Rimini Italy Celebrates a Grand Anniversary and its Hidden Treasures

Story and Photos by Denise Mattia

Ask any European about Rimini and they’ll tell you it’s the hub of Italian seaside tourism. Most will also know that Federico Fellini, the famous movie director, was born in Rimini, and has a suite dedicated to him at the Grand Hotel, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
But there’s more to Rimini than resorts on the Adriatic Sea, as JAXFAX discovered during the Fam trip developed by Succi and Partners a marketing management company led by Luigi Gianni Succi and Stefania Casadei (www.succiandpartners.com) and sponsored by the Italian Government Tourist Board (www.italiantourism.com). The tour was designed to introduce travel agents and journalists to a region seldom visited by North Americans.
JAXFAX, six additional journalists and 26 travel agents, most of whom came from California, converged at Bologna and were transported by bus to two charming medieval towns of Santarcangelo di Romagna and Verucchio.
As there are no mega-hotels in these districts, the company was divided into three. The first group was brought to Santarcangelo and were accommodated at Hotel Il Villino (www.hotelilvillino.it), a charming, rustic villa converted tastefully into 12 rooms, each equipped with a bathroom and shower or tub. The 22-room Hotel Della Porta (www.hoteldellaporta.com) provided accommodations for others, while the balance of our party was registered at Hotel Oste del Castello (www.ostedelcastello.it) in the center of Verucchio a few miles from Rimini’s beaches and The Republic of San Marino.
It’s impossible to travel throughout the province without learning about the tumultuous history concerning two powerful families, the Montefeltros and the Malatestas (translates into bad heads). From the Medieval Period to the Renaissance, war and treachery, an unsuccessful marriage, a Papal excommunication and immortalization in Dante’s The Divine Comedy exemplified the regions from La Romana to Marche.
The Malatesta Fortess dominates the town of Verucchio, where the political and economic events shaped the Malatesta power and wealth. Today, mansions here are B&Bs and fortresses have been converted into museums. The Archeology Museum in Verucchio houses priceless pieces of jewelry, furniture, pottery and armor from the family’s reign.

Excursions Beyond the Malatestas
To the south, Urbino was the economic and cultural capital of the Montefeltro dukedom. The Palazzo Ducal, built in the mid 15th century, is now the National Gallery of the Marche and houses one of the most important collections of Renaissance art in the world. From this site, our party was driven up the steep, winding incline of Mount Titano, where, looming out of the mist at the summit is the fortress, basilica and turrets of the Republic of San Marino (www.sanmarinonline.com).
Once inside the main gate, the towns (there are nine within the walls) become a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets flanked by filigreed wrought iron gates, which front centuries old stone buildings.
The Titano Hotel and Restaurant offers a stunning view of the valley below (www.sanmarinosite.com). Our company was treated to pasta with truffles, the restaurant’s signature dish. Later, we caught a glimpse of the Adriatic, while on the way to dinner at Ramada’s chic Caffe Delle Rose at Viale Vespucci (www.caffedellerose.com).
A tour of the 12th century Malatesta fortress at Montebello took us through the living quarters of the duke and his daughter, Azzurrina, who disappeared in 1375, and whose ghost is said to haunt the apartments. Further north, on a high cliff overlooking the Marecchia Valley is the citadel of San Leo. Arms from the 4th through the 20th centuries can be viewed in several rooms here. Toward late afternoon, our group hiked through an underground network of grottos in Santarcangelo di Romagna and emerged at La Sangiovesa workshop, where we watched a demonstration of traditional “rust” painting on fabric, before dining sumptuously at the restaurant of the same name (visit www.sangiovesa.it).
It was late evening when we reached the famous Grand Hotel, Rimini (www.grandhotelrimini.com). The gracious 200-bedroom hotel was built in 1908 and is set in an exotic park with a large private beach. It’s been a national monument since 1994.
High on a hill to the south is the renovated Hotel Posillipo and Restaurant, which offers 30 rooms and two deluxe suites. The restaurant serves a seven-course fish dinner that’s a gourmand’s delight (www.hotelposillipo.com).
A site inspection of the Riccione Conference Center revealed a contemporary, multi-functional center that can host meetings, exhibitions and various forms of entertainment (www.palariccione.com). Italia in Miniatura, combines the cultural heritage of Italy with free rides. The theme park also hosts events for the young and the young at heart (www.italiainminiatura.com).
Among the older historical sites in Rimini are the Arco D’Augusto, the 1st century B.C. gateway to the old city, the Tempio Malatestiano, one of the most important churches of the Renaissance, and the Roman ruins at the Piazza Ferrari. Under the expert guidance of Verdiana Contibaioni (verdiana.baioni@ad-arte.com), JAXFAX and colleagues toured the world heritage mosaics at Ravenna and concluded the excursion by interviewing principals of the popular Ravenna Festival.
The Fam Trip ended by celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Grand Hotel with a gala dinner in honor of its famous son, Maestro Federico Fellini.

Getting There
Alitalia flies from most major U.S. cities to Rome’s Flumicino Airport and connects to the G. Marconi Airport in Bologna or the Federico Fellini Airport in Rimini (www.alitalia.com). Train and bus connections can also be made from most major cities in Italy.
For more information on Italy, contact the Italian Government Tourist Board, 212-245-5618; 310-820-1898; www.italiantourism.com

 

 

Italy Promises Deals and Autumn Sunshine

By Maria Lisella

Italy has become a year-round destination as has much of Europe, but because of its mild weather even in winter, getting around Italy is very comfortable almost always. Add to this, a series of new offers that highlight southern regions, many of which are somewhat unexplored by Americans, which also offer some of the best deals in high and low seasons. Further, airfares from Eurofly make getting to Italy a good deal, what you plan for your clients once they hit the road, is up to you. Since it is a mature destination, Italy has attracted suppliers that cater to all budgets, tastes and interests, so agents can tap into a vacation that is custom fit for their clients. Traveling “off season” never looked this good.
Chasing the Untold Story
Visit Italy Tours has launched a seven-day independent program visiting the Puglia Region, one of the most undiscovered regions of Italy. Guests stay three nights in Alberobello, rife with the conical-roofed trullis, mysterious dwellings, originating hundreds of years ago, with thick limestone walls. They will visit the town of Ostuni, known as the “white town” for its white-washed houses, Martina Franca, the village of festivals, with its fine crafted ceramics and Locorotondo, “the round village,” named for the shape of the original historical settlement.
Two additional nights are spent in a farmhouse in Corigliano d’Otranto, where clients will experience an introductory class on the methods of cooking local cuisine, and partake in visits to the baroque town of Lecce and Gallipoli, located in an enchanting island along the pristine waters of the Ionian Sea. Additionally, participants will visit Castellana Grotte to explore its famous caves, and Cisternino to learn the art of making mozzarella cheese.
The program covers five nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, four dinners, a six-day car rental in category B (manual transmission). Land arrangements only are priced from $954 per person double. International airfare and entrance fees to the caves are additional. Valid Nov. 1, 2008 through Mar. 31 2009. Call 800 255-3537; fax 310 649-6880; E-mail info@VisitItalyTours.com; www.VisitItalyTours.com
Combining Land and Sea
With more than 40 years in custom designing vacations to Italy, Donna Franca has decided to combine land and sea in two 12-night itineraries on Crystal Cruise Lines with the option of purchasing a pre or post independent land package, along with innovative private shore excursions within Italy. Known for her first class and deluxe travel arrangements to Italy, Donna Franca has personally selected one of the more exclusive and sophisticated cruise lines where customer satisfaction is a top priority.
The first departure, aptly called, ‘Discovery of Ancient Empires’ is an arts and antiquities theme-based itinerary and departs from Athens on October 6th and disembarks in Rome Civitavecchia on October 18th. Ports of call include Athens, Kusadasi, Rhodes, Alexandra/Cairo, Sardinia, Naples and Rome. The second departure, ‘Mediterranean Majesty’ is a food and wine theme-based cruise and departs from Rome Citivitavecchia on October 18th and ends in Barcelona on October 30th and includes Rome/Civitavecchia, Naples, Sicily, Gibraltar, Malaga, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona.
Rates start from $ 4,545 per person double occupancy in a category -C deluxe stateroom and as an exclusive bonus for booking through Donna Franca Vacations, clients will receive a complimentary upgrades to a verandah stateroom, worth over $1,500 per person and the choice of either a $125 per person shipboard credit or $125 per person spa credit. “Better yet, the cruises, pre or post programs and private excursions are commissionable to your agency at 13%...so, here’s your chance to earn commissions starting from $590 per person with a single phone call,” says Donna Franca. Call 800-225-6290.
Homeric Tours, long known as a specialist to Greece, has expanded its roster of Mediterranean inventory to include Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Sicily and a cruise/land program, all of which are air-inclusive from New York’s JFK.
The Romantic Holidays on the Amalfi Coast package, an independent vacation visits Rome and the seaside villages of the Amalfi Coast. The package includes two nights in Naples, three nights each in Positano and Rome, breakfast daily, half-day tours of Pompeii and Rome and all transfers and domestic transportation. Prices start at $2,359.
The Homeric Delight package is a cruise-inclusive package visiting Italy, Greece and Croatia. Starting with a two-night stay in Venice, travelers sail on a seven-day cruise aboard MSC Cruises with ports of call in Greece including Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, Corfu and Katakolon (Olympia) and the Croatian city of Dubrovnik. Also included are a half-day tour of Venice, all meals and entertainment on cruise and transfers. Prices start at $2,879.
Sicily on your Own is a classic fly/drive program that includes three nights in Palermo, two in Taormina, breakfast daily and a six-day car rental at the starting price of $1,959. Extra nights or additional cities can be added.
Call 800-223-5570; E-mail info@homerictours.com; www.homerictours.com
Staying With and Near the Classics
Bettoja Hotels in Rome and the museums Scuderie del Quirinale and Palazzo Esposizioni have teamed up to promote the arts. Together they have released an illustrated, informative brochure that lists all the upcoming exhibits through 2009 in both Rome venues.
Besides supporting the arts, the Bettoja Hotels are near the arts, the Mediterraneo, Massimo D’Azeglio, Atlantico, and Nord are one block from the new Roman Archeological Museum, within walking distance of Scuderie del Quirinale, Palazzo Esposizioni, the Coloseum, and St. Mary Major. As a matter of fact, this arts brochure includes a map of a walking tour to all nearby museums. The art of shopping can be exercised on closeby Via Nazionale or on the more expensive Via Condotti, near the Spanish Steps, a 15 minute walk. Buses and subways that go directly to St. Peter’s stop one block away.
In Florence, Bettoja’s Relais Certosa is an extraordinary, property bordering a Medieval Monastery, the Certosa of Galluzzo. This 14th century edifice crowns the hill near the hotel, as beautiful a backdrop as can be found in Tuscany. Yet the 69 rooms property is only 15 minutes by hotel van to the center of Florence itself.
Call 800-783-6904; fax 212-860-4544; E-mail: reservations@bettojahotels.com; www.bettojahotels.it
Agents who book their clients at the historical and world-renown Hassler Roma by September 30, 2008, for a two-night minimum stay between Nov. 3 and Dec. 22, 2008, will receive about 35% off regular room rates. Options to make your clients’ stay even more special: Personal Shopping Consultant (half-day tour) from about $400; Massage at the Hassler Amorvero SPA from $155; The International Wine Academy of Roma, located just a step away from the Hassler in a charming 16th -century Roman villa, will offer a 15% discount on any wine course clients participate in or organize privately for a party during their stay at the Hassler. Call +39 06 699 340; www.wineacademyroma.com
This fall and winter, Eurofly is extending two great deals to customers traveling to Italy. Blackout dates are from December 16- 24, 2008.

ITALY FOR TWO: valid through October 31, 2008, book clients to Rome, Bologna, Naples, Palermo, Bari, Pescara, and Lamezia Terme at the price of $858 for two in Economy, and $3,298 for two in Business class. Add $640 fuel charges and taxes $172. The Pescara, Lamezia, and Bari flights are valid through Sept 30.
HOT WINTER DEAL: From Nov. 2, 2008-March 29, 2009 clients can travel to Rome at the rate of $599 round-trip to Rome. Just 1,000 Seats available at this rate, which includes $320 fuel surcharge, but not taxes of $75 per passenger. Offer valid on round-trip flights departing JFK to Rome on Friday and Sunday November 2, 2008 to March 29, 2009. Travel must be completed by April 3,2009.
Established in 1989 in Turin, Italy, Eurofly operates non-stop flights from NY’s JFK airport, to Rome, Palermo, Bologna, and Naples, and direct to Pescara, Lamezia Terme, and Bari. Eurofly’s Business Class is outfitted with state-of-the-art Weber seats. Economy Class seats were designed by Fiorucci. From September 1, through October 31, 2008 fares start at $649 per person for Economy and $1,999 for Business class. Call 800-459-4980; www.euroflyvacations.com
For more information, contact the Italian Government Tourist Office, in N.Y., 212-245-5618; E-mail: enitny@italiantourism.com; in Chicago, 312-644-0996; E-mail enitch@italiantourism.com; in L.A., 310-820-1898; E-mail enitla@italiantourism.com; or, visit www.italiantourism.com

June 2008 Feature

Italy under $500 a day

As a non-card carrying member of the baby boomer generation, I shudder to write that headline, but as I quake in my pockets, I know it is only too realistic. Backpacking may not be a thing of the past for all of us [it more or less is for me], but the backpack mentality baby boomers carry with them gives them an edge on knowing how to travel on the cheap or on the affordable in a Euro dominant summer. Below are a few of the efforts suppliers have made to keep things “reasonable” this summer.
A name not normally associated with Western Europe, QueensLander Tours’ Great Cities of Italy tour boasts free air from several east coast gateways and discounted fares from other U.S. gateways.

The 10-day, ‘true small-group tour’ experience takes travelers through Venice, Florence, San Gimignano and Cortona in Tuscany, Rome, and the Amalfi Coast lodging in Sorrento all in the same tour with a pace that can only be described as leisurely. The Free Air promotion is available on summer and fall departures of the Italy’s Great Cities Tour. Robust commissions as well as centrally located hotels round out the package. Priced at $3,849 with QueensLander’s. A no Tipping Policy makes this Great Cities tour even more agent friendly.
Call 877-865-6711; www.QLTours.com

Following a family tradition, Steve Perillo is also offering free air to Italy this summer (remember how Mario used to offer cheap if not free seats on PanAm?). The limited time offer can save couples up to $2,560 on the air component when they depart from New York’s JFK Airport to Rome, Bologna and Palermo aboard Eurofly on selected Perillo tours. This promotion only applies for new bookings on the following tours and 2008 departure dates, based on availability. Among the tours the offer applies to are the Vesuvius Tour - July 27 departure dates only; 10 days to Rome, Florence and Naples; the South & Sicily Tour - July 30 departure date only; 14 Days to Palermo, Taormina, Naples and Rome; and the Aristocrat Tour - August 19 departure date only 11 days to Venice, Florence and Rome. Due to the unprecedented nature of this offer, space is filling fast.
Call 800- 431-1515; www.perillo.com

Visit Italy Tours’ executives are convinced the lure of Rome is strong and exhilarating to both the firs-time visitors and the seasoned travelers.
The company has introduced a special $1,249 per person double, for a six-day/four-night Rome package valid through June 30, 2008. Departures are from Boston, Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. This package features four nights’ accommodation in a centrally located three-star hotel, daily breakfast, roundtrip economy air on Alitalia from the selected cities. Hotel service charges and VAT taxes are included in the price; airport taxes and fuel surcharges are additional.
Call 800-255-3537; fax 310-649-6880; E-mail info@VisitItalyTours.com; www.VisitItalyTours.com

Location, location, location, a quote attributed often to Conrad Hilton, could not be more truly applied than it is to the Bettoja Hotels in Rome and Florence. Apart from location, the Bettoja family has been serving U.S. travelers for generations, long enough to know that this clientele needs an ample buffet breakfast, service and taxes all rolled into one easy price: in this case, rooms start at 150 euros or $230 per night for two sharing a room.
In Rome, the four properties and the museums Scuderie del Quirinale and Palazzo Esposizioni have teamed up to promote the arts by releasing an informative brochure that lists all the upcoming exhibits through 2009 in both Rome venues. This will give travelers an opportunity to plan their visits well in advance around once-in-a-lifetime shows such as a collection of Giovanni Bellini or an exhibition of the Etruscan civilization.
Besides being for the arts, the Bettoja Hotels are near the arts. Mediterraneo, Massimo D’Azeglio, Atlantico, and Nord are one block from the new Roman Archeological Museum, within walking distance of Scuderie del Quirinale, Palazzo Esposizioni, the Coloseum, and St. Mary Major. As a matter of fact, this arts brochure includes a map of a walking tour to all nearby museums.
In Florence, Bettoja’s 69-room Relais Certosa, completed a recent renovation of many of the guestrooms. Bordering a Medieval Monastery, the Certosa of Galluzzo, this 14th century edifice crowns the hill near the hotel, as beautiful a backdrop as can be found in Tuscany. Yet the property is only 15 minutes by hotel van to the center of Florence itself.
The Relais Certosa is located close to the Rome Milan superhighway making it the perfect base for exploring the Tuscan and the Siennese countryside.
Call 800-783-6904; www.bettojahotels.it

Indeed, with the dollar sinking and euro rising, hotels in Rome and Venice seem outrageously expensive. The solution is www.rentalo.com, an online directory of apartments and villas that makes it possible for couples, groups of friends and even large families to afford a trip to Italy. Offers range from a two-bedroom Rome rental, 330 yards from the Colosseum and Roman Forum for $133 a night to $435 a night for a two-bedroom, two-bath Venetian villa with a private garden and canal view and tennis court.
Women are invited to enjoy the camaraderie of a fitness-oriented and pampering vacation with the Wayfarers’ new “girlfriends getaway” Cinque Terre itinerary. An energetic walk that covers mule tracks by road, and hills via stone steps, Cinque Terre offers an immersion into the area called by many the most beautiful part of Italy and one that is best visited by foot. Accommodations are in a former 16th-century Franciscan monastery with a state-of-the-art Wellness Spa and in a hotel with its own sandy beach. Priced at $3,795 per person double, the seven-day/six-night walk takes place on September 21-27 (women only) and October 5-11 and includes 6-8 miles of walking per day.
Call 800- 249-4620; www.thewayfarers.com

For the fifth straight year Italy placed first as the hottest destination for Americans taking packaged vacations (tours and vacation packages), according to a recent poll of U.S. Tour Operators Association members. And for many Americans Sicily holds a special appeal. Senior Savings: General Tours World Traveler works closely with AARP members to offer a $115 per person savings on a $2,899 per person for an eight-day journey across Sicily. Exploring archaeological sites and Sicily’s culture, traditions, cuisine and art, the land only package includes 14 meals, sightseeing, and all on-tour transportation. Departures are in September, and October 2008 and April 2009.
Call 800-221-2216; www.generaltours.com

The North and South of $500+ a Day
Shop, Wine and Dine
Headed by Annamaria Sorrentino, a veteran professional who worked at VARIG, Shop, Wine and Dine specializes in preparing innovative travel experiences focusing on Italy’s food and wine. Its programs typically incorporate local cultural events that uphold centuries’ old traditions hoping to provide opportunities to experience life as it’s lived and savored by the Italians and showcase Italy’s unmistakable, impeccable style and flair. Shop Wine and Dine’s programs are especially appropriate as innovative options for meetings, retreats and women’s travel.
Torino and the Alba National Truffle Fair-The Ultimate Oenogastronomic Experience: Any serious wine and food lover will appreciate the succulent details of this Piemonte tour.
Museums, the spectacular-newly re-opened Venaria Palace, Porta Palazzo the largest open air market in Europe, the Eataly food complex-soon to be opened in New York, shopping, a three day Chocolate pass and exquisite meals at some of the best restaurants in the city are the main ingredients in Torino, Piemonte’s elegant capital city. The balance of the stay will be in Piemonte’s wine region with the focus on the world famous Barolo, Barbaresco wines and the National Truffle Fair in Alba. The all-inclusive land package features a truffle hunt with dogs, a cooking class, all the meals including wines at the best restaurants in the area-at least two Michelin starred, wine tastings with top producers, guided tours of the main cultural attractions and of course the white truffle.
Departure is set for October 15-22, 2008; priced at $5,010 per person double. Travel agent’s commission is 5% based on a minimum booking of six passengers.
Optional extensions to Piemonte’s Lake region of Lago d’Orta and Lago Maggiore and/or to the thermal spa area of Acqui Terme and outlet shopping or any other destination in Italy. Similar, fall Piemonte tours featuring other local festivals are offered.
Call 973-467-4418; E-mail info@shopwineanddine.com

The Quiet Landlocked Region of Basilicata
Set within the heart of the medieval town of Maratea, the newly renovated luxury hotel, the 27-room La Locanda Delle Donne Monache, sister hotel to Casa Angelina in Amalfi, was originally built as a convent in 1735.
Sure to be the next destination for global trendspotters, Maratea’s naturally protected port boasts some of the most beautiful ‘robin egg blue’ waters along this stretch of coastline. Small fishing boats bob in the water next to luxury yachts, yet the town remains untouched by commercial tourism. Easy to explore by foot, Maratea’s quaint and beautiful town is set within narrow winding streets and picturesque little squares where small shops sell local food specialties, lace and colorful ceramics. The region of Basilicata is nestled between Calabria and Puglia yet, is just a two-hour drive from Amalfi. Four nights’ accommodation, including two dinners, massages, champagne and more, begin at $2,760. E-mail reservations@locandamonache.com

January 2008 Feature

The Quiet Jewels of Western Sicily

By Maria Lisella and Gil Fagiani

When Americans visit Sicily, landing and departing from Palermo or Catania, they usually follow the well-developed tourist tracks to the predictable yet never disappointing sights of Taormina, Siracusa, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina but miss delightful discoveries beyond the two gateways.

Often overlooked is the westernmost portion of this enigmatic and compelling island that takes visitors to the saltpans of Trapani, the heights of Erice and the coastline of Castellammare del Golfo. This summer, we opted to fly Eurofly’s new nonstop service between New York and Palermo, but drove west rather than east for a taste of what this region has to offer.

Castellammare del Golfo was our base for three nights and we stayed at the Affitacamera Francesca, a bed and breakfast within a 10-minute walk of the beach. For those with more time, they may want to extend this itinerary further south and west to visit the Egadi Islands such as Favignana, but we stayed in the province of Castellammare positioned to visit Trapani, Erice, and Scopello. Driving just a bit southeast, as we ended our excursions to the west, we made time for a visit to the ancient ruins of Segesta where we also happened to find a wonderful agriturismo restaurant – Pocoroba, which literally means “little stuff”or whatever we have — with new, apartment-like accommodations suitable for families who prefer the stay-put concept. On Sundays and many other days, the restaurant serves Cucina Tipica Siciliana. Call 011-39-368-720-97-35; www.pocoroba.it
Castellammare del Golfo has often showed up in the eyes of America as the place where the world’s Mafiosi have often been regaled and rewarded for their crimes. However, with the success of Giovanni Falcone and Antonio Borsellino’s anti-Mafia crusade known as the mani puliti, the power of the mob has been curtailed. Both men have been lionized for their courage and integrity as you will see a pillar with their names along the Autostrada on the way to Palermo in the area of Capaci, where they were assassinated.

Tourists need not be frightened of Castellammare’s reputation. It is a slightly gritty, hilly and energetic town built on the edge of Sicily’s northern coast. The residents are sophisticated, earthy and friendly to tourists and its beaches are worth visiting.
Staying on the edge of Castellammare is a good bet for beachgoers as they can walk from their B&B, take the train for a daytrip into Palermo rather than drive (something to avoid at any cost) and take excursions to nearby places including Trapani, Erice and the magical Scopello.
Affitacamere Francesca is a B&B, costing about 65 Euros a night that boasts a wonderful local cook – Francesca herself will prepare full dinners for just 20 Euros a person. The rooms are spacious, some with balconies overlooking the sea. Call 011-39-0924-59-77-39; Cell 011-39-338-136-5080; E-mail info@affittacamerefrancesca.it or www.pfkaa@libero.it

Gypsy Fishing Villages
Additionally, this zona, as the Italians call it, is home to a few old fishing villages as well as a phenomenal park reserve called Lo Zingaro or the Gypsy. Its trails are well maintained and well-marked, and are reasonably easy to trek on for average walkers. The trails are rocky in spots and hilly but not steep and every step of the way hikers are treated to panoramic views of marble and limestone cliffs that drop precipitously to the sea in grottoes and secluded coves of turquoise blue waters.
Do visit the two museums in the park, one is inside a cave like structure and is devoted to the manna tree, a tree that was once cultivated here until the mid 1960s, it is the source of a sweet substance something like brown sugar. The other museum is in a modern structure and gives an overview of the geography of this fascinating place.

The beaches are open to the public and rather than climb to San Vito, many visitors stop in to the museums in the park and head down the inclines to the beaches. Clients should expect to pay about 6 Euros to park their cars in the lot, gain access to the park and beaches, but they can drive away to Scopello for lunch and return for a dip with the same ticket.
Depending on one’s point of reference, Scopello’s population varies from 425 to 430. Scopello is among those rare little fishing villages, kissed by the influx of cash from tourism, but still maintaining traces of its rich heritage. Still, the town square is very small and at least three or four B&Bs face the square. To be honest, there is very little to do in this town but it is worth taking a look at it and it is well positioned for short forays along the coast, hikes in Zingaro and is just a 40 minute drive to the airport in Palermo, going against traffic makes it a very easy drive.
If you are ready for a snack or pranzo, step into La Crapraria for a pae cunzatu, a sandwich that is more like an antipasto for two or three – filled with olive oil, eggplant, tomatoes, olives, anchovies and Sicilian delicacies in a special bread, for about 12 Euros.

The most notable of all is Pensione Tranchina, which is highly recommended in Karen Brown’s guidebooks. Its proprietors are a cosmopolitan cultural mix of Chinese, Panamanian and Sicilian. Mr. Tranchina, a Scopello native, inherited his father’s little fishing shack. Today, 30 years later, Pensione Tranchina boasts 10 rooms, marble floors, views over the Sea, the village, the park beyond and a chef. Its proprietors are a couple — Marisin was born in Panama of Chinese parents. After marrying, the couple lived in Chicago but he yearned for his hometown; they have been here ever since. Rooms cost 80 Euros a night, which might seem steep in this corner of Sicily, but they know how to deliver service in an elegant and spacious setting, English is spoken fluently and the couple have a passion and intimate knowledge of the region. Call 011-39-0924-541-099; E-mail pensione.tranchina@gmail.com

As we headed back east towards Cefalu, we stopped at the abandoned city of Segesta, well-known among Europeans but something of a secret to Americans. When purchasing your entrance ticket, do pay the extra few Euros for the bus trip to the amphitheater on Mount Barbara at about 1,200 feet up. From this height you can view the plains, the farms, the sea and the fabulous Doric temple below that stands quizzically alone on a hill below. The temple was never actually completed and archeologists still argue as to whether this was deliberate or it was just never finished in 420 B.C.

Once you travel down to the temple, do sit beneath its frame, alongside its columns and listen to the gazza or magpies, the same wind once heard by the ancients, and wonder why anyone would have left this enchanting place. Call 800-459-4980; www.euroflyvacations.com

Call the Italian Government Tourist Board, 212-245-5618; 310-820-1898; www.italiantourism.com

July 2007 Feature

 

Where to Go Next?

Abruzzo, Italy

By Maria Lisella

Bright red poppies and delicate yellow flowers called ginestra (broom in English) mark the arrival of spring in Abruzzo, Italy. If you are scratching your head wondering where in the world Abruzzo is, think again. Think between the Adriatic and the Apennines; think pristine, sweet mountains (neither jagged nor coarse and sharp), award-winning beaches, lakes jumping with trout, rolling valleys, villages spilling down hillsides and people dressed in elaborate 19th century clothing, ancient pagan festivals, religious routes, art, castles, saffron and red garlic. Think off the beaten track, think profit potential, think a new place to visit in one of the most popular countries in the world.

This is, after all, the country former President Bill Clinton referred to in a long list of wonderful places he loved: “…and if I want to be happy, I go to Italy…” a quote Eugenio Magnani, director general for ENIT in Rome referred at the opening ceremony in Montesilvano. Several American celebrities’ trace their roots to Abruzzo: crooners Dean Martin, Perry Como, actor Alan Alda and last, but not least, American rock star, Louise Veronica Ciccone, aka Madonna. And Europeans have already been staking their claim on this region inspiring some to refer to it as “Abruzzoshire” much like “Chiantishire,” the nickname used to refer to the Chianti province in Tuscany.
The city of Pescara is a cruise port and taking off point for cruises to Venice and Croatia’s Dubrovnik as well as Croatian islands. The capital of Abruzzo, L’Aquila, by contrast is set on a hill surrounded by the Apennines and the Gran Sasso.

The Italian Tourism Promotion Council (ITPC), the Italian Tourist Board (ENIT), Eurofly/Meridiana Airlines and the Region of Abruzzo collaborated on the 7th edition of the Italy Symposium that visits various regions of Italy that may represent great potential for the American market. The group was established during Magnani’s administration in ENIT’s New York office seven years ago and was formed, in part, to make direct contact between Italy specialist tour operators, regional governments, and local suppliers.
Attendance numbered about 250, representing both high-volume producers and newbies to Italy. Agents have opportunities to schedule formal one-on-one sessions with ITPC members and informal meetings.
The region of Abruzzo, where the people are known as “forte ma gentile,” strong but kind, hosted the Symposium. Minister of Toursim for the Region of Abruzzo (and Vice President of ENIT) Enrico Paolini, sees the Symposium as a good investment to buttress the new scheduled flights from New York/Bologna/ Pescara via Eurofly that started May 19, marking the first direct flights to the region from the U.S. (See June JF for article on Eurofly.)

Agents commented that the Abruzzo trip was among the most well-organized of the Symposiums with excursions that may have been intense but were planned so all participants had an opportunity to visit the very same sites rather than one group missing out on one place or another.
Enzo Giammarino, president of Tourism Abruzzo, the promotional arm of the ministry was born in Lanciano, one of the cities the Symposium participants visited along with several others that are just a sampling of what the region has to offer. “Abruzzo e una terra da vivire,” Abruzzo is a land that lives and breathes, in fact, this region is a veteran when it comes to conservation efforts as it is home to the largest nature preserve in Italy. The 150,000-acre National Park is among Italy’s proudest accomplishments and is famous throughout the world for having successfully re-populated the area with indigenous wildlife such as wolves, fox and bears. The Park, which participants only skirted, receives two million visitors each year and is likened to our own Yellowstone Park in its breadth of nature experiences.
Small villages sit on the edge of the Park as gateways such as Pescasseroli, a popular (and thus crowded) summer and winter resort that makes the best base for visits to the park.
For now, Paolini counts some 12,000 American visitors to the region each year, not counting those who visit friends and relatives.

Famous for its spaghetti alla chitarra, which is actually made on an instrument made of a beechwood frame strung with fine metal wire making it look kind of like a “chitarra” or “guitar” with the end results a pasta with a distinctive square cross-section, Abruzzo is also known for its extra virgin olive oils, truffles – both black and white –the famous confetti (sugar covered almonds) from Sulmona, a wide variety of cheeses from caciotte and caciocavalli, smoked ricotta, and finally, its red garlic and saffron. Abruzzo breeds both chefs and sommeliers at culinary institutes in Villa Santa Maria and the city of Pescara. Abruzzese cooking reflects its geographic position in its “frutta di monte e mare,” the fruits of the mountains and the sea.
Among the towns visited during the Symposium were Cocullo, site of the miracles of San Domenico, not unlike St. Patrick of Ireland who rid Ireland of its poisonous snakes (La Festa dei Serpenti in May), Sulmona, birthplace of the classical writer Ovid (Metamorphoses), Lanciano on the pilgrimage track, Guardiagrele known for its wrought iron arts, and Chieti where the 6th century B.C., pre-Roman discovery, The Warrior of Capestrano resides in the National Archeological Museum.
Set between the Adriatic and the Apennines, its sanctuaries, corners of miracles, mountains, folklore, pilgrimage routes, beaches, festivals and archeological sites, Abruzzo is already earning a new reputation as the “Where to go Next” place in Italy.

For more information on Italy, contact the Italian Government Tourist Board, 212-245-5618; 310-820-1898; www.italiantourism.com

IN THE NEWS
Eurofly’s Next Stop in Italy
The lynchpin to Abruzzo is the new airlift provided by Eurofly and its New York/ Bologna/Pescara service inaugurated earlier than scheduled in time for Symposium participants to try it out. Ottaviano del Turco president of the region of Abruzzo was joined by Enrico Paolini, vice president and Enzo Giammarino, president of the Abruzzo Tourist Office were among those who welcomed the flight and participants as they touched down during the historic occasion. Riccardo Strano, director of the Italian Tourist Board for North America joined the group as did Mauro Galli, president of the ITPC and of TourCrafters, and Eurofly’s Rosario Mariani director and Giulia Martinelli, operatirons manager of the New York branch of Eurofly.
Their collective message: See the green heart of Italy without the fanfare of large tourism movements, fuming motorcoaches and crowds; visit with serenity, travel at your own pace to mythical and magical places few Americans know just yet.
Visit www.eurofly.com