Autumn

The atmosphere, the enchanting streets, the San Domenico and Lombardo canals, all this makes Chioggia a little Venice. Walking through the centre we can lose ourselves in the beauty of the colourful houses, the many bridges, the water that reaches everywhere and tells ancient stories. The soul of Chioggia is a seafaring soul. The Clock Tower was once a lighthouse and watchtower, protection for sailors and inhabitants, while today the sea is still the protagonist of the fish market that from Tuesday to Sunday takes place in the Pescheria, stocked every day with fresh fish and the chatter of fishermen, who weave words like nets. In the port you can still admire the 'bragozzi', typical brightly coloured boats; and not to be missed is the Sagra del Pesce (Fish Festival) celebrating the flavours of the lagoon.

When the last inhabitants of the Roman Saepinum moved to the modern city, Castellum Saepinii, together with the name of the ancient city, left a large stone mask, probably detached from a monumental fountain: this is what visitors see today at the entrance to the town, walled in a more modest fountain, next to the provincial road. Apart from this ornament of classical origin, Sepino's charm is delightfully mediaeval, starting with the gates and the remains of the walls that defended the town, with rare Renaissance accents. This is the case of the sixteenth-century Attilio Palace, which was built by a local family so rich and influential that it appointed its own bishop of Termoli. The heart of the town is the large Piazza Nerazio Prisco, overlooked by the Town Hall and, more secluded, the Church of San Cristina, dominated by a bell tower with an elegant wrought iron dome, the work of local artisans. The church is probably of 13th-century origin, but has been altered and rebuilt several times due to earthquakes: in the Tesoro chapel (1609), it houses silver-plated copper busts of saints and precious Baroque altars. A short distance from the village are bicarbonate-sulphate-calcic oligomineral waters, utilised by the thermal baths of the Three Fountains. In summer, local agencies and associations organise guided visits from the country to the Sepino Archaeological Park and trekking to the Samnite archaeological area of Terravecchia-Saipins, in the locality of Terravecchia at an altitude of about 950 metres, on a hill overlooking the Tammaro valley.

Vietri sul Mare, a sparkling ceramic town on the Amalfi coast. Whether you are a ceramics enthusiast or not, the minute you set foot in Vietri sul Mare, you cannot help but be dazzled by the colours of its majolica tiles that draw a shimmering mosaic and light up the entire village, from the historical monuments to the squares and courtyards. Yet it is not because of its famous ceramics that Vietri sul Mare is called the 'first pearl of the Amalfi Coast', but because of its strategic position in the area, i.e., the one furthest to the east, the very first stop on this magical stretch of the Campania coastline coming from Salerno. A colourful country Blue and yellow will be the colours that will be immediately imprinted on your eyes, even from a distant point. These are the colours of the majolica tiles adorning the dome of Vietri sul Mare Cathedral dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and located at the highest point of the historic centre along a panoramic terrace. Ceramics is a theme that you’ll constantly find at every corner. You will find them in another religious building, right next to the cathedral: the 17th-century Arciconfraternita dell'Annunziata e del Rosario. Cladded in majolica are the three façade panels, as well as ceilings and flooring. It is again the polychrome majolica tiles that stand out at the Villa Comunale, a surprising place often compared to Gaudí's Parc Güell in Barcelona. Walls, avenues, fountains and the sinuous handrails of the paths are a riot of majolica mosaics, red, yellow, blue and dove-grey tiles. You are right inside a joyous explosion of colours, while below the blue expanse of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the coastline of the Gulf of Salerno. Here you will find nothing but unique pieces Stroll through the alleys of Vietri sul Mare, admire the hundreds of compositions that adorn the village of Etruscan-Samnite origin and visit any of the countless shops. Whether you shop or not, you will still come away enchanted because the masters will welcome you with a great sense of hospitality, eager to tell you the centuries-old history of the art of Vietri ceramics, a tradition that began in the Renaissance. You will amazed by the clay cooking process and the hand-painting of what are always and only unique pieces: vases and tableware, decorative paintings depicting landscapes, in an infinity of artefacts in contrasting colours. Pantone “Vietri yellow” If you do go shopping, don't forget to favour yellow, in a unique shade that they know how to reproduce only here, so well that it is known worldwide as “Vietri yellow”. The bright light of the Mediterranean makes it stand out in all its beauty. Among the subjects, the typical Vietri one is the donkey, mainly in emerald green, a theme that goes back to the 19th century. A statuette reproducing the animal will be a nice souvenir, a symbol of the entire Amalfi Coast, which once was a means of locomotion along the mule tracks for transporting men and goods. If curiosity drives you to learn more about this art, Vietri boasts three exhibition spaces dedicated solely to ceramics: the Provincial Ceramics Museum in Villa Guariglia, the Cargaleiro Museum and the Solimene Ceramics Palace. Fine sand and shallow waters The Marina di Vietri offers a stretch of coastline characterised by fine golden sand and a shallow and gently sloping seabed, an ideal setting for families with children and the elderly. You can opt for the free beach or the beach equipped with every comfort of the resorts. Nearby you will also find the La Crestarella beach dominated by the so-called tower, the Schiarata and the Cancelluzzo Beach: the latter is free, with pebbles mixed with sand, and can only be reached by sea, which you can do by hiring a pedalo from Marina di Vietri. Two out-of-town trips There are two recommended visits if you travel a little further from Vietri sul Mare. Go to Albori which has two quiet little beaches in its inlet, not very popular since you have to walk down 200 steps. The water is crystal clear and a small stream flows into the sea at this very spot. Two beach clubs and a refreshment stand will be useful for equipment and refreshment. When the sun sets behind the rock, climb up towards the fishing village, delightful with its whitewashed houses and the scent of lemons as you walk. Raito is famous for its stairways, the only way to get around this scenic village. Visit the Villa Guariglia with its Museo Provinciale della Ceramica (Provincial Museum of Ceramics) and surrounded by a marvellous terraced park, as is typical on the Amalfi Coast, where vegetation is wrested from the sea and rock with a skilful technique.

A holiday in Positano, enjoying the enchantment of the Amalfi Coast Positano stands to the west of the fascinating natural terrace on the Tyrrhenian Sea that is the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, the typical Mediterranean landscape of southern Italy reigns supreme, with white houses sloping down towards the sea and splendid beaches, alleys offering all the simple pleasures of life: the leisurely pace, refined boutiques, cafés and restaurants, and places that are custodians of history. Discovering the beaches The Marina Grande beach is Positano's most famous beach. It is 400 metres of sandy shore set in the inlet, where you may find yourself face to face with passing VIPs. The view and the facilities available encourage lounging, but once you have left your sunbed, it is worth heading to the pier to sail to the Li Galli Archipelago: three small islands in a marine reserve surrounded by crystal-clear waters, that legend has it are populated by mermaids. You can get there by dinghy or small boat. An intimate cove embraces Fornillo Beach, made of pebbles and gravel; it's reachable on foot and a snorkelling paradise because of its magnificent seabed. Continuing on foot, you can spend some quiet time on the Spiaggia di Laurito (Laurito Beach), where the cliffs are sheer, and nature is untouched. The jagged coastline of the Gulf of Positano is full of ravines on the turquoise sea. Climb aboard a gozzo, the traditional boats, and ask to be taken to discover little beaches in secret coves, including La Porta, San Pietro Laurito and Arienzo. Many hotels also offer stretches of private beaches. A divine trek A hike in the Monti Lattari, immersed in nature. The Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), was for many years the only link between the towns on the Amalfi Coast, before the main road was built. As you walk along, the Coast opens up to you from above and the view sweeps as far as Capri on clear days. You pass through forests of holm oaks and quench your thirst at the numerous springs; you will find vertiginous caves and precipices, the remains of cave villages, and the limestone spire Il Pistillo.   You arrive at the village of Nocelle, where you can freshen up before resuming your trek. For the more experienced and adventurous, a branch of the Sentiero degli Dei leads via an almost endless flight of steps to Cala Arienzo, usually reached by sea with little effort. A holiday resort dear to the Romans Roman aristocrats came to Positano and built extraordinary holiday residences here. There is much evidence of their fondness for this place, blessed with an enchanting landscape and a mild climate all year round, with the sea breeze alleviating the summer heat. Find artefacts of the ancient holidaymakers at the Roman Archaeological Museum - MAR, which houses a part of a 1st century AD villa, buried by the eruption of Vesuvius and brought to the surface after years of archaeological excavations. Positano Style Positano is a vertical village, perched on a rock overlooking the sea. Wander through the village's many stairways and alleyways, and don't miss a visit to the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, a stone's throw from Marina Grande Beach. Once a Benedictine monastery, later abandoned and renovated over the centuries, today it offers the architectural spectacle of a pale stone façade and a yellow, green and blue majolica dome. Inside, look out for the precious Byzantine icon. Majolica has a long tradition in Positano, and in the village ateliers you can shop for ceramic objects, from plates to trinkets. There are many boutiques selling elegant clothes if you want to follow the “Positano style”: soft, fluttering dresses, kaftans, light colours, shirts and trousers in linen and lightweight fabrics, and the ubiquitous swimwear for him and for her. Over the centuries, Positano has seen a flourishing tradition of weaving, now reinterpreted in a contemporary, holiday mood. The style is completed with flip-flop shoes, also customised by the craftsmen. After the sea, the delights of the village Positano is also luxury and high society, and the whole area offers plenty of clubs, restaurants and bars. For evening entertainment, you can choose whether to stay up high in the venues clinging to the rock, in favour of the view, or in the beach clubs, where an aperitif at sunset is also a pleasant experience. Take a seat on the terrace of a restaurant. Some good choices are mussel soup or a lemon-scented seafood salad, linguine with scampi and fried fish. Among the cheeses of the Monti Lattari, fior di latte, the same cheese that you will find on pizza, is the most popular. And if your gastronomic interests do not end there, find out how to join a themed tour: olive oil tours among the olive groves, and wine cellars amidst the vineyards.

A village overlooking the sea, among churches and lemon groves More compact than its neighbour Maiori, Minori is a picturesque little village. Immersed in the aroma of lemons and the blue sky and sea, the promenade takes you to the Basilica di S. Trofimena, the most iconic of the thirty or so churches in the village. In the westernmost part of the town, you can view the most significant ancient ruins along the coast. We recommend organising a guided tour of the 1st-century-AD Roman Villa, an example of contemporary patrician architecture. It was constructed from particularly valuable material that arrived exclusively by sea. Inside, you can admire remarkable paintings and frescoes. To delight your palate as well as your eyes and nose, you can stop at one of the many pastry shops to sample local delicacies of the Amalfi Coast. It is no coincidence that Minori is also known as the City of Taste. Don’t miss at least part of the Sentiero dei Limoni (Lemon Path), a pleasant walk through fragrant lemon groves with stunning views. This 9-kilometre route takes you to Maiori, between ascents and descents interspersed with 400 steps.

Cetara: experience the evocative atmosphere of a seafront village The spectacle of the Marina with the lampara boats leaving in the late evening, a quiet beach bordered by the old defence tower, pastel-coloured houses and churches clinging to the hillside. On the Amalfi Coast, Cetara preserves intact the most authentic dimension of a fishing village. The perfect destination for beach lovers, who will also find it on their palate: the local speciality is in fact the Colatura di Alici (translated as Anchovy Syrup) the result of a long tradition. Beaches in a row right in the village The Spiaggia della Marina beach is right here in the village, protected by the Vicereale Tower, an Angevin bastion of defence. It has a sandy and a pebbly part and is surrounded by small pink and yellow houses, as well as small café and restaurant for a pleasant stopover. Facing south-east, the beach is always sun-drenched, perfect for an off-season dive on mild autumn and spring days. At the pebble beach Spiaggia del Porto, special currents make the water crystal clear. Climb aboard a gozzo (local boat type) to visit the Spiaggia della Collata, with access only by sea, a small sheltered bay shrouded in the scents of Mediterranean vegetation; then continue, still by boat, to the tiny Spiaggia degli Innamorati, reserved to a few chosen ones. Still sailing, but this time towards the east coast, you can reach the Spiaggia della Campana (Bell Beach) with a view of two stacks. For those looking for comfort, on the Lannio Beach and the Old Tuoro Beach you can sit on soft sand. Corso Garibaldi: the central street of the village After a long day on the beach it is worth heading towards Corso Garibaldi, the central street of Cetara where the main historical monuments parade, including the Church of San Pietro Apostolo with its dome decorated with a polychromatic majolica covering. The promenade is all the more enchanting at sunset, when the sun dips into the water on the horizon: it is the right time for an aperitif in one of the many bars with outdoor tables from which to admire the spectacle of colours at dusk. Or simply rest on one of the terraces overlooking the sea, because even the dozens of benches are works of fine craftsmanship: they are made by master ceramists, with compositions depicting scenes of life and fishing. Corso Garibaldi is also the ideal place for shopping from boutiques to ceramics ateliers to gastronomic specialities. The famous Colatura di Alici di Cetara The sea is rich in fish in Cetara and the name of town itself derives from Cetaria, meaning 'tuna fishery'. Today, boats go out to the deep waters of the Mediterranean for bluefin tuna, while the tradition of fishing for anchovies is still flourishing. The procedure for a good Colatura di Alici has very ancient roots, traceable back to the time of the Romans who made a similar product called Garum. The Cistercian monks from Amalfi then enhanced the technique: the fish are salted and after curing, the liquid is filtered, a craft method that is still used today. Colatura di Alici has an intense flavour, which you can enjoy by ordering a spaghetti or linguine in the village restaurants. Divine in their simplicity, with no need for seasoning other than a sprinkling of parsley and a good extra virgin olive oil. Trekking among the lemon groves Cetara is a strategic hub for treks of various difficulties in the hills. A one-hour walk along a beautiful path through olive groves, vineyards and lemon orchards on terraces leads to Punta Fuenti. On the contrary, for the braver ones, it takes almost 7 hours to walk the paths from Abbazia di Cava to Iaconti: you will find yourself on a ridge of Mount Falerio before heading into lush forests. If you are looking for an excursion out of town, move to nearby Maiori: this is where the Via dei Limoni (Lemon Path) starts, the ancient road that in 9 kilometres connects Maiori to Minori, both delightful villages. Farmers used to pass through here and even today, during the harvesting period between spring and summer, you can see them at work and intent on transporting citrus fruits by mule. The cultivation of lemons on the Amalfi Coast is a true art.

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.

Following last year’s success, Best Wine Stars is back. This tasting event will once again provide the city of Milan with exciting opportunities for in-depth exploration for experts and enthusiasts in the wine and spirits sector. The majestic Palazzo del Ghiaccio, a splendid Art Nouveau building, will host the over 200 selected wineries for three consecutive days, allowing visitors to enjoy an exclusive experience, discovering new market trends, social media strategies and emerging technologies. It is an unmissable opportunity for total immersion in the culture of wine and spirits, thanks to the history and uniqueness of every individual product. Brand-new for this edition will be the organic area, where visitors will be able to taste excellent organic and natural wines. As in previous editions, the Best Wine Stars Awards will be presented, which are renowned prizes awarded to the winning companies.

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!

A land of motors and taste, Modena is a city that offers many possibilities for visiting. Magnificent architectural works that have become UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a lively cultural life and a tasty culinary tradition make Modena a place you can visit all year round. Are you already in the mood to discover these wonders?

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!

Internationally-acclaimed, San Daniele ham - which is a PDO product (Protected Denomination of Origin) - stands out from other Italian ham for its unique processing, which doesn’t involve removing the trotter. As for the origin of the raw material (the legs), it’s essential they only come from pigs bred in one of the 11 northern and central regions of Italy (Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Lombardy, Piedmont, Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, Lazio, the Abruzzi, the Marches, Umbria and Molise).

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.

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 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).

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?

If in doubt, we certainly recommend a visit here, with its patchwork of small vineyards that carpet the hillsides and valleys of the area, dotted with the precious vines that have been cultivated for centuries with hard work and passion, which can even make teetotallers jump out of their skin with enthusiasm.

The Prosecco hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, in the province of Treviso, represent an ancient world that has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. Choosing the Prosecco Hills as a destination means admiring small vineyards on narrow grassy terraces called “ciglioni”, beautiful hill ridges, medieval villages and hamlets, forests and cultivations. A rugged but enchanting terrain, long shaped and adapted by man, who has nevertheless thoroughly respected its nature, resulting in a distinctive chequered landscape characterised by rows of vines parallel and vertical to the slope. A destination full of beauty and overwhelming flavours accompanied by good drink.