With an exciting summer coming up for both 12ish and Megababe, I had to squeeze my Italian summer getaway in a bit early in this season, but I’m sure glad I did! I ate all the gelato, pasta, pizza, and tiramisu a girl could want, and to top it all off, I came back an engaged woman from a beautiful private proposal 🙂 Headed to Italy this summer? I’ve got some great tips for the Tuscan coast and Puglia…
Part One, The Tuscan Coast
It’s not a secret that I love the Il Pellicano. To start, it is such an easy way to enter a foreign holiday without getting overwhelmed. You fly to the FCO airport in Rome, rent a car (easier than you think), drive 90 minutes north along the coast (also, much easier than you think), and ta-da, you are there!
Il Pellicano doesn’t feel like a typical Italian hotel…in fact, it doesn’t feel like a typical hotel anywhere. The vibe is that you are at the home of your much wealthier friend who has amazing staff that remember your name and a view that will makes you pinch yourself. The magic of the hotel is derived from the incredibly chic Marie Louise Scio.
If you’re venturing outside of the Pellicano, I suggest eating at the rustic eatery, Paparelia – Â you must get the gnocchi. Also, I had a really insightful visit withÂ
Dott. Luca Naitana, who had interesting notes about what to change in my daily routine.
Part Two, Puglia
Parting the Il Pellicano is truly such sweet sorrow, but we made our way to Puglia and here’s what I got for you –
Monopoli: 12ish vote says to skip it, but it is cute to walk through, and the old town is very beautiful and open.
Alberbello: The Trulli houses are a must! It’s like the cutest little Smurf village ever. Do not get caught in the tourist restaurants though.. Eat at Gli Ulivi, and then eat there again.
Polignano a Mare: There are about 6 gelato shops in one block and you cannot lose. This is what I imagine the walk into heaven looks like.
Fasano: La Locanda di Martumé is delizioso, but if you need to eat at 2pm when everything is closed for siesta (the Italians do it so right!), hit up Pizzeria la Diavola.
Locorotondo: One stop you can’t miss is Restaurant U Curdunn for their raviolis.
And it wouldn’t be a 12ish trip without some fashion MVP’s, so shop my picks below 🙂 Now…when can I go back??
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