Review: Italy Vacation, Rome, Amalfi Coast, Positano, Tuscany, Florence, Montepulciano, Hiking, Biking, Wine Tasting

It started with our greeting by our hostess and her father in Positano. The accomodations were wonderful and the hospitality even better. This hostess takes great pride in making sure that all of her guests needs are met. We had an apartment that included a porch that was canopied by a lemon tree and orange tree. We had a beautiful granite top table for four and 2 lounge chairs on our porch/balcony. We were traveling with friends and uthey were right next door and we could open the doors to our connecting balconys. We had a magnificent view of the sea and all of Positano. During our stay our tours were scheduled before breakfast so our hostess sent us on our way with fresh made croissants, meats and fruits that had been freshly picked. Our last morning she prepared breakfast early for us with her fresh made cakes, cappuccino, croissants and fresh picked fruit. If we return to Positano this will definitely be where we stay.

In Rome our agent set us up with our private tour of the Vatican and classic Rome with a guide. He is very knowledgable and accommodating. He is also very professional and passionate about Rome and all of its wonderful history. Our long day ended with a wonderful dinner included. This guide is a gem and I highly recommend him.

Our trip concluded with a stay in Tuscany. We were picked up at our hotel and driven to the train station. Our agent had made reservations on the fast train to Florence. We were met by our driver and taken to Montepulciano which is in the heart of wine country and is a medieval town. We stayed in Carletti Palazzo which was picked by me. It is a grand old Palazzo with 5 bedrooms and Frescas in all of the rooms and the lobby. Absolutely beautiful but lacking a terrace or balcony to take in the beautiful views of the countryside. It is a beautiful town but very low key in things to do. There are many shops and restaurants but not much else to do. Our agent set us up with a private tour of the Castello winery which is in the Chianti region. Our guide was awesome. We tasted three of there wines and purchased a few cases to be sent back to the states. If we were to do Tuscany again Inwould definitely only spend 2 nights there and stay a few in Florence. This was our decision not our agent's. The trip and plans were absolutely flawless and very professional.