Start your trip by exploring the heart of Italy, Rome. Visit the iconic Colosseum, which was once the largest amphitheater in the world. After that, head to the Roman Forum, which is a rectangular plaza surrounded by the ruins of ancient government buildings.
Take a trip to Tuscany and enjoy the picturesque countryside. Cinque Terre is a popular destination where you can hike between several pastel-colored coastal towns while admiring the breath-taking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Also, visit the leaning tower of Pisa in the afternoon.
Florence is known for its stunning architecture, art, and world-class museums. Visit the well-known sites, like the stunning Duomo of Florence cathedral and the Accademia Gallery, which hosts Michelangelo's masterpiece "David".
Head to Venice, one of the most romantic cities in the world. Visit the majestic Doge's Palace, a Gothic-style palace complex that served as the residence of the Doge of Venice. After that, take a gondola ride on the Grand Canal and enjoy the stunning views of the city's canals.
Next stop is Verona, a charming city famous for Romeo and Juliet. Visit Juliet's House, which is said to be linked to Shakespeare's famous play. Don't forget to stop in the Verona Arena, one of the best-preserved ancient structures in the world. You can also climb to the top of the Torre dei Lamberti Tower for a stunning view of the city.
Head to Milan, the fashion and financial capital of Italy. Visit the stunning Gothic Cathedral of Milan, which took nearly 600 years to complete. Don't forget to visit the Sforza Castle, which hosts art exhibitions and an extensive collection of antique furniture and sculptures.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Como. Visit the quaint village of Varenna, the stunning Villa del Balbianello, which is known for its beautiful gardens and breath-taking views. Enjoy the scenic drive around Lake Como and take advantage of the stunning photo opportunities of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Bologna is famous for its medieval architecture and incredible cuisine. The city is home to two leaning towers, but the most famous one is the Asinelli Tower, which you can climb for spectacular views of the city. Visit the Museum of Geology and Paleontology and learn about the fascinating natural history of the region. Enjoy some gourmet Italian cuisine at the Piazza Maggiore.
If you enjoy water sports, Livorno has plenty of activities to offer. Spend the day diving and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, which are home to a variety of marine life. After that, visit the Acquario di Livorno and discover the fascinating marine habitats of the Tuscan archipelago.
End your trip in Naples, which is home to stunning architecture, incredible museums, and ancient ruins. Visit the Naples Underground, a maze of tunnels beneath the city that was once used as an air-raid shelter during World War II. After that, visit the Archaeological Museum of Naples, which is home to much of the art and artifacts from Pompeii before heading to Pompeii to end your trip with a bang.
To reach the destinations, you can travel by train, bus or rent a car. Train is the cheapest and easiest way to get around the country. The estimated travel time between destinations is provided, and the total distance covered will be approximately 1596.4 km (991.8 miles).
If you have extra time, you can make a side trip to the nearby towns in each destination. However, if you have less time, you can exclude some destinations or activities from your itinerary. Keep in mind that the opening and closing hours of attractions and restaurants may vary, so always check the timings before visiting.
The main airports in Italy are the Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome, Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Naples International Airport (NAP) in Naples, and Marco Polo Airport (VCE) in Venice. All the airports are connected to the city center by various public and private transportation options.