In the few days we set off for Italy, I worried about whether it would be as magical as our trip to Pienza two years ago. Thankfully, my first day in Rome discovered that my worries were unfounded because we revisited our favorite pizzeria and found hidden gems. Here are some highlights of my truly unforgettable trip*: 

We stayed at the Hotel de Russie in Rome, which is in the bustling area, a short walk from the Spanish Steps. From the room to the courtyard full of butterflies at the back, everything has a sense of charm and fashion, and there are not too many scenes. We start with breakfast every morning and it feels like we are sitting in a charming garden. 

On our first night, we went to Roscioli, which was recommended by some of our favorite chefs, so we knew it would be good. This is a cheese and butcher shop, turned into a restaurant. It feels authentic, delicious, and really simple. I either have Carbonara or Amatriciana-you can't go wrong in Italy, so I alternate between the two for most of my travels. 

We had a delicious lunch at the seafood restaurant Pierluigi. We started with a lovely raw plate, I got a beautiful asparagus and burrata pasta, although our friends got a seafood salad-pasta, they said it was great.

Trastevere is our favorite neighborhood in Rome. This is a lovely and quaint area. If I live in Rome, I would imagine myself drinking or having a small dinner there. We spent our favorite night there. There were only three of us in a pizzeria. Many of you have recommended on social media (thanks!!!), Dar Poeta Alla Scala. This is a small pizzeria located in a cobblestone alley covered with white paper tablecloths. My pizza is my favorite pizza in my life. It contains tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, artichokes and olives, in addition to the peeled Pecorino cheese-now I will always make pizza this way. We walked along a bridge on the way back to the hotel, where I was overwhelmed with happiness and I started to cry (of course, I met a reader at that moment!). Giolitti, an ice cream station where G and I went to spend our honeymoon night, was also unharmed.

We had another great meal at Roma Sparita and we sat outside overlooking the square. Generally speaking, whenever a restaurant offers ham and melons, I will order them-their melons are not real in this season. I also ordered their famous Cacio e Pepe.

It was amazing to go back to the same villa where she shared such amazing memories with her friends two years ago.

The villa is very gorgeous and full of family-friendly activities such as swimming pools and tennis courts, we rarely leave. Most of the time, mothers play mahjong, drink Aperol Spritzes and read by the pool. We also have a week-long family competition where we can earn points (if you want to know...Fuller Throttle won!). 

We only had dinner once at La Bandita Townhouse Hotel in Tuscany and it was as delicious as I remembered. 

In terms of shopping, we went to the flea market an hour away. The background here is the most charming. It feels like a medieval town with beautiful antiques. I found some incredible artworks there, which I cherish now and love to eat sandwiches in a small restaurant overlooking the town square. We also went back to the shop we visited in Florence last year, where I bought a pair of sandals.

Highlights of the trip include visiting Podere Il Casale, a farm that produces fresh Pecorino, a specialty of Pienza not available in the United States. Seeing animals and eating there is one of my favorite experiences (talking about going from farm to table). 

*It is worth mentioning that we took COVID prevention measures very seriously during the trip. Any travel is risky, but when we travel, we have taken all necessary precautions. Adults are vaccinated, and we regularly perform PCR tests. These tests are easily available in Italian pharmacies. We all maintain social distancing, wear masks indoors, and stay at home with friends who have been in the pods for the past year. We repeatedly considered whether to reschedule last year's trip and made a decision suitable for our family.

Rome and Tuscany for two weeks!

And all the photos of my real dream vacation that I haven't shared yet.

From the most beautiful pleated tops to accessories worth splurging on.

My biggest gain (and favorite photos!) of 11 days in heaven.