Our two week trip to Italy as planned for us by Andrea was fabulous!
Italy | Sep 2 - Sep 15, 2026

J
Jeanne Marie B.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 20, 2026

Our two week trip to Italy as planned for us by Andrea was fabulous. Every step of the way went as planned, with drivers and guides on time and where we expected them to be. Andrea was a pleasure to work with and after two zoom meetings, and many emails, he helped us plan the perfect trip. He was always available before and during the trip to answer any questions we had. I cannot recommend him more highly. Our trip started with four days in Rome where we visited the usual sites along with The Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica, Palace Gondolfo, and Basilica San Clemente along with a food tour. We then traveled by train to Naples where we stopped at a winery for lunch and wine tastng on our way to Pompeii. Our next stop was Sorrento where we stayed for two nights and spent one day on the Isle of Capri. Our driver then took us to Amalfi, stopping in Positano, and Ravello on the way - stunning views! After two nights in Amalfi we continued on to the southeast arriving in Matera, the city of caves. We can now say we slept in a cave as our hotel was built into the canyon wall! After Matera we traveled on to Alberolbello with its Trulli houses, Locorontondo with its white washed buildings and Ostuni, the white town on a hill. Each of these stops were unique in their own way and very interesting. Lunch and wine tasting at a local Masseria made us wish we had more time to spend there. We ended out trip in the east with a guided walk of Bari, where we observed Nona's make orecchiette pasta from scratch. A relaxing train ride took us back to Rome for our next day departure home. A truly memorable trip that could not have gone better.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Palazzo Venere
Roma

A small boutique hotel, the Palazzo Venere was perfect. It is well located, within easy walking distance to sights and restaurants. All of the people we met were very friendly and helpful. The breakfast, particularly for such a small hotel, had a wide variety of foods and held something for everyone. I would highly recommend this hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Continental
Sorrento

Hotel Continental was very nice and in a good location. Breakfast had a wide variety of food available.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel La Bussola
Amalfi

Hotel La Bussola was in a good location, a little bit away from the main shopping area but close enough to easily walk to. The hotel restaurant had a beautiful view and was good quality.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Corte San Pietro
Matera

Staying in a hotel built into a cave was a highlight of our trip! The staff here were very helpful and the included breakfast, very tasty, was presented to our table in small plates of a variety of foods. Such fun! A great location with many restaurants within easy walking distance. A unique experience!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Masseria Grieco
Ostuni

The Masseria Grieco was a beautiful spot that unfortunately we only had one night at. The staff were very nice and the restaurant for dinner was outside with a unique menu each night.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
JR Hotels Oriente
Bari

This hotel was close to the Old Town with a variety of restaurants near by.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Basilica of San Clemente guided exploration
Basilica of San Clemente guided exploration
Rome

The summer palace of the Pope is definitely worth a visit. A beautiful spot.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Andrea Gambino
Andrea
Andrea Gambino
Local specialist in Turin, Italy | Replied on Sep 20, 2026

Hi Jeanne, thank you for this very detailed review and for your wonderful words. It was a pleasure have you as traveler in Italy and we will be more than happy to assist you in the future.