Condor will maintain its flights between Milan Malpensa and Frankfurt during the 2025-26 winter season.

Two daily flights to and from Malpensa

Following the launch of new European destinations including Rome, Palermo and Milan for the summer, positive feedback during the summer has prompted the airline to confirm its service from Milan throughout the year. From the end of October, Condor will continue to operate flights to and from Malpensa up to twice a day, offering passengers from Milan seamless connections to Frankfurt and beyond.

“Year-round connectivity to important business destinations via Frankfurt”

"Having year-round connectivity via Frankfurt offers our passengers a wide range of choices for travel to both western destinations in North America, Canada and the Caribbean, and eastern destinations such as Thailand, Africa and the Indian Ocean. It also allows us to increase the loyalty of our corporate customers by offering them the flexibility and reliability of year-round connectivity to important business destinations via Frankfurt," said Lorna Dalziel, Condor's general manager for Italy.

Airbus A320s with Business Class and Economy Class

“Milan and Prague are already proving very popular, not only with business travellers and  city- break enthusiasts, but also as convenient gateways to our long-haul network from Frankfurt,- added the company's CEO, Peter Gerber. -With the addition of these two destinations to our winter schedule, we are responding to customer demand and strengthening our presence in strategic markets." On European routes, the German airline operates the Airbus A320 family of aircraft in a two-class configuration of Business Class and Economy Class.

Porto Ercole in the province of Grosseto, in the Tuscan Maremma is a captivating journey through sea, art and nature.

A picturesque village on the Tyrrhenian Sea

Porto Ercole is a picturesque village located on the southern coast of the Argentario promontory overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea; a hamlet of the municipality of Monte Argentario that charms visitors with its history, crystal-clear sea and timeless atmosphere. It is very popular with Roman residents, who flock here in the summer months, as it is easily accessible by car being only 150 kilometres from the Eternal City,  There is no shortage of accommodation: from the world-renowned luxury boutique Il Pellicano to guesthouses, budget-friendly options, self-catering properties and villas.   

Easy access by car and train 

And with Florence just 180 kilometres away, it also draws visitors from all parts of Tuscany.  The A12 motorway connects Rome to Civitavecchia, Italy’s biggest cruise port, and from there, a short scenic road leads directly to the Argentario promontory and Porto Ercole. For those travelling by train, the nearest station is Orbetello-Monte Argentario, which is well connected with regional services to and from Rome and Pisa. From the station, buses and taxis make it easy to reach Porto Ercole.

Tradition has it Caravaggio was buried here

The historic centre of Porto Ercole is a medieval gem with ancient walls. Strolling along its alleyways you come to the Church of Sant'Erasmo, where, according to tradition, the painter Caravaggio was buried. It was in Porto Ercole, in fact, that the artist died in 1610 in circumstances still shrouded in mystery. The town is dominated by four Spanish fortifications: Forte Filippo, Forte Stella, the Spanish Fortress and Forte Santa Caterina from all of which there are spectacular views of the bay. 

Hidden coves, cycle paths and idyllic islands

The hidden coves and turquoise waters of  Porto Ercole’s Cala Galera, Le Viste and Acqua Dolce are perfect for swimming, snorkelling or simply relaxing. A few kilometres away Orbetello, with its lagoon and elegant historic centre, is well worth a visit, and from Porto Ercole there are many scenic trails and cycle paths that cross the Argentario promontory. Not far away, Monte Argentario offers breathtaking views and unforgettable sunsets while little Porto Santo Stefano, on the opposite side of the promontory, is an ideal starting point for boat trips to the beautiful islands of Giglio and Giannutri.

There was a strong participation of global buyers for the first webinar "GAL Etna: Earth, Fire and Beauty", organized by ItaliAbsolutely for the GAL Etna district.

The first session of the four-part webinar series “GAL Etna: Earth, Fire and Beauty”, organized by ItaliaAbsolutely, the platform dedicated to promoting inbound tourism to Italy, aired successfully on Friday, 7 June. The Webinar attracted numerous buyers from several countries, confirming the international interest in the excellence of the Etna area, located on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna in the municipality of Catania in Sicily, and its potential as an authentic and sustainable travel destination.

The Webinar, entirely in English to ensure accessibility for an international audience, immediately focused on the core mission of the series: to raise awareness and appreciation of the GAL Etna territory by providing useful content, inspiration, and ideas for creating authentic travel experiences. Speakers included Andrea Brogna, director of GAL Etna, Valerio Torriero, sales manager of True Italian Experience, and Paolo Teoducci, COO of True Italian Experience. The presentations, interspersed with engaging video content, showcased the landscape, cultural, and productive features of the Etna area, with a special emphasis on sustainability, slow tourism, and discovery-based travel opportunities.

Valerio Torriero presented the travel opportunities connected to the True Italian Experience network. Andrea Brogna outlined the mission and values of GAL Etna, highlighting its commitment to integrated local development. Paolo Teoducci followed with an in-depth look at strategies and tools to promote a different kind of Italy, like the one represented by GAL Etna, made of stories, flavours, and landscapes beyond traditional tourist routes.

The Webinar concluded with an interactive Q&A session and the digital sales sent all participants promotional material, photos, videos, and a recording of the event: essential tools for travel professionals who programme and sell Italy. The next webinar is scheduled for June 12 at 3:30 p.m. Italian time and will focus on “Enogastronomy and Unique Excellences: Pistachios, Arancina, Wine and Oil”, confirming the goal of the series to explore the authenticity of the GAL Etna area through its most iconic products. ItaliaAbsolutely thus once again confirms itself as a valuable bridge between the Italian tourism offering and the international market, sharing the most authentic and captivating side of Italy with an audience of global travel professionals. 

Click here to join the upcoming Gal Etna webinars: 

12 June at 3:30 PM Italian time - Food and Wine and Unique Excellences: pistachios, oranges, wine, oil

19 June at 3:30 PM Italian time - Art and Culture: archaeology, villages, castles 

26 June at 3:30 PM Italian time - Festivals, Fairs and Religious Tourism

The Casentino Valley in Tuscany, which is a couple of hours by car from Florence, celebrates its traditions and authenticity.  

Made famous by St. Francis of Assisi

The Casentino is famous for its beautiful forests and for the Sanctuary of La Verna, the Franciscan monastery and pilgrimage site where Saint Francis of Assisi is believed to have received the stigmata in 1224.   Two villages in the valley, Raggiolo and Chiusi della Verna, are planning events of interest to visitors, the first to celebrate the ancient tradition of transhumance, and the launch of an interesting and innovative project of sustainable consumption.

An artisans’ market and local foods

In Raggiolo on Sunday 15 June 2025, the traditional Transhumance Festival will evoke the ancient practice of transhumance, which saw the traditional seasonal migration of flocks. The little village will come alive with markets, workshops, shows, animals, music and typical local flavours. The day will begin with the “La Mercatella” artisans’ market, and continue with the arrival of the transhumant horsemen and the “Lunch of the Shepherd” which consists of local cheeses, grilled meats and traditional dishes such as “acqua cotta”, literally cooked water, which is a vegetable soup and “ciamparine”, small aniseed or citrus-flavoured biscuits. The day will continue with parades, games, handicrafts and clownery for all ages.  

The practice of transhumance 

Down the centuries in Raggiolo transhumance was not only an economic necessity, but also a moment of social cohesion and the transmission of knowledge between generations. Shepherds, families and animals travelled along ancient paths, establishing relations with the territories they passed through and contributing to the development of a strong local identity.

Automated pick-up points for local products 

An innovative sustainable consumption project has recently been introduced to another Casentino municipality, Chiusi della Verna, a small town with around 2,000 inhabitants about 20 miles east of Raggiolo. Called Zero Km Refrigerated Lockers, and promoted by Meet Appennino, these lockers are automated pick-up points installed at local businesses that make it possible to order typical products via app. This innovative project enhances the short supply chain, supporting healthy and conscious eating and boosting the link between producers and local Casentino communities.

The Calcio Storico Fiorentino spectacle, one of Florence’s most beloved and enduring traditions, will occupy the Piazza Santa Croce square on 14, 15 and 24 June.

Held in Florence’s Santa Croce square

Blending sport, history, and deep-rooted neighborhood pride, this centuries-old event comes alive again this month, culminating in the grand final during the feast day of Florence’s patron saint, San Giovanni. Held in the iconic and central Piazza Santa Croce square, the final match follows two semifinals on June 14 and 15, featuring the four historic teams: the Bianchi (Santo Spirito), Azzurri (Santa Croce), Rossi (Santa Maria Novella), and Verdi (San Giovanni). Each game is preceded by a grand historical parade through the city center, with participants in Renaissance costumes accompanied by drums and banners. 

The matches are a historic mix of soccer and rugby

More than just a sport, the Calcio Storico is a social and cultural ritual that has united Florentines for generations. With origins dating back to Roman times, evolving through the Middle Ages, and surviving into the modern day, it reflects the fierce but respectful rivalry between Florence’s four historic quarters. The matches, a mix of soccer and rugby, are played on a sand-covered arena, with each team training and preparing year-round, and with the games attracting cheering crowds of Florentines and visitors.

FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli is central and elegant

The final, set for 24 June, is the exciting climax of this passionate tradition. A grand parade at 5 p.m. leads into the match, drawing both locals and visitors into the heart of the celebration. For those looking to stay amidst the beauty and excitement, FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli offers a central, elegant base from which to experience Florence at its most vibrant. This 4-star boutique hotel blends refined style, comfort, and a prime location with 54 parquet-floored rooms in a range of styles and colors and rich buffet breakfasts.  The property is also pet friendly.

The Leading Hotels of the World collection has a new addition in Puglia: the 5-star luxury Vista Ostuni.

Vista Ostuni captures the spirit of the White City

Due to open its doors next July, Vista Ostuni is located a short distance from the famous White City and immersed in the picturesque plain of centuries-old olive trees in the Itria Valley. “Vista Ostuni elegantly and authentically captures the spirit of the White City,-  said Deniz Omurgonulsen, vice president of member experience at The Leading Hotels of the World. -Perched on a hill overlooking an expanse of centuries-old olive trees, the property invites guests to lose themselves in the whitewashed alleys of Ostuni, rejuvenate in the spa and discover the cultural riches of the area guided by a dedicated team. It is a unique expression of Apulian hospitality and a significant addition to our collection."

In an old 14th-century building 

The hotel is the result of the redevelopment of the former Manifattura Tabacchi, a 14th-century building deeply rooted in the memory of the local community. The architectural intervention has restored value and beauty to an extraordinary place, combining historical elegance, contemporary design and a deep connection with the environment and the territory.

Two restaurants, three pools and a spa

Guests will have access to 28 spacious rooms and suites, distributed around an arcaded cloister, and there will be two restaurants and two bars, a rooftop with 360-degree views of the sea and the city, three swimming pools (two outdoor and one indoor), a spa with a beauty centre and private suites, and a fully equipped gym. 

“Tailor-made experiences that leave a lasting impression”

“With Vista Ostuni, we want to share Vista's vision of hospitality: authentic, tailor-made, respectful of history and capable of restoring value to the territory,- said Cristina Zucchi, general manager of LarioHotels. -It is not just about welcoming guests, but about creating tailor-made experiences that leave a lasting impression. Joining The Leading Hotels of the World is a prestigious recognition for us, confirming our commitment to excellence and attention to every detail of our guests' experience."

Boutique hotels offering tailor-made services 

Vista Ostuni is part of the Vista brand: a new model conceived by Bianca and Luigi Passera, president and CEO respectively, with the aim of bringing the luxury experience to places where it does not yet exist. Boutique hotels with modern interior design and an Italian yet international feel, offering a wide range of tailor-made services, where respect for the guests and their privacy are the focal point.