Begin your Italian adventure in Rome, the eternal city. Start your day exploring the Colosseum - the iconic amphitheater that once hosted gladiator fights, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum - a rectangular forum surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings.
Spend your second day soaking up the splendor of Vatican City, the smallest country in the world. A must-see is the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica, which features the world-famous Pietà sculpture and Bernini's immense bronze canopy. You could also visit the Vatican Museums - home to works by Michelangelo and Raphael.
After a short train ride, get ready to fall in love with Florence's Renaissance architecture, art galleries, and picturesque bridges. Visit the famous Duomo di Firenze - the cathedral that dominates the city skyline - before exploring the Uffizi Gallery - one of the most renowned art museums in the world with works by da Vinci and Botticelli.
No visit to Italy is complete without taking a photo holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Pisa also offers other magnificent landmarks, such as the Piazza del Miracoli, also known as the Field of Miracles - home to the city's cathedral and baptistery.
Known worldwide as the city of canals and gondolas, Venice is a true gem in the Northern part of Italy. Start your day with a stroll along the Grand Canal, followed by a visit to St. Mark's Square - a lavish public square with the impressive St. Mark's Basilica.
Home to Romeo and Juliet's tragic love story, Verona is a perfect location to soak in Italian culture, with beautiful castles and dreamy architecture. Stroll around the Castelvecchio Bridge and Castle before finding Juliet's Balcony and sharing your own love story.
On day seven, visit Milan, a hub of fashion, design, and culture. Visit the breathtaking Cathedral of Milan (The Duomo), the largest church in Italy known for its white marble and Gothic architecture. Afterward, stroll around the beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the first shopping mall worldwide.
Cinque Terre's renowned picturesque landscapes, colorful buildings, and charming harbor villages is a suitable destination for a non-costal day trips. Explore the five villages - Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare - and have a taste of traditional Italian cuisine while enjoying the breath-taking sceneries.
On day nine, visit the striking Amalfi Coast, famous for its crystal-clear waters and romantic sunsets. Explore the beautiful town of Positano with its colorful pastel houses, or take a boat ride to visit the Emerald Grotto, a mesmerizing sea cave.
End your trip with a day in Naples, famous for its cuisine, art, and architecture. Marvel at the city's stunning landmarks, such as Castel dell'Ovo, a seaside castle with stunning views of the city, and the Pompeii Archaeological Site - the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii which were buried under ash and pumice after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79.
During your journey, you could choose to take advantage of Italy's excellent train network. It's a comfortable and cost-effective way to travel between regions without worrying about road directions or vehicle rentals. A 10-day train pass costs approximately €250 per adult. Additionally, you may use taxis or ride-sharing services to reach some destinations, which would cost around €25-€30 per trip.
If you have additional time, consider exploring the historic city of Siena - located between Florence and Rome. Furthermore, be aware that some of the activities mentioned might require advanced reservations to avoid long lines. Remember to also wear comfortable footwear as many of these landmarks require a lot of walking.
Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) is the main airport serving the city of Rome, located around 30 km from the city center. Milan has two primary airports: Milan Linate Airport (LIN), only 7 km from the city center, and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), which is around 50 km from downtown. The nearest airport to Venice is Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), which is around 13 km from the city center. While Naples International Airport (NAP) is just 4km away from Naples.