Top Things to Do in Italy: A Personal Guide

This is just north of Milan but so worth the trip.   It's about 45 minutes or so from the Swiss border.   Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Lake Maggiore, visit the Borromean Islands, and take in the stunning views of the Alps.

Then we made our way to Venice for 3 nights via train.   The train system is amazing throughout Europe.  The Euro-train travels just about anywhere at any hour and the price is very reasonable and its quite comfortable.

Then we jumped on another train and headed up to Florence where we met my family for the remainder of our trip.   Statue of David (which is gigantic) and toured the whole museum, tons of flea markets (lots of Italian leather) and other historical museums, and the Basilica's are absolutely breathtaking.   Definitely worth seeing.  

Then we all headed down to Rome.   Where do I begin.  Well, I do recommend a personal tour of the Vatican and the Colosseum.  We have done that a few times and although it does cost just a little bit more, you get “skip the line" benefits and you learn so much more from a personal tour guide.  One thing we didn't know, absolutely no pictures in the Sistine Chapel.  They will take your camera away.   The Roman Forum is also amazing and a must see.  We also did a tour of underneath the Colosseum where they used to keep the animals and learned so much about how they used to hold not only Gladiator tournaments there, but also flea markets and things like that.  Worth doing that tour of the underground.   So interesting.  The hop on hop off bus is also informative.  The piazzas in Rome and the best.   You can just sit, drink wine for hours, eat amazing food and just enjoy the architecture and people watch all day long.   Its awesome and never gets old. 

Then we headed down to the Amalfi Coast with spectacular views of the Mediterranean.  Probably the most beautiful views ever.  Up there with Lake Lugano near Stresa.  They have the biggest lemons ever.  Like volleyballs.   LOL and fantastic restaurants that over look those gorgeous views.   You definitely feel like you're in another world or won the lottery or something.  LOL.   Its a must see.