JDB Launches Four New Independent Excursions in Italy; Special Interest Packages Available in the Regions of Piemonte, Veneto and Lombardy, Tuscany and Liguria

With over 25 years experience in luxury travel in Italy, JDB Fine Hotels & Resorts (JDB) has developed an extensive collection of not only distinctive member hotels but unique packages for upscale travelers called Independent Excursions. JDB has recently launched four new Independent Excursions that include private tours, cooking programs, gourmet dining, and spa treatments. Each excursion has been individually crafted to highlight regional specialties and reflect trends in upscale travel.

(PRWEB) April 21, 2006 -- JDB Fine Hotels & Resorts (JDB) has added four new Independent Excursions to its selection of ground product in Italy. Independent Excursions are special interest packages that provide an in-depth and unique experience that is usually not available to the individual traveler, such as cooking programs, wine tastings, private walking tours and gourmet dining. New Independent Excursions are: "Discover the Magnificent Truffles of Piemonte"; "Dining With the Stars" in the Veneto & Lombardy; "Mediterranean Spa Escape" in Tuscany; and "Regional Cuisine of Liguria" in the coastal town of Rapallo.

These packages incorporate new trends sought by affluent travelers -- dining at Michelin starred restaurants; anti aging spa treatments; hunting truffles in Piemonte; and the healthy Mediterranean diet.

A total of 19 Independent Excursions are available in Italy, all of which are offered exclusively through JDB. Director of Product Development, Annette Woodward, explains, "Independent Excursions provide travelers the advantages of organized travel while allowing them to travel independently. These packages are a great value to travelers, and our participating Member Properties are ready to exceed client expectations."

The Four new Independent Excursions are:

1. Discover the Magnificent Truffles of Piemonte
This three night excursion takes clients to the region that hosted the Winter Olympics to search its forests for truffles with a private guide and truffle hunting dog. Clients then to learn to incorporate truffles into a meal under the supervision of the chef of a Michelin starred restaurant. A one hour tour of the food shops of Cuneo, a wine lesson, chef's apron, recipe book, breakfast, tax and service are also included. White truffles -- the most rare and most expensive -- are only available October through December, while the more abundant black truffles are available in September as well. This year's truffle hunting season is September 1 through December 22, 2006. Accommodations are at the Lovera Palace Hotel in charming town of Cuneo. The price for this three night package -- € 410 per person based on double occupancy -- includes dinner in the hotel’s Michelin starred restaurant.

2. Dining With the Stars
This six night excursion allows travelers to experience true gourmet dining in two restaurants, each awarded two prestigious Michelin stars. Participants not only dine but learn to cook a pasta dish, tour a vineyard and sample its wines, and enjoy a relaxing massage while staying in two beautiful, scenic five-star countryside properties, Villa del Quar near Verona and L'Albereta overlooking Lake Iseo in Lombardy. This excursion is priced at € 1370 per person based on double occupancy.

3. Mediterranean Spa Escape
Three days of relaxing Spa treatments that incorporate the soothing qualities of olive oil with the benefits of thermal mud are offered in this excursion. The state of the art Spa is built around a natural hot water spring that since Etruscan times has been enjoyed for the healing qualities of its waters. Accommodations at Fonteverde Natural Spa Resort, a Tuscan spa resort that boasts over 100 spa treatments and seven thermal pools, include half board. The price for this excursion begins at € 999 per person based on double occupancy.

4. Regional Cuisine of Liguria
With this three night excursion, learn to prepare low fat, healthy dishes based mainly on fish, basil, nuts, fresh vegetables and olive oil, with enough free time to visit Portofino or hike the Cinque Terre; a cable car ride to view the breathtaking Ligurian coast is included. Cooking lessons are given by the hotel's chef and two dinners consisting of the meals prepared in class are enjoyed by participants. Accommodations in a Deluxe room with a sea view balcony at the five-star Excelsior Palace Hotel in Rapallo begin at € 670 per person based on double occupancy.

For detailed descriptions of all JDB Independent Excursions visit our website.

About JDB Fine Hotels & Resorts

JDB Fine Hotels & Resorts, established in 1978 and headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, is a comprehensive hotel and resort marketing organization representing only the finest and most unique properties in the upscale travel market. With more than 200 unique luxury properties in Europe, the Caribbean and Mexico, JDB provides marketing, sales and reservation services in the United States and Canada. Each member property has been personally selected by JDB and is evaluated based on a number of factors, including its reputation, management, location, distinctive facilities and value. JDB member properties are reviewed and visited annually to ensure maintenance of standards in their respective categories. For more information call 1.800.346.5358 or visit JDB’s website.

# # #