Trenord’s Snow Trains are back. These integrated train + shuttle + ski pass packages allow passengers to choose a completely sustainable journey to the main ski areas in the Lombardy region. The project is part of the broader initiative conceived by Trenord to promote sustainable tourism in Lombardy, and the destinations to choose from for the winter season are Aprica, Montecampione, Pontedilegno-Tonale and Valmalenco.

A special offer for those who prefer to put on snowshoes

The special tickets can be used up to 10 April 2022 and include the round trip on Trenord trains from all over Lombardy to the stations closest to the ski areas, the shuttle bus service to the ski resorts - available by reservation, by contacting the telephone number on the ticket at least 24 hours in advance - and the ski pass. And for the 2021 season, there is the new Snowshoe Offer in the Valmalenco for those who prefer walking to skiing.

Don’t forget your Green Pass

The integrated Snow Trains packages can be purchased on the trenord.it website, all you have to do is indicate the date of use. The travel document does not require validation: just print it and take it with you on board. To access the ski facilities you must comply with the provisions of the authorities in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is mandatory to have your Green Pass certification with you.

Traveling means plunging oneself into unexpected landscapes and encounters, unknown places and sensations. The pandemic marks an epochal change with over-tourism a distant memory, and the new watchword is travel experience. People are looking for open spaces, meaningful experiences, and ways to explore towns and villages and smaller areas with cultural depth. 

Itinerando in the Fiera di Padova fairgrounds 29-30 January 2022

What makes a holiday unforgettable is no longer just the product, but the emotions and the memories it leaves, and this veritable boom in experiential tourism finds an outlet in Itinerando, in the Fiera di Padova fairgrounds on 29 and 30 January 2022. Very much a forerunner of innovative experiences for free time and holidays, Itinerando is the first exhibition open to the public in Italy entirely dedicated to experiential tourism.

Three macro sectors: Experiences, Destinations and Camper

From 2018 to 2020 the fair saw exponential growth and this fourth edition is preparing to answer the ever-growing demand. It is a starting point for those who want to see the hidden wonders of the Italian regions in a different, slower way, through unique and exclusive experiences closer to nature. There are three macro-sectors within Itinerando: Experiences, including everything that revolves around tourism, from emotions to travel suggestions, Destinations, for those who love to travel slowly, exploring and discovering new places and sensations, and Camper which is dedicated to those who love camping.

Experiences with art, history, food and wine tours

The newest sector Experiences offers new ways of traveling focussed on ecotourism itineraries; for example discovering Italy’s parks or tours dedicated to history, art, food and wine. These can be done on foot or by bike. In fact, there will be particular areas dedicated to this kind of slow-walking tourism, while another area will be reserved for biking, with a wide range of cycle routes and itineraries.

Destinations and unique attractions

The Destinations sector offers evocative routes through unusual destinations and unique attractions, with the contribution of many different Italian regions. Farmhouses, consortia and tourism organizations, but also specialized media, tourism portals, bloggers and influencers, will all be present with unusual travel ideas that showcase lesser known but fascinating destinations.

Camper, for lovers of the great outdoors 

Finally an area of ​​over 10,000 square meters is dedicated to the world of camping. In the heart of the Camper sector, visitors will be able to discover many new travel ideas, with places waiting to be discovered and innovative routes along which they can enjoy their passion for the outdoors.

A romantic weekend in the heart of Italy, embraced by rolling hills and Umbrian nature. Let yourself be pampered in the largest spa in the region. Relax, recharge your batteries and fall in love all over again, in the atmospheric surroundings of the five star Borgobrufa Spa Resort in Torgiano, nestled in a magnificent panorama.

An exclusive private spa

If you are looking for a romantic and special couples stay, the wellness rituals in this exclusive Umbrian spa are ideal. With Source of Nature for example you can experience the Beat of Eternity ritual: a journey out of time to return to the primordial source of life. And along the way, a flute of sparkling wine and nibbles will make the experience even more enjoyable (100 minutes for €149 per person).

Massages inspired by the the elements 

Earth, fire, air and water are the four basic natural elements from which Borgobrufa Spa Resort in Torgiano Umbria, draws inspiration for its massages. Each massage is available in two versions: 45 minutes for €85 or 75 minutes for €125. Also not to be missed are the purifying and relaxing floating salt bath and the exclusive sound bath, a relaxing water treatment accompanied by the harmonious sound of Tibetan bells. The properties of salt make this experience unique, and for 25 minutes it costs €32 per person.

A Room of the Stars for couples

Particularly evocative and ideal for couples is the Room of the Stars: dark as night, and illuminated by a multitude of bright stars, it is an environment in which you can completely relax. Then there are the Fireplace Room, the Panoramic Relaxation Area and the Sensory Relaxation Room, all of which inspire meditation, calm and relaxation through the careful use of colours, lighting and music.

All-year indoor and outdoor pool

Open all year round, the pool with heated water offers breath-taking views of the Umbrian hills, Sliding underwater doors allow you to easily switch from the indoor to the outdoor area and use the water-massage barrels and relaxation jets for your absolute wellbeing. Info: www.borgobrufa.it

Marriott Courtyard Rome Central Park, a winning combination of convenience and contemporary luxury, is a 4-star hotel in an ideal location with views of Rome and St. Peter’s dome. The 147 air-conditioned rooms and suites have free wireless internet, WiFi and soundproof windows, there are two restaurants, a fitness centre and 11 sophisticated conference venues, on 11,312 sq ft, with natural light, ample parking and private entrances.

“A slight recovery for live events”

Owner and General Manager Antonella Ferro says that dealing with the fallout from the pandemic has forced many changes in the industry. “After last year's drop in tourist demand – down 74.1% in the city of Rome and 71.8% in the Latium region with an estimated drop in foreign arrivals of 88%  - we are now seeing a slight recovery of domestic corporate technology and medical live events. For the recovery of international tourism, much will depend on the outcome of the measures taken around the world to guarantee safe travel.”

“We are moving from words to deeds”

“Thanks to the use of digital payments and contactless check-in/check-out and room entry, we can guarantee better health and hygiene safety - said Ferro - these are just some of the innovations we have introduced to communicate to our customers that we are ready to start again by their side, to reassure them we are moving from words to deeds.”

Engaging with the local community

“We also had time to look at the specific needs of our surrounding area, Marriott Courtyard Rome Central Park looks out on a huge green lung of parkland and woods, and how to promote the value of outdoor sports. Like encouraging our guests to take lessons in Nordic walking in the park in front of our hotel. We just hosted a charity football tournament with twelve teams of sports medicine doctors, and at Christmas we will provide meals for the poor and homeless through the Community of Sant’Egidio.”

Smart working and a 4K LED display

One of the Marriott Courtyard Rome Central Park’s meeting rooms has been transformed into a digital studio for live streaming events with the installation of a state-of-the-art 15-square-metre LED display, a seamless multimedia surface with 4K definition.  “Smart working is another evolution of our modus vivendi. We are offering members of the Marriott Bonvoy Travel programme a day pass consisting of a room from 6 am to 6 pm with a wide range of services and the technological support of our dedicated team.”

“Safety and health measures are a top priority”

Antonella Ferro believes that companies investing in new technologies will be able to overcome the crisis, and that safety and health measures are no longer an optional. “Already they are a top priority. Our hotel has the Sanix Air purification system guaranteeing a 99% reduction of bacteria and viruses. Travelers are ready to make conscious choices, and one in two tourists will reward brands that adopt policies of social and environmental responsibility.”

With the addition of the Sentiero dei Ducati trail the Emilia-Romagna region brings the number of itineraries included in its Regional Circuit Pilgrimage Routes to 20. A slow tourism project unique in Europe, in its ability to offer complete tourist packages with guided experiences (also to be enjoyed independently), lasting either one or several days.

Discovering ancient pathways

The Sentiero dei Ducati from Quattro Castella to Sarzana, and to Luni in Liguria, consists of 11 stages on foot that cover the beautiful area once divided between the dukedoms of Modena and Reggio Emilia on the one hand, and Parma and Piacenza on the other. The route crosses the Mab UNESCO Tuscan-Emilian Apennines Reserve, which recently saw the addition of even more new land, and is one of the 70 projects included in the Reserve's Action Plan. 

Emilia Romagna holds the European record with 20 trails

Regional Tourism Councillor Andrea Corsini emphasizes: “Emilia’s walking and pilgrimage trails continue to grow, and now we have a new gem, the Sentiero dei Ducati, straddling Emilia and Liguria. This is an uninterrupted swathe of vineyards, castles, woods, ancient churches and villages, populated by a rich variety of plants, from beeches to holm oaks and from chestnuts to olive trees. There are now 20 Emilia Romagna Trails, a European record that makes our region one of the most competitive in the field of international slow tourism.”

Crossing mountain passes

The entire route is outlined by trail markers and signposts and is almost 160 km long, with an ascent of 7 km and a 7.3 km descent, from just over 150 metres asl in the Matildic village of Quattro Castella, to the over 1,200 metres of the Lagastrello Pass. Mountain biking routes are intertwined across the six trekking stages, passing from the plain to the sea and featuring some of the most impressive mountain ranges of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines up to the Apuan Alps

Through charming villages and past brooding castles 

There are other hidden gems along the route such as the Via Matildica del Volto Santo, the Via di Linari, the Alta Via dei Parchi, the Sentiero Italia Cai and the Via Francigena all of which are well-known ancient trails. The Sentiero dei Ducati also meets the Matildic Castles of Reggio (Bianello and Canossa) and the fascinating valleys of Tassobbio and Tassaro, continuing on to the top of the Tuscan-Emilian ridge at Passo del Lagastrello before descending into the upper Lunigiana, all the while flanked by charming villages and brooding castles. 

The exhibition Medioevo in Pistoia (Tuscany), open up to 8 Mat 2022, puts on display Romanesque and Gothic artists, illustrating for the first time the extraordinary panorama of the arts in Pistoia from the 12th to the beginning of the 15th century. Revealing the city’s leading role in the field of figurative arts in the Middle Ages, it is organized by Pistoia Musei. Between the Palazzo dei Vescovi and the Civic Museum of Pistoia there are over sixty paintings, sculptures, goldsmiths works and illuminated manuscripts on display.

Famous artists flocked to Pistoia

Divided into six sections, the presentation starts from the arrival of the relic of San Jacopo to the city, moving to the 13th century when Pistoia played a leading role in the field of international figurative arts, then to the 14th century with the arrival of many illustrious artists of the day. In the late-Gothic period, despite the loss of political autonomy and the definitive submission to Florence, the city maintained its position of pre-eminence in the panorama of Tuscan painting.

“Covering even the most remote parts of the region”

During the Middle Ages Pistoia vied with the other major Tuscan cities for the importance of its monuments, their furnishings and the art of its goldsmiths and miniaturists.  "We are convinced that what makes Italy, and Tuscany in particular, truly unique and envied around the world is the scattered museum which goes beyond its own borders, reaching out to even the most remote parts of the region”, said Alessandro Tomasi, Mayor of Pistoia For information: www.pistoiamusei.it

Cross-country skiing just a stone's throw from the sea will become reality on the occasion of Caorle Wonderland 2021-2022, the Christmas events in the coastal city an hour from Venice. The 400-metre course, aptly named Skii-country, runs along the city’s coastline, and there is also a special ski rental service and a careful checking process that ensures the safety of all participants.

Skiing on an ecological synthetic surface 

The starting point of the route is located close to the iconic Sanctuary of the Madonna dell’Angelo, nestled against the cliffs of Caorle. The entire track then runs along the coast with the sea on one side and the Christmas lights of the city above. Made of synthetic material the course is an ecological choice made by the organizers so you find yourself gliding along on a synthetic surface, which feels just like snow and ice. And it provides huge energy savings as it does not have to be kept at sub-zero temperatures.

A roller coaster and Santa’s Grotto

The 2021/2022 edition of Caorle Wonderland is an extraordinary marathon of non-stop events running up to 9 January.  In ​​via Salita dei Fiori Music Land will delight younger visitors who can enjoy music from famous DJs as well as the enchanted castle, the roller coaster and the Star Wars carousel rides. Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII will host the fairy-tale carousel and a 3D cinema. Piazza Mercato will be transformed into Santa’s Grotto which will then give way to the Befana on 6 January. 

Between Largo Francesconi and Piazza Pio X a high-altitude panoramic carousel and a 15-meter Christmas tree will stand out, and in Campo degli Oriondi, the artificial ice-skating rink is in the same material as the cross-country ski track. And, last but not least, Piazza Matteotti has a children's village with merry-go-rounds, a climbing adventure trail, a train ride and a giant Ferris wheel overlooking the historic centre.

GeCo, the hotel consultancy company with over 30 years of experience in the industry, continues to develop key properties and is prepared for the market restart. One recent partnership that helped tackle this period of uncertainty is with a small 5-star lodge with a discreet and relaxed elegance nestled in the mountains of the Val D'Aosta region bordering with France and Switzerland.

A skilful fusion of traditional style and effervescent modernity

Montana Lodge & Spa in La Thuile combines contemporary design with innovative materials, featuring Aosta Valley traditions in its furnishings and fittings that reflect and enhance the beauty of the surrounding landscape. A true treasure trove with 55 rooms and communal areas that are a skilful fusion of traditional style and effervescent modernity.

An innovative menu and a spa with views of Mount Rosa

The cuisine is designed to be an extraordinary experience with Chef Giuseppe Falcone skilfully pairing local produce and seasonal flavours to create unique and innovative dishes. The Spa boasts Gemology beauty rituals and a swimming pool with incredible views of Mount Rutor.

A partnership with competent professionals

Claudio Coriasco, GM of Montana Lodge & Spa explains: "These are the differences that make a hotel a truly impeccable example of welcoming, aesthetically perfect hospitality. The Montana’s team and GeCo are serious and competent professionals upon whom I rely.” Marco Fabbroni, CEO of GeCo who said the lodge had a good summer thanks in particular to upscale domestic arrivals, added: “Claudio’s challenges are also ours, we are honoured to support him as consultants”.

A marvel for the senses Dimora Palanca, Florence’s new 5-star hotel, is an incredible restoration project of a late-1800s villa built at the time the Tuscan capital was the capital of the Kingdom of Italy, and it is a particularly  magical place to spend Christmas. Welcoming and luxurious, there is a passionate attention to detail and you cannot miss the delicious creations of Giovanni Cerroni, one of Italy’s most promising young talents, and head chef of Dimora Palanca’s Mimesi Restaurant.

Chef Cerroni’s party within a party

Cerroni's cuisine is an exploration, the result of meticulous research into the best local ingredients along with a desire to bring flavours of yesteryear into a new dimension. His exquisite creations for Christmas and New Year will be the party within the party! All while enjoying Florence from the extraordinarily beautiful setting of Dimora Palanca.

The spirit of Christmas and New Year

Break the monotony of everyday life with a luxury stay modelled on this special time of year. During your three days at the Dimora Palanca you are welcomed by artisanal champagne and chocolates and a gourmet breakfast, followed by afternoon tea in the frescoed living rooms of the villa, a 6-course Christmas lunch and, last but not least, a surprise Christmas gift. For the Gourmet New Year's Eve package prices start at €684 per person for a 2-night stay in a double room, from 29 December 2021 to 2 January 2022 and for the Gourmet Escape in the pre-Christmas period prices start from €266 per person for a 1-night stay in a double room. For information and bookings: www.dimorapalanca.com

Relais Borgo Campello, the spacious hotel in Campello sul Clitunno, just 25 minutes from Perugia, offers unforgettable holidays packed with experiences, traditions and relaxation from 27 December 2021 to 10 January 2022. The sprawling property will offer guests a truffle-scented New Year and a way to escape from mass tourism. The setting, combining the pleasure of endless panoramas with the refined minimalist reinterpretation of the original mediaeval ambiences, is one of timeless sophistication.

 

The best of Umbrian cuisine, also for food-intolerant guests

Between the 30 December and 1 January the package of Relais Borgo Campello includes two nights with breakfast as well as a New Year's Eve supper that includes traditional Umbrian foods and wines recreated by chef Rosy. A master of low-temperature slow cooking Rosy produces a synthesis of quality and flavours by starting with pure and seasonal high-quality raw ingredients, while respecting intolerances and personal tastes.

Truffle hunting and New Year’s Eve celebrations

Guests will also have the option – going out with a hunter and his dog - of participating in the one-of-a-kind and special experience of hunting for the priceless Umbrian black truffle, which is harvested between December and January. 

The New Year's Eve package, which includes two nights, supper, and breakfast on 30 and 31 December or on 31 December and 1 January, starts at €285 for single rooms and €430 for doubles.

Relaxing treatments in the Spa 

The Private Spa, protected by the castle's walls as a haven of intimate and personal well-being, may be reserved for 1 hour and 30 minutes at a cost of €30 per person.