Explore the ancient city of Rome, starting with the Colosseum. This iconic symbol of Italy's history once housed gladiator games, but today, visitors can tour the structure's many layers and see the arena floor. Continue on to the Pantheon, an impressive temple-turned-church, and end the day with a visit to Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel.
Considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a must-see for art-lovers. Start at the Uffizi Gallery to see an impressive collection of paintings by Italian masters, then head to the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David. Finally, take a stroll along the Ponte Vecchio before enjoying dinner at one of the city's many local restaurants.
Visit the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre, located on the rugged coast of the Italian Riviera. Start at Riomaggiore and hike the 2-hour trail to Manarola. From there, take a train to Vernazza and enjoy lunch at a seaside café. End the day at Monterosso al Mare, one of the region's most popular beaches.
Explore the famous canals of Venice, starting with a gondola ride through the charming streets. Visit St. Mark's Basilica, one of the city's most famous landmarks, and the Doge's Palace, a breathtaking Gothic-style palace. End the day with a visit to the Rialto Bridge and market, where you can find local goods and souvenirs.
Visit Italy's fashion capital and start with a visit to the stunning Duomo di Milano, then head to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an extravagant shopping mall known for its high-end stores and restaurants. End the day with a visit to Da Vinci's Last Supper, a famous mural located in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church.
Take a day trip to the beautiful Tuscany region, known for its scenic hillsides and charming villages. Start with a visit to the historic city of Siena, then drive to the charming hillside town of San Gimignano, known for its many towers. End the day with a wine-tasting in the famous Chianti region.
Visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii, a fascinating look into a city buried by volcanic ash. Then, take a scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast, stopping at the charming towns of Positano and Ravello. End the day with a visit to the picturesque town of Sorrento and enjoy a meal by the water.
Explore the lively city of Naples, starting with a visit to the Castel dell'Ovo, a medieval castle located on a peninsula. Then, visit the National Archaeological Museum, where you can see artifacts from Pompeii and ancient Rome. End the day with a visit to Piazza del Plebiscito, one of the city's most famous public squares.
Visit the serene and beautiful Lake Como, located in the foothills of the Alps. Take a boat tour around the lake and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains. Visit the charming town of Bellagio, known for its beautiful gardens and villas, before ending the day with a delicious meal by the water.
Visit the charming city of Verona, the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Visit Casa di Giulietta, Juliet's famous balcony, and the Roman Arena, a stunning amphitheater that still hosts concerts and events today. Return to Venice in the afternoon for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Traveling by train is the most efficient way to get around Italy, as it allows for easy transport to all major cities and regions. Consider purchasing a rail pass for the duration of your trip, and renting a car for day trips or scenic drives. You may also want to consider using the local public transportation systems, like a water taxi in Venice or bus tours in Tuscany.
If you have more time, consider adding visits to lesser-known areas of Italy, such as the beautiful beaches of Sardinia or the picturesque villages of Umbria. If you have less time, consider shortening your stay in one of the cities on the itinerary, or eliminating a day trip in favor of more time in one location.
Rome's main airport is Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO), located approximately 30km southwest of the city center. Venice's Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is located just 8km north of the city center. Naples' main airport is Naples International Airport (NAP), located approximately 6km northeast of the city center. Milan has two major airports: Milan Linate Airport (LIN), located approximately 8km east of the city center, and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), located approximately 45km northwest of the city center.