I went on a weeklong trip to Italy. Here are the 4 best things I did and the 2 I’d skip next time.

In addition to being the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna is often called the food capital of Italy, thanks to its history as the birthplace of iconic Italian dishes like ragù and mortadella.

So, it only felt right to explore the city through the lens of food. However, the more food tours I researched, the more I was drawn to craft my own. I liked that a DIY food tour was more affordable and it allowed us to personalize our culinary pursuits.

We began the day at Paolo Atti & Figli to sample their torta di riso (rice cake), then enjoyed mortadella sandwiches at Crock, tagliatelle antica ricetta (a delicious pasta dish) at Ragū, and gelato at Cremeria Santo Stefano.

Later, we ended the day with tortellini at Sfoglia Rina, departing Bologna with full stomachs and an ever-growing list of dishes to try upon our return.

The Tuscan region of Italy is known for its vineyards, rolling hills, and Chianti wine (a type of dry red).

In an effort to explore the countryside, we decided to embark on a bike tour hosted by We Like Tuscany. The company offered a range of tours from beginner-friendly options to multi-day biking adventures, and I appreciated that some routes also included local food and winery stops.

Not only was this immersive experience a great way to see the region and try a Chianti or two, but it also allowed us to venture off the beaten path — and fit in a workout.

It’s so easy to overplan for a vacation, but in my experience, including time to wander is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

Travel, of course, rarely goes to plan, and leaving some extra time in the itinerary has not only helped reduce fatigue, pressure, and stress, but it’s often led to unique discoveries.

Some of the best, most memorable moments from this trip were also the most unexpected. In Florence, we enjoyed a last-minute meal at Mirò Ristorante Pizzeria (which was recommended by a local) and watched a sunset performance on the Ponte Santa Trinita.

Including time to wander and explore gave us a chance to truly soak in the atmosphere and feel more connected Italy and its people.

I enjoy visiting different regions in a country because they often exhibit distinct cultural characteristics and offer different activities.

In our experience, our time in cities was more fast-paced and centered on specific attractions and events, while our time in remote areas was restful and focused on leisure and nature.

By visiting both types of locations, we avoided having our vacation feel monotonous and gained a multifaceted perspective of Italy.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is often included on the short list of the country’s must-see destinations, and although it’s a sight to behold, I think the city itself has become a tourist magnet.

Since it was my first time visiting Pisa, we spent an afternoon seeing the tower and the surrounding museums, and wandering through the city.

However, next time, I’d skip Pisa altogether and revisit smaller cities like Siena. There, we climbed a 14th century tower called the Torre del Mangia and relaxed in the Piazza del Campo.

I’d also recommend visiting Lucca, where we walked around the city walls and enjoyed one of the best meals on our trip: ravioli at In Pasta – Cibo e Convivio.

When visiting a destination like Cinque Terre, which boasts striking natural landscapes and picturesque beauty, I say skip the indoor activities altogether.

Attractions like museums and historical monuments are plentiful throughout Italy, but Cinque Terre’s hiking trails, cliffside walks, and pebbly beaches are what make these five towns so special, in my opinion.

By prioritizing activities that align with the unique aspects of the destination, I think you’ll gain a greater appreciation for the place and have a more authentic experience.