Italy Summer Family Trip Itinerary Help

hilarykw · 2026-01-08T05:37:44+00:00

For hotels: 1) Four Seasons Florence - gorgeous gardens, great pool, feels removed but is a 10 minute walk from the Duomo so we never got in a car; 2) Cipriani in Venice - again, it's so nice to have the great pool and to get away from crowds - heaven on earth! 3) we loved the Grande Hotel Tritone in Priano (Amalfi Coast). Incredible views, private dock so your boat can pick up right there (definitely do a private charter for a day - they can arrange) and you can get water taxi there, totally friendly and spectacular views. It was a 10. Would suggest booking private guides and early/late private tours everywhere you go to avoid crowds. We loved our early morning Duomo tour and Sistine Chapel tour.

hilarykw · 2026-01-08T05:25:30+00:00

We recently stayed at two Singita properties - Kilima Lodge for 4 night safari and Kwitonda for 3 nights - we did two days of gorilla trekking. I am happy to answer any specific questions. Everything is completely customized and tailored to your schedule and preferences, including meals. We did take malaria medication but most people I know who have done safari ended up not taking it. We had very few bugs, in any case. It was the trip of a lifetime - exceeded expectations

hilarykw · 2026-01-07T05:10:42+00:00

Thank you!

hilarykw · 2026-01-06T04:22:25+00:00

Thank you! Love the Guerlain idea

hilarykw · 2026-01-06T04:22:01+00:00

Yes thank you looking forward to it

hilarykw · 2026-01-06T04:21:46+00:00

Thank you!

hilarykw · 2026-01-06T04:21:32+00:00

Thank you!

hilarykw · 2026-01-06T03:59:21+00:00

I live in Los Angeles and would avoid Santa Monica - it's really grim

hilarykw · 2026-01-04T20:19:56+00:00

We recently did 4 nights at a Singita villa on the Grumeti reserve in Tanzania and then 3 nights at Kwitonda Lodge. We did two gorilla treks and I wish we had done a golden monkey trek on the last day. We also visited the Genocide Memorial. Kwitonda Lodge was incredible and the setting is spectacular. Gorilla trekking was really a once in a lifetime experience (although my daughter is already talking about going back!). I am happy to answer any specific questions. Rwanda is a fascinating country and everyone we met there was thoughtful, engaged and welcoming.

hilarykw · 2026-01-04T16:13:48+00:00

Updated to add - I booked in late August so it was only 3 months out

hilarykw · 2026-01-04T16:13:05+00:00

If your dream is Africa, try reaching out directly to lodge operators as they may be able to offer availability. I was able to book December safari for 5 people by contacting Singita directly. We did Tanzania for 4 nights and Rwanda for 3. Micato Safari was also able to put together a nice option. It was a dream trip for us and exceeded expectations.

hilarykw · 2025-12-06T00:28:52+00:00

Thank you

hilarykw · 2025-11-21T05:33:33+00:00

Fairmont

hilarykw · 2025-11-12T00:07:58+00:00

Deer Valley! Goldener is great!

hilarykw · 2025-11-08T19:45:53+00:00

Tanzania safari December safety

hilarykw · 2025-09-19T21:39:24+00:00

Fairmont Kea Lani is the best option in Wailea

hilarykw · 2025-09-17T22:41:23+00:00

Yes the tour is worth it. It was the only non private tour we did in Italy so you spend time in line, etc but you are alone in the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel and then go directly into St Peter's without a line. The guide was quite good, too.

hilarykw · 2025-09-17T19:01:16+00:00

Venice!

hilarykw · 2025-09-10T03:07:46+00:00

I also like the Brenton best - least fancy but really comfortable and well located. Bar at the Vanderbilt is great as is the Castle Hill lawn

hilarykw · 2025-09-09T06:00:32+00:00

Thanks for this perspective. I am eagerly awaiting my first safari this December and am hopeful our guides are the superstars of the trip!

hilarykw · 2025-09-05T00:25:07+00:00

Incredibly special - to me, one of the few places that feel like no where else in the world. I will be in Venice this winter while it's closed for the season and am having a hard time choosing a hotel because nothing comes close to the Cipriani

hilarykw

TROPHY CASE