Luna di Miele
Perry & Rachel
July 11 – 23, 2026 • Italia
Florence. Tuscany. Lake Como. Rome.
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The Grand Plan

Florence • Chianti • Val d'Orcia • Lake Como • Rome

Three days exploring Florence on foot. Two days driving a convertible through Chianti and the Val d'Orcia. Two days on the shores of Lake Como. Then three days in Rome before flying home. Along the way — Michelin-starred dinners, hidden trattorias, vineyard sunsets, private boats on the lake, and early morning runs through Renaissance streets, cypress-lined countryside, and lakeside promenades.

Summer in Italy: July means long golden days (sunset ~8:45 PM) and temperatures of 90–95°F+. All runs should start by 6:30 AM. Hydrate constantly. The upside? The longest possible hours in the convertible with the top down.
Florence Duomo at golden hour

Getting There

Nonstop to Roma on Italy's flag carrier

ITA Airways • Business Class • BOOKED

LAX ⟶ FCO

$7,653.86 total • $3,826.93 per person • Nonstop

Outbound • AZ 621
Fri, July 10
LAX 3:15 PM → FCO 11:55 AM+1
11h 40min • Terminal B → Terminal 3
Return • AZ 620
Thu, July 23
FCO 9:30 AM → LAX 1:15 PM
12h 45min • Terminal 1 → Terminal B

Airbus A350-900 • Lie-flat leather seats • Every seat has aisle access • Business Base fare

The Business Class Experience

ITA's A350 business class is built around Made in Italy — the seats, the sommelier-curated wine, the chef dining at altitude.

ITA Airways A350 Business Class seat

1-2-1 Lie-Flat Suites

A350-900 • Every Seat Has Aisle Access

Every seat converts to a fully flat bed with direct aisle access. Center pairs share a lowerable divider, so you can sit side by side in your own private cocoon. 17" touchscreen, USB & AC power, noise-cancelling headphones.

Fine Italian dining

Michelin Chef Dining at Altitude

Rotating Seasonal Chef Menus

ITA partners with Michelin-starred Italian chefs each season. Four-course dinner with aperitivo on boarding (Campari Spritz, Neapolitan pizza bites), espresso, limoncello digestivo. The return flight from Rome features the full chef-curated menu.

Italian wine selection

Italian Wine & Amenities

Sommelier-Curated • QC Terme Spa Kit

Wines from Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto — flight attendants trained on pairings. QC Terme spa amenity kit (Italy's luxury spa brand) with Marvis toothpaste. The A350 is one of the quietest wide-body jets flying.

Honeymoon Tip: Center Pair Seats

Book center-section seats (the 1-1 pairs). The divider lowers so you sit together. Window seats face outward — great for solo travelers but isolating for a couple. For a honeymoon, center is the move. Check FlightAware closer to departure to confirm the aircraft type.

Day by Day

13 days through the heart of Italy

Florence
Tuscany
Lake Como
Rome
Day 1 • Fri, July 11
Arrival in Rome → Florence
Florence Check-in
  • Land FCO 11:55 AM, Frecciarossa to Florence
  • Hotel The Place Firenze
  • Evening passeggiata & dinner at Il Santo Bevitore
Click for details →
Day 2 • Sat, July 12
Florence — Renaissance & Romance
Florence 1 Run Pinchiorri
  • 6 AM Piazzale Michelangelo Loop (7.7 km)
  • Uffizi Gallery • Ponte Vecchio • Duomo
  • 3 Stars Enoteca Pinchiorri
Click for details →
Day 3 • Sun, July 13
Florence — Oltrarno & Local Life
Florence 1 Run
  • 6 AM Cascine Park + Arno path
  • Oltrarno artisans • Palazzo Pitti • Boboli
  • Gem Trattoria da Burde • La Giostra
Click for details →
Day 4 • Mon, July 14
Pick Up the Car → Chianti
Tuscany 1 Run Drive
  • 6 AM Florence to Fiesole (7 km)
  • Drive Strada Chiantigiana (SR222)
  • Greve in Chianti • Panzano • Dario Cecchini
Click for details →
Day 5 • Tue, July 15
Val d'Orcia — The Postcard Drive
Tuscany 1 Run Drive Campo del Drago
  • 6 AM Strade Bianche (white roads)
  • Drive La Foce S-curve cypress road
  • 2 Stars Campo del Drago at Rosewood
Click for details →
Day 6 • Wed, July 16
Montalcino → Return to Florence
Tuscany 1 Run Drive
  • 6 AM Pienza to Montichiello (12-14 km)
  • Montalcino fortress • Brunello tastings
  • Farewell dinner: Borgo San Jacopo on the Arno
Click for details →
Day 7 • Thu, July 17
Florence → Lake Como
Como 1 Run Check-in
  • Train via Milan to Varenna (~4 hrs)
  • Hotel Royal Victoria or Villa Cipressi
  • PM Varenna lakeside promenade
Click for details →
Day 8 • Fri, July 18
Lake Como — Boats, Villas & Bellagio
Como 1 Run Boat
  • 6 AM Greenway del Lago (~10 km)
  • Boat Private boat on the lake
  • Bellagio • Villa Balbianello • Sunset dinner
Click for details →
Day 9 • Sat, July 19
Lake Como → Rome
Como → Rome 1 Run Check-in
  • 6:30 AM Bellagio to San Giovanni (5 km)
  • Train Varenna → Milan → Roma (~4.5 hrs)
  • Hotel Hotel de Russie (Rocco Forte)
Click for details →
Day 10 • Sun, July 20
Rome — Colosseum & Trastevere
Rome 1 Run
  • 6 AM Villa Borghese Gardens (5 km+)
  • Colosseum • Roman Forum • Roscioli
  • Da Enzo al 29 for cacio e pepe
Click for details →
Day 11 • Mon, July 21
Rome — Vatican & Last Sunset
Rome 1 Run
  • 6 AM Appian Way (2,300-year-old road)
  • Vatican Museums • Sistine Chapel
  • Last sunset from Pincio Terrace
Click for details →
Day 12 • Tue, July 22
Rome — Last Day
Rome Fitness
  • Fitness Hotel gym & spa or final run
  • Trevi Fountain • Piazza Navona
  • Final dinner — TBD
Click for details →
Day 13 • Wed, July 23
Arrivederci, Italia
Rome Departure
  • Morning espresso. Last cornetto.
  • AZ 620 departs FCO 9:30 AM
  • Arrive LAX 1:15 PM.
Click for details →
Firenze

Florence

Three days in the birthplace of the Renaissance

Why Florence

Three days on foot. The Duomo to the Oltrarno, Uffizi to hidden wine bars, with the Arno turning gold at sunset every evening.

Where We're Staying

Florence Duomo

The Place Firenze

Central Florence • Boutique • 4 Nights

Our Pick Intimate, family-owned. Steps from the Arno and Ponte Vecchio. Concierge can arrange running routes and personal trainers.

Est. €400–600 / night
Map
Florence Arno golden hour

Hotel Savoy (Rocco Forte)

Piazza della Repubblica • 5-Star

Full Gym Alternative if gym access is a priority. Technogym-equipped fitness center, full spa. Right on the main piazza.

Est. €700–1,100 / night
Map
Florence rooftop terrace

Portrait Firenze (Lungarno Collection)

Lungarno • 5-Star Boutique

Luxury Ferragamo family's flagship. Suites with private terraces overlooking the Arno and Ponte Vecchio. Rooftop bar, personalized concierge, gym.

Est. €800–1,200 / night
Map

Things to Do

  • Must-See Uffizi Gallery — Botticelli's Birth of Venus, Caravaggio, Leonardo. Book timed entry weeks in advance. Map
  • Must-See Ponte Vecchio at sunset — lined with gold shops since 1345 Map
  • Must-See Piazzale Michelangelo — The panoramic viewpoint. Sunrise for runs, sunset for photos. Map
  • Oltrarno Artisan workshops & Palazzo Pitti — the quieter side of Florence. Boboli Gardens behind the palace.
  • Vivoli — Florence's oldest gelateria, since 1929. Get the pistachio affogato. Map

Where We're Eating

Enoteca Pinchiorri

★★★ Three Michelin Stars

18th-century palazzo, one of the world's great wine cellars. Book weeks in advance.

Map

Santa Elisabetta

★★ Two Michelin Stars

Inside a Byzantine tower at Hotel Brunelleschi. Only 20 seats.

Map

Borgo San Jacopo

★ One Michelin Star

Terrace dining on the Arno, views of Ponte Vecchio. Lungarno Collection (Ferragamo family). Pure, honest Tuscan cuisine.

Map

Trattoria da Burde

Voted best trattoria in Italy, 2023. Historic, decisive Tuscan flavors. The Florentine steak is definitive.

Map

Il Santo Bevitore

Natural wine-forward, in the Oltrarno. Our first-night dinner.

Map

La Giostra

Run by a Hapsburg prince. Candlelit, intimate, known for the truffle pasta.

Map

All'Antico Vinaio

Giant schiacciata sandwiches — truffle cream, prosciutto crudo, stracciatella. The best sandwich in Florence. Line moves fast.

Map
Arno River at golden hour
Toscana

Tuscany

Two days driving through Chianti & Val d'Orcia in a convertible

Why Tuscany by Car

The two most iconic drives in Italy. Day one: the Strada Chiantigiana winding south through Chianti vineyards, stopping for wine in Greve and steak in Panzano. Day two: the Val d'Orcia — La Foce's famous S-curve cypress road, Pienza, and Brunello in Montalcino. Top down, golden light, no schedule.

Where We're Staying

Tuscan landscape

Chianti Wine Estate / Agriturismo

Near Castellina in Chianti • 1 Night

Night 1 A working wine estate surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Rustic luxury, good food, quiet at night.

Est. €250–450 / night
Map
Tuscany cypress road

Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco

Near Montalcino • 1 Night

Resort Gym + Spa A private wine estate with a 2-star Michelin restaurant, spa, gym, yoga, and vineyard suites overlooking the Val d'Orcia.

Est. €1,500–3,000 / night
Map

Things to Do

  • Drive Strada Chiantigiana (SR222) — Florence south through rolling Chianti vineyards, past medieval hilltop villages Map
  • Drive La Foce S-Curve Cypress Road — the most photographed road in Tuscany. Map
  • Wine Greve in Chianti — wine tastings in the heart of Chianti Classico country Map
  • Legend Dario Cecchini in Panzano — butcher, poet, showman. Steaks and Dante recitals. Map
  • Must-See Pienza — the "ideal Renaissance city." Pecorino cheese tasting and panoramic views of Val d'Orcia. Map
  • Wine Montalcino — fortress and Brunello di Montalcino tastings. One of Italy's greatest wines. Map
  • Must-See Montepulciano — dramatic hilltop town, Vino Nobile tasting, sweeping views Map
  • Bagno Vignoni — a medieval village built around a natural hot spring pool instead of a piazza. Steaming thermal waters in the main square, free natural pools in the creek below. Map
  • 2 Stars Campo del Drago at Rosewood — Chef Temperini's garden-to-table masterpiece on a panoramic terrace Map

Where We're Eating

Campo del Drago

★★ Two Michelin Stars

At Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco near Montalcino. Chef Temperini's garden-to-table cuisine on a panoramic terrace. Book with hotel.

Map

La Sala dei Grappoli

★ Michelin Recommended

At Castello Banfi, Montalcino. Tuscan cuisine with Pugliese creativity. Vineyard setting.

Map

Dario Cecchini

Legend Butcher in Panzano. Steaks and poetry recitals.

Map
Tuscan cypress road from above

Lake Como

Two nights on Italy's most romantic lake

Why Lake Como

Deep blue water, Alps behind, pastel villages on the hillsides. Varenna is quieter and more romantic than Como town — and directly accessible by train from Milan.

Where We're Staying

Bellagio, Lake Como

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

Bellagio • 5-Star Grand Dame

Pool + Spa Lakefront infinity pool, spa, gym. Terrace dining with panoramic views. Splurge pick.

Est. €700–1,200 / night
Map
Varenna waterfront

Hotel Royal Victoria

Varenna • Historic Lakefront

Charming Right on the water in Varenna. Historic, family-run, with a lakefront terrace restaurant. More intimate and affordable than Bellagio options.

Est. €250–400 / night
Map
Lake Como village

Villa Cipressi

Varenna • Botanical Garden Hotel

Romantic A 14th-century villa surrounded by terraced botanical gardens cascading down to the lake. Terraced gardens down to the lake.

Est. €250–400 / night
Map

Things to Do

  • Must-Do Private boat rental — explore hidden coves, swim in the lake, see the grand villas from the water
  • Ferry Bellagio — the "Pearl of the Lake." Cobblestone lanes, boutiques, gelato, and good views Map
  • Villa Villa Balbianello — gardens on a wooded promontory. Star Wars and Casino Royale filming location. Map
  • Gardens Villa Melzi Gardens in Bellagio — neoclassical gardens on the lakefront Map
  • Village Varenna — wander the Passeggiata degli Innamorati ("Lovers' Walk") along the waterfront Map
  • Lido di Lenno — a hidden pebble beach on the western shore. Crystal-clear water, no crowds, backed by old stone walls. Bring a towel and a bottle of Franciacorta. Map

Where We're Eating

Ristorante Il Cavatappi

Varenna Intimate lakeside restaurant on Varenna's main square. Fresh lake fish, handmade pasta, and a wine list focused on Lombardy and Piedmont.

Map

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni Terrace

Sunset Terrace dining with panoramic lake views in Bellagio. Sunset dinner spot.

Map

Bar Il Molo

Varenna Casual lakefront bar right on the water. Good for aperitivo — negroni with the Alps across the lake.

Map

Rachel's Lake Como Runs

  • 10 km Greenway del Lago di Como — ~10 km trail from Colonno to Griante along the western shore. Flat-to-moderate, lakeside views the entire way. Map
  • 2–3 km Varenna lakeside promenade — waterfront path. Good for an easy sunset run or morning shakeout. Map
  • 5 km Bellagio to San Giovanni — through olive groves with panoramic lake views. Moderate hills, gorgeous scenery. Map
Lago di Como
Roma

Rome

Three days in the Eternal City to close the honeymoon

Why Rome

Ancient ruins and modern trattorias. The Colosseum at dawn, Trastevere at dusk. Three days to slow down and eat everything.

Where We're Staying

Colosseum, Rome

Hotel de Russie

Rocco Forte • 5-Star • 4 Nights

Full Gym + Spa Gorgeous terraced garden, excellent gym, spa with hydropool. Steps from Piazza del Popolo and direct garden access into Villa Borghese for morning runs.

Est. €800–1,200 / night
Map
Rome rooftop view

Hotel Eden (Dorchester Collection)

Via Ludovisi • 5-Star • Rooftop Icon

Full Gym + Spa Rooftop restaurant & bar with panoramic views. Full gym, Eden Spa. Walking distance to Villa Borghese and Spanish Steps.

Est. €700–1,100 / night
Map
Rome historic palazzo

The St. Regis Rome

Via Vittorio Emanuele Orlando • 5-Star Grand Palace

Grand A grand palazzo from 1894 with Murano chandeliers, butler service, full gym & spa. Near Piazza della Repubblica. Classic Old World luxury.

Est. €600–900 / night
Map

Things to Do

  • Must-See Colosseum & Roman Forum — book 8:30 AM first entry to beat the July heat. Walk through 2,000 years of history. Map
  • Must-See Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel — book early AM timed entry. Michelangelo's ceiling will stop you in your tracks. Map
  • Sunset Pincio Terrace — last sunset overlooking Piazza del Popolo and all of Rome. Map
  • Local Roscioli — salumeria, bakery, and restaurant. Map
  • Borghese Borghese Gallery — Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael. Mandatory advance reservation, max 2 hours inside. Map
  • Trevi Fountain at sunrise — 6 AM, before the crowds. Map
  • Aventine Keyhole — the famous keyhole at the Knights of Malta priory. Peer through for a framed view of St. Peter's dome through a tunnel of hedges. Map

Where We're Eating

Da Enzo al 29

Roman Legend Trastevere. Cacio e pepe and carbonara. The Roman trattoria experience. No reservations — arrive early.

Map

Roscioli

Iconic Salumeria, bakery, and restaurant in one. The carbonara and cured meats. Book ahead.

Map

Armando al Pantheon

Classic Roman Family-run since 1961, steps from the Pantheon. Traditional Roman cuisine. The artichoke and amatriciana.

Map

Prati Neighborhood Trattorias

Explore The neighborhood near the Vatican. Wander in, sit down, eat whatever they're making. Less touristy than Trastevere, just as delicious.

Map

Supplizio

The best supplì in Rome — fried rice balls with molten mozzarella centers. A gourmet street food counter near Piazza Navona. Quick lunch between monuments.

Map
Colosseum from above at golden hour

Rachel's Running Guide

A run for every morning — from Renaissance streets to lakeside trails to ancient Roman roads
July = early starts. All runs before 6:30 AM. Bring a hydration vest for anything over 10K.

Florence Runs

Piazzale Michelangelo sunrise view

Piazzale Michelangelo Loop

7.7 km • Hilly • City panorama

Climb up V. Michelangelo, past Santa Miniato al Monte, panorama of the city at the top. In July: go at 6 AM.

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Cascine Park + Arno River

7–15 km • Flat • Shaded

Florence's biggest green space. 395 acres of meadows, river paths, and wooded trails. Extends along the Arno for up to 15 km.

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Florence to Fiesole

7 km • Very hilly • E.M. Forster vibes

Uphill to the Etruscan hill town of Fiesole. Run up, take the bus back. In the footsteps of A Room with a View.

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Oltrarno Hills Loop

4–5.5 km • Moderate • Surprisingly quiet

Start at Ponte Vecchio, head through Via de' Bardi, climb Via di Belvedere. City and hill views with almost no people despite being in the center.

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Tuscany Runs

Tuscany white roads through vineyards

Strade Bianche (Chianti White Roads)

5–13 km • Rolling • Vineyard trails

The famous unpaved white roads winding through Chianti vineyards. Quiet and scenic. Same roads used in the professional cycling race.

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Val d'Orcia cypress hills

Pienza to Montichiello Loop

12–14 km • Rolling hills • Val d'Orcia

A circular route through the rolling Val d'Orcia landscape. Cypress trees, wheat fields, and two hilltop villages.

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Rocca d'Orcia to Bagno Vignoni

4 km • Downhill • Ends at thermal springs

Run downhill through vineyards and farmland to the natural hot springs of Bagno Vignoni. Soak in the thermal waters post-run.

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Lake Como Runs

Lake Como shoreline trail

Greenway del Lago di Como

~10 km • Flat to moderate • Lakeside trail

Trail from Colonno to Griante along the western shore. Flat-to-moderate terrain with lake views the entire way.

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Varenna Lakeside Promenade

2–3 km • Flat • Waterfront

Waterfront path through Varenna. Good for a sunset run or morning shakeout. Connect with the Passeggiata degli Innamorati.

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Bellagio to San Giovanni

~5 km • Moderate hills • Olive groves & panoramas

Out-and-back through olive groves with lake views. Best early morning when the lake is still.

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Rome Runs

Villa Borghese Gardens

5+ km • Flat to moderate • Green oasis

Shaded paths, connects to Pincio Terrace for city views. Steps from Hotel de Russie.

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Via Appia Antica ancient road with pine trees

Via Appia Antica (Appian Way)

5–16 km • Flat • 2,300-year-old road

Run on ancient Roman cobblestones past catacombs, ruins, and umbrella pines. Go on a Sunday when the road is car-free.

Map Send to Device

Hotels with Gyms & Fitness

  • Gym The Place Firenze — concierge can arrange running routes and personal trainers
  • Full Gym Hotel Savoy (Rocco Forte) — Technogym-equipped fitness center, spa. Alternative Florence hotel if gym access is a priority. Map
  • Resort Gym Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco — full gym, spa, yoga, and grounds for outdoor workouts
  • Pool + Spa Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Bellagio — lakefront infinity pool, full spa, gym. Good post-run recovery. Map
  • Lakeside Varenna hotels (Royal Victoria / Villa Cipressi) — lakeside promenade for runs, botanical garden walks at Villa Cipressi. Limited gym facilities but good outdoor options.
  • Full Gym Hotel de Russie, Rome — excellent gym, spa with hydropool, and direct garden access for outdoor runs into Villa Borghese Map
  • Full Gym Hotel Eden, Rome — Dorchester Collection gym, spa, and iconic rooftop restaurant with city views Map

Budget Estimate

For two people, 13 days / 12 nights

Category Estimate Notes
Flights (2x RT Business) $7,654 CONFIRMED — ITA Airways AZ 621/620
Hotels — Florence (4 nights) €2,000–€4,000 The Place Firenze (3 + 1 return night)
Hotels — Tuscany (2 nights) €1,500–€3,500 Chianti agriturismo (1) + Rosewood (1)
Hotels — Lake Como (2 nights) €600–€1,500 Royal Victoria / Villa Cipressi in Varenna
Hotels — Rome (4 nights) €3,000–€5,000 Hotel de Russie (Rocco Forte)
Convertible rental (2 days) €500–€1,200 Italian convertible, delivered to hotel
Dining €3,000–€5,000 3–4 Michelin meals + local trattorias
Trains & Transport €500–€800 FCO→Florence, Florence→Varenna, Varenna→Rome, taxis, ferries
Activities & Tastings €500–€1,000 Wine tastings, museums, boat rental on Como
Fuel, Tolls, Misc €200–€400 2 days of driving
Total Estimate $20,000–$30,000 Flights locked in. All estimates for two people.

Action Items

Book now — July is peak season