Our Italy Bucket List

One of the most well-known and sought after destinations in the world- and for good reason! Italy is a magical place, with hospitable people, amazing food, and teeming with such diverse topography. The influences of early Italian culture helped shape the world in art, architecture, politics and religion for centuries. Home to of the oldest civilizations on the planet, this small geographical area is teeming with history and wonders to explore.

• Tour the Coliseum in Rome

The world’s most iconic monument was completed in 80 CE, and hosted over 500 years of exhibitions for the people of Rome. It held up to 80,000 people at a time and the massive mechanics and tunnels used for entertainment are still a wonder of engineering today. Pair this visit with a tour of the Roman Forum for the full historical experience. We highly recommend hiring a guide for this excursion.

• Glide in a Gondola in Venice

Perhaps the most common item listed on a bucket list, this experience can be found underwhelming. Pick a company that will tour through the smaller canals as opposed to the Grand Canal, otherwise you will end up rocking and rolling between large ferries and rapid speedboats. With the right guide, it can be fun and magical, and is not to be missed!

• Dine with the Mad Butcher of Panzano

Panzano is a quaint little town nestled into the gorgeous rolling Tuscan hills. The magnificent dining experience is only enhanced by the stunning trek to get there. Dario Cecchini, the famed butcher and owner of Antica Macelleria Cecchini is an 8th generation Italian butcher that has made his reputation on “using every part of the cow well”. The restaurant serves a lunch or dinner set menu featuring several courses, from the nose to tail of the cow.  If you want, you can watch a special feature on the butcher on “Chef’s Table” Season 6 Episode 2 on Netflix.

• Hike to the top of the Duomo in Florence.

Florence is known for being the birthplace of the Renaissance- and it shows. The art, history, palaces and architecture are all a testament to this historical time period. The crown jewel nestled in the city center is the behemoth Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore. Built from 1296-1436 this is one of the largest churches in the world. The exterior is covered in white, red and green marble tiles in geometric and floral shapes, and the inside is bursting with gigantic frescoes framing the large pillars and gothic arches. To get the full experience, make a reservation to climb the 463 stairs to the top of the Duomo. You get to walk up close to the Universal Judgment painted by Vasari and Zuccari on the underside of the dome, and then squeeze between the ceiling and the domed roof as the steep stairs follow the curve of the building to the tippy top. The views over the city are incredible, as the Arno river meanders through the red tiled roofs and people go about their lives in the many Piazzas.

• Eat Cacio de Pepe and Carbonara.

Both classic Roman dishes are best enjoyed at a small table for a slow meal with a bottle of fine wine. Cacio de Pepe is pasta tossed in simple pepper and cheese, while Carbonara is pasta smothered in cream, egg, and cheese topped with cured pork. There is nothing like enjoying these mouth watering dishes in the place they were invented.

• Leave a love note at Juliet’s house in Verona

Verona is a surprising gem in the northern region of Italy, found in the shadow of the Dolomites. We enjoyed this very walkable city even more than Rome. Verona is the setting of Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet, and the City of Love supports its legacy with Juliet’s house and balcony. Visitors can post a note on the exterior of the house and connect with this rich history.

• Hike the Cinque Terre villages

Cinque Terre is a region of five fishing villages located on the western shore of the Italian Riviera. Visitors can take a train, ferry, or boat between them, but we found the most rewarding way to visit was hiking along the scenic coastline. The terrain is steep and rocky, tracing high cliffs and lush valleys. Terraced vineyards and groves of agriculture line the path, cut through by ingenious little monorails to help the farmers harvest their goods. Its a difficult hike, which makes the end so much sweeter!

• Consume all the Gelato

Obviously. It’s for research!

• Wander the banks of Lake Como in Varenna

Varenna can be found on the east bank of Lake Como, just a short and gorgeous train ride from Milan. The romantic lakeside paths are lined with adorable trattorias, narrow cobblestone alleyways, and luscious flowers. We recommend a visit to the Villa Monastero botanical garden, and trying the best Strawberry Arugula Goat Cheese Bruchetta in the whole world at a waterfront cafe!

• Ferry to the Island of Capri

The island of Capri is tucked along the Amalfi Coast and surrounded by the bright blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. This small island offers activities to last several days, and we recommend doing just that. Take a boat to the numerous caves, including the iconic Blue Grotto. Swim, snorkel and cliff jump with the locals. Rent a scooter and explore the many scenic roads. Take the single-chair lift to the top of the island and watch the birds soar beneath you as you admire the thousand foot drops. Its a magical place!

• Order custom glasswork in Murano

A short ride from Venice, this island is home to the craft of glass making. There are beautiful treasures to be found in any number of shops, but for a special treat you can design your own work of art to be made and shipped home to you. We lovingly remember our time in Venice every time we see our pendant lamps at home.

• Tour Tuscany

There are so many ways to tour the iconic region of Tuscany. Take a day trip with a guided tour. Check out Siena, or the towers of San Gimigiano, or Montepulciano. Rent a car and just absorb yourself in the rolling hills and perfection. Stay for a month, or a year!

• Hold up the leaning tower of Pisa

How can you not? This medieval structure is more than just a photo op, give yourself enough time to tour the surrounding Square of Miracles and Field of Miracles as well.

• Eat Pizza in Naples

Maybe actually don’t spend too much time in Naples, but long enough to get some of the best pizza in the whole world, in the place where pizza was invented.

• Take a Pasta Making Class

You will surely eat your weight in pasta on your visit to Italy- and then some! Take some of that food joy home with you by learning to make your own pasta by a true professional. It will be an experience you will never forget!

• Adore the colorful houses in Burano

Another short ferry ride from Venice, the little island is known for its lace production and colorful canal-side houses. Its a charming way to spend the afternoon!

• Behold the Sistine Chapel

Alright, yes, Vatican City can be a lot to take in. Yes, the tours that take you to see the Sistine Chapel do make you feel like a Wildebeest during the Great Migration. And yes, when we finally got to the Chapel after a long, hot march I did think, “this is it?” But- can you really pass up the chance to see this iconic work of art painted in 1512? I think not.

• Wine Tasting

Every region has its own unique varieties of grapes producing unique local wines. I think every family has at least one vintner, so the opportunities for wine tasting are endless. Take the opportunity to engage in wine tasting as often as you can throughout the country- there is so much to learn!

• Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain

Legend has it that if you toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, traditionally with your right hand over your left shoulder, then you are destined to return to Rome. Two coins means you are destined for a new romance, and three coins leads to marriage. The tradition stems from the Roman ideals of offering gifts to the gods in bodies of water for good luck. Believable or not, this is a fun ritual to participate in when visiting the Eternal City.

• Admire the Amalfi Coast

Located on the southwestern coast bordering the Tyrrhenian Sea, this rugged coastal landscape is known for its dramatic cliffside and crystal clear waters. There are 13 municipalities to explore, whether by land or by sea. We suggest taking a ferry to the island of Capri, and then down the coast to Amalfi. Spend at least a couple of days in the region, preferably in accommodations with a view of the sea! 

• Tour Ancient Pompeii

In the year 79 AD, the volcano Vesuvius erupted and buried the city of Pompeii in volcanic ash. Because of this, the excavated archeological site is very well preserved. Although all of the artifacts on site are replicas of actual antiquities (the originals mostly reside in a museum in Naples), it is still awe inspiring to walk the city streets. Take a tour for the full history lesson, and enjoy the plethora of penis artwork found throughout the city. Just keep in mind it can get extremely hot and extremely crowded on site, so pre-book a tour early in the day if possible.

• Wander the street vendors in Palermo

Sometimes Sicily gets overlooked on a tour around Italy, but it should absolutely be included on any itinerary. Sicily was ruled at times by several civilizations- Roman, Greek, Arab, Norman, even the French. Because of this influence, the island has its one distinct culture similar but still separate from Italy. The capital city, Palermo, is rich in history and has a great market bursting with street vendors. An adventure is sure to await you on a day of wandering. 

• Stand in awe of The David

Florence is one of my favorite cities in the whole world. It has an interesting history, endearing city center, and it’s bursting with art. One of the most world famous pieces of art in the city is perhaps The David. Sculped from a single block of Carrara marble by Michelangelo in 1501, The David stands 17 feet tall in full masculine beauty. There is a replica in the Piazza della Signoria,  but it’s worth the ticket to the Galleria dell’Accademia to see the original in all its glory. It truly is awe inspiring to observe the intricate details and masterpiece made from a single slab of marble.

• Behold the Dolomites

Cutting across the northern border of Italy, the Dolomites are a majestic mountain range to behold. Spending a day hiking through the craggy peaks and lake dotted valleys is sure to feel your adventurous heart. 

• Walk across the Ponte Veccio 

Another Florentine gem, this bridge was built in 1345, spared in the bombings of WW2, and houses a secret passageway. It was made famous by the Medici family, who would use the bridge to walk to church from their sprawling mansion across the river. History tells us the jewelers would line up along the bridge in hopes of catching the eye of the wealthy family, and the jewelers still line the bridge sides today. The Medici family also had the bridge enclosed so they would not need to witness the lower classes and filth of the common people in the city on their way to Mass. They were an interesting family that played a major role in world politics, and its worth a dive into their past to better understand their influence. 

• Marvel at the Last Supper  

Housed in the Convent of Santa Maria Delle Grazie in Milan, the Last Supper is an iconic work of art painted in 1495 by Leonardo da Vinci. Milan is the bustling capital of Italy, which can feel very busy and crowded. However, a trip to the Milan Cathedral and a viewing of The Last Supper is definitely on the agenda. 

• Explore Sicily 

Along the southern border of Italy, Sicily has a more Mediterranean flavor than Italy, with a vibrant and expressive culture. Visit Mount Etna, the Valley of the Temples, or explore one of the many small island off the Sicilian coast. Wherever you explore, you are sure to experience the similarities and differences to mainland Italy, and fall in love with the culture all over again! 

• Witness the Horse Races in Siena

Although we have not gotten to experience the Palio de Siena yet, we still have it on the list for a future trip. Watching the riders from each local district race bareback around the Piazza del Campo just for the pride of winning sounds like a fantastic way to spend the day! 

• Ride all the Trains 

The sleek fast ones, the rickey local ones, and the ones that break down with no air conditioning. Trains are a vital part of the Italian culture, a great place to watch people, and an affordable option for getting around. 

• Venture to the Ancient Roman Aqueducts 

It is pretty amazing that these aqueducts are still standing just a short subway ride from the city center of Rome. In the evenings, families take walks and children play football in the shadow of history while the sun sinks low. Its an off-the-beaten-path gem to visit. 

We hope that this brings you some inspiration for your own trip to Italy, and that you fall in love with the country the way we have. There is much more to explore and we can’t wait to go back!