano and Bolsena, and nature reserves such as the Circeo National Park. The ancient Appian Way – recently listed by UNESCO - is ideal for cycling with its Roman villas and catacombs in a green area removed from the bustling city centre. For a moment of relaxation and refreshment after cycling, the Fabulous Village is the ideal place to stay in a strategic location, halfway between the capital and the coast, from which numerous places of interest are easily accessible.

Umbria offers routes of all levels

Known as the green heart of Italy, the Umbria region is famous for its hills, forests and valleys. It offers countless opportunities for nature lovers such as the Sibillini Mountains National Park, Lake Trasimeno and the Marmore Waterfalls. Among the various cycling routes one suitable for all levels is the Tiber cycle route connecting Città di Castello to Perugia and running along the banks of the river. This almost completely flat itinerary runs through the landscapes of the Umbrian Valtiberina and alternates dirt stretches with others on paved roads with little traffic. Rich in medieval villages and ancient paths, this region is the perfect retreat for those seeking tranquillity and contact with nature. Five regions: five hu openair suggestions for cycling through Italy.

The rules for travelling to Europe will change starting in 2025 for visitors from the US and another 60 countries who wish to enter an EU Schengen country.

A new visa-waiver system

Europe is the most visited region in the world, and the new obligatory ETIAS visa-waiver system, due to take effect next year, is aimed at protecting and strengthening Europe's borders amid mounting terror threats. The ETIAS - European Travel Information and Authorization System - will apply to travellers from some 60 countries who are entering any member country of the Europe Schengen zone. This currently includes 23 countries, as well as to six non-EU countries plus three European microstates for a total of 32 countries - which means registering for such holiday favourites as Italy, France, Germany, Greece, Spain and even the Vatican City.

Applicable to visitors from the US, Canada, Australia and more

American citizens as well as travellers from some sixty other countries will require an ETIAS visa waiver to travel for short stays to any of the 32 countries listed, with the eligible countries also including Canada, Mexico and Australia.  

A simple online application process

The application process can be done online and it should only take about ten minutes to fill out the form. It is necessary to have a valid passport, an e-mail address and a debit or credit card to pay the €7 application fee.  Travellers younger than 18 or older than 70 years old will be exempted from the fee although they still need to obtain the ETIAS approval. 

The ETIAS will be valid for 3 years

The authorization is valid for three years or until a passport expires, and travellers holding the ETIAS can re-enter Europe multiple times within the three-year period. The scheme will go into effect presumably during the first half of 2025 and there will be a six-month transitional period, during which the ETIAS requirement will not apply except for travellers entering Europe for the first time. For information: https://etias.com/articles/visa-waiver-for-visiting-the-european-union

  

The historic trains of the Fondazione Fs Italiane are returning to Sicily, with 33 events scheduled from 14 September to 8 December 2024.

The trains have been operating since 2018

This is a long-awaited return given that since 2018 over 20,000 tourists choose the historical trains to visit villages, small towns, archaeological parks and places of art in Sicily, of which 7,400 in 2023 alone.

Touring many of Sicily’s iconic gems

This year's destinations, departing from Palermo, Messina and Catania, include Agrigento and the archaeological park of the Valley of the Temples, Santo Stefano di Camastra and Caltagirone with tours to discover the local ceramics, Syracuse and the historic centre of ancient Ortigia, Castelvetrano and the majestic archaeological park of Selinunte, and the baroque town of Modica for the annual chocolate festival. As in past editions, there will also be collaboration with the Circumetnea railway to reach the centre of Bronte from Giarre.

“Taking in even lesser-known locations”

“Our commitment to contributing to deseasonalizing tourist flows in Sicily continues this year,- comments Luigi Cantamessa, general director of the FS Foundation and managing director of FS Treni turistici italiani. – The 2024 programme of historical trains will take in the most beautiful locations on the island, even the lesser-known ones.”

Racks for up to 50 bicycles
 
“We have brought to Sicily the legendary terrazzini carriages built in the 1930s, with which we are now re-proposing authentic journeys back in time. From the iconic terraces and windows of these ancient cars, the travel experience will be even more authentic, allowing tourists to fully enjoy the smells and colours of this beautiful land. For bike lovers, there will be a luggage car with special racks that allow the transport of as many as 50 bicycles.”

Starting on 29 October Wizz Air will connect Budapest with Genoa three times weekly. 

Three weekly flights 

The flights from Hungary to Genoa’s Cristoforo Colombo (where the low cost airline already operates flights to Tirana) will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Serving both inbound and outbound passengers

The schedule foresees the departure from Genoa on Tuesday at 08.25 with the arrival at 10.10; on Thursday at 15.45 with the arrival at 17.30 and on Saturday at 16.20 with the arrival at 18.05.
The return from Budapest is scheduled on Tuesday at 06.00 with the arrival in Genoa at 07.50; on Thursday at 13.20 with the arrival in Genoa at 15.10 and on Saturday at 13.55 with the arrival in Genoa at 15.45. These new flights seem to meet the needs of both inbound and outbound tourists by allowing more long weekend solutions. They will also be able to guarantee rapid travel for the many cruise passengers arriving from Eastern Europe and heading for embarkation in the port of Genoa.

“Wizz Air becomes the largest airline in Hungary” 

“Wizz Air becomes the largest airline in Hungary in terms of the number of available seats. With the introduction of Genoa, Girona, Marrakech and Memmingen, our goal has remained the same: to offer our passengers as many exciting destinations as possible, at an affordable price,’ said Valeria Bragarenc, the low-cost airline's communications manager.

New Milan Malpensa to Chengdu flights for Air China.

50 long-haul destinations from Milan Malpensa

 “We are proud to collaborate with Air China, a strategic partner for Milan Malpensa and SEA. These new flights with Chengdu allow us to offer new travel opportunities to our passengers, improving Milan's international connectivity, with 180 destinations, 50 of which are long-haul,” said Armando Brunini, CEO of Sea Aeroporti Milano.

Milan Malpensa-China traffic has more than doubled

The three Chinese airlines that operated flights between Italy and China have grown to the current six thanks to the China-Italy bilateral agreements of 2020. Milan Malpensa is the airport with the highest growth in connections to Asia in all of Western Europe and, compared to 2023, traffic from Milan Malpensa to China has more than doubled. 

“This direct flight facilitates trade and tourism”

“Chengdu is the capital of the south-western province of Sichuan, China. The city also boasts one of the most important ports for trade between China and Europe. The twinning between Chengdu and Milan, thanks to this direct flight, represents an important step forward in relations between our two countries, facilitating trade and tourism,” said the consul of the People's Republic of China in Milan, Liu Kan.

Operated by Airbus A350-900 wide-bodies

The new direct weekly flights are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, marking a significant expansion of air routes and they promise to have a positive impact on the economic and cultural development of the two regions. Operated with a new Airbus A350-900 wide-body aircraft, they will offer a luxurious and comfortable flight experience. 

31 Air China frequencies between China and Italy 

"The Italy-China 2020-2025 bilateral agreements provide for an intensification of cooperation and exchange between the two countries on the tourism, economic and commercial front. This is the fourth direct flight operated by Air China from China to Lombardy and brings the weekly connections with Italy, including those to Rome Fiumicino, to 31 frequencies. We are enthusiastic about inaugurating this new route, which will strengthen commercial and cultural ties between Europe and China,” commented Ma Guodong, Air China's regional manager Europe.

The Soges Group has taken over the Malaspina and plans to rebrand it a Place of Charme.

Three major operations completed in a month

The intense activity of the Soges Group continues. Following its debut on the stock market last June, it has now completed its third operation in about a month (the others were the Park Hotel Chianti and the Art Hotel Atelier in Florence. Ed.) Now the Tuscan company has signed a nine-plus-nine lease agreement for the management of the Hotel Malaspina in Florence.

Aiming to reopen as a Place of Charm in April 2025

The hotel is in the historic centre of Florence and has been closed since the Covid period.  Currently it has 31 rooms, nine of which are singles and 22 doubles, but it will undergo major work by Soges to upgrade its energy efficiency and make over the interiors. The aim is to reopen to guests under the Place of Charme brand in April 2025.

“The property has enormous potential”

The agreement envisages a rent of €280,000 per annum for the first two years, €270,000 for the 3rd year, €220,000 from the 4th year and €250,000 from the 10th year. The effectiveness of the agreement is, however, conditional on the execution judge issuing the authorization to sign the agreement by 30 September. The property where the Hotel Malaspina is located is in fact currently subject to foreclosure. “The management of Hotel Malaspina is an important step forward for us,- says Soges Group CEO Andrea Galardi. -It is a redevelopment project of great value. The property has enormous potential, and we are thrilled to bring it back to life. Our decision to invest in this property is strategic because it consolidates the Place of Charme brand in Florence. 

World Travel Market London (WTM), from 5-7 November 2024, will be the biggest to date.

4,000 exhibitors of which 80 will be new

With an expected 7% growth and expansion into new halls at ExCeL London, the travel show is set to reflect the thriving international tourism sector. Taking place from 5 – 7 November, World Travel Market expects to showcase around 4,000 exhibitors including tourism boards, hoteliers, transport brands, technology services and world-class experiences with an expected 80 and more new exhibitors lined up at the global gathering.

“Book tickets soon, as it’s filling up fast”

Juliette Losardo, Exhibitor Director, WTM London commented: “2024 will be the best year yet for World Travel Market, with the largest cohort of exhibitors on record. We’re proud to have representation from destinations across the world and there are some big new brands this year. We’re very excited to welcome them! With the event fast approaching, I encourage visitors to book tickets soon, as it’s filling up fast!”

Africa is the event’s fastest growing region

With over 135 National Tourism Organizations in attendance, a 9% increase, a huge volume of regions and cities will be joining them. Africa is the fastest growing region of the event, which follows proactive and diligent strategies implemented by nations such as Morocco and Egypt in a post-pandemic world. There has been a 71% increase in exhibitor participation from companies aligning themselves to the new Experiences Zone, a 22% growth in accommodation brands and a 16% growth from exhibitors in the technology sector. For information: https://www.wtm.com/london/en-gb.html

  

EasyJet is further expanding its Italian network: from 31 March 2025 the company will connect London Southend with Pisa airport twice weekly.  

London’s airports are well served by EasyJet

The two weekly Southend-Pisa flights will be on Mondays and Fridays, and the London airport will be added to London Gatwick and Luton to complete the wide portfolio of destinations that can be reached from. Pisa airport, which includes Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Bristol, Manchester, Paris (Charles de Gaulle and Orly) and Porto.  Next spring the company will inaugurate its tenth base in the United Kingdom with the positioning of three A320neo aircraft at Southend Airport.

New flights from Finland for Milan Malpensa

News too for Milan Malpensa for the coming winter with two new routes from Kittilä (Finland) and Cairo West from next November, bringing the total number of destinations connected with the Milan hub to 70. The Milan Malpensa-Kittilä will be operative from 20 November with frequencies on Wednesdays and Sundays, and it joins the flight already operating from Rovaniemi.

Cairo West-Milan flights from 7 November

With the first flight planned for 7 November 2024, the Malpensa-Cairo West, which joins Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam and Hurghada, will connect the Egyptian capital to the Lombard capital with two weekly departures on Thursdays and Sundays

If it’s romance you are after, then Italy delivers it in bucket loads in hidden honeymoon hotspots from Liguria to Tuscany to Sicily.

Italy has a reputation for romance

From historic country hotels to contemporary coastal resorts, Italy’s reputation for romance never fails to deliver. A honeymoon haven in every sense, it offers endless opportunities for soaking up the scenery and enjoying some of the most romantic settings.

Grand Hotel Portovenere, Liguria 

Portovenere offers a one-of-a-kind experience and is nestled near Liguria’s border with Tuscany. It's hard to think of a more idyllic place to stay than the five-star boutique Grand Hotel Portovenere. Steeped in history, this hotel was once a 17th-century Franciscan convent. Meticulously restored, it preserves original Renaissance-era features that blend seamlessly with the modern and stylish decor. The junior suites boast panoramic terraces while others have enchanting views of Portovenere’s historic landmarks like the ancient Castello Doria fortress.

Grand Hotel Portovenere

La Gemma Hotel, Florence

This enchanting hotel embodies the very soul of Florence's timeless allure and unparalleled sophistication. The rooms and suites exude an effortless charm, embracing a luxurious, yet relaxed ambiance with enchanting Art-Deco touches. LUCA's restaurant is perhaps one of the most romantic dining destinations in Florence, and guests can also indulge in decadent private dining on the rooftop, basking in the breathtaking vistas of Florence’s iconic cathedral.

Susafa, in Sicily’s enchanting heartland

Just 90 minutes inland from Palermo, atop a serene plateau amidst rolling meadows and undulating fields of wheat, lies the enchanting haven of Susafa. Once an old granary and agricultural estate Susafa now intertwines tradition and modernity into its architecture, furnishings, and ambience. Guests can choose to bask in the warm Sicilian sunshine (which lasts for much of the autumn)  by the tranquil pool, surrender to a soothing massage, or unwind in the dappled shade with a captivating book. Susafa beckons with countless opportunities for al-fresco living year-round, boasting fragrant botanic gardens, secluded terraces, and shaded courtyards. And what better than to indulge in a sunset dinner amidst the ancient grain fields with return transfers via a super-cool Jeep safari.

Susafa