Two-Week Itinerary for Exploring Italy’s Best Cities

  • Day 1: Cinque Terre
    2 hours (200 km) from Florence

    Cinque Terre is a picturesque region on the Italian Riviera comprising five small fishing villages, each with its unique charm. Spend the day exploring the colorful houses and terraced vineyards, hiking the seaside trails or swimming in the crystalline waters.

  • Day 2-3: Florence
    2 hours (150 km) from Cinque Terre

    Start your Florence experience by visiting the Duomo, the Baptistery, and the Bell Tower - all part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. View the famous sculptures at the Accademia and the Uffizi Gallery. Walk on the Ponte Vecchio, shop for souvenirs, and relish the local cuisine.

  • Day 4-5: Venice
    3.5 hours (260 km) from Florence

    Explore the iconic St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and St. Mark’s Basilica. Venture on gondola rides through the Grand Canal or browse the art-filled churches and museums. Take a day trip to the nearby islands.

  • Day 6-7: Milan
    2.5 hours (260 km) from Venice

    Visit the Sforza Castle and the Gothic Cathedral of Milan. Shop for high-end fashion and jewellery on the Via Monte Napoleone. Marvel at the art and science exhibits at the National Museum of Science and Technology or enjoy a football match at the San Siro Stadium.

  • Day 8: Bologna
    1.5 hours (230 km) from Milan

    Take a stroll along the Portico di San Luca, one of the longest arcades in the world. Explore the charming medieval town center and indulge in Bologna’s famous cuisine, such as lasagna and tortellini.

  • Day 9-10: Rome
    3 hours (300 km) from Bologna

    Get awed by the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and the Vatican City, home to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Savor the street food, like the pizza al taglio, gelato, and granita. Visit the charming Trastevere neighborhood and enjoy the nightlife.

  • Day 11-12: Pompeii
    1.5 hours (250 km) from Rome

    Explore the Pompeii ruins preserved from the 79AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Marvel at the frescoes, villas, forum, and amphitheater that depict ancient Roman life. Visit the Naples Archaeological Museum to learn more about the history.

  • Day 13-14: Naples
    45 mins (25 km) from Pompeii

    Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Spaccanapoli street and the Royal Palace of Naples. Taste the signature Neapolitan pizza and sip espresso. Visit the scenic coastal towns of the Amalfi Coast, like Positano or Sorrento.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Cinque Terre entrance fee (2 days): 16 EUR
  • Accademia Gallery ticket (skip-the-line, 2 hours): 20 EUR
  • Uffizi Gallery ticket (skip-the-line, 3 hours): 24 EUR
  • Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Fast-Track Entry (2 hours): 33 EUR
  • Sforza Castle admission fee: 10 EUR
  • Vatican City Museum and Sistine Chapel ticket (skip-the-line, 3 hours): 30 EUR
  • Pompeii archaeological site admission fee: 16 EUR
  • Royal Palace of Naples admission fee: 6 EUR
  • Total Estimated Costs: 155 EUR

Transportation

You can travel by train, car or flights while in Italy. If you decide to travel by train, the high-speed train network is an efficient and fast way to travel between cities. Expect a cost range of 20-100 EUR depending on the distance traveled. Taking taxis are expensive as compared to public transportation. It's recommended to check the schedules and book your tickets in advance to save time and money.

Useful tips

If you have more time, we recommend visiting the Tuscan countryside, like Pisa or Lucca. Alternatively, you can add southern destinations like the enchanting Isle of Capri, the charming town of Matera, and the regal Caserta Royal Palace. If your time is limited, you may skip some of the art museums or landmarks, but make it a point to enjoy the local cuisine and soak in the unique vibe of each city.

Airports

The primary airports in Italy are the Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome, the Malpensa Airport (MXP) in Milan, and the Marco Polo Airport (VCE) in Venice. These airports are well-connected with major cities in Italy and worldwide. Naples International Airport (NAP) is the closest airport serving Pompeii, located about 25km from the site.

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