Italy: Unique Spots and Adventures

Sgrano in Florence turned out to be a real gem, especially for gluten-free food lovers. Located near the city center, their menu is fully gluten-free, and they’ve mastered the art of it. We went for the gluten-free schiacciata—an Italian flatbread sandwich filled with fresh ingredients—and it was delicious. The pizza was just as good, with a crispy base that tasted as authentic as any traditional dough. We also tried their gnocchi and were impressed by how light and flavorful it was, even without gluten. The staff were friendly, making sure we had everything we needed.

Our meal at Tonnarello was everything we hoped for and more. Despite the crowds and a bit of a wait, the food was well worth the wait. We started with their famous cacio e pepe, and it was everything you’d want—creamy, with just the right kick of pepper. The carbonara was another favorite, rich and flavorful with perfectly cooked pasta. The portions were generous, and even though the restaurant was packed, the staff took the time to chat with us and made us feel welcome. Sitting outside in the middle of Trastevere added something special to the meal, with the streets full of life around us.

Canoeing at Diga di Ridracoli was such a peaceful way to experience nature. The reservoir is huge, and paddling through the calm waters surrounded by the mountains felt like an escape from everything. The water was crystal clear, and we even spotted a few fish swimming beneath us. It’s perfect for a slow-paced day outdoors, and the views of the dam were incredible. If you’re into nature and water activities, this spot is a gem.

We didn’t expect to spend hours at the aquarium, but there’s just so much to see! The tanks are huge, and you can get really close to the sharks and dolphins. It’s one of those places that’s fun whether you’re a kid or an adult. The jellyfish exhibit was our favorite—it felt like being in another world. If you’re in Genova, this is a cool spot to spend a few hours.

Yes, we actually stayed in a treehouse! Staying at Fattorie di Celli in Tuscany was a dream. You'll find yourself in a complex surrounded by greenery, with the chance to have an unforgettable stay with all the space and privacy you could wish for. The setting is serene, and the experience is unlike any other. Perfect for creating lasting memories. It's a truly magical place and we can't recommend it enough.

This sandwich shop, famous for its schiacciata—a type of Italian flatbread—serves up some of the tastiest sandwiches we’ve ever had. The line can be long, but the payoff is well worth it. We tried the La Dante, packed with capocollo, stracchino, and truffle cream, and the flavors were out of this world. Another standout was the La Inferno, with roast pork, spicy eggplant, and rocket—a perfect mix of heat and freshness. This spot is a must-visit for any foodie. Just make sure you’re hungry—these sandwiches are huge!

Visiting the Roman Forum was an experience we won’t forget. Walking through the ruins, it was incredible to stand in the same places where Roman history unfolded. The spot where Julius Caesar was cremated still draws visitors, leaving flowers as a tribute. Seeing remnants like the Temple of Vesta and the Curia, where senators once gathered, made us feel connected to the past in a way that’s hard to describe. It wasn’t just about seeing old stones—it was about feeling the stories that shaped an empire.

Exploring Mount Etna was like stepping into another world. The landscape is wild and rugged, and seeing an active volcano up close is something we’ll never forget. The tour guide was super knowledgeable and explained the history and geology of the area as we hiked. We were lucky with the weather, so the views from the top were amazing. If you’re in Sicily, an Etna tour is a must—there’s really nothing else like it.

We love a good wine tasting, and this one at Farm Lands of the Marquis didn’t disappoint. The tour took us through the vineyard, and the guide explained how they produce their wine from start to finish. The tasting itself was generous, with a variety of reds and whites, and we even got to try some homemade olive oil. It’s a great experience for anyone who enjoys learning about wine-making and tasting some of the best Tuscany has to offer.

This quiet medieval village, sitting high on a hill, offers incredible views of the valleys below. The highlight for us was visiting the Rocca di Montefiore, an impressive fortress that dominates the town’s skyline. Walking through its historic rooms and climbing to the top of the tower gave us a real sense of its medieval significance. Afterward, we wandered the narrow streets and stopped for lunch at a small, local eatery. The whole experience felt like discovering a hidden gem, perfect for those who love history.

Our visit to Gino Sorbillo Lievito Madre al Mare was all about the pizza and the view. Located right on the waterfront, we enjoyed our meal with a stunning backdrop of the sea. The pizza is the star of the show here—classic Neapolitan style, with a perfect charred crust. We ordered the margherita, and it didn’t disappoint—simple, fresh ingredients, and that unmistakable wood-fired flavor. The staff was friendly, but be prepared for a busy crowd—it’s popular for a reason!

The cloister is part of the larger Santa Chiara complex, which also includes a church, monastery, and an archaeological museum. What really caught our eye were the beautiful majolica tiles covering the columns and benches—each one painted with detailed scenes that stood out against the simpler architecture. We spent a lot of time just wandering around the courtyard, which is lined with lemon and orange trees. The museum was super interesting, especially the artifacts from the World War II bombing that damaged part of the complex. We also stumbled across the thermal baths, which were a cool surprise!

Even if you’re not an art lover, the Vatican Museums are a must. We spent hours walking through endless corridors packed with masterpieces from Raphael, Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci, and more. The Sistine Chapel was definitely the highlight—standing under Michelangelo’s frescoes was something we’ll never forget. The level of detail was just incredible. We also really enjoyed the Gallery of Maps and the Raphael Rooms, which were just as impressive. It’s a huge museum, so definitely plan to spend the whole day there. A guided tour is a good idea if you want to get the full story behind the artworks.

Staying at Feudo Frammasi was incredibly peaceful. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, the whole place felt calm and relaxing. The rooms had the perfect mix of rustic charm and elegance, making us feel at home as soon as we arrived. The food was fantastic—mostly locally sourced or grown on the property, so every meal felt like an authentic taste of Sicily. Our hosts were super friendly and gave us great recommendations for nearby places to check out. It’s the ideal place to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the Sicilian countryside.

Also known as the "dying city," Bagnoregio is one of the most unique places we’ve ever been to. You can only get there by walking across a narrow pedestrian bridge, and the whole town feels like something out of a fantasy book. It’s small, but the views from the edge are amazing, with a dramatic canyon all around. The town is slowly eroding because it’s built on soft volcanic rock, which gives it this eerie, forgotten vibe. We spent a couple of hours wandering the tiny alleys and courtyards, snapping photos along the way. It’s one of those places you just have to see to believe, and it’s something we won’t forget anytime soon.

This place is huge, and we spent hours exploring the ancient Greek temples. The most impressive one for us was the Temple of Concordia—it's super well-preserved and looks amazing against the Sicilian countryside. The path through the valley is easy to follow, with signs explaining the history of each temple. There are olive trees scattered around, making it a cool mix of history and nature. If you can, visit around sunset—the golden light makes the temples glow. It’s a must-see if you’re into history and archaeology!

This restaurant is located in a beautiful part of town, and has a warm, inviting vibe that made us feel right at home. The menu has a great mix of traditional and modern Italian dishes, with a real focus on quality ingredients. We started with the fiori di zucca stuffed with ricotta, which were fresh and flavorful, followed by the ravioli filled with duck—rich, tender, and perfectly balanced. The roast pork (maialino) was another standout, cooked to perfection with a crispy exterior and juicy inside. The staff was attentive and made us feel right at home, explaining the dishes with care. We will come back for sure.

Lake Braies is easily one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever seen. The clear turquoise water, surrounded by huge mountains, is unreal. There’s a trail around the lake that’s pretty easy to walk, and it took us about an hour, with lots of stops for photos. We also rented a boat, which gave us an even better view of the lake and the incredible scenery. If you go early in the morning, you can avoid the crowds and really enjoy the peace and quiet. It’s a must-visit if you’re in the Dolomites!

Climbing the Torre dei Lamberti was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Verona. The tower stands 84 meters tall, and after a quick elevator ride and a few steps, we were at the top. The view over the city was amazing—you can see Verona’s red rooftops stretching out in every direction. The tower’s clock and the big bell, El Rengo, add a nice historical touch. We spent a lot of time just enjoying the 360-degree views, spotting famous spots like Juliet's Balcony and the Arena di Verona. The entry fee was totally reasonable, and it’s worth it for the best view in the city.

Our evening at Quimèrico in Cervia was something truly special. Located right on the waterfront, the atmosphere was relaxed yet elegant, with a Mediterranean vibe that felt both fresh and inviting. We sat outside, enjoying the seaside breeze while browsing through their carefully curated menu. The food is a mix of Italian and Spanish influences, and we decided to start with their tapas, which were perfect for sharing. The red shrimp tartare and tuna carpaccio stood out—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. For our main, we couldn’t resist the tagliolini with shrimp and bottarga, which was bursting with flavor and perfectly cooked. To top it all off, we indulged in their homemade gelato, which was the perfect end to a fantastic meal.

Known for its creative sushi combinations, this spot goes beyond the typical salmon and avocado rolls. The menu offers a mix of traditional favorites and more unique options, like the Special Dragon Roll with seared salmon, avocado, and a house sauce, or the Special Rainbow Roll, which features a colorful mix of salmon, tuna, sea bass, and unagi. We particularly enjoyed the nigiri mix, with fresh salmon and yellowfin tuna, and the tempura rolls, which were crispy on the outside and perfectly balanced inside. Whether you're looking for classic sushi or something a bit different, Sushi King delivers quality in every dish.

If you’re into nature, visiting Mount Vesuvius is a must. The views from the top are incredible, and there are little stalls along the way where you can grab a drink or a souvenir. The path to the crater was a bit steep, but the view of Naples and the Bay made it totally worth it. As we got higher, the landscape became more barren, and standing at the edge of the crater was surreal. Seeing the steam rise from inside gave us a real feeling of how powerful nature can be. It’s something you don’t forget easily.

If you want to feel like you're in a movie, you’ve got to visit the rolling fields of Val D'Orcia. These golden hills look like something straight out of a painting, and fun fact—some scenes from Gladiator were filmed here! It’s the perfect place for a scenic drive or a relaxing day exploring one of Tuscany’s most beautiful landscapes.

This small temple in a cave in Ancona is like something out of a fantasy novel. The Tempio del Valadier is tucked away inside a cave, and the hike up to it, though short, was really peaceful. Once you reach the temple, it feels almost surreal—this beautiful neoclassical building in the middle of nature. It’s a little off the beaten path, but definitely worth the trip if you’re into unique historical spots.

We had the joy of picking our own tulips straight from the field at this beautiful farm, and the best part is that you can take them home with the bulb still attached, so you can replant them after a few days. After the excitement of picking flowers, you can enjoy a snack or appetizer in the relaxing area. It's a wonderful experience that the whole family can enjoy.