The (Italian) Trip of a Lifetime with the Best Souvenir Ever

August 14, 2014/Nat

I suggest staying in Positano and just day-tripping to the other towns. That’s what was recommended to us and we’re so happy we did. It was our favorite by far.

Still, Capri was charming.

If it’s ritz and luxe you’re after, this is your town. The streets are littered with high-end shops and upscale eateries.

Take a break from all your shopping with some gelato from Buonocore, the best on the island. The homemade, as you wait, warm waffle cones only sweeten the deal. There’s a reason there’s a line down the cobble-stoned street.

The main attraction for tourists such as ourselves? The Blue Grotto. An incandescent waterway that’s only accessible by overpaying for a dizzying excursion, transferring from boat-to-boat, squeezing too many people (read: sweaty strangers) into a two-person canoe and lying on top of one another to enter the grotto. Our verdict? Skip it.

Explore Amalfi, busing up to scenic Ravello from there. Depending on your interests, both can be done in the better part of a day.

Ravello’s quaint artist town has fantastic views and a vibe all its own- a nice departure from the rest of the coast. But be prepared to hoof it. The steps are no joke.

The Amalfi Coast is the land of Limoncello. Find one of the many factories and sample some. And don’t forget to pick up a bottle or two for gifts and future occasions. We still have one in our fridge!

When Mario Batali recommends an Italian restaurant in Italy, you listen. So glad we did. Chez Black was our favorite on the coast and by far the best in Positano. So much so that we went there twice. My husband would’ve gone every night if I let him.

Classic, delicious fare right on the beach with stunning sunset views.

More Positano pics…

Another night, another Chez Black dinner.

One last look before…

ROME is one of my favorite cities of all time. I’m fortunate to have visited three times now and it keeps getting better. I absolutely suggest flying into or out of the capital and spending a few days on either side of your trip.

My musts?

1. Trevi Fountain. Trite but true. I’m a big believer that those dirty-coined dreams become a reality.

2. Sunset on the Spanish Steps.

3. Cacio e Pepe at Roscioli, a charming wine bar and salumeria in the Campo de’ Fiori district, a young, hip, artsy area. It was the best pasta dish we’ve ever had. We’ve tried it numerous times from plenty of places since and it never comes close.

Last (and best) supper.

4.Gelato at Giolitti. Also the best gelato we’ve ever tasted and since we had it every day, sometimes twice, on this two-week trip throughout northern and southern Italy, that’s saying a lot. Also, it’s reportedly, both The Pope and The Obamas’ gelateria of choice. If it’s good enough for those peeps…