Start your Italian adventure in the Eternal City of Rome. Explore the Colosseum, the icon of ancient Rome, and the Pantheon, an impressive temple dedicated to all the gods. End your day at the Trevi Fountain, toss a coin, and make a wish.
Recommended: Try authentic Italian pizza at La Montecarlo (1.5 hours, €30).
Head to Vatican City, the world's smallest independent state. Visit the Vatican Museums, home to some of the world's most precious artwork, and the Sistine Chapel, where you can witness Michelangelo's ceiling masterpiece. End your day at St. Peter's Basilica, the world's largest church.
Recommended: Enjoy a guided tour of the Vatican Gardens (1.5 hours, €40).
Travel to the beautiful city of Florence, considered the birthplace of the Renaissance. Walk through the breathtaking Uffizi Gallery, showcasing masterpieces from Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. Don't miss the iconic Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge famous for its jewelry shops.
Recommended: Watch a live opera performance at Teatro del Maggio (3 hours, €60).
Visit Pisa, home to the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb to the top of the tower and enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful city. Stroll around the Piazza dei Miracoli, a beautiful square filled with stunning Renaissance architecture.
Recommended: Taste some of the best gelato in Italy at Gelateria De' Coltelli (30 minutes, €5).
Discover the hidden gem of Italy, Cinque Terre, a series of five towns located by the seaside. Hike through the beautiful trails connecting the villages and enjoy spectacular views of the sea. Relax on the beaches of Monterosso, the largest town in the area.
Recommended: Enjoy fresh seafood at Ristorante Belforte (2 hours, €50).
Travel to the stunning city of Venice, built on a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal, the main waterway of Venice, and visit the Basilica di San Marco, an exquisite example of Byzantine architecture. End your day at Piazza San Marco, the main square of the city.
Recommended: Visit the Murano glass factories and watch a glassblowing demonstration (1.5 hours, €40).
Visit the romantic city of Verona, the setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. See the Juliet's House and the famous balcony where Romeo declared his love for Juliet, and the Arena di Verona, a stunning Roman amphitheater. Stroll around Piazza delle Erbe, a beautiful square with great restaurants and shops.
Recommended: Enjoy traditional Italian cuisine at Osteria del Duca (2 hours, €35).
Visit Milan, one of the largest cities in Italy and a global capital of fashion and design. See the Duomo di Milano, a magnificent Gothic cathedral, and visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, an art museum housing works by Raphael, Caravaggio, and other Renaissance artists. Stroll around Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an elegant shopping mall featuring luxury Italian brands.
Recommended: Taste traditional Milanese risotto at Trattoria Milanese (1.5 hours, €30).
Visit the stunning city of Siena, famous for its medieval brick buildings and the Piazza del Campo, one of Europe's greatest medieval squares. See the Siena Cathedral, a spectacular example of Italian Gothic architecture, and visit the Palazzo Pubblico and Civic Museum, housing masterpieces by Simone Martini and Lorenzetti.
Recommended: taste authentic Tuscan cuisine at Osteria Le Logge (2 hours, €30).
End your Italian adventure in Naples, a city located by the picturesque Bay of Naples. See the Piazza del Plebiscito, one of the largest squares in Italy, and visit the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, one of the most important archaeological museums in the world. Don't miss the opportunity to taste Neapolitan pizza, a delicious local specialty.
Recommended: Visit Mount Vesuvius and the Roman ruins of Pompeii (4 hours, €90).
Trains are the best way to travel between cities in Italy. Consider purchasing a Eurail Italy Pass if you plan to visit multiple cities. Taxis and local buses are available for shorter distances. Expect to pay €20-€25 for a taxi ride from the airport to the city center. Budget airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet offer affordable flights within Italy, with prices starting at €20.
Consider spending an extra day in Rome to visit the famous Roman Forum and the Catacombs of Rome. If you have more time, add a day trip to the charming town of Assisi, located in the Umbria region. For a more romantic experience, add a visit to the stunning island of Capri, located in the Bay of Naples.
Rome has two main airports: Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (FCO), located 30 km from the city center, and Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA), located 15 km from the city center. Naples has one main airport: Naples International Airport (NAP), located 7 km from the city center.