Italia Quality Blog

After an exciting and at the same time intensely demanding piece of  work, at long last here is “ItaliaQuality – A Journey through Fabled Italian Retreats”.
The anticipation to see it printed, bound and completely finished was overwhelming, and I couldn’t wait to hold a copy, the first copy, in my hands. When that finally happened it was a truly emotional moment. I was temporarily lost for words and left breathless looking at the result of all our hard work.
It was initially intended as a guide, but gradually evolved into a proper book, a book of art - a series of fables, each dedicated to its own unique retreat.
The tales were written to spark interest into this dream-like world, and the splendid illustrations that accompany the texts set your imagination free to wander through, and search out, all the enchanting places just waiting to be discovered.
The “Fables” are accurate descriptions, but written in such a way that draws the reader into a visual perspective, and evokes the sensations and emotions that we felt during our stays in these very special “homes” – places which are bound to leave an indelible mark on one’s memory.
The official presentation of the book was held during the TTI in Rimini – The International Fair of the Incoming Turistico Italiano Internazionale – on the 24 October 2008. It was a beautiful and intimate affair. We were very pleased to see everyone who attended the Fair, but felt especially honoured to meet those who came along solely to meet us and ItaliaQuality.
This is the First Edition: now the work starts for the second one……..

In the wonderful scenery of Italy, there are expected a lot of different events to celebrate Christmas and the New Year’s Day 2009. From North to South, all the best of special appointments among fairs, exhibitions and the characteristic Presepe, to taste all the beauty and tradition of Bel Paese..

The enchanting city of Venice is glad to offer the already famous Christmas in lagoon, from 1 to 23 December, with the typical market in Campo Santo Stefano, which proposes a huge amount of items such as the Murano’s glass and the tasteful gastronomic products from several Italian regions. In addition, the island of Murano is the frame of another important event, The Christmas of Glass, from 5 December to 6 January, offering a lot of amazing sculptures made of glass.
For all the Lovers of Trentino Alto Adige, in the nice view of Merano, from 28 November to 6 January, will take place the characteristic Christmas markets in a friendly and warm atmosphere. The stands will offer a lot of typical products, from the gastronomy to the craftsmanship, so that you can also see the craftmen at work and taste the delicious food of the region.
The city of Genova is the location of Genova Presepe Vivente, a living crib which points out all the Italian tradition. The event is expected on 5 January 2009 following the ancient custom of the XVII century, whereas in the near town of Sestri Levante is possible to admire the unusual crib located 12 metres under the sea, called Crib of Dolphins and made of 5 statues showing the Nativity.
The amazing and so loved scenery of Tuscany proposes a lot of appointments to celebrate Christmas.
The city of Lucca is the location of a Live Crib on 23 December, with characters in typical costumes, such as the close town of Fibbiano where a Live Crib is expected on 26 December, with more that 100 figures taking part on it, besides the tasting of special products such as cakes and regional recipes.
The city of Siena proposes the small Christmas market Artists in the boroughs, on 15 and 16 December, in the historic centre, with games and stands full of representative products.
In Florence the celebrations will start on 7 December with the ceremony of the big Christmas three and the Gospel choir of San Marco’s Basilica, carrying on with the amazing 1000 Cribs for Palazzuolo, with a map which will guide the tourists in the most beautiful places of Palazzuolo on the Senio, to discover several kinds of Presepe, from 6 December to 6 January. And to celebrate the New Year’s Day, Florence proposes Mezzinverno 2008, a game of fantasy medieval theme to attend in costume on 30 and 31 December at the Antico Spedale del Bigallo in  Bagno Ripolo, whereas Grosseto organizes, on 30 December, the classic torchlight procession in Santa Fiora in the wonderful frame of Amiata Mountain.

Also the cheerful Naples is glad to offer a lot of Christmas events such as the white night Follow the Comet on 15 December, in the sign of culture, taste and arts, whereas the traditional Exhibition of Handmade Crib will take place from 18 December to 13 January, made of the typical regional products, to discover again all the characteristics of this so famous city. In addition, from 8 December to 2 February, the Artistic Crib of Gragnano will be one of the main attractions of the Campania region, full of  Christmas celebrations, besides the Big Feast of Chocolate which will make so glad your stay in Sorrento, on 16 and 17 December..

And so, among a huge amount of events to celebrate Christmas and the New Year’s Day 2008, Italia Quality is glad to offer all its clients the best of luxury and fabulous hotels, resorts of Italy. Among castles, luxury relais and hotels, all the history, tradition and tastes of Italy, in the sign of comfort and elegance, for a stay absolutely unforgettable also during the best period of the year!