Italia and Familia: A Dream Trip for this Dreamer!

My family of 5 was able to take our trip to Italy, which I have dreamed about since I was their college age. There are world travelers and there are those that enjoy travel. I, however, fall into the person that enjoys travel but also loves her routine at home, and life of ordinary & extraordinary moments. But this trip was truly a dream come true.

Our trip began in Venice.

We arrived to our hotel by water taxi. It was magical from the start. As we chalked off the first day as “travel day”, we shared meals, walked around, and also took a family nap in one room (a king-size bed with a twin, while we waited for the second room to be ready). We all fell asleep, and that power nap prepared everyone for the evening. I chose to stay in, as I knew I wanted to feel well rested for the 2 weeks ahead of us. Venice was magical. The gondolas, Saint Marks Square, and our hotel was historic and had the best rooftop views of Venice. It was awe-inspiring.

After a few days in Venice, we took a train to Florence.

By this time, we were all so happy to be there, so in love with Italy (with just experiencing Venice), and ready to explore Florence. Florence is the city where Kaili was to study abroad. It was truly beautiful in its own way. Our hotel was on the River and within perfect walking distance to the sites, restaurants, and shopping.

Travel days were just that. Take the train, and not have an agenda on that day. So we had lunch on the rooftop deck at this hotel that had incredible views of Florence. It really gave us another flavor of Italy.

The next day we had a walking tour of Florence, we saw David and learned about the history of the city, saw the amazing architecture, and learned more about Michael Angelo. it was interesting. We all agreed that we are the family that likes the tours but at our own speed. There was much humor among Guyer 5. Each person that joined our circle made their own impression. I have no doubt we did the same for them.

Our 3rd day in Florence resulted in an amazing day trip around Tuscany.

We visited a Vineyard and had our own private lunch & personal guide. it was amazing. The views were incredible. To actually have a nice luncheon on the vineyard with amazing views was incredible. Our driver “Veri” was so great. We enjoyed his hospitality in taking care of our crew. His humor and guidance on our day trip were invaluable. He is top of the list of the people along our way.

My daughter and I enjoyed our tour of the House of Gucci. Shopping at Gucci was a treat and we treated it as such. This trip included great shopping, but alongside many other great experiences, we had as a family. Our last night in Florence included a fabulous dinner. We loved the restaurant and our server. It is the best Bruschetta we have ever had.

The food and our entire experience were amazing. By this point, we had already experienced some amazing food, so much pasta, pizza, bread/oil, and Gelato most every day. Florence had its own magic. Between our experience in Florence and our day trip around Tuscany, it was a magical experience for all.

The next stop was Rome.

We would stay in the city for 4 nights. We had private tours for 2 days. We did our tours in the morning, leaving the afternoon to explore, shop, and enjoy meals and more pasta all over Rome. This was the most historical part of the trip. The architecture was amazing, and what the Romans did in terms of building and infrastructure back when they did not have suitable resources is astounding.

Rome included a trip to Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican, the Coliseum, and other museums and churches. Roman times were fascinating and once again, we enjoyed seeing some of Michael Angelo’s work, and the incredible sites. The Spanish Steps, shopping, and fabulous Pasta dinners were enjoyed by all. We even did a meal or two at the Hard Rock Cafe Rome. We tried to eat as authentically as possible. But with 16 days of travel, the kids also wanted a burger or taco as well.

We found Rome so interesting and enjoyed its beauty and history.

It is a must-see at least once. Like the other two cities, Rome did not capture our hearts. It was far busier and the hospitality was okay, unlike it was in Venice and Florence whereby the hospitality was exceptional. We embraced the spirit of “when in Rome” and by this point, we were getting our language down. As a family we were bonded, we were traveling really well together, and yes, we also had our moments of frustration/complaints/disagreements—we are, after all, family!

After our time in Rome, we were ready for the next stop.

So once again, we boarded the train to Naples. On arrival in Naples, we had a driver waiting for us. He had a big van and took us from Naples to our last stop on our trip, the Amalfi Coast. It was about an hour's drive, but by the time we got to our hotel, he had us laughing and gave us an informal tour and drive along the coast. It was beautiful and he was great.

My son’s girlfriend and her Mom were to meet us in Sorrento. We would spend a few days together before they left to head back to the states. Young love in Italy…how romantic. While in Amalfi, we ended up staying in Sorrento and did a day trip to Positano and Capri. I initially thought I wanted to stay on one of those islands and my travel agent suggested Sorrento as a convenient way to experience Amalfi and easily accessible.

Having been there, I am so glad she encouraged that. Our hotel was perfectly situated in Sorrento. I loved the vibe of this charming city. It was now more about exploring, but also rest and relaxation along the coast.

The pizza in this region is beyond. On our second day, we had a pizza-making class which was so much fun. I must say, our pizza was delicious. Pizza will never taste as good as it is in the Napoli area.

On Day 3 we planned a special day trip to Positano.

It was also my daughter’s 23rd Birthday. So we had a luncheon planned at Chez Black, a well-known spot for visitors & celebrities. The food was so good, as was the celebration and cake at the end. Not a bad place to celebrate your 23rd birthday. Lots of shopping in Positano and we were able to take the Ferry back to Sorrento, after a nice day in this beautiful village.

We had a few days of pool time, relaxation, shopping, and wonderful meals.

Our hotel was great, and we enjoyed our lunch by the pool and got to know the staff and servers. Breakfast each morning was on a Terrace. The views were gorgeous, the omelet’s amazing and the waitstaff were a pleasant part of the routine. By this time, we were feeling the need to relax as we had already done 3 cities, and planning the Amalfi Coast as our last stop was perfect.

On day 4 we had a special day planned.

We celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary with a private chartered boat to explore the Amalfi Coast and a day trip to Capri. We had lunch on the island. This was a highlight of the trip and an unforgettable experience for all. We toasted with drinks on board. We swam in the blue sea, which was warm, and gorgeous and felt like a salt bath. We had so much fun as a family and felt extra special being our anniversary.

As we anchored, with swimming, drinks & snacks, our captain played music. The weather was beyond gorgeous with clear blue skies, blue sea, warm salty water, and views of mountains, rocks, and Capri as our backdrop, it was beyond! The soundtrack Mama Mia played in the background, and we jumped from the boat into the ocean feeling pure magic on this special day.

In the afternoon we were dropped off on Capri at a restaurant on the water where we had a lunch reservation.

This felt special. On the special menu was Sea Bass, which was part of our Wedding Reception Menu 24 years ago. So of course, Charlie and I had to order the Sea Bass. The kids all had Seafood & Pasta. Once again, another great meal.

The kids secretly ordered champagne and sparkling water to toast us, and after our meal, the staff came with a lit-up cake, singing “Celebrate good times come on”. It lit up the entire place. Of course, Charlie and I stood and danced, and the entire restaurant was singing and clapping. The energy and vibe were amazing.

We had a beautiful drive up to Ana Capri. The boys took the lift and we separated. Kaili and I enjoyed a little shopping and the charm of Ana Capri. We got back on the boat and had another hour on board, enjoying the music, the sites, and this special day—one which we will never forget.

We were to see Pompeii, but the kids begged for a “free day” rather than our last full day on a tour all day.

This was one of those situations I wanted to insist we “must see it”, but my yoga voice and spirit thought, what is most important is what will feel best for everyone. By this point in the trip, the kids wanted the R&R, and sometimes that is more important than seeing every little (or big) thing.

While in Sorrento, we had such incredible food. One dinner out in particular was in a magical setting with Lemon Trees and an Enchanting garden. That night was superb, and another experience we will never forget. On our last night in Sorrento, we enjoyed dinner by the water, with music, incredible views, and more pasta and fish. Dessert had to be a Gelato, and we each enjoyed this and our last stroll back to the hotel from town.

In the morning, we were up early. Our driver was back to pick us up, and we had 30 minutes for breakfast, and one more omelet from the “Omelette Boss”. The best part was saying goodbye to him as I finally got him to smile. I told him he was the “best omelet chef” and smiled which got his burrowed eyebrows to relax and that mean face to smile. Now that was magical! We hugged another waitress as she said she was sad we were leaving. She loved our family and took pride in knowing our espresso and cappuccino orders each morning.

This was by far, one of those once-in-a-lifetime trips that I have wanted to take for years.

But to share it with my family. and especially at the ages they are. We experienced it all. The love of this amazing country, its beautiful sites, history, and people. The food was beyond fresh. We had so many laughs along the way. Growing up Guyer means you have to have a sense of humor, and my kids each have that and more.

We have new family jokes. We laughed in so many situations and made so many great memories together.

We each had our meltdown or moment at some point during the trip. I share that to "keep it real". We are a close-knit family and I am not more proud of anything than my family. But traveling with 5 adults, personalities and differing opinions can bring on those moments. I am grateful the majority of the moments were magical, beautiful, enjoyable, and laughable. We all fell in love with Italy, and feel blessed by the opportunity to be there together, and experience it as a family.

Guyer, Party of 5 (and here we are at the Empty Nesting time). So grateful for this opportunity, and I humbly share that you can have it too (what or where ever your dream vacation is). Our hearts are captured, and we will be back (and this time I don’t think it will be Guyer, party of 5)! For now, my heart is full (as is my waistline), and I will have sweet dreams of this beautiful trip and also dream about where to go next!