Hotels

Stays we'd book again — boutique boltholes, grande dames, and the occasional guesthouse with a great breakfast.

Our last night in Italy — a beachside stay near Rome's coast for an unhurried close: sand, dinner, and an easy ride to FCO the next morning.

One night near Piazza San Marco — a quick Venice stop between Tuscany and our beach finale in Rome.

Two nights in the heart of Florence — our Tuscany base after the cruise, walkable to the Duomo and the Uffizi.

Two nights at a small B&B steps from St. Peter's Square — our Rome base for the first leg of the trip.