There aren’t 7 wonders of the world. There are 7 million. ESCAPE YOUR COMMUTE… The commute. You either love it or loathe it. For some it’s a magic window of time to yourself before a busy day ahead. For others it’s a stressful battle for space. Either way, we think it’s the perfect opportunity to escape for a while and imagine yourself somewhere entirely different. So, print this out and get yourself to Italy… …TO THE DOLCE VITA IN ITALY Italy. One word. Iconic Mention it and drift off to classic images of the Renaissance and Imperial Rome: the Duomo, the Bridge of Sighs, the Colosseum. A thousand films have highlighted its history and grandeur. And some have provided plenty of laughs along the way (Roberto Benigni stay in your seat if you're reading this). So if you want a touch of "la dolce vita" (the good life to you and I) then look no further. We're not talking about escaping the rat race to get back to basics (come on, you must have seen the 70's TV series with Penelope Keith?). It's all about a discerning taste for the best. That's why we've teamed up with Starwood Hotels to provide an insider's guide to the greatest that Italy has to offer. So whether you're a budding Dickie Greenleaf, or even an aspiring Tom Ripley, we'll give you the inside track on the best hotels, the hippest jazz bars and the best beaches to lounge on. Go Italian this summer. To get under the skin of Italy with Starwood Hotels email [email protected] or call us on +44 207 426 9888 (UK) or +1 877 815 1497 (US) ROMAN RETREATS AND CHIANTI COUNTRY Ancient history, stunning art or buzzing nightlife? Well, if like us, you don’t want to pick just one, don’t worry: this experience is brimful of Italian luxury with a touch of everything from capital to countryside. Highlights include: A splash in the Trevi Fountain (not literally…unless planning on creating your own “Dolce Vita” moment). A private tour around the Vatican Museum. Just you, the Sistine Chapel, and a sense of disbelief (and a sore neck). Seeing Michelangelo’s David in person; and Walking along the shops on the ancient Ponte Vecchio bridge. Visit the centre of Catholicism at St Peter’s Basilica Walk along the riverside in Florence The beautiful Tuscan countryside surrounding Florence Throw a coin over your shoulder in the Trevi Fountain To get under the skin of Italy with Starwood Hotels email [email protected] or call us on +44 207 426 9888 (UK) or +1 877 815 1497 (US) REGION GUIDE We love finding our own ways to cover the Italian classics. From the capital to the countryside, Italy has something for just about everyone. Here’s why we love a few of Italy’s gems: Rome It might not be the centre of the world any more but this capital city is in a world of its own. There’s action around every corner and a buzz on the streets like nowhere else. You’ll quickly see why it’s so addictive. So how do we get our fix? Well whether you want to dip your toes in, or splash in at the deep end, we’ve got a little bit of everything for you. Built on centuries of architecture, art and tradition: Rome is literally bursting at the seams with culture. From the Pantheon to the Vatican, checking out some of the classics is a must, there are few cities with so many jaw dropping sights. Or head out of the city walls for a classic countryside escape. The ancient town of Matera, nestled up in the mountains features homes, churches and even palaces that are dug out of the rock face. We haven’t quite mastered time travel yet, but this is pretty close. Florence Florence is Rome’s better looking little brother. The renowned Medici family definitely took joy in showing their appreciation of fine architecture and art. And you won’t find views quite like those of the cityscape anywhere else. Beyond the façade there’s a lot going on. Once upon a time, this was Italy’s capital, and it retains a pulse that still remains today. Live music and dancing, sleek cocktail bars, and private gallery openings are going on all the time and we can point you to the best of the best, naturally. Outside Florence, is the quaint, chilled out wine country of Tuscany. Bike (or drive) through the rolling hills and pass by medieval villages and barely touched country roads. Head to a vineyard for a spot of wine tasting – they’re known for their Chianti (why not try a few varieties, since you’re there…). Costa Smeralda Whitewashed walls, terracotta tiles, flawless beaches and turquoise waters. Yes. Please. Away from the mainland, Sardinia is exactly what every beachside escape should be. Have a tipple or two at the summer wine festival, or watch horse games at the Polo Gold Cup. Fancy a bit of a groove? The Summer concerts include Donna Summer (disco revival?) and Craig David (ok not quite ready for a revival yet) this year. A boat lover? Then wander down to the Marina, or stop for lunch in the Yacht Club and find out what new intrepid journeys are happening, Maybe you’ll find yourself part of a crew around the world…maybe. To get under the skin of Italy with Starwood Hotels email [email protected] or call us on +44 207 426 9888 (UK) or +1 877 815 1497 (US) Venice We say ‘Venice’ you say…canals? Palazzos? Gondolas? Well they’re definitely there, in abundance. In fact some of our favourite Venetian hotels are restored 14th century residences. Living like a noble can never be wrong after all, right? You could easily spend days wandering around the narrow labyrinthine alleys that weave in and out of each other. Getting lost is half the fun, finding hidden restaurants and family run bakeries – just follow your nose. For an insider’s way into Venice, why not walk around with a local who knows exactly where to take you? Or get invited into an aristocrat’s home where they’ll teach you how to really cook the Italian way (a good thing to do for some jealousy points back home). Milan Milan is one of the most modern looking cities in Italy, thanks to all that rebuilding post-Word War II. But don’t let the straight lines and right angles of modern architecture fool you: this city is anything but square. One of the most obvious things not built this century is the Castello Sforzesco. The huge fortress is now a unique gallery space for paintings and sculptures alike. Plus there’s plenty of secret passages just waiting to be explored… This is one of Europe’s fashion capitals, so no surprise that the shopping here is second to none. We suggest bringing an empty suitcase. In fact, why not head to the Milan School of Fashion to find out what’s hot and what’s not this year? You’ll be a budding on-the-pulse fashion guru by the time you get home. To get under the skin of Italy with Starwood Hotels email [email protected] or call us on +44 207 426 9888 (UK) or +1 877 815 1497 (US) CHIC CITIES AND BEAUTIFUL BEACHES Can’t decide between a city break and a beach escape? Then why pick? Step One: land in one of Europe’s most stylish cities – Milan. Make sure you do some shopping to bag all the latest trends in beachwear before step two: heading to Sardinia for white beaches and turquoise water. Highlights include: Seeing the world’s largest Gothic cathedral: the Duomo; Having a personal shopper guide you through Milan’s infamous fashion avenues; A bit of sun worship on a private beach; and Fruity cocktails in hip bars in Porto Cervo. Peaceful deserted beaches dot the Costa Smeralda The Galleria is the best place for designer fashion in Milan shoreline Visit the impressive Duomo in the centre of Milan One of our top picks for luxury hotels in the Costa Smeralda To get under the skin of Italy with Starwood Hotels email [email protected] or call us on +44 207 426 9888 (UK) or +1 877 815 1497 (US) TOP 5 HOTELS Italy oozes charm and sophistication. Something we adore. So where better to stay on your Italian break than at a luxury hotel owned by one of the world’s largest and most luxurious hotel brands? Whether your plans include sipping vino in Venice or maxing out your credit cards in Milan. We’ll make sure you’re never too far from the action, but able to relax and recharge your batteries in style. Grand Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Florence Set in the middle of Italy’s Renaissance gem, the Grand Hotel is a step back into a time of ornate luxury. With stunning frescoes, antique furnishings and sweeping views of Italian palazzos, you half expect Michelangelo to come down the street, paintbrush in hand. The rooms are inspired by some of the city’s greatest patrons. With high ceilings, elaborate mouldings and stunning artwork, you couldn’t be anywhere else but Italy. Fear not: while the rooms may be inspired by medieval stylings, you’ll have every mod-con you need.