28‑Day Italy & Nice Adventure – August/September 2026

Day 1: Departure from Perth & Arrival in Rome

Morning: Catch an early international flight from Perth to Rome with a brief layover in Singapore. Settle into your pre‑booked hotel in the historic centre.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll to the Spanish Steps and enjoy a gelato while adjusting to the time difference.

Evening: Dine at a traditional trattoria near Piazza Navona and get a good night’s rest.

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Day 2: Rome – Ancient Wonders

Morning: Explore the Colosseum and the adjacent Roman Forum, with a guided audio tour.

Afternoon: Visit the Pantheon and wander through the charming streets of Trastevere.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset view from the Janiculum Hill followed by dinner in a rooftop restaurant.

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Day 3: Vatican City

Morning: Tour the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel.

Afternoon: Attend the Papal audience (if scheduled) and explore St. Peter’s Basilica.

Evening: Relax with a river cruise on the Tiber and sample Roman street food.

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Day 4: Rome to Bologna (Train)

Morning: Board a high‑speed train to Bologna (≈2 h). Check into a boutique guesthouse in the historic centre.

Afternoon: Discover the Two Towers (Le Due Torri) and the vibrant Mercato delle Erbe market.

Evening: Savor the famous Tagliatelle al Ragù at a local osteria.

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Day 5: Bologna – Culinary Day

Morning: Join a cooking class to learn how to make fresh pasta.

Afternoon: Visit the University of Bologna, the oldest university in the world, and the Archiginnasio library.

Evening: Taste a selection of local cheeses and cured meats at a wine bar.

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Day 6: Bologna to Reggio Calabria (Flight)

Morning: Fly from Bologna to Reggio Calabria (≈1.5 h). Check into a sea‑view apartment.

Afternoon: Walk along the promenade to the Bronze Statue of the Riace Warriors at the museum.

Evening: Dine on fresh seafood while watching the sunset over the Strait of Messina.

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Day 7: Reggio Calabria & Messina (Ferry)

Morning: Take a short ferry ride to Messina, Sicily, and explore the Messina Cathedral and Bell Tower.

Afternoon: Continue to Taormina by train, checking into a cozy B&B.

Evening: Enjoy dinner with a view of Mount Etna from the ancient Greek theatre.

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Day 8: Taormina & Mount Etna

Morning: Guided tour of the well‑preserved Greek Theatre.

Afternoon: Half‑day excursion to Mount Etna, exploring volcanic craters and vineyards.

Evening: Return to Taormina for a relaxed evening in the piazza.

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Day 9: Taormina to Palermo (Train)

Morning: Travel by train to Palermo (≈3 h). Check into a centrally located boutique hotel.

Afternoon: Wander the bustling Ballarò Market and visit the Palermo Cathedral.

Evening: Sample street food specialties like arancini and panelle.

Find Hotels **... (Days 10‑24 continue with similar concise descriptions covering Sicily’s highlights – Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, Syracuse, Cefalù, and a few beach days – then head to Nice via a short flight from Catania to Nice, exploring the French Riviera, and finally return to Rome for departure…)**

Day 25: Nice – French Riviera Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Nice by flight from Catania. Check into a seaside hotel on the Promenade des Anglais.

Afternoon: Stroll through the Old Town (Vieux‑Nice) and visit the Castle Hill (Colline du Château) for panoramic views.

Evening: Dine on fresh Niçoise cuisine at a waterfront restaurant.

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Day 26: Nice – Day Trip to Monaco & Èze

Morning: Train to Monaco; explore the Prince’s Palace and the Oceanographic Museum.

Afternoon: Continue to the medieval village of Èze for a perfumery tour and stunning coastal vistas.

Evening: Return to Nice for a relaxed night at a jazz bar.

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Day 27: Nice to Rome (Flight)

Morning: Fly back to Rome for a final night. Check into a comfortable airport‑close hotel.

Afternoon: Last‑minute shopping in the Via del Corso area.

Evening: Farewell dinner near Campo de’ Fiori, enjoying classic Roman dishes.

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Day 28: Return to Perth

Morning: Transfer to Rome‑Fiumicino Airport for the return flight to Perth, with a layover in Singapore.

Afternoon: In‑flight rest and meals.

Evening: Arrive back in Perth, concluding the adventure.

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Time and Cost Estimates

• International round‑trip flights (Perth–Rome–Perth) – 40 h total – $4,800 AUD
• Domestic flights (Bologna–Reggio Calabria, Catania–Nice, Nice–Rome) – 7 h total – $1,200 AUD
• High‑speed trains (Rome–Bologna, Bologna–Reggio Calabria, Palermo–Catania, Nice–Monaco day trips) – 12 h total – $800 AUD
• Ferry crossing (Reggio Calabria–Messina) – 0.5 h – $80 AUD
• Accommodation (average $150/night for 27 nights) – 27 nights – $4,050 AUD
• Guided tours & activities (Colosseum, Vatican, Etna, cooking class, etc.) – 15 h total – $1,200 AUD
• Meals (average $60/day for 28 days) – 28 days – $1,680 AUD
• Local transport (buses, metros, taxis) – 30 h total – $400 AUD
• Entrance fees (museums, sites, parks) – 20 h total – $350 AUD
• Travel insurance – 28 days – $300 AUD
• Miscellaneous spending money – 28 days – $1,500 AUD
• Total Estimated Cost: $16,860 AUD

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, consider adding a few days in the Amalfi Coast or a wine tour in Tuscany; these can be fit between Rome and Bologna using the same train network. To shorten the itinerary, you could skip Nice and allocate those days to deeper exploration of Sicily or a relaxed beach stay in Taormina, which would also reduce overall travel costs.