My dream vacation to Italy became a reality this past May. It started in Venice and ended in Sorrento. I enjoyed planning my 12-day itinerary and took thoughtful consideration with each location. I decided on two nites in Venice, three nites in Florence, two nites in Rome, and the last four nites in Sorrento. I wanted to end with a bang, and I knew the Amalfi Coast would deliver. This was not only going to be a trip of a lifetime, but I would also be referring clients to my blogpost and wanted to highlight important points of interest, restaurants, and notable tours. Let's begin...
Venice: Day 1
After a long and stressful flight, due to a passenger going into cardiac arrest and followed by an emergency landing in Canada, we made it to Venice. There were two doctors onboard who, luckily, were able to resuscitate, and I do pray the man and his family are alright. It was a terrifying scenario. Once landed, we were met in the airport arrival hall by our driver who was holding a sign with our name on it. All the private drivers are in this area waiting to meet and greet their clients. From there, we were driven to the water taxi port at Piazzale Roma, where our driver guided us to our private water taxi. Our boat, for just the six of us, took us directly to the water door of the Hotel Saturnia. The private meet & great at Venice Airport is something I book for all my clients and strongly encourage, especially as you are in a foreign and unique city that is without cars. This private transfer allows for a stress free arrival and is worth the extra cost. www.hotelsaturnia.it
A Typical Water Taxi at Piazzale Roma that will Take you to Venice
This is the Only Way to Travel in Venice
Venice is Amazing!
Hotel Saturnia - I Highly Recommend!
Hotel concierge met us at the water door and helped with all of our bags. Check in was effortless with smiling faces eager to help. I loved everything about this boutique hotel. I selected it because of its ranking, reviews on Trip Advisor, and location; it did not disappoint as it is steps away from designer shops, dining, and close to all the major landmarks. Dave and I had a double, and the kids had a quadruple room, which was spacious with a sitting area. The restaurant had an extensive hot and cold breakfast buffet. The bar area offers a roomy and cool vibe with ample seating and lite bites. #hotelsaturnia #venicehotels
After a fabulous lunch at Trattoria Al Gazzettino, www.algazzettino.it, we walked around Venice and took in the sights of Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge, Sighs Bridge, countless shops, and many bakeries. This city built on water is like no other, and there is so much to see. It's both extraordinary and beautiful. We were lucky to have a clear sky on our arrival and a smooth water taxi ride throughout the canals. That alone was a Venice highlight. #Trattoria #trattoriaalgazzettino #dogespalacevenice #rialtobridge #stmarkssquarevenice #latortadeldoge #venicepastry
Trattoria Al Gazzettino
Dessert after Lunch at La Torta Del Doge - Delicious Bakeries are Everywhere!
Doges Palace - One of the Main Landmarks in Venice
Rialto Bridge
St. Mark's Basilica
The Bridge of Sighs
Piazza St. Marco - Just a Little Bit of Rain...Not Too Bad
Next door to the Hotel Saturnia is La Caravella Restaurant. Recommended by the hotel, we had dinner here on our first nite. The menu is small but creative, which I appreciate, and the atmosphere is sophisticated. This is a gourmet restaurant with the pricetag to match, $$$$. I would save this one for a romantic nite out (not really a family vibe). https://www.restaurantlacaravella.com/
La Caravella - Gourmet Dining
Venice: Day 2
Today was our day to venture over to Murano and Burano. Hotel Saturnia arranged for a private watertaxi over to Murano Island, the glass blowing island, for a tour of the Signoretti glass factory, https://bfsignoretti.com/en/. This was an enjoyable tour that exhibited showrooms filled with the beautiful handmade glass, from large scale chandeliers to small handheld items . This studio is a remarkable tribute to the Signoretti family, craftsmanship, and art that is alive and well in Murano. Glassmarking has been an industry in Murano since 1291 and a glassmakers guild was founded in the late 13th century. Glassmakers held an elevated position in society, but they were EXPECTED to carry on the tradition in their family and stay in Murano, keeping their mastery safely guarded.
Glass Blowing Demonstration and the Handcrafted Murano Glass Chandeliers
Beautiful Glassblown Pieces at the Signoretti glass factory
Our Water Taxi to Murano and Burano Islands
We had amazing weather on our second day in Venice
After Murano, we were lucky to grab the same private water taxi to Burano. Having a strong appreciation for fashion, this was a real treat. Known as the lace making island, Burano is famous for its detailed and intricate lace. Burano's roots go back to the 1500s for its delicate lace making. The highly affluent used the lace during that period as a symbol of wealth; the influence of the lace soon gained popularity and became a staple fabric throughout Europe.
Within the town center, you'll find lace shops, trattorias, colorfully painted houses, and day travelers taking in the beauty of this quiet escape from Venice. We had lunch at Trattoria Da Primo, which I recommend. Our seafood and pasta dishes were delish. https://www.trattoriadaprimo.it/
The Beautiful Houses and Buildings in Burano
The nite ended with a wonderful meal at Trattoria Cherubino back in Venice.The restaurant staff gave us extra attention, extra bruschetta, and extra limoncello shots...they love Americans! The favorite of the nite was the mushroom risotto. This nite was, undoubtedly, the calm before the storm. #trattoriacherubino #italianrestaurantvenice #venicedining #venicetrattoria
Dinner at Trattoria Cherubino
Florence: Day 3
I woke up to Dave telling me to be calm but that three of the four kids were sick with food poisoning. It appears the sushi they had at GACHI HOUSE OF SUSHI, Logan Airport, was the culpit - I do not recommend eating here. With sour stomachs and virtually no sleep the nite before, I requested a later check out which was granted. Concierge at the Saturnia was really understanding and accommodating. Our train to Florence was a challenge, but the kids put their best foot forward. Rail was cancelled and rebooked for a later time, and we made it to Florence....eventually. I'll find out just how good my Allianz Travel Protection really is...stay tuned. #gachihouseofsushi #gachiboston #badsushi #allianztravelprotection
Our Departure from Venice and Onward to Florence (with 3 sick kids in tow)
Last Minute Sightseeing while Ryan, Fiona, and Colby Rested at Hotel Saturnia
Once we made it to our vacation rental in Florence, the sick kids rested. What should have been an afternoon of visiting San Lorenzo Market, Ponte Vecchio Bridge, and Piazzale Michelangelo was put on hold. Instead, Dave, Meg, and I walked around The Duomo and took tons of pics but stayed pretty close by. My three kids were that sick...what a nightmare. We ended up going to a Medical Center with Fiona, who was in a little better shape than Ryan and Colby, and the doctor provided a prescription for the Farmacia that DID get them thru...basically hydration powder and probiotics, and a highly recommended bland diet for the next few days. #sanlorenzomarket #sanlorenzoleather #sanlorenzoflorence #duomoflorence #pontevecchioflorence #piazzalemichelangelo
Walking Around the Duomo
While the sick kids stayed in, Dave, Megan, and I thoroughly enjoyed our surroundings. Our VRBO was in the most perfect location, steps from the Piazza Della Signoria. This piazza is an outdoor museum, filled with statues, trattorias, bakeries, and the Uffizi right next door. Our VRBO was a spacious three bedroom, and even tho it lacked all basic essentials, the location couldn't be beat. #piazzasignoria #piazzasignoriaflorence
Piazza Della Signoria is Filled with Marble Statues
Piazza Della Signoria at Nite
We ended our nite having dinner at a cute trattoria with great reviews called Osteria La Dolce Vita, which had a whimsical decor and offered a small but delicious menu. The staff was overly friendly, bringing us limoncello on the house, and the ambience was wonderful. I ordered the lasagna, and it was excellent. They don't have a website, but you can find them on Instagram #osterialadolcevitafirenze #florencedining
Osteria La Dolce Vita @olsterialadolcevitafirenze
The Lasagna and Wine were Delicious
Florence: Day 4
Our next day was our museum day. I had purchased tickets for both the Uffizi and Accademia together on Viator way ahead. Ryan and Colby were still sick and stayed in the VRBO, and Fiona made her best efforts at joining us. I would honestly say both museums are a DO NOT MISS. The Uffizi was our first stop and is famous for its collections of paintings and sculptures featuring Correggio, Da Vinci, Raffaello, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio to name a few and of course, Botticelli, and the infamous Birth of Venus and The Spring. These paintings alone bring an enormous crowd to the Uffizi. The second half of our tour included our timed/Skip the Line entry to the Accademia, where we stood in wonder viewing Michelangelo's iconic Statue of David, standing over 17 feet tall. This is one of the most famous works of art and statues in the world. If you are in Florence, seeing David should be at the top of your list. #uffiziflorence #accademiaflorence #michelangelosdavid #statueofdavid #birthofvenus #botticellipaintings
The Birth of Venus Spring
Michelangelo's Statue of David
With the first day being a bust, Dave, Meg, Fiona, and I really rushed to get to the San Lorenzo Leather Market in the late afternoon and especially to TikTok sensation Massimo's Leather Shop. Fiona, as sick as she was, had leather jackets on her 'Must buy in Florence List.' She was determined, and my girl got her leather! We all bought leather gifts at San Lorenzo Market to bring home. Today was a busy day, and Fiona was spent at this point. Dave and she headed back to the VRBO, and Meg and I made our way to the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, which is another do not miss when you are in Florence. The Ponte Vecchio is famous for being the oldest bridge in Florence and the only bridge not destroyed during WW2, but it's also a marketplace for gold jewelry. I'm talking shop upon shop of jewelry stores lining the bridge from one end to the other. I had this idea that I was going to buy myself a nice 18k gold keepsake, but it was so crowded and the stores themselves have wait lines. It's pretty overwhelming. Being that it was the end of the day, I was over it. The gold would have to wait. #Italianleather #massimoleather
Ponte Vecchio Bridge in Florence
The Ponte Vecchio is Busy, Busy, Busy and There is GOLD Everywhere!!
San Lorenzo Leather Market
Massimo's Leather Shop @massimoleatherflorence
For dinner, we had reservations at Trattoria ZaZa. Fiona sat out for this one, staying in with the boys eating bland food. Once again, it was just Dave, Meg, and me out on the town. Trattoria ZaZa lived up to the hype. I would definitely put this restaurant on your list. It has a varied menu, and the staff, food, and outdoor dining were fabulous! Reservations are needed as there are long lines to eat here. After dinner, we searched for a wine window close by, which is a definite must do in Florence. https://www.trattoriazaza.it/
Dinner at Trattoria ZaZa and Then We found a Wine Window
Florence: Day 5
This was our Vespa day, and we gained two more family members as Colby and Fiona woke up feeling better. Ryan...was still down for the count. I had booked a Vespa tour in Tuscany that included a stop in Greve, wine and olive oil tasting, and lunch at a vineyard. I booked directly with the tour company, https://townsofitaly.com/en/florence-tuscany/small-group-tuscany-vespa-tour-florence #vespatour #tuscanytours #tuscanywinecountry
Vespa day to Greve and Riding Thru Chianti Road Was a fun day
This was an awesome day in the Tuscan countryside, and we were lucky to have full sun and easy road conditions. Everyone passed their Vespa road test except for Meg and me. Instead, we got to ride in back of our Italian guide's Vespas and enjoy the panoramic views of the Tuscan hills. It all worked out in the end. Our stop in Greve, a quaint Italian village, had an outdoor market filled with local food, shopping, and the craftsmanship of local artisans. Our tour ended with lunch at Relais Villa Olmo, /https://www.relaisvillaolmo.com/. This is a beautiful and romantic 5-star location that is worth spending more than one afternoon. This villa could easily be your Tuscany-stay home base. The 16th century villa boasts a prestigious list of Diadema wines from their cellar, is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, has a wine and olive oil tasting room, and is home to Ristorante Diadema, a gourmet restaurant that uses organic and locally sourced products. Our small tour group had our tasteful Tuscan lunch in the glass veranda, and it was delicious. The Villa is in a perfect location as it's only about 25 minutes from central Florence. https://www.relaisvillaolmo.com/en/diadema-restaurant/
The Backdrop of the Tuscan Hills Outside of Ristorante Diadema
Very Special Lunch at Ristorante Diadema
Relais Villa Olmo
Taking Pics at Relais Villa Olmo
Returning to Florence from our tour, our first stop was for gelato, naturally. We got in line at Vivoli, which was highly recommended, and it delivered! Great, authentic gelato for all. Fiona had the affogato al pistacchio (cappucino with pistacchio gelato).
Instagram: @vivoli_il_gelato #vivoligelato #vivoligelatoflorence
Vivoli Gelato - Affogato Al Pistacchio
Next, we crossed the bridge on the Arno River, walking by the Porta San Niccolò watchtower, and climbing up the steep steps to Piazzale Michelangelo. Set on top of a hill, this square has replica statues by Michelangelo including his David, gives you panoramic views of Florence, and is the perfect place to see the sunset or take photos of the winding Arno River and the surrounding architecture. When we visited, there was a line of different pizzerias selling pizza right out of their pizza stoves...old school. It was really cool. I was glad we experienced this. Another do not miss stop in Florence. #arnoriver
Panoramic Views of Florence from Piazza Michelangelo
A View to Remember - Piazza Michelangelo
Arno River
Our last nite's dinner in Florence was Dave's pic, and he chose a restaurant highly recommended by a friend, Acqua Al 2, and well known for its filet mignon with blueberry sauce. Ryan was feeling better, and all six of us were FINALLY able to dine together. A few selected their blueberry filet signature dish and others chose more mainstream filet mignon dishes. This was a really nice Italian restaurant where reservations are recommended. Everybody was satisfied with their meals. The interesting thing about Florence and Sorrento...the filet mignon is really affordable. An 8 oz steak will cost you $26. https://www.acquaal2florence.com/ #acquaal2florence #blueberryfilet #nutirestaurant #trattoriadalloste #allanticovinaio #focacciasandwichflorence
Restaurants on my list that we, regretfully, just didn't make it to:
*Nuti Restaurant - https://www.ristorantenuti.com/en/ - The make pasta right in front of you on the street daily. Make reservations ahead. I tried....they were booked solid.
*Trattoria Dall' Oste - https://trattoriadalloste.com/en/ - Boasts as being the best steakhouse in Florence. Clients of mine ate here and RAVED about it.
*All'Antico Vinaio - https://www.allanticovinaio.com/ - Famous for its focaccia sandwiches and right next to the Uffizi.
At Nuti, they make the pasta right in front of you.
Rome: Day 6
Good Morning! Rome...here we come! Our rail tickets to Rome were at 9:30a, and we were there 30 minutes early (as recommended). In hindsight, this is one thing I will keep in mind when booking rail for clients going forward. With all the sightseeing and walking you are doing, sleeping in a little...isn't a bad thing. It's better to rest those feet, eat a good breakfast, have your cappuccino, and then be on your way. #romatermini
Rome Train Station
Arriving at our Rome Vacation Rental
Our VRBO in Rome was magnifico! I cannot say enough about the location or host. With over 230 reviews, I knew I picked a winner. The truth is, our host, Luigi, went out of his way to make sure we had the best Rome experience. He arranged our transfers, met us at his apartment and provided a map with landmarks. He gave us a list of restaurants for our consideration and even provided a bottle of wine for our visit. His house was stocked with all necessities and included a washer & dryer. The apartment has a 24/7 security guard, and the Pantheon is steps away. This was the perfect pick for our Rome stay. I highly recommend this vacation rental! Grazie to Luigi! https://www.vrbo.com/391784ha
Rome Vacation Rental
After dropping off our luggage, we ventured out to check out our surroundings and get a bite to eat at a pizzeria, which are everywhere. They are actually known for their focaccia sandwiches. Afterwards, we returned to our rental to just...rest for a bit. #pantheonrome #colosseumrome #vaticanrome #sistinechapelrome
The Pantheon
We had a 3p tour at the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum. https://www.viator.com/tours/Rome/Colosseum-and-Ancient-Rome-Tour-with-Roman-Forum-and-Palatine-Hill/d511-3731COLOSSEUM. It's important to book your tours in advance, plan according to your train times, spend the extra $$ with a Skip the Line ticket, and choose a reputable tour company (look at reviews on Trip Advisor). We had a good tour and enjoyed the history of the Forum, and we definitely learned a great deal more about the gladiators. After the tour, we had lunch at Angelino AI Fori, https://www.angelinoaifori.com. This restaurant is across the street from the Colosseum and was a welcome respite from our busy day. The menu was excellent.
The Colosseum
The Roman Forum
We ended our nite having a really late pizza dinner at Emma Pizzeria, https://emmapizzeria.com/. The pizza is fabulous. As much as I wanted to go to Tonnarello's, they don't take reservations, and we didn't want to wait in line. #romepizza #emmapizzeria #tonnarellosrome
Regrets:
Colline Emiliane - Michelin Star that was on my radar but required reservations.
Tonnarello's - known for its carbonara has lines. You must get here early.
Rome: Day 7
Our Vatican tour was at 10a. I did slightly better with scheduling our tour time, but again, our feet were tired from long days of walking. An 11a tour time would have been better. The tour I booked, https://www.viator.com/tours/Rome/Skip-the-Line-Vatican-Museums-and-Sistine-Chapel-Guided-Tour/d511-3731VATICAN, was a thorough 3 hour tour. It included the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's, and the Sistine Chapel. I recommend this tour, but there are many to choose from. You can pick a tour that is 1.5 hours that covers the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. Just make sure you pick one that is highly reviewed. After the tour, we walked around the city, stopping at the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, shopped at the Salumeria for meats and cheese, and ate gelato (a daily occurrence), as we had a little bit of down time before our next Borghese Museum tour at 5:45p. #trevifountainrome #spanishstepsrome #borghesemuseumrome #stpetersrome
Vatican City
