Magnificence and history combine in the Castle of Grinzane Cavour which stands on a hilltop above the little town of the same name in the province of Cuneo. 

A castle museum in the heart of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato 

Just a few kilometres from the truffle capital of Alba and on the road that leads to the home of the world-famous Barolo wine, Grinzane Cavour is about 75 kilometres by car from the regional capital, Turin.   Built in the middle of the 11th century, the Castle dominates the beautiful Langa hills which, together with the Langhe-Roero and Monferrato wine-growing region are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today the Castle is home to the Langhe Museum and has fascinating historical rooms that reveal the arts and crafts of times long gone with an exhibition of the tools of rural life while fascinating memorabilia from the times of Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, who was Italy’s first prime minister, is kept in what were his private apartments.

Beautiful landscapes and an annual truffle auction

Strolling through the charming streets of the little town with its low houses and its little squares, the atmosphere is one of tranquility. The surrounding landscapes are some of the most beautiful in Italy with the Langhe’s rolling hills, perfectly aligned vineyards and medieval villages perched on hilltops. Since 1999, every year at the beginning of November, the Castle of Grinzane Cavour hosts the “World Alba White Truffle Auction,” an event that draws great chefs and celebrities to the non-profit event. In fact, the proceeds from the sale are donated to charities in Italy and around the world, and to date have raised well over €5million. 

Italian excellence and esprit français in the restaurant

Chef Marc Lanteri's Cucina di Confine restaurant in the Castle takes its inspiration from his childhood spent in the small village of Tenda, just over the border in France.  The restaurant's rooms have exposed brickwork, terracotta floors, and coffered ceilings, and Lanteri’s cuisine, with true esprit français, is inspired by Piedmontese and Provençal traditions; a border cuisine that blends the best of both  styles with locally grown products of excellence.   For information: https://www.castellogrinzane.com

The skies of Paestum will be tinged with spectacular colourful hot air balloons from 28 September to 6 October.

Activities for young and old

The International Festival of Ballooning will paint the horizon with bright colours and spectacular shapes. In addition to the possibility of admiring from above the historical and natural wonders of one of Italy's most fascinating archaeological areas, the festival will offer a series of side activities to involve and fascinate young and old.

A 9-day festival with special events

Among this year's novelties, acrobatic shows and performances by street artists will animate the area, while a large green area will be dedicated to inflatable games and kites, making the event ideal for families. During the 9-day festival, visitors will be able to take part in a variety of activities: from free flights to acrobatic displays, from giant kite shows to special events for families and children. 

Free hot air balloon flights

Every day, at 5 p.m., it will be possible to take off for a free flight, perfect for enjoying the golden sunset hour over Paestum. On Sundays 29 September and 6 October, as well as on Saturday 5 October, there will also be flights at 7.30 am, offering the opportunity to see the sun rise over the sea, with the ancient ruins illuminated by the first rays of daylight. The duration of the experience can vary from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of flight chosen.

Stays in the Ara Maris Hotel in Sorrento

After a day spent in a hot air balloon over the ruins of Paestum, the experience can then continue with a stay at the Ara Maris Hotel in Sorrento, a 5-star hotel located in the heart of the Sorrento peninsula. The property has 49 rooms and suites, as well as a wide range of amenities, including a panoramic swimming pool, a solarium, the Thala spa, the Cora Bistrot and the Lumi Sky lounge.

An important piece in the history of tourism on the Romagna Riviera, the Ricci Hotels in Cesenatico are 70 years old. 

There are five Ricci hotels

It all started in 1954 with grandfather Augusto Ricci when the Adriatic Riviera was still undiscovered, and he bought the La Sportiva Guesthouse. Today the group has five properties, four of which are near the sea: the Sport, Valverde, Nettuno and Villa Mia hotels. Then there is the country farm house Podere la Fattoria di Canonica in Sant'Arcangelo di Romagna.

The original Sporting Hotel was enlarged

Augusto’s grandchildren Giuseppe and Clemente Ricci now own the company. “Granpa was good with people, attracting many pioneering tourists who were beginning to discover the Adriatic. Those were the years of the Dolce Vita and there was a desire to be together as one big family, indeed many of his guests returned year after year.”  In 1972, the baton was passed to Giancarlo and Marisa Ricci who enlarged the property, now the Hotel Sport, to 50 rooms, and it was the first in Cesenatico to have a large swimming pool. They also invented out-of-town trips, renting a castle in the Romagna hills to give tourists different experiences based on food and good wine.

Ricci family 1954

Constant expansion and renovations

In 1979 Giancarlo and Marisa also bought the Valverde Hotel, a historic seafront property, to which they added the first outdoor squash court and the largest swimming pool in Cesenatico. It went on to become the large complex known as the Valverde Hotel & Residence, while the Sport was also expanded to 100 rooms and apartments. Another lucky purchase in 2010 was the Hotel Nettuno which was then totally renovated in the style of Hamptons’ summer homes.

The fourth generation

“It has been a long road of continuous extensions, renovations and new services to keep up with the times and anticipate customers‘ desires,” says Giancarlo Ricci. The Ricci family is now ready to take on a major new challenge. “We have taken over the abandoned Santa Monica Colony which has a 3,000-metre private beach,” say Giuseppe and Clemente Ricci. The new private Ricci Beach has a gym, new cabins, a beach volleyball-beach tennis court, and the Ricci family continues its contemporary journey in hospitality: “As our five children prepare for the fourth generation, we try to express the same sense of hospitality as our origins, making our guests feel part of the family.”

 

For information: https://www.riccihotels.it

After an eight-year international tour the funerary trousseau of Queen Nefertari (1295-1255 BC) returned to the Egyptian Museum in Turin on 9 August. 

The exhibits toured the world before returning to Turin

The tour, which started in Leiden in the Netherlands in 2016 then travelled to the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg and numerous museums in the USA and Canada before making its return to the norther Italian city.  Curated by Enrico Ferraris, with the collaboration of Cinzia Soddu, the new exhibition was realized with the support of the Crt foundation.

Over 40 tombs were discovered

Jewellery, amulets, ushabti and footwear: these are some of the exhibits on display, returning to the showcases that were commissioned by Ernesto Schiaparelli, who at the time headed the Egyptian Museum and discovered the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens near Luxor in 1904. It was in the winter of 1903 that Schiaparelli and his Egyptian and Italian colleagues concentrated their research for three years on the site, discovering over 40 tombs, but the most sensational discovery was that of Queen Nefertari.

Paintings of Nefertari’s afterlife journey 

The wooden model of the tomb, made by Schiaparelli in the early decades of the last century, are also on display. The reproduction offers the opportunity to look in detail at the complex cycle of paintings dedicated to Nefertari's afterlife journey, which served the Getty Conservation Institute as the basis for the restoration of the original paintings in the 1990s.
For information: https://www.museoegizio.it

The Elba Legend Run, a new trail running race on the Tuscan island, will be held on 6 October. 

Three different distances

The competition covers three different distances, 13, 25, and 60 kilometres, to meet the needs of both simple enthusiasts and trail running professionals. The two shorter distances are run almost entirely on the tracks of the legendary Capoliveri Legend Cup, a world championship trail. The route winds along the ridges of Mount Calamita between the town of Capoliveri and the open sea, offering natural settings and breathtaking views.

The longest route is 60 kilometres

The 60-kilometre race will be run on a more technical track, certainly more appealing to even the international public of experienced runners. The route, which winds mainly within the territory of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, covers the eastern side of the island, joining the two mining sites of Capoliveri and Rio. In addition to the mines, the route offers evocative passages over the sea and leads up to the Castle of Volterraio, in an up and down that gives the race a height difference of 3,000 metres.

Other sporting experiences

The programme of collateral events before the races will include all kinds of activities and sporting experiences from hiking on mining sites to yoga and pilates sessions, bike tours on the Legend Cup tracks and other spectacular destinations, to discover the eastern side of the island. Cultural tourism, cooking classes, as well as visits to mining sites, other island villages and Napoleonic residences will complete the offer.

Discounts on car ferries

Finally, a word on the island's October weather, which is still in its beautiful summer livery but without the heat and crowds of the high season. The collaboration with Moby will also make it possible to offer a special rate to those who register and reach the island with a car in tow. Agreements with hotels and campsites are also available.

Lake Garda in early autumn is a kaleidoscope of colours and scents at one of the Lago di Garda camping villages.

Swimming, canoeing, trekking and cycling

It is worth planning a few days on beautiful Lake Garda in one of the Lago di Garda camping villages, which offer a selection of facilities.  On the Veneto and Lombardy shores of the Benaco, in scenic spots, these villages overlook beautiful stretches of coastline with direct access to the water for the last swims of the year in the lake or in a heated swimming pool, or for some canoeing. And then there are also trekking and cycling routes, starting directly from the campsites and following, for example, the flat cycle path from Lazise to Punta San Vigilio. This route of about eight miles that touches Bardolino, a lakeside resort known for its beautiful historic centre and excellent Bardolino wine, and the village of Garda, on the romantic gulf which is known for its legendary fortress.

The Bardolino Grape and Wine Festival from 3 to 7 October

Now in its 93rd year, the Grape and Wine Festival will be held this year from 3 to 7 October in the town of Bardolino with five days of festivities, during which visitors will be able to enjoy evening concerts, food and wine stalls, stands dedicated to Bardolino wine, guided tastings (organized by the Consorzio Tutela Vino Classico DOC) theatre performances, conferences and and exhibitions of the best grapes and the best Bardolino wines.

The Lazise Honey Festival  from 4 to 6 October

Traditionally, the first week of October Lazise hosts an event in the name of sweetness: I giorni del Miele' (Honey Days), dedicated to beekeeping, honey and beehive-related products used for health and beauty. This will be the 45 edition of the festival and in addition to the rich market and exhibition dedicated to honeys from all over Italy, the large exhibition area will host beekeeping products, machinery and equipment, and a rare selection focusing on publishing in the sector.  The aim of the event is to promote knowledge of beekeeping, honey production and its derivatives, as well as a greater awareness of bee protection.

Lake Garda’s olive and grape harvests

From the beginning of autumn, Lake Garda becomes the scene of two festive activities linked to its excellence: the grape and olive harvests, with various producers opening their doors to visitors. Many of the facilities on lagodigardacamping.com work directly with producers, allowing those staying in the camping villages to enjoy the grape and olive harvests from a privileged vantage point. Among the companies that open their doors to guests are the Cantina Casetto in Cisano di Bardolino, the Azienda Agricola Roccolo del Lago in Lazise and the Azienda Agricola Guerrieri Rizzardi in Bardolino. 

Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake

Whether it is to take a break in nature, to do some gourmet shopping or discover something more about wine and honey, the Lago di Garda Camping facilities are the ideal choice to experience all the poetry of Italy's largest lake which in autumn is always a winning choice. For information: www.lagodigardacamping.com

“Aromas of Italy, Discover the Italy You Didn't Know – An Italian Journey” will promote Italy and its iconic foods, using an original an olfactory kit.

17 different Italian food products 

The aim is to identity Italy’s iconic foods through 17 different products and tastes on a latest-generation restaurant-bus that will tour the country using an olfactory kit. The project is supported by tourism minister Daniela Santanchè, as part of the Ministry of Tourism's National Promotion Plan 2022. 

The bus will tour Italy

The project, which is the brainchild of the Tuscany Region, with Toscana Promozione Turistica as the lead partner, will consist of two stages:  a state-of-the-art bus-restaurant equipped with all comforts that will tour Italy, and the creation of an olfactory kit that aims to be a new and original promotional tool for promoting the best of Italy’s gastronomy.

The Aromi d’Italia tour will end in October

The “Aromi d'Italia” tour will consist of 17 stops. The first in Turin was on 2 September and it will end in October. On each stage the 30 guests will include journalists, influencers selected from those who took part in the Italy Ambassador Awards and stakeholders – with tastings organized by the Italian Federation of Chefs featuring a regional dish that uses symbolic products.   

The olfactory kit will contain different scents

The fragrance of freshly baked bread, the aroma of the moka coffee pot or a ragù sauce simmering in the pot have the power to evoke powerful sensations. The connection between the sense of smell and emotions allows scents to influence our mood and recall memories. The original olfactory kit will contain different scents, to be used at events and trade fairs; an innovative promotional tool, a new approach to wine and food tourism.

“Italy’s cuisine is a main attraction for tourists” 

Underlining the importance of the project tourism minister Daniela Santanchè said:

“Italy’s cuisine, which is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status, is one of the main elements of attraction for Italian and international tourists. This project enhances our food and wines by promoting a narrative of Italian culture through different local aromas and flavours.”  

Isaholidays' Isamar Holiday Village is the ideal way to discover Chioggia in the Venetian lagoon.

Chioggia, a painting that opens onto the Lagoon

The New York Times listed Chioggia among the 52 places to visit in the world in 2022, describing the city’s architectural and environmental wonders in detail. A town “built on a cluster of islands in the Venetian lagoon, with centuries-old buildings rising from canals in all their decadent splendor.” Chioggia welcomes a more sustainable form of tourism, removed from the masses that descend on Venice. While  perhaps less well-known than Venice, it can boast an equally proud and authentic character. Known as early as Roman times for its strategic position linking the hinterland and the Euganean Hills to the sea, Chioggia gained commercial importance for its salt production. Beware! Chioggia is not just a Little Venice! 

Monuments, art and a fascinating fish market

To get to know Chioggia one must wander through picturesque Medieval alleyways, and cross the main street, the heart of the city, Corso del Popolo, to the Cathedral of Santa Maria inspired by the Palladian style. A little further on stand the Church of Sant'Andrea and the Clock Tower, which is among the oldest still functioning in the world. But to delve into the true spirit of Chioggia, visitors must go to the fish market which is a truly authentic and unforgettable experience. 

Not just art but also great beaches

Among Chioggia's marvels the New York Times cites its beaches which attract couples, families, and singles. The beaches of Sottomarina and Isola Verde are famous for their curative properties for respiratory problems. The Isamar Holiday Village beach has been a Green Flag since 2016. This ranking awards beaches with the best facilities for families and children. Chioggi’s beaches are sandy and have shallow waters with lifeguard services as well as recreational, sports and educational activities, and there are also swimming pools and water parks with everything needed for a great holiday. Isamar Holiday Village has the added bonus of a convenient shuttle bus that leaves directly from the village for Chioggia.

From Chioggia to Pellestrina, from Lido to Venice

Neither far nor near: Chioggia is connected to Venice by a convenient vaporetto public boat service to the Lido, passing through the Ca' Roman and Pellestrina nature reserves. This route can also be cycled thanks to the Actv landing stage just below “el gato de Ciosa,” a monumental column that looks out to sea from the piazza.

Isamar’s offers for  September

September from €130 per accommodation with entertainment included and services open (from 08/09 to 15/09). VIP week: from 22/09 to 29/09 with free parking for a second car, free minigolf and complimentary prosecco (prices from €355 per week per accommodation) The offers include the use of all the services of the Isaholidays villages: access to the Water Park with eight swimming pools and six slides, daytime and evening entertainment, mini and junior clubs, gym, five-a-side football pitches, tennis courts, archery, beach volleyball, collective sports courses, free WI-FI in public areas, 24H security service. For information: www.villaggioisamar.com;

Emilia Romagna and Marche, two Italian regions rich in history, culture, breathtaking landscapes and world-renowned cuisine.

Emilia Romagna is famous for its historic cities, vibrant cultural life, exciting gastronomy ranging from the world-famous lasagna and tasty tortellini to Modena’s balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese, added to which it offers opportunities for relaxation and fun on its golden Adriatic beaches.

The Marche region, while less well-known than Emilia Romagna is equally fascinating, with a variety of landscapes ranging from the Apennine mountains to the beaches of the Adriatic. As well as Urbino, the birthplace of the great artist Raphael, to Pesaro which is the birthplace of the famous composer Giacchino Rossini and Ancona, it is also admired for the spectacular Frasassi Caves karst formations, and for charming little medieval towns like Gradara and Offida.

Our fam trip is a short tour through these lands that offer a variety of experiences ranging from art to wellness, and from active tourism to centuries-old culinary traditions. Then participants will have the chance to spend two half-days with Italian operators who are interested in meeting international travel specialists and laying the foundations for fruitful and lasting collaborations.

To join this event write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.!

8 October:

- Arrival at Bologna airport

- Transfer to Rimini by GoOpti; check in at Club del Sole Rimini

- Free time

- Aperitif and presentation of the Club del Sole brand and facilities

- Dinner and overnight at the Club del Sole Rimini

9 October:

- After breakfast appointments with travel companies and organizations

- Lunch

- Appointments with travel companies and organizations

- 4.00 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Guided tour of Rimini's old town centre

- Return to hotel

- 20.00 p.m. Dinner 

- Overnight at the Club del Sole Rimini

10 October:

- After breakfast  appointments with travel companies and organizations

- Lunch and return to hotel

- 16.00 transfer to Pesaro

- Guided tour of Pesaro's historic center followed by a presentation and dinner offered by the Marche Region

- Return to hotel (about 35 minutes) and overnight at Club del Sole Rimini

 

11 October 2024

- After the breakfast, check-out

- Appointments with travel companies and organizations; lunch

- Transfer to Cesena, meet the guide at the IAT office in Piazza del Popolo 9 and start of the city tour. Visit to the Malatesta Library, a splendid example of a Renaissance monastic library, a time machine that takes us back to 1454 and that, for its extraordinary relevance, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005 as a “Memory of the World.” This is followed by a visit to the Rocca Malatestiana, an admirable example of defensive architecture, built on the Garampo Hill in a dominant position overlooking the city.
6.00 p.m.

- Transfer to Bagno di Romagna

- Overnight and dinner at the Balneum Hotel in Via Lungo Savio, 17.

 

12 October 2024

- After the breakfast in hotel, check out and departure for a guided walk around the spa town whose beneficial waters were already known to the ancient Romans, and is now a popular thermal centre selected as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy,” as well as being an ideal starting point for trekking and cycling routes for all levels of difficulty. The tour continues from Piazza Ricasoli to the ancient Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, to Palazzo del Capitano and to the Sentiero degli Gnomi (Gnome’s Trail), ending with a presentation of the thermal establishments

- Transfer to Sarsina where you will take a leap back 2500 years to discover the local stories, culture, traditions and curiosities. A history that starts in the 5th century B.C. and that you will admire through the exhibits in the National Archaeological Museum and around the town. You will also discover that Sarsina's most illustrious and famous citizen is Titus Maccius Plautus, the great Latin playwright who staged many aspects of daily life with liveliness, freshness and humour.

- Typical lunch and transfer by bus to Mercato Saraceno, visit to a wine cellar in Mercato Saraceno with a wine tasting, in particular of the Famoso, a Romagna variety of wine from the upper Savio Valley.

- Transfer to Genga (Frasassi caves area), check-in at the Hotel Le Grotte followed by a short site inspection

- Pre-dinner presentation of the Frasassi area and possible itineraries 

- Dinner at Ristorante Le Grotte

 

13 October:

- Breakfast and at 9:30 a guided tour of the Frasassi Caves followed by a visit to the Abbey of San Vittore  and the Speleopaleontological and Archaeological Museum    

- Site inspection of the Hotel Terme. Short visit to Pierosara and lunch at the Ristorante Da Maria

- Afternoon guided visit to the Madonna di Frasassi Sanctuary

- Return to hotel and time to relax

- 18:00 Guided visit of the town of Genga and the Museum of Territorial Art History with VR360 

- Dinner at the Ristorante La Scaletta

 

14 October:

- After breakfast transfer to Bologna airport

N.B. The programme can be subject to change. The final programme will be sent to buyers before their departure for Italy. All ground services are offered by Itadilux Srl. For the flights / international transportation Itadilux Srl will refund maximum 150 euro for European buyers and 250 euro for overseas buyers. 

 

 
Ph credits: 
Bagno di Romagna(FC), La Panoramica,ph.Lusini Mattia,archivio comunale
BagnodiRomagna Piscina EuroTerme ArchivioComunale
Cesena, Biblioteca Malatestiana, Aula del Nuti, Archivio IAT Cesena
Mercato Saraceno (FC) Città del vino 
Sarsina-Piazza Plauto e Basilica Cattedrale San Vicinio, ph Giampaolo Bernabini