Ashley and I are delighted to share some of our favorite experiences with you in the hope that you may enjoy them just as much as we have.

We will continue to update this portion of the website as we continue to explore Italy in the lead-up to the wedding.

Enjoy your research while listening to the sounds of Italy
Italian Classics: HERE
Italian Disco: HERE

When in Rome…

  • Museums / Historical Sights

    • Colisseum

    • Vatican / St. Peter’s Basilica / Sistine Chapel

    • Pantheon

    • Trevi Fountain

    • Spanish Steps

    • Museo e Cripta dei Cappuccini

    • Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major - Where Pope Francis is buried.

      Note: When visiting religious sites, women are required to have their shoulders covered. Most museums will have shawls for $2-5.

  • Restaurants

    • Zia: Michelin-star restaurant located in the Trastevere section of the city. Every course was incredible, including the ‘adventurous’ dishes. It is a very quiet, like atmosphere. Get the wine pairing. https://ziarestaurant.com/

    • Supplizio: Quick handheld street bites. Located off the beaten path, which screamed locals only. https://www.supplizioroma.it/

    • Sant' Eustachio Caffè: Enjoy a quick cappuccino in the morning before things get too crazy in the city. This classic caffè has been around since 1938. https://caffesanteustachio.com/

    • Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina: The ever-popular salumeria and gourmet shop transforms into a full-blown restaurant in the evenings. We have not tried, but have heard amazing things. https://salumeriaroscioli.com/en

  • Shopping

    • Monti Neighborhood: This is the place for strolling through cobbled streets and dipping into vintage shops and little boutiques. One of the hippest neighborhoods in the city, Monti is filled with independent clothing brands, interior decor shops, and quaint food spots.

    • Via del Governo Vecchio: This pretty street weaves through the Centro Storico, right near Piazza Navona. There are some one-off boutiques and jewellery stores, but the real draws are the vintage finds: several of Rome’s best resale shops are a few doors down from one another.

  • Additional Rome Ideas, references, and thoughts:

Ideally, you spend one or two days max in Rome. While seeing the city is a must because of its history… It’s too much of a tourist trap! There are better places to be and see in this country.

Florence

  • Museums / Historical Sights

    • Uffizi Gallery

    • Ponte Vecchio

    • Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (aka Duomo di Firenze)

    • Piazza della Repubblica

    • Piazza della Signoria

    • Galleria dell’Accademia (where you will find the famous David statue)

  • Restaurants

    • Cibreo Caffe: An amazing Caffe that is open throughout the day. Grab a fresh breakfast or an unbelievable dinner here. https://cibreo.com/sant-ambrogio/caffe

    • Cibreo Trattoria: This simple, typical trattoria (not to be confused with the more elegant Cibrèo restaurant next door) has long been one of the best places in Florence for anyone looking to enjoy delicious, traditional cuisine without spending a fortune. https://cibreo.com/sant-ambrogio/trattoria

    • Vineria Sonora: A great wine bar that occasionally features an Italian Disco DJ spinning. https://www.vineriasonora.it/

    • Club Culinario Toscano Da Osvaldo: A very unassuming local spot that is best for lunch or dinner. A website often doesn’t exist, so a Google and a walk over will work.

    • Harry’s Bar: Located in the Villa De Medici, this is one of Italy’s most historic bars. The stools are the original ones where legends such as Margot Hemingway and Liz Taylor, just to name a few, sat and drank their favorite cocktail. https://www.sinahotels.com/en/h/sina-villa-medici-florence/harrys-bar-the-garden/

  • Shops

    • Quintessence: Fantastic men’s boutique clothing shop.

    • Via dei Serragli: Over the river Arno, the Oltrarno district is famed for its artisan workshops, many of which are dotted along picturesque Via dei Serragli.

    • Mercato Sant’Ambrogio: Gourmet foods like truffle oil, artisan honey, and pasta.

    • Via de’ Bardi and Via di San Niccolò: high-end artisan products, from leather shoes to marbled paper to bespoke perfumes.

  • Additional Florence ideas, references, and thoughts

    • We recommend really spending more time in and around Florence. We could spend a few weeks really exploring the history and cuisine this city has to offer.

Siena

  • Museums / Historical Sights

    • Piazza Del Campo is the city center and a spectacle in itself. Though surrounded by touristy restaurants and bars, it is a fun place to people-watch and take in the sights. There, you can find Palazzo Pubblico and its medieval tower. You can access this with tickets purchased in advance.

    • Duomo di Siena

  • Restaurants / Shops

    • This small city really is great for stumbling and finding restaurants. Some notables have been: Antica Osteria da Divo, Enzo e Sonia, Chigian ArtCafe.

  • Additional Siena ideas, references, and thoughts

    • You can really walk around this city and just pop in and out of shops and restaurants with ease.

    • July 2nd will be the Palio di Siena, so the city will be absolutely packed with people celebrating. Very likely, you could catch the parade for the winner.

Other Italian Sights and Tips

  • We spent a few nights in Panicale, a province in Perguia. It was one of the best places we’ve stayed. There is a small town center with one of the best restaurants we’ve been to. Ristorante Masolino: https://www.masolino.it/

  • Assisi: A small city in Umbria that is easy to walk around for the day. The Basilica of St. Francis is impressive to see in person.

  • Orvieto: A small city in Umbria that is easy to walk around for the day.

  • Montepulciano: A fantastic small town known for its fantastic wine. Close to Siena.

  • Eat Like Bourdain in Italy: https://eatlikebourdain.com/anthony-bourdain-in-italy/

  • We find that looking at Reddit has been a useful tool for researching local spots in some of these towns.

  • Enjoy wine. Get dessert and espresso after meals.

******IMPORTANT NOTE******
Italy, especially Rome, is known for pick-pocketers and scammers. Please be sure to have all items secured to your person. Uber is available; however, using a hotel concierge is recommended to arrange car services if needed.