1.
Getting to us is the hardest part (we promise it’s worth it). Fly into Florence (FLR) if you can, or Rome (FCO) if that’s easier - Florence is about an hour away from Borgo Stomennano, while Rome is closer to three. From either, you have a few options. You can rent a car and roadtrip, take a train to Siena and grab a quick taxi, or splurge and book a car service to fully check out.
*You can also check and see if there is a (convenient) connecting flight from Rome/Florence to Siena.
2.
For those of you who will be staying off property, we highly recommend The Grand Hotel Continental in Siena. The staff is lovely , the breakfast is sprawling, and they even have a pillow menu available as a part of turndown service. We are organizing transportation for off-site guests, so please let us know your travel plans. Borgo Stomennano is approximately 20 minutes away from Siena.
3.
Late summer / early fall in Tuscany is golden and gorgeous; warm, sunny days perfect for wandering the countryside or lounging by a pool, with cooler evenings that call for a light jacket. It can be a little unpredictable, so bring layers. Also, make sure to pack a swimsuit as we are manifesting a pool day on Sunday afternoon.
Our Italy Reccos
We know everyone is creating their own Italian adventure, but after so many trips (and many, many meals), we wanted to share a few of our go-tos from Siena, Rome, & Florence. We hope some of these make their way into your travels and become your new go-tos, too.
Siena
TO EAT / DRINK
Pizzeria Alle Scalette
Casual, unfussy, but really yummy pizza. Pop in for a laid-back dinner, order a few pies to share, and enjoy the very Italian experience of lingering over pizza and wine after a long day exploring Siena.
Osteria Le Logge
We had such a beautiful meal here on our visit! The menu changes daily, so everything is super seasonal. We loved how chic/unfussy it felt (there was a giant match on the wall that Emma was obsessed with).
Gelateria Nice
We tried a few different gelato shops and this was our favorite one! Had to include it because no Italian day is complete without a little gelato break.
Osteria Il Grattacielo dal 1840
Classic Tuscan dishes, homemade pasta, and a cozy, no-frills atmosphere. It’s pretty small, so don’t be surprised if you’re sharing a table with some locals, which is all part of the charm.
Osteria da Divo
Set inside a former medieval church, come here for elevated Tuscan cooking, local wines, and a yummy meal surrounded by centuries of history.
Birra Bader
We didn't make it here on our last trip, but it has Jack & Emma written all over it. If you go before we do, let us know if it's as good as it looks!
TO SHOP
Aloe & Wolf
The shop is full of unique Italian pieces and hidden gems! Jack found an amazing pair of vintage Gucci loafers here that are making their debut at our rehearsal dinner. The staff is really friendly and will help make you an appointment at their warehouse if you have extra time in the city.
L' Atelier
The perfect place to hunt for something special to bring home (or wear for a night out in Tuscany). It has a wide range of bags, jewelry, utensils … basically everything you want in a vintage shop.
Antica Drogheria Manganelli
Packed shelves filled with Italian treats, local specialties, and beautiful little finds for your pantry. The perfect place to pick up something delicious (or a few things) to bring back home.
Boggi Milano
Pop into Boggi for some really beautiful Italian suits and menswear. This spot is Jack-approved (he got a beautiful suit he wears all the time from here) and the staff were so wonderful!!
TO DO
Duomo di Siena
A must-see while in the city! The black-and-white marble exterior is incredible, but make sure to go inside (and don’t miss the Piccolomini Library). The details, artwork, and famous marble floor are what made it a highlight of our trip.
Torre Del Mangia
If you’re up for a little workout, the climb to the top of Siena’s bell tower is absolutely worth it. The views over the rooftops of Siena and the surrounding Tuscan countryside are some of the best in the city. Just be prepared, it’s a lot of stairs!
Santa Maria della Scala
This museum is housed inside a former medieval hospital that once cared for pilgrims traveling along the Via Francigena. The building itself is a huge part of the experience. It’s a really unique way to experience Siena’s history.
Piazza del Campo
One of the most beautiful piazzas in Italy. You will naturally walk through it, but if you want to make a moment out of it grab aperitivo on the square and spend some time sitting here watching the city go by. It’s also where the famous Palio horse race takes place twice a year (big hit with Eric Fishman)!
Rome
TO EAT / DRINK
Lagana
Lovely little local restaurant where you have to order the antipasti and enjoy a long, leisurely Roman dinner (or lunch).
I Supplì dei Coronari
One of our favorite (impromptu) stops we made in Rome. Grab a few supplì (fried rice balls) and find a sunny spot nearby to enjoy.
Roscioli
One of our favorite meals in all of Rome (and maybe of all time). You have to snag a reservation, but this one is definitely worth planning around. There is one in NYC, but it just doesn’t hit the same!! The waitstaff is great and will help curate your perfect meal. Dinner is great, lunch is even better.
La Matriciana Dal 1870
Order the amatriciana (obviously) and enjoy a slow evening the way the Italians do. Reservations are suggested!
L’elementare
Our go-to for Roman pizza, supplì, and a casual night of eating in the Trastevere neighborhood. If you’ve never had Roman-style pizza, it’s thin, crispy, and delicious!
Dar Filettaro a Santa Barbara
Our #1 Rome recommendation (seriously, do not skip this one). Filetti Di Baccala is a tiny hole-in-the-wall serving the most perfectly fried cod fillets. If you know us well, you will walk in and go “Oh YES this is a Jack/Emma SPOT”. It’s not fancy, but that’s exactly why we love it. Order a pile of fillets, whatever seasonal greens they have available, and the bread with butter and anchovies. If you want to cosplay us, finish your meal with a little fernet on the rocks and talk to the old man at the bar.
Jerry Thomas Speakeasy
A hidden speakeasy for a late-night cocktail in Rome. The decor is 1920s Prohibition-era chic: floral wallpaper, tasseled lamps, velvet couches. Make a reservation or find the password to get in on their website!
Salotto42
The kind of place where you “just stop for one drink” and end up staying for a couple of hours. Salotto 42 is a great spot for chic cocktails and chic people watching.
TO SHOP
Babastyles Negozio Vintage and Fashion
We found this vintage store in the first hour we were in Rome and now it’s a MUST SEE. Their inventory is both incredibly impressive and really reasonably priced. Our proof? The vintage Chanel jacket Bonnie is wearing to truffle hunting!
Origami S R L
A beautiful Roman boutique for effortless Italian clothes. We did some serious damage here!
104 Pandemonium
We wandered in here before our reservation at Roscioli - Eric/Bob had to drag us out of here! Everything is beautifully made, while the pieces feel special without trying too hard. Definitely worth popping in, even if you’re “just looking” (we all know how that goes).
Furia Living
Furia Living is full of beautiful home goods, unique objects, and pieces that make you want to completely redecorate your apartment. Even if you don’t have room in your suitcase, it’s worth popping in for inspiration alone.
Antica Cartotecnica
A charming old-world stationery shop filled with beautiful notebooks, paper goods, and little Roman treasures worth bringing home.
TO DO
Of course, Rome’s classics are classics for a reason (you should absolutely see them!). This list is just a collection of some of our favorite places to wander, explore, and stumble upon when you have a little extra time in the city or want to try something new.
Museo Nazionale Romano, Palazzo Altemps
A hidden gem in the heart of Rome. This Renaissance palazzo is filled with incredible ancient sculptures and beautiful details around every corner. Less crowded than Rome’s famous museums and we felt it was well worth the visit!
Santa Maria in Aracoeli Basilica
We stumbled upon Santa Maria in Aracoeli while walking to lunch and loved the little detour. Climb the staircase to this beautiful basilica for incredible architecture and a quiet moment above the city.
Villa Borghese Gardens
One of our favorite places to slow down in Rome. The Borghese Gardens are perfect for a long walk, a little wandering, and escaping the energy of the city for a bit. Grab a coffee, rent a bike, or just get lost among the paths and beautiful views.
Castel Sant'Angelo
Book tickets for sunset — trust us. The views of Rome from the top of Castel Sant’Angelo are incredible. We did this the last night of our trip and we all loved it!
Florence
TO EAT / DRINK
Antica Trattoria da Tito dal 1913
One of our favorite meals of the whole trip (and even better that it was impromptu)! They specialize in traditional Tuscan dishes, great pasta, and an atmosphere we can’t really explain - just take our word for it. Reservations are a must, but have your hotel make one for you.
Vivoli
Vivoli has been a Fishman favorite for years, and we fully support stopping here more than once (they might even be making a surprise appearance at our wedding)!! Our order: the Orangata Cioccolata. Their flavors are seasonal, so feel free to venture out - you really can’t go wrong. Insider tip - there are 2 lines. One line is just for their viral affogato and the other is just for gelato.
Panetteria e Stuzzicheria De Neri
Head to De Neri for a mortadella and stracciatella sandwich (our favorite). Their sandwiches are huge and we doubt you can go wrong here. Grab it to go, find a sunny spot in the square, and enjoy a fabulous sando.
Panini and Vini
De Neri still holds the title of our favorite Florentine sandwich, but this spot is absolutely worth a stop for a porchetta sandwich and a to-go spritz before making your way up to Piazzale Michelangelo. Grab a bench at the top, take in the view, and enjoy your meal. The owner and his son are incredibly friendly and will chat with you while they make your sandwich!
Il Santino
The perfect place for a pre-dinner glass of wine (or two). Il Santino is a tiny, charming wine bar with an amazing selection of wines and delicious little bites to snack on.
Hotel Lungarno
A special place for us and the perfect spot to experience aperitivo. This was Emma’s Pop Pop’s favorite hotel and a place that holds so many special memories for The Fishman’s. Stop in for a fabulous aperol spritz, some potato chips, and an amazing view of The Arno.
TO SHOP
Spezierie Palazzo Vecchio
Spezierie Palazzo Vecchio is an old-world apothecary that has perfume recipes dating back to Catherine de’ Medici. We picked up our wedding scents here on our trip last year, so this one holds a very special place for us.
Alberto Cozzi
Alberto Cozzi is filled with beautiful stationery, handmade papers, and lots of little gifts you’ll want to bring home.
Ginori 1735 Firenze Flagship
Come for the window shopping, stay because you'll suddenly be convincing yourself you need a hand-painted dinner plate. Even if you're not buying anything, it's worth stopping in just to admire!
TO DO
Piazzale Michelangelo
The classic Florence view for a reason!! Grab a drink or a snack along the way (De Neri is a great stop that we recommend) and make your way up before sunset to take in the best view of the city. It’s touristy, but absolutely worth it.
Duomo di Firenze
You can’t come to Florence and not see the Duomo. Take some time to wander around Piazza del Duomo, admire the incredible details of the cathedral, and, if you’re feeling ambitious, climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome for one of the best views in the city. It’s a bit of a workout, but the view is absolutely worth it.
Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo’s David)
We’ve seen it more than once, and somehow it’s just as incredible every single time. Be sure to book tickets ahead of time!