Our first Italian vacation

3749 Ponte Chiodo

• Cannaregio 3749
• Visit website
• Venice, 30121

Ponte di Rialto

• Ruga degli Orefici (Rialto)
• Visit website
• Venice, 30125

Ponte di Rialto is Venice's most famous bridge arching over the Grande Canal, known as a commercial area of the city with the busy Rialto Market nearby, filled with bright colored fruits, vegetables and fish (only open in the morning), and souvenir shops lined up and down the bridge itself. After its construction in 1591, the Rialto Bridge remained as the only bridge connecting the two sides of "the fish" called Venice for almost 300 years. The Ponte di Rialto is perfect for shopping or strolling along with gelato in hand while gazing off the bridge at the passing gondoliers and boats, and postcard perfect shots of the orange buildings & green water against the pink sky at sunset. read more about Ponte di Rialto

Piazzale Michelangelo

• Piazzale Michelangelo
• Florence, 50125

The vista which one can see the whole valley of Florence and of the surrounding hills is a must see.  The climb up is rewarding, the view is breathtaking. There are buses available to take you to Piazzale Michelangelo. Tourists, tourist groups and tour buses all congregate at this panoramic view.  Vendors set up early in the morning with cool beverages for the parched tourists and souvenirs for the eager shoppers. A sunset visit is for the romantics, bringing a wine bottle and gazing at the Florentine sky as it ends another day. There is never a bad time to visit Piazzale Michelangelo, there is always something to see from this height
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Galleria dell'Accademia (Academy Gallery)

• Via Ricasoli 60
• tel:055-238-8609
• Visit website
• Florence, 50122

El Dorado

• Via Fabio Massimo 72
• Rome, 00192

The Colosseum (Colosseo)

• Piazza del Colosseo
• Piazzale del Colosseo, Via dei Fori Imperiali
• tel:+39 6 700 4261 / +39 6 700 5469
• Visit website
• Rome, 00184

Trevi Fountain (Fontana dei Trevi)

• piazza di Trevi
• Piazza di Trevi
• Visit website
• Rome, 00187

Musei Vaticani (Vatican Museums)

• Viale Vaticano
• tel:+39 (0)6 6988 3041
• Visit website
• Rome, 00165

Palatine (The)

• Via San Gregorio
• tel:+39 6 699 0110
• Rome, 00184

Piazza Navona

• piazza Navona
• Visit website
• Rome, 00186

Trastevere

• Viale di Trastevere
• tel:+39 06 488 991
• Rome, 00153

Montecarlo (La)

• vicolo Savelli 13
• tel:39 6 686 1877 / 39 66860 0278
• Visit website
• Rome, 00186

Macheroni

• Piazza della Copelle 44
• tel:06-68307895
• Visit website
• Rome, 00186

Dal Bolognese

• Piazza del Popolo 1-2
• tel:06-3611426
• Rome, 00187

Da Augusto

• piazza de' Renzi 15
• tel:39 6 580 3798
• Rome, 00153

Caffè della Pace

• 3-5 Via della Pace
• tel:39 6 686 1216
• Visit website
• Rome, 00186

Testaccio Village

• 34 Via di Monte Testaccio
• tel:+39 0657301420
• Rome, 00153

Gusto

• 9 Piazza Augusto Imperatore
• tel:39 6 322 6273
• Visit website
• Rome, 00100

Joia Music Restaurant

• via Galvani 20
• tel:+39 06 574 0802 / +39 347 755 3876(Reservations)
• Visit website
• Rome, 00153

Tomba di Cecilia Metella

• via Appia Antica
• tel:+39 6 48 8991 (Tourist Information)
• Rome, 00178

Museo delle Mura

• via di Porta San Sebastiano 18
• tel:+39 6 7047 5284
• Rome, 00179

Catacombs of St. Sebastian (Catacombe di San Sebastiano)

• Via Appia Antica 136
• tel:06-7850350
• Visit website
• Rome

Villa Dei Quintili

• via Appia Nuova
• tel:+39 0639967700
• Rome, 1092

Appia Antica

• 42 Via Appia Antica
• tel:+39 6 512 6314 / +39 6 513 0682
• Visit website
• Rome, 00179

Ca' d'Oro

• Cannaregio no. 3932
• tel:+39 (0)41 522 2349
• Visit website
• Venice, 30121

Being one of the most beautifully stunning houses on the Grande Canal, the Ca'd'Oro is a fine representation of Gothic-Venetian architecture in Venice. With the clover shaped eyelets atop the numerous columns, the Ca'd'Oro screams to be photographed when passing by on vaparetto (waterbus), water-taxi, or gonodola on the Grande Canal. Located just north of the Rialto Bridge, unfortunately this private house and not open to the public, but still deserves admiration at a distance for its exquisite beauty. read more about Ca' d'Oro

Burano

• Laguna Nord
• Visit website
• Venice, 30012

The 40 minute boat ride to reach the fairytale island of Burano is all worth it when walking through the brightly colored blue, purple, green and pink houses and calm canals lined with rowboats. Burano is most known for the exquisite hand-made lace which adorns many of the shops at the heart of the island, and at times one can watch the masters at work inside the small stores. How those little old Venetian ladies produce such intricate masterpieces, one will never know! The restaurants and bakeries of Burano make the visit to this island complete, when stopping off for a quick snack ask for the Bussolai (pronounced: boos-ohl-eye) fresh out of the oven which also come with a dipping wine specifically used for these tasty cookies specific to the island. (Although the friendly Burano waiters will probably recommend this unique item before you even ask.) read more about Burano

Ponte Vecchio

• Ponte Vecchio
• Florence, 50125

You can't miss the most recognizable landmark of Florence, the Ponte Vecchio.  Constructed in 1345, the Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge still standing in Florence, hence the name.  The multicolored structure bridge was first home to butcher shops. As the noble bankers would cross the Arno river to their offices, there was a rancid smell of pigs blood and rotted meat which extremely offended them.  In an effort to improve the area, the Medici stepped in and ordered the lower class shopkeepers out and moved goldsmiths and diamond-cutters in. Ponte Vecchio is the only bridge that escaped the bombing by the Germans in WWII.  Today, now a pedestrian bridge, the shops shimmer and shine with necklaces, rings and charms of the most expensive kind.  Tourists can enjoy an early morning walk over the bridge before the shops open or at sunset where lovers stare at the horizon as musicians sing and be merry.
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Gallerie degli Uffizi (Uffizi Galleries)

• Piazzale degli Uffizi 6
• Off Piazza della Signoria
• tel:055-238-8651
• Visit website
• Florence, 50122

Piazza del Campidoglio

• piazza del Campidoglio
• Visit website
• Rome, 00186

The Pantheon

• piazza della Rotonda
• Piazza della Rotonda
• tel:+39 6 6830 0230
• Visit website
• Rome, 00186

Dogado Lounge

• 3662 Strada Nuova
• tel:+39 041 520 8544
• Venice, 30121

Basilica di San Marco

• San Marco 328
• Piazza San Marco
• tel:+39 0412413817
• Visit website
• Venice, 30124

Even before arriving in front of the Byzantine styled Basilica di San Marco, her many magnificent domes can be seen from afar announcing their presence and status in Venice. The story goes, that the remains of St. Mark were brought, or stolen – depending on your point of view, by the Venetians from Alexandria to rest in this elaborate burial place back in the 9th century. On closer observation, you will notice not all of the columns on the Basilica di San Marco are the same (some green marble, others not) due to trading with incoming merchants for the materials to build and decorate this amazing edifice. History throughout the centuries is woven into the world-wide known Basilica di San Marco, including the originally looted Bronze horses being stolen by Napoleon, and then returned again in 1815. read more about Basilica di San Marco

Murano

• Isola di Murano
• Visit website
• Venice, 30141

The skilled Glass Blowers are the founders of this fair sized island called Murano. In 1291, the furnaces were moved off of the main island to Murano in case they ever caught fire, making sure the main city of Venice would still be preserved. To this day, Murano is still known for the beautiful glass works of art, with many stores allowing tours and on-looking crowds to watch the intense production of these delicate pieces. Many quaint restaurants and shops line the quiet streets of Murano, located just a short 15 minute boat ride from Venice. read more about Murano

Lorenzaccio (Il)

• Piazza della Signoria 32
• tel:+39 055 29 4553
• Visit website
• Florence, 50122

The specialties consist of the wood-burning oven pizza presented to you hot right out of the brick oven.   Another favorite is the Calzone which is as large as your head, literally.  It is an enticing adventure in your mouth with so much mozzarella and ricotta.  The Pizza Lorenzaccio created by my friend, Michelangelo, topped with the famous prosciutto crudo, sun-dried tomatoes, arugala, black olives, mozzarella.  By the same name but an insalata(salad), Insalata Lorenzaccio is another favorite, consisting of prosciutto of parma, fresh tomatoes, mouth-watering mozzarella, black olives and lettuce of course.  It really is refreshing and full of flavor.  Perfect for a hot summer day.  Topping it with fresh olive oil and red wine vinegar,  I wouldn't have it any other way.  read more about Lorenzaccio (Il)

Vinaino di Parte Guelfa

• Via Val di Lamona, 6
• tel:+39 055 287876
• Visit website
• Firenze, 50123

A sandwich shop full of all the delights of Tuscany. From prosciutto crudo to salame piccante to fresh pecorino to yummy pomodori secchi (sun-dried tomatoes). Enjoy a simple panino(sandwich) of mortadella and cheese or add as much as you want to your favorite sandwich. Ask Luca and Leonardo what they suggest if you just can't decide. Locals frequent this sandwich shop from 1pm- until 3pm. So if there is a line just wait, they make sandwiches very fast and with great care. For drink, try their cool white wine for only 1euro.

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Museo Galileo (Science Museum)

• Piazza dei Giudici 1
• Next to the Uffizi at the Arno end of Via dei Castellani
• tel:055-265-311
• Visit website
• Florence, 50122

Roman Forum

• Via Romolo Artioli
• tel:+39 06 3996 7700
• Visit website
• Rome, 00186

Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

• San Marco 1
• Entrance for the public: Porta del Frumento, Piazzetta San Marco
• tel:+39 041 271 5911
• Visit website
• Venice, 30124

Located next to the Basilica di San Marco, the Doge's Palace has been the symbol of Venice's political life and public administration for hundreds of years. The building has been continuously evolving into its present form since 1340, even though its fundations date back to the early Middle Ages (10th century). Considered a masterpiece of the gothic style, it has been destroyed many times, most notably during the fire of 1106. It was rebuilt by Barbarossa in 1177 and modified over the time by the different Dogi reigning in Venice. More than a palace, the Palazzo Ducale is an extensive infrastructure, comprising the apartments of the doge (often used as an exhibition space), the government quarters and the palace of justice. When visiting the palace, many parts are worth the detour. In the Museo dell'Opera, you'll see the remaining pieces of the building's medieval facades as well as a collection of sculptures dating from the 14th and 15th Centuries. Before heading towards the Doge's appartments, you'll enter the magnificent courtyard. Take some time to walk alongside the Loggias to enjoy the various angles of the Palazzo. In addition to the Institutional Chambers and the Prisons, take some time to see the great collection of weapons and armaments in the Armoury. read more about Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

Santa Maria della Salute

• Campo della Salute
• tel:+39 0412743911
• Visit website
• Venice, 30124

Having been constructed at the end of the Plague in1630, la Chiesa di Santa Maria della Salute, the Church of St. Mary of Health, was built as a sign of thanksgiving for lifting the plague off the city of Venice. A beautiful octagonal shaped interior adorned with paintings such as Tintoretto's "Le Nozze di Cana" and particularly ornate marble-work coincides harmoniously with the elegant rising exterior of this handsome baroque church designed by Baldassare Longhena. The Santa Maria della Salute participates annually in the traditional Festa del Redentore (usually held the third Saturday in July), as a bridge of boats is temporarily constructed across the canal from the Santa Maria della Salute to the Chiesa del Redentore. Located at the opening of the Grande Canal, and just across the canal from Piazza San Marco, the Santa Maria della Salute seems to stand on her own but not far down the alleyways are the Peggy Guggenheim Museum and the Galleria dell'Accademia. read more about Santa Maria della Salute

Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiori)

• Piazza del Duomo
• Piazza del Duomo
• tel:055-230-2885
• Visit website
• Florence, 53100

Spanish Steps

• Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti
• Piazza di Spagna
• Rome, 00187

San Marco Campanile

• San Marco 328
• tel:(+39) 041 241 3817
• Visit website
• Venice, 30124

Located in the very same Piazza San Marco, for which it is named after, the San Marco Campanile, or St. Mark's Bell tower, soars 98.5 meters high with spectacular panoramic views of the orange rooftops of Venice and on a clear day, the snow-capped Alps seem at your very fingertips. After paying at the entrance, one of the biggest elevators you'll find in Italy (a normal sized elevator for Americans) swiftly brings you up the San Marco Campanile to the observatory area where wind speeds seem to increase exponentially. Originally constructed in 1173, the San Marco Campanile has had many varied functions throughout the years such as a lighthouse for incoming ships on the lagoon, a means of tying up prisoners for torture during Medieval times, and an observatory for Galileo to demonstrate his telescope in 1609. After suddenly collapsing in 1902, the San Marco Campanile was reconstructed from its remaining base, a collection of marble sculpted storyboards called La Loggetta, and has been firmly standing since its re-inauguration in 1912. read more about San Marco Campanile

Collezione Peggy Guggenheim (Peggy Guggenheim Collection)

• Dorsoduro 701
• On Calle San Cristoforo
• tel:041-240-5411
• Visit website
• Venice, 30123

Palazzo Vecchio (Museo)

• Piazza della Signoria
• tel:+39 55 276 8224
• Visit website
• Florence, 50122

Settimio all'Arancio

• via dell'Arancio 50
• tel:39 066876119
• Rome, 00186

Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri)

• San Marco
• Visit website
• Venice, 30124

Legends, passions, hopes and despair form the emotional history of the ever famous Ponte dei Sospiri, or Bridge of Sighs, a must see for every visitor to Venice. Connecting the Palazzo delle Prigioni (Palazzo of the Prisoners) and the Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), the Bridge of Sighs is where prisoners going from their trial and conviction in the Doge's Palace, would look across the bridge at their last glimpse of freedom before entering the prison and let out a sigh. Over the years it has gained a more hopeful out look being known as the bridge where if two lovers kiss under it, most likely in a romantic gondola, their love will last. To "walk the last walk" over the Bridge of Sighs, you will need to take a tour of the Palazzo Ducale or Palazzo delle Prigioni. read more about Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri)

Ai Gondolieri

• Dorsoduro, 366
• tel:39 41 528 6396
• Visit website
• Venice, 30123

Cantina Barbagianni

• Via Sant'Egidio, 13r
• tel:39 55 248 0508
• Visit website
• Florence, 50123

Creativity is the keyword in this cozy cantina where the menu changes every 3 months and is always in tune with traditional Italian food. Tagliatelle with saffron, polpette in a Chianti tomatoe sauce and homemade desserts may all be found here. There is also a good choice of wines and after dinner liquors. The atmosphere here is very warm and calm. With wooden tables and comfy chairs, bottles on display. read more about Cantina Barbagianni

Palazzo delle Prigioni-Prison

• San Marco(Castello)
• San Marco 1, Entrance for the public: Porta del Frumento, Piazzetta San Marco
• tel:+39 041 271 5911
• Visit website
• Venice, 30124

Just a few quick steps from the Basilica di San Marco is the entrance to the famous prison, the Palazzo delle Prigioni, where traveler, adventurer, lover and seducer Casanova (1725-1798) was held captive in 1755 and made his legendary escape the following year. Connecting the Palazzo dei Prigioni (Palazzo of the Prisoners) and the Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace) is the famous Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs) where prisoners going from their trial and conviction in the Doge's Palace, would look across the bridge at their last glimpse of freedom before entering the prison. When the Palazzo dei Prigioni was still in use, prisoners on the bottom level of the prison got an unwelcome surprise as the high tide came in: they would be immersed up to their knees in water until the tide went down again! read more about Palazzo delle Prigioni-Prison