La Dolce Summer with Four Seasons Hotels Italy

Travellers are invited to experience the best of Italian culture, food, shopping and luxury for the perfect summer escape at Four Seasons Hotel Milano and Four Seasons Hotel Firenze. Through a combined stay highlighting the best of both properties, guests can experience everything from fresh-off-the-runway fashion collections and world-class dining to awe-inspiring architecture and culture in one of Europe’s greatest summer destinations: the home of la dolce vita.

Located in a 15th century reborn convent near the city’s famous fashion quarter and a short walk from not-to-be-missed heritage sites, Four Seasons Hotel Milano offers instant access to the city’s vibrant culture and lifestyle. A stroll in the Hotel’s well-manicured garden makes for the perfect starting point before guests head out for sightseeing and shopping – from fashion, accessories and design stores to the famous and picturesque marble cathedral Duomo – all accessible by a 10-minute walk. The vibrant Navigli (canals) area with its gelato shops and the spacious Sempione Park by the Sforzesco castle offer plenty of exciting activities for a summer day with the family. For those looking to pamper themselves and relax, the Hotel’s Spa, transformed from an historical cellar, provides a serene respite with its luxurious offerings and indoor swimming pool.

After exploring Italy’s fashion and design capital, guests can embark on a journey to one of Italy’s oldest cities. Home to many treasures from the Italian Renaissance, Florence continues to thrive as an inspiring centre for arts, music and traditional crafts. Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is home to its own pieces of history, including a 15th-century palazzo, Il Palazzo della Gherardesca, and a 16th-century former convent. La Villa spans an eleven-acre park, which is the largest private garden in Florence. Like its counterpart in Milano, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze occupies an enviable location and features a beautiful outdoor swimming pool and Spa for relaxation and rejuvenation.

A resort-like vibe enhances the atmosphere in Florence, making it the perfect destination for families. Kids will enjoy the Hotel’s newly launched PIO Seasons Club offering activities for children rooted in Italian culture. The Hotel also offers samplings of Italy’s culinary delights prepared by Michelin starred Chef Vito Mollica, from fine dining at IL Palagio to the traditional trattoria-inspired Alfresco, perfect for a family meal.

Four Seasons Hotel Milano and Four Seasons Hotel Firenze Concierges have highlighted ten covetable experiences just a short distance from Milan and Florence, making the cities must-visit destinations this summer, below:

• Day Trip to Portofino – 2.5 hours’ drive from Milan – Just over two hours from Milan, guests can immerse themselves in the scenic village of Portofino and explore its surroundings including the historical abbey of San Fruttuoso.
• Opera at Arena di Verona – 2-hours’ drive from Milan; just over 1 hour by train – For opera lovers, the stunning Arena di Verona provides a unique opportunity to enjoy a magical opera night outdoors. Concierges will create tailor-made itineraries to experience a romantic night in the city of Romeo and Juliet.
• Franciacorta – just over 1-hour drive from Milan – Italy’s finest sparkling wines come from Franciacorta, which lies just over an hour east of Milan. Notable vineyards include Bellavista, Ca’ del Bosco and Contadi Castaldi, where guests can witness the winemaking process during a cellar tour before enjoying a wine tasting.
• Lake Como – just over 1-hour drive from Milan – Guests are invited to get behind the wheel of a classic car en route to Lake Como to visit the surrounding colorful small towns and historical villas.
• En Route to la Dolce Vita – available from Four Seasons Hotel Milano, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze and Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel – Ready to experience the ultimate road trip combining the glamour of the French Riviera with a twist of dolce vita?  Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, Four Seasons Hotel Milano and Grand Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel have partnered to offer guests the opportunity to cruise the scenic vistas connecting Italy and the south of France in true Four Seasons fashion with road assistance provided and picnic baskets prepared by the Hotel’s talented chefs.
• Table to Farm – 30-minutes’ drive from Florence – Wonder how the best Italian products are grown? Guests can discover the new Table to Farm experience, where guests of Four Seasons Hotel Firenze will live the Tuscan country life, spending a day as guest farmhands in the Fattoria San Michele, a medieval barn estate in the Chianti region.
• Forte dei Marmi – 1-hour drive from Florence – Guests in the mood for a seaside escape can visit the glamorous city of Forte dei Marmi on the Versilia Tuscan coast, offering family activities on the beach and within the city. Before coming back to the Hotel, guests shouldn’t miss the chance to enjoy an aperitif amid the sunset by the sea.
• Appennini Mountains – 1.5-hours’ drive from Florence – Those who prefer the mountains can reach the Appennini in 90 minutes by car to enjoy small lakes and lush lawns, the perfect location for a picturesque afternoon with the family. At the end of the day, guests can taste a polenta dish as well as dessert made with blackberries picked onsite.
• Day Trip to Siena – 1-hour drive from Florence – Siena is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Italy, famous for the Duomo, with its striped Baroque facade, as well as Piazza del Campo. Guests can get lost in its narrow streets, immersing themselves in the folkloristic traditions. Guest can also taste the delicious pici pasta served with cheese and peppers in the Piazza del Campo, where the historic Palio horse races still takes place each summer on July 2 and August 16.
• Chianti Tour – 1-hour drive from Florence – The area between Florence and Siena is known around the world for its fine wines, magical countryside, medieval castles and ancient villages, and guests can take it all in behind the wheel of a luxury sports or classic car. Taking the Chiantigiana wine road, guests will wind their way through cypress lined hills and olive groves to the medieval towns of Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni, stopping to taste excellent local wines at one of the countless vineyards, many of which also produce their own olive oil.