7-Day Itinerary for Exploring the Best of Italy

  • Day 1: Rome
    Estimated Time from Airport: 40 minutes (23 km)

    Rome, the Eternal City, has everything to offer tourists, from ancient ruins to beautiful museums, and stunning architecture. Begin by exploring the Colosseum, an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome that has stood for almost 2000 years. From here, visit the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in the world. Finally, head towards the Vatican City, where you can discover the incredible Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.

  • Day 2: Florence
    Estimated Time from Rome: 3 hours (300 km)

    As you explore Florence, be sure to experience the city's incredible art and architecture. Start the day by visiting the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most famous art museums in the world. Next, take a stroll through the magnificent Ponte Vecchio constructioned over a 14th-century bridge across the Arno River. Lastly, visit the jaw-dropping Duomo, a Renaissance masterpiece of engineering and design that took over 140 years to complete.

  • Day 3: Amalfi Coast
    Estimated Time from Florence: 5 hours (400 km)

    Enjoy one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, the Amalfi Coast, known for its charming small villages and colorful buildings. Start the day by exploring the picturesque town of Positano, a vertical city on the face of a mountain that is home to outstanding food and shopping industries! Next, head to the charming town of Ravello, offering stunning views of the ocean, and finish by exploring the Amalfi Cathedral, a 13th-century Roman Catholic cathedral.

  • Day 4: Venice
    Estimated Time from Amalfi Coast: 4.5 hours (710 km)

    Get ready to explore the charming Venice, known as the City of Canals. Start by taking a Vaporetto, which is the water bus service, for a breathtaking view of the city. Visit Piazza San Marco, home to the famous Basilica di San Marco known for its fantastic Catholic Church and remarkable art. Lastly, other places to visit the Bridge of Sighs, famous for its romantic lore, and the iconic Rialto Bridge.

  • Day 5: Milan
    Estimated Time from Venice: 2.5 hours (280 km)

    A delightful final city to visit is Milan, known for being one of the most fashionable cities in the world. Start by visiting Il Duomo, the most picture-perfect church located in the city center. A fantastic place to visit is the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, known for its high-end shopping, elegant restaurants, and fancy cafés. Furthermore, head to the Teatro alla Scala, a world-famous opera house that has hosted some of the finest musicians in the world.

  • Day 6: Lake Como
    Estimated Time from Milan: 1 hour (52 km)

    Lake Como, with its stunning natural beauty, is the perfect way to relax, unwind, and snap incredible pictures. You can hop on a ferry from Como and enjoy breathtaking views of the colorful shoreline dotted with small towns, waterfront houses, and villas. You may visit the Villa del Balbianello, where you feel as though you're walking through a movie set or explore Bellagio, a quaint town famous for its picturesque views.

  • Day 7: Verona
    Estimated Time from Lake Como: 2.5 hours (190 km)

    On your last day, explore Verona's romantic charm, the city of Romeo and Juliet. Begin by visiting the Arena di Verona, a first-century amphitheater where concerts and operas are performed today. Afterwards, explore Piazza Bra, a massive square filled with open-air cafés, restaurants, shops, and cinemas. You can't miss Piazza delle Erbe, a lovely and lively square that is home to a vibrant market during the day.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • The Colosseum (2 hours, € 16)
  • The Pantheon (1 hour, free entry)
  • The Vatican City - Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica (2 hours, € 12)
  • The Uffizi Gallery (2-3 hours, € 20-25)
  • The Ponte Vecchio (30 minutes, free entry)
  • The Duomo (1-2 hours, € 20)
  • Positano (4 hours, free entry)
  • Ravello (2 hours, free entry)
  • Amalfi Cathedral (1 hour, € 3-5)
  • The Basilica di San Marco (1-2 hours, free entry)
  • The Bridge of Sighs (30 minutes, free entry)
  • The Rialto Bridge (30 minutes, free entry)
  • The Il Duomo (1-2 hours, € 3-5)
  • Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (30 minutes - 1 hour, free entry)
  • Teatro alla Scala (1 hour, € 10-20)
  • Lake Como (4 hours, free entry)
  • Villa del Balbianello (2 hours, € 10-20)
  • Bellagio (2 hours, free entry)
  • Arena di Verona (2 hours, € 10-25)
  • Piazza Bra (1-2 hours, free entry)
  • Piazza delle Erbe (1-2 hours, free entry)
  • Total Estimated Costs: € 170-200

Transportation

During the trip, the best way to get around is a combination of train, car, and boat, depending on the cities visited. Public transportation is a great budget-friendly option.
As for costs, a tourist visiting Italy can expect to spend approximately €50 on intercity travel per day, including trains and/or car rentals, and boat ferries as comfortability.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit nearby cities like Pisa or Siena in Tuscany. The coastal towns of Vernazza, Riomaggiore or Portofino are also charming to visit. Additionally, make sure you try one of the many classic Italian meals, like pasta Carbonara, Bolognese, pizza Margherita, or fresh focaccia bread.
If you have less time, skip Milan or Verona to allow for more time in Florence, Venice, or some of the other smaller Italian towns.

Airports

The primary airport to land in Italy is the Aeroporto di Roma-Fiumicino (FCO), also called Leonardo da Vinci Airport, situated 32.8 km from Rome city center. Milano Linate Airport (LIN) is 9.3 km from Milan city, and Aeroporto di Venezia Marco Polo (VCE) is 13.5 km from Venice city center.

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