10 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go

Feb. 4, 2010 — -- "100 Places In Italy Every Woman Should Go" takes travelers on a femme-friendly tour up and down the beautiful boot. Here are ten experiences every female visitor to Italy should try to have:

Yes, the monuments, churches, and museums of Rome are extraordinary. But do as the Romans do, and spend an evening enjoying the city's wine bars. There are lots of cozy spots in the Eternal City where you can taste vintages from every region of Italy, along with scrumptious snacks, such as suppli -- deep-fried rice croquettes stuffed with melted pecorino cheese.

For an entertaining tour, sign up for a Context Travel Wine Walk, led by an in-the-know local sommelier.

The Mercato Centrale di San Lorenzo is a food market so revered by the Florentines that it's overseen by the same institution that looks after the Uffizi art galleries.

Culinary expert Judy Witts-Francini of Divina Cucina, who's lived in Florence for more than 25 years, takes visitors on customized tours of this place. The delicious adventure includes tastings of aged balsamic vinegars, cheeses and chocolates. It ends with lunch at a lively trattoria where you'll be rubbing elbows with the natives.

Hidden behind high walls in an undiscovered neighborhood of Venice is the Orsoni Mosaics foundry, a magical place where travelers can enroll in workshops to learn one of Italy's most wonderful crafts. The foundry has supplied mosaics to some of the world's most beautiful buildings -- including the nearby San Marco Basilica.

Workshops attract an international mix of beginners and seasoned artists, who stay for a few days or weeks, enjoying the small classes, expert instruction, and sparkling accommodations in the Domus Orsoni -- a bed and breakfast designed by mosaic artisans.

Shopping in this Fashion Capital of the World is stepping into the future. New styles, fresh from the showrooms of megastar designers, fill the city's fabulous shop windows. It'll take a while for these fashions to appear back home, so whatever you buy in Milan will be sensational for several seasons.

With so much to choose from, it's great to take Select Italy's guided shopping tour, and have experts customize your excursion according to your desires and budget.