Expert Recommendations for Amazing Itineraries

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.

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!

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!

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.

The Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, towering proudly over Montepulciano, is a breathtaking testament to Gothic and Renaissance architecture. As the heart of the city, the Piazza Grande unfurls before the cathedral, offering a picturesque setting steeped in history and charm. Flanked by ancient palaces and adorned with a timeless well, the piazza serves as a lively gathering place, where locals and visitors alike converge to soak in the atmosphere and marvel at the cathedral’s beauty.

Enjoyed a quiet aperitivo here in their warm and welcoming dining room. Inside the Palazzo Chigi Saracini. they have a lovely patio, in the center of a beautiful ancient courtyard, but alas today’s weather sent me inside. The rooms are decorated with art, most interestingly a grand (and very old looking) family tree. The staff was warm and kind. I enjoyed a delicious glass of Brunello and the highlight of my visit was a potato pie with truffle sitting on a pecorino fondue. It was a warm and cozy treat for an early afternoon visit.

Listed as one of “i borghi più belli d’Italia” (“The most beautiful villages of Italy”), this walled town is a so picturesque that when you look at your photos, you’ll have to tell friends “this is a real place!” When we arrived by car, we parked in a small parking lot at the base of the hill. We boarded a city bus that drops you up at the top. Keep in mind that the walk to the Civita is long and steep and may not be suitable for all travelers, but I promise that it is worth every drop of sweat to get there. Inside the city walls, you’ll find the typical piazze and churches. Not large at all, this is a the perfect stop if you are in Tuscany and are heading to Rome or south. Don’t miss it…

This hotel on the edge of the Monti neighborhood is a great central spot that is not in the more touristy area. I stayed there when arriving in Rome via the Train at Termini because it’s close by. But be forewarned, Monti means Hills (plural) and the walk with a roller suitcase is not a good idea. I regretted my choices almost immediately!

The city of Alba is easily accessible by train from Turin and it is absolutely a great stop in Piedmont. Alba is known for white truffles and Nebbiolo wine. The food is exceptional from lovely small trattorias to 15 Michelin starred restaurants. The town is very walkable, full of lovely people and great access to wine country. It has warm, sunny summers and cool, crisp winters, with occasional snow in the coldest months. The climate stays generally comfortable in spring and fall, perfect for exploring vineyards, tasting wines, and enjoying seasonal truffles.

The village of Barolo is a little harder to get to, but well worth a visit, especially if you are a wine lover. We decided to take a 3€ bus from Alba which takes about 40 minutes, is airconditioned and quite comfortable. The village is very hilly so be prepared for some uphill walking, which makes the views exceptional.

The famous Barolo wine is named after the village of Barolo which existed long before the wine gained fame. When the Nebbiolo grapes from that area were first recognized for producing the “king of wines,” they were labeled Barolo after the village where they were grown. Over time, the name came to define not just the village but the prestigious DOCG wine produced in the surrounding Langhe hills.

The building housing the Comune di Montepulciano stands as a stately symbol of civic pride and heritage in the Piazza Grande. Originally constructed during the medieval period and subsequently renovated in Renaissance style, the Comune di Montepulciano building embodies the enduring spirit of the community. Its halls have witnessed centuries of decision-making and community affairs, making it not just an administrative center but also a living repository of Montepulciano’s collective memory and identity. For a unique perspective, visitors can ascend to the roof for a nominal fee, offering panoramic views of Montepulciano’s enchanting surroundings and a closer look at the architectural details that grace this historic landmark.

Da Felice in Testaccio is one of the most famous Roman restaurants for the Roman Classic “spaghetti cacio e pepe.” You do have to plan in advance for this one as it is hard to get a day-of reservation. The Testaccio neighborhood is a little away from the main tourist attractions and it feels very Roman. There are plenty of shops and gelaterias for after your meal!

“Da Oio a casa mia” in Rome’s Testaccio neighborhood is a true gem of traditional Roman cuisine. From the moment you step in, the warm ambiance and friendly staff make you feel like family. The menu features a delightful array of classic Roman dishes, each bursting with flavor and prepared with care. Whether it’s their perfectly al dente pasta dishes, tender meat courses, or heavenly desserts, every bite is a culinary delight. The restaurant’s commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients shines through in every dish. With its cozy atmosphere and mouthwatering cuisine, “Da Oio a casa mia” is a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic taste of Rome.

This lovely little enoteca is right on the Piazza San Donato looking at the church and is a wonderful place to people watch while enjoying a delicious meal. There are a few local cats hanging out in the square as well though they don’t seem friendly enough to pet. We enjoyed the polenta bolognese and this delicious contorno of Tuscan beans with toasted bread. Perfetto!