Start off your culinary journey by exploring the historic city of Rome. Visit the Trastevere neighborhood and try some authentic Roman dishes such as cacio e pepe and amatriciana. For dessert, stop at Giolitti for their famous gelato. End your day with a visit to the Colosseum for a breathtaking view of an iconic symbol of ancient Rome.
Travel to the heart of Tuscany and explore Florence, a city known for its food and wine. Take a stroll through the Mercato Centrale and try some Tuscan specialties such as ribollita, bistecca alla fiorentina, and trippa alla fiorentina. Visit the Ponte Vecchio and admire the beauty of the Arno River. End the day with a glass of Chianti and a view of the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo.
Known as the "fat city,” Bologna is a foodie's paradise. Start with a visit to the Mercato di Mezzo, where you can try some traditional dishes such as mortadella, tortellini en brodo, and tagliatelle al ragù. Take a cooking class at La Vecchia Scuola Bolognese and learn how to make the famous Bolognese sauce. End the day with a visit to Piazza Maggiore and try some local gelato.
Travel to the birthplace of pizza, Naples. Start your day with some authentic Neapolitan pizza at Pizzeria Brandi. Visit the Naples National Archaeological Museum and learn about the history of the city. Take a stroll through the Spaccanapoli and try some street food such as zeppole and fried pizza. End the day with some limoncello and a view of the Mount Vesuvius at Piazza del Plebiscito.
Modena is known for its balsamic vinegar and parmigiano reggiano. Start your day with a visit to the Acetaia Giuseppe Giusti for a balsamic vinegar tasting. Take a tour at the Caseificio 4 Madonne and learn how parmigiano reggiano is made. Visit the Cathedral of Modena, a UNESCO world heritage site, and admire its beauty. End the day with a glass of Lambrusco at Piazza Grande.
End your journey by exploring the romantic city of Venice. Start with a visit to the Rialto Market and try some fresh seafood. Take a gondola ride and admire the architecture of the city. Visit the Piazza San Marco and try some Venetian specialties such as cicchetti and spritz. End your day with a view of the Grand Canal at Ponte di Rialto.
When considering transportation, keep in mind that traveling by train is the most efficient way to travel between cities. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available in the cities. Budget approximately $150 for transportation costs during the trip.
If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to the Amalfi Coast from Naples or a visit to the Cinque Terre from Florence. If you have less time, consider skipping Modena and spending more time in Rome, Florence, or Venice.
The main airport in Italy is Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome, located approximately 18 miles from the city center. Other major airports include Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Milan, Marco Polo Airport (VCE) in Venice, and Naples International Airport (NAP).