The entire trip could not have been better. ...
Italy
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Oct 12 - Oct 22, 2024
The entire trip could not have been better. Andrea worked with me through every detail prior to the beginning of the trip and checked in during the 11 days in October. He provided advice on keeping activities to an enjoyable level for our group of six - the right mix of sightseeing and relaxation. He also took special care in providing for a traveler with mobility restrictions. I worked with Andrea to organize the trip on behalf of our group and, with Andrea as close as a text, I could thoroughly enjoy myself too. We had no glitches whatsoever and Andrea was even able to coordinate some time changes in our itinerary that we requested along the way.
All accommodations exceeded our expectations. While all hotel staff were helpful and friendly, the staff at Martis Palace Hotel was particularly warm and welcoming for all three days. Our experience at The Hotel Belvedere di San Leonino was exactly how I had pictured a stay in Tuscany, including dinner at their on-site restaurant. Corte dei Sogni Hotel, Hotel Nazionale and Hotel Palazzo Veneziano were equally enjoyable. All breakfasts provided far more than I am accustomed.
In Rome, the golf cart tour on our first day was a great way to see the city up-close and a good use of time. We enjoyed Mariapaola as our guide of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Basilica as she is knowledgeable, entertaining and passionate.
When driving in Tuscany, we especially enjoyed the cities of Bagnoregio, Orvieto and San Gimignano. Cooking class and wine tasting at La Marronaia Winery was very fun! "The wine was made from those grapevines right over there."
It only took the first train ride to figure out how to navigate the Cinque Terre trains with our hop on/off pass. They were clean, convenient and ran on schedule. All five villages were interesting to see. The Via dell'Amore trail is an easy and accessible walk along the cliff and sea and is, of course, beautiful. Hotel Nazionale was in the village of Levanto which we found to be less crowded and slower paced and is also available on the train pass. Due to weather, our boat tour was cancelled for which we received a full refund within just a couple days.
Everything about Venice is unique so I have no particular comments other than to say we are glad we chose to end our trip there as, at one time, we discussed skipping this city.
All guides and drivers were friendly and professional and on-time or usually early to meet us.
We indulged in the local wines, limoncello, chocolate, coffee, olives, oils, balsamics, meats and cheeses. It was all fantastico!
This was my first international trip. KimKim and Andrea set the bar high for the next adventure. I plan to use KimKim again if I get the chance.
Hotel Reviews
Scenery was beautiful. Dinner on-site was convenient and delicious. Many places to sit and relax including scattered tables and chairs, bar, pool and hot tub.
Great hotel with wonderful rooms. Don't let the nearly hidden outside entrance and ground floor lobby fool you.
Amazing entrance. Comfortable outdoor courtyard. Nice bar and breakfast area. Rooms are beautiful. We also took advantage of the complimentary visit to a Murano glass factory.
Activity Reviews
A great way to see the city up-close. A good use of time, especially on your first day in Rome. Fredricko and Fabio were fun guides.
We chose a self-guided tour. We should have gotten a guide or headset as there was so much information to take in.
Important to be able to skip the line.
So much to see. Guide was wonderful.
Fun class and learned a lot. Olive oil and balsamic tasting were bonuses that we didn't know we would be doing.
Canceled due to inclement weather. We were informed during the entire day as to whether to cruise would take place. Received a full refund.
Skip the line tickets were behind schedule which happened to put us in the middle of a downpour of rain. We waited it out and are glad we were still able to see "David." Amazing.
Guide was knowledgeable and weather was beautiful for this.
Thanks so much Amy for this very detailed and helpful review. We are so glad you enjoyed your trip and we will be happy to assist you for any future plans.