This is a destination of artistic heritage, monuments, museums, romantic beach resorts, cosmopolitan cities, lakes, churches and basilicas and the hardest decision is trying to fit everything into a week or two. Italy is a perfect destination for a big family vacation, a group of friends, couples and Honeymooners.

 

Let's begin in Rome.....

 

 

Rome is filled with artistic and architectural masterpieces, ruins, spectacular baroque churches and piazzas.  This is a city with artististry of the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo Buonarotti, Bernini's fountains and the Pantheon.

 

Rome is built on seven hills -- Capitoline known as the Campidoglio, Palantino,

Esquilino, Viminale, Celio, Quirinale, and Aventino. 

 

 

 

The view on top of the Capitoline Hill is truly amazing because you are able to look down at the Roman Forum and Roman Senate, the seat of ancient Rome's government. 

 

 

 

A visit to Rome isn't complete without a tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica and the only way to properly see this is with a private tour.  You will never wait on a line and your licensed guide will bring to life the paintings and sculptures for the most enjoyable 3-hours in Rome.  This wonderful private tour ends at St. Peter's Basilica .  Should there be someone who is not able to climb the stairs or is in a wheelchair, there are elevators in the Vatican for their convenience.

 

 

 

The best way to enjoy sightseeing in Rome is with a chaueffered sedan.  These cars have a special license tag that enables them to pull right up to the Trevi Fountain, into the Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and any place you can think of.  I don't travel in Rome without my driver and neither should you.

 

There are restaurants with rooftop terraces with amazing views of Rome and you must have a coffee and gelato in the Piazza Navona.  The apartments that surround the Piazza are million dollar apartments and since the Piazza is always busy, so is the noise.... but then that is part of Roman life.

 

 

The Florentines were papal bankers and instituted the system of international letters of credit.  Through this economic strength was a building boom of public and private palaces, churches and basilicas.

 

Sightseeing in Florence is easy as everything you want to see is in the small historic center of the city.  Don't be fooled as there is a lot to see and you can feel overwhelmed if you haven't made the proper plans.

 

 

The Ponte Vecchio is the only bridge that Hitler did not bomb as he thought it was the most exquisite of bridges and left it alone.  Above the Ponte Vecchio is the Vasari Corridor and this is entered after your private tour of the Uffizi.  I booked a private tour of the Vasari Corridor for myself and friends and it was well worth the extra money.  The Medici Family used this Corridor for their children to play in as well as their walkway through to the Pitti Palace.  The Medici's did not want to mingle with the masses.

Today the jewelers stalls lining the Ponte Vecchio dates back to the Medici Family.  The stalls at that time were for used for meat sellers and the family did not like the smell so they had them removed to another part of the city and brought in gold sellers instead.

 

 

This is a great way to be able to enjoy Florence and other Tuscan towns with a home base in a Farmhouse or Villa.  My favorite is Il Borro in the Province of Arezzo and only 30 minutes from Florence.  Il Borro is owned by the Ferragamo Family who has lovingly restored this property.  This is the only place to stay in Tuscany and the only place I book for my clients. 

 

I stayed at this particular Farmhouse for a week and this is my picture on the day of arrival with the most unbelievable sunset.  There are many people on staff to assist and daily maid service with change of towels and welcome baskets.  There is no other property that offers all that Il Borro does with such care. 

 

Arranging for a chef to come and prepare a meal at your farmhouse is a perfect way to begin your week.  A waitress will come in and set up the table and all that is required of the guest is to enjoy.

 

The Medieval Town of Arezzo is 15 minutes by car, and this is the entrance to Arezzo after taking a number of escalators up to the town.  Siena is only 50 minutes by car and you are able to have the best of everything at your fingertips while staying in Tuscany.  Also it is the best value for your dollar for a week. 

 

 

 

There is no destination that delights the imagination as the towns on the Amalfi Coast. Sorrento is a small town perched on white cliffs with a great view of the Bay of Naples  The beautiful sunsets and the fragrances of orange and lemon that fill the air enchant visitors.

 

Positano never fails to impress with its incomparable beauty.  Positano is reached by one of the most fantastic coastal roads which is not for the meek of heart and it has maintained its charm by the vertical buildings that are the soul of Positano.

 

 

Capri is a ferry ride away from the Port of Naples, Sorrento or Positano and this Island Paradise never goes out of style.  The day time visitors are numerous but it is for the overnight guests of Capri that the town becomes alive.  The cafes at the Piazza, Italian Tavernas, nightclubs are just a few of things that make Capri my favorite vacation spot in Italy.  The Blue Grotto is not to be missed and if the waters are cooperative, renting a boat and being able to swim in the Blue Grotto is amazing.  Don't forget there is also a Green Grotto & White Grotto!!

 

 

The Grand Hotel Quisisana is a 5* resort centrally located in the heart of Capri.  There are a number of 5* hotels as well as smaller properties on the Island.  Don't forget a trip up to Ana Capri with its spectacular views of Capri Town.  There are a few 5* hotels in Ana Capri and if you prefer a quieter vacation you should choose a hotel in Ana Capri.

 

 

La Fontelina is one of my favorite bathing beaches, but this is not suitable for children.  There is a ladder that goes into the sea for swimming and you must know how to swim, but it is protected from passing boats and reservations are a must.  This can be reached from the Via Tragara and walking down about 280 steps or by taking a bus to the boat that brings you right to the beach.

 

The resort towns of Compania are always open and they are

waiting for you.