The Sina Hotel Group, Italy

With it's beautiful location in Florence, the Grand Hotel Villa Medici offers both exquisitely detailed 18th century palatial beauty - vaulted ceilings, marble columns, and original antiques - and such modern conveniences as a fitness center, swimming pool, and internet access in every room. Rome's Hotel Bernini Bristol is in Rome's premier location at the intersection of Via Veneto, Piazza Barberini and Via Sistina, overlooking the magnificent Bernini sculpture "Fountain of the Triton" in the Piazza Barberini. A "home away from home" to some of the world's most sophisticated travelers, the Bernini Bristol has long been known as the meeting place for "dolce vita" jet setters.

Milan offers two Sina Group hotels to choose from. Located between the Duomo Cathedral and La Scala Opera House in Milan, The Gray, Milan's first modern, designer hotel, opened in the heart of the city's financial and fashion districts to great acclaim in 2003. Italian architect Guido Ciompi designed the property with a signature contemporary style that is reflected in the rooms as well, with their exotic striped wenge wood, leather furniture, and African-inspired art. Also in Milan, the Hotel De La Ville is reminiscent of English homes of the 19th century: cherry wood, lush, colorful fabrics and antique prints adorn the interiors. A unique, rooftop heated pool with a retractable glass dome offers impressive, panoramic views of the city.

When it opened in 2003, the the Palazzo Sant' Angelo sul Canal Grande became the first hotel in more than 100 years to open with the main entrance on Venice's fabled waterway. The best way to get to this exceptionally intimate and luxurious property is by gondola. Once here, at the city's most enviable location between the Rialto and Accademia Bridges, guests will enjoy rooms beautifully appointed with 18th century Venetian furnishings, and such modern amenities as spacious baths of Carrara and green Alps marble.

The Palace Hotel Maria Luigia, with its highly regarded restaurant Maxim's, is the pride of Parma, the cradle of Italian cuisine. The city is famous for its ancient local recipes, its delicious pastas, and as a musical and artistic center. The recently refurbished Hotel Palace Maria Luigia is located in the city center with lovely views of historic architecture and the Italian countryside.

Viareggio is a fashionable coastal resort town just 12 miles from Lucca and Pisa. Long sandy beaches, beach clubs, horseback riding and water sports, and green pine woods (for walking or biking) are favorite area attractions. A seaside resort beloved by Italian families for many years, the Hotel Astor offers spacious rooms and suites, an indoor pool and fitness center. Each February, the main street of Viareggio becomes a stage for floats in one of the most picturesque and amusing carnivals in Italy.

In the heart of Italy's beautiful Umbria region, Hotel Brufani Palace has been the preferred choice of celebrities and heads of state for generations. With frescoed ceilings, original stone fireplaces and parquet floors, each room is individually decorated and elegantly appointed with antique furniture and carpets, gilt framed mirrors, crystal chandeliers, silk covered walls and crisp Italian linens. Most guestrooms have balconies or terraces overlooking the green Umbrian valley and the domes, medieval churches and roofs of the city.

Set in Italy's Piedmont region, and once the Bocca family's own summer residence, is the 18th century Relais Villa Mathilde. Located in a lush private park, and lovingly restored to its original splendor, this charming and elegant villa offers an excellent restaurant, intimacy and privacy. In short, it is a peaceful country retreat for those seeking relaxation in the Italian countryside.

Beauty, history, and luxury...the Sina Group hotels combine these with the distinctive character of some of Italy's most remarkable and beloved regions.