Select Italy
303 West Erie Street; Suite 500; Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: 312-664-4200; Toll-Free: 800-877-1755; Fax: 312-664-4201
www.selectitaly.com; margaret@selectitaly.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

All Aboard Select Italy’s “Wine Train Adventure” in Southern Tuscany
New train service from Siena takes you right into the Brunello Region and into one of the most authentic of the Tuscan Valleys: the Val d’Orcia

Chicago, IL August 30, 2007 – Select Italy, a Chicago-based travel agency specializing exclusively in travel to Italy, announces the “Wine Train Adventure”, a trendy new concept for exploring southern Tuscany and its famous food & wine traditions. This innovative full-day excursion offers a round trip ticket on a specially designed air-conditioned train that rolls past the spectacular scenery of Southern Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO heritage site. In between stops, passengers visit medieval sites, enjoy an authentic Tuscan meal, and try the world-famous Brunello wine. Select Italy is the first US agency to offer this unique “Wine Train” experience.

The Wine Train departs Siena around 10:00 a.m. for the one hour and fifteen minute ride to Monte Amiata that includes a taste of wine and local sweets. Upon arrival, guests set out to visit one of the area’s wineries for more tastings, followed by visits to historical sites like the 12th century Abbey of Sant’Antimo or the ancient village of Castelnuovo dell’Abate. Lunch will showcase the freshest Tuscan specialties followed by more sightseeing.

The day ends with a visit to the cantina of best selling author and top wine-maker Roberto Cipresso, located in the Torrenieri train station, just outside of Montalcino. Cipresso’s “Oliveto” Brunello earned a score of 91 from Wine Spectator magazine and his other vintages have been featured in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines. Guests can indulge in a vertical tasting of three terrific Brunello wines at the station’s wine bar (a 20-euro supplement applies) or shop in a refurbished tasting carriage for wine and regional specialties to bring home. At 5:20 p.m., the steam whistle blows for the relaxing return trip back to Siena.

Each Wine Train Adventure is custom-designed to take full advantage of the very freshest seasonal ingredients and to meet the specific needs of various sized groups. While each itinerary is unique, one thing is for sure – wine train adventurers will spend a thoroughly enchanting day amid southern Tuscany’s many rustic charms.

Select Italy’s president, Andrea Sertoli, says, “The Wine Train is such an original and exciting way to access an area of Tuscany that is so often bypassed by mainstream tourism. The Wine Train is fun, affordable and adds a special touch of charm to a full-day immersion into Italian authenticity and some of its famed wines and foods. In addition, I also appreciate the non-invasive access to an off-the-beaten-path area, where travelers can still get a real taste of the authentic Italian way of life. It is truly an enriching day to enjoy with any family member or travel companion and we are proud to be, once again, the first to offer our customers a new travel experience, such as the Wine Train.”

The Tuscany Wine Train leaves on Saturdays and Sundays in 2007 on September 15, 16, 23, 29, 30 and October 6, 7, 13 and 14. Siena is located just 45 minutes south of Florence. Select Italy can provide train tickets or private transfers for travelers in Florence that wish to go to Siena to experience the Wine Train first hand.

Train tickets for the Wine Train Adventure are $123.00 per person (USD) with a discounted price for children under 14 and can be purchased (along with the rest of Select Italy's award-winning portfolio of services) on their website http://www.selectitaly.com.

For more information on Select Italy’s Wine Train Adventure, please use the following link: http://selectitaly.com/food.php?product_id=71.

To discuss this tour or other Italy story ideas, contact Margaret Newell at 1-800-877-1755 or by email at margaret@selectitaly.com.

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About Select Italy:
Select Italy is an award-winning travel agency and tour operator founded in 1997 specializing exclusively in travel to Italy. Select Italy offers a wide array of products and services, which include customized itineraries, vacation packages, museum reservations, tickets to music & cultural events, private guided services, transportation and accommodations. All of these are available for purchase online at http://www.selectitaly.com. Select Italy has been on the Travel +Leisure “A-list of Super Agents” for 6 years. In 2005, its website won an Ultra Web Award. In 2005 and 2006, Select Italy was nominated as a Webby Award finalist for Best Tourism Website. Company President Andrea Sertoli says, “Italy remains an unmatched destination with the warmth of its people, its heritage, its sheer physical beauty. With our specialized knowledge and inside information behind every travel plan we make, our clients enjoy everything Italy has to offer.” More information can be accessed through http://selectitaly.com/pressroom.php or by calling (800) 877-1755.