Florence, Rome and Venice
Under the Tuscan Sun is one of my all-time feel good repeat movies. Since watching the movie for the first time some 10 years back, visiting Tuscany and Italy in general has been on top of my mind. What a better way to relish this dream than as a birthday trip!
Though I did not visit Cortona and Bramasole in this trip, Italy was everything I imagined and more- rolling hills, cobbled streets, stunning architecture, mind-blowing food, and a relaxed pace of life.
There are of course, like any famous place, tourist traps and sub-standard food being passed off as authentic Italian cuisine. But if you dig a little deeper, take unknown turns and venture away from the crowd you will manage to steal a glimpse of the local life.
TRIP ITINERARY
8days 7nights
Florence – 3 Days
Rome – 2 Days
Venice – 2 Days
FLORENCE
The trip had to begin at Florence in Tuscany without a doubt! It lived up to all my unreal expectations and was a great way to get a peek at Italian city and countryside life.
We decided to stay right in the heart of the tourist part of the city, near the Duomo since we had only had 3 days and wanted to visit other smaller towns in Tuscany.
PLACES TO STAY
Our stay
Lucia’s Home – an Airbnb walking distance from the Duomo. It was a 1 bedroom walk up (level 3) in a quaint residential building
More mid-budget options new the Duomo
EATING HIGHLIGHTS
- All’Antico Vinaio – Famous family run Sandwich shop
- Ristorante II Granaio Firenze – Amazing food at this small restaurant right in the heart of the city
- Trattoria Dall’oste – Florentine Steak
- Café Ditta Artigianale – Coffee pitstop while walking the streets of Florence
- Venchi Gelato – Though it’s available in other countries, when in Italy must try one of the famous Italian brands
- Gelateria Dondoli – Gelato world champion 2006/07 and 2008/09 based in San Gimignano
CITIES AND ACTIVITIES AROUND
Booked a day trip from Trip Advisor- Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour from Florence
Highly recommended especially if you are pressed for time. Great guide and does not feel rushed. Added bonus – lunch and wine tasting at a spectacular farm Fattoria Poggio Alloro in San Gimignano
Cities covered: Siena, Chianti, San Gimignano, and Pisa
ROME
In Rome, we stayed a little away from the city centre in Trastevere- supposedly a more bohemian and charming neighbourhood (at least as per the internet). Turns out the internet was right after all!
Trastevere had this quaint residential vibe in the afternoon which turned into a music, dance and drinking soiree in the evening. The narrow-cobbled streets are lined with cafes, restaurants and bars. Enjoy the stroll around Piazza di Santa Maria or people watch with your glass of wine from one of the many bars or groove to the music by the many buskers lining the streets. Either way you will not have a dull evening in the labyrinth of Trastevere!
EATING HIGHLIGHTS
- Tonnarello – Highly recommended! Only restaurant we visited twice in the whole trip
- Pane e Salame – Great cutting boards and sandwiches! Bonus point- in a lane near Trevi Fountain, can drop by after visiting the fountain
STAY OPTIONS
Our stay
Domus 78 – Great stay however the reception is not active the whole day so ensure you keep them informed of your arrival time
More options in Trastevere
- Trastevere Red Room
- Saint Peter Room
- New & modern room in Trastevere Rome centre
- Lovely Tiny House in the historic centre of Rome
CITIES AND ACTIVITIES AROUND
Vatican– We booked the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica Tour for the afternoon through Get Your Guide. Pro tip– Book early morning tours to beat the crowd and book well in advance since the better tours are also popular.
VENICE
Worth every hype! Yes, it is crowded and there are definitely endless tourist traps, but what a beautiful city! You can look in any direction and visualize a painting coming to life. I highly recommend exploring more areas and sites beyond San Marco and the Rialto bridge. The food can be quite disappointing and highly commercial bordering on unauthentic near the Rialto bridge area.
We decided to stay in Cannaregio on a friend’s recommendation. This turned out to be very convenient travel wise and so much more peaceful and authentic than the more popular areas.
The area is very close to Santa Lucia train station which is the main point of entry to Venice from most other Italian cities and houses the first ghetto in the world -Jewish Ghetto!
EATING HIGHLIGHTS
- Oficina Ormesini – Great spot, food and wine!
- Gelateria il Doge – Fabulous gelato
- Torrefazione Cannaregio – Amazing coffee seated right next to a canal
- Trattoria Alla Palazzina – Picturesque outdoor garden seating along the canal in this quaint restaurant
STAY OPTIONS
Our stay
La Palazzina Veneziana – Very conveniently located B&B
More options in Cannaregio
- Pretty & cute – ca’ d’oro apartment
- Al Pozzo di Luce Venezia Suites
- Canaldoor
- Rigoletto Charm
- Grimaldi Apartments Cannaregio
More options in San Marco
CITIES AND ACTIVITIES AROUND
Burano Island– 40 mins water bus ride away from mainland Venice
Colourful picturesque houses line this tiny island which makes for a great day trip. It’s famous for its lace shops and super fresh seafood.
