A new Fashion is Culture itinerary.

A unique experience that takes travellers behind the scenes of the creative process that is the birth of a fashion collection. Elesta Travelling Passion, a tour operator specialized in cultural tourism, presents its brand new Fashion is Culture itinerary, dedicated to exploring the indissoluble bond between the city of Milan and the world of fashion.

“Visits to workshops, showrooms and museums”

"The Lombard capital has always been considered one of the world's top destinations for fashion enthusiasts and operators. With the Fashion is Culture tour, we want to offer travellers an authentic experience,- says Elena Sisti, co-founder of Elesta. -They will meet the protagonists of the industry and visit workshops, showrooms and museums, giving them the opportunity to fully understand the fascination and articulated network made up of reality, craftsmanship, creativity, vision and design skills that sustains the Milanese fashion world."

Milan

The itinerary delves into history and reaches to Como

The tour will explore not only the current panorama of fashion in Milan, but also offer an in-depth look at its history and evolution over the decades: "From legendary ateliers to iconic boutiques, participants will have the opportunity to grasp the historical heritage that has shaped the city's identity, and they will also visit some textile producers in the Como area.”

Established in 1973 as an American bar, Harry's Bar in Cernobbio is now part of the Villa d'Este group.

A jetsetter rendezvous 

The establishment gained fame for its retro ambiance, dishes influenced by Italian and Milanese traditions, and as a jetsetter rendezvous for notable figures such as Robert de Niro, Bruce Springsteen, George Clooney, Denzel Washington, Liza Minelli and members of the economic elite.

A special location with a panoramic view

Situated in Cernobbio’s charming square, Harry's Bar enjoys a special location with a panoramic view of the lake and has preserved its timeless charm. In 2009 the bar came under the ownership of three Como entrepreneurs: Francesco Ugoni, Giuseppe Mantero, and Riccardo Marazzi. They aimed to preserve the establishment's essence - a blend of elegance, hospitality, and high-level cuisine.

Upholding the traditions of a unique venue

The menu at Harry's Bar highlights typical Italian dishes crafted from fresh ingredients, often sourced locally, and draw inspiration from Italian and Milanese traditions, with an added touch of international flair.

With the recent acquisition by Villa d'Este, the goal is to uphold the establishment's traditions and concept, while introducing innovations that respect its storied past. “We are very happy to now also include Harry's Bar within our group,- said Villa d’Este chairman, Giuseppe Fontana. -It is our firm belief that working to maintain the DNA and the classic style of this venue, while keeping an eye on the future, is something that will help consolidate its success and maintain it over time.”

The 4-star Diana is Garibaldi Hotels’ second property in Santa Teresa Gallura in Sardinia. 

“We are working on adding more rooms”

The property, which has 42 rooms, also features a bar, restaurant, swimming pool, free parking and a garden. “We are very close to Sardinia, a region that we know well and where we are already operational with the Santina Resort – says Egidio Ventimiglia, CEO of the Apulian company. -The hotel has already been  restyled by the owners, and we are now working on adding more rooms."

Garibaldi Hotels has 12 properties 

Located halfway between the beach and the historic centre of the town, the Diana Hotel boosts the group's leisure segment, which continues to grow and currently counts 12 hotels in Puglia, Sicily, Sardinia, Umbria, Lazio and Trentino. 

In 2023 the group recorded a 28% increase

“2024 will be an important year for us, as we want to accelerate our development plans: after Sardinia we are already looking at new opportunities. We closed 2023 with excellent results, recording +28% over 2022 with the same number of rooms – says general manager, Fabrizio Prete - This figure is highly satisfying and serves as a motivation to face new challenges and maintain the trajectory we’ve followed since the outset of our journey in 2013” 

The B&B Hotels group makes its Apulian debut with the B&B Hotel Bari Rondò. 

B&B Hotel Bari Rondò is only 20 minutes from Bari’s airport

Located in Bari’s Carassi district, the pet-friendly property enjoys a strategic position that makes it ideal for both business and leisure stays. It is a short distance from the city centre, and a 20-minute drive from Bari’s Karol Wojtyła Airport.

“This is a destination rich in history, culture and art”

The B&B Hotel Bari Rondò consists of 61 guestrooms and three conference rooms with a total of 100 seats. There is also a pay car park for the exclusive use of guests, while the breakfast buffet offers sweet, savoury and gluten-free products. "We are really proud of this important opening in the wonderful Apulia region, - says president and managing director B&B Hotels Italy, Hungary and Slovenia, Liliana Comitini. – This is a destination rich in history, culture and art."

Castles, gastronomy and nature in Parma, Piacenza and Reggio Emilia with Visit Emilia. 

Romance, history and gourmet foods

In Emilia you can explore over 50 castles, discover their romantic history and sample signature gourmet foods and wines in art cities and ancient villages in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. On 18 February at Palazzo dei Principi in Correggio a theatrical performance will feature ardent love stories, and you can enjoy romantic tours of Parma stopping at the Basilica della Steccata, the Teatro Regio, the Glauco Lombardi Museum, and the House of Music.

Basilica della Steccata (Parma)

Packages for couples with wellness and romance

For romantic stays, Visit Emilia suggests one of the junior suites at Palazzo Dalla Rosa Prati with views of Parma’s cathedral and a gastronomic guided tour. Assapora Parma tour operator has organised day packages to the romantic Torrechiara Castle and at Castello di Rivalta the entire month of February is dedicated to love, with wellness experiences, chocolate massages, special dinners and candle-lit visits to the manor.

The 4-star luxury Hotel Promessi Sposi and Casa sull’Albero on the eastern shore of Lake Como for business stay.

Modern rooms and suites and a meetings area

The old village of Malgrate, overlooking the city of Lecco, is the ideal setting for successful business events. With Milan less than an hour away, excellent road access, and the proximity of Lombardy’s three airports, Casa sull'Albero and Hotel Promessi Sposi are the perfect choice for business events. The rooms and suites are sound-proofed and have Wi-Fi. A modern meeting area, meeting rooms and events space are available, as well as a convenient covered and monitored car park with Tesla and Porsche electric charging ports.

A rooftop restaurant and a cocktail bar 

Hotel Promessi Sposi is discreet and luxury with 69 rooms and suites combining contemporary elegance with impeccable service, and overlooking an internal garden where the green vegetation creates a sense of total privacy. The hotel’s rooftop with breath-taking views is the ideal place for aperitifs and business dinners during the summer. It also has the People cocktail bar and café, an ideal place for a quick gourmet snack, and there is also a 200 sqm spa with a gym.

Set in a large parkland

Far from prying eyes, Casa sull’Albero is an oasis of tranquillity immersed in the greenery of a 3,000 sqm park with views of Lake Como and the mountains. Casa sull'Albero boasts twelve rooms with a minimalist and welcoming style that make this hotel an ideal workplace. There is also a meeting room for up to 20 people, an electric car charging station and a swimming pool as well as a spa with a sauna and a Turkish bath, a massage area and a gym.

Da Giovanni Bistrot is a gourmet pizza restaurant

Since 2017, the year it was taken over by Fabio Dadati, Da Giovanni Bistrot a historic restaurant on the eastern shore of Lake Como, has become a gourmet pizza restaurant, led by executive chef Angelo Biscotti. It can seat 70 people and boasts breath-taking views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.

A first stretch of the path has been upgraded.

The Via dei Monti dating back to the 14th century as a trade route between Levanto and Lunigiana, facilitated both land and sea trade towards the Po Valley. Now the Il Cigno Consortium, in collaboration with local municipalities and associations has upgraded the Levanto-Brugnato stretch of the religious path. 

Recovering the ancient route

Subsequently the recovery of the ancient route extending to Pontremoli, intersecting the Via Francigena, was completed with contributions from local institutions and banks. The Via dei Monti is the third religious path in Liguria, alongside the Via Francigena and the Cammino di Sant'Agostino. Covering 65% of Liguria and extending into Tuscany, the route attracts tourists from the Cinque Terre coast to the hinterland. The promotion and enhancement of religious and sacred paths in Italy is gaining significance in anticipation of the Rome 2025 Holy Jubilee.

Piero Pastore is the new general manager of the Nolinski Venezia.

The hotel opened last year

The Evok group hotel opened in June last year, and Pastore takes over from Alessandro Caristo, who oversaw the property’s start-up.

From Florence, Milan and Bologna to Venice

After obtaining a master's degree in hospitality management, Piero Pastore joined Starhotels, where he worked for over ten years, moving from guest relations to the role of resident manager. His experience was gained in Florence, Venice and Milan, and he then became hotel manager at the Portici Hotel in Bologna. In April 2023 he joined the Evok Collection as hotel manager of the Nolinski Venezia, of which he has now become the general manager.