Why We Spent 10 Days in Italy (and Why We’d Do It Again)

Italy is one of those places we keep returning to — and for good reason. Between the food, the culture, and the timeless beauty of every street and skyline, it’s hard not to fall in love a little more each time.

This trip came together somewhat spontaneously. After our two weeks in Croatia, Yohann had to return to DC for a work conference. Meanwhile, Shay had a few solo days before meeting up with girlfriends for a one-week trip through Follonica and Florence — so she headed to Venice for some peaceful solo exploring.

We’ve both been to Italy before and absolutely love it!

How to Spend 3 Slow, Beautiful Days in Venice, Italy

Your Guide to Exploring Venice Beyond the Crowds

Venice is known for its icons — St. Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, and the Grand Canal — but there’s a quieter side to the city that’s just as captivating.

Shay spent three relaxing days in Venice, wandering beyond the tourist-packed routes and soaking in the peaceful alleys, hidden gardens, local eateries, and lesser-known museums. Here’s a look at the highlights:

🛏️ Where I Stayed

Residenza Ducato — A boutique apartment-style hotel in the San Marco district, just 2 minutes from shops and restaurants yet incredibly quiet. Paola and Valentina made me feel right at home. The apartment was comfortable, dark, and quiet — perfect for a restful stay.
Cost: $310/night

🌅 Mornings Without the Crowds

I was out the door at sunrise to visit the city’s most famous landmarks — St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge, the Grand Canal, and Santa Maria della Salute — while they were still peaceful and nearly empty. It was the perfect way to experience Venice’s beauty without the bustle.

🚶♀️ Venice Free Walking Tour

Venice Free Walking Tour — A 2.5-hour walk through lesser-known neighborhoods, offered daily at 11AM from Campo SS Apostoli. It’s free, but I tipped $11 and it was totally worth it for the stories and local insight.

🍴 Favorite Food + Drink Stops

• Marchini Time: Espresso + pastry = $4
• Antico Gatoleto: Grilled tuna with vegetables + Campari spritz = $46.85
• La Piazza: Spicy salami pizza, water, and wine = $37.70
• Nevodi: Spaghetti with clams + prosecco + water = $33.45 (on a quiet, charming local street)
• Ci Gusta: $3.40

🎨 Art + Architecture Highlights

• Biennale Architettura 2025: $27.56 — If you're visiting during the exhibition period, don't miss the 19th International Architecture Exhibition, running from May 10 to November 23, 2025. Admission is about $27.50.

  This was an absolute highlight of my time in Venice. The exhibition is beautifully curated and spread across peaceful venues like the Arsenale and the Giardini, making it easy to explore at your own pace. The installations are immersive, thought-provoking, and incredibly diverse — with topics spanning climate, culture, sustainability, urban innovation, and human connection.

  I spent nearly an entire day here and still felt like I only scratched the surface. There are plenty of benches, courtyards, and shaded areas to pause and reflect. It’s quiet, uncrowded, and designed for deep engagement — a rare and rewarding experience in such a busy city. If you’re in Venice while it’s happening, don’t miss it.

• Museo Fortuny: $10.83 — An elegant, under-the-radar museum. No video allowed inside, but it’s full of character and quiet corners.

---

Tuscany Coast: Follonica + Bolgheri, Italy

Everyone raves about the Amalfi Coast — and for good reason — but if you're craving a quieter seaside escape without the crowds (or the prices), Follonica is a hidden gem. This laid-back coastal town on the Tuscan coast is where many Italians go to vacation. It’s not flashy, but it’s welcoming, beautiful, and refreshingly local.

Follonica is a small beach town where the vibe was much more relaxed. Because it's mostly visited by locals, people were happy to have visitors from the United States. It felt good to be contributing to an economy that's not struggling with overtourism. If you're craving a long seaside promenade, fresh seafood, and a slower pace, this stretch of the Etruscan Coast has plenty to offer.

Where We Stayed

🏨 The Sense Experience Resort – $335 per night
Tucked at the edge of a pine forest and steps from the beach, this design-forward resort was quiet, serene, and just what I needed to recharge. The rooms were modern, the breakfast buffet expansive, and the staff attentive without being intrusive.

Favorite Things To Do

🚶♀️ Stroll or bike along Viale Italia
This long, wide street runs parallel to the beach and stretches all the way from the resort into town. We walked it each day and passed a mix of locals, beachgoers, and families on bikes. It’s wide, breezy, and perfect for people-watching or stopping off for wine or gelato.

🚤 Private Gozzo Boat Tour with Sole Meo – $98 per person (based on 3 people)
The highlight of my time in Follonica. We booked a half-day boat trip with Leo, the warm and welcoming skipper of Sole Meo. The traditional Gozzo boat was spacious and beautifully maintained, and the stop at Cala Civette — a Blue Flag beach only accessible by water — felt like discovering a secret. We snorkeled with schools of bigeye fish and then were served the best meal of the trip so far: homemade pesto pasta, wild boar prosciutto, and local bread. I'd go back to Follonica just for this.

🍷 Terrazza Moris Winery Visit – $67 total
After our boat tour, Leo recommended this nearby winery and I’m so glad we took his advice. The hillside views were stunning, and the wine (especially the Vermentino) was delicious.

Day Trips

🍇 Petra Winery Experience – $87 per person
One of the most architecturally striking wineries in Tuscany, Petra is known for both its bold red wines and its dramatic hillside setting. We booked a guided visit that included a walk through the vineyards, a behind-the-scenes look at the underground aging rooms, and an elegant lunch with wine pairings on the terrace. The wines were bold and expressive, and the food (local cheeses, homemade pasta, and meats) was beautifully plated and full of flavor. Highly recommend if you're looking for a full sensory experience.

🏛️ Bolgheri Village Walk – Free
Bolgheri is a postcard-perfect village known for its cypress-lined approach and reputation as one of Tuscany’s premier wine regions. It’s small, charming, and full of character — think cobblestone alleys, flower-draped windowsills, and enotecas on every corner. We wandered the historic streets, browsed artisan shops, and lingered over gelato in the main piazza. It’s an easy and worthwhile afternoon trip from Follonica.

What We Ate

🍝 Lunch at Terrazza Parrini – $16
Homemade pasta with calamari, cooked perfectly al dente, overlooking the beach. Simple, fresh, and satisfying.

🍹 Dinner + Aperitivo at Baiamia – $176 for 3 people
One of the more upscale beach clubs, Baiamia delivered on both food and ambiance. We ordered three cocktails, a bottle of wine, three appetizers, and three pasta dishes. Every bite and sip was excellent, and the service was attentive without rushing us — rare for a beachfront spot.

---

Tuscany City: Florence, Italy

After relaxing coastal days in Follonica and leisurely strolls in Bolgheri, we made our way to Florence — Tuscany’s artful, energetic capital. With its grand architecture, boutique shopping, and vibrant aperitivo scene, Florence felt like the perfect finale to our time in Italy.

Where We Stayed

🏨 Grand Hotel Minerva – $850 per night (including breakfast)
This stylish, centrally located hotel overlooks the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella and is just minutes from the train station and major sights. The rooftop pool and generous breakfast spread were standouts. Service was polished but warm — well worth the splurge.

Favorite Things To Do

🌄 Early Morning Walk – Free
One of my favorite experiences in Florence was an early solo walk through the quiet city streets. I followed a route that passed the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazzale Michelangelo. The light was beautiful, and I had the city almost entirely to myself — a must if you're an early riser (or want perfect photos).

⛪ Church of Orsanmichele – $9 per person
This underrated Gothic church and former grain market has some of the most stunning architectural details in the city — especially the tabernacle by Orcagna. A quick but meaningful stop, and rarely crowded.

🌿 Boboli Gardens – $11 per person
A peaceful escape from the city bustle, the Boboli Gardens are perfect for an afternoon stroll. The sweeping views over Florence, hidden fountains, and tree-lined paths make it feel like a royal secret garden.

Where We Ate + Drank

🍹 Paszkowski (Historic Café) – $41
This classic café in Piazza della Repubblica is perfect for people-watching. We stopped for two cocktails and a beer — pricey, but the ambiance made it worth it.

🥂 Wine Window Stop – $19
Florence’s quirky wine windows are a must-try. We grabbed three proseccos served through a tiny wooden door tucked into a stone wall — fun, affordable, and very photogenic.

🥪 La Prosciutteria – $8 per sandwich
Skip the long lines at All’Antico and head just down the street. La Prosciutteria serves up crispy schiacciate stuffed with salty prosciutto, creamy cheeses, and seasonal spreads — no crowd, all flavor.

🍝 Caffè Italiano – $122
A beautifully executed dinner in a relaxed but elegant setting. We shared a bottle of wine, an artichoke soufflé, tomato and burrata crostini, and three standout pasta entrees. Each dish was balanced, flavorful, and beautifully plated.

🍕 Venetia del Re – $63
A casual spot with fantastic pizza and an excellent wine list. We ordered three glasses of wine and split a wood-fired pizza — delicious.

Shopping

👜 Leather Finds
It wouldn’t be a trip to Florence without leather shopping. Between the San Lorenzo Market and tucked-away artisan boutiques, we each ended up with at least one new handbag. The variety, quality, and colors were hard to resist.

---

Final Thoughts: Slow Travel, Lasting Memories

This 10-day stretch through Venice, Follonica, Bolgheri, and Florence was a beautiful reminder of why we keep coming back to Italy. Each place offered its own rhythm — from the peaceful canals of Venice to the quiet coastlines of Follonica, the charm of Bolgheri’s cypress-lined lanes, and the artful energy of Florence.

We didn’t rush. We wandered. We savored. And that made all the difference.

Whether you're planning your first visit or your fifth, we hope this post helps you craft a trip that’s rooted in what truly matters — connection, curiosity, and beauty around every corner.

Thanks for following along. Buon viaggio! 🇮🇹✨