LHW Celebrates Italy’s Tastes & Traditions During Expo 2015

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To celebrate Milan Expo 2015 The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd, an uncommon collection of authentic and distinct independent luxury hotels, is excited to reveal more than fifteen Expo-inspired packages from numerous member properties throughout Italy. The Leading Expo packages complement Expo’s theme of “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life,” and highlight Leading Hotels members’ innovative and sustainable approach to creating outstanding culinary experiences.

“With more than 60 The Leading Hotels of the World members in Italy, we look forward to introducing the best of Italian cuisine, culture and hospitality to our guests and many of the 20 million global travelers that will pass through Expo over the following months,” said Sabina Giese, Director, Italy, Turkey and Southern Europe, The Leading Hotels of the World. “We’ve curated authentic culinary and cultural experiences that are sure to give travelers a taste of Italy’s traditions.”

Participating hotels span from Southern to Northern Italy and are available to book on www.LHW.com/milanexpo now through October 31 2015, with travel through October 2015:

MILAN

Carlton Hotel Baglioni Milan (Milan, Italy)
Situated in the heart of the city, Carlton Hotel Baglioni Milan is just minutes away from the Expo site. Travelers who book the hotel’s package will receive entry to Expo Milan, as well as a daily breakfast experience created in collaboration with The University of Gastronomic Sciences. In addition, an excursion to the town of Pollenzo, known for its gastronomy and food tourism, is included in the package. Guests will receive a guided tour of the Bank of Wine, with up to five different wine tastings, as part of the decadent experience.

NORTHERN ITALY

Cristallo Hotel Spa & Golf (Belluno, Italy)
Guests will dedicate three days to wellness and fine dining when they book the adventure-filled package. The itinerary includes mountain biking through the National Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites, climbing with a certified Alpine Guide, golf at the exclusive Cortina Gold Club, as well as relaxation at the pool and spa. Guests will receive one ticket for entry to Expo Milan and a ticket for the Aquae Venezia exhibition in Venice, organized under the patronage of Expo Milan (one-way transfer from Venice to Cortina included). The package also includes one Cristallo body massage at the Transvital Swiss Beauty Center and dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, La Veranda del Cristallo.

Due Torri Hotel (Verona, Italy)
Guests can travel back in time when they stay in a completely refurbished historic 14-century palace. By booking the package guests receive one ticket for Expo Milan, a welcome drink at the hotel’s Panoramic Bar and a Vespa Wine Tour in Verona. The Vespa tour includes an organic picnic lunch in the vineyards and spectacular views.

Grand Hotel Billia (Saint Vincent, Italy)
While travelers are in the heart of the Italian Alps, they will receive a guided tour through the Via Francigena, the most important commercial and religious road in the Middle Age. During their journey, they will stay in a historic hospice, surrounded by snow-covered mountains. The package also includes a visit to the Roman vestiges of the Aosta, return transfer to Saint-Rhemy-en-Bosses, dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, 1908, and access to Spa L’EVE.

Grand Hotel Majestic Già Baglioni (Bologna, Italy)
Guests will experience a cultural and musical journey while staying at the only five-star hotel in Bologna. The hotel chef will take them on a culinary tasting and shopping tour through ancient medieval markets and the oldest food shops in the city. Travelers will also participate in a wine tasting led by the hotel’s sommelier with dishes presented by the hotel’s maître d'. Guests will immerse themselves in music with access to an exclusive chamber concert in the Hall of the Palazzo Rossini Carrati, followed by a visit to the Philharmonic Academy of Bologna.

Grand Hotel Miramare (Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy)
Guests at the Grand Hotel Miramare can enjoy awe-inspiring Italian Riviera beaches, boutique shopping and Italy’s famous nearby cliffside Cinque Terre towns. The package includes a welcome cocktail at the hotel’s bar, Le Colonne, a classic Lingurian gourmet dinner, a picnic bag for a day excursion, and tickets for the San Fruttuoso Abbey in Camogli, a secluded seashore monastery near Portofino.

Luna Hotel Baglioni Venice (Venice, Italy)
While staying in the oldest hotel in Venice, guests will have the chance to celebrate Italy’s agri-food and gastronomic traditions. The package was created in collaboration with Baglioni Hotels’ partner Dream&Charme, an international luxury tour operator, and includes a six-hour private guided tour of the hidden vineyards located on Mazzorbo Island (transfer to/from with private boat).

Palazzo Arzaga Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort (Calvagese della Riviera, Italy)
Guests will overlook Lake Garda and the foothills of the Alps in the historic 15th century palace during their Expo experience. They will receive entry to Expo Milan and the Mille Miglia Museum, dedicated to Brescia’s legendary car race. The package also includes dinner, entry to the Arzaga Spa and the choice of one green fee for an 18-hole golf match or two golf lessons for beginners.

Royal Hotel, Sanremo (Sanremo, Italy)
Guests will have splendid views of the Mediterranean Sea on the charming Italian Riviera of Flowers in a former home of the most famous European royalty, aristocracy and elite throughout the hotel’s history. Travelers will have access to Hanbury Botanic Gardens, which is home to worldwide plants that thrive in the Mediterranean climate. Following a day of nature, guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner with regional and international dishes – along with an impressive selection of wines. The package also includes access to the hotel’s spa and swimming pool.

Villa & Palazzo Aminta Beauty & Spa (Stresa, Italy)
With breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore, guests will be swept away by the romance of the property and even have the chance to dine with a legend. The package includes an exclusive lunch with Giacomo Agostini, a celebrated icon in the motorcycle world who has 15 world titles and more than 300 worldwide victories.

TUSCANY

Castel Monastero (Castelnuovo Berardenga, Italy)
Travelers will enjoy the Tuscan sun while cruising in a Ferrari 458 Spider, which will take them on an unforgettable journey through the landscapes of the Chianti region. Known for art, food, fashion and architecture, the Chianti region makes for a perfect Italian escape. In addition to the Ferrari ride, the package includes a welcome amenity and access to the indoor water area of the hotel’s spa. Guests will also experience luxurious shopping during a shopping tour at the Prada Outlet of Montevarchi (Arezzo).

Castello del Nero Hotel & Spa (Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, Italy)
Located in the celebrated Chianti wine region, guests will have a memorable backdrop of olive groves and vineyards in a 12th-century castle. They will join a FIAT 500 vintage car tour with lunch, including a farm stop where famous Cinta Senese pigs are bred. Travelers will also enjoy a four-course candlelight dinner at the hotel’s one-star Michelin restaurant, La Torre.

Fonteverde Tuscan Resort & Spa (Tuscany, Italy)
Situated halfway between Florence and Rome, guests will experience authentic Tuscan lifestyle in a vintage car driving in the winding road of the countryside. The package also includes dinner at Ferdinando I restaurant, access to the thermal spa and an aroma touch massage.

Grand Hotel Villa Medici (Florence, Italy)
Guests will fly high through the clouds as they have a bird’s eye view of Tuscany’s vineyards, olive groves and ancient townships in a hot air balloon. After landing, they will have a Champagne Prosecco breakfast with local produce, renowned cheeses from Fattoria Corzano e Paterno and a light olive oil tasting with Tuscan bread. An exclusive candlelight dinner in the Conservatory restaurant surrounded by the hotel’s luxurious gardens and pool will conclude the magical day.

A second package provides travelers an exclusive guided tour following the “Prince’s itinerary,” a walk through the passageway that connects the Palazzo Vecchio with Palazzo Pitti, passing through the Uffizi Gallery and over the Ponte Vecchio. Travelers will discover a collection of paintings and windows in the passageway that offer breathtaking views of the city. Following their tour, guests will enjoy a dinner at Conservatory.

The hotel’s third package provides a hands-on, educational culinary tour. Guests will participate in a guided walk with a truffle hunter and his truffle hunting dogs to learn more about the several varieties of Tuscan truffles. Following the morning tour, the group will dine at Ristoro I’Antica Scuderia to enjoy a special truffle lunch with fine Tuscan wine. The package also includes dinner at Conservatory.

Il Pellicano (Porto Ercole, Italy)
Located along Italy’s Argentario coast, the package offers an exclusive boat trip to the island of Montecristo with a picnic prepared by the hotel’s chef. A welcome gift and six-course tasting dinner at Il Pellicano, the hotel’s one-star Michelin restaurant, are also included to make for a few delicious and tranquil days for any visitor.

L’Andana (Grosseto, Italy)
The former hunting lodge of Leopold II, Duke of Tuscany, the hotel is located in Italy's stunning Maremma region, celebrated for its lush countryside that stretches to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Guests will enjoy Acquagiusta wine during a tour of the Tenuta La Badiola winery, as well as a one-day boat excursion to discover the destination’s beautiful islands. Travelers can drive in style to Expo in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class car, with a one-way ride provided in the package. In addition, guests will enjoy a three-course dinner with a selection of local wines and daily entrance to the hotel’s ESPA spa.

Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy (Florence, Italy)
Centrally located Hotel Savoy is built on the site of the Mercato Vecchio and old church of San Tommaso in Florence, blending history and an ideal location (nearby to the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery). While enjoying “la cittá bella” guests will have the opportunity to participate in a private cooking class at the Desinare cooking school, popular among food enthusiasts and professionals and also receive an original culinary-inspired gift.

ROME

Aldrovandi Villa Borghese (Rome, Italy)
While staying in Rome’s most upscale residential area at the edge of the Borghese Gardens, guests will find themselves on an outdoor culinary adventure. They will have access to the hotel’s bicycles to explore the nearby park, followed by a picnic with champagne, seasonal fruit and a surprise prepared by Chef Oliver Glowig. The package also includes the option of dinner at the hotel’s two-star Michelin restaurant or a couple’ massage at Spa La Mer. Guests will enjoy “Aldrovandi” drinks in the garden bar and passes to the Borghese Gallery as well.

Hassler Roma (Rome, Italy)
Guests are encouraged to explore their senses as they sit at the top of the Spanish Steps in one of the city’s most iconic properties. They’ll experience a special “Flavors of a Journey” tasting menu from Chef Apreda at Imàgo, the Hassler’s panoramic one-star Michelin restaurant. Couples on a romantic retreat will also enjoy a sensory massage for two at the hotel spa.

Hotel Eden (Rome, Italy)
Travelers will have the choice to explore Ancient Rome with an expert guide by their side or discover the Eternal City through the lens of a professional photographer, who’ll share expert tips for taking outstanding photos. For spontaneous adventures, guests will receive a copy of The Keys to Open 99 Secret Places in Rome guidebook packed with hidden gems. In addition, the package includes two business class train tickets to/from Milan for Expo.

La Posta Vecchia (Ladispoli, Italy)
Along with taking in panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and well-preserved ruins on property, the hotel invites guests to indulge in a six-course tasting dinner at its one-star Michelin restaurant, Cesar. In addition, guests will embark on a full-day guided excursion to Rome to find the hidden Caravaggio. Package also includes a welcome gift.

Regina Hotel Baglioni Rome (Rome, Italy)
Situated at the renowned meeting place of artists, writers and actors during the Dolce Vita period, guests will enjoy agri-food and gastronomic traditions of Italy. The hotel chef will bring travelers to a traditional Roman market to buy fresh ingredients for a two-hour cooking lesson, followed by a three-course lunch with a selection of wines.

Rocco Forte Hotel de Russie (Rome, Italy)
Described by French poet Jean Cocteau as “paradise on Earth,” guests will immerse themselves in Rome’s food culture while staying in one of the most stylish hotels in the city. The package includes a culinary walking tour discovering the traditional and modern gastronomic culture of the Eternal City, with a tasting itinerary particularly focused on Roman street food. Guests will also receive an original souvenir that is culinary-related.

CENTRAL ITALY

Grand Hotel Palazzo Della Fonte (Fiuggi, Italy)
A hotel that has long been a destination for wellness seekers due to the region’s natural springs, guests will feel completely rejuvenated after their Expo visit. In addition to receiving one entry to Expo Milan, travelers will have access to the hotel’s Fonte Spa, where they will receive a complimentary spa ritual. In addition, the package includes an eight-course dinner and a visit to the crypt of Anagni Cathedral, known as “Sistine Chapel of the Middle Ages.” When travelers are taking a break from sightseeing, they’ll have a 10-percent discount at the nearby outlets.

SOUTHERN ITALY

Borgo Egnazia (Savelletri di Fasano, Italy)
While guests enjoy Apulia’s rich traditions, they will have the opportunity to pick ingredients from the hotel’s vegetable gardens to use during an afternoon cooking class, followed by lunch. The package also includes dinner at Pescheria da Vito, at Cala Masciola Beach Club. During dinner the hotel’s chef will introduce guests to Apulian’s celebrated seafood offerings. In addition, the package includes a Roman bath spa treatment at Vair Spa.

Capri Palace Hotel & Spa (Capri, Italy)
Travelers seeking modern Mediterranean luxury in the island's unspoiled town of Anacapri will enjoy a half-day private boat tour of Capri, as well as a lobster dinner at the hotel’s two-star Michelin restaurant, L’Olivo. Upon arrival, guests will find champagne and Caprese cake in their room. To vacation in style, female travelers will receive tailor-made Capritouch sandals, and men will receive a Capritouch travel bag. In addition, guests will have access to the Riccio Beach Club, with shuttle transportation provided.

*Travelers can find additional information, pricing and terms and conditions for each package on The Leading Hotels of the World website: www.LHW.com

About The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd.
Comprised of more than 400 hotels in over 80 countries, Leading Hotels is one of the largest independent luxury hotel collections in the world. Rooted in the locations in which they are found, members embody the very essence of their destination. Through varied styles of architecture and design and distinct cultural experiences delivered by passionate people, the collection is for curious travelers looking for their next discovery. Established in 1928 by several influential and forward-thinking European hoteliers, the company selects hotels that meet these travelers’ high standards for quality and distinctiveness. The result is a curated portfolio of hotels united not by what makes them the same, but the remarkable details that make them different. Leaders Club is the company’s exclusive two-tiered guest loyalty program, consisting of like-minded travelers seeking uncommon travel experiences. The program provides its members with personalized service and exclusive travel benefits to enhance their stays at any Leading Hotel around the world. For more information visit: www.LHW.com and follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/LeadingHotels and Instagram @theleadinghotelsofworld
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