Accomodations In Lucca

New Culinary-Themed Package Deals Delight Foodies and Families at Grand Velas ...

Riviera Maya, Mexico (PRWEB) August 15, 2011

Grand Velas Resorts invites travelers to indulge their taste buds with new package offers gourmet on the theme of the Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit. In addition to the station "Beyond All-Inclusive, Beyond Compare all" plan, hotel packages feature international cuisine and cooking wines, cooking classes and contests for adults and children, mixology lessons and visiting food that will delight even the most demanding gourmets!

Riviera Maya: Art of Cooking Package

At Grand Velas Riviera Maya, gourmets of all ages can discover their inner Wolfgang Puck with 'Art of Cooking Package "family focused. In addition to Riviera Maya all-inclusive luxury accommodations and services, this package includes cooking classes led by CEOs, wine tasting, a course on preparing a 3 course meal with a commemorative certificate and a chef's jacket to carry on the culinary exploits even after the holiday ends.Youth participants can also enjoy cooking classes taught by expert chefs juniors restaurants of the hotel where they will learn to prepare their own meals in 3 courses followed by a ceremony and a fun kit special for their participation. Valid until December 19, 2011, rates start at $ 329 per person per night based on double occupancy following the Great Zen. Up to two children as a result are free when staying with their parents in a series of Grand Zen. Children staying with their parents in an ambassador and Grand Class Suite is $ 65 per child per night.

Riviera Nayarit: Gourmet Package

In addition to wine tastings and tequila, cooking classes, over cocktails and sumptuous food and wine tours of local gourmet restaurants, customers will benefit package Gourmet dining a pleasure at the arrival: lunch Special Spa Cuisine at the restaurant because Azul, a progressive dinner by Following Frida, Lucca and Piaf, four of the resort Diamond Award winning restaurants, 15% discount on spa services and boutique, and a 20% discount on golf course Vista Vallarta Golf. Private VIP airport transportation is also included.Available until 18 December 2011 and April 16, 2012 - 19 December 2012, rates start at $ 359 per adult per night (double). January 3 to April 15, 2012, rates start at $ 435 per adult per night (double).

A minimum of 3 nights applies to both packages. For reservations, please visit or call 1-866-230-7221 http://www.grandvelas.com.

Review of Hotel Ilaria: Behind Lucca's walls - Lodging

Are you planning a trip to Italy? Does a slightly off-the-beaten path-destination sound like your kind of travel? The walled town of Lucca , approximately 39 miles from Florence, is just your ticket to history, culture, shopping and a look at how the locals live.

When my husband and I visited Lucca, our accommodations behind the walls at Hotel Ilaria and Residenza dellAlba provided convenience and atmosphere. Hotel Ilaria is located in what used to be the stables of Villa Bottini. But you’d never guess it, except for the close proximity of the Villa.

Friendly staff man the check-in desk in the spacious lobby. A bar area that offers complementary appetizers and aperitifs in the afternoon is just a few steps away. Upstairs, a glassed-in room serves as the site for the buffet breakfast, also included in the room rate.

Actually, our accommodations were in the Residenza dell’Alba, an annex of the hotel. Located about a block down the street, we enjoyed the walk while a bellman delivered our luggage. In the 14th century, the building was used as a church. But no sign of parochial history remains except the glassed areas of the floor, which to display antiquities.

Our room provided every modern convenience. But the best part was the proximity to life inside Lucca’s walls . Outdoor cafés that serve delicious Italian food were mere steps away. Of course there were historical monuments to explore including an abundance of churches (anywhere from 87 to 100 depending on whom you ask). Winding cobblestone streets led past museums, remembrances of Puccini (the opera giant was born here) and picturesque piazzas. Shops lined the streets with the latest in clothing and Italian leather shoes.

The walls of Lucca are a destination in themselves. Approximately three miles of graded paths sit atop the walls giving walkers and cyclists a place to work off that delicious Italian food and wine.

And when it’s time for a rest, Hotel Ilaria and Residenza dellAlba offer a peaceful respite.

The life of Pope Sixtus the Fifth, (one of the most remarkable and entertaining lives that is to be met with in ancient or modern history.) In which is included the state of England, France, Spain, Italy, the Swiss cantons, Germany, Poland, Russia, Sweden and the Low countries, at that time. With an account of St. Peter's, the conclave, and manner of chusing a pope; the Vatican library ... and other noble edifices, begun or finish'd by him ...

Italy for Dummies

Medieval Lucca and the evolution of the Renaissance state

Travels in Europe between the years 1824 and 1828; adapted to the use of travellers; and comprising an historical account of Sicily, with a guide for strangers in that island

Pauline Frommer's Italy, Spend Less, See More