Upon arrival at the airport, travel to the heart of Milan to explore the city's iconic landmarks. Start your day with a visit to the Duomo di Milano, a stunning Gothic cathedral that took nearly 600 years to complete. Afterwards, check out the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a high-end shopping mall known for its stunning architecture. Finally, end your day with a stroll through Sforza Castle, a historical fortress that now serves as a hub for the city's museums and galleries.
Take a scenic drive through the hills of Tuscany, stopping in quaint towns and vineyards along the way. Spend a few days exploring the beauty of the Tuscan region, including the picturesque town of Siena and the famous vineyards of Chianti. Be sure to sample some of the area's famous cuisine, such as ribollita soup or bistecca alla fiorentina.
Travel south to the stunning Amalfi Coast. Visit the charming town of Positano, known for its brightly colored buildings and steep staircases. Take a boat tour of the coastline and visit the Emerald Grotto, a unique sea cave with vibrant green waters. End your day with a traditional Italian seafood dinner at a local restaurant.
Travel to the culinary capital of Italy, Bologna. Sample some of the city's famous ragù alla bolognese, a meat-based pasta sauce, and visit one of the many open-air food markets. Explore the city's rich history with a visit to the Two Towers or the ancient Archiginnasio of Bologna, the world's oldest university building. Finish off your trip with a visit to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, an iconic basilica perched atop a hill with stunning views of the city.
Traveling by car is the best way to explore Italy’s diverse regions. Expect to pay around €30-40 per day for car rental. Tolls are also common on highways, with costs averaging around €15-20 per 100km. Lastly, parking in cities can be difficult to find and expensive, so be prepared for this extra expense.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the beautiful city of Florence or the stunning island of Capri. If you have less time, consider skipping Amalfi or Tuscany and spending more time in Milan or Bologna. Keep in mind that Italy can be quite busy during the summer months, so be prepared for longer wait times and higher costs.
The main airport in Milan is the Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP), located about 50km from the city center. The Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is only 6km from the city center, making it a convenient choice for travelers. The Naples International Airport (NAP) is the closest airport to the Amalfi Coast, but Rome's Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is a larger airport with more international connections.