Before Covid most of us didn’t give more than a passing thought to the health risks we can be exposed to when travelling.  Today things are very different with hygiene taking pride of place, and it seems that the biggest worry for a lot of travellers is the thought of getting back on a plane again. 

What they may not realise is that the quality of air on board an aircraft is much cleaner than in most indoor environments.  I can already see the skeptics shaking their heads, so I’ll leave it to IATA to explain. The International Air Transport Association is the body that sets the global standards for airline safety, security, efficiency and sustainability and, quoting a report from the Harvard T. Chan School of Public Health, it says “there is a very low risk of COVID-19 transmission on aircraft.”

Because, they go on to point out, the cabin air is refreshed 20-30 times an hour. Now that’s every two or three minutes. Which is about ten times more than most office buildings. And as the air goes through filters similar to those used in hospital operating theatres, the removal efficiency rate against bacteria and viruses - including Sars which is similar to Covid-19 –stands at a whopping 99.993%. 

Still worried by the passenger sitting next to you? An Airbus study on how droplets from a cough move within the cabin airflow proved that the potential exposure was lower when seated side by side on a plane, than when staying more than two metres apart in an office or a grocery store.

Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor

The Giro del Sassopiatto is one of the most beautiful Dolomite excursions and popular for mountain treks in the Siusi Alps. Starting from Campitello di Fassa with the cable car that goes up to Col Rodella, you can reach the Federico Augusto Refuge at 2,298 metres asl.

Mountain peaks and refuges

The tour around the Sassopiatto takes around 4 to 5 hours, is very scenic, and takes in the many peaks of the Sassolungo as well as the Sandro Pertini Refuge at 2,300 metres and the Vicenza  Refuge at 2,250 metres, from which you can continue to the Sassolungo fork at 2,681 metres and the Toni Demetz Refuge.

A natural border with the Val di Fiemme valley

The Val di Fassa valley consists of six municipalities. The upper Avisio river (a left tributary of the Adige) crosses the entire valley from its sources to the confluence of the San Pellegrino river in the centre of Moena, forming the natural border with the Val di Fiemme valley.

Dolomite and non-dolomitic massifs

The valley is surrounded by some of the most important Dolomite massifs: the Marmolada and the Sella, Sassolungo and Catinaccio groups, and also by mountains with non-dolomitic lithology such as the Buffaure and the Monzoni. The Val di Fassa is connected to the other Dolomite valleys by State Road 48 which connects it to the Val di Fiemme and Ora in the Adige Valley, as well as to Livinallongo del Col di Lana and Cortina d ' Ampezzo via the Pordoi Pass. 

The San Pellegrino pass connects Moena with the Biois Valley, the Costalunga Pass connects Vigo di Fassa with the Ega Valley, and from Canazei it is possible to reach the Val Gardena via the Sella and Rocca Pietore Pass, and the Cordevole Valley via the Fedaia Pass.

"The Last Supper. The Living Tableau ", a short film by the director and creator Armondo Linus Acosta, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece The Last Supper," will be screened from 10 to 18 April in the exceptional setting of the Frasassi Caves.  Three Oscar-winning masters of world cinema have collaborated on the work: director of photography Vittorio Storaro, scenographer Dante Ferretti, and set designer Francesca Lo Schiavo.

A nine-minute film of Da Vinci’s famous painting

In the nine minutes of the short film, in a single slow-motion shot Da Vinci’s famous  painting comes to life. The apostles are revealed slowly, seated at the table. In the centre, Jesus stands out, blessing the bread and wine as he announces the betrayal by one of his followers. There is meticulous attention to every detail, which has been faithfully reconstructed and highlighted by the lighting.  

“The caves are the perfect place for the screening”

Linus Acosta, an internationally renowned American director, explains: “The premise of believing in God is an ancient and eternal human reality. Being able to project the quality of this meaning into a place that is primordial and dates back to when the world was created by God is absolute harmony. I felt it when I entered the Caves. You can simply feel that it is the perfect place for the screening.."

“We had to make the painting come alive”

Vittorio Storaro adds: "Leonardo puts Jesus at the centre of the scene because he wants to symbolise that Jesus is God who becomes man, and this man is the centre of the world, of the universe". Francesca Lo Schiavo continues: “We go inside the painting, inside the soul of the apostles and we witness the miracle of Jesus. I believe that this affects everything. I was very touched by the idea of participating in this project ". Dante Ferretti was also enthusiastic: "It all started when Armondo called me to Rome and asked me to reconstruct Leonardo's Last Supper.  We had to make the painting come alive, with real characters that move. It seemed very interesting, and I immediately said yes.”

The Frasassi Caves are magnificent and fascinating

The Frasassi Caves are one of the most magnificent and fascinating subterranean areas in the world, a place where it is possible to explore the past, and discover the history of the evolution of life on the planet.

The new collaboration between Baglioni and Chef Claudio Sadler is for the Baglioni Hotel Luna in Venice. Following the Michelin star awarded to Gusto by Sadler at the Baglioni Resort Sardegna, this new restaurant, helmed by resident chef Gennaro Balice, aims at striking a skilful balance between tradition and innovation. 

The Baglioni, which is Venice’s oldest hotel (the building dates back to 1118) is a Leading Hotel of the World and is located less than a hundred metres from St. Mark’s the landmark square in the heart of Venice. 

The Canova Bistrot is a more informal setting 

The property also has the Canova Bistrot, where you can enjoy classics of Italian regional tradition served in a more informal setting. And the Canova Bar, recently restyled and featuring a large counter, tables with burnished brass inserts and armchairs upholstered in classic Rubelli fabrics, is the ideal for relaxing with a coffee or enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail.

“I am delighted to bring my philosophy of cuisine to Venice”

 “I've always been fascinated by the world of hôtellerie, and the opportunity to collaborate with the Baglioni brand appealed to me right from the start," Sadler says. "Venice is an incredible city and I am delighted to bring my philosophy of cuisine here. We will do our utmost to ensure that in this historic hotel our dishes will make every customers' culinary dreams come true".

The Canavese, a land of extraordinary biodiversity and harmony where beauty, history, sport and culinary delights abound, is a splendid corner of Italy’s north-western Piedmont region, surrounded by gentle hills and green valleys.

Harboring a wealth of natural, historical and artistic treasures from castles, towers and ancient churches, to morainic mountain ranges, high-altitude meadowlands, lakes and vineyards, the nerve centre is the city of Ivrea. Just a few kilometres from Turin and an hour's drive from Milan, Ivrea was originally the Roman Eporedia, founded in 100 B.C. and today it is divided into the old town and the industrial Ivrea.

A city with traces of Roman and medieval days

The presence of man in the Canavese is very ancient and has left traces since prehistoric times. First populated by Celtic populations and then colonized by the Romans and later by the Longobards, the territory is deeply linked to the Middle Ages. Strolling along the alleys and streets of Ivrea’s old centre you can still find some traces of ancient walls and monuments that remind us of its Roman and medieval history.

The industrialist Olivetti built modern Ivrea from the 1930s

The industrial part of the city dates to between 1930 and 1960 and consists of architecture linked to Adriano Olivetti's industrial and socio-cultural project: a complex of buildings designed by the most famous 20th century Italian architects and town planners. Like the former Hotel La Serra and all the buildings located on Via Jervis, from the first factory of red bricks to the 50s and 60s settlements., You can also visit a museum with all the Olivetti products, from the typewriter to calculators and  PC.

Oranges are used as weapons in Ivrea’s annual carnival 

Ivrea’s annual carnival is a unique event that brings history and myth, tradition and spectacle, emotions and great ideals to the streets and squares of the city. The highlight is a battle with oranges in memory of a legendary medieval episode of liberation from the tyranny of the lord who starved the city. Today the townspeople, divided into nine teams, re-enact the legendary battle, pelting each other with oranges which represent the stones thrown at the feudal lord’s castle in order to demolish it. 

The Savoy kings owned property in the Canavese

Another important historical period for tourism in the area was the 19th century period of the royal hunts and the presence of the Savoy royal family and Turin’s nobility. They had hunting lodges and splendid villas in the area and in particular in Ceresole, which then added Reale to its name and is in the Gran Paradiso National Park which is Italy's oldest park and is celebrating its first 100 years in 2022.  

Prehistoric pile dwellings of Lake Viverone

The region has four UNESCO World Heritage sites

The Canavese has four Unesco heritage sites: the prehistoric pile dwellings of Lake Viverone, the Ducal Castle of Agliè a former Savoy residence, the ancient sanctuary of the Sacred Mount of Belmonte, and the city of Ivrea with its extraordinary architecture and Olivetti cultural heritage. In summer the region is very popular for hiking, climbing and enjoying relaxing walks through alpine pastures or around the numerous lakes, enjoying the silence of the mountains and the sudden appearance of chamois, ibex, eagles and marmots. In the winter months it is a paradise for downhill and cross-country skiing, ski touring, ice climbing and snowshoeing.

Gourmet lunches in a hot air balloon

For those who prefer more relaxing pastimes there is forest bathing, cooking, ceramics and painting courses, sensory trails and wine and spa experiences to relax with a glass of wine. And for a VIP experience you can fly in a hot air balloon with your own personal chef who will prepare a gourmet lunch or aperitif just for you high up in the sky.

The Tour Operators' Consortium promotes the area

The Valli del Canavese Consortium is made up exclusively of private tourism businesses (accommodation facilities, restaurants, producers of local products, tour operators and service businesses) and aims at enhancing the tourism, cultural, sporting and environmental heritage of the Canavese valleys.  Members attend trade fairs and workshops, organize events, promote the area through publications, and with online and offline promotional activities of places and itineraries of interest as well as providing a wide range of tourist services.

Ph Credits: Mattia Bonavida

Packages and tours for individuals and groups

Established in 2012 the Consortium has some 60 members and counts 800 beds, 30 restaurants, 12 farmers and producers, seven tour operators and service companies. It can offer everything from simple hotel and restaurant accommodation to guided activities such as nature sports, sightseeing tours of villages and castles, museums, food and wine tastings, cookery courses etc. It also offers complete tailor-made packages for individuals and groups, bus and car transport, services and unique experiences to discover the area's history and art, nature, food and wines.

Credits: Mattia Bonavida

Vineyard itineraries on foot or by bike

The Consortium recently launched vineyard itineraries to discover the beautiful landscapes and wine treasures of the Canavese area. On foot or by bicycle these ten itineraries cover the region’s fabled wine-growing areas, with fascinating routes leading to the discovery of natural, artistic and historical treasures. Varying in length from one to seven hours on foot, they also intersect with historical routes such as the ancient Via Francigena pilgrim’s way. The Consortium’s tourist packages or day trips by ebike or minibus are accompanied by expert tour guides, cycling guides and also sommeliers for the wine and food itineraries. And on the subject of gourmet experiences, what about dinner in a vineyard to enjoy the Canavese’s  excellent food and wine? 

Summer Voucher Vacanze Piemonte packages

This summer the Voucher Vacanze Piemonte will also be back - with a 50% discount for a 4-night stay and for one-day experiences. So what are you waiting for? Come and discover the beautiful Canavese region.

Consorzio Operatori Turistici Valli del Canavese
Contact the SellerCheck out more

Although Modica, a small late-Baroque paradise in the province of Ragusa, was reborn from the ashes of a devastating earthquake in 1693, it still has fascinating signs of its most ancient past. It was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2002 for its historic centre which is a treasure trove of Baroque architecture.

The oldest part of Modica is on the ruins of an old castle

The city is situated on a large plateau that was once crisscrossed by two rivers. Between 1700 and 1800, Modica had 17 bridges making it look like another Venice. It also had many mills along the riverbanks, but these were gradually replaced by industrial mills as the waters were channelled to supply the city's water system. The oldest part of Modica is centred on the ruins of an ancient castle with a maze of alleyways leading to the city's highest point.

The Church of San Giorgio has a 19th-century organ

Modica is entirely built in the Baroque style; in fact, little of the previous architecture survives with the exception of the mediaeval old centre. The Mother Church of San Giorgio, which was built after the earthquake, is one of the most notable examples of this architectural style. The interior is divided into five naves and features twenty-two Corinthian columns, as well as priceless works of art and a large19th-century organ that is still in perfect working order. 

The Baroque style is omnipresent in Modica

Palazzo Polara, which is near the church of San Giorgio, is an example of  Modena’s civil architecture and there are interesting similarities between the facades of the two buildings, as  both the palace and the church are in Baroque style with elegant staircases.

Chocolate was introduced by the Spanish in the 16th century

The city is also known for its chocolate, which is made using a unique cold processing method which, according to some sources, was introduced during the Spanish dominance of Sicily in the 16th century. At that time the county of Modica was the most important feudal state in southern Italy and enjoyed  administrative autonomy.