Today was fantastic! We drove into Florence at the Piazza Della Calza by Porta Romano where we met our driver who took us to Poggibonsi to meet our tour guide and get our Tuk Tuk (a classic Ape Calessino, a three wheeled Italian tuk-tuk.

We then took off in our Tuk-Tuk through the Tuscan countryside. exploring the panoramic roads of Tuscany and the Chianti hills, passing vineyards, cypress forests, Tuscan rural houses, and olive trees. It was such a sight! Gorgeous. Beautiful. Words don’t do it justice.

Then stopped at a winery called Tenuta Torciano. A fourteenth generation family owned winery. So beautiful! We had an amazing wine tasting, olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting and a local authentic Tuscan meal. It was out of this world! An experience we won’t forget. The sommelier was also wonderful and funny and informative.

It was raining while we were in the tasting, so our tour guide switched our Tuk-Tuk for an original Fiat 500, known as the Topolino (“little mouse”), which was produced from 1936 to 1955.  So we could stay dry. It was so fun riding in it! Haha

The Fiat 500 took us to San Gimignano where we had an hour and a half of free time. So we walked thru the town, shopped in shops and took in the views.

Afterwards our driver picked us up and took us back to Florence, the original pickup point.

Mom and I then drove back to the villa, where we ended getting caught in a torrential downpour. Literally!!!! It was so bad we could barely see in front of us. So it took a little longer to get back, but we made it.

Then it was time for wine and relaxing!

Today we went into Florence, walked around some, did some shopping and then went on our Food and Wine tour with our guide Antonio. He took us around the city some, showed us original wine windows (where wine was served thru a hole in the wall), saw the original bldgs that survived thru World War 2, that are still all jewelry shops today, saw the Arno River, visited a Patisserie and had espresso and two pastries, then on to a wine shop for a charcuterie board and wine tasting delivered by Gabrielle, then last stop was gelato at a long time famous place.

Slept in. Read. Had breakfast. Watched a little TV. Enjoyed some wine. Went swimming. Cooked dinner ((we had spaghetti (I’m saying this with an Italian accent as I type, hahaha) with an amazingly yummy salad)). After dinner, enjoyed some more libations and relaxed. A great day.

Today was spent driving. and driving. And driving. lol

730am got ride to Naples airport to pick up our rental car. Which was such a pleasant experience (no. No it wasn’t)

1015am off to Palaia. We finally arrived at 530pm. Long driving day. But saw a lot of different countryside.

Evening spent unpacking, checking the area out, grocery shopping and then wine and TV. Lol

So today seemed relaxing on paper, but was still a super full day! Lol

We started out in Maiori. Walked around the city and then had a little downtime to shop. Enjoyed a nice coffee ice cream.

Off to Cetara for another walk around the city. A little more shopping.

Then ending in Vietri Sul Mare where we had lunch after a little jaunt.

Back to Minori for a few hrs of whatever we wanted to do. Which ended up with us packing and getting ready to leave tomorrow at 730am for Naples Airport where we pick up our rental car and head off to Rome. After packing we went and had a few drinks before dinner.

Dinner was in the town of Tramonte. We ate a fourth generation, local, farm to table place that was amazing. What an experience. The food was so good and the people super nice!

Today we visited the island of Capri. Took a ferry from Minori to Capri. The ride was about 1.5hrs. Once there, we took a Funicolare to the top of Capri to visit the old town. They have an old town and then the new town. The new town is located at the base of Capri.

Once at the top, we had an option of either hanging with our tour guide to see the town and visit gardens or do whatever you like. I chose to hang out with our tour guide, along with three others. our guide took us on the side streets of Capri so we didn’t have to deal with the crowds. Which are insane on this island. So that was nice. And since it was a small group, we got to see a little more of the town than originally planned. Saw amazing views, historical sites and got a melon slush!!!! Yummy

After that, we took the funicolare back down to the base for lunch.

Then got on a small boat and got to ride around the island of Capri to see different areas, the clear water, cool stopping spots, etc. It was very enjoyable.

Then back on the ferry for another 1.5hrs ride back to Minori.

Super long day. But very enjoyable. Great place to visit. But definitely not a place to live. lol

Today we drove along the Amalfi Coast to Positano. What a drive! It was amazing. Definitely an experience. And a place I am not going to ever drive myself! Hahahah

We got to spend some time in Positano. Walking. Shopping. It was great but also filled with tons of people. Oh, and the prices. Yikes. Definitely getting us tourists.

Then off to Amalfi via boat. Wow. They drive boats just like they drive cars. lol it was nice tho. We got to sit outside so the breeze was very welcomed on this hot day. Got to walk around the city. Eat food. Go to a local cemetery to see amazing views. Had to take an elevator to get there. We went there for the views, not the cemetery.

Off to Minori by boat again. This time we had to sit inside, it was so packed. But nice to be on the water. Once back at Minori, we had a little break before going to a ceramic shop to learn the process and decorate our own tiles that we get to keep! Excited 🙂 it was awesome and very relaxing to a long day.

Ended the night at the rooftop bar at the hotel with drinks. Much needed. Lol

Today we started out with a walking tour of Minori where we are staying.

Then on to Ravella where we saw two castles with gardens (that are also used for weddings). We walked up a lot of stairs and inclines to get to them. In the rain no less! But we had an umbrella, so it was all good. Did get quite muggy tho! Afterwards we had a nice lunch. BTW, the drive to Ravella was quite the experience! The city is located at the top of the cliff side. So we were driving along a very windy and narrow road.

Afterwards we went to a Limoncello tasting in Tramonti. It was great. We learned how to make it as well and got the recipe. I’m definitely making it when we get home. Quite yummy!

Then back to Minori for a little rest before dinner.

Dinner was with the tour group. It was a great time. Convo, drinks and good food.

We started the day visiting a cheese farm and getting to taste some foods made with the buffalo mozzarella.

We then went and saw the Greek Temples of Paestum. Which was very amazing. Tranquil.

Then went to a cooking class with taught by Italian Women. We made ravioli, pizza and cake. We then ate everything we made! Yummy.

Then off to our Hotel in Minori where we road along the Amalfi Coast to get there. Wow. Beautiful drive. Quite amazing. All cities along the drive are built into the side of the mountains/cliffs.

Today we did a walking tour of Napoli/Spaccanapoli. Saw a bunch of churches, graffiti, shops, longest roads etc.

We then went and toured Pompei Archaeological site. Which was amazing!

Then on to Santa Maria do Castellabate hotel for the night. Where we were on the water, had great views, amazing sunset and a wonderful dinner.