That’s right y’all, Ryan & I have officially planned our trip to Europe this spring and I couldn’t be more excited!! We will be heading to the beautiful country of Italy for 10 days in May as we celebrate our first wedding anniversary. Even though I was born in Moscow, I have never been back to Europe and while I’m a little nervous for the long flight, I’m ready to see new sights and experience a new culture. I’m excited to share this with you guys but since I’m kind of clueless when it comes to Eurotrips, I thought I’d reach out for some blogger-to-blogger advice.
Here’s where you come in. If you’ve ever visited Italy, I’m looking for tons of recommendations for hotels/B&Bs, sights to see, restaurants, and just any travel tips in general. The only thing we’ve booked so far is our flight and our hotel in Positano. Now, I will say I’m not a big history buff and I want to see the “must-see” spots, but nothing too history-focused. I’m just excited about the food. And wine!!!
Here is the lineup of the cities we’ll be visiting:
FLORENCE– I hear this is one of the coolest cities and I definitely have to see the statue of David. Other than than…. I have no idea! We’re here 2 nights so I need some good hotel recommendations.
CINQUE TERRE– We’re staying here one night, any recommendations on which city to stay in? Manarola seems to come up a lot.
VENICE– You can’t visit Italy without visiting Venice, right?! I know I want to see Saint Mark’s Basilica (ps. where do all those birds come from?) and take a gondola ride, duh!
POSITANO– I’m probably most excited for this stop. The Amalfi Coast looks absolutely gorgeous and we’ll be doing a little more relaxing once we get to this cliffside town.
ROME– Other than the Colosseum, what should we be checking out in Rome?
It would mean SO much to me if y’all could help a sister out with some recommendations for Italy. Our next order of business is to hopefully finalize some more hotels this weekend and then start looking at trains. Oh, and did I mention that I’m going to *attempt* to pack 10 days in a carry-on?! #JesusTakeTheWheel. Can’t wait to see what you guys have to say and hope y’all have a fabulous weekend!
Oh my goodness, this sounds amazing. I cannot wait to see all the pictures!
I studied abroad in Rome for 4 months and visited all but one of the places on your list! I’ll brainstorm more in depth but here are a few things off of the top of my head:
Rome: Shopping on Via del Corso, gelato at Giolitti’s and Old Bridge, nightlife in Trastevere, and MOST IMPORTANTLY – the best pizza in the city at Pizzaria Da Baffeto. Order an entire pie for yourself, i’m serious
Florence: Leather market!! I had one absolutely amazing lunch there and I will research the name of the restaurant and get back to you.
Cinque Terre : How many days do you have here, 2? You should do the hike from one town to another and stay there overnight – the coast trail is breathtaking every step of the way. Eat the seafood (though this is a given on the coast)
Venice: Drink a bellini and eat squid ink pasta. A lot of my memories are centered around food…
Y’all are hitting up some awesome places in Italy! I think I’m most curious to see how you’re going to pack for 10 days in a carry on bag… 🙂 When you’re in Venice, be sure to go to Harry’s Bar – it’s home to the original (and best ever) Bellini.
I am by no means a travel expert, but we will be going on a third trip to Italy in March. I prefer to get out of the super touristy areas after hitting the big sights. I had the best Bellini at a little side street bar in the Cannaregio area of Venice. Try to book your tickets to museums ahead of time. You might still have to wait 30 minutes or less, but not for hours like I have heard some people have to. I treated myself to some cashmere lined leather gloves last time we were in Florence from a little shop called Madova just in the Oltrarno side of the sponge Vecchio. Also, if you enjoy steak, try the Bistecca alla Fiorentina.
We also like to just stroll and stop in the churches – they may look plain on the outside but the insides are usually breathtaking.
Packing in a carry on is definitely doable and worth it (IMO) if you will be moving cities a lot. My husband and I got travel backpacks and love them. It is all about doing the “capsule” wardrobe, and make sure you have comfy shoes! I had to keep reminding myself that I could buy something there if I absolutely needed to. I literally pack more for a weekend trip to the beach than I do for Europe (crazy).
Most importantly, just have a great time!
Venice tips — visit Cippriani’s on the water in the Guidadecca area of Venice. It is a restaurant with a great patio right on the water and really good Bellinis. A really nice hotel in Venice is the Hotel La Fenice et Des Artistes and it is located right next to the La Fenice theater and only a short walk to St. Mark’s.
Wow!! What an amazing trip this will be! Have you ever checked out the blog “History in High Heels”? She studies abroad in Italy all the time and has TONS of travel guides and recommendations!
I am so excited for you! I’ve never been, but it’s on my list!
Wow that awesome!! Im going in September!! I am so excited to gear about ur trip
Yay, I love all those places! Florence-Definitely go to the leather market! Also, Pisa is super close and easy to get to if you want to see the leaning tower! Cinque Terre-Do the Via dell’ Amore. It’s probably the easiest hike but also the prettiest! Venice-If you have time, visit the other islands. I’m still kicking myself for not seeing Burano! Positano-If you can, take the ferry from Positano to Capri. Capri is one of my favorite places in the world. Just so so gorgeous and there is a lot to see (or you can do nothing and just enjoy the gorgeous views there!). Rome-I’m not a museum person, but even I recommend the Vatican Museum. It’s where the Sistine Chapel is! St. Peter’s Basilica is worth seeing, too. Obviously, Trevi Fountain and Giolotti’s (which I saw someone mentioned above) is totally worth it and right by the Trevi!
SO excited for you!!! I’ve never been (can’t wait to follow along), but check out Sara @ Journey of Doing. She’s done tons of posts on Italy!
How fun – so excited for you! I would love to go to Italy!
xx,
Lauren
This trip is going to be so much fun!! I can’t wait to hear about it!
Stay in Monterosso if you’re going to Cinque Terre! Spend more time in Florence than any other city! Milan you could skip! Venice we just did a day trip and that was enough for us (it’s so small and not much to see unless you’re uber fascinted by the canals)!
We stayed in Praiano, the town over from Positano, a few summers ago. It was amazing! Prepare for a lot of stairs! In Rome, I definitely recommend randomly picking a restaurant down a little side street for dinner one night. We didn’t plan any meals ahead of time, just found a cute little spot when we were hungry. There wasn’t a restaurant we didn’t like!
Enjoy your trip!
Wow how exciting! I’ve never been but it’s definitely a bucket list trip for me!
xx Mollie
How exciting, friend!! I can’t believe it’s been nearly a year since your wedding! Time flies!
We’re going to Italy this summer, too!!! I’ve never been so I’m super pumped!!
xx – anna
fleurdille.com
Oh my goodness! SO exciting. I’ve only been to Milan, Italy but dream of going to the other places you mentioned in the future xx
Hey girl,
I’m actually getting married in Florence this summer. I’ve been to Rome, Florence, and CT. Feel free to reach out if you need recs, restaurants, tips or tricks. I’ll leave you with the ULTIMATE rec though. My favorite restaurant in the world (and where we are having our rehearsal dinner) is La Giostra in Florence. They have THE most incredible pasta– pear and walnut ravioli– that you must try. You’ll absolutely love it there!!
Xo, Lauren
http://www.aloprofile.com
How exciting! We have always dreamed of visiting Italy! Our grandmother was born there. 🙂 One day we will mark this trip off our bucket list! Can’t wait to see your gorgeous photos.
xx,
Lindsay & Whitney
http://www.thedoubletakegirls.com
Hey girlie! I’ve got a ton of recommendations on my blog… I studied abroad in Florence and I’m obsessed. I’m obsessed with the St. Regis Florence. We stayed there on our honeymoon and every time we go back, they greet up with open arms… and check out our room. If you were staying 3 nights, they often run a “stay for 3 pay for 2” special… but it’s 100% worth it. There’s also a Westin right across the piazza on the river… so you might check there, too. If you want more recommendations, let me know.
We stayed in Manarola at La Torretta. Loved it. LOVED IT. We did a pesto making class in Levanto – totally worth it! Get a train card for unlimited train travel between the villages. We didn’t figure that out until a few days in. Dining in Gianni Franzi in Vernazza at sunset was perfection.
Let me know if you want more, but there’s a TON on my blog. I’m SO EXCITED FOR YOU!
http://www.romaround.com/
Do a private tour through them for Ancient Rome – not that expensive and worth it! Would have done ALL our tours with them if I had known how awesome they would be!
And in Florence – if you miss La Giostra you will be missing out – go for dinner….it’s marvelous!