The European destinations that work better together

Sicily

Sicily rewards those who look beyond its beaches. Palermo, with its Arab-Norman architecture, chaotic markets and baroque grandeur, is one of Italy's most culturally rich cities, and Villa Igiea, a turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau palazzo at the foot of Mount Pellegrino, is one of the finest bases from which to explore it. From Palermo, the drive southwest to Verdura Resort takes around two hours, and the change of pace is immediate. Set across a 230-hectare estate on Sicily's southern coast, Verdura offers two championship golf courses, nearly two kilometres of private beach, a gigantic spa and eight restaurants. Between the two, you have the full measure of the island, and when you book a suite through Little Emperors you’ll also receive a local cultural immersion activity at each hotel.

Northern Italy

Milan and Lake Como have been paired by well-travelled visitors for generations, and for good reason. Mandarin Oriental Milan sits as close to La Scala as it does to the boutiques of the Golden Quadrangle, with two Michelin-starred dining at Seta and a courtyard bar that rivals a front-row seat at fashion week for people-watching. The drive north to Lake Como takes just under an hour, where Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como occupies a series of 18th and 19th-century buildings on the lake's eastern shore. A floating infinity pool, a lakefront spa and dining across multiple settings make it a destination in its own right. Book through Little Emperors and you’ll also receive a food or spa credit at both properties.

France and Italy

Paris and Florence make for one of Europe's most culturally rich combinations, connected by a straightforward journey south. Four Seasons Hotel George V anchors the Paris leg with six Michelin stars across three restaurants, the largest collection of apartment suites in a Parisian palace and a wine cellar presided over by a former European sommelier champion. From Paris, the journey to Florence brings you to Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, a converted Renaissance palazzo in the heart of the city, with frescoed ceilings, two Italian restaurants, an outdoor pool and a spa, all within walking distance of the Duomo and the Uffizi. The concierge team is exceptional, arranging private dinners in a 15th-century palazzo once home to Leonardo da Vinci and exclusive access to an open-air terrace on the Ponte Vecchio. Book both through Little Emperors and you'll receive a hotel credit at each property to spend as you choose.

South of France

Saint-Tropez and the Luberon are close enough to combine, different enough to make the pairing worthwhile. Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière sits high on a hilltop above the town, a fairy-tale castle surrounded by pine forests and parkland with sweeping views of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. A Matsuhisa restaurant, a Valmont spa and an impressive pool in the central courtyard sit alongside the legendary L'Auberge des Maures, which has been serving Provençal food since 1931. From Saint-Tropez, the drive northeast into the Luberon takes around two hours, where Airelles Gordes, La Bastide occupies a honey-coloured Provençal home in the hilltop village of Gordes. Cypress-studded views, spacious terraces, a Guerlain spa, an outdoor cinema and a Sunday brunch worth planning around. And sampling the cuisine is even easier for Little Emperors members, with a food and drink credit at both hotels.

Greece

Athens is no longer just a stopover. One&Only Aesthesis, set on a private peninsula on the Athenian Riviera, brings coastal glamour to the city's doorstep, with bungalows facing the sea or tucked into Mediterranean gardens, a Guerlain spa and two exceptional restaurants. From Athens, the ferry to Kéa takes less than two hours, making One&Only Kéa Island a natural and unhurried second chapter. Clifftop villas with infinity pools look out over the Aegean, a seafront spa draws on ancient Greek wellness traditions and four bars ensure the evenings are as well considered as the days. Early check-in or late check-out at both properties through Little Emperors also helps make the most of time in each destination.

Read our guide on the European Rivieras and where to stay.