Expert Recommendations for Amazing Itineraries

Starting at the Circus Maximus, you can walk up Aventine hill, stopping at the lovely gardens along the way, Giardino degli Aranci. At the top of the hill, there is a huge green door. There will likely be a line there, so just get in line with the rest of the people. The door has a keyhole that has a picture perfect view of the Vatican.

This Palazzo in the Piazza della Repubblica is the main square in Cortona and is a lovely place to sit and have a café and people watch. The famous Christmas market scene in “Under the Tuscan Sun” was set here in this piazza.

The Pantheon is one of my favorite buildings in Rome, with its ocular hole in the roof and the way the sun streams in at certain times of the day. The piazza out front will be crowded so be alert to scammers and pickpockets. Centrally located among the other tourist sites, this one is not to be missed.

I can’t think of one person visiting Rome who doesn’t know that the Colosseum is a “must see” so instead of describing it, I’ll offer a bit of advise. If you have it in your budget, hire a local to give you a walking tour of the Colosseum and the Forum because there are so many interesting things to see and learn. The stories the local tour operators know make the cost of hiring one well worth it.

Talk about a cafe with a view?!? This cafe has tables in the street and on the sidewalk under the colonnades. Turn your chair towards the view of the le due Torri and enjoy an Aperol spritz along with some porchetta and tigelle!

The Vatican, a city-state within Rome, is the spiritual and administrative center of the Catholic Church. St. Peter’s Cathedral is one of the most renowned examples of Renaissance architecture and serves as a symbol of the Church’s grandeur. Its iconic dome, designed by Michelangelo, dominates the skyline of Rome and attracts millions of visitors each year. Inside, the Sistine Chapel, famous for its stunning ceiling painted by Michelangelo, is open to the public but tours/tickets must be arranged well ahead of time.

Right in the heart of Trastevere, there are multiple sites of this restaurant. We ate at the one right in the Piazza della Scala by our apartment and it was really tasty. Good red wine by the caraffe, we each had a tasty pasta and then split saltimbocca and it was excellent.

If you are missing your cat, this spot is perfect to see some ancient ruins and to pet a few cats. The Torre Argentina is the remains of four Roman temples and is thought to be the place where Caesar was murdered. It was found during an excavation in the 1920s and now is a protected site. Within the ruins is also a cat sanctuary. You’ll see lots of cats roaming the ruins and in the grass but you also can walk down a small flight of stairs to a basement where there are cats you can interact with. Some are old or blind and they are all lovely to sit with for a few minutes. It doesn’t smell great in there, but it was worth it for me to visit. Be a good citizen and leave a few euro to donate to help these cuties.

This beautiful tower is in the center of Siena, in the Sienese town call called the Palazzo Pubblico. It overlooks the historic Piazza del Campo known famously for the Palio de Campo horse race which happens twice every year since 1633. This tower is 285 feet tall and it is possible to visit the top, up a steep but comfortable set of stairs. Tickets are 14€ and the museum is open every day. Built in ten years starting in 1338, the name “mangia” is surrounded by a bit of folklore. The Palio di Siena is held twice a year in the summer and has been happening since 1633, but other races similar to it date back to the 1300s.

The Torre del Mangia in Siena is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, standing tall in Piazza del Campo. Built in the 14th century, this bell tower offers panoramic views of Siena and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Named after its first bell ringer, Giovanni di Balduccio, also known as “Mangia” (meaning “eater” in local dialect), the tower is a symbol of Siena’s civic pride. Climbing the 400+ steps to the top is a rewarding experience, offering breathtaking views of the city’s medieval rooftops and the rolling hills beyond. A visit to the Torre del Mangia is a must for anyone wanting to take in Siena from above.

The Torre di Pisa, or Leaning Tower of Pisa, is one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks, located within the stunning Piazza dei Miracoli. This famous tower, part of the Pisa Cathedral complex, stands alongside the impressive Duomo (Cathedral), the Baptistery, and the Monumental Cemetery. Visitors can climb the 294 steps of the tower for a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. The Duomo, with its intricate marble façade and stunning interior, and the Baptistery, known for its acoustics, add to the historical and architectural significance of the site.

This very small hotel has rooms overlooking the Bay of Naples with Mt. Vesuvio in the distance. It’s a charming small hotel, clean and convenient. We loved being away from the hubbub of the city by being down a short causeway by the Castel dell’Ovo. They only take reservations from March-ish through the tourist season and you can reach them via email at info@transatlanticonapoli.com. There is a wonderful restaurant downstairs along with a few other places nearby. Get the Pasta Vongole, if you eat that their restaurant, it comes highly recommended by my dad! ***The photo is taken from our room!

By far, this was one of the top dinners we had in Italy. This is a small family run trattoria, but you do need to get reservations because it is so popular. I had the small ravioli with parmesan inside and pea cream with sausage. Located in the neighborhood near our VRBO, this trattoria was highly recommended as a local favorite by our host.

This tiny restaurant is in the Mercato Sant’Ambrogio so it is only open for lunch. The market closes at 2pm so be sure to plan to be there around noon for lunch. The tables are open to everyone so you may share a table (and a carafe of wine) with some folks taking their lunch break. The scene is a little chaotic but they restaurant knows what it’s doing so just ask for a table for your party and roll with everything else. The food is delicious and clearly made with care and love.

The Trevi Fountain stands as a majestic masterpiece of Baroque artistry in the heart of Rome. Completed in the 18th century, it is the largest and one of the most famous fountains in the city. Visitors are captivated by its grandeur, featuring intricate sculptures depicting mythical figures and sea creatures. Legend has it that tossing a coin into the fountain ensures a return to Rome, making it a timeless tradition for tourists seeking luck and a connection to the Eternal City.

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the main art galleries in Florence. Housed in an beautiful building, there are rooms and rooms of art for you to see. There are sculpture galleries in the hallways. This is a must stop sight in Florence.

This restaurant in the University neighborhood is the perfect spot the end a fun day of touring. It’s warm and cozy, lined with book shelves filled with books. The food matches the vibe – great Italian food.

This quaint little street, lined with shops and cafes, is a perfect place to wander for the afternoon. We stopped for an aperitivo and enjoyed watching world go by. The street is highlighted by the words to Imagine, by John Lennon, in lights above the path.

The famous singer, Domenico Modugno, grew up here in Polignano a Mare. He is best known for the song “Volare” which you can often hear being played in town. This street has the words of the song, written in lights, strung across the street and it is particularly darling at night.

Viareggio is a charming coastal town in Tuscany, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant promenade, and lively atmosphere. The passeggiata, or promenade, stretches nearly 2 miles along the seafront, lined with elegant Art Nouveau architecture, shops, and cafés, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. The town is famous for its grand hotels and villas, as well as the renowned Carnival of Viareggio, one of Italy’s most famous festivals, featuring elaborate parades and colorful floats. Whether you’re enjoying a walk along the passeggiata, relaxing on the beach, or attending a local festival, Viareggio offers a perfect blend of relaxation and culture.