Expert Recommendations for Amazing Itineraries

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.

Piazza Cavour is the quiet heart of Grottaferrata, a place where daily life unfolds at an unhurried, local pace. Framed by cafés, shops, and leafy hedges, the piazza feels more residential than monumental—exactly what makes it so appealing. It’s the kind of square where you pause for a coffee, watch neighbors greet one another, and enjoy a moment of calm after visiting the nearby Greek Monastery of Santa Maria di Grottaferrata. We stopped for a cappuccino and a ciambella and sat to soak up the sun for a few moments.

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.

Piazza delle Erbe is the vibrant heart of Verona, where layers of history and daily life come together in one lively square. Once the site of the Roman forum, it’s now framed by colorful frescoed buildings, historic towers, and elegant palazzi, with a bustling open-air market filling the piazza each day. Locals and visitors alike gather here to shop for produce, browse souvenirs, or stop for a coffee or aperitivo at one of the surrounding cafés. Energetic, photogenic, and full of character, Piazza delle Erbe is an essential stop that captures the rhythm and spirit of Verona.

Piazza della Repubblica in Perugia is a central square that embodies the city’s vibrant spirit and rich history. Lined with charming cafes, shops, and historic buildings, it serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors. At its heart lies the Fontana Maggiore. This elegant fountain, carved in the 13th century by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, is adorned with intricate panels symbols of Perugia and representations of life in medieval times. The square itself is surrounded by Renaissance palaces and elegant porticoes. It is a beautiful backdrop for an afternoon espresso or evening aperitivo.

From here, narrow streets radiate out into Perugia’s historic center, inviting you to wander and discover hidden artisan shops, small trattorias serving hearty Umbrian dishes, and quiet corners steeped in centuries of history.

The piazza is also a hub during Perugia’s many festivals, including Umbria Jazz and the Eurochocolate festival.  Whether you are admiring the architecture or simply people-watching under the Umbrian sun, Piazza della Repubblica captures the timeless beauty and daily life of this hilltop city. It’s the perfect place to pause and soak in the essence of Perugia before continuing your exploration through its storied streets and panoramic viewpoints.

Piazza delle Signoria, situated in the heart of Florence, is an iconic square steeped in history and grandeur. Flanked by magnificent Renaissance buildings and close to the Uffizi, the piazza serves as an open-air museum of Florentine art and architecture. At its center stands the imposing Palazzo Vecchio, a symbol of civic power and authority since the medieval era. This majestic fortress-palace boasts an intricate facade adorned with sculptures and family crests. In the piazza there is a replica of Michelangelo’s David standing tall, offering a glimpse of the masterpiece that once graced the square. As the political heart of Florence for centuries, Piazza delle Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio continue to captivate visitors with their timeless beauty and significance in the cultural tapestry of the city.

Arezzo’s Piazza Grande is one of Tuscany’s most charming squares, with its sloping pavement and mix of medieval and Renaissance buildings. Fans of *Life is Beautiful* will recognize it as the backdrop for many scenes from the film. The square comes alive during the monthly antique market and certainly at Christmas for its famous Mercato di Natale. Cafés and restaurants line the edges, perfect for soaking in the atmosphere with a coffee or aperitivo. Whether you’re here for history, film, or just a leisurely stroll, Piazza Grande is a place that feels straight out of a storybook.

This beautiful Piazza, full of people and surrounded by shops and cafes is a great place to spend an afternoon. If you have time to tour the large Basilica, you can take a tour this church which was built between 1390 and 1663 and is an excellent example of Italian Gothic architecture. In the evening, the lights come on and you’ll find people just sitting on the church’s steps. Some times there will be people playing guitar and singing and often the crowd feels compell

Piazza Navona is a captivating public square renowned for its Baroque beauty and lively atmosphere. Adorned with stunning fountains, including the iconic Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the square is a masterpiece of architectural and artistic splendor. Beneath its cobblestones lies an archaeological site, a testament to its rich history as the site of ancient Roman games and festivities, which you can tour for a few euros. Surrounding the square are elegant palaces, bustling cafes, and charming shops, creating a vibrant ambiance day and night.

Piazza Raffaele De Ferrari is the vibrant heart of Genoa, a grand open square where the city’s historic grandeur meets its modern energy. Anchored by its iconic bronze fountain—whose cascading arcs of water shimmer day and night—the piazza sits at the crossroads of Genoa’s most important landmarks, from the ornate Palazzo Ducale to the elegant Teatro Carlo Felice and the stately Palazzo della Regione. Lined with 19th-century buildings and buzzing with locals, students, and visitors, it’s the perfect place to feel Genoa’s unique mix of old-world elegance and contemporary life.

Make sure to check the weather for the clearest day and then plan to spend sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo. You can walk there from central Florence but it is uphill so a taxi might be a good option too! Once there, you can tour the Chiesa di San Salvatore al Monte until the sun is setting, then grab a drink and watch the show. There are often artists and entertainers there too.

Pienza is a Unesco World Heritage site which has been referred to as a “Renaissance utopia.” In the late 15th century, native son Pope Pius II hired an architect to create a town-planning model which was later used throughout the region. Pienza is quaint and lovely, with many beautiful streets to walk down and unbelievable views of the Val D’Orcia.

Pisa is a quick and easy afternoon trip from Florence. About 45 minutes on the fast train and a 20 minute walk and you are at the famed leaning tower. There is a cathedral, a baptistery, extra creepy graveyard where you walk on the grave (unless you are me and you walk on the edges the whole time). It’s really well worth the trip if you have extra time in Florence.

Traditional Neapolitan pizza in Liguria! Spaccanapoli is a well known neighborhood in Naples and the restaurant in Sanremo definitely feels authentic. The pizza crust was light with many bubbles. We had two pizzas; one traditional margarita (as we always do) and one with prosciutto, fresh cherry tomatoes and arugula. The staff was friendly and the service was quick. We noticed a line of people waiting for their pizzas to go as well, so it’s clear folks in Sanremo love this spot.

No trip to Florence feels complete without strolling across the Ponte Vecchio. This medieval stone bridge, lined with glittering gold and jewelry shops, has spanned the Arno River since 1345. As you wander, you’ll notice its unique architecture with overhanging shops and shuttered windows, giving it a village-like charm suspended above the water. At sunset, the bridge glows in warm light, creating an unforgettable view of the river and city. Don’t forget to pause at the center to admire the Vasari Corridor above you and the timeless beauty of Florence reflected below. It’s pure Italian magic in every step.

This tiny shop is the perfect place to stop for a traditional porchetta sandwich for lunch. You may recognize the lovely owner, Eleanora from the Stanley Tucci episode on Lazio. With a full pig in front of her, she will cut the porchetta and make you a panini as you wait. Wrapped in paper, it’s made on a traditional bread from Genzano di Roma, called Genzano. This shop does not have a seating area outside, so we bought drinks and chips, then headed down to the viewpoint which has benches overlooking a view of the valley. The porchetta is so delicious, the meat melts in your mouth and the skin is crispy and salty. Porchetta is the heart of this lovely city and makes it well worth the stop.

The Port of Genoa blends centuries of maritime heritage with a modern, revitalized waterfront. Once the power center of the Genoese Republic, the port today stretches from bustling cruise terminals to the vibrant Porto Antico area redesigned by architect Renzo Piano. Here, you’ll find a lively mix of museums, cafes, panoramic walkways, and landmarks like the Bigo lift and the Genoa Aquarium. Fishing boats, ferries, and sleek yachts all share the same horizon, creating a constant sense of movement and life.