Ancient stones, frescoed ceilings, handmade pasta and long golden evenings. Italy is where we keep coming back to, together.
The Colosseum outside the bedroom window, espresso on the balcony and the Forum at the end of the street. The Rome apartment we keep coming back to.
We've stood on the arena floor and walked the underground. If you only book one Colosseum tour, here's the one we'd choose, and why.
One afternoon on a small-group tour, one slow private day built around tastings and scenery. How the two compare, and the one we'd choose for an anniversary.
Espresso with the Baptistery outside the window and a rooftop terrace face to face with the Duomo. The Florence stay we'd book again, and the five-star rooftop we'd go back to for drinks.
Sunset on a rooftop, a spritz above the Trevi, dinner in Trastevere and a slow walk home over Ponte Sisto. How we spend an evening in Rome, for two.
Everyone says you only need a couple of days in Rome. We politely disagree. Gladiators' gates, Vatican ceilings, the Trevi from above and sunsets beside a baroque dome.
Yes, it's crowded. Go early anyway. Our honest guide to the small-group Vatican tour that took us from sculpture courtyards to the Sistine Chapel and into St. Peter's.
One carry-on each, every time. The pieces we’d pack again for Italy, his, hers and shared.
Stone villas on the water, a private boat at golden hour, then up into the Dolomites for pale peaks and emerald lakes. The Italian summer at the top of our wishlist.
Ready when you are
Our step-by-step guide, from choosing the place to the last dinner, with a printable checklist.
Plan your escape