Oman Air has added a new flight to Rome with the inauguration of its new route from Muscat, making Fiumicino the airline's second airport in Italy after Milan.

“Opening new doors to tourism and business”

The new flights are operated four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays - and ensure continuous connectivity with the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and the Asia-Pacific. Pierluigi D'Elia, the Italian Ambassador to Oman highlighted how the direct service between Rome and Muscat will open new doors to tourism and business. “The more accessible flights for both Omani and Italian citizens, as well as for tourists and investors from around the world, will make an important contribution to the growth of the tourism and trade sectors in both countries”

Oman Air has been flying to Milan for 13 years

“The flights to Rome are a novelty that further enriches the solid relations that Oman Air has cultivated with Italy over the past 13 years thanks to its flights to Milan,- said the carrier's CEO, Con Korfiatis. -They also highlight the airline's commitment to enhancing connectivity between the two countries and to promote and strengthen economic, cultural and tourism ties between Oman and Italy.”

The Arabian Peninsula market  has grown by 21%

The Muscat-Rome “enriches the international network of destinations offered by Fiumicino Airport, once again underlining the great appeal of the Roman market, added Ivan Bassato, chief aviation officer Aeroporti di Roma. -Adr thus initiates a cooperation that will contribute to further strengthening the already significant flows with the Arabian Peninsula, a market with 1.8 million passengers transported in the period between January and November of this year and growing by +21% compared to the record levels of 2023.” 

Italy and France are closer again thanks to the reopening of the Mont Blanc Tunnel, which has  reopened after 15-weeks.

The tunnel is 11.6 kilometres long

The tunnel was opened again in the late evening of 16 December, after the 15-week stoppage for maintenance work and a total investment of €24 million. The works included maintenance on the tunnel vault, reflecting the importance of this project for the two concessionary companies, SITMB for the Italian side, and ATMB for the French side. At 11.6 kilometres long, the Mont Blanc Tunnel is one of the longest road tunnels in Europe and a crucial axis for travel between Italy and France. The reopening represents a breath of fresh air for the environment and for businesses.

“More than 150,000 working hours” 

Built 60 years ago and used daily by thousands of vehicles, the 11.6 km-long bidirectional infrastructure “requires major civil engineering work,” the two companies explained at the end of August. The two “test projects for vault rehabilitation” ended ‘after 105 days of round-the-clock activity for more than 150 workers, which equals “more than 150,000 working hours.” The closure also allowed various other civil, plant and exterior works to be carried out. The tunnel closure period was chosen because the autumn season is the lowest in terms of traffic, particularly light vehicles, 68% of the traffic.

Trenitalia has a winter packed with new services and connections, with more than 130 destinations and some 130,000 seats offered per day. These are the numbers of the 2024-25 winter schedule of Trenitalia's Frecce trains - joined by FrecciaLink (up to 14 train plus bus connections).

100 Frecciarossa trains between Rome and Milan daily

The Italian state railway company renews its commitment to guaranteeing quality services, comfort and intermodality for passengers, with the Frecciarossa trains reaching a record frequency: 100 daily connections between Rome and Milan, of which 9 with journey times of less than 3 hours, and 50 thousand seats available every day, of which over 35 thousand between Milan and Naples. In addition, thanks to the Frecciarossa 1000 in dual composition, more seats are offered on the days and times of greatest demand. The introduction of new direct services, such as those to Gorizia from Naples and Rome, further increases the number of destinations served by the iconic high-speed trains.

Services to the toe of Italy and to Alpine resorts

Trenitalia's commitment to connecting the country extends along the North-South axis with 16 daily Frecce express trains between Rome and Calabria, including two night runs that cross Italy allowing passengers to optimize their holiday time. Puglia is also in the spotlight with up to 16 daily connections between Rome and the region's main cities, as well as night connections that link Milan and Lecce on the busiest days. For mountain lovers, Frecciarossa and FrecciaLink offer new travel options to Bardonecchia, Val Gardena, Cortina and other renowned Alpine resorts, ideal for winter sports or Christmas markets.

Night trains with couchettes and sleeping cabins

The year 2024 also marked the relaunch of Intercity Notte, with demand increasing by 7% over 2023 and 30% compared over 2022, exceeding two million passengers carried by the end of the year. This growth is driven by awareness of sustainability and the convenience of night travel, which connects more than 150 stations - including 17 in Sicily - between northern and southern Italy. Ideal for holidays and long journeys these trains offer different comfort levels, from couchettes to sleeping cabins with dedicated services such as breakfast. Competitive with air travel, they make it possible to reach tourist destinations such as Taormina with 70% less CO2 emissions.

“Around half a billion passengers in 2024”

The Euronight/Nightjet connection, operated in cooperation between Trenitalia and the Austrian Oebb railways, connects La Spezia with Vienna and Rome, with Vienna every day expanding the cross-border offer and reinforcing the commitment to sustainable and interconnected tourism.

“Also this year - explains a Trenitalia note - passenger-friendly and new services better meet the needs of those travelling by train and bus for work, study, leisure or simply to reach leisure destinations during the Christmas holidays. Sustainability, intermodality and innovation are in fact at the basis of the new offer for Frecce, Intercity and Regional trains, which in 2024 carried around half a billion passengers.”

There are 19 Italian properties – three are new entries - in the 2025 edition of the Condé Nast Johansens international guide. 

There are 19 Italian hotels and resorts in the guide

The new entries are the Tivoli Portopiccolo Sistiana Wellness Resort & Spa in Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Golfo dei Poeti Relais & Spa in Liguria and the Villa Sparina Resort in Piedmont. The confirmed Italian properties are the Petrus, Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel & Spa in Trentino; the Cà Sagredo Hotel in Venice and the Color Hotel style & design in the province of Verona. In Tuscany there is the Monsignor della Casa Country Resort & Spa, the Speronari Suites is in Milan, while the Eitch Borromini, the Borgognoni Hotel with the Elizabeth Unique Hotel, Villa Spalletti Trivelli and the Parco dei Principe Grand Hotel & Spa are in Rome.

Sicily is represented by the Grand Hotel Des Étrangers in Ortigia

The Palazzo di Varignana Resort & Spa is in the province of Bologna; also in Emilia Romagna, the Villa Abbondanzi Resort is in Faenza. The Castello di Petroia is located in Umbria, the Gabbiano Azzurro Hotel & Suites in Sardinia. Finally, in Sicily there is the Grand Hotel Des Étrangers in Ortigia.

All properties are verified by Condé Nast Johansens’ local experts

But the guide naturally goes well beyond Italy, offering a selection of hotels ranging from Antigua to Zimbabwe, with a special focus on independent properties, historic residences, evocative locations for events, and spas of the highest level. All thanks to the work and verification of Condé Nast Johansens’ local experts.

Just a short stroll from the iconic Colosseum, the Church of St. Peter in Chains (San Pietro in Vincoli) houses two gems: Michelangelo’s statue of Moses and the chains said to have bound St. Peter.

One of Rome’s quieter, yet most magnificent treasures

While the little church might not grab headlines like St. Peter’s Basilica or the Sistine Chapel, its blend of history, art, and spirituality makes it a must-see for those seeking Rome’s quieter, yet equally magnificent treasures. It is tucked away in the central Monti district, at the top of the Scalinata di Borgia, a flight of stairs easily accessed near the Cavour metro stop, and a short walk from the Colosseum. Its location in Monti, which is Rome’s oldest neighborhood, makes it an ideal detour for those exploring the area’s cobblestone streets, artisanal shops, and charming cafés.   

The chains are in a reliquary under the main altar

The church’s name, San Pietro in Vincoli, originates from the revered relic it houses: the chains believed to have bound St. Peter during his imprisonment in Jerusalem and Rome. The old links are in a reliquary beneath the main altar and are a powerful connection to early Christian history. But it is outside the church that one of the greatest art works in the world can be admired, a true masterpiece by that great Renaissance sculptor, painter, architect and poet Michelangelo Buonarotti.  

One of Michelangelo’s masterpieces

Michelangelo’s Moses was completed in 1515 having been commissioned for the tomb of Pope Julius II. Michelangelo poured his genius into every chiseled detail of this imposing and powerful statue: from Moses’ furrowed brow to the veins on his hands and the saint’s vivid expression, which lead many to regard it as one of the artist’s finest achievements.  Visitors to San Pietro in Vincoli are captivated by the ethereal beauty of Michelangelo’s Moses and drawn by the story of St. Peter’s chains in this lesser-known jewel in the Eternal City’s glittering crown.

Lindbergh Hotels' turnover for the summer of 2024 was up 10% to €29 million, compared to €26.5 million the previous year. 

A highly satisfying year

This was an even more significant result if we consider that in 2023 the total turnover included the production of the Cala della Torre, a property that was subsequently sold. 2024 was an extraordinary year for the group's three properties, thanks also to the important boost provided by Pesaro’s year as the Italian Capital of Culture.  The Charlie Hotel, a 4-star hotel with sea views following major renovation work had established itself as a benchmark for the corporate and MICE segment. The 4-star Nautilus Family Hotel has further consolidated its position with the family target. 

Grand Hotel San Pietro in Taormina

New services for children aged 0-3

An important new feature of the 2024 summer season was the introduction of a series of activities and services designed for children aged 0-3. The Excelsior Spa & Lido, for years the only 5-star hotel in the entire Marche regio finally become part of the global portfolio of Preferred Hotels & Resorts and is undergoing major maintenance, which will make it increasingly eco-sustainable. 

Charlie Hotel

Looking to foster growth in 2025

In Perugia the Meridiana Bleisure Hotel recorded significant increases in occupancy, thanks to consolidation in the corporate market and the arrival of international leisure groups. In Rimini the Homie, the city's first all-digital hotel, established itself as one of the main new additions to the hotel market in 2024, and in Sicily the Sikania Eco Resort and the Modica Beach Resort posted excellent results, with high occupancy from mid-April to mid-October. With the completion of the total renovation on rooms and restaurants, the Grand Hotel San Pietro in Taormina has also established itself as a benchmark among 5-star properties at an international level. The Pesaro-based group is now looking towards 2025 to further foster growth driven by the consolidation of the performance recorded in 2024.

United Airlines is again investing in the Italian market and will operate a new flight from Denver to Rome Fiumicino on 2 May 2025.

The only carrier to link Rome and Denver

This will make United Airlines first and only carrier to operate a direct connection between the two cities. A Boeing 787-9 will operate daily flights on the route until 25 September, and as a result, during the 2025 summer peak, United will offer over 16% more seats from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, with seven daily flights to the United States.

Up to 14 direct daily Italy- US flights for the summer of 2025

The service is in addition to United's year-round daily services from Rome and Milan to New York-Newark, year-round services from Rome to Washington Dulles, as well as seasonal flights from Rome to Chicago O'Hare and San Francisco, Milan to Chicago O'Hare, and Venice and Naples to New York/Newark, which will begin three weeks earlier for summer 2025. The airline is also launching new seasonal routes from Venice to Washington D.C., starting 23 May 2025, and from Palermo to New York/Newark, starting 22 May 2025. United will operate up to 14 direct flights per day from Italy to the United States for the summer of 2025.

“Connections to over 180 destinations across the Americas”

“We are excited to announce the first direct flight between Rome and Denver, further expanding our network from Italy to the United States,-  said Marcel Fuchs, United Airline’s managing director international sales. - In summer 2025 our Rome customers will enjoy an even wider choice of destinations, as well as easy connections through our hubs in New York-Newark, Washington D.C., Chicago O'Hare, San Francisco and now Denver to over 180 destinations across the Americas.”

“A 21% growth in passengers at Fiumicino  January to November”

“With the inclusion of Colorado on the map of US states directly served, in 2025 Fiumicino will have the most extensive schedule ever for North America-’ said Ivan Bassato, chief aviation officer of Aeroporti di Roma. -United Airlines new flights to Denver will be the first ever to be operated from both Rome and Italy. The North American market is the leading long-haul market for Rome, which has already recorded a 21% growth in passenger flows this year from January to November, and 33% compared to 2019.” 

In the heart of Rome VICO Pizza&Wine and Salotto 42 join forces to create eclectic and convivial culinary experiences. 

Tradition meets innovation at Palazzo Rondanini

Nestled within the historic Palazzo Rondanini, VICO Pizza&Wine is far more than a pizzeria. Freshly crowned with 3 Spicchi by the 2025 Gambero Rosso guide, it epitomizes excellence in both cuisine and design. The stunning venue features 16th-century frescoed ceilings, Art Nouveau furnishings, and contemporary artworks, creating an elegant yet welcoming mood where every detail enhances a multisensory dining experience.

A range of creative pizzas

The soul behind VICO’s acclaimed pizza is Ciro De Vincenzo, a talented pizzaiolo from Naples' Quartieri Spagnoli district. Ciro’s craftsmanship shines through each perfectly crafted pizza, with light, fragrant doughs and meticulously selected ingredients. The menu features 21 traditional and creative pizzas that showcase seasonal variations and top-quality products from the Campania and Lazio regions. With over 100 carefully curated wine labels selected by sommelier Simone Trombini, and a cocktail list perfectly paired with the pizza menu, each visit promises an unparalleled experience.

Salotto 42: Rome’s cocktail artistry

And what better way to start an evening than with a cocktail? Salotto 42, just a short walk from VICO Pizza&Wine and a favourite go-to for cocktail aficionados, is located on the Piazza di Pietra square and now brings its mixology mastery to VICO’s lounge. Every Thursday from 7 p.m., guests can enjoy a special evening featuring DJ sets and an exclusive drink menu of signature and classic cocktails.

An all-day experience: from lunch to after-dinner

VICO Pizza&Wine and Salotto 42 have redefined Roman dining by merging tradition with innovation. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely lunch, a lively aperitivo, or a refined after-dinner experience, this new style of pizza-lounge is the perfect destination for an authentic and glamorous outing in the heart of Rome.