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[evelynne-rian]

Rome Vacation Planner: Top Landmarks, Food, and Hidden Gems

Landmarks 🇮🇹⛲️🌳

Pantheon The Pantheon, an architectural marvel with the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome, features a circular interior despite its square façade. It serves as a burial site for notable figures like Raphael and Vittorio Emmanuel II. Its design allows a perfect sphere to fit within the dome, and it has served various religious functions over the centuries.

Piazza Navona This vibrant square is renowned for Bernini’s Fountain of Four Rivers, which symbolizes major rivers and includes allegorical figures. The square also houses other fountains with intriguing designs, adding to its historical charm.

Monument to Vittorio Emanuelle II A grand monument offering panoramic views of classical Rome, including the Capitoline and Palatine Hills. It stands as a tribute to Italy’s first king and provides stunning views of the city’s historical layers.

Roman Forum The Forum is a well-preserved marketplace from ancient Rome, notable for its fire-resistant construction. Trajan’s Column, a significant monument within the Forum, showcases victories and architectural innovation.

Marcellus Theater An ancient theater that once accommodated 20,000 people, marking the entrance to the Jewish ghetto. It represents the scale and grandeur of Roman entertainment venues.

Spanish Steps Iconic and often crowded, the Spanish Steps lead to the Villa Borghese. They offer a popular spot for tourists to enjoy panoramic city views and access the adjacent park.

Villa Borghese A large park near the Spanish Steps, ideal for leisurely bike tours. It features beautiful gardens and paths, providing a relaxing escape from the city’s hustle.

Trastevere A charming neighborhood known for its winding streets and the Piazza di Santa Maria with its mosaic ceilings. It’s a delightful area to explore and enjoy local atmosphere.

Mouth of Truth A famous sculpture known for the legend that it bites off the hands of liars. It’s a popular photo spot, though often crowded.

Trevi Fountain A baroque masterpiece by Bernini, renowned for its elaborate design and the tradition of tossing coins to ensure a return to Rome.

Four Fountains Located at an intersection, these fountains represent rivers and gods, reflecting Rome’s rich artistic and symbolic heritage.

Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica The Vatican Museums are renowned for their vast collection of art and historical artifacts, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling. St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest Roman Catholic church, houses notable works such as Michelangelo’s Pieta and provides a significant historical and spiritual site. The Vatican also features gardens, a golden sphere sculpture, and notable architecture.

Hidden Gems 💎✨

Via della Pilotta A beautiful street with archways, noted for its picturesque appearance during the night strolls.

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria This church houses Bernini’s Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, a dramatic sculpture within a theatrical setting. It’s known for its elaborate interior.

Palazzo Quirinalle The presidential palace with grand architecture and obelisks. It’s an impressive site in Rome’s political center.

Chapter Roma Hotel The Chapter Roma Hotel offered a convenient location and early check-in. Breakfast included espresso shots, mozzarella cheese balls, and scrambled eggs cooked with olive oil. The hotel’s breakfast was complemented by fresh salads with balsamic vinegar and tomatoes.

Food🍨🐟

La Pesceria Barberini A seafood restaurant known for its fresh offerings.

Origano Trevi A dining spot famous for its artichokes and other Italian dishes, contributing to the local culinary scene.

Two Sizes A popular takeaway place known for its custardy tiramisu, often with a wait due to its popularity.

Gelateria Della Palma Famous for its extensive range of gelato flavors. I enjoyed panna cotta, pistachio, and chocolate flavors.

[evelynne-rian]

Florence in a Nutshell: Top Things to Do

Landmarks 🇮🇹⛲️🌳

Piazza della Signoria Home to the Palazzo Vecchio and the replica of Michelangelo’s David

Santa Croce Church Known for the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo, and works by Giotto and Raphael

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore Famous for its dome designed by Brunelleschi

Giotto’s Bell Tower Offers views of Florence from its narrow stairwell

Baptistery Known for the Gates of Paradise by Ghiberti

Ponte Vecchio Historic bridge lined with goldsmith shops

Pitti Palace Former residence of the Medici and Napoleon, with Renaissance art

Boboli Gardens Renowned for its views and hidden statues

Hidden Gems 🔍

Scuola del Cuoio A leather shop and showroom with a behind-the-scenes look at leather craftsmanship

Ferris Wheel at End of Arno River Provides a scenic view along the Arno River

Food 🥩🥗

Trattoria Zaza Known for its Florentine cuisine, including truffle cream steak and pannacotta

Trattoria Da Garibardi Features a diverse menu with items like beef tartare and carbonara

Shake Cafe Offers fresh, healthy food options in a casual setting

Al Antico Vinaio Famous for its delicious focaccia sandwiches

[evelynne-rian]

Discover Venice: From La Zucca to St. Mark's Square

Landmarks 🏛️🏰

Rialto Bridge The Rialto Bridge, a historic marvel of Renaissance engineering, spans the Grand Canal and is one of Venice’s oldest and most iconic landmarks. Despite being overrun with tourists, it remains a significant architectural achievement. For better photo opportunities, visiting during off-peak hours is advisable, as the bridge can be particularly crowded.

Libreria Acqua Alta This unique bookstore, famous for its quirky interior and gondola photo opportunity, is known for its crowded atmosphere. The store's narrow aisles and the chance to browse from a gondola are popular attractions, though the bustling crowd can make a visit a bit hectic.

Venetian Arsenal This historical site, once a major naval yard, offers a glimpse into Venice’s maritime past. It’s one of the city’s iconic landmarks and adds to the rich tapestry of Venice’s history.

St Mark’s Square The heart of Venice, St Mark’s Square is surrounded by iconic structures like St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. The square is always bustling with tourists, but its historical and architectural significance makes it a must-visit site.

Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute This stunning church, known for its distinctive dome and beautiful interior, houses works by Titian. It offers free entry and is a quieter alternative to the more crowded tourist sites, though visitors should be wary of scammers inside.

Doge's Palace The Doge's Palace in Venice is an architectural masterpiece that exemplifies the grandeur and opulence of Venetian Gothic style. This historic palace served as the residence of the Doge, the supreme authority of the former Venetian Republic, and housed various political institutions. Visitors can explore the magnificent rooms adorned with intricate frescoes, stunning ceilings, and significant artworks, including Tintoretto's Paradise and a hidden gem by Hieronymus Bosch. The palace's impressive structure includes the famous Bridge of Sighs, which connected the palace to the prison, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of the condemned. With its rich history and artistic splendor, the Doge's Palace remains a must-see attraction that captures the essence of Venice's cultural and political legacy.

Hidden Gems 🖼️ ✨

Haunting in Venice Filming Locations For fans of the film "Haunting in Venice," visiting its filming locations provides an extra layer of intrigue to the trip. Notable spots include the exposed spiral staircase, which makes for a great photo opportunity.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection Located on the Grand Canal, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection houses an impressive assortment of modern art. Highlights include works by René Magritte, Salvador Dalí, and Pablo Picasso. The museum’s private courtyard offers a serene escape with beautiful views of the canal, adding to the museum's charm.

Palazzetto Madonna Nestled in a quiet corner of Venice, Palazzetto Madonna offered a charming and peaceful retreat just a 15-minute walk from the train station. The hotel was highly recommended for its comfortable accommodations, although the air conditioning was noted as somewhat inadequate. Despite its serene location, guests needed to navigate the numerous small bridges with steps, which made transporting luggage a bit of a challenge.

Food 🍨🐙

Ristorante Oniga Known for its traditional Venetian cuisine, Ristorante Oniga serves local specialties like cuttlefish in its own ink with polenta. This dish is a must-try for those seeking an authentic taste of Venice’s culinary heritage.

Gelateria Suso Renowned for its delicious gelato, Gelateria Suso is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Despite the frequent crowds, the line moves quickly, and the gelato is both affordable and exceptional, making it a worthwhile stop for dessert.

Ristorante San Silvestro A culinary find discovered through observing the local dining scene, Ristorante San Silvestro excels in seafood dishes. The menu features delicacies such as pistachio-crusted tuna, cuttlefish tagliatelle, and grilled octopus, all praised for their exceptional flavor and presentation.

La Zucca This cozy restaurant, named "The Pumpkin" in Italian, is a gem tucked away from the usual tourist crowds. Known for its use of seasonal vegetables, La Zucca served a memorable meal with standout dishes like asparagus in a mustard sauce, rabbit with potatoes, and lasagna with green peas. The intimate setting near a canal provided a lovely dining experience, away from the bustling tourist hotspots.

[evelynne-rian]

Bird's Milk Cake (Ptichye Moloko)

Ingredients

Pastry

3 eggs

200 mL (0.85 cup) white sugar

3 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1 teaspoon baking soda

3 tablespoons cow's milk

2 ⅓ cups pastry flour

Cream

200 mL (0.85 cup) white sugar

2 tablespoons pastry flour

400 mL (1 ¾ cups) cow's milk

1 ½ (12 tablespoons/¾ cups) sticks butter

Chocolate Glaze

3 tablespoons cocoa powder

100 mL (~0.4 cup) white sugar

3 tablespoons cow's milk

2-3 tablespoons of butter

Preparation

Pastry Layers

Heat small amount of water in a pot for a hot water bath.

In a glass bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer. Add sugar, milk and honey to the eggs, and mix well (with the mixer).

In a small cup combine vinegar and baking soda so it fully reacts (bubbles) before folding them into the main mixture in the bowl.

Put the glass bowl on the pot with the simmering water (the hot water bath) and keep mixing its content until it is warm.

Take the bowl off the pot and add the flour to it while it’s warm. Mix the dough well, cover with a lid and set aside for an hour.

Preheat the oven to 375 F. Cut four foil sheets (or use pre-cut ones) to fit baking sheet.

Divide the dough into four parts and spread a quarter evenly on one of the foil sheets with a spatula. This needs to be done carefully because the layer is thin, and you should be careful not to tear the foil.

Place the foil sheet with the dough on the baking sheet and put it in the oven. The first layer will be ready in approximately 10 minutes (depends on the oven). Keep checking not to burn it: it has to be golden-brown, not pale.

Repeat the procedures with the remaining three layers. Note that these layers will bake slightly faster because you’ll be putting foil on a hot baking sheet (that just came out of the oven).

Once a layer is ready, put it on a flat surface to cool down. Leave for at least an hour (or more) before peeling the foil off. Do it slowly not to break the layer, peel small pieces of foil and make sure there is no foil left, especially at the edges.

Proceed to making cream while layers cool.

Cream

Take the butter out of the fridge for a few hours. It has to be soft (room temperature).

In a glass bowl, mix sugar and flour with a spoon so there are no clumps. Add milk and put in microwave oven.* Heat the mixture in increments of 3 or 2 minutes, mixing with a spoon in between. Add vanilla once it is hot, but has not boiled yet. Get it to boil but not spill (it rises quickly, so watch if you have light and the microwave door is transparent).

The hot milk mixture has to cool down to room temperature, same as butter.

Beat butter with an electric mixer, but do not over-beat it. Then add the milk mixture little by little and keep beating with the mixer. The cream is done once the milk mixture and the butter are fully mixed and uniform.

Divide cream into three parts and spread between the four laters. There should not be cream on top of the last layer (it will be glazed with chocolate).

Use cutting board covered with parchment paper for ‘assembling’ the layered cake. It will be easy to cut it when you’re ready to serve.

Chocolate Glaze

In a small pot, mix cocoa powder and sugar so there are no clumps. Add milk and bring to boil over low heat, constantly mixing. Add butter and mix until it melts.

Once the glaze cools a little, spread it over the top cake layer with a spatula.

The cake should be in a fridge for a few hours (preferably overnight) before serving.

Cut the edges off and make pieces either rectangular or diamond-shaped. If the knife gets covered with cream and glaze, clean or wash it before proceeding to cut the cake further. This way, the edges will be even and neat.

Serve on a tray or a flat dish. Enjoy!