If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you know my family and I (minus one daughter- she has been studying abroad) spent an incredible two weeks traveling to different parts of Italy to celebrate a few milestones.
Not only did I have a BIG birthday, we were celebrating a high school and college graduation. Lots of changes going on in my life right now.
Several of my social media friends asked me to share what we did and where we stayed, so here are a few highlights from our trip to Italy.
Things to Do in Rome, Italy
We began the trip in Rome, Italy for three nights and stayed at the Grand Hotel Via Veneto. It was a nice, five star hotel with great service. My girls wished it was in a location with more activity around, but I guess I am showing my age- I loved the quiet and the simplicity.
We took in the regular sites such as The Vatican, The Trevi Fountain, etc…., but it was the intricate stonework throughout the city that caught my eye.
For anyone questioning using marble in their home, Rome is the perfect example to not think twice. If it can withstand the wear and tear for thousands of years, it can withstand the abuse in your kitchen and bath.
One of our favorite things we did was take a cooking class. My Italian grandmother would have been so proud as we learned how to make fresh pasta and sauce. Why I never had her teach me her secrets before she passed, I don’t know.
Armando Al Pantheon in Rome was delicious and one of our favorite restaurants when there. It’s family owned and has been around since the 60s.
A trip anywhere would not be complete without a little shopping. What can I say- I have three girls and with the two grandmothers they have, their love of shopping comes honestly.
Among the local boutiques, we found a great department store called Rinascente. It has several clothing lines we loved including a restaurant filled with fresh juices, pastries, etc… The store was beautiful inside, too (we also visited it in Florence and while the shopping was good there, the store was a little more run down).
The Best Things To Do In Florence, Italy
We took the train from Rome to Florence, and it was interesting handling all of our bags. I know you are suppose to travel lightly, but with my oldest staying in Europe for work, we had all of her luggage with us.
We loved staying in the two bedroom apartment in the Hotel Lungarno in Florence, Italy and would book it again. It was chic, comfortable, and you still had all of the amenities of a hotel (room service, housekeeping, etc…). We stayed for three nights but all of us felt like we could have stayed a fourth (or longer!).
One Of The Finest Resorts In The World- Cernobbio, Lake Como, Italy
We took a train from Florence to Lake Como and stayed four nights in Cernobbio at the Villa D’este.
Why can I say…. It was the highlight of our trip. When their website says it is a destination, not a location, it is so true as the entire experience was incredible.
Put it on your bucket list as a place to stay.
Everything from the grounds, to the service, to the welcoming bottle of champagne, was on brand.
We spent a few days at the resort lounging by the pool, exploring the grounds, and another day on the lake seeing the neighboring towns. I highly recommend doing the same.
We found a cute neighborhood place called Harry’s (it was filled with lots of locals eating which is always a good sign), and Il Gatto Nero was suggested by a few friends. It was delicious, and I highly recommend it as well.
And while it is back to reality for me and my family, it’s amazing what a few weeks in a new place can do for inspiration and for your soul.
I can’t help but dream of our next big excursion, and am looking for our next bucket list place to stay. Please share with me any amazing places you have loved and experienced as I would love to know.
Cheers to dreaming and living,
Dana
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