The Wonders of Italy from North to South

A dive into Sicily, where a sea of art, culture and nature will seduce you and become eternal love A predominantly hilly and mountainous area, but one that wins the hearts of tourists from all over the world with its wonderful sea and rich cities with a charm all their own. Sicily is a picture-postcard island characterised by the indelible marks of the people who have lived there and made it unique, amidst artistic and cultural testimonies of enormous value.

Sardinia: a journey to the island of the emerald sea, nuraghi, unspoilt nature and millenary traditions Crystal-clear waters, beaches of soft, white sand, granite rocks framed by wild, fragrant Mediterranean scrub: welcome to Sardinia, an island of a thousand contrasts that will also seduce you with its unique archaeological heritage and its people's innate sense of hospitality.

Tuscany will win you over with its unique landscapes, cities of art, thousand-year-old history and fantastic food Tuscany’s magical atmosphere evolves day by day as you stroll around the cities of art, cycle in the parks, enjoy the sea or savour its typical products, in a region with a one-of-a-kind natural, cultural and historical heritage that has fascinated visitors for centuries.

Lazio is not only Rome: landscapes and monuments of Lazio Rome, the capital of Italy and a unique open-air museum in the world, is enough to make Lazio one of the most beautiful and interesting regions. Even in terms of landscape, it boasts an area of great impact and remarkable variety, with its long coastline, beautiful hills and Apennine mountains. A destination to fall in love with.

Apulia: the sunny region between two seas and warm hospitality in places rich in history Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, it is a magical combination of artefacts, history, art and unspoilt nature, amidst beautiful coastlines and picture-postcard landscapes. This is Puglia, a region of golden beaches and crystal-clear waters, intense flavours and fascinating destinations: Castel del Monte, the trulli, the islands passing through towns kissed by a unique and unforgettable light.

Calabria is the region of crystal-clear sea, the Riace Bronzes, Reggio Calabria and Capo Vaticano, a captivating mix of history and beauty Calabria, also known as the tip of the Italian boot, is a region in Southern Italy characterised by the incredible diversity of its landscapes, with the proximity of mountains to a splendid sea that attracts tourists from all over the world.

Milan, the metropolis that finds a perfect and dynamic balance between history and modernity. While it is considered one of the world's fashion and design capitals, as well as a financial hub, Milan is also a city of culture and thought. While always looking towards the future, this Lombard capital lovingly preserves its prominent history, boasting spectacular museums and some of the most monumental churches in Italy.

For many, the most beautiful city in the world. Venice has an eternal and poignant charm, and is today among the world capitals of contemporary art. Timeless and magical, the soul of Venice is made up of 118 islands united together by more than 400 bridges, separated by canals that act as waterways, forever bustling with gondolas and boats in a never-ending back-and-forth. Saying that it is brimming with art treasures is even disrespectful: romantic charm and history are absolutely unique.

She never hides her years, but still wears them well: after all, Rome is the Eternal City. A walk through the streets of Rome is a stroll through History with a capital H. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, it offers and almost demands endless new discoveries, thanks to the enormity of its artistic heritage. As a matter of fact, it is home to two capitals in one city: the Italian capital and the home of the Pope in the Vatican, a place of universal pilgrimage to St Peter's Square.

For over a millennium, Florence has been a global icon of beauty. Even its lesser-known neighbourhoods are a delight. The cradle of the Renaissance and the world capital of art in the 15th century, it boasts one of the oldest historic centres and some of the most famous museums in the world, as well as one of the most iconic and distinctive landscapes as far as the eye can see. Everything in Florence is spectacular: from the shops to the streets that lead to the hills overlooking the most touristy areas, from the most authentic and popular neighbourhoods, just outside the historic centre, to the monuments that exhibit its soul.

From its charming waterfront under the shadow of Vesuvius, to its beautiful and bustling historic centre: Naples is a stunning city. Its position as a meeting place for various peoples since ancient times has had a profound impact on Naples, making it a cultural hub. This is evident when walking through its streets, full of artistic and architectural treasures. It is a city with a unique magic, blossoming with natural attractions. From amazing food to all kinds of entertainment, you will never be bored.

Bologna, the delightful capital of Emilia-Romagna, is a lively city, with its blend of fascinating culture, history and delicious traditional food. Nestled among vast plains, gentle, winding valleys and rolling hills with unique and unparalleled panoramas, Bologna may be a young city, but it has an enchantingly rich history. Treat yourself to a relaxing trip, immersed in art, music and good food.

One of the most visited areas of Campania in the world, this stretch of coastline reaching from Positano to Vietri sul Mare along the Tyrrhenian coast of southern Italy. In front is the Gulf of Salerno, behind it the Monti Lattari. Its high cliffs, enchanting coves and small bays, terraces dotted with citrus fruits, vines and olive trees, and its high-fashion shops and artisan workshops make it one of the most popular destinations in the world. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a perfect example of a Mediterranean landscape with a scenery of great cultural and natural value, it is composed not only of internationally famous locations such as Amalfi and Positano, but also of small villages with an ancient atmosphere.

The Sorrento peninsula extends from Castellammare di Stabia to the promontory of Punta Campanella at the far extremity spectacularly overlooking the Gulf of Naples: between sea, nature walks, archaeological sites and astonishing locations, here are 6 masterpieces that reveal all its beauty.

There are no fewer than 18 kilometres of marvellous rocky Ligurian coast line overlooked by a chain of mountains parallel to the shoreline and enriched by beaches, bays and deep seabeds, as well as terraced vineyards and olive groves with typical old dry stone walls. The Cinque Terre offer a natural heritage of great variety: together with Porto Venere and the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, they have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a significant example of how mankind can shape the environment, respecting it.

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.

The island of Capri Opposite the Sorrento peninsula, in the Gulf of Naples, there is a world-famous pearl: the island of Capri, known for its beauty and its worldly atmosphere that has enamoured writers, artists and show business personalities. The island has a lush and unique nature, even hosting some animal and plant species that only exist here today. Capri is a mix of history, culture, landscape and art, a mix that has made it the protagonist of legends and tales, many of which have a place that unites them: the world-famous Piazzetta, the fulcrum of the island and the village, the essence of its identity. All around, immense and mighty, the splendid sea that frames this marvel, a sea of travellers and fishermen, of tourists and explorers, a sea that has contributed to making Capri the myth it is.

Amalfi, regina della Costiera Un paesaggio di straordinaria bellezza ha reso Amalfi nota in tutto il mondo. Le imponenti montagne che la circondano strapiombano nel mare turchese con un potente effetto scenico. Costiera Amalfitana porta il suo nome: include quel tratto di litorale tirrenico riconosciuto dall'UNESCO Patrimonio dell'Umanità. Qui, oltre a un mare da favola, vi aspettano preziose testimonianze storiche, il borgo suggestivo e un’incantevole natura. Scegliete la vostra spiaggia Amalfi offre la possibilità di rilassanti giornate al mare da trascorrere sempre immersi in uno splendido paesaggio. La spiaggia più accessibile è la Marina Grande, in paese. È caratterizzata da sabbia e ciottolini, attrezzata e ricca di lidi, bar e ristoranti. Comodissima, e per questo spesso affollata in alta stagione, è adatta alle famiglie e ai bambini, di immediato accesso anche per gli anziani. All’opposto, la Spiaggia del Duoglio è per chi ama luoghi più appartati. Raggiungerla è già un’esperienza, percorrendo un sentiero verde e una scalinata di 400 gradini che conduce a una baietta dall’acqua perfetta. Potete recarvi qui anche su piccole imbarcazioni in partenza dal molo di Amalfi e, se desiderate un bagno di sole, partite le prime ore del mattino, perché il pomeriggio la cala è in ombra. Se siete in barca, non perdetevi neppure la Spiaggia di Santa Croce, raggiungibile soltanto via mare. Un break nel verde Dopo il relax al mare, si va alla scoperta dell‘interno salendo verso le montagne. L’itinerario consigliato è nella Riserva Naturale di Valle delle Ferriere, una passeggiata senza difficoltà di circa 3 ore. Attraversate boschi e costeggiate ruscelli, incontrate i ruderi della ferriera che riforniva di ferro la Repubblica Marinara di Amalfi e che dà il nome alla valle. Siete in pace, qui, lontani dalla folla, tra cascate e gli antichi mulini un tempo impiegati per la produzione della celebre carta di Amalfi. Durante questa escursione, visitate il placido paese di Pogerola, sulla collina Monte Falconello, e godetevi il panorama da lassù. Nel cuore della cittadina Amalfi fu una fiorente Repubblica Marinara dal IX all’XI secolo, detentrice del commercio nel Mar Tirreno verso i mercati orientali. La sua storia è raccontata dalla struttura stessa della cittadina abbarbicata sul costone, che ai viaggiatori ricorderà molto da vicino un suk. Le abitazioni sono concentrate a grappolo, vicinissime tra di loro e collegate da un dedalo di vicoli e scalinate. Esplorate il labirinto e poi puntate alla principale meraviglia architettonica: il Duomo di Sant’Andrea Apostolo, Cattedrale centrale che domina Piazza Duomo con la sua imponente scalinata. Di impianto romanico e ricostruita più volte nei secoli, oggi colpisce per la sua facciata in stile neomoresco o arabo-siciliano, di cui costituisce un esempio sublime. Dall’interno si accede al Chiostro del Paradiso, luogo di pace circoscritto da un porticato ad archi ricamati, ugualmente di influsso moresco. E c’è anche chi si sposa qui Per la sua impareggiabile posizione e lo scenario da favola, Amalfi attrae sempre più coppie, anche dall’estero, che la scelgono per la celebrazione delle proprie nozze. Il Comune mette a disposizione 3 location per il rito civile. Il Salone Morelli che si trova nella Casa Comunale, l’Arsenale della Repubblica con la sua maestosa struttura medievale e l’ex Convento dei Cappuccini. Anche ai non residenti è concesso inoltre celebrare il rito nel Duomo di Sant’Andrea Apostolo. Hotel raffinati, giardini e ottimo cibo si offrono come corollario di un memorabile ricevimento. 5 esperienze ad Amalfi tra panorami e gusto La Grotta dello Smeraldo si raggiunge sia attraverso un ascensore sia su piccole barche. La cavità carsica presenta stalattiti e stalagmiti, ma è il colore del mare a rubare la scena: uno smeraldo che gioca con i riflessi dei raggi filtranti dalla fenditura di ingresso, in mille sfumature. Sul fondale c’è un presepe subacqueo, che i sommozzatori omaggiano in occasione delle principali ricorrenze religiose. Alla sera, una volta spento il giorno, salite nel punto più alto della cittadina di Amalfi, coincidente con il Cimitero. Ci si arriva solo a piedi percorrendo le gradinate e i vicoli del borgo antico. Il panorama di luci, riflessi del mare e vecchie case è davvero impareggiabile. Quando al tramonto si svuota la Spiaggia di Marina Grande, regalatevi un aperitivo sulle terrazze dei bar, deliziosi lounge proprio sul mare. Lo Sfusato Amalfinato è il limone tipico di Amalfi, dalla forma affusolata, la polpa succosa e profumata. Bevete un limoncello a fine pasto, assaggiate una delle tante delizie di pasticceria di cui è l’ingrediente base e un gelato limone e cioccolato dai chioschi in strada. Un piatto di pasta è il modo migliore per apprezzare i sapori di Amalfi: Scialatielli ai frutti di mare, Paccheri al limone o un semplice Scarpariello, perché qui pomodoro e basilico hanno un gusto unico.

The King of the Alps for unforgettable summer and winter holidays It is the highest mountain in the Alps, and the whole of Europe. At an altitude of 4,807 metres, Mont Blanc is a true paradise for mountaineering and downhill skiing enthusiasts. The King of the Alps is part of the Mont Blanc massif, which stretches over 400 square kilometres between the Aosta Valley and Haute Savoie and includes such lofty peaks as the Dent du Géant, Mont Dolent and the Spires of Chamonix. The main reference point for winter sports is the Mont Blanc - Courmayeur ski resort with 100 kilometres of groomed and off-piste trails, 33 pistes with varying gradients and 18 ski lifts that take you up to an altitude of 2,755 metres. With the Skyway Mont Blanc cable car, you can reach 3,466 metres and enjoy a unique view of the sky. Those looking for some ideas for summer holidays at the foot of the majestic Mont Blanc can count on kilometres of trekking and mountain biking routes starting from Courmayeur, such as the 170 kilometres of the Tour du Mont Blanc, or from Planpincieux with the so-called Mont Blanc Balcony, one of the most beautiful trails in Italy.

It was Le Corbusier, the famous French naturalised Swiss architect, town planner, painter and designer, who called them “the most beautiful architectural work in the world”. A paradise for those who love sport, untouched nature, uncompromising mountains and traditional flavours: the Dolomites, the legendary mountain range of the Eastern Alps, a UNESCO World Heritage List site. The so-called “pale mountains” are distributed over three regions, Trentino Alto Adige, Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. An absolutely unique habitat in which to enjoy breathtaking views.

Everyone knows it as Cervinia, a ski locality renowned for its beautiful panoramas and diverse ski courses, but the label Cervinia includes a much ampler mountainous zone. The ski district of of Breuil-Cervinia expands from the 5,000 feet of Valtournenche to the 11,181 feet of Plateau Rosà, brushing past the 13,123 feet of Piccolo Cervino (Little Cervino), until finally reach the Massif of Cervino. Standing at an imposing 14,692 feet, Mount Cervino symbolizes better than any other the lines of a perfect pyramid.

Cortina d'Ampezzo sits in the heart of the Veneto Dolomites, in an ample valley surrounded by high peaks, and is one of the most famous mountain localities in the world. Host of the 1956 Winter Olympic Games and defined solely in the terms of chic and ski, Cortina is a glitzy, glam symbol both on the Italian and international scenes Cortina has always been a top destination for mountain and nature enthusiasts, as well as those in search of winter sport activity and, in general, fun.

An important ski tourism draw the world over, Courmayeur, in Valle d'Aosta, is known for both its beauty and hospitality. This ancient village weaves that authentic Alpine atmosphere into its entire being: the visitor can feel it whether walking through its main streets – such as the central Via Roma – or getting lost in its most hidden corners. Courmayeur stands at the 4,016 feet-marker of Mont Blanc, within a verdant basin surrounded by firs, spruces and larches, and of course mountain peaks, glaciers and other gorgeous and traditional towns along the Dora Baltea River that traverses the entirety of Valle d'Aosta. The welcome that locals give to their visitors and their care for and attention to the details are evident in the numerous lodging structures – from luxury hotels to typical Alpine baitas, from the historic cafes in the town center to the mountain huts in the vicinity of the slopes.

Madonna di Campiglio, Pearl of the Dolomites, is ideal for a vacation in the mountains – set inside the lush Val Rendena, the Brenta Dolomites lie to its east, while the Adamello and Presanella groups lie to its west. Set at 4,921 feet of altitude, Madonna di Campiglio is both discrete and elegant, and among the most imporant skiing hubs in the entire Alpine Arc. On its way to becoming a village at the end of the 19th Century (with the hand of Giambattista Righi di Strembo), its eventual transformation is attributed to the efforts of Franz Joseph Oesterreicher, who raised its status to that of a highly sought-out resort for nobility and for rich Austrian and Middle-European bourgeois society. Between 1889 and 1894, Madonna even had the honor of hosting Princess Elisabeth of Austria (Sissi) and Emperor Franz Joseph. Still today this touristic locality shows off its glamorous side, but all in the highest sobriety: its hotels are curated to the last detail, and its good mix of fashion boutiques and artisan workshops draws many a shopper. But the main attraction, Madonna's pristine nature, allows visitors to leave civilization behind, immerging themselves in its geat variety of lakes, brooks, Alpine pastures grazed by animals, and mountain shelters.

Among the Italian jewels recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site there is also one of Europe's great spa towns, Montecatini Terme, in the heart of Tuscany, surrounded by cities of art such as Florence, Pisa and Lucca. Wonderful and easy to get to.

In the Biella area, an itinerary that combines nature, industrial archaeology and the culture of all-Italian expertise. For that of the Biellese high Alps is an area where for centuries communities lived in almost total self-sufficiency, having mountain and sheep-farming as their only resources. Here, villages lie in safe, sunny places, scattered in hamlets surrounded by meadows. In this alpine belt overlooked by Monte Rosa and crossed by high valleys with streams and torrents flowing down into the valley in great leaps, the first spinning mills were established at the end of the 18th century, driven by mills and proto-industrial machinery. A name above all: Ermenegildo Zegna. Man, entrepreneur and enlightened individual who in Trivero, in 1910, founded his own woollen mill. However, Ermenegildo Zegna was not only the far-sighted industrialist who led his production house to be a world leader in natural yarns, but he also had the well-being of his land and community at heart, so much so that in the 1930s he had several facilities built, including a modernist swimming pool, a school and a hospital. In 1938 the realisation of his greatest vision came: the Panoramica Zegna, a strip of tarmac running from Alta Valsessera to the Cervo valley, so well embedded in the beautiful natural landscape as to be almost invisible. Along this direction extends the Oasi Zegna, established in 1993 by the heirs of Ermenegildo Zegna, who wanted to express their love for this area again with a visionary project that looks towards sustainability. Visiting the Oasi Zegna involves gazing in admiration at coniferous forests and enchanting blossoms, walking along paths in the midst of carefully preserved nature, discovering enchanting places rich in history: from Bielmonte to the Sanctuary of St Bernard, from the Conca dei Rododendri up to the Casa Zegna and the Woollen Mill, still active to this day. A paradise for slow tourism to be enjoyed in all seasons. Finally, we descend to Biella, which has been a UNESCO Creative City since 2019.

The province of Caserta is a very diverse region that, from the Matese Regional Park, in the heart of the Campania Apennines, heads west until it reaches the sandy coasts of the Tyrrhenian Sea. In ancient times, this area of Campania was nicknamed "felix", a Latin term that means happy, lucky. The benevolence of the climate and the productivity of the soil, rich in volcanic materials, was known to all: the citizens of ancient Rome were not slow to occupy these Campanian lands, founding cities such as Sessa Aurunca and Santa Maria Capua Vetere (ancient Capua). This itinerary in the province of Caserta is dedicated not only to the sweet and prosperous landscape of Campania, to be savoured, for example, around the Roccamonfina volcano or along the banks of the Garigliano river, but also to some cultural treasures of universal value. The Caserta area has been able to preserve unparalleled gems of art and architecture. All around the Royal Palace of Caserta and the complex of S. Leucio, protected by UNESCO, lesser-known but equally unforgettable places are revealed: these are religious monuments, archaeological areas and ancient villages capable of taking the traveller on an authentic journey through time. For lovers of good food, centuries of farming tradition in the fertile and sunny Campania felix have perfected the preparation of some extremely high-quality products. There is something for everyone: peppers and tomatoes, onions and lupini beans, endives and broccolli rabe, buffalo mozzarella, caciotta and caciocavallo cheeses, as well as the ever-present pizza, the queen of local cuisine.

A borderland, unspoilt nature and melting pot of cultures, Friuli Venezia Giulia enchants with its lively mix of territories and traditions. From the vintage and multicultural charm of Trieste to the Colli Orientali, Friuli is a multifaceted territory to explore, through the combination of flavours and breathtaking views. Discover the enchanting mosaics of Aquileia, an ancient centre of the Roman Empire, the border atmosphere of Gorizia, Udine and its castle, which dominates the city centre with its panoramic view. A paradise for white wines, Friuli is surprising not only for its diverse mix of cultures, but also for its incredible wine heritage enclosed in a treasure chest of only 20,000 hectares.

Genoa is a city full of surprises, where UNESCO World Heritage Palazzi mingle with medieval alleyways, and art is always present, together with modernity. The common denominator is the desire to make oneself known, which Genoa has mastered in the last twenty years by becoming an increasingly important tourist destination. With two National Galleries and numerous museums with works by Van Dyck, Rubens, Strozzi, Antonello Da Messina and Luca Giordano, it is well worth a holiday. But a first taste of the city's atmosphere can be had by strolling through the heart of the city, between the sea and the area of Renaissance buildings;

Cremona may not be a big city, but it's a great one. It's known for its culture, music and of course the city's pride and joy: its violins. Not forgetting the local specialities, starting with mustard. The identity of Cremona is enriched by the rich and diverse architecture and historical heritage. Around every corner you can see traces of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, both sacred and profane, rural traditions and tempting treats like the famous Cremonese nougat. Italy's largest river, the Po, flows past Cremona and has contributed much to its development, providing a valuable source of raw materials as well as inspiration. The tangible materials for violins, violas and cellos admittedly come from the forests of Trentino, but Cremona is where spruce has been transformed into musical instruments of matchless quality since the 17th century. The intangible value of the centuries of violin makers' expertise, still in full flow today, has made Cremona a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But Cremona is closely associated with music in general. It is the city of Claudio Monteverdi, who lived here between the 16th and 17th centuries and was a genial composer of madrigals. It was also home to Amilcare Ponchielli (1834-86), a leading exponent of 19th-century opera, and of course Antonio Stradivari (1644-1737), the greatest violin maker of all time, heir of the Amati, the first great family of Cremona luthiers. Monteverdi gives his name to the Monteverdi Festival of Baroque music, held at the Amilcare Ponchielli Theatre. Stradivari is the key inspiration of the Stradivari Festival, an autumn event that brings violin virtuosos from all over the world, to hear the sounds made by the famous instruments of Cremona. Another event with a musical theme is the Summer Festival, held from June to September, with a packed programme of competitions, masterclasses and concerts. It is followed by another 3-day event in September, the Cremona Music Festival, which attracts classical and contemporary music enthusiasts.

High on a rounded hill, the town offers a panorama that sweeps from the sea to the Lucanian hinterland and the Pollino peaks. Destroyed by the Saracens at the end of the 16th century, the ancient village was re-founded in 1518. The ancient core spirals up the hill with alleys connected by tunnels and stairways, and small buildings adorned with stone portals and masks. The massive watchtower is the only trace of a sixteenth-century fortified complex. The main places of worship are the Chiesa Madre (17th–18th century) and the church of S. Antonio da Padova (17th century), already part of a Franciscan convent. The surrounding area is a destination for high-altitude hikes to Mount Coppolo and Pollino, while on the coast, the attractions are the wide, sandy beaches of Marina di Nova Siri and Marina di Rotondella.

Surrounded by an endless series of viewpoints, mountain streams and rocky cliffs, the municipality of Pietrapertosa is the highest in Basilicata and reaches 1,020 metres above sea level. Over the centuries, the houses, churches and squares of this small town have become one with the local rock on which their foundations rest. Landscape and architecture incorporate each other and form visual glimpses and atmospheres of a living nativity scene, somewhat natural and somewhat artificial. Before leaving Pietrapertosa, a visit to the adjacent village of Castelmezzano, equally enchanting, is strongly recommended. Even better if, to reach Castelmezzano, one decides to follow the route of "The Angel's Flight", open in fine weather. Clinging to a secure steel cable, "The Angel's Flight" crosses the gorges and woods dividing Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano and allows you to observe the area from a new and adrenaline-filled viewpoint: the rocks that make up the enchanted landscape of the Lucanian Little Dolomites seem to take on ever-new and changing shapes.

On the border between Italy, Austria and Slovenia Surrounded by a thousand-year-old forest, Tarvisio is a historic mountain village in Val Canale, Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Its location in a border area between Italy, Austria and Slovenia has made it a historical crossroads of languages and cultures over the centuries. In the historical centre, the 14th-century Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul and the 18th-century Church of the Blessed Virgin of Loreto, located in Tarvisio Bassa, are worth a visit. For an easy but exciting hike with the family, just a short walk from the village, we recommend the Slizza Gorge, an approximately 2 kilometre-long trail along the stream of the same name with footbridges, wooden bridges and tunnels. Between the Julian and Carnic Alps are natural places with wonderful landscape features such as Lake Predil and the Fusine Lakes. At Bagni di Lusnizza, we recommend a visit to the sulphur spring from the Rio del Solfo and the La Foresta Museum, where it is easy to come across deer, chamois, roe deer and ibex: ideal for children. Renowned for winter skiing is the hamlet of Camporosso, equipped with several ski lifts. A half-hour drive away is the small village of Monte Santo di Lussari, famous for its ancient sanctuary dating back to 1360. The place of worship has been rebuilt several times over the centuries and restored to its original splendour with the latest restoration in 2000.

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.

An enchanting place and alternative destination for those who love the lake and are looking for a quiet location, Tenno enjoys a privileged position between the Mediterranean environment of Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains. Its 12th-century crenellated castle, crenellated on the top of a cliff, dominates the village, made up of stone houses and narrow medieval streets, with a spectacular panoramic view of Lake Garda. Entering the well-preserved historic core, amidst portals and sacred frescoes, one reaches the church of S. Lorenzo, of early-medieval origins, which preserves the earliest examples of Trentino painting from the 11th century as well as frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries. Not to be missed is the nearby Lake Tenno, unique for its blue-green colour and clear waters. A long staircase leads to the grassy shores of the lake, ideal for a dip in nature, or to photograph the rich palette of colours of the lake and the forest.

Ledro is a locality immersed in a naturalistic context of great beauty that frames the limpid waters of the lake, reflecting the green hues of meadows and forests. An oasis for sports and relaxation, but also a precious opportunity to discover how our ancestors lived in the Neolithic era. In fact, Lake Ledro is most famous for the discovery, in 1929, of an extensive area of Bronze Age pile dwellings on the eastern shore, which was discovered after the waters subsided during the construction of the Riva del Garda hydroelectric power station. This Neolithic village, dating back 4,000 years, has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2011. The Pile-Dwelling Museum of Ledro, in the locality of Molina, is the most important pile-dwelling site in the whole of Europe in terms of extension and preservation: here you can visit an accurate reconstruction of the Neolithic village with huts on stilts, which have been furnished inside with objects and artefacts from the Bronze Age.