| Cultural Italy

Fairytale castles, 'unusual' festivals, legendary events, summer yoga retreat and new luxury hotel options

Monday, June 10, 2019 - 14:30

Fairytale castles, 'unusual' festivals, legendary events, summer yoga retreat and new luxury hotel options

Top travel articles, travel designer insider tips and events

Old World Architecture Meets Stunning Beaches

From The New York Times
"The Val di Noto region — which includes the towns of Ragusa, Modica and Noto — is bustling anew."

Click here to read more

Unique Festivals and Celebrations

There's a mixture of history, thrill and deliciousness in these festivals, dig in:

Calcio Storico Fiorentino, June, Florence
MMA fans meet the 16th century version mixture of soccer, rugby and wrestling with matches culminating in a playoff June 24th.

Festa della Madonna Bruna, July 2, Matera
For over 600 years, the 'Shepards' procession begins at dawn through neighborhoods greeting the picture of the Virgin Mary, starting the festival which culminates in fireworks late in the evening.

Monteriggioni Medieval Festival , July 6-15, Tuscany
For two weekends, this town transforms back in time with food, arts and crafts, concerts. Those visitors can 'transform' with costume rentals and even exchange currency and watch historical re-enactments.

Ferrera Balloon Festival, September 6-15, Bologna
One of the largest hot air ballooning festival in Europe, plenty of things to do on and off the ground!

Peperoncino Festival, September 11-15, Diamante
One "HOT" celebration of chili peppers with theatrical performances, stilt walkers and street performers, something for everyone!

Altrocioccolato Chocolate Festival
October 25-27,Città di Castello
Part cultural event and ecological conference that offers panels on fair trade and ecological sourcing, a traveling museum, chocolate making processes, music and street artists, even make your own non-toxic screen print t-shirt!

Festal del Cornuto, November, Rome
For those unlucky in love, this festival of the horns in the village of Rocca Canterano outside Rome is something to get a good laugh in. Participants can wear horns and let the town comfort you.

Oh Bej! Oh Bej!, December 8, Milan
'Oh Beautiful' is the cry heard in this festival celebrating Fiera di Sant' Ambrogio kicks off the Christmas Market season with candies and surprises, the most popular in Milan.

Luxury in Rome

Insider Tip: Indulge in a Modern Palace

Our newest hotel partner Corso 281 offers modern luxury in the heart of Rome. The contemporary design of its rooms and suites offers guests a warm ambiance in an ancient palace. Some of the suites include a waterfall shower or large marble bath for two, while others offer romantic views on balconies to enjoy a personalized breakfast with options for celiacs and vegans. Once a bank, its vault now converted into the Caveau, offering a variety of wines, liquors and champagnes for guests. Designed to ensure guests can access high-speed internet in each room, the hotel also offers air-print from devices as well as fax and copy services through the concierge. Some of the other concierge services include massage, personal training, tailoring, hair and makeup and even babysitting. A short walk brings guests to the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, or sipping morning coffee at Piazza Navona. Or browse the exhibit in the art gallery within Corso 281 with their latest exhibit. Whatever the day brings, find comfort and ease within the palatial walls of Corso 281.

Book this now

La Dolce Vita Yoga Retreat

July 13 -20 Sabina (Rome)

A chance to unwind the body, embrace the beauty of life and savor organic food in this week long retreat.

Find Out More

Turin

From the blog: A delightful stop where elegant architecture and rich history meets literary cafes and chocolate.

Visit here in our Leonardo Da Vinci Trip

Art Exhibits, Concerts and Festivals

CONCERTS

The Legend of Morricone
Tribute to legendary film composer, Ennio Morricone, by the Ensemble Symphony Orchestra directed by Giacomo Loprieno. A unique experience with masterpieces from Mission, The Legend of 1900, Once Upon A Time in the West, Cinema Paradiso and more:

June 8 Cava Lazzareschi, Carrara
June 28 Teatro Romano, Fiesole
July 4^th Teatro Sociale, Como
July 19^th Piazza del Duomo, San Gimignano
July 27^th Cortile Ex Caserma Musso, Salluzzo
July 29^th Piazza del Popolo, Vasto

For additional dates and locations
contact Cultural Italy for tickets!

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Thirty Seconds to Mars, July 4th, Padova

Mark Knopfler and His Band, July 20-21, Rome

Andrea Bocelli, multiple dates click here

Como International Music Festival Lineup Here

Concert for Children, Teatro alla Scala, Sept. 29, Milan

OPERA/BALLET/DANCE

Taormina Opera Festival, Through October, Sicily

The Marriage of Figero, June 15-21, Florence

The Sleeping Beauty, June 26, Teatro alla Scala, Milan

Roberto Bolle & Friends, July 9 &10, Rome

Porgy & Bess, July 2-7, Turin

Torinodanza, Sept 11-Oct 26, Turin

ART

Taormina International Festival of Arts, through August, Sicily
Art, Music, Cinema, Theatre, Dance it's all here and coincides with their opera festival.

Fotografia Europea, until June 9, Reggio Emilia

Leonardo DaVinci Celebrations click here

Salvador Dali, Through November 30th, Matera

For Events click here

For personalized options or last minute requests please contact our Travel Designers to make a holiday into a dream vacation.
(800) 380-0014

Scaliger Castle

Did You Know...
Straight out of a fairy tale, Scaliger Castle is truly a sight to behold. Located in Lake Garda, the castle once served as defense and a port, now historical center of Sirmione. One of the more preserved and complete castles in Italy, a drawbridge offers visitors access through the walkways of the walls and up to the tower.

Visit here while enjoying the wine on our Tour of the Lakes and Prosecco Hills Tour