Our two week trip to Italy as planned for us by Andrea was fabulous!
Italy
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Sep 2 - Sep 15, 2026
Our two week trip to Italy as planned for us by Andrea was fabulous. Every step of the way went as planned, with drivers and guides on time and where we expected them to be. Andrea was a pleasure to work with and after two zoom meetings, and many emails, he helped us plan the perfect trip. He was always available before and during the trip to answer any questions we had. I cannot recommend him more highly. Our trip started with four days in Rome where we visited the usual sites along with The Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica, Palace Gondolfo, and Basilica San Clemente along with a food tour. We then traveled by train to Naples where we stopped at a winery for lunch and wine tastng on our way to Pompeii. Our next stop was Sorrento where we stayed for two nights and spent one day on the Isle of Capri. Our driver then took us to Amalfi, stopping in Positano, and Ravello on the way - stunning views! After two nights in Amalfi we continued on to the southeast arriving in Matera, the city of caves. We can now say we slept in a cave as our hotel was built into the canyon wall! After Matera we traveled on to Alberolbello with its Trulli houses, Locorontondo with its white washed buildings and Ostuni, the white town on a hill. Each of these stops were unique in their own way and very interesting. Lunch and wine tasting at a local Masseria made us wish we had more time to spend there. We ended out trip in the east with a guided walk of Bari, where we observed Nona's make orecchiette pasta from scratch. A relaxing train ride took us back to Rome for our next day departure home. A truly memorable trip that could not have gone better.
Hotel Reviews
A small boutique hotel, the Palazzo Venere was perfect. It is well located, within easy walking distance to sights and restaurants. All of the people we met were very friendly and helpful. The breakfast, particularly for such a small hotel, had a wide variety of foods and held something for everyone. I would highly recommend this hotel.
Hotel Continental was very nice and in a good location. Breakfast had a wide variety of food available.
Hotel La Bussola was in a good location, a little bit away from the main shopping area but close enough to easily walk to. The hotel restaurant had a beautiful view and was good quality.
Staying in a hotel built into a cave was a highlight of our trip! The staff here were very helpful and the included breakfast, very tasty, was presented to our table in small plates of a variety of foods. Such fun! A great location with many restaurants within easy walking distance. A unique experience!
The Masseria Grieco was a beautiful spot that unfortunately we only had one night at. The staff were very nice and the restaurant for dinner was outside with a unique menu each night.
This hotel was close to the Old Town with a variety of restaurants near by.
Activity Reviews
What can you say about visiting the Vatican, St. Peter's and the Sistine Chapel other than it is a must see when in Rome.
A smooth ride over to Capri.
We sampled a variety of local foods. Luca, our guide, was from the area and introduced us to some new tastes - I'd never had potato pizza before!
A lovely way to see the whole island. Frank, our driver, did a great job of manuvering around all the other water traffic!
The Sassi of Matera - a UNESCO World Heritage site is an amazing place, with buildings build into the rock of the canyon walls. Truly an experience you shouldn't miss.
The tour covers about 3km with some uneven walking. Be prepared for the many, many stairs on the way out!
Visiting this church with it's three levels of history is amazing. You'll find a 12 century basilica, a 4th century church below it and, deep below ruins of ancient Roman buildings.
A delightful town with whitewashed buildings atop rolling hills.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the summer residence of the Pope. The Secret Garden was lovely and the tour of the palace was very interesting. Gandolfo is a nice town.
The trulli houses of Alberobello are truly exceptional with their conical roof shaped buildings.
Walking through historic Rome with a knowledgable guide is an unbelievable experience. We learned so much from our experienced tour leader, I wish I could remember ever word she said.
We enjoyed the tour of old Bari with its maze of alleyways and the Saint Nicola Cathedral. A highlight was the Nonnas making orecchiette pasta from scratch on the street!
The Masseria wine tasting and lunch was a wonderful experience. The wine was very good and the lunch delicious. We wish we had more time in this location.
Visiting this winery with Mt. Vesuvius in the background was amazing. The wine tasting with lunch was a highlight of the trip.
Another hidden gem in the Puglia area. Ostuni is called "la cotta Bianca" which means white town. A lovely town.
Visiting this site is a very emotional experience. Hearing about the daily lives of the people of Pompeii and imagining their horror as the Volcano erupted is difficult. A visit not easily forgotten.
Hi Jeanne, thank you for this very detailed review and for your wonderful words. It was a pleasure have you as traveler in Italy and we will be more than happy to assist you in the future.