Start your adventure in the city of Rome, exploring one of the richest histories on the planet. Visit the Colosseum which is the world's largest amphitheater, built in AD 70. Move to the Pantheon, a temple-turned-church to appreciate its incredible architecture. Later visit the Vatican Museums which houses many famous masterpieces, including Michelangelo's famous painting in the Sistine Chapel.
Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage site made up of five picturesque coastal towns between Genoa and Pisa. Catch a train to Manarola, then walk to the other towns (Vernazza and Monterosso beach) and enjoy the views of the stunning landscape. Arrive at Riomaggiore via train and travel to Portovenere to see the Gothic-style church called Church of St. Peter.
Visit the center of the Italian Renaissance and explore the city, visiting the Duomo which is magnificent with a unique style using white, pink and green marble to make it stand out. Then visit the famous Uffizi Gallery museum where the greatest collection of Italian Renaissance art is displayed with over 20,000 works of art.
Visit one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, Pompeii, an ancient Roman city that was buried under volcanic ash and pumice after the eruption of nearby Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Later, head to the city of Naples for some delicious local cuisine, including the famous Neapolitan pizza, and explore notable museums like Madre Museum or Naples National Archaeological Museum.
End your adventure with a hike up Mount Vesuvius. Once completed, travel to the stunning Amalfi Coast where you can stop at towns like Sorrento and Positano to take in the views. You can also visit the ceramic factories for which the area is famous. The crisp blue waters and sandy beaches beckon for a final swim before flying home.
*excluding food, transportation and accommodation costs.
Public transportation is readily available throughout Italy. Renting a car is also an option but be aware that many Italian cities do not allow cars in the city center, which can make parking difficult while also incurring additional expenses like ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato), traffic tickets and parking garages. Train travel is the easiest way to get around, fares are affordable and offer scenic views. A one-day regional train pass costs around €12.
Estimated travel costs, including trains and buses, will range between €50-€100 per person per day.
If you have extra time, explore the food markets in cities like Florence, Naples and Rome or visit the historic Brera neighborhood in Milan. For a more adventurous day, take a hot air balloon or paragliding ride to catch sensational views of the areas. If there is a new place open in which you're interested, ask your hotel or hostel staff for local tips.
The primary airports in Italy are the Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome, Malpensa International Airport (MXP) in Milan and Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) in Venice. From Rome to FCO airport is a 30-minute drive or a 30-minute train ride. Likewise, to get to MXP airport from Milan city center, it is around 50 minutes by taxi, car or train. In Venice, it’s a 20-minute drive or a 30-minute shuttle ride to get from the airport to the city center.