New York, February 17, 2010 – Say what you will about vampires, but the ones whose tastes run to things Italian are arguably the most fascinating – and to see why firsthand, Select Italy invites travelers to sink their teeth into the ultimate Twilight experience: the Twilight Tuscany tour. The Twilight Saga: New Moon and best-selling novel by Stephanie Meyer on which the hit movie is based comes to life (and afterlife) in a dynamic new vacation package for independent travelers that uncovers the enigmatic Tuscan settings of both book and film.

Fictional teenage paramours Bella and Edward are the muses on this four-day journey into the heart of Tuscan-flavored intrigue. Led by knowledgeable local guides, the walking tours included in this package take travelers to all the Italian sites Twilight fans will recognize. Volterra and Montepulciano provide the luscious backdrop for the on-screen antics of Bella and Edward – and the real-life locales frequented by actors Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and the other members of the New Moon cast. The adventure begins in Volterra, the Etruscan stronghold that 3,000 years ago was called Velathri and was the northernmost of the 12 cities in the powerful Confederation of Etruria Propria. It’s also the fictional ancestral home of New Moon’s Volturi vampires.

There is a welcome package complete with a map of Twilight book settings, followed by an in-depth introduction to some of the town’s perfectly preserved medieval monuments, including the Palazzo dei Priori and the Clock Tower, followed by a sumptuous dinner in an ancient palace. Afterward comes the ultimate Twilight experience in the nighttime guided tour, “Hot on the Trail of Bella and Edward,” with a Red Blood aperitif (don’t worry, it involves berries!) savored at a historic bar to cap it off.

Day Two starts with a historical flourish as participants take in the archaeological imprints of the Lords of Volterra: the town’s narrow cobblestone alleyways, Etruscan funerary urns and centuries-old palazzi. Then, at the stroke of noon, all gather in the shadow of the Clock Tower in Piazza dei Priori to await the bell’s midday chime. And talk about luminous marble-white complexions! Volterra is also famous for its alabaster, and in the afternoon there’s a demonstration of a master alabaster craftsman at work in his studio. The second evening in Volterra features a thematic dinner, “The Pizza of Charlie and Bella,” with Tuscan appetizers and pizza at one of the authentic pizzerias in the heart of the old town.

Select Italy provides travelers with insider tips on the can’t-miss art, restaurants and shops along the scenic 70-mile route from Volterra south to Montepulciano, Day Three’s destination. Unofficially the “city of the vampires,” Montepulciano is officially gorgeous, with its medieval Town Hall and iconic clock tower that is straight out of central casting – and which figures prominently in New Moon. After checking in to their centrally located hotel, travelers embark on a tour of the town, during which the guide highlights locales from the movie, including the Cantina del Redi, the underground portion of which serves as the lair of the Volturi in the film. Tales of secrets, indiscretions and cinematic sizzle sweeten the excursion, as does, on special request, a tasting of wine, salami, bruschetta and the local pecorino. At the end of the tour, a guide presents participants with a souvenir of Montepulciano.

Film buffs are sure to delight in this exclusive tour offering. Moreover the world famous wines and savory food of this ravishing corner of Tuscany will appeal not only to die-hard Twilight fans but their parents, too, making the Twilight Tuscany tour the perfect vacation component for the whole family. The package starts at $953 per person and includes two nights at a three- or four-star hotel in Volterra, one night at a similar hotel in Montepulciano, three buffet breakfasts, a welcome dinner and three thematic walking tours in Volterra, a guided walking tour of Montepulciano and more. For complete package details or to make bookings, visit www.selectitaly.com.

Press contacts:
Anthony Grant
Tel. (646) 379-0767
tony@selectitaly.com

Andrea Guglielmino
Tel. (800) 877-1755
andreag@selectitaly.com

About Select Italy

Based in Chicago and New York City with representatives in Italy, Select Italy has been a trusted ambassador of Italian travel expertise since its establishment in 1997 by Italian-born company President, Andrea Sertoli. The ultimate source for travel to Italy, Select Italy offers a wide array of superior Italian products and services, including customized itineraries, state-of-the-art tours and packages, wedding/honeymoon trips, unique culinary classes, a complete pre-departure ticketing service for museums and musical events, private guided services, yacht charters, transportation, hotel reservations, villa bookings and more. Select Italy is committed to creating the perfect vacation and maximizing enjoyment in Italy for its clients by adhering to the highest standards of professionalism. For more information call (800) 877-1755 or visit www.selectitaly.com.