Italy Travel Style Vol. 1

ITALYVOL. 1 

T r a v e l & S t y l e 

JANUARY 2024 

BEST OF 

ITALY 

TRAVEL 

& STYLE 

Featured: 

Lake Como in Winter 

Where to Sip Aperitivo in Milan 

Italy’s Most Beautiful Gardens 

Travel Diary: Valtellina Wine Tour 

The Matterhorn Valley of Cervinia 

Food Festivals in Florence

Locals 

PLAN 

YOU TRAVEL 

Personalized guidebooks 

for every kind of traveler. 

Location: Mantua, Italy 

Photo: C. Abernethy

Personalized Itineraries 

If you are planning a trip abroad and don’t 

know where to begin, we’ve got you 

covered! Viahero.com connects you with 

locals who share their insights, knowledge 

and tips so you get the best out of your 

travel experience. 

Find a Hero in over 20 countries worldwide. 

Viahero is for independent travelers who 

want to connect with and support local 

businesses, tour guides and communities. 

Your local Hero will recommend their 

personal favorites, rather than the cookiecutter 

solutions that most agencies provide. 

Get started today by connecting with a 

Hero in your next travel destination. 

Your hero in Italy 

Celia Abernethy 

Viahero.com/celia6150

ITALY 


ItalyTravelStyle.com 

The Best of Italy, Travel & Style 

Founder & Editor 


Deputy Editor 

Nadia Murabet 

Contributors 

Veronica Oni 

Anthony Ryan 

Nathia Capote 

Alex Malighetti 

Marcia Constantine 

italytravelstyle.com 

editor@italytravelstyle.com 

@italytravelstyle 

c/o ABERNETHY 

Via Orti 2, 20122 Milan, Italy 

abernethy.it 

Inside Vol. 1 

TRAVEL 


Where to Sip an Apertivo in Milan 

Italy’s Most Beautiful Gardens 

Travel Diary: Valtellina Wine Tour 

Escape To An Exclusive Forest Spa 

The Matterhorn Valley of Cervinia 

Downtime, the Luggage to Sit on 

LIFESTYLE 

Best Food Festivals in Florence 

Recipe: Ribollita 

Creating a Capsule Wardrobe 

5 favorites: Shopping Areas in Milan 

Orange Fiber: The Fruit of Fashion 

Italy Travel & Style is part of a series of digital, downloadable guides published by Celia 

Abernethy. Each digital collective volume is distributed online by digital publishers such 

as MagCloud.com, Amazon.com and Gumroad.com. 

This digital product contains some promotional content and links for educational and 

informative purposes. Links like these help support the content creators and small, local 

businesses we endorse. By purchasing from a partner link, we may earn a small 

commission. This does not infringe on the quality or integrity of the information 

provided. Contact us for further information: editor@italytravelstyle.com. 

Images are sourced and licensed from the photo owner, Picfair, Getty Images via Canva 

Pro, Depositphotos, Pexel, Unsplash and Dreamstime. 

Italy Travel & Style does not represent a journalistic news publication. Editions are 

occasional and do not have periodic publishing dates. 

All rights reserved Copyright © 2024 - Celia Abernethy

From the Editor 

Welcome to the debut volume of Italy Travel 

& Style! Each volume promises an eclectic 

mix of people, places and experiences. Italy 

Travel & Style opens the doors to a world of 

lifestyle, luxury, and travel in Italy. 

Living in Italy is like swimming in a fjord of 

creativity and inspiration. Italy Travel & Style is 

my medium and way of sharing it with you. 

Known for its fashion and culture, Milan is the 

perfect starting point for your Italian 

adventure. From the chic boutiques of Via 

Montenapoleone to Michelin-starred 

restaurants, Milan radiates with an 

unmatched elegance. 

Although specialized in Milan and Lake 

Como, our mission extends far beyond. 

Italy is a treasure trove of history, culture, and 

breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're 

seeking enchanting botanical gardens, 

award-winning wines, or the romantic allure 

of a winter retreat, our pages are your 

passport to exclusive experiences and hidden 

gems. 

Celia Abernethy, your travel advisor in Italy. 

Location: Villa Monastero, Lake Como 

Go beyond the ordinary and discover Italy 

with a tailor-made itinerary. We can assist 

you in designing a personalized plan to savor 

regional cuisines, explore rich history, and 

enjoy exquisite accommodations. 

Subscribe to Italy Travel & Style 

italytravelstyle.com/subscribe 

Schedule a consultation 

calendly.com/celiainitaly 

Your journey begins here. 

3 

Safe travels, 

Celia A. 

Editor & Travel Advisor 

ITALY TRAVEL & STYLE VOL. 1

About Italy Travel & Style 

Italy Travel & Style is the evolution and 

collection of selected articles from the 

MilanoStyle and LakeComoStyle blogs, 

founded by former NY /Milan fashion model 

Celia Abernethy. Both have grown from 

blogs about living in Italy to extensive 

lifestyle and travel guides with an annual 

readerships of over 845K. 

After a career in fashion, traveling and living 

in New York, Paris, London, Barcelona, 

Madrid, and Tokyo, she settled in Milan 

pursuing a career in graphic design and 

marketing. To offset the monotonous task 

of commercial copywriting, blogging about 

her travels and experiences became a 

creative outlet. 

Through storytelling, she weaves a tapestry 

of informative content that inspires and 

guides style-savvy travelers looking to 

experience the beauty of Italy. 

Celia’s writing appears on HuffPost, 

Medium, Forbes Travel Guide, Lux-Afrique, 

and more. 

She offers custom itineraries and 

consultations, and is a 5-star travel advisor 

with ViaHero (USA). 


TRAVEL 

Photo C. Abernethy / Picfair

TRAVEL 

Lake Como 

in Winter 

Location: View from Gravedona ed Uniti 

Photo: C. Abernethy


by Celia Abernethy | Italy Travel & Style 

Lake Como is a popular destination in the 

spring and summer months for visitors 

looking for La Dolce Vita. Visions of sitting 

on a terrace overlooking the lake sipping 

prosecco, or gliding across the sapphire 

waters in a vintage style motorboat are 

what usually come to mind when dreaming 

about Lake Como. 

However, winter is a beautiful time to visit. 

There is a charming, mysterious 

atmosphere on the lake in the winter. 

It is true, many of the revolving doors of the 

luxury hotels stop spinning in the colder 

months, but you can still find smaller hotels 

and apartment rentals. Larger, residential 

cities like Como, and Lecco are open for 

business all year long. 

The Climate 

Temperatures are mild with winter days 

generally between 5°C and 10°C (40-50°F). 

January is the coldest month and mercury 

readings have been known to drop down to 

1°C or 2°C (33-35°F) with unforgiving freezing 

temperatures at night. According to climatedata.org, 

January to March have the lowest 

levels of precipitation. 

When it rains in town, you can expect snow 

in the mountains. This is good news for 

skiers and weekend snow bunnies. 

It never freezes over enough for ice skating. 

Some of the adjacent lakes such as Pusiano 

superficially freeze, but are quite dangerous. 


Loction: View from the Campanile San Nicolò belltower in Lecco 

Photo: C. Abernethy / Picfair

Christmas Markets & Lights 

Most Italian Christmas markets are held in 

the mountain areas like Trentino-Alto Adige 

and Bolzano, but lake cities like Como and 

Lecco have Christmas markets, and their 

popularity is growing each year. 

Como usually has a particularly beautiful 

Christmas display. They have nicknamed it 

La Città dei Balocchi (named after 

Pinocchio’s adventure in The Land of Fools). 

Traditionally, a fanciful light display is 

projected directly onto the cathedral and 

18th-century buildings in the main square 

of Piazza Duomo. In an effort to promote 

nearby villages, La Città dei Balocchi festival 

has been moved. For example, the 2022 and 

2023 editions were held in Cernobbio. 

Nativity scenes and market stalls are also 

set up in towns throughout the area, some 

are staged with live actors. Dates and 

locations can be found on 

cittadeibalocchi.it. 

Lecco, located on the eastern branch of 

Lake Como traditionally holds a wonderful 

light show, market and ice skating rink. The 

open square of Piazza XX Settembre is a 

great place to stop and have a cup of hot 

chocolate and watch the light display. Go 

shopping in the city center on Via Roma 

and Via Cattaneo to find special gifts and 

more Christmas atmosphere. Visit the 

Campanile di San Nicolò belltower, for a 

birdseye view of the city lights. 

Feel the frost 

Take a walk into the woods and see the 

marvel of nature at work. Small streams and 

waterfalls are found along trails and in 

January and February it is not unusual to see 

them iced over. Contact nature excursion 

guide Elena Pettinicchio at Taste & Travel 

Italy (tasteandtravelitaly.com). She will safely 

show you around the trails of Lake Como 

throughout the year. 

Where to Stay 

Located on the hilltop overlooking the 

Bellagio promentory with a full 360° view of 

both the Lecco and Como branches of Lake 

Como, The Hotel Il Perlo Panorama is open 

all year long. On a clear day you can see the 

snow capped peaks of the Swiss Alps in the 

distance. This modest boutique hotel also 

has an outstanding restaurant and a fivestar 

panoramic view. 

booking.com/il-perlo-panorama 


Milan Airports 

TRAVEL 

LIFESTYLE 

Where to 

Sip an 

Aperitvo 

in Milan 

Location: Camparino, Piazza Duomo 21, Milan 

Photo: C. Abernethy

Aperitivo in Milan 

by Anthony Ryan | Italy Travel & Style 

Milan is known for many things; it’s the 

fashion capital of the world, home to the 

iconic Duomo Cathedral and the San Siro 

Stadium. 

Its vibrant nightlife has also been a major 

draw for tourists. Even if you don’t like 

clubbing or discos, you must take part in 

the Milanese ritual, the aperitivo. 

Loosely translated as “happy hour,” 

aperitivo means, “to open the appetite” and 

is an enjoyable prelude to dinner. 

On any day, especially on weekends, locals 

and tourists pack the bars and restaurants 

from 6-9 PM for aperitivo. With a delicious 

handcrafted cocktail and unlimited food, 

it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. 

Here are some of the best aperitivo bars in 

Milan! 

Camparino 

Piazza Duomo 21, Milano 

Camparino Bar, located in the heart of 

Milan, is a historic and iconic establishment 

that has been a beloved part of the city’s 

social and cultural scene for over a century. 

Nestled in the bustling Galleria Vittorio 

Emanuele II, one of Milan’s most famous 

and elegant shopping arcades, Camparino 

Bar offers a unique blend of tradition, 

sophistication, and a timeless atmosphere. 

Terrazza Aperol 

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan 

Terrazzo Aperol overlooks the iconic Piazza 

Duomo, a perfect place to spend some time 

with a drink in hand admiring the view. 

Terrazza Aperol is at the center of Milan’s 

nightlife and aperitivo scene and has one of 

the most breathtaking views in the city. 

Bar Basso 

Via Plinio, 39 Milan 

Bar Basso makes it onto every list of 

aperitivo bars in Milan and is 

accredited as being the first 

place to introduce the 

aperitif to Milan. Locals 

know it for its traditional 

Italian decor and signature 

cocktail, Negroni Sbagliatos. 

Legend says the cocktail 

was invented here. 


Aperitivo is usually served with an appetizer 

Photo C. Abernethy / Picfair 

Photo Pixel Away / Getty Images 

Aperol or Campari Spritz are popular 

Order un tagliere of cold cuts and cheeses 


Fonderie Milanesi 

Via Giovenale, 7, Milan 

Fonderie Milanesi is an off-the-beaten-path 

spot for tourists, but not for locals. This little 

gem is hidden in the narrow streets near the 

Navigli District. Inside, you’ll find a trendy 

rustic vibe. Wooden beams hang from 

exposed brick walls and classic furniture is 

dotted over the stylish patterned tiled floors. 

If you only have time for one aperitivo while 

in town, it should be in the Navigli District. 

It’s in the southwest end of Milan and home 

to Venice-like canals and is the perfect hot 

spot for an aperitivo. Strolling the 

neighborhood you will find plenty of wine 

bars, pubs and restaurants. 

There is truly no shortage of aperitivo bars in 

Milan. Aperitivo culture in Milan is a way of 

life. If you are visiting Milan, make sure to 

experience the aperitivo. It is a great way to 

immerse yourself in the local culture and 

meet new people. 

Mag Milano 

Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 43, Milan 

Fortunately, Mag Milano is located in one of 

the most picture-perfect spots of the canal 

district. Not only are the views stunning, but 

they serve arguably one of the best Aperol 

spritz cocktails. 

Un Posto a Milano 

Via Privata Cuccagna, 2/4, 

Un Posto a Milano is a bit of a hidden gem 

when it comes to aperitivo. The converted 

rustic farmhouse feels different from the 

usual urban aperitivo bars. The pretty 

courtyard has a relaxed yet upbeat 

atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to sip an 

aperitivo on a sunny afternoon. The snacks 

are great but you can also stay for a meal at 

the restaurant, open for lunch and dinner. 

Book a tour 

Milan Mix Aperitivo Food Tour 

Discover the best of Milan with this food 

tour of the Naviglio canal district in Milan. 

Viator.com/MilanMix 


Photo Studio Edyth / Canva Pro 

TRAVEL 

Italy’s 

Most 

Beautiful 

Gardens 

(Some You’ve Probably Never Heard Of) 

Location: Giardino Giusti, Verona 

Photo: Studio Edyth

Gardens of Italy 

by Celia Abernethy| Italy Travel & Style 

Giardino Giusti (Verona) 

Head to Verona, the city that inspired the 

unforgettable Shakespearean play, Romeo 

and Juliet and delight in the terraced 

gardens of the Giardino Giusti. The 

gardens were created in the late 1400’s and 

has a hedge maze and a beautiful 

collection of statues dotted around the 

gardens. The views of the city of Verona 

from the terraces are equally breathtaking. 

One wing of the villa is open to the public. 

Step back in time to an era of elegance, 

fine art and frescoes by Veronese painter 

Francesco Lorenzi (1720-1784) depicting 

mythological themes and motifs. 

Best time to visit 

Open all year, closed only on Christmas day. 

giardinogiusti.com 

@giardinogiusti 

Where to stay 

Hotel Villa Giona is a 16th-century mansion 

house in the heart of Valpolicella, in San 

Pietro in Cariano just minutes from Verona. 

The hotel has a gorgeous garden of its own 

as well as fine dining and luxury suits. 


Photo Imago Dens / Getty Images 

VillaGiona.it

Photo J. Wildman / Getty Images 

Photo Bret Charlton / Getty Images 

Photo Marco Scisetti / Getty Images 

Villa Carlotta (Lake Como) 

Villa Carlotta and its stunning garden can 

be found in Tremezzo, on Lake Como. 

Tremezzo is accessible by ferry from 

Bellagio or can be reached easily from other 

towns of Lake Como. 

The property is spread over 17 acres, so 

allow plenty of time to get around and see 

it all when visiting. 

The gardens were partially redesigned in 

1801, and the once very formal gardens have 

since developed into a botanical garden 

with over 1000 trees and 200 roses. There 

are more than 800 species of plants to be 

found here! 

The mansion house museum holds the 

private art collection of previous owner 

Giovanni Battista Sommariva. 

Among the collection is the stunning 1823 

masterpiece by Francesco Hayez, The Kiss. 


Open from mid-March to early November 

but they also host special events and 

educational botanical workshops during 

the winter months. 

villacarlotta.it/.com 

@villacarlotta_lakecomo 

Where to stay 

The Grand Hotel Tremezzo once shared the 

same property and is separated only by an ornate 

gate within walking distance. Enjoy the gardens, 

spa, golf, swimming pool and luxury dining. 

booking.com/GrandHotelTremezzo 


Location: Hotel Villa Giona, San Pietro in Cariano (Verona) 

Photo: Fabio Petrone

The Monumental Gardens of 

Valsanzibio (Padua) 

The Monumental Gardens of Valsanzibio at 

the Villa Barbarigo Pizzoni Ardemani is 

often referred to as “The little Versailles” or 

“The Pearl of the Euganee Hills”. A 

seventeenth-century Venetian palace built 

by Giovani Francesco Barbarigo and his 

sons in Galzignano Terme. The villa is 

embraced by a classic Italian garden with 

18 distinct sections. Each area invites the 

visitor into a world of its own. 

Photo Abile / Getty Images 

A lush, green labyrinth, a majestic 

promenade with dancing water fountains, 

ponds with exotic fish and a pool with rare 

black swans are just some of the surprises 

Villa Barbarigo Pizzoni Ardemani holds. The 

villa itself cannot be visited, as it is occupied 

by the current residents. 


Open from the last weekend of February to 

the second weekend of December. 

valsanzibiogiardino.com 

@giardinovalsanzibio 

Where to stay 

Photo C. Abernethy 

The area is rich with natural hot springs 

and hilly roads great for mountain bike 

enthusiasts. Stay at the Esplanade 

Tergesteo five star luxury spa in 

Montegrotto Terme. A special retreat 

located in this off-the-beaten-track 

destination. 

booking.com/EsplanadeTergesteo. 


Photo Robby1977 / Getty Images 

Villa Taranto Gardens 

(Lake Maggiore) 

Located in Pallanza on Lake Maggiore, the 

Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens were 

designed between 1931-1940, although not 

open to the public until 1952. 

It hosts almost 20,000 different varieties of 

plants and vegetation. Spend the day 

leisurely strolling the 7 km of pathways that 

wind throughout the gardens. Don’t miss 

the Lotus Garden which is absolutely 

spectacular. 

villataranto.it 

@villa_taranto_official 

Photo coffeechcolate / Getty Images 

In 1931, Scottish Captain Neil Boyd Mc 

Eacharn bought the villa and gardens after 

having seen a “For Sale” ad in The Times. 

The grounds were donated to the state and 

are open to the public during the spring 

months. the villa, however, cannot be 

visited. 

Where to stay 

Housed in a 19th century villa in the lakeside 

town of Verbania, the Grand Hotel Majestic 

offers lakeside views, a private garden, 

wellness spa and tennis court. 

booking.com/GrandHotelMajestic 


Travel Diary 

Valtellina 

Wine Tour 

Location: The terraced vineyards of the Valtellina Valley 

Photo: Clodio / Getty Images

Valtellina Wine Tour 


It’s 8:30 AM in Varenna, one of Lake Como’s 

most charming villages. The day hasn’t 

even begun for most of the holiday makers 

here. 

Today I am going on a wine and chesse tour 

of the Valtellina Wine Valley with Lake 

Como for You (lakecomoforyou.com). We’ll 

be tasting cheeses at an authentic Italian 

bottega, doing a private wine tasting at two 

local wine producers, and having a lunch on 

the panoramic terrace in a 16th century 

house. 

The meeting point is at the ferry stop in 

Varenna. A sparkling grey van with smoked 

windows is waiting. The driver, Alessio will 

accompany me and four other guests on a 

day of exclusive access to the Valtellina 

wine world. 

The unique dry stone walls of the terraced 

landscape has been added to the Unesco list 

of the intangible cultural heritage of 

humanity. 

As we get closer to Valtellina, Alessio 

describes the terrain. “Valtellina is different 

from other valleys of the Alpine region. Most 

valleys run North to South, the Valtellina 

valley runs West to East. This position is 

good for wine cultivation because the 

terraced hills get sun exposure all day long. 

Although it gets cold in winter, the ground 

never freezes which is good for the vines.” 

Although we didn’t drive very far, you can 

already feel the mountain air and the rustic 

architecture tells us that we are in the Alps. 

The town of Morbegno is a small mountain 

village with medieval origins. 

The Valtellina Valley is about 36 km (22 mi) 

from Varenna. The drive takes us north 

towards Colico. The road is narrow and 

curvy and I am very thankful that an 

experienced local is doing the driving! The 

road hugs the shoreline and looks out to 

the vast open blue waters of Lake Como. 

After passing Fort Fuentes, the scenery 

transforms as we enter the valley. The blue 

lakeside scenery turns to a deep, rich green. 

Unlike Tuscany or Piedmont where the 

vineyards sit on sleepy hills, the Valtellina 

wine country dramatically climbs up the 

side of the mountain. 



Our first stop is Fratelli Ciapponi a historical 

bottega full of gourmet delights. The shop 

dates back to 1883 and has been in the 

same family for over 100 years! We are 

invited into the wine cellar, which descends 

three levels underground. 

You can feel the temperature drop going 

down the first flight of stairs. The thick walls 

dug into the mountain rock naturally 

insulate the cellar. Barrels and bottles of 

wines, massive wheels of cheese and 

dangling salami fill the nooks and crannies 

of the dim vault. 

After a lesson on wine storage and the 

process of cheese aging, we went upstairs 

for a cheese tasting. We tried Casera 

cheese; aged one year, two years and 

another that was matured for ten years. The 

ten-year cheese was firm and savory 

whereas the young cheese was mild and 

soft. 

I completely agreed with Heather, one of 

my travel companions when she said “I 

could stay here all day!” 

Our next stop is the Balgera Winery, a small 

family run vineyard in the town of Chiuro. 

Brothers Matteo and Luca are learning the 

ropes, or shall I say “vines”, from their father 

Paolo. Matteo takes us for a tour of the 

grounds, the vats room and the cellar. We 

also had a preview of the new cellar they 

are building. We are welcomed into the 

salon of their 16th-century house where 

Matteo gives us an in-depth lesson on 

winemaking and the Valtellina terrain. We 

try the Valgella, Sasella, and Sforzato. 

We also get a little sample of their Valtellina 

Superiore along with Bresaola (cured beef), 

an aged Casera cheese and Scimudin, a soft 

cheese from the northern region. 

I not only went home with a bottle of Sasella, 

but I learned about the hard work that goes 

into producing a bottle of wine. It was lovely 

being welcomed into their home. 

Just a two-minute-drive from Chiuro, is the 

village of Ponte In Valtellina where we have 

lunch at Ristorante Cerere. We are served a 

Valtellinese lunch fit for a king. We start with 

Sciatt, beef bresaola and venison bresaola. A 

main dish of Pizzochieri, and of course, 

locally produced wine. 

Photos C. Abernethy / Picfair 


During the appetizer, Alessio, our guide tells 

us, “Sciatt means toad.” Stunned, we all 

stop chewing. He laughs and says “No, it’s 

not really a toad! They just call them that 

because they are so ugly!” Sciatt is delicious 

battered and fried cheese. 

Our final stop is the Nino Negri Vineyards. 

Dotted along the hillside, Negri is 

prominently positioned and it is 

understandable how they are able to 

produce 857,000 bottles of wine per year. 

Throughout the years, they have won 

multiple commendations and awards and 

have brought Valtellina wine production to 

the international table of wine excellence. 

Upon arriving, a tour was just starting and 

we join a group of Americans, Swedes and 

Dutch. We visit the enormous grounds and 

cellar guided by Sara, who gives us a 

behind the scenes look of the Nino Negri 

winery. 

Massive barrels of up to 8,000 liters (2113 

gallons) each sit side by side in a cellar that 

reaches a 30-meter depth. 

The wine tasting was set up on an antique 

wood farm table. We tried their Rosso di 

Valtellina, Le Tense, Inferno, Mazèr and 

Sfursat. All were outstanding, but my 

favorites were the Le Tense and Mazèr. 

The day was full and informative. The only 

thing I wish we had more time for was a 

few stops to take photos of the 

countryside. The landscape was 

extraordinary. I highly recommend this 

tour and a visit to Valtellina. 

lakecomoforyou.com 

viator.com/Valtellina 

Photos C. Abernethy / Picfair Photos C. Abernethy / Picfair 


TRAVEL 

Loction: ADLER Lodge RITTEN in South Tyrol, Italy 

Photos: Courtesy ADLER Lodge RITTEN

ADLER Lodge RITTEN 

News & Views | Italy Travel & Style 

Escape to ADLER Lodge RITTEN in South 

Tyrol, Italy, nestled in the Dolomite 

Mountains. This forest sanctuary offers a 

tranquil retreat, exclusively for guests aged 

eight and above. 

The eco-friendly chalet architecture blends 

seamlessly with the lush surroundings, 

providing a sense of well-being. Guests can 

enjoy earthy, comfortable spaces with 

large windows, a contemporary spa, and 

unique saunas under the forest canopy. 

The Aufguss sauna ritual, yoga classes, and 

ADLER Revive rituals promote inner 

balance. 

The saltwater Infinity Panorama Pool offers 

majestic mountain views. An all-inclusive 

arrangement covers meals and drinks, 

allowing you to fully unwind and enjoy 

seasonal activities and local cuisine. 

ADLER Lodge RITTEN is a nature-inspired 

escape with a focus on well-being. 

ADLER Lodge RITTEN 

Lichtenstern 20, 

39054 Soprabolzano, Italy 

Tel. +39 0471 1551 700 

info@adler-ritten.com 

adler-resorts.com 

booking.com/adler-lodge-ritten 


Matterhorn 

Valley of 

Cervinia 

Location: Plataeu Rosa 

Photo: Irina Sen/ Getty Images

Skiing the Matterhorn 

by Anthony Ryan | Italy Travel & Style 

Luxury Ski Holidays in the Matterhorn Valley 

of Cervinia, Italy, offer some of the most 

superb skiing in the Alps. Located on the 

Italy-Swiss border in the Aosta Valley, 

Cervinia is the ideal ski resort and is very 

accessible from Milan. 

Cervinia is a high altitude resort at 2000 

meters, dominated by the mighty 

Matterhorn, with reliable snow conditions 

throughout the winter from December 

right through to April. 

The long, open runs and easy gradients of 

Plateau Rosa are ideal for experienced 

beginners and intermediates from which 

you can enjoy some fantastic views. More 

advanced skiers can head to Valtournenche 

and Zermatt, Switzerland for an incredible 

ski area at their disposal. Valtournenche is 

an old village approximately 9 km from 

Cervinia whilst Zermatt is on the Swiss side, 

both link into the ski area of Cervinia. 

Cervinia’s biggest asset is its altitude and 

skiing continues well into the summer 

months on the attractive Plateau Rosa, set 

against a magnificent glacial backdrop. In 

addition there are plentiful winter activities 

such as ice-skating, snowshoe walking, 

snow bike, paragliding and cliff climbing on 

the beautiful Via Ferrata del Gorbeillon. 

of some great but demanding downhill 

descents and for more action and for the 

more adventurous skiers, there is Heli-skiing 

at Monte Rosa. The ski resort offers a 

wonderfully friendly ski playground due to 

the range of slopes and easy gradients and is 

ideally suited to beginners and 

intermediates, and for those that need it 

courses are available at the Breuil ski school. 

However for advanced skiers there are over 7 

black runs and the long run back to Plan 

Torrette. 

For Cross Country Skiers 

The Municipality of Valtournenche has two 

well-equipped cross-country trails, located at 

different altitudes, and managed under 

concession by the ASD Club de Ski 

Valtournenche. 

Photo Gorilla / Depositphotos 

For Advanced Skiers 

During powder conditions there is some 

good off piste skiing above at Cielo Alto. 

Local guides will point you in the direction 


Aerial View on Zermatt Valley Anshar/ DepositPhotos 

Both slopes are exclusively equipped with 

natural snow. 

The Champlève cross-country track is a 

3,343 km loop, measuring 4 meters in width 

and sits at an altitude of 1,850 meters above 

sea level. It is located on the road leading to 

the picturesque Cheneil basin, near a wellequipped 

picnic area. Services such as 

ticket sales and equipment rental are 

handled by the adjacent "Champlève" bar. 

The Breuil-Cervinia cross-country track, at 

2014 meters above sea level, spans 5.5 km 

with a 4-meter width. Access the ticket 

office and ski rentals via the nearby Club 

House del Golf. 

Snow conditions are monitored by webcam 

on the Valle d’Aosta Region website. 

Ski Lifts & Gondolas 

Transport in the Cervinia ski resort is up to 

date and there are modern lift facilities 

which means you don’t have to worry about 

troublesome queues. Seven lifts cater to 21 

km of piste and for beginners and 

intermediate skiers there are 28 lifts on the 

Italian side which extend down towards 

Valtournenche at 1524 m. A gondola and 

cable car will take you up from Cervinia to 

Plan Maison and from Plan Maison there are 

numerous chairs and a gondola that will 

take you up to Plateau Rosa. 

During your stay you may wish to go on a 

sunny day trip to Zermatt, Switzerland, 

which is possible. Invest in a one day 

supplement to the local lift pass. 

Ski down the The Odul Gletscher to 

Trockener Steg or return to Cervinia on the 

8 km classic Ventina run. 


What else to do in Cervinia 

When you are not on the slopes the resort 

also has many lively bars, cafes and shops to 

cater for all your needs on your luxury ski 

holidays to Cervinia. In the summer months, 

hiking, mountain biking, picnics, rock 

climbing golf and tennis are popular. 

Shopping 

Breuil-Cervinia the historical center main 

street Via Carrel is full of shops and 

restaurants at the foot of the Matterhorn. 

and is especially picturesque during the 

winter when the holiday lights twinkle and 

stars shine in the clear mountain sky. 

What & Where to eat in Cervinia 

Typical dishes of the Aosta Valley cuisine 

include La fonduta made with melted 

Fontina cheese, Polenta Concia, baked 

yellow flour polenta with slices of fontina 

cheese and butter Seupa à la Vapelenentse 

a tasty regional soup Civet di camoscio 

made with polenta , potatoes and chamois 

meat. 

Restaurant Alpage 

Loc. Lago Blu, 4, 

11028 Breuil-Cervinia, Valtournenche Italia 

Tel. +39 0166 949398 

Grill Le Cervin 

Bahnhofstrasse 31, Zermatt 3920 Svizzera 

Tel. +41 27 966 88 88 

The village of Breuil-Cervinia/ DepositPhotos 

Where to stay in Cervinia 

If you are looking for five-star 

accommodation,The Hotel Hermitage 

Relais & Châteaux is located at the foot 

of the Matterhorn, 2049.78 meters above 

sea level, and offers a free shuttle to the 

ski lifts. The Hermitage suites offer 

private balconies with panoramic views 

of Mount Cervino’s southern slope. 

Rooms come in a variety of sizes and 

include satellite TV, DVD players, and 

independent air conditioning. 

There’s a spa with an indoor heated pool 

and La Prairie face and body treatments. 

La Chandelle, the restaurant at the 

Hermitage serves traditional Aosta Valley 

cuisine. 

hotelhermitage.com 

booking.com/hotelhermitage 


TRAVEL TIPS 

Photos: Courtesy itLuggage

ItLuggage 

News & Views | Italy Travel & Style 

it Luggage Unveils the "Downtime" Sit-On 

Suitcase: A Game-Changer for Travelers 

it Luggage, the renowned global luggage 

brand, introduces its latest innovation, the 

"Downtime" Sit-On Suitcase, designed to 

revolutionize the travel experience. 

Priced at only £50 ($60.62), this cabin-sized 

wonder offers a host of features, including a 

unique sit-on design for weary travelers to 

rest, optimal cabin sizing to breeze through 

airline regulations, a spacious interior with 

clever compartments, durable construction, 

external organization pockets, 8-spinner 

wheels for easy maneuverability, and a 

reassuring 10-year warranty. 

A reinforced structure can take loads of up to 

220lbs/100kg. Take a rest from standing without 

putting a dent in your case. 

Avialable in Black, Green, Pink and Blue. 

Amazon 

it Luggage continues its commitment to 

stylish, practical luggage that's affordable, 

with the "Downtime" Sit-On. 

Suitcase available exclusively at 

www.itluggage.com and on Amazon. 

Your ultimate travel companion has arrived, 

promising comfort, convenience, and lasting 

value. 

www.itluggage.com 

@itluggage 


LIFESTYLE 

Photo C. Abernethy / Picfair

LIFESTYLE 

Location: Food festival cooking show 

Photo: Evevate / Pexels

Food Festivals in Florence 

by Nathia Capote | Italy Travel & Style 

Indulge in the culinary delights of Florence 

by exploring its exquisite food festivals. 

Enter a world of gastronomic wonders and 

cultural experiences that will tantalize your 

taste buds and awaken your senses. 

From the rich flavors of Tuscan cuisine to the 

mouth-watering aromas of freshly baked 

bread and pastries, there is something for 

every food lover to savor. 

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a 

part of these extraordinary food festivals. A 

vibrant atmosphere and delectable flavors 

will help you create memories that will last a 

lifetime. 

Plan your visit to Florence and experience a 

culinary journey like no other. 

Popular Food Festivals in Florence 

When it comes to food festivals in Florence, 

there are two events that stand out among 

the rest: the Gelato Festival and the San 

Miniato Truffle Fair. The Gelato Festival is a 

delightful celebration dedicated to the 

beloved Italian treat, showcasing a variety of 

gelato flavors crafted by renowned artisans. 

On the other hand, the San Miniato Truffle 

Fair is a gastronomic marvel, offering visitors 

the opportunity to indulge in the rare and 

exquisite truffles that are synonymous with 

the region. The Taste Florence Festival is 

fairly new but has gained popularity and 

prestige in local and international culinary 

circles. 

The Gelato Festival 

Usually takes place in April or May 

At the Gelato Festival, visitors can delight in 

a diverse array of meticulously crafted gelato 

flavors, from classics like chocolate to 

unique blends such as salted caramel with 

pistachio. The event hosts gelato-making 

competitions, allowing established and 

emerging talents to showcase their skills 

and creativity, competing for recognition as 

the best in the artisanal ice cream craft. 

Visitors can also engage in workshops and 

demonstrations that unveil the techniques 

and secrets behind crafting exceptional 

gelato. 

Keep an open mind and try some odd 

combinations. Venture beyond the classics 

and make the most of your gelato-tasting 

adventure by considering the most unique 

and exotic flavors first. From saffron-infused 

delicacies to balsamic vinegar surprises, 

these rare gems often run out quickly. 


The Taste Florence Food Festival 

Dates vary 

A prominent gastronomic event, celebrates 

the culinary excellence of Florence with food 

stalls, chef-led workshops, and cooking 

demonstrations. Visitors can enjoy 

traditional dishes, local wines, and 

immersive experiences in food and wine 

pairing. The festival also features live music, 

creating a vibrant atmosphere. 

Engaging with local artisans and producers, 

guests explore culinary traditions of 

Florence, unique ingredients, and innovative 

cooking techniques. 

Book in advance and review the variety rich 

event program. 

This dynamic blend of traditional and 

contemporary flavors aims to showcase the 

city's rich gastronomic heritage and foster 

community appreciation for local producers. 

The San Miniato Truffle Fair 

Usually takes place in November 

Explore the world of truffles at the San 

Miniato Truffle Fair in Florence. Delight in 

expertly crafted truffle dishes, from creamy 

pastas to savory risottos, showcasing the 

region's finest flavors. Beyond the culinary 

experience, the fair, rooted in centuries of 

history, celebrates Florence's cultural 

heritage, providing a platform for local 

artisans, farmers, and truffle hunters. 

Wander through a lively marketplace 

featuring stalls with a diverse selection of 

truffles, wines, cheeses, and regional 

specialties, and engage with passionate 

vendors eager to share their truffle expertise. 

See events on Feel Florence, the official 

tourism office for the city of Florence, Italy. 

feelflorence.it/en/events 

@feelflorenceofficial 


Recipe: Ribollita 

by Vanessa Ortega | Italy Travel & Style 

Vanessa Ortega founder of Amome.it, a 

guide and method of integrating healthy 

living, yoga practice, and philosophy into 

daily living, shares her favorite winter recipe. 

Ribollita is a traditional Italian soup 

originating from Tuscany, known for its 

hearty, healthy and comforting qualities. 

The name "Ribollita" translates to "reboiled,” 

referring to the practice of reheating and 

enjoying it over multiple days. 

This rustic dish is a perfect example of 

cucina povera, or "peasant cooking," making 

use of simple, readily available ingredients 

like vegetables, beans, and stale bread. The 

result is a thick, flavorful soup that embodies 

the essence of a healthy meal. 

Ingredients: 

250g (about 1 cup) dried cannellini beans, 

soaked overnight 

2 tablespoons olive oil 

1 onion, finely chopped 

2 carrots, diced 

2 celery stalks, diced 

1-2 cloves garlic, minced 

400g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes 

1 bunch of kale, stems removed and 

leaves chopped 

1 small cabbage, shredded 

1 rosemary sprig 

2 bay leaves 

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste 

1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste 

1 liter (4 cups) vegetable broth 

200g (about 2 cups) stale bread, torn into 

pieces 

Instructions: 

Rinse the soaked cannellini beans and cook 

them in a large pot of boiling water until 

tender. Drain and set aside. 

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over 

medium heat. Add the chopped onion, 

carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until 

the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 

minutes. 

Add the canned tomatoes, kale, cabbage, 

rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. 

Stir well to combine. 

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the 

cooked cannellini beans. Bring the mixture 

to a simmer and let it cook for about 30 

minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. 

Add the torn stale bread to the pot, stirring 

to incorporate. Continue to simmer for an 

additional 10-15 minutes, or until the bread 

has dissolved into the soup, creating a thick, 

stew-like consistency. 

Adjust the seasoning to taste and remove 

the rosemary sprig and bay leaves before 

serving. 

Serve the Ribollita hot, drizzled with a bit of 

olive oil and accompanied by a sprinkle of 

grated Parmesan cheese if desired. 

Enjoy! This classic Tuscan dish gets better 

with each reheating. 


STYLE 

Style tips for travel 

Photo: Porechenskaya

Essentials for Creating 

Capsule Wardrobe 

by Veronica Oni | Italy Travel & Style 

Photos: Porechenskaya 

What is a Capsule Wardrobe? 

Ideal for travel, a capsule wardrobe is 

typically defined as a small collection of 

timeless, versatile, and high-quality clothing 

items that can be mixed and matched to 

create a variety of outfits for different 

occasions. 

The idea is to have a wardrobe that is 

streamlined and curated to fit your personal 

style and lifestyle needs, without the clutter 

of unnecessary pieces. It’s also a perfect 

solution for the style-savvy traveler. 

Choose timeless, quality pieces over trendy 

fast fashion to cultivate an elegant look and 

gradually shape your unique style. 

How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe 

Get started by cleaning out your closet. Use 

the Marie Kondo way; “If it gives you joy, 

keep it,” or simply ask yourself “Have I used 

this in the past year?” When shopping for 

new items, ask yourself, “Can I match it with 

two other things I already own?” If the 

answer is “no,” then it will most likely stay in 

your closet. If the answer is “yes,” you will get 

good use out of it. Don’t be shy about 

investing in quality garments. 


Essentials for a Capsule Wardrobe 

The magic of a capsule wardrobe lies in its 

essential elements. While a unified color 

palette is not a must, it certainly eases the 

construction of a versatile wardrobe. Opt for 

hues and styles that flatter your natural 

beauty and seamlessly blend with one 

another. 

Bottoms - From jeans to leggings and 

classic cuts, versatile pants are a wardrobe 

staple. 

Shirts & Sweaters - Whether worn alone or 

layered, these dynamic pieces add depth to 

any outfit. 

Blazer or Coat - A jacket is a must-have to 

polish off your ensemble while keeping you 

warm. 

Shoes - When traveling, it's wise to pack at 

least two styles: walking and going out. 

Accessories - Bags, jewelry, glasses, and 

scarves offer the perfect opportunity to add 

a pop of color without disrupting your 

wardrobe's harmony. 

Constructing a capsule wardrobe requires a 

focus on select pieces that offer both 

versatility and longevity, ensuring that your 

wardrobe becomes a timeless reflection of 

your style. 

See more fashion ideas on Milanostyle.com 

Style vision board by Anastasiia Konteeva 

00 - ITALY TRAVEL & STYLE VOL. 1

Photo: Flora Deco 

00 - ITALY TRAVEL & STYLE VOL. 1

Photo: Bepsimage

5 Favorites: 

Shopping Areas in Milan 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

The Golden Quadrilateral 

The Quadrilaterale della Moda, Milan’s luxury shopping 

district is made up of via Montenapoleone, via 

Borgospesso, via Della Spiga, and via Sant’ Andrea. All the 

top designer stores are there, Gucci, Versace, Dolce 

Gabbana etc. Even if you are not a luxury shopper, it is still 

fabulous seeing all the creative window displays! Get off 

the metro at San Babila and walk up via Montenapoleone. 

Via Marghera Neighborhood 

Explore hidden Milan in the Via Marghera neighborhood. A 

nice residential neighborhood with cute boutiques, off the 

beaten path of the regular tourist scene. Get the red line 

metro to Wagner station and explore the area Piazza 

Piemonte, Via Marghera, and Via Ravizza. There is also a 

community market place Mercato Comunale at Wagner, 

fun to experience local lifestyle. 

Outlet Shopping 

Small outlets are found around town but may not hold the 

brands you are looking for. Go to Serravalle Designer 

Outlet to find Italian brands such as Armani, Gucci, and 

Prada as well as international brands such as Tommy 

Hilfiger, Nike, Levis and more. Located an hour and a half 

away, shuttle busses depart from the Central Station. 

Corso Garibaldi & Corso Como 

Independent boutiques and up and coming designers 

showcase their best on Corso Garibaldi and Corso Como 

located in the heart of the Brera district. 

Corso Buenos Aires 

Main street shopping is at its best on this long boulevard. 

You can find everything from clothing, to electronics to 

housewares. 


Photo: Orange Fiber Press Office 

STYLE 

The Fruit of 

Fashion 

Orange Fiber: Weaving sustainable fabrics 

from non-edible citrus juice by-products 

Sustainable fashion 

Photos: Courtesy Orange Fibre

Orange Fiber 


Often criticized for creating excessive 

waste, the fashion industry is undergoing a 

transformation and making efforts to 

change. One such company is Orange 

Fiber, a textile mill that weaves sustainable 

fabrics from non-edible citrus juice byproducts. 

The yarn is a silk-like cellulose 

that can be blended with other materials. 

When used in its purest form, the result is a 

100% citrus textile; soft, silky, and is very 

lightweight. 

It started as a university thesis by Adriana 

Santanocito while studying textile design 

at AFOL Moda design school in Milan. 

Santanocito, who is from Catania, a region 

rich with orange groves, was aware of the 

high volume of waste produced by the 

juice industry. She discovered a method of 

extracting cellulose from the by-products 

used to make citrus juice, transforming 

them into a refined high-grade fabric 

which has set a new standard for fashion 

textiles. 

Driven by a vision of sustainability they aim to 

improve the social and environmental 

footprint of the textile manufacturing 

industry to make our planet healthier. 

Salvatore Ferragamo was the first fashion 

house to employ Orange Fiber fabrics for a 

Mediterranean inspired ready-to-wear 

collection with prints designed by Mario 

Trimarchi. 

Other brands, such as H&M and E, Marinella 

have followed, making sustainable fashion a 

steady transformation of the fashion industry. 

orangefiber.it 

orangefiberbrand 

Fashion Tech Lab is the parent company 

behind this innovative technology making 

sustainable advances in the fashion 

industry. 

Photo: Orange Fiber Press Office 


ITALY TRAVEL & STYLE Vol. 1 

All rights reserved Copyright © 2024- Celia Abernethy 

Cover (photo) Copyright © 2024 - Celia Abernethy 

This is an original, non-fiction, digital document independently created and made available 

to the public by Celia Abernethy. 

This work is part of a series of digital, downloadable guides available online through the 

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Hardcopy/Paperback versions can be obtained with the author’s approval. 

Unauthorized sales or commercialization of any part of this work is prohibited. 

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All photos are licensed under the CC BY-SA license or have been licensed by the credited 

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Contact the author/publisher 


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La semplicità è l’ultima sofisticazione. 

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. 

Leonardo da Vinici 


ITALY 


italytravelstyle.com 

@italytravelstyle 

A B E R N E T H Y 

C O N T A C T @ A B E R N E T H Y . I T 

ABERNETHY 

VIA ORT 2, 20122 MILANO, ITALY 

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Italy Travel Style Vol. 1

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