Milan, like all great cities has many a hidden treasure, and one not to miss is the ancient vineyard in the centre of the city that belonged to one of the greatest artists of all times, Leonardo da Vinci.  

A unique experience for visitors to Milan

Of course no visit to Milan is complete without a visit to the complex of Santa Maria delle Grazie to admire Leonardo’s masterpiece The Last Supper. But not many visitors realize they can also visit the ancient vineyard that belonged to the Maestro.  It is surrounded by legends involving Leonardo, his works and his followers and today visitors can admire the rows of the original vine stock.

Leonardo realized many great works for Duke Ludovico

While Leonardo was working in Milan, in 1498 Ludovico il Moro, the duke of the city, gave him the vineyard in thanks for the admirable works with which he was embellishing the city: from The Last Supper to the equestrian monument to Francesco Sforza - later never realized - to the Virgin of the Rocks of which he painted two versions. Today one is in the Louvre Museum in Paris and the other in the National Gallery in London.

Leonardo Da Vinci Vineyard Milan

The world’s only vineyard in a city centre is on a busy shopping street

The Casa degli Atellani, a 15th-century residence belonged to Ludovico il Moro and, historically it is the last surviving trace of the ancient Borgo delle Grazie. Today is at numbers 65-67 on Corso Magenta a busy shopping street in the centre of the city. Located near the Dominican monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which is also known as Leonardo’s Last Supper Museum,  the vineyard is in the courtyard of the Casa degli Atellani, a splendid 15rh-century residence that belonged to Ludovico.  The ancient vineyard is some 8,300 square metres in size, and has survived the vicissitudes of centuries and even the 1943 bombings. It is the only vineyard in the world that still exists in a metropolitan centre as well as being a journey through history, art and nature where you can immerse yourself in the world of Leonardo, the greatest  Renaissance painter, sculptor and inventor.

Guided tours to discover the passions and works of Leonardo

Leonardo’s Vineyard was reopened to the public on the occasion of the 2015 Expo. A guided tour takes you on a tour of one of the most fascinating and unsuspected places in the city centre entering Leonardo da Vinci’s world to discover his passions and the traces he left in the city of Milan. The ancient vineyard and the museum are open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 9 am to 6 pm, with the last entrance at 5.30 pm. For information: https://www.vignadileonardo.com/en

It’s the start of 2023 and time to take stock of the past 12 months, and for Italian tourism 2022 was an excellent year. This was thanks to the almost complete reopening of international borders and the return of visitors from important markets, first and foremost the United States. While the record figures of the pre-pandemic year have not yet been reached, the trend is obvious and all that remains to do is sit and wait, with 2023 already showing promising numbers despite inflation and global geo-political tensions. 

Data processed by Assoturismo-Cst, the Centre for Tourism Studies in Florence, shows that in 2022 inbound tourism grew with almost 400 million total overnights, and with foreign arrivals making a major contribution. Overnights in accommodation facilities increased by 38.2% year-on-year, totalling some 399.5 million. Arrivals, on the other hand, grew by 2.8% to 112.3 million. These are clear recovery trends although, when compared with 2019, they are still 8.5% lower in terms of overnights and 14.5% of arrivals. 

European visitors were the main driving force behind the recovery, but there was also strong growth from North America, with the US in prime position. All Italian regions benefitted, though the art cities recorded the most significant growth (they had also suffered most during the pandemic. Ed.) Forecasts for the first three months of 2023 are rosy although the slow economic growth in the Eurozone, high inflation, rising energy prices and, of course, the war in Ukraine are casting shadows, and could slow down the recovery in the first part of the year.

Massimiliano Sarti
Journalist

The Alitalia brand could return to the skies on long-haul routes once Lufthansa's entry into ITA Airways has been sealed, the relaunch plan has got underway, and when the Italian airline finally starts making profits.

The return of the historic Alitalia brand would, it seems, be in the plans, and would be reserved for the airline's intercontinental routes, while the ITA blue livery would remain on domestic and European flights. 

The pay rise dispute has stalled

The indiscretion - nothing has been decided yet - was reported today by the daily newspaper Il Corriere della Sera, following yesterday’s meeting between the unions and ITA Airways CEO Fabio Lazzerini: a meeting that left the dispute over a pay increase still stalled. The airline admits that a change is necessary, but, it explains, 'internal steps' will have to be taken, also with the sole shareholder which is the Ministry of Economy and Finance, to decide when to grant the salary adjustments and to what extent.

The timetable for the takeover could stretch some months

The timetable for the negotiations with the German airline, which began on 27 January last, points to mid-March for the signing of the preliminary contract between the Italian ministry and Lufthansa. It will then be up to the European Antitrust Authority to give the go-ahead in a timeframe of at least 40 days if no other party presents objections. If there are any requests for revision from competitors things could stretch a few months, which would mean a conclusion no earlier than the end of July or the beginning of August.

Read also "Lufthansa istIta Airways"

Guglielmo Giudice, the chef of Rivington, the first New York-inspired restaurant inside the Hyatt Centric Milan Centrale, proposes a romantic recipe for Valentine's Day: Pre-salted Lamb Chop with Herb Bread, Red Fruit Jus and Truffled Potatoes.  

The pre-salted lamb is raised in Normandy in France

The pre-salted, agneau de pré-salé, is a type of lamb raised in the salt marsh meadows of France, particularly in Normandy, as well as in parts of the UK and the Netherlands. The lambs graze on herb-covered land with a high salt and iodine content, giving their meat a distinct and naturally savoury flavour. 

Pre-salted Lamb Chop with Herb Bread, Red Fruit Jus and Truffled Potatoes

Difficulty: medium      

Preparation time: 2.30 hours      

Ingredients for 2: 1 kilo rack of pre-salted lamb 

For the herb breadcrumbs 

100 gr breadcrumbs

50 gr parsley

1 sprig of thyme

6 basil leaves

4 mint leaves 

Olive oil to taste

Salt and pepper

Blanch the aromatic leaves for 30 seconds, cool them in water and ice to preserve the colour. Dry them with a cloth and blend together with the breadcrumbs. Add a little oil and season with salt and pepper.

For the lamb stock

1 onion

½ carrot

1 sprig of rosemary  

1 sprig of thyme

200 gr lamb offal

200 gr lamb bones previously baked in the oven for 20 minutes at 200 °C

30 gr blueberries

30 gr blackberries

30 gr raspberries

1 knob of butter

Brown the vegetables, adding the meat scraps previously sautéed quickly in a pan over high heat and the bones - add 500 gr ice and put back on the heat. Every time the bottom dries out, repeat the ice operation x 3 times. Cook about 2 hours. Separately, sauté blueberries, blackberries and raspberries with a knob of butter for a few minutes, once ready add a small ladle (50 cl) of sauce and mix.

For the truffle potato 

2 potatoes 

Oil

Salt 

Pepper

Scorzone truffle 

Bake the foil-lined potatoes in the oven for about 1 hour at 180°. Once cooked, peel them. Mash while still hot, using a fork and season with salt, oil, pepper and black truffle to taste.

For the lamb

To prepare the meat, sear the already portioned lamb loin. Vacuum bag the seared lamb, adding a clove of onion roasted on a griddle, a poached garlic and evo oil. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes with a Roner at 56°C, failing that go directly to the breadcrumbs and bake for 10 minutes at 180°C making sure to keep the meat pink inside. When cooked, brush the meat with honey diluted in warm water. Sandwich with herb bread. Bake for 4 minutes at 185°C.  Plate the lamb chops, adding 2 quenelles of truffled potato and finish with the hot lamb and red berry sauce.

Volotea relaunches in the Marche region with its first international flight from Ancona’s Raffaello Sanzio airport to Paris-Charles De Gaulle on May 27, operating twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays. 

We anticipate an increase in the number of inbound and outbound passengers

"Thanks to the new flights it will be possible to organize holidays and short-breaks in one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world," said Valeria Rebasti, Volotea's Country Manager Italy & Southeastern Europe. Alexander D'Orsogna, managing director of Ancona International Airport said the moment is “unique and historic. With the new fights we are taking leap forward in quality and recognition at an international level. We anticipate an increase in the number of inbound and outbound passengers, not just for tourism but also business travellers, and we hope that this can benefit the regional economy.”

A significant day for the development of tourism

Marco Bruschini, director of Atim, the Marche Agency for Tourism said “today is significant for the development of tourism in the Marche region and for its industries. A strong intermodality will allow the region to be more easily present at major international promotional events.”

Helvetia & Bristol Firenze, a Starhotels Collezione, joins Virtuoso's exclusive portfolio of luxury travel partners, comprising over 2,200 selected members in more than 100 countries. 

Virtuoso's agencies generate some $25-30 billion annually

Starhotels Collezione’s inclusion in Virtuoso offers new opportunities in sales and marketing with the network's more than 20,000 luxury travel advisors and their high-end clientele says Federico Versari, general manager Helvetia & Bristol Firenze – Starhotels Collezione. With approximately $25-30 billion annual bookings generated by Virtuoso's agencies globally, the network is the most significant in the world of luxury travel.

“Our hotel has a sartorial approach to service”

"Virtuoso's selection and acceptance process is incredibly selective, which is why becoming a preferred partner is a real honour for us, - adds Versari.  - The reputation Virtuoso member agencies have for extraordinary dedication to their clients fits perfectly with our hotel’s sartorial approach to service. Now that we are part of this network, we look forward to offering Virtuoso's consultants and clients an even more special experience, and to exceeding their expectations."

Virtuoso partners specialize in outstanding services and experiences 

So Helvetia & Bristol joins Virtuoso, a collection of the best luxury hotels, resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour operators and travel businesses around the world. These partners, specializing in outstanding services and experiences, offer unique and valuable travel opportunities. Helvetia & Bristol's inclusion in Virtuoso also enables direct connections with leading leisure travel agencies in North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.

Norse Atlantic Airways will add daily direct flights from JFK to Rome Fiumicino airport from 19 June.

"Passengers on both sides of the Atlantic will enjoy value, excellent in-flight service and comfort”

The JFK to Rome flights - which will make the Eternal City the fifth European capital on which the carrier operates direct services to JFK - will depart Rome at 19.30 and land at JFK at 23.00, while the return flight will depart JFK at 01.00 and land in Rome at 15.45.

"Passengers on both sides of the Norse Atlantic Airways will enjoy value, excellent in-flight service and comfort as they travel between these two cities. The addition of Rome to our network will provide another gateway to Europe and boost our presence in New York," said Bjorn Tore Larsen, CEO of Norse Atlantic Airways.

Dreamliners with economy and premium class

Norse Atlantic Airways operates exclusively with Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft and two cabin classes, Economy and Premium: the latter's cabin configuration features seats with a 43-inch pitch and a 12-inch recline. The choice is between Light, Classic and Plus fares. Light fares are Norse's value option, while Plus fares include a maximum baggage allowance, two meals, enhanced airport and in-flight experiences, and better ticket flexibility

“North American traffic is expected to exceed pre-Covid levels”

"This new direct flight to New York JFK will complete the overall offer between the two cities with an evening outbound service, - said Ivan Bassato, chief aviation officer Aeroporti di Roma.  - By choosing Rome Fiumicino, Norse has recognized the operational excellence of our airport and the appeal of our market, as confirmed by North American traffic that is expected to exceed pre-Covid levels.”

The Norse fleet consists of 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Norse was founded by CEO and main shareholder Bjørn Tore Larsen in March 2021: the company operates a fleet of 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners serving destinations such as New York, Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Oslo, London, Berlin, Rome and Paris. The company's first flight took off from Oslo to New York on 14 June 2022.

The Umiltà 36 which recently opened in downtown Rome is a 47-key hotel which has rooms and suites on four floors, and two floors of apartments. There is also an Argentine restaurant on the ground floor.

A gourmet Argentine restaurant on the ground floor

On the top floor the panoramic Flores terrace, overlooking the Quirinale and the Vittorio Emanuele monument, has an alfresco restaurant. Part of the ground floor hosts the Argentinian-inspired El Porteno, a 120-seat gourmet restaurant which opened in September 2022 and welcomes guests seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

The Shedir Collection manages four hotels in Rome

Umiltà 36 is part of the Shedir Collection, owned by Eduardo Safdie, a partner in the Florentine hotel group JK Place which currently manages four hotels, two owned (the Maalot in Rome and the Capri Tiberio Palace) and two rented (the Viln and the same Umiltà 36, both in Rome). Another Roman opening is planned for next April, when Palazzo Roma will open its doors. Claudio Ceccherelli, the company's CEO, told Pambianco Hotellerie that the Shedir Collection expects to close the year with a €28 million turnover.

Easyjet is boosting its capacity on the Italian market with the introduction of seven new routes for the 2023 summer season departing from Milan Malpensa, Venice, Palermo and Catania.

Lourdes and Paris Beauvais, as well as Birmingham flights

Starting on 31 March 2023 Milan will be connected with Lourdes twice weekly and, from 27 March Paris Beauvais will be connected to Italy for the first time with up to four weekly flights. From 26 June there will be new flights from Malpensa to Birmingham up to three days weekly.    

Catania to get its first flights to Edinburgh

From next 1 April Venice will see the addition of Larnaca, with up to two flights a week, while from 1 July it will be the turn of Dubrovnik, with Saturday flights to Venice. Flights from Palermo to Nice will start on 6 April operating three days a week, and for the first time on 2 June Catania's Fontanarossa airport will have two weekly flights to Edinburgh.The new summer routes are already on sale through all the airline's distribution channels.