Mixed experience in Italy — beautiful but overhyped

Italy is undeniably beautiful. Uffizi Gallery and the area around Rome have a visual quality that photographs don't capture fully. I enjoyed risotto and appreciated passionate locals. That's all real.

But tourist trap restaurants near monuments was more of a problem than I expected based on reviews I'd read. It coloured parts of the trip in ways I hadn't prepared for. I'd still go back, but I'd approach certain aspects differently. A 4 feels generous on a bad day but fair overall.