In May 2023, the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA), a cultural route affiliated with the Council of Europe, hosted a FAM (familiarization) trip for travel professionals to experience areas that were not currently offered in the form of vacation packages by our companies. This trip was hosted in direct collaboration with the European Travel Commission (ETC), Croatian National Tourism Board (CNTB) and the Italian National Tourist Board (ENIT); the ETC helped the participants with booking every segment necessary for our airline tickets, and each of the tourism boards helped to organize the itineraries and sights we saw on this trip. Eight different companies and organizations from across North America participated, including Tripmasters. This is the fifth of six Inspiration blogs where you can see my journey as it happened and read about my first-hand experiences traveling in these beautiful countries.
As you’ll read below, we’re on our way to Italy and the charming dual spa destinations of Montegrotto Terme and Abano Terme, so if you’ve missed out on any of my past FAM trip tales from Zagreb, Lipik, Daruvar, Varaždinske Toplice, Varaždin, or Opatija, be sure to click on those links and experience some of the many gems of beautiful Croatia before continuing on with the series.
After an extended journey, we arrived, tired yet thankful, in the idyllic setting of Montegrotto Terme, Veneto, Italy, just a 10-minute drive from the historic city of Padua, or Padova as it’s known in Italian. At this juncture of the FAM trip, the Italian National Tourist Board (ENIT) assumed the hands-on curation of our itinerary, working collaboratively with the EHTTA, who had an active role in guiding the travel group in the form of EHTTA vice-president Markos Danas, and also with the ETC, who organized our airfare every step of the way.
We received a personal welcome to Montegrotto Terme by Mayor Riccardo Mortandello as well as from his secretary and local governmental representative, Leila Chalati. Leila was set to be our guide for the majority of our stay, with the mayor occasionally joining us — a unique privilege that created a warm atmosphere. After all, how often do you get the opportunity to casually interact with a mayor?
As a former journalist, my interactions with local mayors typically took place in competitive press pools or charity events where the focus was not on me or my media outlet. However, here the attention felt personalized, a treasured experience that made us feel special.
Through her role in city government and also simply via her status as a local, Leila has an in-depth knowledge of the area. Her vibrant enthusiasm was palpable as she showed us the highlights of both Montegrotto Terme and its neighboring spa town, Abano Terme, nestled a few miles northwest within the protected Euganean Hills. The train station carries the names “Montegrotto” and “Abano” to reflect these cities’ significant connection to the scenic hills. For tourism, both cities are marketed as “Montegrotto-Abano“. With twice the population of Montegrotto Terme, Abano Terme offers lively commerce, historical sights, natural beauty, and renowned thermal springs and spas.
Upon arrival, we checked into our respective accommodations: Terme Preistoriche, Continental Terme, and Mioni Royal San.
I had the pleasure of staying at Terme Preistoriche, which recently opened “green lodges” within the Euganean Hills Natural Park which is a prominent local protected area.
Sustainability was a key factor in designing these lodges. Hotel owner Angela Stoppato ingeniously built the lodges around existing trees, incorporating them into the rooms. For instance, my one-bedroom lodge, “Oliveto”, featured an American maple tree, beautifully illuminated and optionally concealed by motorized shutters.
The room was a delight, with a king-size bed offering a variety of pillows to cater to individual comfort preferences. The bathroom was equipped with a selection of organic, locally-made spa products, and a smart mirror providing weather updates. Angela attributed this particular amenity to her inspiration from hotels in Dubai and China. The room also boasted floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the thermal pools, with an option for blackout curtains for total relaxation. The room was beautifully appointed, complete with a rainfall showerhead and a bidet — a nod to high Italian hygiene standards.
Having the opportunity to stay in such a unique room was remarkable. The perfect balance of comfort and innovation set within a breathtaking resort and spa was undoubtedly a highlight of the trip. This experience left a lasting impression, especially considering we seldom encounter such luxurious amenities in our North American travels, even in places that are marketed as luxury. The fact that the green lodges are committed to sustainability as well was just the cherry on top as far as I was concerned, although I don’t wish to downplay that commitment, as it is obviously quite commendable, especially as the feeling of luxury isn’t lost in the commitment to sustainable practices.
Now, let’s delve into the hotel, which as I’ve said before also operates as a spa. The front part of the building houses hotel amenities, while the spa facilities are connected to the back section through covered walkways. The two-story spa area exudes a tranquil ambience, with attendants serving soothing unsweetened black tea before and after treatments. I personally enjoyed a 50-minute massage from Martina, and if she’s working I definitely recommend her as she was very talented. (So much so that I fell asleep during my massage!) Spa products, including their locally produced organic lines, can be purchased here, all affordably priced under €100 apiece. Keep in mind that if you do decide to stay in the area and for whatever reason choose not to stay here, you can still take advantage of treatments and other areas at the spa as it is open to paying members of the general public as well.
There are two restaurants on-site; one is housed in the main building, which dates back to the late 19th century, and the other one is located by the pool. We had the pleasure of dining at the hotel’s primary restaurant on the second night in town, and we were thoroughly impressed with both the cuisine and the wine. Given that Italy is renowned for its culinary and viticulture expertise, the variety of pastas, meat dishes, pastries, and cakes I sampled in Montegrotto Terme ranked not only as some of the best on this trip but also among the finest I’ve experienced in many years, across various countries worldwide.
On our first night in Montegrotto Terme, we ventured out of our hotel to the acclaimed Restaurant Neroniane, nestled within the Hotel Terme Neroniane in neighboring Abano Terme. Famed for its authentic and delightful culinary creations, Chef Marco Favero is the genius behind the menu. The restaurant’s offerings reflect a vibrant fusion of Mediterranean cuisine and traditional local recipes, a harmonious symphony of flavors brought to life by the freshness of the ingredients.
(This would also be when I lost my international adapter/converter so my phone had died. Luckily the front desk manager had a spare Samsung brick around for me to attach my USB cable to, but that meant my phone was charging in the room at this time, hence a seemingly-unrelated photo like a poppy. Poppies are a frequent sight here, dotting the countryside in this part of Italy. The vibrant orange-red hues seen across the fields really do comprise an indescribable sensory experience.)
The wine connoisseurs among us were thrilled by the extensive wine cellar, boasting a varied selection of both local and international wines. As we ascended to our seats in the restaurant’s mezzanine room, we were immediately captivated by the sight that greeted us. Through illuminated circular windows embedded in the floor, we could view the ancient Roman Spa findings, a testament to the region’s rich history. Dining in such a setting, where the past blends seamlessly with the present, lent a unique and unforgettable charm to our gastronomic experience.
Our mode of transport for this culinary adventure was none other than “Il Puffetto”, a delightful blue-and-white tourist train reminiscent of a charming choo-choo. It was an exuberant way to navigate between our hotel and the restaurant, adding yet another dash of excitement to our evening.
As for the second night, we dined at our hotel restaurant, creating yet another set of delightful memories surrounded by exceptional cuisine. You’ve already seen the photographs of those dishes — a photo really can’t do the dish justice because you can’t take a photo of a flavor profile, but let’s just say it was superb. The Neroniane was too. Everything was superb.
Is it possible that between the Terme Preistoriche, the Neroniane, and other spots I have yet to tell you about, this particular part of Italy might have the best food I’ve tasted…ever?
In my excitement, I’m getting ahead of myself. After a rejuvenating first night in Montegrotto Terme, I woke up feeling noticeably refreshed. The FAM trip presented us with an optional activity – a mud treatment that piqued my curiosity. However, considering the string of early mornings we had had, I wasn’t quite prepared to rise at 5 a.m. for the treatment, especially considering the likelihood of dozing off midway!
Our first official expedition in Italy promised to be a fascinating one as we were scheduled to explore the Ancient Thermalism Museum and the Archaeological Site of Neroniana. Guiding us through this voyage was the seasoned archaeologist Silvia Agostini. Despite her humble assertions of having “bad English,” Silvia was an exceptional communicator. One of the travel professionals on the trip with me can speak fluent Italian, so he assisted in the rare times she “blanked” for a moment on translations of certain terms.
Just as our Croatian guides had found, we insisted that her language skills were excellent, and they greatly enhanced our experience. With her insightful narration, she breathed life into the exhibits, many of which had English translations but some did not. Silvia helped to provide us with greater context and understanding.
Our adventure continued outside the museum, at the archaeological site where additional signage in English aided our exploration. Silvia’s extensive knowledge further complemented these explanations, providing a panoramic view of the region’s archaeological past.
What particularly intrigued us was the sight of an archivist meticulously cleaning artifacts from what was once a magnificent Roman bath. Witnessing these remnants of history being carefully restored was an enthralling spectacle, one that deepened our appreciation for the vibrant cultural heritage of this region. The experience was an immersion in history and an encounter with the past, enriching our understanding of this splendid area.
Our next destination was Montegrotto Terme, home to Y-40 The Deep Joy, the world’s deepest underwater thermal pool. It’s a popular spot, often featured in Italian television series for water-related scenes and even showcased in a Beyoncé music video. During our visit, our guide, Iris Rocca, revealed that the Italian Navy was using the pool, which reaches a depth of 42 meters (137 feet), to simulate ocean depths for their training. The pool, accessible to all ages, offers various classes, providing opportunities for enthusiasts to learn diving, snorkeling, and more.
After our aquatic adventures, we headed to the Continental Terme Hotel for lunch at Le Magnolie, which consisted of a delightful feast, buffet-style antipasti and a main course from a special lunch menu. In Italy, it is assured that you will dine well; not only is the food of superior quality, but the emphasis on fresh ingredients and a plethora of flavor profiles renders it unparalleled.
The subsequent highlight of our day was our visit to the Butterfly Arc, a place I had eagerly anticipated. Our personal guide, Enzo Moretto, a professional lepidopterist with decades of experience and global recognition, added many layers of expertise to our tour. His knowledge about butterflies and similar insects is expansive, and his passion for their protection, evident. Enzo’s familiarity with North American conservation efforts created a personalized touch, making our interaction with him both insightful and enjoyable.
(I will say that for those who want to enjoy the Butterfly Arc, you will need a tour guide or at the very least someone who can speak both English and Italian. Many of the exhibits are labeled only in Italian, making Enzo’s expertise all the more valuable to us.)
Tip 1: Be gentle in your movements. This is their habitat and if you are careless, you could accidentally hurt the butterflies.
Tip 2: Have fun!
Our day culminated with dinner at the Terme Preistoriche, where I engaged in an intriguing conversation with Angela Stoppato over panna cotta with raspberry sauce. As a key player in her family-owned hotel, which has been in her family for generations, Angela is now the hotel’s sole decision-maker. Her innovation, as demonstrated by the green lodges, reveals a commitment to attracting North American clientele, as is Terme Preistoriche’s listing on Expedia, a website popular to the point of ubiquitous with North American travelers.
Angela’s previous experience as an exchange student at the University of California, Berkeley, and her many visits to the USA since then, offer her a unique perspective on American preferences and expectations for a top-notch resort experience in an area that has already had decades to perfect the resort experience for European customers. This personal connection enhances her approach to creating a memorable and bespoke experience for visitors to her beautiful city.
The night wasn’t over, however, as we were asked, at the request of Mayor Mortandello, to board “Il Puffetto” for a nighttime ride to see the sights and the cityscape at night. The mayor and Leila got a kick out of my limited knowledge of Raffaella Carrà songs. The late singer and television star is a legend in Italy and is still very fondly remembered. Despite not knowing all the lyrics to “A far l’amore comincia tu,” I still impressed the Montegrotto-Abano team with my spirited rendition and careful attention to the proper dance moves (SCOPPIA SCOPPIA MI SCO!), making it a highlight of a very fun evening and a portion of perhaps the most bespoke memory of the entire journey.
Our two-night stay in Montegrotto-Abano passed in a blink, and soon it was time to bid our newfound friends “addio”. We embarked on the final leg of our FAM trip, a two-and-a-half-hour journey southwest to Salsomaggiore Terme, just west of Parma.
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This is the fifth of six blog posts recounting the FAM trip on which I, as an envoy for Tripmasters, was an invited guest. The European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA) organized this trip for North American travel professionals in conjunction with the ETC, CNTB and ENIT, respectively the non-profit organization responsible for the promotion of Europe as a tourist destination and the two national tourism boards involved in the planning of the itinerary. For more information about these terrific organizations, visit www.historicthermaltowns.eu, www.visiteurope.com/en, www.croatia.hr/en-gb, and www.italia.it/en, respectively.
Tripmasters sells a variety of vacation packages from the affordable to the opulent in Croatia, Italy, and over 130 countries and territories worldwide. To learn more about how Tripmasters can revolutionize the way you vacation, check us out at www.tripmasters.com.
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