Our Recommendations
We're thrilled that you'll be joining us in Italy for our celebration and truly want you to have an unforgettable experience.
If you're considering exploring the country before or after the wedding, we've put together a list of some of our favorite things to do and places to visit. This list reflects the highlights from our own travels around Italy over the past few years.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need any further recommendations or assistance!
Florence
We love Florence – it’s a beautiful mix of medieval charm, fantastic bars and restaurants, not to mention great museums, and countless historical sights for culture lovers.
Restaurants
Florence has a number of great restaurants, offering all the Italian classics. Many offer Bisteca alla Fiorentina - the famous local specialty (very rare) steak which we think is worth the splurge!
Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco - no frills, but favorite food in Florence. Get there before they open!
La Giostra - (maybe a bit over hyped) but very cute
All'Antico Vinaio — Just a takeout sandwich shop, but famous for massive paninis. Always SUPER busy, but still worth trying. The queue goes fast so don’t worry.
Bars
There are a bunch of more “local” cocktail bars south of the river on Borgo S Frediano, but here are a few of our faves right in the center.
Arts Inn - Tiny, adorable cocktail bar with local art on display.
Manifattura - cool minimal/vintage vibes
Grand Hotel Cavour - has a great rooftop bar with views of Florence. Do book ahead!
Pasta Making
Take a pasta-making class (one we did) - it’s a really fun and hands-on experience where you’ll learn how to make a few different styles of authentic Italian pasta from scratch. The chefs are fun, but be warned - you wont need to eat for the rest of the day.
Tuscany
Explore Villages of Tuscany
Tuscany is home to many charming villages that are perfect for a day or overnight visit, such as San Gimignano, Pienza, Castellina in Chianti, and Monteriggioni, to name just a few. The scenic drive along the Chiantigiana (SR 222) from Florence is particularly beautiful - stunning views of vineyards and the picturesque countryside, along with a number of great restaurants that are well worth the visit.
Truffle Hunting
This was where we decided we wanted to get married in Tuscany! Go for a guided truffle hunting tour in the woods with adorable specially trained dogs. The tour finishes with a delicious meal at sunset accompanied by fresh truffles, and the vineyard’s wine.
It’s an incredible experience we can’t recommend enough. Credit to Sophia for original find :)
Wine Tasting
Take a relaxing wine tasting tour from Florence to the picturesque Chianti hills for an unforgettable day. With no driving required, you can fully savor the variety of wines on offer while learning about Chianti Classico and the rich heritage of the Tuscan wine region.
The rest of Italy
Naples & Amalfi Coast
Naples is home to the best pizza in Italy! The southern region offers a completely different vibe from the north — slower-paced, warmer, and effortlessly relaxed. Enjoy delicious seafood, explore stunning coastal landscapes, and soak in the beauty of the Amalfi Coast’s breathtaking views.
Lake Como
Lake Como is breathtaking, with some of the most stunning scenery in Italy. Explore elegant villas, stroll through charming villages, and hop on ferries get around. We recommend staying in Bellagio for its lively atmosphere, but there are plenty of wonderful options to suit every traveler.
Cinque Terre
This stunning set of five towns on Italy’s western coast can get pretty packed with tourists, but it’s popular for a reason! The colorful villages, dramatic cliffs, and amazing sea views are totally worth the slightly packed trains. It’s easy to get trains to hop between towns, but definitely book a boat trip for the best views of the coastline.