Welcome to Rome! Check into your hotel and grab lunch at the Jewish Ghetto, one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe. Head to the Pantheon, a well-preserved ancient temple, and marvel at the immense dome. Stop by the Fountain of Trevi, then have dinner at La Carbonara, a family-run restaurant known for traditional Roman cuisine.
Start the day with a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, and admire the art and architecture of this iconic site. Head to St. Peter's Basilica, the world's largest church, and take in the stunning interior. After lunch at a local trattoria, visit the Colosseum for a glimpse into Rome's ancient past. End the day at The Orange Garden on the Aventine Hill, with panoramic views of the city.
Take the morning train to Florence, known for its stunning Renaissance art and architecture. After settling into your hotel, visit the Uffizi Gallery, home to many masterpieces including Botticelli's Birth of Venus. Stop by the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge with shops built along it, and walk to the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore for a stunning view of the city. End the day with dinner at La Giostra, a cozy restaurant with Tuscan specialties.
Start the day with a visit to the Accademia Gallery, to see Michelangelo's David. Take a break with a picnic lunch at the Boboli Gardens, a beautiful outdoor space with fountains and sculptures. Visit the Basilica di Santa Croce, the largest Franciscan church in the world, and the final resting place of many notable Italians such as Michelangelo and Galileo. Have dinner at Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco, known for its delicious pasta dishes.
Visit the colorful villages of Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a train to the picturesque village of Vernazza, and hike along the scenic coastline to Corniglia. Stop for lunch at a seaside restaurant and taste the local seafood. Take the train to Manarola, one of the oldest towns in Cinque Terre, and walk along the famous Via dell'Amore. End the day in Montorosso, the largest village in Cinque Terre, known for its sandy beach.
Take an early morning train to Venice, a city built on water. After checking into your hotel, take a gondola ride down the Grand Canal, and see the beautiful architecture of Venice. Visit the Doge's Palace, a symbol of Venice's political and cultural history. Head to the Rialto Bridge, the oldest of four bridges that cross the Grand Canal, and have dinner at Ristorante da Ivo, known for its seafood.
Start the day with a visit to Saint Mark's Basilica, a beautiful cathedral with mosaics and sculptures. Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a modern art museum with masterpieces from the likes of Picasso and Pollock. Take a break with lunch at Trattoria alla Madonna, a Venetian institution since 1954. Walk to the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, a stunning example of Venetian Renaissance architecture. End the day with a sunset stroll along the Zattere Promenade.
Take a morning train to Naples, and then a taxi to Positano, the most picturesque town on the Amalfi Coast. Stroll along the colorful houses and have lunch at Chez Black, an iconic restaurant perched on the beach. Take a boat tour to Grotta dello Smeraldo, a sea cave with neon blue waters. End the day with a relaxing evening at the hotel.
Take a taxi to Ravello, a hilltop town with stunning views of the coast. Visit the stunning Villa Rufolo, a medieval villa with beautiful gardens and fountains. Have lunch at Cumpà Cosimo, a family-run restaurant known for fresh seafood. Take a dip in the Mediterranean at Atrani Beach. End the day with a gorgeous sunset at the Punta Carena Lighthouse, the second tallest lighthouse in Italy.
For this itinerary, transportation will largely consist of trains and taxis. Travelers should consider purchasing a Eurail pass for Italian train travel. Some distances will require taxis, and travelers should expect to spend €100-€150 on taxis in total.
If you have more time, consider spending two days in Cinque Terre, or adding a day trip to Pisa or Siena from Florence. If you have less time, consider cutting out a day in Venice to explore more of Tuscany. Make sure to purchase tickets for popular attractions in advance to skip the lines.
Italy has many international airports, but the most popular are Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Milan Malpensa (MXP), and Venice Marco Polo (VCE). Rome Fiumicino is located 19 miles southwest of Rome's city center, Milan Malpensa is located 31 miles northwest of Milan's city center, and Venice Marco Polo is located 5 miles north of Venice's city center.