Expert Recommendations for Amazing Itineraries

This nice Hilton Garden Inn offers lots of convenience for those travelling in or out of Milan Malpensa Airport. It is a big, modern, clean hotel. They have a nice bar and a tasty restaurant. If you are arriving in Italy in the early morning after a long overnight flight, the hotel fits the bill. As of September 2025, they have a large shuttle bus that will take you to the small local train station or to Malpensa. Remember to book that shuttle in advance as they do run out of seats since so many travelers use this hotel.

This hotel is the perfect place to spend your first or last night in Italy if you are using FCO airport in Rome. You can literally walk to the hotel from the airport, the rooms are safe and clean, and they have the best breakfast buffet I’ve ever seen. After a good night sleep, you can wake up refreshed and head to the train station at the airport. There is a connection to Roma Termini where you can get to almost anywhere in the country quickly. There is a direct train from FCO to Santa Maria Novella in Florence (it does stop in Termini but you don’t change trains) and in 2 hours, you’ll be at the Duomo!

Hotel & Ristorante Pupetto, located in Positano on the Amalfi Coast, is a charming and picturesque spot offering stunning views of the Mediterranean. The hotel provides a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, with rooms that feature traditional Mediterranean decor and breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding cliffs. The restaurant, renowned for its delicious seafood and classic Italian dishes, offers an ideal setting for a meal by the water. Guests can enjoy fresh local ingredients, including the catch of the day, while taking in the panoramic vistas.

This is our “Home away from Home” on the Amalfi Coast of Bella Italia. We have stayed there 20 Times over the last 26 years and 14 members of our family and many friends have joined us there.

This small and beautiful hotel is truly family run and has been since 1968 when the Cinque family converted it from a 17th century palazzo.

We have always been treated as part of the family and consider ourselves that way. The included colazione is delicious and several years ago the family opened a chic high end Ristorante, “Don Giovanni” on their picturesque terrace overlook the sea. The hotel is quite popular and there are just 16 rooms, most with sea view terraces, so reservations during peak season must be made very well in advance.

We were lucky enough to book a room right in Bardolino because we were there for the wine festival and we wanted to be close. Being able to walk back to the room was perfect and the hotel, though quite expensive, offered a lovely breakfast, was clean and modern and could not have been in a better spot. This was the most expensive two nights of our trip, but worth it for the fun we had in Bardolino.

Hotel Plaza e de Russie is a luxurious seaside hotel known for its elegance and impeccable service (it’s a Relais & Chateaux property). Located along the stunning promenade, it offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean and easy access to the beach. The hotel is home to the Michelin-starred restaurant L’Assaggio, where guests can indulge in gourmet dishes crafted from fresh, local ingredients, providing an unforgettable dining experience.

Located in Trastevere, this boutique hotel has spacious rooms and gorgeous courtyard. Breakfast is delicious and they even serve a happy hour for guests! They also have family friendly rooms where your kids can have their own beds. The location is really perfect if you want to stay in Trastevere. If you are travelling with kids, they have some great options for suits with a master bedroom and a second spot with bunk beds for the kids.

This hotel and thermal spa is a great spot to call home while visiting Sirmione. The location is perfect – views of the lake and the castle from the rooms. The rooms are clean and well equipped. Breakfast is included as is visits to the thermal pool. They have a spa as well for body treatments. The hotel restaurant is delicious, fine dining and then transformed to a great breakfast buffet. There is a plenty of outdoor space for aperitivo and a cute bar for post-dinner relaxation. The hotel is pricey but well worth it for its location and amenities.

This is the restaurant in the Hotel Sirmione. The food is exceptional and the service is warm and gracious. We enjoyed pasta al gricia, peppery and creamy with guanciale and a tasty fish with sweet potato puree and pesto. The dessert was a work of art with tart berries and creamy lemon cake. We enjoyed our first bottle of Veronese Valpolicella Ripasso. The wine list was extensive and we appreciated the advice from our waiter about a good local wine.

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.

The three Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore, famously coveted by Napoleon, are easy to reach and absolutely worth visiting. The islands—Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori—each have their own unique charm. Isola Bella, perched on a rocky outcrop in the middle of the lake, is accessible by a short ferry ride. If you start early in the day, you can purchase a pass to visit all three islands in one day. We chose Isola Bella for its renowned beauty. Dominating the island is the Palazzo Borromeo with its stunning terraced gardens. Visitors can tour both the palace and gardens; in fall 2025, tickets were €24 per person.

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!