After years of unsuccessful attempts, work on the expansion of the Four Seasons in Florence finally seems to be taking concrete shape. 

The Four Seasons Florence has 114 rooms

According to a report in the Italian daily newspaper La Repubblica, Cugimi the company that owns the 116-room five-star hotel, has begun work, through Cugimi Matteotti srl, on Palazzo Salleac. This is a building that used to house a scientific high school and is located in Viale Matteotti 7.

Adding a new wing?

The building file describes a "building merger and change of use from office to hospitality with modest structural and plant works." The two buildings could be connected through the Gherardesca garden which is inside the Four Seasons and borders the courtyard of the former high school. However, it is not clear whether when the work is completed, the new building will be an additional entrance to the main building, or whether it will be a separate hotel location. Cugimi is part of the Constellation Hotels Holding Ltd Soc. Anonyme group, which in turn is owned by Qatari capital.

The haute cuisine restaurant RAW in HABITA79 M Gallery in Pompeii is a fine dining experience for customers seeking elegant dishes in an open-air, intimate and breathtaking location with views of Pompeii and Vesuvius.

Intimate, because there are only eight tables for a total of 16 covers, and breathtaking because, located on a panoramic terrace, RAW enjoys unparalleled views of Pompeii and the Campania region, over which the sinuous figure of Mount Vesuvius looms.

Authentic raw materials for three different menus

Chef Roberto Lepre who helms the kitchen refined his technique in Italy and abroad, transporting his culinary philosophy to HABITA79 where he proposes two culinary journeys: Materia and Essence.  When combined these two menus become the third RAW menu called Fusione.  Lepre's culinary credo is summed up in the formula “I rework the essential, the authenticity and genuineness of the raw materials in my creations.”

Passionate gastronomic journeys 

Chef Lepre’s cuisine is simple to the eye, masking the use of elaborate techniques and with meticulous attention to detail, enhancing the raw materials and their essence. And the surrounding landscape becomes the ideal setting for these fine dining gastronomic journeys that are as thoughtful in presentation as they are passionate to the taste. 

Clever combinations and luscious desserts 

There is no shortage of vegetarian items, such as Pan e Puparol, a savoury millefeuille in which the colours and flavours of yellow, green and red peppers combine with layers of typical “cafone” bread. Ending with the desserts, ranging from Sei Agrumi that enhances the typical citrus fruits of southern Italy, to more international dishes such as “Inspired by a Sacher.”   

Italy, renowned the world over for its rich cultural heritage and exquisite cuisine, has a coastline that stretches over 7,500 kilometers, offering an unparalleled variety of beach experiences, from the dramatic cliffs of Sicily to the crystal-clear waters of Sardinia, and from the many enchanting islands that dot the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas, to much more besides. 

Picture yourself on the sun-kissed beaches of Sicily, and while you’re there why not indulge in culinary delights such as fresh seafood and local favourites like rice arancini and sweet ricotta cannoli? Sicily isn't just an island; it's an experience waiting to be savored.

Sardinia, often described as having the "world's most beautiful waters," is Italy second largest island and has Caribbean-like beaches and emerald seas. It also has luxurious resorts, charming family-run hotels, and a wide choice of alternative accommodations, world-class cuisine and quality shopping. A great option is Santa Maria di Pula’s Hotel Flamingo, a 4-star with a pool which is set in an eucalyptus wood, and is within easy reach of Cagliari and its international airport.

The chance to explore sun and sea holidays in Italy also means discovering smaller islands like Lampedusa with its translucent waters and marine reserve which is a haven for snorkelers and divers while Pantelleria – which also lies below Sicily - is known for its volcanic landscapes and therapeutic hot springs. Tiny Giglio and Elba lie off the Tyrrhenian coast not far from Rome and have a wide selection of idyllic spots for sunbathing and swimming. And on the Adriatic Coast there are the Tremiti, five tiny sun-drenched islands, just over an hour by ferry from the Apulian coast. 

But the queen of them all is Capri, the epitome of Mediterranean glamour and natural beauty. Nestled in the Bay of Naples this island has dramatic cliffs, lush gardens, chic boutiques and an inimitable café lifestyle. Many visitors take boats to the secluded beaches and sea caves that dot the coastline, but who can argue with days spent lazily lounging in the sun and taking in the dazzling colours of the Mediterranean Sea?  Just a short ferry ride from Capri lies Ischia which is renowned for its volcanic landscapes, therapeutic thermal springs and spa hotels and resorts, set against a backdrop of lush greenery and sun-drenched beaches.

The Adriatic coast is fabled for its golden sandy beach lidos, from Lignano Sabbiadoro and Jesolo to Ravenna and Rimini, while the many resort towns on the coasts of Apulia, Basilicata and Calabria appeal to nature lovers and are popular with campers and glampers, with glamping now one of the fastest-growing trends for summer and beach holidays. And on the heel of Italy, the 4-star Nicolaus Prime Il Gabbiano in Marina di Pulsano, less than an hour from Taranto, is just 50 metres from the sea which boasts natural underwater springs. 

On the eastern seaboard Liguria has Viareggio with its elegant promenade and famous carnival, and Tuscany can boast the Maremma with its buttero cowboys and chic sea resorts like Porto Santo Stefano and Capalbio. The stretch of coast from Civitavecchia to Rome’s Ostia beaches, and on down to Naples with Anzio, Terracina and Gaeta may be less sophisticated, but offers popular resort towns for all tastes and pockets.    

Plan your escape to Italy's coastal wonders and experience the magic of sun, sea, and la Dolce Vita. From family-friendly resorts to romantic getaways Italy offers something for travellers seeking the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure and memories that will last a lifetime.

Marriott's Ac Hotels brand makes its debut in the Eternal City with the new Clodio Roma. 

A renovated building close to many of Rome’s attractions

The hotel is in a completely renovated mid-20th century building in the Prati district, close to Rome’s Olympic stadium and in proximity to some of the Eternal City’s most beautiful attractions, including St. Peter's Basilica, Castel Sant'Angelo and the Vatican Museums. The area is served by excellent public transport links to the city's main tourist attractions.

The hotel has an all-day restaurant service

The Ac Hotel Clodio Roma has 103 rooms and suites. On the ground floor the Ac Lounge is multifunctional and has an outdoor terrace and a bar area. Open all day, it serves typical Italian and Roman cuisine. Every late afternoon, the lounge invites guests to enjoy an exclusive Italian aperitif at the bar.

There are two new additions to the summer network of rail connections operated by FS Treni Turistici Italiani: Rome-Lecce and Milan-Nice. 

Comfortable sleeping carriages and quality restaurant services

The new services to the Salento, with a night train for Lecce, and to the Côte d'Azur, with a daytime Espresso, reply to the growing demands from tourists both in and outside Italy.The Rome-Lecce is an absolute novelty. It will depart on 18 July, offering a new sustainable and quality holiday travel experience to and from Puglia. The train will stop in Caserta and then proceed, without further stops during the night, to Puglia. Here it will stop at Bari Centrale, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Fasano, Ostuni, Carovigno, Brindisi and Lecce. The comfort of the sleeping carriages is equal to the quality of the excellent service in the restaurant carriage. Passengers can also bring luggage and sports equipment on board, thanks to a dedicated carriage.

The Espresso Riviera runs from Milan to Nice 

FS Treni Turistici Italiani's other summer novelty is the Espresso Riviera. From 3 August to 1 September, this train departing from Milan will travel to Nice, with stops in Menton and Monaco-Principality of Monte Carlo. In Nice travellers will also be able to take advantage of French trains to continue on to Cannes and Marseille. The international service has been made possible thanks to the availability of the French company SNCF Reseau and the collaboration between FS Treni Turistici Italiani and Trenitalia France, the company of the Italian passenger hub operating in France.

“We offer high levels of comfort and privacy” 

"These new connections," says Luigi Cantamessa, managing director of FS Treni Turistici Italiani, "confirm the great versatility that distinguishes us, and they mark a further step towards an increasingly high-quality and efficient form of tourism. Ours is a different service, with high levels of comfort and privacy, thanks to the exclusive use of the carriages and with a hotellerie- on-wheels. We can cofigure the train composition according to passenger needs. Holidays begin on the train with the large windows allowing passengers to appreciate the beauty of our country and there is the added pleasure of travelling at a different railway speed.”  The two new train services join the Espresso Versilia from Milan to Livorno and the Espresso Cadore connecting Rome with Cortina. 

Cinque Terre: The Via dell’Amore path inauguration on 26 July 

The famous path is a UNESCO heritage site

This famous path will once again be practicable, in all its 900-metre sheer drop to the sea in the unique setting of the Cinque Terre National Park, in just a few days time.  The closing of the Via dell'Amore was for safety and restoration work by the Liguria region, and now its reopening is confirmed for 19 July, with the handing over of the UNESCO heritage path to the municipality of Riomaggiore.

The inaugural ceremony is planned for 26 July 

All the bodies involved, from the Ministry of Tourism, the Region of Liguria with the Cinque Terre National Park, the Province of La Spezia, the municipality of Riomaggiore to the police and the prefecture, are working together to organize, in the days immediately following the handover, most likely 26 July, the inauguration  of the path in the presence of local and national authorities.

“Work never stopped, not even during the pandemic” 

“With the definitive reopening of the Via dell'Amore we are on the verge of achieving a historic result for the whole of Liguria and for the entire country,- said acting commissioner Giacomo Giampedrone. – It has been an unprecedented commitment and we carried out this very complex intervention in about two and a half years, thanks to specialized companies that never suspended work on the path, not even during the pandemic or on public holidays. It is an extraordinary result, and we are proud to be able to give this gem back in a few weeks' time to the residents of Riomaggiore and Manarola, to the people of Liguria, and to tourists from all over the world."

Wizz Air announces ten new international routes, six from Milan Malpensa and four from Rome Fiumicino, for the upcoming 2024-25 winter season.

Wizz Air will connect Rome with over 70 destinations

The four Rome flights are from Lisbon, Poznan, Bacau and Sarajevo, with the Lisbon route operating on a daily basis, from 28 October; Poznan will take off three times a week on the same day; the Bacau route will start on 29 October and will operate four times a week, while the flights from Sarajevo will operate three times a week, also from 29 October. With these additions Wizz Air will connect Rome with over 70 destinations.

Over 10,000 extra weekly return seats for Milan

New connections from Valencia, Malaga, Warsaw, Larnaca, Rzeszów and Gdansk are already on sale for Milan Malpensa. All flights will be operated by the Airbus A320 family aircraft, and with the launch of these new connections, from September 2024 the low-cost airline will offer passengers in Milan over 10,000 extra return seats per week.

1,000,000 more return seats per year for Italian passengers

Also from next September, there will be an increase in weekly frequencies on five existing routes from Milan to Sharm El-Sheikh, Barcelona, Madrid, Suceava and Chisinau, while Gdansk will start on 1 October, with flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.  Thanks to these 10 new connections, the Hungarian low-cost airline will offer 1,000,000 more return seats per year for Italian passengers.

“Rome is the largest Wizz base in Italy”

 "This announcement once again underscores Wizz Air's long-term commitment to Italy," said József Váradi, the carrier's CEO. "Twenty years ago, on the first day of operations, one of Wizz Air's first flights landed in Milan and Rome; since then we have been constantly expanding our presence, and investing in the country. Today we have 24 aircraft at five bases in Italy, and serve over 200 routes to more than 90 destinations in 38 countries from 25 Italian airports. We continue our commitment to Rome, the largest Wizz base in Italy, and will soon open our new training centre at Fiumicino, as well as further expanding our lowcost network.”

Wizz Air  will sponsor the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon, which will be held in the capital for the first time on 20 October.

The relaunch of the archaeological area of La Cuma in the Marche region this summer will include guided tours, events, shows, family workshops and educational activities. 

A small village with an ancient Roman site

La Cuma, in the village of Monte Rinaldo in the Marche region is a unique Roman sanctuary dating back to the 2nd-1st century B.C. about 30 kilometres from Ascoli Piceno and 25 from Fermo.  The site has just introduced new opening hours thanks to the collaboration of Maggioli Cultura e Turismo, on the initiative of the municipality of Monte Rinaldo. The Roman site can now be visited, during the months of July, August and September on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 4pm to 8pm, and also on 15 August. 

Events for all  ages and tastes this summer

To visit La Cuma, this jewel set in the heart of the Marche region, is to take a journey back in time of more than 2000 years that captivates all visitors, adults and children alike. The Maggioli Culture and Tourism project aims to bring the archaeological area to life with a summer calendar of guided tours, performances and cultural events designed for all ages and tastes, from theatre to contemporary music.

The site has an ancient temple, shrine and portico

The area takes its name from the Cuma district of the small village of Monte Rinaldo, which has just 300 inhabitants. The first remains of the sanctuary surfaced by chance in 1957 when the farmer who owned the land where the area now stands came across the first column blocks. It consists of three separate buildings, arranged on a terrace: a central temple dedicated to Jupiter, a shrine dedicated to Hercules and a monumental double-columned portico, in line with the Hellenistic architecture that was spreading throughout the Mediterranean at the time. During the excavations many votive objects were found including  statuettes, hands, feet and other objects.

“La Cuma is a cultural attraction in a regional context” 

“The extension of the opening hours and the summer events are an important sign of the role played by the La Cuma archaeological area as a cultural attraction in a regional context,” said ABAP superintendent for the provinces of Ascoli Piceno, Fermo and Macerata Giovanni Issini. The Mayor of Monte Rinaldo, Gianmario Borroni added that they also aim to give further impetus to the site, “which since 2016 has been involved in shared projects with the Superintendency, the University of Bologna and the British School in Rome.” 

A festival, stage shows and other events  

Mauro Villa, director of Maggioli Culture and Tourism said the management and cultural production model promoted by Maggioli at Monte Rinaldo will also activate a communications and promotion system in which “visitors will be protagonists, while the rich cultural programme will bring the archaeological area alive both during the day and in the evening.”  The first special events scheduled are the "Artemis Festival" on 28 July, "Cuma Under the Stars" on 2 August, and the theatrical performance "Ithaca per Sempre" to be staged on 4 August, while further events are being defined. For information and bookings: www.cumarcheologia.it