Start exploring Italy's iconic landmarks with the Colosseum, an ancient green amphitheatre erected around AD 70-80, where gladiatorial games and other public spectacles were staged. Onsite, the Colosseum Museum offers an extensive collection of depictions of ancient Rome's glory days. Afterwards, visit the neighboring Roman Forum- once the center for public life in Rome, with notable ancient buildings sprawled across the archaeological site.
Florence is Italy's medieval city, so spending your day admiring its heritage architecture, pieces of art, and sculptures is worthwhile. While in Florence, you will tour Piazza del Duomo- home to the coveted Florence Cathedral, or the Duomo, with detailed exterior and interiors patterned in various shades of sparkling pink, green, and white. Then head to the Uffizi Gallery- one of the unique museum collections in Italy filled with Renaissance paintings, Italian art, Roman sculptures and antiquities.
Begin your day in Venice, where you can savour canal views on a gondola ride. Pay a visit to the Piazza San Marco, one of the city's busiest places located at the heart of Venice. Make sure to view Torre dell'Orologio or Clock Tower, and Murano Glass factory- notable for producing top-quality glass artwork.
A day spent in Puglia will let you relish the gorgeous sandy beaches, limestone cliffs, and sparkling blue waters. Make your trip more productive by touring Alberobello a small town that has ancient stone houses or trulli. The whole town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and fascinating to wander in.
Experience the ancient city of Naples and its attractions, including the alluring Royal Palace of Naples- the then royal residence of monarchs in Southern Italy, and the mysterious ancient Roman town of Pompeii-excavated for visitors to see as it was buried under a thick layer of ash by an eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.
Explore the stunning landscapes in Tuscany and its ancient city, Siena, where you will marvel at a masterpiece of medieval architecture, the Siena Cathedral. Do not forget to check out the Piazza del Campo, one of Italy's grand urban spaces that served as a marketplace for centuries.
Spend your last day in Italy visiting Milan's unparalleled landmarks, with the magnificent Gothic Milan Cathedral, known for its elaborate architecture and stained-glass windows. Afterward, visit the impressive Sforza Castle, a fortress that now houses multiple museums, including art featuring Michelangelo's last sculpture, Rondanini Pietà.
While in Italy, a rental car is the most cost-effective mode of transportation. Bus and train systems are also efficient and reliable but can be time-consuming for long journeys. The cost of car rental starts from €30 to €50 for a day. The cost of gas is €1.60 per liter. Always plan your itinerary ahead of time to avoid frantic last-minute bookings and wasted hours on the road.
It is best to visit Italy in the summer, in June to early September. Consider a travel insurance policy to cover medical issues and possible trip disruptions. You could include a visit to the Vatican City in your itinerary, but it is advisable to book your tickets beforehand to avoid long queues. Consider spending an extra day in Puglia for more outdoor exploration and culinary experiences.
The main airports in Italy are Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) in Rome, Milan-Malpensa (MXP), Naples International Airport (NAP), Puglia International Airport (BRI), also known as Karol Wojtyla Airport, and Venice Marco Polo (VCE). Karol Wojtyla Airport is the prime airport in Puglia, located 8 km northwest of Bari, and it is a busy airport catering for all international flights from Italy.