ItalyUpdate

The Transiberiana d'Italia, a historic rail route that wends through some of central Italy's most spectacular scenery in the territories of the National Park of Abruzzo and Molise has programmed 22 vintage train rides for 2020.

The Marche Regional government has chosen an unusual venue for the exhibition Raffaelo una Mostra Impossibile (Raphael, an Impossible Exhibition) that anticipates the commemorations for 500th anniversary of the death of the great Renaissance artist in 2020.

Italy's Heritage and Fine Arts Minister, Dario Franceschini, has announced that he wishes the present Art Bonus incentives to be extended to include the historic churches of Venice, many of which have been badly damaged due to the recent flooding.

The medieval village of Castel San Pietro, perched on a rock above Palestrina (Lazio), has been chosen as the winner of this year's contest for the (slightly pretentious) title of Most Beautiful Borgo of the Mediterranean.

The XXII edition of the increasingly important Borsa Mediterranea del Turismo Archeologico (Mediterranean Archaeological Tourism Exchange) is scheduled to be held at Paestum between the 14 - 17 November 2019, with over 100 espositori and 25 countries booked up to attend.

The world's finest wines will be competing for the prestigious WineHunter Award at this year's Merano WineFestival (9-11 November), South Tyrol. 

The increased interest on the part of consumers for niche food products as opposed to mass brands is creating a new approach to the cultivation of basic crops like grain and legumes. 

The Herculaneum Conservation Project is entering its final stages with the creation of the Via Mare (the Sea Road) initiative which will connect the archaeological park with the heart of the modern city. 

Lake Scanno, in the heart of the Abruzzo mountains (L'Aquila) and bordering on the Abruzzo National Park and nature reserve, has entered the list of Italy's favourite romantic spots.

Eurochocolate, billed as the biggest European Festival dedicated to chocolate, is in full swing in Perugia (Umbria) until the 27 October 2019.