Expert Recommendations for Amazing Itineraries

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.

Osteria La Sosta di Violante is a cozy spot in Siena known for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent Tuscan cuisine. It’s named after Violante of Bavaria, the female 18th-century governor of Siena who helped shape the city’s cultural heritage. The menu features local favorites like pici pasta with rich sauces, hearty meats, and a great selection of regional wines. Tucked away on a quiet street, it feels like a hidden gem just steps from the city’s main sights. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch or a relaxed dinner, this osteria is a great place to experience authentic Sienese flavors.

Osteria Pasquino in Rome is a cozy, traditional eatery known for its delicious Roman cuisine and inviting atmosphere. Located in the charming Piazza Pasquino, just steps away from Piazza Navona, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy classic Italian dishes like pasta alla carbonara, cacio e pepe, and saltimbocca alla Romana. The restaurant’s warm and rustic décor complements its authentic menu, making it feel like a true local gem. With its excellent food and friendly service, Osteria Pasquino offers a taste of Roman hospitality that’s hard to beat. Sit outside on a nice afternoon for an unforgettable culinary experience in the heart of Rome.

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.

The Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici in Arezzo is a striking Renaissance building located in the heart of the city’s historic center. Originally built in the 14th century, it was the headquarters of the Fraternity of Laymen, a charitable organization. The building features an impressive façade with beautiful frescoes and is known for its tall, ornate clock tower. Visitors can climb the bell tower for a unique experience—reaching the top just in time to hear the bell ring. Inside, you’ll also find a museum showcasing the city’s rich art and history, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Arezzo.

Pasticceria Nannini is a renowned pastry shop in Siena, famous for its delicious traditional sweets and pastries. Established in 1950, it’s a local favorite for both residents and visitors seeking authentic Tuscan treats. The shop offers a wide variety of pastries, including the famous ricciarelli (soft almond cookies), panforte (a dense fruitcake), and cream-filled cornetti. Located near Piazza del Campo, it’s the perfect stop for a morning coffee or afternoon snack. With its long-standing history and dedication to quality, Pasticceria Nannini is a must-visit for anyone looking to taste the best of Siena’s sweet offerings.

Pasticceria Sal De Riso, located in the heart of Minori on the Amalfi Coast, is a renowned pastry shop famous for its delicious and beautifully crafted desserts. The bakery, led by the talented pastry chef Salvatore De Riso, is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. It offers a wide range of traditional Italian pastries, including the famous delizia al limone (a lemon dessert), as well as other delicacies like tarts, cakes, and cannoli. The café also serves refreshing beverages and light bites, perfect for enjoying with a coffee or an afternoon treat on its patio facing the sea.

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.

Arezzo’s Piazza Grande is one of Tuscany’s most charming squares, with its sloping pavement and mix of medieval and Renaissance buildings. Fans of *Life is Beautiful* will recognize it as the backdrop for many scenes from the film. The square comes alive during the monthly antique market and certainly at Christmas for its famous Mercato di Natale. Cafés and restaurants line the edges, perfect for soaking in the atmosphere with a coffee or aperitivo. Whether you’re here for history, film, or just a leisurely stroll, Piazza Grande is a place that feels straight out of a storybook.

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.