Florence and the Hotel Brunelleschi are not to be missed for the night of the shooting stars on 10 August.  The Notte di San Lorenzo has always been the most magical ans eagerly awaited end-of-day of the entire summer. People in their thousands gather in the most isolated parts of the city with their noses in the air to watch the spectacle of the Perseid meteor shower. Being a romantic city par excellence Florence is the ideal place to be, and with its many interesting vantage points one can easily contemplate this splendid spectacle

Far from the madding crowd

Piana dei Giullari, near Piazza Michelangelo, is on one of the hills overlooking Florence. This charming little village has remained unchanged over time, is easily accessible from the city, and the ideal place from which to admire the shooting stars. Bellosguardo is a promontory south-west of Florence. It is quite unknown to mass tourism and extremely evocative, making it another one of the best places to contemplate the illuminated sky.

Viewing the stars from a mountain top

Monte Morello is a mountain northwest of the city at 934 metres asl. Spending the night of San Lorenzo in this unusual spot is a truly magical experience, as you will feel as if you can reach out and touch the starry sky. Trespiano is a small and quiet village located in a hilly area on the border with Fiesole. In addition to being an excellent viewpoint from which to admire the stars, it has interesting historical monuments such as the Church of Santa Lucia in Trespiano and the Bracco Chapel.

Stay in the luxury of the Hotel Brunelleschi

To remain enveloped by the magical atmosphere of the stars and within easy reach of the city’s many panoramic viewpoints, stay at the Brunelleschi Hotel, an elegant and luxurious historic residence located in the heart of the city. And, talking about stars, the property’s Santa Elisabetta restaurant has two Michelin stars, while the more informal Osteria Pagliazza is on the ground floor of the hotel and during the summer it also has outdoor tables on the charming square   www.hotelbrunelleschi.it

More and more travellers are wanting to learn or boost a new skillset whilst on holiday. Discovering a new activity, sport or craft provides an added sense of achievement to travellers who return home from a holiday with more than just memories and a suntan. 

Bespoke Soap Making at Borgo Pignano in Tuscany

Borgo Pignano, set in the heart of a picturesque 750-acre organic estate in Tuscany, focuses on sustainability, encouraging guests to get involved with bespoke soap making. With a trained herbalist they discover the different herb and flower species grown at Borgo Pignano and how they are manufactured into oils and soaps for use at the hotel. The price for Soap Making at Borgo Pignano starts from €50 per person, max 6 people per class. 
Information: borgopignano.com/en/experiences/laboratory.html 

Play like a Pro at Verdura Resort in Sicily 

Verdura Resort, with two kilometres of private beach, Kyle Phillips golf courses, a kids club, 20 new villas, four restaurants and six clay tennis courts, runs the Sunball Tennis Academy. Aimed at players of all ages, world-class tennis instructors unveil secret tips from the likes of Nadal and Federer. It also hosts guest tournaments and special tennis camps with famous ex-professionals like tennis legends Dominik Hrbaty, Mikael Tillstrom, and Karel Nováček who will be at Verdura Resort from 22-29 October. Rooms start from €365 per night in a Deluxe Room on B&B basis. A 90-minute individual tennis lesson with a star player starts from €85. 
Information: roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/verdura-resort 

Kids learn to play football at Forte Village in Sardinia

Forte Village, located on the south coast of Sardinia organizes sporting academies hosting some of the biggest sporting legends. Young footballers can perfect their skills through the Fundación Real Madrid Clinic at Forte Village. This rare opportunity is for children aged six to fourteen, and while they are busy, their parents can take full advantage of the fully renovated Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa which has six seawater pools, each filled with a different mix of oils and salts. The resort has rooms from €530 per room per night based on two adults sharing a Deluxe Bungalow on a half board basis. A 1-day course at the Real Madrid Foundation Clinic starts from €225, ranging up to €495 for a 5-day course.
Information: fortevillageresort.com 

Learn Italian at Borgo Bastia Creti in Umbria 

Borgo Bastia Creti is a 14th century hamlet of five cottages and courtyard apartments set in stunning grounds high in the Umbrian hills. Each apartment is elegant and simply decorated with country kitchens, contemporary bathrooms, open fireplaces, and outdoor dining options. For the ultimate unique Umbrian experience the property can arrange personalized Italian lessons for guests according to their level/proficiency. Italian lessons are priced at €60 per hour for two people. Borgo Bastia Creti offers rooms from €280 per night or €1,400 per week, based on two adults sharing La Limonaia, excluding breakfast.
Information:  bastiacreti.it 

Mountainsailing (a flagship of OverAlp) offers a week of sailing combined with splendid trekking routes immersed in the magic of the Aeolian Islands, which are a UNESCO heritage site with fascinating and evocative volcanic landscapes.

Sailing towards the island of Lipari

The first trek begins in La Fossa and from its highest point there is an exceptional view of the Aeolian archipelago. Upon returning you can relax and enjoy sailing along the coast towards Lipari, the capital of the Aeolian Islands, touching the villages of Canneto, Lama and Acquacalda amd with spectacular views of the most beautiful beaches.

Salina in the green heart of the Aeolian Islands

Another trek is to the island of Salina, the green heart of the Aeolian Islands, with Malvasia vineyards that produce the nectar of the gods, a wine appreciated and known the world over. The highest peak on Salina is the 962-metre inactive volcano Monte Fossa delle Felci. 

Stromboli has an active volcano

At dawn on the sixth day the sails are set for a longer journey to the wonderful island of Stromboli, dominated by Iddu as they call the volcano that has been active for over 2.000 years. A late afternoon trek goes up scenic trails with views of the crater, crowned by incandescent lava eruptions that blend into the colours of the night and the city lights.

Time to swim on sandy beaches

The tour continues with a stop in Panarea, the pearl of the Aeolian Islands, for a refreshing dip on one of the beautiful sandy Mediterranean beaches. This Mountainsailing tour is ideal for those who want to enjoy both the sea and the mountains: a relaxing experience but at the same time with well-planned excursions, and trekking routes suitable for everyone. A late summer dream, ideal for enjoying an active holiday without depriving yourself of the pleasures of the sea.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Dates: 2 – 8 October 2022

Fee: €1600 per person, minimum 5 people

THE PRICE INCLUDES: organization and assistance by a UIAGM mountain guide for the whole trip; accommodation on a sailing boat with a skipper; breakfast, post-trekking snacks and dinners on the boat, boat and tender fuel, any port charges, boat cleaning at the end of the trip.

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: return trip to and from the airports and ports of departure. Any dinners restaurants. Personal extras (drinks etc.). Anything not indicated in “The Price Includes”

Information and reservations OverAlp Srl

Rosa Alpina’s St. Hubertus Restaurant, has been voted 29th in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

A luxury ski lodge

Rosa Alpina, an Aman-partner hotel brought to new heights of excellence by its owners Hugo and Ursula Pizzinini, opened St. Hubertus in 1996 with just two tables dedicated to gourmet cuisine.  This luxury ski lodge with wood-beamed ceilings and antiques has 52 rooms and suites, many with balconies, two spa pools, a steam room and a sauna, and is pet-friendly for pooches up to 35 kilos. With the St. Hubertus Restaurant in a league of its own, guests can also dine in the Winebar and Grill and in the Fondue Restaurant.  

Ethically-sourced seasonal dishes

Over the last 20 years, Chef Norbert Niederkofler has been leading a foodie revolution, offering ethically-sourced seasonal dishes from his zero-waste kitchen, with menus inspired by the stunning Dolomite mountain landscapes.  Dinner at St. Hubertus starts from approx. €320 per person for the Cook The Mountain tasting menu, excluding wine pairings.  

One hundred of the 200 hotels in Rome that closed during the pandemic are open again.

Russian and Chinese visitors are missing

“It’s an almost unexpected upturn - Roscioli told the Corriere - and proof that events are fundamental in attracting tourists. Things went well, he added  “despite the fact that we are still missing a large number of visitors such as the Chinese, the Russians and others from south-east Asia'.

The Bernini Bristol and Grand Hotel Plaza have just reopened

Two classical Roman properties, the Grand Hotel Plaza in Via del Corso and the Bernini Bristol in Piazza Barberini are among those that have just reopened. And Rome’s hotels are working at full capacity having caught up with the pre-pandemic gap, “even though a hundred of them are still closed.”  Business quickly picked up for Eternal City’s hotels with occupation rates of 80-85% from April through June. 

Sicily. Luxury, tradition and design at the Alba Palace in Favara, just a few kilometres from the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, for a holiday of luxury, design and tradition.  

An exclusive Spa Suite with relaxing massage

The Alba Palace has different categories of rooms and suites, from Classic to Superior, and from Deluxe to Junior Suite Spa. Each room featurs refined and fine furnishings, king-size beds, large showers or elegant whirlpool baths and even small terraces or balconies.

A Presidential Suite luxury experience 

On the rooftop is the 150-square-metre Presidential Suite with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, one of which has a designer bathtub. There is also a large living area with an open kitchen and an 80 sqm rooftop terrace with a small pool and solarium. Throughout the summer you can choose the Luxury Experience in Presidential Suite package, which includes an overnight stay, breakfast in the room, a bottle of prosecco on arrival and late check-out at 12 noon. All starting from €399 per room.  

Restaurant Ground Floor Terrace Alba Palace

From the Scala dei Turchi to the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve

Summer and sea is a perfect combination, and the Agrigento coastline stretches for no less than 150 km with fantastic beaches and coves. The most famous is certainly the Scala dei Turchi, a clay and limestone white cliff honed by the winds and sea currents. A few kilometres up the coast we find the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve. This WWF Oasis covers an area of over 700 hectares between Siculiana Marina and Eraclea Minoa: an unspoilt landscape that stretches for six kilometres along the coastline with cliffs, dunes and beautiful beaches.  Info: www.albapalace.com 

The holiday voucher has made a welcome return to Piedmont, the region of Northern Italy at the foot of the Alps, on the borders with France and Switzerland.

Two free nights for every four purchased

And, starting on 5 September, the 4x2 formula will also kick off, with two free nights accommodation for every four nights purchased, one of which will be offered by the accommodation facility and the other by the Piedmont Region.

Varaita Valley

Aiming for longer stays

"The new formula aims at incentivizing longer stays, rather than the average almost three nights visitors spend here" says the president of the Region, Alberto Cirio.

“After the success of the holiday voucher in past years, it will continue to be an extra incentive to choose Piedmont, which this summer is among the favourite destinations after the sea destinations,” added the culture, tourism and commercial councillor, Vittoria Poggio.

Packages are on sale up to 30 June 2023

Packages can be purchased up to 30 June 2023, by which date they must also be used. Last year 55,000 vouchers were purchased for a total of 300,000 overnight stays.

Piedmont is among the most popular regions in Italy

According to the latest survey from the Regional Tourism Observatory and VisitPiemonte, the Piedmont region is one of the most popular Italian destinations, coming in after Tuscany, Liguria, Puglia, Sicily, Marche and Sardinia. What attracts people are outdoor activities (58%), but there is also a growing desire for cultural visits (40%). In May arrivals were up by 10% and overnight stays by 18%. 

Sardinia’s only new Blue Flag recognition goes to Budoni. Awarded by the Danish Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) the accolade makes for environmentally friendly holidays, and this summer Budoni has launched a large fleet of electric scooters.

Buses for wheelchairs and mobility scooters

In addition public transport has been boosted, and is now reaching the most beautiful beaches along the coast. Some shuttle buses are also equipped with platforms that make them accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. And to better accommodate tourists with specific needs the walkways on the beaches have been expanded, making it easier to reach the shoreline, and special armchairs with large wheels that can move effortlessly on the sand and even enter the water are also available.

Quality accommodation and services

Great attention is also paid to the quality of the accommodation on offer. During the winter workshops organized by Budoni Welcome a common hospitality strategy was worked out by local players, with the aim of guaranteeing even higher quality and quantity levels.

“Holidaymakers want authentic emotions and experiences”

“Year after year our administration has introduced projects to make guests' stays more unforgettable,” explains Giuseppe Porcheddu, the mayor of Budoni. “Trends show that holidaymakers are looking for authentic emotions and experiences and ways to connect with the authenticity of a location. By enhancing our typical products we are moving in this direction with attention to mobility, accessibility, and sustainability. The recent Blue Flag confirms that we have done well, and is a stimulus for future initiatives.”

Autentico Hotels, for family-style holidays in ten different experiences in family-run, independent and luxury hotels with activities for children and adults.  

Relais Il Falconiere & Spa - Cortona in Tuscany 

The Falconiere offers families who choose the Tuscan countryside a special welcome for young guests, with lots of fun experiences in the kitchen, picnics and e-bikes.

https://www.ilfalconiere.it   

Martivs Private Suites - Rome in Lazio 

The Martivs spells elegance and luxury for the whole family in the heart of Rome’s historic centre, with suites up to 75 sqm in size.

https://www.martiusprivatesuites.com/

Chateau Monfort - Milan  in Lombardy 

Château Monfort welcomes families with its Happy Family package with dedicated menus and ideas for discovering the city with the little ones.

https://www.hotelchateaumonfort.com/it/ 

Gallia Palace Beach Golf Spa Resort - Punta Ala in Tuscany 

The Gallia Palace Hotel has a beautiful swimming pool and a wonderful private beach. There is horse riding, also for little ones on horses and ponies. There is also an 18-hole course and a mini golf course for kids.

https://www.galliapalace.it/ 

San Montano Resort & Spa – Ischia in Campania 

The San Montano Resort & Spa with its gardens, multiple thermal pools, spa, and excursions is the perfect retreat for families seeking a dose of adventure, such as snorkelling in the marine protected area, or a night boat trip.  

https://www.sanmontano.com/ 

La Barchessa di Villa Pisani - Vicenza in Veneto 

The Barchessa di Villa Pisani is ideal for spending time with the family, between a dip in the pool, a game of billiards or excursions to explore the Veneto countryside. https://labarchessadivillapisani.it/   

Grand Hotel et De Milan - Milan in Lombardy 

At the Grand Hotel et de Milan Gianluigi Di Napoli, a talented photographer and portraitist, will immortalize that special family moment in one of the suites dedicated to illustrious personalities like Giuseppe Verdi.

https://www.grandhoteletdemilan.it/

Mont Blanc Relais & Spa - La Salle in Valle d’Aosta 

At the Mont Blanc Relais & Spa, the whole family can experience Mont Blanc at 360°. There are traditional and gourmet menus for young, and for adults relaxation in the wellness centre.
https://www.relaismontblanc.it/

Fragsburg Castle, Merano in Trentino’s South Tyrol 

Fragesburg Castle is the perfect setting for unforgettable moments and elegant parties, with thrills for families at evenings in the Michelin-starred Gourmet Restaurant.

https://www.fragsburg.com/  

Golfo dei Poeti Relais & Spa - Montemarcello in the Cinque Terre, Liguria 

At the Golfo dei Poeti kids can express all their vitality outdoors or in the infinity pools, while their parents indulge in moments of pure relaxation in the spa, the heated Jacuzzis or with a tailor-made wellness treatment.   

https://www.golfodeipoetirelais.com/   

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