12‑Day Italian Highlights Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Roman Foundations

Morning: Arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, transfer to your hotel and settle in. Take a leisurely walk around the neighborhood to get a first taste of the city’s atmosphere.

Afternoon: Explore the iconic Colosseum and the adjacent Roman Forum, marveling at ancient architecture and the stories they hold.

Evening: Dine in the vibrant Trastevere district, sampling classic Roman dishes while enjoying the lively streets.

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Day 2: Vatican Splendors

Morning: Visit the world‑renowned Vatican Museums, culminating with the breathtaking ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

Afternoon: Step into the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, climbing to the dome for sweeping views of Rome.

Evening: Stroll to the Spanish Steps and enjoy a gelato while watching the city’s evening glow.

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Day 3: Baroque Rome

Morning: Wander through the historic Pantheon, admiring its perfect dome and ancient marble interior.

Afternoon: Toss a coin into the famous Trevi Fountain and then explore the nearby Villa Borghese Gardens for a relaxed picnic.

Evening: Experience a traditional Roman dinner in the Campo de’ Fiori area, followed by a casual night‑cap at a local wine bar.

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Day 4: Journey to Florence

Morning: Take a high‑speed train to Florence, checking into a boutique hotel near the historic center.

Afternoon: Marvel at the striking Florence Cathedral (Duomo) and climb its dome for panoramic city views.

Evening: Walk across the historic Ponte Vecchio, browsing artisan jewelers before enjoying a sunset dinner along the Arno River.

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Day 5: Renaissance Masterpieces

Morning: Dive into Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery, home to works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo.

Afternoon: Visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s iconic David sculpture.

Evening: Explore the lively Oltrarno district, sampling Florentine steak and local wines.

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Day 6: Tuscan Day Trips

Morning: Take a short train ride to Siena and wander its medieval streets, ending at the magnificent Siena Cathedral.

Afternoon: Continue to Pisa to pose beside the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and explore the surrounding Piazza dei Miracoli.

Evening: Return to Florence for a relaxed dinner and an evening stroll along the illuminated city walls.

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Day 7: Travel to Venice

Morning: Board a scenic train to Venice, checking into a hotel in the San Marco area.

Afternoon: Visit the dazzling St. Mark’s Basilica and the adjacent Doge’s Palace, learning about the city’s maritime power.

Evening: Glide along the Grand Canal on a vaporetto, watching the sunset over historic palazzos.

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Day 8: Venetian Gems

Morning: Cross the iconic Rialto Bridge and explore the bustling market stalls nearby.

Afternoon: Take a water‑bus to the island of Murano to watch master glassblowers at work and shop for unique souvenirs.

Evening: Enjoy a romantic dinner in a hidden courtyard, tasting fresh seafood and Veneto wines.

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Day 9: Milan Arrival

Morning: Travel by train to Milan, settling into a stylish hotel near the city centre.

Afternoon: Admire the soaring Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) and climb to its rooftop for city vistas.

Evening: Shop the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and dine in the fashionable Brera district.

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Day 10: Art & History in Milan

Morning: Visit the world‑famous Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” at Santa Maria delle Grazie (pre‑booked entry).

Afternoon: Explore Sforza Castle, wandering through its museums and beautiful courtyards.

Evening: Experience Milan’s vibrant nightlife in the Navigli canal area, enjoying aperitivo and live music.

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Day 11: Lake Como Escape

Morning: Take a short train ride to Lake Como, arriving in the picturesque town of Bellagio.

Afternoon: Cruise on the lake, stopping at the charming villages of Varenna and Menaggio for photo‑ops.

Evening: Return to Milan for a farewell dinner featuring regional specialties.

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Day 12: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then check out of your hotel.

Afternoon: Transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport for your flight home, reflecting on an unforgettable Italian adventure.

Evening: Arrive back home, with memories and photos to cherish for years to come.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Colosseum – 2 hours – $18
  • Roman Forum – 1.5 hours – $12
  • Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel – 3 hours – $30
  • St. Peter’s Basilica – 2 hours – $15 (dome access)
  • Spanish Steps – 1 hour – free
  • Pantheon – 1 hour – free
  • Trevi Fountain – 0.5 hour – free
  • Florence Cathedral (Duomo) – 2 hours – $20 (dome climb)
  • Ponte Vecchio – 0.5 hour – free
  • Uffizi Gallery – 3 hours – $25
  • Accademia Gallery – 2 hours – $20
  • Siena Cathedral – 1 hour – $10
  • Leaning Tower of Pisa – 1 hour – $18
  • St. Mark’s Basilica – 2 hours – $12
  • Doge’s Palace – 2 hours – $25
  • Rialto Bridge – 0.5 hour – free
  • Murano Glass Factory – 2 hours – $15 (workshop)
  • Milan Cathedral (Duomo) – 2 hours – $15 (roof access)
  • Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – 1 hour – free
  • Leonardo’s “The Last Supper” – 1 hour – $30
  • Sforza Castle – 2 hours – $12
  • Lake Como Cruise – 3 hours – $40
  • Total Estimated Cost: $447

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, consider removing the day‑trip to Tuscany or the Lake Como excursion, which will still leave you with the major cities and highlights. To extend the journey, add an extra day in Venice to explore the quieter islands of Burano and Torcello, or spend another night in the Lake Como area for more leisurely lakeside relaxation.

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