Wine & Dine With Me Archives | Boutique Travel

Seven nights Eight wonderful locations

tBro753E — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 07:55:51 +0000

Seven nights Eight wonderful locations

Design your dream journey

Plunge into Italy's most iconic destinations with Belmond in Italy

7 blissful nights
2 or more luxury retreats
1 guaranteed rate

Signature experiences

Whichever destination you choose, Belmond's amazing signature experiences have been designed to enhance your stay. Discover hidden gems of Giudecca Island: master Venetian rowing, meet traditional crab fishermen and explore a historic gondola boatyard. Or be wowed by the dark skies of the Tuscan countryside with some sensational stargazing. Food lovers are spoilt for choice. Enjoy cooking lessons with our acclaimed chef in Florence or at a Portofino farm, sample the exquisite produce of Mount Etna on its lunar-like slopes, or join the Chef's Table on the Amalfi Coast for a gourmet journey like no other. What are you waiting for?

Rates for 7 nights

March, april and october to january

Double Room from €4,130* (€4,543 including VAT), extra nights from €590* (€649 including VAT)
Junior Suite from €7,000* (€7,700 including VAT), extra nights from €1,000* (€1,100 including VAT).

May to september

Double Room from €6,160* (€6,776 including VAT), extra nights from €880* (€968 including VAT)
Junior Suite from €10,500* (€11,550 including VAT), extra nights from €1,500* (€1,650 including VAT).

Can't think where to go first?

Let these sample itineraries inspire you to plunge into italian belmond world.

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Day 1 Cipriani

Arrive at the Cipriani, set on a secluded island 5 minutes away from St Mark's in Venice, and uncover the gems of the lagoon at your own pace.

Day 2 Villa San Michele

Continue to Villa San Michele, overlooking Florence, to soak up Renaissance and contemporary wonders.

Day 3 Castello di Casole

When the countryside calls, head deep into Tuscany to stay at Castello di Casole, where the dark skies are among the finest in Italy for stargazing. Plunge into Tuscany with a stay among the rolling hills, olive groves and vineyards.

Day 4 Splendido in Portofino

Drive to the Splendido in Portofino for a taste of glamorous Italian Riviera life.

Day 5 Caruso Ravello

Add some coastal vibes to your itinerary by continuing to the Caruso Ravello, high on a cliff overlooking the sundrenched Amalfi Coast.

Day 6 Villa Sant'Andrea

Finish your journey to Sicilian Taormina with a relaxing stay at the beachfront Villa Sant'Andrea. Board our courtesy shuttle for the quick journey to Grand Hotel Timeo, in the heart of bustling Taormina with spectacular views over Mount Etna.

Terms and conditions

The offer is inventory-controlled and subject to availability.

• Rates include full American breakfast and best available room on arrival.

• * Rates do not include city and eco-tax, activities during your stay and transportation between the hotels.

• Minimum 7 nights for a guaranteed rate in at least two of our wonderful properties of your choice among: Cipriani, Venice; Villa San Michele, Florence; Castello di Casole, Tuscany; Splendido and Splendido Mare, Portofino; Caruso, Amalfi Coast; Grand Hotel Timeo, Taormina; Villa Sant'Andrea, Taormina Mare.

• A complete itinerary (dates and hotels) is requested at time of reservation, subject to availability. Stays at various hotels can also be non-consecutive; last arrival to take place within 45 days of first arrival.

• Black-out periods: July and August for the Splendido, Splendido Mare, Caruso, Grand Hotel Timeo and Villa Sant’Andrea.

Cancellations between 7-3 days prior to arrival will be forfeited at 50% of the value of the reservation. Late cancellation forfeit is 100%.

• All conditions and rates are subject to change without notice.

*The city tax/eco-tax has to be settled at the time of check-out.

Venice: €5.00 per person per night, up to 5 nights. Children up to 9 years of age are exempt. From 10 to 15 years of age tax is reduced by 50%.

Portofino: €5.00 per person per night. Children up to 15 years of age are exempt.

Florence, Amalfi Coast and Taormina: €5.00 per person per night, up to 10 nights. Children up to 12 years of age are exempt.

Casole d'Elsa, Tuscany: €5.00 per person per night, up to 7 nights. Children up to 11 years of age are exempt.

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The post Seven nights Eight wonderful locations appeared first on Boutique Travel.

Champagne

tBro753E — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 14:27:49 +0000

Champagne

France

Map

Champagne Tour

If that celebratory glass of champagne has gone to your head, you’re not alone. What if you want to go further than the local wine store, and visit the land that gave the world the ultimate mood-lifter in a glass?

You won't be able to just show up and traipse around Veuve Clicquot's svelte vineyards; you'll need a plan. We gathered our need-to-know tips, we will use our know-how experience to wrap you unforgettable tailor made Champagne itinerary.

Itinerary

Champagne wine region is located in the Northeastern part of France, about 1h30 away from Paris by car. Champagne is the name of the world famous sparkling wine we all know, but it is also the name of the region where this wine is made.

Champagne region has a great history (to be discovered), beautiful landscapes and many scenic routes with picturesque villages, forests, superb vineyards, not to forget the « champenois » lifestyle!

We will design a wine tour exclusively for you. Additionally will spice up your taste buds and educate your palette about some of the finest well known and small unique Champagne producers.

3 nights overlooking the vineyards that stripe the hills of France’s Champagne region, the newly-renovated Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa - the wine-country retreat.
Flight tickets on regular flight or private jet to reach Champagne
Luxurious or vintage car rental or perhaps personal driver at your disposal.
3 days for tailor-made program with cellar visits behind the scenes of the greatest Champagne houses and small, while unique producers. During the brakes between Champagne tasting we will encourage you to experience electric bicycles, quads & buggies, hot air ballooning, boat excursion on the Marne river, horse riding and a exiting military airplane fly with professional pilots over Champagne vineyards.
Dining experience in multiple Champagne Michelin starred restaurants.

Following wine tour is just a sample to be designed and modified according your preferred dates, places, restaurants & Champagne houses wish list.

Accomodation

Accomodation at Royal Champagne Hotel & SPA

Overlooking the vineyards that stripe the hills of France’s Champagne region, the newly-renovated Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa reimagines the wine-country retreat.

47 luxurious rooms with magical Champagne views. Interior decorator took inspiration from the natural and cultural heritage of the region, favoring natural materials to create a sleek and graphic mis-en-scene.

Dining

Dining with Royal Champagne Hotel & SPA

Le Bellevue Restaurant & Terrace

Set beneath a thousand crystal pendants that reflect the sun’s rays, Le Bellevue takes its cues from the terroir of Champagne.

Chef Jean-Denis Rieubland sources his produce and meat from locals and friends in the region, resulting in an ever-changing menu full of rich stories and intense flavors.

Le Royal

Etape Gastronomique. Vegetables grown by our own staff, meat delivered daily by our farmer friends, and honey harvested on our grounds make fine dining in our Michelin starred restaurant Le Royal both contemporary and exciting. Chef Rieubland plates his perfectly balanced dishes on custom Maison Fragile china, designed for the resort by Nicolas Ouchenir. Multi-course tasting menus or a la carte meals are paired with wines carefully selected by sommelier Daniel Pires. Our award-winning pastry chef Cédric Servela signs for an unforgettable sweet finale.

Each month, our Chef Sommelier takes you to the heart of a Champagne house by pairing each dish with one of their « cuvées ».

Abysse, Bar & Terrace

We stop here at all hours from noon to one in the morning. To meet, to have lunch, to share. For a first drink at the counter, for the sacred aperitif. For a sunset, for the last drink too …

The Chef’s table

In the heart of stainless-steel kitchens, and a brigade in action, the chef invites a handful of privileged guests to experience the fresh, innovative gastronomy of Champagne at the intimate Chef’s Table. Available by reservation only.

Activities

Activities at Royal Champagne Hotel & SPA

The Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa has partnered with local business owners and artisans, which means the team can organize cruises on the Marne, horse riding in the hills or hot air ballooning above the vines.

Our staff and partners can help you immerse deeply into your passion, or help you discover a new one.

Champagne House visits

On request and tailor-made, cellar visits take guests behind the scenes of the great Champagne houses and small producers. Expect personal engagements with winemakers and festive tastings with passionate artisans who have large personalities.

Electric bicycle rides

For an original immersion, the hotel rents its electric bicycles for tours in the vineyards. Depart from the hotel and explore the neighbouring villages such as Hautvillers and the Champagne vineyards.

Quad or buggy excursions to the vineyards

An original way of exploring the region, our circuits offer several routes, each of which is guided toward various vineyards. Explore the historical sites as well as the different geographical points of the Marne Valley.

Mehari tour

Climb aboard this 100% electric cabriolet and discover the village of Aÿ: its historical, heritage and architectural treasures and its hillsides classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. Guests get the opportunity to mingle with its winemakers and owners of prestigious Champagne houses.

Activities

Boat excursion on the Marne River

Discover UNESCO World Heritage landscapes from an original point of view: pass locks and a swing bridge aboard a historic boat, guaranteed to deliver lasting memories and wonderful photographs of your stay in Champagne.

Hot Air Ballooning

Take a ride on a hot air balloon that will gently fly over the area of the Montagne de Reims and its surroundings.

Horse riding

For true adventurers, this is a discovery of the region from an entirely new vantage point.

Mountainbike

Discover Champagne differently, enjoying the tours around the vineyards.

Technical getaway or rather stroll, our concierge team would be happy to help you organize this hike.

Fly & fun

The airplanes are flown by former military and professional pilots. The team offers backseat rides, for about 30 minutes, over the Champagne vineyards. Join us and enjoy the countryside at 700Km/h at medium and low altitude. After a warm-up period, we will execute some aerobatic maneuvers including loops, rolls and tight turns. You will experience truly unique sensations on board this fighter jet, flown by highly skilled and enthusiastic pilots. You may even take the controls during the flight if you wish!

Game, Set and Match

After Rolland Garros, Champillon. Within walking distance from the hotel you will find a tenniscourt accessible to our guests. Rackets, tennis balls and bottled water are available at the hotel’s reception desk. Have a smash-ing time!

Wine SPA & wellness

Wine SPA & wellness at Royal Champagne Hotel & SPA

France’s Best-Kept Beauty Secret

Biologique Recherche pairs cutting-edge science with ancient wisdom.

Founded by biologist Josette Allouche and her husband, physiotherapist Yvan Allouche, the brand takes skin evolution seriously, strictly training aestheticians then providing them with a wide range of products to allow them to create a unique, personalized treatment for every guest.

Ours is an urban spa experience in the most bucolic of settings. Nowhere else in the Champagne region can you explore the vineyards, then return to a world-class destination spa overlooking the vines. Hand-selected therapists await to pamper, replenish, indulge, and restore you to the healthiest version of yourself.

The Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa has selected Biologique Recherche and KOS PARIS, innovative French brands, as privileged partners to offer exceptional personalized treatments.

Why Biologique Recherche ? Biologique Recherche offers an “out-ofthe-box” vision of the treatment of the skin, centered on the know-how of the professionals and the shared knowledge of physiology of the skin, as the complex organ of protection and communication with the outside world. With more than forty years of experience, the Biologique Recherche methodology is based on a clinical approach and an original conception of products and treatments. Designed and manufactured exclusively in France, the treatments and cosmetic products of Biologique Recherche are equipped with new formulas, highly dosed and composed only of natural or biotech assets without perfume or coloring.

Why KOS PARIS ? Natural and organic ingredients from different parts of the world: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America. These ingredients are selected with care for their exceptional powers and recognized for their generous beneficial qualities for the skin: Prickly Pear seed oil, Acaí Berry, Babassu Nut butter, Argan oil, Kukui Nut oil... Formulas highly concentrated with active ingredients. They are developed with great care in the brand’s laboratory and offer the best in moisturizing, anti-aging and youth protection. Enveloping and unctuous textures carefully conceived to rapidly penetrate the epidermis, deeply nourishing it and delivering all the beneficial qualities.

Personal Training

Working out has never been so inviting. Our fitness facility is equipped with Technogym machines for personal use, while trainers are on staff to help maximize outcomes. Sign up for a private or group class in our Yoga studio then relax and detox in the sauna and hammam.

Training

On request, we organize sport session such as pilates, yoga, cardio-boxing, qi qong... Guided by fitness, sports or wellness professionals.

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The post Champagne appeared first on Boutique Travel.

Franciacorta & Portofino

tBro753E — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 14:31:38 +0000

Franciacorta & Portofino

Italy

Franciacorta & Portofino wine Tour

A meandering wave of green hills that descend from Lake Iseo to the plain of the Oglio river, Franciacorta is a green island, far from the usual routes famous for its high-quality sparkling wines. A sunny morainic amphitheater, Franciacorta offers an evocative natural setting that includes towers, castles, palaces and patrician villas, churches, sanctuaries and abbeys, in whose stones you can read the fascinating history of this land of passage between the Alpine valleys and the Po valley.

Its natural vocation for wine, which dates back to the Middle Ages, would suggest that in Franciacorta nature is represented only by vineyards. This is not the case at all: they alternate with olive trees, gardens, meadows, woods, and draw a watercolor, which must be discovered slowly, taking the right time to savor what each hides behind each village, beyond each hill.

After Franciacorta sparkling world is tested time to find a love in Portofino, like Dalida and later Andrea Bocelli sang. Whether you’re set to stage the summer’s most sparkling party, or an intimate gathering of your nearest and dearest, enjoy exclusive use of iconic hotel Belmond Splendido Mare. Escape to Portofino to elope in style. Hotel located by the harbour is the perfect place for a timeless low-key love affairs.

Itinerary

From nature to food and wine Franciacorta represents a unique experience in Italy. An agricultural land with a long history behind rises among the twisting hills of sparkling vineyards.

While Ligurian jewel Portofino is an icon and the perfect place to soak up the sun, take a refreshing dip in the emerald waters and make the most of your exclusive spot in this beautiful bay.

We will design a wine tour exclusively for you. Additionally will spice up your taste buds and educate your palette about some of the finest Lombardy and Italian riviera wines.

2 nights of unmistakable style and elegance relais L'Albereta that rises among the sinuous hills of vineyards and involves in an unforgettable experience of Franciacorta. Located in a strategic point of Lombardy, a few kilometers from the romantic Lake Iseo, L'Albereta is the ideal starting point for wine adventure.
2 nights in Belmond Hotel Splendido encourage to discover the epitome of uncomplicated, stylish allure of Portofino. This exquisitely detailed hotel is a true Ligurian gem, rich with familial warmth and a captivating nautical spirit. It’s a chic point to explore the wonders of the Italian Riviera. From picture-perfect fishing villages and azure waters to tempting culinary delights, every moment is a cinematic escape.
Flight tickets on regular flight or private jet.
Luxurious or vintage car rental or perhaps personal driver at your disposal.
Save 2 days for Franciacorta sparkling wines, local Ligurian delicacies, Espace Chenot Spa and golf.
2 days spend in gentle lull of the Ligurian sea is nothing is more romantic. Return from a stroll by the shore to our intimate seaside guest-house. Dine on local delights at Chuflay restaurant or curl-up together in the bar as piano tunes fill the air. By day, spend the long balmy hours exploring on the waves, just the two of you. Picture the pleasure of Portofino’s most stylish social hub, all to yourself...and maybe a few friends of yours.
WINE & WINE & WINE. Private meetings with Franciacorta wine makers, wine tasting.
Dining experience in multiple Lombardy and Italian riviera Michelin starred restaurants.

Following wine tour is just a sample to be designed and modified according your preferred dates, places, restaurants & wineries wish list.

Accomodation

Accomodation in L’Albereta

Suggestive relais in Franciacorta that rises among the sinuous hills of vineyards, L'Albereta involves its guests in an unforgettable experience, because here the art of hospitality is understood as the ability to guarantee absolute well-being and sublime pleasure of the senses.

L'Albereta is located right in the middle of an evocative route that connects the most fascinating art cities of Northern Italy from east to west. Located in a strategic point of Lombardy, a few kilometers from the romantic Lake Iseo, L'Albereta is the ideal starting point for tailor-made itineraries: from here it is possible to quickly reach the main art cities of Northern Italy, such as Milan, Bergamo, Verona and Venice.

L'Albereta carries with it the charm of a long history, which is strongly linked to the territory of Franciacorta. A land characterized by a suggestive natural scenery dotted with patrician villas of refined architecture, many of which were the summer residences of the noble families of Brescia and Bergamo. The past of L'Albereta belongs to this history and still retains its signs today, in a sort of fil rouge that outlines the destiny of this villa in Franciacorta, which has always been devoted to hospitality, arts and culture. This ancient Neo-Renaissance mansion of the late nineteenth century stands on the Bellavista hill, and was the private home of the lawyer Giovanni Cavalleri and his wife Anna, a musician and a great lover of art and painting. Real patron, Donna Anna transformed it into a sort of Academy of Arts. In the main turret, she created a "Music Room" with two pianos, an organ, a transverse flute, mandolins and accordions, while her love for travel led her to meet artists from all over the world and many of them became regular guests. of his house. The house of the Cavalleri spouses represented an important point of reference for the artistic and cultural panorama of northern Italy in the first half of the twentieth century.

The house then passed on as an inheritance to a granddaughter, and was subsequently bought by Vittorio Moretti, President of the Terra Moretti Group, an important entrepreneurial reality which today includes 11 companies operating in the most varied sectors.

Vittorio Moretti's eldest daughter, Carmen, is the true demiurge of L'Albereta's success. Since she was a child she has cultivated the dream of creating a place dedicated to the cult of the guest, rethinking the entire structure as a real hotel in Franciacorta. It was then the passion for cooking and culture linked to the world of taste that led her to Gualtiero Marchesi, undoubtedly the greatest Italian Chef, to involve him in the L'Albereta project. The hotel in Franciacorta L'Albereta opened its doors on 23 September 1993 with its first 9 rooms, located in the body of the Casa Leone and in the Torre Bellavista. Since then, years have passed marked by important satisfactions such as the creation of the Terzo Millennio Sculpture Park and studded with numerous awards including recognition in 1997 as the best resort in Europe, and in 2008 inclusion among the 101 best SPAs in the world according to SPA Guide distributed together with famous English magazine Tatler.

Accomodation in Belmond Hotel Splendido Mare

Tucked into the curve of Portofino harbour is the stylish Belmond Splendido Mare. Our charming guest-house takes pride of place on the town’s main piazza, where you’ll be perfectly poised for a dip into the local social scene. Portofino’s glamorous village spirit flows through our doors. Inside, you’ll discover an alluring haven, chic in design and playful in nature.

A place for you in paradise. A stay in Portofino calls for a day at the beach.The secluded Bay of Paraggi is nestled into the coastline just a short drive from Splendido Mare in our courtesy shuttle. As our guest, you’ll have your own private lounger waiting for you on the golden sands. Soak up the sun, take a refreshing dip in the emerald waters and make the most of your exclusive spot in this beautiful bay.

As you make your way through our whimsical corridors, you’ll feel an urge to pause and take joy from the glittering sea views, or the moments of playful architecture. Indulge it. Then throw the door open wide on one of the most decadent spaces of any Portofino luxury hotel. Step in, kick-back and soak-up the rich Ligurian hues, nautical touches and pretty harbour views. You’ll never want to leave.

Activities

Activities at L’Albereta

From nature to food and wine, from sport to wellness: choose the world that belongs to you most. Or better: don't miss any! Both inside L'Albereta and in the many places around it.

Wine

Franciacorta represents a unique experience in Italy: Franciacorta producers have been able to introduce and combine updating, development and experimentation with tradition, while at the same time enhancing the territory.

Franciacorta is an agricultural land with a long historical tradition. Although there are various hypotheses on the origin of the name Franciacorta, the most convincing and accredited one believes that the name derives from "francae curtes", small medieval communities of Benedictine monks who obtained exemption from duties and gabelles in exchange for their commitment to teach to indigenous peoples the cultivation of the vine.

These same borders today delimit the production area "Franciacorta" which gives its name to the renowned bubbles produced with the classic method of slow refermentation in the bottle and with the total elaboration only in the grape production area, in that territory bordered to the north by shores of Lake Iseo, to the east by the continuation of the Rhaetian Alps which divide the Camonica Valley from the Trompia Valley, to the west by the Oglio river and to the south by Mount Orfano.

We are talking about Franciacorta DOCG, the king of Italian bubbles and more; the first and only Italian brut in bottle fermentation to have obtained this recognition, precisely in 1967. But the cellars of Franciacorta are not made of bubbles alone. At the same time as the Franciacorta DOCG, in 1995 the DOC Terre di Franciacorta was recognized for still white and red wines.

The Franciacorta method

The Franciacorta method was recognized by the European community in 2003 as the highest expression of excellence and quality production. The method involves the use of Chardonnay and / or Pinot bianco and / or Pinot nero grapes and slow refermentation in the bottle in contact with the yeasts for at least 24 months for non-vintage Franciacortas and for at least 30 months for Franciacortas with vintage. Franciacorta represents a unique experience in Italy: Franciacorta producers have been able to introduce and combine updating, development and experimentation with tradition, while at the same time enhancing the territory. It is no coincidence, therefore, that one of the best ways to dedicate yourself to discovering this territory is precisely to go to Franciacorta cellars: many are housed in ancient villas and palaces and retain, indeed enhance, the charm of the time. Others, more recent, are perfectly integrated into the natural landscape and, surrounded by vineyards and gardens, blend with it.

Perfect examples are the cellars of the Terra Moretti group: Bellavista and Contadi Castaldi di Franciacorta. The Bellavista di Franciacorta winery, founded in 1977, is located on the hill of the same name, a green hillock that represents a privileged point of view to enjoy a unique panorama; here the horizon opens up and the view sweeps over the centuries-old park, the surrounding woods and vineyards, up to embrace the nearby Monte Orfano, the arc of the Alps and Lake Iseo. The Contadi Castaldi di Franciacorta winery, opened in 1987, occupies the structures of the ancient Biasca furnace in Adro, an evocative building from 1880 transformed, according to the most modern conservation techniques, into an ideal place for refining Franciacorta wines, because the long arched tunnels, separated by thick walls, keep the temperature and humidity at an optimal level.

Golf

The golf courses immersed in Franciacorta.

The game of golf is in itself a kind of journey, an opportunity for discovery and exploration, thanks to its unfolding through a succession of stages, each different from the other, full of surprises, unknowns and pitfalls. In fact, every course you will find at the Franciacorta Golf Club, with its 18 + 9 holes, hidden in real oases of green, among trees, ponds, streams, hills, and valleys of sand, is a real adventure, from enjoy alone or to share with friends or family. What better way to dedicate yourself to the pleasure of this game, using it as a pretext to discover new destinations and enjoy a good swing in the most evocative landscapes of the world? L'Albereta is, without a doubt, the ideal destination for golf lovers in the Franciacorta area! It is, in fact, right in the center of a vast golf area of primary importance and extraordinary scenic beauty, which groups 9 prestigious golf courses within a radius of less than 100 kilometers. Fans of this sport will be spoiled for choice!

Activities

Activities at Belmond Hotel Splendido Mare

Set sail in traditional style

Portofino’s nautical heritage is best appreciated from the waves.Take to the water for a complimentary two-hour excursion in our gorgeous wooden gozzo.

These traditional fishing boats epitomise the golden-age charm of Portofino. Drift dreamily along the Italian Riviera, exploring the coves and bays that dot the coast. There’s no finer way to savour the slow pleasures of local life.

Motor boat

Portofino’s nautical heritage lures you into the waves. If, like many before you, you can’t resist then head out to explore. Our luxurious private motor boat, the Chris-Craft Corsair 36 is perfect for up to eight guests. Enjoy a leisurely cruise around the coast, or venture beyond the harbour to discover the stunning Gulf of Tigullio.

Complimentary shuttle service

Our guests enjoy access to the facilities of both hotels, from our harbourside haven to our hilltop retreat. So, whether you’re staying at Belmond Splendido Mare or Belmond Hotel Splendido, our complimentary shuttle service is on hand to whisk you from one to the other.

Ultimate takeover

Picture the pleasure of Portofino’s most stylish social hub, all to yourself...and maybe a few guests of your choice.

Whether you’re set to stage the summer’s most sparkling party, or an intimate gathering of your nearest and dearest, enjoy exclusive use of our iconic hotel. Let us take care of all the little details. We’ll tailor your stay to your tastes to create the most beautiful celebration of all time

Party in the Ava Gardner Suite terrace

Stage one of the most glamorous parties Portofino has ever seen in our stunning Ava Gardner Suite. Named after the celebrated American actress, who famously adored our little slice of heaven, this opulent apartment takes up the hotel’s top floor with a spacious private terrace to match. Host a stylish family celebration, or an intimate gathering with fellow dolce vita devotees. Whatever the occasion, your guests are sure to be impressed.

Elopements

Escape to Portofino to elope in style. Our hotel by the harbour is the perfect place for a timeless low-key love affair. We’ll arrange the details, so all you have to do is turn-up and tie the knot. Exchange your vows overlooking the world’s most picturesque harbour and enjoy an indulgent wedding breakfast with spectacular views. We promise moments you’ll never forget.

Honeymoons

Nothing is more romantic than the gentle lull of the Ligurian sea by moonlight. Return from an evening stroll by the shore to our intimate seaside guest-house. Dine on local delights at Chuflay restaurant or curl-up together in the bar as piano tunes fill the air. By day, spend the long balmy hours exploring on the waves, just the two of you. Your dream of a honeymoon in Italy begins here.

A place for you in paradise

A stay in Portofino calls for a day at the beach.The secluded Bay of Paraggi is nestled into the coastline just a short drive from Splendido Mare in our courtesy shuttle. As our guest, you’ll have your own private lounger waiting for you on the golden sands. Soak up the sun, take a refreshing dip in the emerald waters and make the most of your exclusive spot in this beautiful bay.

Wine SPA & wellness

Chenot SPA & wellness at L’Albereta

Espace Chenot Spa in Franciacorta: an oasis of well-being.

"I have always refused to create another space elsewhere than in Merano. Until the day when two worlds met: Spazio Chenot and Terra Moretti, where L'Albereta hides.

I was seduced by creativity, by desire to grow, to improve, to discover new horizons, but also from humility, simplicity, from listening to the other that characterizes "the Morettis." With Dominique, my wife, we decided to create a new identity for care of oneself, an identity aimed at natural beauty that allows us to find harmony without makeup, the one that gives us light ". -Henri Chenot-

The Espace Chenot Health Wellness SPA de L'Albereta is the SPA in Franciacorta that best represents the ideal of absolute well-being, a space where you can dedicate yourself exclusively to self-care, according to a rigorous method strongly rooted in the principles of medicine, capable of bring the body back to maximum psycho-physical form Espace Chenot is one of the only two medical & wellness SPAs signed by Chenot in Italy and a highly qualified team of over 30 professionals works within it, including doctors, therapists, dieticians, therapy assistants, osteopaths, beauticians and of course, reception managers and receptionists.

Designed by Ettore Mocchetti, architect and director of AD Italia, Espace Chenot expresses the same search for harmony in its architecture, made of balance between full and empty spaces, between places of light, shadows and water features which animates its raison d'etre. In this SPA in Franciacorta, natural light is molded to envelop the space that develops over an area of 2,000 square meters, divided between two levels: the first opens with the reception area, favored by soft architectural volumes and curved lines; followed by the area dedicated to medical departments, with areas dedicated to energy tests and dietary assessments. In the herbal tea area, every day you can find an ever-changing selection of herbal teas and infusions with draining and antioxidant properties;

The ground floor area is instead dedicated to hydro-treatments and the aqua-fitness area. Dominating the spaces of the Chenot spa is a large indoor and outdoor swimming pool, alongside which the sauna and Turkish bath with aromatherapy are combined with a large gym equipped with the latest generation Technogym machines. Last but not least, in the most intimate heart of this evocative path designed and built according to the Chenot method, a reserved space, with an enveloping circular shape, is the realm of hydrotherapy, phyto-mud applications and hydrojets.

Wellness restaurant reserved for guests being treated at L'Espace Chenot Health Wellness SPA. The Wellness Restaurant is dedicated to the recipes created by Dominique Chenot and developed by her together with a team of experts, with the aim of combining balance and taste.

Dining with Belmond Hotel Splendido Mare

Experience the simple pleasures of Portofino’s Piazzetta lifestyle. Our vibrant social hub stands on a former orchard and fresh water well—a fitting spot to indulge in the most exquisite local produce. Mingle with stylish locals and the international jet-set on our terrace. Ours is one of the best restaurants in Portofino, Italy—the views are divine and the dining is even finer.

Chuflay restaurant

Dining at Chuflay restaurant is a matter of exceptional taste. The menu is peppered with local Ligurian delicacies, expertly conjured by our chef. You’ll often spot him moving from table to table, making your acquaintance, discussing favourite dishes and adding the finishing touches to his recipes with a spectacular flourish. The atmosphere at Chuflay is formal yet relaxed, intimate yet open—the kind of dining spot where you’ll feel right at home and yet a million-miles from the everyday.

Chuflay bar

By day Chuflay Bar is the laidback heartbeat of Portofino. By night, it’s an elevated retreat from the hubbub of the town. Find a cosy spot in our stylish surrounds and unwind with your favourite cocktail. If you're in need of inspiration our barman is on hand with a perfect pick for your mood. Tempting snacks from our bar menu are served throughout the day and jazzy piano notes fill the air until midnight. Before long, you’ll lose yourself in the gentle rhythms of an evening by the harbour.

Gelateria San Giorgio

Gelateria San Giorgio takes up just a small slice of the Piazzetta, but the sweet delights on offer here are ample. From a classic ice-cream cone to an indulgent local gelato, on golden afternoons it’s the perfect place to pause for a treat.

We also welcome little ones to indulge in some flavourful fun at our tailored ice-cream tasting sessions.

Wine SPA & wellness

Dining with L’Albereta

Here you can indulge in the pleasures of the palate at the gastronomic restaurant Leonefelice Vista Lago, whose terrace opens up a view of Lake Iseo, or enjoy an award-winning pizza accompanied by excellent wines at the La Filiale kiosk. Unique flavors, attention to detail.

Hospitality is a virtue that is expressed in the long tradition of hospitality that Italians possess in an innate way. The new Leonefelice Vista Lago intends to explore and develop this inclination, telling the spirit of the resort through local dishes made with great technique.

To complement the Leonefelice Vista Lago revolution, a warm and elegant environment, redesigned by Valentina Moretti's more design studio to offer the best of L'Albereta-style hospitality, which has always fascinated national and international customers.

The restaurants in Franciacorta De L'albereta

An explosion of taste and flavors. Born as a place dedicated to the art of living and the pleasure of conviviality, L'Albereta, with its restaurants in Franciacorta, continues to be a real temple of taste thanks to its new restaurant Leonefelice Vista Lago, whose terrace enjoys an extraordinary view of Lake Iseo. The Benessere restaurant is dedicated to those who wish to respect a controlled caloric regime, in whose proposals it is possible to find the pleasure of a cuisine calibrated in the calorie intake, but rich in flavors, which will surprise even the most demanding palates. In addition to our restaurants in Franciacorta you will find the Greeneige Lounge, which with its warm living room atmosphere is the ideal place for relaxation in total privacy: to sip a Chenot detox herbal tea, to read a good book.

The branch

Pizza as you've never tasted. The kiosk La Filiale de L'Albereta offers a unique dining experience that combines a menu entirely dedicated to Franco Pepe's pizzas with exceptional wines from Franciacorta and beyond. Perfect right from the aperitif, La Filiale is a young and informal meeting place, where you can start the evening enjoying the legendary "pizza a libretto" accompanied by a glass of wine or a cocktail; the journey continues on the first floor in the glass room surrounded by greenery, where you can be definitively conquered by pizza in the manner of Franco Pepe, with its hand-made and very light dough and the ingredients that each tell a story to be discovered. On the menu you will find fried pizzas, calzone and the famous mistaken Margherita, together with an unprecedented and skilful foray into the tradition of Franciacorta, with pizzas created exclusively by Franco Pepe for the guests of La Filiale.

Greeneige lounge

Intimate and welcoming lounge of L'Albereta Relais. The Greeneige Lounge of L'Albereta Relais is a real lounge, intimate and welcoming, to be enjoyed at any time of the day, to relax on comfortable sofas and taste the best detox herbal teas by Henri Chenot. Natural nuances, from dove gray to beige to antique pink, materials with velvety textures, enveloping volumes. Each corner is a small world unto itself, where you can find the right atmosphere for a romantic meeting for two or where to meet up with friends for a sincere chat. A large library to draw from to find all kinds of text: fiction, poetry, architecture, art and much more. A fireplace for cold winter evenings.

Wellness restaurant

The pleasure of the Chenot diet. Reserved for guests being treated at L'Espace Chenot Health Wellness SPA, the Wellness Restaurant is dedicated to the recipes created by Dominique Chenot and developed by her together with a team of experts, with the aim of combining balance and taste. In this room with a refined décor, which extends with its wonderful bay window between the trees and flowers of the park of L'Albereta, almost as if to merge into one with the surrounding nature, guests are seduced every day by dishes that enchant the sight and delight the palate. It thus becomes a pleasure, rather than a rule, to respect the personalized Chenot diet, prescribed by expert dieticians, which is the essential complement to Chenot care treatments.

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Sicily

tBro753E — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 17:12:21 +0000

Sicily

Italy

Map

Sicily Wine Tour

There are endless possibilities for customizable wine tastings and wine tours in Sicily; We are ready to provide a window into the wineries and vineyards of local producers to help you feel at ease when planning your adventure in Sicily.

Expand your wine world into countless wine experiences throughout the region as memorable experiences in wine country await. Magnificent wines from Etna, Marsala, and Sciacca are available throughout Sicily for you to discover. Our wine guides of Sicily will help you to glimpse into the beautiful world of wine, and experience fun-filled wine tastings tours in Sicily.

Itinerary

Sicily is perfect for culture lovers, foodies and nature enthusiasts alike. Let us be your guide, and find countless unique things to do in Sicily.

We will design a wine tour exclusively for you. Additionally will spice up your taste buds and educate your palette about some of the finest Sicilian wines.

2 nights in Villa Sant’Andrea built by an aristocratic family in 1919 among lush, subtropical gardens, this secluded retreat retains all the charm of a private residence. Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea enjoys a reputation as one of the most romantic hotels in Taormina.
2 nights in Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo to dive into cooling panoramic pool, surrounded by lush terraced gardens, turn a trip to Taormina into an unforgettably unique escape.
Flight tickets on regular flight or private jet
Luxurious or classic Fiat 500 car rental or perhaps personal driver at your disposal
Get ready for a true Sicilian adventure. From culinary masterclasses to awe-inspiring sights. After reaching Europe’s largest Volcano Etna spoil yourself with a glass of Etna sparkling wine served with tasty local delicacies or admire the stunning vistas of Sicily from a breathtaking vantage point by helicopter. Next day hop aboard for a Dolce Vita tour of Sicily or The Godfather tour, which was filmed in Savoca, 20 minutes north of Taormina. Take Sicilian boat along curve coastline the following day.
WINE, WINE, WINE. Private meetings with Sicilian wine makers, wine tasting.
Dining experience in Sicilian Michelin starred restaurants.

Following wine tour is just a sample to be designed and modified according your preferred dates, places and wineries to visit.

Accomodation

Accomodation at Villa Sant’Andrea

Old-world glamour on the Sicilian coast

Enchanting guests since the 50s, a stay in our beach residence is like reuniting with long lost friends

We preserve the personality of an elegant home. Be greeted with freshly-made Sicilian sweet treats in-room on arrival, and find hand-picked local fruit at breakfast. Balconies are bejewelled with bright geraniums, and terraced gardens lead down to our picturesque pebbled beach. Sink into a world of calm, as soothing as the sound of the ocean.

Located on the scenic Bay of Mazzarò, every stay at this private beach resort offers guaranteed serenity. Recline in your own personal haven complete with king size bed, plush fabrics and fine artwork. Revitalise in the indulgent en suite marble bathrooms. Balconies and terraces boast mesmerising views of the ocean or sub-tropical gardens. Order room service, stay inside, and revel in the luxury.

Accomodation at Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo

Live the high life in the Italian sun. Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo offers everything you need for unforgettable holidays in Italy. Dive into our cooling panoramic pool, surrounded by lush terraced gardens, or keep active in our well-equipped fitness centre.

Different. Better. Special. Staying with us turns a trip to Taormina into an unforgettably unique escape. Here are just some of the features that make us stand out from the crowd.

Activities

Activities at Villa Sant’Andrea

Dive into a world of Sicilian adventures

Between Sicily’s copious beauty spots and historic cities, there’s no shortage of day trips to embark on from Taormina. Step inside the iconic Greek Theatre, explore secluded bays or relive scenes from the Godfather in your own classic Fiat 500.

Sail timeless Sicily

Take an exclusive boat tour of the Sicilian coast. Glide past Isola Bella and Giardini Naxos to reach the charming town of Acitrezza. Here, meet the local Rodolico family—master boat-builders since 1908 and the last in the region.

Continue by boat to Catania and take a short stroll through the city centre. Then enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch with former neighbours of the Trewhella family, who built Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea more than 100 years ago.

Island of dreams

Sail to the magical island of Filicudi to feast on warm Aeolian hospitality. Here, jewel-like fruits are grown in abundance beside bright bougainvillea and the cobalt-blue sea.

Head to the homes of the three extraordinary islanders and learn more about their unique way of life on this exclusive tour. Chances are, you won’t want to leave.

Paddle surfing

A favourite pastime among locals, stand on a surfboard and propel yourself through shimmering waters. A surprisingly relaxing activity, paddle surfing is also a fantastic full-body workout. Combine with yoga or meditation for a truly blissful experience.

Moments on Mount Etna

Unveil the treasures of Europe’s largest volcano with our range of exclusive experiences.

Stroll among the finest mountainside vineyards and sample rare vintages at local wineries. Or take a breathtaking hike to see the ancient crater at Alcantara Gorge and the Grotto del Corruccio lava cavern. There’s nothing finer than the views across Sicily from the slopes of majestic Mount Etna.

Helicopter tour

Leave your worries on the ground as you soar above the island and find stunning vistas from a unique vantage point. Marvel at the deep gorges and azure bays, majestic volcanic peaks and valleys peppered with Greek ruins.

To really appreciate Sicily in its entirety, this is a must.

Greek theatre

No stay in Taormina is complete without catching a show at the ancient Greek Theatre.

A wonderfully-preserved amphitheatre from the third century, it’s a sublime spot to watch world-class musicians with Mount Etna as a dramatic backdrop. Just ask our concierge for the programme.

Ape tour in Taormina

Live la dolce vita in a classic Ape Calessino. See the sights that stole the hearts of Sicily’s most glamorous visitors, including Casa Cuseni and Castelmola.

Sample typical local specialities, such as granita and almond wine, before a drink at ‘Wunderbar’, Tennesee Williams’ favourite watering hole.

The godfather tour

Follow in the footsteps of silver screen mobsters on one of the most unique Sicily tours. Stop at Coppola’s favourite Bar Vitelli for a lemon granita.

Admire St Lucia church, where Apollonia and Michael Corleone were married. Then head across the island in a classic vintage car to the medieval village of Forza D’Agrò, another key location.

Activities

Activities at Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo

Etna discovery

A visit to Europe’s largest volcano offers an incredible chance to see lava flows up close. Join a tailor-made tour of Mt Etna’s lunar-like landscapes and savour a sparkling surprise en-route.

Next, head to a nearby winery on the slopes of the volcano. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and wine tasting among the sun-splashed vineyards.

Uncover the flavours of Sicily

Visit the highest active volcano in Europe, where a sommelier will spoil you with a glass of Etna sparkling wine served with tasty local delicacies.

Then continue on to a small town near the Alcantara Gorge. Here, join a group of local women as they share with you all the secrets of traditional Sicilian cooking.

Vineyards and wines of Mount Etna

Immerse yourself in all things wine-related on this idyllic adventure. Sample the rare vintages of Mount Etna; join experts in a visit to some of the best local wineries; or take a vineyard stroll to learn about wine production, before tasting the delicious varieties yourself.

Island of dreams

Sail to the magical island of Filicudi to feast on warm Aeolian hospitality. Here, jewel-like fruits are grown in abundance beside bright bougainvillea and the cobalt-blue sea.

Head to the homes of the three extraordinary islanders and learn more about their unique way of life on this exclusive tour. Chances are, you won’t want to leave.

Sicilian boat tour

Curve the coastline aboard a traditional Sicilian boat.

Set sail and head to the Blue Grotto, Isola Bella, the Gulf of Giardini Naxos, the Fortune Cave and the Siren’s Bay. During the trip you will also have the chance to stop for a refreshing dip in the shimmering waters.

Wine SPA & wellness

Recline in our spacious gardens for unbridled Sicilian-style indulgence. Treatments feature all-natural, organic products packed with healing local herbs and flowers. Neroli oil makes a regular appearance in our spa, instilling a sense of peace and wellbeing that’s impossible to resist.

Seasonal Experiences Dolce Vita

Mei Spa’s sweet orange and lemon essential oils will enfold and uplift you in this luscious ritual. Begin with a purifying scrub using fine sugar crystals, then enjoy a soothing massage using rich zesty oils. Finally, we’ll nourish your skin with silky sweet orange cream so you leave radiant and rejuvenated.

Signature Experiences sweet almond warm body ritual

Nourish skin and soothe limbs with this luxurious body ritual. After an exfoliation with natural olive oil black soap, enjoy a relaxing massage using warm, sweet almond body butter.

Dining with Villa Sant’Andrea

Celebrate the best of the Mediterranean

Of all the Taormina restaurants, many critics believe Oliviero has the edge. Resting on its own exclusive shoreline, the venue serves up the very best from land and sea beside a bay shimmering with stars.

For something more informal, the Bar’s sea-facing location satisfies every sense. Lunch on freshly grilled fish and delicate homemade pasta, or enjoy a Sicilian Mojito here at sunset.

Restaurant oliviero

One of the most revered Taormina restaurants, Oliviero champions fresh produce and seasonal cooking—with a menu guaranteed to impress.

With Sicily’s striking cliffs as a backdrop, indulge in delicate homemade risotto, or go light with colourful salads and just-caught frutti di mare. For the sweet-toothed, a decadent dessert menu will steal your gaze from the dazzling sea below.

The bar

Pull up a seat for a crisp glass of wine by the bay, or order a Napoli-style pizza and some fresh seafood from our enticing menu.

Whatever your mood, the bar’s informal ambiance attracts guests and non-residents alike for scenic sundowners. Our late-night indoor bar lets you end the evening in style.

Wine SPA & wellness

Dining with Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo

Cocktails, cuisine and views worth writing about

Savour superb regional cooking, classic Italian cocktails and sensational views at one of the most celebrated Taormina bars.

Favoured by some of history’s finest literary greats, D.H. Lawrence, Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams all drew creative inspiration from our ambient Literary Terrace. Take a seat here at sunset to discover why.

Otto Geleng restaurant

Be one of just 16 guests to join us each evening for a culinary sensation inspired by German painter and Taormina legend, Otto Geleng.

Executive Chef Roberto Toro’s Michelin-star menu is a culinary riff on classic Mediterranean fare. Each dish is an enticing play on tradition and innovation. Savour every delectable moment as you admire the views that captivated Otto’s imagination.

Timeo restaurant

Embark on a culinary journey at the most scenic restaurant Taormina has to offer. Backdropped by Mount Etna and Naxos Bay, Timeo Restaurant’s striking location is complemented by a superb menu of locally sourced Sicilian favourites.

Featuring mouth-watering cuisine alongside an expert menu of regional wines, our atmospheric terrace beckons for an unforgettable alfresco feast.

The Literary Terrace & bar

Classic cocktails and breathtaking vistas afford The Literary Terrace a reputation of excellence among Taormina bars. Marvel at the ever-present Mount Etna, or let the Bay of Taormina steal your gaze while sipping a cool Etna Spritz.

Inside, the Bar’s elegant Sicilian carpentry and antique fittings evoke the magical atmosphere of a 19th-century winter garden.

Pool bar

Take a seat beside the sun-splashed pool for an refreshing spritz or traditional cocktail. Whatever you order, stunning views of Naxos bay are the perfect accompaniment.

Open during the summer months from 10– 6pm

Dinner under the stars

Arrive at your table on our secluded Greek Theatre Terrace and raise a toast to the art of romance. Our Michelin-starred chef, Roberto Toro, serves an exquisite menu created just for you. While you’re not gazing into each other’s eyes, take a moment to admire the stunning views. From up here, the sparkling lights of Naxos Bay unfold before you. Marvel as the ancient ruins of the Greek Theatre and majestic Mt Etna glow under the starlight.

Dining Experiences

Whether exploring the restaurants in Taormina or enjoying a romantic beachfront barbecue, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is at the forefront of Sicilian gastronomy. Indulge in an afternoon tea beside the sea, or have our chef create a dream picnic to enjoy volcano-side. Just bring your appetite—we’ll do the rest.

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Veneto region

tBro753E — Sat, 28 Nov 2020 08:03:46 +0000

Special offer

999 €

Veneto region

Italy

Map

Wine tour

In the North east of Italy is the Veneto region. While traveling in this region, you clearly can see that the vineyards are planted in the foothills of stemming slopes and terraces. They are approximately ﬁve hundred meters above the sea level. Plains dominated by alluvian soil brought by the Adige river and streams flowing from different valleys. Grapes grown here as successfully as cherries, peaches, various vegetables and cereals.

Includes

3 nights in Veneto region at the Castle “Castel Brando”
A car rental for the whole period
Exclusive dinner reservation with all-time youngest chef - Massimiliano Alajmo - 3 * Michelin at restaurant “Le Grille”

Visiting Prosecco farms
Prosecco tasting*

*for the wine tasting additional charge may apply. Payable on spot

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Alsace

tBro753E — Sat, 28 Nov 2020 07:37:19 +0000

Special offer

999 €

Alsace

France - Alsace

Map

Wine tour

Alsace - French Corner in the west, which is unlike any other vineyard land in this country. Alsace grape growing season are very long, because of that it takes an amaz-ing aroma and ﬂavor.

Each wine here is unique and not comparable to the other.

Includes

4 nights in Alsace. Soultzmatt village
1 night accommodation in a “Jean Moet” hotel, Epernay
A car rental for the whole period

Exclusive dinner reservation at Obernai 1 * Michelin restaurant Restaurant “Bistro des Saveurs”
Wine harvest at Seppi Landmann vineyards
Wine tasting*

*for the wine tasting additional charge may apply. Payable on spot

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Amalfi & Capri

tBro753E — Sat, 28 Nov 2020 07:15:36 +0000

Amalfi & Capri

Italy

Amalfi & Capri wine Tour

Located in Italy's Campania region, the Amalfi Coast begins some thirty miles south of Naples, on the southern side of the Sorrentino peninsula. This is a place where land, sea and sky strike such a note of such otherworldly perfection that the region is best approached by boat in order to take in the panorama.

Here are the most memorable stops along the coast and on the nearby island of Capri, an iconic island which has been featured in countless films and books. The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the world. There are endless things to do in Amalfi Coast, from action-packed excursions to culinary adventures. Take a hidden tour of Naples, hike coastal lemon groves or sign up for a sailing trip or creative pursuit. Here you will find chic luxury hotels, fabulous restaurants serving some of the best food in Italy, beautiful beaches, quaint villages and winding roads that hug the steep coastline with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea at every turn. The food, made with extraordinary local ingredients, is simple and earthy and the local wines are bright and delicious. It is no wonder that the Amalfi Coast has been drawing a sophisticated crowd for decades, while Capri always had two distinct faces: during the day it’s ruled by day-trippers, but once the last ferry has left, locals and visitors staying on the island emerge to partake in a charming nightly ritual.

Itinerary

Amalfi region is perfect to enjoy a delicious experience in leisurely dinners include homemade pasta and simply prepared fresh seafood; scenic hiking paths; unforgettable excursions and mini cruises towards the most enchanting locations of Amalfi Coast.

We will design a wine tour exclusively for you. Additionally will spice up your taste buds and educate your palette about some of the finest Amalfi coast wines.

2 nights in Belmond Hotel Caruso will be your gateway to the glamour of Amalfi. Build on11th-century by a wealthy family who found sanctuary in Ravello while journeying to Constantinople. Stroll through the century-old gardens, with rose bushes climbing skyward and crops of aromatic herbs found at every turn. From the endless blue of our infinity-edge pool to the ancient arches of our atmospheric bar, every detail will take your breath away.
2 nights in J.K. Place Capri with the comfort of feeling at home, surrounded by precious details. The luxury of discreet elegance and guest service has made this incredible hotel where well-being meets luxury-resort getaway with spectacular coastline experience and inspiration.
Flight tickets on regular flight or private jet to reach Amalfi.
Helicopter or luxury boat or perhaps typical wooden Capri boat ride to reach Capri island.
Luxurious or vintage car rental or perhaps personal driver at your disposal.
Save 2 days in Amalfi for sailing to idyllic fishing village to discover the secrets behind the recipe of Colatura di alici - a world-renowned anchovy sauce, only produced in Cetara; Discover a spectacular trail along the Amalfi Coast. Legend says it is the same one used by siren-seeking gods and Emperor Tiberius. Escape the bustle of the coast and head inland for an off-the-beaten-track experience. Reach the foothills of the Lattari Mountains for an exclusive visit to 500-year old vineyards - Tenuta San Francesco. Enjoy a delicious experience of lemon tasting tour in the Valley of the Mills.
2 spectacular days spend discovering fascinating underwater sea of Capri; exploring the Island from the most tempting spots where you can enjoy a memorable swim, bathed in the shimmering light of the sky refracted through the sea. Hike or take helicopter to fly over the mouth of Vesuvius, the temples of Pompei, Herculaneum and Paestum, and the cities of Caserta, Salerno and Naples.
WINE & WINE & WINE. Private meetings with Amalfi’s wine makers, wine tasting.
Dining experience in multiple Amalfi Michelin starred restaurants.

Following wine tour is just a sample to be designed and modified according your preferred dates, places, restaurants & wineries wish list.

Accomodation

Accomodation at Belmond Hotel Caruso

A heavenly retreat between sea and sky Set on a cliff edge 1,000ft above sea level, Belmond Hotel Caruso is your private balcony over the Amalfi Coast

This former 11th-century palace boasts all the worldly luxuries anyone could desire. Marbled hallways lead to rooms brimming with antiques and paintings by old masters. Cascading down the mountain, past lemon groves and olive vines, is Ravello, the mesmerising ‘city of music’. Paradise, found.

From the endless blue of our infinity-edge pool to the ancient arches of our atmospheric bar, every detail will take your breath away.

At Belmond Hotel Caruso, your room is every bit as magical as Ravello itself. Suites of stunning blue and white tiled floors, original Neapolitan paintings and glossy wood furniture open out onto beautiful balconies trailed with vines. The views will leave you breathless.

Belmond Hotel Caruso is your gateway to the glamour of Amalfi. Be part of something special with a stay in this 11th-century hotel, built by a wealthy family who found sanctuary in Ravello while journeying to Constantinople. Stroll through the century-old gardens, with rose bushes climbing skyward and crops of aromatic herbs found at every turn. Explore the frescoed salons and arched stone vaults, before arriving for a dip in the striking infinity pool. It’s a swim you’ll never forget.

Accomodation at JK Place Capri

The comfort of feeling at home, surrounded by precious details has been the key philosophy of J.K. Place Capri, the luxury of discreet elegance and guest service has made this incredible hotel where well-being meets luxury-resort getaway with spectacular coastline experience and inspiration.

J.K. Place Capri echoing the style and the concept of a luxury house, the interior design are derived by the charm of the elements that can be found by the coastline: the light and the color of the sea, spacious where artful revival of the classical style enhanced by the sunny curtain and the luminous crispy white and navy furnishings, bringing the nautical elegant from the breath-taking and borderless Mediterranean sea to your room.

The J.K.Place is situated on the Island of Capri near the Amalfi Coast. The island is reachable either by hydrofoil, ferry or helicopter. Private boat transfers may also be easily arranged.

Activities

Activities at Belmond Hotel Caruso

Explore an Italian coastline that’s rich with experiences

There are endless things to do in Amalfi Coast, from action-packed excursions to culinary adventures. Take a hidden tour of Naples, hike coastal lemon groves or sign up for a sailing trip or creative pursuit. Our concierge is on hand with recommendations to ensure you fall head-over-heels with Amalfi.

The Amalfi coast fishermen

Colatura di alici is a world-renowned anchovy sauce, only produced in Cetara. Sail to this idyllic fishing village to discover the secrets behind the recipe. Back at the hotel, take your seat in our restaurant for an exclusive tasting, all to yourself.

The path of the gods

Discover a spectacular trail along the Amalfi Coast. Legend says it is the same one used by siren-seeking gods and Emperor Tiberius.

This ancient path links Agerola and Nocelle, offering stunning views of the shimmering blue sea and mountains in the distance. Picnic on local specialities, then descend 1,680 steps to the bustling town below.

Vines divine

Escape the bustle of the coast and head inland for an off-the-beaten-track experience. Meet your Ape car at the hotel and take a slow drive through the rich landscape of Costiera.

Reach the foothills of the Lattari Mountains for an exclusive visit to Tenuta San Francesco. Here, tour the vineyards including their 500-year old vine. Then enjoy an indulgent home-cooked Italian meal with wine.

Ravishing ruins

Scale the heights of Scala, on the Amalfi Coast, to enjoy an exclusive picnic in the enchanting ruin of Sant’Eustachio.

We can arrange a romantic picnic for couples or something larger for groups of families and friends, personalised to your tastes. Start early in the morning and stop for breakfast before heading down the trail, or savour at sunset and linger over the hypnotic views.

Lemon tour

Enjoy a delicious experience in the Valley of the Mills.

Just a short ride from the centre of Amalfi, explore one of the region’s best lemon groves. Taste the fruits and understand how they’re cultivated using traditional methods.

Boat excursions

With a chorus of seagulls as your soundtrack, watch the coast wake up with a morning boat tour.

Alternatively, set sail at golden hour, where a typical antipasti, soft drinks and chilled Prosecco provide a tasteful start to your evening. We can also organise speedboat rentals for the ultimate coastal tour

Underground Naples

There’s more to Naples than meets the eye.

Just below the city streets lies a geothermal labyrinth of caves, ancient theatres and Roman roads. Dating back as far as the ancient Greeks, each tour offers a unique insight into the city’s rich past. Keep your eyes peeled and you’ll spot air-raid shelters from World War II.

Make your own film

Do your little ones love the limelight?

Put children in the director’s chair during a day spent making their own holiday movie trailer. Led by a professional filmmaker, children will learn how to plan a scene, act it out and capture it on camera––exactly as they imagined.

Amalfi by night

As twilight hits Amalfi’s lilac coastline, a certain magic ensues. Enjoy the region’s after-dark allure during a three-hour moonlit stroll. A local guide shares legendary stories before a champagne toast end the evening.

Book a classic Vespa to arrive in true Italian style.

Garden tour

Stroll through the hotel’s gardens with our head gardener. The charismatic Gaetano will guide you between subtropical and temperate flora, sharing personal anecdotes along the way. Admire the view beneath fragrant wisteria, or visit the herb beds to breathe in the true fragrance of Italy.

Activities

Activities at JK Place Capri

Capri is not only spectacular by sea, but is also ideal for those who love to walk among nature. Our professional guides are your promise for the best possible visit of our fantastic island. They will take you to Monte Solaro, Villa Jovis, the Sentiero dei Fortini and many other places.

Unforgettable excursions and mini cruises towards the most enchanting locations of the Blue Island and Amalfi Coast, boat trip around the island to discover all the secrets and marvels of Capri, Night excursion by boat to enjoy a beautiful sunset, Private transfers by motor boat, Helicopter.

Scuba Diving

Leave the shores aboard comfortable boats and spend your day discovering the fascinating underwater sea world of Capri. For those that do not have a license, but would like to take advantage of their vacation to learn diving, lessons with our qualified instructor allow issue of one that is valid internationally. Then you can dive into the limpid waters to see the white reefs of the island below the surface.

Fishing

If you have always wondered what it is like to fish in the sea that surrounds the island of Capri, you now have the chance to discover it! It doesn\'t matter if you are an expert or an absolute beginner, your time fishing in the waters of Capri is guaranteed to be magical! The captain will assist you during the day at sea with suggestions and useful information.

Scooter Rent

Renting a scooter on Capri is a good idea for those that want to get around independently. You can get to Capri and Anacapri for a pleasant drive through typical little roads, the Faro to enjoy an enchanting sunset, or the Blue Grotto. From April to October, only residential vehicles are allowed to circulate on the island. It is not permitted to embark autos or motorcycles from the mainland.

Boat Tours

In a luxury speedboat or a typical wooden Capri boat called "Gozzo", explore the Island from the most tempting spots where you can enjoy a memorable swim, bathed in the shimmering light of the sky refracted through the sea. On board, qualified crew members will show you the several caves of the Island, from the famous Blue Grotto to the less well-known Green Grotto, the Coral Grotto or the spectacular White Grotto.

Hiking

Helicopter tour

The J.K Place offers a series of extraordinary excursions, unforgettable journeys across scenarios of unsurpassed beauty. You will flying over the mouth of Vesuvius, the temples of Pompei, Herculaneum and Paestum, and the cities of Caserta, Salerno and Naples. The tour continues with the stretch of the Tyrrhenian sea which caresses the Amalfi Coast and the islands of the Bay of Naples. You will admire from the top the enchanting towns of Positano and Amalfi, the bay of Ieranto and the legendary Faraglioni of Capri. An excursion by helicopter is the most thrilling way to experience one the world\'s most beautiful scenarios.

Pompeii and Herculaneum

Pompeii and Herculaneum can be considered one of the most important testimonies of Roman civilization better preserved. Taking a walk with an expert guide among the ruins, will take you back to 2000 years ago and let you breathe and relive the atmosphere of the ancient life.

Amalfi Coast

On board of our luxury speedboats, enjoy a memorable day admiring from the sea the enchanting villages of the Amalfi Coast. Stop for lunch in one of the typical Restaurants of Nerano, a lovely fishing village, or visit the world famous town of Positano. Furthermore, appreciate a swim at the "Li Galli" private Island enjoying the spectacular scenario of the Coast.

Marina Grande. The big marina is the first landing place on Capri, where public and private boats arrive from the mainland. It is located in the bay on the northern part of the island, right on the Gulf of Naples and consists of two large straights. Marina Grande is also a seaside resort with an ample beach. The houses lining the harbor still have the ancient structure typical of the fishermen of Capri; with a lower level reserved exclusively for boats.

Marina Piccola

This little marina is one of the most popular places on the island, where you will find the "Scoglio delle Sirene" (Mermaid Reef) that, according to the theories of some historic scholars, was the place in which Homer's terrible mermaids of his Odyssey were found.

The Faraglioni

When we think of Capri, the first images that come to mind are of the Faraglioni, the three large stack formations of rock. These formations are over 100 meters high and rise from the sea just a few meters from the coast. Each stack has its own name: the closest and still attached to the island is named Stella (star), the second, separated from the first by a stretch of sea, is named Mezzo (middle), and the third Faraglione goes by the name Fuori (outside) or Scopolo.

The Piazzetta

In truth, this square is called Piazza Umberto I, but since the 1930's it has been called "la piazzetta", the little square. As small as it is, it is the center of island social life, deserving of the nickname "the world's living room". It has always been the heart of Capri society, but at one time, it was simply the square where the fish market was held.

Anacapri

This is the place where you can still take peaceful walks along silent streets and squares colored by geraniums and bougainvillea. The pedestrian area is lively with small artisan workshops that cross the historic center of Anacapri.

Blue Grotto

Already known to the ancient Romans, it is thought that the Blue Grotto was a favorite place of the emperor Tiberius. The magic light that illuminates the rocky walls and the crystalline waters of this famous cave will leave you speechless; a spellbinding scenario that makes you feel suspended in the sky.

Villa San Michele

The Swedish physician, Alex Munthe, wanted to build his island home in one of the most scenic spots of Anacapri. It stands out for its imaginative architecture with a succession of medieval mullioned windows that alternate with the classical motifs of Roman capitals. Its walls frame an enviable collection of finds from the Roman, Etruscan and Egyptian eras collected during the scholar's many travels and his permanence on the island of Capri.

The Certosa

Situated just a few steps from the famous Piazzetta, the Certosa di San Giacomo is one of the most important historical buildings on the island. Built in 1371, it suffered extensive damage as a result of repeated pirate raids in the sixteenth century. Restoration lasted until 1636 and, over the years, it has been home to a monastery, a military base, a hospital and a prison. Today, it is a charming location for cultural events.

Via Krupp

This road is named for the German industrialist, Friedrich Alfred Krupp, who, when docking his yacht in Marina Piccola to spend his holidays on the island, found it inconvenient to reach his home. To make it easier for himself, he built this fabulous road, more than one hundred meters above the sea, to connect Marina Piccola to the center of Capri.

Augustus Garden

These gardens have their origin on the property of German steel industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp who, in the early twentieth century, bought this stretch of land to build his home. From then and up until 1918, the gardens carried the name of Krupp. In 1918, the gardens were renamed the Augustus Gardens, name that has remained to the present day. From the Augustus Gardens, a stunning 180-degree panoramic view of the island of Capri can be enjoyed and, in fact, from there you can see Monte Solaro, the Marina Piccola bay, Via Krupp and the famous Faraglioni.

Wine SPA & wellness

Belmond Hotel Caruso

A Ravello hotel with a difference, Belmond Hotel Caruso is home to one of the Amalfi Coast’s most exclusive wellness centres. Here, spa culture has been refined to an art.

Experience botanical bliss with a range of treatments designed to nourish mind, body and soul. Some therapies can even be enjoyed in our romantic gardens under an azure sky.

Signature happiness ritual

Harness the vitality of the Mediterranean with our signature treatment using artisanal products from Sicily. Luxuriate in a footbath with star anise soap, a cleansing body exfoliation with jasmine-scented volcanic pumice and a soothing apricot and tangerine butter massage. The gentle fragrance of the apricot butter combined with mandarin essential oil, citrus, mint and bergamot, promotes feelings of positivity and wellbeing.

We believe in using only the best natural, organic products. La Mia Casa Nel Vento, Mei and Natures are all leading lights of the Italian spa scene. They have been carefully selected by our expert beauty team for the purity of their ingredients and the astounding results they produce.

JK Place Capri

The J.K. Spa invites you to enjoy the ultimate wellness experience. This luxurious sanctuary, nestled in the heart of Capri, provides the perfect environment where your experience begins as you leave the world behind and begin your journey to complete relaxation. Unwind in the steam room or pamper yourself with beauty therapies evolved over centuries. Indulge yourself in the splendor of a bygone era at the J.K. Spa.

Tennis. In the center of Capri, just five minutes on foot from the world renowned Piazzetta, you can enjoy an exciting tennis match.

Wine SPA & wellness

Dining with Belmond Hotel Caruso

Italian Coastal Dining with a Twist. Lose yourself in the vibrant flavours of Italy in our stunning Ravello restaurants. Mouth-watering menus bring the focus back to fresh, local produce, served with creativity and panache.

Drink and dine among ancient frescoes or with ocean views. For the cream of Amalfi Coast nightlife, step into our dazzling Piano and Cocktail bar for a nightcap.

Belvedere restaurant

Famed for its fresh, local Mediterranean dishes, Belvedere Restaurant offers diners an unforgettable experience. Chef Mimmo di Raffaele takes guests on a tantalising journey of discovery, where traditional Italian specialities inspire innovative dishes. Dine in the elegant dining room, or on the outdoor terrace while soaking up the endless sea views.

Arcade bar

Magnificent 18th-century frescoes and awe-inspiring views: where better to wind down after a busy day?

The atmospherically lit, Arcade Bar is a destination par excellence for Amalfi Coast nightlife. It offers an extensive list of innovative cocktails, and a wide range of wines, champagnes and the delicious local prosecco.

Something Special - The Krug Table

Picture the scene… An ornate XVII door from the old Caruso Palace as your dining table, decadent Emilio Pucci chairs to sink into. The menu? A gastronomic masterpiece by Chef Mimmo di Raffaele, perfectly paired with a chilled bottle of Krug champagne. Enjoy the stunning outdoor setting, whether you celebrate with friends or just you and your sweetheart. You’ll have one of the best spots on the Amalfi Coast all to yourselves. Even better, take off your shoes, feel the lush grass beneath your feet and let the sweet life sink in.

Pool snack bar

More to Savour. Peruse our options for every mood and appetite. For alfresco glamour and delicious drinks and snacks, our bar is a must visit. Join us for snacks or a refreshing cocktail—all against the idyllic backdrop of our infinity pool with the Amalfi Coast beyond.

Dining with JK Place Capri

A charming restaurant that serves traditional Mediterranean cuisine, with its large panoramic terrace, for breakfast and all day-dining in a relaxing atmosphere. A bar, but above all an exclusive location based on a completely different basis of hospitality. A sophisticated ambiance, whether for a glass of wine after a tiring day, or to simply kick back and socialise in this chic atmosphere.

We propose our selection of cocktails with the "Chef Display", from which our Chef accurately and knowingly prepares finger food (slivers of Prosecco-marinated pineapple, chocolate-soaked citrus zest, quail egg canapés, mini sea bream burgers, parmesan cheese perfumed with Martini Dry Vermouth and delicious pecans) that are perfect any time of the day.

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The post Amalfi & Capri appeared first on Boutique Travel.

Tuscany

tBro753E — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 16:38:10 +0000

Tuscany

Italy

Map

Tuscany Wine Tour

Tuscany is one of Italy’s most evocative destinations. This region, home to rolling countryside and dotted with antique farmhouses, is famous for being the home of the Renaissance, the beautiful ornate cities of Florence and Siena, and, of course, beautiful art.

But there’s one thing Tuscany is famous for above all else – wine. The area is one of the world’s most notable wine regions, home to the Sangiovese grape, where world-class DOCG wines such as Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, and Vernaccia di San Gimignano, to name just a few, hail from.

The vineyards which line the hills are alive with activity and waiting for you to visit and discover more about this beautiful region and its delicious fine wines.

Itinerary

We will design a wine tour exclusively for you. Additionally will spice up your taste buds and educate your palette about some of the finest Tuscany wines.

We suggest you to combine a visit to Renaissance Florence with a stay in the Tuscan countryside. Take four nights and spend them as you wish. Perhaps two at Belmond Villa San Michele, with its façade designed by Michelangelo, and two at Belmond Castello di Casole, a 10th-century estate set among vineyards and olive groves. We’ll take care of everything, you just need to relax and enjoy the best of both worlds.

2 nights in Villa San Michele, nestled in the Fiesole hills, this former medieval monastery perfectly captures the romance of Florence.
2 nights in charming castle of Tuscany Belmond Castello di Casole, which stretches into the Tuscan sky as organically as the ancient vineyards and regal cypress trees at its base.
Flight tickets on regular flight or private jet
Luxurious or vintage car rental or personal driver at your disposal
2 fun-filled adventure days in Florence. Start the day with greet with Leonardo, continue it with Fresco classes and hidden stores, museum treasure hunt, ending with romantic garden dinner or… even rafting.
2 days spend in Tuscan fly you with a morning wind rustle through countryside vineyards, olive groves, oak forests and rapeseed fields. You will start your day with the charming life of rural Tuscany at Podere Paugnano farm. Join cheese-masters Giovanni and Giovanna, a husband and wife team, on a tour of the estate before feasting on delicacies produced here on the farm. You will learn how to cook stunning Italian dishes using the finest local ingredients, including fruits and vegetables from our own gardens. Biking, hiking will end with night star gazing. If its autumn – time for truffle hunting. Tuscany is home of the rarest and finest truffles on earth. Head out with your expert guide and experienced Lagotto Romagnolo dogs to uncover these elusive tubers.
WINE, WINE, WINE. Private meetings with Tuscan wine makers, wine tasting.
Dining experience in Tuscan Michelin starred restaurants.

Following wine tour is just a sample to be designed and modified according your preferred dates, places and wineries to visit.

Accomodation

Villa San Michele

Modern luxury meets Renaissance splendour. Nestled in the Fiesole hills, this former medieval monastery perfectly captures the romance of Florence.

Blending 14th-century artistry with the region’s ethereal beauty, Belmond Villa San Michele is as inspiring as the city’s greatest cathedrals and galleries. Our facade, attributed to Michelangelo, is hugged by lush woodland and terraced gardens. Step outside and gaze down across Florence and to the Chianti hills beyond.

Belmond Castello di Casole

Head high into the hills around Casole on an unassuming farm road. Between leafy banks and tall trees you will catch your first glimpse of our medieval castle, presiding over untouched landscape. As you rise towards our open doors, you’ll discover the irresistible spirit of rural Tuscany in each breath of fragrant, sunbaked air.

Step over the threshold into a thousand years of history, where our doorman greets you with a warm welcome. Inside the cool air offers a refreshing retreat from the Tuscan sun, while exposed beams and earthen tones harbour a glorious past that echoes the surrounding landscape. These grounds were once home to an entire Tuscan village, including a school, priest's house and limonaia. Today they have been thoughtfully, beautifully restored to lavish rooms and suites. Many still maintain their original chimneys, a throwback to the days of family gatherings and home-cooking.

Once settled in and suitably revived, head to the heated infinity pool for a spot of relaxation. Sunbathe in the balmy warmth or swim to the edge, gazing across the painterly rolling hills. For deeper indulgence, descend to the former wine cellar to unwind at our Essere Spa. You’ll discover a peaceful eden for sanctuary seekers, with a decadent menu of rejuvenating rituals featuring heavenly natural ingredients like rosemary, grape, olive oil and honey.

You may have heard whispers of Visconti’s legendary Hollywood parties hosted at the castle, during the times of La Dolce Vita. Our vibrant Bar Visconti rather gives the secret away. Of course, you’ll want to sample Tuscany’s world-famous cuisine, and we have the perfect spot for you. Our restaurant, Tosca, promises inspired dining with locally sourced produce served under the shimmer of Murano glass chandeliers.

Nestled deep within Tuscany’s tranquil heartlands, those seeking quiet bliss will not be disappointed, but Belmond Castello di Casole is also alive with activity. Anticipate an array of pursuits rom mountain biking and truffle hunting to exclusive tours of the Brunello di Montalcino vineyards—adventurous spirits will feel right at home.

The humble farming origins of Belmond Castello di Casole resonate firmly in our foundations, and we remain rooted to the landscape and traditions of Tuscany. However flashes of timeless heritage and luxury glamour can be found at every step. Stay here, and anticipate a feast for the soul.

Activities

Activities at Villa San Michele

Cookery School

Learn to recreate the flavours of Tuscan cuisine in your own kitchen

Anticipate the ultimate foodie vacations at Belmond Villa San Michele. Our Chef teaches “hands-on” lessons, which means you will be preparing, tasting and cooking alongside him. Small classes ensure that each student enjoys individual attention. In just a short time, our culinary school in Italy has established a worldwide reputation for excellence. Advance reservations are essential.

Garden dinner in Florence

Head to our lover’s corner to enjoy enchanting views over Florence. In this lofty romantic perch, we’ll serve you and your companion a specially created menu with wine pairings.

On the table you’ll find a map of the city below—a guide to the heart of Florence and all its tales of romance through the ages. Let us help you write your own love story with all the words you’ve always wanted to say.

The art parks of Tuscany

Combine your passion for art and nature with an exclusive tour of Tuscany’s art parks. At Enzo Pazzagli gleaming metallic sculptures surround the grounds, including a mighty winged Pegasus. You enter the realm of the surreal at Giardino dei Suoni (Garden of Sounds) where sculpture and music combine to create a feast for the senses. Discover how the landscape of Tuscany still inspires artists today.

Greet the day with Leonardo

Travel through time and walk in the footsteps of the great Leonardo Da Vinci. Trekking through Monte Ceceri park, you’ll reach the top of the very same hill where Leonardo tested his flying machine in 1506. It was here that humans first took flight according to Zoroastro Da Peretola, a legendary pupil of Leonardo’s. Gaze across the wooded valley and spot Il Duomo in the distance the views are truly inspiring.

Fresco classes

Master the ancient art of fresco painting with the guidance of local artisans. Take your class at the hotel, or step through the doors of a family-run workshop in the heart of Florence. You’ll have the chance to bring the Renaissance back to life with historic techniques and materials. Your handiwork can be shipped home, so you can own your very own Florentine fresco.

Cashmere in the Chianti hills

Head to a picturesque farm hidden in the stunning Chianti hills for this family-friendly treat. Meet the animals, and learn how quality cashmere is crafted. Top the day off with a tasting of the local Chianti wine.

Florence in an Ape Calessino

Hop into an Ape Calessino, the three-wheeled electric car that was so emblematic of Italy in the 50s and 60s.

Discover the city at sunset in this classic vehicle. Access the most famous sights of central Florence that are usually out of bounds to motorists. Please note that this experience is only available after 6pm.

Hidden stores of Florence

Explore the twists and turns of historic Florence to discover little-known boutiques and workshops. Visit a celebrated glass shop, savour sumptuous local delicacies or even pick up a pair of tailor-made shoes.

Museum treasure hunt

Uncover hidden gems on our lively walking tour, suitable for the whole family.

Follow your guide, listen to the clues and be the first to solve the riddle and find the treasure.

Rafting in Florence

Let expert rafters guide you down the San Niccolo weir, under the Ponte Vecchio, as you admire the urban sights. Or, for the ultimate thrill, join a full-day excursion to the Sieve River for a heart-racing ride through the rapids.

Activities

Activities at Belmond Castello di Casole

Rafting in Florence

Let expert rafters guide you down the San Niccolo weir, under the Ponte Vecchio, as you admire the urban sights.

Or, for the ultimate thrill, join a full-day excursion to the Sieve River for a heart-racing ride through the rapids.

Stargazing in Tuscany

The celebrated night skies over Belmond Castello di Casole provide a glittering display for star seekers.

Sip an aperitif at our enchanted table in a hidden glade of the forest. Then head to our open-air amphitheatre for a heavenly performance viewed through state-of-the art telescopes. Guided by a professional astronomer, you'll admire breathtaking views of the Milky Way, the Andromeda galaxy and the constellation of Orion

Traditional Tuscany

Immerse yourself in the charming life of rural Tuscany at Podere Paugnano farm. Join cheese-masters Giovanni and Giovanna, a husband and wife team, on a tour of the estate before feasting on delicacies produced here on the farm.

This is also the only place in the world where you can try the Pecorino Marzolino di Lucardo. It is still made to the original recipe found in a 14th-century Boccaccio novel.

Truffle hunting

Tuscany is home to the rarest and finest truffles on earth. Head out with your expert guide and experienced Lagotto Romagnolo dogs to uncover these elusive tubers.

After, return to the hotel for an exclusive truffle experience at Essere Spa followed by an irresistible four-course truffle-inspired dinner created by Chef Daniele Sera.

Cooking classes

Learn how to cook stunning Italian dishes using the finest local ingredients, including fruits and vegetables from our own gardens.

We’ll provide all of the materials you need to create fresh pasta, delicious bread, tiramisu and other local classics.

Watercolor class

Take part in a watercolor class either in the comfort of your suite or in the inspiring setting of your garden. While all ages are welcome to participate, the presence of an adult is always required for children’s classes. Classes are approximately two hours long, and include art supplies.

Tuscan tours

Belmond Castello di Casole is ideally located to uncover all the treasures of Tuscany. Speak to our concierge for expert recommendations on where to visit.

Idyllic Siena is just 30 minutes east, and Florence 60 minutes north. The coast is a scenic hour’s drive. The popular Volterra and Montalcino are all within driving distance. The walled fortress of Monteriggioni is a comfortable bike ride away. Our nearby neighbours are the hill towns of Mensano, Radicondoli and the namesake, Casole d’Elsa. In the distance, the legendary towers of San Gimignano rise on the horizon.

Biking

Set off on a romantic bike ride through the meadows and tree-lined roads that crisscross the estate. Mensano, Radicondoli, Casole d’Elsa and Monteriggioni are excellent mountain biking destinations. For the ambitious, San Gimignano and Colle di Val d’Elsa are favourite half-day trips.

For road riders, there is an exceptional biking centre moments from the Castello. Our concierge can arrange a tailored tour package, ready for your arrival.

Hiking

Hiking is the perfect way to see the best of Italy’s natural landscapes. Explore vineyards and olive groves, historic castles and hamlets as you relish the peace and harmony of the landscape.

Guided tours are available for every ability level. The concierge can also recommend the favoured hiking trails in Tuscany and provide a map for self-guided walks.

Wine SPA & wellness

Essere Spa at Belmond Castello di Cassole

You’ll find our tranquil spa at the heart of our hilltop estate. Housed in what was once the wine cellar, today it is a serene setting within one of the most dramatic spaces on the property.

Barrel-vaulted ceilings and restored stone walls create a timeless atmosphere, while views across the lush valley capture your imagination.

Signature Experience Sweet as honey

This luscious treatment draws inspiration from locally-harvested ingredients. A royal jelly anti-ageing facial restores your skin’s luminosity. Then, a Millefiori honey-infused massage hydrates and nourishes.

We create homemade, organic beauty products that you are sure to love. Join one of our workshops and learn how to make them for yourself

Befitting one of the most enchanting Tuscany spas, our treatment menu is inspired by local ingredients such as rosemary, grape and olive oil. We also use luxury products from French brand, Carita and the Italian brand, Lajatica which uses only km0 ingredients. European spa and wellness experts offer an extensive collection of Etruscan, traditional and modern therapies and treatments.

Yoga

Find your inner balance surrounded by the beauty of the rolling Tuscan hills. A calming and reviving Yoga session in our Spa garden is the perfect way to start your day. The scenery at dawn is especially breathtaking.

Stretch, flex and strengthen your body. Our expert trainer will be on hand and happy to tailor classes to your interests and needs.

Dining with villa San Michele

Chef Alessandro CozzolinoExecutive

Originally from Caserta in southern Italy, Alessandro Cozzolino trained internationally with Michelin-starred chefs. Through each new experience he has relied on two qualities: passion and dedication. Combining his intuition with personal taste and well-honed skills, the result is a careful curation of dishes that wow on every mouthful.

A true taste of Tuscany

With the freshest produce in the finest location, dining with us is the perfect way to appreciate the true magic behind Italian cuisine.

Whether you’re sampling local wild boar, savouring our smoked rabbit lasagnetta or sipping Tuscan wine, gastronomes are spoilt for choice with our varied and unique culinary options. From the 15th-century arches of La Loggia to our avant-garde take on beloved dishes, both tradition and modernity inform our gastronomy. It doesn’t hurt that our hotel overlooks Florence’s most coveted view—the panoramic vista is as stunning as any painting hanging in the Uffizi gallery.

La loggia restaurant

At La Loggia, the menu both respects and reinterprets Tuscan gastronomy. Executive Chef Alessandro Cozzolino's dishes feature daring modern twists and unique ingredient combinations. The result? A one-of-a-kind flavour sensation that takes you both back in time and hurtling into the future.

Perched high in the Florence hills, our magical setting also has its fair share of history. A former monastery and now one of the most scenic restaurants in Florence, we’re proud of the stories that live on here.

Truffle delight

Head to La Loggia Restaurant this autumn for a delectable dinner inspired by the ‘gem of the earth’.

Choose from our carefully curated à la carte menu, with each dish a unique pairing to the sumptuous truffle flavour. Watch as the truffle is prepared before your eyes and ignite your senses with a sublime celebration of one of the finest earthly delights.

Cloister bar

This glamorous, fully-refurbished bar is the perfect spot to relax while sipping delicious signature cocktails. Ask our internationally acclaimed barmen for a timeless Negroni, or a refreshing Chartreuse Swizzle.

Set in the hotel’s historic Cloister, the bar’s design balances tradition, soft contours, leather, brass and marble with flashes of modern sophistication like the leopard-print cushions adorning gold-highlighted sofas.

The lovers’ corner

Head to our lover’s corner to enjoy enchanting views over Florence serve you and your companion a specially created menu with wine pa On the table you’ll find a map of the city below—a guide to the h romance through the ages. Florence is famed for its romantic histo poet Dante met his beloved Beatrice, who inspired his poetry as well you write your own love story with all the words you’ve always wanted to say

Leonardo’s table

Leonardo da Vinci embodied “unquenchable curiosity and feverish own predilection for culinary curiosity, we’ve crafted a special menu d his history is also our history—he tested his flying machine on the h hotel grounds. Inspired by his “Codice Atlantico”, each dish reveals a part of Flo accompanied by Leonardo himself, who will reveal tales about th culinary inventions.

Sunset picnic in the gardens

Take your sweetheart by the hand and find a peaceful corner in ou picnic basket filled with exquisite treats. Kick off your shoes, feel the g the magnificent sunset views over Florence.

Garden bar

Bursting with lemon trees, rose bushes and herbs, our fragrant garde glass of wine with friends. As blue skies deepen and night falls, be d piano for a relaxing alfresco nightcap.

The pool restaurant

With Florence a breathtaking web below, our hilltop Pool Restaurant day. Take a shaded seat on the terrace for a lazy lunch or toast the sundowner.

Wine tasting

Within our own oak-barreled wine cellar, allow our sommelier to tak Each wine is served with a delicious selection of local cheese and artisan confiture.

Olive oil tasting

Learn all about the history and health benefits of olio d'oliva with a monocultivar olive oils await to take you on a journey across Italy.

Shake and drink

Under the domed arches of the Cloister Bar, our expert barman is on perfect cocktail. Whether yours is a Chartreuse Swizzle or a Negroni earned creation as Florence stretches out at your feet.

Afternoon tea

In our chic Cloister Bar, the most decadent of afternoon pick-me-ups savoury treats and tea infusions in this historic setting.

Wine SPA & wellness

Dining with Castello Di Casolle

Every meal an occasion, every occasion memorable

Experience a true taste of Siena, Italy. Restaurants at Belmond Castello di Casole offer something for everyone.

The focus is on simple, rustic food that blends Italian tradition with modern innovation. Whether you choose to dine in the elegant restaurant or on the terrace with gorgeous views, each moment is one to cherish.

Tosca

Tosca mixes old world favourites with modern influences. The focus is purely Italian—homemade pasta, locally sourced meat, exceptional seafood and garden-fresh produce. Freshly baked bread pairs perfectly with our estate-grown extra virgin olive oil.

Bar visconti

Our cool bar is named after the illustrious Visconti family, former owners of the castello. Overlooking the serene pool area, it’s one of the best lounge bars in Italy to enjoy the sunset over the hills.

Classic marble details, a frescoed wall and built-in banquette seating invite intimate conversation. Or take a seat outside for a drink beneath the stars.

Pool bar

Sit back and stretch out as you savour a delicious cocktail paired with views of the rolling hills. Our bar is just steps from the hotel’s gorgeous infinity pool. Chase-up a cooling dip with a sip of your favourite refreshment—there’s no better way to soak-up panoramic views of Tuscany’s wild side.

Wine cellar

Located in the hotel courtyard, our cellar houses a rich collection of local and Italian wines. Allow our sommelier to introduce you to the region’s grapes and guide you through a tantalizing tasting. The ideal spot for an exclusive dinner or private wine tasting session.

Aperitif at the enchanted table

Enter the world of fairytales with an enchanted picnic in the heart of our ancient forest. Our floating table awaits in a secluded glade, lit with a grand candelabra and hundreds of twinkling lights. Savour a delicious selection of canapés and aperitifs as the sun sets over the Tuscan hills.

This magical setting is ideal for romantic occasions or a special celebration with an intimate group of friends.

For a family-friendly experience, book a traditional Tuscan 'merenda'—a magical experience little ones will never forget.'

Wine Experience

Tuscan wines are some of the best in the world. Let us be your guide.

With more than 100 acres of vineyards, Belmond Castello di Casole is made for wine lovers. We offer frequent wine tours and events, and an exquisite estate-grown red wine blend, SìdiSì.

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