August is Italy’s busiest tourist month. The mass influx of visitors in popular destinations puts a strain on the local environment and communities. And so the debate restarts, about how to manage or whether to limit tourism in areas like the Cinque Terre and the...
The aroma of cinnamon and vin brulè (mulled wine) fills up the crisp air of December; handmade items including timber toys, seasonal decorations and local crafts are on display in pretty wood houses or stands; children play on the merry-go-round as their laughter...
In last week’s article we highlighted four regions across Italy that are great destinations for off-the-beaten-path travel in off-peak seasons. Today, we would like to focus on seasonal activities for groups, proposing some ideas for both grown-ups and little ones....
“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” – Anonymous Traveling with your loved ones, whether family or friends, can be an extremely enriching experience. It can allow you to strengthen relationships, to discover new sensations and new aspects...
When thinking about Italian food, the first things that come up to mind are often pizza and pasta. Although these delicious culinary creations can be enjoyed all year-round, most Italians traditionally eat seasonal meals that do not necessarily involve the usual...
Once upon a time, back in 1861, the census counted 2,322 residents. In 2011, the local population was of 578 inhabitants. It has always been small, yet it is an amazing gem full of big surprises: Fiastra is a tiny medieval village in a verdant valley of the Monti...
Paradise on Earth is never too far, you just have to know where to look for it. Italy is full of hidden gems that bewitch visitors, and today we would like to focus on little known, Eden-like islands. While most people have heard of or seen the beauty of Sicily,...
March is the month that celebrates International Women’s Day, and – given that Italian Special Occasions DMC is itself the result of female entrepreneurship – we feel this is the perfect time to highlight some great women in modern Italy. According to a fresh research...
With its thousands of ancient ruins, historic buildings, picturesque piazze, idyllic parks and soothing fountains, Italy is a giant al fresco museum. Among these wonders, there are actual outdoor areas that have been officially designated as open-air museums. In...
In a world where children learn to use technology and eat fast food at a very young age, their Five Senses must be stimulated in order for them to become more creative, develop their skills and dexterity, and treasure the artistic heritage that remains from the past....
When choosing a location abroad where to celebrate a summer special occasion for family and friends, perhaps followed by a vacation in the chosen destination, many groups often sacrifice their spirit of adventure and end up in typical family resorts and areas with...
Finding the perfect event venue is crucial in the creation and execution of an unforgettable occasion, and is arguably the one decision that will have the largest impact on your event. But identifying the right event venue can be intimidating, as it can take up quite...
Christmas in Italy? It’s all about family and food! Family gatherings are the most important aspect: no matter where they are scattered around the world, families reunite around the table (a tavola). During this festive period, people have bought their Christmas...
An ever-increasing number of couples are looking for unique and authentic ways to celebrate their wedding. They demand meaningful experiences not just for themselves but also for their guests, especially in the case of a destination wedding in another cultural...
Have you ever planned a family reunion abroad? If so, you probably know how difficult it can be to find a place that pleases all of the involved participants – from the Duracell-powered children to the moody teenagers, from the sporty uncles to the art-loving...
Travelers are becoming more demanding: an increasing number of people hunt for experiential journeys that bring them closer to local cultures and traditions, far from the beaten track and mass tourism. In particular, families are among the top promoters of this...
Since its beginnings with the ancient Greeks, the history of theater has been closely tied to the Italian territory and artistic movements. In fact, the country boasts an amazing amount of theatrical buildings, whether ruins, functioning venues (both old and modern),...
Cowboys ride their horses with one hand and tend giant cattle in a rustic ranch, with a cloud of dust rising in the air in contrast with the intense blue sky. However, we are not in the Wild West, we are in Maremma – the beautiful and unspoilt southern part of...
If you are traveling to Italy with a group of friends who love literature, or are planning a family vacation and want your children to discover the magical world of books, visiting Italian libraries can be a fun and enriching experience. After all, there is something...
At this time of year many towns and cities are kicking off their festival season and the region of Calabria in southern Italy is no different. Tropea, a small Calabrian town familiar with many Italians due to its impressive beaches and turquoise coastline has some...
Many of you might have heard the whispers about a rugged Sicilian island less than forty miles or so from the North African coast. With black volcanic rocks, hidden caves and thermal springs, you could be forgiven for confusing it with a mythical place described in...
Various Italian regions have embraced the art of pottery at different times in history, creating a rich artisanal treasure that goes from simple dishes to precious art objects and from rough tiles to magnificent paneling for lavish buildings. It is possible to admire...
Respecting the environment, land, history and culture… At Italian Special Occasions DMC we value our partnerships with our suppliers, looking for a shared respect for the environment, art, culture and traditions. Now that spring has officially sprung we would like to...
A movie treasure hunt? Tuscany, oh Tuscany… so full of charm, history and mesmerizing landscapes! Unsurprisingly, many directors have decided to use this picture-perfect backdrop for their movies since the early days of cinematography. If you are a film fanatic who...
Churches, castles, historic villas, gardens… romantic and classic is by far the favorite wedding style for most couples. However, can you also tie the knot in a way that is unique, uncommon, and even more fun and unforgettable than a classic wedding? You bet! Italy,...
Calabria is a great destination for special occasions off the beaten path. Its beautiful hamlets offer the ideal venue where to celebrate a family reunion, an alumni & friends gathering, a destination wedding, a corporate event or teambuilding experience. To add...
Set along the southern banks of the Alps between Lombardy and Piedmont, Lake Maggiore is Italy’s second-largest lake and, according to Travel + Leisure Magazine, “is the busiest and most untamed”. Its beautiful scenery has been a source of inspiration for a number of...
The Bel Paese boasts imposing mountain destinations with picturesque villages and evocative landscapes, framed by cultural traditions, gastronomic delicacies and a plethora of activities that can be enjoyed by both leisure and corporate groups. Up north, the Alps...
Abruzzo is not one of those regions that immediately pop to mind when thinking about travel destinations in Italy… yet, it is a striking land full of historic and artistic riches, and features a pristine, breathtaking nature. At Italian Special Occasions DMC we...
“To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is to not have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything”. – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe German writer, philosopher and statesman von Goethe had got right already in...
