✨🇮🇹 ITALY WITH TUTTI
Florence • Rome • Toscana
A Personal Guide to Three Places I Love in Italy
Italy is one of those places that is difficult to explain until you experience it.
It's the history.
The food.
The fashion.
The architecture.
The countryside.
The wine.
But more than anything, it's the little moments—the espresso in a beautiful piazza, the unexpected shop you find while walking, the long lunch that turns into an afternoon, and the views that make you stop and take a picture.
For this guide, I'm not trying to cover every corner of Italy.
I'm sharing the Italy I know and love most: Florence, Rome and Toscana.
These are the places I've returned to, explored, photographed and experienced—and I want to share some of my favorite things to do, places to see and experiences to have.
So pack your comfortable shoes, bring your appetite, and let's go to Italy!
🍂🇮🇹 FLORENCE
The City of Art, Beauty & Renaissance Magic
Florence feels almost like walking through an open-air museum.
The historic center is filled with Renaissance architecture, incredible art, beautiful piazzas, shops, cafés and the Arno River running through it all.
But Florence isn't a city I recommend simply checking off a list.
Walk it. Experience it. Get a little lost.
Some of my favorite moments in Florence are found between the famous attractions.
✨ 5 THINGS YOU MUST DO IN FLORENCE
1. See the Duomo
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the heart of Florence.
The enormous dome designed by Brunelleschi dominates the city's skyline and is one of the city's most recognizable sights.
Take time to walk around Piazza del Duomo and admire all of the incredible details.
TUTTI'S TIP ❤️
Don't just take your picture and leave.
Walk around the entire piazza. Look up. Look at the architecture. Take it all in.
2. Walk Across the Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is one of Florence's most famous landmarks.
Cross the bridge, look at the jewelry shops, admire the Arno River and take your time.
It's one of those places where the experience is as much about the atmosphere as the landmark itself.
TUTTI'S TIP ❤️
If you love jewelry, give yourself time to browse the shops along the bridge. Florence is also wonderful for discovering beautiful Italian leather and artisan goods.
3. Visit the Uffizi Gallery
If you love art and history, put the Uffizi on your list.
The museum houses an extraordinary collection of Renaissance masterpieces and is one of Florence's essential cultural experiences.
TUTTI'S TIP ❤️
Book your tickets ahead of time whenever possible. Don't spend part of your vacation waiting in a line when you could be exploring Florence.
4. Explore Piazza della Signoria & Palazzo Vecchio
Piazza della Signoria is one of Florence's most beautiful historic spaces.
Walk around the square, admire the sculptures and architecture, and continue toward Palazzo Vecchio and the Ponte Vecchio.
TUTTI'S TIP ❤️
This is a perfect area to explore without rushing. Walk, take pictures, stop for a coffee and enjoy the atmosphere.
5. Watch the Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo
This is one I definitely want you to experience.
Piazzale Michelangelo offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Florence.
You can see the Duomo, the Arno, the bridges and the city stretching into the Tuscan hills.
Go toward sunset and watch Florence change as the light begins to soften.
TUTTI'S TIP ❤️
Bring your camera—and give yourself time to stay.
Don't arrive, take one picture and leave. Sit down and enjoy the view.
👗🍂 TUTTI'S FLORENCE STYLE TIP
Florence is a walking city, so comfortable shoes are essential.
But comfortable doesn't have to mean boring!
Think:
comfortable shoes + neutral basics + one beautiful statement piece + sunglasses + a scarf.
You can be comfortable and still look completely put together.
🇮🇹 ROME
Where History Is Everywhere
Rome is completely different from Florence.
Florence feels intimate, artistic and romantic.
Rome feels big, energetic and alive.
And everywhere you turn, there is another piece of history.
You can walk down an ordinary street and suddenly find yourself standing in front of something that has been there for centuries.
That's what makes Rome so special.
✨ 5 THINGS YOU MUST DO IN ROME
1. Visit the Colosseum
You can't visit Rome for the first time and skip the Colosseum.
Standing in front of it is one of those travel moments where photographs simply don't capture the scale and history of the place.
TUTTI'S TIP ❤️
Book ahead whenever possible, especially during busy travel seasons.
And don't rush through your visit.
Take a moment to really look at it.
2. Walk Through the Roman Forum
Pair your Colosseum visit with the Roman Forum.
Walking through the ruins gives you another perspective on ancient Rome and helps bring the history of the city to life.
TUTTI'S TIP ❤️
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
You're going to be doing a LOT of walking.
3. Make a Wish at the Trevi Fountain
Yes, it's crowded.
Yes, everyone wants the same picture.
Do it anyway! ❤️
The Trevi Fountain is one of those classic Rome moments you simply shouldn't miss.
TUTTI'S TIP ❤️
Try going early in the morning or later in the evening for a different atmosphere and potentially lighter crowds.
4. Visit the Pantheon & Piazza Navona
The Pantheon is one of Rome's most remarkable ancient buildings.
Then continue your walk toward Piazza Navona, where you can admire the architecture, fountains, restaurants and street life.
TUTTI'S TIP ❤️
This is a great day to simply wander.
Don't worry about following a perfect route.
Let one beautiful street lead you to another.
5. Explore Vatican City
Make time for St. Peter's Basilica and, if they're part of your plans, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
This can easily become a full experience on its own.
TUTTI'S TIP ❤️
Don't schedule the Vatican between six other activities.
Give yourself time.
And check the current entry requirements and opening information before your trip.
👟 TUTTI'S ROME TIP
Bring your comfortable shoes!
Rome is a walking city.
Between the cobblestones, historic sites, piazzas and streets, you will probably walk much more than you expect.
And remember:
You don't have to see everything.
I'd rather spend a few days really experiencing Rome than spend one exhausting day racing from attraction to attraction.
🍷 TOSCANA
Where Italy Slows Down
And now we get to one of my favorite parts of Italy.
Toscana.
Tuscany feels completely different from Florence and Rome.
This is where you slow down.
Where you drive through the countryside.
Where vineyards stretch across rolling hills.
Where little medieval villages seem to appear around every corner.
Where lunch can last for hours.
Where wine is part of the experience.
And where you don't have to be doing something every minute.
MY BIGGEST TUTTI TIP ❤️
If you have extra time after Florence and Rome, go to Toscana.
Don't make it an afterthought.
Give yourself a few days if you can.
✨ 5 THINGS YOU MUST DO IN TOSCANA
1. Explore Monteriggioni
Monteriggioni is a beautiful medieval walled village surrounded by the Tuscan countryside.
It's the kind of place where you can slow down, walk through the historic center, take pictures and enjoy the atmosphere.
And this area is especially meaningful to me because of an experience I had here.
🍷 2. 🍂Visit Agricola Poggio ai Laghi
One of My Personal Tuscany Experiences
During my time in Italy, I visited Agricola Poggio ai Laghi near Monteriggioni, and this is exactly the kind of experience I want to share in this guide.
Poggio ai Laghi's estate is in the heart of Chianti, surrounded by the Tuscan landscape, and the winery combines wine, history, art and the culture of the region. Its current experiences include wine tastings, wine and cheese tastings, vineyard tours, Tuscan lunches and other experiences.
The winery is located at:
Strada di Sant'Antonio, 56
Monteriggioni, Siena, Italy
The winery also currently offers a wine experience in the heart of the medieval village of Monteriggioni itself.
❤️ TUTTI'S TIP
If you have time for Toscana, put a winery experience on your itinerary.
Don't just drive through the countryside.
Stop.
Taste the wine.
Enjoy the scenery.
Have lunch.
Take pictures.
And give yourself permission to spend a few hours simply enjoying where you are.
That's what Toscana is about.
3. Visit Siena
Siena is another wonderful addition to a Tuscan itinerary.
Spend time in the historic center and visit Piazza del Campo, the city's famous central square.
Walk the streets.
Shop.
Eat.
Take pictures.
Enjoy the atmosphere.
TUTTI'S TIP ❤️
Don't try to turn Siena into a race.
Give yourself time to wander.
4. Visit San Gimignano
San Gimignano is famous for its medieval towers and historic center.
It's one of those towns that feels like stepping into another time.
It's also a wonderful place to combine with a day exploring the Tuscan countryside.
TUTTI'S TIP ❤️
Bring your camera!
The streets, buildings and surrounding countryside make this one of those places where you'll want to stop constantly for pictures.
5. Take a Drive Through the Tuscan Countryside
This deserves to be on the list all by itself.
Because sometimes the drive IS the experience.
Rolling hills.
Vineyards.
Olive trees.
Cypress-lined roads.
Medieval villages.
Farmhouses.
And those views you recognize immediately as Tuscany.
TUTTI'S TIP ❤️
Don't fill every hour with activities.
Leave room to stop when you see something beautiful.
🍷 TUTTI'S TUSCANY TIP
Don't rush Toscana.
If you have the time, stay a few nights.
Rent a car or arrange a driver.
Choose a beautiful countryside hotel.
Visit a winery.
Have a long lunch.
Explore a little village.
And just enjoy the view.
Toscana isn't about how many things you can see.
It's about how you feel while you're there.
🍝 EATING IN ITALY
One of my favorite things about Italy is that food doesn't have to be complicated to be memorable.
Some meals are elaborate.
Others are incredibly simple.
And that's part of the beauty.
IN FLORENCE
Look for traditional Tuscan food, fresh pasta, bistecca alla fiorentina, local cheeses and simple seasonal dishes.
IN ROME
Try the classics:
Carbonara
Cacio e pepe
Amatriciana
Supplì
IN TOSCANA
Think:
Fresh pasta
Tuscan bread
Local cheeses
Olive oil
Wine
Seasonal vegetables
Long lunches
TUTTI'S TIP ❤️
Don't spend your entire trip looking for the restaurant with the biggest name.
Sometimes the little restaurant you discover while walking becomes one of your favorite memories.
🏨🍂 WHERE TO STAY
When planning your trip, I recommend thinking about location first.
Being close to the places you want to explore can make a huge difference.
FLORENCE
Look for accommodations around the historic center so that you can easily walk to the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and major attractions.
ROME
Consider staying in a central neighborhood where you can combine walking with public transportation or taxis when needed.
TOSCANA
This is where I'd change the experience completely.
Instead of staying in another city hotel, consider a countryside property, vineyard estate or Tuscan boutique hotel.
Make the hotel part of the experience.
👗 🍂TUTTI'S ITALY PACKING TIPS
What I Would Pack
1. Comfortable walking shoes
You will use them every day.
2. Neutral basics
They make creating multiple outfits much easier.
3. One or two statement pieces
This is Italy—have a little fun with fashion!
4. A scarf
Perfect for adding color, changing an outfit and traveling light.
5. Sunglasses
Always.
6. A lightweight jacket or cardigan
Especially for evenings.
7. A beautiful dinner outfit
Because you're going to want to go out!
8. A versatile handbag
Something that works during the day and can transition into dinner.
TUTTI'S GOLDEN RULE ❤️
Pack less.
You want room for the things you discover along the way.
✈️🍂TUTTI'S ITALY TRAVEL TIPS
👟 Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable.
But they can still be stylish.
🧳 Pack light.
Trains, stairs, cobblestones and hotel changes are much easier with a smaller suitcase.
🚆 Consider traveling between major cities by train.
It's a convenient way to connect places like Florence and Rome.
📅 Don't over-schedule.
Give yourself breathing room.
🍝 Leave room for spontaneous meals.
📸 Take the picture—but then put your phone down.
Experience the moment.
🍷 And if you have extra time...
GO TO TOSCANA.
❤️🍂 MY TAKE ON ITALY
Why I Keep Going Back
Italy isn't just somewhere I visit.
It's somewhere I experience.
Florence gives me the art, architecture and beauty.
Rome gives me history, energy and that feeling of walking through thousands of years of stories.
And Toscana gives me something completely different.
It gives me time.
Time to sit.
Time to eat.
Time to drink wine.
Time to look at the countryside.
Time to enjoy the people I'm with.
And that's why, if you have the opportunity to add Toscana to your Italian trip, I would make the time.
Go to Monteriggioni.
Visit a winery.
Take the scenic roads.
Have a long lunch.
Explore a medieval village.
Don't worry about seeing ten things in one day.
Because sometimes the best part of Italy isn't the thing you came to see.
It's the moment you didn't plan.
🇮🇹 🍂THAT'S MY ITALY
Florence.
Art. Beauty. Fashion. Renaissance history.
Rome.
History. Architecture. Culture. Energy.
Toscana.
Wine. Countryside. Food. Slow living.
Three very different experiences.
And together, they give you a beautiful introduction to Italy.
— Tutti ❤️
✈️ 🍂READY TO PLAN YOUR ITALIAN ADVENTURE?
Plan Your Trip With Tutti
Now it's your turn to experience Italy.
I've shared the places I've loved, the experiences that have stayed with me and the advice I would give a friend planning their own Italian adventure.
Whether you're dreaming about walking across the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, standing beneath the Colosseum in Rome, or sipping wine in the Tuscan countryside...
your Italian adventure starts here.
🇮🇹 FIND YOUR ITALY
Use my Expedia Travel Shop to explore:
✈️ Flights
Find flights to Italy and compare your options.
🏨 Hotels
Find hotels in Florence, Rome, Tuscany and beyond.
🍷 Things to Do
Book tours, wine experiences, food experiences, sightseeing and activities.
🚗 Transportation & More
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👉 PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH TUTTI
[EXPLORE ITALY WITH TUTTILOVE →]
🍷 SPECIAL TUTTI PICK
Want to experience Toscana the way I did?
Add a winery experience around Monteriggioni to your itinerary.
One place to look is Agricola Poggio ai Laghi, where current offerings include wine tastings and Tuscan food-and-wine experiences.
❤️🍂THANK YOU FOR TRAVELING WITH ME
I hope this guide inspires you to see Italy not just as a list of places to check off—but as a collection of experiences to remember.
Walk a little slower.
Eat a little longer.
Take the picture.
Buy the scarf.
Drink the wine.
And enjoy the moment.
Travel beautifully. Travel curiously. Travel with Tutti.
TUTTILOVE
Fashion • Beauty • Lifestyle • Travel
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