Ortisei Christmas Village

Like every year in December, Ortisei turns into the “Christmas Village” and is definitely on of the top Christmas Markets in Italy. In the wooden huts you can discover sculptures, candles and glass objects made by master craftsmen but also South Tyrolean spirits and wines. The Christmas Village combines the historical traditions of Val Gardena with the elegance and exclusivity of the range of products. The “Lodenlounges”, cosy and comfortable wooden huts, invite visitors to experience the market with all five senses, by tasting local products and gastronomic delicacies in a romantic atmosphere.

In the streets of the town, the exhibition of the nativity scenes displayed in the showcase booths is also worth visiting and, as every year, an additional human-sized wooden statue will be added to enrich the largest nativity scene in the world. Open until January 4, 2026.

Merano Christmas Market

Merano in South Tyrol is a town known as a place for relaxation and well-being. They carry this way of life into the holiday season by hosting a market that captures the magic of Christmas. Experience snow reaching the summit of the alpine peaks, community togetherness, and the smell of cinnamon and fresh pastries. The whole town is embellished for the season, and in the central square you can watch figure skating shows or hit the ice yourself. Afterwards, warm up with a cup of tea or mulled wine in the heated booths, while admiring the backdrop of snow-tipped mountains. The sparkling Christmas lights at night are enough to bring visitors, but they also do us a huge favor in selling locally made woolen and wooden goods, in addition to other local crafts. The Merano Christmas Market is open until January 6, 2026

For the three weeks before Christmas – until December 24th – Campo Santo Stefano in Venice is transformed into a Christmas Village,  entirely filled with craftsmen and food producers, whose displays are housed in 30 little wooden cabins. The square is lined with a backdrop picturing Venetian palaces, giving the whole scene a festival atmosphere.

The Venice Christmas Market features Christmas ornaments and decorations of Murano glass, traditional carnival masks, ceramics, jewelry, marbled paper and other Venetian craft specialties. Murano glass is also used in jewelry, alone or worked into designs with silver and gold. Carnival masks can be as simple as the red, gold and black eye masks or elaborate creations from the studios of all the town.

One section of the Campo San Stefano market is devoted to Italian specialty foods – traditional cakes and sweets, fine olive oils, vintage balsamic vinegars and other locally made gourmet products fill the booths. Look for creamy white almond-studded nougat, fruit-filled Panettone from nearby Verona, bags of specialty Pastas, tiny Biscotti, dried Porcini Mushrooms, candied Chestnuts and delicacies made with precious white Truffles from Alba. Open until December 24, 2025.

Rome Christmas Market

The Eternal City’s most famous markets are in the Piazza Navona, built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian and now home to three spectacular fountains. During the season, the square transforms into a bustling, colorful shopping spot, selling nativity scenes and Christmas sweets, like biscuits and nougat. Wander around and watch the street artists and acrobats and of course, visit Santa Claus. But be sure to come back on January 6, when Befana hands out presents to good kids and coal to the not-so-good ones. Rome’s Christmas Market (the link on Rome’s website has not been updated yet) at Piazza Navona is open until January 6, 2026.

Naples Nativity Scene

Known for its rich history, incredible architecture and mouth-watering Neapolitan cuisine, Naples city center is bustling with vibrant energy, creating a unique holiday experience. In December, the city becomes a festive hub at the Naples Christmas Market, where visitors can explore wooden stalls filled with artisanal crafts and traditional Italian holiday foods. Definitely one of the top Christmas Markets.

If you’re one of those people who think Christmas is over too quickly, Naples is the city for you! Famous for their nativity scenes, or presepi, they have a year-round Christmas “market”. Shops and entire streets offer the traditional figurines every month of the year. Starting around mid-November, the street Via San Gregorio truly enhances the holiday feels! Get lost among the many market stands and shops selling local treats. Stroll down the narrow alleyways and then check out the live nativity scene is Piazza S. Gaetano.

Taormina Christmas Market

Taormina, though beautiful all year round, becomes even more magical in Christmas time, and it’s a great spot for those who prefer mild temperatures to snow. During December and through Epiphany, a folkloric atmosphere takes over the small, hilltop town with concerts, exhibitions, nativity scenes, and historical enactments. The stands are full of sweets, like Sicilian cakes, crafts, and everything you need to decorate for the season.

Trace your way through history while navigating the medieval streets in the ‘Presepe Vivente’ where the nativity scene comes to life throughout the city, incorporating the entire community. Enjoy the symbolic tradition of lighting the Christmas bonfire in front of Duomo di Taormina. While enjoying the breathtaking sea views and Mt. Etna from the city center and admiring the twinkling lights and decorations interwoven with the ancient buildings, Taormina is the embodiment of Christmas time. Open until January 6, 2026.

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A night to go back in time, and feel like you’re in ancient Rome, surrounded by a special setting: it’s possible with Roma On Fire, the new evening live show that will be staged inside the Roma World theme park.

One can take a trip back in time 2,000 years by traveling only 25 kilometers / 15 miles. This is the distance that separates the center of the capital city – or rather the Colosseum – from the Roma World theme park.

Since June 1st and throughout the summer, the Roma World theme park, dedicated to ancient Rome, will feature a show that will transport guests back in time, into the atmospheres of films such as “Gladiator” and other historical films.

Immersed in the majestic setting of the film set of Ben Hur, a multi-awarded blockbuster with 11 Oscars, a faithful reproduction of the Circus Maximus, spectators will be able to witness a challenge full of passion and action that celebrates the Empire, through the exploits of its protagonists.

This is the plot of the show: General Massimo, the protagonist of the show, having just returned to Rome from the victorious campaigns in the provinces, discovers that his beloved has been captured and enslaved. He begs the Emperor for grace, who is willing to grant it in the face of the harshest trials. Massimo will fight, risking his life, against dangerous gladiators, just for love.

The Roma On Fire evening is an experience that begins with a visit to the Legionaries’ village, surrounded by nature, inside the Roma World park, and continues with the typical dinner in Taberna, and its Gladiator’s Menu, the show live and, for those who want to experience it to the full, the possibility of spending the night in a tent in the Castrum, or the legionaries’ camp.

Roma On Fire is included in the Roma World theme park, the second park created and opened by Cinecittà World. Roma World is the experience park where guests experience a day like Ancient Romans, including gladiator shows, falconry shows, nature trails, alone or with the botanical tour, shopping in the Ancient Market, games for children and contact with farm animals.

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Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese has announced an “Italian Luxury Takeover Wedding” in collaboration with wedding planner Roberta Torresan. This three-night Roman wedding buyout allows guests to reserve the entire property for their festivities, offering a total of 78 rooms and suites within the former 19th century Roman palace.

The luxury experience begins on arrival for the couple with pre-wedding massages. The package also includes a rehearsal dinner for up to 45 guests at Settimo, the rooftop fine-dining restaurant. The next day, the ceremony will be held in a Baroque church where the bride enters by organist. An over-the-top reception follows at one of Rome’s most exclusive villas. The evening’s dinner includes multiple courses of the couples’ choosing, followed by an extensive Italian dessert buffet.

Entertainment includes musical performances throughout the event, including a dinner show and a cake-cutting ceremony complete with a dancer. The festivities conclude with a lively band and DJ set where a custom-built dance floor will invite guests to celebrate into the night. Dedicated transportation services provide seamless movement between the church, villa and Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese. The entire event is captured by professional photographers and videographers, using both traditional and drone technology to provide comprehensive coverage from aerial views to intimate moments.

The event will be orchestrated under the guidance of Roberta Torresan and her team. This encompasses the selection and customization of venues, negotiating contracts, and fine-tuning every detail to suit the couple’s preferences. In collaboration with chefs, Torresan’s team designs a personalized menu, including pre-wedding tastings that allow the couple to finalize their culinary choices. The team coordinates with florists and decorators to finalize floral arrangements and thematic decorations. Additionally, they manage all external vendors, including musicians for the evening’s entertainment, photographers, videographers and transportation services.

Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese’s top suites are included in the property buyout, offering accommodations with expansive terraces and an outdoor jacuzzi. Wedding guests can enjoy views of some of Rome’s famed landmarks from the comfort of their private hot tub. The location offers easy access to many of Rome’s main attractions including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Villa Medici.

The “Italian Luxury Takeover Wedding” starts at €399,000 (approximately $430,000) for the services listed above.

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On Sunday April 21st, the Roma Appia Run, one of the most fascinating races in Capitoline running, awaits you at the starting line at 9 am from Viale delle Terme di Caracalla to finish at the Stadio Nando Martellini.

Now in its 25th edition, the Roma Appia Run will celebrate its silver anniversary with the Italian Capital, on the very day of Rome’s birthday.

The Roma Appia Run owes its popularity not only to one of the world’s most enthralling tracks, winding its way through the most fascinating wonders of Rome. But also to the fact that it is the only race in the world to be run on five different surfaces, a unique record that no one else in the world can boast: asphalt, cobblestones, lava paving, the unpaved track of the Parco della Caffarella and, finally, the circuit of the Baths of Caracalla stadium.

The Roma Appia Run proposes a total of four races, each aimed at a specific target group:

• the Competitive 13 km (approx. 8 miles), for athletes ready to tackle the difficult race with the aim of achieving a great time and improving on their previous year’s performance – reserved for FIDAL members, CONI-recognized Sports Promotion Bodies and RUN CARD holders, provided they are in compliance with the regulations on health protection in sporting activities;
• the non-competitive 13 km, for ambitious enthusiasts who are not so concerned with chronometric results and are therefore more inclined to a day of open-air sport – open to all;
• the 5 km (approx. 3 miles), on a shorter route for those who just want an unforgettable walk through the heart of Rome’s history – open to all;
• the Fulmine dell’Appia (Lightning of the Appian Way), scheduled for Saturday 20 April and dedicated to children.

Chilometro 42

This year, the event reserves for its members the exceptional opportunity – by free invitation – to participate in the viewing of Chilometro 42, a play that recounts the milestones in the life of Kathrine Switzer, the first woman in history to ever run a marathon. The pièce is accompanied by live music by Munendo, the artist whose musical production combines electronic and classical instruments, 60s and ultra-contemporary sounds. The story of this extraordinary personage initiates a reflection on central themes such as inclusion, recognition and equal rights, and the race becomes a pretext to search for one’s own identity through cracks, crises and ruptures.

Appointment Tuesday 26 March, 9 p.m., at Teatro Cometa Off, via Luca della Robbia 47, Rome. Reservations are compulsory.

Fulmine dell’Appia

One of the moments that children look forward to all year round is the Fulmine dell’Appia, the race that invites them to prove who is the fastest. In past editions, around 1,000 young athletes have competed in the feat, confirming that the organizing committee’s intuition to devise such a small event has proved successful.

On Saturday, 20 April, the eve of the Roma Appia Run, the batteries of the Fulmine dell’Appia will start, with trials over distances from 30 to 100 meters open to all children and young people from 2 to 17 years of age.

The Roma Appia Run is organized by ACSI with the collaboration of ACSI Italia Atletica, ASD Roma Appia Run and ACSI Campidoglio, with the patronage of the Ministero dello Sport, the Regione Lazio, Roma Capitale, CONI, “Sport e Salute”, and the Parco Regionale dell’Appia Antica, Parco Archeologico dell’Appia Antica, and is held under the aegis of Fidal.

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It was the first true imperial palace of ancient Rome ,it should have reopened to the public in 2021, but the forced stop of the pandemic and the need for caution regarding excavations postponed this moment, which has now finally arrived.

The Domus Tiberiana, after fifty years of closure, has just reopened its doors and is ready to welcome visitors, thus further enriching the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum.

The majestic residence overlooks the Roman Forum with its two large arches. This is the imperial palace built by Nero and expanded by Domitian and Hadrian. With its reopening the connection that originally existed between the Roman Forum and the Palatine is restored, through Domitian’s ramp and the Horti Farnesiani. This will allow visitors to retrace the footsteps of Emperor Tiberius, on the same path he took through the covered road, the Clivus of Victory, to reach his private residence.

The Domus Tiberiana is the first real imperial palace, built on the north-western side of the Palatine hill in the 1st century. AD. In addition to the residential part, the Domus Tiberiana included gardens, places of worship, rooms intended for the praetorian guard to protect the Emperor, and a service area facing the Forum.

Wanted by Nero, the palace then underwent various modifications and expansions over the following centuries, in particular under the emperors Domitian (81-96 AD) and Hadrian (117-138 AD), until it reached an area of ​​approximately 4 hectares. In the 7th century it became a papal seat at the behest of John VII. Another important stage in its thousand-year history was the mid-16th century when, after centuries of abandonment, the Farnese family decided to create on its terraces the garden of delights enclosed in the so-called Horti Farnesiani.

From now on, those who visit the Domus Tiberiana, in addition to admiring the structure, will be able to pass through a series of exhibition rooms, where finds such as coins, oil lamps, amphorae, terracotta creations and frescoes are on display. Fragments of everyday life that give a clear image of the life of the emperors in the palace. There are also two multimedia rooms and a tactile path available.

The title chosen for the new museum exhibition is “Imago Imperii ” and is made even more evocative by the new lighting of the Domus Tiberiana.

We found a great video

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The Törggelen season in the Isarco Valley is very close to the harvest with grapes and apples. It is an ancient South Tyrolean tradition that is celebrated every year in this period: the word “törggelen” derives etymologically from “torggl”, the press. After the harvest, the peasants went on pilgrimage from one press to another to taste the new wine and exchange opinions. In the taverns today South Tyrolean dishes are served and everywhere you can smell the scent of roasted chestnuts. In October and November a guide accompanies the participants on an excursion through the vineyards around Bressanone to experience this local custom up close.

The viticulture that characterizes the Bressanone landscape is also the origin of Törggelen. And it is precisely around the wine that the wine tour offers another autumn experience in the city. In September and 15 October the Bressanone tourist office offers a guided tour of the city with tasting of three typical wines in places with a refined atmosphere: in the Renaissance courtyard of the Hofburg, in the historic setting of the Elephant Hotel and in the Vitis del Finsterwirt / Oste wine shop.

Also in September and October, there is an autumn hike on the Plose, the mountain of Bressanone with a refreshment stop in the hut. A simple route, suitable for everyone, which starts from the arrival of the Plose cable car through a panoramic path, where you can enjoy the spectacle of colors and the majestic peaks of the Odle and Sass de Putia.

Finally, in October and November, the holiday areas of Rio Pusteria, Bressanone, Chiusa-Barbiano-Velturno-Villandro, Naz-Sciaves and Luson offer their guests, the “Emotions in the hut”, a very special insight into their peasant culture. of the mountains and their craft traditions.

Photos: IDM Alto Adige/Alex Filz

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Place no. 16 – Drink Kong, Rome
Place no. 35 – 1930, Milan
Place no. 39 – Locale Firenze, Florence
Place no. 46 – L’Antiquario, Naples

Drink Kong, Rome

Set in a leafy square, a short ride from Rome’s center, Drink Kong is probably not the bar you would expect to find. Taking in ’70s futurism, King Kong and Japanese influences, this amalgam concept is set in a wrap-around space with nightclub-black décor, illuminated by little else than neon. This is a busy bar – locals and international visitors know Drink Kong has some of the most forward-thinking cocktails in the city.

Patrick Pistolesi, owner and bartender, brought this very particular vision alive. His new menu Perimetro is set to step into new ground. Put it all together – the décor, the atmosphere and the drinks – and there’s nowhere in the world of bars quite like Drink Kong. No wonder it’s among Italy’s Best Bars.

Here’s one of the drinks, you can make at home. But, it’s better to have it at Drink Kong and hang with the locals.

Drink Kong is located at Piazza di S. Martino Ai Monti, 8, 00154 Roma

1930, Milan

Milan’s 1930 is a speakeasy taken seriously. To even find the bar you need someone in the know, because not only is the address undisclosed, entry isn’t guaranteed even if you’ve befriended owners Flavio Angiolillo and Marco Russo. But once inside, the twentieth-century American Prohibition vibes come to life with exposed brickwork and dimmed lighting which add to the exclusivity of the bar. The difference between 1930 and other generic speakeasy-style bars is the world-class drinks program. Unlike the original speakeasies which the bar takes inspiration from, 1930 doesn’t just serve rye whiskey and moonshine, but some of the best cocktails in Europe.

Its current menu focuses on Africa, using unorthodox ingredients from the likes of niche grape varieties from Algeria to infusions made with Africa’s famed baobab tree. The menu is supported by a top-level food offering from the same continent, making 1930 not only one of the most exclusive bars in the world, but also one of the most exotic.

1930 is located at an undisclosed address.

Locale Firenze, Florence

Hosted in the historical Palazzo Concini, Locale Firenze is like a time machine taking guests on a journey through centuries across its two floors, each a nod to Florentine culture. The Concini Palace has an extensive and unique history strongly tied to Florentine politics during the time of the Medici family. Impeccably and respectfully restored, the basement dates back to the 1200s and today hosts the cellar and a mixology lab. The upper 1500s floor has a Renaissance atmosphere with a contemporary touch thanks to its mirrors, antique furniture, lavish chandeliers and charming frescoes. A stunning courtyard with a transparent, movable high ceiling is host to the cocktail bar, surrounded by green walls and high tables.

The drinks list is as distinctive as the venue and its atmosphere. With a modern touch, bar manager Matteo Di Ienno’s menu feature signatures such as Elisir Caterina alongside seasonal recipes. Summer sips evoking flowers, such as Iris, with white rum, iris bitter and vermouth, already feel like masterpieces.

Locale Firenze is located at Via delle Seggiole, 12r, 50122 Firenze

L’Antiquario, Naples

Resting among traditional boutiques and shops in the bustling streets of Naples, behind its picturesque wooden door L’Antiquario boasts an international allure. The retro red velvet sofas, the floral wallpaper and the elegant black boiserie blend perfectly with the flair, expertise and innate Neapolitan hospitality of the team. Equally sophisticated and nodding to tradition, bartenders in white uniforms welcome guests who ring the doorbell to enter this intimate bar. The backlit back bar stands at the center stage of the cocktail bar. Here, guests can enjoy a Red Hook from the Classics cocktail menu, or dive deep into the city’s history and heritage with a signature from the Napoli Capital City drink list.

Equally, the natural alternative to spirits and cocktails within this setting is the selection of champagne, also used by the team of Alex Frezza, co-founder and internationally acclaimed bartender, to serve a spectacular rendition of the French 75.

L’Antiquario is located at Via Vannella Gaetani, 2, 80121 Napoli

Alla tua salute!

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Year after year, classic car enthusiasts gather on the track to admire jewels of automotive history such as old models of Bentley, Aston Martin, Maserati, Bugatti and Alfa Romeo in the beautiful Italian countryside. Allowed are vintage cars built between 1927 and 1957.

The route from Brescia runs along Lake Garda via Mantua, Ferrara, Cervia, San Marino and Umbria to Rome, back through Tuscany via Siena, Viareggio, Parma, Salsomaggiore Terme, Pavia and Monza. Before the final finish in Brescia, the participants pass Bergamo, a kind of symbolic anticipation of the twinning that will link the two cities in 2023 as part of the Italian Capital of Culture Brescia-Bergamo project.

More info on the Mille Miglia race, here https://1000miglia.it/en

Mille Miglia Museum

For those who can’t get enough, there is also a Museum. The Mille Miglia Museum is housed in a magnificent former Benedictine monastery in the S. Eufemia neighborhood, east of Brescia’s city center. A museum that captivates not only the fans of vintage cars and the famous car race of the Mille Miglia, but also many curious people and families who, visiting the museum, immerse themselves in an era that now no longer exists and is preserved here with the utmost care.

The Mille Miglia Museum is not just an astounding exhibition of four-wheeled treasures. The Museum stands out from other automobile museums precisely because of its location at this hugely important historic site. 

The Museum is dedicated to the ‘Red Arrow’ race and was brought to life by the Mille Miglia Museum Association. It was established in December 1996 by a group of Brescian businessmen known as the “Friends of the Mille Miglia”. The Association today has 50 shareholders.

Vintage cars in a magnificent exhibition circuit

The new Museum was opened to the public on 10 November 2004 and displays classic cars in a perfectly organized and comfortable exhibition tour. Visitors receive an audio guide tablet that explains the various sections of the museum with explanations and films. On display are vintage cars from 1927 to the ’60s, a section dedicated to the contemporary race and a long list of precious rarities such as photographs, posters, road signs and even fuel pumps.

The vintage cars are rotated to allow them to participate in various events, including the famous Mille Miglia, which is based in Brescia.

In addition to the exhibition tour, there is a historical archive about the famous car race, which has now been fully digitized, a restaurant, a museum store and event and conference rooms.

The Mille Miglia Museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm. More info is available at https://www.museomillemiglia.it/en

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With the abundance of hotels and destinations, it’s easy to lose track. Would I prefer an active vacation with sauna in the evening? Or rather culinary experiences with friends? Do I dream of luxury and relaxation or am I looking for relaxation in nature? But which hotel and destination suits me best? We might have the answer. Tell us which vacation type you are – and discover the most beautiful hotels according to your wishes!

Sustainability

Slow travel as a lifestyle

Sustainability is not a trend for you, but a lifestyle. Do you value regional food, are you careful about what you consume, and do you want a hotel that is also conscious and climate-neutral in its approach to life? Here are two hotels that will make you happy. That’s a promise!

The Alpin & Relax Hotel Gerstl in the Val Venosta puts great value on regional food from the immediate surroundings. Whether in the infinity pool, the natural bathing pond or the sauna, the mountain view is always included. Recharge your batteries, feel tranquility and absolute liberty. At this place, where familiar hospitality, modern style, South Tyrolean tradition and strong holiday emotions are unified, the beauty of life is put in the center of attention, every day.

Montivas Lodge in Livigno is built entirely from ecologically valuable materials. In addition to a completely sustainable energy concept, a first-class organic breakfast awaits you in the morning. At Montivas Lodge ethics meets aesthetics. The building was built exclusively using environmentally friendly materials to make your sustainable holiday and the words go for green a reality.

Wellness

Warm and cozy

Every visit to the sauna is relaxation for you. Nothing relaxes you more in the winter months than pleasant scents and cozy warmth? Then off you go to the Garberhof in South Tyrol. A unique spa with a large pool area and sauna worlds awaits you here. The special thing: Italy’s largest Hamam, which takes you to a world of ethereal scents and a special cleansing ritual. Surrounded by sunny orchards, the hotel merges with the scenic beauty of South Tyrol. It’s an oasis of tranquility where you will find the ideal conditions to experience a feeling of total freedom.

The Cyprianerhof in the Dolomites of South Tyrol is a wonderful place to unwind. Here you can not only look forward to the breathtaking panorama of the Rosengarten, but also to the brand new Similde Spa. Jump into the pool with Dolomite water, enjoy an infusion in the glass sauna or a bubble bath in the whirlpool – mountain view included. The close connection to nature is reflected in the hotel. The impressive Catinaccio/Rosengarten rises impressively in front of the 5-star hotel. It is a sight that inspires the eyes and touches the soul.

Luxury

No wishes remain unfulfilled

No infinity pool, no you. When you go on vacation, it may – no, must – be unique and luxurious. True luxury can be experienced at the five-star Hotel Fanes in the South Tyrolean Dolomites. Whether in the sky pool or in the private whirlpool: Here you relax at the highest level. The hotel in Alta Badia, in the heart of the Dolomites, lies in the picturesque scenery of the village of San Cassiano. It is a charming and elegant destination where you breathe a centuries-old art of welcoming. A precious place for regeneration and special attentions.

Alternatively, head to Lake Garda: The Quellenhof Luxury Resort Lazise awaits you with an excellent pool and wellness paradise on 21,000 square feet. You can sleep in luxurious suites and glamorous private villas. It’s Dolce Vita pure at Lake Garda. Surrounded by olive trees, above the small medieval village of Lazise and only a few minutes away from the extensive southeast shore of Lake Garda.

Design

Here beats the aesthetic heart

You love design and innovative ideas. When choosing your hotel, aesthetics also play a role. The more inspiring, the better. The Parkhotel Holzner in South Tyrol is sure to make your design heart leap for joy. Let yourself be captivated by the charm of the Gründerzeit and discover modern elements in the midst of history. Built in 1908, the hotel is located 4,000 feet above sea level on Ritten Mountain, and offers a stunning view of pastures and forests, lovely hills, and rugged mountain peaks. It is an alpine refuge surrounded by fresh mountain air and ancient giant trees. All that only a 15-minutes cable-car ride from the city center of Bolzano.

Another tip: Hotel Muchele near Merano. 40 modern suites and excellent food await you. Wine lovers, architecture fans and free-spirited souls love the easy-going atmosphere that prevails here. Best of all, if you like the Moroso furnishings, you can buy a few pieces right away. A hotel as a showroom, so to speak. If that’s not something for design lovers. Hotel Muchele is part of the Vinum Hotels South Tyrol, top vacation addresses for everyone who wants to experience wine culture up close.

Water

Time out by the lake

Whenever you sit by the water, you are happy. A vacation without sea or lake – hardly imaginable! Then off to Lake Garda to the five-star luxury hotel EALA in Limone sul Garda. This exclusive 5-Star L hotel on Lake Garda is inspired by and owes its name to a wonderful animal that has always lived on the shores of Lake Garda: the swan, eala in Celtic. Enjoy the view in the spa or while swimming in the infinity pool. If you prefer to jump directly into the lake, a private beach area on the lakeside awaits you. In the evening, enjoy dinner in one of the two restaurants – with a view of the lake, of course.

A bit further north, near Bolzano, the Hotel Seeleiten welcomes you to Lake Caldaro. Two lake accesses including a sunbathing lawn and beach bar ensure wonderful days on the water. Directly in front of the hotel on Lake Caldaro there is a wonderful, spacious Mediterranean park with numerous secluded retreats that invite you to relax and sunbathe. The heated natural swimming pool in the green holiday oasis provides pleasant refreshment in between. You can also go out on a pedal boat or rowing boat, or on one of the hotel’s own stand-up paddles.

Wine & Dine

La Dolce Vita

For this vacation type we travel a bit further south. Vacation means for you: Dolce Vita! You want to enjoy the days, be pampered with culinary delights and just enjoy. Then you should definitely go to the Boutique Hotel Castello di Semivicoli in Abruzzo. A place that is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet and wine lovers. There are only eleven individual, charming rooms. During the day the main thing here is to enjoy life – with good food and even better wine. Visit the Masciarelli winery estate and cellar or, during the grape harvest, watch and appreciate the development of their wines, from the vineyards to your table, through a constant and patient work. If you want to enjoy the flavors of Abruzzo, they organize dedicated cooking classes. For explorers they provide bike rental and organize excursions and guided tours.

If you prefer a livelier atmosphere, you can stay at one of the five hotels in the Lungarno Collection. Whether in Florence or Rome, here you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city and a luxury hotel in one. From romantic spaces to an eclectic taste of the contemporary, from classic Italian style to a new concept of bespoke hospitality, each hotel in this exquisite collection boasts a unique personality.

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From Sorrentino’s Pope to the Gucci family according to Ridley Scott:  costumes worn by Jude Law, Jared Leto and Salma Hayek are now on display at Cinecittà Shows Off.

The twinkle of armor from Game of Thrones, the riotous elegance of House of Gucci and the overblown papal style of The Young Pope are ready to peep out at visitors to Cinecittà Shows Off as it marks Spring 2022 with a truly memorable change of scene.

For the first time, Cinecittà Shows Off has reorganized its selection of original costumes and accessories to create a journey within the journey that will take the visitor through the historical eras of film, analyzing key moments in the development of audio-visual production, from the sword and sandal genre to long-running series for television, and bearing witness to the international acclaim for generations of Italian costume designers.

The display includes costumes designed by Gabriella Pescucci (1 Oscar, 2 Emmy, 2 Bafta, 2 David, 4 Ciak d’oro, 1 Goya, 8 Nastri d’argento), Carlo Poggioli (1 Globo d’oro) and Massimo Cantini Parrini (5 David, 1 European Film Award, 4 Nastri d’argento), produced by famous costumiers such as Costumi d’arte Peruzzi, Sartoria Tirelli, and Sartoria Farani who provided the outfits.

Visitors are greeted by a display that demonstrates the expertise of the artisans who work behind the scenes to make films realistic with their creations:  a collection of props that includes (among others) helmets from The Name of the Rose (1986), armor from Game of Thrones (2011-2019), the amusing animal masks from Dolittle (2020) and necklaces from Freaks Out (2021).  All kindly loaned by E. Rancati, scenic warehouse.

An embroidered purple silk shantung outfit and a green silk costume worn by Elizabeth Taylor in Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s Cleopatra (1963) inaugurate the new exhibition route, positioned beside props from Ancient Egypt created by the artisans of Cinecittà for the TV series Rome (2005-2007). Designed by Irene Sharaff who won a Best Costume Oscar for the film, these dresses are a prime example of the enormous output of Italian costumiers in the 1950s and 60s.

Meanwhile, the Queen of Longtrellis’ costume was worn by a contemporary diva, Salma Hayek, in Matteo Garrone’s Tale of Tales (2015):  a dreamy red satin creation with a long train, priceless embroidery and black lace, designed by Massimo Cantini Parrini, Best Costume Design Oscar nominee for Cyrano (2022).

Moving on, Lucrezia Borgia’s gold organza outfit with jacquard inserts, worn by Holliday Grainger in Neil Jordan’s TV series The Borgias (2011-2013), was designed by Gabriella Pescucci.

Keeping this outfit company in the adjacent cabinet is the cope (a long liturgical cape) used in Paolo Sorrentino’s The Young Pope (2016), a triumph of crystal beads and embroidery.  Worn by Jude Law as Pope Pius XIII, this was a key costume in the series.  For his design, Carlo Poggioli researched medieval vestments and those worn by Pope Benedict XVI who favored authentic 19^th century copes, vintage cassocks and headgear.

To mark the year celebrating the centenary of Pier Paolo Pasolini’s birth, two costumes from his segment (Che cosa sono le nuvole?) in the film Caprice Italian Style (1968) pay tribute to the poet-director: made in jute, they were designed by Jürgen Henze and worn by Adriana Asti and Totò.

The display route continues with pieces used in recent films:  from Mario Martone’s The King of Laughter (2021) are the striped cotton robe worn by Toni Servillo as Eduardo Scarpetta and a day outfit of embroidered white blouse and wool skirt worn by Cristiana Dell’Anna as Luisa De Filippo, mother of the celebrated Titina, Eduardo and Peppino. The costumes were designed by Ursula Patzak who won a “La Pellicola d’oro” Award for her work on the film.

Hollywood, care of Ridley Scott’s House of Gucci (2021) shot in part at Cinecittà Studios, provided the striped beige velvet suit worn by an unrecognizable Jared Leto as Paolo Gucci. A bona-fide identikit for the character, it has a pink twin presently on display at the Museum of Academy Awards in Los Angeles.  There is also a printed cotton summer dress worn by Salma Hayek as Pina Auriemma, Patrizia Reggiani’s friend and self-styled psychic. The outfit was particularly flamboyant when paired with multiple gold chains and gemstone necklaces, reproduced by Pikkio like all the jewelry on display.  The costumes were designed by Janty Yates.

The display closes with a costume worn by another eternal diva, book ending the route in a sort of conversation between Liz Taylor and Monica Vitti:  the mini-dress embellished with gems and sequins worn by the latter in Ninì Tirabusciò – La donna che inventò la mossa (1970) by Marcello Fondato. Typical of early 20^th century cabarets, the costume designed by Adriana Berselli was famous for its use in a scene where the Roman actress, who died recently, invents a shake of the hips that becomes the titular “move”.

This worthy tribute best demonstrates the goal of costume designers:  using the quality of fabric and the expertise of design, rather than corporal dynamism, to revive unforgettable performances in the viewer’s memory.

Cinecittà is open daily (except Tuesday) from 10 am to 6 pm. General admission is $15. Starting April 1^st, guided tours of the sets in English will be available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11.30 am.

Cinecittà Studios
Via Tuscolana 1055
00173 Rome
https://cinecittasimostra.it/en/exhibition-and-sets

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