The mountains are a great destination for family holidays with small childre and the trend has become so popular that mountain retreats in Trentino Alto Adige have adapted their facilities to suit families with children.

The mountains are a great destination for family holidays with small children. In fact, more and more families are taking their holidays or week-end breaks in the mountains and the trend has become so popular that mountain retreats in Trentino Alto Adige have adapted their facilities to suit families with children. Whoever books holidays in mountain retreats will have noticed that rates for rooms sleeping four are more frequent, however it is clear that families (and especially the children) would prefer two separate bedrooms rather than sharing one large room.

And what else is new? Sinks and, listen up, showers with running water all day! Depending on the amount of available water – at 2000m in altitude water availability is not always guaranteed – many of these retreats and campsites have adapted their facilities making accommodation as comfortable as possible.

And to add to comforts, duvets are set out on camp-beds and often Wi-Fi internet connection is available, where parents can connect online whether in the middle of the woods or mountain lakes and still enjoy their break.

However do pay attention to the dear old mountain rules and regulations! At 10pm it’s lights out until 6am, and until that time silence rules! Another regulation is that at the retreats guests are not obliged to purchase food and drink however more and more retreats apply a surcharge for those who bring their own food and drink….peace of mind for mothers who wish to prepare snacks and meals for little ones.

And how about excursions? Even these have been adapted for little ones, with shaded, quiet pathways where parents and children can walk and admire the landscape. However, an alpine guide is always required (just contact the tourist office) helpful in giving advice on suited pathways and routes.

Besides guides, parents should pay particular attention in evaluating the physical capacities of their children and take regular stops and bring plenty of water and energy snacks, suitable clothing and sun protection, as the Trentino Alto Adige sunshine is certain to give a tan!

Discover one of the most beautiful areas of Tuscany, the Mugello, by “train-trekking”; a new type of holiday ideal for discovering the natural beauty of the Tuscan hillsides.

Tuscany in recent times has seen a growth in the new excursion trend “train-trekking”. This type of group holiday is where participants get together for a “nature expedition” and meet up before they even arrive at the point of departure, at a pre-arranged train station, and begin to share their journey before the real excursion begins.

A particularly popular destination for this kind of travel is the Mugello, a splendid historical region situated north-east of Florence. The area stands out for its natural interest, offering numerous itineraries, such as the route which departs at Crespino sul Lamone and arrives in Marradi. At Crespino sul Lamone there is a train station accessible via the Faentina line, which departs from Florence to Faenza.

The train which departs from the Tuscan capital crosses the Mugello and, just before it gets to the town of Borgo San Lorenzo, it goes up to the hamlet of Ronta (tourist village situated in the valley of Ensa stream, at the foothills of the Apennines) before arriving to its destination. Once you are out of the train station at Crespino sul Lamone(525m above sea level), you then cross the river at of the same name and then walk along an ancient mule-track which leads to Pigara farm (606m above sea level). Following a chestnut woods n you then enter a slightly downhill road which leads to the ruins of the Garminana farmhouse.

Once you pass the old residence you arrive at a picturesque belvedere which, keeping to the right, leads to Poggio Valdosera (916m above sea level). From here the route leads downhill between the Lamone River (on the right) and the stream of Campigno (on the left). You then reach Monte di Villanova, the point in which you leave the ridge and enter woods via a steep route, and then come out on a road close to Castellaccio, marked as ccgfvvc/w/e/e..; Biforco, a small village where the Campigno stream gushes out into the Lamone River.

You therefore cross the Faentina (regional road 302) and follow the road which flanks the bands of the Lamone, heading to the finishing line of excursion: Marradi station. The excursion is the ideal trip for those wishing to immerse themselves in the Tuscan greenery.

From 19 to 21 August 2011 in Piazza Chanoux ad Aosta, the Wine Expo returns, Exposition des vins, a twice yearly event dedicated to the finest wine labels of Valle d’Aosta.

For over thirty years the wine companies of Aosta Valley, from Caves Cooperatives to private producers, put their excellent produce on display. The event that takes lace inAosta gives producers a chance to present their finest wines, such as Blanc de Morgex and De La Salle, produced in vineyards which climb from 800m to 1200m, the highest in Europe. However the event is also an occasion where visitors can taste these excellent wines and purchase them directly from the producers.

During the wine expo stalls are present with wines originating from the Concorso Internazionale Vini di Montagna (International Mountain Wine Competition) promoted by CERVIM (stands for Centre of Research, Study, Safeguarding, Coordination and Valuing of Mountain Wine production), as well as stands with genuine agricultural food produce.

Among produce surely to be available is Fontina cheese, and Jambon de Bosses, a type of Parma ham with aromatic herbs from the mountains, which has been produced since the 14th century at 1600m altitude at Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses, in theGran San Bernardo Valley. Another produce which must be tasted is Lardo d’Arnad (Arnad Lard), which is obtained thanks to a method which dates as far back as 1763 and is seasoned for at least three months in special chestnut wood or oak containers in a special mixture of salt, spices and herbs from the mountains.

These local specialities are celebrated yearly in a village food fest. The sagra (or feast/food fest) of Prosciutto di Bosses (Bosses ham) takes place at Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses on the second Sunday of July, while Lardo d’Arnad food fest takes place on the last week-end of August in Arnad, in the village of Keya.

Experience art, culture, music and dance in the magical setting of the Amalfi Coast at this year’s Ravello Festival running from July 8th – August 27th, 2011.

Each year the small town of Ravello on southern Italy’s Amalfi Coast becomes the “City of Music” when it hosts the renowned Ravello Festival. This music and performing arts festival attracts music lovers from all over the world to this pretty mountaintop town overlooking the stunning Amalfi Coast. Founded in 1953 as a music festival dedicated to the German composer Richard Wagner, the festival has developed over more than half of a century to encompass modern music, jazz, opera,theatre, dance, cultural events and art exhibitions.

However, the music of Richard Wagner always plays an important inspiration role in the events each year, in honour of the composer’s memorable visit to Ravello in 1880. Wagner was so struck by the beauty of the gardens at the Villa Rufolo that he used them as inspiration for his magical gardens of Klingsor in the opera Parsifal. Today, many of the concerts for the Ravello Festival take place in the same magical setting of the Villa Rufolo.

The notable events for 2011 include performances by Wynton Marsalis with the Jazz at the Lincoln Center Orchestra, Peppe Servillo, the New York City Ballet, Raphael Gualazzi, and a concert dedicated to Wagner with the Orchestra of the Teatro San Carlo in Naples directed by Michel Tabachnik. For more information on events, locations and ticket reservations, visit the Ravello Festival website.

How to Arrive
Ravello is located in the mountains along the famous Amalfi Coast and is accessible by car or bus.
By car: from Naples, drive south out of the Naples on the A3 freeway toward Salerno. Take the exit for Angri and follow signs for the Valico di Chiunzi / Costeria Amalfitana. Once over the pass, follow signs to Ravello. From the Amalfi Coast road (SS163), follow the signs at Castiglione and take the narrow, winding road up to Ravello.
By bus: public SITA buses regularly circulate between Amalfi (a transfer point), Ravello and Scala.

Until 27 November 2011, Venice hosts the 2011 Biennal International Art Exhibtion, one of the most celebrated exhibitions of modern art.

Venice returns as the capital of modern art at Biennale 2011, which takes place the eastern part of the city at the Giardini della Biennale and Arsenale.

Biennale 2011 is a collection of a number of works of modern art by international artists, and is the ideal occasion for seeing the pieces up close and discovering new artistic trends and techniques. Along with the art exhibitions are a number of collateral events organized by international institutions.

As well as figurative art, Biennale will also feature other artistic forms; from 31 August to 10 September the 68th International Cinema Art Exhibition takes place; from 24 September to 1 October the 55th International Contemporary Music Festival takes place. The event is concluded with the 41st International Theatre Festival which takes place form 10 – 16 October.

On August 2 2011, Giovanni Allevi will perform at the Auditorium in Rome, in one of the most anticipated concerts of the Roman summer.

Giovanni Allevi, pianist and composer with fans all over the world, will perform at the Auditorium in Rome on the conclusive evening of the exhibition, Luglio Suona Bene (July Sounds Good). Also this year Allevi will be the star of the Roman summer, with a concert that is anticipated to be truly unmissable for lovers of great music.

Innovative and original, and capable of giving life to classic and contemporary music, Allevi will peform some of his most famous hits, and also songs from his new album ALIEN which the artists considers his “sweetest, most impulsive and passionate” album. The concert is part of his Giovanni Allievi Alien World Tour 2011, with sold-out concerts all over Italy and abroad.

Enjoy the deliciously creamy and delicately lemon scented Delizia al Limone, a traditional dessert made on the Sorrento Peninsula in southern Italy’s region of Campania.

When it comes to desserts, the Neapolitans have created an abundance of sweet treats to try during your travels in Campania. There is one traditional dessert, however, that comes from the Sorrento Peninsula just south of Naples.

You will find a pale yellow cream covered cake called Delizia al Limone in restaurants and pasticcerie (bakeries) in Sorrento and throughout the region of Campania. This delicious cake was created in 1978 by Carmine Marzuillo, a master pastry chef from Sorrento. He highlighted the Sorrento Peninsula’s famous lemons to create this creamy delight.

Although there are variations, the traditional recipe is created by soaking a sponge cake a syrup made with the region’s famous limoncello lemon liqueur and covered with a thick cream delicately scented with the flavour of lemons. The small cakes are dome shaped and are served individually or in artistic compositions.

The Delizia al Limone has become a traditional dessert served throughout Campania, and is a popular choice for weddings. If you love the rich, creamy flavour, try the Delizia al Limone ice cream that you’ll find in the gelaterias in Naples and on the Sorrento Peninsula.

Great opera, dance and classic music is back in the beautiful setting of Terme di Caracalla: from 2 July to 10 August 2011, four performances will take place as well as a dance gala with Roberto Bolle and Friends.

Again this summer at Terme di Caracalla in Rome, performances can be enjoyed from famous names and also newcomers, as well as more unknown performances. The star of the show, as always, will be the beautiful, unique setting of the ancient thermal baths of Rome, Terme di Caracalla.

Performances begin on July 2 with a concert, Trilogia Romana which includes symphonies Fontane di Roma, Feste romane and I pini di Roma by Ottorino Respighi.

From 7 – 20 July, the classic ballet Swan Lake by Cajkovskij will be performed. From 21 July to 10 August, two famous operas will be performed: Aida by Giuseppe Verdi and Tosca by Giacomo Puccini. On 23 July, Terme di Caracalla will host another outstanding event; a dance gala with Roberto Bolle and Friends.

The island of Favignana, with its characteristic butterfly shape, is the largest of the Egadi Islands. Here are some suggestions of things to do while spending a week-end on the island.

Famous for its coves, tuna-fishing and diving, Favigana is rich in history and tradition. The island is the ideal destination for lovers of diving and underwater photography, or simply for those who love the sea and nature. Favignana is a great place to visit at week-ends; here are some suggestions of things to do so you can make the most of the island.

Day one
Breakfast and tour of the “Tonnara” tuna-fishery and Palazzo Florio
If you arrive early in the morning and are feeling a little hungry, then try the delicious “pane con finocchietto selvatico” (bread with wild fennel) available at one of the bakeries in the square. Then you could take a tour of the renaissance “Tonnara” tuna-fishery and building, Palazzo Florio, which would take up all morning.

Boat trip around the archeological finds and rich flora of the western part of the island
After a light lunch, take a boat excursion around the western zone of the island. Along the way you will see various grottoes and coves, with “Cala del Pozzo” standing out the most, home to an abundance of fish and marine sponges. Heading south, until Punta Longa, there is a series of coves (including Cala Rotonda), islets and rocks. Photography lovers cannot miss out on taking snaps of the rock, Scoglio Palumbo with its valuable archaeological finds.

Day two
Sweet breakfast at the Piazza del Centro
Should you take a morning walk around the centre, at Piazza Madrice there are many bars which you can try out the tasty brioches with a lemon “granita” (iced-lemon drink) or a coffee with cream, giving you the energy to take on a bike-riding tour of the eastern part of the island.

Bike-hire at Punta San Nicola
After you have bargained bike hire for the day, head east to discover the island of Favignana. Once you have passed the rocks, Scogli di San Giovanni, on the left you arrive at Cala San Nicola with its small white-pebbled beaches. Heading towards Cala Rossa you will cross the area of Scalo Cavallo, a beautiful tuff-rock quarry with natural terraces perched above the sea and also home to an archaeological zone.

Cala Rossa, the pearl of the island with its crystal-clear sea
Besides its name, meaning “Red Cove”, the colour of the sea in this bay is so turquoise you will be transfixed. Characteristic of this cove is the enormous “funghi” or mushroom-shaped tuff rocks which just from the sea at over ten metres. Although access to the sea is steep and awkward, we do advise you take a swim and have a light packed lunch on the beach.

Traditional fish dinner
Once you are back on your bike, enjoy the last ride before a tasty fish dinner. Heading toward the west, you will pass Cala Azzurra and Punta Fanfalo, Cala Tuono, Grotta Perciata, Lido Burrone, Cala Monaci and Punta Longa, where there is a small fishing village; by now you will be near the centre where a fish dinner awaits with a choice of cous cous or pasta with fish eggs.

From 8 June to 9 September 2011, the Parco di Tor di Quintoin Rome will host the 12th Mondofitness fest, the largest open-air gym of the Roman summer.

The summer fitness programme is back in Rome: Mondofitness 2011 is a huge open-air gym set in 30,000 square metres with over 100 sporting activities. From aerobics to yoga, aquabox and climbing, the events features 3 months of lessons and courses for everyone, from experts or those simply interested of all ages. There will be over 300 instructors, sporting facilities, relaxation areas and also a beach area.

The programme includes participation with some the biggest companies in the fitness world, as well as meetings with sports celebrities and writers, events with dance and cabaret shows and also open-air film screenings.