BACCHUS, VENUS AND LOVE IN LIGURIA

Belmond Hotel Splendido explores the theme of the kiss, leitmotiv of a new campaign by Belmond Italy and Mallorca, proposing new tours inspired by Rosso Fiorentino ’s famous painting and recreating the amorous encounter between Bacchus and Venus.

April 2017 - Belmond Hotel Splendido (Portofino) invites you to discover and Porto Venere, two UNESCO heritage sites, with new tours available from April 2017.

This new experience will help you explore some of the traditional smallholdings in the Cinque Terre nature reserve. The Ligurian Riviera is a paradise where man and nature work in harmony, narrating a lifestyle that has stood the test of time and still plays a major role in the community thanks to viticulture. The new experience " for the senses" will take you to small traditional wineries in the protected national park of the Cinque Terre. Between and , this itinerary, available on a half or full day basis, is the perfect opportunity to stroll through vineyards overlooking the sea and taste the of the DOC accompanied by the winemakers. We invite you to discover the local grape varieties (Bosco, , Trebbiano and ) and the famous Sciacchetrà, one of the mostcelebrated Italian sweet wines, in addition to seeing a demonstration of the historical monorails in action during the harvest. This method symbolizes the winemakers’ heroic efforts, passed down through generations, to transport the grapes along terraces overlooking the sea.

In Manarola discover the wine-growing traditions with Alessandro, a young winegrower from this charming village. Together, you depart from the main street leading to the marina, admiring the typical coloured houses and the fishing boats lining the road, and then climb to the cemetery, in a panoramic location, from where you can admire the village and also have a small glimpse of . Continuing along an ancient country path amidst orchards and gardens, you will arrive at the Alexanders’ vineyards where you will learn to distinguish the varieties of vines, and the various methods of pruning and vine-growing. Continuing further along the path you will come to the parish church of San Lorenzo before reaching the wine cellar to sample the grower’s white wine Cinque Terre DOC accompanied by the typical Ligurian focaccia.

In Riomaggiore meet Andrea, a young local winemaker who follows the traditions of viticulture passed down through generations. Expertly, and with great sensitivity, he combines cutting-edge winemaking methods with primitive materials such as terracotta amphorae. The two wines you taste will give you a new experience: natural, produced with great respect for the plant and the land, without using any chemical agents, sulphites or yeasts. The results are intense wines whose aromas and flavours transmit the character of the territory where they are produced- rocks, sea, herbs ... With Andrea, climb above the village in Montenero where he will show you his vineyard, a truly scenic spot from where you can admire all the Cinque Terre. After the visit you will return to his small winery in Riomaggiore, for a tasting, accompanied by typical Ligurian focaccia. What better way to fall in love with the Cinque Terre, sharing convivial and authentic moments that charm the senses!

The divine love theme continues in the Bay of , in the Poets Gulf, where we invite you to a private cruise on the hotel's speedboat to explore Porto Venere, where legend defines the goddess's birthplace, and Byron's cave. The tour can include a taste of the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, or be enriched with a sunset aperitif, to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine on board near the famous pathway known as "la Via dell'amore".

For the more adventurous, the best option is a new trekking itinerary along “the path of the Kiss". Accompanied by a guide, this hike is 12 km from San Rocco to Camogli before reaching San Fruttuoso. The route is a real excursion dedicated to those who are unafraid of a challenge and do not suffer from vertigo. The main part of the trail is equipped with chains and is incredibly scenic. According to local folklore the "Kissing Step" was named after a young couple, whose love was not accepted by their parents, and who preferred to die rather than be separated. They kissed for the last time and jumped from the ridge. A different way to discover an unknown side of Portofino through a nature activity of great scenic beauty!

Reservations are available through our Concierge, calling +39.0185 7826605

Contact Nathalie Meyer Public Relations Manager Tel. +39 0185 2678610 [email protected]

For high risolution pictures, please link on www.belmondpress.it

About Belmond: Belmond is a global collection of unique hotels and luxury travel experiences in some of the most fascinating and exciting locations in the world. Established 40 years ago with the acquisition of Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice, this unique portfolio now comprises 47 jewels including hotels, trains and river cruises, many of which are located in the most famous destinations in the world. From the city landmarks to the boutique resorts, the collection includes Belmond Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg, Belmond Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa in Riviera Maya, and Belmond El Encanto in Santa Barbara, California. Belmond also offers safari experiences, six luxury trains including the legendary Venice-Simplon Orient-Express and three river cruises. Belmond also manages the restaurant “21”, one of the most iconic venues in New York City. belmond.com

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