Tiff

Hi luveurop ~ Glad you are enjoying it, just let me know if you have any questions, I will check back.

GaPch

I spent a good portion of last night reading all of Tiff's postings on her and DH's trip to Italy. Tiff, you are an amazingly wonderful writer. I felt like I was eating that chocolate crepe myself! I was so impressed with her stay at Locanda Orseolo that I immediately went to the web site to see if they could have us in September. Unfortunately, they are totally booked so that is out for this trip. My DH and I are going back to Venice in September. It is our 10th wedding anniversary and that is where we spent our honeymoon. We love Italy and have traveled there many times. This time I booked a room at the Flora. I have sent emails to them asking for a large, lovely room with view. Does anyone have specific room information on the Flora in terms of room numbers? I stayed there one night a number of years ago and had an absolutely huge, spacious room but I didn't write down the room number. Any help would be greatly appreciated. btw, this is my first time posting on this site. I so enjoyed everyone's comments and suggestions and have made lots of notes for our upcoming trip. Thanks!

Tiff

Hi GaPch ~ Thank you for your lovely sentiments, it made me smile.

Yes, our dear Locanda Orseolo books quite up far in advance, I am sorry they did not have availability.

As far as the Flora goes, it is probable that you might not get a reply from anyone on this thread. However, you can always do a text search (just type "Flora hotel Venice" or the such into the text search box and see what comes of it. Or you could always start a post of your own, with a very specific title on Flora, etc.

I thank you again for your gracious post, and wish you a lovely anniversary in September, Tiff

wombat7

Thank you for bringing this back to the top - I missed it first time around - what a magical trip report. What a wonderful antidote to some of the bickering posts I have read (and, hangs head in shame, contributed to) lately!

Tiff

Hi wombat7 ~ Thanks! I have to say that I felt as inspired by Italy as by those who kindly posted on this thread. It takes a lot of time to type a trip report and everyone that posted here replied in such a kind mannger, it literally made me want to keep typing, lol!

We had such a joyous time in bella Italia, I cannot wait to go back, and if any of my words inspire someone else to discover this great country then that pleases me immensely.

Best wishes and thanks for posting, Tiff

npurpleh2

This was a pleasure to read! Thanks for sharing.

samsmom1127

Bookmarking
Enchanting!

aussiefive

Hi Tiff,

You certainly raised the stakes in trip reporting! I have just sepnt the last 2 hours of work time reading your report - I couldn't stop! But I must thank you - we are travelling to Italy this December/January. Being from the other side of the globe it is our summer holiday so the only time we can get enough time to travel overseas. I am so glad to hear that it is still magical. I have noted all your restaruant recommendations - I hope they are still good a year later.

Tiff

Hi aussie ~ I am so thrilled that you were able to read a report that was during the time you will be in Italy. I was lucky enough to find several reports too, before we left, and the fact that all of them said that travel without so many tourists was so enjoyable definitely appealed to us.

Most of the restaurants I found here after extensive research and a couple others we found on our own, or from friends that had traveled before us, so they should still be good when you are there.

Best of luck to you for a pleasant journey, and thank you for your kind words!

samsmom1127 & npurpleh2 ~ Thanks for checking in!

Travelbug13

Tiff,

I just stumbled onto this report in preperation of my first trip to Italy on September 29th.

Wow, truly terrific. I am so eager in anticipation to leave tomorrow. We are going to Rome, Florence and Venice.

Also somehow you managed to make going to Italy in the winter seem truly magical (and I am sure it was). I love the winter (being a Canadian girl) so you describing your visit during this time, made me realize that Italy at anytime in the year is gorgeous and worthwhile.

Thank you for sharing. I hope I can get to sleep tonight. I travel a lot, and I've been to many countries, but there is something about the magic of Europe, that gets me more excited than most other places.

I went to Costa Rica in the spring, and although it was fabulous, I didn't have that childlike excitement like I have right now. And it's all your fault, for stirring it all up when I still have 3 more weeks before I leave. Which means 21 nights of tossing and turning, anticipating the wonders of Italy!!

Tiff

Hi Travelbug13 ~ Thank you very much, I am truly touched by your lovely and generous remarks.

My hope is that Italy sinks deep into your soul as it has for us.

Sit back, sip some vino, fall into peaceful slumber, for soon you will be in a splendid land!

Safe journey, and thank you again, Tiff

luvparee

All I can say is, "WOW!!!" What a most fabulous travel essay (this was not one's usual trip report!).

Not ever having been to Italy, but with Venice on my list, I wish I was there now!!! Can't wait to get to Florence and Venice (and anywhere else time takes me!) after reading your most inspiring, romantic, detailed, and wonderful story. You are truly a gifted writer. Loved every sentence! Thanks for taking the time to entertain us all.

joy/luvparee

betsys

Tiff: A superb report. I just happened to find it, and it brings back every moment of Florence and Venice to me. That is a real gift. You should be doing travel writing. (take it from a travel writer. you are BETTER.)

Tiff

Hi joy/luvparee & betseys ~ You are both very sweet. Thank you. I love Italy so much, I am glad you enjoyed our report. Best wishes to both of you.

LoveItaly

And I enjoyed reading this lovely report again Tiff

Tiff

Thank you, dear friend

TRSW

Hi Tiff - Just reread this great report in anticipation on my upcoming return to Bella Italia (34 days and counting).

I was wondering, how did your Tri-X pictures turn out?

Tom

Tiff

Oh yeah, TRSW, you are on your way AGAIN!!! How wonderful to read that you will soon be on your second adventure to Italy.

The pictures turned out nicely, but you can't take a bad picture in Italy, right??? DH and I especially liked the ones in Venice. Very mystical.

Thanks for the re-read. I am glad you enjoyed it. I sure enjoyed your trip report!

Where in Italy will you journey to this time?

Excited to hear all about it!
Take care.

cigalechanta

Reading this for the first time on this chilly windy day has warmed me, but Tiff, I do hope you remembered to tip the pilot.

TRSW

Hi Tiff,

This time around I have 3 nights each in Venice and Bologna followed with 6 nights in Florence. This is sandwiched in between starting the trip with 3 nights in Amsterdam and ending the trip with 5 nights in Paris.

I promise I will do a trip report and as always a link to my photos.

Tom