How to get around Italy, the land of the dolce vita. The best destinations to experience the slow-living. A road trip through Tuscany and its villages. Hotels with incredible views. Discover two big cities: Rome and Milan (Roma e Milano). Restaurants, activities and beaches in Cinque Terre. Explore Monterosso and Vernazza.
Because of my Italian heritage I have a special connection to this country. Italy is this place that you can never have enough of. In fact, moving to Italy is one of my biggest dreams. The landscape leaves a permanent print in your mind. The sweet aroma of the flowers and citric keeps you company along your stay. The heat and cicadas follow you wherever you go.
To start planning this unforgettable trip to Italy it is important to determine which towns you want to visit to create an efficient route. To get from one city to another, or from one region to another the best is the trains. These two are the most reliable and legit options:
Always check for the strikes calendar in Italy, they even have strikes at the airports. Sometimes the schedule changes and strikes catch you by surprise. Sometimes the strikes affect one company but not the other one.
Do not book with Eurorail, or any other third party company. It usually leads to cancelations due to overbooking.
I started from Rome, and did the north of Italy. Rome-Tuscany-Cinque Terre-Milan. So naturally, the flight landed into Rome, and after exploring up north, the flight back home departed from Milan. In this way, I didn't go back and forth.
Rome
The city of Rome has many names. Most well known as the city of love. Rome is hot, intense and some times a little bit chaotic.
Where to stay in Rome?
In my opinion if you are a first time visitor stay near Fontana di Trevi. Everything you want to see is around it, it is not sketchy, and it is not that noisy at night compared to the noise of being around the Colosseum. For second time visitors I suggest Trastevere: A picturesque neighborhood, lovely and charming, with restaurants, shops, and beautiful ivy growing everywhere. The sooner the stay is booked the the cheaper the cost is.
Airbnb option:
Hotel options near Fontana di Trevi:
I Tre Moschettieri D' Artagnan
Fourheads Private Suites
Hotel San Silvestro
How to navigate the Rome?
Subway/Metro: I don't think this is a benefit since the most important part of Rome is seeing all the monuments, cafes, restaurants and going underground will not allow you to discover and explore from A to B. But if you are running out of time, sometimes, depending on the route it is convenient. Some other times you will notice the destination doesn't have subway/metro stops close by and biking or riding a scooter is faster.
Scooters and Bikes work with an app: Lime, Bird, etc. It is very nice to scoot by the Coloseum, the only disadvantage is the bumpy cobblestone on the streets.
Walk: On my first day in Rome I walked 10.2 miles. While you walk there is so much to see that you even forget you are walking long distances until you stop to go to sleep and notice how sore your feet are.... It is worth it, though!
Uber/Taxi: In Italy when you use the app to call an Uber, a taxi will show up. The difference is that the fare is already set on the app, and that will never change. Whereas the taxi that you stop on the streets will depend on time to determine the fare.
How to go from the airport to the city?
Train! There is a train from the airport to Rome that cost about 14 Euros, and it takes only 30 min. it is convenient and easy, you don't even need tickets in advance. As soon as you get out of the airport you follow the signs tor the train, tap your credit card and hop in. A few minutes later an officer will ask you for the last four digits of your credit card to make sure you paid. The train leaves you right in the center of Rome. I was staying a few blocks away from Fontana Di Trevi, and I could walk from the train station to my stay in 10/15 min.
Water: There is this myth that in Italy they don't serve tap water with your meal and that you have to purchase a bottle. This is absolutely incorrect. They alway give you tap water. Also, in Rome every few blocks there are water fountains to drink clean, potable water from.
Things to do in Rome:
In Rome you can do the typical itinerary, and hit the Vatican and the Colosseum, but to be honest you don't have to if the idea of slowly walking in a huge crowd and be in line to enter every room just gives you a headache. There are so many things but visiting beautiful palazzos that are not crowded, and eating I think are some of the best experiences, way better than lining up for hours to enter in a crowded museum.
Palazzo Corsini
Beautiful rooms. Not crowded. Very pleasant.
Villa Borghese Gardens
I think that spring/late spring, and just beggining of summer would be teh ideal moment to visit this spot that is mainly outdoors. Lushy gardens, a pond to enjoy on a boat, a little escape from the crowd outside.
Cooking class:
I decided to take a cooking class in Rome because it was the most affordable option out of all of the places that I was visiting.
You can make your own pasta from scratch, pick your sauce, learn how to make tiramisu, and this all comes with a glass of wine and a shot of limoncello.
Campo de Fiori:
This is a market that works from 8 a.m to noon. You can find flowers, fresh produce, cheese, wine, cute cafes and pastries. If you visit early enough -8/8:30 a.m it is not crowded, no tourists at all, very authentic experience.
Piazza Navona
This is the main plaza that serves as backyard of the Pantheon. Many lovely cafes around. This place it is very crowded early in the morning and until late since people start lining up to enter the Pantheon.
The Pantheon:
Tickets for the Pantheon also get booked far in advance. People start ling up at 8 a.m to enter first thing in the morning. If you wish to visit this spot make sure to book your tickets months ahead.
Fontana Di Trevi:
A classic! It is not as hard as it seems to take a picture of yourself with the Fontana di Trevi if that's what you aim for. Even when its crowded. The angle of it allows you to get a decent snap if you are patient enough to wait for your turn.
Colosseum and Roman Forum:
To get tickets to visit the Colosseum you need to think ahead and do it in advance, they get booked very quickly. If you have tickets for the Roman Forum, the Colosseum can be seen from the Roman Forum, but you can't enter it, unless you have specific tickets for it. When tickets for the Roman Forum are purchased access is within 30 days of the date of the purchase, which is very nice because it gives you freedom to play with you itinerary.
Trastevere
Located near Vatican City, this is a very picturesque and charming neighborhood.
Stroll down Via della Lungaretta and try any restaurant on your way. I think that the best part of Trastevere is crossing the bridge over the river Tiber and have a spectacular view of the horizon.
Trastevere River Market:
During some nights of July there is a whole Market going on in Trastevere by the river: boutiques, bars, food, live music. Open from late afternoon until late at night, the most crowded moment is around 8/9 and 10 p.m
Where to eat in Rome?
Ristorantes, sweet treats, and bars!
Limone Sorbetto
This is a chain of little stores that sell all sorts of sweet treats and some popular Limone sorbetto, which is a lemon cut at half, emptied and refilled with either lemon gelato, or sorbet.
Ristorante Arco Di San Calisto
Wonderful restaurant in Trastevere, they use fresh produce to cook, the food is excellent. The ambiance is super nice, the service is good and fast.
La Piccola Cuccagna
Located in Piazza Navona, it doesn't say much from the outside but don't judge a restaurant by its appearance, their traditional food will captivate your palate.
Cantina e Cucina:
Located in Piazza Navona as well this awesome restaurant offers one the best local food.
Regoli Pasticceria
The word Pasticceria in Italian means patisserie/bakery, here is where you get your pastrie sin the morning for breakfast, or at any time of the day.
Antico Caffe del Moro
Ristorante located in Trastevere, the best part are the appetizers and aperitivos, that's what I would go for at this place.
Two bars with amazing views:
Jim’s Bar Rooftop Hotel Singer:
Because of its height this doesn't have the panoramic view of the entire city, but it is lovely to eat and admire the architecture, roofs, and see the tip of ancient buildings all around you. Going during the day is essential to appreciate all the details of the structures.
The Court Rome
Signature cocktails and THIS view of the colosseum (Picture below). Going to this rooftop bar is a real treat. There are plenty of affordable bars right next to the colosseum with different views of it, but if you want the entire building in your background to be seen like this, this is your place. Along with an extensive list of signature cocktails they give coplimentary treats: chips, olives, macarons.
Cinque Terre
Lovely set of towns located in the mediterranean coast, built on top of a hill.
As the name in Italian indicates, there are five towns in Cinque Terre: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Manarola.
Monterosso al Mare
Stay in Monterosso : Villa Accini
I like this place because it has a path that connects the villa with the beach. The villa offers a delicious breakfast option with variety of pastries and tasty cappuccino, a lot of complimentary toiletries: Cotton, toothpaste, toothbrush, mini nail shapers, hair covers for the shower, soap, etc. The villa even has its own bunny!
What to do in Monterosso?
Beach day!
Go to Beach Bar Stella Marina and rent a chair for the entire day for a flat rate of 20 euros. If you stay in Villa Accini you have a special discount for the chairs and a guaranteed spot. At this beach bar they have drinks, food, and the most cheerful and happiest people ever seen.
Go to see Il gigante:
This is a sculpture carved in the rock in the earlier 1900s, representing Neptune. After being bombarded during the WWII it lost the trident the arms and other features. It can be appreciated nowadays leaning on the beach where locals bathe themselves every day.
Market:
Walking south towards the center of this tiny town there is a market set in the early mornings until noon where pottery, hats, kitchen aprons, clothing and accessories can be purchased.
Parrochia Di San Giovanni Batista
This church is in the middle of the town, and it is attended by locals with frequency. Access is for free, there is a man asking for donations at the entrance but this is not mandatory to enter.
Walk through the town:
A stroll through town, especially in the morning is one of the best things to do. Observe the local life, get lost through steps and paths, admire the colors, the pace of this culture , the dynamic. There are plenty of shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, stalls, gift shops. Nonas and nonos seating on a bench talking for hours.
Food in Monterosso:
When it comes to food in Italy, the less fancy the place is, the best is the food. Italy has authentic, local, delicious cuisine, and there is no need of elegance to eat the most delicious food. I think the mistake is to go to an expensive place, where the taste of home made is lost in the experimentation of coming up with something more sophisticated to the eyes, or a new idea that stands out from the rest, but the outcomes are far away from being tasty and innovative.
La Barcaccia
This is a family owned small restaurant that gets very crowded from 12 to 2 p.m (it closes at 2:30 for siesta and opens back at 7 p.m). The have a variety of dishes at a decent price, and complimentary shot of limoncello at the end. They don't accept reservations and I would suggest to line up at 12, given that the line will start getting very long during the summer after 1 p.m.
Torre Aurora
This is the perfect spot to enjoy of an aperitivo before your dinner plans. There is a set of long steps since this is high up on a hill, and the view is everything you were expecting and more. All Monterosso can be seen from this point. Cocktails are delicious, and this place it is a bit pricey.
Ristorante at the Hotel Porto Roca:
Another good spot to stop for an aperitivo before heading to have dinner. This spot is very elegant and prices can be way higher than in the center of the town. The amazing view is for sure related to the cost, and for a great wine is totally worth it. The town of Monterosso and its shore can be seen from this spot that is also high up on a hill and requires a rough but rewarding walk all the way up.
Ristorante Il Moretto:
Located in the heart of the town, here you can get ravioli filled with crema de limone and an amazing Ligurian wine.
Bar Nuevo Eden:
Perfect spot for breakfast, plenty of seating, right by the beach, pastries and sandwiches along with a nie cup of coffee.
How to get around in Cinque Terre?
There are a few options available to visit the five towns of Cinque Terre: There is the train that goes along the coast, this can start getting very crowded in the late morning, I recommend to take it before 9 a.m. to avoid multitudes. Tickets can be purchased at the train station of any of the towns or at these two websites:
There is also a boat service that usually has a schedule but it tends to get delayed, specially in the summer. I recommend to buy the tickets for the boats at the dock of every town: To locate the dock ask the locals, sometimes it is very obvious since these towns are built in a hill and the shore is very small, you can see exactly where de boats arrive and depart. The reason why I recommend to get tickets that same day is because if you buy tickets ahead and then weather is not favorable, you won't be able to enjoy anything, or to exchange the tickets.
The website to check summer hours:
How to go from Monterosso to Vernazza? In my case I stayed in Monterosso and I visited Vernazza one morning. To go to Vernazza you can take a train, a boat, or hike, there is a path that takes one hour (or less) from Monterosso and that provides you with an incredible panoramic view of this marvelous Italian town.
Vernazza:
This town is something out of an imaginary world, its great charm inspired the Disney-Pixar movie: Luca. There are several similitudes impossible to ignore when you first see it from the distance, it really feels like you are in the movie. This is a very small village built on a steep hill with very traditional life: clothing lines, locals riding a bike, selling their products, walking, enjoying themselves, tourists that arrive for a tour after midday overpopulating the small saucer for a few hours. I highly recommend to visit in the morning: maybe rom 9 a.m. to 1 p.m or so. This is a very small place, and there is no much to do, but here is what I did for a morning in Vernazza.
Ristorante La Torre:
This was actually the last spot. I selected this restaurant that requires a 10/15 min hike up the steps, on top of a hill. The view is absolutely majestic. The food is prepared with dedication and love. They use all they can fresh from their own garden.
Here is the million dollar view of this restaurant:
Enjoy the beach:
If you like rocky beaches, you can enjoy the shore for a little while in the morning before everyone arrives. The shore is very small though, so keep that in mind.
Eat gelato:
Gelato is welcome at any time of the day, and when it comes to it there are so many options is almost overwhelming.
Market:
There is a market in Vernazza along the main street, it is very easy to locate it since this is a very small place and its visible from the moment you step in town. The market has candy, accessories, clothing, bags, kitchenware, food.
This is worth the visit, but as I mentioned before, ideal time to discover this beautiful place is in the morning, as a huge wave of tourists arrive between 12 and 1 p.m to have lunch and then explore the town in the afternoon, which makes it extremely difficult to navigate and almost impossible to really enjoy.
Milan
Or Milano, in Italian. Milan is elegant, superb and slow paced despite being a major city. People here take food and rest very seriously. some restaurants are closed for siesta time, and you will see locals on work breaks going for aperitivos at noon.
Stays in Milan:
I stay with one of my friends but based on what I experience as a nice area to stay, all these options have 9 starts and are well located –near Il Duomo-, plus a bonus for a rare stay.
Missori Suites
Duomo Smart Suites
Amabilia Suite
Il Bosco Verticale: Incredible building with vertical gardens on balconies, called vertical forest in English.
Public transportation in Milan is a good way to get around, but nothing beats the excellence of walking and discovering every single detail of it.
Tram: In one hand Ioved using the tram in Milan, it is so precious and convenient. In the other hand I experienced several delays, and sometimes the tram didn't even arrived. use your best judgement: If it was supposed to pass at 2:30, and it's 2:45, either start walking, or have an alternative tram line, different transportation.
Subway: The subway is fast and in my own experience not crowded at all.
Uber: As in many places in Europe, when you use the Uber app to call an Uber, a taxi arrives. Don't panic, the fare has been stablished on the app, so it's the exact same system.
Milano Centrale is the main train station, through which you will travel to other cities, towns, regions by train. It is well located, very accessible, and it is fast to get there as long as you are staying in the city.
What to do in Milan?
Galleria Vittorio Emannuelle:
There are two big classics in Milan, and this gallery is one of them. My favorite moment to visit was at dusk, when the different shades of blue stands out against the gold of the building and the city lights up. Inside the gallery itself there are cafes, restaurants, and luxury stores.
Il Duomo:
This is the other big classic I was talking about. There re many ticket options to visit Il Duomo, I recommend to get the rooftop tickets, given that at the moment of exiting, the path is through the Church–unless they change this anytime soon– so you will see it anyways, and even be able to take pictures of it. They have step tickets and lift tickets as well. There are not that many steps, it is going up for about five minutes, and if you are young and/or healthy it is very easy to go up by using just the steps. You will save money and burn calories: win-win. The view of Milan from the rooftop is priceless.
Tickets in advance: https://www.duomomilano.it/en/
Get your tickets in advance allows you to skip long lines. Even when you buy online be there ten min in advance to start lining up with other ticket holders. Not getting tickets in advance will make you loose time lining up for very long.
Teatro della Scala:
If you have the chance to visit when there is a show don't waste the oportunity to attend, it is a very unique experience. Now, if you are not the kind of person who enjoys the opera, visiting the theater during the day to appreciate the architecture is also a good activity to add to your itinerary.
Movie Night :
If you happen to understand Italian, or you are an adventurer seeking some culture shock, enjoy of this movie outdoor cinema located a few blocks away from Il Duomo. The audio is only in Italian!
Tram Jazz
This is a tram that has dining tables and while you enjoy the menu of the night it drives you aross the highlights of Milan. Prices start at 75 euros.
Shopping in Milan:
Milan adjusts to taste and budget. There are areas where you can get very affordable clothes, and places to buy from luxury brands.
Piaza Gae Aulenti is good for some casual shopping.
pedestrian zone on Via Dante, and then Via Orefici,
Eataly Milano:
Here is when one stops to think why is it neccesary to have an Eataly in Italy, but I am not here to judge. This seems to be a place that everyone loves, good to bring some food and wine back home. If you are thinking this is a tourist trap, let me tell you that actual locals have their groceries done here.
La Vigna Di Leonardo:
The invisibility of this spot to the tourist eye really shocked me, but also relived me. The irony is the next: hundreds of people line up every hour to visit the place where the most famous Leonardo Da Vinci's art piece -The Last Super-hangs, completely ignoring that next door is where this painter lived. La Vigna Di Leonardo was one of his homes and it is open to the public. Believe it or not it is almost empty and this is a very authentic and pleasant experience.
Santa Maria Delle Grazie
Why would you ever visit this church? Basically here hangs The Last Super, one of the most famous masterpieces painted by Leonardo da Vinci. Tickets get sold out months in advance, I suspect that very religious people and admirers of Leonardo's work are the first to put hands on these tickets. At last are the curious ones who might miss their chance if they are not fast enough.
Cimiterio Monumentale:
For fans of architecture who don't mind to detour a little bit, this cemetery is a great option!
Navigli District:
This district is distinctive for its canals and life flourishes around them. Lively and full of color, in the Navigli District the tables are facing the water to enjoy of an afternoon cappuccino, or a meal. Stalls, boutiques, flower chops, art galleries, restaurants. Best to do is to do a sunset boat that includes a drink and a few bites, and observe the surroundings from the canal.
Food in Milan
Food in my life has a special place because it connects people, bonds you to a particular moment and creates core memories. Food is a strong part of a culture, but in Italy food is the most important part. Italy is defined by its food. Italy is pasta, pizza, and pastries. Not simple pasta, not simple pizza but the best you have ever had. For only pasta itself there is an incredible variety: so many shapes, and flavors, and sauces, and ways and techniques to cook it. In Italy food is passion, food is life itself. I feel strongly identified by the way food is worshiped here because I love it as much. There are plenty of options and things to try. This is my top five. Why? Because of the complexity within its own simplicity.
Pastries: It is practically a sin to visit Italy and not to try cornetto-similar to a croissant- and maritozzo, a creamy filled pastry.
Aroma Napoletano
This is the king of the cornetti (plural), here pastries come in all sizes, yo probably have seen pictures of these giant criossants on inernet, well this is the place who makes them. they not only make them in different seiz but also differnet flavors, different fillings, Raspberry, pistaccio filled with a delicious cream, and so many more. There are two ways to avoid long lines at this bake shop, go before 9 a.m, or place an order to go. If you decide to place an order to go that's on the left side of the store and they do not offer the same variety of pastries that they offer for people who sit and eat there.
Mr Dick
This is a very particular pasticceria -Italian for bake shop-because here they make pastries with the shape of human genitals. The line to try one of these pastries is insanely long, and this is all curious tourists . For more info visit their website:
Crazy Pizza
This restaurant is good to enjoy simple dishes and a good show. At some point of the night the cook enters the seating area with music and energy to make the pizza dough spin at high speed in front of your eyes. They also give a complimentary shot of arancino liquore. To explain this restaurant: elaborated meals it is not its strength, but the classic cheese pizza has incredible reviews, and it does taste absolutely delicious, I didn't order dessert as I read on reviews is not worth it. Play it safe and order a simple pizza, a good bottle of wine, and enjoy the show.
Obica Mozarella Bar:
Located on a rooftop right next to Il Duomo, proving with privileged views of it. It is easy to anticipate and presume that this is a tourist trap but so many locals go here for a lunch break. Service is good -Italian time-so if you are fast paced you will have to slow down. Service is good, they tend to forget orders sometimes so if its been 15 in since you order a bottle of water I would give a friendly reminder. The order is simple, some burrata, olive oil, some white wine and its all set and off to a perfect afternoon.
Cafe Le Grazie
Milan is the home of the Milanese, breaded cut of either beef or chicken, usually served with potatoes on the side. Right by the Santa Maria Delle Grazie, to contemplate the architecture of these monumental church while enjoying a traditional meal.
Tuscany
When I mentioned above one of my biggest dreams is to live in Italy, this is not only Italy, Tuscany is where my vision relays. The weather, the landscape, the wine, the food, the slow paced life, all this is art that as I also said has a complexity within the simplicity. Life in Italy is simple but that doesn't mean there are not nuances and layers. In fact you can taste, and deeply savor those nuances and layers in the food and the wine.
How to get around Tuscany?
Rent a car. Driving through Tuscany is very easy, and the landscape seems painted by hand. I rented a car from Rome, and drove for only two hours to Montepulciano. Pienza is about 20/30 min away from Montepulciano, and San Gimigniano is one hour and thirty minutes away from Pienza. Fuel in Europe is expensive, I recommend to pay to return the fuel tank empty and let them take care of re-fueling. Uber in Tuscany, unless this changes over the course of the next few months or years, it is almost non-existent. Public transportation in the towns is also not thing.
Where to stay in Tuscany?
From all the towns I personally choose San Gimignano. Based on my experience that I rate 10/10 I recommend Relais Santa Chiara: https://www.rsc.it
Best towns in Tuscany
Based on my itinerary and my own experience, so far the best towns are the next three:
Pienza
Although I loved Pienza, I consider it significantly small and not suitable to actually stay there as a tourist. It is lovely but there is no much to do and see in the town itself unless you drive out after walking the few blocks that are part of this beautiful place. I am a person who needs to explore and be on the move, and for the traveler style that I have there is so much to do and see in Tuscany that staying in Pienza would deprive me of keep discovering, but if you have the luck to actually live in Italy and have a car to get around I wouldn't doubt to get a place in this town.
Pienza is pure authenticity. It is not crowded. Locals gather on the streets taking chairs from their own living rooms and placing them on the beautiful path to catch up with neighbors.
Since this is a matter of a few blocks I recommend to walk, enjoy the views of the hills, enjoy a meal or a delicious gelato at Buon Gusto Gelateria, take good pics, observe the locals, live the culture, maybe buy a new colorful fan, or kitchen apron at one of the shops.
Montepulciano
Although I don't think is fair to compare towns in Tuscany, just for size reference Montepulciano is bigger in comparison to Pienza. It has a different charm, no better, no worse, simply different. This attractive Tuscan town is built on top of a hill, which means a lot of steep walking.
Stays:
Palazzo Tombesi Trecci
Residenza Fabroni
Plazzo Mosella alla Porta
The wild boar is the official mascot in Tuscany, but they particularly love it in Montepulciano. As a matter of fact they even have wild boar merchandise: shirts, hats, stuffed animals.
Walk through Montepulciano and get lost through shops, jewelries, architecture, Chiesa de Santa Lucia, and keep in mind these two great restaurants...
Food in Montepulciano
Caffe Poliziano:
Located in the heart of town this is a well known spot because of its serene views of the pleasurable Tuscan hills. It is also popular for its sophisticated tea menu. https://www.caffepoliziano.it
Podere Il Casale:
Driving to the outskirts of Montepulciano you will find this property with a restaurant concept: all the ingredients used for the preparation of the meals are all produced in their own farm and gardens. The view from here is really something else, and there is a sense of home and privacy, since there is no easy access and it can be a little bit tricky to find it. They also have cooking classes.
Val d'Orcia
This is a route through Tuscany, very popular for its wonderful landscape, and photography spots. If you are planning on a road trip through Tuscany this is a must. The most popular spots of their route are:
Gladiator shooting spot -picture below-
Cypress Road
Capella della madonna di vitalità
Podere Belvedere -picture below-
San Gimignano
Although I did a road trip through Tuscany, this is the town I chose to stay in. I couldn't resist its beauty. It's strategic location, only 45 min away from Firenze -in English Florence-makes it the best place to stay and live that summer under the Tuscan sun.
What to do in San Gimignano?
Vineyard tour and wine tasting :
There are several places who offer wine tours, after all you are in one of the most important wine regions in the entire world. Tuscany is the wine country of Italy. Chianti is a very popular region and a lot of people prefer to taste this wine, but there are plenty of options when it comes to good wine in Italy. I recommend:
Golf:
you can gold in Tuscany of course. it is challenging, and you even have a manual to know how to hit the ball to avoid the frustration. To book your tee click here: catelfalfi.com
Borgo Pignano:
Want to see a sunset over the hills? Visit Borgo Pignano before dusk, get an aperitivo and contemplate the orange light bathing the countryside as the sun goes down. This is located only 20 min away from town.
Walk through the Old Town:
A stroll through the old town is a magical moment of people seating in the main piaza, musicians playing the guitar and singing old classics, gelato, glasses of wine, the stone of the walls showing its beauy and resistance after thousands of years. Shops with authentic products made in Italy: handbags, leather, coats, hats, anythinng you want. This small town it is not quiet, and it gets very lively from 7p.m through 11 p.m .
Picture of Tenuta De Castelfalfi
Food in San Gimignano:
Tartufo -Truffles in English- and ragu are very big in this town, almost every restaurant has them on the menu. I am personally not someone who likes truffles, but I do like ragu. It is good to try traditional and local meals, so I would say one of these two ingredients should be on your meal when you visit San Gimignano. Buon Appetito!
Enjoy Sanji: Perfect spot to enjoy a well done Aperol spritz and sunsets.
Osteria San Giovanni: For some tartuffo dishes.
Gelateria Dondoli: The most famous gelato in the world, they won the award as best multiple times. Chiribiri Trattoria: Very low key, family owned, perfect to practice your Italian if that's something you are into. They are very patient, lovely people, and their cooking is fantastic.
Lake Como
Lago Di Como is surrounded by several, wonderful towns. It is worth the visit for a day, and even better if you have the chance to have a weekend. I only spent here a day but below I'll list places based on an extensive research after exploring the towns. All of these properties are well located, and there is a variety on price and amount of guests.
Stays in Lake Como
Hotels in this area are extremely expensive. There are plenty of Airbnb options in Varenna, in my opinion the best town.
Affordable and pretty $117 per night
Entire rental unit in Varenna, Italy up to 4 guests.
Lovely Stone House up to 2 guests.
Ideal for a big group Entire home in Varenna, Italy $381 per night, up to 6 guests.
Entire rental unit in Varenna, Italy up to 4 guests.
Varenna: This is my favorite town by Lake Como. Every scene seemed out of a fairy tale. Cute flowers hanging from balconies, delicious food.
To eat in Varenna:
Bar Il Volo:
Based on a day spent in Varenna, don't look further and please go to Bar Il Volo -top right picture-food is exquisite and the VIEW, when I talk about jaws dropping, I am talking about that view.
To do in Varenna
Villa Cipressi:
This villa is home of several weddings every month, and its also open to the public with the purchase of a ticket. The gardens look like a scene of The Bridgerton Series. https://www.hotelvillacipressi.it/en
Villa Monastero
Iof you got dazzled by the enchanting gardens of Villa Cipressi, continue your path through Villa Monastero fr more gardens and and panoramic views.
Stroll through Varenna:
Markets and shops display their products in the heart of Varenna, if you collect cute magnets, here you will get a beautiful one. They also have ceramic and very fine jewelry, as well as small paintings of the town.
to give a little bit more of details, Como, is the main town in Lake Como. Como is the biggest village, it is very crowded, there are bigger shops, and transit is a bit chaotic.
Hope this guide takes you to live wonderful experiences in Italy. Ciao Ciao!
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