Trenitalia has introduced a new Frecciarossa train between Rome Fiumicino Airport and Naples, further enhancing the integration of air and rail travel. This service, operated by a Frecciarossa 1000 train, departs from Fiumicino Airport station at 21:53 and arrives at Naples Central Station at 23:56, with a stop at Roma Termini along the way and greatly minimizes travel time while simplifying the journey.

Catering to morning flight schedules

Complementing the new Trenitalia Fiumicino-Naples connection, and ideal for morning flight schedules, there is already a direct Frecciarossa service that departs from Fiumicino Airport at 9:38 and reaches Naples at 11:33. A counterpart service departs from Naples at 5:45, arriving at Fiumicino Airport at 7:52. This network of Frecciarossa trains extends not only to Naples but also connects Fiumicino Airport to city centres in Florence, Bologna, Padua, and Venice.

Checking-in at the trail station

This seamless travel experience, bridging air and rail transport, aligns well with FCO Connect—an initiative jointly launched by Trenitalia, Aeroporti di Roma, and ITA Airways. FCO Connect allows passengers to check.in at designated counters in Fiumicino Airport’s railway station. The service also facilitates the convenient transfer of baggage, which can be deposited at the station and collected at the final destination serviced by ITA Airways. 

Minimising travel time and simplifying the journey

For travellers arriving at the airport by train, there has been an uptick in bookings for summer 2023. Leading the list of foreign travellers opting for the a train + plane combined ticket are Argentina and the United States, followed by Brazil. Among the top five cities for departures and arrivals by train are Florence, Naples, Milan, Bologna, and Venice. 

Gusmay Beach & Spa is the new entry for Life Resorts Private Collection in Apulia.

Three hotels with a total of 180 rooms and the highest levels of service

Located on the Gargano coast, a few kilometres from Peschici and Vieste, the Gusmay Beach & Spa is the latest Apulian property in the Private Collection of Life Resorts.

"The complex is made up of three hotels with a total of 180 rooms,- says Enzo Carella, CEO & founder of Life Resorts. "It is in a large Mediterranean park directly overlooking a private bay, and we offer the highest levels of service in an Apulia now devoted to high-end tourism. The all-suite units close to the sea, and the gourmet restaurants with panoramic terraces provide guests with extraordinary experiences. This is a very positive summer for our brands, and so we are adding three new premium resorts to our Italian collection."

 

Three restaurants, a spa, pools and tennis courts

Within the Life Resort Gusmay Beach & Spa, the 4-star Cala del Turco has 92 rooms and suites spread over two floors, while the 5-star Gusmay and the Suites le Dune have 56 and 32 keys respectively. There are also three restaurants, as well as bars and swimming pools, a gym, two tennis courts, a private beach and a spa with sauna and a Turkish bath. The Life Resort Gusmay Beach & Spa will be run on a full management basis and marketed through the company's select network of international partners.

Travel Group will be the media partner of Green Weddings 2023, showcasing Italy as the quintessential wedding venue.

The event will be chaired by Italy’s minister for foreign affairs 

The Green Wedding 2023 event, which the Palazzo del Congressi in Rome’s EUR district will host on 4 November 2023, will be dedicated to the wedding industry in Italy. Promoted by the Green Weddings Foundation it will feature three main events. The first conference, Destination Weddings in the promotion of Made in Italy, will be opened and chaired by Italy’s minister for foreign affairs and international cooperation, Antonio Tajani.  

“Everything must speak of Italy’s excellence”

"When we talk about the wedding system in Italy, we mean the provision of services of the highest professional level," says Green Weddings Foundation president Armando Soldaini. "Everything from the dresses and flowers to the dozens of related services, must speak of Italy’s excellence in a green logic, meaning a return to authenticity and in contact with local communities."

An opportunity to discuss the issues facing the wedding industry

The second conference, Wedding tourism: regions, villages and territories will see the participation of regional authorities, administrators, operators and travel and wedding companies, and the first European Congress of Wedding Planners, also to be held on 4 November.

"Weddings are an industry,- says Fabio Ridolfi, vice-president of the Green Weddings Foundation, "- and this event is an opportunity to discuss the issues facing the sector, as well as a chance to formulate ideas for the future.”

Italiabsolutely and Travel Quotidiano will be the media partners 

Travel Group, with its publications Travel Quotidiano and ItaliAbsolutely, will be media partner of the event.

"Weddings bring considerable benefits to the entire incoming sector," says Daniela Battaglioni, managing director of Travel Quotidiano and ItaliAbsolutely. "Today the average cost of a wedding is €55,000, representing a great potential for operators. It also has potential for destinations off the mass-tourism beaten track that can attract visitors wanting to discover the most authentic Italy, the Italy we present to the world every day with our B2B portal Italiabsolutely.”

 

The fortress of Rocca Calascio, considered the Abruzzo region’s most popular and stunning movie set, is located at 1460 metres asl in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. 

The majestic military fortress has four towers

Rocca Calascio, which is about two hours from Rome, is one of the highest fortifications in Italy, and dominates the Tirino valley and the Navelli plain in the province of l'Aquila. On a military layout it is unique for the way it blends in with the impervious surrounding territory, a position chosen as it was formidable from a defensive point of view. The fortress, made of very white limestone is on a square plan. It has four cylindrical towers at the corners and a square keep in the centre which is the castle's innermost military defense structure.

The fortress and village were destroyed by an earthquake in 1703

The fortress was accessed through an entrance on the east side at a height of about five metres, reached by means of a retractable wooden staircase resting on two stone brackets that are still visible today. An effective military observation point, it allowed communication with other castles, as far as the Adriatic coast, with the aid of torches at night and mirrors during the day. At the foot of the fortress there are also the ruins of the ancient village, to which it is connected by a wooden bridge. In 1703, a disastrous earthquake damaged both the fortress and the village. Conservative restoration work was carried out between 1986 and 1989, and this has allowed the entire area to be discreetly preserved, and it is open to visitors today.

A popular movie set in the Gran Sasso-Monti della Laga National Park

Rocca Calascio is a magical place, and is famous for having been the film set for Lady Hawke, Padre Pio and The Name of the Rose. For the beauty of the surroundings, the global film industry has elected the entire area, from Rocca Calascio to Santo Stefano di Sessanio, an ideal movie set. A visit to the castle is included in many of the itineraries and tours of the Gran Sasso-Monti della Laga National Park. On the road leading to Santo Stefano di Sessanio, one of the Most Beautiful Small Towns in Italy you will pass the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà, which can also be admired from the fortress.

 

Terme di Chianciano, a renowned thermal centre in Tuscany has launched its new spa season of relaxation and experiences. 

The highlight is the Thermal Pokè healthy plate

Nestled between the Valdichiana and the UNESCO Val d'Orcia, the spa town of Terme di Chianciano has launched an exciting new spa season. The Bistrot del Parco Acqua Santa park of Chianciano Terme welcomes the 2023 season with fresh and innovative food offerings. From delectable breakfasts crafted by the spa's chefs to customisable light lunches, guests can indulge in new and original culinary delights. The highlight is the Thermal Pokè healthy plate, from the nutritionists at the Terme di Chianciano Institute for Health. A health bowl with simple and balanced ingredients for a healthy lifestyle.

Two of the spas offer night relaxation up to 10pm

With a focus on healthy living Terme di Chianciano introduces the Naturally Fit programme of 3 or 6-day packages. This aims to improve overall well-being by encouraging better nutrition, fostering fitness, and enhancing natural beauty through the benefits of proper nutrition, healthy movement, and the renowned Acqua Santa di Chianciano. For those seeking evening relaxation the Theia Thermal Pools and Terme Sensoriali spas remain open until 10.00pm throughout the summer. And on Saturdays, guests can enjoy the Night Baths event at Theia Thermal Pools, complete with an aperitif and live music until midnight. Additionally, special evenings called Terme Sensoriali Tasting Night in collaboration with local producers are scheduled 26 for August and 23 September.

Cultural, culinary, and musical events for holistic experiences

At the Terme Sensoriali, guests can indulge in a delightful sensory journey that intertwines taste, culture, and tradition. Tasting local products offers a unique opportunity to savour authentic and genuine local regional flavours. Five curated appointments, each featuring a different local producer, will take place from 7.30pm until midnight. Throughout the summer season the park hosts a range of cultural, culinary, and musical events, making it an essential destination for those seeking a holistic and enriching experience.

From the Pilotta Complex to the Opera Museum, Parma is a treasure trove offering art and cultural itineraries and heritage venues.

A collection of 20th-century painting 

A great starting point for this enriching journey on which one can indulge in beauty and well-being, is Palazzo Pigorini, which is  hosting the The 29th Century Revealed exhibition until 16 July 2023. This collective exhibition focuses on 20th-century painting in Parma and features over 50 works by 26 artists from the municipal collections, previously stored in the Civic Museums' archives. On Piazza Garibaldi, which is a favourite rendezvous where locals to enjoy coffee and discuss current affairs, we find the the Governor's Palace. This prestigious venue hosts modern and contemporary art exhibitions, including the anthological exhibition Paolo Borghi. The Roots of Sculpture to 30 July 30 (free admission). Borghi, a renowned sculptor, represents the transition between two centuries: drawing inspiration from the classicism of the past while infusing a contemporary touch that gives his work a heroic aura.

Pilotta Complex Parma

City of culture and beauty, and birthplace of Arturo Toscanini

From 11 to 13 July Piazza Garibaldi will host Dedalo, a meeting room curated by Luca Sommi, featuring prominent figures in culture such as Erri De Luca, Francesca Fagnani, Luca Mercalli, Pier Luigi Bersani, Milena Gabanelli, and Massimo Cacciari. At the same time the deconsecrated Renaissance church of San Marcellino will be exceptionally open to the public, showcasing Claudio Parmiggiani's artwork Shipwreck with Spectator. This magnificent piece depicts a sailboat resting on a stack of books, symbolically representing the act of rescuing knowledge from a shipwreck. The Oltretorrente district proudly houses the birthplace of Arturo Toscanini, which was transformed into a museum in 1967. Within its small rooms with low ceilings, visitors can explore relics, objects, and documents from the various residences of this giant of the conductor's podium, who triumphed in major theaters around the world.

San Vigilio di Marebbe in Val Pusteria, South Tyrol, offers a unique opportunity to take a journey through time. 

A 6 August celebration of an ancient people

Echoes of Ladin folklore, extraordinary places, and the natural beauty of Val Badia valley bring to life the town of Fanes each year. Every 6 August visitors can join the Regn de Fanes parade, a captivating folkloristic event that recounts the story of the Fanes, an ancient people who once inhabited this area.

Cherished regional traditions

The entire South Tyrol community actively participates in the creation of floats and costumes, coming together to celebrate one of the oldest and most cherished traditions of the region. The story revolves around the brave Princess Dolasilla, the central figure of Ladin epic poetry. Clad in white armour and armed with magical arrows, she valiantly defeated her enemies and guided her people into a mythical golden age.

A tradition that dates back to the Iron Age

This event honours a tradition, dating back to the Iron Age, that has been passed down orally and later reimagined by Karl Felix Wolff, an Austrian journalist and anthropologist. The epic unfolds entirely on the Fanes Plateau, one of the most captivating destinations in the Dolomites. Here visitors can marvel at the breath-taking rock stratification, a natural amphitheatre where legend has it the princess would seek the wise counsel of the marmots.

A joyous and evocative journey through time

Every year tourists are welcomed to partake in this joyous and evocative journey through time, immersing themselves in the warm and hospitable atmosphere created by the Ladin community.

Wizz Air yesterday celebrated the arrival of the 11th Airbus A321neo at its Rome Fiumicino base with its first all-electric turnaround.

Four new routes from Rome this summer

This increase in capacity will see the airline introducing four new routes from Rome this summer: Luxembourg and Kuwait in July, and Memmingen and Funchal in September.  To mark the occasion at Rome’s intercontinental airport Wizz Air carried out its first 100% electric turnaround. Involving the use of electric equipment to prepare the aircraft for its next departure, the process enables a reduction in carbon emissions from the ground handling process per aircraft of 85% compared to the use of diesel-powered equipment. 

“Our fleet is the youngest and most fuel efficient in Europe”

Sustainability is at the core of the airline's business, said Yvonne Moynihan, Corporate and ESG Officer at Wizz Air.

Yvonne Moynihan, Corporate and ESG Officer at Wizz Air

“We are delighted to welcome our 11th Airbus A321neo today with an all-electric turnaround at Rome Fiumicino which is one of the largest bases in our network. We have made significant investments in our fleet which is currently the youngest and most fuel efficient in Europe. Collaboration between industries, as today's event shows, is one of the most impactful ways to address the current climate challenge, and we are delighted to be working on this together with Aeroporti di Roma and Aviation Services."

 

Fiumicino will have Europe’s largest airport photovoltaic plant

Ivan Bassato, Chief Aviation Officer Aeroporti di Roma said the arrival of the new aircraft further confirms Wizz Air's desire to continue enhancing the appeal of the Roman market.

"Besides the launch of two additional new destinations for our market, this new arrival generates important growth for the airport business. Performing ground operations in full electric mode are a further step towards sustainability, one of the fundamental pillars of ADR's strategy.  For some years now we have been on the path towards zero CO2 emissions in 2030, and by 2024 Fiumicino will have the largest airport photovoltaic plant in Europe at the side of the runways." 

 

It has been confirmed that the prestigious Mandarin Oriental group is set to open in Sardinia. But will it be the Hotel Le Ginestre?  

Rumours suggest the Statuto Group’s Hotel Le Ginestre

Francesco Cefalù, the newly appointed Chief Development Officer, recently said an official announcement will be made soon. Rumours suggest that the Mandarin Oriental’s choice will be the Hotel Le Ginestre in Porto Cervo (Sardinia), which was recently acquired by the Statuto Group, owner of the Mandarin in Milan. The Hotel Le Ginestre, currently a 4-star with 80 rooms, is expected to undergo a rebranding and repositioning to 5-star status. 

Mandarin Oriental has plans to open six properties in Italy

As well as the opening planned for Cortina in 2025, Christoph Mares, the global chief operating officer of Mandarin Oriental, said the company has set its sights on six locations in Italy in the near future. Yet more rumors suggest the Villini ,in a  beautiful park in Rome's Sallustiano district which is currently undergoing redevelopment could be one of them. 

The Group expects a rebound in demand from Asia

Cefalù also expressed optimism about the group's performance in 2023, anticipating a rebound in demand from Asia to offset the anticipated slowdown in the US market, though 2025 will be a crucial year with regard to the sustainability of prices. Cefalù believes that only projects offering true luxury and exceptional quality will thrive in the long term.