Exploring the streets of Italy, you feel an ancient mystery around every corner. Every step on the stone pavement is traced in time. 2,000 years of deep history are imprinted on the stairs you climb. The streets are narrowed by overhanging balconies and flower arrangements. You can smell fresh garlic bread baking, the scent of Xerjoff "ZUR-joff” perfume, cigarette smoke, crowds of people speaking in an Italo-Romance dialect, and now you're being handed a shot of limoncello because the local restaurant owners' favorite soccer team is winning. 

Rome

As you enter Rome, you notice how well everyone is dressed. It's the modern look you'd see on billboards for unreasonably high-priced clothes. Men in business suits riding on bikes and women in power suits and suitcases. It feels that if you're underdressed, everyone would already know you're not from there. However, looking like a tourist won't change how people perceive you in Italy. Many locals welcome tourists to Italy, especially in shops and restaurants. The heart of Rome contains many wonders, such as the Pantheon, a ticketed, accessible architectural Catholic Church built between 25-27 BC. I recommend an audio guide that explains the church's importance and the treasures inside. That's not the only thing special about the Pantheon; in fact, it is beaming with nightlife. Singers, magicians, and performers gather around the square in a demonstration of their talents. The restaurants in that area during the Autumn time are not as busy as you would think. One place my family visited every night was Piazza Della Rotonda. A restaurant that has a clear view of the Pantheon and the entertainers that surround it. At Piazza Della Rotonda, the employees were some of the most welcoming locals we found on this trip. They remembered our faces each time we came in and even started getting our orders. The genuine feel of embracing local culture also comes from communicating with and learning from the locals themselves.

You see this at every monument you discover at every corner. For example, at the Trevi Fountain and the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, you see people from all walks of life taking photos in front of the world's largest Baroque fountain! The district has many shops that stay open quite late all around the fountain. As you travel deeper into Rome, you will find the Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti) that lead to Trinità dei Monti church. Stepping into the church respectfully and immersing yourself in the Catholic culture that embodies Italy is not the only view from the top. As you look out after reaching the top of the stairs, you can overlook the entire city. All the buildings and people, and the mountains in the far distance, show how big Rome is. Another way to embrace the Catholic culture is to visit Vatican City. Vatican City is actually the smallest independent country in the world by both area and population. There are so many rooms that it can get overwhelming, so I suggest an audio guide or a physical guide to lead you through. It is worth seeing if you decide to come to Rome while in Italy. Another must-see architectural find in Rome is the Colosseum and Roman Forum. They are right across the street from each other. My family decided to go to the Colosseum first, and it was grand. You can see how much work went into creating it back in 72AD. After the Colosseum, you walk right over to the Roman Forum, an ancient square with old government buildings that are 2,700 years old. We watched the sunset from the top of the Forum, overlooking the square, and it was beautiful. 

Siena

I may be biased since I am named after this city, but it was my favorite place to visit in Italy. Siena is a small town about three hours from Rome. It is surrounded by the great mountains in Tuscany. The homemade trinkets and authentic Italian food you can find in the Piazza del Campo. This is the main square in Italy where you will find your souvenirs and local markets. Prices are also lower than in Rome, so I suggest not only the square but also walking the streets to find hidden vendors. My favorite place was Beads for Beading Silvia Tanganelli Murano Glass Shop. As a crystal enthusiast, I loved that this shop has not only crystals but also real Murano glass, jewelry, and centerpieces that would go perfectly in your home and help it stand out. The owner is a sweet Italian woman who has been in Siena for many years.

She creates many of the designs you will see. If you can't find anything in the main part of Siena, there is a Siena Farmers Market right outside the city. You will find many vendors selling brand clothing at reasonable prices. They also offer Italian homemade treats that can fill you up after all the shopping. Another experience in Siena is the Siena Cathedral, known for its blue-and-white stripes that pop against the red and brown scenery. Inside, it's covered in marble and gold, with many statues preserved for generations. 

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is about four hours from Rome, and you can stay there for a few days, although I only visited by bus for a few hours. From what I saw, there are plenty of places to shop and eat. The roads have many hills, but every time you get a clear view, you see the ocean skyline, and it never stops. The clothes are higher-end, so you'll pay more than you'd expect, but the unique pieces you won't see anywhere else make it easier to buy. Amalfi Coast is actually where limoncello originated from, so it's highly recommended to at least get a shop of the finest and most authentic limoncello you will receive in Italy. Another iconic spot near the Amalfi Coast is the ancient buried city, Pompeii. I suggest hiring a guide to help you around the city, because there are many hidden gems and stories you wouldn't know otherwise. Our guide was a genuine Pompeian, and you can feel the weight of the stories as you walk through the ruins of what once was a great city.

Food

Some of the food I had the privilege to try in Italy included gnocchi, fettuccine alfredo, Caesar salad, gelato, tortellini alfredo, pepperoni pizza, creme brulee, tiramisu, macarons, carpaccio, a charcuterie board, broccoli puree, ravioli, and pesto penne. Every option will show the homemade, special feel of Italian food. It brings people together.