Italy is irresistible. The land of unrelenting flair, exquisite food, and unmistakable cultural allure, this is the kind of destination that everyone should explore at least once in their lifetime. And this is exactly what we sought to evoke during Travelive’s recent FAM Trip, which saw our cherished travel agents join us in discovering the renowned charms of Rome, Florence, and Venice through the most exquisite experiences, plenty of pizza, and lots of laughs!
The Eternal City Unveiled
Our storied adventure began in the Rome, where, following a private transfer from Fiumicino Airport, our eager group of travelers were met by the warm hospitality of the elegant L’Orologio Roma.
Housed in the historic Lavaggi Pacelli building, only a few minutes from some of the city’s quintessential attractions, this elegant 4-star property proved to be an ideal base for our exploration of Italy’s esteemed capital — with the cocktails and canapés on the rooftop terrace of the Santa Cocktail Club serving as a cherry on top!
While the hotel’s refined ambiance and stylish rooms made quite an impression, it was time to take to the streets of Rome and be dazzled by Italy’s historical icon. After a laid-back orientation via a charming golf cart tour of such essential gems as the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona, we were keen to unravel Rome in all its glory with a guided exploration of its most cherished sights and flavors.
It’s difficult to comprehend how the locals can get used to the almighty symbols and delights of this city. For as the next day came and we marveled at the divine masterpieces of the Vatican Museums — including Michelangelo’s majestic Sistine Chapel — took in the atmosphere of Campo de’ Fiori, the Jewish Ghetto, and Trastevere, and indulged in tastings of supplì and carciofi alla giudia, we couldn’t help but be left in awe of all its wonders.
Vibrant, historic, and simply legendary, Rome was hard to say goodbye to, but a delicious, farewell dinner at Restaurant Lagana, did soften the blow. With spirits lifted by traditional Italian dishes, we retreated for a night of rest in anticipation of our next stop — Florence!
Orvieto and the Jewel of Renaissance
Upon saying ‘ciao’ to Rome, it was time to take a scenic drive through the rolling landscapes of Umbria and Tuscany on our way to Florence — but not before venturing on a magical detour through time to the hilltop town of Orvieto, whose medieval charm and breathtaking cathedral is the stuff fairytales are made of!
After traversing the storybook streets and soaking up the authentic, spellbinding atmosphere of Orvieto, Florentine hospitality was ready for us with open arms and two stunning accommodations: Hotel L’Orologio Firenze and Hotel Santa Maria Novella.
The Hotel L’Orologio Firenze, overlooking the picturesque Santa Maria Novella Square, charmed us with its unique and refined design. Inspired by luxury watchmaking, each floor of this 4-star property pays homage to legendary timepieces in the likes of Rolex and Patek Philippe while sprinkling in some Florentine essence and modern luxury.
Meanwhile, the Hotel Santa Maria Novella, set in a 19th-century mansion, resonated with history, combining old-world charm with contemporary comforts — while the rooftop terrace provided an unforgettable view over Florence and the rolling Tuscan hills.
The next day, the Tuscan countryside called upon us, and we set out for San Gimignano and Siena. Nicknamed the “The Town of Five Towers,” San Gimignano’s medieval architecture dominated the skyline, towering over us as we wandered through its charming streets. A visit to a local winery followed, where exquisite wines flowed in tandem with traditional Tuscan cuisine, complemented by views of stunning vineyards.
Strolling the earth-colored streets of Siena, we explored the stunning Piazza del Campo, home to the famed Palio horse race, and admired the city’s immersive Gothic architecture, before heading back to Florence.
On our final morning in Florence, a guided walking tour of the city left us with visual souvenirs of such sights as the Piazza del Duomo, where the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Brunelleschi’s Dome left us speechless; Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Ghiberti’s Baptistry doors; and, of course, Michelangelo’s David, an essential masterpiece of Renaissance art.
Our memories filled with prized mementos, we boarded a train to Venice, reflecting on the beauty and artistry that had surrounded us at every turn.
A Venetian Serenade
As our train arrived at Venice Santa Lucia Station, we wasted no time in taking to the city’s its iconic canals, having a private water taxi transfer us straight to our home for the next two nights, Hotel L’Orologio Venezia.
Nestled on the Grand Canal, just a short stroll from the Rialto Bridge, this boutique 4-star property seamlessly blends Venetian heritage with modern elegance, exuding sophistication and charm with its bright rooms and quaint wooden ceilings. The hotel’s fourth-floor terrace and L’O Bar also promises to be a highlight for anyone with a soft spot for enjoying a traditional Venetian aperitivo while watching gondolas drift by.
Bright and early the next morning, Venice was up and ready to enchant us. Diving into the City of Canals with a guided walking tour, we reveled in the splendor of St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Doge’s Palace, before venturing into old prisons across the fabled Bridge of Sighs — thankfully innocent of any crimes. And, of course, no visit to Venice would be complete without a gondola ride, which allowed us to leisurely float through the city’s labyrinth of canals, as we savored its timeless beauty from the water.
After soaking up Venice’s rich history, it was time for a taste of its culinary treasures. A public vaporetto ride took us to the Cannaregio district, where two charming osterias introduced us to Venetian culinary and viticultural traditions with such specialties as the delicious cicchetti — Venetian-style tapas — and an exquisite tasting of wines from the Veneto region. Needless to say, we longed for seconds!
That evening, we bid farewell to our Italian adventure with a delightful dinner at Casa Cappellar, a traditional Venetian trattoria, where we toasted to the unforgettable time we had along the way. Venice, with its dreamy canals and centuries of history, was the perfect finale to an incredible journey through Italy!
More Than a Journey
This unforgettable voyage through Italy not only showcased the beauty and culture of Rome, Florence, and Venice but also reinforced the amazing partnerships through the sheer pleasure of discovering this vibrant destination. Beyond world-class accommodations and immersive experiences, the trip was defined by insightful collaboration, new connections, and an air of pure joy. As we departed, we carried with us not just cherished memories, but a renewed passion for sharing the magic of Italy with future travelers!
