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{joomplu:1530}The city of Florence, Italy, is easy to reach from any major European city. It took our team less than three hours on a high-speed train from Milan to Santa Maria Novella, Florence’s principal train station, and it was a lovely ride through Tuscany’s incomparable countryside. We hopped off the train at Piazza Stazione at the Santa Maria Novella Church.

Our limo driver was waiting under the blue Tuscan sky and within minutes we arrived at our hotel, the Palazzo Vecchietti in the very heart of Florence. Julius Caesar originally established Florence in 59 BC as a settlement for his veteran soldiers. Florentia, as he named it, was built in the style of an army camp intersecting at the present day Piazza della Repubblica, the very place our hotel was located.

The rather unassuming main entrance of Palazzo Vecchietti, hidden among Chanel, Gucci and outdoor cafes, granted us access to one of the most beautiful, small, historic city hotels I have visited to date. The intimacy of the arrival area adjoining the courtyard and the incomparable décor of our cozy, luxurious accommodations gave us the feeling of “coming home.”

 The conversion, or revitalization, of the historic building, which resulted in 14 spacious accommodations, has certainly added to its original character, but the decorator set the tone. My stunning suite featured high ceilings, a living and bedroom enveloped in relaxing shades of blue, a fully functioning mini-kitchen and two equally luxurious bathrooms – in addition to a private terrace overlooking rooftops and the outside courtyard. My companion enjoyed a suite done in classy off-white and black and all our accommodations were just impeccable. With some minor adjustments, this privately-owned Palazzo Vecchietti has the potential to reach our Seven Stars and Stripes World Level Perfection.

 A glorious breakfast was served in the Living Room where guests sit at their preferred times around a large table, carefully set with exquisite china designed by the Richard Ginori factory.

 {joomplu:1531}We were delighted to get to visit the porcelain factory later in the day. Here the delicate art of the Ginoris continues to live on through traditional designs of Tuscany’s Countryside, Italian Fruits and Amalfi (Antique Rose). These masterpieces were created by artists who have worked at Ginori for decades. They often get to custom-design the fine china for the estates of the wealthy from all over the world, producing both classical and art nouveau concepts.

 We continued our excursion through Florence, headed to the picture perfect hills of Tuscany and then on to the historic city of Siena, which is said to be Italy's best-preserved medieval town.

  Built over three hills and surrounded by medieval walls, Siena is brimming with Gothic and Romanesque architecture. We visited the Piazza del Campo, famous for its shell shape and as the focus of city life. Within the square sits the Fonte Gaia, a unique quadrangular fountain surrounded by historic figurines. We learned that the original fountain, by Jacopo della Quercia, is now preserved at Santa Maria della Scala. The Torre del Mangia and the Palazzo Pubblico form a picture-perfect photo spot at Piazza del Campo.

 The tower, built in 1848 and 102 meters high, must grant breathtaking views over Siena and the surrounding countryside. Il Palio, a horse race that circles the Piazza del Campo, is an important part of Sienese history and culture that lasts less than two minutes. On the day of the Palio, visitors from all over the world transform the main piazza into a heaving sea of 27,000 guests happy to witness this bi-annual spectacular, often in midday’s brutal summer heat. The more affluent pay for seats around the edge of the piazza, which are said to be sold out up to eight months in advance.

{joomplu:1533}The impressions we took home from Tuscany’s countryside can only be described as unforgettable and captivating. The colors of this cultivated land (created by its inhabitants, it seems) are in perfect synergy with nature. We look forward to a return visit to Tuscany soon.

For more information, please visit www.sevenstarsstripes.com