Venice: 2 Nights, Hotel Saturnia & International, or similar.
www.hotelmonaco.it
Enter the Hotel and you'll think you are following in the steps of Giacomo Casanova, in a mansion once owned by the aristocratic Dandolo family and which, from 1638, accommodated the first public "Ridotto", a place where the aristocracy and all sorts of people (noble and royale people, adventurers, prostitutes, card sharps, travellers, traders, etc.) "retreated" for various reasons – gambling, the pleasures of the courtesans, social and political relations.
As you can well imagine, Giacomo Casanova considered this place the ideal backdrop for his conquests and the goliardic way of life which made him famous in every corner of the globe.
The Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal is easy to reach by various means of transport. The vaporetto landing stage is in front of the hotel. If you prefer, our private dock for taxis is at your disposal: you will enter directly in the heart of the hotel and if you want the romance, the gondolas have their statius right outside our terrace – restaurant.
Imagine the panorama you can see from the rooms looking out over the Grand Canal – you dominate the whole of St. Mark's Basin and you're right opposite the islands of San Giorgio and Giudecca, practically inside Punta della Dogana, the Baroque Basilica of Madonna della Salute, the only place of worship with an octagonal plan, and just a stone's throw from the church of San Moisè.
St. Mark's Square has ancient origins going back to 828 A.D. and has always had a troubled history, loaded with historical and civil significance. Centre of Venetian commercial life, right from the start the square was constantly enlarged with new buildings and structures until it became the square we know today.
Florence: 3 Nights, Hotel Helvetia & Bristol (a Leading Hotel member), or similar.
http://niquesahotels.com/hotel-helvetia-bristol
Niquesa’s Hotel Helvetia & Bristol is undoubtedly the only place to stay when in Florence. Providing cosmopolitan travelers with a superior home in our city since the latter half of the 19th century. From the very beginning, the Helvetia & Bristol’s exquisite elegance and magnificent location attracted the international elite and high profile visitors. The most prominent guests included noble prize winners Enrico Fermi and Eugenio Montale, writers Gabriele D’Annunzio and Luigi Pirandello as well as Eleonora Duse who chose the Hotel as her long-term residence. Throughout the years the hotel remained a fashionable destination frequented by artists, writers and aristocracy including Igor Stravinsky, Giorgio De Chirico and Bertrand Russell.
Our rooms and suites are a great source of pride for us; tasteful color palettes, carefully chosen antique furniture, objets d’art, paintings and rich furnishings are our hallmark in design. Every room has a character as distinct as the celebrated individuals whose names have graced them. With the iconic Florentine skyline as a backdrop, the timeless beauty of the cupola of the Brunelleschi duomo in the distance, the Helvetia & Bristol is a fitting testament to the city known as the birthplace of the Renaissance.
The enduring magic of Florence is distilled in the treasured historic center of this living, breathing UNESCO World Heritage site. World famous galleries, museums, and churches line the streets of the city. Stumble upon the Uffizi, the Accademia or Medici Chapels whilst taking in the Florentine highlights. Our front door opens onto the Palazzo Strozzi, a masterpiece of Florentine Renaissance architecture. From here, you can head to Via Tornabuoni, Florence’s most exclusive shopping street. Lose hours discovering hidden squares, cobbled alleyways and artisan boutiques. Cross the Arno over one of Firenze's ancient bridges and discover historical highlights or invest time in savoring Tuscany’s delicious culinary heritage.
Dining out is part of the Italian lifestyle and has to be embraced wholeheartedly. Favored ingredients are invariably locally sourced from the rich, fertile Tuscan soil surrounding the city. Dishes are likely to embrace, in one form or another, four key elements: meat, olive oil, homemade bread and wine. History, art and food are the cornerstones of our city, and gastronomic aficionados will not be disappointed.
Rome: 3 Nights, Grand Hotel de la Minerve, or similar.
www.splendideroyal.com
Welcome to the Hotel Splendide Royal Roma!
The Hotel is located in the noble centre of Rome, a city which historically was and is once again an intersection of cultures and communication.
After more than one year of re-structuring, this 19th century palace once headquarters of the Roman Maronite community - only a stroll away from Via Veneto – today it is a luxury hotel and, in its own way, a symbol of the changes taking place within the Capital City's fine tradition of hospitality.
The hotel is "toutcourt", full of that warmth and familiarity found usually only among friends. Guests appreciate the richness in style and the wide spaces – in distinct contrast with the typical present-day minimalism governing most new hotels' interior decor and design.
The Mirabelle is considered to be among the very best restaurants in the city, directed with the class and undisputed professionalism of Bruno Borghesi. It is an an exclusive meeting point among the Italian and International "bel mondo" and boasts one of the most beautiful and elegant "gourmet terraces" in Rome, on the 7th floor of the hotel. Its huge glass terrace doors open out onto a view of breathtaking beauty: a panorama which sweeps across the city from the palaces of Pinciano, Villa Medici, Trinità dei Monti all the way to Saint Peter's and to the Gianicolo. Eyes but also taste buds are rewarded by the haute cuisine.
Sorrento: 3 Nights, the Hotel Bel Air, or similar.
Hilton Sorrento
Hilton Sorrento Palace is a 55-km drive from Naples Airport and a 10-minute walk from the beach and historical town center of Sorrento. Choose from a guest room, suite or executive room featuring a mountain or sea view with private balcony. Guests in suites or executive rooms have access to the Settimo Club Lounge, offering a continental breakfast, drinks and snacks throughout the day, and access to the private rooftop pool with views of the Bay of Naples.
Tone up with the latest cardiovascular equipment in the hotel's modern fitness room. Work on your backhand on the floodlit all-weather tennis court, which also converts into a five-a-side football pitch. Take a refreshing dip in the pool or find shade beneath the citrus trees. Unwind with a cocktail at Pagoda Bar while gazing at Mount Vesuvius in the distance.
Boasting superb views of the Bay of Naples, Sorrento Restaurant comes alive with warm yellow tones, serving delicious seafood specialties. Relax over a cappuccino or cocktail in the Sorrento Lounge, a spacious bar with live music every evening.
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We have all seen the parking lots full of huge motor coaches with people pouring out of them. This swarm of people being lead around like drones is not the way to travel. Buckingham Tours was borne out of a true need to bring a curtain class of excellence to the small group tour market. (Small group tours comprise a maximum of 18 people per tour). We provide small group tours that you will enjoy!
Michael DeVolder
2170 Oakes Blvd
Naples, Florida 34119
Mobile No: 239-370-4444
Email : Mike@BuckinghamTours.com