The Best of Rome, Florence & Venice in 7 days

Rome:

• Spanish Steps: A great place to sit in the sun and people watch.

• Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill: For first time visitors, I highly recommend a private tour or highly rated small group tour and try and pick an early tour to avoid the crowds.

• Trevi Fountain: I recommend visiting at night — Its illuminated beauty is simply breathtaking.

Rome: Off the beaten path

• Monti is one of Rome's oldest neighborhoods dating back to ancient Roman times. Located between the Colosseum and Via Nazionale, it’s known for its Bohemian atmosphere, narrow cobblestone streets and vibrant community. Spend a day and discover Artisan Shops and Boutiques, Hip Cafés and Bars, Quaint Piazzas and a food lover’s dream.

• Catacombs and Appia Antica Exploration: I loved visiting this area! The Appian Way, one of the oldest and most famous roads in Rome, dates back to ancient times. It was constructed in 312 BC. The area around the Appian Way in Rome, known as the Appio Latino district, still preserves much of its ancient character. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, tombs and archaeological sites along the road. The Appian Way Regional Park, which stretches along the ancient route, is gorgeous and offers opportunities for walking, cycling and exploring the countryside just outside Rome's bustling city center. The Appian Way is renowned for its catacombs, underground burial chambers that early Christians and Jews used primarily in ancient Rome.

Florence:

• The Ponte Vecchio is one of the oldest and most famous bridges in Florence, dating back to medieval times. It is believed to have been first built in Roman times, with the current structure dating mostly from the 14th century. Today it is lined with jewelry stores and shops and restaurants on either side of the Arno River.

• The statue of David is a must see while in Florence.

• Uffiza Galleries – Truly a museum lover’s dream and worth a visit. Buy a skip the line ticket directly (no tour needed).

• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Opera Duomo, Florence - A gorgeous cathedral inside and out.

Venice:

• St. Mark's Basilica: Tour the iconic cathedral and then grab lunch at Café Florian, the oldest operating café in Venice located in The Piazza San Marco.

• Doge's Palace: Adjacent to St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace was once the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of Venetian government. It's renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture, lavish interiors and historic significance.

• Rialto Bridge: As one of the most famous bridges in Venice, the Rialto Bridge spans the Grand Canal and is lined with shops selling jewelry, souvenirs and other goods. It offers fantastic views of the canal and the surrounding architecture and is the best spot for a photo op!

• Grand Canal: A visit to Venice wouldn't be complete without a boat ride along the Grand Canal. You can take a gondola, vaporetto (water bus) or a private water taxi.

• Peggy Guggenheim Collection: If you are a museum lover, this is a must-see. Housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni along the Grand Canal, this museum features works by Picasso, Pollock, and Dalí, among others.

• Venetian Ghetto: This historic neighborhood was the site of the world's first ghetto, established in 1516. Today, it's a culturally rich area with synagogues, museums and shops showcasing Jewish heritage and Venetian history. This area is steps away from my favorite hotel, “Hotel Heureka.”

Day Trips:

• Private Food Tour — Email me for the best private food tours in Tuscany and Rome.

• Day trip to Tuscany — Florence is a great starting point to visit the many wineries and medieval hilltop towns in Tuscany (Siena and San Gimignano would be my picks).

• Private day trip to Murano — Enjoy being picked up by private water taxi at your hotel and get whisked off to Murano. There you will visit one of the most famous glass blowers in the world and tour his gallery. Then it’s on to an aperitivo at a local restaurant. From there you will visit an actual glass factory where you will be greeted by a chef, a table full of wine and champagne and a feast. You will watch a master glass blower and an apprentice blow glass. You might even get to try it yourself!

Rome:

• Roscioli Rome — This is a food experience! They do wine tastings with dinner, cooking classes, house a wine cellar and more. Reservations are a must.

• Taverna Trilussa – In business for over 100 years, this dining spot never disappoints.

• Sant'Eustachio il Caffè – Dal 1938 a Roma, this is a historic Coffee shop that I wandered into. Best cappuccino I’ve ever had, and they sell Nespresso pods of their coffee, which I gladly took home.

• Gelateria-del-Viale-Roma - This is one of the best Gelato shops in Rome.

Florence:

• Luca’s Restaurant - Located in La Gemma Hotel, this is delicious and has a very cozy dining room.

• Santa Elisabetta – Located in Hotel Brunelleschi, this is a 2 Michelin Stars Restaurant in Florence, Italy.

• Gelateria Santa Trinita - Amazing gelato.

• L'Osteria di Giovanni - One of my favorite restaurants, hands down. I return every time I visit Florence.

• Mercato Centrale Firenze — This is a fantastic food market with vendors selling everything from fresh seafood to meats & cheeses to flowers on the first floor. The 2nd floor food hall has numerous vendors offering ready-to-eat meals, snacks and drinks. The best Pizza I’ve had in Italy.

• Casa Del Vino – A great small wine shop to stop for an Aperitivo. Founded in 1880, it's a small wine shop with wall-to-wall woodwork and an amazing selection of wine. Enjoy a cheese plate or panini.

Venice:

• Ristorante da Mario alla Fava — Fine dining in Venice. Opened more than 50 years ago, a typical venetian family restaurant, located only 2 minutes walking distance near Rialto bridge.

• Ristorante Antico Martini Venice - One of the most ancient and high-quality restaurants in Venice, located at the entrance of the Opera House "La Fenice".

• Amalfitan Restaurant in Venice - Neapolitan Pizza in Venice.