Mother/Son Trip to Italy!!
Italy
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May 24 - Jun 4, 2024
From the start of planning this trip, Elisa was always pleasant, punctual in her response, attune to the things we wanted to do while in Italy and made the trip with the transport to the various places we visited very easy. While we were in Italy when I had a question, she was always prompt in her responses and gave me assurances about aspects of the trip when needed.
We visited Milan, Lake Como, the QC Terme Spa which is a must when visiting Milan, Naples, Pompeii, Capri, Amalfi, Positano and Rome. Our local guide, Anna Maria, was wonderful in showing us the main areas of Milan and its history. We missed the Verona day trip as it was the first full day of our trip and we were quite jet lagged. It would've been better to have a free morning on that day and visit the QC Terme Spa that afternoon and visit Verona on the second full day. So switching those two days around would have been a better option. I loved Lake Como and would love to one day go back and perhaps stay overnight 1 or 2 nights to explore the lake and perhaps take a boat to Switzerland for the day. The local guide, Tatianna, was excellent in explaining the history of the town of Como. We were 4 nights in Milan and that seemed like the right amount of time.
We next traveled to Naples by train. It made everything so much easier to have the transport to the train station and the train tickets arranged ahead of time. We were 3 nights in Naples - a very different city than Milan - but nice in its own way. We especially enjoyed our pizza making class. Our driver, Francesco, was excellent. A pizza making class in Naples is a must. We took a day trip to Capri - another must do if visiting Italy. While there, be sure to take a boat ride to the Blue Grotto - so beautiful! And either walk up the steps or take the funicular up the higher level to see the beautiful views.
From Naples, we went to Amalfi, by private driver, again Francesco! We stopped on the way at Pompeii, where our local guide, Ivan, gave us an in depth tour of the ruins of Pompeii - an amazing place to see - and massive! The drive from Pompeii to Amalfi took a little longer than usual due to the overcast and rainy day. There were points in the ride where there was so much fog you could not see the car in front. Francesco was a careful and skillful driver and got us there safely.
We were 3 nights in Amalfi, but I think 2 nights would have been enough. It was breathtakingly beautiful. Elisa had arranged for a tour and lunch of Le Vigne di Raito, a small winery owned by two sisters. Alfonso gave us a tour of the winery and a short tour of the vineyard since the weather was not cooperating. Then we went us to the sisters' home where they had the veranda set for a lovely, delicious lunch as we sampled some of their delicious wine. So glad Elisa suggested this as part of the itinerary. It was a wonderful day! On the drive back, my driver, Ciro, made a stop at his family's cafe for the most delicious, he said the best, lemon cake. He was right - the best I've had so far! The next day, we took a day trip to Positano - beautiful, but, for us, a full day was too long a time to be there, so we booked an earlier ferry back to Amalfi.
Since our flight was from Rome in the early afternoon, we stayed one night in Rome - so we only had an afternoon in Rome. For me that was fine since I'd been there before. My son would have liked more time there. If I had thought about it a little and done a little bit of research, I would have stayed 2 nights in Amalfi and 2 or 3 nights in Rome.
The hotels we stayed at were nice.
In Milan - the Antica Locanda Leonardo - was an older hotel with a lot of charm. I especially liked that we had a small balcony that overlooked a lush courtyard where you could hear the birds chirping. It was centrally located, and I would recommend this hotel.
The hotel in Naples - Hotel Piazza Bellini - was a very nice, up-to-date, funky hotel - very comfortable rooms. We would've like to have a room with a nice view or even a balcony. We had a window that overlooked an alley and the back of other buildings. The hotel was very centrally located and the courtyard was very nice, so I would recommend it, but ask for a room with a balcony or view of the courtyard.
The hotel in Amalfi - Hotel Floridiana - had by far the largest room and largest bathroom. It had a very small balcony that overlooked the street and shops below. It was in the middle of the town and a short, 3-minute walk, to the water. Perfect location.
The hotel in Rome - Hotel Raffaello - was in a quiet part of Rome, outside the center of the city, but close to the train station - a 10-minute walk - which was ideal. The people there were very nice as was the breakfast there, as it was in all the other hotels at which we stayed. But - the hotel was under renovation - this was not ideal. The shower door in the bathroom did not seal properly so water would leak on the floor. I would've opted for a different hotel, but it was only one night, so it wasn't really a big deal.
It was a wonderful, easy trip, and I owe that to Kimkim.com and to Elisa for helping me plan it. I recommend Elisa and Kimkim.com and would use them for future trips overseas.
Hotel Reviews
Loved this hotel! We had a room with a view of the lush, relaxing courtyard. Everyone was so friendly and the breakfast was amazing!
Modern, funky hotel. Very unique. Courtyard was very relaxing. Breakfast was great. Ask for a room with a view or a balcony.
Centrally located. Large room. Updated bathroom. Had a room with small balcony which was a plus. Breakfast was wonderful!
Hotel was under renovation, but staff was very nice. Room was comfortable. Breakfast was excellent. Rooftop bar/lounge was very nice after an afternoon walking around.
Activity Reviews
Anna Maria was excellent! She showed us all the highlights of Milan and shared some history of the Duomo. I highly recommend a tour by a local guide when visiting new cities.
Loved this trip. Very interesting history of Como that Tatianna shared. She was excellent.
This is a must do if traveling to Naples. So much fun learning about the history of pizza and that it originated in Naples.
Amazing tour - amazing place.
This was one of my favorite experiences. Learned a lot about the process of making wine.
