Saturday, August 1st • 10:00am EST. Learn how to vacation as the Italians do! Join Beatrice as she explores the various vacations Italy has to offer. Register Here. Once you register, you will receive the link to join the chat the night before the event. Guest speaker: Annamaria Sorrentino, President & Founder of Shop Wine and Dine

Italy is home to mountain ranges with majestic and breathtaking views in the North and also all along the “boot” going south. While trail-walking or hiking on one of the many mountains, you will be amazed by the overwhelming beauty of the summer landscape. The Italian Alps offer an alternative version of Italian culture, influenced by the neighboring countries of France and Germany. It is very unique and not to be missed while vacationing in Italy! Each Coffee Chat guest is entered to win a specialty gift courtesy of SI-Espresso!

Here are some of the most famous mountain destinations in Italy:

Trentino and Veneto Region

Trentino is where Italy borders Austria and Switzerland. The dramatic spikes of the Dolomites create a stunning backdrop to this province that attracts skiers, but also is a wonderful place for summer vacations. Hikers of all abilities will enjoy picturesque views and pretty Alpine villages in this region. The gate to the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, San Lorenzo in Banale, is also one of Italy’s oldest and prettiest mountain villages. Val Gardena is well known for its lush Alpine forests and flowering meadows, areas that attract rock climbers, and its woodcarving industry. Nearly, Alta Badia is known for having many sunny days, and features animal parks and swimming spots.

Val Gardena

Val di Fassa is the collective name for several villages that include resorts for vacationers, each with their own character, and the majestic Dolomites as a background. Madonna di Campiglio is best known as a stylish ski resort, but summer attracts tourists who follow one of many hiking, trekking, and climbing itineraries.

Madonna di Campiglio

Merano, has many summer events, including open-air concerts and street artists on the streets and squares. It boasts incredible views of the Ortles mountain range and the Val Senales Glacier. Fashionistas must visit Cortina d'Ampezzo in the Veneto region of Italy, just two hours from Venice. It’s a mecca for winter sports, but in the summer, it attracts walkers, climbers, and cyclists.

Aosta Valley Region

To see the near-symmetric pyramidal peak Matterhorn, visit Breuil Cervinia, which stretches across three valleys in both Italy and Switzerland. Plan a visit to Forte di Bard, a massive fortress built in the 19th century by the House of Savoy on a rocky prominence above Bard, a town and "comune" in the Aosta Valley region of northwestern Italy.

Chamois

In the same region, Chamois is a small mountain village called the “Pearl of the Alps” with homes made of stone and wood, and accessible only by cable car.

Lombardia and Piedmont Region

If you prefer vibrant colors of nature, Bormio has an abundance of mountains, woods, pastures, meadows, lakes, rivers and streams, with many activities for all ages, including golf, go-karting, vineyards and spas. Many fun activities can also be found in Livigno near the Swiss border, including quad biking, go-karting, husky rides, paragliding, and a lively nightlife. It’s also home to Aquagranda Wellness Park, one of Europe's largest wellness facilities.

Bardonecchia

In the Piedmont region, Bardonecchia offers tradition, culture, history, many festivals and activities. The Palazzo delle Feste hosts an array of exhibitions, shows and concerts. Also in the Piedmont region is Alba, famous for its white truffles. It’s also one of the most important wine regions, producing wines like Barolo, Barbaresco and Moscato. It’s a great place to enjoy food and wine tours.