Until 11 September, the Estate Fiesolana will accompany spectators through weeks of summer festivals and historic gardens.

A summer of music, dance, theatre and films

The village of Fiesole is 10 kilometres from Florence, a small Etruscan town perched above the capital, among the Tuscan hills. The annual summer festival, now in its 78th edition, finds its fulcrum in the Roman Theatre, a work dating back to the 1st century B.C., which will host concerts ranging from classical music to jazz, prose and dance performances, themed evenings, theatre, dance, cinema under the stars, historical re-enactments and an open-air film festival.

Free shuttles to the centre of Florence and Villa Fiesole

The FH55 Hotels Group will provide a free shuttle service, running 7 days a week until 31 October, which will allow guests of the Villa Fiesole Hotel to easily reach the centre of Florence. It will also allow those staying in the Calzaiuoli Hotel to go to the Villa Fiesole for gourmet dining in the one-star Michelin Serrae Villa Fiesole Restaurant. Housed in two historic palazzi, both properties are elegantly styled 4-star boutique hotels where period charm meets modern comfort, in the city and in the hills.

An 18th century garden in Florence

To complete the cultural offer, the historic Garden of Villa La Quiete in Florence has recently reopened to the public. This 18th-century garden which is closely linked to the Medici history, can be visited, with guided tours lasting one hour. The visit also includes a tour of the frescoed rooms, the Church of the Holy Trinity, the 17th-century pharmacy and works by masters such as Botticelli and Ghirlandaio.

A garden dating back to Grand Duke Cosimo I de' Medici

The Giardino dei Semplici in Florence is another green oasis in the city. One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, it is rich in centuries-old trees and flowers as well as rare, tropical, carnivorous and poisonous plants in the large greenhouses dating back to the 19th century, and also many animal species. The Garden has been at the service of the community since the 15th century, when Grand Duke Cosimo I de' Medici made it available to medical students, and today it offers families and children a wide range of sensorial and cognitive paths to learn about nature.

Carrara, in Tuscany, is aa shining example of how art can play a role in wellbeing and become a therapeutic tool.

Viewing art can reduce stress

Slowness, beauty and contemplation are the new keywords for museum tourism. Recent research by the University of Milan-Bicocca, has revealed that visiting museums is not only a cultural experience, but can also become a real therapeutic tool. The study showed that following a mindfulness programme in an art gallery reduces stress and anxiety levels by up to 25%.

Art therapy for dementia patients 

Whether using art as a therapeutic method or participating in a guided tour, the reduction in stress and anxiety is still 20%. In an age where the frenzy of everyday life has a profound impact on mental well-being, museums offer a “slow” space, where slowness becomes a resource and contemplation an antidote to stress. One example is the Musei Toscani per l'Alzheimer (Tuscan Museums for Alzheimer's) project which offers art therapy activities for people with dementia and their carers for two years.

“Carrara’s marble is everywhere in the world”

“Carrara is a natural laboratory for wellbeing through art,- explains Gea Dazzi, councillor for culture of the Municipality of Carrara. -With its marble, Carrara is everywhere in the world. This continuous dialogue between tradition and innovation, between the marble of the quarries and that transformed into art, creates a unique environment where the aesthetic experience also becomes an experience of wellbeing”.

Ortica Noodles A Francesca Rolla murale Carrara 2013

Celebrating Michelangelo and Canova

At the CARMI (Carrara and Michelangelo Museum), until 26 October, “Per Forza di Levare” is a photographic exhibition celebrating the 550th anniversary of Michelangelo's birth through the work of great 19th-century photographers who, over the course of 120 years, immortalized his masterpieces. Until 28 September, the mudaC (Carrara Museum of Arts) is hosting an exhibition that reinterprets the traditional perception of marble, called “Stars and Dust,” and every Saturday morning, the Academy of Fine Arts is open to visitors, with original works by Canova.

For information: https://www.visitacarrara.it

From 13 to 15 June, Roma Hortus Vini returns, in the evocative moonlight setting of Rome's Botanical Garden.

Over 150 grape varieties to taste

The festival of indigenous grape varieties from Vigneto Italia, this year in its sixth edition, is the only one in the world to bring together in the same location more than 150 grape varieties from all over Italy. In addition to the hundreds of wines produced for free tasting, there will be guided tastings with Luca Maroni, an internationally renowned sensory analyst.

Right in the heart of the Eternal City

For three days it will be possible to taste the most important and special Italian native grape varieties by moonlight in the historic garden of Rome, which, with its 12 hectares of natural varieties from all over the world (it is located between the Trastevere district and the Janiculum Hill) is also one of the largest botanical gardens in Italy. Its privileged position, at the foot of the Janiculum Hill allows visitors to enjoy a panoramic view of the city, for a unique experience that combines the natural and historical beauty of Rome, as well as being a reference point for scholars and plant enthusiasts, and for all those who wish to spend a quiet moment immersed in nature. 

Fern Garden and Succulent Gardens 

With a vast collection of Mediterranean and exotic plants from all over the world, it hosts several thematic areas, such as the Fern Garden and the Garden of Succulents which allow visitors to explore different environments and ecosystems. 

Umbria Jazz, the most important Italian festival dedicated to the world of jazz returns to Perugia from 11 to 20 July.

Perugia hosts the festival every summer

Founded in 1973 today the Festival takes place annually in Perugia every July, with the primary objective of linking an international vision to the promotion of the great Umbria region. The festival winds its way through the streets and squares of Perugia, on the stages of the Teatro del Pavone and Teatro Morlacchi, with the main stage in the Arena Santa Giuliana, and they will all host big names in jazz and and many international artists.

Orvieto and Terni also host jazz 

From the success of the Perugia event, two other main branches have sprung up over the years linked to the Umbria Jazz brand: Umbria Jazz Winter in the town of Orvieto, this year from 30 December to 3 January, and Umbria Jazz Weekend from 11 to 14 September in Terni, at the end of the summer. An did you know that Umbria Jazz was even mentioned in an episode of The Simpsons?

The Tre Golfi Regatta is ready to welcome sailing enthusiasts in Naples and Sorrento from 7 to 22 May.    

A major event in international sailing 

This is the 70th edition of the Tre Golfi Regatta, one of the most prestigious events in international sailing and which is sure to draw enthusiastic crowds at all stages of its itinerary. It starts on 7 May with the measurements and inspections in Sorrento, thenm on 8-10 May there will be the ORC Championship with regattas on the buoys in the Gulf of Naples, on 16 May the start of the 70th Three Gulfs Regatta from Naples, and on 19 to 22 May  the IMA Maxi European Championship with coastal and buoy regattas in Sorrento.

Exclusive side events 

Many exclusive side events are scheduled, such as the crew party with star chefs at Le Axidie and the traditional spaghettata at CRV Italia with the RYCC Savoia. The Tre Golfi Regatta, one of the longest-running and most fascinating offshore regattas in the Mediterranean, will cover 156 nautical miles, starting on 16 May at 5 pm at the foot of Castel dell'Ovo, one of the symbols of Naples. From here the night sailing will start between the gulfs of Naples, Salerno and Gaeta and the boats will circumnavigate the islands of Capri, Ischia, Procida and Ventotene.

Staying at the Ara Maris in Sorrento

For a refined and elegant stay, the 5-star Ara Maris Hotel is the ideal starting point on the Sorrento Peninsula to enjoy the Tre Golfi regatta week. This luxury establishment, which has views over the Gulf of Naples has the Cora Bistrot, which offers traditional dishes with local flavours,  the Lumi Sky Lounge cocktail bar,  a gourmet restaurant and the Thala Spa, which can boast a swimming pool and a solarium surrounded by greenery. 

With the arrival of summer, the Tuscan Maremma is strategically positioned and the perfect choice for active and outdoor tourism, like experiential cycling tourism. 

A special package for the month of May

This blend of wellness, nature and discovery of the territory, finds its perfect starting point at The Sense Experience Resort 5*L, on the Gulf of Follonica which is offering a special package for the month of May: the Private E-Bike History & Wine Tour. 

Visits to wineries, oil mills and farmhouses

This exclusive experience combines sport, history with local food and wine and visits to wineries, oil mills and farmhouses. The guided tour is a six-kilometre loop of easy difficulty, thanks to the use of e-bikes, and includes a visit to the village of Massa Marittima and the Museum of Ancient Organs. Participants then cycle through the vineyards, ending the tour with a light lunch of typical Maremma products accompanied by a tasting of local wines.  The package also includes the VIP Suite Programme, a two-night stay in a Superior Sea View Room or Deluxe Double Sea View Room, breakfast, soft drinks from the minibar and a 30% discount. All starting at £800 for two people.

Well signposted trails

Discover the Tuscan Maremma by bike, cycling through hills, trails and scenic roads along cycling routes in the Maremma which are well signposted and suitable for all levels. Trails that wind their way from the coast to the hinterland, through vineyards, dirt roads, woods and ancient villages such as Pienza and Montepulciano, with food and wine stops at wineries, oil mills and farmhouses. Each excursion is led by expert local guides who share interesting facts, history and traditions of the area, making the experience even more immersive.

Many e-bike itineraries to choose from

Thanks to a collaboration with tour operator Hakuna Matata Outdoor, participants can choose from a wide variety of guided bike and e-bike tours, with the convenience of departing directly from The Sense Experience Resort 5*L. Among the most fascinating itineraries to explore by bike is the Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other experiences not to be missed include the L'Eroica Route in the province of Siena and the picturesque Val d'Arno, the green corridor that connects Arezzo to Florence. For information: www.thesenseresort.it

The Italian Grand Prix returns to Mugello from 20 to 22 June for a weekend of sport and entertainment.

A weekend of motor magic

There will be five classes with MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3, MotoE and the Red Bull Rookies Cup: a double appointment with qualifying and the Sprint Race on Saturday, and all the races on Sunday. The programme includes numerous meetings with the riders on the Fan Zone stage, the Hero Walk on Saturday and Sunday, and the Rider Fan Parade.

“The party will continue in the Mugello hills”

“As every year, after the excitement on the track, the party will continue in the Mugello hills with a tried and tested format that sets us apart from all the other racetracks on the calendar. From Thursday, spectators will be able to camp inside the racetrack park for this great motor festival,” says Paolo Poli, Director and CEO of the Mugello International Racetrack.

Just an hour from Florence

The Mugello International Circuit is located in the hills of the Tuscan countryside, less than an hour's drive from the capital Florence, guaranteeing its spectators a weekend of sport, art, music and food and wine. Mugello has hosted the Italian Grand Prix every year since 1994, and the fun continues even outside the championship.

Wellbeing is top of the bill at the Gallo Rosso farms which specialize in welcoming guests with common allergies.

No carpets, heavy curtains or pets

Special measures are taken in the layout of the rooms, which are free of carpets and heavy curtains and equipped with suitable bed linen. Pets are not allowed. Some farms offer the option of specific diets that can be adapted to particular dietary requirements.

Reducing the risk of allergies

The farm products are made with high-quality raw materials and without artificial additives. The high-altitude air contributes to a healthy holiday, but that's not all. Contact with animals and the air in the barn, with the germs in the hay and cow dung, also reduce the risk of allergies and strengthen the immune system.  In South Tyrol, you can breathe pure air all year round, surrounded by nature and breathtaking landscapes.

A property near a waterfall

In Predoi, South Tyrol's first Health Village, the Krahbichlhof offers accommodation for up to six people. The property is located near the Predoi Climate Centre, close to the Health Trail, with five kilometres of wellness, easy walks and beautiful views. The waterfall is also very healthy thanks to the negative ions in the air, which stimulate the immune system and reduce the frequency of asthma or allergy attacks in people who suffer from them.

The use of Swiss pine is relaxing

The Bruggerhof  in Braies welcomes guests in four apartments for up to six people, and they have no heavy curtains or carpets. The Stube at the entrance is made of Swiss pine, a material that significantly reduces the heart rate, creating a relaxing effect and promoting sleep. Swiss pine also keeps harmful insects such as moths and mosquitoes away. Pets are not allowed in the Bruggerhof apartments.

No architectural barriers

The Huberhof offers four apartments in San Candido that can accommodate two to six people. Pets are not allowed and the facilities are suitable for people with allergies. This property has no architectural barriers and the farm is dedicated to livestock breeding.

For information: www.gallorosso.it