Italy
Italy’s natural beauty rivals the wonders of its cities
I love Italy and could go back every year and find something new to do, see and eat. This year I spent more time exploring Italy’s fabulous landscapes and, if it’s possible, came to adore it even more. 2023 brought my first visit to the Val d'Orcia region, just two hours south of Florence. Less traveled than Chianti and shockingly beautiful, it’s a must-do when discovering Italy’s countryside.
A trip to Italy holds endless opportunities, and its relatively compact size and diverse offerings mean you can tour multiple world-class museums one day, lounge on the shores of a crystal-clear lake the next, and eat in a Michelin-star restaurant every day, no matter where you are.
Magical Florence
In my last several visits, I have become totally infatuated by Florence. It is such a special city with so much art and light. The food is fantastic, the hotel scene incredible and there are scores of museums to savor. My favorite thing to do is to walk along the Arno River just after sunrise. There is nothing as beautiful as Italy at the golden hour.
Once you’ve had your fill of touring the city itself, you can wander off into the nearby countryside and go truffle hunting, visit smaller towns (I see you Pienza) drink the best wines and stare at the most gorgeous views—Val d'Orcia is simply sublime with rolling hills, fields of wheat and those perfect Cypress Trees. Take a break from the sun and enjoy a bite to eat with a glass of the local wine. We had a great stop at Il Barrino Bagno Vignoni.
Explore the Outdoors
The Dolomite mountains, with their sheer cliffs rising above long, narrow valleys, are so spectacular that you really do need to see them to believe it. If you like to ski this area should be on your list, and if you like to hike, the summer and fall there are perfect. Doing this area in combination with the lake area is a killer trip. Lake Garda will win you over with its palm trees and clear blue water, and Lake Iseo and the surrounding area which makes Italy’s best bubbly is delightful.
Roman Holiday
I love Rome—I love it for its history, its food, its monuments and especially how it glows in the evening. I find it perfect for strolls along the river and through ruins; getting lost in its streets and turning the corner and seeing something perfect. I’ve also had great fun touring with my kids - one of my favorite travel memories is renting the family bike for four in the Villa Borghese Gardens.
This last visit, I finally did a food tour and ate my way through several neighborhoods–pizza, fried artichokes and suppli galore. Highly recommend for your next visit! I also found a new favorite restaurant that is delicious and perfectly cozy.
Discovering Venice
I loved my time in Venice so much last spring that I am headed back this summer with my kids. I know it is crowded, but if you venture out from the main area, it is just so lovely. On tap for the next trip is finally getting to the Peggy Guggenheim Museum - located in her former home on the Grand Canal - and to the colorful island of Burano in search of its famous lace. And of course, zipping around the canal in a boat and having a Bellini or two.
Booking your best trip
If you are curious where I’ve stayed in the last few years here is my list: JK Place, Hotel de Ricci, The Place, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, Grand Hotel Minerva, St. Regis Florence, La Bandita Townhouse, Grand Hotel Continental Siena, Ca’ di Dio Venice, Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Forestis, Lefay Lake Garda, L'Albereta Relais & Chateaux and Sina the Grey in Milan. And yes, I love them all tremendously and for different reasons.
If you are sick of looking at everyone else’s summer pictures from Italy it may be time to start planning your own trip--Fall is my favorite time to go, hello Thanksgiving in Tuscany. And even if you have been to the “big three” of Rome, Florence and Venice, I can assure you there is plenty more to see in this country that has my heart.
I am always glad to talk about Italy. Schedule a call and let’s book the best trip for you!