Start your trip in Rome with a visit to the iconic Colosseum, followed by a walk through the ancient Roman Forum. In the afternoon, make a wish at the Trevi Fountain before enjoying some delicious pizza from a local pizzeria.
Head to Vatican City and visit the Vatican Museums, where you can marvel at the beauty of the Sistine Chapel. Then, make your way to St. Peter's Basilica and climb to the top of the dome for stunning views of Rome. In the evening, indulge in some delicious gelato from Gelateria del Teatro.
Take a train to Florence and visit the Uffizi Gallery to view the works of renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli. Then, enjoy a walk across the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge and sample some of the city's best gelato from Gelateria dei Neri.
Take a day trip to Pisa and pose for a cheesy photo holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Then, explore the rest of the Piazza dei Miracoli and visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta before heading back to Florence.
Experience the stunning beauty of the Cinque Terre by hiking the trails that connect the five coastal villages. Take in the views of the Mediterranean Sea and snap photos of the colorful buildings that cling to the cliffs. Sample some delicious seafood from local ristorantes before heading back to Florence.
Explore the beautiful countryside of Tuscany by visiting the picturesque town of Siena. Admire the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and climb to the top of the Torre del Mangia for breathtaking views of the city. In the evening, enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal at a Tuscan farmstay.
Take a train to Venice and drift along the iconic canals by taking a gondola ride. Visit the stunning Saint Mark's Basilica and climb to the top of the Campanile di San Marco for views of the city. In the evening, enjoy some Venetian cicchetti (tapas) at a bacaro.
Take a train to Milan and visit the iconic Duomo di Milano, one of the largest cathedrals in the world. Admire the beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and take a stroll through the historic Brera district. In the evening, treat yourself to some delicious Milanese risotto at a local osteria.
Take a day trip to the beautiful Lake Como. Enjoy the stunning views of the lake while walking along the promenade in the charming town of Bellagio. Take a ferry to the spectacular Villa del Balbianello and explore its lush gardens. In the evening, sample some delicious gelato from Gelateria Lariana.
Take a flight to Naples and spend a day exploring the city. Visit the Naples National Archaeological Museum and sample some delicious Neapolitan pizza from Da Michele. The next day, take a train to the ancient city of Pompeii and explore its fascinating ruins. In the evening, enjoy some delicious seafood at a local trattoria.
Take a train to the beautiful Amalfi Coast and spend the day taking in the stunning views. Visit the charming town of Positano and walk along its beautiful beaches. Head to the Villa Rufolo in Ravello and admire the stunning gardens. In the evening, enjoy some delicious seafood pasta at a local osteria.
Take a train to the beautiful seaside city of Bari. Visit the stunning Basilica di San Nicola and explore the historic Bari Vecchia district. Sample some delicious orecchiette (pasta) from a local trattoria.
Take a day trip to the stunning city of Matera. Explore its famous Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised of ancient cave dwellings. Visit the stunning Cathedral of Matera and enjoy some delicious bread from a local forno.
Take a train back to Rome and spend your final day exploring the city. Visit the beautiful Pantheon and take a stroll through the charming Trastevere district. In the evening, enjoy a final plate of delicious pasta at a local osteria.
For this itinerary, it is best to travel by train as it is a cheap and efficient way to get around Italy. The cost for train travel between cities is approximately €30-€50 per person, depending on the distance. It is also recommended to book your train tickets in advance to save money.
If you have more time, consider adding more destinations such as Bologna, Verona, or the Tuscan town of San Gimignano. If you have less time, consider eliminating some destinations or shortening your stay in each city.
The main airports in Italy are Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome and Malpensa Airport (MXP) in Milan. Fiumicino Airport is located approximately 35 km from the city center, while Malpensa Airport is approximately 50 km from the city center. Naples International Airport (NAP) is also a popular airport for travelers visiting southern Italy.