Two weeks in Italy

We landed in Rome and were picked up by a private van. We were dropped off at our hotel, and from there, we walked everywhere to tour the city, except when we did our night tour of Rome. We took a taxi to the Vatican, which our hotel helped to arrange, and we got a taxi to come back, which we were able to find ourselves very easily. We then left for Florence, where we picked up our rental car and drove straight through to Siena. Once we arrived in Siena, and got situated, we walked in to the city center everyday. It was rich full of history and culture. We loved the city center tremendously. We also drove to Montalcino and toured a vineyard, which was lovely, and we found a delicious restaurant and lots of fun things to do there. After five nights there, we drove back to Florence and returned the rental car. We stayed there one night and toured the city. We headed to Venice the next day and stayed for three days there, where we explored and had a magical time.

We were in Venice, Florence and Rome. Each of had been many times before. So the new cities were the most impressive. Lucca and Ostia Antica and Montepulciano. Andrea and one of the guides recommended an excellent restaurant in Lucca, *** in the basement of a castle. The food and atmosphere unexpected. Also in Lucca we managed to get tickets for a Puccini concert which was magnificent. A true highlight. Ostia Antica unbelievable. Mariapaola, our guide, had so much enthusiasm. Also true of our Forum and Colesseum guide, Dimo. He was thrilled we were so interested in the history and archeology of the sites. His passion was infectious.

We had decided on Italy as it was a place my husband and I both had never been. The Italian coast was amazing. The excursions we had were beautiful. Each day was filled with new and exciting adventure and it was all planned out for us and organized very well! The food was amazing.