Italy in Bloom - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

As Italy blossoms into spring, Rocco Forte Hotels invites guests to embrace the season’s beauty through vibrant floral traditions and Easter celebrations in Rome, Florence, Sicily and Puglia. Capturing the essence of the season, these experiences blend history and local customs, offering an unforgettable journey through some of Italy’s most floral destinations. The concierge teams of Italy’s Rocco Forte Hotels share their insider recommendations for making the most of Easter 2025 and the spring season.

PUGLIA IN SPRING

Masseria Torre Maizza in Spring | Guests can reconnect with nature through Pilates sessions held in the heart of an ancient olive grove. An experienced Pilates teacher guides and supports guests through a series of movements designed to rebalance and re-energise both body and mind in a tranquil and peaceful setting, where the only sound is the gentle rustling of leaves.

Springtime Destination – The Concierge Team’s Top Tip | Rocco Forte Hotels’ Apulia Hotel reopens for the season on 11th April 2025, providing the perfect opportunity for a springtime visit to theOasi di Monte Sant’Elia in the heart of the Murgia. A rugged natural reserve rich in biodiversity, the protected landscape is home to fragrant and rare medicinal plants alongside a dazzling variety of vibrant wild orchids, including the striking Ophrys tarentinae.

SICILY IN SPRING

Villa Igiea in Spring| On 21st March, Villa Igiea introduces a series of mixology events led by some of the most talented mixologists in the field from Rome, Barcelona and London. Alongside expertly crafted cocktails, guests can savour a variety of teas and herbal infusions made using freshly picked flowers in the delightful setting of Igiea Terrazza Bar.

Springtime Destination – The Concierge Team’s Top Tip | Founded in 1789, the Orto Botanico di Palermo is a centre for botanical research and education, regularly hosting workshops and activities for both adults and children. This green oasis in the heart of the city is home to rare and historically significant plant species from across the globe, including a magnificent Ficus macrophylla, the largest tree in Europe.

Verdura Resort and Rocco Forte Private Villas in Spring| The Hotel’s charming garden hut, Casetta nell’Orto, plays host to hands-on Sicilian cooking classes that celebrate fresh, seasonal ingredients. These convivial, interactive workshops shed light on Sicilian culinary traditions, with dishes prepared following centuries-old recipes alongside modern interpretations from Verdura Resort’s contemporary menu. Little ones can take part in Easter Egg decorating workshops, designing ceramic eggs inspired by the intricate patterns and colours of local ceramicists.

Springtime Destination – The Concierge Team’s Top Tip | Spring 2025 is the perfect time to experience some of the island’s most fascinating traditions. Guided by a local insider, guests will discover the age-old Easter customs of the San Biagio Platani community, known for creating elaborate arches woven from bread, canes, willow and olive branches. This deeply symbolic custom has been lovingly passed down through generations since the second half of the 17th century, standing as a testament to the island’s rich cultural heritage.

FLORENCE IN SPRING

Hotel Savoy in Spring: Easter Brunch guests will be gifted an exquisite chocolate egg by Florentine chocolatier Andrea Slitti. At the heart of each sweet creation lies a gold-plated piece of jewellery that guests can personalise in a variety of colours and motifs at a dedicated pop-up by L’eight Studio, showcasing the brand’s creativity and craftsmanship.

Springtime Destination – The Concierge Team’s Top Tip: Running from 25th April to 20th May 2025, the Fioritura dell’Iris celebrates Florence’s most symbolic flower. Located near Piazzale Michelangelo, the Giardino dell’Iris opens its doors for a month, inviting visitors to admire a breathtaking collection of iris species from around the world.

ROME IN SPRING

Hotel de Russie in Spring | Hotel de Russie celebrates the Easter festivities with two events designed for both adults and children. On Sunday 20th April, the Hotel will host a traditional Easter brunch at Le Jardin de Russie Restaurant, where a professional photographer will capture cherished family moments. Little ones can unleash their creativity in a hands-on egg decorating workshop before embarking on an exciting Easter Egg hunt in the historical Secret Garden. A culinary feast awaits on Easter Monday, featuring a specially crafted four-course Easter Menu offered alongside à la carte selections, with dishes highlighting the season’s finest flavours.

Hotel de la Ville in Spring | Cielo Restaurant welcomes guests on Easter Sunday with a menu that celebrates the flavours of spring. A professional photographer will capture heartfelt moments of joy, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Eternal City. Young guests can enjoy engaging Easter workshops and an exciting Easter Egg hunt, making for a memorable afternoon. The chef’s specially crafted Easter lunch menu is also available on Monday 21st April.

Springtime Destination - The Concierge Team’s Top Tip | A must-see in spring is Rome’s enchanting Roseto Comunale sull’Aventino. From 21st April to 16th June, over 1,000 varieties of roses burst into bloom, creating a spectacular display with the historic Circo Massimo as a backdrop.

Image Credit: © Camera-man