Oh, gather 'round, dear readers, for a whimsical tale of an unforgettable adventure! It all began over a year ago, on Mother's Day in May 2023. My sons, in their infinite wisdom and boundless love, hatched a plan for my milestone birthday in January 2024. They conspired to whisk me away on a grand adventure, letting me choose my top five dream destinations. Imagine my surprise and delight!

The year of planning was filled with anticipation and excitement, culminating in the dream trip to Italy. This enchanting land had long graced my bucket list, and I finally had the pleasure of exploring it with two of my three wonderful sons.

As the big day approached, our itinerary was taking shape. About three months before departure, I received a cheeky message from my boys: "Do not take any more than one suitcase." Ha! As if! I ended up with two suitcases and a rolling carry-all—some things just can’t be compromised. Little did I think about cobblestone streets!

Our adventure began as we landed in the eternal city of Rome, with plans to take a train to Florence and drive back. Rome, with its chaotic charm, was our gateway. Cody, our master planner, had crafted an impeccable itinerary. He, being a seasoned traveler, left Skylar and me in awe of his organizational prowess.

In Florence, our home away from home was a breathtaking Airbnb hosted by a Ferragamo designer. The flat was adorned with stunning art and opened up to a garden that was nothing short of magical. The garden through the back door included a stone wall, where an upper walkway was built 1400 years earlier. I spent blissful mornings there, sipping Italian coffee, surrounded by ancient stone walls and the soothing sounds of nature.It was a little overcast. Yet the sun was shining through the birds chirping, and humming with water sounds in the background.

 Florence’s charm was undeniable. We wandered its historic streets, dined at exquisite restaurants, and indulged in espresso, cappuccinos, croissants, affogatos, and of course, wine. The city’s rich history enveloped us at every turn. 

.Our journey took us to enchanting wineries, where we savored incredible food, wine, and conversation. One of the highlights was visiting the hilltop gem, San Gimignano. Its beauty defies description.

The most memorable stop was Poggio Amorelli, where our delightful server, Francesca, enchanted us with her knowledge and warmth. The family-run winery offered phenomenal wines at great prices—a must-visit for wine lovers!

In San Casciano in Val di Pesa, we dined with a view that was nothing short of spectacular. This charming medieval village marks the entrance to the Chianti region, with its rolling vineyards, small fortresses, and winding roads. This picturesque town is a true jewel amidst the rolling vineyards that define the landscape. The surrounding area is dotted with small fortresses, parish churches, and quaint hamlets, inviting exploration along the winding, hairpin bends which of course Cody drove fast through but was kind of exhilarating, don’t tell him that and promised more discoveries ahead.

 Our next destination was the luxurious Borgo Santo Pietro estate. Nestled in the back hills of Italy as we traversed down heading back to Rome. When you hear about the quaint hills and windy roads, this is it. If you are looking for an incredible yet little pricy experience then head here! I would suggest at least a two day stay if not three. The grounds are stunning and lush with lavender and rosemary growing wild yet trimmed. Just the scent of the place! While walking in, we were greeted with a glass of beautiful rose,  Per Gil Amici, which leaves quite a beautiful lingering flavor. 

Sky 

 Cody 

 Per Gli Amici Rose 

Finally, we returned to Rome, where history met the hustle and bustle of city life. Cody’s meticulous planning ensured we had knowledgeable guides at the Coliseum and Vatican, allowing us to skip the lines and immerse ourselves in the grandeur of these iconic landmarks.

To make your own adventure just as magical, don’t miss an affogato in Florence—espresso and ice cream heaven! And though we missed it, the wine windows are a unique Florentine experience.

For planning, we used Google Workspace to collaborate on our itinerary. Living in different locations, this tool was invaluable for real-time updates and contributions.

And so, our Italian escapade came to a delightful end, filled with memories, laughter, and the joy of discovery. Until the next adventure, arrivederci!

Happy travels!