Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.
After checking in, ease into Piazza della Signoria for about 45 minutes. The open-air sculptures and grand façades make this a lovely first taste of Florence, and you can enjoy the square without needing a ticket. From here, it’s a pleasant 10-minute walk through the historic center to Piazza del Duomo.
Give the cathedral square about an hour to take in Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery, and Giotto’s Bell Tower from outside. If you’d like to go inside or climb the tower, check current opening times and arrange the required admission in advance; entry slots and queues can shape the rest of your afternoon. Otherwise, save your energy and enjoy the details from the square.
Head toward San Lorenzo for dinner at La Ménagère, a distinctive restaurant-café serving Tuscan-inspired dishes. Budget roughly €25–45 per person, and reserve if you can; allow around 1.5 hours. Afterwards, walk about 15 minutes to Ponte Vecchio for an easy half-hour stroll beside the Arno and a first look at the illuminated bridge. The planned walk is gentle, though dinner may push this later than early evening—especially if you’ve had a long travel day.
Start at Galleria dell’Accademia in San Marco, where Michelangelo’s David is the star but the unfinished Prisoners sculptures are worth lingering over, too. Allow about 1½ hours. Book a timed ticket ahead; without one, queues can eat into your morning, and admission is generally around €16–20 before any booking fees. From central Florence, it’s an easy walk, or take a local bus toward San Marco if you’d rather save your legs.
Walk about 10 minutes south to Mercato Centrale Firenze in San Lorenzo. Browse the ground-floor stalls, then head upstairs for a casual lunch—budget roughly €15–30 per person, depending on what you choose. The market’s food hall is typically open daily from late morning into the evening, but individual stalls and hours can vary.
From San Lorenzo, walk roughly 15 minutes through the historic center to the Uffizi Gallery. Give yourself 2½–3 hours for the Renaissance collection, and reserve a timed ticket well ahead; entry slots are limited, and security queues can still take time. Tickets commonly start around €25, with prices and fees varying by season and booking channel. The Uffizi is generally closed on Mondays, so check the calendar for your flexible travel date before locking in this plan.
Head west toward Santa Maria Novella for dinner at Trattoria Sostanza, a beloved old-school spot for Florentine dishes. Reserve ahead—it’s small and popular—and allow about 1½ hours; expect roughly €30–50 per person. After a full day of galleries, the short stroll through the center is a nice way to wind down.
Take a morning high-speed train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Roma Termini; book your seat ahead with Trenitalia or Italo. Allow roughly 3–4 hours door to door for reaching the station, the train, and getting to your accommodation, then leave time to check in and drop your bags. A taxi from Termini to the historic center is convenient with luggage; otherwise, use the metro or a bus if your lodging is well placed.
Head to the Pantheon for about an hour. Check the current entry arrangements before you go, and reserve in advance if timed tickets are offered; entry is generally ticketed, and queues can be longer at busy times. Once inside, look up at the famous oculus, then take a breather at a nearby café before continuing on foot.
It’s an easy stroll to Piazza Navona, where you can spend around 45 minutes taking in Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers and the square’s street life. The surrounding lanes are lovely for a relaxed wander, but keep an eye on the time if you have a dinner reservation.
Have dinner at Armando al Pantheon, a short walk away, for Roman classics such as amatriciana or cacio e pepe. Expect roughly €30–50 per person; book ahead, as this small, well-regarded trattoria is popular.
Get an early start at the Vatican Museums; allow about three hours for the galleries and Sistine Chapel, and book a timed ticket well ahead—entry isn’t something to count on without a reservation. Afterward, walk to St. Peter’s Basilica for about 1½ hours. Security queues can vary, and services or other religious events may affect access, so keep some flexibility in your schedule. Modest clothing is required: shoulders and knees should be covered.
Head toward Castel Sant’Angelo for a 1½–2-hour visit. The museum route leads up through the fortress to terraces with fine views over the Tiber; check the official schedule before you go, as hours and admission can vary. From the basilica, it’s roughly a 15-minute walk. Finish at Pizzarium Bonci, a short walk back toward the Vatican, for pizza sold by the slice. Budget around €10–20 per person and about 45 minutes; it’s a casual stop, and choosing slices by weight can make the bill less predictable. Check that day’s opening hours before setting out.
Book a timed entry for the Colosseum well in advance; access is controlled, and arena-floor or underground visits require the right ticket. Allow about 1½–2 hours, arriving a little early for security. From central Rome, the Metro B to Colosseo is convenient, though walking is often just as easy if you’re staying nearby. Tickets vary by access and type, so check the official ticket site when you book.
Continue to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill on the same visit: allow 2½–3 hours to explore the ruins, viewpoints, and long, uneven paths. Bring water and comfortable shoes; shade is limited, and the site’s closing time changes with the season. Afterward, head to Monti for a 45-minute café break—there are plenty of relaxed spots around Piazza della Madonna dei Monti for coffee and a snack, usually around €5–12.
Take a breather in Monti, then walk roughly 20–25 minutes or hop on a bus toward Campo de’ Fiori for dinner at Osteria da Fortunata. Fresh pasta is the draw, with classic Roman dishes on the menu; budget about €20–40 per person. It’s popular, so expect a possible wait at peak dinner time and check current hours before setting out.
Allow roughly 5–7 hours door to door for the flight from Rome, airport procedures, baggage, and the ride into central Cagliari; choose a departure that leaves you enough time to settle in before the afternoon. From Cagliari Elmas Airport, the train to Cagliari station takes about 10 minutes, followed by a short walk or taxi to your hotel. A taxi is easier with luggage; check current fares at the airport rank.
Once checked in, take an easy 45-minute wander through Marina, the port-side neighborhood of arcaded streets and old merchant buildings. Then head uphill to Bastione di Saint Remy in Castello—allow about 45 minutes to climb to the terrace and take in the rooftops and harbor. Check access conditions before you go, as terrace access can occasionally be affected by events or maintenance.
Walk back down toward Marina for dinner at Sa Domu Sarda, a welcoming spot for traditional Sardinian dishes. Set aside around 1½ hours and budget roughly €30–50 per person; reservations are a good idea. After a travel day, keep the evening unhurried—if you arrive later than expected, call ahead to confirm the kitchen is still serving.
Start at Basilica di Nostra Signora di Bonaria, the hilltop sanctuary overlooking the harbor. Allow about an hour to see the church and enjoy the quieter grounds; opening times can vary around services, so check before setting out, and dress respectfully. From Bonaria, take a taxi or local bus toward Mercato Civico di San Benedetto—roughly 10–15 minutes by road, depending on traffic. Spend about an hour browsing the seafood and produce stalls; mornings are liveliest, but check the market’s operating days and current location before you go, as redevelopment may affect where it’s trading.
Head to Poetto Beach for a slower stretch of the day. Buses from central Cagliari run toward the beach; allow around 20–30 minutes, or take a taxi if you’d rather save time. Stay for two or three hours—swimming, beach services, and café openings depend on the season, so bring water and sun protection, especially outside the busiest summer months.
Return to the Marina quarter for dinner at Antica Cagliari, where you can try Sardinian specialties; budget about €25–45 per person, and reserve ahead if you’re visiting in a busy period. It’s an easy area to explore on foot before or after your meal, with narrow lanes and port-side views.
A rental car is the practical choice for this loop: Chia is about an hour’s drive south of Cagliari, and public buses can be seasonal and too infrequent to make the beach, tower, and ruins comfortable in one day. Leave in the morning, allow extra time for parking, and bring water, sun protection, and shoes you don’t mind getting sandy. Spend roughly 2–3 hours around Chia’s beaches and coast; Su Giudeu is a good option for a spacious stretch of sand. Beach facilities and services may be limited outside the warmer months.
Continue to Torre di Chia for the coastal view. Allow about 45 minutes, plus time for the approach: the path is uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is useful. Then drive on to Nora Archaeological Area near Pula, about 20–30 minutes away. Set aside 1½–2 hours to explore the Phoenician and Roman remains by the sea. Opening hours and access vary seasonally, so check the site’s current schedule before setting out; if it closes early, make Nora your priority after the tower.
Drive back to Cagliari, allowing about 45–60 minutes, and finish at Ristorante Sa Schironada in the Marina district. Book ahead if possible and budget around €30–50 per person for seafood or Sardinian specialties. Parking in the center can be difficult, so use a paid garage or leave the car at your accommodation and take a taxi into the Marina.
Allow 6–9 hours door to door from Cagliari to Split, and potentially longer if your connection has a lengthy layover. Check the full routing before booking: direct flights may not run on your travel date, and if the available connections require an overnight stay, add a night rather than risk a tight transfer. After landing, a taxi or airport shuttle gets you into town; leave time to check in and drop your bags. This is a travel-heavy day, so keep the sightseeing light.
Head to Diocletian’s Palace for a first wander through Split’s Roman heart. Allow about 1–1½ hours to explore the lanes and courtyards at an easy pace; much of the palace is part of the living Old Town, so you can look around without a general admission ticket, though some individual sites charge entry. From there, stroll toward the Riva, the palm-lined waterfront promenade, for 30–45 minutes and a breather by the harbor.
For dinner, make your way to Konoba Fetivi in Varoš, a short walk from the waterfront. It’s a good first-night choice for Dalmatian seafood and local dishes; budget roughly €25–45 per person, and reserve ahead if you can. After a long travel day, settle in rather than trying to fit in another major sight.
Start at the Cathedral of Saint Domnius inside Diocletian’s Palace. Give the cathedral complex and bell tower about 1–1½ hours; the tower climb is steep and stair-only, but rewards you with a fine view across the rooftops. Check current ticket options and opening hours before you go, as access and prices can vary. Afterward, head east to the Green Market (Pazar), about a five-minute walk, for a browse and a light snack. It’s liveliest in the morning, but stalls and hours vary by day, so don’t leave this stop too late.
Walk west through the Old Town toward Marjan Hill and allow 2–3 hours for shaded paths and viewpoints over the city and islands. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water; the uphill sections can feel hot, especially in summer. You can keep the walk as short or ambitious as you like, then return toward the Old Town for a breather before dinner.
Have an early meal at Villa Spiza, a small, casual spot in the Old Town known for locally focused dishes. Budget about €15–30 per person; seating is limited, so arrive early and expect a possible wait rather than relying on a reservation. It’s a relaxed finish after the walk—leave a little flexibility in your schedule in case the market visit or hill paths take longer than expected.
Take a morning bus from Split to Dubrovnik; allow roughly 5–6 hours door to door for getting to the station, the ride, possible border delays, and reaching your accommodation. Check the current timetable and book ahead in busy periods. Keep your travel documents handy for the border, and leave your bags at your accommodation before exploring.
Enter the Old Town through Pile Gate and spend about 30 minutes getting oriented in its narrow lanes. Then follow Stradun, the broad, polished limestone street running through the heart of the walled city. Give yourself around 45 minutes for an unhurried stroll, with time to pause and take in the architecture; the paving can be slippery when wet.
For dinner, Nautika Restaurant is right by Pile Gate, with views toward the old harbor and city walls. Plan on 1½–2 hours and roughly €60–100 or more per person; reserve ahead, especially for a terrace table. Take a light layer for an outdoor meal, as the breeze off the water can pick up after sunset.
Get to the Dubrovnik City Walls near opening, before the stone heats up and the busiest groups arrive. Allow about two hours for the full circuit, with plenty of steps and little shade; bring water and shoes with good grip. Buy admission through the official channels and check current hours, access conditions, and ticket prices before you go—fees can be substantial and vary by season. The entrance near Pile Gate is convenient from most of the Old Town.
From the walls, make your way through the Old Town to the Rector’s Palace. Set aside 1–1½ hours for the palace and museum collections, and check the day’s opening hours before heading over, as they can change seasonally. Then stroll down to Gradska Kavana Arsenal by the Old Port for lunch and a waterfront breather; budget about €20–40 per person, depending on your order.
Head uphill to Mount Srđ for the wide view back over the terracotta roofs and Adriatic. The cable car is the easiest option when it’s running; confirm service and weather on the day, since wind can affect operations. A walk up is possible but steep, so allow extra time and bring water. Give yourself about 1½–2 hours for the outing, aiming for the late-afternoon light without cutting it too close to sunset.
Take the morning bus or prearranged transfer from Dubrovnik and allow about 3–4 hours door to door, including the border; schedules and queues can vary. Confirm the direct bus runs on your travel day, keep your travel documents handy, and check border-crossing requirements if booking a private vehicle. After arriving in Medjugorje, check in and leave a little breathing room before sightseeing.
Visit St. James Church and its grounds in the village center for about an hour. Be mindful of Mass and prayer times, which can affect access and make the church especially busy; modest dress is appreciated. Later, walk to Apparition Hill (Podbrdo) for the rocky uphill pilgrimage path. Allow 1½–2 hours at an unhurried pace, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water—there’s little reason to rush this climb.
Return to the center for dinner at Restaurant Viktor’s, near the parish area. Plan on about 1–1½ hours and roughly €15–30 per person; confirm current hours and whether you need a reservation. It’s a relaxed end to the day, so keep the evening open for a quiet walk around the village.
Set out early for Cross Mountain (Križevac), ideally before the day warms up. The steep, rocky ascent and descent usually take about 2½–3½ hours round trip; sturdy shoes, water, and a steady pace make a real difference. The route is a pilgrimage path rather than a smooth hiking trail, so take care on the uneven sections and allow extra time if you’d like to pause along the way.
After a break to rest and have lunch, stop at the Mladifest or parish information center in central Medjugorje for about 45 minutes. Ask the parish for current visitor guidance, prayer schedules, or event information—don’t count on Mladifest or a particular program taking place unless it’s confirmed. The center is walkable from much of town; otherwise, a short taxi ride can save your legs after the climb.
Arrange your visit to Medjugorje Wine Cellar in advance, and confirm the meeting point and transport when you book; the cellar may be outside the central walking area. Allow 1–1½ hours for a tasting and an introduction to local wine-growing. Finish with dinner at Restaurant Gardens, where regional and international dishes make for an easy, relaxed end to the day; budget roughly €15–30 per person and check ahead if you have dietary needs.
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