Expert Recommendations for Amazing Itineraries

The Funicular to Castel San Pietro offers one of the most rewarding viewpoints in Verona, carrying visitors up the hillside above the Adige River. Originally built in the early 20th century and thoughtfully restored, the funicular provides a scenic and easy alternative to the steep climb on foot. At the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping panoramic views over Verona’s rooftops, bridges, and historic center—especially beautiful at sunset. It’s a simple, memorable experience that adds a fresh perspective to the city and pairs perfectly with a stroll or aperitivo overlooking Verona from above. You can buy a ticket in the lobby and then ride up the hill. We found it very easy to walk back down, so if you plan to do this, you only need a one-way ticket.

The Galleria is an expansive outdoor mall with very high end fashion shops and lovely restaurants. There is a spot in the center of the galleria where you may see people forming a line. The famous legend centers on the mosaic of a bull set into the floor at the intersection of the arcade. According to tradition, if you place your right heel on the bull’s genitals and spin around three times, it brings good luck. The mosaic represents the coat of arms of Turin (which features a bull). Over time, Milanese locals turned it into a playful superstition—part good-luck ritual, part gentle poke at their northern rivals in Turin. The exact origin is fuzzy, but it’s been practiced for decades, and visitors from all over the world join in.

For €12 per person (in September 2025), you can take a boat tour around the peninsula of Sirmione. The ride is about an hour and I’m so glad I did this tour. Keep an eye on the queue so hopefully you can get a spot on a boat that is not overfilled with tourists. I only had 7 other people on my boat. The captain explains the history of the region as we toured and it was interesting to see the bubbling spots in the lake. Sirmione has been known for its thermal waters since Roman times, and the lake bottom in certain areas is geologically active. The water near these spots is often slightly warmer and rich in minerals, which is why thermal baths and spa resorts thrive in the area; they’re part of what makes Sirmione’s lake waters unique.

This tiny gelato shop is my exception to the rule. I normally say not to stop at the places right in the tourist areas, but this gelato is so delicious it makes sense to grab a double on a cone and find a spot in the piazza to enjoy it and people watch.

A wonderful spot to stop for an authentic and delicious gelato. I went for the straticella and limone. Many times when we passed by there was a line waiting for their cones!

Well known Neapolitan pizzaiolo, Gino Sorbillo, has an restaurant here in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. This is a great place to stop for lunch and enjoy some truly delicious pizza. We never go outside the normal when treated to amazing pizza in Italy so we ordered a margarita pizza. We enjoyed a spritz and a beer while sitting outside on the side street of the Galleria.

This small ristorante in the Monti neighborhood of Rome has the most delicious Cacio e Pepe pasta. Their cute tables outside are perfect for a nice dinner! I enjoyed having a solo dinner there while waiting for the rest of my group to arrive and the folks at the restaurant were attentive and kind. Just ate my dinner while reading my book and watching the world go by.

Tucked into the hills of the Castelli Romani, the Greek Monastery of Santa Maria di Grottaferrata is a place of rare calm and continuity. Founded in 1004, it is one of the last surviving Byzantine-rite monasteries in Italy, where ancient traditions are still very much alive. Inside, you’ll find a striking blend of Eastern and Western Christian art—golden mosaics, icons, and frescoes that feel worlds away from the bustle of Rome. We were lucky the day we visited to witness a lovely wedding complete with a vintage Alfa Romeo Giulietta wrapped in a big white bow! The grounds are lovely for a quiet walk and to enjoy the ancient beauty.

This amazing restaurant is an Instagram phenomenon. Set in a cave, every table has the view of a lifetime. The menu is extravagant and expensive but worth every penny. The food is delicious, the service is impeccable and it will definitely be a memorable evening. Reservations are hard to get so plan accordingly but if you have a special occasion while in Italy and are putting Puglia on your itinerary, this restaurant will be perfect for your celebration!

Yes, there is a picture of Guy Fieri on the wall. But it makes sense because the pizza is delicious. 10/10 — definitely recommend and can’t wait to go back. It’s right by the Piazza di Santo Spirito so don’t miss that when you are there. They offer lots of different toppings and the vibe is very friendly and warm!

Situated on the left side of the Piazza Ferrero, we once again enjoyed sitting outside and watching the world go by. We decided to try another traditional dish called Vitello Tonnato. It is a classic Piedmontese specialty made of thinly sliced chilled veal, topped with a creamy tuna, caper, and anchovy sauce. It is one of the most famous traditional dishes of the region and is served on every menu. The combination was surprisingly tasty. The veal was tender and cooked to perfection and the tuna sauce is light and does not overpower the meat. While we did not order it again during our visit, we were happy to have tasted it once.
The restaurant has a full menu with pizzas, pastas and more plus a comprehensive wine list.

Heading up the hilltop area around Castel San Pietro, above Verona, is one of the best ways to truly appreciate the city. From this elevated viewpoint, the rooftops, bridges, and winding Adige River unfold below you, offering sweeping panoramic views you simply can’t get from street level. Whether you walk up or take the funicular, the climb is rewarded with a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busy historic center. It’s a perfect spot for photos, a peaceful stroll, or enjoying a drink as the city lights begin to glow at sunset.

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.