Italy is Even Better the Second Time Around!

The bar was set high and we’re so happy to hear that we were able to exceed expectations and make this couple’s return trip to Italy even better than the first (which they loved). Hopefully they’ll abide by the old Italian adage: “Non c’è due senza tre” (meaning: good things come in threes) - and we’ll see them again soon! 

Hi Kathy,

Hope all is well. I apologize for this delayed note. Getting back in the swing of things while longing to be back in Tuscany.

We thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of our trip. Our trip to Sorrento and coast last year was outstanding (or so I thought) that I was worried about planning this trip and our expectations. I now know what OUTSTANDING means!

Our hotel in Florence was great, they upgraded us, really appreciated the kitchen area.

Our tour guide Sara’s knowledge of art, along with the Medici history she provided, gave us a much better appreciation of the whole area. Her warm personality was a great beginning to our trip. She even provided us with several of her favorite restaurants. One of which we dined at twice and even saw her there. Got to meet her family! 

The secret passage tour was a great suggestion, loved the extra exploring.

We loved the cooking class. Eleonora and Livia were wonderful. Patient with us. I was nervous and timid, while Ken was jumping in, like he spends so much time in the kitchen. LOL Of course the food was amazing. Ken asks me every few days if we got the recipes from Eleonora, yet. I think she is going to send them with the oil. We were able to watch the workers shake the olive trees, up close and personal enough.  Ken even got a picture of one of the workers with his equipment. Please thank them for all their hard work to make our time with them outstanding, it is greatly appreciated.

The castle winery’s genuine host made our tour very interesting and informative. The delicious food was more than a light lunch (not that I am complaining) but great with the wines. We have received our wine order from them and have already dived in with family and friends.

Siena and Montepulciano with Antonella was a hoot! Every time I think of her, I stop to chuckle at something she said. We really appreciated all her knowledge, love for Siena and her genuine candor. Being there during Palio week and Antonella truly giving us "an insider's glimpse" was very memorable. 

Bringing us to Mr. Mazzetti's copper shop was priceless. I plan to frame the plaque he made us.

We were glad we transferred to Cortona. We would have liked to have seen a few more things in Florence, but it was time to get out of the city and see the small towns. 

Thanks to Francesco for the phenomenal tour gave us every day. It was obvious he wanted to make our experience perfect. Finding us a different winery, olive press location, a terra cotta facility, a hidden monastery and so many back roads and towns, we are still trying to sort it all out with our pictures. When we tell friends about our experiences with him, they truly can't believe we did all we did in a matter of a few days.

I know there is plenty I am leaving out, but if I mentioned all we immensely enjoyed, this letter would end up being titled, Under the Tuscan Sun Part Two.

There really are not enough adequate words for our experience. We thank you and everyone else for every part they contributed.

Thank you again,

Ken and Aurora B. - Atlanta, Georgia - USA