Italy Travel Review: Milan, Florence, Rome, Venice, Siena, Capri, San Gimignano, Stresa, Sorrento, Lake Como, Pompeii

Beginning the process of planning a trip via an internet intermediary was a different route and there was some initial trepidation. We had a few travel agencies who prepared packages for us to review. After speaking with each we were very happy to have selected this company. Our agent and her team were completely professional and put together a 17 day vacation package that has created lasting memories for my wife and I. This was my wife’s dream trip so I wanted it to go smoothly. We provided a general overview in terms of some of the locations and kinds of activities that we enjoyed and our agent and her team took it from there to put together a great experience that balanced our interests. She matched us up with fantastic local guides in Venice, Florence, Sienna, San Gimignano, Pompeii and Rome. Each guide had great knowledge and love for their respective cities and sites. I should add that all of the guides we were paired with had great personalities and we enjoyed our discussions immensely. Travel can be daunting for some but our agent's team planned out a mix of private drivers and train transportation that made our trip so easy and allowed us to completely enjoy our time while focusing on the beauty and history of Italy. The hotels that were selected were centrally located and comfortable. For example; in Stresa we had a wonderful view of Lake Maggiore, Venice of the canal, Florence within a few blocks of everything (with an incredible view from a rooftop bar), Rome 100 yards from St. Peters Square and in Sorrento where the hotel also had a beautiful view of the bay and Vesuvius in the background. We had a pretty decent budget but our agent was able to craft a comprehensive itinerary that fell within the parameters of my comfort level. We were provided with suggested activities, restaurants and other travel tips that were very helpful. The local guides often provided great suggestions for dining, and as one can imagine the food in Italy was wonderful. The itinerary provided us with the time to walk and explore for days on our own in addition to the guided segments. However, having the one on one time with a private guide, advanced tickets to all of the sites and a private driver is recommended if one can go that route. The crowds during a holy year in Italy can be daunting without those features of your trip. But I sense that whatever ones budget or needs this agent's team can put together a trip that can fit the bill. We had one day when the weather was questionable for a boat trip to Capri and our agent was able to change the day on the fly without an issue. She has partnerships with the good people, guides, drivers and captains who go out their way to make your trip enjoyable. We truly loved our trip planned by this agent and are already trying to think about future possibilities.

Thanks to our agent and her great team.

David and Amy