Italy with Soul: Travel Guide by Runaway Ann
Pasta, pretty towns, and sunsets you’ll never forget.
Here’s how I explore Italy – with real food, slow travel, and places that make your heart skip a beat.
My Favorite One-Day Routes
Naples – One-Day Itinerary
The Perfect One-Day Naples Plan – Fried Pizza, Hidden Alleys & a View of Vesuvius
Milan – One-Day Itinerary
A Stylish Milan Itinerary – Local Eats, Design Finds & Hidden Courtyards
Florence – One-Day Itinerary
Uffizi, Duomo & Cozy Streets – My One-Day Walking Tour of Florence
Venice – What to See (Full Guide)
My Venice Guide Off the Beaten Path – Bridges, Piazzas & Authentic Bites
Charming Regions of Italy
Amalfi Coast – 5-Day Itinerary
A breathtaking road trip through lemon valleys, cliffside villages & sea-view stays
Tuscany – 10 Most Beautiful Towns
My favorite Tuscan villages – piazzas, vineyards & the scent of sun-warmed rooftiles
Dolomites – Places That Stole My Heart
Mountains that look like a dream. Hikes, lakes & scenic viewpoints worth knowing
Lake Como – 2-Day Itinerary
Ferry rides, colorful towns & a laid-back walking plan for the perfect weekend
San Gimignano – What to See & Where to Eat
My favorite hill town in Tuscany. A one-day plan, panoramic views & restaurants I’d return to in a heartbeat
Grab my custom Italy maps – totally free!
Planning a trip and don’t want to waste time getting lost?
I’ve created custom maps with the best viewpoints, local eats, charming hotels, and my favorite walking routes.
You can save them to your phone and use them offline – anytime, anywhere.
Milan Map
Hidden courtyards, the best cappuccino spots, and unexpected art around every corner
Naples Map
Pizzerias, Vesuvian views, and secret alleys you won’t find in guidebooks
Florence Map
Scenic cafés, my favorite trattorias, and a golden sunset over the Tuscan hills
My Essential Italy Travel Tips: When to Go & How to Prepare
My Favorite Months to Visit Italy
I love Italy the most in May and September – warm, but without the crowds or selfie sticks.
June brings golden light and towns that aren’t yet scorched, while October tastes like grape harvests, foggy hills, and warm soup in a trattoria.
Summer can feel like an oven (especially in the south), and in winter, many places close – but that’s when Italy becomes… quiet. And completely different.
Weather at a Glance
- Spring (April-May): blooming fields, 65-75°F, perfect for sightseeing
- Summer (June-August): hot, 85°F and up, long days and gelato shops open late
- Autumn (September-October): golden light, fewer crowds, Tuscany at its finest
- Winter (November-March): cheap flights and hotels, quiet cities, snow-covered Dolomites straight out of a fairytale
How to Get Around Italy
Between big cities – take the train.
They’re fast, affordable (if you book ahead), and smooth – like Italian coffee.
But if you dream of tiny towns, vineyards, and scenic viewpoints – get a car.
In Tuscany, the Dolomites, or around Lake Como, traveling without one can get… a little frustrating.
Helpful guides:
What to Pack for Italy
- Comfy shoes – Italian towns = cobblestones, stairs, and… even more stairs.
- A scarf or shawl – handy for churches and cooler evenings (yes, even in summer!).
- Extra room in your suitcase – you’ll come back with wine, ceramics… and a full heart.
What I Actually Wore in Italy:
What (and Where) to Eat
In Italy, every region tastes different.
Pizza is unlike anywhere else in Naples, while Tuscany is all about saltless bread and olive oil from sun-drenched groves.
Order risotto in Milan, pistachio gelato in Syracuse, and tiramisu anywhere – it’ll be different every time.
And don’t skip the espresso – enjoyed standing, quickly, with a view of everyday Italian life.
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