Ciao Bella (Florence, Venice, Rome, The Vatican, and other Tuscany cities) Italy Guide

Italy has something for everyone and Italians know how to live life to the fullest. My mom, sister, and I (dad was watching our cute dog at home and working) thoroughly enjoyed the history, art, and culinary scene that Italy has to offer. It's easy to understand how people fall under Italy's spell.

If you aren't eating your weight in carbs (pasta or pizza take your pick) or gelato, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and delicious bruschetta you aren't doing a trip to Italy right. I'm not a food blogger but this country made me want to be one. My mom to me, “Why are you taking pictures of your food? Just eat it already.” As they say, "when in Rome, do what the Romans do", which means eat what they eat. Get ready to drool over some food.

If you are a fan of the Pinocchio story, sweet puppets, and all things you can find tchotchkes (the Yiddish word for trinkets) at any Tuscany tourist shop- that's Amore (love in Italian)! The food will be amazing, to save while traveling, don't eat the bread at restaurants unless you want to be charged for it. Ask for tap water or you will get a pricey bottle of water included on your bill. They call their sparkling water "with gas" which always made me chuckle. Sandwiches/ paninis and pizza are not only a delicious but affordable way to eat out for lunch and if you need to use the restroom while out, you'll need to pay, so might as well get something good to eat or a drink while you are at it. It felt so foreign as an American, who expects FREE REFILLS and finds it odd you can't just pop into a shop to use the restroom!

Traveling by foot is reasonable once you are in Florence, Rome, The Vatican, or Venice. The only time we really took transportation was when we were going to the next city or we were on a time crunch. All these cities are walkable, will cut down on your cost and help when eating your way through town. We chose to take a day tour to Tuscany to see the highlights, vineyards, rolling green hills, rather than renting a car, to meet others and have a guide tell us the ins and outs of the area.

My family is also not big on crowds or sticky heat. We chose to travel in the winter (January), which is not their peak season. The only time we saw some shops closed for the season was in Tuscany (San Gimignano), it was nice not dealing with touristy crowds as much and having more locals around. For us, coming from upstate NY we are used to layering, the temperatures were around 50 degrees F but sometimes we were warm enough that we didn't need the layers, especially when climbing the Duomo in Florence!

Florence- The city that shook up the western world in the Middle Ages (with the help from the Medici Family who ruled the area and had the financial means to support art projects) and gifted it with what would later be called the renaissance. The city lives up to the hype! You can find so much art in this city not only in museums but also on the streets.

• The Bargello Museum- Impressive statues are at this museum that was a former barracks and prison. Art made for the sake of art rather than for religious reasons in a Church although the subjects are still biblical.

• The Galleria dell’Accademia – Without a doubt most famous for its sculptures by the great Renaissance artist, Michelangelo. It is home to Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture, other than this it was a bit underwhelming and the museum workers are not friendly towards all the tourists.

• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore- Before this trip, I hadn't been in any Church's that I can remember, so it was an interesting educational experience, to say the least. We walked through the Cathedral and then did the climb to the very top where you can have a view of the city. If you are claustrophobic or don't like heights climbing to the top may not be for you. We did the climb in January and were sweating by the top and had to take off layers, so I can only imagine what it is like in the summer. It is hard to know where to look as there is artwork everywhere. Duomo famous cathedral, view of the city from the top. The view is worth the 463 steps climb. My sister and I hadn't told our mom about how long it was and she kept asking if we were there yet lol...the way up is also the way down, no elevator but you do get a smashing view of Florence.

• Trattoria Za Za - I had it highly recommended by a friend who studied abroad here. They have a large menu and Florentine steaks are famous in Florence, I don't eat meat so I can't tell you what it's like but hear it's great for a meat lover and it's local. You can sit outside all year round, they have a tent heated and even blankets to keep you warm if you choose to sit al fresco.

• La Giostra- You'll feel like you are eating in an Italian Grandma's kitchen. We had a delicious meal here.

• Osteria Del Proconsolo- A great recommendation from a friend who studied abroad in Florence. We had fabulous pizza and pasta here and liked it so much we came back another night for it. Try the delicious pear ravioli, it may sound odd but it is an amazing combination.

• Ristorante Paoli- The bean soup we had here was unreal, everything we ordered was great but portions were small. Or maybe they are just normal and different than what we are used to in the states?

• Pizza Man or Mr. Pizza (near the Duomo)- I did say we should eat locally and this is a chain that I make an exception for honestly, the pizza is just so good.

• Piazza di Michelangelo has one of the best views of the city. Your calves will get a good workout by hiking up the hill it’s the perfect way to see the stunning view of the city. Make sure to not fall for any scams on the way up since some people set up their shop on the climb up or will try to get you to take a bracelet they made.

• Ponte Vecchio, the old bridge, is beautiful and full of jewelry shops, and another great place for pictures.

• The San Lorenzo Market, where the leather market is, is a great place to shop for souvenirs and leather goods. Just make sure to haggle, and try to see if it is real leather or not! They will try to swindle you. I got a "college tourist discount" and got a jacket and a bag.

• Piazza Santa Croce- See the world pass by

• Piazza Della Repubblica has a sweet carousel and is where the ancient Jewish Ghetto was located.

• Synagogue of Florence big and beautiful and amazing that it made it through the world wars without being destroyed. My theory is because the Pope lives in Italy and is so important there wasn't as much destruction compared to other countries/cities. One of the largest synagogues in South-Central Europe. The amount of detail is breathtaking. The creation of ghettos in certain cities was for political gain. Cosmio I made a deal with Pope Pius V; in exchange for ghettoizing the Jews in Florence Italy, he received the title Grand Duke of Tuscany. The ghetto was located in today’s Piazza Della Repubblica. The Nazis used the Sinagoga in Florence as a garage and left little damage to the building; even though they attempted to blow up the building with dynamite. They damaged the columns on the left side of the building but even then the women’s section did not collapse.

Venice- You'll get lost between the winding streets and historical canals but it's part of the magic and more beautiful than expected. Many couples on a romantic getaway, we saw large groups of tourists, expensive shops but with some great items that are worthy of purchase, and many retired adults.

• This city is a dream. I loved the Gondola boat ride. Felt like a scene out of a movie. I'm here for those cheesy tourist moments although I can appreciate getting off the beaten path as well.

• The Murano Glass is beautiful and we got a mezuzah while here from one of the shops.

• Visit the Jewish neighborhood. I learned that the word ghetto was Italian and the first was in Venice where they separated Jews from others, established in 1516. There are a few theories on the meaning behind the word ghetto. In Hebrew the word for divorce/separation is ghet, the word ghetto could also be derived from the Italian word borghetto which means little village. We went into different shops and picked up a really interesting story about the Jews of Venice, Italy. I loved the book store la Feltrinelli Red, I love looking at local bookstores wherever I go as well as supermarkets to see what the locals experience. Shops also of course had colorful masks lined up around the street even though it wasn't Carnival time. I love seeing history come to life through experiential learning.

• St. Marks square is the largest piazza in Venice, it has the bell tower, and Doges Palace here.

Rome- Hey now, hey now, this is what dreams are made of! For a long time in history, this city was the center of the world, home to the Catholic church and Caesar. I loved being able to see modern capital with buildings next to ancient ruins.

• Colosseum- Nearly 2,000 years old, I'd suggest going with a guide to learn all the history of what was once the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire. It's a great example of ancient engineering.

• Roman Forum and Palatine Hill is a great stop after visiting the Colosseum as they are next to each other. This is where Rome managed their Empire.

• The Spanish Steps- The place to people watch.

• Trevi Fountain- My friend suggested I come at night to avoid the crowds and see it all lit up as well as before lunch to avoid crowds but due to time, we still went during the day. Typically, visitors sling a coin into the fountain (while their backs are turned to it) with hopes that they will return to Rome and find love.

• After visiting the Trevi Fountains stop for a panini lunch at Gourmet Cafe Bistro around the corner, delicious and affordable.

• Pantheon- This was near our hotel and we must've walked by it a handful of times before going in to look at the architecture, it's free. "The best-preserved temple from Ancient Rome."-Rick Steve

• The Jewish Ghetto/Quarter. We attended a Shabbat service here at The great synagogue, wasn't the most welcoming crowd to foreigners in our experience, and was strict on security for the obvious reason. The Synagogue doesn't look like a traditional one but that is because there weren't any architectures around who were familiar with building them compared to churches. The inside looks like what you'd expect from a synagogue compared to the outside. It was interesting to see locals that can trace back their family tree to Rome, before the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem as they are one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe. They came to do business. The Jewish Quarter in Rome is likely one of the oldest continuous Jewish communities in the world. It’s vibrant, beautiful and a reminder that Jewish life is thriving, in a place that this wasn’t always the case. The Ghetto was the worst real estate as they weren't allowed to live in the center of the city of Rome. There were churches at each corner to try to convert the Jews that were there. Today you can see many Jewish restaurants and bakeries on the street. One of the most famous bakeries is owned and operated by the same family for about 200 years. There are many kosher options in this area to pick from like La Reginella, Baghetto (they have several restaurants that are just dairy or just meat, etc.) which serve traditional Italian Jewish artichoke dishes. Eater is a great online guide to other recommended restaurants around the world.

• Want to get your gelato fix? Well, you can try over 150 flavors at Della Palma.

• Dinner at Taverna Del Seminario was so good we came back again. Simply delicious although their space is small and their bathrooms could be cleaner. It is close to the Parthenon.

The Vatican City- Smallest independent country and it is as small as you think it'll be, spiritual home to Roman Catholics. The pope not only religious but politically rules here.

• St. Peter's Basilica

• Sistine Chapel

• The Vatican Museum- My favorite exhibit was the Galleria delle carte geografiche or Gallery of the maps. The ancient way to get around town rather than with Waze, google maps, etc.

• Vatican City

• Changing of the guards

• Have a meal at La Soffitta Renovatio which is around the corner from St. Peter's Basilica.

Tuscany Region- Under the Tuscan sun (This is a fabulous but cliche movie, you have to watch it! Let's discuss other cities to visit besides Florence in Tuscany.)

Views of vineyards reminded me of wine country in upstate NY. Lunch with wine tasting and views at Fattoria Poggio Alloro.

Siena

• The oldest bank in the world

• Piazza del campo - People watch and if you come during the summer, a medieval horse race takes place in the square. You'll see the Torre del Mangia (tower) when at the square. It is the same height as the church to show it has equal powers to the state.

San Gimignano- Beautiful medieval town.

Pisa- You want a Pisa of me?

• Leaning Tower of Pisa- Ironically it was supposed to be vertical, the tower started to lean during construction. Once it got dark out it started to get a little creepy in this area. Yes, it is the most touristy cliche spot but it also holds history and is a fun optical illusion.