The wife and I are planning a trip to Italy to celebrate our 10th anniversary. I've got quite a few MR points (about half a million) racked up, and would like to use them to get a business or first class flight over, if possible. There are a lot of options -- transfer to Delta or BA or Ailitalia, among others -- and I'd love to get any advice on the best way to get a good flight. We're planning the trip way in advance so have plenty of lead time. Factors: quality of service, number of points required, availability of seats, whether flight is direct from the US, etc.

Where we leave from in the US is flexible, so doesn't really factor in.

Appreciate any assistance!