PHOTO: A view of San Giorgio del Greci in Venice. (courtesy Delta Vacations)

THE PULSE: Delta Vacations, the branded travel packaging operation of the formerly largest airline, is upping its game in the luxury market in America's favorite international travel destinations, London, Paris, Rome, Venice and Florence. Air France Holidays and Alitalia Vacations, also operated by Delta's packaging subsidiary MLT Vacations, are also participating in the expansion.

WHY IT RATES: The expansion represents the increasingly close alignment between the operator (MLT Vacations) and the airline. These packages support Delta’s most popular routes to Europe. In addition, it is a response to a boom in European travel in the last couple of years and also the continuing strength and growth in the luxury travel sphere. - David Cogswell, TravelPulse tours editor

Delta Vacations, a leading U.S. provider of world-class, tailored vacation packages, announced today that it has expanded its European luxury hotel portfolio with the addition of deluxe properties in Italy, France and England.

In partnership with Air France Holidays and Alitalia Vacations, Delta Vacations is stepping up its European luxury offering with the addition of 12 new properties in Rome, Florence, Venice, Paris and London that are rated as either deluxe or luxury. All are located in historic city centers, and all are available now for booking with Delta Vacations.

“We’re pleased to add these exciting 4 and 5-star luxury choices to our European portfolio,” said MLT Vacations President John Caldwell. “These properties offer the utmost in service and sophistication and are a tremendous opportunity, particularly when bundled with Delta Air Lines first-class service and amenities, for travel professionals with affluent clientele wanting to experience the next level in European luxury travel.”

In Rome, Delta Vacations’ portfolio now includes Hotel Eden, a part of the Dorchester Collection and located near Via Veneto; Hotel Bernini Bristol, featuring 127 rooms and suites and a scenic rooftop terrace restaurant; Hotel De Russie, located near the Spanish Steps and the Piazza del Popolo and a part of the Rocco Forte Collection; and Hotel Dei Mellini, with 80 spacious rooms and suites located a few blocks from the historic Tiber River.

Properties added in Florence are the Grand Hotel Villa Medici, an old world hotel housed in an 18th-century palace located in the center of the city; Hotel Savoy, a part of the Rocco Forte Collection with 88 contemporary rooms and suites also located near the world-class shopping district of Via Roma and Via Tornabuoni; Hotel Brunelleschi, which overlooks Brunelleschi’s Cathedral and offers guests 96 elegant rooms and suites; and Hotel Degli Orafi, a former 13th century Augustinian convent now featuring a rooftop terrace bar with Tuscan cuisine.

In Venice, Delta Vacations has added two new luxury properties. Hotel Colombiana was once a 17th century palace and is located near one of the most famous gondola canals in Venice. It also has views of the Bridge of Sighs and the spires of St. Mark’s Basilica. Hotel Savoia and Jolanda is located within walking distance from some of Venice’s most famous attractions including St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace.

Delta Vacations has also added luxury hotels in Paris and London. Hotel Montaigne is a luxury boutique property with 27 rooms located in Paris’ Golden Triangle. In London, the Radisson Blue Edwardian, Mercer Street is a chic boutique hotel located in London’s Covent Gardens district, steps from some of the city’s most celebrated theatres.

In cooperation with Delta Air Lines, Delta Vacations brings its travel consultant partners and their clients superior levels of service, the lowest airfares on Delta, more ways to earn award travel, and a lowest price guarantee for their vacation packages.

SOURCE: Delta Vacations press release

For more information, travel professionals can visit www.worldagentdirect.com or call 1-800-727-1111. Consumers, contact your local travel agent.