3 Weeks in Italy: A Perfect Blend of Cities, Coastlines, and Countryside

Florence became home for two weeks, a perfect balance of structure and spontaneity. Each day began with a cappuccino and a cornetto, often at Café Gilli, before immersive Italian language lessons at Scuola Leonardo da Vinci, a top-notch language school nestled in the heart of the city. Post-lesson afternoons often unfolded at La Ménagère, a stylish spot known for inventive cocktails, great food, and a relaxed atmosphere. Evenings brought golden-hour views from Piazzale Michelangelo or rooftop drinks at Hotel Minerva, offering sweeping panoramas of the city’s terracotta skyline. Free-time activities included visits to Mercato Centrale for a lively market experience, exploring the Uffizi Gallery to admire Renaissance masterpieces, and stopping by the stunning Santa Maria Novella church. The adjacent Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella offers traditional perfumes like Acqua di Regina, famously gifted to Catherine de’ Medici at her wedding, and my personal favorite scent!

La Menagere

Florence

Midway through the stay, a Tuscan countryside escape brought a change of pace with a pasta-making class hosted by Home Cooking Tours. It was a hands-on, heartwarming experience that truly felt like la dolce vita.

Home Cooking Tours

For a weekend retreat, Monterosso al Mare, the northernmost and most accessible of the Cinque Terre villages, offered sun-soaked beaches and coastal calm. Staying at centrally located Hotel Souvenir meant easy access to beachside lounging at Stella Marina, complete with shaded loungers and breezy cafe service. A short ferry ride to Vernazza opened the door to artisan shops, a lively harbor, and cliff divers plunging into the Ligurian Sea. For travelers who crave outdoor adventure with a touch of leisure, Cinque Terre is simply perfetto!

Cinque Terre

The final leg of the journey consisted of a week in Orvieto, offering quiet strolls through cobbled streets lined with stone houses, artisan workshops, and hidden piazzas where locals gathered over espresso. Staying at Grand Hotel Italia, close to the magnificent Duomo di Orvieto, made it easy to explore the mysterious Orvieto Underground, and local wine bars like Enoteca Al Duomo, where a glass of Orvieto Classico is a must!

Orvieto

A quick train and taxi journey led to Montepulciano, set high in the Tuscan hills and known for its rich wines and Renaissance charm. Beneath the historic center, Talosa Cantina Storica unveiled ancient cellars, an ideal spot to sample robust reds straight from the source. Plates of handmade pici pasta and aged pecorino toscano followed at Trattoria di Cagnano, a warm and welcoming place to indulge in the region’s rustic flavors.

Montepulciano

Before heading home, I bid farewell to Italy with a final night in Rome at Hotel Ponte Sisto, steps from lively Trastevere. Dinner at Da Enzo al 29 followed by a gelato from Otaleg marked the sweetest end to a journey steeped in language, landscapes, and lasting flavor.

Italy’s regional trains are affordable, making side trips from Florence and Orvieto a breeze. Tip: Always refer to the train number when boarding, as the final destination may be different from your stop.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Italy page.