15 Days of Adventurous Exploration in Italy

  • Day 1: Explore the canals of Venice
    From Marco Polo Airport: 50 minutes (12 km) by car or taxi

    Get lost in the narrow streets and alleys of Venice while exploring its iconic canals. Take a gondola ride through the Grand Canal and glide under the Bridge of Sighs while listening to your gondolier sing traditional Italian songs. You can also visit Saint Mark's Basilica or Doge's Palace, both located in Piazza San Marco.

  • Day 2-4: Go hiking in the Dolomites
    From Venice: 3 hours (160 km) by car or bus

    Explore the stunning mountainous landscapes of the Dolomites which belong to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Go hiking in the scenic trails, ride a bike around the lakes, or challenge yourself with rock climbing. Stay in one of the cozy mountain huts, and dine on traditional cuisine while enjoying the panoramic views.

  • Day 5-6: Discover Florence and Tuscany
    From the Dolomites: 4 hours (310 km) by car or train

    Explore the birthplace of the Renaissance and immerse yourself in the stunning artworks of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and more at Galleria degli Uffizi or Accademia Gallery. Discover the beautiful hills of Tuscany by taking a wine tour in the Chianti region, visit medieval cities such as Siena or San Gimignano, and enjoy the scenic views of Val d'Orcia.

  • Day 7-9: Hike Mount Vesuvius and explore the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum
    From Florence: 4 hours (300 km) by car, train, or bus

    Hike up Mount Vesuvius and catch panoramic views of Naples Bay and the surrounding city. Explore the ancient Roman cities that were buried under the volcanic ash of the Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD, Pompeii and Herculaneum. Witness the well-preserved frescoes, mosaics, and architecture of the wealthy Roman Empire while experiencing the beauty and destruction of the eruption.

  • Day 10-12: Have an adventure in Amalfi Coast
    From Pompeii or Herculaneum: 1 hour (40 km) by car or bus

    Experience the ultimate adventure by hiking along the stunning Amalfi Coast offering the unbeatable views of the turquoise waters, dense vegetation, and cliffside villages. Swim or paddleboard in the clear water, and visit the picturesque towns such as Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, where you can shop for unique local handicrafts or taste the flavors of the Italian cuisine.

  • Day 13-15: Conquer Rome
    From Amalfi Coast: 3 hours (250 km) by car or train

    Finish your Italian adventure by exploring the world-famous attractions of Rome, such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. Stroll through the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel while admiring the stunning artworks of Michelangelo and other renowned artists. Take a walk through the beautiful parks such as Villa Borghese and enjoy an evening in the Trastevere neighborhood, tasting a variety of local dishes and wines.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Venice Gondola ride (1 hour, 80 EUR)
  • Accommodation in the Dolomites (3 nights, 200 EUR)
  • Tuscany wine tour (5 hours, 80 EUR)
  • Pompeii and Herculaneum entry tickets and guide (6 hours, 40 EUR)
  • Accommodation in Amalfi Coast (3 nights, 300 EUR)
  • Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tickets (4 hours, 40 EUR)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 740 EUR

Transportation

You may use public transportation such as trains or buses which offer scenic views of the countryside, or rent a car which could offer more flexibility and a time-saving option. The estimated costs for travel, including all modes of transport, will be around 350 EUR, while the estimated travel time will be around 25 hours.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you might explore the beautiful cities of Verona, Bologna or Milan, or you could add a few more days in Tuscany, especially if you are interested in art, food, and wine. If you have less time, you may skip some of the attractions in Rome or visit just one of Pompeii or Herculaneum. Make sure to check opening and closing times for all the visited places and consider purchasing tickets in advance to avoid lines.

Airports

The main airports in Italy are Malpensa International Airport (MXP) in Milan, Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO), and Venice Marco Polo International Airport (VCE). Venice Marco Polo International Airport is 14 km from the city center of Venice.

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