With the arrival of spring, outdoor experiences inland and along the coast offer a range of exciting options.

Madonie Park, recently recognized a UNESCO Geopark

The variety of options stretches across mountainous areas as well as inland and coastal stretches. The Madonie Park, recently recognized as a UNESCO Geopark, is the area with the greatest biodiversity in Sicily, as well as one of the richest in the entire Mediterranean Basin. It is a short mountain range located in the northern part of the island, within the metropolitan city of Palermo. 

Trekking and mountain biking trails

With views stretching from the Tyrrhenian Sea to Mount Etna, the network of trails in the Madonie area offers trekking, mountain biking, routes through small towns and villages and themed itineraries such as the Way of the Marian Shrines or the Brigands’ Trail. There is no shortage of adrenaline-fuelled options, including climbing, adventure parks and excursions to the Tiberio Gorges. 

Water sports, bird watching and hot-air balloons

In Central Sicily, between Enna and Caltanissetta, a less well-known but equally varied offering takes shape. The landscape here consists of plateaus, lakes and villages, offering everything from birdwatching in the Pergusa Nature Reserve to water sports on Lake Nicoletti. The range of activities is rounded off by hot-air balloon flights over the badlands and paragliding. Alongside these activities, there are opportunities linked to local traditions, such as trekking with donkeys and transhumance.

Coastal trekking and kitesurfing

On the western side, nature trails meet the sea. The Zingaro Nature Reserve is one of the main destinations for coastal trekking, whilst the area between Monte Cofano and the Trapani coast continues to attract hikers and cyclists. The rocky cliffs of Castelluzzo are the perfect choice for climbing, whilst the Stagnone Lagoon in Marsala is an international hotspot for kitesurfing. Many CAI trails have been restored and the Elimos Segesta Greenway, a cycle and footpath along an old railway line, has been reactivated. 

With over 5,000 kilometres of walks and trails, Sicily offers a wealth of walsk and trails to explore in spring.

Mount Etna is a UNESCO site

There are many natural, historical and cultural attractions that extend beyond the summer seaside, providing authentic and sustainable experiences, from mountains and coastlines to quiet villages and breathtaking landscapes. Sicily is home to four regional parks, ranging from the Nebrodi and Madonie Parks – ideal settings for trekking and cycle tourism – to volcanic landscapes featuring Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. This UNESCO site is unique in its variety of experiences and landscapes: at an altitude of over 3,000 metres, the volcano is snow-capped for several months of the year, offering the chance to ski on its northern slopes. The volcano also offers opportunities for trekking, cable car and jeep excursions, and contrasting landscapes of lava, woodland and snow.

Two fascinating religious routes

Set against this backdrop is a network of trails criss-crossing the entire island: between the Madonie mountains and the Tyrrhenian coast, the Via dei Frati The Way of the Friars - Visit Sicily, 166 kilometres long and comprising five stages, winds its way through sanctuaries and medieval villages; Moving inland, the Way of St James Way of St James in Sicily - Visit Sicily is the route that follows in the footsteps of one of the saint passing through art cities and rural landscapes in six stages. 

There is also a Sicily by Water trail

The Magna Via Francigena The Magna Via Francigena - Visit Sicily connects Palermo to Agrigento for 180 kilomtres that can be covered on foot or by bicycle, on a journey through thirteen municipalities that brings together archaeological, artistic and natural sites. And last, but by no means least, Sicily by Water Sicily by water: a nature trail through canyons, rivers, and springs - Visit Sicily showcases routes through canyons, springs and river environments.

Trails and paths for all levels of walkers

The Alcantara River Park Alcantara River Park, with the famous Alcantara Gorges, offers unique canyon scenery surrounded by basalt columns and "gurne," small circular pools formed by river erosion where it is still possible to spot kingfishers and brown trout. The Pantalica Nature Reserve Pantalica Nature Reserve, Anapo Valley, and Cava Grande Stream - Sicily Region - ORBS Portal, in the Syracuse area, is a UNESCO site combining nature and archaeology, featuring trails through canyons, an old railway line and a 13th-century BC necropolis dotted with over 5,000 "grotticella" grotto tombs. For further information on the trails and paths: visitsicily.info and the regional web map of the routes.

With the arrival of spring, outdoor experiences inland and along the coast offer a range of exciting options.

Madonie Park, recently recognized a UNESCO Geopark

The variety of options stretches across mountainous areas as well as inland and coastal stretches. The Madonie Park, recently recognized as a UNESCO Geopark, is the area with the greatest biodiversity in Sicily, as well as one of the richest in the entire Mediterranean Basin. It is a short mountain range located in the northern part of the island, within the metropolitan city of Palermo. 

Trekking and mountain biking trails

With views stretching from the Tyrrhenian Sea to Mount Etna, the network of trails in the Madonie area offers trekking, mountain biking, routes through small towns and villages and themed itineraries such as the Way of the Marian Shrines or the Brigands’ Trail. There is no shortage of adrenaline-fuelled options, including climbing, adventure parks and excursions to the Tiberio Gorges. 

Water sports, bird watching and hot-air balloons

In Central Sicily, between Enna and Caltanissetta, a less well-known but equally varied offering takes shape. The landscape here consists of plateaus, lakes and villages, offering everything from birdwatching in the Pergusa Nature Reserve to water sports on Lake Nicoletti. The range of activities is rounded off by hot-air balloon flights over the badlands and paragliding. Alongside these activities, there are opportunities linked to local traditions, such as trekking with donkeys and transhumance.

Coastal trekking and kitesurfing

On the western side, nature trails meet the sea. The Zingaro Nature Reserve is one of the main destinations for coastal trekking, whilst the area between Monte Cofano and the Trapani coast continues to attract hikers and cyclists. The rocky cliffs of Castelluzzo are the perfect choice for climbing, whilst the Stagnone Lagoon in Marsala is an international hotspot for kitesurfing. Many CAI trails have been restored and the Elimos Segesta Greenway, a cycle and footpath along an old railway line, has been reactivated. 

April 6 is World Carbonara Day, a celebration of one of the most iconic dishes of Roman and Italian cuisine: "Pasta alla Carbonara."

A classic dish with just a few ingredients

Established in 2017 by the Italian Food Union and the International Pasta Organization, World Carbonara Day is a culinary occasion to enjoy a delicious plate of carbonara made to the original recipe or to sample a modern twist on the classic dish. Carbonara ranks among the favourite dishes of Italian cuisine, both for Italians and around the world, but the origins of Carbonara are shrouded in mystery. The earliest references date back to 1773 in Vincenzo Corrado’s “Il Cuoco Galante,” which mentions egg as a thickener for pasta dishes. Later, in 1881, cheese came into play, though it was not until 1949 that guanciale was introduced.

Was there an American influence?

According to one of the most widely accepted theories, surprising as it may seem, today’s Carbonara recipe is closely linked to the presence of American troops in Italy during the Second World War, when an Italian chef combined pasta with bacon brought over from the New World. According to other theories, the dish’s origins can be traced back to the Abruzzo region, when charcoal burners prepared the dish "Cacio e Ova," and of course there are many other theories, and today the dish is considered a staple of Roman tradition.

Egg yolks, cured pork cheek, Pecorino cheese and pepper 

What is certain is that, over the years, we have arrived at a recipe shrouded in an aura of untouchable sacred traditions, which includes the following essential ingredients: egg yolks, "guanciale" cured pork cheek, Pecorino Romano cheese and pepper.

The ingredients and method for making a perfect Carbonara. Serves 2

• 200 grams pasta
• 3 egg yolks
• 100 grams Pecorino Romano
• 150 grams guanciale
• Freshly ground pepper to taste

Place the water for cooking the pasta in a saucepan and when it comes to the boil add a little salt (both the Pecorino and the guanciale are very flavourful) and add the pasta, choosing between spaghetti, bucatini or bombolotti. Meanwhile, cut the guanciale into thick strips, removing the rind. 

In a frying pan over a low heat, add the guanciale without any oil, allowing it to cook in its own fat. Once golden, turn off the heat and set the drained guanciale aside in a small bowl. To prepare the sauce, start by grating the Pecorino into a bowl and separating the egg yolks from the whites. Combine the egg yolks with the pecorino and mix until smooth, adding the pepper.

Drain the pasta directly into the frying pan, along with the fat from the guanciale. At this point, remove the pan from the heat and pour in the eggs, pecorino and pepper mixture prepared earlier. Add most of the guanciale and, if necessary, a little of the pasta cooking water until a creamy sauce forms. Serve the pasta, garnished with a handful of Pecorino, the remaining guanciale and a sprinkling of freshly ground pepper.

Icon Collection closes 2025 with solid results and looks ahead to 2026 with consolidation and development in the luxury segment.

A 5% growth at group level in 2025

“Turnover for 2025 stands at €20 million, with 5% growth at group level, skewed towards our luxury target companies, confirming that we are on the right path towards excellence, the development of new high-end products and the refinement of standards,” says Federico Ficcanterri, CEO of Icon Collection.

The Sense Experience Resort

Properties with a strong international focus

2026 is focused on the 5-star luxury segment with The Sense Experience Resort repositioned in the 5-star segment, and Park Hotel Marinetta - two properties with a strong international focus and a customer base of over 45% from DACH countries. “2026 will be a year of consolidation for the commercial development of The Sense Experience Resort in the 5-star luxury segment, both in terms of key market players and in terms of product,” explains Ficcanterri.  

Antico Podere San Francesco

“New suites and apartments for Antico Podere San Francesco” 

At the same time, the group is upgrading the Antico Podere San Francesco from a residence to a high-end resort: ‘The heart of the renovation will be the creation of 13 new units, including suites, apartments and rooms, designed to offer comfort, privacy and communication with the outside world,” explains the CEO. The project is part of a four-year development plan from 2027 to 2029 that envisages further expansion with new units, a spa, gym, conference room and restaurant, boosting the property's positioning in the experiential luxury segment. The upgrade to 5-star luxury of The Sense Experience Resort, completed in 2025, generated a 10% increase in ADR, with an expected increase of more than 40% at the end of the project. 

Park Hotel Marinetta

Sustainability remains a strategic pillar 

The Group continues to invest in human capital through training and consulting programmes while sustainability remains a strategic pillar and the Icon Collection is also assessing new development and acquisition opportunities in cities such as Turin and Bologna. For information: www.iconcollection.it

The 5-star family hotel Familiamus is unveiling three new family suites, expanding its accommodation offering.

Spacious suites with all amenities

The new suites, Harmony, Dreams and Wonder, join the 70 family rooms already available at the hotel. The 58sqm Harmony suite features direct access to the garden, a master bedroom with an extra-large bed, a children’s bedroom and a panoramic terrace. The 60sqm Dreams suite includes a lounge area in addition to the sleeping quarters. Wonder is the most spacious accommodation: covering 125sqm; it comprises a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, three children’s bedrooms with a bathroom, an additional guest bathroom, and a living area with a kitchen and lounge.

A family-friendly designer hotel 

The property is located in Maranza, surrounded by the Alpine landscape of South Tyrol, with views stretching from the Sciliar massif to the Rocca dei Baranci, and is an ideal starting point for exploring the Gitschberg Jochtal area. The hotel, following the slope’s contours, blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape and is built from wood and local stone, with large windows ensuring plenty of natural light. This designer family hotel combines elegance and comfort with family-friendly, playful features, evident even in the connections between the different floors, which can also be accessed via spectacular tube slides – a fun alternative for both adults and children.

A family wellness area and kids' club 

The top floor features a panoramic terrace with an infinity pool, a hot tub and a panoramic swimming pool. The hotel features a Family Wellness area with swimming pools, slides, a family sauna and relaxation areas with extra-large armchairs and a snack bar. For children, the Magolix Club offers creative workshops and sports activities in the gym or outdoors, as well as the Ninja-Starrior obstacle course and a climbing wall. The property is CasaClima certified for its commitment to reducing energy consumption per square metre and the use of renewable energy sources.

The Palazzone estate features wine, hospitality and authentic experiences in the heart of Umbria

A wine estate with a boutique hotel

Among the most representative wineries in the Umbrian region, Palazzone stands out as an estate offering wine tourism activities and hospitality of great historical, artistic and oenological value. The winery has been operating for forty years in the Orvieto area, producing award-winning wines and offering experiences and accommodation in elegant suites at the Locanda Palazzone boutique hotel.

Five suites and two apartments in the countryside

The accommodation is a historic medieval residence situated not far from Rocca Ripesena, in the north-west of Orvieto, on a hill in the open Umbrian countryside, surrounded by its vineyards, and has five suites and two apartments. With a garden and swimming pool, Locanda Palazzone also has  a panoramic terrace overlooking the vineyards, the rolling hills and the tuff cliff of the city of Orvieto.The wine bar is a space dedicated to discovering the wines produced, and there are tours of the Etruscan tuff cave, exploring the history of the area and the Palazzone estate with food and wine tasting experiences and explorations of the ancient cave where Musco wine is produced.

A cookery school and truffle hunting

For groups of two to fifteen guests, the cookery school is an immersive experience running from the afternoon through to dinner, when the chef cooks the food prepared earlier, which is then be paired with wines and is reserved for guests staying at the Locanda and is available on booking. Another unique offering is the truffle hunt, available by booking all year round (except for parts of April, May and September) and including a truffle-based lunch with selected wines. There is no shortage of opportunities for relaxation and wellness, with yoga and Pilates sessions, as well as rejuvenating massages and for cycling enthusiasts, bike and e-bike hire is available.  Locanda Palazzone is also a convenient base for quick trips to art cities such as Perugia, Assisi and Spoleto, while nearby Orvieto is one of Umbria’s most beautiful cities, with Etruscan origins and over three thousand years of history. 

A weekend in Frascati in the Roman Hills with a volcanic wine experience. 

Wine cellars carved into volcanic rock

Just south of Rome, the Roman Hulls, which Romans call the Castelli Romani, offer an easy and rewarding escape from the city. Among their many little towns, Frascati stands out for a tradition that is both distinctive and easy to experience: eating and drinking in historic wine cellars carved into volcanic rock. 

Informal meals and local specialties

Dug into tufa stone, these cellars, many of which belong to local wineries and vineyards that produce Frascati’s famous white wines, maintain a naturally cool temperature and a simple, functional atmosphere. Meals are communal (often at shared tables) and informal, built around local dishes – a must-try is the local porchetta roast sucking pig - with seasonal produce and of course the local Frascati wine in typical local settings where the eating and drinking are unhurried and social.

Frascati is compact and largely walkable

Reaching Frascati is easy with frequent regional trains that connect Rome’s Termini station with the town in about 30 minutes, making it suitable for both day trips and overnight stays. By car, the journey is equally manageable, while the town itself is compact and largely walkable. Once there, visitors can move easily between the historic centre, viewpoints, and the nearby countryside without needing complex planning. 

 

A relaxing slow-paced weekend

An ideal and very typical weekend in Frascati naturally centres on Saturday lunch, with time before and after to explore at a slow pace. The historic centre has cafés and small bakeries, as well as the famous wine cellars, with quiet streets leading to views over the surrounding hills. Afternoons lend themselves to short walks or time spent outdoors, while evenings are low-key and local, which means more convivial eating and wine tastings. Sunday can be kept simple, with a late breakfast, and a final stroll, before an easy return to Rome. For information: https://www.comune.frascati.rm.it

Touring Italy has established itself for reliability and quality in the high-end tourist transport market.

Touring Italy is based in Naples 

Operating in the chauffeur-driven car and coach hire sector since 2014, it is based in the province of Naples and has a well-established network of partners across the country. Boasting a clientele predominantly of leisure travellers from North America and Australia, the cruise excursion segment now one of its main business drivers.

All the vehicles are Mercedes-Benz models

The vehicles available, all Mercedes-Benz models, are new or recently acquired, comfortable and equipped with Wi-Fi, customizable on-board services and a qualified team of certified drivers and tour guides.  “We are always available for our customers, whether via email or instant messaging. We respond quickly to every enquiry and do everything without chatbots: I handle it personally,” says Roberto D’Alessandro, founder and owner of Touring Italy.  The “Small Group Tour Amalfi Coast” is one of the flagship offerings: a day trip of around seven hours shared by a maximum of 12 passengers, departing from the ports of Naples, Salerno and Sorrento, with considerable flexibility in the itinerary. 

Creating a partnership with a major US player

“Tourism is a fragile industry in the face of wars and energy crises, yet at the same time robust in terms of turnover and the number of people involved,” says D’Alessandro. At present, he adds, the situation remains under control, and no cancellations have been reported. “We plan to permanently station a Sprinter in Civitavecchia, the country’s main cruise hub,” says D'Alessandro who adds they have recently committed to creating an important partnership with a major American player.

The InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace celebrates Easter with a blend of fine dining and wellness. 

Easter lunch and wellness

Located on Via Veneto in the heart of Rome, the InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace marks the festive season with a programme featuring an Easter lunch and a chocolate-themed relaxation session at the hotel’s wellness centre.

A lavish selection of Easter desserts

The highlight is the lunch on Sunday 5 April, curated by VICI Bistrot & Ristorante, where Italian tradition is reimagined by Chef Marco Ciccotelli, ranging from the classic menu to vegetarian dishes and options for children. Highlights among the main courses include puff pastry with green asparagus, soft-boiled egg and Bernese sauce, meat cannelloni and “cacio e ova” lamb chops, as well as a lavish selection of Easter desserts including “colomba,” Neapolitan “pastiera” and chocolate eggs. The hotel’s wellness centre, open daily to both hotel guests and the general public, offers a range of chocolate-themed treatments: from nourishing and antioxidant cocoa body massages to facial treatments with chocolate masks, right through to couples’ massages with chocolate candles.

Special Easter patisserie 

The Roman patisserie Maison Lafè has created a special Easter egg and also a small artistic chocolate installation on display inside the restaurant. Master artisan Salvo Leanza will present a ricotta and sour cherry Easter colomba, the star of the Easter lunch, which will also be served to guests at breakfast, lunch and dinner from 4 to 6 April.

For information: https://rome.intercontinental.com