Travel Review: Luxury Italy Anniversary Vacation, Rome, Tuscany, Florence, Positano, Capri, Sistine Chapel, Fine Dining, Spas

Best Experience - Cooking class in Tuscany. My wife and I love cooking so this was perfect. Plus, we were the only guests there so we had a private class and a private lunch in a Michelin starred restaurant. That’s pretty special. 

Best Tour Guide - Our guide in Rome. He changed how I view the Sistine Chapel and even walked all 500+ stairs to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica! He was great. Funny. Passionate. Good guy.

Best Private Driver - Driver in Tuscany. He was so nice and was always on time or early. He also timed our visits to all the locations in Tuscany perfectly. However, I also liked our boat captain in Positano. He took us to Capri quickly so we could enjoy it before it was too busy, toured the island and showed us the grottos, let me jump in the sea to take a swim, took us to La Fontelina for lunch and then back to Positano slowly while we enjoyed the view from the front of the boat…a perfect day.

Best Restaurant - Tough one…lots of choices since we went to 5 Michelin starred restaurants during our trip. However, it was Ad Hoc in Rome that captured everything that we love about Italy and it was right next to the Hotel too. La Torre and Le Sponda had the best service. Another restaurant that stands out is Cibreo in Florence. We went there for lunch because my wife read about it and the food was incredible. 

Best Spa - Castello de Nero. It had the most amenities (hot tub, steam rooms etc) and we also loved the relaxation room. I wished I had more time to enjoy the rest of the place (ie. hikes along the paths, the pool, etc).

Best Hotel - This was tough too. The best room (and location) was in Rome, the best view was at resort in Florence. 

Best Winery - Poggio Rubino in Montalcino. Hand made pasta with your wine! Yes please.

Best Shopping - Via Dei Condotti in Rome. My wife knew about this road. :)