Expert Recommendations for Amazing Itineraries

Dar Poeta in Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood is a cozy pizzeria with rustic charm and delicious pizza. The inviting atmosphere sets the stage for a memorable dining experience, while the pizzas, whether classic Margherita or creative specialties, are always fresh and bursting with flavor. With friendly service and reasonable prices, Dar Poeta is a favorite spot among locals and tourists alike for authentic Roman pizza.

De’Ricci Cantina in Montepulciano offers a unique wine tasting experience set within ancient Tuscan caves. Located in the heart of the historic town, these atmospheric caverns provide the perfect backdrop for sampling a curated selection of local wines. As you descend into the cool depths, you’re transported back in time, surrounded by centuries-old stone walls that echo with the stories of generations past. The knowledgeable staff guide you through the tasting, sharing insights into the region’s winemaking traditions and the characteristics of each vintage. With its historic charm and dedication to showcasing the best of Tuscan viticulture, De’Ricci Cantina’s old Tuscan caves offer a truly memorable wine-tasting journey.

Don Nino’s is a chain Italy — you’ll see them in Rome, Florence and other big cities and for a good reason, as they make delicious cannoli for you while you wait. Cannoli should not be filled ahead of time as it makes the shell soggy. Don Nino’s makes your cannoli while you wait and is the perfect place for a sweet treat while touring Florence.

Obviously one of the main tourist sites in Florence, this imposing group of buildings deserve a whole day, if you have it. Do check the tourist information offices found on both sides of the Piazza to make sure the Basilica is open (they don’t allow tourists on Sundays) and if you plan to climb Bruneschelli’s dome or the campanile, you’ll need a timed ticket. The ceiling of the Baptistery is under construction in 2023/2024 but it’s still worth it to see the building and the amazing gold doors. Keep your eye open for scammers and pickpockets in this piazza but don’t miss it.

Duomo di Milano is one of the most iconic landmarks in Italy and one of the largest and most elaborate Gothic cathedrals in the world. Situated in the heart of Milan, on the Piazza del Duomo, it dominates the skyline with its intricate facade, soaring spires, and countless statues. Construction of the cathedral began in 1386 and continued for nearly six centuries, resulting in a structure that reflects a blend of architectural styles, primarily Gothic, with later Renaissance and even neo-Gothic additions. You can purchase tickets to go into the Duomo for 10€ per person, but the better option is to book ahead so you can also visit the Terrace to see the spires and pinnacles up-close as well as an iconic panoramic views of Milan. On a clear day, you can even see the Italian Alps. The terrace is accessible by stairs or an elevator. Tickets to the Terrace do sell out and are an additional €16 per person.

The first stone of the city’s cathedral was laid in 1099 and the construction continued until 1184. The church is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. We enjoyed touring the inside of the church and it’s magnificent bell tower, known as the Ghirlandina. The carvings on the outside of the church are intricate and unique, well worth the visit alone.

Siena’s Duomo is a stunning mix of black-and-white marble that stands out in the heart of the city. Inside, its striped columns and intricate mosaic floors make it one of Italy’s most beautiful churches. The Piccolomini Library, with its colorful frescoes, is a hidden gem worth exploring. For an incredible view over Siena, climb up to the panoramic terrace. Whether you love history, art, or just a great view, this cathedral is a must-see.

This great enoteca is at the top of the hill and has a huge variety of wines to try. You can select the amount of your pour as well. Since it’s at the top of the hill, it’s a quick walk to the Comune building, the Piazza Grande and the Cattedrale.

Great spot to stop for a pizza and salad for lunch. The staff is friendly and welcoming. If you are lucky to get one of the sidewalk tables, you’ll have a fun view of all the tourists in this lovely little town.

This wine shop, owned by a lovely and helpful couple, is a great place to stop to ask questions and learn about the local wines. They do not do tastings but they are full of information and suggestions. We stopped first, just to buy a bottle of Nebbiolo for our dinner in the apartment. The wine was so good, we went back to ask to have some shipped home for us. Their prices are fair and there is a huge amount to choose from plus they over different vintages that they have in their cellar. We even got advice about which wines to drink and which to hold on to for a few years. Bruna arranged to have the bottles shipped home and we would recommend them to anyone!

This wine tasting room is in the basement of the Wine Museum in the castle in Barolo. There is an enomatic machine which dispenses tastings of over 30 wines, all from the region. The staff is kind and helpful in explaining about the wines, the region and the production of the regional king, the nebbiolo grape. This organization also has shops in Barbaresco, Grizano Cavour,

The Statue of Virgil stands in Piazza dei Signori as a tribute to one of ancient Rome’s greatest poets and Verona’s most famous native son. Born in nearby Mantua, Virgil spent part of his life in the Verona region, and the city has long embraced him as a symbol of its classical heritage. Depicted in a contemplative pose atop a stone pedestal, the statue anchors one of Verona’s most elegant squares, surrounded by historic palaces and cafés. More than a monument, the Virgil statue reflects Verona’s deep connection to literature, learning, and the enduring legacy of the Roman world.

The Ferrari Museum was a fun stop when we visited Modena. It’s easy to walk to from the train station and we enjoyed touring the slick, modern museum and seeing all the famous cars. We had a quick bite to eat in their lobby cafe which we enjoyed! It’s a fun stop in Modena and if you feel like spending a few euro, you can even sit in one of the new Ferraris for a photo.

Every year in early October, the folks in Bardolino get together for an epic wine festival. There is a panoramic walkway around the seafront and during the festival, it is lined with stalls serving delicious Bardolino red wine and a variety of foods. The food stalls are run by (or maybe for?) local organization and companies and they seem to be staffed entirely of folks from town. The food is all delicious and local — a particular type of risotto (with sausage) that is yummy. There is a stew that features donkey meat, again a local specialty along with lots of other options. The tourists leave at sunset and that’s when the fun begins with a live band, dancing and a disco-like atmosphere. The best thing about this festival is the way you can tell it’s all local people — with a few Germans mixed in. We did not hear any English the whole two days!

This is a great place to stop for lunch! It’s right in the centro, in between Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza Risorgimento. We had a beer and split a prosciutto e formaggio on focaccia. The staff is helpful and friendly and the panini are excellent. They have a few tables on the street or take your panino “a piedi” (to walk, meaning to go). They also have other sandwiches and pizza by the slice.

A true Frascati institution, Fondi dal 1936 has been welcoming diners for generations, and it shows in both the atmosphere and the food. The dining rooms feel classic and comfortable, with a sense of history that reflects the restaurant’s long-standing place in town. The outdoor seating is stylish with twinkle lights and lovely tables. The menu is rooted in traditional Roman and Castelli Romani cooking—simple, well-executed dishes that highlight quality ingredients rather than trends. This is the kind of restaurant locals return to again and again, whether for a family lunch or a relaxed evening meal. Dining at Fondi dal 1936 feels less like discovering a hidden gem and more like stepping into a piece of Frascati’s everyday life, where tradition and hospitality have quietly endured for decades.

If you leave the city out of the Porta Berarda, walking down the Via Guiseppe Maffei, you’ll come to a beautiful church and park, just outside the city gates.
This park is a quiet place to sit for a minute and enjoy the lovely views.
We saw children playing and people with dogs walking which made it feel just like home!

There is a legend that if you can roll a coin down the Porcellino’s tongue, you’ll have good luck. You can tell it is a well known story as the bronze statue’s nose is shiny from people rubbing it for luck! The statue is at the end of one of the big famous leather markets in town, so make sure to take time to peruse the stalls for a new wallet, purse or belt. In the evening, when the stalls are closed, there is space for musicians to setup and serende the evening crowd.

Medusa’s presence in Nemi feels less like decoration and more like an echo of the town’s ancient past. In classical tradition, the Gorgon was often used as a protective symbol, placed near water, thresholds, and sacred spaces to ward off harm. Below Nemi once stood the great Sanctuary of Diana Nemorensis, one of the most important cult sites in ancient Italy, where ritual, nature, and myth were deeply intertwined. Set above the dark waters of Lake Nemi, the Medusa fountain quietly reflects this legacy—less a monster of legend and more a silent guardian, watching over a place long shaped by myth and reverence.

This shop, located right on Piazza Michele Ferrero is full of amazing tastes and smells. Here you can buy your Piedmontese olive oil along with many different types of spreads and toppings. They allow you to taste the oil so you can learn the difference between the types offered. My absolute favorite is the Pistachio Pesto — you can spread that on pizza, pasta, pastries…. even just plain old sliced white bread – and it is absolutely delicious. Luckily this is a chain in other parts of Italy and they have an online store where you can have items shipped.