Expert Recommendations for Amazing Itineraries

Il Cavallino Bianco offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a delightful spot for a meal, close to the Campo. The menu features authentic Italian dishes, including local Tuscan specialties, Whether you’re craving classic pasta dishes or a hearty Florentine steak, Il Cavallino Bianco provides a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of Tuscan cuisine.

Il Teatro Cucina Toscana in Montepulciano offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy authentic Tuscan cuisine. Located near the Teatro Poliziano, it’s the perfect spot for a meal after exploring the town. The menu features local specialties like homemade pasta, Florentine steak, and classic desserts. With friendly service and a charming setting, it’s an ideal choice for both casual dining and or a special dinner.

One of the best meals we had in Italy, and after a few months of only Italian food, we loved the change of cuisine. We had the traditional tikka masala along with rice and naan, and my favorite papadum. The service was warm and friendly and being located in central Florence. it makes it a good option if you are somehow tired of Italian food.

Isola Tiburtina is the small island in the middle of the Tiber river. You can access it from the Trastevere side, walk all the way around it and exit on the Campo di Fiore side. We stopped for lunch at a cute cafe right near the Basilica. It’s fun afternoon spot and a nice place to walk for a bit. There is also a church on the island you can visit, if you are so moved.

This restaurant is right at next to the Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso in Matera. The service is exceptional and the food was perfect for a lunch on a warm day in Matera. Had an excellent plate of pasta – braised beef under tagliatelle with a special pistachio sauce. So good. There is outside seating and you’ll be able to see up to the sassi and watch the Cathedral visitors come and go.

Key Largo Bar is a perfect spot for a casual drink or a quick bite. Located on Il Campo, it boasts a beautiful terrace overlooking the Piazza and the Torre del Mangia, offering stunning views of the iconic square. The bar serves a variety of coffee, cocktails, and snacks, making it an ideal place to relax and people-watch. Whether you’re enjoying a morning espresso or an evening aperitivo, the laid-back atmosphere and friendly service make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

We had a lovely dinner here — it’s delicious Puglian food, so of course, we had to try the orecchiette. Make sure to make a reservation. It’s right inside the city’s gates and perfect for a nice evening out. Make sure to try a Puglian Primitivo with dinner! We enjoy the Puglian Orecciette with some rolled up beef. Delicious! And of course, the traditional pasta of Puglia.

Nestled in Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini, La Consorteria 1966 is the world’s only shop dedicated entirely to Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena PDO. Housed in a charming space just steps from the Ghirlandina Tower, this boutique showcases small-family producers, offering guided tastings of precious barrels aged 12+, 25+ years, and beyond. The knowledgeable staff create an intimate, educational experience, with visits often featured on Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil

La Locanda dei Tintori is a cozy restaurant nestled in the heart of Siena, honoring the city’s rich history of textile and leather dye artisans. The name pays tribute to the neighborhood’s past, once bustling with renowned dyers like Jacopo Benincasa, father of Saint Catherine of Siena. The menu showcases traditional Sienese cuisine, featuring dishes such as pici pasta with aglione sauce and wild boar ragù. Guests can enjoy the warm ambiance indoors or opt for outdoor seating along the charming Via dei Pittori. Located just a short stroll from the Sanctuary of Saint Catherine, it’s an ideal spot to savor authentic Tuscan flavors while exploring Siena’s historic center.

This hotel sits right on the bluffs overlooking the quaint town of Vietri Sul Mare on the east side of the Amalfi Coast close to Salerno. The hotel has a lovely restaurant, is walking distance to the town and even has a few parking spaces. We especially loved the kind staff who greeted us each morning for breakfast and in the evening for aperitivo! Our room had the most iconic view as well, right out to sea!

This red wine from Emilia-Romagna is quite different than tradition Italian red wine. We were in Bologna in May and it was getting warm, so we enjoyed Lambruscho quite often as it’s fizzy and served chilled. We highly recommend trying a bottle if you are in this region. The wine is perfect for a warm day and you can get both sweet and dry varieties.

In the 12th century, when Bologna was a city of power and wealth, the construction of these towers indicated the status of the family — at one point in history, there were likely almost 200 towers in Bologna. These towers are part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. They serve as a reminder of the city’s rich past and the rivalry between noble families. They dot the skyline to indicate how at one point in time, Bologna was quite famous.

This lovely French bakery is a quick walk from Trastevere and the perfect spot to pick up a nice celebratory treat. The cafe and quiche lorraine for lunch which were delicious. Highly recommend. We were celebrating a birthday and I was able to get a candle too! The staff is kind and attentive and the display case is a work of art!

Right next to the Piazza Santa Croce, this small sandwich shop is the perfect spot for lunch. They make the traditional Schiaccia sandwiches and you can sit in their spots on the sidewalk to enjoy your lunch — or walk down to the benches in the Piazza. The food is delicious!

Lo Spaccio Focacce Panini in Arezzo is a beloved spot known for its delicious focaccia and panini, perfect for a quick and tasty bite. Located near the historic center, this casual eatery is popular with locals and visitors alike. The menu offers a variety of fresh, flavorful sandwiches made with quality ingredients, and it’s especially known for its creative focaccia combinations. Its popularity has grown significantly on Instagram, where food lovers share photos of their mouth-watering meals. If you’re in Arezzo and craving something casual yet delicious, Lo Spaccio is a must-visit.

Literally everywhere you go, there is something amazing above you. Inside, it’s a 14th century fresco on the ceiling in your school. Outside, it’s amazing architecture and sculpture. Just look up…. so you don’t miss a thing. It’s art, it’s an ancient building, it’s a statue or a scuplture….. you can not miss checking out everything Rome has to offer (even on the ceilings!)

This pastry shop has the most beautiful desserts and they are just as delicious as they are pretty. They serve a tasty espresso and seem to stay open late for the folks walking home. We stopped here a few times during our time in Polignano a Mare and each dessert was better than the one before. My favorite was a cheesecake with a berry compote on top!

Matera is just an hour away and well worth the visit. It is known for its unique architecture and fascinating history. Carved into the rugged landscape, Matera is famed for its “Sassi” districts, where dwellings are built into the rock cliffs, creating a strikingly picturesque scene. Visit the Museo della Civiltà Contadina “Casa Grotta” (Museum of Peasant Civilization “House Cave”) to get a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of Matera’s inhabitants throughout the centuries. These cave dwellings, some dating back to prehistoric times, have earned Matera recognition as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. You may also recognize it as the backdrop in the James Bond movie “No Time to Die.”

The first floor of the mercato centrale is a vibrant bustling market with fresh food, fruits, veggies and the like. Like. The upstairs is a very interesting and entertaining dining hall. There are many different types of food to choose from, all prepared by local vendors and all delicious. You can get a glass of wine with a delicious plate of pasta or a big Florentine steak. It’s an absolute stop for any foodies while in Florence.

The Mercato delle Erbe in Bologna is the city’s largest covered market, offering a vibrant mix of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and wines. Established in 1910 and rebuilt after WWII, it now features a modern food court with restaurants and bars, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors . We ate dinner there at an outside seat and enjoyed a delicious spread of meats and cheeses.