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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Located on the hills, above Torri del Benaco at the edge of Lake Garda in Italy, Borgo Tre has opened its doors to welcome guests. Restored by local artisans, the18th-century farmhouse is surrounded by olive groves, cypresses, lemon trees and pine woods.

Borgo Tre offers 4,305 square feet (400 qm) of living space with six luxury apartment-style suites. With each suite over 860 square feet (80 qm), guests can expect their own private garden or terrace with both lake and countryside views, complete with a bedroom, living and dining area, kitchen, open fireplace and designer bathrooms with free-standing marble baths. Some suites can host up to six people. More accommodations are scheduled to open in 2025.

Although self-catered, breakfast is served in-suite with a complimentary breakfast box. Borgo Tre recommends many nearby restaurants to sample some of the region’s best dishes for daytime and evening dining.

The farmhouse retreat features a heated outdoor pool made from local granite. A mini nature spa is slated to open soon, complete with a relaxation area, yoga terrace, outdoor cabanas, cold plunge pool and a Finnish sauna.

Borgo Tre encourages guests to switch off and explore the surroundings on foot or the hotel’s e-bikes. Its vision of slow living and sustainability is about connecting to nature. It is the ideal place to dedicate time to health and well-being, with upcoming yoga retreats to be held in the grounds. Guests can enjoy wine tasting, Vespa road trips along the shores, hikes up to the 360-degree viewpoint of Monte Baldo and boat trips on the lake.

The closest airport to Borgo Tre is Verona, a 25-minute drive by car.

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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.

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Milano Cortina 2026 and On Location, the official hospitality provider for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, have announced that ticket-inclusive hospitality and overnight packages will go on sale in November 2024.

The Milano Cortina 2026 hospitality program will be the largest in Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games history, offering more people than ever before the opportunity to enjoy an elevated service at the Olympic Winter Games, courtesy of a vast range of hospitality experiences and price points.

Hospitality packages offer fans guaranteed tickets to their favorite events with access to a variety of accommodation and entertainment options that suit their needs and budgets. These options range from in-venue private suites, premium shared lounges, unique hospitality spaces and premium hotels, to entry-level hospitality offerings.

This is the first time in Olympic Games history that fans will have the opportunity to secure these packages before they officially go on sale to the general public. A fully refundable Priority Access deposit of €200 will give fans first choice of the most in-demand sporting events with premium seating, service and hospitality experiences, accommodation in exclusive hotels, dedicated transportation to competition venues, haute cuisine prepared by renowned chefs, Olympic and Paralympic champion meet-and-greets, and more. 

On Location delivers premium hospitality experiences for major sports and entertainment events, as a result it has been appointed as the first exclusive, official hospitality provider of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The official Olympic Winter Games Hospitality Program is the only guaranteed and safe way to buy ticket-inclusive hospitality packages. 

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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. 

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Sea view

The Laguna Faro Suites are overlooking the lagoon and the marina. Urquiola has designed a well-kept refuge, flooded with light and a unique design. Architecture and interiors reflect the dialogue between man and nature. The colorful world of the island of Grado is represented in every space.

Urquiola decorated the 34 suites with warm colors and stylish furnishings and furniture. She was inspired by the Casoni – traditional fishermen’s houses in which materials such as straw, reeds, ropes and wood were used – which leads back to the lagoon landscape.

Private villas

All suites have a spacious terrace, almost all with sea view, which is a gem for couples looking for a private and exclusive environment. The resort’s service is inspired by the new model of hospitality in “villas”. Elements of design combine high craftsmanship with technological innovation and tell the tradition of the place through an original and contemporary style.

Enjoy a quality breakfast with focus on Italian products at the bistro of the Laguna Faro Suites. Then head to the infinity pool on the panoramic terrace or, treat yourself with a sauna visit or a Turkish bath in the wellness area. A fitness and relaxation area complete the offer of this hotel. Guests staying at the Laguna Faro Suites can also take advantage of the services, wellness, food and wine proposals of the neighboring Laguna Palace Hotel. Plus, you can also take advantage of the private Tivoli establishment for days at sea.

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Cinque Terre has won, by far, the first place with its eight-color palette of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola und Riomaggiore. The centuries-old coastal villages are known for their colorful houses and terraced vineyards on the steep slopes. Five Ligurian villages overlooking the sea, with the triumph of Mediterranean scrub and colorful houses. For centuries, the villages could only be reached on foot or by sea. Cinque Terre is actually a National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage. A breathtaking view of the sea and the rugged coastline of this protected section of the Ligurian Riviera makes every hike an unforgettable experience.

Equally vivid are the colors that fascinate visitors on the lagoon island of Burano. It is one of the most densely populated islands in the Venice lagoon. And, it might be the most colorful island in the world. Burano is an island where many fishermen used to live. According to a local legend, they painted their houses in different colors so that they could recognize them from a distance while fishing. This way they could always return home safely even in heavy fog. No cars are allowed on the island and it can only be reached by Vaporetto (Water taxi).  

Procida is the new Italian Capital of Culture 2022. With its colorful houses and idyllic beaches, it has often served as a film set. Located in the Gulf of Naples, it can be reached from Naples in less than an hour’s boat ride and delights its guests with picturesque villages, dreamy bathing bays and vegetation rich in cacti, fig and citrus trees due to its volcanic origin. With the title of Capital of Culture, the small island will attract wider attention. At the same time, in its role, it wants to be a symbol of slow tourism, with a focus on sustainability and responsible treatment of residents and the environment, away from mass tourism.   

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Traditional American flavor

Hard Rock now brings the traditional American flavor and flare to the city of Verona. All dishes are prepared daily with fresh ingredients, carefully selected among a network of local farmers and suppliers. The Verona Beat Local Legendary Burger stands out on the menu, being created as a tribute to the Verona area: prime quality beef, a delicious bacon jam and caramelized onions with Amarone, sautéed red radicchio, Monte Veronese Mezzano cheese topped with a delicate sauce with mushrooms and Amarone. Are you getting hungry already?

Celebrating a triumph of typical flavors and excellence from the local gastronomy, the burger got its name from a contest held by the Hard Rock Café Verona’s Facebook page, where people from the city were asked to come up with an idea. Among the many responses, the reference to the classic 80s song Verona Beat, won. What I personally like best is, that the menu also includes a selection of vegetarian dishes and even gluten free choices.

Dining with a view

Hard Rock Café Verona is distributed over two floors, also featuring an outdoor terrace with a stunning view of the Arena. The internal dining area can accommodate 96 guests, while 280 guests can also be served outside. Each of the two floors has a bar area, where one can enjoy a Veneto specialty “Spritz” or one of Hard Rock’s Signature Cocktails prepared by the bartenders. A VIP room can be reserved for parties, dinners and private events. Moreover, there is also a specific area dedicated to live music, other events and concerts. The design of the café has paid homage to the city’s predominant colors: blue and yellow – providing a vibrant, eclectic atmosphere in true contemporary Hard Rock style.

A must-see is the truly special memorabilia collection of the Verona café. It is composed of iconic objects that belonged to singers, artists and musicians who performed in the Arena or that have some special connection to the city.

Iconic memorabilia

Do not miss the white suit designed for Prince by Gianni Versace and George Micheal’s jacket, also signed by Versace. Worth a mention is Elvis Presley’s necklace, Rolling Stones’ Converse All Stars and Elton John’s boots. The list of stars represented in the Hard Rock Café Verona collection is truly impressive: Nicki Minaj, will.i.am, Radiohead, Lenny Kravitz, Bon Jovi, David Bowie to name but a few. Three big names of the Italian music scene also stand out: Eros Ramazzotti, who donated a jacket to Hard Rock Cafe, Negramaro, with a t-shirt signed by the whole band, and Zucchero, with his Gibson Les Paul guitar.

At the Rockshop customers and visitors can purchase iconic products of the brand’s famous merchandise assortment. Among these: the pins – a cult object for fans from all over the world and the T-Shirts, loved and sought after by collectors. In addition to the classic versions, the T-Shirt produced exclusively for Verona will also be on sale: a limited edition with a grey background and yellow and blue logo.

City of Love

Half-encircled by the Adige river, Verona is one of the most popular cities among tourists. The best sights and historical landmarks of the city include: Piazza delle Erbe, Palazzo della Ragione, the Lamberti Tower, Juliet’s House, Castelvecchio and the Basilica of San Zeno. A concert or an opera in the Arena is an unforgettable experience which makes every visit to a highlight. The decision to open Italy’s fourth Hard Rock Café in Verona was a great choice.

Photos: Hard Rock; Archivio fotografico Regione del Veneto – Direzione Promozione Economica e Marketing Territoriale;

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Slowing down

“Slowing down for a better life” is the motto of the Ca’ Corniani bike station near Caorle. Giving up the rush, learning to slow down, finally enjoying the journey… getting back in tune with our sensations and feeling forgotten emotions again. It’s not only while cycling that travelers can experience great nature observations in peace and mindfulness. Rowing, sailing, SUP, boating or hiking are also ways to enjoy life in slow motion.

The people of Caorle have made it their mission to open their surroundings and nature to respectful visitors, allowing them to spend pleasurable days in peaceful tranquility, away from the merry beach culture. Here, guests can also expect unspoiled beaches free of sun umbrellas. In addition, you will find centuries-old forgotten natural landscapes, fragrant pine forests, fertile fields, cantinas and farms that invite you to discover. On foot, by bike or on the water.

To the nature reserve by traghetto and bicycle

In the past, you had to travel 26 miles by car simply to get to the picturesque nature reserve of Vallevecchia near Caorle. It is actually only 500 feet away as the crow flies, but cut off by the mouth of the river Canalon. Today, visitors can take the Traghetto from Caorle to the lagoon and the beautiful natural beach of Brussa and on to Bibione. You can also rent a bike and take the bicycle ferry “Caorle – Vallevecchia – Bibione”. Vallevecchia is an 2,200 acre big enchanted island, surrounded by the sea and lagoon rivers. An ecosystem that has been able to develop in peace during centuries of seclusion, in the middle of the lively Adriatic Sea. The island, the dunes and the natural, clean beach are considered the only undeveloped part of the upper Adriatic. From the birdwatching spots visitors observe cormorants and herons, meet the proverbial foxes and hares, deer or – in the brackish water – crabs, eels and other exciting creatures. Whether on foot, e-bike or bicycle, this island is a perfect retreat for people who love peaceful nature and tranquility.

Paddling through the silence of the romantic lagoon

Allow half a day for this extraordinary tour by stand up paddleboard which is a 9-mile nature-based excursion into silence and fantastic vegetation. It leads through large canals and rivers and through small waterways. It is recommended to travel in pairs or, even in a group, and not rely only on one board. This way, if something happens, you don’t have to wait alone for one of the passing boats. Make sure you have some food and water, sun protection and a hat on board. SUP experience is not necessary – if need be you can paddle sitting down – but medium athleticism would be recommended. Since the rivers that frame Caorle change direction with the tides, it makes sense to let the tide take you into the river and after a few hours paddle back out with the tide towards the sea and the beach at Falconera. The ideal starting point is the parking lot behind the Campground Falconera, and with a bit of luck, after the halfway point, the Mazarack restaurant will be open, which can also be visited from the board.

Biking the scenic route

Conquer Caorle and the picturesque surroundings by bike. There are several different bike tours from Caorle for those who like to explore the city and the countryside quietly and under their own power. Visitors can, for example, cycle the route across Caorle to the lagoon, for which beautiful new and wide bike paths have been built. Or go as far as Concordia Sagittaria, enjoy an Espresso or Cappuccino and watch the hustle and bustle of the streets. More challenging tours of up to 40 miles lead to Brussa and Portogruaro. Even within the city – or thanks to the ferry in the lagoon – you can experience the scents, sounds and gentle wind that make cycling in the region so pleasant. Do you love wine? Then ride your bicycle from one wine estate to another, and load up your luggage baskets with the region’s delicious specialties – above all the region’s white Lison.

An exciting short trip of just 2.5 miles leads to Ca’ Corniani, where visitors can expect not only an excellent wine cantina and restaurant, but also a unique bike station, where you can rent e-bikes and bicycles, and even take a shower or, if necessary, have your bike repaired. The Ca’ Corniani agricultural development project has already had six miles of a 20-mile planned bike path laid out, past flower meadows full of poppies and chamomile, bee-friendly plantings, and 30,000 newly planted trees and shrubs.

Sailing the Adriatic Sea

Whether with or without a skipper, sailing on the Adriatic between May and October is considered one of the most beautiful experiences par excellence. The sun is shining, the air is warm and the sea invites you to jump in and take a swim. Mistral, Jugo and Bora are the names of the prevailing winds that make the Adriatic a sailing paradise. The latter often arises when the air pressure is high and blows out onto the sea from a northwestern direction. The visibility becomes as clear as the water. In spring and fall you can enjoy the Scirocco, a warm wind coming in from the southwest and ideal for sailing professionals. Excellent sailing conditions in the summer month are provided by the Mistral which blows reliably from the northwest and makes sailing particularly pleasant. It is a fair-weather wind that comes up in the morning and dies down in the evening, so that the sundowner can be enjoyed on the beach or in the street café in the warmth of the evening.

There is plenty to do and to see. And, of course, there is also Venice nearby. A city that is a must-see on top of every visitor’s bucket list.

For more information check https://www.caorle.eu/en

Photos: Caorle Tourism

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Monet in Milan

Claude Monet’s impressionism, including his famous Water Lilies, is the protagonist at Palazzo Reale in Milan until January 30, 2022. Promoted by the Municipality of Milan and produced by Palazzo Reale and Arthemisia, the exhibition is curated by Marianne Mathieu and it is created in collaboration with the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris, from which the entire body of works comes, and with the Académie Des Beaux-Arts, Institut de France.

The halls of the Royal Palace will welcome the public with 53 works by Monet, including his Water Lilies (1916-1919), The Parliament. Reflections on the Thames (1905) and The roses (1925-1926), his last and magical work: an extraordinary loan not only because it brings together some of the spearheads of Monet’s artistic production, but also for the enormous difficulty of this period in making the works travel from one country to another.

Jeff Koons in Florence

Contemporary art is the protagonist in Florence with Jeff Koons. The large sculptures and installations of the American artist will be open until January 30, 2022. Shine, the exhibition curated by Arturo Galansino and Joachim Pissarro, developed in close dialogue with the artist, the exhibition hosts loans from the most important collections and major international museums, proposing the original interpretation of Koons’ art concept of shine understood as a game of ambiguity between splendor and glow, being and appearing. The highlights are works that tell the story of over 40 years of career, from the famous sculptures in perfectly polished metal that replicate luxury objects, such as the Baccarat Crystal Set (1986) or the iconic inflatable toys such as the famous Rabbit (1986) and Balloon Dog (Red) (1994-2000), up to the interpretation of pop culture characters such as Hulk (Tubas) (2004-2018).

Escher in Genoa

Optical illusions and impossible geometries, here is Escher, who has landed at Palazzo Ducale in Genoa in a major exhibition until February 20, 2022. It is the largest and most complete anthological exhibition dedicated to the Dutch genius Maurits Cornelis Escher. In the city of the Lantern, it is possible to admire over 200 of his works and works, from Hand with a reflecting sphere (1935) to Vincolo d’unione (1956), to Metamorphosis II (1939), Giorno e notte (1938) and the series of the Emblemata, to discover the perspective, geometric and compositional paradoxes that have inspired many artists to follow. And on show you can also literally immerse yourself in his illusions and his universe thanks to immersive rooms and impossible structures, which will be compared with works by great artists such as Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720 – 1778) and Victor Vasarely (1906 – 1997).

Klimt in Rome

The Viennese art of the Secession animates the Museum of Rome. Klimt, the Secession and Italy is the name of the exhibition that brings Gustav Klimt back to Italy 110 years after his participation in the 1911 International Art Exhibition. The Capital will host in this exhibition some of the artist’s masterpieces from the Belvedere Museum of Vienna, from the Klimt Foundation and from public and private collections such as the Neue Galerie Graz. The exhibition traces the life and artistic production of Klimt, underlining his role as co-founder of the Viennese Secession and investigating his relationship with Italy, the destination of his travels and the place of some of his exhibition successes. There are about 200 works on display, including paintings, drawings, vintage posters and sculptures by Klimt and the artists of his circle. In addition to iconic works such as the famous Giuditta I, Signora in bianco, Amiche I (Le Sorelle) and Amalie Zuckerkandl, it is also possible to admire quite exceptional loans such as The Bride of the Klimt Foundation and Portrait of a Lady, stolen from the Ricci Oddi Gallery in Piacenza in 1997 and fortunately recovered in 2019.

Venice at the Doge’s Palace

This is the year of the Serenissima and the foundation of the lagoon city is also celebrated through its art. Venetia. 1600 Births and Rebirths is the exhibition that can be visited until 25 March 2022 in Venice, Palazzo Ducale – Doge’s Apartment. A journey through the events of Venice, between moments of crisis and ruptures, and phases of regeneration and renewal. To illustrate the salient moments of the history and identity of Venice, there will be works by great artists, architects and men of letters who worked in the lagoon over almost a millennium. These are names such as Carpaccio, Tiziano, Veronese, Tiepolo, Canaletto,Guardi and others, along with a selection of miniatures, prints, drawings, fabrics, sculptures, ceramics, architectural models, glass and everyday objects. Focus on some iconic monuments, first and foremost the Basilica of San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge, the Fondaco dei Tedeschi, the churches of the Redentore and Santa Maria della Salute, the Gran Teatro la Fenice and the Campanile of San Marco.

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