Review: Italy Vacation, Rome, Ravello, Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Local Food & Wine

Ravello was the bucket-list highlight. We attended a family wedding at a posh hotel near the top of the mountain, where we celebrated al fresco under lamp-lit olive trees. The hotel our agent chose for us there was absolutely perfect--beautiful, serene, with a lovely pool, warm, welcoming staff, and spectacular views. My only regret was that we couldn't stay longer!

We were equally pleased with the hotel in Rome, where we stayed at the beginning and end of our trip. Again, this boutique hotel was immaculately clean, perfectly located, and the staff was charming and helpful.

At my request, our travel agent tucked in tours and special experiences for us during whatever time we had available. We especially enjoyed our Naples-to-Ravello driver, with whom we developed a hearty friendship. When we expressed a desire to go off the grid and sample the famous Napoli pizza, he graciously drove us to the only pizzeria open on a Sunday morning, where he sweet-talked the owners into baking us a quick pizza. We devoured this fabulous pie in the backseat of his car, followed by homemade lemon ice at his favorite purveyor in the hills above Salerno.