Autumn

Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club Urbania, the ancient Casteldurante, is located in the upper Metauro valley, north of the Marche region. It became Urbania in 1636 when Pope Urban VIII elevated it to a city and diocese for the civility of its inhabitants and the beauty of the place. The cultural and artistic heritage of the town is varied and of great prestige: Palazzo Ducale, now housing the library, the Civic Museum and the Museum of the History of Agriculture and Crafts; the Bramante Theatre, one of the jewels of the region; the Cathedral of San Cristoforo and the Cemetery of the Mummies, with 18 bodies well preserved thanks to a curious phenomenon of natural mummification due to a particular mould present in the area. Not far from the centre is the Barco Ducale. There is also a wide range of nature activities, with trails in the Apennines and the Bosco dei Folletti, a fun and educational trail perfect for children. The village can boast an important tradition linked to ceramics, which with its majolica has made it famous since the Renaissance. Today, the tradition is revived by local workshops and courses are held throughout the year. Among the typical products, the crostolo stands out, to be accompanied with cured meats, pecorino cheese and wild herbs, the bostrengo, a dessert made with rice and walnuts typical of the cold season, to be paired with sour cherry wine. Among the events, the National Befana Festival (6 January and the 3-4 days preceding it), an event for the whole family with shows, workshops, events and many activities, the Sagra del Crostolo in September and the numerous exhibitions held at the Palazzo Ducale.

To those who ask them about the history of the village, the elders will tell them that Flussio was once called 'Mura de Figos', a name that would recall the many prickly pear plants that once grew around the village. Whether this is fact or legend, it matters little, what remains is poetry and in any case absolutely true is the very close bond that unites this village to nature, in particular to a herbaceous plant that has become the symbol of Flussio: the asphodel. In fact, characteristic handicraft baskets, known as 'corbule', and baskets have always been made here from asphodel. April is the best time to discover this tradition: asphodel is harvested and placed to dry in bundles in all the streets, courtyards and squares, and every space in the village is covered with this plant, creating a unique atmosphere, to be experienced while listening to the evocative legend according to which it was Saint Bartholomew who taught the inhabitants of the village the art of weaving.

Born from the merger of Poggio Berni and Torriana, history has left many signs of the past in this area: in Poggio Berni, Palazzo Marcosanti is one of the best-preserved fortresses of the Malatesta Seignory; in Torriana, the 15th-century Malatesta Fortress. The village of Poggio Torriana guards the secret of a legend. In its hamlet of Montebello stands a castle that is said to be inhabited by the ghost of Azzurrina. Daughter of Uguccione di Montebello, Azzurrina, a little girl with a dark history, is said to have disappeared on a stormy night, into thin air, leaving no trace: legend has it that she returns to haunt the castle every five years, to coincide with the summer solstice. This story, which has spanned the centuries, is still full of fascination today, and is able to imbue the ancient fortress with an aura of mysterious charm.

Perched on a rocky outcrop a few kilometres from the sea, we find Melissa, a village that has distinguished itself for the excellent production of its namesake DOC wine and of Cirò DOC wine, made from grapes grown near the municipality of Cirò: this peculiarity has earned it membership of the Wine Cities circuit. The medieval past is recounted in the massive city walls and the remains of the ancient castle, but a historically very important building can also be found in Torre Melissa, the part of the town on the coast. Here, in fact, is the ancient coastal tower, a beautiful example of circular architecture. The tower has recently undergone a restoration that brought it back to its original splendour and today houses the Museum of Rural Civilisation.

A jewel surrounded by nature in the Pollino National Park Those who want to admire the pearls of Calabria's hinterland will find the small village of Orsomarso the ideal destination for an out-of-town excursion or a weekend exploring the Pollino National Park. Orsomarso, nestled in the Mediterranean maquis, lies in the Argentino River Valley and offers its visitors many magical sights, starting with the iconic Clock Tower that dominates the village from the top of the tufa rock on which it was built. One of the highlights of the Orsomarso area are the numerous caves of karstic origin, which can be reached in a few minutes from the elegant old town. The most impressive is undoubtedly the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, a natural cavern in which a stone statue of the Virgin Mary has been placed. Also not to be missed is the small San Giovanni Battista Church, built on the remains of a medieval chapel and guarding valuable paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries. There is no shortage of opportunities for those seeking outdoor adventures either. Experience the thrill of rafting on the Lao River or try your hand at one of the many hiking trails in the area. Don’t leave Orsomarso without tasting a glass of Verbicaro, a fine Calabrian wine produced in this area.

A town that was the birthplace of the famous Renaissance architect Donato Bramante, to whom the Contemporary Art Gallery of the same name is dedicated, Fermignano is famous for its most ancient history. A village of Roman foundation, it was the scene of the Battle of Metauro, in which the Carthaginian army commanded by Asdrubale was defeated. Legend has it that it was here, on the hill of Montelce, that Asdrubale was buried and that his tomb was visited by Montaigne, Giacomo Leopardi and Giovanni Pascoli. More recent history, on the other hand, comes into the present with two events held in the village: the Palio della Rana and the Grand Prix of the 19th-century Bicycle, ancient re-enactments that tell the story of an active and modern village.

The South Tyrolean territory is rich in natural areas, precious landscapes whose delicate environmental balance must be preserved. Therefore, the region has established numerous parks. There are seven in all, in addition to the Stelvio National Park. The task of each of them is to protect the invaluable ecosystem and make it accessible to all.

If you are looking for an eco-friendly experience and all-round immersion in nature, you are in the right place. In fact, 25% of the Campania region is occupied by protected areas, which go well with environmental and sustainable tourism. We propose a tour of the four Parks of Campania. An evocative route that will know how to enchant you, giving you landscapes that are always different and full of charm.

The Pollino National Park extends from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Ionian Sea, covering an area of almost 200,000 hectares and is one of the GeoParks protected by UNESCO. It is located between Basilicata and Calabria. It is a heterogeneous structure, from the Piani di Campolongo, Novacco, and Lanzo, to Piani del Pollino, home to the Argentino and Abatemarco rivers, the Lao and Raganello gorges, and the streams of Peschiera and Frido. The whole area of Pollino is formed by the Massifs of Pollino and Orsomarso. The mountain range, which is part of thesouthern Apennines, can boast the highest peaks in southern Italy, covered with snow for a long period of the year, starting in November and ending in May, when the snow melts. The peaks of the Park reach an altitude of 2,200 metres above sea level. The natural area consists of dolomitic rocks, limestone ramparts, fault walls, cliffs, very deep gorges, and also plateaus, meadows and high altitude pastures. One of the "green" symbols of the Park is certainly the Loricato Pine, called "living fossil" or "dinosaur of the trees" by many, due to the ability of this type of conifer to resist and thrive in difficult environments, at altitudes above 1000 metres, and in isolated areas, where other types of trees cannot survive.

The territory defined in December 1922 as the Gran Paradiso National Park extends around the homonymous massif (whose peak exceeds 4000 meters) and in the past was a densely populated area. The architecture of the villages is based on the idea of the alpine house, on the Piedmontese side with constructions entirely made of wood, while on the Aosta Valley side wood is flanked by stone. The maximum splendor of this area was reached in the middle of the 1800s, when members of the House of Savoy came up to these parts to reach the hunting posts. The decision to prohibit hunting when the Park first opened was fundamental to saving the ibexes - which are its symbol - from extinction. Today, this mountain Eden, divided into five valleys where rocky environments, prairies, woods and their borders alternate, is truly within everyone's reach: thanks to the project “an Accessible Paradise”, the tourist offering of the entire protected area is able to satisfy the needs, interests and expectations of a wider range of users.

Thanks to its 70,000 hectares, the Sibillini Mountains National Park (between Umbria and the Marche regions) is a true treasure trove of biodiversity due to the alternating presence of wetlands in the valleys, and thick forests and wonderful plateaus such as that of Castelluccio di Norcia, famous for the flowering of lentils. There are many charming villages nestled in a unique landscape that changes according to the seasons at the various altitudes. In fact, there are many peaks in this area that are beyond 2000 meters of altitude above sea level and among them there are Mount Sibilla Mountain, Mount Bove Mountain and the Redentore Peak.

Bathed by two seas, the Tyrrhenian to the west and the Ionian to the east, very different in terms of landscape, beaches and coastal colours, Basilicata enchants with its small, picturesque villages over 1,000 metres above sea level, woods and forests covering the mountains, a landscape characterised by unspoilt nature that goes hand in hand with a prestigious history: all in one, small region with attractions for all tastes.

In June, the weekends in Breme become tastier to celebrate the “Dolcissima”, a red onion which has been produced in Breme for generations and now bears the De.Co mark (municipal denomination of origin). This gastronomic event started out as a small local event and over the years has become a real reference point for gastronauts and chefs from Italy and beyond, in search of new inspiration. Each year, the festival aims to promote a small but precious product from the area's short supply chain. It does so by embracing the culinary tradition of the Lomellina Valley, with its generous recipes: the “dolcissima” is the queen of the menus prepared for the occasion and is paired with tripe, typical stews, grilled meats and the ever-present omelette, the true must of the festival!

It is 'the learned', because in 1088 it saw the birth of the first university in the western world, which still today attracts students from around the world. It is 'the red' because of the characteristic colour of its roofs, visible from the top of its medieval towers. And it is 'the fat' – you just try to resist the temptation of a sandwich stuffed with fresh mortadella or a dish of piping hot lasagna!

Of all the types of journey, opting for a route that follows the tasting stops has its reasons. Savouring the typical dishes of an area will accomplish a twofold mission: to satisfy the palate and get to know the traditions of the area. A food and wine itinerary in the Aosta Valley is this and much more. Mountain flavours, treasured traditions, the finest ingredients: the typical products of the Aosta Valley are worth the journey, and at the first taste you will understand why.

The chestnut finds its ideal habitat here thanks to the temperate climatic conditions, exposure to the sun and the chemical and physical composition of the soil: Marroni del Monfenera PGI chestnuts are the tastiest. We’re here on the slopes of Monfenera, in the foothills of Grappa and Montello in the province of Treviso, where miracles happen.

This traditional, prized vegetable comes to us directly from the tables of antiquity. The white asparagus of Cimadolmo PGI was once eaten by the Ancient Egyptians and Romans. Recent cultivation dates back a century and a half and is predominantly focused in Veneto. Only the young shoots, called turions, are boiled, becoming the main ingredient, or side dish of choice, in traditional dishes that are nothing short of exquisite.

There are three main colours that characterise the Apulian table, and they happen to be the same as the national flag: green, white and red. Green is the colour of extra virgin olive oil, appreciated and known throughout the world for its unique and unmistakable taste, and of vegetables, which grow luxuriantly thanks to the mild climate, the basis of Mediterranean cuisine and play a fundamental role in many typical dishes. White is that of fresh homemade pasta, made with water and durum wheat flour, such as cavatelli, strascinati, troccoli and orecchiette; it is that of cheeses and dairy products, of undisputed goodness, such as stracciatella, burrata, scamorza, cacio ricotta, canestrato, Pallone di Gravina (a semi-hard cheese made of uncooked pasta filata), and strong ricotta with a spicy flavour; it is also the white of bread, prepared according to a ritual and a method that make it tasty and savoury. Among all, Altamura bread, baked in wood or stone ovens, with its typical crunchy crust and soft crumb. Red is the colour of cured meats with an unforgettable taste, such as capocollo di Martina Franca, soppressata, pancetta and seasoned sausage; it is also the colour of talented red wines, such as Primitivo di Manduria, Nero di Troia and Negroamaro.

There, everyone can make a tailor-made bike experience, either following the wake of the great champions, or choosing a not too testing ride, even with the whole family. The grand finale of Tirreno-Adriatico, the cycling race that runs across the Italian peninsula from sea to sea, unfolds in a scenery imbued with blooming and salty scents. The itinerary begins on the hills overlooking the sea and ends along the coast. A slower-running course in the first half, owning to the ups and downs that can test your quadriceps and lungs a faster-running route in the second half along the straight stretches that favour an upping pace. Here is a short guide to pick the fittest one for you.

A sort of an uncharted territory in regards to mass tourism, Molise, which lies between the regions of Abruzzo and Apulia, is a region that hosts numerous art treasures, breathtaking natural sceneries, and thousand-year-old traditions. A very characteristic aspect of Molise is its network of tratturi, the ancient grassy paths of transhumance from the pre-Roman Era up to only a few centuries ago, our ancestors traveled these trails, driving their animal herds from season to season. Livestock transhumance, the principal mainstay of the Southern peasant, was (and is still, in some cases) based on a very rigorous journey from the cool mountain pastures of Abruzzo in autumn, to the hot and humid Apulian Plateaus (where they reverse direction in summer).

These are the magnificent scenery of the Langhe, Roero and Monferrato, where the great Italian wines of Piedmont, Barolo and Barbaresco, are produced. This jewel of Piedmont with its seductive landscapes has become part of the World Heritage List of Unesco.

Ancona is made up of sea and hills. It seems that in ancient Greek "ankón" meant "elbow", and here the landscape of the coast is really like an elbow drawn from the hill of the Cathedral and the hilly parks of Cardeto and Passetto. In the middle is the city, with the sea horizon facing Dalmatia, ships and cranes along the docks, grandiose historical buildings, mysterious sculptural reliefs, imposing signs of the ancient Roman civilization, and beaches on the slopes of the parks. Spending a day of leisure in the large port city of the central Adriatic means making discoveries. Choosing two wheels is advisable, but not with a push bike: we are in a city of unevenness, not all of us have the strength of a cycling champion in our legs. There is no shortage of places to rent a scooter. You can get to Ancona by motorway, by the very long Adriatic road 16 or by rail. If you want, there is also an airport. The ideal thing would be to arrive in the most natural way: by ship, because you would get the taste of the place in the most panoramic and naturally slow way. Follow the manoeuvres, watch the tyres throw, get in line to disembark and finally begin to discover.

The Tuscan countryside around Siena takes in spas as well as excellent food and wine with these five delightful cycling routes through picture postcard nature. The spectacular countryside around Siena, in Tuscany, offers slow rides immersed in nature with the bouquet of wines and truffles, natural spas and very old villages still pervaded by the presence of the ancient Etruscans. Here are five essential itineraries for a truly complete sensory experience. These enchanting landscapes will also welcome stages of the Giro d'Italia 2023.

A farmer on his way back from the fields, an ancient Roman on a road heading North, a never-forgotten champion holding the handlebar with all his might. What about you? Who are you dreaming to be? The hinterland in Le Marche plays the main role in the second to last stage of Tirreno-Adriatico, the coast-to-coast race in which the cycling top contenders face off. The itinerary we are describing in these lines, however, lends itself to the (perhaps down-scaled) effort of the cycling enthusiasts. The merit goes to its mild slopes, immersed in the woods or surrounded by sunflower fields, its artistic richness and its wide culinary offer. Who among you, once off the bike, can say ‘no’ to a dish of cold cuts paired with some Vernaccia?