Discover Gubbio, known as Umbria’s City of Stone, which is one of the oldest towns in central Italy.

Elevators and a cable car to the upper levels 

Wonderfully preserved over the centuries, Gubbio is a true architectural masterpiece of the medieval city-states of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its steep cobbled streets - there are public elevators to reach the town’s two upper levels - lead to monumental constructions. There is also a cable car (with standup birdcage-like cabins with railings to chest level) up Mount Ingino to the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo, work on which began in 1513 and which holds the remains of the town’s patron saint.

The Fountain of the Madmen

The Palazzo dei Consoli, on a lower level than the magnificent Cathedral dedicated to Saints Marian and James, is the symbol of the city and now a museum, while the Palazzo Pretorio is the seat of the Town Hall. Also worthy of note is the Palazzo del Bargello and one of Gubbio’s most famous monuments, the Fountain of the Madmen. Tradition has it that by running three times around the fountain, one can obtain a madman's licence, but this has to be done in the presence of a citizen of Gubbio!  

A medieval marketplace and a Roman theatre

The handsome Renaissance Ducal Palace was almost certainly designed by Francesco di Giorgio Martini and documents the reign of the Montefeltro lords over the town. In the lower town the Piazza Quaranta Martiri was an important market area in the Middle Ages.  A visit to the remains of the Roman theatre is a way to understand the social organization of the Roman city of Iguvium, revealing the tastes, customs and habits of that period. Completed around 20 B.C., it was built with large rusticated limestone blocks and could seat about 6,000 spectators, making it among the largest of its time.

Local flatbreads and truffles 

Among the local dishes crescia is a flatbread of flour, water and salt eaten with cooked greens and local cured meats, while pan caciato is made by adding small pieces of pecorino or caciotta cheese to the bread dough. In season the black and white truffles found in the area are used in a variety of pasta and meat dishes. 

Summonte is a charming little medieval town in the province of Avellino in the Campania region. 

Trekking and music festivals

Just eight kilometres from Avellino town, which in turn is less than 60 kilometres from Naples, Summonte was once a centre for the production of mulberry trees, the leaves of which were used in silk making. At 750 metres asl, visiting Summonete means not only discovering the charms of the historic centre and the environmental route, but also quenching one's thirst directly at the purest spring water springs. It also means enjoying enchanting trekking trails, mountain refuges and carefree evenings at music festivals and traditional fairs savouring local products.

Submontis is an old Roman site

Summonte, which is also an easy drive from the Royal Palace of Caserta and the Sorrento and Amalfi Coasts, is rich in art, nature, history, culture, food, wine and local traditions. Travellers on the lookout for new places to explore can discover Submontis, the old Roman site at the foot of Mount Vallatrone. Visitors will also be awed by the majestic linden tree which is nearly 300 years old, has a circumference of nine metres, stands 34 metres tall in the Piazza De Vito, and is in the census of Italian monumental trees.

Exceptional views from the Angevin Tower 

The medieval town is dominated by the majestic Angevin Tower which is 16 metres tall and consists of five floors. Having been brought back to its ancient splendor it now hosts a permanent exhibition with documentation relating to the history of the territory, and there are exceptional views from the terrace. The Civic Museum inside the castle complex has two sections: one dedicated to medieval armaments, the other to archaeological finds discovered in the castle, testifying to uninterrupted use from the Middle Ages to the modern age. 

Priceless art, chestnuts and porcini mushrooms

The Arch of Saint Nicholas, dedicated to the patron saint, once the main gateway to the medieval town opened at dawn and closed at dusk, and has an inscription with an image of the saint at the top. The Church of San Nicola da Bari has an elegant polychrome marble high altar with inlays and sculptures, and on the walls there are many paintings of great artistic and cultural value. The town’s typical dish is a chestnut and porcini mushroom soup made from locally gathered mushrooms and the area’s renowned Partenio chestnuts.   

Bergamo Alta, or Upper Bergamo, stands as the oldest, most historic, and enchanting part of the Lombard city. 

A funicular leads up to the old city

With its historic buildings, churches, cafes, and artisanal shops, Bergamo Alta unquestionably represents the pulsating heart of Lombardy's capital. It is made to be explored on foot in a single day, whether you arrive by train or car or opt for the funicular that ascends from the lower part of the city up to the centre. 

A fountain with sphinxes and a fresco museum 

First and foremost is Piazza Vecchia, the arrival point of the funicular with Piazza Vecchia which is packed with cafes offering outdoor seating. At the square's heart stands the distinctive Contarini Fountain, guarded by its sphinxes that seem to watch over the visitors. 

Not far from Piazza Vecchia the Palazzo della Regione di Città Alta, the oldest municipal building in Italy, houses the Fresco Museum with many interesting highlights.

Ancient monuments and 6 kilometres of walls

Another of Bergamo Alta's attractions and a true symbol of the city is the Campanone or Civic Tower. At a towering 52.76 meters it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the ancient city. The summit can be reached on foot up 230 steps or more comfortably by lift, and the tower houses Lombardy's largest bell. In Piazza Duomo visitors find the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro, the Baptistery, and the Colleoni Chapel.  For history enthusiasts, there are the Venetian Walls of the Upper Town. Stretching some six kilometres, and with four city gates, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The MSC Group's acquisition of approximately 50% of Italo is official. 

The binding agreement, reached with Global Infrastructure Partners, aims to “establish a long-term strategic partnership for the future development of Italo.” The remaining 50% of Italo will continue to be owned by GIP, with joint governance with MSC, alongside entities of the Allianz Group, funds managed by Allianz Capital Partners, and other co-investors.

Aponte’s group is expanding its portfolio

The Geneva-based transport giant, founded by 83-year-old Gianluigi Aponte, is expanding its portfolio, which already includes cargo shipping companies, cruise ships, ferry companies, port terminals, maritime and travel agencies, tour operators, technology and cybersecurity centers, and logistics companies. The Mediterranean Shipping Company Holding has a global workforce of some 180,000 and posted over €86 billion in consolidated revenues last year, with a profit of €36.2 billion.

A long-standing commitment

Diego Aponte, group president of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, said,

“This agreement demonstrates our long-standing commitment to Italy and support for its high-speed passenger rail transport. We strongly believe in Italo's potential to further boost rail connectivity across Italy and the national tourism market. The agreement also reflects our Group's objective which is to develop sustainable modes of transport for both passengers and goods, aligning with Italy's efforts to enhance its infrastructure network through new projects outlined in the PNRR to extend high-speed rail services.”

“This is Europe’s leading intermodal group” 

Bayo Ogunlesi, president and CEO of Global Infrastructure Partners, added, “We remain committed to providing high-quality service to passengers, and benefits for the Italian economy. We are pleased that MSC shares our vision for Italo's future, as high-speed rail transport is fundamental to achieving emissions reduction objectives and aligns with GIP's energy transition and decarbonization strategies.”

Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, president of Italo, highlighted three key points regarding the operation: “The acquisition of the majority of Italo Spa by MSC is a source of satisfaction and pride, bringing growth and development. This agreement marks the birth of Europe’s leading intermodal group, offering a truly integrated mobility service for trains, ships, and buses. I am pleased that GIP, along with Allianz and other investors, ensures stability and continuity, reaffirming the commitment of key figures like CEO La Rocca.”

The completion of the transaction is subject to the customary conditions, including obtaining regulatory and competition approvals in relevant jurisdictions.

Giuseppe Ciminnisi, president of Fiavet-Confcommercio, the travel agency federation of Italy’s largest business association, recently commented on the complex trend of the summer travel flows, which were on the rise until April but suddenly came to a stop because of the increase in prices.

"This was supposed to be the year of full recovery, but new tourism models we may have inherited from the pandemic emerged, especially for air transport which is often not crystal clear.”

"We can’t intervene on external factors such as volcanoes that erupt, fires in Sicilian airports, earthquakes like the one in Morocco, and now the crisis in the Middle East that involves so many of our colleagues who operate in that area. What we need is to find common solutions, and strive to establish consistency wherever feasible, as in the territorial continuity for Sicily and Sardinia, and in relations with some of the low-cost airlines". Legality and the law will be the strength of Fiavet-Confcommercio next year, added Ciminnisi.   

Great news for Pisa Airport as easyJet boosts its international network with two new routes from Paris Charles de Gaulle and Porto. 

Pisa Airport has flights to nine cities

Starting between late October and early November, the new flights will increase Pisa's international offerings to nine routes. The existing network includes flights from London (Gatwick and Luton), Paris Orly, Bristol, Berlin, Manchester, and Amsterdam. EasyJet is set to become the second-largest airline at the Tuscan airport.

The Berlin flights move to year-round

The Paris route is scheduled to commence on October 29, with flights operating every Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Following closely, the Porto connection will start on November 1, offering two weekly flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays. As winter approaches, the Berlin to Brandenburg connection will become year-round, providing service during the Christmas holidays and winter long weekends. Looking ahead to summer 2024, easyJet plans to add a new route to Barcelona.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the bell tower of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta

Pisa-Barcelona ticket sales by end 2023

Lorenzo Lagorio, easyJet Italia Country Manager announced that the company will put the Pisa-Barcelona route on sale by the end of the year. In 2023, easyJet offered over 600,000 seats at Pisa airport, demonstrating its commitment to expanding connectivity at the Galileo Galilei airport. Roberto Naldi, CEO of Toscana Aeroporti, highlighted the importance of having a diverse range of airlines at the airport £to enhance competitiveness and passenger options.” 

A consortium of Italian regions – stretching from the central Abruzzo, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany and Umbria to Friuli-Venezia Giulia and down to Campania – has launched the second phase of the Tourism Ministry’s “Discover the Italy you didn’t know campaign. The spotlight is on Italy’s breathtaking landscapes, sustainable and eco-friendly tourism, gastronomy, art, culture and the countless spectacular lesser-known places and one-of-a-kind attractions and experiences that make it the ultimate dream getaway choice.

In terms of figures, Italy boasts over 400 islands, ranging from the two largest, Sardinia and Sicily to one of the world’s tiniest inhabited islands, Isola Tiberina nestled in the heart of Rome. It has 365 regional nature reserves – yes, one for every day of the year.  Culturally, where does one even begin? Its cultural heritage is the most extensive on the planet, encompassing nearly 70% of all the artistic treasures worldwide and – the icing on the cake - it offers some of the world’s most sensational and best-loved cuisines and wines. And the list goes on. Still not convinced? Come and see for yourself, and prepare to be blown away.

Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor

Exciting news! The opening of Italy’s first Casa Cook in Madonna di Campiglio, is confirmed for December 2024. 

A hotel with privileged views of the World Cup Slalom

Just in time for the classic World Cup Salom on the Miramonti Gully, guests will be able to enjoy live views of the event from the panoramic terrace with its rooftop bar. Originally launched by Thomas Cook in 2016, the Casa Cook brand merged with the Fosun group, and the hotel in Madonna di Campiglio will be managed by Treasurests Hospitality Group through a franchising contract.

“It has a special charm that makes it unique”

The former Milan Hotel, now owned by JP Hospitality, is to become the Casa Cook Madonna di Campiglio. JP Hospitality, led by Viennese entrepreneurs Daniel Jelitzka and Reza Akhavan, specialises in preserving the individuality and legacy of historic hotels. With a commitment to conscious resource use, Jelitzka emphasises their philosophy of preserving authenticity and enhancing beauty.  “Because it is a ski resort, like in Kitzbühel or Zermatt it is extremely varied in both summer and winter, with a special charm that makes it unique among leading destinations.”

Guests will delight in a luxurious dining experience 

Spanning 2,900 square meters, Casa Cook Madonna di Campiglio will have 50 rooms and suites and the project emphasises ecological responsibility, incorporating nature into every aspect of the hotel. The interior design, blending the legacy of the sixties with a contemporary lifestyle, will feature abundant use of wood, marble, and concrete. The hotel aims to provide a luxurious dining experience within an environment promoting mindfulness and relaxation. Exciting times ahead!