Volotea will launch the new route from Marseille to Salerno Costa d’Amalfi airport on 6 July. 

Salerno and Campania are strategic markets for Volotea’s growth

With the two new weekly flights on Wednesdays and Sundays, the Spanish airline will be offering four destinations for summer 2025: Catania, Verona, Salerno and the summer route to Nantes. “Marseille is one of the main cities in France and the new route to Salerno represents a key market for attracting foreign visitors, interested in discovering the beauty of the Salerno area, the Amalfi Coast and the more inland areas of the region,- commented Valeria Rebasti, international market director Volotea. -This launch testifies to our continued commitment to Salerno and Campania, which are strategic markets for our growth. We hope that the new flights can help boost incoming tourism and the local economy, while strengthening the link between Italy and France.”

“Salerno is highly appreciated by French visitors”

“Having posted excellent results with the Nantes flights, both in terms of inbound and outbound tourist flows, we are very happy that next summer Volotea will double its services with France, adding the Salerno-Marseille route,- said Margherita Chiaramonte, Gesac's commercial aviation director. -This connection is a new opportunity for the development of tourism for Salerno and its province, which is highly appreciated by French visitors, as well as offering various travel possibilities in the south of France for travellers departing from Campania.” Summer 2025 will also see Volotea operating from its Naples base with a network of 22 destinations in Italy, Croatia, France, Greece, Spain and Denmark.

Catania Airport will be closing at night for six months next year.

A strategic and ambitious project

From 31 March to 30 October 2025, with a brief suspension in August, the runway at Catania Airport will close between 00:00 to 06:00, preliminary to the construction of the new runway envisaged in the development plan. SAC, the Fontanarossa airport management company, has defined the project as “strategic and ambitious,” and said the project will consolidate the central role of the airport on the national and international scene, thanks to PNRR funds.

Two new terminals will be added

SAC also pointed out that the project has been planned to minimize the impact on the airport's operations and guarantee an optimal service for passengers. “The execution of the works at night,- the note reads, -demonstrates the commitment of all parties involved to limit inconvenience and safeguarding service continuity. The construction of the new runway is part of the broader Masterplan 2030 with investments of €600 million over the next five years. The interventions include the expansion of the airport's premises, the construction of a new 3,000-metre long runway, the renovation of Terminal C, and the construction of two new A and B terminals.

“Connecting Sicily with the rest of the world”

“The airport is crucial infrastructure not only for Catania, but for the whole of Sicily,’- said  Nico Torrisi, SAC’s managing director. -The redevelopment underway aims to make the airport more efficient, modern and in line with international standards, thus improving the passenger experience and the appeal of the area. The positive impact extends far beyond the airport itself, fostering economic growth, tourism, and connecting Sicily with the rest of the world. The economic spin-offs are significant, as a competitive airport infrastructure stimulates the development of other activities related to tourism, trade and services.” 

Brescia, located between Milan and Venice, is easily accessible from all of Italy and major European cities. It is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the prehistoric rock art of Valle Camonica, Italy’s first UNESCO site. The city boasts medieval fortresses, castles, historic residences, and four of Italy’s most beautiful villages.

Brescia offers year-round sports activities. In winter, visitors can explore 270 kilometers of ski slopes, snowparks, snowshoeing, and dog-sledding. In summer, enjoy hiking, climbing, paragliding, cycling along the Greenway of the Brescian Valleys, or exploring legendary Giro d’Italia stages. The nearby lakes, such as Lake Iseo and Lake Garda, offer scenic beauty and cultural landmarks, including Monte Isola, Europe’s largest car-free lake island, and the Vittoriale degli Italiani, a museum created by the poet Gabriele D’Annunzio.

Brescia is renowned for its wine production, protected by quality consortia, and offers regional delicacies such as cured meats, mountain cheeses, and fine olive oil. It is also home to the Mille Miglia, the world-famous vintage car race. The city’s strategic economic importance, combined with its excellent infrastructure, makes it an ideal destination for organizing large events and business activities. Major business events are regularly hosted at venues like the Brixia Forum and Montichiari Fair Center. Visitors can choose from over 100 accommodations, including hotels, wellness centers, and spas.

Is Cuccaro Monferrato, in the Lombardy region, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus?

A museum dedicated to the Columbus family

Historical research never officially confirmed this claim, and therefore it is still very much a legend, but members of Christopher Columbus' family resided in Cuccaro Monferrato which is a single municipality with Lu Monferrato, in the province of Alessandria in the Lombardy region. And a museum dedicated to the Columbus family of Cuccaro has been set up in the little town. 

Christopher Columbus’ father is from Cuccaro

Well, Christopher Columbus' father turns out to be, on public record as having been born in Cuccaro. But perhaps the most interesting aspect of this affair lies in the history of a legal dispute. Christopher Columbus' inheritance first passed to his son Diego, who passed it on to his eldest son Louis. The latter contested this and won this inheritance through a Spanish court, but he died in 1572 at the age of 54 in Oran, leaving no children.

A lengthy legal battle

Here a dispute arose over who should be entitled to the benefits of the will, and among the contenders was Don Baldassarre Colombo of Cuccaro Monferrato. The conclusion of the long investigation was decreed before the Council of the Indies on 22 December 1608 with the awarding of the proceeds of the will to Pedro Nuno Colòn de Portugal, a descendant of the female line of Christopher Columbus.

Tours and workshops in Cuccaro

But Baldassarre did not come out of the affair empty-handed. His connection with his famous ancestor was ascertained and he was awarded the title of count and a sum of money. And this is why today in Cuccaro to commemorate this link there is the Cescom - Centro Studi Colombiani Monferrini (the Centre for Monferrato Columbian Studies), which created the Christopher Columbus Museum in 2006. Tours and workshops exclusively with the Consorzio Sistema Monferrato and the ViA(E) per Viaggiare network. For information: https://www.sistemamonferrato.it/it/

The Renaissance in Valtiberina and Valdichiana is a project that aims at enhancing the artistic, cultural and landscape heritage of these Tuscan valleys.  

Four Tuscan municipalities promote their art

The four municipalities involved in the protocol are Castiglion Fiorentino, Citerna, Monterchi and Sansepolcro, and it envisages a shared communications and promotional project with particular reference to the Renaissance period and the exceptional flowering of masters and masterpieces that still today constitute an extraordinary identity heritage. The project is by Maggioli Cultura e Turismo.

A free itinerary through Renaissance art

Bartolomeo della Gatta, Piero della Francesca, Donatello and other great masters have left major works in an area bounded by the Valdichiana and the Valtiberina valleys, on an itinerary of just over 40 km. A true “permanent and widespread exhibition” of masterpieces of art, open for the enjoyment of all, on a free itinerary that can be customized by the visitor according to his or her needs and expectations, winding through churches and museums, walking along ancient roads and delighting in beautiful landscapes. 

A web portal and an aerial virtual tour

Communications material and digital tools with original content have been created in two languages (Italian, English) and a web portal dedicated to the entire cultural circuit will act as a digital showcase of the facilities and services offered with in-depth information and constant updates.  There will also be a professional photographic campaign, and an aerial virtual tour to discover the four towns and ‘enter’ into the places that host the extraordinary works of art. The project is being promoted through a targeted promotion and advertising campaign and the social media. 

“A driving force for tourism in our towns”

The mayor of Castiglion Fiorentino, Mario Agnelli, said: ‘With this project, we want people to discover and rediscover the Italian Renaissance in those so-called minor centres. It is the revenge of the lesser known cities of art that nevertheless deserve to be recognised and known.”  “The Renaissance gave birth to great artists who brought their work to our territories. This project is a driving force for tourism in our towns,” said the mayor of Citerna, Enea Paladino

“We have created a tourist itinerary for visitors”

The Mayor of Monterchi, Alfredo Romanelli pointed out that putting the Renaissance in Valtiberina and Valdichiana on the map encompasses Renaissance cultural promotion, territorial marketing, and large-scale promotions. “We strongly believe in doing all this together to reach increasingly ambitious markets.” And the mayor of Sansepolcro, Fabrizio Innocenti noted that “the territorial marketing of our cultural heritage becomes a strategic tool. With this project we have created a tourist itinerary for visitors, but also a path of cultural growth for our citizens.” For information: www.rinascimentovaltiberinavaldichiana.it

B&B Hotels' first property in Sardinia is a 75-room property strategically located near Sassari's railway station.

Double, twin, triple and quadruple rooms

Just a 10-minute walk from the city centre, and a 20-minute drive from beaches, Alghero airport and Porto Torres, it is also a key tourist hub for ferry docking and departures. Guests at the B&B Hotel Sassari can choose from double, twin, triple and quadruple rooms which are essential, designer style and equipped with free 300 Mb/s wifi and smart TVs with Chromecast allowing guests to connect their devices to the screen.

A “better than a brunch” breakfast buffet

The hotel is also pet-friendly and has a B&B Shop with a wide choice of drinks, sweet and savoury snacks and ice creams. There is also a “better than a brunch” breakfast buffet that also has  gluten-free options and covered parking is available for a fee.

“The Bper Group is a fundamental partner”

With the B&B Hotel Sassari we are focusing on the South and the islands, where we want to grow in quality and accessibility - comments Liliana Comitini, president and managing director of B&B Hotels Italy, Slovenia and Hungary. -This new Sardinian opening further strengthens our collaboration with the Bper group, which is a fundamental partner for our growth and property development in Italy.” 

“This is our second lease with B&B Hotels”

“After Modena, this is our second lease with B&B Hotels,-  says Daniele Martignetti, head of Bper's real estate division. -The property has undergone a major makeover and the location is very important for the development of Sassari. In addition, the repositioning of the Tanit shopping centre (also part of our real estate portfolio) is nearing completion. This confirms the bank's willingness to contribute, in this case through real estate, to revitalizing areas and neighbourhoods.” 

From 3 to 6 January Urbania, capital of the Befana, will open its historical centre for the annual celebrations of the Befana witch who brings presents to children.  

The town will celebrate from 3 to 6 January

The National Epiphany Festival is scheduled in the historical centre of Urbania, which is little more than an hour by car from Pesaro in the Marche region, from Friday afternoon 3 January to Monday 6 January 2025. At the opening of the 28th edition of the celebrations not only will the mayor, Marco Ciccolini, hand over the keys of the city to the Befana, but the Duke too will hand over the keys to his palace, so that visitors can appreciate its history, traditions and present-day contents. 

The Palace houses the Civic Musuem

The Palace on the Metauro River in the old town centre today houses the Civic Museum, a library with 40,000 volumes, the historical archive and ceramics workshops. The Museum of the History of Agriculture and Crafts is in the basement, as is an archaeological section with the recent discovery of a warrior prince's house from the pre-Roman era which will delight history and archaeology buffs.

Four days of fun and traditional festivities

The Befana is scheduled to arrive on her broomstick, throwing sweets and candy from the municipal bell tower above her house, almost at the entrance to the Palace, while the longest stocking in the world (more than 70 metres) will be paraded down the main street of the town, promising great selfie opportunities. During the four days of the festival the House of the Befana will welcome children by telling her story, in the Post Office they can write their letters to the old witch, and the Piazza del Mercatino will have many artistic handicraft stalls.

Vetera Matera is one the six latest Relais & Châteaux new entries in Italy. 

Just 23 rooms in the famoous Sassi di Matera

The Lucanian property is a scattered hotel with 23 rooms and is located in the famous Sassi of Matera. “For four generations our family has been passionately committed to the hotel and restaurant industry,-  says Adda Attanasio, director of sales and operations and owner of Relais & Châteaux Vetera Matera. -In 2012 we joined the Relais & Châteaux family with the Bellevue Syrene 1820. Now it is an honour to launch this new hospitality project in one of the world's oldest cities, with the endorsement of Relais & Châteaux. As well as being confirmation of our commitment to keeping alive family traditions that have been handed down for generations.” 

International Relais & Châteaux openings

Also opening in March 2025 is the new Relais & Châteaux Hotel Diepeschrather Mühle, the creation of the multi-starred German chef Nelson Müller. Other new entries include an eco-resort in the Campos de Jordão botanical reserve in Brazil, a boutique hotel devoted to nature and traditions in the Elqui Valley in Chile, a typical Norwegian forest mansion with a spa and breathtaking views of the Storfjorden, and The Modern, chef Thomas Allan's restaurant inside the MoMa.