Taste of Italy Houston

“Every Day in Lombardy” Campaign

Presented By: Italy-America Chamber of Commerce of Texas in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce of Pavia, Regione Lombardia, and Perillo Tours Inc.

“Every Day in Lombardy” (Ogni Giorno in Lombardia) is a dedicated social media campaign designed to showcase the cultural, historical, and culinary richness of Lombardy, Italy. This initiative promotes tourism and cultural awareness while offering exclusive travel opportunities to this iconic Italian region.

Why Lombardy?

• Art & History:Home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, Milan’s Duomo, and the Roman ruins in Brescia.
• Fine Wines:Producers of world-renowned wines like Franciacorta, Oltrepò Pavese, and Valtellina’s Nebbiolo.
• Luxury Dining:Hosting Michelin-starred restaurants and gourmet dining experiences in cities like Bergamo and Brescia.
• Craftsmanship:Known for the invention of the modern violin and the continued tradition of luthiers in Cremona and Brescia.
• Outdoor Adventure:Premier skiing and mountain experiences in Valtellina, attracting winter sports enthusiasts worldwide.
• Fashion Hub:Milan, the global capital of fashion, offers a unique blend of high-end dining, fashion, and cultural experiences.

Exclusive Travel Offer

In collaboration with Perillo Tours Inc., the campaign offers a customized travel package to Lombardy, featuring:

• Discounted travel packages exclusively for campaign followers.
• Curated tours of Milan, Pavia, Bergamo, Cremona, and more.
• Unique access to cultural sites, wineries, and gourmet dining experiences.

H3 Promoting Lombardy with Perillo

Collaborating with Perillo Tours

The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce of Texas is proud to partner with Perillo Tours, a renowned travel company, and Regione Lombardia for the “Every Day in Lombardy” campaign. This initiative aims to promote lesser-known destinations in Lombardy, Italy, as popular landmarks in the country face high tourist volumes.

Discussing Goals with Perillo

We recently spoke with Mina Amendola, National Sales Director at Perillo Tours, to explore how the campaign is uncovering hidden gems in Lombardy. With her extensive background in tourism and close association with the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce of Texas Director Alessia Paolicchi, Mina shared valuable insights into how Perillo Tours is customizing Italian itineraries beyond Milan, Lake Como, and the traditional tourist circuits.

Offering Tailored Travel Packages

As demand for personalized travel experiences increases, Perillo’s Italy Vacations Department is now developing bespoke travel packages tailored specifically for visitors eager to discover the beauty of Lombardy. This collaboration is a step forward in promoting sustainable tourism and cultural exploration in lesser-explored regions of Italy.

H3 Exploring Valtellina’s Rich Heritage

Highlighting Valtellina’s Beauty

As part of the “Every Day in Lombardy” campaign, we connected with Valeria Puca, Marketing and Communications Manager at the Azienda di Promozione e Formazione della Valtellina (Valtellina Promotion and Education Agency), to highlight one of Lombardy’s most extraordinary hidden gems — Valtellina.

Valtellina’s Alpine Landscape

Located along the Swiss border, Valtellina is an Alpine valley known for its breathtaking scenery, world-class skiing, mountain cheeses, and “heroic” winemaking. The region is home to steep, terraced vineyards where winemakers often need mountaineering skills to harvest grapes, giving rise to the term “heroic grape growing.”

Promoting Local Experiences

Travelers can now explore hidden culinary gems, outdoor adventures, and artisan craft tours in Valtellina with the support of the local tourism agency. Resources like Valtellina Nascosta (Hidden Valtellina) provide comprehensive information for planning a memorable trip. The agency also offers personalized travel assistance, ensuring visitors experience the region’s rich history, culture, and wine production.

H3 Unveiling Pavia’s Cultural Charm

Introducing Pavia’s Significance

Another key highlight of the “Every Day in Lombardy” campaign is our feature on Pavia, a city deeply rooted in Italian history, culture, and gastronomy. We spoke with Enrico Ciabatti, Director of the Pavia Chamber of Commerce, who provided compelling insights into why Pavia should be on every traveler’s itinerary.

Pavia’s Historic Importance

Historically recognized as the capital of the Longobard Kingdom in the 7th and 8th centuries, Pavia played a pivotal role in European history. It was also the site of the Battle of Pavia (1525), where the French King Francis I was captured by Charles V, leaving a deep historical imprint on the city.

Exploring Local Specialties

In addition to its historic significance, Pavia offers a rich gastronomic scene featuring world-renowned Carnaroli rice, considered the finest for making risotto, and exquisite goose charcuterie. Travelers can also indulge in premium wine-tasting experiences in the Oltrepò Pavese region, famous for producing some of Italy’s finest Pinot Noir and sparkling wines.

Travel Resources for Pavia

Travelers can access detailed itineraries and cultural recommendations through Visit Pavia, a comprehensive resource provided by the Pavia Chamber of Commerce. The city’s abundant cultural heritage and culinary excellence make it a remarkable off-the-beaten-path destination.

H3 The Battle of Pavia Re-enactment

Commemorating a Historic Turning Point

On February 24, 1525, the Battle of Pavia changed the course of European history when King Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire captured King Francis I of France, securing Austrian dominance in Southern Europe. This significant event reshaped Pavia’s political and cultural identity, making it a city of historical prominence.

To mark the 500th anniversary of this decisive battle, the City of Pavia, in partnership with the Pavia Chamber of Commerce, Banca del Monte di Lombardia Foundation, and the University of Pavia, will host a remarkable re-enactment on February 25, 2025.

A Journey Through Time

The city’s preserved Renaissance architecture will serve as the perfect backdrop, allowing visitors to experience the battle’s historical magnitude. In addition to the re-enactment, Pavia will host:

• Museum exhibitionsshowcasing artifacts and stories from the battle
• Cultural eventshonoring Pavia’s historical significance
• Guided city toursto explore the Renaissance cityscape

We encourage history enthusiasts and travelers to attend this once-in-a-lifetime event and witness the rich history of Pavia unfold before their eyes. For more details, visit the Pavia Chamber of Commerce website.

 

H3 Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

Lombardy Invites the World

We are delighted to announce that Lombardy will co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics, officially titled “Milano-Cortina 2026”. This prestigious event will bring global attention to Valtellina, a region renowned for its Alpine beauty and world-class skiing destinations.

Major Events in Valtellina

The province of Sondrio will host several key Olympic events, including:

• Alpine Skiingin Bormio
• Freestyle Skiingand Snowboarding in Livigno
• Ski Mountaineering, making its Olympic debut

Valtellina’s Stelvio ski course, regarded as one of the world’s most challenging slopes, will be a centerpiece of the games. This international event promises to attract thousands of visitors, showcasing Lombardy’s natural splendor, dynamic culture, and exceptional hospitality.

Plan Your Visit

For those planning to attend the Winter Olympics, resources, and travel information are available through:

• The Valtellina Tourist Boardfor local accommodations and experiences
• The official Milano-Cortina 2026website for event schedules and ticketing

We are proud to celebrate Lombardy’s role in hosting this prestigious global event and look forward to seeing visitors from around the world.

This campaign was conceived with the contribution of Regione Lombardia.