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When it comes to accumulating wealth and prestige in Renaissance Europe, it's hard to top the Medicis. From the 14th to the 18th centuries, the prominent Florentine family and political dynasty acquired some of the greatest works of art of all time, inspiring scores of artists and altering the landscape of European culture for generations to come. To get an idea of just how influential the Medicis and their associates were, pay a visit to the Palazzo Pitti in Florence. Located along the banks of the River Arno, the vast palace was purchased by the Medici family in 1549 and later was the home of the ruling families of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Napolean even used it as a headquarters in the late 18th century, but by the early 20th century, King Victor Emmanuel III decided to donate it to the people as a massive art museum. Today, anybody can gaze upon the endless masterpieces that were once reserved for the elite, from the works of Raphael and Rubens in the Palatine Gallery to the Medici portraits in the Royal Apartments, a 14-room suite used by the family that had every conceivable luxury. Of particular interest is the Porcelain Museum. Located in the Casino del Cavaliere (pictured), the Grand Duke's former retreat, it contains works from some of the most renowned porcelain factories in Europe, including daily items from the Doccia factory near Florence, and several large dining services from Vincennes, a Parisien factory. Be careful not to bump into anything, as it's all rather pricey. Starwood has three properties in Florence, including the luxurious Westin Excelsior, Florence.

[image via museumsinflorence.com]

All roads lead to Rome, but one of the first to do so was the Appian Way. This ancient highway connected Rome with Apulia in southeast Italy, and it has been traveled by merchants, peasants, holy men, nobles, and soldiers since its creation in 312 B.C. Of course, Italy now has a modern highway system, but much of the Appian Way is still intact, giving visitors a unique opportunity to literally step back in time. On Sundays, no cars are allowed on the Appia Antica (the oldest portion of the road) in Rome, so take advantage of the serenity to walk in the footsteps of countless ancient Romans. Begin with a visit to Parco Regionale Dell'Appia Antica, a national park that encompasses the southern end of the road. Then, armed with a bottle of water, perhaps some sunscreen, and a picnic lunch, start walking. The park's website has plenty of information about the historic buildings you'll be passing, such as the Church of Domine Quo Vadis - where St. Peter is said to have met Jesus during his flight from Rome - and the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, daughter of the consul Quintus Caecilius Metellus Creticus and a daughter-in-law of the wealthiest great tenant of Rome. But the greatest pleasure is simply strolling along a quiet, tree-lined section of road and imagining that you've been transported back to the time of Caesar. It's a unique experience that you can only have in Italy. Starwood has hotels throughout Rome, including the St. Regis Grand Hotel, Rome.

One of the greatest joys of European travel is visiting the many perfectly preserved old towns scattered throughout the continent, and few are lovelier than the Italian town of Lucca. Located a short drive from Florence, Lucca is surrounded by Renaissance-era city walls and filled with attractions that date back to its establishment as a Roman colony in 180 B.C. Start your medieval stroll with a visit to some of the town's basilica-form churches, such as the Gothic-style Lucca Cathedral, whose handsome bell tower looms over the city, and the Basilica di San Frediano, which is situated on the gorgeous Piazzi San Frediano. See how the royals lived at the ornate Palazzo Pubblico, and then make your way to the Roman Amphitheater, which could accommodate more than 10,000 spectators during its heyday in the first and second centuries. And don't forget to pay your respects to one of Lucca's most famous residents, Giacomo Puccini, who was born here in 1858. You can visit his childhood home or simply admire a bronze statue of the man (see video), whose operas La Bohème, Madama Butterfly, and Turandot virtually defined Italian opera for generations of fans. Starwood has several hotels in nearby Florence, including the Grand Hotel, Florence, a member of the Luxury Collection.

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) is commonly known as the man who painted the Mona Lisa, but he was so much more than just an artist. As an inventor, engineer, designer, anatomist, and all-around thinker, his ideas for human flight and technological innovation of all kinds are still being contemplated to this day. Anyone curious about the science and technology that da Vinci inspired should pay a visit to the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology in Milan, which houses an extraordinary collection of drawings, models, and interactive labs that give new life to the Renaissance legend. Founded in 1953, it's Italy's largest museum of science and technology, occupying a 16th century Olivetan monastery complete with cloisters, gardens, and a series of ornate galleries. An exhibit of machine models based on da Vinci's blueprints shows just how ahead of their time his ideas were, particular for his flying machines (see video). Elsewhere in the museum are exhibits on transport, materials, and modern communications, and there's even a submarine to explore, the Enrico Toti. Having designed an early version of the submarine, I think da Vinci would approve. Starwood has four hotels in Milan, including the luxurious Westin Palace, Milan.

No one does fashion quite like the Italians. When in Naples, head directly to Via dei Mille for the most sumptuous luxury goods. You can walk there from the extraordinary Hotel Excelsior, Naples, part of Starwood's Luxury Collection, by taking a seaside stroll along Via Partnope and then veering inland up Via Domenico Morelli, through Piazza dei Martiri, and along Via Gaetano Filangeri.

When you get to Via dei Mille, an upscale street lined with parked Vespas and exclusive boutiques, stop in at number 16. Housed within a historic Neopolitan palazzo, Amina Rubinacci is filled with downy cashmere tunics, pearl-buttoned cardigans, and tweed jackets. It's a den of sophistication to say the least. Continuing on a few blocks to number 45, you'll find Eddy Monetti. Gentlemen of elegance will love taking a look around this refined boutique where a decorative stack of leather trunks are surrounded by striped ties, plaid scarves, and exquisitely tailored suits. Order a few made to measure shirts then head up to Anna Cacace at number 59. Here's where you can stock up on a few exceptionally designed products for the house like an Alessi espresso machine, a shiny collection of Lagostina slotted spoons, ladles, spatulas and other fancy kitchen tools, or a set of horn-handled steak knives by Del Ben. Next, you'll need some shoes of course. At number 65, Deliberti stocks brands like Christian Lacroix, Comme des Garcons, Marc Jacobs, and Givenchy, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding the perfect pair.

Have you been shopping on Naples' Via dei Mille? What wonderful places did you discover?