re: Rome, Florence Eateries

My favorite place in Florence was Trattoria Za Za. Very reasonable, good food, good atmosphere.

Za Za

And don't forget the gelato. Florence has the best gelato! The three best places in town were Grom, Carabe, and Gelateria dei Neri. Best gelato I had in rome was at Giolitti. Also, if you happen to make a day trip to Montalcino to sip on some Brunello, while you're out there, try the biscottino flavor gelato. It's basically a cream-flavored gelato with a locally made biscotti. It's excellent.

Check out the local markets, too. Head to Campo dei Fiori when you're in Rome and haggle for some parmigiano-reggiano, salami, and proscuitto. I'd grab something and keep it in my backpack while we walked about, then stop somewhere with a fantastic view, maybe grab a bottle of wine, and enjoy.

Have fun!