Mindy’s family of four (2 adults and 2 teens age 15 and 17) ventured to Italy this summer. Their trip began in Venice for two nights where they stayed in connecting rooms at a charming B&B in the Cannaregio (Jewish Ghetto).  They are so glad they used a private boat from the airport to get there after their long flight.  They easily explored the city via public boats and on foot.  Highlights included a private gondola ride their first evening, Doge Palace where they pre-purchased tickets for a Secret Itinerary tour (a small group tour that included the underground of the palace), an interesting private walking tour with an historian/musician and a private boat tour to Murano with a private glass blowing class. The later was a particular favorite as they met a family of three generations of glass makers. They drove from Venice to Tuscany where they rented a two bedroom apartment outside the town of Certaldo in Chianti for 4 nights. The views were breathtaking. During their stay, they enjoyed a small group pasta making lesson and dinner and a day trip into Florence by train (don’t forget to validate your tickets at the station!) with a prearranged small group tour of the Accademia. A full day privately guided tour of Tuscany was a special highlight that included various hill towns, wine and local food tastings and lots of great details about local Italian life. The trip ended in Rome where they stayed for 4 nights at the Albergo del Senato, centrally located across the Piazza della Rotonda in front of the Pantheon. Their room was a two level mini apartment with two bedrooms with a delicious breakfast included. The hotel staff was exceptionally helpful with directions, assistance and excellent dining recommendations.  The family started their Rome experience with a prearranged, small group twilight tour of the city with all the main highlights and the standard gelato stop. A great way to get oriented. They also experienced a truly divine and inspirational private tour of the Vatican including the Vatican Museums, St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Mindy highly recommends a private tour; so that you have time to linger and ask as many questions as needed. A golf cart tour was used to experience Ancient Rome as well as the Borghese Gardens, various piazzas, the Travastere (Jewish Ghetto), several markets and more. The carts make it easy to access areas not allowed by cars. They also got to see an Andy Warhol exhibit that happened to be in town. Overall the trip was a great success, full of hands-on experiences, cultural interactions, lots of history and meeting other interesting travelers from around the world. When they threw coins into the Trevi Fountain they made a wish that they will return one day!

Keep an eye out for a longer and more detailed trip review with lots of photos. We look forward to sharing our travels alongside extended stories of the trips we plan for you and your family.