Autumn

The town is located a short distance from the capital Pordenone and preserves fascinating historical buildings. The Clock Tower, also known as Porta di Sopra (Upper Gate) because it opened along the road coming from the mountains to the north, has a medieval layout and numerous battlements. If you continue from here, you will pass the open space in front of the Palazzo Gherardini and the church of Santa Maria Assunta. The adjacent portico belongs to a loggia of sixteenth-century origins, where justice was once administered and today the Pro Loco is based. A little further on, we come to the castle, the oldest part of which dates back to the 11th century, but today it is mainly known as the local headquarters of an important winery with land and a factory in the countryside of Azzano Decimo, further south. From the Castle, the parish church of San Giorgio is just a few steps away. The church is in neo-Gothic style, although it has a fifteenth-century foundation and houses a sixteenth-century altarpiece by Francesco da Milano, a Madonna with San Giorgio and other saints, a work by Palma il Giovane, late seventeenth-century organ doors and a carved wooden choir.

Castelbuono is a small medieval village in the Madonie Park. Its centre is pretty and well-preserved and welcomes the visitor into its slow, pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. Here it is as if time had decided to stop and sometimes this feeling becomes reality during historical processions and re-enactments. A symbol of the past is the Ventimiglia Castle, now home to the Civic Museum with its Archaeological, Urban Planning, Sacred Art and Modern and Contemporary Art sections, and also a venue for events and exhibitions. Also worth seeing is the Francesco Minà Palumbo Naturalistic Museum, which collects botanical species, reptiles and insects of the Madonie Mountains. But what most characterises the village is the famous manna, produced by the local ash trees: this sap is used as a sweetener, a depurative, but also in medicine and cosmetics.

On the eastern shore of Lake Garda, on the slopes of Mount Baldo, Malcesine is a charming village popular with Italian and foreign visitors alike. The historic centreof this village is dominated by the Scaliger Castle and its stunning views of the surrounding landscape (from the Rivellino platform or tower). It's also known for the rich cultural and artistic heritage. The village is home to the Museum of Natural History of Mount Baldo and the Lake, where the multimedia exhibits offer a "five-senses" experience. You can also explore the fascinating "Galley Room", dedicated to the history of sailing on the Lake. Another destination worth calling at is thePalazzo dei Capitani, which dates from the 13th-14th centuries and is built on Roman and Romanesque ruins. Many visitors are entranced by this village, including the poet Goethe who enthused about its beauty when stopping here by chance during a trip to Italy. The charm of Malcesine also comes from its natural setting, which connects Lake Garda, where you can also practise sailing, and Mount Baldo, which offers a unique panoramic view over the entire lake. The Malcesine-Mt Baldo cable car (also accessible by wheelchair) takes the effort out of the ascent, while the rotating cabins allow you to make the most of the extraordinary view. In the hamlet of Cassone near Malcesine you can also see the shortest river in the world! Named the Aril, one of the tributaries of the Garda, it's just 175 m long from source to mouth. When it's time for refreshment, try the casàt, a typical cheese that's the main attraction at a number of local food fairs including Ciottolando con gusto, held in September.

As in neighbouring Sacile, the town has thrived since time immemorial on the water and nature of the first stretch of the Livenza River. The river has its source near the town, from the springs at the biotope of Palù di Livenza and those of Gorgazzo, and flows through Polcenigo, contributing to a particularly pleasant and peaceful tourist visit. The river environment explains the origins of the Thèst (i.e. "basket") Fair, which has been held every year in early September for more than three centuries. As the harvest approached, the farmers needed new baskets, which were made by intertwining the reeds grown next to the waters. Initially, the meeting was held at the Sources of Livenza at the Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity, but it has long since moved to the historic centre, and the reeds have been joined by other materials typical of local craftsmanship. On the hill above the village is a castle with a troubled history, which now looks more like an 18th-century palace: it has not yet been fully restored, but is in a panoramic position that is excellent for walking. Halfway to the Castle is the parish church of San Giacomo Apostolo, with a sixteenth-century doorway, thirteenth-century frescoes and eighteenth-century wooden furnishings. In the village below, there are other churches, such as that of Santa Maria della Salute, and 16th–17th century noble residences, including the elegant Palazzo Fullini Zaia on the central Piazza Plebiscito Not far from the latter, the tiny Museum of Cooking Art in Alto Livenza recalls with kitchen utensils, photographs, letters and recipes the emigration that from the area of Polcenigo, Budoia, Caneva and Fontanafredda brought and still brings hundreds of cooks to make a name for themselves in various parts of Italy and the world.

Located on the Lucanian side of the Pollino Park, Terranova del Pollino is considered by many to be the Gateway to the Park, thanks to its strategic position. It was founded by the Pignatelli family in the 16th century, as a fief of the State of Noia (today's Noepoli), to encourage the arrival of settlers (hence the name ‘Terranovella’, later adapted). The village is located in the upper Sarmento valley, where the colours of the landscape are constantly changing due to the light, creating a a very atmospheric setting. Visitors can admire the rich architectural and artistic heritage, including the Church of St Francis of Paola (16th century), the town's patron saint. Although the church has been restored, it still has the original wooden door, made from Heldreich's pine and a 16th-century painting depicting Our Lady of Grace with Saints Charles Borromeo and Francis of Assisi, by the Lucanian painter Attilio De Laurentis; the Chapel of Our Lady of Grace and another, dedicated to St Anthony, both dating from the 16th century.; Palazzo Virgallita and Palazzo Rusciani (which has a beautiful internal staircase). A few kilometres from the village, on the edge of the surrounding forest, near the town of Santa Maria della Montagna, stands the 16th-century Sanctuary of Our Lady of Pity , rebuilt in the 20th century and since refurbished. Inside, behind the altar in the presbytery, you can see frescoes by an unknown local painter, depicting Sains Peter and Paul, and the Virgin with Child. Nature lovers won't want to miss the breathtaking scenery of the Pollino Natural Park. Lake Duglia is situated at 1375 m, at the foot of Serra di Crispo, nestling in wonderful forests of beech and spruce, the undergrowth thick with ferns and forest fruits. Then there is Timpa Falconara, a mighty wall of rock looking down onto the valley; Timpa di Pietrasasso (1362 m), a spur of ophiolitic rock (a section of oceanic rock) standing more than 50 m high; Timpa delle Murge (1441 m), a site of great scientific interest as it contains basalt rocks formed from deep-sea magma, now covered in holly bushes; the river Catusa, a stunning fairytale landscape dotted with ancient beech trees.

ORANGE FLAG OF THE ITALIAN TOURING CLUB Protected by the waters of the Cedrino to the west and east by the imposing Todavista with the natural monument of Sa Preta Istampata, the mediaeval village of Galtellì is enveloped by an aura of quiet spirituality. The historical devotion of the town can be inferred from the presence of as many as 5 churches in the space of a square kilometre, among which the parish church of the Most Holy Crucifix and the former cathedral of St. Peter stand out. Many religious celebrations are held in honour of the Holy Crucifix, a valuable wooden work of art kept in the church of the same name. Several miracles were attributed to the crucifix in the 17th century, attracting pilgrims from all over the island. Galtellì is not only a destination for religious pilgrimages: every year, many people visit the town inspired by their literary interests. Nobel Literature Prize winner Grazia Deledda decided to set what was to become her best-known work in Galtellì "Canne al Vento". The village in the novel changes its name to "Galte", but the houses, streets and corners that inspired the writer remain very identifiable, and can be visited along the itinerary of the Deleddian Literary Park. Also worth a visit is the "Casa Marras ethnographic museum", an example of a manor house from the early 18th century, restored and furnished with original furniture, objects and work tools. Among the events, not to be missed is Holy Week, during which the community maintains a link with traditions. The presence of Mount Tuttovista makes Galtellì a valuable destination for trekking and walking enthusiasts. The mountain does not fail to live up to its name, and from the 800 metres of the summit it is possible to enjoy magnificent views that include Mount Albo, the Cedrino river course, several inland municipalities and the beautiful Gulf of Orosei. The village is a favourite destination for tourists who like to visit Sardinia in a slow and unhurried way, as well as for Sardinians themselves.

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.