Italy Family Hotels presented the second edition of the Italy Family Awards, rewarding the consortium’s properties in Italy that have distinguished themselves in family hospitality.

Hotels aimed at families

Italy Family Hotels is the first hotel consortium in Italy entirely dedicated to families with more than 155 hotels in 16 regions specialized in holidays with children in the most diversified Italian locations: from the sea to the mountains and from the lakes to the hills.

Prizes to the properties in Cesenatico and Livorno

Garden Toscana Resort

The Italy Family Hotels property with the greatest consensus among foreign families, which was awarded “Tope Italy Family Hotels – Foreign” award is the Club Family Hotel Serenissima in Cesenatico, in the province of Forlì-Cesena (Emilia-Romagna).  The prize for the “Best Italy Family Hotels” was awarded to the most requested and most popular property on the ItalyFamilyHotels.it portal in 2025, the Garden Toscana Resort - San Vincenzo (Livorno, Tuscany). In its first year on the IFH circuit, this property was rewarded for its wealth of services, the quality of its offer and its ability to satisfy customers' wishes. The resort also won the “Top Family Hotels al Mare” award, as the establishment that received the highest number of requests on the portal in the sea segment, distinguishing itself for its ability to combine Mediterranean nature, sports offer, entertainment and comfort.

Hotel Relax

Green properties also topped the bill

In the category “Top Family Hotels in the Mountains, on Lakes and in the Hills” the award went to AlpHoliday Dolomiti, Dimaro (Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige), for its wellness services dedicated to parents and its outdoor activities for children, as well as for its authentic Trentino hospitality. The hotel also received the award for “Top Green Family Hotel,” confirming it as a model of sustainable hospitality for the second year running, thanks to its use of ecological materials, renewable energies, educational activities for children and an approach aimed at reducing environmental impact. Among the other prize-winners, in the Marche region the Hotel Relax - San Benedetto del Tronto, in the province of Ascoli Piceno, won the  “Best Theme Room” award with its ‘The Island that does not Exist” room; while the Hotel Continental - Gabicce Mare, in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, stood out for the second year running in the “Top Performer” category.

NH Collection Alagna Mirtillo Rosso

Luxury, baby-oriented and hotels for teens

In the “Top Luxury Family Hotel” category, the NH Collection Alagna - Mirtillo Rosso - Riva Valdobbia (Vercelli, Piedmont) was awarded for its high standards, refined ambience and services for children. The best property for dedicated for kids aged 0-2 years old was the Resort Dolce Casa Family & Spa - Moena (Trento) which, for the second year running, won the “Top Baby Family Hotel” award for its standards of safety, comfort, and attention to the wellbeing of babies and parents. In the province of Trento, the  “Top Teen Family Hotel” award recognized the Villaggio Nevada - Folgaria as the hotel that best interpreted the needs of teenagers, thanks to its wide range of activities aimed at youngsters including sports, workshops, theme evenings and dedicated areas.

Among the events not to be missed in February in Italy, the Follonica Carnival, with its allegorical floats, brighten up Tuscan’s winter.

Follonica’s carnival has a modern outlook

One of the most important events in Tuscany on 1, 8, 15, and 21 February, the carnival transforms the Maremma town from a summery seaside destination into an open-air stage, with parades of large allegorical floats, music, and performances. Unlike many Italian carnivals of medieval origin, Follonica’s event was conceived as a modern expression that recounts today’s society, and invites reflection on what it will be like tomorrow. Satire, topical issues and contemporary language are the central elements of an event that boasts over a century of history. The origins date back to the early 20th century, and it became a regular event in the 1950s and 1960s, establishing itself today as an event with strong appeal that combines local traditions, craftsmanship and entertainment.

The eight city districts compete in the event

The carnival’s theme is the rivalry and collaboration between its eight city districts. The themes range from international political satire to reflections on artificial intelligence, from the telling of fantasy worlds to social messages. Families and local artists are all involved in the creation of the float decorations, the animated masks, the choice of music and the choreography. This year MeQ, Follonica's Quality Market, will be open for lunch on the three Sundays of the parade  on 2, 9 and 16 February. The novelty is that inside the Municipal Market it will be possible to taste carnival on a plate, from sweet to savoury, both on site and take-away. 

CioccolaTò, the event that pays homage to and enhances the artisan production of chocolate, returns to Turin from 13 to 17 February.

This year the event is over five days

After the success of last year's edition, which closed with more than 100,000 visitors in four days and with some 70 stands and 50 producers, CioccolaTò 2026 will extend its duration by one day, embracing both the Valentine's Day and Carnival with Shrove Tuesday holidays. The fair will be held in Piazza Vittorio Veneto and, in addition to the exhibition in the square, will involve various cultural hubs in the city such as historical venues and museums, with a varied programme of cultural and artistic events.

Also open to ice cream makers, bakers, and liqueur producers 

The leitmotif of the event remains excellence, hosting only producers of chocolate or chocolate-related specialties. Space will be given to chocolatiers, but also to confectioners, ice cream makers, bakers, and liqueur producers as long as they are skilled, quality craftsmen and craftswomen. Among the exhibitors the Maestri del Gusto (Masters of Taste) of Turin and province, but also masters from Piedmonte from other Italian regions and also from abroad, are expected to attend.  

@Turismo Torino e Provincia

Tastings and workshops that narrate the world of chocolate

Tastings, meetings and workshops will promote the relationship between food and society, between emotion and knowledge, Central themes will include love as a feeling, language and forms of freedom, and its metamorphosis. CioccolaTò 2026 will also explore the cinema, literature, music and other forms of creativity that narrate the world through chocolate, while art and play workshops for young and old will transform cocoa into an expressive material.

Turin in famous for its Giandujotto chocolate

 A place of honour will be reserved for the Giandujotto di Torino (spelled with a j) IGP, a confectionary which is made with hazelnuts, sugar and cocoa paste that is the symbol of the Piedmontese city and one of the protagonists of the next edition of CioccolaTò. 

In 1806, with the introduction of the Continental Blockade by Napoleon, importing cocoa became difficult and expensive. And even Turin, a city with a strong chocolate-making tradition, had to deal with the shortage of raw material for its chocolates. Turins confectioners reacted by exploiting a local resource that was always available: the tonda gentile hazelnut from the Langhe region. Chopped and combined with cocoa, they were able to create a new mixture with an original taste and lower costs, the forerunner of what would later be known as Turin’s Gianduja paste.

The 26th edition of Summer Jamboree, the International Festival dedicated to 40s and 50s American music and culture, will run from 31 July to 9 August in Senigallia.  

A festival dedicated to Rock'n'Roll and Swing

This landmark event for thousands of fans from all over the world returns to make the seaside town of Senigallia the venue for the “Hottest Rockin' Holiday on Earth.” The Summer Jamboree is the largest international festival of its kind dedicated to Rock'n'Roll and Swing, in their many forms including R&B, Doo-Wop, Hillbilly, Country, and Boogie Woogie. Ranking as one of Europe's most iconic cultural and urban experiences, as well as the Main Stage with artists from all over the world the event will host a vintage market, activities for families and children, burlesque shows, vintage car exhibitions and the ever-present after-festival.

The days of music, dancing and entertainment

Last year record-breaking numbers generated an economic impact on the region estimated at over €29 million, the event bringing tens of thousands of people to the city for ten days of music, dancing and entertainment, transforming the city into a large open-air stage that attracted an intergenerational and international audience.

Microevents from January to June

In anticipation of the summer festival, the Waiting for Summer Jamboree 2026 cycle of micro-events has kicked off: a calendar of monthly events that until June includes afternoon dance workshops, social dance evenings with DJ sets and moments dedicated to the community. The next events are on 24 January, 21 February, 14 March, 25 April, 30 May and 20 June. Tickets can be purchased on Ciaotickets or on site while capacity lasts. For information: www.summerjamboree.com

Castello Il Palagio is a landmark location for experiential tourism, events and weddings featuring history, food and wine.

A private chapel and large garden 

The medieval 13th-century aristocratic residence located halfway between Florence and Siena, is in the land of Chianti Classico, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Originally a tower of the Florentine Republic, over time it became the country residence of important Florentine families. Today the property is equipped to host meetings, weddings and events of all kinds, thanks to the interior spaces of the historic residence, the private chapel and the large garden with panoramic views over the Tuscan hills as far as the Apennines and the Alps.

Taste of History tours on reservation

Alongside the events, Castello Il Palagio offers historical-gastronomic tours dedicated to guests seeking authentic experiences. On reservation the “Taste of History’” tours combine a visit to the property with itinerant tastings of local delicacies from small local producers. The aim is to enhance the agricultural traditions of the Chianti region and encourage a popular approach to the history and culture of the area. Integrating history, local identity and typical products through places, flavours and memory,  reinforces Chianti's attractiveness as a destination with a high cultural and enogastronomic value.

Siena’s Piazza del Campo is famous for the Palio horserace

Alongside better-known Florence, Siena has been described by UNESCO as “a masterpiece of dedication and inventiveness in which buildings were designed to fit the entire urban structure.” In 1995, it was inscribed on the World Heritage List for having preserved important features of its medieval structure: a historic centre delimited by ancient ramparts built between the 14th and 16th centuries and a main square, Piazza del Campo admired for its monuments and as the venue for the annual Palio horseraces.

Skiing away from mass tourism: what new this season in the Val Senales.

42 kilometres of slopes and 11 ski lifts 

A destination for downhill skiers and ski mountaineers of all levels, the Val Senales Valley has several new features this year. The Alpine Arena Senales ski area stretches between 2,011 and 3,212 metres asl, offering 42 kilometres of slopes and 11 ski lifts. The area is ideal for those who want to ski in freedom away from mass tourism, also in light of the upcoming Olympics.

A new trail for ski mountaineers

Ski mountaineering enthusiasts can look forward to a new trail some 7 kilometres long with a difference in altitude of about 1,200 metres, which will be open from the end of December to April, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The route starts at the Roter Kofel chairlift in Maso Corto (2,011 metres). The uphill route, which is marked in green, follows the track of the downhill slope and runs along a route that passes several lifts and mountain huts. It is also possible to vary the length of the route by taking a break at the Teufelsegg hut (400 metres altitude difference), or at the Bella Vista hut (800 metres altitude difference), at the Ötzi bivouac or the Glacier Hotel Grawand.

A special discount for super-seniors

Outdoor activities include snowshoe hikes, winter hikes - including a visit to the ice grotto with a mountain guide - and a visit to the Merano Christmas Market, thanks to the free shuttle service provided by the Val Senales Tourist Cooperative.  A further novelty is dedicated to super-seniors: every Monday, Wednesday and Friday of the month of January anyone born before 1965 will be able to benefit from the day pass for only €29. 

The tour operator Ancient&Recent presents the majesty of Ancient Rome using a state-of- the-art VT visor.  

State-of-the-art VR visors to visit Ancient Rome

Italy’s heritage seen through Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, is a way to highlight cultural and tourist sites from an innovative point of view, with the help of technology. Using a state-of-the-art VR visor, Ancient&Recent restores some of Rome's major attractions to their former glory, transporting the visitor back in time. In an instant, reality and technology intersect, taking the tourist into another dimension, making it possible to partake in the quadrigas race at the Circus Maximus, while in the Colosseum it is possible to watch gladiator fights up close, while mingling with passers-by in the Imperial Forum.

Visiting the Circus Maximus and the Colosseum

This original experience allows visitors to appreciate world-famous archaeological sites in an exclusive and original way. With Ancient&Recent the complete tour of Ancient Rome takes in Circus Maximus, the Colosseum and the Imperial Fora and lasts about an hour and a half. Alternatively, visitors can choose a particular site with an augmented reality tour lasting about half an hour. 

Virtual and real guides

Visitors who choose to experience the splendour of Ancient Rome firsthand will be accompanied along the interactive tour by staff in the flesh as well as by a virtual guide, with a real Roman citizen guiding them through the various steps to be taken and explored. The experience is for groups and is outdoors, a cultural, educational and entertaining product suitable for all age groups, especially families with children, but not only.

Set in the Euganean Hills Park, and since 2024 a UNESO Biosphere Reserve, Arquà Petrarca is a medieval village.

Home to the poet Petrarca whose house is now a museum

With its mediaeval allure intact, this Veneto town with cobbled streets and historic palazzi is famous for having welcomed the famous 14th-century poet Francesco Petrarca in his last years of life. The Casa del Petrarca, now a museum, bears witness to the poet's stay in the village from 1370 until 1374, the year of his death. The house has period furnishings, documents and 16th-century frescoes recounting episodes from the poet's life, but the village is rich in many other historical and cultural points of interest. One such is the church of Santa Maria Assunta, dating back to 1026 which houses precious works of art, including a high altar. The monumental tomb of the poet Francesco Petrarca is located outside the church.

“Arquà was recently recognized as one of the Best Tourism Villages”

Equally important are the 14th-century frescoes in the Oratory of the Holy Trinity and the collection of historical pianos housed in the Museum of Antique Pianos at Villa Centanin. Visits to the museum, including guided tours, are open to groups by appointment. Pianos are also the protagonists of concerts organized by the Foundation.  “Arquà was recently recognized as one of the Best Tourism Villages for the 2025 edition of the UN Tourism Initiative,” says Andrea Schivo the mayor of Arquà Petrarca. This title ais given to destinations that protect their socio-cultural and enogastronomic identity, transforming it into a lever for development,  and focusing on innovation and sustainability. “Petrarca has 1,790 inhabitants and about 15 restaurants. This shows our strong commitment to promoting the area's typical food and wine products, which are of superior quality.” La Montanella restaurant is pointed out as being the best choice to discover the authentic flavours of Euganean cuisine.

Cycle and pedestrian routes and local wineries 

The area offers a network of cycle-pedestrian routes connecting the village to the Euganean Hills and neighbouring towns such as Galzignano Terme; these are ideal slow tourism ways to discover the landscape, local products and wineries and are flanked by food and wine events and festivals that enhance the area's food and wine specialties and attract visitors throughout the year.

Inaugurata a Manarola la 64ª edizione del suo Presepe Luminoso. L’opera di luce emblema dell’inverno delle Cinque Terre torna a valorizzare il versante terrazzato del borgo e i suoi vigneti con oltre 250 figure costruite con materiali di recupero. Il presepe è visitabile fino al 18 gennaio 2026 ed è possibile ammirarlo da diversi punti di osservazione segnalati: dalla piazza centrale di Manarola, da via Rollandi o anche dal sentiero via Beccara che porta da Manarola a Riomaggiore con suggestiva vista di Manarola e tutta la costa.

Quest’anno, dopo tredici anni, sarà possibile raggiungere Manarola da Riomaggiore grazie alla riapertura della Via dell’Amore, per l’occasione accessibile gratuitamente in entrambi i sensi. 

«Il Presepe Luminoso di Manarola è un’eredità visionaria e un patrimonio collettivo delle Cinque Terre, una delle sue attrazioni turistiche più convincenti, simbolo di creatività e memoria – afferma Fabrizia Pecunia, sindaca di Riomaggiore - L’Amministrazione comunale ribadisce il proprio impegno a garantirne la conservazione».

ph credits: E. Podesta

Per la destinazione, il presepe rimane un esempio di valorizzazione territoriale capace di unire creatività, memoria e tutela del paesaggio.

L’opera affonda le sue radici nel 1961, quando Mario Andreoli illuminò per la prima volta le Tre Croci per esaudire un desiderio del padre. Da quel gesto nacque una composizione che, ampliata anno dopo anno, ha superato le 250 figure, trasformando il profilo notturno di Manarola in un’icona riconosciuta a livello internazionale.

Manarola è uno dei borghi storici delle Cinque Terre, nel territorio del Comune di Riomaggiore, affacciato sulla Riviera ligure di Levante. Arroccata su un promontorio roccioso a picco sul mare e circondata da terrazzamenti vitati, rappresenta uno dei punti più iconici dell’area patrimonio UNESCO. 

Oltre al Presepe Luminoso, Manarola offre diversi elementi di interesse: percorsi escursionistici che collegano il borgo alle altre località del Parco, le terrazze vitate, la chiesa di San Lorenzo e il piccolo porticciolo panoramico. La Via dell’Amore è il sentiero più famoso e romantico delle Cinque Terre che unisce i due borghi di Manarola e Riomaggiore in appena 900 metri di percorso. Il sentiero è normalmente percorribile a senso unico da Riomaggiore verso Manarola ed è accessibile tramite prenotazione e pagamento d'ingresso.