DECEMBER 2019
Hi Nicoletta,
I did enjoy everything about my trip. I did get lost once or twice in the winding alleys and streets in Venice but I found my way. I actually used my iPhone for getting around and it didn’t fail me. Venice was great and the only thing I did not like about it was the huge crowds of people off the cruise ships that seemed to be dumped in St. Mark’s Square and seemed to just mill around there. The guide I had on the walking tour was excellent.
I really enjoyed Florence and the walking tour there was great, again with a wonderful guide. Seeing Michelangelo’s David was exceptional. I climbed the 464 steps up to the top of the Duomo and was rewarded with a magnificent view of the city. The tour of the Chianti Classico region was exceptional and I have some wine, olive oil and balsamic vinegar to remind me of that day. We also stopped at an American cemetery which was the final resting place of about 4,400 American soldiers from World War II and that was inspiring and beautiful.
The train rides were great! The driver I had, Enzo, from Naples to Positano, and also on the all day drive around the Amalfi Coast was great and I thoroughly enjoyed that day. I particularly enjoyed Ravello as a peaceful, quiet place away from all the crowds in Positano. I enjoyed the boat ride over to Capri and met some nice folks on that excursion but Capri was way too crowded, again because of all the cruise ship passengers who were herded into the area. But we did stop a couple of times for a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean which was awesome. The cathedral in Amalfi was stunning.
The train ride to Rome was quick and I was sorry I had not scheduled more time in that wonderful city because I barely scratched the surface. I missed the Coliseum visit because it was so slow in the Vatican Museum and through the Sistine Chapel that I was just getting into the Basilica at about the time I would have needed to head over to the Coliseum. I will catch that on my next trip. The Papal Audience was special and I got to see the Holy Father from about 15 feet away. St. Peter’s Basilica was magnificent. In roaming around, I came across the Cathedral of San Carlo in Rome which was exquisite, too. I found a couple of phenomenal restaurants in Rome and both were quite close to the hotel. In one I dined with a couple from Sweden and another American couple and we had a great time.
I especially liked Tuscany and would probably consider going there as a destination. I actually have enough Hilton points that I could go to Roma and stay in the Rome Cavalieri for free for a week.
I have attached some images of my trip. Thank you again for your help. I have mentioned you to many friends and enjoyed working with you.
Best,
Art Krueger
