GQ, May 2002

The A-Z of Italy

Venetian Apartments: As the name suggests, this company specialises in luxurious palazzo-style accommodation in the Veneto. However it can also arrange the highest-quality self-catering in Florence, Rome and Siena, as well as stunning villas around the country (visit: www.italian-homes.com).

In fact, you could easily use them as a one-stop operator for your entire Grand Tour. The apartments in Florence are typically opulent, replete with frescoes, antiques and unmistakable glamour.

Ask for one of 12 here in Palazzo Santa Croce - which overlooks Florence's most charming piazza and its most interesting church - or for unparallelled decadence, choose Arno Lusso, a three- bedroomed apartment with a spectacular roof terrace.