Review: Italy Vacation, Rome, Venice, Florence, Tuscany, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Doge's Palace, Uffizi Gallery

Everywhere we visited was spectacular so it is hard not to give a full summary of our experiences, but here goes.  In Venice, the tour of the Doge's palace and wandering around the city (getting lost!) were our favorite times there.  In Florence, exploring the the map room of the Ufizzi on our own and our tour guide (an ex criminal lawyer from NYC) were delightful.  However, we must mention the Florentine steak we ate at La Spada was so spectacular that it has ruin Peter Luger for us!  Our trip to Tuscany complete with eating lunch at an organic farm (they produce saffron!) was very enjoyable.  We were blessed that the weather cooperating and we were able tour Cinque Terre via ferry.  Rome, with all of the ancient history and the marvels of the Vatican were enhanced by our very small tours.  Sorento, with our day trips to the Amalfi Coast and trip to Capri were the best of the best.  Our hotel in Sorento was the best of the trip.  There the breakfast buffet was completed with home made baked goods from the owner.  We ate dinner twice in the Marina Grande at the Porta Marina with the ownere regaling us in the stories of the 6 generations of the family run restaurant and fishermen.  Try the tuna and the mussels there! If you go to Capri, take our advise and after arriving at the marina take the express bus directly to Ana Capri.  Be sure to visit the Villa San Michele (read up on Axel Munthe first) and then find the chairlift to the top of Capri for the stunning views.