Begin your trip in the capital city of Rome, known for its rich history and iconic landmarks. Visit the Colosseum, an ancient amphitheater where gladiators once fought, and then head to the Pantheon, a well-preserved Roman temple. End your day with a stroll through the beautiful gardens of the Villa Borghese.
Take a day trip to the ancient city of Pompeii, where you can see remarkably preserved Roman ruins from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Next, head to the coastal town of Sorrento for some delicious Italian food and stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a must-visit for anyone interested in art and culture. Visit the Uffizi Gallery to see works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo, and then head to the Duomo to see the iconic cathedral.
See the famous leaning tower of Pisa before heading to the scenic coastal village of Cinque Terre. Hike along the picturesque trails to see the colorful houses perched along the cliffs and enjoy delicious seafood at one of the many local restaurants.
Explore the romantic city of Venice, known for its canals, gondolas, and beautiful architecture. Visit the Doge's Palace and stroll over the famous Rialto Bridge.
Experience the fashion and design capital of Italy in Milan. See the stunning Gothic cathedral, the Monumental Cemetery, and take a tour of the famous La Scala opera house.
Take a relaxing boat ride on beautiful Lake Como before heading to Verona, the setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Visit the Arena di Verona, an ancient Roman amphitheater, and see Juliet's famous balcony.
Explore the culinary capital of Italy in Bologna, known for its delicious cuisine and historic buildings. Afterward, visit the tiny republic of San Marino, which is completely surrounded by Italy and known for its beautiful castles and stunning views.
Visit the beautiful hilltop town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis and home to many beautiful churches and historic sites. Next, head to Perugia, a charming medieval town known for its chocolate and beautiful landscape.
Relax on the stunning beaches of the Amalfi Coast, known for their beautiful turquoise waters and colorful towns. Visit the historic fishing village of Positano and enjoy the delicious local seafood.
Explore the vibrant city of Naples, known for its delicious food and historic sites. Visit the Naples National Archaeological Museum, which houses one of the world's largest collections of Roman artifacts, and then head to Piazza del Plebiscito, one of the largest public squares in Italy.
End your trip with a visit to Vatican City, the smallest country in the world and home to the Pope. Visit the famous Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo's stunning frescoes and then head to St. Peter's Basilica, one of the largest cathedrals in the world.
For this itinerary, we recommend traveling by train or renting a car. Train tickets can be purchased online in advance and offer a convenient and affordable way to travel between cities. Rental cars are also a good option if you prefer more flexibility and independence, but keep in mind that parking in cities can be difficult and expensive. Estimated travel costs range from €80-€200 per person for train tickets, and €500-€700 for car rental.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to Tuscany or the Italian Riviera. For a shorter trip, you can skip one or two cities to ensure you have enough time to explore each destination in depth. Be sure to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly, as temperatures and rainfall can vary widely depending on the season.
Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is the largest airport in Italy and the primary hub for international flights. It is located in the town of Fiumicino, approximately 17 miles from Rome city center. Other major airports include Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), which is approximately 29 miles from city center, and Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), which is approximately 5 miles from city center.