Exploring Italy's Natural Wonders

  • Day 1: Rome
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 2 hours (143 km) from Fiumicino Airport

    Start your nature adventure in Rome by visiting Villa Borghese. Stroll through the park's lush greenery, gardens, and fountains whilst admiring the stunning views of the city from Pincio Terrace.

  • Day 2: Naples
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 1 hour and 10 minutes (227 km) from Rome Termini

    Take a day trip to the Capri Island - a popular spot known for its beautiful nature. Take a guided nature walk to Letojanni town, located high in the hills with stunning views over the island and Tyrrhenian Sea. Here, get a taste of local cuisine.

  • Day 3: Pompei
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 40 minutes (24 km) from Naples

    Explore the wonders of Italy's natural history at Pompeii Archaeological Site. This ancient city was destroyed by volcanic eruption, and now you can walk through its ruins while taking in the sights and sounds of this lost world.

  • Day 4: Positano
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 1 hour (37 km) from Pompei

    Drive along the scenic road of Amalfi Coast to reach Positano, a beautiful town known for its pastel houses and pebble beach. Take a dip in the ocean before hiking along the Sentiero degli Dei trail to see stunning cliffs and seascapes.

  • Day 5: Matera
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 4 hours (390 km) from Positano

    Discover the raw beauty of the Southern Italy at Matera's Sassi, located on the border of Puglia and Basilicata. The cave dwellings city is declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Have a stroll along the ravine and enjoy the picturesque views of Matera.

  • Day 6: Bari
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 1 hour and 15 minutes (64 km) from Matera

    Visit Gargano National Park, located in the promontory of Gargano. Enjoy a nature walk or explore the medieval villages and take in the scenic views of the park.

  • Day 7: Florence
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 5 hours and 15 minutes (655 km) from Bari

    Visit Boboli Gardens, located in the ancient city of Florence. The park showcases quiet walks, peaceful fountains and huge green areas. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing picnic or walk amongst the fountains and sculptures.

  • Day 8: Siena
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 1 hour and 25 minutes (75.5 km) from Florence

    Go on a scenic drive to Val d'Orcia and hike trails past gorges, hot springs and rolling hills.

  • Day 9: Pisa
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 2 hours and 10 minutes (157 km) from Siena

    Discover Cinque Terre National Park, named after five coastal villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola ,Vernazza, Corniglia and Monterosso, that stretch along the shore. Explore the National Park's trails, enjoy the panoramic view points and also discover the local cuisine.

  • Day 10: La Spezia
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 30 minutes (brief ferry ride) from Cinque Terre

    Discover the Hermitage trails of Cinque Terre National Park. Marvel at old forts, a lighthouse, remote chapels, ancient farmsteads and stunning coastal views.

  • Day 11: Bologna
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 2 hours and 30 minutes (192 km) from La Spezia

    Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Parco Regionale della Vena del Gesso Romagnola Natural Reserve, home to idyllic trails, picturesque and charming views, and local wildlife.

  • Day 12: Verona
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 1 hour and 40 minutes (144 km) from Bologna Centrale

    Hike through the Lessinia Regional Nature Reserve in the province of Verona. Covering 10,800 hectares, the reserve is known for its stunning rock formations and ancient landscapes.

  • Day 13: Venice
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 1 hour 35 minutes (138 km) from Verona Porta Nuova

    Discover the beautiful Laguna di Venezia. Take a kayak or gondola tour and embrace the stunning beauty of the lagoon's flora and fauna, but be sure not to miss the sunsets here, they are spectacular.

  • Day 14: Milan
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 2 hours (272 km) from Venice Santa Lucia

    Visit Parco Sempione, located in the heart of Milan's city centre. Take a stroll around the park's attractions, including the Sforza Castle, Aquarium, and Arena.

  • Day 15: Lake Como
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 1 hour (69 km) from Milan Centrale

    End your nature-focused trip by visiting Lake Como, situated at the foothills of Alps. Take a boat trip around the lake to see historic villas and homes of Italian aristocrats or hike around the scenic trails.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Villa Borghese (4 hours, 15 EUR)
  • Capri Island Day Tour (9 hours, 80 EUR)
  • Pompeii Archaeological Site (6 hours, 20 EUR)
  • Amalfi Coast Drive and Boat Tour (11 hours, 75 EUR)
  • Matera’s Sassi Guided Tour (3 hours, 20 EUR)
  • Gargano National Park Tour (7 hours, 70 EUR)
  • Boboli Gardens (5 hours, 15 EUR)
  • Val d'Orcia Hiking Tour (8 hours, 45 EUR)
  • Cinque Terre National Park - Day Hike (9 hours, 25 EUR)
  • Cinque Terre National Park - Hermitage Trails (7 hours, 20 EUR)
  • Parco Regionale della Vena del Gesso Romagnola (4 hours, 10 EUR)
  • Lessinia Regional Nature Reserve - Hiking Tour (9 hours, 30 EUR)
  • Laguna di Venezia Kayak or Gondola Tour (4.5 hours, 50 EUR)
  • Parco Sempione (4 hours, Free)
  • Lake Como Boat Trip or Hike (9 hours, 35 EUR)
  • Total Estimated Costs (15 Days): 605 EUR

Transportation

In Italy, the most common mode of travel is by train. Trenitalia and Italo are the two most popular train lines. Another option is by car, although the busy city centers may become congested. To reduce travel times, flights can be taken between major cities. For short distances, buses and taxis are also available and cost-effective.

Useful Tips

If you have additional time, you may want to consider visiting:
- The Tuscan town of San Gimignano, which is known for its medieval towers.
- The Dolomites, which are popular for skiing and hiking.
- The islands of Sardinia and Sicily, which are rich in culture and natural beauty.
If you have less time, you may want to consider:
- Reducing the number of locations you visit in order to fully enjoy each spot.
- Remaining in one region of Italy, such as Tuscany, Umbria, or the Amalfi Coast.
- Shortening day trips or adding an extra day to a location to minimize travel time and maximize your experience.

Airports

The major airports in Italy are:
- Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) in Rome
- Milan-Malpensa International Airport (MXP) in Milan
- Naples International Airport (NAP) in Naples
- Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) in Venice
All four airports have connectivity with major airports around the world with airport codes that are FCO, MXP, NAP and VCE respectively. The distances from the city centre are manageable and are less than 30 km.

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