CHICAGO – May 19, 2015 – An afternoon boat tour on Lake Como, intimate wine tastings in Tuscany, and VIP access to a prized museum in Venice -- these are just a few of the bespoke experiential activities available through Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ new Italy in Style package. Offered by 24 hotels across Italy and bookable via www.PreferredHotels.com/Italy, Italy in Style invites travelers to embark on unforgettable Italian getaways featuring one authentic local experience, carefully curated by each hotel, and daily breakfast for two. The two-night package can be booked at any participating hotel to better understand the culture of an individual city or at multiple destinations for an extended immersion in la bella vita.
To help travelers get the most out of their summer escape, Preferred Hotels & Resorts has created the following “road maps” of ideal Italian experiences:
Retreat for Romantic Revelry -- Combine Verona and Venice:
Hopeless romantics can follow the footsteps of the star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet by visiting sites associated with the iconic Shakespearean play in the historic city of Verona. After touring Juliet’s house, travelers can check in to the nearby Palazzo Victoria, a centrally located boutique hotel with classic Italian style, and cheers to their love over a glass of wine during a traditional afternoon aperitivo at Victoria Club Bar. **Italy in Style package starts at US$280 per night and includes a wine tasting for two, plus daily breakfast.
After soaking in the dreamy charm of Verona, visitors can hop a train to Venice. Guests will arrive via gondola to the private dock at the newly-opened NH Collection Venice Palazzo Barocci, which was built as a palace in the 19th century and overlooks the famous Grand Canal. Couples can explore the majestic city’s cultural offerings during visits to sites like Museo del Vetro, where Venice’s famed glass artwork is on display. **Italy in Style package starts at US$405 per night and includes transportation and two tickets to the glass museum, plus daily breakfast.
Meet the “World” then Escape to the Lake -- Combine Milan and Lake Como:
As host to the 2015 World Expo, Milan is hot. Those looking to take part in this beloved tradition can stay at Town House Galleria, a boutique hotel inside Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Located 30 minutes by car or train from the World Expo festivities, the hotel is perfectly situated for travelers who want easy access to popular exhibits such as the celebrated “World of Leonardo” and other events presented by more than 140 countries. **Italy in Style package starts at US$521 per night and includes complimentary access to the World of Leonardo exhibition and a Milanese aperitif for two, plus daily breakfast.
After going on the “world tour,” travelers can embark on an hour’s drive north to enjoy a serene lakeside retreat at the family owned and operated Grand Hotel Tremezzo. This architectural gem sits directly on Lake Como, offering spectacular views of the Bellagio peninsula and surrounding Alps. Guests will feel like royalty upon arrival thanks to the hotel’s warm, genuine service, extravagant suites that overlook the lake, world-class dining, access to the neighboring scenic gardens of Villa Carlotta, and private boat tours. **Italy in Style package starts at US$509 per night and includes a boat tour of Lake Como, plus daily breakfast buffet.
Sit Back and Enjoy the Coast Life – Combine Positano and Amalfi:
Known as one of the most photogenic places in the world, Positano is the ultimate Mediterranean paradise. Visitors looking to stay water-side for the duration of their trip will enjoy a stay at Covo Dei Saraceni, the closest hotel to the beach, where every guestroom offers colorful postcard views of Positano. After a day of sunbathing on the beach and exploring the town’s charming boutiques, guests can return to the hotel for a personalized dining experience. **Italy in Style package starts at US$379 per night and includes one tasting dinner for two people, beverages excluded, plus daily breakfast.
Next stop, just a 40-minute drive down the coast, is Amalfi and Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi, the ideal destination for a serene coastal retreat. Set in an authentic 13th century monastery, the hotel is brimming with historic details and unbeatable views from its cliff-top location. After spending the day lounging next to the infinity pool that appears to dive into the sea, guests can visit the wellness center to rejuvenate with a massage treatment before heading to dinner. **Italy in Style package starts at US$534 per night and includes one 30-minute massage treatment per room per stay, plus daily breakfast.
Learn to Eat, Drink, and Cook Like an Italian -- Combine Florence and Tuscany:
Whether it’s a trip with friends or a solo escapade, Italy is heaven for travelers looking to discover the art of quality cooking and dining. Foodies and oenophiles alike can start in Florence at Il Salviatino, home to unbeatable views of the rolling Tuscan hills and suites with lavish features including marble fireplaces, ancient mosaics, and handmade Tuscan linens. For a truly tailored experience, Il Salviatino allows guests to enjoy their meals anywhere on property, so visitors can choose to dine in the gardens, sip negronis on the terrace, or brunch in the greenhouse. **Italy in Style package starts at US$299 per night and includes a welcome cocktail and wine tasting for two, plus daily breakfast.
After a few days of wine tastings and fine dining in Florence, travelers can head to the countryside to learn the art of Italian cooking. During a stay in Casole d’Elsa at Castello di Casole, an enchanting Tuscany castle hotel surrounded by vineyards and olive orchards, travelers can partake in a hands-on cooking class guided by expert local chefs who use fresh local ingredients to teach the secret to making the simple, yet essential Italian specialty: pizza! **Italy in Style package starts at US$545 per night and includes one pizza making class for two, plus daily breakfast.
Travelers who book Italy in Style can enhance their experience by enrolling in the iPrefer guest loyalty program, which extends points redeemable for free nights and other expenditures, elite status, and special benefits such as complimentary Internet upon every eligible stay at more than 550 participating properties worldwide.
To view the complete list of hotels offering Italy in Style, for more information, or to make a reservation, visit www.PreferredHotels.com/Italy.
**A two-night minimum stay is required for all Italy in Style bookings. The offer is subject to availability and blackout dates may apply. The cost of the experimental activity cannot be changed or claimed back if not used.**
About Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Preferred Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest independent hotel brand, representing more than 650 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 85 countries. Through its five global collections, Preferred Hotels & Resorts connects discerning travelers to the singular luxury hospitality experience that meets their life and style preferences for each occasion. Every property within the portfolio maintains the high quality standards and unparalleled service levels required by the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance Program. The iPrefer™ guest loyalty program, Preferred Residences℠, Preferred Family℠, Preferred Pride℠, and Preferred Golf™ offer valuable benefits for travelers seeking a unique experience. For more information, visit PreferredHotels.com.
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