Alta Badia – for excellent cuisine

Situated at the north-east corner of the Sella Ronda circuit in South Tyrol, Alta Badia combines stunning nature, centuries old culture and mouth-watering cuisine. The resort is made up of six main villages – Corvara, Colfosco, La Villa, San Cassiano, Badia and La Val. Each village offers something different but all are fantastic bases for enjoying the superb skiing and diverse range of activities on offer.

With four Michelin-stars to its name, Alta Badia is famous for its gastronomic scene. As well as many gourmet restaurants, the resort is also popular for its traditional Ladin cuisine and there are a number of food-based initiatives to enjoy in summer and winter through the Peaks of Gastronomy program, from cookery demonstrations to tasting tours.

With excellent nursery slopes and good runs to progress to, Alta Badia is a great choice for beginner skiers but there is also plenty of more challenging terrain for experienced skiers.

Check out the luxury ski chalets in Alta Badia https://www.leotrippi.com/italy/alta-badia

Cortina d’Ampezzo – for fashionistas

Often referred to as “The Queen of the Dolomites”, Cortina d’Ampezzo has a rich history, blending local traditions and heritage with a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Located in the wide and sunny Ampezzo Valley, Cortina was among the first Alpine destinations to host tourists and was home to Italy’s first Olympic Games in 1956. Since then, the resort has gone from strength to strength with its picturesque town center and wide variety of wellness and sporting activities drawing visitors from around the world. In fact, Cortina will again host the Winter Olympic Games in 2026.

Home to one of the best shopping streets in the Alps, Corso Italia, Cortina is extremely popular with fashionistas. This central pedestrian road displays some of the most prestigious and exclusive brands in the world, alongside jewelers, antique shops and artisan’s workshops. A stroll through Corso Italia is a must when visiting Cortina.

Cortina offers 75 miles of slopes and is ideal for beginners but the mountains offer a lot of variety with something to suit all levels. With countless itineraries, snowshoeing is another popular activity here whilst ice skating and curling can be enjoyed at the Olympic Ice Stadium.

Check out the luxury ski chalets in Cortina d’Ampezzo https://www.leotrippi.com/italy/cortina-dampezzo

Kronplatz – for families

Situated in the picturesque Pustertal Valley, Kronplatz is one of the top winter sports resorts in South Tyrol. This dome-shaped mountain between Bruneck-Brunico, St. Vigil-San Vigilio and Valdaora-Oland caters for all abilities. The village gondolas serve excellent easy blue runs for beginners, intermediate skiers can enjoy wide runs down into the valley whilst experts can test their mettle on the Black Five.

Popular with families, Kronplatz has numerous ski schools, family fun parks and sled runs. In addition to swimming, hiking, skiing or ice skating, there are two museums including the MMM Corones, designed and built by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Families will appreciate the quiet village yet there are still some good restaurants and a few bars to satisfy any après ski urges.

Check out the luxury ski chalets at Kronplatz https://www.leotrippi.com/italy/kronplatz

Madonna di Campiglio – for top events

Located on the western fringes of the scenic Dolomites, Madonna di Campiglio is an upmarket ski resort with100 miles of interconnected runs across three ski areas. This pretty Alpine town has a car-free center, buzzy bars and some excellent restaurants including three Michelin-starred establishments.

The resort plays host to some fantastic events during the winter and summer season. Taking place on the Canalone Miramonti in December is the historic FIS Ski World Cup Men’s Night Slalom whilst in January the Winter Marathon sees antique cars compete in a series of races and time trials on the resort’s icy lake. Another popular event is the famous Habsburg Carnival, which sees Madonna di Campiglio’s streets coming to life with costumes, music and gala dinners.

Off the slopes, visitors have a myriad of activities to choose from, including lift-served tobogganing, ice skating on the lake, dog sledding, ice climbing, paragliding and horse riding to name just a few.

Check out the luxury ski chalet in Madonna di Campiglio https://www.leotrippi.com/italy/madonna-di-campiglio

Val Gardena – for spectacular skiing & extensive scenery

Situated at the north-west corner of the Sella Ronda circuit, Val Gardena is made up of three towns – Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva. Ortisei is Val Gardena’s main town and arguably the prettiest of the three with a cobblestone-lined pedestrian area. In the middle of Val Gardena is Santa Cristina, the smallest and most laid-back of the three whilst Selva at 5,100 feet is the highest.

If you are looking for Instagram-like views then Val Gardena is the place to be. The Sella massif and Sassolungo at sunrise or sunset make for a spectacular sight, as does Vallunga, a long valley lined with high mountains on both sides in the Puez-Odles nature park. You can also enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the Dolomites from Mount Pic, one of the smaller mountains in Val Gardena.

Part of the Dolomiti Superski region, Val Gardena offers direct access to the Sella Ronda and over 800 miles of slopes – perfect for skiers who like to rack up the mileage.

Check out the luxury ski chalets in Val Gardena https://www.leotrippi.com/italy/val-gardena

The post Top 5 Ski Resorts in Italy appeared first on Discover Italy Magazine.

A food and wine tour in the historic villages of Trentino

In its valleys the Trentino region encompasses a host of small romantic villages – recognized by the association of “Borghi più Belli d’Italia” (“the most beautiful villages of Italy”) – with stone houses, courtyards and old barns, each offering home-style recipes worth tasting, the ideal locations for a romantic trip to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Your couple’s itinerary can start from Canale di Tenno, a medieval village on a hill overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Tenno. A little further on, you’ll find Rango, an amazing example of rural alpine architecture. After a walk hand-in-hand among its barns and cobbled streets, make sure you try the famous Bleggio walnut pie. From here, you can set off again towards San Lorenzo in Banale, set between the Brenta Dolomites and Lake Garda. Scattered over seven hamlets, this village is an invitation to discover ancient rural traditions and tasty traditional food.

Overlooking Lake Idro you’ll find Bondone, an ancient village of coalmen. There you can venture into its labyrinth of lanes admiring the frescoes that decorate the facades of the houses. Try an energizing polenta carbonera, a hit of the cuisine from Trentino. Then move to the eastern side of Trentino to discover romantic Mezzano. The village at the foot of the wonderful Pala Group will bowl you over with its cataste e canzei, a permanent exhibition of wooden architectures. Before leaving try tosela di Primiero, a local cheese best sampled with polenta and luganega from Trentino. Your romantic tour through the historic villages of Trentino can end in Vigo di Fassa, a sunny village from which you can admire the Marmolada, the queen of the Dolomites, as she turns pink at sunset. Don’t miss out on visiting a couple of museums and tasting typical Ladin dishes like cajoncie da fighes and cher de fascia.

Three days immersed in the beauty of Maremma

If you want a Valentine’s Day at a slow pace dedicated to wellness and culture, we recommend a romantic weekend in the Maremma area, in southern Tuscany. Enjoy thermal springs, historic villages and idyllic landscapes. Your ideal starting point could be Saturnia. The town features an archaeological park hosting ruins from the Etruscan and Roman ages, striking natural waterfalls of thermal water – the Cascate del Mulino – as well as some of the most famous thermal baths in the world, dating as far back as ancient times. Having left Saturnia, head for Sovana, in the heart of the Tuff area. Sovana is a noteworthy Etruscan center, medieval and Renaissance village, and episcopal center. It will amaze you with its houses carved out of tuff and its exquisite medieval palaces. Just beyond it, you’ll come across Sorano. The ancient city was founded in the most flourishing Etruscan period. Browse workshops of the craftsmen and women who make and sell picturesque ceramic artefacts, visit the Renaissance fortress and the archaeological park of the City of Tuff, with its necropolis carved into the rocks.

Your next stop will be Pitigliano, a center built thousands of years ago, located on a cliff, also carved out of tuff. Plan your visit at sunset, and treat your eyes to a host of breathtaking, romantic views. Pitigliano preserves traces of prehistoric settlements, Etruscan tombs and Roman ruins. You can also stroll through the old alleys of the Jewish ghetto, which earned it the title of “Little Jerusalem”. Appreciate the excellent white wines produced locally, especially the Bianco di Pitigliano. To round off your romantic trip, we recommend Capalbio. This historic village is surrounded by walls and full of medieval architecture, skimmed by the rolling hills of the Maremma scrub and unspoilt beaches. Last but not least, before leaving, take a stroll in the beautiful nature reserve surrounding the shores of Lake Burano.

A romantic weekend at Lake Garda

Lake Garda offers the right combination of relaxation, nature and culture, perfect for a Valentine’s Day packed with ideas and attractions. The most suitable location for your sweet weekend for two has to be Sirmione, with its peninsula stretching out on the lake, its striking views and historic center. Sirmione is fascinating to cover on foot, to explore attractions like the Scaligero Castle and the Roman ruins of the Grottoes of Catullus, and the location’s characteristic alleys. It is also an amazing destination to visit on board a motorboat, for an ultra-scenic perspective of this beautiful town. As well as the rich cultural wealth offered by its historic center, Sirmione is also an ideal venue for a relaxing trip thanks to its famous thermal baths, overlooking the lake, as their famous waters have unrivalled therapeutic and preventive properties.

In the evening, head to nearby Desenzano. Enjoy an aperitif and dinner, and take a romantic walk along the walls of the Castle, admiring the lights of the lake from above. Your romantic tour can then continue further north, in Gardone Riviera. It is one of the most famous resorts of Lake Garda, affording amazing views of Mount Baldo. Here you can visit the “Vittoriale degli italiani”, residence of Gabriele D’Annunzio. A little farther on, you’ll find the renowned center of Salò, rich in history, architecture and art, where you can stroll along the pretty lakefront or enjoy some typical Garda cuisine, with delicious dishes made from freshly caught fish.

Recharge your batteries in an original maso in South Tyrol

If you want to pamper yourself with a Valentine’s Day in Italy dedicated not only to the mind and body, but also to the palate, choose something different. A trip of discovery to South Tyrol, and a stay in one of its traditional masi, ancient rural homes turned into cozy agritourism facilities and excellent bed & breakfasts. In the masi of the “Gallo Rosso” group, 1.600 ‘holiday farms’ scattered all over South Tyrol, in both isolated and central locations, you can enjoy an out-of-the ordinary experience, rediscovering old agricultural customs at a slow pace. This is the perfect occasion to taste some authentic flavors, enjoy rural life surrounded by nature and also recuperate your psychological and physical wellbeing with hay saunas, milk baths, detoxifying treatments and reinvigorating massages.

And while relaxing the mind and pampering the body, it’s then time to take care of your taste buds. The host of the maso will offer you the chance to taste the typical home cooking of South Tyrol, full of local produce and characteristic flavors. You will also learn how to recognize herbs and the virtues of plants, secrets handed down from generation to generation. And if there is some other aspect of country life that interests you, aside from wellness, just ask! There is a maso for all needs and tastes: in addition to masi dedicated to wellness, in the Gallo Rosso group you will find also masi specialized in sports activities, food & wine, organic farming and historic houses, all perfectly kept, providing you with the ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in the splendor of bygone days.

Valentine’s Day in Verona, the city of love

A Valentine’s Day in Italy wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the City of Love. If for Valentine’s Day you want to spend a weekend with your partner in the ultimate romantic location, there is only one obvious choice: Verona, the city where Shakespeare set the most famous romance of all times: that of Romeo and Juliet. The myth of the two lovers lives again in the medieval Juliet’s House, but also in the ancient squares of the city, its lanes, courtyards, fascinating views and along the meanders of river Adige. To mark Valentine’s Day, the city of Verona is organizing the event Verona in Love. From February 9 to 14, 2025, the most atmospheric corners of the city, from Piazza Bra to Juliet’s House, will be decorated and illuminated in red; there will also be markets in the city with local handicrafts (in the classic heart shape), tastings, guided walks for couples in search of the secrets and legends of Romeo and Juliet, themed evenings and many other romantic surprises. New this year is a music competition for young Italian cantautori, where the best love song will be awarded the Premio Arte d’Amore. Sports enthusiasts, on the other hand, can prove their fitness in the footsteps of Romeo and Juliet in the half marathon on February 15 through the city of love.

The post Valentine’s Day in Italy appeared first on Discover Italy Magazine.

In addition to the cultural and historical importance of the places, sustainable aspects of the tourist infrastructure, an intact old town without car traffic, the preservation of the architectural fabric, living traditions as well as the promotion of the quality of life play a significant role in the award as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

14 new Villages in the “Borghi più belli d’Italia” association

Called the village of churches, Badolato is a medieval village characterized by narrow and winding alleys that intersect between the houses close to each other. Badolato is situated on a hill a few kilometers from the Ionic coast in Calabria. The hill dominates the wide valley of the torrent Gallipari, whose harsh strokes and the beauty can be admired in all their splendor. The road to the mountain and the plateau of Serre connects the ancient village with the s.s. 106 thus allowing the visitor to go in just a few minutes from the hot amenities of the ionian coast to the charm of a mountain still unspoiled. It divides in Badolato Village (or higher) and Badolato Marina. In Badolato’s ancient village you can visit 12 churches (the other 2 are located in the hamlet of Marina) that, for their position, seem almost to protect the country from all four sides.

Bagno di Romagna in Emilia-Romagna is a renowned center for thermal cares and nature tourism. It is located 56 miles southeast of Bologna. The nearby national park Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, Campigna offers woodlands, miles of paths in the woods, mountains and a major artificial lake.

Borgo Valsugana, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, is situated between Levico and Primolano and not far from the idyllic Val di Sella in Trentino. It is the vibrant center of the Valsugana and features a characteristic river landscape. Not only historic buildings and portals characterise Borgo Valsugana, but also frescos and other decorative elements, which provide the village a Venetian style. Moreover the Brenta river which crosses Borgo, splits the village into two parts.  Well deserved being among the “Borghi più belli d’Italia”

Castagnole delle Lanze is a small Piedmontese village located in the province of Asti, embedded between the hills of the Langhe and Monferrato, in an area with a strong vocation for tourism and a deep-rooted winemaking tradition. Included within the World Heritage areas of southeastern Piedmont according to UNESCO, Castagnole delle Lanze is nestled among enchanting hills, long rows of vineyards and hazelnut groves typical of the area. The Piedmontese village is also an Orange Flag, an initiative that has been marking tourist excellence on Italian territory since 1998, and is a symbol of sustainable tourism, hospitality and high quality itineraries, thanks to the presence of a valuable natural, artistic and cultural heritage.

Celle Ligure is a small jewel of the Western Ligurian Riviera, overlooking the sea. The village has colorful houses lined up along the coast, sandy beaches and characteristic alleys overlooked by buildings of great artistic value, including Palazzo Ferri, the current Town Hall. Its historic center still retains the charm of the ancient fishing village. To fully enjoy the beauty of the country, there is nothing better than getting lost in the alleys and squares.

Golferenzo is an ancient village in the hills of Oltrepò Pavese in Lombardy, with magnetic charm and excellent food and wine. Curious tourists will find delicious and unusual panoramas in Golferenzo with vineyards nestled into the hillsides making excellent wines and Riesling and Pinot in particular.

Guarene in Piedmont, is a beautiful ancient town, perched on a hilltop with stunning views on the vineyards of the Langhe and Roero territories, recognized as a World Heritage site by Unesco. Large part of this old town is occupied by the Castle of Guarene, a finely designed baroque palace built between 1726 and 1775. Today, the palace continues to make people’s dreams come true. Preserved as it was in its heyday, with all its works of art intact, it is now also home to a top-class hotel. 

Malcesine, a picturesque village overlooking the Veronese shores of Lake Garda, dominates the lake and mountains with its castle: the ancient stronghold rises below the hills planted with olive groves; all around develops the village, rich in history and culture, while just outside the center, you can see natural beauty to be reached on foot, by boat or by cable car. The village of Malcesine actually extends over a large area, which includes coast and hill, protected behind by Mount Baldo: an area rich in natural beauty, history and culture. Malcesine definitely deserves to be on the list of “I Borghi più belli d’Italia”.

Discover the town of Ossana in Val di Sole, Trentino. Walk through the streets of the village with 1000 nativity scenes and visit Castel San Michele. Ossana lies at the mouth of the Val di Peio valley, at the foot of the peaks of the Presanella chain. The village is dominated by the Tower of the Castle of S. Michele (1191), which is nestled in a hill that has been inhabited since the Bronze Age.

Ronciglione is a ‘dual’ village: medieval, the village above, Renaissance the one added in 1500 by the Farnese family. The town in Latium, not far from Viterbo, boasts one of the 10 most beautiful Carnivals in Italy. It is also a stop on the Via Francigena North. Now, Ronciglione has been named as one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages.

Where flavors become emotions! Sammichele di Bari in Apulia is located on the Murge Plateau and is built primarily on agriculture. On the last weekend of September, there is a festival called Sagra della Zampina, to promote the local products. The town’s castle houses the “Museo della civilltà contadina” in which there are pictures, utensils, and clothes concerning farmer’s life in the 19th century.

San Donato in Poggio is located in the middle of the classical Chianti territory of Tuscany.  The town has maintained much of its classical medieval architecture and has incorporated delicious restaurants, charming B&B accommodations and hosts several fun events throughout the year. Treat yourself to exploring a piece of the Tuscany that played an important role in the rise and fall of the Florence and Siena powers and contributes to the culinary and wine cultures of today.

By now, I am sure, you have noticed that mostly medieval towns have been included in the most beautiful villages in Italy. Stroncone in Umbria is another one. The historic center has preserved intact its enchanting medieval atmosphere, with narrow winding streets, beautiful stone doorways and an ancient well, which is just inside the walls near the beautiful gate called Porta del Borgo. At the entrance to town there is a monumental 17th-century fountain with an elegant design. 

Tempio Pausania is an enchanting, large town in the heart of Gallura, in north-eastern Sardinia, a “granite temple” surrounded by water and greenery, famous for its carnival, cork and moscato. The town is famous for working granite and cork, to which the cork machinery museum is dedicated, for its wines (Vermentino, Karana and Moscato), and for lu carrasciali timpiesu, an allegorical carnival par excellence that attracts 100,000 visitors every year. 

The post New Borghi d’Italia appeared first on Discover Italy Magazine.

Between April and June, the opportunity is right for a journey to discover the different alpine blooms. Among those to be admired are the Botton d’oro del Baldo, the apple orchards of the Val di Non, and the orchids at Lavazè.

Between Vallagarina and Lake Garda, the territory of the Local Natural Park of Monte Baldo has been known since the Middle Ages. Botanists from all over Europe love the area for its biodiversity and wealth of preglacial endemic species. They have been able to reach us because they have colonized the higher areas not covered by ice caps in the Quaternary. Due to their particularity and rarity, some species still present are accompanied by the adjective baldensis, which recognizes their uniqueness. The most common, however, are arnica, lilies, gentians, orchids, botton d’oro and silver geraniums. Between May and June, they create colorful carpets on the meadows at high altitude that can be observed along the itineraries of the park. Particularly spectacular here is the flowering of the Golden Botton, unmistakable for its intense yellow flowers.

The most spectacular alpine blooms can be admired walking from the Graziani refuge towards Malga Campo, Bocca Paltrane to reach the Malga Campei refuge in Val Paròl where instead you can see expanses of Botton d’oro.

Monte Casale is the most panoramic mountain in the Valle delle Terme di Comano. Even up here, in the meadows at high altitude that overlook the southern slope of the Brenta Dolomites, in May nature awakens. The flowering transforms these environments into a fresco of colors and scents of dozens and dozens of floral species. The green summit carpet is dotted with Crocus, mountain tulips, orchids, officinal peonies, gentians, martagon lilies, rhododendrons, stellate brooms, and again the spur, lingonberry, mountain arnica, herbaceous heather and spinach alpine. The ascent to Monte Casale is an easy route without particular difficulties, suitable for families.

Now, in a few days, Valle di Non, the valley of apples, turns from a large green expanse, into a candid white and a soft pink, with the apple blossoms to be admired at the end of April. An itinerary among the blooms, suitable for everyone, can also be followed around the capital Cles.

To pay homage to the spectacle of spring, the Strada della Mela e dei Sapori delle Valli di Non e di Sole has created a program of events and initiatives designed for everyone. In April and May gastronomic walks, thematic picnics with recipes based on seasonal flowers and herbs, flowered itineraries to admire the spectacle of flowering up close, and guided excursions are offered.

The post Alpine blooms appeared first on Discover Italy Magazine.

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.

The post Which vacation type are you? appeared first on Discover Italy Magazine.

Imagine that: From your bed into the free-standing bathtub. A healthy sweat in the private panoramic sauna. Relax in the jacuzzi on the suite terrace. Take a whey bath in a hollowed chestnut log and then, snuggled up in your bathrobe, relax in front of the fireplace. How does all that sound?

Private Spa turns wellness into exclusive vacation moments. Relaxation and recreation in an intimate atmosphere guaranteed. Honestly, who doesn’t want to get away from it all in private and treat body and soul to some soothing time out?

Alta Badia: Private pampering moments

The wellness area at Dolomiti Wellness Hotel Fanes is one of the largest in the Dolomites, with over 53,000 square feet: soothing symbiosis of alpine wellness, professional treatments and high-quality products. In the Fanes Spa Suites, wellness treatments become unforgettable hours for two, in a private retreat for relaxation. The dark, pleasantly smooth wood of the two hollowed chestnut logs in the “Realm of Fanes” spa suite is a delight for the skin. The whey bath in it, is a real feel-good moment for body and soul. In the black and gold room “Caveau”, the anti-aging products from the hotel’s own care line unfold their beneficial effects. And lovers of very private wellness moments stay in the “Dolomites Mountain Spa” or “Natura Loft” suites with their own wellness area. Five-star wellness with private Turkish bath, Finnish sauna and whirlpool with valley view on the terrace.

Algund: Private retreats

The unmistakable beauty writing of the mother-daughter duo Christine and Magdalena Erlacher enchants everywhere in the Forsterhof with private retreats. There, the vacation feeling comes all by itself. Simple, caring elegance and individual wellness instead of a general spa area. For sauna lovers, the Suite Marie with private hydro-soft sauna is just the right thing. Jacuzzi connoisseurs should book the Stella double room. There, nothing stands in the way of the jacuzzi on the terrace and bathing under the starry sky with a glass of champagne in hand. The highlight: the new 540 square feet light-flooded Suite Giardino, a ground-level retreat in the fringed private garden, with loungers and private whirlpool. Inside, spacious rooms and a hydro-soft sauna provide the right atmosphere for pleasant moments of relaxation. Omnipresent: the typical Algund landscape with its apple orchards and vineyards, in which the nearby Merano located Suites&Breakfast is embedded.

Limone sul Garda: Lakeside Dream

Inspired by the Celtic word Eala, which embodies the swan in all its elegance and beauty, the new Hotel on Lake Garda is nestled against the mountains of the western shore. The surrounding area is filled with Italian Dolce Vita, on the Lago is the private beach, and in the hotel, you will find a 16,000-square-feet Luxury Spa with two indoor and one outdoor pool. For luxury lovers with a penchant for undisturbed wellness enjoyment, choose the Spa Suite Argantos. About 750 square feet of nobly furnished interior, in which stone and parquet flooring harmonize. Complemented by the simple elegance of Italian furniture design. The open bathroom impresses with suspended bathtub and Turkish bath with integrated shower, an indoor wellness heaven.  Outside you can enjoy the panoramic sauna and air pool on the terrace. If you relax here, you’ll always have a view of Lake Garda from an elevated vantage point. The Risatti family knows, from 60 years of hotel experience, what guests dream of. And, makes these dreams come true.

Mals: Power place in Val Venosta

Wellness in a stylish ambience has long been cultivated at the Gerstl: Infinity pool, natural bathing pond and sauna area with panoramic view. Here you can relax, together with other hotel guests. Completely privately and completely new is the Arunda Suite. This exclusive Alpine & Relax Suite is for all those who want to indulge in their own individual wellness pleasure. Enjoy feel-good moments for two in the room’s free-standing luxury tub.  When the petals seem to almost float on the surface of the water, bathing pleasure becomes a luxury experience. The wide window directly in front of the tub lets the view wander to the snow-capped mountain peaks. After the bath, all you want to do is snuggle up comfortably in the inviting double bed. Or would you rather go out onto the spacious balcony and enjoy the view of the Ortler mountain range from the sunny south-facing slope in which the Gerstl nestles, while treating yourself to a glass of champagne? Your choice!

The post Private Spa: Luxury wellness appeared first on Discover Italy Magazine.

The association of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy” (I Borghi più belli d’Italia) has gained twelve new members. A total of 325 villages, each with unique characteristics, now belong to the network, which is committed not only to promoting tourism but also to preserving and restoring the historic fabric of the villages.

In addition to the cultural and historical importance of the places, sustainable aspects of the tourist infrastructure, an intact old town without car traffic, the preservation of the architectural fabric, living traditions as well as the promotion of the quality of life play a significant role in the award as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

12 new villages in the “Borghi più belli d’Italia” association

As one of the newly awarded villages, Alberobello is probably one of the better-known destinations on the tourist map. Located in the Itria Valley in Puglia, the “City of the Trulli” was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1996 for its characteristic architecture.

On the eastern shore of Lake Como in the province of Lecco lies Bellano, a small fishing village with narrow streets and colorful houses. Not far away is the impressive “Orrido di Bellano”, a deep natural gorge that can be crossed along paths carved into the rock.

Sicily is home to two of the newly awarded villages: in the province of Siracusa, in the heart of the Monti Iblei, lies Buccheri, rich in evidence of a long history marked by the ancient Greeks, Romans Byzantines, Arabs and Normans. In the province of Enna, on the other hand, is the small village of Calascibetta, which also scores with its archaeological heritage, such as the necropolis of Realmese from the Iron Age.

Campiglia Marittima, in the province of Livorno in Tuscany, is also one of the most beautiful villages in Italy: it is located on a hill in the Val di Cornia with a wide view of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the surrounding countryside.

The Lazio region is represented by Castelnuovo di Porto in the province of Rome, where the important 13th century Castello della Rocca is located. The ancient village is located on a tuff spur and is of Etruscan origin.

Crecchio, in the province of Chieti in Abruzzo, is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves on a small hill near the Arielli River and is dominated by the Ducal Castle, which today houses the “Byzantine and Early Medieval Museum of Abruzzo”.

Not just a village, but a small island: La Maddalena, capital of one of the most popular islands of Sardinia in the archipelago of the same name, captivates with its historical center and its natural beauty and is now also one of the “Borghi più belli d’Italia”.

Further north, the province of Trento can also boast 2 new additions: Luserna is a true natural balcony and one of the most historic and traditional municipalities of Trentino, where Cimbric, an ancient German language, is still spoken. Pieve Tesino is located on the southern slopes of Monte Silana and extends over the Tesino basin. The village is also known as the birthplace of the Italian statesman Alcide De Gasperi.

Nocera Umbra, in the province of Perugia, was founded by the Umbrians and later conquered by the Romans, who made it an important stop on the Via Flaminia. Its origins as a defensive fortress are still witnessed by the immense castle walls.

In the Marche, Petritoli was chosen as the new borgo in the province of Fermo. Situated on a hill, it overlooks the green and fertile Aso Valley and offers a breathtaking panorama from the Sibillini Mountains to the Adriatic coast.

Find out more about all the “Borghi più belli d’Italia” here: www.borghipiubelliditalia.it

The post Borghi più belli d’Italia appeared first on Discover Italy Magazine.

Who does not know them, the porticos of Merano in South Tyrol? Colorful arcades, historical flair, lively and popular as ever. The medieval Laubengasse is one of the oldest shopping streets in the world: for more than 800 years, goods have been sold in the arcades. Lavishly decorated facades, colorfully painted wooden shutters, archways and oriels from a wide variety of stylistic eras transform the 1,300-feet long shopping mile into a living open-air museum. In the historic center of Merano, directly in the “Lauben”, are the new Kuntino Suites with the in-house Kuntinos Café. And with the upcoming Merano Christmas Market there is one more reason to visit.

In 1956, the Kuntner family opened a shoe store here in the Lauben, which still exists today. In 2015, the family acquired the building at Lauben 309, right next to the shoe store, and had it extensively restored. Architects and designers have combined, with great sensitivity, the valuable remains of the past with modern comfort and high-quality interior. With the Kuntino Suites they created a special jewel box in the heart of Merano. At only 25 years of age, the daughter of the house, Aurelie Kuntner, took over the responsibility for the Kuntino Suites – typical South Tyrol, because here the melding of tradition and modernity is not a tactic, but rather a local attitude to life.

Photo: Patrick Schwienbacher

Nine individual and luxurious suites in the heart of the old town of Merano

In the nine suites, the history of the house is carefully preserved and at the same time offers an aesthetic contrast: vaulted ceilings, artistic tiled stoves and antiques merge with clear lines and modern comfort to create a literally stylish ambience. Tranquility spreads behind the historic walls, although the pulse of the spa town beats directly in front of the mighty entrance door on the first floor. Some of the suites have a small terrace or balcony facing the backyard, where only the chirping of birds can be heard.

All suites have a kitchen equipped with the most important utensils as well as a bathroom with shower or bathtub, WiFi, safe, bathrobes, bath sandals and comfort zone cosmetics.

Well served and “Hetz hobn”* – Food & Drink

The in-house Café Kuntinos is located directly below the suites. Through the glass facade in the stairwell, you can already see whether a seat is still available. Or, you can sit outside, under the porticos. Guests of the Kuntino Suites can enjoy healthy bowls, Bruschetta, Piadine (small sandwiches), freshly squeezed juices and delicious 100% Arabica coffee to start the day.

The hostess of the Kuntino Suites, Aurelie Kuntner, is standing behind the counter, together with Christian Comper, who has mixed cocktails and served delicious aperitifs in legendary bars like Icebergs in Sydney. For lunch and dinner, guests will find a wide range of options.

Aurelie Kuntner personally advises each guest and reserves a table in the desired location. The South Tyrolean cuisine is known for its Mediterranean influence. In Merano you will find Michelin-starred restaurants as well as down-to-earth inns with traditional cuisine. Fine wines from the local wineries are ideal companions for the dishes.

*having fun

In and around Merano, in the heart of South Tyrol – activities and destination

In Merano, Dolce Vita and Mediterranean effortlessness meet the customs and traditions of the Alps. Between palm trees and snow-capped mountain peaks, medieval arcades and magnificent buildings of the Belle Époque line up. Right from the city, you can take a chairlift which leads to Dorf Tirol, where the mountains are within reach. Even without the chairlift, it is easy to conquer the mountain world directly from the Kuntino Suites. The Tappeinerweg, one of the longest and most beautiful high-altitude promenades in Europe, begins just a few meters from the Lauben. Cypresses, pines and panoramic views of Merano characterize this path.

Merano 2000, the skiing and hiking area located above the city, offers vacationers a wide range of sporting opportunities – thanks to mountain bike routes, hiking trails, via ferratas and summit destinations. For those interested in culture, a piece of the city’s history already opens up in the arcades. The diverse cultural offerings range from the Merano Spring Festival to the Grape Festival, the Merano Music Weeks to the Merano Wine Festival. Vacationers can explore the multitude of castles, palaces, gardens and parks on guided tours or on their own.

Merano Christmas

Speaking of cultural offerings, the traditional Merano Christmas Market awaits you in the pre-Christmas season along the enchanting promenade. Around 80 wooden booths display a wide range of gift ideas between the 1st Advent and the beginning of January, creating a very special Christmas atmosphere.

The numerous booths in the old town and along the Kurpromenade offer some special drinks and food: you can enjoy a honey wine or try a “Feuerzangenbowle” and taste some grilled buckwheat dumplings. In addition, there are textiles, jewelry, ceramics and articles made of wood.

Special features are the digital Advent calendar, the parade of Krampus and St. Nicholas at the beginning of December, and the glow of lights in Merano. The little guests, on the other hand, have been thought of at the Merano Christmas with activities suitable for children which will light up their eyes.

The Merano region is particularly characterized by its mild climate. In this sunny area – 300 days of sunshine a year are not uncommon – spring arrives very early, winter very late. In addition, the air of the region is particularly fresh and healing. The Kuntino Suites are an ideal starting point to experience Merano and its surroundings. The Kuntino Suites in Merano are part of the Vinum Hotels South Tyrol.  

The post Kuntino Suites Merano appeared first on Discover Italy Magazine.

Nestled in the most beautiful vineyards, the 29 Vinum Hotels South Tyrol are the top vacation address for everyone who wants to experience wine culture up close and personally get to know the people behind it. The family-run hotels are as diverse as the nature of South Tyrol: from a castle hotel with its own vineyard to a design, tree or eco hotel, every guest will find the right Vinum domicile.

In the Vinum Hotels, the vine is close enough to touch, the finest wines of South Tyrol are stored in antique wine cellars, the hosts personally guide you through the vineyards, and in addition to wine menus and numerous activities related to the noble drop, there are also wine treatments in selected wellness areas.

Grasp wine culture with all senses

All Vinum Hotels have one thing in common: they are run by passionate wine connoisseurs with dedication and wine know-how. They enthusiastically open the doors to their wine cellars, take their guests into the vineyards, and to wineries. Many of the Vinum hoteliers are winemakers themselves and provide insight into the agricultural processes, reveal what the vine needs to mature into a top wine. At the very latest, the guest internalizes South Tyrol with all its senses during the wine tasting.

Vinum Hotels Quality Criteria

• All Vinum hosts are certified sommeliers or even winemakers.
• Each winery has its own tasting room or wine cellar and offers various guaranteed wine and food experiences.
• At least once a week, the host personally guides you through a wine experience.
• Extensive wine list paired with personal wine coaching, rarities and niche wines, and award-winning wines from Vinum Hotels winemakers.
• Vinum hotels with spa areas offer wine wellness treatments such as grape seed peeling to bathing in a real wine barrel.

In addition, Vinum Hotels places great emphasis on upscale cuisine. The chefs base their menus on nature and the seasons and use mainly regional products from South Tyrolean farmers. Vinum Hotels with upscale cuisine as well as regional and seasonal dishes. An extensive wine list paired with personal wine coaching, rarities and niche wines as well as the award-winning wines of the Vinum Hotels vintners complete the overall package. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

The Vinum Hotels South Tyrol are divided into the following categories and accordingly set different priorities: Wine & Wellness, Wine & Design, Wine & Romance, Wine & Active, Wine & Tradition.

Vinum Hotels Club

Since the year 2019 there is the Vinum Hotels Club. Club members receive privileges, special services and gifts, not only at Vinum Hotels South Tyrol, but also at all partner establishments (wineries, enotecas, gourmet stores, etc.).

VINUM HOTELS SÜDTIROL is the first and only hotel group in the world with a focus on wine. Included are three-star to five-star hotels. In selected VINUM hotels, wine wellness is on the agenda – from grape seed peeling to a bath in a real wine barrel. The 29 hand-picked, family-run hotels are located in the heart of South Tyrol’s wine regions and are managed with great dedication and personally by passionate wine connoisseurs. All hoteliers are also winemakers or sommeliers.

We are planning to write individually about one or the other Vinume Hotel in the future. Until then, take your pick: www.vinumhotels.com

The post South Tyrol – Vacation in the best wine locations appeared first on Discover Italy Magazine.

Bike tourism continues to grow in popularity as active travelers appreciate the destination immersion that a cycling vacation affords: getting close to the landscape with a front-row seat to the scenery, combined with cultural attractions and gourmet stops along the way.

According to the Italian National Tourist Board, cycling vacations are so popular among U.S. travelers that a number of tour operators specialize only in bike tourism. Throughout the country, there’s high demand for both self-guided and organized tours. Of the top routes, the seven-night Bolzano to Venice tour starts in Bolzano, renowned for the dramatic landscapes of the Dolomites and the archeology museum that hosts the alpine iceman, Ötzi. Then takes in the Adige River Valley and Lake Garda. The famous cities of Verona and Padua follow after touring the vineyards in South Tyrol, before concluding in Venice. Other favorite routes include Venice to Florence, connecting the two romantic cities by way of vineyards and charming villages. The Via Francigena route, which starts in Siena, showcases the glorious Tuscan countryside before finishing in Rome.

Slated to be completed sometime this year, Ciclovia Garda (“Garda by Bike”) is an 87-mile route started in 2018 that circles the crystal-clear waters of Lake Garda in northern Italy. The Italian National Tourist Board also notes a new route called Ciclovia Vento that’s in the works. Connecting existing trails from Turin to Venice and continuing along the Adriatic Sea, the project would create a new bike path that’s more than 800 miles in length.

Puglia, located in the “heel” of Italy’s boot, has been wildly popular, while the Tuscany Bike Tour is an eternal classic, the best of the best hotels, wine, meals, and absolutely charming local personalities. Expert guides and local connections are essential to create unique itineraries for small-group cycling vacations. There is also an intimate Chef on Wheels Bike Tour available, with local chef Stefano Righetti, who was born and raised in the mountains above Lake Garda. At 16, Chef Stefano entered the restaurant world in Lake Garda, spending six years at Michelin-starred Vecchia Malcesine.

We found two companies that offer excellent bike tours throughout Italy:

https://ciclismoclassico.com/destinations/italy-bike-tours/
https://www.duvine.com/region/europe/italy/

The post Bike Tourism Boom appeared first on Discover Italy Magazine.