I’m adding a summary from my trip to Italy from 4/24/17 to 5/4/17. Flew into Rome but since I had been there several times took the train straight to Bologna. Enjoyed the college town of Bologna (famous for bolognese sauce). Nearby there is the town of Modena, known for its balsamic vinegar. Also Reggio Emilia known for its romano cheese. And finally the town of Parma know for its salami. It really is the food cradle of Italy and is amazing. Also stayed in Siena and used that as a hub to see the small towns around Tuscany as well as spending a day in Florence. I love Siena and find it to be a better hub than Florence. I highly recommend “Tours by Roberto” (Roberto’s picture is the one standing next to a grape vine, which happened to be the oldest vine of that vineyard). He will take you truly off the beaten path for an all day tour around Tuscany as well as take you to a local’s house for lunch and farm to table food. That was the highlight of the trip! Also loved Orvieto as a small town right outside of Rome that sits up on a hill. Very quaint. Of course San Gimignano is always a classic hill town to visit when in Tuscany. I included a picture of all the towns visited on this trip (some of which are so small and off the beaten path they’re not even on the map!). For the great food, beautiful scenery, amazing history, friendly people and exquisite wine, you can’t beat Italy!! Enjoy!
The Wandering Italian 