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13-Day Italy Highlights Itinerary

Viewed by 86 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration in Rome

Morning: Arrive at Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport and transfer to your hotel in the historic centre. Take a short walk to the iconic Colosseum and admire its ancient grandeur.

Afternoon: Join a guided tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, learning about the heart of the ancient empire. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely lunch in the charming Monti neighbourhood.

Evening: Stroll through the illuminated streets of the Pantheon area and savour your first Italian gelato while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.

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Day 2: Vatican City & Trastevere

Morning: Beat the crowds with an early visit to the Vatican Museums, marveling at the Sistine Chapel ceiling painted by Michelangelo.

Afternoon: Explore St. Peter’s Basilica, climb to the dome for breathtaking city views, then wander the nearby Vatican Gardens if time allows.

Evening: Cross the Tiber to the lively district of Trastevere, where you can dine on authentic Roman pasta and enjoy the local nightlife.

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Day 3: Naples & Pompeii Day Trip

Morning: Take a high‑speed train to Naples, where you’ll explore the historic centre and taste a freshly‑made Margherita pizza.

Afternoon: Transfer to the ancient ruins of Pompeii and walk through the remarkably preserved streets, villas, and theatres.

Evening: Return to Rome by train, enjoy a relaxed dinner near your hotel, and prepare for the journey north the next day.

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Day 4: Travel to Florence & First Impressions

Morning: Board a fast train to Florence, checking in to your accommodation in the historic centre.

Afternoon: Begin your Florentine adventure with a visit to the magnificent Duomo, climbing Giotto’s Campanile for panoramic views.

Evening: Wander the romantic Ponte Vecchio, then enjoy a traditional Tuscan dinner in the Oltrarno district.

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Day 5: Art & Tuscan Countryside

Morning: Immerse yourself in Renaissance masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery, spotting works by Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci.

Afternoon: Join a half‑day wine tour in the Chianti hills, tasting Sangiovese and learning about local viticulture.

Evening: Return to Florence for a sunset walk through the Piazza della Signoria and a nightcap at a historic café.

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Day 6: Venice Arrival & St. Mark’s Square

Morning: Take a scenic train ride to Venice, checking in to your hotel on the Grand Canal.

Afternoon: Explore the bustling St. Mark’s Square, visiting the opulent St. Mark’s Basilica and the towering Campanile.

Evening: Glide through the canals on a classic Gondola ride while the city lights reflect on the water.

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Day 7: Murano & Burano Islands

Morning: Hop on a vaporetto to Murano, watching master glassblowers create dazzling pieces.

Afternoon: Continue to colourful Burano, famed for its lace-making and pastel‑painted houses, perfect for photo‑ops.

Evening: Return to Venice for a leisurely dinner beside the canal and perhaps catch a performance at La Fenice opera house.

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Day 8: Day Trip to the Dolomites

Morning: Depart early on a guided excursion to the breathtaking Dolomites, travelling through alpine passes.

Afternoon: Hike to a scenic viewpoint such as the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, breathing in fresh mountain air and snapping unforgettable photos.

Evening: Return to Venice, unwind with a spritz at a local bacaro, and rest for the next day’s journey.

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Day 9: Lake Como – Arrival & Exploration

Morning: Take a train via Milan to Lake Como, checking in to a lakeside hotel in the town of Como.

Afternoon: Stroll along the lakeshore promenade, visit the stunning Como Cathedral, and ride the funicular to Brunate for sweeping views.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner of fresh lake fish at a waterfront restaurant, followed by a gentle sunset cruise.

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Day 10: Bellagio, Varenna & Milan Arrival

Morning: Board a ferry to the charming town of Bellagio, exploring its boutiques and gardens.

Afternoon: Continue to Varenna, wander the Villa Monastero gardens, then catch a train to Milan in the late afternoon.

Evening: Check in to your Milan hotel and admire the illuminated Duomo di Milano from the Piazza.

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Day 11: Milan Highlights

Morning: Visit the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for high‑end shopping, then head to the Santa Maria delle Grazie to view Leonardo’s Last Supper (pre‑booked).

Afternoon: Explore the fashionable Brera district, stopping at the Pinacoteca di Brera to see Italian masterpieces.

Evening: Experience Milan’s vibrant aperitivo culture in the Navigli canals, sampling local wines and small plates.

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Day 12: Day Trip to Bergamo

Morning: Take a short train ride to the historic city of Bergamo, beginning with a walk through the medieval Città Alta.

Afternoon: Ride the funicular to the upper town, visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, and enjoy panoramic views over the Lombardy plain.

Evening: Return to Milan for a farewell dinner, reflecting on the journey through Italy’s diverse landscapes.

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Day 13: Departure from Milan

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at a local café, perhaps revisiting a favourite spot for a final espresso.

Afternoon: Transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport for your departure flight, carrying memories of an unforgettable Italian adventure.

Evening: Safe travels home!

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Colosseum – 2 hours, €16
  • Roman Forum – 1.5 hours, €12
  • Vatican Museums – 3 hours, €17
  • St. Peter’s Basilica – 2 hours, €0 (donation optional)
  • Pompéi – 3 hours, €16
  • Duomo di Firenze – 1.5 hours, €18
  • Uffizi Gallery – 2 hours, €12
  • St. Mark’s Basilica – 1 hour, €5
  • Gondola ride – 30 minutes, €80
  • Dolomites day tour – 6 hours, €120
  • Lake Como funicular – 30 minutes, €5
  • Lake Como cruise – 2 hours, €30
  • The Last Supper – 45 minutes, €15
  • Bergamo funicular – 30 minutes, €10
  • Additional train passes & transfers – 13 hours, €60
  • Total Estimated Cost: €339

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, consider dropping the Dolomites day tour and the Bergamo excursion, which will reduce travel time while still covering the main cities. To extend the experience, add an extra night on the Amalfi Coast for a relaxed beach day or a full day in the wine‑rich region of Tuscany for additional vineyards and hill‑town charm.

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