Jet2.com expands its Italian network with the new Edinburgh-Verona, responding to the demand from Scottish passengers for direct flights to ski resorts.

The only direct Edinburgh-Verona flights

The new flights are on sale for both the upcoming winter season and for winter 2026/27, with the addition of 4,000 seats. Jet2.com will be the only airline to operate a direct connection to Verona from Edinburgh Airport during the winter. The route will be served weekly on Saturdays, from 7 February 2026 for the winter season 25/26, to coincide with next year's Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. For winter 26/27 the flights will be from 26 December 2026, allowing travellers to take advantage of the Christmas holidays.

Operating from both Edinburgh and Manchester

Jet2.com's snow network from Edinburgh also includes Turin, along with Chambéry, Geneva, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and now Verona. As a result of this expansion, Jet2.com will operate to Verona from two UK bases during the winter: Edinburgh and Manchester, offering passengers access to some of Italy's best ski and snowboard resorts, within easy reach of Verona.

Access to many of Italy’s premium ski resorts

The addition of Verona to Jet2.com's ski schedule from Edinburgh Airport gives customers access to the Italian Alps and its many ski resorts. Skiers and snowboarders can take advantage of several renowned ski resorts located close to Verona, including Val di Fassa, Trentino and one of Italy's largest ski areas, Madonna di Campiglio, located in the Brenta Dolomites, and Cortina d'Ampezzo, the enchanting ski resort in the Dolomites that offers breathtaking scenery and world-class ski slopes.

There are two Italian new entries among the nine new residences joining the Relais & Châteaux family.

“We share common passion for beauty and taste”

The two new Italian properties are Relais & Châteaux Borgo Pignano Florence and Relais & Châteaux Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio. “Our association aims at contributing, through cuisine and hospitality, to the construction of a more respectful and supportive world, in harmony with the planet,- comments president, Laurent Gardinier. -It is an honour for me to welcome these nine new associates into the Relais & Châteaux family; they share the same values as us and a common passion for beauty and taste.”

Villa Serbelloni has a private beach and state-of-the-art spa

At the end of a peninsula on Lake Como, Relais & Châteaux Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, built in 1854 and run for four generations by the Bucher family, occupies the most beautiful position in Bellagio and embodies the refinement of the aristocratic villas that line the shores of Lake Como. The rooms and suites are all different and imbued with classic elegance. Unforgettable moments are also assured at the tables in the Mistral Restaurant and on the Goletta Terrace, where chef Ettore Bocchia’s menu features Mediterranean flavours. The private beach has a new Beach Club, and a Spa with state-of-the-art equipment and a swimming pool. 

With 32 rooms and suites Borgo Pignano will open in 2026

North of Florence, in an ancient residential villa, the Relais & Châteaux Borgo Pignano Florence spreads over five hectares of landscaped gardens with a wide variety of trees and overlooking a splendid 30-metre swimming pool. The hotel, scheduled to open in 2026, has undergone a total revamp, transforming a gracious private residence into a luxury property. The 32 rooms and suites are in the main villa and four other units surrounded by greenery. For a more intimate stay, families or groups of friends can opt for the five rooms of Villa Sosta, with a garden and private pool. There are two restaurants: Essenza, a gourmet table helmed by chef Stefano Cavallini, and Cedrus, open in fine weather in a convivial setting in the garden.

The village of Sauris in Friuli Venezia Giulia has a healing forest with a bioenergetic trail. 

Awarded Best Tourism. Village by UNWTO

Sauris, a small uncontaminated village in the Carnic Alps, in the province of Udine - already awarded as “Best Tourism Village” by UNWTO - has recently inaugurated its new Bioenergetic Trail. This pioneering project for Friuli Venezia Giulia, conceived by bio-researcher Marco Nieri, an international expert in ecodesign and habitat health, is based on the scientific approach of the Bioenergetic Landscapes method.

Drawing energy from trees along the nature trail

The nature trail exploits the bio-electromagnetic fields emitted by trees to generate measurable benefits on the human body, improving the psychophysical well-being of those who walk along it.  Freely accessible, it winds through Velt, between Sauris di Sopra and Sauris di Sotto, and includes 22 “energy” stations at which visitors are invited to stop for at least 15 minutes to resonate with the energy of the trees. Each station is associated with specific biological functions: from the nervous system to the metabolism, from the ovaries to the thyroid gland. Thanks to surveys carried out directly on site, tree species capable of optimally stimulating the different areas of the body have been mapped and highlighted, with the aim of creating a natural and free therapeutic experience.

“Investing in a model of regenerative and sustainable tourism”

The new course completes the offer of the so-called Borgo dello Sport e del Benessere (Village of Sport and Wellness), a small natural oasis, where within a few steps the Grien Spa, the municipal wellness centre, a riding school, a campsite and a sports centre are located. It is, therefore, an area that well represents Sauris' vocation for integrated tourism, in which physical activity, self-care and contact with nature coexist harmoniously. “We are investing in a model of regenerative and sustainable tourism, where nature is not just an evocative backdrop, but a true ally of our psychophysical well-being,- says Alessandro Colle, mayor of Sauris. The first bioenergetic trail in the Carnic Alps has allowed us to bring to Sauris a cutting-edge approach, inspired by the most advanced research at the international level on the relationship between nature and wellbeing.”

Outdoors activities for all the family

In every season Sauris offers immersive experiences designed for those seeking authenticity, contact with the territory, and profound wellbeing:, these include guided excursions in nature, sensorial activities, creative workshops, forest bathing, and outdoor pursuits for families with children. The complete calendar of experiences, which can be booked online, can be viewed on the official website www.sauris.org. Also contributing to positioning Sauris as the perfect place to unplug, slow down and rediscover oneself, was the Digital Detox Festival, which from 20 to 22 June 2025 brought over 50 speakers and wellness professionals from all over Italy and abroad as well as hundreds of participants who were involved in meetings, artistic performances, workshops and immersive practices in nature.

Club del Sole’s  new Roseto degli Abruzzi Easy Camping Village has been completely renovated and welcomes dogs.   

“Full Life Holidays is a unique holiday model”

Fifty years after the opening of the Stork Family Collection, the first village in the history of the group, Roseto marks the return of Club del Sole to the central Abruzzo region with a second property.  "For us the Abruzzo is not just a region, it is an emotion. It is the cradle of a vision which, fifty years ago, with our first village, seemed like a dream, and which today has become a unique holiday model: Full Life Holidays. Coming back here with a second structure means closing a circle and, at the same time, opening a new even more ambitious one," said Riccardo Giondi, Club del Sole’s president.

Flexible living solutions in contact with nature

Roseto degli Abruzzi is part of the Club del Sole Easy Camping Village brand, the cluster of facilities designed for those who want a relaxing, authentic, essential holiday but with all the comforts that really count. These include flexible living solutions, an informal atmosphere, direct contact with nature and functional services: the perfect balance between freedom, authenticity and well-being.

A paradise for sports enthusiasts

Just a few steps from the beach and surrounded by the greenery of the Costa Teramana, the village has newly designed lodges and bungalows, a camping area in nature with pitches suitable for campers, caravans and tents, two swimming pools (for adults and children), a private beach, bike hire and sports facilities for all tastes. The activities include basketball, five-a-side football, beach volleyball, table tennis and there is a new tennis court. Special attention is reserved for four-legged guests: the village has, in fact, been designed in collaboration with Dog-in Dog-out, a company specialized in Dog Hospitality, to transform a holiday into a truly inclusive experience.

A complete range of services for dogs

Among the exclusive services dedicated to dogs are the Dog Pool, to cool off and have fun together; the Dog Spray Park with water games for hot days; Agility Dog to train agility and curiosity; a Dog Beach; a Dog Suite which are lodges designed to welcome pets in the utmost comfort; a Dog Playground, the first amusement park for dogs and owners in an Italian tourist resort and Dog Trainer educational activities and games to strengthen the dog-owner bond.

According to the Food and Wine Tourism Report, the tendency of tourists to visit Italian film locations, known as set-jetting, is on the rise. 

Set-jetting is travel to locations featured in films and TV series

Of the wine tourism destinations that have become movie sets, the Germans prefer Chianti (38%) and the Montepulciano area (27%), the English prefer Etna (33%), and among Americans Chianti still dominates (41%). What is the common denominator? They are places that have invested directly or indirectly in film productions. Set-jetting, or travelling to locations featured in films and TV series - is confirmed as one of the trends for 2025, with an increasingly important spin-off on food and wine tourism. Research from Expedia indicates that viewing this content influenced choices for 66% of respondents while on the British market Accor found that 24% of travellers are inclined to visit the locations of their favourite films or TV series, while a Euronews travel report estimates that they are 2.4 more likely to visit star destinations.

Etna, Chianti and Montepulciano are top set-jetting locations

As highlighted in the “Report on Italian Food & Wine Tourism,” edited by Roberta Garibaldi, president of the Italian Food & Wine Tourism Association, the phenomenon of set-jetting is among the ten trends that will shape the sector in the year 2025. "Streaming platforms and available multimedia content play an important role in increasing the visibility of food & wine destinations. Emblematic examples are Etna, Chianti and Montepulciano, among the most popular Italian wine destinations, which have also gained great popularity thanks to the TV series “White Lotus” and “Twilight,- says Roberta Garibaldi. "Destinations can seize this opportunity, but with caution so that the increase in flows is sustainable and balanced. 

Food, wine and film and TV-inspired places

TV series and film productions are playing an increasingly important role with 29% of Italian travellers claiming to have been influenced by them when choosing their destination or food and wine experiences, marking a 4% increase on 2024. Interestingly, this phenomenon has become transversal: previously, it was mainly younger people (Generation Z and Millennials) who were inspired by TV series and films; today, the intergenerational variations are minimal (range 27%-31%), confirming the tendency of tourists to want to follow in the footsteps of their favourite characters and visit their favourite places.

ITA Airways partners with Air Canada for a new codeshare starting from 21 July.

This new significant codeshare agreement between ITA Airways nd Air Canada strengthens the competitiveness of the two airlines on the global network, with tickets going on sale 21 July. 

Reaching ten destinations in Italy and Canada

"The strengthening of this partnership will allow customers with an Air Canada ticket to Rome Fiumicino to easily book and comfortably reach ten destinations in Italy, Africa, Israel and Albania. Similarly, ITA customers travelling to Toronto will be able to access ten destinations in Canada and the United States in our network,- said Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s vice-president, CCO and cargo president. -We are developing significant synergies to facilitate ITA Airways entry into the Star Alliance. This will lay the foundation for a long and lasting partnership between the two airlines.”

Increasing connectivity with seamless connections

“The new codeshare agreement with Air Canada is an important step forward in our growth strategy,- said Joerg Eberhart, CEO and general manager of ITA Airways. -This partnership increases connectivity for our passengers travelling from and to North America, our largest market outside of Italy, which is essential for both business and leisure travellers. In addition, it allows us to offer seamless connections to passengers of Italian descent who reside in Canada and the United States, facilitating their journey home while providing them the opportunity to fully experience the excellence of Italy - a legacy that ITA rappresents proudly as its ambassador around the world."

A reciprocal agreement on selected routes

Air Canada will therefore put its AC code on selected routes operated by ITA departing from Rome Fiumicino including five Italian destinations - Lamezia Terme, Palermo, Catania, Florence and Bari; three destinations in Africa, Cairo, Tunis and Algiers (the latter two subject to government approval); as well as Tirana and Tel Aviv (the latter temporarily suspended). At the same time ITA will add its AZ code on a number of routes operated by Air Canada originating in Toronto Pearson: six cities in Canada - Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, and St. John's; and four cities in the United States - Boston, Orlando, Dallas, and Fort Lauderdale. Both companies are working to implement reciprocal accumulation and redemption of points in their respective loyalty programmes.

Intermodal rail connections with Trenitalia

This partnership adds to Air Canada's expanding network in Italy. This summer Air Canada will operate up to 39 weekly flights and carry more than 13,000 passengers per week to Italy. In May, the airline launched a new route between Montreal and Naples, gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Naples is the Canadian carrier's fourth Italian destination in addition to Rome, Milan and Venice. In addition, Air Canada offers intermodal rail connections with Trenitalia, Italy's largest operator of high-speed, regional, overnight trains and international destinations. Through rail intermodality, customers will be able to travel to 30 Italian destinations served by Trenitalia.

The Sabbia and Trompia valleys near Brescia offer regenerating summer nature itineraries and events.

Valle Sabbia: active holidays in the mountains and on Lake Idro 

Brescia’s Camonica, Sabbia and Trompia valleys are a concentrate of everything Italy has to offer mountain lovers, for holidays packed with relaxation, sport and fun in the regenerating green of nature. The Valle Sabbia, lying between the Brescian Pre-Alps and Lake Idro, is a nature-lover's paradise for active holidays. There are numerous hiking and biking trails, suitable for different  levels of experience, starting with the new section of the cycle path on Lake Idro to the  splendid Cariadeghe Plateau. The Parco delle Fucine di Casto, with Tibetan bridges climbing walls,  equipped routes, zip lines, numerous trekking and mountain bike routes for young and old, is a must  for climbing and via ferrata enthusiasts, but also for families.

Charming villages and outdoors activities

The valley is dotted with villages that keep local traditions alive, like Bagolino, recently selected as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.” and Belprato, which has murals on its houses. Together with Livemmo, this picturesque village has a programme of summer events aimed at discovering the area and its typical products, particularly those linked to the world of the malghe Alpine huts. Lake Idro, with which Valle Sabbia forms a single holiday area, is perfect for sailing, windsurfing and canoeing, or simply relaxing on the beach. Visitors should not miss a visit to Rocca d'Anfo, the largest Napoleonic fortress in Italy, which overlooks Lake Idro.

Maniva: nature, history and adventure 

Breathtaking views, nature trails and a unique mix of sport, relaxation and culture: Mount Maniva in the heart of the Brescian Pre-Alps is the ideal destination for families, sports enthusiasts and mountain lovers. There are numerous paths and mule tracks to be followed on foot or by mountain bike that are suitable for all levels of fitness. The Alpine passes that wind their way from Maniva are ideal terrain for cyclists and motorcyclists. The town also preserves an important historical heritage, and on guided or independent routes it is possible to visit trenches and bunkers from the First World War which tell an intense page of local and national history. A great novelty for summer 2025 is the new area equipped for children. 

The Trompia Valley for mining adventures, biking and events

A few kilometres north of Brescia, the Trompia Valley is an area historically linked to mining and iron working. It is of great natural beauty, with the imposing Mount Maniva, the cool waters of the River Mella and a splendid and lush pre-alpine landscape. Visitors can adventure in safety in historic mines right into the heart of the mountain where beautifully decorated millenary places of worship can be found.  The area between the Valle Trompia and Valle Sabbia as far as Brescia is a paradise of splendid mountain landscapes for bikers, with a hundred or so routes including cycle paths, road and mountain bike routes, and ring tours. With guided tours of the museums of the “La Via del Ferro” museum system, dips in mountain streams and picnics on lush farmland, summer in the Trompia Valley is packed with outdoor events and activities

Gastronomic workshops, concerts and a bike festival 

Among the main events organized in various locations is the Gastronomic Workshop - until 3 August - with itinerant experiences to discover local products, their history and their use in traditional and contemporary recipes, and each one is hosted in a different farm combined with the restaurant. From 11 to 13 July the Bao Music Festival will feature concerts, DJ sets, sound performances and sound walks, combining electronic music, contemporary folk and sound experimentation. From 23 to 31 August the Valle Trompia Bike Festival will take over the entire valley with sporting and cultural events, ending on the last weekend of August at the Maniva Pass.

Pink flamingos, sand dunes and hidden coves surround the Aquadulci Resort resort immersed in the extraordinary nature of the extreme south of Sardinia.

A famous freshwater beach 

High dunes are covered with centuries-old junipers sculpted by the wind, which spreads the scents of myrtle and helichrysum on the soft white sand of the Su Giudeu beach, while the sea vibrates with a thousand shades of emerald. Nature offers a constant spectacle in the extreme south of Sardinia, where Aquadulci, a refined resort nestled in the Mediterranean macchia of Chia (CA), is located. Just a few steps away from the famous beach known as the “freshwater beach”, a paradise with a variety of fauna including elegant pink flamingos.. The comfortable rooms and suites are inspired by the colours of the land, and some have a private garden, while others have terraces overlooking the sparkling sea.

Local flavours and outdoors excursions

There is a beautiful outdoor swimming pool and a bamboo gazebo to indulge in massages and treatments with natural essences extracted from indigenous plants. From Aquadulci you can set off to discover the wonderful beaches and coves in the area, with excursions on foot, by bicycle or by sailboat. The gastronomy is also an experience not to be missed: the à la carte or half-board (breakfast and dinner) Aquadulci restaurant offers flavours that draw inspiration from local ingredients, with specialities such as Sant'Antioco lobster, the catch of the day, Cabras botargo, Villagrande ham and delicious Camona tomatoes from Pula, and handmade pasta and artisanal pastries enrich every meal, from breakfast to dinner. For sports enthusiasts, there are tennis, golf at a nearby 18-hole course, and windsurfing and mountain biking tours and horseriding adventures along the coast are also available. 

In the beating heart of Verona, overlooking Piazza delle Erbe, stands a place capable of surprising and enchanting. 
Palazzo Maffei is a treasure trove of art and history that welcomes the visitor on a timeless journey. Whether you are an art lover, a tourist in search of beauty, or a family discovering the city, this museum is a must-see. 

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video credits: Palazzo Maffei