I had always heard good things about Portugal being a beautiful country and inexpensive to visit. Now I can attest that both were true for my trip! In all honesty, it isn’t a country I would rush back to, but it’s definitely worth seeing at least once in your life. The scenery throughout our travels was lush and beautiful. The architecture in Sintra, just outside Lisbon, was fascinating and unique, and the river views in Porto were breathtaking. Personally, I struggled to find accommodations in Lisbon that matched the modern luxury style I love. Dining was also a challenge, as many traditional menus centered on meat and seafood, neither of which I eat. My travel companions enjoyed the octopus, but none of us found the cuisine over-the-top amazing. It’s definitely not Italy or France! Shopping reminded me of Spain, with plenty of cute, casual clothing at affordable prices. If you’re looking for everyday pieces that won’t break the bank, you’ll find lots of options. I explored many of the main attractions in central Lisbon and Porto. Below, you’ll find my itinerary and recommendations for where to stay, eat and explore, along with photos and practical tips to help plan your visit. Getting there and around Within the city, we mostly walked or took quick, inexpensive Uber rides. You can rent a car, but parking can be difficult, so I wouldn’t prioritize one unless you’re exploring beyond the cities. Sintra is about 30-45 minutes from Lisbon depending on traffic. We booked a private car service from Lisbon to Porto, which took approximately three hours. You can also travel by train or fly. My sightseeing advice As I ALWAYS recommend, reserve popular tours and attractions in advance to secure your preferred time. If a self-guided audio tour is available, take it! It’s a great way to learn about what you’re seeing while exploring at your own pace. Whenever possible, book the first entry time of the day so you can enjoy the property before the crowds arrive—and get better photos! Best time to visit For exploring Lisbon and Porto, I’d recommend May, June or September, with comfortable weather for walking and sightseeing. Pack a light jacket for cooler evenings, especially in Porto. Sintra can also feel cooler than Lisbon. ITINERARY May 28th - Fly Palma to Lisbon ( 2 hours flight) land 1:30pm Brown's | Avenue Hotel - 20 mins drive from Airport (This hotel is a small 5 star boutique hotel and it’s the closest I could find to modern luxury in the heart of Lisbon. The hotel was clean, the restaurant had good food, and the location was within walking distance of most places we wanted to visit. My main challenges were the extremely small rooms and décor that wasn’t as modern as I typically prefer. However, the included buffet breakfast had a large variety of options, which was a nice bonus. Next time, I would like to try Verride Palácio de Santa Catarina. It appears more luxurious, although it’s farther from many of the places I like to explore. Our hotel was one block from Avenida da Liberdade, my favorite street in Lisbon. With its tall, lush trees, clean sidewalks, and beautiful shops, it was such a lovely place to walk. From there, you can continue toward Praça do Comércio, exploring more shops and restaurants along the way. On my second visit to Lisbon, I stayed at Memmo Príncipe Real, a small boutique hotel with more contemporary décor. The rooms were still very small for my taste, but the delicious restaurant, stunning views, and pool were highlights. The location felt somewhat out of the way, though, and its position on a hill made walking back to the hotel strenuous. Hotels opening in 2026/2027 - JNcQUOI House Six Senses Lisbon Nobu Hotel Lisbon Praça do Comércio (15 mins drive or 25 mins walk from hotel) Parque Eduardo VII (10 mins walk from hotel) The Alfama neighborhood is an excellent place to just wander and maybe get a little lost. (10 mins drive or 30 mins walk from hotel) miradouro de santa luzia is a well known terrace in Alfama that has a beautiful view of the ocean and a breathtaking bougainvillea tree. Café Príncipe Real Restaurante (The food was good and the ambience was very nice) May 29th -Sintra - 40 mins drive from hotel Sintra was the best part of visiting Lisbon for me. It’s a magical region with a spiritual vibe, and the palaces are all so unique and mesmerizing to explore. Allow at least half a day for two sites or a full day for three, spending approximately 1½–2 hours at each. Getting around can be challenging because of the winding mountain roads and one-way streets. Plan your visits carefully—a missed stop can mean driving another 30–40 minutes to reach a palace that appears just minutes away. I recommend hiring a driver who knows the roads, ideally for the entire day. We arranged with our Uber driver to stay with us for €200 for the day, which made the experience so much easier! I’ve listed these sites in the order I recommend visiting, keeping the mountain roads and direction of travel in mind. We didn’t visit Pena Palace because it was difficult to reach that day, and it interested me the least of the sites on our list. If you’d like to include it, ask your driver about starting there before continuing to the others. TOUR 1 – Quinta da Regaleira With its intricate palace, mysterious symbolism, and lush gardens, this estate feels like something out of a storybook. Built in the early 1900s, it has a magical, slightly eerie atmosphere. Its famous Initiation Well, underground tunnels, and hidden grottoes make it especially mesmerizing to explore. TOUR 2 – Park and Palace of Monserrate This beautiful palace features intricate Moorish-inspired architecture surrounded by lush gardens. It feels romantic and peaceful, with stunning details both inside and out. May 30 – Fronteira Palace 10 a.m. English guided tour | Approximately 10 minutes by car from our hotel This was my favorite tour of all the sites we visited! The family still lives in the palace, which makes the experience feel especially personal. The guided tour takes you through some of the interior rooms, and you can also explore the beautiful gardens. Book your guided tour in advance so you can see inside—it’s well worth it! Jerónimos Monastery You can visit the church, where you’ll find the tomb of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, for free. A separate ticket allows you to explore the monastery’s beautiful cloisters. Cloister hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., with last entry at 5 p.m. Church hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sundays and religious holidays, 2–5 p.m. Closed Monday Rocco Restaurant May 31st - Explore anything you didn’t see and go to Galapinhos Beach (1 hour drive from Lisbon) JNcQUOI June 1st - Drive in the morning at 6:00am (3 hours) to Porto (car service) Maison Albar – Le Monumental Palace I really enjoyed this hotel. The service was impeccable, and both breakfast and dinner were delicious. The central location made exploring Porto easy, with most places we wanted to visit within walking distance or a quick five-minute Uber ride. Exploring Porto Livraria Lello Approximately a five-minute walk from our hotel This beautiful, historic bookshop is known for its dramatic red staircase and intricate interiors. Book your ticket online in advance for your preferred date and time. The standard ticket’s value can be applied toward a book from the Livraria Lello Editions collection—a lovely souvenir to bring home! Jardins do Palácio de Cristal Approximately 10 minutes by car or a 20-minute walk from our hotel Open daily: April–September, 8 a.m.–9 p.m.; October–March, 8 a.m.–7 p.m. These beautiful gardens are a lovely place for a daytime stroll or to enjoy the sunset before closing, with lush greenery and stunning views over the Douro River. June 2nd - Palácio da Bolsa Approximately 10 minutes by car or a 15-minute walk from our hotel Visiting hours: 9 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Explore the palace’s ornate interiors, including the stunning Arabian Room, on a guided tour lasting approximately 30 minutes. A guided tour is required, so confirm the next available English tour when purchasing your tickets. Explore Ribeira Approximately 6 minutes by car or a 10-minute walk from our hotel - in the area of Palácio da Bolsa Open to explore at any time; restaurant and shop hours vary. Ribeira is Porto’s picturesque waterfront area along the Douro River, with colorful buildings, restaurants, and beautiful river views. It’s a lovely place to stroll, stop for a meal, and enjoy the atmosphere. Jardim do Morro & Serra do Pilar Viewpoint Approximately 10 minutes by car or a 20-minute walk from our hotel Jardim do Morro: Open 24 hours daily. Serra do Pilar Monastery: Currently closed for renovation. For beautiful sunset views, head across the river to Jardim do Morro or the viewpoint beside Serra do Pilar Monastery. From this side of the Douro, you can admire Porto’s historic center, the river, and the iconic Dom Luí. There’s also a glass-fronted restaurant nearby where you can enjoy a drink or small plates while taking in the view! RESTAURANTS IN PORTO Honest Greens (this is a great healthy restaurant that I found in Lisbon and Porto and they are all through the city) Espécie - Restaurante Vegetariano (This was the best vegetarian sweet and sour cauliflower.) GH Restaurant & Cafe

Nice, Monaco, Cannes, Ezes, Antibes, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, St Tropez and the Provence (Saint Remy / Avignon / aix en provence/ gorges du verdon / lavender fields) The best way to travel in the French is by car. You can get to the South of France by: Spending some time in Paris and taking a 1 hour flight into Nice. You can drive estimate 9 hours direct and stop 4 1/2 hours on your way, in Lyon. You can take a train estimate 6-7 hours from Paris to Nice. You can take a train from Paris to Avignon estimate 3 hours and from Avignon rent a car to explore the other regions. You can fly direct into Nice I will highlight the regions and explain the best way to explore all of them by car or train. When you are in Nice / Monaco / Cannes / Eze / Antibes and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat region, you can take a time efficient train between those villages and it’s simple and inexpensive vs worrying about driving with traffic or finding a space to park. You can stay in any of these areas, it depends what vibe you are looking for during your stay and your finances. I will list them in the geographical order Monaco - This is a must see. Monaco is an upscale area that has many shops, restaurants, exotic cars and a beautiful marina to walk a path and see the luxurious yachts. There is a casino if you are interested in that. My personal favorite hotel in Monaco is Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo. It’s 5 star and luxurious, but not ridiculously expensive, like the Four Seasons Hotel in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. It’s walking distance to most things in Monaco or a short drive. Be aware that in Monaco Ubers are not allowed, so you have to either walk, drive yourself or hire a car service. Activities in Monaco: Explore the shops Av. Princesses Alice Visit the Princes Palace of Monaco Jardins de la Petite Restaurants in Monaco: Sass Cafe is an upscale / high energy restaurant that has a DJ and dance club vibe on specific nights. The food is French / Italian and delicious. La Note Bleue - this restaurant is on the beach so it has a relaxed vibe de Paris Monte- Carlo Hotel has MANY great restaurants low key / lounge and high end Michelin star. L'Orange Verte is one I love to eat lunch at since it’s on the outside terrace so you can see the beautiful marina and people watch while you eat and relax. (this link will give you many restaurant options) Le Grill - Fine Dining Mediterranean restaurant with stunning views overlooking Monaco. Made One - Causal spot in the middle of the shops that you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner. Buddha Bar - An Asian restaurant with lively ambience. Hotel in Monaco: Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo is perfection! The rooms are spacious, modern and clean. The service is impeccable. The ambience is luxury yet charming and the restaurants are all delicious. They have spectacular amenities. A pool on the rooftop with a large gym overlooking Monaco. You can take a 10 minutes shuttle to their beach club for complimentary chairs / umbrellas. It is full service with a delicious menu. If you are not staying at a hotel with access you can purchase for a day pass Eze - (25 mins drive or 45 mins train from Monaco) This village transports you back in time to the Middle Ages with cobblestone streets and the architecture hasn’t changed. You can walk the whole village and it makes you feel like you’re in Beauty and the Beast. Acitivies in Eze: Le Jardin Exotique - mostly succulents with a picturesque view of the ocean Nietzsche - mountain hike path that has beautiful views but you need to be physically fit as it can be a challenge Plage de la Mala - this beach is between Monaco and Eze Mont Bastide - Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 1/2 hours to complete Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat - (35 mins drive or 50 mins train from Monaco) This region is my personal favorite for South of France. It has some of the most breathtaking views, peaceful walking path along the ocean and elegant vibe, makes you never want to leave. The Four Seasons property is exceptional, but to stay there is extremely expensive and in my opinion not worth it. Activities in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild - built in 1912 this villa is magnificent with its architecture and garden - definitely worth a visit and listen to the audio tour Plage Paloma (beach) - it’s a small beach but has a beautiful view and you can rent chairs or bring your own towel. There is a good restaurant you can also sit at for lunch and relax The walking path with exceptional views and stairs at different points that lead you to the ocean for a swim (“There are three main walking routes in Cap Ferrat, and they all come with eye-popping sea views and soothing sounds of the waves included. The Cap-Ferrat circuit, a four-mile walk along an occasionally rocky coastal path (parts of which are currently closed); the shorter Pointe Saint-Hospice route through the pine forests and coastal roads around the Saint-Hospice peninsula; and the 30-minute stroll along the elevated Maurice Rouvier promenade. The latter runs along the shore the port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to the next town along the coast, Beaulieu-sur-Mer.”) You can purchase a day pass for Anao Plage and walk the path, explore the area This hotel is close by and iconic and you can go there for lunch just to see the stunning property and taste their cuisine Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel If you want to see a beautiful scene while walking - it takes about 45-60 minutes up a steep incline but worth the views. Walk the street from Anao Plage to Villefranche-sur-Mer. You will be walking on a sidewalk along a street but it’s not dangerous. The view overlooks La Plage des Marinières - a beach that you can also purchase a day pass for beach chairs and umbrella. Nice - (40 mins drive or 30 mins train to Monaco) This is where the airport for domestic and international flights is located. The airport is 15 mins drive or 4 mins train from downtown Nice. The area is on the beach and filled with restaurants and shops. It is more of a city vibe vs village. Maison Albar - Le Victoria a luxurious and 5 star modern hotel opened in December 2024. The rooms are spacious and they have a rooftop restaurant with a pool overlooking Nice city and the beach. It is located walking distance to all of Nice and 2 mins walk is a SIXT rental car if you need one. If you choose Nice as your base, it is a small city so very walkable and close train distance to most locations. The station is 10-15 mins walk from hotels on the beach and it took 20 mins to get to Antibes and 35 mins to get to Cannes by train. The train is clean and simple to navigate. I do advice you download the SNCF CONNECT app to make it simple to purchase tickets in advance since the machines are not so simple to figure out how to get them to English and there is usually a long line. Restaurants: Paper plane (vegan) Le Panier BART - Focaccia (Sandwich Italian) Le Bistrot De Jan Maison Armand - delicious bakery (get the olive bread and apple pie pastry) Antibes - (50 mins drive or 1 hour train from Monaco) This village is very charming and has adorable shops and restaurants. There is so much to see and do just by wandering the streets. It’s very French feeling with the architecture and landscape. Restaurant: Healthy Lounge Cannes - (50 mins drive or 1 hour and 15 mins train from Monaco) Cannes is known for its film festival and scentic locations for many films. It has more of a city vibe but still a touch of French elegance. There are many hotels, restaurants and shops that are boutique and luxury designers. You can spend hours in Cannes exploring what it offers. If you are looking for an energetic vibe with somewhere always to walk and something always going on, I recommend you stay in Cannes. The other villages are much more tranquil. The best hotel in Cannes is, Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel which offers beach club access and walking distance to all of Cannes. Restaurants Love cafe Thai Origine Mamma Mia - La Spiaggia La Petite Maison Cannes La Môme Beach club you can rent chairs This website is essential for your South of France stay if you are at a hotel that isn’t in the beach or doesn’t provide beach chair. The cost varies depending on season, how many chsirs, what row and package. The chairs start at $75 https://mysunbed.com/en/plage-privee/?date=25-08-2025 Rado Plage is in Cannes and has the softest white sand with the background of ritzy Cannes Mala Beach has 2 beach clubs. The scene is gorgeous and peaceful but the beach is very small and the sand is not soft or white. La Réserve de la Mala and Eden Plage Mala are closer to Monaco and Nice. The nicest hotel in Cannes is Carlton Cannes, A Regant Hotel It steps away from the beach and has its own private beach club. It’s a few minutes distance to all the most luxurious designer shops and 10-20 walking distance to all shops and restaurants. St Tropez - (1 hour and 45 mins drive from Monaco) (There is no train) St Tropez is what you probably have seen in films or postcards. It has a beach vibe mixed with upscale restaurants that turn into dance clubs at night and mega yachts that scream wealth are surrounding you. There are designer shops throughout St Tropez and art gallery. Everything is mostly within walking distance when you are in the heart of St Tropez. Otherwise more secluded hotels, restaurants and beaches are only 10-30 mins drive. You can explore the small city vibe on a marina or relax by the beach with a good chance you will hear dance music playing from a restaurant. They have a local market 2 times a week that sells clothes, jewelry, bags, spices, meat and fruit. Tuesday and Saturday 8:00am-1pm Hotel St Tropez has many hotel options within all expense ranges. I will say it’s difficult to find a “modern” hotel, as most still have an elegant authentic French decor. The most modern hotel I found was “Lily of the Valley” which is a modern and luxurious hotel that offers beach amenities and wellness treatment programs. For luxurious stays that are more French classic decor, I would recommend: Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière Airelles Saint-Tropez, Pan Dei Palais La Réserve Ramatuelle I stayed at Pan Dei Palais and LOVED IT! It is in the heart of St Tropez and a charming boutique hotel vibe. It was once home to an Indian Princess that fell in love and married a French General. You walk out of the hotel and into the city with all shops and restaurants. There is a shuttle that can take you 10 mins to its sister property Chateau de La Messardière, which has grand impressive landscapes and amenities. They have a breakfast buffet with more options than you can think of and a Michelin star restaurant. You can also take a 10 mins drive to a private beach club for hotel guests with a restaurant. Pan Dei Palais Château de la Messardière Jardin Tropezina Beach Club Restaurants There are many options for cuisine and it all depends on the energy level you have and ambience you are looking for that day / night. Gigi is a known restaurant with delicious food and beautiful atmosphere. La Table de La Messardière located in the Airelles property is a 5 star restaurant serving an extravagant breakfast / brunch Palladio - delicious French and Italian cuisine the Airelles property Le Cafe - Is a delicious restaurant that has live music, a DJ and gets the guests dancing! I had the zucchini carpaccio with goat cheese and chicken with mushroom cream sauce. Le Petite Plage - In the heart of St Tropez overlooking the marina L Opera - lively restaurant with entertainment of dance performances and eclectic vibe Pan Dei - the hotel has a delicious Thai / Indian restaurant in the most cozy and romantic setting More options for late lunch dance vibe / restaurant: Loulou Bagatelle Le Club 55 - This is a beach club Jardin Tropezina - The beach chairs are private for hotel guests but the restaurant is open to the public with a tranquil ocean view. Gaby - An adorable small sandwich shop in the downtown area of St Tropez. Delicious sandwich on soft croissants or baguettes. I ate their 5 times in 3 days! Explore villages near St Tropez Ramatuelle - 10- 15 mins drive Grimaud + Port Grimaud 15-25 mins drive Gassin 10-15 mins drive Bormes les mimosas - 40 mins drive from St Tropez Pampelonne Beach is the famous long beach area just outside of Saint-Tropez and technically located in Ramatuelle. It’s essentially the iconic “French Riviera beach club” stretch — about 3 miles of sandy beach lined with luxury beach clubs, restaurants, boutiques, and loungers. This is where many of the well-known spots are: Club 55 Loulou Ramatuelle Bagatelle Beach Casa Amor Gigi Ramatuelle The vibe changes depending on where you go: Club 55 → classic, understated St. Tropez Bagatelle → party/lively Loulou → chic and fashionable Gigi → glamorous and scenic Provences outside of the French Riviera Gorges du Verdon- (2 hour drive from St Tropez and 2 1/2 hours drive from Monaco) This region is incredible with its mezmoring green / blue water and mountains. You can rent a small boat and explore the waters or find a spot while driving to spot and take in the scene. Verdon is actually a massive national park. To reach the viewpoint and where you can access the water easily without a hike, type 9 Pont Du Galetas into your gps Bring cash and ID - you need this to hire a pedalo boat, paddle board or kayak. They cost €20 per hour 1 hour drive from Avignon is Airelles Gordes, La Bastide Hotel In the Gorges region you can visit Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque - you will find lavender fields Other hotel option: Coquillade Provence Avignon - (3 hour drive to Monaco) (2 1/2 hour drive to St Tropez) (6 hours drive from Paris) (3 hours train from Paris) If you decide you want to explore the provences that are off the French Riviera, you will need to rent a car or have a car service. This region is very beautiful, peaceful and serene. The lush landscape, the sound of the birds, the smell of flowers and the architecture from the Middle Ages of France. There is a reason Van Gogh and many other famous artists and poets stayed in this region. It’s tranquil and inspiring. Avignon is a charming village along the Rhône River. You will feel transported back in time with this region and disconnected from the world! There are many boutique hotels you can stay in and one luxury 5 star hotel (not modern) all have that elegant French decor. Hôtel La Mirande - is a larger luxury hotel La Divine Comédie - is a small 5 bedroom château that has the largest private garden in the region. It has a magical feel to the estate. I recommend booking as far in advance as possible since room availability is limited. I booked my room 1 year in advance and there was only 2 room options for me. I recommend staying in Avignon and day trip to St Remy, Arles, Nemes and Aix-de-Provence You can find hotel options for any of those villages if you decide you prefer to stay there. St Remy - (30 mins drive from Avignon) The is village has a magical vibe to it, or maybe it’s the history. It’s where Van Gogh volunteered to stay in a mental asylum in 1889 for 1 year and painted, “A Starry Night” and many of his known masterpieces. He was truly inspired by the landscape in St Remy and Arles. Nostradamus was from St Remy and born in 1503. Restaurants: La Maison Favier - casual Aux Envies - top rated 12-2pm or 7pm Colette Cafe - coffee / pastry Arles - (30 mins drive from St Remy) (45 mins drive from Avignon) This village was inspiration for Van Gogh to paint many of his cafe works of art and he lived in Arles, prior to admitting himself to St Remy asylum. Pablo Picasso also lived many years in Arles. You can get lost on the streets driving or walking and feel the air and see the lush landscape that captivated many artists. I would love to live in this region for a few months! Aix-de-Provence - (1 hour drive from Avignon) This is like a small city with much to walk and explore. Many shops and restaurants with a metropolitan vibe. They have a market every Sunday. If you prefer it more of a small city vibe, I recommend you staying at Villa Gallici - Relais & Châteaux it is a five star hotel with spectacular amenities and close to the center of everything. It has classic French - European charm with serene nature surrounding the property. Cours Mirabeau - It’s a wide, elegant boulevard lined with: (Google Maps -Fontaine des Augustins- it’s the southern end of Cours Mirabeau) Tall plane trees forming a canopy overhead Beautiful stone buildings with shutters Classic Provence fountains spaced along the street Cafés spilling out onto the street People sitting for long lunches or espresso Small boutiques and shops tucked along both sides Locals + visitors just strolling slowly Place d'Albertas - scentic spot Hotel options: Château de la Gaude - Relais & Châteaux Villa Saint-Ange, Hotel Luxury À Aix-En-Provence Villa Gallici - Relais & Châteaux (photos below) Restaurant options: Café Adoré - coffee shop Focaccia NOVETTINO - Italian Sandwiches Pot Pote, café céramique - where you can paint and drink coffee / tea Calanques National Park - This is in Marseille, specifically in the famous calanques along the Mediterranean coast. It’s 2 hours from St Tropez The most iconic spots that look like this: Calanque d’En-Vau (most dramatic cliffs + water color) Calanque de Sugiton Calanque de Port Pin Grasse - This region is 1 hour from Monaco or 1 1/2 hours from St Tropez. It is known as the world's perfume capital due to its ideal microclimate for growing flowers like jasmine and roses, which are used in its long-established perfume industry. (Chanel no. 5) Perfumeries: Tour historic factories like Fragonard, Molinard, and Galimard, which offer tours and workshops to create your own scent. https://usines-parfum.fragonard.com/en/booking/?re-product-id=332221 Museums: Visit the Musée International de la Parfumerie (MIP) to learn about the history of perfume, and the Provence Art & History Museum. LAVENDER - The Provences are known for Lavender. There are different seasons that have it more flourished than others. I went in June and it was beautiful. Valensole - The is region has many lavender fields that stretch for miles.

June 2023 I don't know about you, but every time I watch a movie that is filmed in Italy, I fall more in love with the country! "Under the Tuscan Sun" is a movie that had me dreaming of Tuscany for many years and I knew it was somewhere I would eventually explore, but I also felt it was a place made for romance. I'm happy that I waited to share it with someone I love. It's definitely not a region to travel solo, in my option, despite the fact that Diane Lane in the movie moved there alone in desperate need of solitude and change. I spent numerous days and countless hours researching different properties to stay in Tuscany and decided upon "Borgo Santo Pietro" a 800 year old property that has been renovated with modern touches, while still holding that classic Tuscan atmosphere. When you arrive at this property, after a long trip of winding roads that might make you nauseous (although beautiful scenes along the way) you see elegant gates surrounded by large Italian cypress trees. Slowing the entrance doors open and you drive into another world! A world where you are surrounded by only beauty, serene views and peace felt in the air! If you look to your right, you'll see adorable ducks swimming in a pond and if you look straight, eventually you arrive at a charming Italian Villa with a small fiat and scooters that help you feel the Italian vibe. Upon check in, you enter into the Villa that instantly leaves you in awe and the host escorts you to a living-room filled with books and lit by a gorgeous chandelier, to have a cup of coffee, tea, water or anything you prefer. As they took our passports, I couldn't control my urge to explore inside the Villa while we waited to be assisted to our room. There are 22 luxury rooms and suites on the property, each one with an individualized special touch and on the website you can choose which cozy small Villa you want to call your home for a few nights! As I toured the estate, I thought, this was once a persons’ home!" Enchanting décor and cozy ambience from the chandeliers throughout the property, candles lit and numerous fireplace. I knew before even making it to my suite, I never wanted to leave and at some point in my life, I'd love an extended stay on this property. When I visit properties like this that has a special energy about it, I like to envision what it would have been like years ago to live there and what it would be like if I lived there in present time. As we waited to be escorted to our private suite/villa I could not resist exploring outside of the main house/ villa, and seeing what was beyond the large brown doors that I noticed to the left of it, when I walked in. I quickly went outside and walked through those large brown doors, only to be transported into what felt like another world, realm or existence. I was speechless. The beauty of the rolling hills that Tuscany is known for that appear to go on for acres. The chairs that overlooked the breathtaking view. I couldn't help but feel so grateful that I was witnessing this beauty with my naked eye and thought to myself. How did I go 34 years without ever knowing something like this existed? Borgo Santo Pietro is a world within itself that makes you feel disconnected from reality of your life that might include stress, work, or anything you wish you didn't have to think about. It's truly a hidden gem with a warm and inviting energy that makes you never want to leave. That attention to detail and exceptional service. The farm to table restaurants and the ability to tour the property and take goat milking classes to learn how they make cheese from it or the ability to go to their farm on property and pick your own fruit and vegetables. The products such as; soaps, lotions and scent infusers for the villas that smell amazing!! All come from ingredients on their farm. It was raining prior to arrival so some parts of the property were cloud covered or puddles. But that didn't take away from the beauty of this estate. Further into the blog, you will find photos of the property in greater detail with the sun shining bright! It was time to finally check into our private villa called "Casa Ellen." As we walked the path that led to our private suite / Villa, we passed many others along the way, which makes it feel like a small community on acres of land. They literally look like small villas each down a different path and when you stay in one, you actually feel like you are at home due to its private front door, spacious bed and living room and private outdoor back area with patio furniture. The only thing missing is a kitchen and honestly who needs that when you have exceptional room, service, and farm to table restaurants on property. Upon entering the private doors to our Villa, I began to feel an overwhelming energy of gratitude and awe.....was I really living this life? Was I really in such an unbelievable region of Italy and this particular property? It felt surreal as I walked into what felt like a home away from home. My Tuscan Villa! The attention to details that made it so inviting: The pot outside the front door that held umbrellas, the 2 cozy chairs on the front patio and then when you enter and the scent of their unique infuser (I bought them and now at home in Miami, I am always reminded of Tuscany), the king bed that looks royal, the ambience of the living-room that has a fireplace and warm lit chandelier and the color palette that spoke to my soul. As I entered the suite and took in that moment, I couldn't wait to explore every inch of this property, knowing that what I was observing seemed like it couldn't get any better, but somehow I knew that there was so much more to experience and beauty waiting to be discovered! I looked out the French doors/windows and stared at the nature surrounding me. My private chairs and living space outside with a separate fireplace and.....chandelier! Beyond the back door was a garden waiting to be found. It was a large pond where ducks were swimming and a preservation of nature that Monet would have painted. A fountain and bench that was inviting you to sit and stare into the abyss. On the desk you find a schedule with activity you can participate in every day at different times and a summary of the estate. "Immerse yourself in the Borgo experience by meeting the farmers and culinary gardeners who produce the harvest for the table, exploring the 13 acres of gardens for a flower-arranging lesson with our in-house florist, or setting up a canvas next to the resident artist for an art lesson by the lake. Take a cooking lessons at the Borgo Cooking School with our local 'Mamma Olga' and stretch out in the abundance of nature on our 300 acres. Visit our artisan dairy and taste the delicious varieties of savory cheeses that we make fresh daily from the milk from our livestock of 300 sheep. Roam our forests past 100 acres of rolling green pasture land alongside the River Merse to immerse yourself completely in nature. Wander through our vineyards and try Cooking School, our different wines, Explore our 6 acres of organic herbs fields, then see where the herbs are blended by hand for our natural skincare line, Seed to Skin in our science lab." If there was any chance of me relaxing, I knew first I needed to explore the property and take as many photos of all the things my eyes were drawn to. Photography has always been a passion of mine and a landscape like this, I cannot get enough photos. 54 photos later and this isn't even all of them! It did begin to rain, but that only added some additional feelings of exhilaration. This property had me feeling like I was in a fairy tale. Now that I had explored most of the common areas, although I did want to experience it by night since everything looks more dramatic and different at night, especially when you're on a property that lights by hand over 200 handles throughout and that had me thinking.....how much time does that take each night and how much do they spend on candles? If I sold candles, they would be my best customer. We had a long drive from Milan and I wanted to relax in my villa and have some delicious home-made Italian cuisine, wine and light that fire. The pizza was traditional Naples style with dough that was fermined to perfection and the al dente pasta made with fresh tomato sauce was delicious too!  It was such an intimate and romantic setting and at the same time, I felt like I was experiencing it in the privacy of my own home. There is something about Italy as day becomes night. The sky turns a beautiful blue that I’ve never observed anywhere else. I asked my boyfriend if we could adventure before it became dark and take some photos and absorb the ambience of the candles lit throughout the property, making me feel like I’m on the set of Phantom of the Opera or transported back in time when they used candles to light the way. It was mesmerizing to tour the estate and I’m obsessed with warm lighting, so it felt magical! "In every walk with nature you receive more than you seek." The next morning we awoke to a sunny day and I couldn't wait to get outside and tour the wine vineyard, nature trail, farm with animals and vegetable garden. "And into the garden I go, to lose myself and find my soul." It was a good thing they had signs to follow, since the property was so large, you could get lost. We were starving and were anticipating an exceptional breakfast. We arrived at the large villa where the kitchen is and it felt like we were coming home to a chef in our kitchen that just prepared an elaborate feast. Everything you could imagine was spread out throughout the formal kitchen and anything you wanted made specific, the chef was cooking it for you. There was eggs made to order, fresh pasties, an assortment of all types of cheese directly from their farm and fresh fruits and vegetables. I loved the berry jam on my croissant with an egg white omelet and cheese. We sat outside and admired the view of nature, while hearing the birds chirping is the distance. 80% of the ingredients are directly from the property farm. The eggs fresh from the chickens, the cheese made from the goats milk, the vegetables hand picked from the garden and the berries wild from the forest. After breakfast we decided to take the scooters and tour Siena. The region of Tuscany we were in. We found an abandoned villa on a mountain and a cathedral. Borgo Santo Pietro has a tranquil pool over looking the landscape so we wanted to get back and relax before lunch and spend time being in the moment now that the sun was shining on us! We spent a few hours by the pool and wanted to return to our room to shower and nap before dinner. We were supposed to have a farm to table dinner in the garden with other guests, surrounded by fruit and vegetables and hand choose ones we wanted to have for dinner, but due to a heavy amount of rain the night prior, we were unable to do that since the garden has to much mud. It worked out anyways, we ate at one of the restaurants that has a nature lovers dreams décor. I am a lover of nature, specifically trees and the restaurant was built around a tree that stand directly through it. You become one with nature. They have in Borgo fashion, a chandelier and candles hand lit throughout the restaurant inside and outside. After dinner and watching the sunset, we had a drink cozy by the fire pit outside the restaurant and eventually got back to our suite where the fire was lit for us and we ordered a bottle of wine. "Designed around a large spreading oak tree with rustic interiors that evoke an elegant expansive tree house, our Trattoria Sull'Albero offers a laid-back lounge and dining ambience overlooking the fields and forest of Valle Serena. The classic Tuscan Menu of our "farm to plate" showcases our organically cultivated ingredients sourced from our farm: freshly picked vegetables, artisanal cheeses from our dairy, free range eggs, inhouse prosciutto ham and zero idiometer sourced meat. Guests can enjoy a delicious drink ether inside by the cozy fire. With our open plan kitchen, you can watch our pizzaiolo make and twirl a pizza from scratch before siding it into the wood-fired oven and serving it, sizzling, onto your plate. Every Wednesday and Sunday evening, SulfAlbero plays host to our gourmet Farmers Market, where guests are invited to take their pick on the spot, and dine in a convivial atmosphere of live music." The following morning we had a private art lesson in nature. Alex was awesome! She taught us techniques to easily paint flowers with watercolor. The painting area was surrounded by a pond where we heard loud frogs and saw ducks. It was enchanting! I felt like I was in a fairy tale forest and disconnected from reality, in a good way! After painting we went to see the baby goats and learn how they milk them. It was interesting, but disgusting at the same time. Then night came and before I knew it, it was the next morning and time to leave. I wish I could have spent more nights there but I had strategically mapped out the trip and only had a specific number of days in each location. Borgo has a special feeling in my heart and as I mentioned before, every day I am reminded of it when I smell it as I walk in my front door or sit in my living room and smell the infuser they use on property. Ciao Borgo, until next time..... September 2025 Everything on the property is stunning and expanding! We did many similar things as our previous trip 2 years prior, except this time we did a cooking class and went to the river for a natural swimming pool. The cooking class was 6pm - 8pm and 3 courses. We cooked Gnocchi with tomato sauce, Risotto with zucchini and Tarimisu.

This is my second blog, as I have now been to the Amalfi Coast 4 times and it’s still not enough! At some stage of my life; I would love to there for a few months in summer. This blog is much more details than the first one. Fly into Rome and drive 3 1/2 hours Fly into Naples (not always direct) Naples —> Amalfi 1 hour Amalfi —> Ravello 30 mins Amalfi —> Positano 40 mins Positano —> Sorrento 30 mins Ferry Sorrento —> Capri 20 mins Ferry Amalfi —> Capri 40 mins This is not including time of traffic and in season, you will definitely have traffic since most destinations only have 1 way to drive to and from it. HOTEL OPTIONS  Monastero Santa Rosa (Amalfi) Villa Franca (Positano) J.K. Place (Capri) Capri Palace Jumeirah AREAS TO EXPLORE /TOURS Path of Gods (nature hike) Amalfi Lemon Experience Villa Rufolo (Ravello) Villa Cimbrone Gardens (Ravello) Explore Positano Explore Sorrento Explore Naples Arco Naturale (nature hike) RESTAURANTS  Bruno (Positano) Li Galli (Positano) Ristorante il Refettorio (Amalfi) Da Ciccio Cielo Mare Terra (Amalfi) Le Camerelle (Capri) Le Arcate (Capri) JKitchen (Capri) La Zagara (Capri) AMALFI When we stay in Amalfi , Monastero Santa Rosa is ALWAYS the best option. It was once a Monastery in the 17th century, now converted into a 20 room / suite luxury hotel. They kept many features of the monastery, giving the property a peaceful ambience. A 10 mins drive from the Hotel, in Amalfi, you can explore the village and take a tour of a lemon grove and make lemon pasta! It’s called, “ Amalfi Lemon Experience ” and it is run by a family that is 5th generation. The tour is very interesting and the cooking class is a bonus! I never knew you can eat the outside of a lemon. In the tour, the owner (4th generation) said, “taste it! Eat it like an apple.” Amalfi lemons are not only enormous in size, they have a sweet taste to them. The hotel has a tranquil restaurant to have dinner under the moonlight, overlooking the ocean. It’s a Michelin starred restaurant called, Il Refettorio. We are there 2 different nights. One was inside and the second time was outside. Outside is definitely more romantic, but the first night it was raining so we had to sit inside. You can also have a memorable experience at Da Ciccio Cielo Mare Terra that is a 10 mins drive from the hotel and the gentleman who picks you up, is the father of the family who owns the restaurant. One brother is a server, one brother is a chef and the mother makes the pasties. This restaurant is not expensive, but it should be! The quality and taste of the food is beyond exceptional. RAVELLO Ravello is a quaint small village with not much to see or do other than these 2 gardens and some small art shops with handmade ceramics, cashmere / linen clothes and tourist gifts. If you have the time it’s worth a visit. Villa Rufolo Villa Cimbrone Gardens This is on the property of a hotel, so if you are looking for a more secluded hotel to stay, Ravello might be the area and this hotel might be for you! It has breathtaking views and many movies were filmed on the terrace since the view is spectacular. POSITANO The drive to Positano is mesmerizing! The views are incredible and you will want to constantly stop and pull over to take it in. Along the way, a must is to stop at this shop that has handmade ceramics and adorable, inexpensive jewelry. Positano is my personal magical happy place! I love everything about it! The colors of the architecture, the views no matter where you stay. The vibrant energy as you drive or walk through the streets. It has beach, mountains, amazing cuisine, luxury hotels. shops, art gallery and the best lemon cookies I’ve ever had in my life! Photography really doesn’t do it justice. It’s somewhere you must see with the naked eye. When I stay in Positano , Villa Franca is a must! It is at the top of the mountain so the views are unbelievable. It is also modern, artistic and luxurious. They have a Michelin star restaurant Li Galli that has a presentation not only with the food, but the plates and silverware. Le Sirenuse is the most known hotel in Positano and is the scene for many hotel social media images in Amalfi, but I feel it’s somewhat outdated for my taste. If you want a delicious, casual lunch, with a view overlooking Positano, Bruno is a must! The best fried calamari I’ve ever had and exceptional eggplant and pasta! SORRENTO If you are looking for good quality, inexpensive, SOFT leather bags, shoes and accessories…..Sorrento is where you need to be! It is a very small city that has streets filled with leather products and Amalfi lemon gifts! You can walk down any street, but VIA S. CESAREO is a good location to explore. Capri A ferry ride 20-50 mins depending where you take it from to a tranquil island filled with luxury hotels, designer shops and the classic Italian vibe with the most breathtaking views. Capri is divided into two parts - Anacapri has high end luxury shops and Capri has more local boutique shops, ceramics, local jewelry, and linen clothes. Both areas are spectacular for different reasons. If you are staying in Ana Capri I would recommend the 5-star hotel, Capri Palace Hotel . It is located walking distance to all the shops and restaurants. If you want to be more central to both, I recommend staying a J.K. Place Hotel that is right near the ferry port and 10 -15 mins drive either direction. Le Arcate is a delicious restaurant for lunch or dinner if you are walking around Capri and La Zagara restaurant and wine bar is romantic, tranquil and intimate for dinner under lemon trees. Le Camerelle is a delicious restaurant for lunch or dinner in Anacapri with spectacular views. You can take a boat ride to the world known “ Blue Grotto” I personally went to see it from above, but did not take a boat to the inside as the water was too rough for me. Via Tragara is a picturesque street in Capri, Italy, known for its scenic views and elegant atmosphere. It's a popular route for walking, offering glimpses of the Faraglioni rocks and Natural Arch . This path is one of the most breathtaking and peaceful nature paths I’ve even seen in my life. The views of the mountains, trees, ocean and flowers along the Italian coast.

Your Ultimate Guide to AMALFI COAST luxury hotels, restaurants and places to explore. Italy…..is there anything more romantic than the thought of strolling through the streets of Amalfi and smelling the scent of beautiful flowers while you’re surrounded by lemon trees. Amalfi is like no where else in the world! It’s MAGICAL! If you thinking of planning a trip to Italy and searching for the perfect itinerary, filled with luxury hotels, unforgivable activities, scenic views of the ocean, mountains and of course mouthwatertravel, italy, amalfi, Sorrento, positano ing cuisine…..You have come to the right blog! AMALFI If you are searching for the most romantic, breathtaking and relaxing hotel in Amalfi; You have to stay at Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa. This 17th-century monastery now converted to a luxury 5-star hotel, offers an infinity pool that overlooks the cliff of Amalfi and direct view of the ocean. As you walk into the hotel, they welcome you with a delicious lemonade made fresh from the Amalfi lemons. The concierge has you put down your luggage and begins to give you a tour of the 20 room monastery, sharing the history behind the beauty. It was originally owned by Sister Rosa Pandolfi, a descendant of the noble family Pontone di Scala. In 1681, the convert was dedicated to St. Rose of Lima. In the late 1800s, the religious establishment was removed following a law of eviction, although they still allowed the nuns to live out their lives on the beautiful property. In 1924 the hotel was acquired by a hotelier and who made it into a hotel until he passed away and once again the property was left unaccompanied. In 2000 a woman was on a boat excursion and admired the monastery from the ocean, viewing it up on the cliff. She later acquired the hotel and began to restore its magnificent features. Have lunch sitting pool side or explore Amalfi. There is so much to see and do only a small proximity to the hotel. Dinner is defiantly worth having at the hotel. The ambiance at night is romantic and cozy. The cuisine is mouthwatering and the wine is perfectly paired. POSITANO Roughly a 40 mins drive from Amalfi, depending on the traffic and how quick you can drive on the twists and turns of Amalfi Coast's one of a kind streets, is Positano. The most sought after place on the Amalfi Coast due to its popularity from travel photos. You will find yourself stopping many times on this drive and even driving slower than expected, just to take in the scenic oceanside views. Once in Positano, get ready for a leg workout like never before. Exploring Positano is challenging by car because there are many things to see, that can only be reached by foot and parking is difficult. There are two ways to walk around; you can either walk along the street path that is spiraled up or down, depending where you want to go or you can take the hidden stairs that are located behind most restaurants, hotels and homes. The stairs will take you vertically from the beach to the top of the mountain. I stayed at the top of the mountain in a beautiful modern 5-star hotel called Villa Franca. The view from its rooftop pool terrace is unforgettable. Arguably, one of the best views you can have of Positano. There are so many amazing restaurants and linen shops, handmade ceramics and gift shops that I prefer not to choose one. I advise you take the day to just explore for yourself and see what you find! If you are into art, there are many creative art pieces around the hotels and restaurants as well as the shops. There are scattered art galleries throughout the streets. There is one place that is a must! It is on your way to Sorrento from Positano. An older gentleman has a fruit and vegetable stand on the side of the street on the left side overlooking the ocean. He barely speaks English and he will probably over charge you, but the experience of meeting him and tasting his delicious fresh fruits and vegetables is worth it! Especially if you are a lemon lover, his Amalfi lemons are bigger than your head. SORRENTO Sorrento is a 40 min drive from Positano. It faces the bay of Naples on the Sorrentine Peninsula. It is where Sophia Loren filmed Scandal in Sorrento. As you walk through the streets, you will find gift shops and leather stores that have the softest leather you have ever felt. It is high-end luxury quality for not nearly the cost you would pay for designer brands. From Sorrento you will be able to get a ferry to Capri. The ride is about 20-30 mins. It is a peaceful transport on the ocean with magnificent views of the Amalfi Coast. CAPRI Capri is divided into two parts - Anacapri which is more high end and Carpi. Both areas are spectacular for different reasons. If you are staying in Ana Capri I would recommend the 5-star hotel, Capri Palace. It is located walking distance to all the shops and restaurants. When you arrive at the hotel, they ask you to please take sometime to enjoy the hotel amenities while they complete setting up your room. At first you might feel somewhat anxious to check in to your room, but the experience they are planning is something you would never expect. They assess your clothing size without you knowing and when you finally are escorted to your room, you find a transparent dresser filled with clothes your size to try on and purchase if you like it. GENIUS SALES TECHNIQUE! The room was spacious and felt like I was in a modern day palace. All white with a few blue accents and traditional Italian hand painted tile. Once settled in, go explore AnaCapri just steps outside your hotel. There are many shops and restaurants that are filled with Italian taste and style. We had lunch two days in a row at Le Arcate because the food was that delicious! On our second day we took advantage of the transportation provided by the hotel to visit their "beach club." The club is not exactly on the beach, it has lounge chairs to relax in the sun and sea air, but it is actually perched on a rocky cliff that overlooks the ocean and well-known blue grotto. For dinner we ate at a quaint place that is hidden within lemon trees. It is called La Zagara restaurant and wine bar. It is romantic, tranquil and intimate.