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13-Day Northern-to-Southern Italy Road & Rail: Milan → Dolomites → Florence → Amalfi → Naples → Rome

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Day 1: Arrival & Highlights

Milan, Italy on August 21, 2025

9:00am

Arrive & Check-in

Arrive at Milano Centrale (or airport) and check into a centrally located hotel near the Duomo or Brera for easy walking access to landmarks.
EUR0, 1h0m

10:30am

Duomo & Rooftop

Visit Milan Cathedral and take the rooftop terraces for city and Gothic detail views — book tickets in advance; terraces typically open 9:00–19:00 but times vary seasonally.
EUR15, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — Luini or Galleria café

Quick classic: Luini near the Duomo for panzerotti, or sit-down lunch at a café in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to enjoy Milanese ambience.
EUR12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Sforza Castle & Parco Sempione

Stroll through Parco Sempione and explore Castello Sforzesco museums and courtyards; museums usually open 9:00–17:30 (check exhibitions).
EUR10, 2h0m

5:30pm

Aperitivo in Navigli

Head to the Navigli canals for an aperitivo — great people-watching and wood-fired cicchetti; bars typically start aperitivo service around 6pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Trattoria Milanese

Enjoy classic Milanese dinner (ossobuco or risotto alla milanese) at a well-reviewed trattoria near Brera or Porta Romana; reserve ahead for evenings.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 2: Lake Como Day

Como / Bellagio, Italy on August 22, 2025

7:30am

Train to Como

Take an early regional train from Milano Centrale to Como (approx. 40–60 minutes); check Trenitalia/Italo schedules and platforms.
EUR6, 1h0m

9:00am

Funicular to Brunate

Ride the Como–Brunate funicular for panoramic views of the lake; funicular usually operates from early morning to evening (approx. 7:30–19:30).
EUR6, 45m

11:00am

Ferry to Bellagio & Villa Balbianello

Take the public ferry from Como to Bellagio and consider a short boat transfer to Lenno to visit Villa del Balbianello (check opening hours—often 10:00–18:00 and needs advance booking).
EUR15, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch — Bellagio trattoria

Lunch in Bellagio on the water; try fresh lake fish and polenta in a central trattoria for authentic lake cuisine.
EUR25, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Milan

Ferry back to Como then train to Milan; arrive in the evening and rest for the next day's transfer to the mountains.
EUR20, 2h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Milan

Casual dinner near your hotel — pizza or a light risotto; conserve energy for travel the next morning.
EUR20, 1h15m

Day 3: To the Dolomites

Bolzano / Ortisei, Italy on August 23, 2025

8:00am

Train/Drive to Bolzano

Depart Milan for Bolzano (by train ~3.5–4h) or rent a car for more flexibility; route climbs into South Tyrol and sets you up for Dolomites access.
EUR35, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Bolzano

Enjoy Tyrolean specialties (speck, dumplings) at a local osteria; Bolzano offers a mix of Italian and Austrian-influenced dishes.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology (Ötzi)

See the Ötzi the Iceman exhibit — an engaging intro to the region; museum typically open 9:00–18:30 (confirm seasonal hours).
EUR10, 1h0m

4:00pm

Transfer to Val Gardena / Ortisei

Continue by car or bus to Ortisei/Val Gardena (approx. 1h) and check into a mountain hotel; evening stroll through alpine town.
EUR10, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Mountain Rifugio or Local Restaurant

Savor local mountain cuisine — hearty soups, polenta, and game — many mountain restaurants close around 9pm so reserve or arrive early.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 4: Dolomites Hiking

Seceda / Alpe di Siusi, Italy on August 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & Gear Up

Early mountain breakfast and pack water, layers, and good shoes; mountain cable cars generally start running from ~8:30–9:00 depending on season.
EUR0, 30m

9:00am

Seceda Cable Car & Hike

Take the Ortisei cable car up to Seceda for iconic jagged ridge views and optional hikes — cable car operations commonly 8:30–16:30; check times and weather.
EUR30, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at a Rifugio

Lunch in a mountain rifugio to enjoy dumplings, speck, and local cheeses — relaxing and scenic atmosphere.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Alpe di Siusi Meadow Walk

Explore Alpe di Siusi’s vast alpine meadows and easy trails; ideal for photography and gentler walking (area open year-round though services are seasonal).
EUR0, 2h0m

5:30pm

Spa or Relaxation

Return to hotel for spa time or a sauna to ease muscles; many hotels offer wellness facilities with evening hours.
EUR20, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Ortisei

Dinner in Ortisei — try a restaurant offering alpine and Italian fusion dishes; late-evening service often ends by 9:30pm in smaller towns.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 5: Cortina & Venice

Cortina d'Ampezzo → Venice, Italy on August 25, 2025

7:30am

Early Drive to Cortina (optional)

Drive east for scenic views around Cortina d'Ampezzo and the famous Tre Cime area (Tre Cime may require more time — plan for full day if prioritized).
EUR0, 2h0m

11:00am

Lunch — Cortina

Light lunch in Cortina; mountain-fed cuisine and local vistas make for a memorable stop if you choose the Cortina route.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:00pm

Travel to Venice

Continue by car or combined bus/train toward Venice (allow 3–3.5 hours); plan to arrive mid-to-late afternoon and park outside Mestre if driving.
EUR40, 3h0m

4:30pm

Check-in & Canal Walk

Check into a Venice hotel and wander San Marco/Canal neighborhoods to get a first sense of Venice’s unique layout (St. Mark’s Square is central and open 24/7).
EUR0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Gondola or Traghetto Ride

Short gondola or cheaper traghetto crossing for classic canal views at sunset — gondolas are available until dusk but book ahead for prime times.
EUR35, 30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Cicchetti

Dine on Venetian cicchetti (small plates) and seafood at a bàcaro; many places open late for dinner but check individual restaurant hours.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 6: Venice Classics

Venice, Italy on August 26, 2025

8:30am

St. Mark's Basilica & Piazza

Visit St. Mark’s Basilica early to avoid the biggest crowds; basilica hours often 9:30–17:00 (check for special closures).
EUR6, 1h0m

10:00am

Doge's Palace

Tour the Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs — book skip-the-line tickets where possible; usual hours ~9:00–19:00 in high season.
EUR25, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — Riva degli Schiavoni

Lunch along Riva degli Schiavoni with lagoon views; seafood risottos are a Venetian specialty.
EUR28, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Cannaregio or Rialto Market

Walk to Rialto Market for food sights/smells or wander Cannaregio for quieter, authentic neighborhoods; markets are busiest in the morning but still lively in early afternoon.
EUR0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Train to Florence

Take a late-afternoon high-speed train (Frecciarossa/Italo ~2h) to Florence; book in advance for best fares and seats.
EUR30, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — Florence near Duomo

Arrive in Florence, check in, and enjoy a Tuscan dinner near the Duomo — bistecca alla fiorentina or pasta with local olive oil.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 7: Florence Art

Florence, Italy on August 27, 2025

8:15am

Uffizi Gallery

Visit the Uffizi to see Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo masterpieces — the museum usually opens around 8:15–8:30; reserve timed-entry tickets well in advance.
EUR20, 2h0m

11:00am

Accademia (David)

See Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia; typical opening hours 8:15–6:50pm — timed tickets recommended to avoid queues.
EUR12, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — Mercato Centrale

Casual lunch at Mercato Centrale: wide choices from porchetta sandwiches to fresh pasta; a good spot to sample Tuscan specialties affordably.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Florence Duomo & Brunelleschi's Dome

Climb the Duomo dome for city vistas — last admissions are limited and the cathedral complex has set hours (check times and reserve climbs in advance).
EUR20, 1h30m

5:30pm

Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo

Walk or take a short bus to Piazzale Michelangelo for classic sunset views of Florence’s skyline — always open and free, busiest at sunset.
EUR0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — Trattoria in Oltrarno

Dine in the Oltrarno district for a traditional Florentine meal and lively artisan neighborhood atmosphere; book for later evenings.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 8: Tuscany Day Trip

Siena & Chianti, Italy on August 28, 2025

8:00am

Depart for Siena

Rent a car or join a guided day trip to Siena (approx. 1.5h by car); traveling early beats midday coach traffic and gives more time in each town.
EUR40, 1h30m

10:00am

Siena Cathedral & Piazza del Campo

Explore Siena’s Duomo and the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo — the cathedral opens usually 10:00–19:00 and the Piazza is public all day (check museum times separately).
EUR12, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch in Chianti — Winery

Head into the Chianti region for a winery lunch and tasting; many estates open tastings/lunches by reservation around midday.
EUR35, 2h0m

3:30pm

Scenic Drive & Castle Visit

Visit a hilltop village (Greve or Castellina) or a castle like Castello di Brolio for grounds and short tours, generally open in the afternoon with variable hours.
EUR12, 1h30m

6:00pm

Return to Florence

Drive back to Florence for an evening at leisure and a restful night after a full Tuscan day.
EUR0, 1h30m

8:30pm

Dinner — Florence

Relaxed dinner near your hotel; sample seasonal Tuscan desserts and a final glass of Chianti.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 9: To Naples

Naples, Italy on August 29, 2025

7:30am

High-Speed Train to Naples

Board a morning Frecciarossa/Italo from Florence to Naples (~2.5–3h); book early for best fares and guaranteed seats.
EUR35, 3h0m

11:30am

Check-in & Lunch — Pizza in Naples

Check into a central Naples hotel then head to a historic pizzeria (Sorbillo or L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele) for iconic Neapolitan pizza; expect lines but quick service.
EUR12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Naples National Archaeological Museum

Visit the museum which houses outstanding Pompeii and Roman artifacts; typical hours 9:00–19:30 but verify seasonal times.
EUR12, 1h30m

4:30pm

Spaccanapoli & Historic Center Walk

Walk the narrow lanes of Spaccanapoli to experience street life, churches, and local shops; many artisans remain open until early evening.
EUR0, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Seafood by the Lungomare

Dine along the Naples seafront (Lungomare) for fresh seafood and views of Vesuvius; book a table for sunset or later service.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 10: Pompeii & Vesuvius

Pompeii / Mount Vesuvius, Italy on August 30, 2025

8:00am

Train to Pompeii (Circumvesuviana)

Take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Pompeii Scavi station (~30–40 minutes); trains start early but can be crowded — arrive early for Pompeii.
EUR3, 1h0m

9:00am

Pompeii Ruins Guided Tour

Guided tour of the Pompeii archaeological park — the ruins open around 9:00 and close in the evening (hours vary by season); a guide helps prioritize highlights.
EUR18, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch near Pompeii

Lunch at a nearby trattoria sampling local Campanian fare before heading to Vesuvius; many sites have cafes but authentic trattorie nearby are preferable.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Mount Vesuvius Hike

Drive or join a transfer to Mount Vesuvius car park and hike to the crater rim; check the Vesuvius Park visitor hours and last-access times (often mid-afternoon cut-offs).
EUR10, 2h0m

6:00pm

Return to Naples & Dinner

Return to Naples for a relaxed evening; try a neighborhood pizzeria or seafood restaurant to cap the day.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 11: Transfer to Amalfi Coast

Positano / Amalfi, Italy on August 31, 2025

8:30am

Travel to Amalfi Coast

Take a private transfer or Circumvesuviana + SITA bus/ferry to Positano or Amalfi (ferry from Naples seasonal; driving offers flexibility).
EUR50, 2h30m

11:30am

Check-in & Beach Time

Check into a cliffside hotel and enjoy beach time or a swim; many beaches have lidos with chairs and service (open seasonally, generally morning to sunset).
EUR0, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch — Positano Café

Lunch at a seaside cafe in Positano with fresh seafood and salad — light and refreshing on a coastal day.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Amalfi Town or Path of the Gods short walk

Option for a short walk on the Path of the Gods (check trailheads and weather) or explore Amalfi’s cathedral and paper museum; cathedral hours typically in afternoon but vary.
EUR0, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — Seafood Overlooking the Sea

Enjoy an evening seafood dinner with cliffside views — many restaurants stay open late in high season but reservations recommended.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 12: Capri Day Trip

Capri, Italy on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Ferry to Capri

Take an early ferry from Positano/Amalfi to Capri (ferry schedules vary by season; book in advance for peak days).
EUR25, 1h0m

9:30am

Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) or Boat Circumnavigation

Visit the Blue Grotto if sea conditions allow (entrances vary by tide and hours, usually morning) or take a private boat tour around Capri’s cliffs and sea stacks.
EUR20, 1h30m

11:30am

Chairlift to Anacapri & Villa San Michele

Ride the Anacapri chairlift and visit Villa San Michele for panoramic views; museum hours often around 9:00–18:00 but verify seasonal times.
EUR12, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch — Capri

Lunch in Capri town with lemon-infused specialties and fresh pasta; Capri is pricier so expect higher menu costs.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Gardens of Augustus & Faraglioni Views

Stroll the Gardens of Augustus for postcard views of the Faraglioni rock stacks — gardens open mid-morning to early evening in season.
EUR2, 45m

6:00pm

Return to Amalfi Coast & Dinner

Return by ferry and enjoy a relaxed final coastal dinner; pick a terrace restaurant for sunset views if weather allows.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 13: To Rome & Finale

Rome, Italy on September 2, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Rome

Depart Amalfi/Salerno by ferry + train or by private transfer to Rome; fastest option is transfer to Salerno then Frecciarossa to Roma Termini (~2.5h from Salerno).
EUR50, 3h30m

12:30pm

Check-in & Lunch — Trastevere

Arrive in Rome, check into a central hotel, and have lunch in Trastevere for a lively Roman neighborhood meal (open all day, best at lunch or dinner).
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Colosseum & Roman Forum

Visit the Colosseum and walk through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill; book combined timed tickets—Colosseum typical visiting hours 8:30–19:00 (seasonal).
EUR18, 2h30m

6:00pm

Pantheon & Piazza Navona Stroll

Stroll through the historic center to the Pantheon and Piazza Navona — these outdoor sights are open public spaces though some interior visits have opening hours (Pantheon ~9:00–19:00).
EUR0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — Classic Roman Cuisine

Dine in a classic Roman trattoria in Trastevere or near Campo de' Fiori; try cacio e pepe, amatriciana, or carbonara and finish with tiramisù.
EUR35, 1h30m

10:00pm

Evening — Trevi Fountain & Night Walk

End your trip with an evening visit to the Trevi Fountain (less crowded at night) and a leisurely walk back to your hotel — fountains are lit and open to visitors round-the-clock.
EUR0, 30m
0
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