Sweet Dreams are made in Italy

Holidaying in Southern Europe this summer just got all the more enticing with Belmond, the luxury hotel and leisure group known for its one-of-a-kind travel experiences. Often associated with classic train rides on the Oriental Express and luxury cruises, Belmond is also home to many jaw-dropping hotels that will transport you to another time.

Following the opening of Belmond Castello di Casole, a truly authentic Tuscan retreat that is steeped in Etruscan history, it’s safe to say visitors can thoroughly enjoy “the art of good living” as the property connects its guests with rich heritage and the local culture.

Sitting within its own medieval village, featuring original Etruscan artefacts and architecture, the establishment was built in the year 998 and originally named Querceto Manor; the iconic property was then restored by the aristocratic Bargagli family in the 20^th century. The storied castle hotel and grounds sit within an untouched nature reserve in the Tuscan hills between Siena and Florence.

The vast acres surrounding the property provide an unrivalled backdrop for a range of activities, offering access to all the region’s hidden secrets. Guests are invited to head out with the estate rangers for a sunset safari to see the plethora of wildlife, including deer, wild boars, pheasants, foxes and hares, or cycle along the tracks amongst the vineyards, discover truffle hunting and explore the estate along its many hiking trails.

In line with Belmond’s new experience that embraces “la dolce vita”, guests can further enjoy the finer things in life along iconic locations in Italy, Mallorca and Portugal. From private concerts in Portofino Bay to chic picnics on the Amalfi Coast, Belmond’s classic portfolio of hotels in Southern Europe continue to seduce its guests.

Making the most of those long summer days across Southern Europe, guests can savour new delights of la dolce vita through Belmond’s new culinary creations that last from dawn until dusk. Highlights include a sunrise breakfast served by a private Butler for guests of Belmond Reid’s Palace in Madeira at one of the highest peaks of the Atlantic Isle; a chic picnic amongst the ruins of the oldest village in Ravello for guests of Belmond Hotel Caruso; a new cookery class in the gardens of Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice, hosted by chef Roberto Gatto introducing legendary recipes from Cip’s Club, followed by alfresco lunch under the new pergola in the hotel vineyards.

Setting the scene for the most magical evening in the Mediterranean, guests can easily explore the Golden Age of Romance with a sunset cruise across Portofino Bay from Belmond Hotel Splendido to San Fruttuoso Bay for a private concert in the courtyard of the abbey. Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea invites guests to visit one of the most untouched islands in the Sicilian Archipelago, the Filicudi Islands, spending time with local artists and fishermen who warmly open their houses for some traditional Sicilian hospitality.

For more information on travel experiences with Belmond, please visit www.belmond.com.