From 19 July to 25 October “Ornamenta. Treasures of elegance and identity in Ossola” will run in Domodossola in Piedmont.

An overview of the development of Ossola’s cultural identity

The exhibition is spread across three venues: the Gian Giacomo Galletti Civic Museums in Palazzo San Francesco, the Casa De Rodis, and the Vecchio Municipio Cultural Centre in Santa Maria Maggiore. It is structured around a theme exploring the evolution of Ossola’s aesthetic sensibilities in the 19th and 20th centuries and the promotion of the region’s tangible and intangible heritage.

Three venues with a single theme

The exhibition brings together paintings, jewellery, clothing, textiles, photographs, tools of the trade and historical documents, offering an overview of the development of Ossola’s cultural identity. At Palazzo San Francesco, the focus is on the Ossola goldsmithing tradition, featuring items typical of festive attire, such as jewellery, plaster models, preparatory sketches and tools of the trade. Casa De Rodis hosts the section with everyday clothing and farm work, covering daily chores and scenes of mountain life, with works by the leading figures of Vigezzina painting alongside historical photographs documenting the lives of local communities. The exhibition concludes at Santa Maria Maggiore with a section focusing on undergarments and accessories – elements that reveal the customs, social status and identity of Alpine communities.

Giuseppe Rossetti, Portrait of Antonia Rossetti (as a Child), 1832.

Domodossola is a crossroads of culture

Domodossola is the main town in the Ossola valley and has always been a crossroads of cultures, trade and connections between Italy and the Alps. Situated at the heart of the seven valleys of Ossola, it is the ideal base from which to explore the region and its natural and cultural treasures. The historic centre, dating back to medieval times, boasts historic palaces, squares lined with arcades and the charming Borgo della Cultura, home to important artistic and architectural treasures. Among the most iconic events is the historic Saturday market, a thousand-year-old tradition that brings the town centre to life.

Villages, valleys and nature trails

Alongside its cultural heritage, Domodossola offers a wide range of shopping, dining and local produce, confirming its status as a destination that successfully combines art, food and wine, and hospitality. The town also serves as an excellent base for visiting the villages and valleys of the Ossola region, from Val Vigezzo to Val Formazza, as well as the numerous nature trails in the Alpine area.

From 31 July to 2 August, Castelsaraceno, in Basilicata, is hosting "Tra Cielo e Terra" with the world's longest Tibetan bridge.

The bridge connects two parks

Th event will celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Ponte Tra i Due Parchi with the Italian debut of Les Passagers du Vide, a French collective that has transformed highlining into an art form. At 586 metres in length, the Bridge between the Two Parks is the world’s longest Tibetan bridge and connects the Pollino National Park with the Lucanian Apennines Val d’Agri National Park. For three days, it will be the centrepiece of a programme of sport, landscape and tourism. 

Performances and workshops

Alongside the highline, the programme includes performances in the village, workshops and introductory slackline sessions, talks on outdoor tourism, and a screening of the documentary "Des Équilibres" which chronicles the group’s recent exploits in the French Alps and the Moroccan desert.

Outdoor activities and great food

Basilicata is the ideal destination for a green holiday, and the world’s longest Tibetan Bridge is a must-see attraction. Halfway between the sea at Maratea and the picturesque town of Matera, it offers a unique vantage point over the wild and unspoiled Lucanian hinterland. Castelsaraceno and its surroundings offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, from trekking and climbing the Lucanian peaks, to mountain biking and Nordic walking. And then there are walks in the woods, canyoning and rafting along the rivers of the Pollino, unforgettable gastronomic experiences and adrenaline-fuelled activities on the Tibetan Bridge.

To coincide with the cinema release of *The Odyssey*, Christopher Nolan’s latest film, Rocco Forte Hotels is launching “The Sicilian Odyssey."

A bespoke itinerary to the film's sets

Sicily was chosen as the scenic backdrop for several locations featured in the film, and Rocco Forte Hotels has designed a bespoke itinerary for guests at its Villa Igiea and Verdura Resort. The properties are also paying tribute to the film’s locations with an exhibition of the most beautiful on-set photographs, courtesy of Universal. The first stop on the itinerary is the island of Mothia in the Stagnone Nature Reserve, a place believed to be one of Ulysses’ landing sites. 

ph credits: Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved

Archaeology, landscapes and culture

The island still retains the charm of the ancient Phoenician colony, offering an experience that combines archaeology, landscapes and culture. After a stroll through the vineyards of Grillo – the grape variety symbolic of western Sicily – the visit continues to the Whitaker Museum, home to the Ephebe of Mothia, a marble sculpture dating back to the 5th century B.C. Sicily is also renowned for its culinary traditions and among the specialities, couscous and caponata stand out. The caponata is a typical Sicilian dish made with aubergines which are dressed with a typical sweet-and-sour sauce.

Villa Igiea

Visiting the Zingaro Nature Reserve

The second stop that Rocco Forte has included in this itinerary is not to be missed: the Zingaro Nature Reserve, one of Sicily’s most captivating stretches of coastline. The area on part of the island’s north-western coast, can be reached in two hours by yacht from Villa Igiea. The landscape is dominated by unspoiled nature with sea stacks, sheer cliffs plunging into the sea and natural caves along the coastline, framed by crystal-clear waters. 

Tonnara

Hidden coves and tuna processing

Favignana, which is the final stop on the itinerary, provided the backdrop for some of the film’s most memorable scenes. The town’s harbour, for example, was transformed by the director into an evocative ancient Greek harbour. The island captivates visitors with its wild coves and crystal-clear waters, which are best appreciated by boat. Among the unmissable stops are the beaches of Cala Rossa, Cala Rotonda, Cala Azzurra and Cala del Bue Marino. For those wishing to discover Favignana’s historical side, a visit to the Tonnara Florio is a must. Here, you can trace the ancient tradition of tuna processing, which, in the 19th century, thanks to Vincenzo Florio, made the island famous worldwide.

Italy’s leading outdoor tourism trade fair Il Salone del Camper – Caravans, Accessories, Routes and Destinations, will take place at Fiere di Parma from 12 to 20 September. 

Campervan holidays are a growing trend

Open to both professionals and the general public this is one of the world’s leading trade fairs dedicated to caravanning and outdoor tourism, and is the most important trade fair in the sector in Italy and the second largest in Europe, attracting over 107,000 visitors.  For attendees the event will be an opportunity to explore an alternative way of travelling, keep up to date with the latest trends and services, and compare the vehicles on display, as well as discovering the latest technologies. Campervan holidays are a growing trend, increasingly popular for the convenience they offer, the freedom they provide when travelling, and their environmental sustainability.

Authentic landscapes and freedom to explore

Road travel represents a practical alternative, and motorhomes and caravans allow for greater freedom and more flexible itineraries.  In the "Your Travel Style" survey conducted by the Salone del Camper, travelling by motorhome and caravan emerged as the dominant choice: 93 per cent of respondents opted for it. This preference is driven primarily by the search for authentic landscapes, cited by 75 per cent, and the freedom to explore, which was a decisive factor for 69 per cent.

74 million visitor nights in 2025

Road trips are on the rise, thanks in part to an increasingly well-developed network of services, with a growing number of waste disposal and refuelling points, electrical hook-ups, charging points, bicycle parking facilities and connections across the whole country. According to FAITA Federcamping, HBenchmark and CISET Ca’ Foscari, in 2025 Italian open-air travel reached 74 million visitor nights, with a total direct and indirect economic value of €8.5 billion. This form of travel is also more sustainable. The study “Motorhome Tourism: the Economic and Environmental Impact of Motorhome Travellers”, carried out by Ergo, a spin-off of the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa, indicates that recreational vehicles have a lower environmental impact than traditional travel, with a 70% reduction in CO₂, a 64% reduction in fossil fuel consumption and a 73% reduction in water consumption. For information: www.salonedelcamper.it

The line-up and supporting events for the Transumare Fest, the electronic, pop and rock music festival taking place in Abruzzo, from 19 to 22 August.

Four days packed with events

From sunset until late at night, the four days of concerts on the Adriatic seafront in Teramo will reflect the theme "La Metamorfosi," weaving together music, the local area and the community. In addition to the previously announced performance by I Cani on 1 August at the Stadio Fonte dell’Olmo in Roseto degli Abruzzi, the line-up features Italian artists performing throughout the festival. They will include Giorgio Poi, MACE and Tutti Fenomeni, as well as international acts from Europe, Japan and the United States, with music that ranges from electronic music to rap, pop and jazz.

Also hiking, tastings and workshops

But the festival, known for its inclusive and sustainable approach, also offers a range of activities dedicated to exploring Abruzzo’s natural and cultural heritage, such as hiking, tastings and workshops, as well as an extension of the Transumare Fest: "Transumare nello Spazio" which takes the music beyond the festival dates. In fact from 19 to 22 August, the festival programme extends beyond the concert area to Roseto degli Abruzzi and the province of Teramo, featuring a varied programme of activities which, last year, attracted a total of 400 participants, with every event sold out.

From the beach to the hinterland

The activities, which are also open to beginners, range from guided mindfulness on the beach on Thursday 20 August, to Qi-Gong at dawn on the 21st, and yoga by the sea the following day. Inland, an easy trek to Rocca Calascio, in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, is on the programme. The fortress stands at an altitude of 1,460 metres and is one of the highest in Italy, with the village included on the list of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages. There will also be opportunities to enjoy food and wine, with a mini-course and tasting of extra virgin olive oil at Frantoio Montecchia, followed by a convivial, plant-based lunch in the olive grove. This will be followed by a guided tour and wine tasting at Cantina Savini, an event that will also conclude with a lunch accompanied by live music.

Painting workshops with swapped canvases

Every day of the festival, there will be painting workshops for couples who, after a set time, will swap canvases, continuing the painting started by their partner. "Source to Signal," on the other hand, is a guided listening session on sampled music. It is neither a DJ set nor a technical lesson: it starts with iconic tracks, traces back to the original sample, and ends with the final track. Info and bookings: bookings via Instagram Direct @transumare.fest. Full details at www.transumarefest.com and on the Instagram profile. WhatsApp: 378 403 8648. Facebook: Transumare Fest.

Val Senales is enhancing transport links with free transport and integrated passes for visitors.  

Combining transport and exploration

Part of a strategy to promote accessible, integrated and sustainable tourism, the aim is to provide visitors with a more cost-effective alternative through integrated passes and free transport, and to offer a more authentic experience with combined packages, where transport and exploration become an integral part of the holiday.

Vernago Lake Photo by Hubert Gruner

Unlimited ski-lift use for two days

Among the new features, the Alpin Arena Senales - which reopens on 27 June - is introducing the Alpin Arena Pass 2-in-7. This pass guarantees unlimited use of the ski lifts for two days of your choice within a week. It is a flexible solution ideal for those who wish to alternate between hikes, outdoor activities and relaxation, without being tied to a rigid schedule. The price is €51.00 for adults and €26.00 for children born between 2008 and 2020.The Alpin Arena Senales offers combined options that bring together sport and wellness, such as the Alpin Arena & Naturno Thermal Baths Combi-Ticket. Priced at €39.00, this ticket – valid for use on the same day – grants access to the glacier lifts and allows you to spend 3 hours at the Naturno Thermal Baths.

Formerly the Highest Grain Farm in Europe Finailhof Photo by Thomas Gruner

Discounts for cultural sites and museums

The South Tyrol Guest Pass Val Venosta is an initiative that allows you to use all public transport in South Tyrol free of charge, designed to promote sustainable, accessible and widespread mobility. The Guest Pass also includes access to benefits and discounts on numerous experiences to explore the region, such as bike hire, reduced-rate use of the ski lifts, and visits to cultural sites and museums. 

Across Emilia and the surrounding area, summer at the Castelli del Ducato offers a series of alternative experiences.

A network promoting castles and art venues

From night-time castle tours, including viewing the Perseids, to medieval towers and terraces, family-friendly activities and treasure hunts, weekends in castles with swimming pools, excursions, tastings and historical dinners. Castelli del Ducato is the network that brings together, coordinates and promotes 38 castles open to visitors, as well as over 50 art venues, historic residences, strongholds, fortresses and villages, all open to the public.

Sunset picnics, evocative guided tours

Evening and night-time tours blending history and folklore stand out; the most evocative events including evening experiences with Ghost Hunters at the Fortress of Bardi (in the province of Parma) and the tours dedicated to legends and ghosts at Bianello Castle, in the Reggio Emilia area. The castles are also prime vantage points for enjoying the Perseid meteor shower. Scipione dei Marchesi Pallavicino Castle (Parma, PR), in particular, hosts "The Magical Night of the Stars" every year, with sunset picnics, evocative guided tours and the special opening of the 17th-century loggia and gardens, which remain open until late at night so visitors can gaze at the starry August sky. From Compiano Castle (PR), one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages in the Parma Apennines, to Tabiano Castle (PR) with its historic Relais in the spa-rich hills, to the exclusive wellness experiences at Rivalta Castle in the province of Piacenza, holidays strike a balance between culture, hospitality, landscape and self-care, set against the backdrop of swimming pools set in exceptional scenery.

Rivalta Castle

Tabiano Castel ph credits: Salsomaggiore Municipality

swimming pool of the Compiano Castle

Antica Corte Pallavicina Castle:ph credits: fotocarraparma

Gropparello Castle

Castello di Scipione dei Marchesi Pallavicino ph credits Anna Lisa Inzaina​

Borgo di Rivalta

Roccabianca Castle

ph credits: Piacenza Municipality

Historical heritage with local culinary excellence

Also returning throughout the summer is “Il Gusto del Tempo - La Cultura del Gusto,” a project that weaves together historical and landscape heritage with local culinary excellence. It includes sunset tastings, picnics in historic gardens, aperitifs with panoramic views, Renaissance-themed dinners and meetings with producers and tours through vineyards, castles and hills. Among the most eagerly awaited events are “Calici al Tramonto” and “Escape Castle - The Magic and Mysteries of the Castle," with tastings, lunches and dinners at Contignaco Castle (PR); historic dinners at Gropparello Castle (PR) and its "Starry Night" event with glasses of Champagne. Then there are the "Experience Days" combining tours, culinary delights and wellness at Rivalta Castle (PC), and numerous other events taking place at manors and villages across the entire circuit. For information and bookings: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

With its six wineries scattered across the Italian peninsula, Oniwines promotes wine tourism as a means of exploring Italy’s wine-growing regions.

Indigenous wines and contemporary hospitality

Oniwines’ aim is to highlight the distinctive characteristics of Italy’s various regions through the production of indigenous wines, capturing the essence of these territories in a way that combines a passion for wine with an innovative approach and contemporary hospitality. Wine, territory and people are thus brought to life by the six estates, each with its own environmental and cultural characteristics and situated in some of the country’s most important wine-growing areas. 

Guided tours and wine tastings

Each estate offers distinct guided tours, focusing on the history and traditions of the local area and the unique production methods of each estate, whilst wine tastings are accompanied by a selection of typical local produce. At some estates, the experience can be complemented by in-depth activities dedicated to culinary and wine excellence and, in some cases, the opportunity to stay amongst the vineyards. 

Pico Maccario ph credits Mario Morandi

ERT1050


In Trentino-Alto Adige, ERT1050 is the winery that epitomizes mountain viticulture. A wine produced under complex and unconventional climatic conditions characterised by cold exposures, marked daily temperature variations and wind. A few kilometres north of Verona, La Giuva celebrates the history and local winemaking tradition. In the Valpolicella Hills, the winery offers tours with tastings that showcase its wines paired with local specialties. Pico Maccario, in the province of Asti, is situated in one of the most prestigious regions of Italian winemaking, offering immersive experiences that combine viticulture and contemporary art, representing one of the most modern expressions of the Piedmontese wine scene.

Tenimenti Leone Lanuvio

Sardinia and close to Rome

Podere Guardia Grande is a Sardinian estate where the influence of the sea reigns supreme. Overlooking the Alghero coast, the winery organizes tours where the wine interacts with the surrounding Mediterranean scrub, bringing out the flavours of Sardinian tradition. In central Italy, Tenimenti Leone is situated in Lanuvio, just a few kilometres from Rome. Here, wine tourism offers an opportunity to rediscover a heritage rich in indigenous grape varieties, with tours and wine tastings paired with typical produce from the Lazio countryside. Tenimenti Leone also offers the chance to stay close to vineyards, volcanic lakes and the ruins of ancient Rome.

Villa Bucci

In the Marche region 

In the heart of the Marche region Villa Bucci stands out for the great care it takes to protect the surrounding area, both in the production of its traditional wines and of its extra virgin olive oil. This business weaves together family history, the local area and the promotion of native grape varieties, set against a backdrop of rolling hills and the Adriatic coast.