Expert Recommendations for Amazing Itineraries

When this church was excavated, another 4th century church and a 1st century pagan temple were found below. For a 10€ ticket, you can go see the excavation below and it’s very interesting! You walk down the stairs to three different levels and even see the lost waters of Rome flowing from the foundation. We love visiting this church as it is so interesting to see the archeological site below it!

The Baths of Caracalla are a quick walk from Trastevere; they are located close to the Circus Maximus. The site is the location of a giant Roman bathhouse, with a lot of examples of mosaic tiles from that time. The structure is quite large and you can walk throughout the building to see the different rooms. It was 8€ for the ticket and a good stop to see ancient Rome.

The beach in Rimini was quiet on the May day that we were there but I bet it’s hopping in the summer. There were attendants to get you settled in under an umbrella on your chaise lounge so you can sit and watch the Adriatic Sea. By train, it’s a quick one hour trip from Bologna too! There are plenty of spots for a lunch or snack nearby as well.

This great local spot is just a few minutes walk from the Palazzo Vecchio and the Piazza Santa Croce. They have a great menu of pizzas, antipasti and drinks. My favorite was the pizza fritti with spicy Calabrian ‘nduja. Their outside seating is perfect for a sunny day and a fun way to watch the Florentines on their way around their beautiful city.

This great shop is full of Piedmontese traditional foods, both to eat right away and to bring home as souvenirs. They have plenty of products with the famous Alba truffles (black and the more decadent, white) as well as chocolates, wines, jams, honeys, and nuts. We picked out a risotto with black truffle and a bottle of Nebbiolo.

If I had to pick only one, I would pick the Palace and Gardens over the Uffizi. On a pretty day, it’s nice to be outside to see the gardens and there is plenty of amazing art to see in the Palace. We went on a sunny day and enjoyed the Gardens first, then headed into the Palace. There’s a café on the ground floor of the Palace so you can get a little snack before your time in the museum.

Tucked along the western edge of the Italian Riviera, just a few miles from the French border, Bordighera is one of Liguria’s most elegant and peaceful seaside towns. While its neighbors Sanremo and Ventimiglia attract more attention, Bordighera quietly charms visitors with palm-lined promenades, pastel villas, and a soft, Mediterranean light that once enchanted artists like Claude Monet. Monet spent the winter of 1884 in Bordighera and became captivated by the wildness of the vegetation—particularly the palms. He painted the town’s villas, gardens, and sea views relentlessly.

Perched just above the modern town is Bordighera Alta, the original medieval settlement. It’s a walled village of narrow stone lanes, vaulted passageways, potted geraniums, and tiny piazzas that look unchanged for centuries. At golden hour, it feels like someone dimmed the world and turned up the romance. The piazze are lit with string lights and cafes bustle with people getting ready for dinner. You can walk from the modern section to Bordighera Alta and stop in the Pineta di Bordighera Park where you can see beautiful views of the seaside port below.

This international winery, with classic wine from Piedmont, has a lovely tasting room in the heart of Barolo. They also have a perfect terrace, on the top of the building, accessible by an elevator with views of the surrounding Langhe region. The wine is delicious, of course, it’s a Barolo – the ‘king of wines’ but the view is everything!

This cheese and meat shop is so authentically Italian. We were able to have a nice chat with the sales woman, I told her what I was making for dinner and she recommended the perfect aged parmigiano reggiano. It’s not in the exact center of town by the main piazza but it’s a nice easy walk up the Corso Langhe. Make sure to confirm the shop’s hours, as it was closed one of the day we tried to visit.

Cicchetti may be more well known in Venice, but these small delicious bites are the best early evening snack. Made on small pieces of toast, you’ll get to choose from seasonal toppings. We chose some traditional ones with tomato and cheese and some interesting ones with salmon and dill. You can get a beer, glass of wine or more commonly, an Aperol Spritz and enjoy your early afternoon appetizers.

At first, we weren’t sure we would try to navigate the bus system even with my ability to mostly communicate. We are so glad we tried it and it was so good for seeing other parts of the city. The main tourist attractions were walkable from Trastevere but there is plenty to see that is a long walk away. Bus tickets are 1.50€ per ride but we got the 7 day pass so we could ride as often as we wanted during that week. You purchase your bus tickets at the Tabbachhi store (they always have a sign with a big capital T out front). If you buy a paper ticket, towards the back of the bus you will see the machine to stamp it. The bus stops are easy to find on Google maps or just by their large signage on the street. You want to note the stop you get on (for your return trip) then find your destination under the bus number. Google maps is very helpful as it lists the bus number you need for your trip. The system might not be as efficient as an American would expect but it saves your feet and will get you where you need to go. Taxis are also super easy and every one we used accepted credit card but preferred cash. Taxis are always white in Rome.

Café Fappiani is a charming café located along the beautiful Passagiata, offering a perfect blend of Italian coffee culture and seaside relaxation. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great spot to enjoy a coffee, cappuccino, or a refreshing aperitivo while watching the world stroll by. The café also serves a variety of pastries and light bites, ideal for a casual breakfast or afternoon snack. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick pick-me-up or relaxing with friends, Café Fappiani provides a pleasant and laid-back experience in the heart of Viareggio.

This lovely bar has a table worth waiting for. The table sits out on a very tiny patio, hanging off the cliff, looking at the beautiful Adriatic. The food is delicious as well and it’s a charming place to spend the evening. The Serafini is a well known brand in Polignano a mare, they also own residences for rent and other bars.

Caffè Gilli is a historic and elegant café, located in the heart of the city on the Piazza della Repubblica. Established in 1733, it’s one of the oldest and most iconic cafés in Florence, known for its beautiful Belle Époque décor. The café offers a wide selection of pastries and traditional Italian coffee, making it the perfect spot for breakfast or coffee. In the afternoon, its central location and classic ambiance provides an authentic Florentine experience, and a great place to enjoy an aperitivo while people-watching. Caffè Gilli offers some interesting and tasty cocktails including the famous Gillitz, similar to a Spritz, made with Liquore Mediceo Santa Maria Novella, Tuscan bitters, red berries nectar, Spuma, Chandon sparking wine.

This café is the perfect place to stop for a coffee – if you are walking from central Florence to the train station, you’ll walk right past it. The café has a lovely welcoming interior and bar but the view from the sidewalk tables is unparalleled. You’ll be looking right at the magnificent Piazza al Duomo!

A great spot to people watch and spend the afternoon, the Campo di Fiore is an outdoor market with local produce, local specialty foods and handmade items. In the evening, they clear everything out and the square is just a lovely Roman square with restaurants and gelato shops. I love to look at all the beautiful produce, mostly vegetables and herbs. It’s hard when you don’t have a kitchen to cook in but still fun to see it all!

The Casino di Sanremo is one of the Italian Riviera’s most glamorous landmark that has been welcoming guests since 1905. Set in a grand, cream-colored Art Nouveau building along Corso degli Inglesi, it radiates old-world elegance with its sweeping staircase, ornate details, and softly glowing lights at night. Even if you’re not stepping inside to play, the casino is worth a visit for its architecture alone and the lively ambiance that spills into the surrounding streets. It remains a symbol of Sanremo’s golden-age charm and a reminder of the Riviera’s enduring allure.

Perched at the tip of the Sirmione peninsula on Lake Garda, Castello Scaligero di Sirmione is a striking medieval fortress that feels frozen in time. Built in the 13th century by the powerful Scaliger family, the castle features robust stone walls, four imposing towers, and a fully preserved moat that opens directly onto the lake. Visitors can wander the ramparts for panoramic views of Lake Garda and the surrounding town, explore the internal courtyards, and imagine the fortress as a bustling hub of medieval life. The castle is open to the public most days and it is very fun to climb the stairs to walk along the walls. Tickets were €8 per person in September 2025.

Cat Cafe Firenze is a charming and cozy café in the heart of Florence, where you can enjoy a coffee or an aperitvo while surrounded by adorable cats. The café provides a relaxing atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind after exploring the city. The resident cats are friendly and well-cared for, and visitors are encouraged to interact with them while enjoying homemade pastries and beverages. It’s a popular spot for both cat lovers and those looking for a unique experience in Florence. Whether you’re in need of a coffee break or simply miss your own furry companions, Cat Cafe Firenze offers a one-of-a-kind experience.