Rome, St. Regis Grand Hotel: Built in 1894 as the first deluxe hotel in Rome, the St. Regis Grand is within walking distance of the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and Via Veneto. Upon reopening in mid-December 1999, after an extensive restoration and renovation, the St. Regis Grand reclaimed its status as the finest hotel in Rome and one of the best in the world. This honor has been re-emphasized by recently being named to Conde Nast Travelers Gold List.
The St. Regis Grand features luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites in an eclectic combination of Empire, Regency and Louis XV styles. Every guest room has a unique hand-painted fresco depicting a Roman scene installed above the beds' headboards, and features Murano glass chandeliers and Hermes bathroom amenities.
You can enjoy a unique dining experience at the Restaurant Vivendo, nominated by Zagat as the number one restaurant in Rome, and the Gold Key award winner for design and decor. The private wine cellar, Di Vino, selected to be depositaire de l’enotheque Dom Perignon, offers private dining with regional and international menus enhanced by a wide selection of wines to complement each course.
Torgiano, Hotel Le Tre Vaselle:
Within the city walls of Torgiano is the 5-star Hotel Le Tre Vaselle, a refined inn and restaurant. The structure of the large 17th century manor is characteristic of an old Umbrian residence with its thick stone walls, wooden beams, terracotta floors and impressive stone fireplaces. The fine decor combines antique Umbrian furnishings from the 17th and 18th century, hand-woven fabrics from central Italy, trompe-l'oeils, oil paintings, embroidery and antique etchings on a viticultural theme.
The windows look out on terraces, gardens, courtyards and the wide Tiber River valley. The surroundings are reflected in the menus offered which are based on local and regional products which arrive daily from the Lungarotti farm.
Bedrooms and suites, quiet and airy, have views across the surrounding valley over the terraces, courtyards, or a baroque garden. Le Tre Vaselle's 61 rooms and suites are all decorated with antique furniture and equipped with independent air conditioning and heating, direct-access phone in the bedroom and bathroom, satellite TV with radio, radio-alarm, safe, bar, and bathroom with tub, shower and hairdryer.
Le Tre Vaselle has an outdoor pool with sun-deck among century-old olive trees, and an indoor pool with whirlpool and counter-current swimming, sauna and a small, equipped gym.
Spoleto, Villa Milani: Situated a few kilometers from the historical center of Spoleto, in a splendid position that dominates the town, the Villa Milani is surrounded by 20 acres of natural meadows and woods. Built in 1880, the villa was the country residence of the architect Giovanni Battista Milani, one of the most important exponents of the Roman architecture. It was named a Historical Residence by Regione Umbria.
Villa Milani has 11 rooms furnished with valuable antique furnishings. The 18th century portal of the Salon opens on an Italian garden, embellished by a Renaissance fountain and travertine balustrade. The swimming pool overlooks the green meadows and the woods of Monteluco Valley. Villa Milani's restaurant and its creative cuisine is the ideal place to discover the typical tastes of the past accompanied by vintage wines.
Vieste, Palace Hotel Pizzomunno:
Set amid luxuriant vegetation, where pines and olive trees alternate with the bright and colorful bougainvillaea, the hotel, blends the antique and modern in its furnishings, skilfully creating a refined and exclusive atmosphere. Winner of the prestigious title the “Best Hotel in Italy” in 1995, to make the guest’s stay as comfortable and pleasant as possible, there are many efficient facilities: two swimming pools – an Olympic-sized one and another for children – three tennis courts, a private beach with the finest golden sand, five bars, three restaurants, pizzeria, bazaar, hairdresser’s salon, boutiques, a cinema, discotheque, a billiards room and a private heliport. The Palace Hotel Pizzomunno, also has a fitness centre and beauty centre.
The renowned “Trabucco” restaurant offers excellent regional and national cuisine amid enchanting natural surroundings.
The Palace Hotel Pizzomunno is clearly one of the most exclusive structures in the whole Gargano area, boasting of 14 suites and 184 en-suite rooms. All are beautifully furnished with many conveniences: hydro massage bath, hairdryer, air-conditioning, telephone, satellite TV, radio, video-recorder, safe, fridge bar, and terrazzo.
Monopoli, Il Melograno: In a little known corner of Italy, once part of Magna Graecia, rich in history and architecture
and blessed with a tradition of fine cuisine, you will find Il Melograno, a 17th century “Masseria" or fortified farmhouse built originally as a defense against Saracen and Byzantine invaders. Today, after an impeccable restoration, it is a luxurious five star Relais & Chateaux hotel, nestled in a sea of olive trees bent by breezes from the Adriatic and gnarled by the passing centuries.
Flanked by olive trees dating back to biblical times, the Ristorante Il Melograno specializes in the Apulian version of the much acclaimed Mediterranean cuisine. Puglia is renowned for its vast variety of dishes based on local vegetables and hand made pastas unique to the region. The olive oil is pressed from olives grown on the estate, and many of the seasonable vegetables come from the hotel garden.
Located 5 miles from Il Melograno property, near the ruins of ancient Egnazia, is the Le Tamerici Beach Club – a relaxing large sandy beach. The hotel offers a complimentary scheduled shuttle service for your convenience.
Each of the 31 rooms is nestled around the central piazza, and has been individually furnished with antiques under the care of the owner Camillo Guerra, an art and antique dealer. All of the rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with satellite TV, security safe and mini bar.
DAYS 1 & 2, Saturday & Sunday
Rome, Italy
Enjoy Sunday in Rome, then begin your journey into Umbria in
the medieval town of Orvieto with a stroll through the tranquil
square. Then visit the breathtaking cathedral and the Duomo,
one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Italy.
St. Regis Grand Hotel, Rome
DAYS 3 & 4, Monday & Tuesday
Spello & Spoleto
Immerse yourself in the past while strolling Spoleto’s ancient
streets. Delight all your senses at a private wine tasting and
lunch of Umbrian delicacies in the pink stone village of Spello,
perched on a hill above fertile plains and vineyards.
Villa Milani, Spoleto or Relais Todini, Todi
DAYS 5 – 7, Wednesday – Friday
Torgiano, Assisi & Perugia
In three of Umbria’s loveliest towns, explore historic sites,
marvel at ancient frescoes and delight in hearty cuisine and
world-class wines. While in the magnificent hilltop town of
Torgiano, enjoy the finest cuisine in Umbria and take a private
tour of the Wine and Olive Museum and nearby Deruta,
renowned for its ceramic art.
Le Tre Vaselle, Torgiano
DAYS 8 & 9, Saturday & Sunday
The Gargano Coast
Journey into Puglia and explore the unspoiled Gargano
Coast, home to quaint fishing villages, mysterious grottoes
and beautiful sea caves. Along the Gargano Coast, explore the
10th-century Peschichi, and stand on a cliff overlooking the
dazzling Adriatic Sea. Explore Vieste’s well-preserved medievalmonastery and expansive castle and take in the spirit of Monte
Saint Angelo high above Mattinata, one of the most important
pilgrimage towns in Italy.
Hotel Baia dei Faraglioni, Mattinata
DAYS 10 & 11, Monday & Tuesday
Trani, Castellana, Alberobello & Ostuni
Wonder at the flower-like stone formations in the caves at
Castellana and discover the white stone trulli in Alberobello,
the white city of Ostuni. Then enjoy a private lunch and taste
Puglian wine.
Il Melograno, Monopoli
DAYS 12 & 13, Wednesday & Thursday
Matera & Monopoli
Explore the fabulous mountainside ghost town of Matera,
ancient city of stones. Its cave dwellings have been inhabited
since the Paleolithic era.
Il Melograno, Monopoli