Expert Recommendations for Amazing Itineraries

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.

The best meal of our time in Alba was here at Voglia di Vino (translates to I Want Wine). The appetizer was by far the most decadent; a soft poached egg, with a cheese fonduta, bread chips and a mound of shaved black truffle. Alba is known for its truffles and they definitely love to include them in dishes. The egg and cheese combination was perfect. We enjoyed a traditional pasta dish called Tajarin with Piedmont ragu. They are fine, hand-cut egg noodles made with an extra-rich yolk dough. These noodles are made with more egg yolks than typical pasta which makes a richer pasta and helps the sauce stick more to the noodles. It was very good!

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.

The Mercato di Testaccio in Rome is a lively food market in the heart of the Testaccio neighborhood. Here, visitors can explore stalls filled with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and Roman street food delights. From supplì to porchetta sandwiches, the market offers a taste of authentic Italian cuisine amidst a bustling atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and travelers alike.

The Mercato Sant’Ambrogio is a fresh food market with stalls of all kinds of different foods. There are stalls for fish, meat, pasta, veggies, fruit, spices and more. It’s so fun to walk through the stalls checking out all the interesting local ingredients. If you are a foodie and don’t want to brave the crowded of the Centrale Market, try this one instead!

The Mercato Storico Albinelli in Modena is a vibrant, historic market known for its colorful stalls and fresh local produce. Since 1931, it’s been a beloved spot to discover regional specialties like Parmigiano-Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, and cured meats, offering an authentic taste of Emilian cuisine.
This is where you buy the 5Euro tiny bottles of authentic Balsamico di Modena vinegar to take home as a gift for all your friends!

Step inside this lovely bakery/cafe for a mid-afternoon treat. Coffee and a few kisses! Ligurian Baci — small, delicate cookies or confections that often feature local ingredients such as almonds, hazelnuts, or chocolate, sometimes filled with jam or cream. The word baci literally means “kisses” in Italian, so these treats are typically bite-sized and rich, intended to be savored in just a few bites.

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Tuscany, Montalcino exudes a timeless charm that captures the hearts of visitors from around the world. This picturesque hilltop town is renowned for its stunning views of the surrounding countryside and its rich cultural heritage. Montalcino is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Brunello di Montalcino, one of Italy’s most esteemed wines. Here, visitors can wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, lined with ancient stone buildings and charming artisan shops, or explore the imposing fortress that dominates the town’s skyline. With its idyllic setting, centuries of history, and world-class wine, Montalcino offers a quintessential Tuscan experience that is as captivating as it is unforgettable.

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.

This beach club is on the eastern side of Sanremo and offers rental lounge chairs with umbrellas. Their club has tasty aperitivo snacks and spritzes. We visited late in the afternoon as things were closing up on the beach but enjoyed the beautiful views and putting our feet in the sand. I would think that during a hot summer day, this is the place to be in Sanremo.

The Mura di Pisa (Pisa City Walls) are a historic and impressive set of fortifications that once protected the city. Stretching over 5 kilometers, the walls date back to the 12th century and were built to defend the city from invaders. Today, much of the walls remain intact, offering visitors the opportunity to walk along parts of them and explore their historical significance. The Mura di Pisa also provide beautiful views of the city, especially as you stroll through the green spaces that now surround the walls. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a scenic walk, the Mura di Pisa offer a unique perspective of the city and its past.

The Museo delle Mura in Rome is dedicated to the history and preservation of the city’s ancient walls, offering a fascinating glimpse into Rome’s past. Located near Porta San Sebastiano, one of the best-preserved gates of the Aurelian Walls, the museum showcases artifacts, maps, and models that highlight the evolution of the city’s defensive structures. Visitors can explore the history of the walls from ancient times through the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, and even walk along parts of the preserved walls. With its blend of history, archaeology, and stunning views, the Museo delle Mura provides a unique perspective on Rome’s development and its lasting impact on the city’s architecture.