Expert Recommendations for Amazing Itineraries

Also known as the Victor Emmanuel II Monument, this imposing white building just before the Coliseum and the Roman Forum is the perfect place for a great view of the city. You can pay a few Euro to ride the elevator to the roof. Of course, you still have to make it up all those white marble steps, but I promise – it’s worth it! The elevator takes you to the top and from there, you can see all of Rome. You can see the roof of the Pantheon, the Coliseum and so much more. It’s a nice modern elevator with a quick ride to the top, we highly recommend this stop.

The Museum of the Duomo is spectacular and can be included on your ticket to the Duomo. There is an open air balcony where you can see some amazing views of the dome.

This restaurant is so quaint and offers really delicious food. In fact, the best meal I had in Italy was here at Belle Donne — their cinghiale stew over polenta. The service is exceptional and we loved seeing the working wine window from inside the restaurant!

Osteria Cinghiale Bianco in Florence is a culinary gem tucked away in the historic heart of the city. From the moment you step through its doors, you’re greeted by an inviting ambiance that seamlessly blends rustic charm with contemporary flair. The menu showcases the best of Tuscan cuisine, with each dish thoughtfully prepared using locally sourced ingredients bursting with flavor. Whether indulging in their signature wild boar ragu or savoring a perfectly grilled Florentine steak, every bite is a celebration of traditional Italian cooking at its finest. Stanley Tucci enjoyed a meal at this Osteria in the Tuscany episode (#5).

This amazing restaurant has three Michelin stars and is known for the unique and innovative cuisine of Chef Massimo Bottura. It has consistently been recognized as one of the best restaurants in the world. It’s definitely a place for a special occasion. We both had the tasting menu and were confused and delighted by many of the dishes. It is necessary to get reservations and you must do so exactly six months before you plan to dine here.

The piazza at the Palazzo del Quirinale has the best view of the skyline of Rome. In the past, it was the palace for Popes, but now it is the palace of the President of Italy. You’ll see lots of security and at sunset, it gets crowded with tourists and Romans checking out the Eternal City from above.

This vineyard, run by a local woman and her two daughters, is full of Sangiovese grape vines and olive trees. They make delicious wine and exception olive oil. The tour is informative and the tasting is a lovely way to enjoy a tasting of their exceptional Brunello di Montalcino.

If you watched the Netflix special called Chef’s Table: Pizza, there is an episode about Franco Pepe and his pizza place in Caiazzo — about an hour east of Naples. Franco is said to be the best Pizzaiolo in the world. The restaurant is called Pepe In Grani and they make the traditional and non-traditional pizzas along with antipasti and dolci.

The Perugia Mini Metro is a modern and efficient transportation system serving the city of Perugia. Consisting of small, driverless electric trains, it connects the historic city center with the nearby parking lots, helping to avoid a lot of uphill/downhill walking. Its eco-friendly design and minimal impact on the city’s historic architecture make it a model of sustainable urban transportation.

Perugina Chocolates, originating from Perugia, are renowned for their taste and quality craftsmanship. Founded in 1907 by Giovanni Buitoni, Perugina quickly gained fame for its iconic Baci chocolates, which are small, hazelnut-filled chocolates wrapped in a poetic love note. The brand’s dedication to using only the finest ingredients and traditional chocolate-making techniques has made Perugina a symbol of Italian excellence in the world of confectionery.

Piazza della Repubblica in Perugia is a central square that embodies the city’s vibrant spirit and rich history. Lined with charming cafes, shops, and historic buildings, it serves as a lively gathering place for locals and visitors alike. At its heart lies the striking Fontana Maggiore, a masterpiece of medieval sculpture and architecture.

Piazza delle Signoria, situated in the heart of Florence, is an iconic square steeped in history and grandeur. Flanked by magnificent Renaissance buildings and close to the Uffizi, the piazza serves as an open-air museum of Florentine art and architecture. At its center stands the imposing Palazzo Vecchio, a symbol of civic power and authority since the medieval era. This majestic fortress-palace boasts an intricate facade adorned with sculptures and family crests. In the piazza there is a replica of Michelangelo’s David standing tall, offering a glimpse of the masterpiece that once graced the square. As the political heart of Florence for centuries, Piazza delle Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio continue to captivate visitors with their timeless beauty and significance in the cultural tapestry of the city.

This beautiful Piazza, full of people and surrounded by shops and cafes is a great place to spend an afternoon. If you have time to tour the large Basilica, you can take a tour this church which was built between 1390 and 1663 and is an excellent example of Italian Gothic architecture.

Piazza Navona is a captivating public square renowned for its Baroque beauty and lively atmosphere. Adorned with stunning fountains, including the iconic Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the square is a masterpiece of architectural and artistic splendor. Beneath its cobblestones lies an archaeological site, a testament to its rich history as the site of ancient Roman games and festivities, which you can tour for a few euros. Surrounding the square are elegant palaces, bustling cafes, and charming shops, creating a vibrant ambiance day and night.

Make sure to check the weather for the clearest day and then plan to spend sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo. You can walk there from central Florence but it is uphill so a taxi might be a good option too! Once there, you can tour the Chiesa di San Salvatore al Monte until the sun is setting, then grab a drink and watch the show. There are often artists and entertainers there too.

Pienza is a Unesco World Heritage site which has been referred to as a “Renaissance utopia.” In the late 15th century, native son Pope Pius II hired an architect to create a town-planning model which was later used throughout the region. Pienza is quaint and lovely, with many beautiful streets to walk down and unbelievable views of the Val D’Orcia.

Pisa is a quick and easy afternoon trip from Florence. About 45 minutes on the fast train and a 20 minute walk and you are at the famed leaning tower. There is a cathedral, a baptistery, extra creepy graveyard where you walk on the grave (unless you are me and you walk on the edges the whole time). It’s really well worth the trip if you have extra time in Florence.

This pizza place right down from the Piazza Grande makes traditional pizza but they also offer some interesting non-traditional styles. We tried the pizza fritte and enjoyed it very much. Interestingly, they also sell wine from Sting’s nearby Tuscan vineyard.

In 2007, we visited this restaurant and were very much looking forward to returning. We were not disappointed. Sitting right next to the Comune building, this restaurant has a nice outdoor seating area if you are there on a nice day! They serve traditional Tuscan dishes and have warm, friendly service!

We happened on this restaurant during our day in Perugia and definitely felt like part of the family. Filled with locals at lunch (even a graduation party!) the Italian Nonna running the place was the picture of warmth and hospitality. While waiting for our entrees, she brought us a small taste of their house specialty, beans in a warm sauce with a piece of crusty bread, and they were one of the best dishes we ate in Italy.