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12-Day Italy Itinerary: 2 Nights in Each Stop — Venice to the Amalfi Coast via Bologna, Florence (Pisa), Rome and Naples

Viewed by 159 travelers

Day 1: Arrive & explore

Venice, Italy on August 8, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Florian (Piazza San Marco)

Historic café in St Mark’s Square offering coffee, pastries and a classic Venetian atmosphere — opens early but check seasonal hours.
EUR15, 1h0m.

10:30am

St. Mark’s Basilica

Visit the ornate Byzantine mosaics and golden interior of Venice’s most famous church; opening times vary (often ~9:30am–5:00pm) so pre-check.
EUR3, 1h0m.

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria al Gazzettino

Popular trattoria near the centre serving Venetian seafood and cicchetti — relaxed midday meal close to sights.
EUR25, 1h0m.

3:00pm

Gondola ride and canal walk

A 30–40 minute gondola through quieter canals followed by a stroll to discover tucked‑away campos; gondolas run all day but book ahead in high season.
EUR80, 1h0m.

4:30pm

Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

Explore the Gothic state rooms, prisons and the Bridge of Sighs — museum hours can extend into the evening; prebook if possible.
EUR25, 1h30m.

8:00pm

Dinner at Osteria alle Testiere

Small, seafood‑focused osteria famous for fresh, local fish — reserve ahead as seating is limited in summer.
EUR50, 2h0m.

Day 2: Venice islands

Venice, Italy on August 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Torrefazione Cannaregio

Local coffee roaster and pastry spot away from the busiest tourist areas — good early start before heading to the islands.
EUR8, 45m.

9:30am

Rialto Market & Bridge

Wander the vibrant fish and produce market and walk the historic Rialto Bridge for classic canalside photos; market busiest in the morning.
Free, 1h0m.

12:30pm

Lunch at Cantina do Mori

Historic bacaro offering cicchetti and local small plates — quick, authentic and well placed for more sightseeing.
EUR20, 1h0m.

2:00pm

Murano & Burano boat trip

Vaporetto or organised half‑day trip to see Murano glassmaking and Burano’s coloured houses; ferries run regularly but timetables change by season — allow 3–4 hours.
EUR20, 4h0m.

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Da Fiore

Well‑reviewed trattoria with refined Venetian cooking — book for an evening table in high season.
EUR45, 2h0m.

Day 3: Travel to Bologna

Bologna, Italy on August 10, 2025

7:30am

Train: Venice to Bologna

High‑speed train approx 1h30 to Bologna Centrale; book ahead for best fares and reserved seats.
EUR25, 1h30m.

9:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Gamberini

Traditional pastry shop near the centre serving cappuccino and fresh pastries — a local favourite to start the day.
EUR8, 45m.

10:30am

Piazza Maggiore & Basilica di San Petronio

Stroll the main square and visit the imposing San Petronio; opening hours vary by season so check before you go.
Free, 1h0m.

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Da Gianni

Classic Bolognese dishes like tagliatelle al ragù in a friendly, traditional setting close to the centre.
EUR30, 1h0m.

2:00pm

Climb Asinelli Tower

Ascend one of the iconic Two Towers for sweeping city views; tower access is capacity‑controlled and typically open until early evening.
EUR5, 1h0m.

4:30pm

Quadrilatero food market stroll

Wander the historic food quarter to sample cured meats, cheeses and regional specialities — perfect for light tastings or edible souvenirs.
Free, 1h0m.

8:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Da Cesari

Traditional Emilian cuisine with an excellent regional wine list — reserve a table for a relaxed evening.
EUR60, 2h0m.

Day 4: Bologna culture & food

Bologna, Italy on August 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Atti

Local bakery known for fresh pastries and coffee — a quick and typical Bolognese start.
EUR7, 30m.

9:30am

Cooking class or food tour

Take a morning class to learn tagliatelle or tortellini making, or join a guided food tour of the Quadrilatero; classes usually run in the morning and must be booked in advance.
EUR70, 3h0m.

1:00pm

Lunch (post-class) at Osteria dell'Orsa

Casual spot serving hearty regional dishes — good to sample what you made or try other local recipes.
EUR20, 1h0m.

3:30pm

Santo Stefano complex & porticos walk

Explore the serene Basilica di Santo Stefano and walk Bologna’s famous porticos for city views and architecture; open times vary by site.
Free, 1h30m.

7:00pm

Aperitivo at Le Stanze

Enjoy an aperitivo in a stylish converted chapel before dinner — busy in evenings so arrive early.
EUR12, 1h0m.

8:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Al Sangiovese

Comfortable local trattoria serving classic Bolognese comfort food — good final night in the city.
EUR40, 2h0m.

Day 5: Travel to Florence

Florence, Italy on August 12, 2025

8:00am

Train: Bologna to Florence

Short high‑speed ride (~35–45 minutes) to Firenze Santa Maria Novella; book tickets in advance for best prices.
EUR20, 45m.

9:30am

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli (Piazza della Repubblica)

Historic café serving pastries and espresso — central and iconic for a Florence start.
EUR12, 45m.

10:30am

Uffizi Gallery

World-class collection with Botticelli and more; book timed-entry tickets in advance (typically open ~8:15am–6:50pm, times vary).
EUR25, 2h0m.

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Informal, hearty Tuscan cooking and a true local experience — arrive early to avoid queues.
EUR25, 1h0m.

2:30pm

Duomo complex & Brunelleschi’s Dome

Visit Santa Maria del Fiore, Baptistery and climb the Dome (timed tickets highly recommended) for classic Florence views.
EUR20, 1h30m.

5:00pm

Ponte Vecchio & Oltrarno craft walk

Cross the famous bridge and explore artisan workshops in Oltrarno as the light softens for photos and shopping.
Free, 1h30m.

8:00pm

Dinner at Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco

Traditional Tuscan osteria serving regional dishes like wild boar ragu; popular in the evenings so reserve ahead.
EUR45, 2h0m.

Day 6: Pisa day trip

Florence & Pisa, Italy on August 13, 2025

7:30am

Train: Florence to Pisa

Regional train (~50–60 minutes) to Pisa Centrale; early departure helps beat afternoon crowds at Piazza dei Miracoli.
EUR10, 1h0m.

9:00am

Leaning Tower & Cathedral (Piazza dei Miracoli)

Visit Pisa’s iconic tower and cathedral; climbing the tower requires a timed ticket and the cathedral opening times vary by season.
EUR20, 1h30m.

12:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante La Buca

Relaxed restaurant near the Square serving Tuscan and seafood dishes — convenient before returning to Florence.
EUR25, 1h0m.

3:00pm

Return to Florence & Accademia visit

Catch an afternoon train back to Florence (~1h) and visit the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David (book timed tickets as galleries have limited entry).
EUR20, 2h0m.

8:00pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Renowned restaurant serving Tuscan dishes with a romantic ambience — reserve ahead for evening seating.
EUR50, 2h0m.

Day 7: Travel to Rome

Rome, Italy on August 14, 2025

9:00am

Train: Florence to Rome

High‑speed train (~1h30) to Roma Termini; book tickets in advance for reserved seating and best prices.
EUR30, 1h30m.

10:45am

Breakfast near Campo de' Fiori (Roscioli Caffè)

Excellent coffee and pastries close to central Rome; a good starting point for city walking.
EUR12, 45m.

11:30am

Spanish Steps & Trevi Fountain

Stroll through Rome’s iconic piazzas and fountains — always open but busiest mid‑day in summer, so expect crowds.
Free, 1h0m.

1:30pm

Lunch at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali

Family‑run restaurant near the Forum offering classic Roman dishes — a convenient base before afternoon archaeology.
EUR30, 1h0m.

3:00pm

Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Visit the Colosseum and surrounding ruins with a combined ticket (timed entry recommended) — sites typically open from early morning to late afternoon, but times vary seasonally.
EUR18, 2h30m.

8:00pm

Dinner at Aroma (Colosseum view)

Fine dining with a terrace view over the Colosseum — ideal for a memorable evening; book well in advance.
EUR80, 2h0m.

Day 8: Vatican & Trastevere

Rome, Italy on August 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Regoli

Traditional Roman pastries and coffee near the central districts — quick bite before museum visits.
EUR8, 30m.

9:00am

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

World-class collections culminating in Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel; book timed-entry tickets in advance (museums usually open 9:00am–6:00pm, closed Sundays except last Sunday of the month).
EUR25, 2h30m.

12:30pm

St Peter’s Basilica

Visit the basilica and, if you wish, climb the dome for panoramic Rome views (basilica open most days; dome has separate hours and fee).
EUR10, 1h0m.

2:00pm

Lunch at Pizzarium (near Vatican)

Famous for gourmet pizza al taglio — quick, delicious and ideal for refuelling after the museums.
EUR12, 45m.

4:00pm

Pantheon & Campo de' Fiori stroll

Wander between the Pantheon and lively Campo de' Fiori market; outdoor sites are always accessible though individual shop hours vary.
Free, 1h30m.

8:00pm

Dinner in Trastevere at Trattoria da Enzo al 29

Classic Roman trattoria in the charming Trastevere quarter, known for amatriciana and carbonara — reserve well in advance.
EUR40, 2h0m.

Day 9: Travel to Naples & Pompeii

Naples & Pompeii, Italy on August 16, 2025

7:00am

Train: Rome to Naples

Early high‑speed train (~1h10) to Napoli Centrale; book ahead to secure low fares and seats.
EUR25, 1h10m.

8:30am

Transfer to Pompeii (Circumvesuviana)

Regional train to Pompeii Scavi station (~30 minutes); aim to be at the site as it opens to avoid the heat and big crowds (site usually opens ~9:00am).
EUR3, 30m.

9:00am

Pompeii archaeological site

Extensive UNESCO site with remarkably preserved streets, houses and frescoes; plan 2–3 hours and check closing time for the season.
EUR18, 3h0m.

1:30pm

Return to Naples & lunch at Pizzeria Da Michele

Enjoy an iconic Neapolitan pizza at one of the city’s most famous pizzerias — a lively but classic Neapolitan experience.
EUR15, 1h0m.

3:30pm

Naples National Archaeological Museum

Home to many artefacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum; museum usually open through late afternoon to early evening, but check exact times.
EUR15, 1h30m.

8:00pm

Dinner at Da Dora (seafood in Naples)

Well‑regarded seafood restaurant near the Lungomare — book a table for a relaxed evening.
EUR40, 2h0m.

Day 10: Naples to Amalfi

Naples to Amalfi Coast, Italy on August 17, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Gran Caffè Gambrinus

Historic café on the Naples waterfront serving excellent coffee and sfogliatelle — a classic Neapolitan start.
EUR10, 45m.

9:30am

Ferry or private transfer to Amalfi

Seasonal ferry from Molo Beverello to Amalfi (~1.5–2h) is scenic; alternatively, coach or private car (1.5–2.5h) — check ferry schedules in advance.
EUR25, 2h0m.

12:00pm

Check in & quick stroll (Amalfi town)

Settle into your Amalfi base and explore Piazza Duomo and the nearby shops; many churches and shops have midday hours, so check individual opening times.
Free, 1h0m.

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria da Gemma

Well‑regarded Amalfi restaurant specialising in seafood and lemon‑infused dishes, perfect for sampling local flavours.
EUR35, 1h30m.

3:30pm

Afternoon visit to Ravello or relax on the promenade

Short bus or taxi ride uphill to Ravello for garden views (Villa Rufolo/ Villa Cimbrone) or enjoy a relaxed walk along Amalfi’s seafront; opening times for villas vary seasonally.
EUR10, 2h0m.

8:00pm

Dinner at L'Abside (Amalfi)

Local restaurant offering seafood and regional specialities — a calm evening to enjoy coastal cuisine.
EUR40, 2h0m.

Day 11: Positano & boat

Amalfi Coast, Italy on August 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Pansa (Amalfi)

Famous pastry shop in the historic centre serving lemon pastries, sfogliatelle and espresso — a good local start to the coastal day.
EUR10, 45m.

9:30am

Half‑day boat trip to Positano & grottos

Morning boat excursion to see the dramatic coastline, sea caves and Positano from the water; seasonal tours typically depart in the morning — book ahead.
EUR90, 4h0m.

1:30pm

Lunch at Da Adolfo (Positano)

Informal seaside restaurant accessible by boat or via Positano harbour footpath, famous for grilled fish and relaxed beachside dining.
EUR35, 1h30m.

3:30pm

Explore Positano & return to Amalfi

Wander the steep lanes, boutiques and beaches of Positano before returning by boat or ferry to Amalfi; ferry times vary by season so check schedules.
EUR10, 2h0m.

8:00pm

Dinner at Next2 (Amalfi)

Contemporary restaurant offering local produce and seafood with modern touches — a pleasant final evening on the coast.
EUR45, 2h0m.

Day 12: Depart or transfer

Amalfi Coast to Naples, Italy on August 19, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast & last stroll

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and a final walk around Piazza Duomo or the seafront — many cafés open early but boutique shops open later in the morning.
EUR10, 45m.

10:00am

Check out & transfer to Naples

Allow 2.5–3 hours for coach+ferry or private transfer to Naples (and onwards to Naples Airport); summer traffic and ferry timetables can add time so plan extra buffer.
EUR40, 3h0m.

2:00pm

Arrive Naples / Airport onward

Arrive at Naples station or airport for onward flights or train travel; if you have a later departure, consider a last lunch or a short Lungomare stroll (check flight/transfer times carefully).
Varies, Varies.
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