Antidote Travel

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Honeymoon in Italy: Rome, Florence, Venice, and more!

First, Let Me Introduce Myself…

My name is Krista and I’m a Virtuoso travel advisor based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Prior to moving to Florida to take care of my elderly mom with Parkinson’s Disease, I spent over 11 years living and working in London, England, selling financial data. My career and personal travel have taken me all over the world. To date, I’ve been to 78 countries. Now I bring the joy of travel to others as a Virtuoso travel advisor. Let me make your next vacation seamless for you. Talking travel is my favorite thing in the entire world! I offer a 30 minute complimentary vacation consultation for anyone looking to plan their next trip.

Now let’s talk about Italy!

Rome: Eternal City, Eternal Romance

Rome, the Eternal City, beckons with its centuries-old history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Lose yourselves in the grandeur of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Trevi Fountain. Immerse yourselves in the spiritual heart of Rome at Vatican City, home to St. Peter's Basilica and the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel. As you wander through the city’s charming streets, savor the flavors of Roman cuisine, indulging in hearty dishes like cacio e pepe and carciofi alla romana.

Stay at…Baglioni Hotel Regina

Celebrities and heads of state alike adore Baglioni Hotel Regina for its prized location on Via Veneto. The hotel was built in 1892 and named for Queen Margherita of Savoy – marvel at the queen's turn-of-the-century bronze and marble staircase. Combining the elegance of bygone eras with thoroughly modern conveniences, the 116 lavish rooms and the Roman Penthouse Suite are decorated in traditional and sleek art deco style with authentic details.

My VIP Perks & Amenities

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

  • Daily buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the hotel restaurant

  • $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

  • Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability

Florence: Renaissance Romance

Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is a city of art, culture, and elegance. Marvel at the masterpieces housed within the Uffizi Gallery, and ascend the iconic Duomo for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Stroll hand-in-hand across the Ponte Vecchio, a bridge lined with historic goldsmith shops. For a truly unforgettable experience, embark on a wine tasting tour through the picturesque Chianti region, sampling some of Italy’s finest wines.

Stay at…Continentale

Perfectly poised above the Ponte Vecchio, Continentale displays all the elegance of a Ferragamo shoe. Inspired by the glamorous, carefree fashion of 1950s Italy, the boutique hotel showcases a dynamic mix of soothing whites, soft leathers, and minimal design – all the better for admiring the romantic view over the Arno River, preferably with a tasty cocktail at the rooftop La Terrazza bar. Filtered natural light and flowing bed curtains give the 43 rooms a warm spa feel; should you require more relaxation, the actual spa offers Tibetan sound massages and couples’ rituals.

My VIP Perks & Amenities

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

  • Daily Buffet Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom

  • $100USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

Venice: A Floating Fairy Tale

Venice, a city of canals and bridges, is a romantic paradise. Lose yourselves in the labyrinthine streets, gliding through the serene canals in a gondola. Admire the stunning architecture of St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace, and explore the vibrant Rialto Market. Savor the flavors of Venetian cuisine, indulging in fresh seafood dishes like risotto al nero di seppia and sarde in saor. Ready to book? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

Stay at…Ca’ Segredo

The amazing, five-star Ca’ Sagredo Hotel offers “the real Venezia” to its lucky guests, with an enviable location overlooking the Grand Canal between the Ca’ d’Oro and the Rialto Bridge. Art lovers are in heaven; works by noted Venetian artists of the 17th and 18th centuries adorn the public areas and guest rooms, making the hotel a true treasure – in fact, it has been named a national monument. Consider staying in the Deluxe Suite, the Grand Canal Library Suite, or the Heritage Suite, all known for their original decor and for frescoes and paintings by Giambattista Tiepolo, Pietro Longhi, and Sebastiano Ricci.

My VIP Perks & Amenities

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

  • Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the breakfast halls

  • Complimentary 3 course lunch for up to two people/room, once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities (minimum 3-courses & value of $100 USD)

  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

Lake Como: Serene Luxury

Lake Como, a breathtakingly beautiful lake surrounded by majestic mountains, offers a peaceful retreat. Relax on the shores of the lake, explore charming villages like Bellagio and Varenna, and visit opulent villas like Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta. Indulge in the region’s culinary delights, such as missoltino and polenta taragna, while enjoying stunning lake views.

Stay at…Passalacqua

Every kind of lifestyle experience will be available. Couples can take romantic strolls through the rose garden or antique orchard, and groups of friends and families can cool off in the stunning swimming pool or improve their backhand at the lakeside tennis court. Additional features that will highlight the natural beauty of the villa will include an open-air gym located in the olive grove, as well outdoor spa treatments, sunrise yoga, and movie nights under the stars. Ready to book? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

My VIP Perks & Amenities

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

  • Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant (already included in property rates)

  • $100USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

Amalfi Coast: Coastal Paradise

The Amalfi Coast, a stunning stretch of coastline with colorful cliffside towns, is a dream destination for many. Explore the picturesque villages of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, and hike the scenic Path of the Gods. Savor the fresh seafood of the region, including spaghetti alle vongole and limoncello. For an unforgettable experience, embark on a boat tour along the coastline, taking in the breathtaking views of the crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs.

Stay at…Il San Pietro

On a cliff overlooking the bay of Positano, Il San Pietro di Positano affords views of the coastline as far away as the Faraglioni of Capri. Outside, guests are invited to take in the beauty that surrounds them, from the Lattari Mountains to the resplendent gardens to the private beach. At day’s end, the Zass Restaurant awaits, always tempting with its Michelin-starred cuisine. Take full advantage of your location – there is a private dock for guests arriving by yacht; a complimentary yacht tour of the Amalfi Coast; a 24-hour free shuttle to Positano; and, by arrangement, a water taxi to the center of town.

Whether you’re seeking history, art, romance, or relaxation, Italy has something to offer everyone. Let me create a bespoke itinerary that caters to your unique desires. Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

Other Options for Italy

I have all different sorts of packages for Italy travel. I have group tours, independent tours, and of course, I can VIP your hotel stay at most 5 star hotels. Weirdly though, there are very few cruises that do only Italy. Most do either the western coast of Italy plus the South of France or the eastern coast of Italy plus Croatia.

One thing to know is that 2025 is a Jubilee Year for the Catholic church, so there will be many pilgrims in Rome. Rome is always busy but we expect it to be particularly busy from April through September. In general, I always recommend the shoulder season (February/March and October/November) to save money and avoid the crowds, but this means you won’t get those Amalfi Coast vibes you see on Instagram. So…hard choices!

How to Save Money on Flights for Your Trip

Worried about the cost of flights? Here’s my quick tip for any vacation planning. Google Flights is your friend! You can do a search from your home airport to anywhere. Seriously…you can type in (Home City) to ANYWHERE! Add your dates and Google Flights will show you what’s available. I like to look at direct flights but you can also look for 1-stop flights and set your minimum layover. (I recommend 2.5 to 5 hours—the friendly skies are not very friendly these days.) Also, if you plan on checking bags, make sure you select adding luggage. Google Flights is really such a great tool. Once you find the flight that works, I recommend booking directly with the airline. Do not use a 3rd party service you’ve never heard of.

How I Can Help You…

A good travel advisor — ahem, me! — has great connections that can really make a trip special and memorable. There are lots of different was to use a travel advisor but here are a few of them:

  • VIP perks and amenities: Through my relationships with many top hotels, I can add complimentary breakfast for two, hotel credits, and priority for upgrade. These perks generally happen at the 4.5 and 5 star level.

  • Seamless international travel and private touring: I can organize your vacation so that all you need to do is show up. When your flight arrives, you’ll be met at baggage claim with your name on a sign and be whisked away to your hotel. Then, once you’re refreshed, I can organize private guides and drivers for you. In Europe and parts of Asia, I can also organize first class train tickets.

  • Cruises: I am a preferred partner with all of the major cruise lines and can add onboard credits and other VIP perks. (Honestly, never book a cruise without a travel advisor.)

  • Small group tours and activities: I have a huge stable of all different types of tours and experiences for all sorts of travelers.

  • Travel insurance: Trust me, I’ve seen it all at this point in my career. Don’t neglect travel insurance for your trip!

Ready to talk about travel? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here. You can also Like my page on Facebook for more travel inspiration.