Florence is known for being the birthplace of the Renaissance and for its stunning art and architecture. Visit the Uffizi Gallery to see works by Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. Then, head to Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore to see the beautiful dome of the cathedral up close. End the day at Ponte Vecchio to view the medieval bridge and its unique shops.
Explore the Colosseum, an ancient amphitheatre that once hosted gladiator battles. Walk through the Roman Forum, where temples and monuments dedicated to gods and goddesses still stand. Visit the Vatican City to see Michelangelo’s masterpiece on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. End the day in Trevi Fountain, a Baroque masterpiece.
Step back in time when you visit the Pompeii Archaeological Site, the ancient Roman city buried under ash from a volcanic eruption. See the Temple of Apollo, the Amphitheatre, and the Forum. End the day at Mount Vesuvius, the very volcano that destroyed Pompeii.
Visit the Ferrari Museum, a shrine dedicated to the legendary Italian sports car manufacturer. See rare and vintage Ferrari cars, simulators, and educational exhibits. You can also take a guided tour of the Enzo Ferrari Museum, dedicated to the founder of the company. End the day with a test drive around the Italian countryside.
End your trip with a romantic gondola ride in Venice. Visit the Basilica di San Marco, a beautiful cathedral in the heart of the city. Walk around Piazza San Marco, one of the most famous squares in Italy. End the day with a sunset walk along the Rialto Bridge.
Italy has a well-developed transportation system that includes buses, trains, and taxis. The best way to move around is by high-speed trains, which can get you from one city to another in just a few hours. Taxis are expensive, and you may have to negotiate with drivers to get a fair price. Consider renting a car when traveling outside the cities.
The estimated cost for transportation during your trip is about €200. The high-speed train from Florence to Rome costs around €50, while the test drive in Maranello costs approximately €300 for an hour.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to Milan, famous for its fashion and Duomo Cathedral. Another good option is a trip to the Tuscan countryside, where you'll find picturesque hilltop towns and vineyards.
If you have less time, consider skipping Pompeii, as it's the furthest destination on this itinerary. You can also skip the test drive in Maranello if you're not a car enthusiast.
The main airports in Italy are Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome and Malpensa Airport (MXP) in Milan. Bologna Airport (BLQ) is the closest airport to start your cultural immersion journey and is just an hour's drive from Florence.