Begin your Italian adventure with a visit to the Vatican, a city-state surrounded by Rome famous for its art, architecture and history. Admire the St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. End the day with authentic Roman cuisine at the famous Osteria del Pegno.
Take a train to Sorrento, a beautiful coastal town famous for its lemons and seafood. Visit the Villa Comunale Park, enjoy a Limoncello tasting or swim in the clear blue sea. Don't miss Ristorante Bagni Delfino for the freshest seafood with panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples.
Travel to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to world-renowned museums, art and architecture. Marvel at masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery, climb the ancient bell tower or simply stroll through the Piazza della Signoria. Stop at Trattoria Sabatino for classic Tuscan dishes.
Visit Bologna, the gastronomic capital of Italy. Enjoy a food tour through the city's markets and indulge in local specialties such as handmade pasta, authentic mortadella and aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Dine at the Michelin-starred Trattoria Anna Maria for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Drive to Modena, a charming medieval town with a rich culinary history. Take a tour of the world-renowned balsamic vinegar producers, Acetaia di Giorgio, or visit the Ferrari Museum for a peek into the Italian sports car brand's history. Have lunch at Albinelli Market for fresh local ingredients.
Travel to Verona, a stunning city with a rich history and romantic charm. Visit Juliet's balcony, the Arena di Verona or climb the Torre dei Lamberti for panoramic views of the city. Experience an unforgettable dinner at Trattoria al Pompiere, known for its traditional Veronese cuisine.
Take a train to tour Venice, a unique city built on water with canals, bridges and stunning architecture. See the iconic St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace or enjoy a gondola ride through the canals. Savor fresh seafood and traditional Venetian dishes at Osteria da Fiore.
Travel to Naples, a city famous for its rich history and of course, pizza. Visit the stunning Royal Palace of Naples, the Castel dell'Ovo or take a stroll through the Spaccanapoli. End the day enjoying a delicious Margherita pizza at Pizzeria Starita - dal 1901.
Take a scenic drive to the Amalfi Coast, a breathtaking stretch of coastline known for its picturesque towns and stunning landscapes. Visit the charming town of Positano, explore the ancient ruins in Ravello or simply relax on the beach. Don't miss the Michelin-starred Ristorante Don Alfonso 1890.
Head back to Rome for one last day of exploring, shopping and savoring authentic Italian food. Visit the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain or the Roman Forum. Feast on regional specialties at Roscioli or indulge in delicious Italian gelato at Giolitti.
Most of this itinerary is accessible by train or car rental. Train fares vary based on distance and type of train. Car rentals vary in cost depending on the model, length of rental and insurance. Use public transportation such as buses, vaporettos or water taxis in cities like Venice or Naples. Expect to spend up to €500 on transportation costs.
If you have more time, consider adding an extra day to visit the charming town of San Gimignano in Tuscany, famous for its medieval architecture and gelato. If you have less time, consider excluding Verona and the Amalfi Coast. It's also worth checking the opening and closing times for all attractions ahead of time, and planning meals in advance to avoid long wait times.
Rome has two airports: Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA). FCO is the larger of the two and is located about 30 km southwest of the city center. CIA is smaller and located about 15 km southeast of Rome. Both airports are well-connected to the city center by public transportation and taxis.