Centre Travel

, Basilicata, with its 30% of protected area, as well as the large Parks, has a number of Natural Reserves of WWF which can become part of a travel itnerary. They range from the WWF of the Pantano di Pignola, a true paradise for birdwatchers, to the Oases of Bosco Pantano di Policoro, which in addition to the nature route, offers the possibility of taking saiing and surfing lessons, or of organising sailing trips, to the Reserve of the Lakes of Monticchio, with its two lakes surrounded by luxuriant at the foot of the volcanic crater of Vulture.   In Lagongrese, the Reserve of the Lake Laudemio is waiting to be discovered, the most southern glaciallake in Italy, on the slopes of Monte Sirino at over 1500 meters high.   THe visit to Matera and its Stones.  Last but not least, the Reserve of Abetina of Laurenzana with its spectacular combination of giant beech trees and silver firs, soon to be the site for an Environmental Educatio Centre. Environmental Edu...

Accompanied by the Park Guides, there are so many paths to follow, some climbing up ravines and plateaus, others ascending cresrs and descending along gorgrs and giullies.   The Margia Madonna precisely due to its wild and impervious nature, has provided the ideal conditions for animals and plants to survive.  No matter how determined you are to reach your destination, whether you are on foot or riding a mountain bike, or whether you are keen birdwatchers, breaks and diversins to visit the rock churches or complexes, the farms rather than the large upland sheepfolds or jazzi, are inevitable.

Today, you can relive the history of man through the ages, along the paths of this park. Suspended over the Gorge, the Grotta dei Pipistrelli (Bat Cave) is a large cavity lnhabited from Paleolithic to Neolithic times, leading into a narrow passageway towards secret ravines.   Wonderful frescoes can be found in the Crypt od Original Sin, where episodes from the Bible are brought to life in what has been referred to as the Sistine Chapel of rock art. The first rock complexes can also be visited, including connected areas, communal paper spaces, panelling and pallets, small orchards, water tanks and food stores.   One amazing complex is that of Ofra, which opens into a gorge.  Another is the Saracen Village, which has sixty or so caves and two churches.   Works of art are forever set into the tufa walls,

Here youncan see customs and traditions that still survive, although their origins have now been lost in the mists of time.   Religious rites that merge with ancient pagan traditions that celebrated the close bond between man and nature.  A typical example of this are the tree cuts of " Maggio" festivals, which celebrate the union of two trees, a magnificent Turkey oak ( the Maggio) transported from the forests bya procession and the rarer holly (the cima), the queen of the forests, the fertility rite is celebrated in Accettura, Oliveto Lucano, Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano.

The Park has a close-knit network of paths.   Some run through the hamlets nesting between the steep and strange rocky pinnacies of the Lucaanian Dolomites, whilst others follow the course that cutthrough the great mantle, and others disappear into the woods, only to re-emerge near a charming old medieval bridge or some ancient ruins. Whether you go to Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa with their lunar landscapes and the attraction of the "Volo dell' angelo" (Flight of the angels) ride, or to Accettura with the celebration of nature and the warmth of its people, or to the historical Calciano and Oliveto Lucano you can immerse yourself in the alleyways as if you were venturing into the woods and forests.   You can walk or ride the routes on horse or mountain bike

The Park protects an extensive area situated in the centre of the regional territory boasting naturalcharacterisitcs assets and a unique etno-anthropological heritage.   It has twolarge forests, the Gallipoli cognato forest and the montepiano forest, where magnificient trunks of age-old Turkey oaks alternate with fragrant lime trees, pear and apple trees, maples and aiders and the rare holly. The unusual green, hilly landscape is dominated bythe Lucanian Doloites, rocky mounains with charming and unique forms,   They rise up like peaks emerging out of the sea:  the "Aquia reale" (golden eagle, the " incudine (anvil) the "Grande madre" (great mother) the "civetta "(litte owl) names inspired by the sharp, jagged outlines.

Beyond the dam of the Pertusillo, the river Agri drops down into a narrow valley, leaving behind it the lush greenery of the forests and the green fields, flowing through a spectacular gorge overlooked by two impressive towering rocks, and the scenery suddenly changes.   Weare now in the land of gullies, of hard, clayey and cracked terrain, with the occassionalsolitary oak to break up the horizontal lines of the landscape. Weare in the lands of Grottino di Roccanova, a PGI wine that extracts all the aromas and mysteries from these secret places.  We are at the foot of the Convent of S. Maria Orsileo, a jewel of a baroque art which renounces pretentiousness but not poetry here, creating and unforgettable spot, an ancestral reference to the deepest piety.  By now we have reached the southern limits of the park, where the Agri follows its coursre unti it plunges ontothe sandy shores of the Metapontino.

When describing the National Park, the Agri river comes to mind, with its scource in the north of the valley among the mountain ranges that characterise the northern part:  FO it is a popular destination for lovers of winter sports due to its downhill skiing facilites(Monte Volturino, Montagna di Viggiano, Monte Sirino) to its cross-country skiing circuits, and to its numerous snowshoeing opportunities in the company of expert local guides.   The Agri then flows down through the valey with its gentle contours and runs through pastoral landscapes of orchards and fields of crops until it opens out into the great basin of Pertusillo, the heartbeat  of the Agri Valley.   This is an artificial lake, stretching over some ten kilometres which can be negotiated by canoe.   A path which is to be opened shortly will enable visitors to leave boars on the shore of the lake and reach the Excavations of the Archaeological Park of Grumento, to visit the therm...

The National Park of Val d'Agri is the youngest Lucanian park.  Established in 2006, it links the Pollino National park with that of Cilento, forming the largest protected area in Italy.  This National park attracts more visitors than any other, not only because of its natural beauty, but also due to a certain way of life that starts and ends in nature.  There are so many villages in the Agri Valley, each with its own particular character, with its own network of alleyways and small and large churches., where it is impossible to resist the temptation of savouring the scents, sounds and silences of a rural life, the pace of which is influenced by the seasons and traditions.   The Park is paarticularly renowned for the wealth of produce it supplies, ranging from its celebrated wines to its vast array of typical foods, the apples, the peaches from Santarcangelo, the beans from Sarconi, the Canestrato di Moliterno cheese "casieddu; a fresh cheese in green fern f...

After a tour of  Hearst Castle visitors will enjoy the communities that surround San Simeon.   Directly to the south is Cambria, once a pioneering community of farmers, miners and dock workers and now a magical village tucked among towering pines.   Here, galleries mix with restaurants and an old-fashioned saloon.   Boutiques sell a variety of goods, including works by artists in nearby Harmony, a working artists' colony.   Local artwork can also be found for sale in the several shops in Harmony itself.  Information Cambria Chamber of Commerce      (805) 927 3624

The municipality of Sarnico is geographically considered the capital of Southern Lake Sebino, and is an obligatory crossroad between the Brescia and Bergamo sides of Lake Iseo, which it overlooks. Its position has greatly contributed to its development, so much so that for years has been one of the richest municipalities of Italy.  Behind the village are the remains of a quarry, almost abandoned for the famous ' Sarnico stone' dominated by the peaks of the Colle della Rocca. These vertical plates, which enrich the landscape without making it any less attractive, are visible from many miles away and point the way to the lake itself. Lake Iseo gives Sarnico remarkable and picturesque landscapes, and you can also make trips on board ferries to other lakeside localities, as well as sampling the gastronomic delights of the area. Sarnico and Lovere are the major tourist attractions of the lake and the green road route is a connection with the rural places behind the lake.  F...

Pulfero The Natisone Valleys A land to be discovered Cave Of San Giovanni in the womb of time. An illuminating architectural jewel. When you step into the cave you admire the breath-taking dimensions of the cavern, the splendid Baroque altar and the starting-point of the underground maze. A treasure chest of art. The late Gothic chapel of Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, was built by "Master Andre von Lach" In the centre of the cavern, standing in splendid isolation, the baroque altar by Bartolomeo Orari di Caporetto, the original statues of which are conserved in the Diocesan Museum in Udine. Symbols, written signs and enigmas, from a mysterious past. The many mysteries held by the iconography of the Church / Cave of San Giovanni d' Antroexert a unique effect on tourists and scholars, alike. Exploring a fascinating underground world. The Cave of San Giovanni d'Antro is more than a supremely interesting example of art and cu...

I Perche delle Coccole di Mosconi Giovanni S.A.S Stretta Monte di Pieta 1 Cividale Del Friuli You find us on :    facebook                              Instagram

The headland of Miramare is located only a  few kilometres from the city centre of Trieste .  Here, in a privileged position vertically to the sea, the white castle wanted by Maximillan of the Asburgo family of Austria (1832 - 1867)  Francis Joseph's younger brother. Open:  Castello   9.00 - 19.00  all year round Tickets till 18.30 Park: 08.00 -  17.00 Nov to Feb 08.00 - 18.00  Mar to Oct 08.00 - 19.00  Apr - Sept Via Ghega 17 Tel:   040 369680 Web:  www.castello-miramare.it

 1:   Santa Giuila, Museo della citta'        Piazza Paolo V1        2:   Duomo Vecchio  3:   Castello  Museo delle Armi  L. Marzoli e Museo e Museo del Risogimento  4:    Museo Diocesano  5:    Teatro Grande  6:    Area archeologica del Capitolium  7:    Piazza della Vittoria  8:    Museo Mille Miglia  9:    Piazza della Loggia 10:   Biblioteca Queriniana 11.:  Chiesa diS. Afra in S, Eufemia 12:   Chiesa di S Angela Merici 13:    Chiesa di S, Agata 14:    Chiesa di S Giorgio 15:    Chiesa dei SS Nazaro e Celso 16:    Chiesa di S. Lorenzo 17:   Chiesa di S. Clemente 18:   Chiesa di S Alessandro 19:   Chiesa di S Giuseppe 20:   Chiesa di S Giovanni 21:   ...

A Botanical Paradise Discover all the magic of an oasis of perfect peace and quiet, where you can dream and relax, surrounded by more than 1700 varieties of subtropical plants. Info Isole di Brissago tel:    +41 091 791 43 61 fax:   +41 091 791 07 63 e mail:   decs isole.brissago@ti.ch web:      www.isolebrissago.ch Info boat:  tel:   +41 91 751 61 40

The amazing landscape of the Langhe Roero territory a UNESCO World Heritage site candidate, enchants heritage, nature and sport lovers, and those who wish to relax in the countryside atmosphere, far from the noise of the city immersing yourself in these beautiful hills, exploring their paths and discovering their natural environment is an experience for life. Exploring these hills on foot on horseback or mountain bike, your eyes may indulge on the breathtaking landscapes, that you will see along the way.  Suggested itineraries will take you to the sites described by Pavese and Fenoglio, which will captivate you to the point that you'll forget the rest of the world. Associazione Culturale Terre Alte c/o Palazzo della Pretura Cortemilia Tel:   +39 333 4668388 E:   infp@terretaltacn.it W:   www.terrealtacn.it

Lake Moro, Luine and Monticolo Intermunicipal Park Luine Municipal Park The Park embraces a broad area in the territories of Darfo Boario Terme and Angolo Terme where one finds the Luine Municipal Park and the Corni Freschi Archaeological Site. The Luine Municipal Park, expanding over the three hillslide areas, Crape., Simoni and Luine, can be crossed through three visiting itneraries and it counts over 100 rocks of characteristic purplishred Simona Stone.  The variety and age of the engravings - some of the most ancient depicitions of the Valley can be seen here, dating between 13,000 and 10,000 years b.p. - and the presence of a prehistoric  and proto--historic settlement make Luine a place of exceptional interest.  The park has its own Educational Centre. Information Address:  Gorzone suburb, Luine area, 25047 Darfo Boario Terme (Brescia) Mobile:   +39 348 7374467 Web:    www.darfoboarioterme.gov.it Free Admission Corni Fr...

The Unesco Site Known worldwide for its rock art, recognized as World Heritage Site by Unesco, Valle Camonica has always been synonym with Culture, Art and History. In addition to the invaluable archaeological heritage of Roman Age, the very beautiful churches frescoed by great artists of the Renaissance, the numerous medieval villages and castles, and an operative museum system, Valle Camonica also means Nature and Sport, thanks to the presence of important Ski areas, the cycle track along the Oglio River and the numerous routes for mountain bike, in a diversified landscape, from the glacier to the lake, characterized by 55% of protected surface, kept by the Nature Network of Valle Camonica where the Parks of Adamello and Stelvio stand out, allowing for countless outdoor hikesw.  But Valle Camonica is also Wellbeing, in the modern spas of Boario and Angolo, and Flavours thanks to a rich basket of typical products and recipes from the Camunian tradition. This and much more i...

Lecce Baroque Capital of Weekends Lecce, the beautiful capital of Salento in Southern Italy is the pearl of Baroque. The city's beauty is in the rich artistic and architectural heritage that has inspired artists and movie-makers.  While the landscapes is one of the most beautiful and un-spoilt in southern Italy.  The historical centre is bright and sunny during the day, and fills up every night thanks to the "movida" for the young and young at heart, with delicious dinners and cocktails and all types of music and jam-sessions on offer. Weekend promotional offers are available with discounts from 10% to 20% on airport transfers, hotels, restaurants, craft shops and art shops. in the centre you can enjoy free tours, paper -mache' and antique shopping. Lecce is only 20 minutes from the Airport of Salento (Brindisi) which is connected with frequent low cost public transport links. www.lecceweekendbreak.net