Okay, we loved the place in Milan it had a wonderful morning breakfast and was bright and cheery. We loved the homemade breakfast and cappuccino!
All of the accommodations were great and some very unique and special – like the Contessa’s apt in Venice. She was delightful and so very helpful. We enjoyed a spectacular and memorable anniversary dinner at the Riviera restaurant.
Lake Como – The Relais was beautiful. we had a whole ordeal just getting there but were saved by a couple of angels. It was pouring down rain which made it more difficult to do much.
We never did take the ferry anywhere, we did take the bus to visit a large estate (also in the pouring rain) – I will have to get you the name of it to recommend because it was quite something. It was very cold there and, as you know, no heat was allowed so I think if the weather was better the place would’ve been amazing. They served wonderful food and we had a memorable dinner down in their wine cellar.
We liked Como very much and loved the Como Hotel. We felt surrounded by the rich and famous not to mention wealthy! You should’ve seen the cars! The lake is so beautiful! We both would like to return there.
Florence was a bit overwhelming and we left much to be seen… We had a great tour guide for the Uffizi Gallery and The David. I actually liked the location of the apartment in Florence even though it seemed like we were on a back alley – yet when we walked out the door there was our coffee cafe and a darling little restaurant, plus the open air market which had everything right there.
Tuscany and the Apartment at the villa was our favorite, no surprise! Doriana the manager, was amazing and provided the best, absolute best service we have ever experienced! She seemed genuinely happy to help us out with anything and made dinner reservations, set up 2 fantastic wine tours in Montalcino and Montepulciano, (even supplying maps with her suggestions, names and places) and taking me to the Dr. at 7 pm when I broke out in a rash all down my legs!!! She truly was the best!
We loved Rapallo and enjoyed a glass of wine and their fresh homemade focaccia at the hotel each afternoon. Portofino was one of my favorites – the ferry over, a long walk and lunch with the best homemade “family recipe” pesto we have ever had. Eating and drinking was something we did best and enjoyed.
Hiking Cinque Terre was amazing!
Assisi I loved. I am sorry we didn’t set up a tour there. I feel I missed so much and was frustrated. Hope to return.
You are so right I need to return I missed so much. I definitely want to see Perugia and spend time in Assisi and Umbria. Rome south will be a trip unto itself.
I too loved the people and the culture, the laughter, the family togetherness even how they dressed so nicely. I was really impressed with how conscientious they are about the use of resources, recycling, and keeping their streets and cities so clean. I loved how friendly and helpful and trusting they are and, again, the laughter and the conversation, all the things I love about life.
Thank you so much, again. We couldn’t have done it without you Gemma!”