From rowing a boat through Venice’s quiet canals to sipping wine high above the cliffs of Vernazza, our 17-day Italy adventure was a whirlwind of breathtaking views, unforgettable flavors, and rich history. We hiked the cliffside trails of Cinque Terre, refueling with pesto pizza in the region where it was born, and wandered through Pisa, climbing the Leaning Tower. In Florence, we immersed ourselves in Renaissance brilliance – admiring Michelangelo’s David, exploring hidden passages in the Palazzo Vecchio, and ending our days with sunset gelato at Piazzale Michelangelo.We slowed down in Tuscany, tasting our way through Chianti and Val d’Orcia, where vineyard-covered hills and cypress-lined roads made every drive feel like a dream. Our agriturismo stays were the heart of this leg – from the cozy, cat-filled Castellinuzza in Chianti to the medieval Castello di Spedaletto near Pienza. We explored Montalcino, Pienza, Montepulciano, Monticchiello, and Siena, sampling local wines (including Brunello), pecorino cheese, and plenty of pici pasta along the way. Before heading south, we made a quick stop in Orvieto, a stunning hill town perched on volcanic rock, where we enjoyed wine with views of the striped Gothic Duomo. Then it was on to Naples, where the chaotic energy of the city was no match for the pure pleasure of a pizza from the legendary L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele. The trip ended with a bang on the Amalfi Coast, where we ferried to Capri, (survived a scooter mishap), and soaked in the coastal views of Positano and Ravello, followed by a final few days in Rome. There, we walked in the footsteps of emperors at the Colosseum, took in the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, and tossed a coin into the Trevi Fountain, hoping to return someday. Seventeen days, countless scoops of gelato, and one unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy.

Continue Reading