A Romance through Pasta and Pizza in Italy

On our flight to Italy!!

Italy, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, is a dream destination for many travelers. For my wife and me, it was the perfect place to celebrate our love and explore some of the most beautiful cities in the world. Our journey took us through the bustling streets of Rome, the artistic heart of Florence, the fashion-forward city of Milan, the serene shores of Lake Como, and the romantic canals of Venice. Join us as we share our adventures, tips, and unforgettable moments from our Italian escapade; a romance through pasta and pizza in Italy for our 2-year wedding anniversary (12-year anniversary). 

Rome: A Dive into History

Our adventure began in Rome, the Eternal City. The blend of ancient ruins and modern life made it a fascinating start to our journey.

Must-Visit Spots:

• Colosseum & Roman Forum: Walking hand-in-hand through this ancient amphitheater, we could almost hear the echoes of the gladiators. We booked our tickets through Viator for entry to the Colosseum but opted out of the guided tour option. This was a personal preference as we wanted to explore and take photos on our own time. 

• Vatican City: The art and architecture here are unparalleled. St. Peter's Basilica left us in awe, and the Vatican Museum was a colorful experience. Keep in mind there is a dress code. Shorts, tank tops, skirts/dresses above the knee are not allowed; a covering is offered in the event that you forget to pack accordingly (as we had). We also visited the Castel Sant’Angelo, a beautiful castle filled with rich history and astonishing views. 

• Trastevere: A quaint bohemian vibe that can carry you through the night. We made sure to pass through and patronize the local spots for a good time.

• Piazza Navona: A perfect spot for people-watching, enjoying gelato, and appreciating the Baroque architecture.

• Trevi Fountain: We, unfortunately, did not throw coins into the fountain as the crowd was way too big. We highly recommend early morning or evening visits since they are less crowded and more romantic. Nonetheless, the sight was remarkably breathtaking.

• Campo Marzio: A plaza worth the visit, we had wine and entertainment with beautiful views. 
  

Travel Tips:

• Accommodation: We stayed in a charming Airbnb studio apartment in the heart of the Eternal City near Piazza della Repubblica and Via Nazionale. This stay offered us easy access to shopping and major attractions while boasting cozy and romantic vibes.

• Dining: 

  • Passeggero Ristorante- Located in the Castro Pretorio neighborhood where we enjoyed our very first Aperol Spritz paired with a mushroom pasta and seafood pasta. 10/10 for our first eatery in Roma!

  • Lost River - This outdoor style bar/eatery provided us a chill vibe along the river to enjoy a platter of goodies paired with wine as we people-watched along the river wall. 10/10

  • Gelateria Regusto - Our very first gelato was had in the Trastevere neighborhood as we walked around enjoying the camaraderie of all the people eating, drinking, and having a good time. 10/10

  • Pizzeria “Ai Marmi” - Although there was a bit of a wait, it was worth the late-night snack; here we enjoyed pizza and cheese with...of course…wine! 10/10

  • Dagnino - A quaint café - where a cup of coffee or tea paired with a croissant is all you need! 10/10

Florence: The Artistic Heart

Next, we headed to Florence, a city that felt like walking through a Renaissance painting. However, our stay was located on the outskirts of the city itself. So, for this visit we decided to get a rental car. Please keep in mind that, unlike the USA, many other countries drive manual cars. This means that automatic cars are an upcharge and limited. Considering our history of owning a manual car, we opted for their standard manual Fiat. However, driving in a foreign country is not for the faint of heart and realizing how many hills we had to travel through humbled our Florida driving skills immensely. Yet the experience was definitely worth every thrilling moment. 

Must-Visit Spots:

• Uffizi Gallery: Home to masterpieces by Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. We spent hours lost in the beauty of the art.

• Relias Piazza Signoria: A great area to sit and enjoy the architecture and groups of people admiring the history of it all. 

• Ponte Vecchio: This historic bridge, lined with shops, was especially beautiful. 

• Chianti Hills: Outside of Florence, this experience lends itself to Tuscany's medieval cities, 1000-year-old-castles, 500-year-old wine cellars, and 300-year-old farms.

Travel Tips:

• Accommodation: Montegufoni in Montespertoli - A charming and historical castle nestled at the top of a mountain with views of the town provided a perfect romantic retreat. With a pool, restaurant, and picturesque views on site, it had all the charm we had heard about Tuscany, Italy. 

• Dining:

  • Caffe’ Dell’oro - Located near Ponte Vecchio, this restaurant gives direct views of the bridge. With a light lunch and refreshing cocktails, the vibe was unmatched (10/10); yet the service did not quite meet the expectations (7/10). 

  • Trattoria del Carmine - The pasta and wine were a delight. English was limited but the service and food were fantastic! 10/10

  • Ex Scuderie Reali - Although we did not fully explore this area, it was the starting point of a Pride celebration for people a part of the Queer community to express themselves and gain the recognition they deserved. 

  • Wine Tasting - Scheduled with Airbnb, this experience included wine tasting and beautifully prepped lunch that offered homemade olive oil. 

Milan: Fashion and Modernity

Milan, the fashion capital, offered a different but equally enchanting experience. 

Must-Visit Spots:

• Duomo di Milano: The intricate façade made it worth the visit, yet we were unable to see the stunning rooftop views as so many had suggested due to timing. We also visited the museum for additional information about the rich history of the Duomo di Milano. 

• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: This historic shopping gallery is a feast for the eyes. We enjoyed window shopping as we made our way through the shops. Although we believe in indulging in things you want and can afford, we consider our shopping expenses beforehand and determine when is the best time to do so. In this case, we traveled light, so our purchases were limited. 

• The Last Supper: Seeing Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece in person was on our list of to-do activities. However, booking in advance is essential and since we had not, we did not make it to see it. We highly recommend doing so as it was fully booked and still had lines, which means it is worth it. 

Travel Tips:

• Accommodation: We chose a modern apartment via Airbnb in a historical building a few walking minutes from the Central Station. This was a bonus for us as we wanted quick access to the rail station to make a day trip to Lake Como. 

• Dining: We found the rooftop aperitivo bars near the Duomo to be perfect for a combination of relaxation and views. Frozen lemonade was sold from a food truck down below. 

Lake Como: Serenity and Scenery

Lake Como was our next stop, offering tranquility and natural beauty. Just a short train ride from Milan, it was the perfect place to get away from the city for a day. 

Must-Visit Spots:

• Boat Tour: Cruising on the lake, we marveled at the luxurious villas and lush landscapes.

• Bellagio: Known as the “Pearl of the Lake,” this picturesque town offered stunning views, quaint shops, and lovely cafés.

• Piazza della Chiesa: This area hosted a market with a variety of items to view and/or purchase. 

• Bellagio Express: This adorable trail ride through Bellagio gives you a full view of the area. It also allows you to hop on and off at various stops. This is how we found our way to a water access point for the Lake. 

Travel Tips:

• Accommodation: Although we considered staying in Como in order to access Lake Como, we decided to make it a day trip from Milan instead. 

• Dining: Pizza and wine while waiting for the boat to return to Como from Bellagio was the perfect combination! Definitely recommend just stopping in at any spot near the water to enjoy the views! 

Venice: Canals and Charm

Our final destination (before heading back to Rome to fly back home) was Venice, a city like no other. With its winding canals and timeless charm, it was a wonder seeing waterways that served as “roads”, architecture beyond belief, and locals and tourists alike. 

Must-Visit Spots:

• St. Mark’s Square: Here we walked around, ate delicious pasta, and had delectable gelato from Fantasy Venezia. We also enjoyed the awe-inspiring view from the Campanile.

• Grand Canal: A gondola ride, albeit touristy, is an incredibly romantic experience. However, since we were provided a private taxi ride to and from our stay, we chose to opt out from the experience. Yet, we did find and take advantage of a unique location with views of the gondolas passing through. We were very lucky to be 2 of 4 people enjoying this hidden gem.

• Murano: A unique glass-blowing experience was worth the trip. Just a short ride from our stay, we got to witness the generational teachings of glass-blowing and the pieces that come from this craft! 

• Burano: After the glass blowing, we visited the colorful island of Burano. Here we learned about the intricacies of lace and how it once was a major part of Burano’s economy. We also explored the area and its colorful buildings. Towards the end of our experience on the island, we enjoyed cocktails and a light refreshing meal. 

Travel Tips:

• Accommodation: Staying in the historic San Clemente Palace Kempinski on its own little island felt as though we were royalty. This alluring stay had everything you needed to make a dream come true. From bike riding, to gardens filled with art, the palace was a remarkable stay. It also included bars, restaurants, a chapel, and its own water taxi! 100/10 experience! 

• Dining: Mostly done on sight of San Clemente Palace Kempinski, the meals were immaculate. While in St. Marks we made it a point to just stop in to different restaurants. While in Burano I ordered a tomato soup with my Americanized thinking and was considerably surprised when my tomato soup was a freshly squeezed tomato option served chilled. It made me realize that I needed to ask more questions, though it was extremely delicious. 

Final Thoughts

Traveling through Italy as a married lesbian couple was an incredibly rewarding experience. We felt welcomed and embraced by the warmth and hospitality of the Italian people. Each city offered its own unique charm and unforgettable moments. From the historic grandeur of Rome to the serene beauty of Lake Como, every moment was filled with love and adventure. We can't wait to return to this beautiful country and explore even more of its wonders. We also met some incredible tourists from London to Scotland. Each group of people shared conversations about travel and their reasons for visiting Italy. 

Representing the LGBTQ+ Community in Florence!

It is important to remember that our positive experiences as LGBTQ+ travelers in Italy do not negate the negative experiences of locals in regards to the decisions of their government that affect their daily lives. 

Travel Tips for LGBTQ+ Couples in Italy

• Research: Familiarize yourself with local attitudes and LGBTQ+ rights in each destination.

• Stay Connected: Find LGBTQ+ areas. Patronizing restaurants and stores with others who align with you or are known allies, provides a sense of security.

• Be Open (if you feel safe to do so): We found that being open about our relationship led to positive interactions and experiences.

We hope our journey inspires you to embark on your own Italian adventure, filled with romance, discovery, and joy. Buon viaggio!