The possibilities are limitless when it comes to planning personalized travel itineraries, whether it’s for the solo traveler or a large group. Recently, I was privileged enough to arrange and escort a large luxury group to Italy. It was an amazing trip I will never forget.
From the sheer thrill of window shopping the fashion houses of Gucci and Armani in Milan; being face to face with the world’s greatest masterpieces in Florence, and walking in the footsteps of ancient nobility in Rome. The experience of visiting the magical Italian cities with my group of 147 travelers, comprised of adults and kids, was fantastic from start to finish.
The trip started off with a departure from the Sacramento airport aboard privately chartered first class jets that flew directly to Milan. Upon arrival, we were whisked away from the main terminal in luxury motor coaches to the five star Hotel Principe di Savoia Milano for four glorious nights. The hotel is beautiful (also seen in Sofia Coppola’s movie, “Somewhere”). During our stay, we enjoyed a private viewing of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper and a private tour of the city with ample time for retail therapy. We also ventured by privatized train cars to Venice with catered hosts serving drinks and snacks along the way and enjoyed the comforts of the 1924 paddle steamer, Concordia, during our day on Lake Como. Milan, Venice and Lake Como were fabulous!
From Milan we traveled by train, again by privatized cars with hosts, to Florence. Our luxury motor coaches transferred us to the Westin Excelsior for three nights. The Westin is in a prime location and right along the Arno River. Since Florence is so compact, you will see everyone walking and riding bikes. Private guides were available to take smaller groups on walking tours of the city. While in Florence we took a day trip to the Tuscan countryside to Siena and San Gimignano. Wow! If those walls could talk! Siena is so unique. We were able to walk to the Piazza del Campo where the Palio di Siena (a horse race with bareback riders) is held. San Gimignano was much like Siena but set on a very high hill. It’s famous for its “skyscrapers” (actually towers). The drive back to Florence was a great time to relax and enjoy the beautiful sights. It’s so nice to be chauffeured around and not have to worry about directions! When we arrived back at the Westin, a parents night out was planned on the fly with childcare, videos, games, toys and activities for the kids. It was a huge success and the kids loved it, not to mention all the moms and dads that appreciated their time together.
After our three nights in Florence we traveled by private train cars with hosts to Rome, the Eternal City. Once again, luxury motor coaches were waiting to take us to the stunning St. Regis for three nights. We arranged a privately catered dinner in the Ritz Ballroom that evening: a very opulent, over the top space that has hand painted frescos on the ceiling and gorgeous chandeliers. It really took our breath away!
A day trip to Pompeii was outstanding. Our luxury motor coaches took us in style to the south where we enjoyed a private lunch and then explored the partially buried city. Afterwards, we visited the cameo factory which was a unique shopping opportunity. The next day we had a private city tour of Rome with a visit to the Vatican & Sistine Chapel. We ended our Italy trip with a farewell feast with music and magicians for the children at the Antico Ristorante Pagnanelli in idyllic Castel Gandolfo. The next day was hard for the entire group to depart the St. Regis for the Rome airport. It seemed we had only just arrived in Italy! As we boarded our private jets, we said goodbye to “la durata dolce dellItalia” (the sweet life of Italy) as we headed westbound for Sacramento! Learn more about Italy vacations.
Sarah de Fazio
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