Kick start your Italy adventure by exploring the Colosseum, the most iconic symbol of Rome, and a true architectural marvel. The ruins here date back to AD 80, and it was once used for games, hunts, and mock sea battles. Next, visit the Vatican City, one of the world's most beautiful and awe-inspiring collection of art, followed by a visit to Fontana di Trevi, a stunningly beautiful Baroque-era fountain, best visited in the evening hours when it is lit-up.
Florence is a small town filled with some of the most important art and architecture in the world, such as the Florence Cathedral that took 150 years in the making, the Uffizi Gallery that holds collections ranging from ancient Roman sculptures to Renaissance art pieces, and the Pitti Palace, a must-visit Renaissance palace. Afterward, take a relaxing walk through the Boboli Gardens for some amorous views of the city.
Italy's most romantic city, Venice is known for its stunning canals, splendid palaces. Take a gondola ride for a memorable experience, then visit the Doge's Palace, one of the most iconic landmarks of Venice, followed by the San Marco Basilica, which shows the beauty of Byzantine architecture. In the evening, indulge in the Italian opera in Venetian-style.
Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for hikers and people who enjoy dramatic sceneries. Five small villages are grouped under the name "Cinque Terre" on Italy's northwest coast, A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience hiking along Piazza del Duomo, a popular place to hike, while enjoying the rugged cliffs of Mediterranean Sea-Highlights from the hike include the famous Via dell'Amore, followed by Michelin-starred seafood cuisine in the village of Monterosso al Mare.
Pompeii was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, yet the ruins remain preserved to date. Once there, take a guided tour of the ruins and learn about the lived-in atmosphere of this ancient Roman city. Don't forget to visit the Forum and the Lupanare, a preserved brothel with detailed wall paintings.
Visit Naples, which is the birthplace of pizza, home to sprawling museums and churches, and a city filled with stunning streets and architecture. Visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, which is one of Europe's oldest museums and holds Roman-era artifacts, followed by the underground ruins, the Catacombs of San Gennaro, followed by a tour of the famous Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Mount Vesuvius.
Experience the medieval beauty of Bologna, popularly known as the "foodie capital of Italy." You can visit the Piazza Maggiore, the heart of the city, followed by the two leaning towers, Torre degli Asinelli and Torre Garisenda, which offer spectacular views of the city. Don't forget to explore the oldest university in the Western world, the University of Bologna, as well as the Osteria del Sole, dating back to 1465, Italy's oldest pub, serving high-quality wine for almost six centuries.
One of Italy's most luxurious cities, Milan is known for its legendary fashion designers, stunning architecture like the Cathedral of Milan and the Piazza del Duomo. Visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie to see the Last Supper, an iconic work by Leonardo da Vinci, followed by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping centre, a perfect place to treat yourself with an Italian designer outfit. Also, don't forget to capture the view of Milan from the rooftop of the Duomo Cathedral.
Trains are the most convenient means of transportation in Italy, and it is very easy to navigate. For example, a one-way train ride from Rome to Florence costs about €20, and it takes around 1 hour 20 minutes.
If you have more time, add visits to other Italian cities like Pisa, Siena, or Verona, well-known tourist hotspots. If you have less time, skip visiting the most prominent highlights of each city and instead opt for taking a relaxing walk instead, enjoying the beauty of every city.
Leanardo Da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is the primary international airport for Rome, located about 27 kilometers away from the city center. Naples International Airport (NAP) is 3 kilometers northeast of the city center. Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the largest airport in Milan, 50 km northwest of the city center.