Cory's 2014 Trip to Italy
It was truly an amazing trip. I am usually a good story teller, but words escape me for how wonderful every moment was. I'll give you a brief summary:
1) Lodging - every single place we stayed was fantastic. The proprietors were friendly, helpful and made great dinner suggestions (especially Ca' Amadi). The rooms were nice and very comfortable. Villa Rosemarino was especially nice - great view and a nice walk everywhere.
2) Tours - Each one was better than the previous. Anyone who goes to Venice MUST go on the Doge/San Marco tour. That was without words the most amazing place I've ever seen. Also, Franco was awesome for our trip through Chianti - San Gimagnano and Montereggioni were amazing in their age.
3) Cities - I loved each locale. Florence and Sienna were stellar in their history. Camogli was amazing in its calm and charm. We had lunch on San Fruttuoso - a church was built there in 711. Bologna was more like living with Italians - they were working while we were on vacation (note: you might add La Traviatta to your restaurant list in Bologna - it was stellar and the couple who own it were so charming). Venice was amazing, but easily the most touristy. But truly awesome.
4) Guides - all were amazing. We spent the least amount of time with Paola, but she was wonderful. Franco and MIchele were really good with telling us about history, but also about Italian life and culture. Roberta in Siena was an absolute gem, both from a tour guide and personal perspective. Mose in Venice was almost professorial in his knowledge of the renaissance.
5) Food - Bloomington now sucks.:-) We ate a lot of cinghiale, tortellini in brodo in Tuscany. The pesto in Camogli (Lugurian) was the best I've ever had. If La Cucina di Nonna Nina isn't on your list, please add it. Bologna was amazing for me - tagliatelli al ragu early and often. And Venice was just amazing too - much more fish and less pasta.
I have only 2 items of note for change: we did not use the vaporetta tickets - we are walkers. When you talk with others, ask them how much they walk. The benefit would be Murano and Burano, but we just wandered Venice. Also, Ca' Amadi was awesome, but being right on the canal was loud in the morning. Maybe a different room?
But these are minor suggestions - I would not have changed a thing.
Oh, and the rowing was awesome! We missed out on cichetto row, as it rained and we got soaked, so we returned to the port! But got in a good lesson the following day. One more unexpected surprise - in Siena, we came upon the Mille Miglia - hundreds of old cars came through the square and we had lunch and wine while they drove by. Wonderful afternoon!
In any case, I truly appreciate your knowledge, suggestions, planning, and wisdom of Italy. It made our trip beautiful. My mother is planning a trip to Italy based on my conversation and I've recommended that she speak to you when she's ready to go.
That's what I got.