July 27, 2026
The Casentino Valley in Tuscany, which is a couple of hours by car from Florence, celebrates its traditions and authenticity.
Made famous by St. Francis of Assisi
The Casentino is famous for its beautiful forests and for the Sanctuary of La Verna, the Franciscan monastery and pilgrimage site where Saint Francis of Assisi is believed to have received the stigmata in 1224. Two villages in the valley, Raggiolo and Chiusi della Verna, are planning events of interest to visitors, the first to celebrate the ancient tradition of transhumance, and the launch of an interesting and innovative project of sustainable consumption.
An artisans’ market and local foods
In Raggiolo on Sunday 15 June 2025, the traditional Transhumance Festival will evoke the ancient practice of transhumance, which saw the traditional seasonal migration of flocks. The little village will come alive with markets, workshops, shows, animals, music and typical local flavours. The day will begin with the “La Mercatella” artisans’ market, and continue with the arrival of the transhumant horsemen and the “Lunch of the Shepherd” which consists of local cheeses, grilled meats and traditional dishes such as “acqua cotta”, literally cooked water, which is a vegetable soup and “ciamparine”, small aniseed or citrus-flavoured biscuits. The day will continue with parades, games, handicrafts and clownery for all ages. 
The practice of transhumance
Down the centuries in Raggiolo transhumance was not only an economic necessity, but also a moment of social cohesion and the transmission of knowledge between generations. Shepherds, families and animals travelled along ancient paths, establishing relations with the territories they passed through and contributing to the development of a strong local identity.
Automated pick-up points for local products
An innovative sustainable consumption project has recently been introduced to another Casentino municipality, Chiusi della Verna, a small town with around 2,000 inhabitants about 20 miles east of Raggiolo. Called Zero Km Refrigerated Lockers, and promoted by Meet Appennino, these lockers are automated pick-up points installed at local businesses that make it possible to order typical products via app. This innovative project enhances the short supply chain, supporting healthy and conscious eating and boosting the link between producers and local Casentino communities.
Published in Cities & Regions
Trenitalia is betting on the potential of the Chinese market where it is focusing on Busitalia.
Trenitalia attended the ITB China in Shanghai
Trenitalia doubled sales through distributors and active channels in China in 2025 compared to the previous year. A growth trend that is set to continue, as demonstrated by the latest investments made by the railway company, which was recently at ITB China in Shanghai, the leading Chinese trade fair dedicated to B2B tourism. Trenitalia presented its new offer for the Chinese market as part of the panel “The best way to visit Italy: Trenitalia presents its new offers for Chinese travellers”, organiaed at the stand dedicated to the FS company dedicated to passenger transport and Frecciarossa, the train that symbolizes Italian and European high-speed excellence.
Using Wechat for purchasing tickets
“China is a high-potential market for Trenitalia,- said Maria Paola De Rosa, head of sales at Trenitalia High-Speed. "We have invested in dedicated services, communications in Chinese on the RedNote portal, and familiar payment methods via WeChat to ensure a simple and intuitive purchasing process and to offer our products – including integrated intermodal travel solutions – already at the travel planning stage, when the customer is still in China. Our goal is to make every train journey an integral part of the travel experience in Italy, easy to book and enjoyable to experience.”
Connections to the luxury outlet The Mall in Florence
In the ITB China pavilions Trenitalia presented its new commercial products and services designed for Chinese tourists. These include the possibility of purchasing Intercity and regional train tickets, as well as tickets for the Frecciarossa network and the Trenitalia Pass, via the WeChat app, as well as connections to the luxury outlet The Mall in Florence, departing from Santa Maria Novella station.
Busitalia operates double.decker buses
This link is provided by Busitalia, a FS Group company dedicated to road transport - led by CEO and General Manager Serafino Lo Piano - and is sold in conjunction with other travel solutions. There are 22 daily return journeys, with modern, double-decker buses equipped with all amenities. Extra services are also planned for special occasions. Tickets can be purchased on major Chinese platforms such as WeChat from the official Trenitalia profile called Frecciarossa, with the entire purchase process in Chinese. On the RedNote platform, through the Frecciarossa profile, potential visitors to Italy will also find lots of travel ideas and information on how to visit Italy by train.
Published in Transportation
The Calcio Storico Fiorentino spectacle, one of Florence’s most beloved and enduring traditions, will occupy the Piazza Santa Croce square on 14, 15 and 24 June.
Held in Florence’s Santa Croce square
Blending sport, history, and deep-rooted neighborhood pride, this centuries-old event comes alive again this month, culminating in the grand final during the feast day of Florence’s patron saint, San Giovanni. Held in the iconic and central Piazza Santa Croce square, the final match follows two semifinals on June 14 and 15, featuring the four historic teams: the Bianchi (Santo Spirito), Azzurri (Santa Croce), Rossi (Santa Maria Novella), and Verdi (San Giovanni). Each game is preceded by a grand historical parade through the city center, with participants in Renaissance costumes accompanied by drums and banners.
The matches are a historic mix of soccer and rugby
More than just a sport, the Calcio Storico is a social and cultural ritual that has united Florentines for generations. With origins dating back to Roman times, evolving through the Middle Ages, and surviving into the modern day, it reflects the fierce but respectful rivalry between Florence’s four historic quarters. The matches, a mix of soccer and rugby, are played on a sand-covered arena, with each team training and preparing year-round, and with the games attracting cheering crowds of Florentines and visitors.
FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli is central and elegant
The final, set for 24 June, is the exciting climax of this passionate tradition. A grand parade at 5 p.m. leads into the match, drawing both locals and visitors into the heart of the celebration. For those looking to stay amidst the beauty and excitement, FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli offers a central, elegant base from which to experience Florence at its most vibrant. This 4-star boutique hotel blends refined style, comfort, and a prime location with 54 parquet-floored rooms in a range of styles and colors and rich buffet breakfasts. The property is also pet friendly.
Published in Experiences & Tips
Mandarin Oriental debuts in Umbria with 8-bedroom Procopio Castle, part of the Exceptional Homes portfolio.
An ancient fortress steeped in history
Exceptional Homes is a collection of carefully selected designer residences in some of the world's most desirable destinations. Castello di Procopio was built as a strategic fortress by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, is steeped in history and has undergone a remarkable restoration of its medieval architecture.
Restored to its ancient glory
Further archaeological research has revealed even older origins, including a Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Teti, a hermitage of Gregorian monks and, later, the foundations of the Church of San Pietro, dating back to the Middle Ages. The restoration was as ambitious as it was meticulous. Guided by the original drawings and historical documentation, a group of craftsmen brought all the architectural details back to life with extraordinary care and precision.
Just an hour’s drive from Assisi
The estate is set in a four-hectare oasis, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards with views stretching as far as Assisi, and is about 20 kilometres or around half an hour away by car. Castello di Procopio has eight bedrooms with private bathrooms, each uniquely furnished, which can accommodate up to sixteen people. From the reception hall to the intimate library and the lounge with bar, the atmosphere is warm and refined.
A heated pool, a spa suite and a private cinema suite
The estate features a heated infinity pool overlooking the countryside, as well as a spa suite complete with sauna and private cinema room. “Castello di Procopio represents everything we look for in a Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Home: authentic heritage, sophisticated design and impeccable service,- said Ersev Demiroz, general manager of Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Homes. -Every detail of the experience has been carefully considered to reflect the brand's commitment to excellence and to make guests' stays something that exceeds all expectations.” The Mandarin Oriental Group currently operates 43 hotels, 12 residences and 26 Exceptional Homes in 26 countries and territories, with numerous projects in development.
Published in Hospitality
United Airlines recently inaugurated its new route from Washington D.C. to Venice becoming the only carrier to operate between the two cities.
Celebrating 10 years of flights to Venice
The airline has also extended its seasonal service between Venice and New York Newark into the winter. This flight will operate until 18 December, seven weeks after the end of the summer season. “As United celebrates ten years of flights from Venice, we are excited to launch this further expansion of our network from the United States to Italy, and the first-ever direct flight connecting Washington, D.C. to Venice,- said Walter Cianciusi, United Airlines' Italy country sales manager. -Our customers will benefit from even more travel options and easy access to 130 destinations across the American continent via our US hubs."
“New York Newark is United Airlines' main hub”
“The flight to Washington is an important addition to our airport's network of flights from North America as, in addition to connecting Venice directly with the US capital, it operates out of United's second hub, which offers extensive connections to destinations east of the Mississippi River,- said Camillo Bozzolo, aviation development director for the Save Group. -The complementarity with the New York Newark hub, which is United Airlines' main hub, completes an offer that covers the entire United States, made even more accessible thanks to the extension of the flight to New York during the winter season."
Published in Transportation
The Leading Hotels of the World collection has a new addition in Puglia: the 5-star luxury Vista Ostuni.
Vista Ostuni captures the spirit of the White City
Due to open its doors next July, Vista Ostuni is located a short distance from the famous White City and immersed in the picturesque plain of centuries-old olive trees in the Itria Valley. “Vista Ostuni elegantly and authentically captures the spirit of the White City,- said Deniz Omurgonulsen, vice president of member experience at The Leading Hotels of the World. -Perched on a hill overlooking an expanse of centuries-old olive trees, the property invites guests to lose themselves in the whitewashed alleys of Ostuni, rejuvenate in the spa and discover the cultural riches of the area guided by a dedicated team. It is a unique expression of Apulian hospitality and a significant addition to our collection."
In an old 14th-century building
The hotel is the result of the redevelopment of the former Manifattura Tabacchi, a 14th-century building deeply rooted in the memory of the local community. The architectural intervention has restored value and beauty to an extraordinary place, combining historical elegance, contemporary design and a deep connection with the environment and the territory.
Two restaurants, three pools and a spa
Guests will have access to 28 spacious rooms and suites, distributed around an arcaded cloister, and there will be two restaurants and two bars, a rooftop with 360-degree views of the sea and the city, three swimming pools (two outdoor and one indoor), a spa with a beauty centre and private suites, and a fully equipped gym.
“Tailor-made experiences that leave a lasting impression”
“With Vista Ostuni, we want to share Vista's vision of hospitality: authentic, tailor-made, respectful of history and capable of restoring value to the territory,- said Cristina Zucchi, general manager of LarioHotels. -It is not just about welcoming guests, but about creating tailor-made experiences that leave a lasting impression. Joining The Leading Hotels of the World is a prestigious recognition for us, confirming our commitment to excellence and attention to every detail of our guests' experience."
Boutique hotels offering tailor-made services
Vista Ostuni is part of the Vista brand: a new model conceived by Bianca and Luigi Passera, president and CEO respectively, with the aim of bringing the luxury experience to places where it does not yet exist. Boutique hotels with modern interior design and an Italian yet international feel, offering a wide range of tailor-made services, where respect for the guests and their privacy are the focal point.
Published in Hospitality
easyJet brings Paris closer to Calabria with a new route connecting Orly with Lamezia Terme Airport.
Flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays
The flights will operate twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, offering new travel opportunities for both Calabrian passengers and French tourists keen to discover the Italian region.
easyJet connects Lamezia with five destinations
With this new route, easyJet further boosts its presence in Lamezia, bringing the number of destinations connected to the Calabrian airport to five. After Milan Malpensa, Geneva, Basel and the future new flight from Nice (scheduled to start on 23 June with twice-weekly flights), the connection with Paris Orly represents a fundamental step in the airport's internationalization strategy and in promoting tourism in the region.
“Facilitating the arrival of new tourist flows into our region”
“The launch of the direct flights from Paris Orly is a strategic step in the growth and internationalization of our airport system,- said Marco Franchini, director of Sacal, the company that manages the Calabrian airport. -Thanks to our collaboration with easyJet, we are strengthening Calabria's accessibility to one of Europe's main hubs, while facilitating the arrival of new tourist flows into our region. It is a route that combines local demand and international appeal, confirming our commitment to promoting the development of Calabria through an increasingly solid and efficient network of connections."
Promoting Calabria as a destination for international tourism
‘The new flights from Paris Orly to Lamezia Terme represent a further step in boosting our presence in Calabria, adding to the direct flights already operating from Basel, Geneva, Malpensa and the flight from Nice to be launched on 23 June,”-said Lorenzo Lagorio, country manager of easyJet Italy. -With this new route, easyJet is enabling passengers from Calabria to fly directly to the heart of the French capital and, at the same time, helping to promote the Calabria region as a destination for international tourism. With five connections to Lamezia, easyJet continues to invest in improving the region's accessibility and consolidating its role in the development of European connectivity."
Published in Transportation
Even where you think you already know it, Tuscany with its timeless allure, can still catch you unawares.
A journey through Fiesole, Florence and Siena
This is a region that continually reveals new paths and extraordinary discoveries, where history, art and nature intertwine in a unique visitor experience, to be appreciated even more now that summer is upon us. Our journey touches on Fiesole, Florence and Siena, to experience the real character of these places from a new perspective. Fiesole is a candidate for Italian Capital of Culture 2028 and “Paesaggi Plurali” (Plural Landscapes) is a new museum that brings together forty sites of archaeological, artistic, natural and historical interest, Extending from the historic center to the surrounding countryside, here are four themed itineraries and four approaches to experiencing the essence of Fiesole.
Stunning vistas through a different lens
Sguardo (Through a Different Lens): a journey through Fiesole’s sweeping vistas that have inspired generations of travellers, writers and artists. From the Belvedere of Via Beato Angelico and Via Vecchia Fiesolana to the Panchina della Regina. And then there is the view from the Convent of San Francesco, Le Cento Scale (Hundred Steps) that visually connect the centre to the hill, the Parco della Rimembranza (Remembrance Park), the monument to Bruno Cicognani and the Oratorio del Santissimo Crocifisso di Fontelucente (Oratory of the Holy Cross of Fontelucente), a place of popular devotion and contemplative rest.
Historic villas, museums and churches
Thought: from Fiesole’s Pietro Porcinai Archive to the Giovanni Michelucci Foundation, our itinerary continues with the Primo Conti Foundation and Museum, the Espresso Coffee Academy, historic villas such as Villa delle Balze, and diocesan museums such as the Bandini Museum. It also encompasses religious institutions that have preserved culture and knowledge for centuries, such as the Bishop's Seminary, the Church and Convent of San Domenico, the Badia Fiesolana and the Church of Santa Maria Primerana.
The region’s Etruscan and Roman roots
Origins: this itinerary leads to the Etruscan and Roman roots of Fiesole, with the Civic Archaeological Museum, the Archaeological Area and the Roman Theatre, one of the best preserved in Italy, as well as lesser-known sites such as the Tomba del Bargellino, dating back to the 4th century BC. The itinerary continues with the Palazzo Pretorio, now the town hall, the Cathedral of San Romolo, the Convent of San Francesco, the Etruscan walls and the Fonte Sottoterra, an ancient water source linked to the legend of the city's foundation.
A monumental garden and a military cemetery
Armonia (Harmony): a journey through Fiesole’s nature and culture that takes in the Ontigano waterfall, the landscape architecture of Villa Peyron al Bosco di Fonteluce - with its extraordinary monumental garden - the Florence War Cemetery, a military cemetery from the Second World War and the monumental cypress tree of Pian di San Bartolo. Then on to country churches such as San Jacopo al Girone and San Giuseppe Artigiano, the Tabernacolo del Ghirlandaio along the ancient Via Aretina, the Fattoria di Maiano and the Villa di Maiano, a location beloved by filmmakers and writers.
Internationally renowned artists reinterpret Siena’s lanterns
In Siena public art and historical memory come together in “Assistere il buio” (Assisting Darkness), a project curated by Serena Fineschi and promoted by the Rotary Club Siena. It involved seventeen contemporary artists who reinterpret the historic wrought-iron lanterns that have illuminated the historic centre since the Second World War. These lanterns, silent symbols of the city at night, have now become permanent works of art that reveal a new geography of the city: an invitation to lose oneself in narrow streets, following the artists' lights and rediscovering Siena from a poetic and intimate point of view. Among the protagonists are internationally renowned artists whose works transform the lanterns into real “presences” that illuminate the past and accompany visitors on a journey that is also a reflection on the relationship between light and darkness, between memory and the present.
Discovering a forgotten garden in Florence
Florence also has its own gem to rediscover, namely the 18th-century garden of Villa La Quiete, which has opened to the public for the first time thanks to a philological restoration funded by the PNRR. Located on the Castello hill, the garden was commissioned by Anna Maria Luisa de' Medici, the last descendant of the Medici dynasty. The guided tour takes visitors on a journey of discovery through the Italian garden, with its mixed-style divisions reconstructed according to historical sources. You can also admire the interior of the villa, with the frescoed apartment of the Electress Palatine, the 17th-century pharmacy, the Church of the Holy Trinity and a collection of works of art including masterpieces by Botticelli, Ghirlandaio and other Renaissance masters. Visits, lasting about an hour, are by reservation only, and the calendar is available on the University of Florence website.
The Specola is the oldest scientific museum in Europe
The reopening of the garden is part of the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the Specola, the oldest scientific museum in Europe, which has recently undergone major restoration. This is a unique opportunity to rediscover the scientific and naturalistic history of the University of Florence and to continue your journey through the lesser-known wonders of Tuscany.
Published in Experiences & Tips
From Naples to Berlin aboard the Frecciarossa 1000 hi-speed trains in 2028.
A milestone in sustainable European travel
The new direct rail link will be operational from 2028, a milestone that will be achieved in successive stages thanks to an agreement signed between Trenitalia, the German railway company Deutsche Bahn (Db) and the Austrian railway company Öbb.
In 2028 there will be ten connections between Italy and Germany
In practice, by 2026, new high-speed cross-border connections will be activated between Milan and Munich and Rome and Munich: the first, taking six and a half hours, will include stops in Brescia, Verona, Rovereto, Trento, Bolzano and Innsbruck. The second, with a journey time of eight and a half hours, will include stops in Florence, Bologna, Verona, Rovereto, Trento, Bolzano and Innsbruck. The opening of the Brenner Base Tunnel will reduce journey times by about an hour. Then from December 2028, the complete service will consist of ten connections between Italy and Germany, covering the routes between Milan and Munich; Milan and Berlin; Rome and Munich; Naples and Munich; and Naples and Berlin.
“The train of choice for Europeans and not just Italians”
“Connecting Italy by train with major European cities is one of the strategic objectives of the FS Group,- said Gianpiero Strisciuglio, CEO and managing director of Trenitalia. -Frecciarossa continues to play a leading role on international markets, with the ambition of becoming the train of choice for Europeans and not just Italians. These new connections will be added to those already operating between Milan and Paris. In addition, Eurocity and Euronight connections are operative between Switzerland, Austria and Italy, improving and making connections for business, study and tourism with the rest of Europe more sustainable."
The Frecciarossa 1000 trains are built for European travel
The new service will be operated by the Frecciarossa 1000, Trenitalia's high-speed train, which complies with European technical specifications for interoperability. It has also been designed and built to travel in Italy and on the European rail networks of France, Germany, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Belgium, as it is able to overcome the differences in power supply and in signalling between the various countries.
A pilot project for the European Commission
The Frecciarossa connection will offer a direct service between Italy and Germany and will also meet transport demand for other destinations such as Frankfurt and Krakow. The rail link project between Italy, Austria and Germany has also been selected by the European Commission as a Pilot Project under the Commission Action Plan and aims to improve international transport services and meet the growing demand for travel between European countries using a sustainable mode of transport such as rail.
Published in Transportation
The eagerly awaited new Air Canada flight from Montreal to Naples took off on Saturday, 17 May.
The only direct connection between Canada and Naples
This is the only direct connection between Canada and the Neapolitan city, strengthening the carrier's 2025 summer schedule, and adding to its existing flights from Canada to Rome, Milan and Venice. Against a backdrop of rapid growth in the North American market for tourism to Italy, this connection significantly strengthens ties between the two countries, allowing travellers to complete US customs procedures while in transit in Montreal.
Four weekly Montreal-Naples flights
The seasonal flight will operate four times a week, departing from Naples every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday morning, with a flight time of just over nine hours. Flights from Montreal are scheduled every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evening, arriving in Naples the following morning. A Boeing 787 Dreamliner configured in Signature Class, Premium Economy and Economy will be used on the route.
Air Canada is commited to the Italian market
“The new Naples-Montreal route got off to a successful start over the weekend, offering Italian travellers another opportunity to cross the Atlantic,- said Stefano Casaregola, Air Canada's general manager for Italy. -As the leading airline between Europe and Canada, Air Canada continues to demonstrate its commitment to the Italian market by creating new opportunities for tourism and business. This new route joins the flights already operated to Rome, Milan and Venice, and comes at a perfect time to allow Italians to discover the natural and urban wonders of Canada.”
“Naples is a privileged gateway to Southern Italy”
Roberto Barbieri, CEO of Gesac, added: ’The launch of the direct flight between Montreal and Naples is a significant milestone for Naples Airport and the entire region. We are proud to welcome Air Canada to our network, boosting the airport's intercontinental offering and enhancing connections with North America, a strategic area for tourism, business and cultural relations. Montreal, a major international hub and city with a strong Italian-Canadian presence, is now even closer, consolidating Naples' role as a privileged gateway to Southern Italy."
Published in Transportation
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