Italy is a country that captivates visitors and beckons them to return time and time again. Every year, I make it a point to explore a different region of Italy and each time, my love for the country deepens. While my ultimate dream is to tour the country in a classic convertible from North to South, for now, I settle for yearly trips. On this particular trip, I had San Marino, the sunflower fields, and the Tuscan countryside on my bucket list. Here is the route we took and the highlights along the way.
Bologna
I began my journey in Bologna since I had not yet explored this charming Italian city. Bologna has a local and authentic vibe compared to other touristy places I’ve visited. One of the highlights was dining at Trattoria Fantoni, a local spot known for its daily handwritten menu and homemade pasta.
Best viewpoint
In the heart of Bologna, Torre Prendiparte offers stunning views of the terracotta-hued city and rolling hills in the background. The climb up the rickety wooden staircase is worth it for the breathtaking panorama.
Best place to watch the sunset
San Michele In Bosco is a scenic church located atop a hill that offers beautiful views over the city. It’s the perfect spot to witness a magical sunset.
Best gelato
I had the opportunity to taste some of the best gelato of my life. The pistachio flavor was particularly memorable, with swirls of pistachio paste running through it.
Best pizza
Nicola’s, located in a quaint square off Bologna’s busy streets, serves the best pizza in town. Their thin crusts and delicious toppings left me smiling with every bite.
Best pasta
I had already mentioned Trattoria Fantoni as the best place for homemade pasta in Bologna. It truly lived up to its reputation.
Sunflower fields
We started our day early from Bologna and spent the morning surrounded by vibrant sunflower fields. It’s impossible not to feel joy when you see field after field of bright yellow sunflowers. Late June and early July are the best time to witness the full bloom of these sunflowers.
Best sunflower fields
Sasso Marconi, a small town just 30 minutes from Bologna, is surrounded by beautiful sunflower fields. As you drive towards the town, you’ll be mesmerized by the stunning sight of sunflowers and can stop wherever you please.
San Marino
This mountainous principality, surrounded by Italy, exceeded my expectations with its picturesque beauty. San Marino offers breathtaking views of the Italian countryside, and on a clear day, you can even see the coastline. I was drawn to visit San Marino because of my fascination with Europe’s smallest countries, and it certainly charmed me.
Best viewpoint
The Guaita Tower and the city’s old wall provide the most beautiful view over San Marino. From the top of the tower, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic vista of the mountainous microstate and the sea in the distance.
Best lunch
If you’re on a budget and can’t afford San Marino’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, I recommend trying the Osteria La Taverna Righi. They serve homemade pasta and delicious regional dishes.
Best dinner
For a combination of excellent food and a great view, head to La Terrazza. Many places in San Marino excel in one aspect but not the other, whereas La Terrazza excels in both.
Tuscany
After a beautiful sunset dinner in San Marino, we crossed back into Italy and drove to Tuscany to wake up in the renowned wine region. Tuscany lived up to its charm with its rolling hills, tall cypress trees, and picturesque towns paved with cobblestones. We began our day with a glass of Montepulciano, as it seemed only fitting to have wine for breakfast in the town where it is made.
Best towns
Montepulciano was one of the most charming towns we explored in Tuscany. With its beautiful main square and a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, the town offers sweeping views of the picturesque landscape from its hilltop location.
Best towns
Pienza, a fortified village, exhibits magnificent architecture with its notable landmarks such as the Palazzo Piccolomini, the duomo, and the Palazzo Comunale.
Best sunset dinner
Osteria La Porta serves local Tuscan food and overlooks the dramatic countryside. The sweet terrace provides the perfect setting to sip red wine and watch the sun set below the horizon.
Best region
The Val D’Orcia region in Tuscany offers open vistas adorned with cypress trees and thermal springs. With an abundance of private spas and vineyards, it is an ideal place to base oneself. Although we only spent a day in Tuscany, you could easily spend two weeks exploring the region. One day, I plan to return and rent a quaint villa in the hills, spending mornings exploring charming towns and afternoons relaxing by the pool.