Expert Recommendations for Amazing Itineraries

The Accademia Gallery stands as a timeless beacon of art and culture. Renowned for housing Michelangelo’s iconic masterpiece, “David,” the gallery offers visitors encounters with Renaissance brilliance. Beyond the David, the Accademia boasts a treasure trove of artistic wonders, including Michelangelo’s unfinished sculptures, captivating religious works, and intricate musical instrument displays. To avoid the long lines, timed tickets can be purchased online through the official website of the Accademia Gallery.

Alberobello is a 30 minute drive from Polignano a Mare and is best known for captivating visitors with its enchanting trulli houses. These unique stone dwellings with conical roofs are emblematic of the town and have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Alberobello’s trulli district offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional Apulian architecture, with narrow streets winding between clusters of these distinctive structures. There are shops and restaurants in these distinctive houses. Again, a location well worth the visit.

This sandwich shop has gone viral on Instagram as the place to go to get the famous Florentine sandwiches called schiacciata. There are actually a few different locations in central Florence and some folks might recommend you chose instead the less crowded instead but personally I think it’s fun to be in line with all the folks making reels of their sandwiches. The wait is worth it — the paninis are so delicious — my go to is the pancetta, parmesan spread, arugula and sun dried tomatoes.

The Amalfi Coast ferry system is a convenient and scenic way to explore the stunning coastline, connecting towns like Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Sorrento, and Salerno. The ferries offer a unique perspective of the coast, allowing passengers to take in the dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and crystal-clear waters. Service operates regularly during the warmer months, typically from April to October, and provides a faster and more relaxed alternative to driving along the winding coastal roads. Ferries are a popular choice for travelers seeking to visit multiple towns in a day or enjoy a leisurely ride with spectacular views.

This quaint jewelry shop of a small alleyway in Cortona has many handmade artisan crafted items for purchase. The owner is so welcoming and lovely that it’s worth the stop.

This Michelin loved restaurant is off-the-beaten track a little in Trastevere and we enjoyed a very delicious, modern Italian meal there. We did make a reservation and with the number of celebrity photos on the wall, I suspect you need one! The food was delicious, the staff was attentive and friendly and the restaurant was full of other Italians which makes me feel like part of the city. They still offered the traditional Italian favorites, cacio e pepe, carbonara, but also had some interesting options like the baked buffalo mozzarella in a crispy filo shell with prosciutto.

This is the best porchetta in Florence. The shop is just a window and they make the sandwich right in front of you. They don’t have any extras, just drinks. But it is so delicious — we stopped there so many times, I feel like the men cutting the porchetta started to recognize us. It’s not as well known as Antica Vinaio but it is equally as delicious.

Spend some time while you are in Italy sitting in a town square, a Piazza, watching the world go by. Every city has more than a few of these piazze and normally, you’ll find cafes with outdoor seating. Often, these piazze have people busking; playing the guitar or singing. It’s a central place for the city to come together and enjoy life in their city. After dark, they can become even more fun with lots of folks, sitting around and enjoying the evening.

This great cocktail bar has lots of fun concoctions to try but also serves a perfect Aperol Spritz and some interesting local beer. Of course, you’ll get a lovely aperitivo snack but they also have a tasty menu too. The bar is on the Via Roma which is the street with the words to the ubiquitous “Volare” in lights so make sure it sit outside and enjoy the scene.

We enjoyed into a sunny warm day at Paestum and were astounded by the archeological sites to see. Three massive Greek temples, still standing, are the obvious sites to visit first. You are able to walk up and into the temples reading about the site as you go along. Once the Romans seized the city from the Greeks, they built an amphitheater, city walls and church are all included in the ticket. Outside the park, there is a small area you can walk to with a Museum and some restaurants and shops.

Bar Il Palio in Siena is a popular café located on the historic Piazza del Campo, offering a perfect spot to enjoy a quick lunch or long dinner. The bar serves a variety of drinks, from traditional Italian wine to refreshing aperitivos, and its menu includes some delicious bruschetta options. Whether you’re taking a break from exploring Siena’s beautiful streets or simply looking for a relaxed place to enjoy the Campo’s vibrant energy, Bar Il Palio provides a charming and authentic experience.

The Piazza Santa Croce is my favorite spot in Florence. It’s easily walkable from the Duomo but much less croweded. The piazza perfectly frames the Basilica and on a sunny morning, is the perfect spot for a café and cornetto. The Church has many interesting historical figures entombed within including Michelangelo and Galileo but not Dante who is memorialized there but who’s body remains in Ravella despite centuries long attempt to bring him back to Florence.

The Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico in Siena is a stunning church known for its impressive Gothic architecture and historical significance. Located just outside the city’s main square, it is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Siena, one of Italy’s patron saints. Inside, visitors can view the relics of Saint Catherine, including her finger and head (which is housed in a special chapel). The basilica also features beautiful artwork, including works by Michelangelo. With its serene atmosphere and deep spiritual connection, the Basilica San Domenico is a must-visit for anyone exploring Siena’s religious and artistic heritage.

The Basilica di Santo Spirito in Florence, designed by the legendary Filippo Brunelleschi, is a timeless marvel of Renaissance architecture. With its graceful façade and majestic dome, this sacred sanctuary exudes tranquility and architectural splendor. Beyond its doors, visitors are greeted by the lively Piazza Santo Spirito, with restaurants and sidewalk cafes; it is a vibrant hub of Florentine life. Santo Spirito is on the west side of the Arno River.

The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls is one of Rome’s four major basilicas and an important pilgrimage site. Located a little outside the city’s historic center, it’s known for its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere. The basilica’s grand interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics and the tomb of Saint Paul, making it a significant place for both religious and historical significance. The outer courtyard, with its tranquil garden and colonnade, adds to the serene vibe of the area. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls offers a unique and inspiring experience.

When this church was excavated, another 4th century church and a 1st century pagan temple were found below. For a 10€ ticket, you can go see the excavation below and it’s very interesting! You walk down the stairs to three different levels and even see the lost waters of Rome flowing from the foundation.

The Baths of Caracalla are a quick walk from Trastevere; they are located close to the Circus Maximus. The site is the location of a giant Roman bathhouse, with a lot of examples of mosaic tiles from that time. The structure is quite large and you can walk throughout the building to see the different rooms. It was 8€ for the ticket and a good stop to see ancient Rome.

The beach in Rimini was quiet on the May day that we were there but I bet it’s hopping in the summer. There were attendants to get you settled in under an umbrella on your chaise lounge so you can sit and watch the Adriatic Sea. By train, it’s a quick one hour trip from Bologna too!

This great local spot is just a few minutes walk from the Palazzo Vecchio and the Piazza Santa Croce. They have a great menu of pizzas, antipasti and drinks. My favorite was the pizza fritti with spicy Calabrian ‘nduja.

If I had to pick only one, I would pick the Palace and Gardens over the Uffizi. On a pretty day, it’s nice to be outside to see the gardens and there is plenty of amazing art to see in the Palace. We went on a sunny day and enjoyed the Gardens first, then headed into the Palace. There’s a café on the ground floor of the Palace so you can get a little snack before your time in the museum.