The Oltrepò Pavese area in Piedmont is a hidden gem with authentic Italian landscapes, history and gastronomy.

Easily accessible from three airports

Less than two hours south of Milan across the Po River, this enchanting region has something for everyone - from wine lovers to history enthusiasts to those craving a peaceful retreat in nature. It is easily accessible from MIlan for day trips or longer stays and is often called “The Tuscany of the North” for its rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque towns. The closest major airport is Milan Malpensa Airport where visitors can rent a car or take a train to Pavia city, followed by local transport. Milan Linate and Bergamo Orio al Serio airports are also viable alternatives depending on the planned itinerary.

Wine tastings and tours, hiking, and cycling

The Oltrepò Pavese is famous for its wine production, especially sparkling wines and the Pinot Noir varieties. It is the largest wine-producing area in Lombardy and wine tourism is concentrated in the many family-run wineries that welcome guests for tastings and vineyard tours. Beyond the vineyards, the Oltrepò’s peaceful rural charm makes it an ideal destination for outdoor lovers, with opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring nature reserves like the Pietra Corva Hills and the Staffora Valley.

Hiking trails and Romanesque architecture

Visits to the area can start in the town of Voghera, a charming hub with historical sites such as the imposing Castello Visconteo, a medieval fortress dating back to the 14th century.  Pavia has the magnificent Charterhouse of Pavia, a Renaissance monastery and is also home to many interesting museums and a botanical garden  Wine lovers should not miss a visit to the small town of Casteggio, which produces some of Italy’s finest sparkling wines. Nature lovers will delight in the hiking trails of the Oltrepò hills, particularly in the Monte Alpe nature park where the landscape changes with the seasons. For history buffs, the Abbey of Santa Maria di San Salvatore in Pavia is a must-see with its Romanesque architecture and centuries of religious art.

Delicious local pasta and rice dishes

Traditional local dishes include “pizzoccheri” a type of pasta made from buckwheat and cooked with potatoes, cabbage, and melted cheese. Another local specialty is “Risotto alla Milanese,” which is rice cooked to a smooth saffron-infused cream and often enjoyed with a glass of Oltrepò’s signature wine. Also not to be missed is the “Salame di Varzi,” a cured sausage with a protected designation of origin which is usually served with freshly baked bread and a drizzle of local honey.

Thermal waters, food and wine festivals

The Oltrepò Pavese is part of a broader region that includes thermal springs such as those found in Monticelli Brusati, which are known for their rejuvenating properties, and venturing further south to the Ligurian coast there are many opportunities for a change of scenery. The region hosts many festivals celebrating wine and food, especially in autumn during the grape harvest. These events are a fun and authentic way to mingle with locals and experience the warmth of Italian hospitality.

“Visions: Towards More Conscious Tourism”, the 2025 edition of Rome Future Week was presented at the Le Méridien Visconti Rome.

Tourism as a source of value

The day started with a discussion focused on issues facing iconic destinations like Rome - from managing flows and expectations to balancing competitiveness, sustainability, and culture. The panel of speakers offered complementary perspectives outlining the shared vision that tourism cannot be seen just as the movement of people, but as a source of value for communities, territories, and businesses.

Hotels as cultural hubs and community partners

Opening the conversation, Giacomo Guzzardi, general manager of Le Méridien Visconti Rome, and Palazzo Scanderbeg Marriott International, underlined the evolving role of hotels as not only places to stay, but also cultural hubs and community partners.  This vision was echoed by Paolo Giuntarelli of Regione Lazio, who stressed the importance of getting visitors to stay longer and guiding them beyond traditional circuits into lesser-known areas, with itineraries liked to culture, sport, and local identity. Belinda Bortolan, founder of BortolanCarnevali & Partners, highlighted the need for coherent storytelling, while Davide Desario of AdnKronos reminded participants of the media’s role in shaping perceptions. 

Revitalizing forgotten assets 

Other voices enriched the debate with Daniele Manetti of Sojern pointing to the role of data and AI in managing flows and measuring impact, while Alberto Acciari, President of Tevere Day, showed how revitalizing forgotten assets such as the Tiber river can generate new forms of sustainable attraction. Concluding, journalist Claudiana Di Cesare stressed that sustainability, culture, skills, and innovation are not distinct paths, but integrated pillars on which the tourism of tomorrow will be built.

Tropea, a small seaside town in the southern Italian region of Calabria, is an idyllic coastal escape.  

Tropea embodies the best of Italian coastal life

Dramatic cliffs meet the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea on the Calabrian coast and, perched high above this stunning Southern Italian coastline, the little town of Tropea offers a blend of natural beauty, history, and the laid-back rhythm of Italian coastal life. Calabria, with its 485 miles of coastline and two seas, the Tyrrhenian and Ionian, is a region of contrasts, and Tropea is its crown jewel.  

Lamezia Terme’s airport is just an hour away

Tropea is accessible by train or car, with the nearest major airport in Lamezia Terme just an hour away. The old historic center is a tangle of cobbled streets, ancient buildings, and panoramic views of the coastline. At its heart stands the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola, an iconic monastery built on a rocky promontory. The sanctuary, surrounded by lush gardens, offers views that seem to stretch to infinity, with the sparkling sea and the distant Aeolian Islands as its backdrop.  Tropea’s beaches – the Marina dell’Isola and Spiaggia della Rotonda are two of the most popular - have soft white sands and crystalline waters that are framed by rugged cliffs. 

Local seafood, onions and spicy salami

Tropea reflects the best of the Calabria region which has a rich landscape with three mountain ranges and several national parks, hiking trails through pristine forests, waterfalls, and ancient villages. The region is also known for its bold, rustic cuisine, and Tropea’s signature red onions, which are sweet and mild, are a staple in dishes ranging from salads to savory jams.  Another local favourite is ‘Nduja, a spicy, spreadable pork salami flavored with Calabrian chili. Local seafood, fresh from the Tyrrhenian Sea, features prominently on menus, and should be accompanied by the simple but charming local wines.  

Day trips to nearby islands and to a volcano

Exciting day excursions include the Capo Vaticano cape with its stunning beaches that are perfect for snorkeling, diving, and hiking. Boat tours explore hidden coves, grottos, the nearby Aeolian Islands and Stromboli, which has black sand beaches and impressive lava flows from its active volcano known as the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean.” 

This was a strong summer season for Dimensione Sicilia, which is expanding beyond Europe.

Last-minute bookings are on the rise

The inbound tour operator focuses on the Spanish and French markets but is now also reaching out to the United States and South America. “Increasingly international markets are moving according to last-minute logic,- says general manager, Julian Zappalà. - This means that we work with a constant flow of requests, but with an increasingly smaller schedule than in the past. The traditional season runs from April to October, but we manage to extend it from March until November, with occasional peaks even in December.”

“A growing demand for customization and quality”

The outlook for the future is positive. "Demand is moving towards experientiality which means towards a less standardized product and more immersive content. There is a growing demand for customization and quality. There is also an increasing focus on sustainability, a commitment that we are consciously embracing. Among the other most evident trends are a wider seasonality, smaller groups and the demand for more flexible stays.”

A 9-day Sicilian tour with luxury accommodation

"Next year we are launching some new features for our regular tours. There is a new 9-day Sicilian Secrets, destined for the French market. It will feature the Palermo/Catania route and will be available from May to October to discover authentic Sicily. We will also be launching, as part of the Sicilian Secrets Collection series, the Unique Tour of Sicily for the UK market. This is a 9-day itinerary of Sicily aimed at small groups. It moves at a more relaxed pace and has luxury accommodation and exclusive experiences tailored for more mature travellers. These new projects will continue to be complemented by tailor-made products for all customer needs.”

Air Canada is once again expanding in Italy with the launch of its new route from Montreal to Catania on 4 June 2026.

Catania Airport’s key role in the Mediterranean

With three flights a week throughout the summer season, the new route will make it even easier for visitors from Canada and North America to discover the beauty of Sicily, while offering Sicilian travellers direct access to one of Canada's most dynamic metropolises. With this new route, Catania Airport confirms its key role among Mediterranean airports by responding to the growing demand for direct connections between major international destinations and Italy.

Positioning Sicily as a leading international destination

“The new Catania-Montreal route is a strategic step for our airport and for the entire region, - said Nico Torrisi, CEO of Sac.  -This direct flight will consolidate relations between Sicily and Canada, enhancing the cultural relations that have always united the two communities. Air Canada's arrival in Catania will not only contribute to increasing tourist flows, attracting travellers interested in experiencing our island, but will also offer new opportunities for economic development for local businesses looking to the Canadian and North American markets. This operation, which follows the activation of the Catania-New York route by Delta Air Lines, once again confirms the international vocation of Catania Airport, capable of successfully attracting first-class global partners. With great enthusiasm we welcome this new collaboration that marks a further step forward in the positioning of Sicily as a leading international destination".

“The only airline to operate scheduled services from Canada to Sicily and Majorca” 

The Catania launch is part of the Canadian carrier's broader investment in expanding its network for summer 2026, as Majorca will also be reachable from Montréal. “Air Canada is the first Canadian carrier to operate direct flights to these two coveted Mediterranean destinations; the only airline to operate scheduled services from Canada to Sicily and Majorca,’ said Mark Galardo, Air Canada's executive VP and chief commercial officer.