Trieste, Italy

Trieste is a lively little town, within an hour of Austria, Slovenia and Croatia. It is a lovely town to walk and explore. Full of cafes, architecture, music, and lively happy hours.

Stay Here

Starhotels Savoia Excelsior Palace is located right on the water front in the center of town. Great location and views. Contemporary rooms. Accommodating staff. http://www.starhotels.com/en/our-hotels/savoia-excelsior-palace-trieste/

All of the Eating:

Al Bagatto was the best meal in town. A few highlights were the amberjack, red shrimp pasta, eggplant pasta and homemade Tiramisu. 

There are a ton of great spots for a quick espresso, but I really liked Adoro Cafe.

Pizza is a big deal in Italy and Trieste does not disappoint. Must try Marinato and d'Napoli, both were amazing.


Must try local wine varietals, Schioppettino, Friulano, Ribolla gialla and Verduzzo.

Outside of town:

Castello Miramare is just a few minutes outside of Trieste, an incredible castle built by Maximiliano and Carlotta, but also used by the Allied forces in WW2 as a base. .

Portopiccolo Sistiana is a small vacation community, looks a bit like Greece with white washed buildings. Lovely beach club, can rent a bed by the pool with service for the entire day.The Adriatic is amazing. http://www.portopiccolosistiana.it/en/_1.htm

Rome, Italy

All of the eating:

Roscioli is one of the best restaurants and is a favorite with locals too. Very un-pretentious, great service. You walk in and there are cases in the front, and it almost looks like more of a market. They specialize in a few things: highest quality mozzarella and charcuterie that you order a la carte, marinated tomatoes that are outstanding (and they sell bottled), and they are known for having the best Cacio e Pepe and Carbonara pasta dishes in all of Rome. Decadent but worth it. Lovely meal. You may want a reservation. http://www.salumeriaroscioli.com

Dal Bolognese  is a very nice restaurant. You get the sense that its a bit more dressy, but still casual and popular with locals. Wonderful Bolognese obviously, and their nut ice cream dessert is outrageous.

Pizzarium Bonci is a bit off the beaten (very beaten) tourist path, but so worth checking out. You can a slice of pizza and a slice of real Rome. This is where the locals eat, and they will be surprised that you've found it. Very good slices of pizza with awesome toppings.

Touristy Stuff:

Get a guided walking tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, just so that you don't have to wait in line for tickets. Or book your tickets ahead of time. Its a crazy line for tickets and to go through security. You skip security if you buy through a tour. Don't really eat at any of the places near there, total tourist traps, not good food. 

The Hop on Hop off bus in Rome isn't a bad way to see things. But mostly recommend walking around at night. Everything is open late, and is less crowded, and its much less hot. 

If you just do one thing:

Eat at Roscioli. There's two ways to heaven in this town. One has super long lines, and one is heaven in a bowl of pasta. So, I say, skip the Vatican, and book a table instead.