Expert Recommendations for Amazing Itineraries

This restaurant, opened in September @2025, sits right on Piazza Michele Ferrero. They have outside seating but we chose to sit inside for our dinner, as the inside looked so warm and welcoming. They offer a very interesting three-course (and delicious!) tasting menu. The cuisine is typical of this region – but with some fun combinations, like a the “Piedmontese Agnolotti that speaks a different dialect” made with anchovy, garlic, oil and chili peppers! PS — Agnolotti is stuff pasta, like a smaller ravioli. Tronchettto is a chocolate-and-hazelnut sponge cake roll that is rolled like a “little log.” The service is lovely, the other guests are clearly enjoying themselves and we loved getting a taste of Piedmont.

Omnilingua Language School is centrally located on via Roma in Sanremo. I attended this school for only one week but I hope to return for longer. The classes were organized and our instructor was great a explaining difficult grammatical concepts. We went on a tour of Sanremo on the first morning which was fun and helpful to get to know the town. We did not need to purchase a book, but worked off of sheets provided by the staff. Everyone at the office was very nice and helpful and I enjoyed meeting my classmates from all over the world.

The Museum of the Duomo is spectacular and can be included on your ticket to the Duomo. There is an open air balcony where you can see some amazing views of the dome. The museum is 3 floors ( there is an elevator ) with works from Donatello, Lorenzetti and more. The most famous piece is Michelangelo’s Pieta – a marble sculpture depicts the moment Christ’s body is taken down from the cross.

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! Each time we visit Florence, we make a point to save a meal for Belle Donne!

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. We loved to walk past it then down the stairs to get back to the center of things!

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.

The Palazzo Ducale di Parma is an elegant 16th-century palace located within the lush Parco Ducale, just across the river from Parma’s historic center. Once the residence of the Farnese and Bourbon dukes, it features refined Baroque architecture and beautifully decorated interiors, though today it houses government offices and is not open to the public. Its majestic façade and peaceful park setting make it a lovely sight for a stroll while exploring Parma’s noble past.

Parma is the proud birthplace of Parmigiano Reggiano, the world-famous hard cheese known as “Parmesan.” Crafted for over 800 years in this fertile region, it’s made from raw cow’s milk and aged a minimum of 12 months to develop its nutty, savory, crystalline texture. Visiting Parma offers the chance to tour dairies, watch the intricate cheese-making process, and taste authentic Parmigiano Reggiano straight from the wheel—a true symbol of Italian culinary heritage.

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. We had a little bite of traditional Tuscan meats and cheeses while we tried the variety of Brunello!

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.

This cute shop is full of fun and charming items for your home. So many things to choose from, often made in Italy, that would all be wonderful as gifts. They have very interesting glassware, plenty of espresso cups, plus many other gift items. We went in, looking for an Italian knife and the staff were helpful and kind.

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. We loved using the MiniMetro to get from the parking areas to the top of the town!

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.

Piazzale della Pace in Parma is a serene, beautifully restored green space in the heart of the historic center. Once the devastated site of wartime bombings, the square now features sweeping lawns, a reflective fountain by Mario Botta, and two evocative monuments—the Monument to the Partisan and the Ara Verdiana honoring Giuseppe Verdi. Framed by the majestic Palazzo della Pilotta and nearby heritage palaces, it’s a peaceful cultural hub ideal for relaxing, contemplative walks, and enjoying public events.