Night 1 & 2: Grand Hôtel Excelsior Vittoria Sorrento, Italy The Grand Hôtel Excelsior Vittoria perches majestically high on a cliff overlooking the blue waters of the Bay of Naples in the midst of the historic center of the beautiful town of Sorrento. Since 1834, its lovely entrance gardens have led crowned heads, heads of state and international celebrities to its elegant and impeccably maintained lounges, parlors and restaurants. The splendors of an age gone by are seen in its original antique furniture and genteel ambiance. Its terraces provide sweeping views of the Bay and Mount Vesuvius, while its five-acre gardens invite one to stroll peacefully at leisure – and the beautiful swimming pool set amidst the gardens beckons.
*Hilton Sorrento Palace Sorrento, Italy The magnificently modern Hilton Sorrento Palace is very close to the center of charming Sorrento, overlooking the town and the Bay of Naples beyond. The sleek, well-appointed guest rooms feature air-conditioning and open onto a balcony or terrace. The Hilton Sorrento Palace boasts what are thought to be the best leisure facilities in town, to include two swimming pools, one being an indoor pool, as well as a gym and a tennis court.
Night 3, 4 & 5: The Westin Excelsior, Roma Rome, Italy Located on the most fashionable street in the Eternal City, Via Veneto, between the famous Piazza Barberini and Villa Borghese and close to many of Rome’s must-see sights, The Westin Excelsior, Roma is a monument to the very best of turn-of-the-century style and grace. Furnished with Renaissance, Imperial and Biedermeir reproductions, each sumptuous guest room features Westin’s signature Heavenly Beds® and lovely decorative touches. The new fitness center is state-of-the-art and features an indoor swimming pool. The readers of Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure agree that The Westin Excelsior, Roma is among the 500 best hotels in the world.
Night 6 & 7: Hotel Le Tre Vaselle Torgiano, Italy Set like a jewel in the lush Umbrian landscape just outside the ancient village of Torgiano, the converted 17th-century manor that has become Hotel Le Tre Vaselle pours forth a warm welcome. Many consider the “Le Melograne” restaurant, which offers creative cuisine that faithfully interprets the traditional and seasonal fare of the region, to be the centerpiece of this lovely, classic hotel. The leisure facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, an indoor counter-current swimming pool and a small fitness center. The spacious, comfortable guest rooms enhance the aura of peace and tranquility that permeates Hotel Tre Vaselle.
Night 8: Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte Viareggio, Italy Set beside the sea in Viareggio, Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte is an intriguing blend of different styles, which come together to create a delightful ambiance. Guest room décor ranges from international, art deco, colonial and empire to modern, with each floor reflecting a different period influence. A beautiful, heated sunken swimming pool, with Hydro and waterfall massage graces the top floor of the hotel and joins the Restaurant Bar in offering stunning views of the Apuane Mountains and the sea. Dining venues include Il Piccolo Principe.
Night 9, 10 & 11: Grand Hotel, Florence Florence, Italy This 18th-century palace turned grand hotel, which sits facing a Renaissance square overlooking the Arno River in the midst of Florence close to many of the museums for which Florence is famous, is a landmark of history and tradition. Known for its fabulous stained-glass ceilings, frescoes, exquisite marble inlays and antique décor, the Grand Hotel, Florence, richly deserves the term “masterpiece.” Spacious guest rooms, which celebrate Florence’s glorious past, are equipped with every modern comfort and amenity. The recently opened Restaurant InCanto offers the opportunity to dine al fresco in good weather in the midst of one of the city’s most beautiful squares with views of the Ponte Vecchio, the Belevedere and the Chiesa del Cestello. A member of The Luxury Collection, the Grand Hotel, Florence, is considered one of the “Top 75 Hotels in Europe” by Condé Nast Traveler and has appeared on the publication’s prestigious Gold Lists in 2005 and 2006.
*Night 12 & 13: The Westin Europa & Regina Venice, Italy Truly a Venetian landmark, the five beautiful baroque palaces that now comprise The Westin Europa & Regina sit regally overlooking the Grand Canal close to St. Mark’s Square. While the building may date from a time long ago, today’s guests enjoy plush accommodations with every modern convenience, to include Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed®. Sip a cocktail as you watch life on the Grand Canal unfold before you at Bar Tiepolo or dine in style at La Cusina overlooking the most famous waterway in Venice. The readers of Travel + Leisure have named the Westin Europa & Regina one of the 500 best hotels in the world.
*Night 12 & 13: Hotel Danieli Venezia Venice, Italy Set directly on the waterfront, the legendary Hotel Danieli Venezia is mere steps away from the world-famous Piazza San Marco, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doges’ Palace. This beautiful hotel more than deserves its coveted five-star rating. Dating from the late 14th-century, its authentic historic ambience artfully combines the definition of luxury down through the ages with thoroughly modern luxurious comforts and conveniences. The view from its famed rooftop terrace restaurant is not to be missed. *Tour of May 4 will stay at Hotel Danieli Venezia.