Dolce far Niente
Day One
Benvenuto in Italia! We made it to Italy. Today we flew into Naples and went straight to lunch at Pizzeria Concettina ai Tre Santi for a pizza tasting! They let their dough rise for 72 hours to make it truly Neapolitan style – light and fluffy! After we got our bellies full, we took a scenic drive to Amalfi. The best way to beat Jet leg is to not go to sleep!
After our beautiful drive on the winding hillside roads, we arrived at the stunning Monastero Santa Rosa- an old monastery on a cliff overlooking the town of Amalfi. The property has the perfect balance of seclusion with a welcoming spirit of hospitality with just 20 suites. Talk about feeling like you’re walking into a fairytale… you have lemons trees scattered throughout the property with gardens everywhere. That night we had dinner at the Michelin stared Il Refettorio at Monastero. Fantastic fresh flavors of lemons, artichokes and seafood.
Day Two
After we had our first Cappuccino of the morning, we were caffeinated and ready for a full day of exploring the coast! Fun fact- never order a cappuccino after 10:00 AM on the coast; if you want to order as the Italians do, stick with espresso or an Americano.
We took a quick drive to Positano and had to stop of fresh limoncello at Le Sirenuse. After we explored the town a bit, we continued our journey to Sorrento. I do not think any of us were quite prepared for the amount of shopping we do in just a few quick hours. Linen, leather, ceramics… you name it! The shops were divine! Our favorite was Mario Romano, where we bought plenty of linen to bring us to our next destination- CAPRI!
After we maxed our our shopping potential, we grabbed a quick glass of Rose and got ready for our sunset boat ride to Capri. Upon arrive to Capri, we were met on the dock by the fabulous staff from Tibero Palace to bring us to the hotel in style.
When we were walking into Tibero Palace, we immediately knew we wouldn’t want to leave. The property was so chic and fun located just steps from the famous Piazzetta! You felt as glamorous as Jackie O just being there.
Day Three
We had a great leisurely morning enjoying their delightful breakfast spread and then departed for our walking tour to Anacapri- the higher elevated town on the island. We visited the Willa San Michael and chair lifted to Monte Solaro, but still left time to visit our favorite linen shop- Mario Romano! Yes, we asked if they have customer loyalty cards….
That night we were up for a treat for dinner at Capri Tibero Palace. Seriously had to take notes on how they set their tables- seriously stunning.
Day Four
Begrudgingly, we packed out bags to leave, but knew we were in for equally as good of a treat waiting of us in Florence. Just a quick boat and train ride away, we arrived to the majestic, yet intimate Florence that early afternoon. After checking into the Grand Hotel Minerva, we were able to immediately start exploring the city. The hotel located in the Piazza Santa Maria Novella, just minutes away from the infamous Duomo! Even in the rain, the city had us all memorized with it’s beauty and charm.
Day Five
By this point of the trip, we were being experts on eating as the Italian do! Give me all the pastries and cappuccinos! We departed for our day in Tuscany and stopped at a medieval town on the way to explore. We picked up some beautiful artwork and hand-stitched table linens in the town, but were ready to begin our wine tasting!
We had the honor of visiting a family run vineyard located in the Chianti region that day! Not only did we taste their fabulous wines and olive oils, but even bought a few bottles to ship home after watching them bottle it while we were there! After we got back into the city of Florence, the sunset was irresistible as we sat on Grand Hotel Minerva’s rooftop drinking the city’s drink of choice- Aperol Spritz.
Day Six
We are going to the beach!!! After a quick drive from Florence to Forte, we have arrived to Forte Dei Marmi! This is a costal town located on the foot of the Carrara Mountains- It looks like it is snowcapped, but it’s really the marble you see! The marble form these mountains were used to forge the Statue of David!
Upon checking into the beautiful Villa Roma Imperiale, we were swooning. The hotel is exactly where you want to be if you love being surrounded with fresh flowers, costal vibes, and sipping a cold glass of wine wine. We quickly wanted to acclimate ourselves with the town, and decided to checkout the local beach clubs and grab lunch. Their Spaghetti alla arselle was the best. thing. I. have. Ever. Tasted.
Day Seven
On Wednesdays we wear pink… and go shopping. Wednesday are the market days here in Forte, and let me tell you it definitely worth the hype. You go to Forte for great relaxation, fresh clams, views, and CASHMERE! This is where you want to go if you want authentic unmatched quality in your cashmere! We might have gotten so much, we had to buy a new duffel bag to travel home with.
After we yet again, maxed out our shopping, we departed for our final destination ROMA!
Arriving into Rome that afternoon, we checked into the stunning hotel Maalot. This hotel is located in on the best locations in Rome. Literally looking out into the Trevi Fountain from your bathroom window. That night we walked over to Hotel Vilon for dinner at Adelaide. The property is a revived historic mansion that dates back to the mid-sixteenth century with bright ambiance with exclusive views of the Borghese Palace Gardens that we were lucky enough to catch at sunset. Just when we thought the night was coming to an end, we were surpized with a night time tour driving through Rome in a pink Cadillac. We popped a bottle of champagne with the city lights as our backdrop as we took it all in.
Day Eight
That morning we walked down in our robes and slippers to visit the Trevi fountain before it got busy… you thought we were kidding about being that close … Later that morning we visited an Italian food market and where we were met by our chefs for the day to pick out the food we wanted to make for our cooking class that afternoon! After learning how to cook as the Italians do, we feasted on our salad, veggies, agnolotti, and tiramisu! By this point of the trip, there is no such thing of feeling too full after lunch, we were pros, so we immediately got ready for our tour of Rome in our private golf cart! Buzzing through the busy city in and out of lanes in our cart, was a must and so much fun to see all the major sites!
That night we were teared eyed knowing this was our last dinner in Italy for our trip and the meal did not disappoint. After one last evening stroll, we had to say ciao to the city.
Day Nine
This was by far the saddest day of the trip, because we had to leave! After sitting, standing, and squeezing our suitcases shut, we were on our way to the airport where we did out last round of shopping in the airport before we took off for our flight to Nashville! Until next time Italy!
We have to acknowledge our incredible partners - Wanderluxe by Tara + Italy with Class. They made this trip absolutely incredible - one I will never forget - and isn’t that what it’s all about? Until next time…. arrivederci!