Friday Favorites: La Dolce Vita, Indeed!

 Joy Ride: Travel by Vintage Car Around Southern France and Italy

with Four Seasons

Poe’s Angela Simon only yesterday returned from Italy and France where she experienced a taste of La Dolce Vita with Four Seasons and happily reports that it was glorious. The wind in her hair, the Mediterranean sun on her face . . . Angela was without a kir in the world. A full trip report to follow soon.

Like Cary Grant and Grace Kelly in Alfred Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief, guests at a trio of Four Seasons hotels can take a vintage car onto the open road for adventures through southern France and Italy.

Pause to admire the beauty of the lush Tuscan countryside and French Riviera, or arrive in style at some of Milan’s most fashionable shops, all while behind the wheel of a vintage 1960s European convertible.

Experience Europe’s signature slower-paced lifestyle during a leisurely, customized road trip in a classic car. Choose a 1960 Giulietta Spider, a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Cabrio, or a 1956 Porsche 356A Speedster. Enveloped in old-style glamour, you’ll cruise between Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, Four Seasons Hotel Milano, and Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel. You may choose to visit any two hotels or all three—the length of each stay is up to you.

First, choose where to begin your journey: Florence, Milan, or Cap Ferrat. Here, your bespoke trip itinerary with be thoughtfully created by a dedicated Concierge, who can recommend the best stops along the way according to your personal interests—architecture detours in Florence, stylish sojourns in Milan, or Michelin-star cuisine lunch breaks in the French Riviera.

Then take to the road toward the next hotel of your choice, stopping at shops, restaurants, and landmarks whenever the mood strikes you. Visit Modena to sample some of Italy’s finest balsamic vinegar or taste the much-admired ham of Parma. Stroll the markets in Monaco on your way to Cap Ferrat, or marvel at Florence’s famous Duomo.

Throughout your journey, you’ll travel sans a care in the world. A personal driver will follow behind you throughout your trip in a separate, modern-day vehicle—unless you signal him to take the lead and navigate the route. Always accessible on a two-way radio, your driver is on call for roadside assistance, recommendations, and valet parking at each hotel and stop along the way. He’ll also wash the car and fill it up whenever necessary. 

And since no road trip would be complete without snacks, indulge in a picnic crafted for you by a Four Seasons chef for each leg of the trip (not your average road trip fare—no Wheat Thins in sight).

Drink in all that Italy and the French Riviera—and many an aperitif! Live in the moment! Embrace la dolce vita!