Arrive in Rome and take a walking tour of the city to explore landmarks such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain. Make sure to try some famous Italian gelato along the way.
Head to Vatican City and visit the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. Take a guided tour to learn more about the art and history of this beautiful site.
Take a train to Florence and visit the famous Uffizi Gallery to see Renaissance art, including works by Michelangelo and Botticelli. Take a stroll over the Ponte Vecchio bridge and enjoy the beautiful view of the Arno River.
Take a day trip to the coastal region of Cinque Terre. Hike between the five picturesque towns along the cliffs overlooking the sea, and enjoy fresh seafood and local wine along the way.
Travel to Bologna and take a food tour to taste the famous dishes of this Italian culinary capital, including tortellini and mortadella. Visit the beautiful Piazza Maggiore and climb the Asinelli Tower for a panoramic view of the city.
Travel to Venice and take a gondola ride through the canals to see the stunning architecture reflecting on the water. Visit St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace to learn about the history of this unique city.
Take a day trip to Lake Como and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake surrounded by the mountains. Take a boat tour to see the villas and gardens along the shore, or hike one of the many trails in the area.
Travel to Milan and visit the famous Duomo cathedral, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping center, and the Sforza Castle. Take a food tour to taste Milanese dishes such as saffron risotto and panettone.
End your adventure in Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet. Visit the famous balcony and other landmarks from the play, including the Piazza delle Erbe and the Verona Arena. End the day with a glass of local wine and a plate of delicious Italian pasta.
For this itinerary, trains are the best way to travel between cities in Italy. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the station, and fares range from €20-€50 per person for most trips. It's also easy to get around each city on foot or by public transportation. Total travel time for this itinerary is approximately 14 hours.
If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to Pompeii from Rome, or spending more time in Tuscany to visit the wine region. If you have less time, skip Lake Como and Verona and spend more time in Rome or Florence.
Rome has two main airports: Fiumicino (FCO), which is located 23 kilometers southwest of the city center, and Ciampino (CIA), which is located 12 kilometers southeast of the city center. Both airports are well-connected to the city center by bus and train.