Experience Italy's Most Epic Cities in 13 Days

• Day 1 - Rome: Visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon before stopping for a cappuccino at a local café. From there, explore the Vatican City and see the incredible art of the Sistine Chapel.
• Day 2 - Florence: Take a train from Rome to Florence to see the incredible works of art at the Uffizi Gallery. Stop at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, then head to the artisan market at San Lorenzo.
• Day 3 - Florence: Walk over the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge and explore the Pitti Palace. Take a day trip to Siena to see the medieval architecture, and have dinner in San Gimignano to watch the sunset over the Tuscan countryside.
• Day 4 - Bologna: Travel to Bologna and visit the San Petronio Basilica before seeing the breathtaking views from the Asinelli Tower. Stop to see local art at the MAMbo museum.
• Day 5 - Venice: Take a train to Venice and spend the day exploring the canals and small streets. Visit the Doge's Palace and the legendary St. Mark's Basilica before dining in the colorful Burano neighborhood.
• Day 6 - Venice: Take a gondola ride through the canals and stop at the Rialto Market to see the local produce. Visit the Guggenheim museum for modern art and explore the smaller islands of Murano and Torcello.
• Day 7 - Milan: Take a train to Milan and see the incredible Duomo, with the opportunity to go up to the roof. Explore fashion history at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II before seeing Da Vinci's art at the Pinacoteca di Brera.
• Day 8 - Milan: Visit the Teatro alla Scala opera house and take a green walk through the Sempione Park, with quick stops at the Arch of Peace and Sforza Castle. End the day with a visit to local shops and the trendy Naviglio district.
• Day 9 - Naples: Take a train to Naples and have lunch at Pizzeria Brandi, the birthplace of the margherita pizza. Visit the Pompeii ruins for a glimpse into history before end the day with a relaxing stroll through the Posillipo neighborhood.
• Day 10 - Amalfi Coast: Take a day trip down the scenic Amalfi Coast, stopping in Sorrento and Positano before reaching the historic city of Amalfi. Relax on the beach or climb to the top of the Villa Rufolo gardens for a breathtaking view.
• Day 11 - Matera: Travel to Matera and see the legendary Sassi di Matera cave dwellings. Explore the Rock Church of San Pietro Caveoso and see how the town has transformed over time.
• Day 12 - Puglia: Visit the neighboring region of Puglia and explore the charming town of Alberobello, known for its iconic trulli homes. Stop by the historic Castel del Monte before heading for a swim in the clear blue sea at Polignano a Mare.
• Day 13 - Rome: Travel back to Rome for a last-minute souvenir shopping spree. Visit the Trevi Fountain and throw a coin over your shoulder for good luck before enjoying one last authentic Italian meal.

Time and Cost Estimates:

• Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon (3-4 hours, $20)
• Sistine Chapel and Vatican City (3-4 hours, $35)
• Uffizi Gallery (2-3 hours, $22)
• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (1-2 hours, $10)
• Pitti Palace (2-3 hours, $17)
• Asinelli Tower (1-2 hours, $10)
• Guggenheim museum (2-3 hours, $18)
• Duomo (1-2 hours, $16)
• Pinacoteca di Brera (2-3 hours, $14)
• Pompeii (4-6 hours, $18)
• Sassi di Matera (3-4 hours, $10)
• Castel del Monte (1-2 hours, $8)
• Trevi Fountain (30 minutes, free)
Total Estimated Costs: $198 per person

Transportation:

Travelers can explore Italy's major cities by train or plane. Italian high-speed trains, such as the Frecciargento and Frecciarossa, are quick and easy ways to get around the country. Flights can also connect major cities at reasonable prices. Expect a one-way flight from Rome to Venice to cost between $50-$100 per person while a train costs between $40-$90. Buses can also provide an affordable alternative but may take slightly more time.

Useful tips:

To maximize your 13-day trip to Italy, consider adding an extra day or two to your trip. Use the extra days to explore other major cities, such as Verona, or to relax in the countryside vineyards. If you prefer to cover more ground, consider renting a car or joining a guided tour to make the most of your time. Stay in smaller, budget-friendly bed and breakfasts to save on accommodation while immersing yourself in local culture.

Airports:

Leonardo da Vinci or Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is Rome's main international airport, served by major airlines worldwide. It is located 19 miles west of the city center and takes approximately 30-40 minutes by train or taxi. Marco Polo Airport (VCE) in Venice is the main gateway to the city, located 5 miles north of Venice's city center, taking around 20-30 minutes by water taxi. Milan have two airports - the main international airport, Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) located 31 miles north-west of central Milan, and Milano Linate Airport (LIN) which is located 5 miles east of the city center and serves mainly domestic flights.