Two cities and four hotels – in just two days!Arriving at Venice airport you cannot help but be excited about the prospect of meandering along the Grand Canal in a water taxi and catching first glimpses of this majestic city from the water.  Just five minutes walk from the main airport terminal is the dock where water taxis are waiting to whisk you down the Grand Canal and another mere 20 minutes later you arrive at the pontoon of the Palazzo Ca`Sagredo.  This is a lovely slightly quieter district in the north of the city yet gloriously close to all the sites – the Rialto Bridge and St Marks Square are just 10 minutes away by foot.  Venice is an ancient and crumbling city but still visually beautiful and Ca`Sagredo combines elegant 15th century Venetian splendour with the intimacy of a hospitable five star hotel. The history of the building and the Sagredo family is evident throughout the property – it is a museum itself as well as a being a luxurious base from where to explore the city.  The grand ballroom is breathtaking – once you have stood in awe of the elaborate frescos on the walls and ceiling the room enables you to close your eyes and imagine the grand parties that went on all those years ago.  The rooms are all individual and enjoy different attributes – the Library Suite has a unique balcony around the top of the walls which allowed access all those years ago to the thousands of books lining its shelves. The Casino Suite with its enormous bathroom boasts the most stunning artwork and carvings of animals amongst the ceiling alcoves – a fabulous and welcoming room with a humour that could tell a thousand stories.  The Sagredo Suites of which there are several, are all different – some with views of the Grand Canal, some with a story to tell but all sumptuous.  One of the most requested rooms, in the eaves of the hotel, has it`s own staircase leading to a terrace offering the most fabulous views of the city – an ideal spot from where to survey the city whilst sipping a glass of chilled Prosecco.Just across the Grand Canal from the hotel is the Rialto Market which comes to life at 8am each morning and from where the celebrity chef, Michael Potenza, buys fish for the restaurant.  That side of the canal is wonderful to explore and is less busy than the more touristy right bank.  The restaurant is beautiful and intimate and the menu is indicative of the chef`s Puglia roots – his risotto is particularly delicious and his desserts a real treat all accompanied by superb wines and discreet and friendly service.After a delicious breakfast watched over by the palazzo`s stunning frescos we enjoyed another short journey by water taxi to Venice`s Santa Lucia train station and an efficient and relaxed three and a half hour journey through the Italian countryside to Roma Termini train station, close to the centre of Rome.The Inn at the Spanish Steps is a true gem right in heart of the city.  Situated on the Via dei Condotti, amidst some of the most influential fashion designer`s flagship stores, the Inn at the Spanish Steps is far from pretentious.  This boutique property provides an oasis of calm from the hustle and bustle of the busy city and the thronging Spanish Steps a mere 80 yards away from the front door.  The Trevi Fountain, the sites of ancient Rome and shopping heaven are an easy walk through the city. The rooms are beautifully appointed in a contemporary Italian style and the roof top lounge and terrace is comfortable and welcoming for enjoying breakfast, complimentary afternoon tea or a quiet drink before venturing out to one of Rome`s amazing restaurants. This hotel is warm and welcoming with gorgeous staff and a top location.  The View at the Spanish Steps, the hotel`s four bedroomed, four bathroomed apartment is one of the best kept secrets in Rome.  A must for any family wanting slightly more space and their own private terrace in one of the most desirable locations in this magnificent city.  The rooms can be taken on an individual basis – three of the suites offer direct views over the 18th century Spanish Steps and Rome`s most photographed piazza.  Enjoy the view amongst luxurious surroundings accompanied by impeccable service.Just 10 minutes taxi ride away is the Inn at the Roman Forum.  In a much quieter, more traditional, cobbled lined area of Rome this little gem provided despite from the hustle and bustle yet invites you to explore the ancient sites – ancient Roman ruins can be explored on the ground floor of the hotel and in fact, a wedding was recently held there.  This hotel has fewer rooms than it`s sister hotel at the Spanish Steps – they are slightly larger and two enjoy a unique roof top garden.  From the roof top you can see the Roman Forum and just a hop, skip and a jump away from the front door of the hotel are the remaining wonders of ancient Rome including the majestic Colosseum.  The lounge and terrace offer the same service as the Inn at the Spanish Steps and a quiet area in which to contemplate the history below your feet.  This is a must for those wanting to explore the city and to escape to somewhere more tranquil at the end of a busy day.For those wanting to splash out, the Villa Spalletti Trivelli provides sumptuous surroundings, unique hospitality, elegance and tranquillity all in a superb location.  The villa is just one street away from the Palazzo del Quirinale close to government buildings and surrounded by beautiful gardens.  This district is residential and tranquil yet incredibly central so ideal for exploring the whole city whether it be a day trip to Vatican City or a short walk to the Trevi Fountain or the Borghese Gardens.  Opened by the Spalletti Trivelli family as a hotel just a few years ago this beautiful private villa exudes Italian hospitality and allows you the luxury of realising you are staying in someone`s private home.  The fully stocked bar is complimentary and lovely to enjoy before exploring the city`s plethora of restaurants.  Plenty of thick towels and gorgeous linen as well as being welcomed by the butler at the front door ensures you are going to be more than comfortable here.  The hotel has recently won Conde Nast Johansens best city hotel – that`s pretty impressive for a hotel that until a few years ago had not opened its front door to anyone other than friends and family.  The two gardens apartments are a real find and highly recommended for families wanting the back up of a luxury hotel, in the heart of the city but with the flexibility to cater for themselves if they want to.  Beautifully appointed with private terraces, these apartments will soon be booked up well in advance. The basement spa is quite something and extremely impressive for a 12 bedroomed property.My whistle stop tour of two of the most beautiful cities in Europe was enhanced by staying in some of the best hotels in Italy.  These properties are representative of their destinations – when you wake up in the morning, there is no mistaking where you are.  Two days gave me a taste of what there is to explore and left me dying to come back to enjoy the hotels and explore some more.For more information on the hotels please do not hesitate to contact the team at Workham Hotels.  We would be delighted to share our experiences of the cities with you and help with any enquiries or bookings you may have.Tel: 020 77368287e: sales@workham.com