Expert Recommendations for Amazing Itineraries

This café is the perfect place to stop for a coffee – if you are walking from central Florence to the train station, you’ll walk right past it. The café has a lovely welcoming interior and bar but the view from the sidewalk tables is unparalleled. You’ll be looking right at the magnificent Piazza al Duomo!

A great spot to people watch and spend the afternoon, the Campo di Fiore is an outdoor market with local produce, local specialty foods and handmade items. In the evening, they clear everything out and the square is just a lovely Roman square with restaurants and gelato shops. I love to look at all the beautiful produce, mostly vegetables and herbs. It’s hard when you don’t have a kitchen to cook in but still fun to see it all!

The Casino di Sanremo is one of the Italian Riviera’s most glamorous landmark that has been welcoming guests since 1905. Set in a grand, cream-colored Art Nouveau building along Corso degli Inglesi, it radiates old-world elegance with its sweeping staircase, ornate details, and softly glowing lights at night. Even if you’re not stepping inside to play, the casino is worth a visit for its architecture alone and the lively ambiance that spills into the surrounding streets. It remains a symbol of Sanremo’s golden-age charm and a reminder of the Riviera’s enduring allure.

Perched at the tip of the Sirmione peninsula on Lake Garda, Castello Scaligero di Sirmione is a striking medieval fortress that feels frozen in time. Built in the 13th century by the powerful Scaliger family, the castle features robust stone walls, four imposing towers, and a fully preserved moat that opens directly onto the lake. Visitors can wander the ramparts for panoramic views of Lake Garda and the surrounding town, explore the internal courtyards, and imagine the fortress as a bustling hub of medieval life. The castle is open to the public most days and it is very fun to climb the stairs to walk along the walls. Tickets were €8 per person in September 2025.

Castelvecchio is one of Verona’s most important medieval landmarks, offering a powerful glimpse into the city’s past. Built in the 14th century as a fortified residence for the ruling Scaliger family, the castle’s red-brick towers and imposing walls still dominate the banks of the Adige River. Inside, the Castelvecchio Museum houses an impressive collection of medieval and Renaissance art, including sculptures, paintings, and architectural fragments that trace Verona’s artistic and political history. The iconic Ponte Scaligero—a dramatic fortified bridge—offers some of the best panoramic views in Verona. Together, Castelvecchio and its museum provide a rich, immersive experience that balances history, art, and architecture, making it an essential stop for visitors who want to understand Verona beyond its Roman roots.

Cat Cafe Firenze is a charming and cozy café in the heart of Florence, where you can enjoy a coffee or an aperitvo while surrounded by adorable cats. The café provides a relaxing atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind after exploring the city. The resident cats are friendly and well-cared for, and visitors are encouraged to interact with them while enjoying homemade pastries and beverages. It’s a popular spot for both cat lovers and those looking for a unique experience in Florence. Whether you’re in need of a coffee break or simply miss your own furry companions, Cat Cafe Firenze offers a one-of-a-kind experience.

The Cattedrale di San Lorenzo is Alba’s stunning cathedral, a serene centerpiece of the city’s historic heart. Its elegant facade and soaring bell tower hint at the treasures inside, including beautiful frescoes, intricate stained glass, and a richly decorated altar. Dedicated to Saint Lawrence, the cathedral blends centuries of architectural styles, reflecting Alba’s long and vibrant history. A peaceful place for reflection, it’s also a must-see landmark for visitors wandering the charming streets of this Piedmontese town.

The Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, towering proudly over Montepulciano, is a breathtaking testament to Gothic and Renaissance architecture. As the heart of the city, the Piazza Grande unfurls before the cathedral, offering a picturesque setting steeped in history and charm. Flanked by ancient palaces and adorned with a timeless well, the piazza serves as a lively gathering place, where locals and visitors alike converge to soak in the atmosphere and marvel at the cathedral’s beauty.

If you are lucky enough to be in Bra, Italy for the Slow Food Movement’s CHEESE festival, you must not pass it up. The Comune of Bra and the Slow Food organizers host the festival in September, every other year — on odd years. We went in 2025. We tried cheese from every country in Europe plus some in the Americas and elsewhere. There is so much to see (and taste!). We recommend one day for the festival but it does go on for a full weekend. Each stall has samples to try, and you are able to buy any of it that you like. They have seminars, talks, and more on the Slow Food Movement. There is a food truck area where you can get food other than cheese, there are booths with all sorts of food items; jams, honeys, meats, cheese, oils, vinegars, etc. There are wine and beer vendors plus other type of food available to eat on the spot. The festival is all through the streets of Bra and you can wander around for hours! It was a very fun day!

Enjoyed a quiet aperitivo here in their warm and welcoming dining room. Inside the Palazzo Chigi Saracini. they have a lovely patio, in the center of a beautiful ancient courtyard, but alas today’s weather sent me inside. The rooms are decorated with art, most interestingly a grand (and very old looking) family tree. The staff was warm and kind. I enjoyed a delicious glass of Brunello and the highlight of my visit was a potato pie with truffle sitting on a pecorino fondue. It was a warm and cozy treat for an early afternoon visit.

With a Michelin star, you won’t be surprised by the absolute white linen tablecloth experience at this restaurant. From start to finish, the meal was exquisite. We were treated to a small glass of local white wine when we sat down along with some delicious breads. We had to order the two iconic risottos; the carbonara and the condensed sartoriale with coffee and beer. Both were delicious. We also had a pork entree that was cooked to perfection with a lovely light jus and steamed greens. For dessert, we tried the classic Zabaglione and a perfect chocolate cake. We dined here for lunch since we had to take the train from Alba but it was a lovely lunch and the dining room was not at all crowded. It almost felt like we had the place to ourselves for a private meal! Absolutely recommend stopping here if you are in Piedmont. After lunch, we walked back to the train station to see a little of the town of Vercelli.

Listed as one of “i borghi più belli d’Italia” (“The most beautiful villages of Italy”), this walled town is a so picturesque that when you look at your photos, you’ll have to tell friends “this is a real place!” When we arrived by car, we parked in a small parking lot at the base of the hill. We boarded a city bus that drops you up at the top. Keep in mind that the walk to the Civita is long and steep and may not be suitable for all travelers, but I promise that it is worth every drop of sweat to get there. Inside the city walls, you’ll find the typical piazze and churches. Not large at all, this is a the perfect stop if you are in Tuscany and are heading to Rome or south. Don’t miss it…

This cute shop is a great place to get some authentic Italian goods for your favorite coffee lover. They have moka pots and many cute cups, saucers, etc.

This hotel on the edge of the Monti neighborhood is a great central spot that is not in the more touristy area. I stayed there when arriving in Rome via the Train at Termini because it’s close by. But be forewarned, Monti means Hills (plural) and the walk with a roller suitcase is not a good idea. I regretted my choices almost immediately!

The city of Alba is easily accessible by train from Turin and it is absolutely a great stop in Piedmont. Alba is known for white truffles and Nebbiolo wine. The food is exceptional from lovely small trattorias to 15 Michelin starred restaurants. The town is very walkable, full of lovely people and great access to wine country. It has warm, sunny summers and cool, crisp winters, with occasional snow in the coldest months. The climate stays generally comfortable in spring and fall, perfect for exploring vineyards, tasting wines, and enjoying seasonal truffles.

The village of Barolo is a little harder to get to, but well worth a visit, especially if you are a wine lover. We decided to take a 3€ bus from Alba which takes about 40 minutes, is airconditioned and quite comfortable. The village is very hilly so be prepared for some uphill walking, which makes the views exceptional.

The famous Barolo wine is named after the village of Barolo which existed long before the wine gained fame. When the Nebbiolo grapes from that area were first recognized for producing the “king of wines,” they were labeled Barolo after the village where they were grown. Over time, the name came to define not just the village but the prestigious DOCG wine produced in the surrounding Langhe hills.

The building housing the Comune di Montepulciano stands as a stately symbol of civic pride and heritage in the Piazza Grande. Originally constructed during the medieval period and subsequently renovated in Renaissance style, the Comune di Montepulciano building embodies the enduring spirit of the community. Its halls have witnessed centuries of decision-making and community affairs, making it not just an administrative center but also a living repository of Montepulciano’s collective memory and identity. For a unique perspective, visitors can ascend to the roof for a nominal fee, offering panoramic views of Montepulciano’s enchanting surroundings and a closer look at the architectural details that grace this historic landmark.

Da Felice in Testaccio is one of the most famous Roman restaurants for the Roman Classic “spaghetti cacio e pepe.” You do have to plan in advance for this one as it is hard to get a day-of reservation. The Testaccio neighborhood is a little away from the main tourist attractions and it feels very Roman. There are plenty of shops and gelaterias for after your meal!

“Da Oio a casa mia” in Rome’s Testaccio neighborhood is a true gem of traditional Roman cuisine. From the moment you step in, the warm ambiance and friendly staff make you feel like family. The menu features a delightful array of classic Roman dishes, each bursting with flavor and prepared with care. Whether it’s their perfectly al dente pasta dishes, tender meat courses, or heavenly desserts, every bite is a culinary delight. The restaurant’s commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients shines through in every dish. With its cozy atmosphere and mouthwatering cuisine, “Da Oio a casa mia” is a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic taste of Rome.

This lovely little enoteca is right on the Piazza San Donato looking at the church and is a wonderful place to people watch while enjoying a delicious meal. There are a few local cats hanging out in the square as well though they don’t seem friendly enough to pet. We enjoyed the polenta bolognese and this delicious contorno of Tuscan beans with toasted bread. Perfetto!