What feelings awaken in you when you imagine yourself blinking as you come out from between tree branches and into bright morning sunshine, or you hear pebbles crunching under your walking boots, or you feel your hand brushing over the rain-fresh grass?

And how would you feel if you could collapse onto soft cushions, free from all unpleasant thoughts, while outside the snowflakes dance?

Welcome to the Sonus Alpis, a place to encounter the sounds of peacefulness and the feeling of completely letting go. The Sonus Alpis is a residence hotel for adults with all the comforts of a four-star establishment.

We offer rooms and suites plus an extensive breakfast. During the rest of the day you can opt for either a self-catering apartment, a dine-around arrangement or enjoy small delicacies in the Sonus Alpis in the evening.

A discussion about the beautiful, the good and the true…
As liberal-minded people, we have internalised many personal experiences and inspirations and thus developed our own vision of what a holiday means. This is the starting point for our new Sonus Alpis hotel concept, combined with our passion for music and enriching sound experiences.

The Sonus Alpis does not offer holiday programmes, but provides rather numerous individual moments of enjoyment that also leave space for the individual and the surprising. (Christine and Hubert Plunger)

Relax and live in pica
This comfortable panoramic room is accessed via the lift to the floor then up a short staircase. The fine furnishings, large bathroom with separate WC and numerous small details make this room something special.

The windows look out in three directions with beautiful views from the south to the west where the sun goes down. One curiosity is that, even from the walk-in wardrobe, the spires of the Schlern massif opposite can be glimpsed from the small window.

Double room (26 m²) furnished with tonal spruce from the Seiser Alm, natural wooden flooring, comfortable seating, walk-in wardrobe, roomy bathroom with shower, hairdryer and high-quality toiletries, separate WC and bidet with mountain views, digital TV, safe, Wi-Fi, small southwest-facing private balcony with uninterrupted views of beautiful mountain and valley landscapes and the unique sunsets.

Residence Hotel for adults
Since May 2019 “adults only”

With the “adults-only” concept we would like to meet the specific needs of guests over 16. A stress-free break stimulates vital energies and is simply healthy… now and then for the most loving parents in the world as well! Here you will rediscover the pleasure of slowing down and, surrounded by majestic sceneries, you can finally enjoy absolute peace and relax.

Eating when and where you want to…
Hurrying back each day in time for set meals? That was all yesterday! These days you determine your routine, each individual day of your holiday. We offer an extensive breakfast from 7:30 to 11 a.m., offering plenty of healthy energy for a good start to your day, free to do as you wish on holiday.

During the day you might perhaps prefer to enjoy regular trips to our lounge bar, where in the evenings a “Little Menu” offers a selection of imaginatively and naturally prepared individual dishes.

Or perhaps you would instead like to go on a voyage of discovery around the restaurants and pizzerias of the surrounding area and, with our dine-around recommendations, sample the varied culinary delights of South Tyrol? Feel free to try out something new!

Only through the relaxing of the spirit can the senses awaken.
Even if walking and discovering nature, or skiing and cross-country skiing, have taken up the day, there comes a moment when the body longs for relaxation. Then it is time for a dip in the pool, for a sauna, to unwind on the relaxation lounger… The Sonus Alpis is a retreat where you can enjoy leisure and recuperation.

Music everywhere…
The singing of the birds, the chirping of crickets, the soft sighing of the wind in the trees… Nature offers her wonderful world of sounds to all those who delight in such things.

The Sonus Alpis too offers its own worlds of sound: the music library with its fireplace, pebble fountain and panoramic views for your individual listening pleasure, the grand piano in the Lounge Bar, or simply spontaneous music-making. Music is life!

Discover and experience – our territory
The Sonus Alpis hotel is located in San Valentino, on a sunny, panoramic mountain side, overlooking the towns of Siusi allo Sciliar and Castelrotto, in the Middle Isarco Valley.

The view ranges across an ample Alpine scenario, and in a single sweep includes many natural beauties of South Tyrol, like the Sciliar plateau, the highest in Europe, the Siusi Alp, which is part of the Dolomites – a UNESCO world heritage site – and going from the Lower Isarco Valley to the hollow of Bolzano and the snowy peaks of the Ortles Cevedale group.

Come and discover the beauty and peculiarity of our territory, travelling with the spirit of a true explorer.

The twittering breaks the silence…
…it comes from the Sonus Alpis, or from somewhere else, from South Tyrol, from our mountains or our culture. It’s not a big thing, only a little detail which makes a day more beautyful, some hours more interesting or an experience more worthful.

We love tho share this special moment with you – the special moment of a spontaneous talk and the great sound which surrounds it… Have fun!

Hideaways – the 100 most beautiful hotels in the world
June 2019 – In its new and exclusive book, Hideways presents the 100 most beautiful hotels in the world, and our Sonus Alpis has been selected to top 100!

The publishers were searching out „the world’s very best and most unique hotels…, that command impossibly beautiful locations, that are dedicated to looking after the needs of their guests with uncompromising service standards and that offer the kind of privacy and accommodation needed to ensure complete relaxation.“

Website: www.sonus-alpis.com

Rooms: 20

Price: from 194 EUR per night

At Villa San Martino You can experience a timeless atmosphere. This Masseria from the ‘800, located in the heart of the Itria Valley, is characterized by the unique traits of the panorama of Murgia mixed together with elegance.

An accurate care for the details is evident in every spot of the Resort, where comfort and a keen sense of aesthetic blend together in order to gift our Guests with a vacation characterized by beauty, wellness, culture and by the wide variety of quality food and wine from Apulia.

Being inside a completely natural frame, in this location style and refinement predominate. The charm of tradition and the modernity of our services donate a high-class hospitality to anyone who decides to live moments of well-being, unforgettable receptions, meeting and events of different kind, according to each individual exigence.

Villa San Martino is the essence of luxury, a charming dwelling, which is only a few kilometers far from Martina Franca, a renowned baroque town, where it is possible to admire the magical historical center and to be surprised by its exquisite traditional food and wine.

Fine and clean air enshroud the Villa and give a sense of stillness. Villa San Martino is a charming, recently-renovated location, which arose out of the historical stones of a Masseria from the ‘800 and is now recognized as one of the most beautiful among the hotel facilities of the Itria Valley.

Walking along its enchanting walls, it is possible to notice a refined and exclusive location, in which the charm of the past is in direct contact with the comfort of modernity. Surrounded by the florid and quite Apulian countryside, rich of secular trees and heady scents, Villa San Martino welcomes its Guests by awakening Their senses.

The hotel’s decor and the precious textiles will rouse the enthusiasm of touch; the perfumes and sounds of nature will stimulate olfaction and hearing; furthermore, the colors of the landscape and the flavors of our cuisine will strengthen sight and taste.

ROOMS & SUITES
This mixture of past and present, old and new, has always had a strong appeal, to the point that an ancient nineteenth-century Masseria has been transformed into a romantic contemporary residence. The peculiar style of Villa San Martino is the result of an accurate choice of colors and natural materials of the proper Apulian tradition.

An old-fashioned Villa redefined for the modern age, a place where immense outdoors have been set up with a gazebo and curtains and where the beauty of the location is in harmony with the surrounding landscape.

To spend the night at Villa San Martino means to enjoy the greatest privacy and comfort desirable in luxury rooms and suites. The 21 rooms provided by Villa San Martino are a continuous mixture of antique and modern, perfectly blended together.

Rooms are divided into: 11 Double Deluxe Rooms, 2 Triple Deluxe Rooms, 8 Junior Suites, all set up exclusively with high-quality materials. Two of our rooms are thought to meet the exigencies of people with disabilities.

Inside the rooms everything was studied and designed aiming at raising the pleasure of Your stay. In each room, alongside the vintage decor, the damask curtains from the best silk factories of Caserta, and marbled bathrooms, You can find design furniture, comfort and a Jacuzzi bathtub.

The flagship of the Villa is the swimming pool and its surrounding area, ideal for sunbathing and to donate moments of wellness for both body and mind.

SUITE
This exclusive suite is the largest and most comfortable room in the Villa with its 28 square meters in size and a wonderful furnished terrace with a central view of the entire park with swimming pool.

Refined taste and classy furnishings among decorated ceramics, antique furniture and fine textiles characterized the San Martino suite. Located in the central Maison on the second floor with elevator, it has a sitting area and double bathroom with jacuzzi tub and with shower

EXECUTIVE SUITE
Executive Suites are designed to meet the need for larger spaces by having two bathrooms and a living area with sofa. Ideal for families, these refined rooms can become quadruple. They are then equipped with handicap accessibility. The large furnished terrace they benefit from is an opportunity for relaxation and privacy surrounded by nature.

JUNIOR SUITE
Junior Suites represent a break from the frenetic and noisy everyday life, offering a breathtaking view that anticipates the local sights. Fine taste, prestigious furniture with decored ceramics and precious textiles.

With their 24 sqm, these rooms are completed by a living area and an intimate private terrace overlooking the garden. They are located on the first floor with elevator.

DELUXE
Deluxe Rooms offer our Guests the pleasure of enjoying sophisticated and overly-refined settings. Provided with every comfort and with hydro massage tub, these rooms extend over a surface of 18 sqm, and are located on the first floor with elevator. Cozy rooms are designed to let our Guests enjoy the tranquility of a relaxing context.

DINING
The park, the stars, our culinary high-class proposals all together make Villa San Martino’s dining services a reason of pride for both the Italian and the foreign Guests we host.

The cuisine offered by the restaurant of Villa San Martino is typical of our tradition but marked by the fine and personal intervention of the Chef, made possible every day thanks to the use of fresh and genuine ingredients.

THE DUCA DI MARTINA RESTAURANT
The “Duca Di Martina” is considered among the best typical Apulian restaurants. A large room constitutes the Restaurant, decorated with an elegant and classical style, which is in harmony with the surrounding spaces. It provides a capacity of maximum 100 covers.

The intimate room provided by the restaurant is instead ideal for a romantic stay, as the suffuse lighting will generate a romantic and warm atmosphere, where You will enjoy several Apulian delicacies.

The “Duca Di Martina” presents itself as a gourmet restaurant, the right place to experience the great variety of Apulian Cuisine. Exquisite specialties, appetizing tasters, great wine and seasonal produces are served with passion to please even the most exigent palates.

BAR
Villa San Martino’s Lounge Bar, with its exclusive atmosphere, is located in proximity to the open-air lobby. A meeting point, a place to take a break during the day, chatting friendly and sharing memories.

Hospitality in the charming ambience of the Itria Valley will be guaranteed, thanks to a service, which is always attentive and caring. During summer Villa San Martino enriches its services with the Kiosk by the swimming pool: here our guests may taste refreshing cocktails, thus enjoying a totally relaxing atmosphere.

BREAKFAST
At breakfast, the “Duca Di Martina” loves to take care of its Guests with genuine ingredients that will awake the five senses and will create the right alchemy to welcome a day reserved to harmony and wellness.

The typical breakfast served at Villa San Martino is rich of perfumes and colors recognizable on our buffet of “Buon Risveglio” (the “Good wake up” buffet). Delicacies prepared by the pastry Chef are part of the breakfast ritual: homemade brioches, cakes, tartes, muffins, biscuits and other small culinary delights.

The “cafeteria” proposes a prime quality selection, able to meet any kind of exigence: from the Italian Espresso made with grains of various provenances to the America coffee, high-quality milk, soy milk and a rich assortment of tea and precious infusions.

Anyone desiring to have a Healthy breakfast, can taste fresh seasonal fruit and fruit compotes, extracts, cereals of any kind and a wide variety of jams and yoghurts. For those who love English Breakfast, we provide a selection of savory foods, vegetables, cheese, cold cuts, together with a menu with egg-based receipts, prepared according to the English tradition.

DINNER
Villa San Martino hosts the “Duca Di Martina” restaurant, where You can taste the typical Apulian Cuisine, with revisited flavors. The Chef carefully selects seasonal produces, with a strong commitment to meeting the exigencies of our Guests, who can benefit from various proposals of typical dishes, that cover a wide selection of the rich culinary Apulian heritage.

Every receipt is elaborated with local high-quality produces. The aim is to engage our Guests and to surprise them with the typical flavors of the Apulian Cuisine, offering an opportunity to enrich Their experience with a Culture of Food and Wine, which has many stories to tell.

A menu of both tradition and novelty, that keeps a strong relation with the local territory with a bit of innovation, to create unique and original meals.

NINÒ – IL TRULLO DI SAN MARTINO
The deepest roots of Puglia told through the rural and homely dimension of Ninò, the trullo of Villa San Martino. The Apulian trulli are the backdrop for a research into the excellent raw materials of the area, in a sensory journey where the colours of the Mediterranean converge with the strong flavours of the local cuisine.

From highly selected cold cuts and cheeses to locally bred meats, legumes and vegetables from our garden. The ancient recipes of the peasant cuisine – both heritage and tradition – are revived and enhanced by an exclusively Apulian wine list.

WEDDINGS IN APULIA
Welcome at Villa San Martino, in Apulia, in the heart of the Itria Valley, not far from the seaside and immersed in a green, typically Mediterranean landscape. Surrounded by a 10.000 square meters park, the Villa embraces luxuriant gardens, a swimming pool, six different locations and an organization of the highest level.

In every season, both in the wintertime and in the summertime, the interiors and outdoors of Villa San Martino lend themselves well to planning daytime or evening weddings, or weddings in the magical Christmas time, to make your best dreams come true.

The Villa offers the possibility to host not only wedding receptions, but also the characteristic civil ceremony and the stay of the wedding’s guests. Expert wedding assistants are available to guide the bride and groom in the choice and care of every detail.

Classic, fun or elegant? At Villa San Martino every event is unique. Our spaces are shaped according to your desires. This is the best way to leave an unforgettable memory in your guests’ hearts.

CONFERENCES & MEETINGS
The capacity of our locations allows Villa San Martino to offer the possibility of planning meetings and professional events of any kind. The two Conference Halls can receive a vast public: they are respectively provided with 160 sittings in the main Hall and other 130 sittings in the second one.

Furthermore, we can provide You with the needed audio-visual equipment, a paper-board and a screen; for any further necessity in terms of equipment and technical assistance feel free to ask.

To make any event special and detail-cared, Villa San Martino disposes of catering services, such as coffee break, light lunch, welcoming appetizer, “business breakfast”, social dinner, gala dinner, typical dinner or theme dinner.

EXPERIENCE PUGLIA
Each tour includes food tastings directly from the producers, relaxing walks around the most popular cities of Puglia and “off-the-beaten-path” itineraries to visit hidden historical treasures, beautiful piazzas and awe-inspiring landscapes that you otherwise would miss.

Apulia is famous for its pristine nature, rich of olive trees, coasts and dry-stone walls. Choose to discover it riding your bike, exploring the Trulli of the Itria Valley and stopping in a Masseria to taste zero-mile products, such as Capocollo of Martina Franca and Caciocavallo cheese.

During the summer, let the sea breeze of the Adriatic coast caress you, cities like Polignano a Mare, Torre Canne and Savelletri, or choose to have a cruise to relax and discrover the two seas of Taranto.

COOKING CLASS
Explore the typical Apulian cuisine with our Chef! Our Chef will teach you how to prepare the real Apulian orecchiette pasta and focaccia. At the end you will be taste what you will realize; during lunch there will be the Buvette of drinks (water, wine and juices).

All participants will be provided with kitchen utensils (rolling pin, pastry board, bowl etc) and at the end of the course the Certificate of participation will be issued. Classes will have at least 2 participants up to a maximum of 8.

CHEESE MAKING CLASS
The guest will discover all the secrets of dairy products, visiting the cheese factory, the farm, the maturing cells and the Family Chapel. After the “Mozzarella Show” during which the dairyman will show the production processes, the guests will take part into the production process, too. Lunch, tasting traditional food of Puglia.

UNESCO TOUR
Visit a cave-house entirely and typically furnished to understand the customs and traditions of the inhabitants of the ancient Sassi districts, before their abandonment. Also, visit to a Cave Church, dating back to the 8th Century, the most important in the history of Matera.

At the end of the walk, visit to a bakery and tasting of Matera bread, which has become an IGP product thanks to its historical and organoleptic qualities. Alberobello: Visit to the amazing Church of Sant’Antonio, the only trullo-shaped church in the world.

*The experience ends with the tasting of unique and unequivocal products of Puglia, surrounded by an incredible scenery that only a sea view location can offer. The appetizer consists of crunchy taralli and slices of bread seasoned with tomato and olive oil, appetizing local olives, crudités and salty croissants stuffed with local salami along with an indispensable glass of local wine.

MARTINA FRANCA
Martina Franca rises up on the east low hills of the Murgia, at equal from both the Adriatic and the Ionic seas; indeed, it benefits from a privileged position, as it is central to the most important cultural sites and landscapes of Apulia. Martina Franca is a melting pot of history and art. For more than 40 years it has been hosting the Festival of the Itria Valley, among the most important opera festivals in Italy.

Its historical center with dominant white tones is made precious by the magnificent portals and balconies of the old elegant mansions in Rococo style, among which it’s worth mentioning the sumptuous Palazzo Ducale, but also Palazzo Martucci, Palazzo dell’Università, Palazzo Motolese, Palazzo Maggi, Palazzo Ancona and, still within the medieval city walls, the imposing Basilica of San Martino, which preserves sculptures by Stefano da Putignano and by Giuseppe Sammartino.

If you wish to discover the rural soul of this territory, you should explore the countryside, where characteristic Trulli, beautiful masserie and plantations framed by dry stone walls and by wild scents stand out.

Various products from the agri-food and wine industry are noteworthy: among them the Capocollo of Martina Franca (Slow Food product), the podolic caciocavallo cheese, and wines of two local varieties, Verdeca and Bianca d’Alessano.

On the 11th of November the inhabitants of Martina Franca celebrate their patron saint, San Martino, to whom the city partly owes its name, as he saved Martina’s residents from the Saracen invasions.

ALBEROBELLO
City if the Itria Valley and of the Murgia area of the Trulli. This city is renowned for its characteristic dwellings called “Trulli”, that from the 5th of December 1996 are part of the UNESCO Heritage and within the World Heritage List, with the following reasons: “exceptional typology, continuity of housing, survival of a prehistoric building culture…”

In particular, the Rione Monti and the Aia Piccola represent the most suggestive and ancient districts of the town. Today the area of Rione Monti is dedicated to business activities, whereas the Rione Aia Piccola has preserved its traditional residences: here it is possible to completely immerse oneself in the history and ancient traditions of this town.

Do not miss the “Trulli Siamesi” and the “Trullo Sovrano”, the last one representing the greatest design capacity reached in a Trullo and, at the same time, it introduces a new a new building phase that includes the use of mortar.

OSTUNI
The urbanistic identity of Ostuni lies in its old village, named by its inhabitants “La Terra”. A unique built-up area stands out on the highest hill of the urban area: all painted in white and characterized by a multiplicity of levels, alleys and stairs made of stone, little streets that intersect arches and squares, cubicle houses, often dug into the rock.

The houses coated with lime and the peculiar topography gifted the city with fairy-tale epithets, such as “Città Bianca” (‘The White city’), “Regina degli Ulivi” (‘Queen of the olive trees’) and “Città Presepe” (‘Nativity scene city’). Once reached the highest point of the city, it is possible to admire the beauties of the Cathedral and of Palazzo Vescovile (the Bishop’s Palace).

CISTERNINO
Cisternino is adorned with the Orange Flag, brand of high quality tourism and environment, conferred by Touring Club Italiano and dedicated to the small towns of the hinterland that stand out for their excellent offer and for their quality hospitality.

Cisternino is characterized by good accessibility and by an efficient management of the local mobility. The most important entrance to the heart of the old city is Porta Grande.

The urban fabric with its medieval imprint remained almost intact and it is possible to lose oneself in the authentic atmospheres of the four districts “Bère Vécchie”, “Scheledd”, “U Pantène”, “L’ìsule”, that together with the outermost one, named “u Bùrie”, compose a small maze of alleys and widenings, where white houses, streets adorned with geraniums, stairs, lodges and arches alternate.

LOCOROTONDO
Its name already indicates the characteristic circular shape of the historical center of this town, risen around the year thousand and constituted by a series of huts that the local agricultures build on the top of the hill, among which we mention the typical “cummerse”, little houses with pitched roof.

Among the dwellings of the historical center stand out the steeples of the many churches of the town, such as Chiesa dell’Addolorata, Chiesa dello Spirito Santo, the San Nicola Church, the San Rocco Church and the Church dedicated to Madonna della Catena.

Inside the Church of Santa Maria della Greca, a Renaissance polyptych dedicated to the Madonna delle Rose and the sculpture group of St. George on horse are preserved.

From Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, where two imposing pillars identify Porta Napoli, a path stretches from the little municipal palace, today municipal library (end of the ‘700), through the baroque Palazzo Morelli, with its splendid gate and the balconies with railings in a particular wrought iron (named “goose breast”), to the Chiesa Madre.

Locorotondo is awarded with the Orange Flag, brand of high quality tourism and environment, conferred by Touring Club Italiano and dedicated to the small towns of the hinterland that stand out for their excellent offer and for their quality hospitality.

TARANTO
Taranto, named “the city of the two seas”, overlooks Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo, benefiting from a strategic position, which made it protagonist of well-known historical events.

Precious ancient evidences are preserved at Marta, the national archeological museum, where it is possible to admire the famous “Ori di Taranto” (Taranto’s Golden Treasure), refined productions of local goldsmith’s art between the IV and the II century BC, together with the immense collection of archeological findings from all over the Ionic province.

The history of Taranto is outlined by the two bridges that connect the old city with the new one. Alongside the stone bridge build after the flood of the year 1883, a swing bridge was introduced in 1887, manifesting the charm that the great mechanic engineering works have, and it leads to the maze of the alleys in proximity to the central Via Cava, where it is possible to find various artisan shops.

In this isthmus of land stand out noble architectures and churches of different times and styles, like the Cathedral dedicated to St. Catald, a mixture of Romanic and Baroque style, or the Church of St. Domenico, with gothic elements.

FASANO
The historical center is characterized by alleys, white walls, arches and small squares. The ancient walls still preserve the Torrione delle Fogge, once one of the entrances to the city.

In the neighboring areas you will not want to miss the archeological excavations of Egnazia and the Zoosafari, the biggest faunistic park of Italy. Also, don’t miss the dolmen of Montalbano, which dates back to the Bronze Age, around the 2000-1500 BC, and which is still intact.

Along the highway 16, close to a “lama” (a groove which is typical of the karstic territory) and nearby a masseria, rises Tempietto di Seppanibbale, dating back IX century and realized with big blocks of local stone. In the inside it preserves a notable series of frescoes of Langobard age.

MATERA
Matera is the city of Sassi (ancient habitations) and from 1993 it is part of the UNESCO Heritage. It is one of the oldest cities of the world, and its territory preserves evidences of human settlements from the Paleolithic.

The original urban nucleus developed out of the natural caves dug into the rock and afterwards shaped into more and more complex structures, placed inside two large natural amphitheaters, known as the Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano.

The unique architecture of the Sassi evokes the human capability to perfectly adapt to its natural environment and context, making masterful use of simple elements, such as the constant temperature of the excavated spaces, the calcarenite of the rock itself for the construction of “out of ground” housings, and the use of slopes to control the waters and the meteoric phenomena.
The architectonical structure is constituted by two systems: the former being immediately visible, and realized through the stratification of housings, courtyards, balconies, palaces, churches, streets, gardens; the latter less visible at first sight, and constituted by tanks, icehouses, caves, tunnels and water monitoring systems, essentials for the wellbeing of the community.

The landscape of the Sassi extends through the ravines typical of the near Gravina di Puglia, with a landscape that is in continuity with Matera and its characteristics.

VISIT LECCE
Italian city of art, Lecce is also known as “the Baroque Woman”: the ancient Messapian origins and the archeological findings of Roman origin blend together with the richness and extravagance of the Baroque from the XVII century of the churches and the palaces of the city center, made of local stone, a particularly malleable limestone that lends itself well to working with the scalpel.

Richly decorated buildings, elegant streets and surprising squares characterize the city. Charming square of the historical center is the splendid Piazza Sant’Oronzo, with its Roman amphitheater, the colonnade of the Saint and the Sedile palace, today tourism information point. Not far away are the Teatini Convent and the Sant’Irene Church, a Baroque masterpiece.

POLIGNANO
Polignano a Mare, known as the “Adriatic Pearl” is only 33km far from the city of Bari. The oldest nucleus of the city rises on a rocky spur overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Native city of the singer Domenico Modugno, who became famous thanks to his “Nel blu dipinto di blu”, Polignano fascinates with its historical center, rich of traces of different origins (Arabian, Byzantine, Spanish, Norman), like the remains of the four imposing defense towers that used to enclose the old village.

Worth mentioning is the bridge of the Via Traiana, still accessible today, which crosses Lama Monachile. From “Arco della Porta”, once the only entrance to the city, it is possible to walk through this magical hamlet, which is enriched by the the XIII century Chiesa Matrice dedicated to the Assumption.

Don’t miss to visit the Museum “Pino Pascali” Foundation, set up in the former municipal slaughterhouse and dedicated to the work of the great Apulian sculptor and artist. The Polignano coast, which stretches from Grotta Palazzese to Lama Monachile, is one of the most beautiful in Apulia, thanks to its hidden coves and to the lovely sandy inlets.

TORRE CANNE
Immersed in the “Parco naturale Dune Costiere” (the coastal dunes natural park), from Torre Canne to Torre San Leonardo, this city overlooks the Adriatic Sea and is 8 km far from Fasano. Symbol of this thermal locality is the lighthouse, which lights up the coast, the sea and the long cliffs.

From the ‘80s, it started to grow, becoming a lively seaside area that benefits from crystal sea waters and fine white sand beaches. Torre Canne is renowned for its thermal center, a place to benefit from the therapeutic virtues of the spring waters.

In the adjacent areas you can visit fortified masserias immersed in olive tree fields or the faunistic site of the Zoosafari in Fasano. Torre Canne is also the homeland of the Slow Food “Regina” Tomato, arranged in vermillion “ramasole” that embellish the local dwellings.

SAVELLETRI
The fascinating Savvelletri is a suggestive Adriatic spot surrounded by cliffs, about 5 km far from Fasano. Mostly known for its sea and for its amazing equipped beaches, Savelletri is a popular tourist destination.

The beaches in sand and cliffs are not excessively crowded and offer either free access or private areas, that offer their best during good weather. Savvelletri is ideal for a vacation of exclusive relax.

The Archeological Park of Egnazia is a real treasure of findings, whereas the near golf field is one of the best in Apulia, counting 18 holes. The right occasion to taste some quality swordfish is the Patron Saint’s celebration (in august) dedicated to San Francesco da Paola and celebrated with a charming procession by the sea and a traditional festival.

MONOPOLI
The beautiful Monopoli overlooks the Adriatic Sea and is introduced by the castle and its ancient walls. The city is known for its 99 districts, called “contrada”, which extend on a flat area, embraced by the splendid Loggia del Pilato’s “belvedere”, a natural terrace to admire an authentic landscape made of fortified masserie, churches, rocky settlements and villas.

Symbol of the city is the monumental Castel dedicated to Carlo V, which hosts expositions, conferences and today is site of the municipal Archeological Museum. The fortified masserie are well preserved or they were restored with care; they are located in the heart of the marine landscape, in the area of the low hills and in the flat hinterland.

Monopoli is also a hamlet for fishermen; it was founded on the seaside and presents a 15km coastline which is low and indented, characterize by numerous coves and long sandy beaches. Special celebrations for the city are dedicated to St. Cosma and Damiano, and to the memory of the landing of the raft with the icon of Madonna della Madia.

GROTTAGLIE
Grottaglie finds its origins in the surrounding spectacular green canyons, a territory marked by the presence of ravines, where many caves were excavated.

The city of Grottaglie was made famous worldwide by the art of working ceramics: around its historical center, characterized by winding streets and by low-vault houses, extends the “ceramics district”: here the creativity of the artisans gives birth to refined terracotta works.

In more than 50 workshops artisans still use the traditional lathes to create plates, vases, holy water fonts, ladies and knights and the famous “pomo” in enamelled ceramic, symbol or the ceramicist art of Grottaglie, an art that has been handed down from father to son.

In the moat of a castle of the 1400 for centuries artisans have been shaping and decorating clay: a scenery that is unique in the world. Artisan works also celebrate the patron St. Cyrus and the occasion of the lighting of the pyre on the 31st of august, a bonfire that burns in memory of the martyrdom of Grottaglie’s patron saint.

Rooms: 23

Price: from 165 EUR per night

Source: www.relaisvillasanmartino.it

A small, private chalet on the edge of the forest was the beginning for Daniele and Gabriela’s individual concept of their enthusiastic vision.

Today the chalet is the core of the Alpine Boutique Villa Gabriela with the breakfast room in the winter garden, the sun deck and the reception, surrounded by marvelous meadows and forests. Taking the exclusive location under consideration, an exciting building was created that makes it unique.

Snow, sun, winter holiday in the mountains, to be exact, in the Dolomites, and this in our small but exquisite lodge, which is located in the immediate vicinity of Val Gardena and therefore of the Sella Ronda as well. This just sounds like the perfect combination for an unforgettable winter vacation!

HOSPITALITY
With the Alpine Boutique Villa Gabriela Daniele and Gabriela fulfilled their dream. People who come here value personal service and high quality, good appearance and honesty.

To enter the villa you won’t use a big revolving door but a small, almost private entrance that fits perfectly to a chalet owned by the family since generations. Behind it a simple table, a phone and a cheerful smile. You feel welcome from the very first moment – and not much later you feel at home.

People with a sense for the good and beautiful. A family that is always open for new ideas and projects and that pursues these with extraordinary enthusiasm, commitment and feelings.

Every single one of them is equipped with distinctive skills and qualities that give the Alpine Boutique Villa Gabriela its exceptional character: four attentive hosts with different temperament and each with their own ways.

ROOMS & SUITES
All the bedrooms of the Alpine Boutique Villa Gabriela are different from one another and unique. The only thing in common is the stunning view of the Dolomites “UNESCO WORLD NATURAL HERITAGE”, and of the mysterious forest.

The furnishings are light, cautiously romantic, every detail taken care of, just beautiful. Enjoy the pleasure of falling on the bed, experiencing wonderful moments, sleeping deeply and dreaming.

BREAKFAST
Chalet with gourmet cuisine in San Michele – Gourmet vacation in Castelrotto. Discover our house, our kitchen, our cellar, get to know our chef Gabriela and her team – and most importantly find out how much perfection and passion they have when they cook for you, because “The truth lies on the plate!”

THE CHEF GABRIELA WELPONER
Passion is her drive, she was meant to cook. Her trademarks are perfection and creativity. As a result a lot of recognition is the impressive confirmation of her ability. Her only goal is to have her guests enjoy it!

TERRACE
Only a few driving minutes away from the bustle of the town, Alpine Boutique Villa Gabriela offers all the comforts of a hideaway: retreat in a private atmosphere or being in good company – at the bar, in the lounge or at the restaurant.

Breakfast on the big sun deck. Our guests have the choice to decide according to their mood or form of the day. We will do almost everything to make you feel at home as soon as possible.

WINE CELLAR
You are looking for the perfect wine to accompany your food at the Alpine Boutique Villa Gabriela. The head of the household Daniele is more than happy to help you and to guide you through our wine list with his knowledge and charm.

On our wine list you’ll find a selection of over 150 first class wines from the most important cultivation regions of Alto Adige and Europe.

RELAXING HOLIDAY IN A QUIET AND SUNNY PANORAMIC POSITION
The warmth of the fireplace, the scent of the ethereal oils and the wild nature will accompany you discretely throughout your stay at the Alpine Boutique Villa Gabriela.

Outdoors and indoors, nature and villa are joined together in the fresh air of the forest and in the soft light of the mountains and invite the customer to slow down his rhythm and to stop his thoughts.

Natural herbal teas, a walk in the snow or in the summer forest will provide peace and deep relaxation. After an active vacation day in the mountains of the Dolomites, relax in our small but excellent wellness area.

Both the harmonious architecture and the stylish interior fittings in our Alpin SPA provide an agreeable atmosphere, especially in the relaxation area.

The fragrant wood, the pleasant wooden flooring and natural lighting provide peace and relaxation – just the way it’s supposed to be. And enjoy these options in our wellness area:

• Turkish steam bath
• Finnish- old wood sauna
• Rain-mist shower
• Round cold-foam mattress “Resting bed”
• Quiet room with heater
• Vital corner with fresh fruit and herbal teas

SKIING
The whole region of the Dolomites is available to you through the Dolomiti Superski with its 460 lifts and 1220 km of slopes.

Just in the Alpe di Siusi-Val Gardena skiing area you’ll find 84 lifts and over 175 km of slopes that are in excellent condition with snow until spring, there are slopes for every level, from training slopes for beginners to world-cup downhill slopes.

The scenic and enjoyable skiing on the Alpe di Siusi with its 60 km of slopes and ultra-modern lifts provides you with a fantastic natural landscape and unlimited winter fun.

The Sella Ronda is a special “skiing adventure”; you will be skiing around the enormous Sella alpenstock next to unique scenery. The Gherdëina skiring is just as beautiful and the “Witch Tour” on the Alpe di Siusi promises just as much fun and enjoyment for young and old.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Cross-country skiing brings movement into your life! On the Alpe di Siusi you’ll find the most beautiful conditions for this sport. There are over 60 km of very well prepared double- and freestyle cross-country ski runs in the middle of the mountain pasture and breath-taking scenery.

Here everyone can pick and chose the perfect track for his own taste. Thanks to the various distance options there are a lot of alternatives from easy to difficult. It is definitely worth it for skaters and those who prefer classic cross-country skiing.

SNOWSHOEING
The numerous hiking paths are a winter wonderland! Snowshoeing opens new perspectives. With a small amount of strength you can reach places that until now were unreachable for hikers in the winter.

The walking in the snow-covered terrain doesn’t require special skills and the movement is relatively easy. Experienced guides will accompany you on fascinating snowshoe tours and winter hikes.

HIKING & CLIMBING
Nature is not something that can only be seen by the eyes alone. She lies in the soul as well, in the images on the backside of the eye. “Edvard Munch” The Dolomites UNESCO WORLD NATURAL HERITAGE, magic words that speed up the heartbeat of hiking lovers.

You think about the Alpe di Siusi with the Sciliar, Sassolungo and Sasso Piatto, Sella, Odle, Marmolata and Tre Cime di Lavaredo, about steep ridges, vertical walls, hiking trails in front of magnificent scenery, vie ferrate.

GOLFING
“One of the most fantastic 18-holes golf courses of Northern Italy” – is the experts unanimous verdict.

Since the course is located in a quiet, idyllic area in the middle of the Dolomites the golf playing itself is almost secondary if it was not for the perfectly cared for course and the playing challenge, which can definitely be compared with other international courses.

If you are planning a golfing holiday in Alto Adige you should definitely check out the vacation area of Alpe di Siusi.

MOUNTAIN BIKING
The Alpe di Siusi is a paradise also for mountain bikers: there is a wide range of offers for biking and mountain enthusiasts, from green meadows and shady forest streets to adventurous paths.

The bicycle is probably the most loved, quiet and environmentally friendly type of technical transportation to move around rapidly in open nature. And it still leaves you more than enough time to admire the beautiful outdoors.

Website: www.villagabriela.com

Rooms: 12

Price: from 202 EUR per night

Here at Locanda Bellevue, every holiday becomes an unforgettable experience designed to meet the tastes of each guest: relaxation, sports and wellness. Our priority are people: this means you, our Guest.

We are delighted to share the beauty of our land with special people like you. With guests who are capable of appreciating the value of authenticity and exclusivity. We welcome you in our home, where you will experience and collect unforgettable moments, destined to live on in your heart.

Our story begins in this small town in the Upper Aosta Valley, Pré Saint Didier, located at the feet of the majestic Mont Blanc, just a few steps away from the ancient Thermal Baths. This is marvelous place, capable of enchanting any heart with the changing spectacle of its colors.

These magnificent landscapes stole my father Sergio’s heart, and this is why he chose to take over the Bellevue Restaurant alongside my mother, Enza, many years ago. They were so passionate about hospitality that they chose to expand the structure and transform it into the Locanda Bellevue.

They gave birth to a fabulous hotel, where guests immediately feel at home. Enza welcomes you with her big smile, surrounded by her many nieces and nephews. I am Valentina, and my sister Noemi and I are always available to make our guests’ wishes come true.

Our home is made of not only bricks and wood, but above all people, warmth and smiles. I, Sergio, Enza, Noemi and our families can’t wait to welcome you and help you experience magical moments.

Ever since Roman times, the vitality of this town has been associated with its privileged position and the presence of thermal waters.Pré Saint Didier’s vocation to hospitality and psychological and physical wellness therefore dates back to ancient times, supported by a one-of-a-kind natural scenery looking onto the Mont Blanc.

The Locanda Bellevue is in Prè Saint Didier, on the road connecting Courmayeur and La Thuile. From our Inn, you can easily reach:

• The Pré QC Thermal Baths 200 m away
• Mont Blanc Adventure Park 4 km away
• La Thuile 4 km away
• Courmayeur 8 km away
• Skyway 8 km away

SUITE
A romantic touch, with a view of the Mont Blanc. If you’re looking for something unique, we recommend our suites. These rooms are ideal for guests who enjoy freedom of movement and feature a Jacuzzi: take a regenerating bath without having to leave your room!

The view of the Mont Blanc is sure to meet your romantic expectations. We only have 2 of these rooms, would you like to check if one is available?

JUNIOR SUITE
Where family holidays are even more beautiful. More than a simple room, this large environment is the ideal solution for families or guests who enjoy extra comfort. Divided into two separate areas, these rooms feature two bathrooms and offer comfort and privacy. Seeing is believing…

SUPERIOR ROOM
A warm nest for your holiday on the Mont Blanc. Our Superior Rooms are larger and can welcome up to 4 guests, as they feature a comfortable sofa bed.

Thanks to their refined furnishings, you will feel homely warmth as soon as you enter. These rooms offer a splendid view of our mountains; here, you can relax and breathe fresh alpine air from the terrace or the balcony. Can you taste it already?

STANDARD ROOM
Relax, you’re on the Mont Blanc! Our Standard Rooms with balcony are the slightly smaller option available in our structure, ideal for 2 guests. We recommend this solution for guests who enjoy holidays on the move. These are curated and modern design rooms, still retaining the tradition and typical comfort of mountain hospitality. Don’t miss the opportunity…

THE BREAKFAST
Days should start with a hug, a kiss, a caress and a coffee. Because breakfast should be generous. (Charles M. Schulz, Peanuts). The first thing you’ll notice outside your room is the aroma of excellent coffee.

What awaits you is an abundant warm and cold buffet with sweet and salty options, homemade cakes, biscuits and croissants, jams, cereals, fresh and dry fruit and a special selection of local cheeses and cold cuts. If you prefer, you can also order and enjoy your breakfast at the bar – open to external customers – and make the most of our espresso coffee service.

A rich breakfast is just what you need before spending the day skiing, trekking or relaxing in the thermal baths. Plan your B&B holiday in Pré Saint Didier and take it one day at a time, choosing whether to dine here with dishes from our à la carte menu!

THE RESTAURANT
Eating is a necessity, tasting is an art. The restaurant of the Locanda Bellevue, also open to external customers, is a historical establishment in Pré – Saint – Didier, where everyone appreciates its warm atmosphere and the quality of the raw ingredients behind our recipes.

We are part of the Saveurs du Val d’Aoste culinary circuit, the highest sign of quality for the food and wine sector in the Aosta Valley region. When choosing from our à la carte menu at lunch or dinnertime, you can enjoy a variety of dishes. Our specialties are charcoal-grilled meat and typical traditional recipes of the Aosta Valley.

We also have a pizzeria service, offering numerous types of pizza – all of which are cooked in our wood oven. On request, we can also meet the needs of younger guests, with simple menus consisting of light yet nutritious and tasty servings. We also pay special attention to guests following specific diets due to food intolerances or allergies.

THE SKYWAY
A spectacle that will conquer your heart. Have you ever imagined you could climb the peaks of the majestic Mont Blanc? One of the most suggestive attractions of our area is certainly the brand new Sky-Way climbing from Pontal, Courmayeur, to Punta Helbronner at an altitude of 3446 m.

During the journey, you will traverse the heart of the eighth wonder of the world, Mont Blanc, with its perennial glaciers and steep slopes, and enjoy a privileged point of observation on the Matterhorn, the Monte Rosa and the Gran Paradiso.

The system, which is the result of all-Italian engineering, consists of three stations: the first, located at an altitude of 1300 m in Courmayeur, is where you will find the ticket booths and the bar; the second, Pavillon du Mont Frèty, is at an altitude of 2200 m and offers the opportunity to visit the exclusive high-altitude wine canteen (producing the Vallée d’Aoste DOC Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle “Cuvèe des Guides” classic-method spumante) and two restaurants; the third station is Punta Helbronner, at an altitude of 3466 m.

From here, you can admire the Mont Blanc in all its grandeur from the suggestive 360° panoramic terrace. It’s now more than just a dream…

THERMAL BATHS
Shut your eyes. Imagine a peaceful corner where you can regenerate and take care of yourself, rediscovering all the authentic values of relaxation in the mountains and the joy of resting while surrounded by nature.

The Pré – Saint – Didier Thermal Baths are located approximately 200 meters away from the Inn, in a modern structure restored after having been closed to the public for more than thirty years. This unrivalled corner of paradise, featuring many outdoor and indoor spaces for total relaxation, can be found at the feet of the Mont blanc.

Here, you will find wooden sauna huts with panoramic windows looking onto breath-taking views; three swimming pools with Jacuzzis and thermal water coming directly from the nearby spring by the slopes of the Orrido Waterfall, dating back to the early nineteenth century.

A truly timeless place, the Pré Saint Didier thermal complex will accompany you on your path towards a complete remise en forme with more than forty thermal treatments, scheduled gym classes, steam baths, a salt room and many unique and special events designed to rehabilitate and preserve your psychological and physical balance. Recharge your batteries. Enjoy the silence. Bloom once more.

SKIING
Let the marvelous panoramic trails, typical refuges and fabulous variety of landscapes in the heart of the Aosta Valley enchant you! Those who love skiing and snowboarding will find their very own paradise in the Aosta Valley!

The presence of perennial glaciers makes skiing possible even in the summer, when the sun is high and the days are long and mild. When starting off from the Locanda Bellevue, you have two options: the ski area of Courmayeur, located 6 km away, and that of La Thuile, which is 8 km away.

On request, you can reach this area with our private transfer shuttle service from the Hotel. The area offers more than 100 km of trails, 29 km of cross-country skiing trails and 21 ski lifts.

Freeride lovers will meet their match along the Mer de Glace and the many off-piste runs from Punta Helbronner towards Courmayeur and Chamonix. We particularly recommend the trails to the Toula Glacier and the Marbrées, which reach the Ferret Valley by traversing the Dente del Gigante.

RAFTING
Discover the beauty of rafting during your holidays in the Aosta Valley. There are so many things to do and see in the Aosta Valley that you’ll gain a whole new conception of wellness holidays! The Dora Baltea offers thrilling experiences for adrenaline lovers: the opportunity to enjoy rafting, kayaking and hydrospeed awaits you, just 500 meters away from our hotel.

Here, wild nature is perfect for adults and children alike; the rapids and natural slides in this area are the ideal place to try these sports, overcoming one’s limits and having great fun in completely safe conditions! Let us advise you……we’ll take good care of your holiday. You can also book tickets for the various attractions in the area directly from our reception.

EXCURSIONS & TREKKING
Explore the most beautiful trails around Pré-Saint-Didier! Choosing to discover the peaks of the Aosta Valley one step at a time is certainly the best way to experience the alpine atmosphere and enjoy the spectacle offered by these mountains.

It would be impossible to list all the trails and itineraries of the western Alps in this page, so we will simply offer some indications and suggestions to help you start planning your holiday in Pré Saint Didier.

You can’t miss the walk to the Gola dell’Orrido, starting from the ancient bridge on the Dora Verney: a simple walk, well suited for everyone and surrounded by the nature of the local woods. Here, you will find a breath-taking gem, the cantilevered panoramic footbridge at a height of 160 meters, offering a one-of-a-kind view of the Mont Blanc.

Setting off from Torrent, a small hamlet of Pré Saint Didier, a medium-level trail extends for approximately 7 km and will lead you to Mont Crammont, where the elevated position in relation to the Mont Blanc will allow you to enjoy a privileged point of observation on the eighth wonder of the world.

If you set off from the center of Prè and walk through the dense softwoods, you will reach the old farm trail. This itinerary, also crossing onto a series of mountain paths, will take you to Lake de la Youla. From here, a series of hairpin bends climb back up the slope to Col d’Arp. This is an 8-km trail, covering a difference of altitude of 1240 meters.

Just 4 km away from the Locanda Bellevue, adrenaline and entertainment go hand in hand in the Mont Blanc Adventure Park! Here, adults and children can have fun on recreational-sport itineraries developing up to 20 meters of height, suspended between adult pine trees with a splendid view on the Mont Blanc range.

A system of suspended bridges, hanging ladders and creepers will allow you to move from one tree to the next in total safety, supported by technical harness equipment.

MOUNTAIN BIKE
Stop in Pré Saint Didier for your mtb holiday in the Aosta Valley. Farm roads, trails in the woods, old mule tracks and famous balconate: with more than 1000 km of gravel tracks, the Aosta Valley certainly deserves the title of mountain bike motherland.

Whether assisted by expert alpine guides or on your own, you can ride across the two valleys of Courmayeur, the Ferret and Veny Valleys, combining training with entertainment and adrenaline. The area offers the opportunity to practice various disciplines: mountain bike, downhill, fat bike and electrically assisted cycling.

MOTORCYCLING
Discover Courmayeur and its surroundings on motorbike touring itineraries. The Locanda Bellevue, located 200 meters away from the Pré Thermal Baths, is the ideal starting point for a motorbike holiday filled with thousands of emotions: take a tour of our splendid region! We also offer a reserved covered parking area!

The Small Saint Bernard and Great Saint Bernard Passes are the perfect setting for an extended tour in contact with nature, along an itinerary crossing into three nations: Italy, France and Switzerland. This approximately 100-km itinerary will lead you to discover the various souls of our land during a journey through borders, histories and local customs.

Our area features many itineraries into nature, history and local cuisine, which we recommend traveling in the period between April and October. Let us offer you just a few indicative suggestions here, listing a series of unmissable destinations for your holiday in Pré Saint Didier.

Approximately 45 km away from the Inn, for example, you will find the Fenìs Castle, an ancient fortress enveloped in a fairytale atmosphere and worth visiting for its frescos and ancient furniture.

If you keep going for a further 20 km, you can visit the Issogne Castle, which is completely different from the previous one, with is austere façade and gorgeous inner gardens. There’s a lot more to discover… Let us advise you, we’ll take good care of your holiday!

Rooms: 11

Price: from 105 EUR per night

Source: www.locandabellevue.com

In a scene of African flavor, overlooking the sea in one of the most beautiful bays of the island, Directly on the marine reserve of the Pelagie Islands, the Village is made up of a small village of 23 authentic stone dammusi immersed in the maquis.

Built in the pure local style with its strong Arab connotations, with dry-stone walls, long narrow windows and a withe dome to retain coolness. Each Dammuso is a room tastefully decorated in a functional way and has a covered patio and a private garden.

The interior is always fresh thanks to the dome and the drywall Has 2 beds with Possibility of extra bed, bathroom with shower, ceiling fan, radio and fridge. There are 16 dammusi “comfort”, recently refurbished, and 7 dammusi “standard”.

DAMMUSI
Based on the conviction that there is no real differentiation between the different ways of interpreting the holidays, the village will appeal to those traveling (unlike the tourist that binds it’s activity holiday for mobility) to Create Their Own idea of living as a refuge, rest and relaxation.

In other words , and in full empathy with the island , is a classic site where you can spend and enjoy a true “vacation” Among the most intense colors and scents of the Mediterranean and the dazzling light of Africa .

The Village, in fact, perched on the cliffs of Cala magical Crete , facing the birth of the sun and moon, are a unique and different for transfer provisoriamnete Their sedentary lifestyle without having to give up trips to the real world, noisy, chaotic and That tourism is consumed in the West.

These color changes always accompanied the passage of whales each year in April lapping the Island with their small, drifting currents rich in shrimp, accompanied also hunting falcon of the queen arborea that exchanges the prey with his partner beaten in at over 120 km away. And witness the ancient ritual of return from the oceans of the turtles to lay their eggs in the place where they were born.

DAMMUSO SUITE
Dammuso consists of a double bedroom, a bedroom with two single beds, bathroom, living room with two sofa beds and patio facing the Sea. The Suite has air-conditioned. The rate includes 4 people.

TRIPLE ROOM STANDARD
Dammusi style Standard island, can accommodate two people with double bed or two single beds or three persons with an extra bed. For stays of more than three days we require payment of Formula Blue, which provides a transfer service from the airport or port, a shuttle service from the village to the beach at fixed times, the beach towels changed mid-week and one outlet with our Caique Turkuaz, with meal on board, to discover the hidden bays of Lampedusa.

RESTAURANT
Our restaurant, in the “Arabian Garden”, offers specialties of the “Mediterranean kitchen” based on fresh seafood. The Dinner, in order to offer always fresh products, is composed of a set of starters, by a first and a second course, fruit or dessert.

The menu of the day, exposed every morning in the ‘Terrace’, varies each day depending on food supplies and the fish available. On Wednesday the “Dinner with Dragut” is dedicated to the Tunisian cuisine and its spicy flavors.

Alternatively and on reservation, the Chef Amar offers a special menu of tasting based on raw fish, shellfish and the best our Sea can offers. We remind you that our kitchen staff is at your disposal for every need.

LAMPEDUSA
Despite being considered by the English, which for the first “map”, the top seven islands in the world for beauty of the sea and beaches, Lampedusa not only sea but offers some wonderful shows floral and fauna.

The island, now “garrigue irreversible” changes its appearance and color and flavor changes with the changing of the seasons: the Scilla stretch in October, making it white and blue, the bloom of acacias and Gaggia covers the yellow in March/April and immediately after the cushions of wild thyme and the flowers of the thistle turn purple and lilac.

This alternative color scans from the position of whales every year in April lap Lampedusa with their young and let the currents carry rich with shrimp, accompanied by less time hunting falcon of the queen, now settled, that the exchange prey with his beaten in more than 120 km.l ‘now., witnessing the ancient rite of the return, even by the ocean, the turtles to lay their eggs in the same place where they are formed.

SOME MORE NEWS…
The Pelagie (from the greek Altomare) with the island of Lampione is, because of their belonging to the African continental shelf, the area is not relevant to the island of Sicily itself.

This “.. their unique history, marked by periods of abandonment antropico whole centuries and lasted almost always held the edge of Sicilian history have given to these strips of land of unique characteristics that allow them to be distinguished by a decision by the other satellites dell’Isola Mother.

“In this brief and rigorous description of these islands, taken from the Natural History of the Pelagie Islands, you can find the salient and incontrovertible of” character “of Lampedusa character .. that the” passengers “have turned more attention, translate the feelings and the soul of a famous book, in the simplest, and perhaps trivial, “Lampedusa … my Africa.”

A void that is the fact that the Paleolithic, periodically up to the Phoenicians, the Greeks, Romans and Arab Island has been inhabited and abandoned, and after four hundred years of solitdine pirates and in 1760 it was colonized by six French followed, after sixteen years, by a Maltese family.

And then, while the West consolidated its primates, was a succession of small groups of farmers, led now by Maltese English now. Even the Russians, with Prince Potemkin tried purchasing the island to house a colony of subjects of the Empress.

It may have even less significance with ‘arrival of the first 120 panteschi in 1843 we can begin to talk of a community resident. Indeed, no trace remains of any vicissitude past, being, the essence, the soul of this island is firmly anchored to its physical geography, with its light, its smell, its color.

“Isola” hard, harsh, dry, strong bumper and primitive island but also unique, magical, rich, intoxicating, immersive and fascinating one that emanates a scent a breath essence anesthetic.

Rooms: 23

Price: from 151 EUR per night

Source: www.calacreta.com

Masseria San Giovanni is located in the heart of Apulia, into the immense expanses of ancient olive trees of the Itria Valley, very close to the Regional Parc of Dune Costiere and to the Adriatic beaches of Savelletri and Torre Canne.

It has been built in the second half of the nineteenth century with the name of Ottava Piccola, it is an example of a typical fortified Masseria. That one at Masseria San Giovanni is an unforgettable, totalizing, sheer experience.

Absorbed from the enchanting Salento landscape, in the middle of the secular olive trees, orangeries, vegetable gardens and luxuriant rosemary shrubs, it stands out with its pure and attractive volumes in the deep light of the Apulian sun.

The architectural plant dated 1600, which represents the typical features of the fortified farms, has been restored totally respecting the materials and the original details, to valorise a construction unique in the world which includes even a small church of the 700 titled to the “Madonna della Madia”.

The cosy atmosphere reinterprets the elapsed multiple functions, as the agricultural one, in a contemporary lifestyle, to become place of wellness: the powerful nature turns into an antidote to the citizen stress, the cuisine based on vegetable garden products is genuine and delicious.

The environment is accomplice, charming and full of hospitality sense, symbol of borderline between orient and occident, Masseria San Giovanni is a multisensorial route in which cinema, art and design meet, it becomes a favorite destination for people who wants to live an authentic and elegant holiday like the intensity of a deep quiet.

The interiors are welcoming and cared in all details, furnished with simple elegance to give to every single room its own originality, under the ancient tunnel vault, brought back to the light to enjoy the magic of the honey-coloured tuff coming from Lecce, where pieces of design and fine textile details come alive.

A swimming pool perfectly incorporated into the landscape, invites guests to luxuriate in the garden, accompanying them in a deep path of reconnection with nature.

Located in “Montalbano di Fasano”, where the “Contrada Ottava” is, Masseria San Giovanni is part of the via Traiana, the old roman route which connected Rome to Apulia. In days gone by, Masseria Ottava Piccola and Masseria Ottava Grande were part of the same property of the Italian ecclesiastical assets of Monopoly city.

Around the XV century, these Masserias have been given as trade-in to Nicola Indelli, representative of a noble family from Monopoli in exchange for lands situated by the Canale di Pirro area.  The lands of Ottava Grande have been passed down from generation to generation, following the male descent of the Indelli family.

It was around the middle of the XVII century, with the two Francesco Indelli’s sons Antonio e Giuseppe, when the property has been shared: the first one received the Masseria with the tower and some lands, the other one received lands where he built a Masseria which was named Ottava Piccola.

Nowadays the Masseria, which is again part of the Curia property, is a complex which has been recently restored, keeps its own authenticity, with an ancient oil mill where there is still the millstone, the presses and the tanks to collect the olive oil.

The Masseria holds a small church of the early 700s, a nice citrus grove, a farmyard where there are seven barns, the place of shelter of the livestock, there are secular olive trees all around.

All of it, is not so far from the Montalbano Dolmen and from the wonderful landslides and ravines of karst origin (erosive furrows not so deep created from the runoff of the water, today are very important ecologic paths for the survival of a lot of animals species). The Traiana route, where the Masseria is located, is part of the Adriatic bike lane, itinerary n.6 of BicItalia.

ROOMS
The rooms are located inside the central body of the Masseria, in the farmyard and where the external court was, which overlooks the beautiful citrus grove. There are three types of rooms available to guests: Double Classic rooms, the Deluxe room and the Junior Suites with a private terrace and Jacuzzi.

The furnishings combine the Apulian tradition with a contemporary design. Each room, all of them renovated, has got a double bed and some of them two single beds, air conditioning, safe, tv, bathroom, window.

DINING
At the Masseria we fall in love with the products, we believe in the search for local specialties, in the kilometer zero and in following the seasons with the fruits of the earth. We are working to have in 2020 a vast assortment of excellences of typical local products to be tasted within the ancient mill.

EVENTS
Every event, at the Masseria San Giovanni, has an unforgettable emotional imprint thanks to the magical atmosphere that pervades all spaces. A dream wedding in a unique place. To realize a special and exclusive reception or wedding, the Masseria San Giovanni can satisfy your every need.

A catering service of the highest level will make every event unforgettable and incomparable, an organizational staff attentive to the needs and desires of the client will ensure that everything is easier and smoother.

ACTIVITIES
The staff of Masseria San Giovanni will do all the best to make perfect your stay. They will organise tours, events, restaurant reservations, chauffeur and taxi. They will be able to advise you about the best activities and attractions in the area to make your stay unique and unforgettable.

BOAT EXCURSION
The Apulian coastal landscape offers coves and beaches with very fine sand, overlooking the clear and transparent sea. Just sailing you can live and discover uncontaminated corners. The boat trip makes possible the discovery of this suggestive places in the different moments of the day.

HORSE RIDE
Cross country activities, obstacle course, dressage. The little ones can become familiar with the environment thanks to the pony school. The environment with its fantastic scenarios will be the setting for both saddle and carriage rides.

BIKE TOUR
Bike excursions all over the area to discover the landscape, the history and the typical Apulian food and wine. Big groups or families can follow the tourist cycle itineraries which shows in the best way the history, the farms and the points of greatest interest.

Bike tours take place at slow pace and allow participation to anyone who wants to discover the real essence of Apulia by bike.

WINE TOUR
Significant experience for wine enthusiasts, from the neophyte to the expert…. The offer consists of wine tasting presented from experts who will explain and relates about the different stages of the wine-making production: from the importance of the territory to the technics of production and refining, from the harvesting of grapes and the aging in barrel to the bottling.

Rooms: 5

Price: from 207 EUR per night

Source: www.masseriasangiovanni.it

Recently opened in the heart of Venice’s historic town centre, the Bloom is an elegantly refined B&B located just a short distance away from the city’s major tourist attractions. Its refined rooms, each featuring an elegantly original and successful mix of classical Venetian style and modern design, are all equipped with every conceivable amenity to help make your Venetian holiday one that will never be forgotten.

Breakfast is served in an elegant dining room with furnishings and items of prestigious value. The top of floor of the building has a relaxing reading room for guests as well as the B&B’s crowning glory, a terrace from where it is possible to take-in a most breathtaking view of the city that will remain one of those special memories from your Venetian holiday.

Bloom B&B is located in the very heart of Venice and is the perfect place from where to explore the treasures of this magical city on the Lagoon. The building overlooks the Campo Santo Stefano, bathed in sunlight and so full of life.

Saint Mark’s Square, with its famous Basilica and the famous Ducal Palace, the Rialto Bridge and its colourful market, the Fenice Theatre, the Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana, the Accademia Galleries and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection are all within easy reach and just a few minutes walk away.

The Bloom B&B’s spacious rooms are all furnished to the highest levels of taste and elegance. Particular attention is paid to the minutest of detail, giving each room a style that is totally unique. Guests can opt for rooms with purple or red tones or bare brick finishes.

Whichever room you choose you will be pleasantly surprised by their pleasantly relaxing atmosphere as well as the stylish finishes that are a feature of all the rooms. All rooms have a private bathroom with shower or tub, LCD TV, air-conditioning, safe, mini-bar and free Wi-Fi.

Rooms: 6

Price: from 145 EUR per night

Source: www.bloom-venice.com

While staying at the Maison Tofani, an elegant relais located in the historical centre of Sorrento, you will have the feeling of being surrounded by an atmosphere rich in history and charm.

The picturesque entrance is that of a typical courtyard in a Neapolitan palace. The rooms are furnished with taste and elegance and equipped with all comforts, particularly suitable for the stay of even the most demanding and selective clientele.

Nearby there are: Piazza Tasso, Terranova Correale Museum, the Cathedral, Villa Comunale, shopping streets, the port, the local train station and car parks.

After sightseeing tours and shopping, you can relax and enjoy a tea in the evocative room called “The Four Continents” or a drink in the room called “Europe”, whose ceilings are adorned with works on canvas of the eighteenth century.

On the solarium you can relax and enjoy a view of the rooftops of Sorrento. The warm and gentle welcome, the refinement and familiarity that you will find at the Maison Tofani will make you feel at home.

APARTMENT
Beautiful apartment, renovated in 2021, brand new and equipped with all comforts, just 300 meters from Piazza Tasso, the Central Square of Sorrento, very close to the local Train Station.

Maison Tofani Apartment is located in a residential building, on the 5th floor served by a lift, and has a large terrace equipped with tables, sunbeds and shower, all surrounded by the tranquility of being away from the chaos of the beaches but still a few minutes walk from them.

Maison Tofani Apartment has 3 rooms for a total of 7 beds, all rooms have controlled air conditioning and have a balcony, private bathroom, minibar and fast Wi-Fi. At your disposal you will find a kitchenette equipped with dishes, pots and everything you need to cook, if you feel like it.

COMFORT JUNIOR SUITE
Overlooking the Sorrento Historical Center, with a nice balcony overlooking the cobbled street of our 18th Century hamlet, our Comfort Junior Suite is a generously proportioned 40sqm and effortlessly combine original, contemporary and romantic details, King size bed, Smart Tv, lime washed exposed beam ceilings, luxuriant furnishings, high soft linen for the exclusive use of this room and a rediscovered original doors wich is a very works of art.

WEDDINGS IN SORRENTO
Civil ceremonies can only be celebrated on town hall property. Most of the buildings are old and rather beautiful and some have adjoining panoramic terraces.

The ceremony takes approx.30 minutes and is celebrated in Italian so an interpreter will be required to translate for both the wedding and the declaration of intent to marry. After the ceremony you will be given a multi-lingual certificate which is valid on your return home.

Not all cities in Italy will allow religious weddings for non residents, we can offer religious weddings in Positano and Amalfi with English speaking priests. The Italian law also requires a civil ceremony that can take place after the religious service or in your home town before travelling to Italy.

We have on hand a team of experts who will be able to arrange even your smallest requirements to make your special day so special it will stay in your memory for many years to come. Some of the services we offer:

• Flowers, transport, hairdresser, photo and video, favors, music, beauticians, and receptions to suit all…
• Also included in your initial package is our help regarding all the paperwork confirming dates and times of the ceremony.
• Dealing on your behalf with the legal documents at both the town hall and embassy and also religious authorities when necessary.

CAPRI
Undeniably one of the world’s most beautiful islands and an internationally famous tourist resort. Summer retreat for the jet set, the island is awash with designer boutiques and picturepostcard views wherever you turn: lush Mediterranean vegetation with purple bougainvillea climbing over the whitewashed villas and the celebrated “Faraglioni” limestone stacks.

Take a trip to the famous blue grotto, visit Villa San Michele in Anacapri, once the home of Axel Munthe, or stroll around the Giardini di Augusto (Gardens of Augustus) and the ruins of Villa Jovis, one-time residence of the emperor Tiberius.

CRUISE
A great opportunity to spend a relaxing day out enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Amalfi Coast or the island of Capri. During the cruise, on board a comfortable yacht equipped with sun terrace and showers, you will have the chance to stop at Capri for a swim in the island’s impossibly azure sea or visit two of the most picturesque towns on the coast, Amalfi and Positano.

POSITANO
One of Italy’s most well known and picturesque tourist towns, Positano is also famous for its highly original fashion clothing in distinctive fabrics sold in many of the charming boutiques. You need to visit the little town on foot to appreciate its pretty narrow streets, pastel-coloured houses and endless steps carved out of the rock

AMALFI
The Amalfi Drive is one of the most spectacular coastal roads in Europe and passes through some absolutely stunning scenery. Starting from Sorrento, it winds its way along the cliff edge offering breathtaking views until it reaches Amalfi, one of the four Maritime Republics and birthplace of Flavio Gioia, inventor of the magnetic compass. In the centre of Amalfi stands the imposing IX-century cathedral with its famous striking façade decorated with gilded XIX-century mosaics.

POMPEII
Pompeii is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Every year millions of visitors come to see the spectacular ruins of this ancient Roman town destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in A.D. 79.

Excavation work only began in the XVIII century but since then has gradually brought to light the splendours of an ancient civilization, including magnificent frescoed villas and an imposing amphitheatre.

HERCULANEUM 
Herculaneum, said to have been founded by Hercules, is a remarkably well-preserved Roman town. Built some time between 80 and 70 B.C., it was destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in A.D. 79.

Unlike Pompeii, however, Herculaneum was not buried by lava and lapilli (burning fragments of pumice stone), but was submerged by thick mud which then solidified into soft tufa rock, thus preserving the many frescoes and artefacts you can still admire today.

The town was discovered in 1709 and excavation work since has brought to light sumptuous villas, baths, theatres and even a villa thought to have belonged to the father-in-law of Julius Caesar.

THE PATH OF THE GODS
Among the “high” routes of the Amalfi coast, this hike moves from Nocelle to “Colle Serra” (and back) and is by far the most famous hike you can do. The reason for this fame (which is recognized all over the world) is the constant ups and downs, the fantastic sheer vertical drops and lands cultivated in terraces.

You arrive at the final destination and the highlight of this hike, Punta Campanella, which is united, under the sea, to the stunning island of Capri. From the spectacular belvedere looking to the west we see siren archipelagos and swirling shapes.

There is much to explain here regarding the colours of the Mediterranean lands, known as our “Path of the Gods”. Botany: mediterranean scrub, heather, euphorbia, true myrtle, orchids in spring,..Natural landscape interests: view on the whole peninsola, view on Capri and Amalfi coast.

NAPLES
A unique and very special city, famous the world over for its warm and friendly people. Naples is one of the oldest cities in Europe, founded in the VII century B.C. by the Greeks and later conquered by the Romans.

From the XI century onwards it was ruled by the Normans, Swabians, Angevins, Aragonese, Spanish and the Bourbons. Each of these foreign dominations left their mark on the city’s art, architecture and culinary traditions. You can feel the history most of all in the old town, a Unesco World Heritage Site and a treasure trove of unparalleled wonders.

MT. VESUVIUS
Mt Vesuvius is one of Naples’ most well-known landmarks, and one of the largest active volcanoes in the world. The mighty mountain standing forebodingly over the city and the bay is accessible by bus up to a height of 1,000 m. From there on the visit continues on foot with licensed guides to the edge of the crater.

Rooms: 12

Price: from 158 EUR per night

Source: www.maisontofani.com

Our nature hotel in South Tyrol is the La Casies Mountain Living Hotel in Casies/Gsies. Our nature concept is characterised by a sustainable alpine lifestyle in harmony with nature. Our new rooms and suites are furnished with natural materials, which preferably come from the region, and top-quality tasty Grander water flows through our water pipes.

Our La Casies nature hotel is a tranquil haven for our guests where they immediately feel comfortable and at home. The bright, spaciously proportioned rooms, swimming pool and spa area also contribute to your wellbeing.

In both the summer and winter, the nature around our nature hotel has numerous possible activities on offer in the hearty mountain air. The culinary delicacies that we serve in the evening reflect the nature concept at Hotel La Casies and are largely made from regional, seasonal products. Enjoy a relaxing holiday at our nature hotel and let us, the Steger family totally spoil you!

Experience nature, be at one with it and respect it – that’s what makes a holiday at the La Casies Mountain Living Hotel in S. Maddalena/St. Magdalena in Valle di Casies/Gsieser Tal.

For us, mountain living means that a person finds their inner peace again at our mountain hotel, can experience nature up close and totally relaxes. Deep relaxation sets in thanks to conscious eating, a healthy amount of activity in the fresh mountain air and fascinating observations outdoors.

Experiencing nature means being consciously aware of it and enjoying it with all your senses – walking barefoot in grass, breathing in the fragrance of wild flowers and the forest, helping the Steger family with hay making, taking time for life’s little highlights.

Enjoy mountain living in Valle di Casies/Gsieser Tal and abandon yourself to the adventure of experiencing the beauty of nature and letting it make an impression on you.

Rooms & Suites
The rooms for your holiday in Val Pusteria/Pustertal are all furnished with natural materials like wood, stone and new wool. With the types of wood we placed great importance on them being indigenous so that your holiday in Val Pusteria/Pustertal is sustainable and natural.

The waste wood that was used to furnish some rooms comes from old farmhouses and parlours. On your holiday in Val Pusteria/Pustertal you can also stay in rooms that are furnished in oak, a very solid wood with healing properties. The rooms furnished with Swiss stone pine promote stamina and ambition and support mental and physical recovery while you sleep.

Swiss stone pine also strengthens the immune system and naturally counteracts the premature ageing of skin. The rooms in spruce wood, which give a feeling of security, boost concentration and positively influence the circulation and vegetative nervous system, ensure you have a harmonious holiday in Val Pusteria/Pustertal.

Larch wood gives you a feeling of security and self-confidence and protects you really well from mobile radiation during your holiday in Val Pusteria/Pustertal. Each of our hotel rooms also offers you a unique view over the Casies/Gsies mountains or the Dolomites.

Alpine culinary delicacies from south Tyrol
At our hotel in Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal, the La Casies Mountain Living Hotel in S. Maddalena / St. Magdalena, you are indulged every evening with the finest Alpine delicacies, which top off your day’s holiday in the fresh Casies / Gsies mountain air with culinary treats.

The kitchen team at Hotel La Casies in Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal conjures up traditional South Tyrolean dishes which are only made with high-quality ingredients and products that for the most part come from the region.

For example, the herbs come from our own farm and numerous varieties of fruits and vegetables come from farms in the surrounding area. Tasty dishes from Casies / Gsies Alpine cuisine and classic South Tyrolean cuisine are made out of these with a subtle Mediterranean touch.

The traditional and modern are combined here into an indulgent symphony of tastes for your palate, which you will remember for a long time to come after your holiday at our hotel in Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal.

South Tyrolean specialities are as varied as the region’s landscape and nature. That’s why we serve typical Casies / Gsies Alpine cuisine dishes at La Casies Mountain Living Hotel to introduce you to the culinary traditions from this wonderful holiday region.

“Tirtlan”, “Niggilan”, “Housalan”, “Milchmuiss”, “Schlutza”, “Gröstel”, “Erdäpfelblattlan mit Sauerkraut”, “Pressknödel mit Ruibenkraut”, “Brennsuppe” and many more South Tyrolean specialities are just waiting to be discovered by you. The Casies / Gsies Alpine cuisine is down-to-earth, hearty and simple but at the same time sophisticated in taste though.

Our kitchen team makes these delicious South Tyrolean specialities from Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal, which are served up once a week at the buffet, out of high-quality regional and seasonal products. Sample these traditional delicacies from the region and discover Casies / Gsies Alpine cuisine for yourself!

Gluten-free & lactose-free recipes
Gluten-free and lactose-free recipes are creatively and professionally prepared by us at La Casies Mountain Living Hotel in Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal. So that you don’t have to do without any culinary treats as a guest on holiday, we are well-prepared for any kind of food intolerances and avoid all those foods that are not good for you.

When we serve dishes in our restaurant that are based on gluten-free and lactose-free recipes, then you enjoy sophisticated dishes made from high-quality products on your holiday, some even home-grown, which have such an intensive taste that you will rave about them.

Please let us know which food intolerances you have before your arrival and we will prepare delicious gluten-free and lactose-free recipes or recipes that don’t contain the foods you are allergic too, for example glucose or fructose. We hope you enjoy your meals and an indulgent holiday at Hotel La Casies!

The sauna complex
Wellness in South Tyrol cannot be enjoyed anywhere as much as in the spa area of the La Casies Mountain Living Hotel in Casies / Gsies. A fabulously beautiful sauna complex awaits you here where you can sweat to your heart’s content.

Our relaxing herbal bio sauna, a low temperature sauna with a pleasant 55 °C, reinvigorates your senses thanks to mild herbal infusions. As a result of the lower temperature, it is very gentle on your circulatory system and you can enjoy this kind of wellness in South Tyrol for longer, in fact a whole 15 to 30 minutes long.

In the Finnish sauna the temperature is between 80 and 100 °C and you enjoy a stunning view over the Dolomites. After the sauna, you can find the essential cooling down at our crushed ice fountain or in the cold water tub outdoors.

We recommend our steam bath for anyone who wants to experience wellness in South Tyrol without too much heat and a stimulating effect on the skin and respiratory tract. With a temperature between 40 and 50 °C and up to 100% humidity, a visit here relieves cramps, is cleansing, moisturising and relaxing.

After the sauna you can retreat to our chill-out rooms or enjoy light refreshment and teas at the spa counter. Enjoy variety-packed wellness in South Tyrol and have a good rest! Opening hours Spa: 1 – 7 pm

The swimming pool
The La Casies Mountain Living Hotel, our hotel in South Tyrol with swimming pool, has a wonderful spa area that also includes a 15 m by 5 m large heated panoramic indoor pool. It is filled with Grander Water, which caresses the skin and is very beneficial.

The pool’s large glass fronts and clear lines ensure a bright and friendly atmosphere and you can gaze over Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal while swimming. Endless wellbeing and deep relaxation set in at our hotel in South Tyrol.

A warm, wonderful wellness oasis was created with the indoor pool and sauna complex where you can forget all about your everyday life. Here in the panoramic pool with views over the Dolomites you focus on the wonderful things in life and find your inner peace again after an active day outdoors and feel balanced and happy all round.

For a perfect, beneficial holiday close to nature, a hotel in South Tyrol must have an indoor pool, comfortable rooms and suites, outstanding cuisine and attentive service – our Hotel La Casies has all of that and more. Opening hours swimming pool: 7 am to 11 pm

Waterfall and kneipp parcour
After heating up in our saunas a fresh cooling down awaits you. Whether with experience or as a newcomer, there is something for everyone. First, next to the waterfall, there is a small natural shower where you can regulate the water with a cable.

For all those who want more, the waterfall is waiting with all its freshness. Alternatively, the Nature and Kneipp Parcour awaits you. Barefoot into the forest, feeling “yourself” on different materials and finally stepping into the stream.

Kneipp stimulates circulation, blood circulation, promotes sleep, strengthens the veins and varicose veins. Both are located in the immediate vicinity of our Mountain Spa and thus contribute directly to your sauna experience.

Massages & beauty
Our relaxing massages and amazing beauty treatments at Hotel La Casies are all part and parcel of a perfect holiday. That’s why we have put together a wide range of relaxing massages and beauty treatments for you that ensure endless natural wellbeing.

We use high-quality, natural products from the South Tyrolean cosmetics company ART OF CARE for our spa and beauty treatments. Hotel La Casies, which focuses on sustainability and treating nature responsibly, is therefore the ideal holiday home for anyone who wants to be pampered with natural products in a natural setting.

Explore the dolomites unesco world natural heritage site
Explore the Dolomites on holiday – you can make this unique experience of nature a reality during your stay at Hotel La Casies in Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal, between the Vedrette di Ries/Rieserferner mountains and the foothills of the Defereggen Alps.

Traditional farms and rustic mountain huts exude rural charm and invite you to enjoy a cosy stop during summer hikes. The beauty of the untouched nature all around is what makes your holiday in South Tyrol so unique.

The Dolomites UNESCO World Natural Heritage is within reach and easy to get to from Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal – enjoy this unique idyllic scenery with all its variety: exciting ski tours, thrilling toboggan runs, romantic snowshoe hikes and well-prepared cross-country skiing trails, the ski slopes of nearby Plan de Corones / Kronplatz and, and, and.

In light of the variety-packed range of sport and recreational activities on offer you can enjoy the Dolomites UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site to the full all year round on your holiday.

Explore Val Pusteria & Valle di Casies 
In sun-kissed Val Pusteria / Pustertal not only does a range of sports and recreational activities await you in an impressive natural landscape, but also numerous cultural treasures and sights. Val Pusteria / Pustertal and Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal surrounding S. Maddalena / St. Magdalena offer a whole variety of cultural highlights just waiting to be discovered.

Set off for the historical walls of impressive fortresses and castles and listen to their legendary stories. Popular day trip destinations in Val Pusteria / Pustertal are for example Castello di Monguelfo/Schloss Welsberg, Castello di Brunico/Schloss Bruneck and the romantic St. George’s church in Tesido/Taisten. Set off on an exciting journey into the past!

The “Voadohuibn” farming museum in Val Pusteria / Pustertal is also really worth seeing. Discover the rustic customs in Val Pusteria / Pustertal and Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal, which are still kept alive today, and find out more about farmers’ traditional tools and equipment. You will love the unique sights in Val Pusteria / Pustertal and Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal.

Experience south tyrol, fall in love with the region and nature
Experience South Tyrol, from its most rustic and traditional side in fact – you can do this with your hosts Sepp and Maria. As besides Sepp’s work at the hotel he also runs the Messner farm where he grew up and the Messner Hütte mountain farm on the Pidig Alm, where he works in the fields, among other things.

As a guest you are welcome to watch him do this or join in – you will find out everything about farm life in the old days. You can beat “Schlacka” in the butter churn on the mountain pasture, bake bread, taste cheese, in short you can experience South Tyrol up close.

Farming families used to live a frugal life. They prayed before meals and everyone had their own cutlery. They all ate out of the large pan in the middle of the table and there was “Muiss”, “Schlutzkrapfen”, “Knödel”, “Milchplente” or “Brennsuppe” on offer. Religion and family solidarity were very important.

Treating nature, food and each other responsibly and respectfully is still important to the Steger family today. Immerse yourself in farm life in South Tyrol, experience what it used to be like and spend your holiday surrounded by this untouched nature!

One of the most beautiful mountain huts in south tyrol
One of the mountain huts in South Tyrol, the Messner Hütte on the Pidig Alm, is farmed by us, the Steger family. It is situated in peaceful Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal between the Vedrette di Ries / Rieserferner and the foothills of the Defereggen Alps.

Most mountain huts in South Tyrol are easy to reach via hiking trails, as is our Messner Hütte on the Pidig Alm, which we like to visit with you on a torchlight hike or snowshoe hike in the winter. We get back down to the valley on a toboggan.

Hikes from Hotel La Casies to nearby mountain huts in South Tyrol are a dream in the summer. From the Messner Hütte you can continue hiking up to Gsieser Törl and then over the Almweg 2000 to Weißbachalm, the highest farmed mountain pasture in Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal, and then back again.

Your host Sepp is happy to accompany you on guided hiking tours – for example up to the Deferegger Pfannhorn, Hochkreuz …Spend a wonderful time at our Messner Hütte, one of the most beautifully situated mountain huts in South Tyrol, and taste typical mountain pasture products like fresh butter and cream cheese.

Hiking 
Hiking is an absolutely magical summer activity in Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal and the nearby Dolomites. Here you can leave your everyday life behind you, actively experience nature and be captivated by its beauty.

Explore the mountain pastures in Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal, the Stumpfalm, Kaseralm, Uwaldalm or Pidig Alm, discover the beauty of the Vallesella / Versell valley and that of the mountain pastures in the Dolomites, hike over colourful mountain meadows, climb the peaks and enjoy magical views over the valley from there before stopping at a mountain hut to duly top up your energy levels with hearty South Tyrolean treats.

This stunning mountain landscape that surrounds you while hiking in Val Pusteria / Pustertal, and above all makes hiking in Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal so unique, will touch you emotionally and give you a feeling of tremendous freedom.

You’re standing on a mountain peak, looking into the distance and enjoy the indescribable lightness that fills you up here. In addition, the air that you inhale when hiking in the Dolomites is fresh and fragrant, in short, hiking in Val Pusteria / Pustertal is a real treat for the mind, body and soul in every respect.

Mountain Biking
Explore Val Pusteria / Pustertal and Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal by mountain bike – this is one of the most beautiful summer activities that you can partake in around La Casies Mountain Living Hotel.

From challenging mountain bike tours in the mountains to leisurely, relaxing e-bike tours, Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal and nearby Val Pusteria / Pustertal provide everything you need for a successful mountain bike holiday in South Tyrol.

At Hotel La Casies you can loan e-bikes to explore Val Pusteria / Pustertal and the area around S. Maddalena / St. Magdalena in Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal by mountain bike.

Particularly beautiful routes for your mountain bike holiday in South Tyrol are those, for example, that lead up to the mountain huts in the area, to our Messner Hütte on the Pidig Alm, to the Aschtalm, Uwaldalm, Stumpfalm or Kaseralm.

Almweg 2000 provides a challenge for ambitious mountain bikers in Val Pusteria / Pustertal. Anyone who prefers things a bit more leisurely though, should ride into Val Pusteria / Pustertal, from S. Maddalena / St. Magdalena to Monguelfo / Welsberg by mountain bike.

Explore Val Pusteria / Pustertal and Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal by mountain bike and spend a variety-packed mountain bike holiday at Hotel La Casies in S. Maddalena / St. Magdalena!

Ebike & Hike
For some years now, the hiking hotel La Casies has also offered eBike n’Hike tours in addition to the eBike rental. In this way, the Gsiesertal can be explored in a pleasant way and especially long tours can be handled without problems.

Classics such as “Schwarzsee” or “Ochsenfelderhütten” are offered, among other things, on tours with guide Patrick, but they can also be mastered on their own without any problems.

From the summer of 2019 on you will also find a certain number of “Fully” (full suspension) electric bikes in the hotel and also for children over the age of 6, bikes will be available. We recommend you to reserve the bikes before your arrival, so that you have the bikes available on your desired days. (Number of eBikes is limited)

On our Youtube channel you will also find some adventure videos from the guided eBike n’Hike tours, so you can get a visual impression. If you still have technical questions about the bikes, then just contact us directly. The rental of e-bikes is going to be offered for a fee.

Climbing
Climbing in South Tyrol is unique and that’s thanks to the wonderful mountains here. The Vedrette di Ries / Rieserferner, foothills of the Defereggen Alps and the nearby Dolomites make Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal the ideal holiday destination for climbing fans who are looking for the right degree of adrenaline and new challenges.

South Tyrol is a real paradise for climbing. In the meantime, there are more than 100 climbing gardens and way more than 1.000 climbing routes of all levels of difficulty in this region. Skill, body control, experience and trust in your partner are required when climbing in South Tyrol.

There are large climbing centres in Sesto / Sexten, Brunico / Bruneck and Bolzano / Bozen and if you would rather head for a climbing garden for climbing in South Tyrol then there are various options such as the Franchi, Landro and Val Rienza / Rienztal climbing gardens in Val di Landro / Höhlensteintal, the climbing garden on the Haunold in San Candido / Innichen or the Val Camp di Dentro / Innerfeldtal climbing garden near Sesto / Sexten.

Get enthusiastic about climbing in South Tyrol and we will recommend the ideal climbing garden or perfect centre for your climbing level at reception.

Nordic walking
Hotel La Casies in S. Maddalena / St. Magdalena in Casies / Gsies is the ideal starting point for Nordic walking. Your host Sepp is a qualified Nordic walking instructor and teaches beginners the benefits of this popular sport.

With him you can explore new routes, discover the most stunning routes and fall in love with the magical nature in Casies / Gsies while Nordic walking à la Hotel La Casies.

Nordic walking around Hotel La Casies is also good for your body. It works out almost all the muscles, reduces the risk of getting osteoporosis and gets the whole cardiovascular system going. It stabilises your blood pressure and strengthens your immune system.

However, Nordic walking around Hotel La Casies is not just beneficial to your body. Your mind also benefits from this as it reduces your stress levels and improves your wellbeing. Enjoy your Nordic walking holiday at Hotel La Casies and you will return home happier and calmer.

Cross-country skiing!
Cross-country skiing in South Tyrol is associated with idyllic wintry scenery, a landscape covered in deep snow and an endless sense of freedom. Around S. Maddalena / St. Magdalena in Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal and the nearby Dolomites roughly 1,300 km of perfectly groomed trails await you that ensure endless fun cross-country skiing in South Tyrol.

Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal and nearby Plan de Corones / Kronplatz are part of Dolomiti Nordicski, the largest cross-country skiing network in Europe and promise a whole variety of possibilities for you to enjoy cross-country skiing in Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal and surroundings – with just one cross-country skiing pass.

Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal alone has 40 kilometres of trails to offer and your host Sepp is a cross-country skiing instructor: with his help you can learn cross-country skiing in South Tyrol or improve your technique.

One highlight is the Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal race, which has been taking place for more than 30 years, that cross-country skiers from all over the world take part in and compete in the “classic” and “skating” disciplines.

You can also go night cross-country skiing every day on the floodlit circular trail in Rotmoos (a 2-minute car drive away from the hotel) – your host Sepp will accompany you sometimes. We hope you have a lot of fun cross-country skiing in South Tyrol!

Dolomiti Superski Network
The world’s largest ski network, Dolomiti Superski, is situated in South Tyrol’s Dolomites and includes 12 skiing regions. This means unlimited fun on roughly 1,200 kilometres of slopes and short waiting times at more than 450 lifts.

You can enjoy the slopes in all the Dolomiti Superski skiing regions with just one ski pass and savour the snow guarantee and vast variety that the ski network in the Dolomites offers right up to the last second.

Anyone putting on skis for the first time can be taught the art of skiing by their host and ski instructor Sepp. One of the most famous skiing areas in the Dolomiti Superski network is nearby Plan de Corones / Kronplatz, probably the most famous and popular skiing area in South Tyrol.

Here and throughout the whole skiing network you can enjoy hearty South Tyrolean specialities and warm hospitality at the cosy, farmed mountain huts. Spend an unforgettable time at the La Casies Mountain Living Hotel and in the nearby Dolomiti Superski ski network!

The most beautiful ski tours in valle di casies
Ski tours in Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal are now one of the most popular winter sports activities with our guests. More and more of them are enjoying the wonderful sight of nature covered in snow, the sparkling white mountain panorama and the clear, cool mountain air.

The Valle di Casies / Gsieser Tal tourist office puts together a weekly programme with ski tours in Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal every year towards the end of the winter season, which you can also book in addition to your stay at Hotel La Casies as either a 3-day or 6-day package. One of the many ski tours possible in Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal then awaits you every day.

Beginners who want to discover ski tours for themselves in South Tyrol can attend a taster course. Let yourself be led up to the magical mountains around the La Casies Mountain Living Hotel and enjoy the solitude and freedom high up in the snow-covered landscape.

You can obtain more information about the ski tours in Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal from our reception or the Valle di Casies / Gsieser Tal tourist office.

Skiing at plan de corones / kronplatz!
Are you already really looking forward to skiing at Plan de Corones / Kronplatz? Quite rightly so! As unlimited skiing fun is guaranteed in South Tyrol’s most popular skiing area. As part of the world’s largest Dolomiti Superski skiing network, Plan de Corones / Kronplatz has state-of-the-art lifts as well as 116 kilometres of perfectly prepared slopes.

However, you can’t just ski at Plan de Corones / Kronplatz, a real winter paradise also opens up here for snowboarders and cross-country skiers are thrilled with the numerous trails in Dolomiti Nordicski, the largest cross-country skiing network in Europe.

Many exciting highlights await you when snowboarding and skiing at Plan de Corones / Kronplatz: floodlit night skiing, several snow parks as well as challenging downhill runs for professionals make your skiing holiday in South Tyrol a unique experience.

Skiing is also a pleasure for children and beginners at Plan de Corones / Kronplatz: a Kids Safety Park and numerous family-friendly slopes guarantee fun in the snow for everyone. You can replenish your energy after skiing at Plan de Corones / Kronplatz with the best South Tyrolean specialities at one of the rustic mountain huts.

Tobogganing 
Tobogganing in South Tyrol and especially in the area surrounding the La Casies Mountain Living Hotel in Casies / Gsies is winter fun for both the young and old.

You speed down the mountain on two blades with tobogganing in South Tyrol and hear children whopping and adults laughing. You can loan the toboggans from us free of charge or for a fee at the Messner Hütte.

Tobogganing in South Tyrol, in particular in Valle di Casies / Gsiesertal, is always traditionally preceded by a leisurely hike, the tobogganing in South Tyrol can then begin after this!

Well-prepared toboggan runs lead down to the valley from numerous mountain huts in the surrounding area, for example from our Messner Hütte too, which you reach after a 30-minute hike from the Talschlusshütte in S. Maddalena / St. Magdalena.

Apart from the toboggan run from the Pidig Alm, others also lead down to the valley from the Aschtalm, Stumpfalm and Uwaldalm. You can reach all these mountain pastures from the Talschlusshütte in S. Maddalena / St. Magdalena in Casies / Gsies. Enjoy tobogganing to the full in South Tyrol and look forward to winter fun in the snow!

Website: www.lacasies.com

Rooms: 32

Price: from 282 EUR per night

Located in the romantic heart of Tuscany, only 20 minutes from Siena, only a stone’s throw from Montalcino and Val d’Orcia, in a fairytale world exuding magic and beauty, Villa Armena is a late Renaissance structure.

Built of red brick, with original oak beams and roof, and having terracotta floors and a beautiful Italianate garden, Villa Armena today is an exclusive establishment with just 10 rooms, each one unique, where service, attention to detail and exclusivity are the cornerstones of our offering.

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine walking on a carpet of soft grass between rows of cypress, maritime pines and olive trees. The air is fresh, the sky a perfect shade of blue, and the sun gently caresses your skin with its warmth. All around you … a many-coloured multitude of roses … Welcome to Villa Armena! A magical place where your senses will come alive.

THE HISTORY
The Villa, whose construction is attributed to Baldassarre Peruzzi, was built in the first half of the sixteenth century. It was the country residence of the noble Malavolti family from Siena who had the good fortune to number among their ranks nine Captains of the People, in other words the most important figures in Siena’s political landscape at that time.

Legend has it that the name Armena was given to the Villa and its immediate surroundings by a member of the Malavolti family who, returning from the Crusades in the Holy Land, stopped off in Armenia and fell in love with a beautiful local girl.

He returned to Italy to get married and decided to devote his feud to his betrothed, calling it Armena as a sign of respect for the origins of the one who had entered his heart and his life so forcefully.

HIDDEN CHARM
Once upon a time there was a dream. Joy, nature and family. There was once a villa. Left to its own devices, marked by the passage of time and neglected, yet still incredibly bewitching. Hidden from sight but not from the heart.

Today that dream has become reality; the Villa has recovered its former splendour and allure. Irrepressible, it has witnessed a triumph of history, magic and pure beauty… Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Villa Armena, your personal Renaissance villa in the heart of the Crete Senesi area!

WHERE THE SUN IS STILL WARM
Villa Armena, Buonconvento, is in the heart of the Crete Senesi. An astoundingly attractive area of unsurpassable historical interest, Buonconvento – whose name derives from the Latin “bonus conventus” meaning a good-natured, fortunate community – is a member of the prestigious “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy” Association.

Imagine age-old villas, country houses, monasteries and abbeys. Imagine endless rows of vineyards that seem to chase each other over the hills. Imagine small groups of olive trees, so close to each other that they seemingly protect and caress each other with their long branches.

Imagine hundreds of cypress trees competing to reach that small cloud floating in the sea of blue above them. Imagine all that and, after a glass of Brunello, a local farmer’s greeting, and the innocent smile of a local child, you’ll fall hopelessly in love with this small, humble part of the world where the sun remains warm and the air fresh and delicate.

ROOMS & SUITES
Villa Armena offers a total of 10 rooms, all very different from one another. There are four categories: three Classic rooms, one Junior Suite, five Suites and a Superior Suite. Each room enjoys stunning views over the Villa grounds or the wonderful Crete Senesi and comes with precious furnishings, prints, paintings and fabrics.

With a wealth of history, yet boasting all modern amenities, the Villa Armena rooms were designed and built to provide the utmost satisfaction for our guests. Plan a stay at our Toscana boutique hotel today.

DINING
Our “Made in Italy” approach leads us to support local Kilometre 0 products and, where possible, to use “Slow Food” produce which is a byword for exceedingly high quality and certified origin.

THE SORBO ALLEGRO
This hundred-year old tree that welcomes guests to the Villa garden gave its name to our restaurant. So why do we use the word Merry?

Because dining in company is a crucial moment of the day, one which must be lived in a superbly maintained, elegant atmosphere exuding a sense of pleasure; where tradition meets imagination to produce results which are excellent and never dull. The same care and attention is paid to breakfast, taken in the conservatory, where the warm Tuscan sun will be the first to greet you in the morning.

RELAXATION AS A LIFESTYLE
As in any self-respecting house Villa Armena has its own living room. A special room where you can relax after a long day exploring Tuscany, challenging yourself on the greens at one of the affiliated golf-clubs or just lounging in the sun by the pool. In fact Villa Armena is not a hotel, but a Tuscan Villa belonging to the Hosts and this room perfectly encapsulates their philosophy.

Here you will find a selection of fine “vini da meditazione” in other words, wines to be enjoyed on their own, unaccompanied by food, a wide selection of different types of grappa and the best liquors from all over the world. Enjoy a drink whilst lounging in an armchair, gazing over the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Guaranteed to stir the heart.

A STROLL AMONG ITALIAN WINES
Ours has been and continues to be a painstaking pursuit of excellence in the world of Italian wine. We eschew typical mass-produced classics and instead focus on lesser-known, smaller vineyards, where you will find passion and professionalism and where the products are genuine.

Our wine cellar will give you an overview of Italy’s regions, from Valle d’Aosta to Calabria, taking in the islands too. In search of age-old genuineness that speaks of history and tradition. Italy: truly wonderful!

WEDDINGS IN TUSCANY
For most people Tuscany represents the best of Italy: stunning scenery, art, history, culture and top-class cuisine. Villa Armena is the ideal location for successful events not only on account of the romantic atmosphere it exudes but also due to its excellent geographical position (at the heart of Italy and linked to five international airports), its impeccable, sophisticated service and the helpfulness of its staff.

HISTORY, CULTURE AND LANDSCAPES
The Siena landscape is made of colour: so many different shades. Taste: unique products, a gift from a bountiful mother earth. Perfumes: strong, centuries-old, captivating. A land of poets, painters and sculptors encompassing an extraordinary historical, artistic, cultural and environmental heritage.

Tradition, history and a food and drink cornucopia within a truly unique landscape and a multi-faceted, protected natural environment. Here man and nature still live in harmony and mutual respect. Here time has stood still for the last couple of centuries.

IN THE HEART OF TUSCANY
Villa Armena is fortunate to be in the beating heart of the province of Siena, in a part of Tuscany known and loved all over the world. The most romantic Tuscany, the Tuscany of gentle hills, churches, dazzling landscapes, medieval monasteries and priceless works of art. A veritable triumph of beauty. We are proud of our district and at the same time glad to share it with our guests, because certain emotions are impossible to explain.

They can only be lived. And so we have prepared this little guide which we hope will be of assistance to readers, helping them to get their bearings in this humble yet marvellous corner of Italy, spending a fantastic day in the company of the hot Tuscan sun. When the sun goes down, you will return to Villa Armena and revel in the memory of the day coming to a close, sipping a glass of Brunello together with your loved ones.

THE CRETE SENESI
A journey through the Crete Senesi is like an eyes-wide-open, feet-on-the-ground dream because the Crete are “anatomically” the impalpable soul of a seductive body which sometimes expresses itself in the sculpted form of a Greek statue and sometimes with the sinuous curves of a siren.

The Crete Senesi then, as a journey of the soul, a journey of discovery to be embarked on with the same spirit as those who went on the Grand Tour, without seeking out mystical, pointless destinations. Meandering through the earthen waves of the Crete each one of us can find places that “speak” with the breath of the wind and with the magic of unpredictable light.

There are no iconic destinations such as squares, cathedrals or castles to identify this territory, just intimate spots such as that cypress tree over there, an old farm, the curve of that road, the farm window, or moments linked to strong feelings like the smell of pecorino cheese which permeates the shelves of a small grocery store, the soothing warmth of hot springs, the mystical simplicity of a small Romanesque church.

The landscape of the Crete is the harmonious triumph of the essential over the frivolous, a timeless image, a picture that blends the forms of an Etruscan graffito with modern art. Harmony that takes hold of you and has the power to balance energy levels: emotions and sensations change shape, calmly contracting and expanding.

MONTALCINO
For those travelling up from the valley floor, the imposing fourteenth century fortress immediately reveals the layout of Montalcino, a medieval town with a defensive military structure, furrowed by steep, narrow streets.

From up here, the landscapes are veritable works of art just like those kept in the Museo Civico Diocesano d’Arte Sacra, which houses one of the most precious collections of Sienese painting and wood sculpture. Among the many churches the S.Agostino, the neoclassical cathedral, the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Soccorso and S. Egidio, the “de senesi” church stand out.

The Town Hall (late thirteenth century), a slender but robust structure flanked by a high steeple, almost a watchtower topped off by the “Big Bell” that still marks time for the townspeople.

9km from the center of Montalcino heading towards Castelnuovo dell’Abate arises the solitary Abbey of S. Antimo, whose monumental temple (twelfth century) is one of the finest examples of the Romanesque-French style in Italy.

The Montalcino district, so inviting for lovers of hiking and culinary pleasures, and featuring thick forests interspersed with traditional vineyards and olive trees, opens up where sight and thought are inevitably lost in the Val d’Orcia landscape. As proof of this, the Montalcino territory, with the Val d’Orcia, was awarded World Heritage Site status in 2004.

In a strategic position between the Maremme area and valleys of the interior, with its churches, palaces and fortifications and works of art, it has also marked many crucial moments in the story of medieval and modern Tuscany alike.

And even the “Poggio della Civitella” with an Etruscan settlement dating back to the fourth century BC, confirms the importance of both the site and those who once trod its soil. Established within the domain of the extremely powerful Abbey of St. Antimo the “castle” of Montalcino was soon fought over by the counts of Siena and Florence.

Under Pius II it became a Diocese and then a Town in 1462. Later, an impregnable Siena fortress, it yielded only to the Treaty of Cateau-Cambresis under which Siena was annexed to the Medici Grand Duchy (1559).

Lastly, the famous “Festival of the Thrush” deserves a mention; it takes place on the last Sunday of October and allows guests to experience local culture through the re-enactment of ancient traditions.

PIENZA
Pienza is situated in the beautiful Val d’Orcia and is known as the city of Pope Pius II, born Enea Silvio Piccolomini, in 1405. Pius II wished to create a worthy town which was unlike the town which had ostracised him, together with his family: Siena.

He demanded that famous architects and artists work on the project in accordance with the building and philosophical standards of an era that was full of promise: the Italian Renaissance. Pienza was built in just three years, from 1459 to 1462; it was the Perfect Town, the Utopian Town.

A town whose midwife was “love and a dream of beauty” as Giovanni Pascoli wrote. The town as well as the entire surrounding Val d’Orcia has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Lastly, the beautiful village of Montichiello is worthy of mention; the locals still keep alive the ancient tradition of the Poor Theatre, demonstrating the town’s vitality and the townspeople’s ability to gather together and put on a show to celebrate their own history and identify.

CORTONA
The Town of Cortona is in the province of Arezzo, on the slopes of a mountain between Valdichiana and the Tiber valley; it used to be an important Etruscan town. All that remains of the Etruscan period are important ruins of the town walls possibly dating back to the fifth century before Christ and which extend for around 2 km.

The old town centre as we know it today was formed in the thirteenth century: in 1241 the Town Hall had already been built; in 1245 the church of San Francis was built and in 1250 the Palazzo del Popolo.

In 1456 works commenced to repair the new Cathedral where the old Santa Maria church one stood, whilst in 1480 the Siena architect, Francesco di Giorgio Martini, embarked on the construction outside the town of the Madonna delle Grazie Sanctuary at Calcinaio.

The town has a wealth of museums and works of art from the Museum of the Etruscan Academy to the Diocesan Museum including treasures such as the Annunciation of Fra Angelico, Madonna in Glory by Bartolomeo della Gatta and the Deposition by Luca Signorelli. Do not miss the archaeological park, the Medici Fortress of Girifalco and the Abbey of Farneta.

MONTEPULCIANO
Montepulciano lies at the junction of two valleys, the Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana. Built along the narrow summit of a limestone hill, this beautiful medieval village seems to be the natural continuation of the hill on which it is built.

Coming by car from the charming but somewhat more touristy, “utopian” town of Pienza, just eleven kilometres away, the landscape just before reaching the village represents everyone’s archetypical idea of classic Tuscany, waves of rolling green hills and cultivated fields.

Immediately below the town walls and fortifications, visitors can admire the beautiful church of Madonna di San Biagio. The white pearl Travertine with which the building was erected in the early sixteenth century stands out in the distance against the surrounding fields, welcoming all those deciding to spend a day strolling through the village streets.

Leaving the car in one of several car parks outside the walls visitors can walk along the banks of the river that flows through the stylish old town centre which winds its way up the hill along the imposing Renaissance palaces, until it reaches the central square.

Piazza Grande, situated at the highest point of the village is dominated by the large tower and the gothic façade of the Palazzo Comunale. Opposite the town hall visitors can admire the Cathedral which dates back to the late sixteenth century.

Despite its undeniable beauty, Montepulciano is internationally known above all for its Vino Nobile, one of the most popular Tuscan wines, one which is obtained by pressing grapes from vineyards around the borgo.

AREZZO
The town of Arezzo is extremely ancient, older even than Alexandria. It was one of the major Etruscan Lucumonies and later a Roman city of strategic importance. It was a flourishing business hub with a wealth of precious monuments among which we should mention the amphitheatre of which much remains.

Medieval Arezzo was a free city where the interests of the Ghibellines, rivals of nearby Florence, often prevailed. Few other areas in Italy can boast such a rich natural and cultural heritage in such a compact area. Frescoes by Piero della Francesca in the Duomo [cathedral] alone are worth a visit to the town.

But even the medieval heart of the old town speaks volumes about Arezzo’s epic seasons of art and architecture. Alongside its medieval towers, stands the imposing Vasari Loggia [porch], the Palace of the Fraternity of Laymen, a fine blend of gothic and renaissance architecture and the apse of the Church of Santa Maria.

The cross painted by Cimabue, an early work by the artist, is preserved in the Basilica of San Domenico. With their haunting beauty and their stylistic originality, many other churches and palaces bear witness to Arezzo’s civilization and its importance throughout great historical periods.

On the second Saturday of June and the first Sunday in September, Piazza Grande becomes the setting for the Giostra del Saracino, a jousting tournament whose origins date back to medieval times. Every first Sunday of the month and the previous Saturday, this square and much of the old town centre play host to the Antique Fair.

Arezzo’s Antique stall owners have the art of haggling over prices down to a tee. We can only adapt. The Chianina cattle farms are also unmissable; the animals are enormous with a typical white/black coat and can be seen throughout the countryside around the town.

MONTERIGGIONI
The municipality of Monteriggioni retains many vestiges from the past, bearing witness to the fact that it has been inhabited at least since the eighth century BC, as evidenced by the settlement discovered at Campassini as well as the extensive Casone Etruscan necropolis.

The main draws are represented by the castle of Monteriggioni and by the nearby Abbadia Isola, but the whole area is dotted with castles, churches, villas and small villages, surrounded by beautiful unspoilt countryside. Monteriggioni perches on the top of a gentle hill whose slopes are planted with vines and olive trees.

The castle was founded in the second decade of the thirteenth century by the Republic of Siena, with the main aim of creating a defensive outpost against its chief rival, Florence. Its military function dwindled after the mid-sixteenth century, when the entire state of Siena was annexed to the Florentine state.

Monteriggioni still retains most of the structures of the thirteenth century and is absolutely unique in the panorama of medieval Tuscan villages and towns. Its town walls, which are roundish in shape, encompass the top of the hill and run for approximately 570 meters; the town also boasts fourteen massive towers protruding from the outer surface of the walls.

The small town inside the walls was built around a large rectangular square, overlooked by the church of S. Maria Assunta. This is definitely the medieval building which is best preserved, though the entire village, with its characterful narrow streets, boasts many houses which clearly date back to medieval times.

SIENA
Siena is quality of life writ large and the first European town to close its centre to traffic way back in 1966. Siena, a place of international culture, whose University is a sprightly 750 years “young” and which is home to prestigious institutions such as the Accademia Chigiana, the University for Foreigners, the Accademia dei Fisiocritici and the Accademia degli Intronati.

This is the town where not even a stone has been moved over the centuries and which exudes an atmosphere that can be found nowhere else because its people have kept alive the traditions of their fathers, such as those regarding the celebration of the Palio, renewing them each year with undiminished strength and vigour.

Siena, a settlement of Etruscan origin, was a Roman colony with the name of Sena Julia; it was most important during the Middle Ages, being defeated later by the Lombards and then passing under the Carolingian domination.

After a long period of Episcopal dominion (9th-11th century) the town reached its peak after becoming an independent municipality (1147), adopting a policy of expansion at the expense of the neighbouring territories.

Confrontation with Florence was inevitable and the struggle lasted, with various ups and downs, until 1555, when after a long siege, Siena was conquered by the Florentines, losing its independence and becoming part of the Grand-duchy of Tuscany, sharing its fortunes until the Unification of Italy (1861).

COLLE VAL D’ELSA
The old part of Colle di Val d’Elsa is perched on a high hill and the narrow valleys that surround it previously divided the urban fabric into three sections: the “Plain”, “The Old Centre” and “the Castle” today simplified as Uptown and Downtown. There is a custom in the Val d’Elsa of getting things done.

The town also gave the river a leading role to play in the history of the area. The glass industry was first established here at the end of the sixteenth century, a harbinger of the cut glass business for which Colle is world-renowned.

But for us modern visitors the town offers countless attractions from the works of art collected in the Town Art Museum and religious art, housed in the Palazzo dei Priori which is itself a work of art, to historical treasures kept in the exceptional collection of the Ranuccio Bianchi Bandinelli Museum.

This collection boasts unique pieces such as those in the Terrosi collection, such as the very rare “kelebai” from Volterra. But we can not leave Colle route without first walking the streets of the Town which even today bears witness to medieval industrialization, without admiring the cathedral, without paying homage to the tower house at the end of Via del Castello, where tradition has it that Arnolfo di Cambio was born.

The former Conservatory of San Pietro, designed by Vasari, the younger, is undoubtedly a treasure-trove of art and architecture and it is intended to house all the town’s museums.

But Colle’s architectural gems do not end here: from Palazzo Campana, which effectively closes off the top of “the Castle” to the Teatro dei Varii, from the Convent of San Francesco in Via delle Volte, a hundred yards stroll that paints a medieval picture of the Castle.

There are countless works of art which are kept in Arnolfo’s town: starting with those by Cennino Cennini another town glory, a sublime painter who lived between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. In short, a jewel of a town where art meets history, thereby creating a lifestyle which for modern visitors also involves fine opportunities for shopping.

SAN GIMIGNANO
San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, owes this award to its towers. Once there were 72 but now only thirteen; they give character to the elegant town in the province of Siena. Its worldwide fame is due not only to its particular architecture, but especially to the wealth of art and to Vernaccia di San Gimignano a fine white wine which is only produced here.

It seems that the variety had been introduced for the first time in the town of San Gimignano by a certain Vieri de’ Bardi, from Liguria, around the thirteenth century. It was later his descendants, Zanobi and Angiolo Bardi, who first started growing the grape variety that was to become very popular and famous.

Back in1276 there was a flourishing trade in Vernaccia di San Gimignano so much so that, in the “Ordinamenti della Gabella” issued by the Town of San Gimignano that year, of “three coin” tax was introduced for every mule-borne load of Vernaccia outside the Town.

Not to be missed is the Duomo; completed in 1148, it is considered one of the most prestigious museums in Tuscany. Built on three naves it has frescoes by the Florentine School painters: St. Sebastian (Benozzo Gozzoli), Stories of Santa Fina by Domenico Ghirlandaio and Wooden Statues by Jacopo della Quercia.

Also of interest is the Town Hall, which formerly housed the mayor’s office. It currently houses the civic museum and the art gallery containing masterpieces by artists such as: Pinturicchio, Benozzo Gozzoli, Filippino Lippi, Domenico di Michelino, Pier Francesco Fiorentino.

Also inside the Town Hall you can visit Dante’s hall with the Majesty by Lippo Memmi and you can access the Torre del Podestà, or Big Tower, 54m high and dating back to 1311.

COOKING CLASSES
Tuscan tradition is inextricably linked to its flavours, aromas and cuisine. We are therefore delighted to offer our guests the fantastic opportunity to take part in cooking lessons during which the instructor will reveal the tricks and secrets behind preparation of the most famous Tuscan dishes.

And after the “lesson” everybody will dine together on what has been cooked, washed down with plenty of top-notch Tuscan wine. A truly unique experience and not to be missed!

BOUTIQUE HOTEL INSIDE THE WALLS
Siena is famous throughout the world for its Contrade. There are 17 in all. This mini tour will allow you to become familiar with the origin, history and rituals.

You will visit some museums: real gems which preserve with religious care not only relics related to jockeys and horses from previous races but also the actual flag fought for and won in Piazza del Campo in the legendary Palio. And if you’re lucky enough to take part in this most original mini-tour on July 1 and August 16 you will also attend the rehearsals for the race!

Every person who lives in Siena strongly identifies with the values and traditions of their own Contrada; if you understand the dynamics it will help you to better understand both Siena’s past and present.

THE “FINE ARTS” WALK
Do you love art? Do you love beautiful art? This beautiful mini-tour will allow you to discover some of Siena’s most precious treasures. Amazing works such as the Fonte Gaia, the facade and the pulpit of the Duomo [Cathedral], the majesty of Duccio di Buoninsegna or the “Good and Bad Government” by Lorenzetti are some of the masterpieces that you will see and learn about.

BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO, THE KING OF WINES
Montalcino, home of Brunello, the king of Italian wines, is a small town perched on a hill south of Siena. The first leg of the tour will be to a vineyard belonging to one of the most important producers of Brunello in the entire region.

Here, after a delightful walk through the vineyards where the secrets to a perfect wine will be revealed to you, you can visit the winery and taste this divine nectar that we mortals call Brunello.

Sated, we will head for the spectacular Sant’Antimo abbey, the most important example of Romanesque architecture in the whole of Tuscany, dating back to the twelfth century. This will be followed by a typical Tuscan lunch.

But it will not be an ordinary meal: you will eat at an old mill still used to press oil where you will learn the secret to producing sublime extra virgin olive oil. We will then head for Montalcino where you can admire the beautiful medieval fortress, and afterwards you will be able to stroll the streets in the town centre, calling in at wine shops or whatever takes your fancy.

And to round off a perfect day how about another visit to a vineyard where Brunello is produced? You’ll find it very hard to say no to an offer like this. Duration of tour: Around eight hours

CLASSIC CHIANTI, GALLO NERO
This trip focuses on the beating heart of the Classic Chianti area, the area that begins just south of Florence and ends just before Siena. Between tasting sessions, you will find time to discover the surrounding area and learn how this great Italian wine is produced.

The first stage will be in an old medieval town perched right on top of a hill: Castellina in Chianti. Here you’ll appreciate how this wine has shaped and transformed the region’s destiny and you will also be able to visit some shops owned by true craftsman who still closely follow Tuscan tradition.

You’ll also have the opportunity to taste the fantastic olive oil and amazing vinegar produced in these beautiful areas. And then off to the first vineyard. You will visit the magnificent winery where you will be told not only how Chianti is produced but also about other typical local produce.

You will taste the wines produced here and which will probably include at least one Classic Chianti, a Riserva and an IGT Super Tuscan. After all this wine a meal is in order so you will stop for lunch at a typical local trattoria or at another farm.

After lunch, to aid digestion …. you will visit another agricultural estate! So you will round off your day dedicated to one of the most famous wines in the world before returning to Villa Armena to wind down after such an exciting day out. Duration of the tour: Around eight hours

VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO
The historic towns of Montalcino and Montepulciano are often confused with each other because the names are so similar. But whilst Montalcino has Brunello, Muntepulciano is famous for its “Vino Nobile”. This is also where the very best Vin Santo in the whole of Tuscany is produced.

The day kicks off with a visit to a vineyard where Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is produced in order to see their historic wine-cellar. You will taste their wines in the beautiful garden offering wonderful panoramic views over the beautiful Tuscan hills. You will also be provided with a small snack.

Afterwards you will make your way to a second producer for a second round of tasting. This will be followed by a delicious lunch at a small trattoria where you will be served typical Tuscan specialties.

After all this eating and drinking maybe it would be a good idea to go for a walk and in fact you will visit the town of Montepulciano; you can choose between studying the town’s history in greater detail or visiting a third (why not?) wine producer after which you return to Villa Armena; it will be our pleasure to ensure that your evening is totally relaxing. Duration of tour: Around 8 hours

VERNACCIA DI SAN GIMIGNANO
San Gimignano is a small town south of Florence which is famous for its tall medieval towers. But it is also the town where one of the most important white wines of Italy, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, first saw the light. The very first white wine ever to receive the DOC [registered designation of origin] designation in 1966.

This is a truly lovely part of Tuscany, with its gentle hills and strong colors. The first leg of the tour will be to a famous chocolate maker in the area where you will savour his delicious handcrafted chocolate. Truly a product from earlier times. Afterwards you will travel to the first winery.

An organic / biodynamic producer where the owner will accompany you on the tour to explain all the tricks of the trade. Explanations which will be followed by the first tasting session of the day. You will then travel to San Gimignano for a quick visit to this wonderful town which has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

You can buy many different local products here. Lunch will be taken either at an amazing farm which produces saffron or at a wonderful local trattoria.

This will be followed by another visit to a winery where you will be served the classic Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the Riserva and several reds including a Super Tuscan. And then, everybody back to Villa Armena where you will have the opportunity to relax after such a busy, interesting day. Duration of tour: approximately 8 hours

HALF DAY IN CHIANTI
A relaxing bike-ride in the Sienese countryside, combining good food, wine and fun for all, beginners and families alike. From Villa Armena you will be taken to a spectacular XIV century monastery, the Certosa di Pontignano in the heart of Classic Chianti; this is where the trip begins.

You will cycle along quiet country roads, far from traffic at the speed that most suits you, among vineyards, olive trees and cypresses. You will stop off at the beautiful medieval village of Vagliagli to enjoy a light lunch of ham, fennel, cheese, olive oil and Chianti. After the meal you will be back in the saddle to continue the tour, mostly on downhill roads or on the flat, always travelling through a truly stunning landscape.

LE CRETE AND PIENZA
The tour kicks off from the famous Crete Senesi, specifically from Buonconvento, the home of Villa Armena, one of the 100 most beautiful villages in Italy, with a stroll through this wonderful town, before continuing with a visit to the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, dating back to early 1300.

En route you will stop several times to photograph the fantastic Crete Senesi landscape, the most romantic area of Tuscany. San Giovanni d’Asso is a small village perched gently on a hilltop, famous for its truffles: how about a lunch of truffles in a typical local trattoria?

But if you enjoy Pecorino cheese with truffles then maybe you’ll enjoy lunch at one of the many farms in the Crete which produce the best Pecorino in the whole of Tuscany! The tour continues towards Pienza, in the heart of Val d’Orcia, a Renaissance town, created by Pope Pius II.

In this quaint village you’ll find many small local crafts shops where you can buy all manner of local products. And after a coffee and a stroll through the streets of this charming village you will return to Villa Armena for an evening of relaxation.

ABBEYS OF TUSCANY
This tour takes you to three of the most famous abbeys in Tuscany. The first one, the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore dates back to 1319 and is decorated with 21 frescoes by Sodoma and Signorelli.

After visiting all the wonders that this beautiful monastery has to offer, you head for Sant’Antimo Abbey, dating back to the eleventh century, just in time to hear the splendid Gregorian chant of the chorus of monks.

Lunch will be at a restaurant in a small village overlooking Sant’Antimo or in Montalcino; it is up to you to decide. In the afternoon, you will go to the “ghost” Abbey of San Galgano which is famous for its Sword in the Stone. This is where the day ends and you will then return to Villa Armena where an evening of good food and relaxation awaits you.

TRUFFLES AND OLIVE OIL
This wonderful tour departs from the Crete Senesi, specifically from the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore. You can admire the 21 frescoes dating from the 16th century by Signorelli and Sodoma that adorn the beautiful cloister; you will learn all about the history of the monastery and you can visit the pharmacy of natural products managed by the monks.

From the monastery you will make your way to the “Romita” a family-run farm-house famous for the quality of its extra virgin olive. You will learn the tricks of the trade and have the opportunity to sample it. To wrap up this wonderful experience you will have lunch at a typical local trattoria, a very special lunch of pasta with truffles obviously accompanied by the best Tuscan wines.

Rooms: 10

Price: from 125 EUR per night

Source: www.villaarmena.com