F1 2024 Insider's Guide No. 16 – Italy

A thrilling Formula One® season has been captivating crowds around the world. Next on the calendar is Italy—renowned for culinary delights, Roman history, fashion, and high-performance motoring. As summer draws to a close, what better time for a trip there?

And what could be better than a visit to the legendary Italian Grand Prix? Monza is one of the most iconic circuits in motor racing lore, with a storied history going back over 100 years. It’s one of the original Grands Prix, and the circuit—one of the fastest on the calendar—has been known over the years for its many notable features, like the Parabolica corner. Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso are ready to race at the ‘Temple of Speed’, but beyond this storied circuit Italy boasts many more irresistible charms.

Making the most of the North

Lombardy and Tuscany – Make the most of the fashion capital, Milan, and the lakes and mountains of Italy’s vibrant north. Hilton Como enjoys a privileged position in the picturesque town of Como, nestled beside the famous lake and the Italian Alps. In Milan, the luxurious Westin Palace offers a sumptuous sense of style and a delightful rooftop terrace for sundowners, spritzes, and cicchetti. Portrait brings history to life in a former seminary, now transformed into an exclusive luxury haven and part of the Leading Hotels of The World. Don’t miss the wineries and hiking in the Italian Alps. And on the coast, the exclusive and iconic Il Pellicano wows with its stunning coastal surroundings.

What’s new in Italy?

New thrills – In Milan, the new Brera Art Gallery is set to open in a few weeks after over 50 years of delays. The much-anticipated museum is poised to revolutionise the art scene in the city. For a charming countryside retreat, consider Rastrello—lovingly restored by Pelizzari Studio. This 10-bedroom member of Design Hotels is located near Perugia. The building is a 500-year-old Renaissance gem with original stone walls, beams, and ironwork, and rooms offer views of the nearby Lake Trasimeno. Meanwhile, the new DoubleTree Monti in Rome provides a stylish take on the capital for design enthusiasts. La Posta Vecchia, an old mansion on the Roman Riviera, has been transformed into an enchanting paradise. Lastly, the new 25Hours Hotel in Florence is easily the coolest place to stay for your Tuscan getaway.

How to take joy in the journey?

Exploring Italy by train – Take the train from Monza to the capital, and let the romance of Rome captivate you. The Rome Cavalieri is a palace fit for an emperor, and houses Rome’s only three-Michelin-star restaurant, La Pergola. In contrast, the Cosmopolita is a chic boutique hotel with plenty of character. Don’t miss the opportunity to savour fried artichokes and arancini while you’re in Rome. Hotel Hassler, perched at the top of the Spanish Steps, offers plenty of wow factor, and Donna Camilla Savelli, in the Trastevere neighbourhood, has recently been refurbished.

Where to go next?

Greece and Cyprus – Dakis Joannou’s YES! Brand offers high-quality hospitality and art across all of its properties. Stay at the New Hotel in central Athens, where you can enjoy views of the Parthenon from the rooftop terrace. The brand’s new outpost in Santorini, Nous, introduces a touch of sophisticated cool to the island. The Ace Hotel & Swim Club has added a trendy edge to the Athens Riviera with its stylish beachside setting, quickly becoming a favourite among the trendsetters. At Cap St Georges in Cyprus, you’ll find Michelin-starred cooking with a focus on local Cypriot ingredients, plus a luxurious hotel to relax in after a day of swimming and dining. The property also boasts its own private yacht.

The Globe-Trotter x Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team partnership celebrates a shared commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and heritage; bringing together the timeless style of Globe-Trotter’s handcrafted luggage and the cutting-edge design and performance of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team.