9-Day Itinerary for Exploring Italy

  • Day 1: Rome
    Arrival, take some rest

    Known for its ancient ruins, stunning architecture and delicious food, Rome is a great place to kick off your Italian adventure. Begin your trip with a visit to the iconic Colosseum, followed by a walk through the Roman Forum. You can also visit the Pantheon, an ancient temple, and then get lost in the winding streets of the Trastevere neighborhood.

  • Day 2: Florence
    1.5-hour train ride from Rome

    Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a beautiful city known for its history, art, and architecture. Experience the beauty of the city by visiting the iconic Duomo and Battistero di San Giovanni. You can also visit Uffizi Gallery to explore the world-famous artwork. End the day with a sunset view of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo.

  • Day 3: Pisa & Siena
    2-hour train ride from Florence to Pisa, another 1.5-hour train ride to Siena

    Today, take a train to Pisa to get a picture-perfect shot of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and while you are there, visit the nearby Pisa Baptistery. After strolling around the city, head to Siena, a small city situated in the countryside of Tuscany. It's known for its stunning medieval architecture and the famous Piazza del Campo.

  • Day 4: Cinque Terre
    2-hour train ride from Siena to Riomaggiore, the first village of Cinque Terre

    Cinque Terre is a group of five isolated villages tucked away in a corner of the Italian Riviera. Take a train to Riomaggiore and explore the colorful facades of Cinque Terre's villages along the hiking trails. Do not forget to stroll along the Manarola Harbor and snap pictures of the beautiful coastlines.

  • Day 5: Venice
    4-hour train ride from Cinque Terre to Venice

    The city of canals, Venice, is an enchanting place that most people fall in love with. Visit the Grand Canal and take a gondola ride to enjoy the streets and canals of the city. Walk around Saint Mark's Square and gaze upon the St. Mark's Basilica or visit the Doge's Palace.

  • Day 6: Milan
    2.5-hour train ride from Venice

    Known for its fashion and modern style, Milan is a great city to visit. Start your day with a visit to the iconic Cathedral of Milan and then head to the world-famous The Last Supper mural painting. You can end the day by visiting the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a famous shopping arcade in Milan.

  • Day 7: Naples & Pompeii
    1-hour flight from Milan to Naples, 2-hour train or bus ride to Pompeii

    Take a flight to Naples and visit the city, After that, make your way to Pompeii to explore the ancient ruins of the Mount Vesuvius eruption. Wander around the archaeological sites, and be amazed by the ancient city's remains. You can also visit the famous Pompeii Forum and the Amphitheatre of Pompeii.

  • Day 8: Sorrento & Capri
    1-hour train or bus ride from Pompeii to Sorrento, a ferry ride from Sorrento to Capri

    Take a train to Sorrento, enjoy the colourful streets of the city known for its architecture and palm-fringed cliffs. Then, take a ferry to the island of Capri, the charming land of spectacular views and luxurious lifestyle. Take a cable car to the top of Mount Salaro and visit the Faraglioni Rocks.

  • Day 9: Rome
    3-hour train or bus ride from Sorrento to Rome

    End your Italian adventure by taking some last strolls around the city of Rome. Visit the famous Trevi Fountain, an iconic baroque-style fountain, and then head to the historic Spanish Steps, made famous by numerous movies. You can also walk through the Villa Borghese Gardens, much like its French cousin, the Jardin des Tuileries.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Colosseum (2-3 hours, €16)
  • Uffizi Gallery (2-3 hours, €20)
  • Cinque Terre Hiking (1 day pass, €16)
  • Gondola Ride in Venice (30-40 mins, €80)
  • The Last Supper (1 hour, €8)
  • Pompeii Archaeological Area (2-3 hours, €16)
  • Capri Cable Car (15-20 mins, €2)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €158 per person

Transportation

It is recommended to buy a 7-day Italy Rail Pass for €199 for stress-free travel between cities. Traveling by train is the most convenient and cheapest option to explore Italy. The average train ticket costs €30-50, depending on the destination.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, explore the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, and visit the Amalfi Coast for more seaside adventures. You can also plan a road trip from Rome to Tuscany or explore the city of Bologna, located centrally. However, if you have less time, you can skip Milan and Pompeii or reduce the time spent in Cinque Terre.

Airports

Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is the largest airport located 30 km southwest of Rome's city center. The other airport is Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA), located in the southeast of Rome's city center. Both airports offer several transportation options such as taxi, train, and bus. Venice International Airport (VCE) is the closest airport to the city center, located 8 km from the city.

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