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INSIDER TIPS

hidden treasure
matera

Filippo Curinga of DMC IDI Travel invites us to explore Matera, the mystical city of stones, caves, and unforgettable atmosphere. 

What makes Matera such a special place?
Matera is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, made up of caves carved into the rock in which its citizens have traditionally lived. In Matera, you’ll spend a lot of time in caves: you’ll sleep in a cave, eat in a cave, drink an aperitivo in a cave, and even view modern sculpture in a cave… that’s what makes it so special.

Tell us some more about this unique treasure. 
Matera has always been a hidden treasure in our beautiful country, and in order to understand its magic, you have to see it in person. It’s an incredible manifestation of past and present perfectly mixed. Buildings climb up and down the hillside, and the houses are piled on top of each other with the roofs of some serving as streets for the upper levels. The locals are very proud of their city, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and the European Capital of Culture in 2019.

How can visitors best experience this gem?
Since Matera is located in the south of Italy, it’s fit for a visit any time of the year as the climate is always pleasant. The best way to experience the city is to tool around its narrow streets in an “Ape Calesse,” a tiny and truly Italian-style vehicle straight out of the 1960s. Visitors will immediately feel integrated into the local lifestyle, as the aroma of fresh baking bread wafts through open windows and the chatter of elderly women outside their cave-homes echo through the stone streets. Children play in the main squares of the city, and your driver will recount enchanting stories of local lore. It’s an unbelievable setting!

For more information about I.D.I. Travel, click here.

OUTDOORS INSIDER
Trentino Via Ferrata

I.D.I. Travel brings us to new heights in the Dolomites, the heart of the Italian alps and perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts. 

What makes this region so special? 
Home to Italy’s most spectacular mountains, the Dolomites and the Alps, Trentino offers stunning views of Alpine terrain, three natural parks, and a widespread network of protected areas, valleys, rivers, and lakes.

When is the best time to visit? 
Trentino is absolutely perfect both in summer and winter, and the most perfect time to visit actually depends on what you most want to do. In the summer you can enjoy a stroll through the woods, a dip in the lake, a jaunt on a bicycle, a night of stargazing, and for an exciting and unusual experience, a memorable mountain expedition along the Vie Ferrate. In the winter season, skiing and snowboarding are naturally the most popular activities on the snowy mountain slopes.

Do you have any particular or special related memories? 
Last summer, I had an incredible trademark Trentino experience: climbing the Via Ferrata. I’d never in my life climbed while being harnessed to the steel cables along the stone face of the mountain, but this unique adventure felt even more special as I was immersed in the middle of spectacular Dolomites scenery. There are several routes with varying levels of difficulty for all types of climbers, so don’t worry if you’re a novice!

What role does nature play in the culture and economy of the region? 
The Trentino-Alto Adige region is focused on eco-sustainability, green practices, and healthy outdoor activities. The landscapes themselves make you feel fit and at peace, and your views are always filled with beauty. In Trentino you can learn from our most precious resource, nature.

For more information about I.D.I. Travel, click here.

hidden treasure
Rasiglia

Filippo Curinga from luxury DMC I.D.I. Travel takes us to discover the hidden town of Rasiglia, like a magical little Venice in the heart of Umbria.  

What makes it so special? 
Rasiglia is a beautiful medieval town in Umbria, in the province of Foligno. This small town is known as the “village of streams” thanks to the many small rivers which crisscross its area. In fact, several streams flow right next to the ancient houses of the small village, creating a unique spectacle that immerses visitors in the middle of a fairy tale setting. 

How did you discover the town? 
Umbria is one of the Italian regions which offers everything you need to really appreciate the country. I discovered this unique place upon a visit with a local to the area. I had never even heard about Rasiglia before, and the visit confirmed that it’s essential to connect with a local if you really want to discover a place. 

How can visitors best experience Rasiglia?
Spring or fall would be the ideal times to visit this little town: imagine the colors of the seasons reflecting in the crystal-clear waters of the streams. Like with any small town, the best way to visit begins with a leisurely stroll around, perhaps having a coffee on the sunbathed terrace of a local café, admiring the quiet magic of local life blooming in front of you.

For more information about I.D.I Travel, click here.