The endless possibilities of the day ahead. Travel is exciting, invigorating and in the best possible way unpredictable. Here are six 10 split-second decisions that I would not hesitate to make on your next trip to Italy.
Should I Stay or Should I Go . . . Off the Tourist Flow?
If your destination is one of Italy’s Big Three (Rome, Florence or Venice) and you have an opportunity to travel outside the tourist flow – go. As spectacular as these cities are, the personal charm of Italy lies just beyond. Here is where the real magic begins.
Should I Visit an Italian Terme?
Terme is the Italian word for thermal waters. Popes, pilgrims, princes and everyday Italians have traveled to these natural hot springs seeking the beneficial virtues of the waters to regenerate the body and mind since ancient times. Bagno Vignoni, a small medieval town south of Siena is a perfect place to “get your feet wet” when it comes to the terme experience. You can check in to the local term or just walk down to a trickling hot spring to sooth your tried feet. Popular termes in the same region include Montecatini and Saturnia. I prefer Antica Querciolaia near the town of Rapolano Terme which is very accessible and family oriented.
Should I Shop Local Markets for Regional Food and Artisan Products and do some outlet shopping.
City markets offer a unique experience to live like a local and help support the culinary and cultural traditions of the region. There are many outlet malls within driving distance from most major Italian cities with high end designs at outlet prices. Why would you not go?
Should I Forgo One Large Museum to Visit a Small Lesser Known One?
When you think of Italy you think of world class museums with an archival wealth of art and history. The Vatican Museum, the Uffizi, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, the Pinacoteca di Brera and Biblioteca Ambrosiana in Milan. But lesser known museums like the Luigi Fantini Civic Archaeological Museum in Monterenzio, Emilia Romagna has one of the most important Etruscan-Celtic collections in the world and the largest in Italy or the Truffle Museum in San Giovanni d’ Asso (25 miles southeast of Siena) that showcases the Italian truffle, a singular ingredient that can be used to transform a dish into a gastronomic wonder.
Italy is an open air museum. But don’t forget to seek out some of the small, lesser known museums. A good local museum will add to your understanding of the region and as you won’t have to queue to view exhibits, you can be in and out in less than an hour.
Should I Include a UNESCO Italian World Heritage Site in My Travel Itinerary?
These have been identified by UNESCO as cultural and national heritage sites of significant importance and value to humanity that deserve the protection of our world community. A cultural endangered species that should not be missed.
Should I Order the Region’s Signature Dish?
There is nothing more evocative than eating the food or drinking the wine in its place of origin. Food immersion is the best way to experience the true Italian lifestyle. Eat locally to eat like an Italian. Be a little adventurous and try the speciality of the house, the advice of the chef consiglo dello chef.
Pappardelle con Lepre or a Ragu’ con cinghiale. Truffles in Tuscany or Piemonte. Sugo all’amatriciana in Rome. Spaghetti Bolgnese in Bologna and gelato everywhere.
Cositutti 
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