Cultural Italy

Italy Welcomes You!

Cultural Italy — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 06:17:19 +0000

Italy is a country with great passion expressed in its archetecture, art, and cuisine. This passion is also evident in the politcal expression of Italy. We sometimes receive concerns from travelers about traveling safely within Italy. We can assure them Italy remains one of the safest places to travel in Europe and around the globe. Italians are a people with great energy and conviction. These traits are central to the great achievements of Italy and Italians throughout history. Italians have developed their great respect for dissent and discussion that makes Italy both an energetic country and - as Roberto Benigni mentioned in a speech to the European Parlament - a country always ready to resurrect. Italians also have a great love for the traveling spirit of adventure and as such, truly welcome the visitors with open arms and open hearts.

Andrea Bocelli Italy concerts 2012

Cultural Italy — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 22:17:25 +0000

Genova, February 24th, 26th, 28th
Performing in Romeo & Juliet at the Teatro San Carlo
Tickets cost: starting at Euro 165 per person including one night in centrally located hotel in Genoa. VIP tickets available.

Fano, June 6th
Performing Messa di Gloria at the Teatro della Fortuna
Tickets cost: starting at Euro 290 per person including one night in centrally locate hotel. VIP tickets available.

Lajatico, July 12th
Teatro del Silenzio
Special guests: Lang Lang, Dai Yuqiang, Liu Huan, Uto Ughi, Eleonora Abbagnato, Andrea Griminelli, Nek
Tickets cost: starting from basic tickets at Euro 300 per person including one night in nearby hotel. VIP tickets available.
Various packages available.

Luci D'Artista (Artists' Lights) - in TURIN

Cultural Italy — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 23:00:07 +0000

The 2011 edition has been expanded to include Emanuele Luzzati’s Nativity Scene, no back in its entirety in Piazza Castello – with 90 cut-outs painted on wood and based on traditional themes – and which will inaugurate the Christmas festivities on 27^th Novembre. The Luci d’Artista collection defines urban spaces, putting art in touch with the city in an all-encompassing way, and establishes a direct relationship between artistic creativity and the general public. It has an ever-wider audience, thanks also to frequent loans made to other cities, which this year will see the works of Carmelo GIammello and Domenico Luca Pannoli exhibited in Naples while our city plays host to an installation of lights from Lyons’ Fete des Lumieres.

Book your stay in Turin!

Start/End Date:

Thu, 11/10/2011 (All day) - Sun, 01/15/2012 (All day)

Verdi Festival 2012

Cultural Italy — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:50:50 +0000

Tickets and 2012 schedule for the Giuseppe Verdi Festival in Parma.

Festival Verdi 2012
Parma e le terre di Verdi
DATES:
October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27

Tickets: Euro 30 to 300 depending on performance, type of ticket and availability.

Claudio Abbadio returns at La Scala - info & tickets

Cultural Italy — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:52:59 +0000

Filarmonica della Scala

Piano: Daniel Barenboim

Conductor: Claudio Abbado

October 30th 2012
A once in a lifetime event. Daniel Barenboim's birthday and the return of Claudio Abbado at La Scala

Programm

Frederyk Chopin: Concerto No. 1 in E min. op. 11
Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 6 in A min. “Tragic”

Reserve your tickets in advance. We offer packages including accommodation, pre-concert cocktail and buffet, transfers.

Siena's PALIO tickets

Cultural Italy — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 04:40:52 +0000

Since at least Medieval times, dwellers of Siena’s 17 contrade (“city wards”) have been giving thanks to the Madonna by racing horses, decked out in contrade colors and designs, at breakneck speeds around the Piazza del Campo. On July 2, the very middle of the year, the first race is run celebrating the Feast of the Visitation, which commemorates a time, according to the Gospel of Luke, when the Virgin Mary called upon Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. The second race, on August 16th, is held the day following the Feast of the Assumption, when it is said that the Virgin was swept up, body and soul, into Heaven. Sometimes a third palio will be held to honor an extraordinary contemporary event or culturally significant anniversary.   On the eve of the race, firelight dapples the streets in a golden glow while about 25,000 Sienese, many outfitted in contrade colors and symbols, dine on legendary dishes at rows and rows of tables 50 feet long. Families gather and share stories while history unfolds before your eyes. Guests have said they’ve been made to feel as if they had always lived there.
 The horses run reflecting the symbol of each contrada: the Tortoise, Wave, She-Wolf, Goose, Shell, Porcupine, Dragon, Owl, Snail, Panther, Eagle, Caterpillar, Unicorn, Ram, Giraffe, Forest, and Tower. They race bareback around the track three times, stopping for nothing; the winning horse may arrive with or without a jockey, but it must have its head ornaments intact. Jockeys may use their whips on their own horses and on the horses of opponents. The winning prize is a painted banner of silk, termed palio. Celebrating afterward is a wholehearted affair, and frequently goes on for months for the winner.  Before the race is a fabulous parade, including flag-wavers in medieval costume. Then comes a mounted charge around the track by sword-wielding carabinieri. A nearby bell tolls at sunset and a local official removes the starting cord; explosives detonate and the race begins!  

TICKETS 
Tickets range from Euro 200 to 600 per person for terrace or bleachers, and Euro 700 per person and up for windows.
The race can be seen for free by standing in the Palio's square (Piazza del Campo - no reservation required), but you have to commit to standing there for several hours with no restroom access. 
Tickets to the reharsals cost Euro 65 to 85 per person.

  In preparation for the Palio 
Celebrate the upcoming event and live the atmosphere of the Palio with a typical pre race dinner (about 2000 people) in one of the Contradas, Euro 85 to 100 per person.

  For available tickets and/or accommodation contact us at: specialevents@culturalitaly.com or call 1 800 380 0014 / 001 619 822 1099

Verdi Festival 2012

Cultural Italy — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:47:06 +0000

Tickets and 2012 schedule for the Giuseppe Verdi Festival in Parma.

Festival Verdi 2012
Parma e le terre di Verdi
DATES:
October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27

Tickets: Euro 30 to 300 depending on performance, type of ticket and availability.

Dolomites On-Piste Ski Touring Adventure

Cultural Italy — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 21:57:28 +0000

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Experience the Dolomiti Superski – a “carousel” of 12 inter-connected resorts with 1,200 kilometers (746 miles) of prepared pistes!
Choose a different ski tour each day, from 16 lift-service on-piste ski tours across all 12 ski areas – Circumnavigate the Sella Massif on one of the most spectacular ski tours in the world, explore World War One history on the Great War Ski Tour, or tempt your taste buds on a Gourmet Ski Tour
Explore the majestic Dolomite mountains and discover its hidden valleys where the architecture, cuisine, and language reflects a delightful blend of Italian and Austrian and Ladin cultures

This ski adventure is an opportunity for passionate skiers to spend a week skiing some of the world famous on-piste ski tours in the Dolomites with one of our team of international mountain ski guides. Ski touring you say – isn’t that a lot of work? Let’s get this straight – these are on-piste ski tours, where you can discover the mountains in comfort with lifts and cable cars. No hiking, no snowshoeing, no skinning, just skiing, pure and simple. There are skiing theme ways, a variety of 16 routes through 12 valleys of the Dolomite chain, with runs ranging from expert to runs for the entire family. And there is no set itinerary, so each day you can work with your guide to select the tour that is just right for you!

This trip is true resort skiing at its best!  The Dolomites offers some of the best runs on earth, all amidst the backdrop of exquisite views and natural wonders, and each day you'll set out with your guide to ski the best snow and most interesting tours. While the emphasis is on where, rather than how, you ski, you’ll also have general coaching, and tips and hints on how to ski specific terrain and snow conditions. Our On-Piste Adventure trips are always led by local UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Ski Guides; guides of international caliber who are intimately familiar with the best skiing in the Dolomites. If you are a passionate skier, looking for a full week of fun on-piste skiing, exploring the miles of new terrain every day, and a different stop-in-your-tracks breathtaking vista around every corner, then this is the trip for you!

ITINERARY*
Trip itinerary may vary based on weather conditions, fitness levels and skiing abilities of participants, and/or the recommendations of your guide.

Whether you are a beginner/intermediate on-piste skier or an advanced off-piste skier, this itinerary can be adapted to the groups’ skill level, and is customizable for a wide variety of abilities.

Day 1 ~ Arrive in the Dolomites
Arrive in the Dolomites on your own, and check into your centrally located hotel or bed and breakfast in either Alta Badia, Val di Fassa, or Val Gardena. Meet your UIAGM/IFMGA ski guide for a trip briefing and equipment check (and rent gear if needed), and pick up your week long Dolomiti Superskipass. We’ll discuss the groups skiing abilities and interests, and plans for our exciting week skiing in the Dolomites! Evening welcome dinner with your group at a charming local restaurant, with your first taste of the incredible regional cuisine and wine!
D… Hotel or B&B

Days 2-6 ~ Dolomites Ski Touring
The itinerary for the week will be set by your guide based on the snow and weather conditions, fitness levels and skiing abilities of participants, your interests, and his or her recommendations. Each day you will have the opportunity to ski a different tour at one of the many Dolomiti Superski resorts. In addition to fabulous skiing, you will have ongoing instruction to help you improve your skiing ability. Skiing days are intended to be fun with lots of thrilling skiing, but always directed with maximum attention to your safety and the safety of others.
B,D… Hotel or B&B each day

Day 7 ~ Depart
Breakfast and departure.
B…

*NOTE: This trip may be customized upon request to include a shorter tour of 4-6 days.

SKI TOURING OPTIONS
Below is a list of some of our favorite ski tours that you may enjoy during your trip. We’ve selected these for their incredible skiing, breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, or savory cuisine, and, in many cases, all of the above!

The Sellaronda
This fantastic tour circumnavigates the Sella Massif, and is one of the most spectacular ski tours of the world. This unique circular connection of lifts and runs connects four Dolomite passes and four Ladin valleys, so you’ll have the opportunity to see more of the Dolomites in one day than many see on an entire trip!

The Great War Ski Tour
Known by a variety of names including the Great War Ski Tour, the Freedom Tour, the Giro della Grande Guerra, and the First World War Ski Tour, this tour takes skiers under the cliff walls of some of the most amazing Dolomites summits and offers breathtaking panoramic views unmatched anywhere in the world. It also takes you around the Col di Lana, the epicenter of the battles between Austrian, German and Italian troops, where your guide can show you a rich history of various war-relics – a veritable open-air museum of WWI history.

Ski Tour Olympia
In 1956, the Winter Olympics were broadcast on television for the first time – EVER – taking place on the slopes of the Dolomites’ Cortina d’Ampezzo! Ski like an Olympian on the Pista Olympia (Stratofana), where the Downhill race was held; the Pista Vitelli, home to the Giant Slalom; and the Pista "a" Col Druscié, famous for the Slalom. The Olympia Tour offers a variety of slopes to suit skiers of differing skill levels, so skiers of all ability levels can participate in this historic and unique ski arena!

Marmolada Ski Tour
Marmolada boasts the highest peak of all the Dolomites, reaching 3,342 meters (10,965'), and provides some of the most spectacular skiing experiences and beautiful on earth. An incredible tour, it covers over 1,300 meters (4,265') in elevation and offers an astonishing 12 kilometer-long (7.5 mile-) run.

Trevalli Ski Tour (Tour of Emotions)
This tour is set in such natural beauty that it often evokes strong feelings from those who partake. Exciting views of the Dolomite peaks follow one after another as you travel through the natural park of Paneveggio and runs such as Col Margherita, from which there are incredible 360° panoramic views of Civetta, Marmolada, and the Catinaccio chain of mountains.

The 1970 Gardena World Championship Tour
This tour consists of some of the most amazing ski slopes in the world, and is the home of several 1970 World Champions including Karl Schranz, Annerösli Zryd, the Swiss Bernard Russi – which is how the tour got its name.

Santa Croce Ski Tour (Gourmet Tour)
Perhaps the best has been saved for last, as this tour offers the finest of everything in the Dolomites: easy to moderate ski slopes for families and skiers looking for a day of relaxation, accompanied by a feast of local delicacies along the entire tour. Skiers can stop, take in the breathtaking views of the area, and enjoy delicious cuisine accompanied by a savory glass of local wine.

TRIP DETAILS

Length: 6n / 7d*

Dates: This trip is available as a custom private adventure on dates of your choosing, or as a fixed-date group adventure (2011 dates TBA).

Start / Finish: Base accommodations in Alta Badia, Val di Fassa, or Val Gardena. We have many accommodation options in the Dolomite region and will work with you to determine the best option to suit your needs.

Activity Level: For skiers in good and active physical health. Stamina-wise, you need to be able to ski all day at a steady pace.

Guide Ratio from 1:6: Dolomite Mountains professional UIAGM/IFMGA mountain & ski guides have many years of experience skiing the Dolomites. We have guides that speak Italian, English, French and Spanish. From the moment you arrive in the Dolomites they will look after you. They know the best ski runs, mountain restaurants, and how things work in the Italian mountains.

Cost: Custom trip costs TBA (includes UIAGM/IFMGA mountain ski guide, Dolomiti Superskipass, accommodations and meals as noted in itinerary, lifts and transportation as noted in itinerary, luggage transfer during entire itinerary, local medical and evacuation insurance).

Notes:

DLMTS

Cultural Italy

Italy Welcomes You!

Andrea Bocelli Italy concerts 2012

Luci D'Artista (Artists' Lights) - in TURIN

Verdi Festival 2012

Claudio Abbadio returns at La Scala - info & tickets

Filarmonica della Scala

Piano: Daniel Barenboim

Conductor: Claudio AbbadoOctober 30th 2012A once in a lifetime event. Daniel Barenboim's birthday and the return of Claudio Abbado at La Scala

Programm

Siena's PALIO tickets

Verdi Festival 2012

Dolomites On-Piste Ski Touring Adventure

Conductor: Claudio Abbado

October 30th 2012
A once in a lifetime event. Daniel Barenboim's birthday and the return of Claudio Abbado at La Scala