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Italian Cultural and Culinary Adventure: Bologna to Milan with Coastal Stops in May 2025

Viewed by 97 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Bologna Afternoon

Bologna, Italy on May 6, 2025

1:00PM

Arrival in Bologna

Arrive in Bologna and transfer to your hotel for check-in and freshen up.
EUR0, 1 hour

2:30PM

Lunch at Trattoria Anna Maria

Enjoy hearty traditional Bolognese dishes such as tortellini and ragu in a local, family-run trattoria.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Piazza Maggiore and Fountain of Neptune

Explore the lively Piazza Maggiore and admire the Renaissance architecture and the iconic Fountain of Neptune.
FREE, 1 hour

5:30PM

Gelato at Gelateria La Sorbetteria

Sample some of Bologna's best artisanal gelato as a refreshing afternoon treat.
EUR5, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Da Cesari

Indulge in traditional dishes at this charming restaurant known for its authentic regional flavors and wine selection.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 2: Full Day Bologna Exploration

Bologna, Italy on May 7, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Caffè Pasticceria Varlungo

Kickstart your day with freshly baked pastries and rich espresso in a popular local café.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Asinelli Tower Climb

Climb the historic Asinelli Tower for stunning panoramic views over Bologna’s red rooftops.
EUR5, 1 hour

11:30AM

Walk Through Archiginnasio of Bologna

Visit the former main building of the University of Bologna, enriched with fascinating frescoes and the Anatomical Theatre.
EUR4, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Osteria dell’Orsa

Delight in homemade pasta and local specialties in this lively and traditional osteria.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax in Margherita Gardens

Enjoy a peaceful stroll or relax in Bologna’s largest public park, surrounded by nature and locals.
FREE, 1 hour

4:30PM

Coffee and Snacks at Pasticceria Marchesi

Stop for a mid-afternoon coffee and pastry at this historic and elegant bakery.
EUR12, 45 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Drogheria della Rosa

Experience rustic Emilian cuisine with an extensive choice of wines in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 3: Bologna to Florence

Florence, Italy on May 8, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Marchesi

Enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast of cornetti and strong cappuccino before your journey.
EUR12, 1 hour

10:00AM

Travel to Florence via train

Board a high-speed train for a comfortable 35-minute journey to Florence.
EUR15, 1 hour including transit

11:30AM

Hotel Check-in in Florence

Settle into your centrally located accommodation, perfectly placed for exploring Florence.
EUR120, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Savor an array of fresh Tuscan and Italian specialties from diverse stalls in this lively market.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Leisurely Walk on Ponte Vecchio

Stroll across the world-famous medieval bridge with charming shops and river views.
FREE, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Piazzale Michelangelo

Take a short trip to the panoramic terrace for breathtaking views of the Florence skyline at sunset.
FREE, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria da Benvenuto

Enjoy traditional Tuscan fare including their famous homemade pici pasta in a welcoming atmosphere.
EUR28, 2 hours
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Day 4: Florence Full Day

Florence, Italy on May 9, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at La Terrazza

Enjoy breakfast with a spectacular view of the Duomo at this charming rooftop café.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Duomo di Firenze

Admire the stunning cathedral’s exterior and visit surrounding piazza for classic Florentine sights.
EUR10, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Sergio Galletti

Sample rustic Tuscan dishes highlighting fresh ingredients and delicious local wines.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax in Boboli Gardens

Wander through beautiful historic gardens filled with sculptures and lovely views of Florence.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Gelato at Gelateria dei Neri

Treat yourself to excellent gelato at a renowned Florentine gelateria.
EUR5, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Buca Lapi

Enjoy a traditional Florentine steak dinner at this historic and well-loved restaurant.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 5: Florence to Pisa and La Spezia

La Spezia, Italy on May 10, 2025

7:30AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick breakfast to maximize your day trip to Pisa and onward travel.
EUR10, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train to Pisa

Depart early to reach Pisa for sightseeing of the iconic Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli.
EUR8, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Leaning Tower of Pisa and Piazza dei Miracoli

Marvel at the iconic leaning tower and explore the surrounding cathedral and baptistery on this historic square.
EUR18, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at La Buca delle Fate

Enjoy authentic Tuscan dishes in a cozy setting near the Piazza dei Miracoli.
EUR18, 1 hour

1:30PM

Travel to La Spezia

Take a train to La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre, for an overnight stay.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Check-in and Relax in La Spezia

Check in to your hotel and take a relaxed afternoon walk around La Spezia’s harbor and local shops.
EUR80, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Osteria Della Corte

Enjoy Ligurian cuisine with fresh seafood and local pesto specialties in this cozy tavern.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 6: Cinque Terre and Travel to Portofino

Portofino, Italy on May 11, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel in La Spezia

Enjoy breakfast before heading to explore the Cinque Terre villages.
EUR10, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Cinque Terre - Monterosso

Short train ride to Monterosso al Mare to begin exploring Cinque Terre.
EUR4, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Monterosso al Mare

Enjoy the lovely coastline, village streets, and relaxed beach atmosphere.
FREE, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at Gritti's

Savor fresh Ligurian seafood with views over the sea in this charming restaurant.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Travel by train to Vernazza

Head to Vernazza by train or coastal hike for picturesque views and charming streets.
EUR7, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Vernazza

Stroll around the colorful harbor and soak the lively ambiance of this iconic village.
FREE, 1 hour

2:30PM

Return to La Spezia

Return to La Spezia by train to prepare for the onward journey to Portofino.
EUR7, 1 hour

3:30PM

Travel to Portofino

Journey via train and ferry to Portofino, famous for its stunning coastline and harbor.
EUR25, 2 hours

5:30PM

Explore Portofino

Walk around the iconic harbor and colorful buildings, soaking in the luxury ambiance.
FREE, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Da I Gemelli

Dine on exquisite seafood with beautiful views of the Ligurian Sea in Portofino.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 7: Portofino to Genoa

Genoa, Italy on May 12, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel or Nearby Café

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in Portofino before departing for Genoa.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Boat to Genoa

Take a scenic boat ride or combined ferry and train from Portofino to Genoa harbor, arriving early afternoon.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Osteria della Storia

Taste classic Genovese pesto and other Ligurian specialties in this charming osteria.
EUR22, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Genoa Old Town

Walk through narrow medieval streets, admire historic palazzi, and enjoy the vibrant local culture.
FREE, 2 hours

4:00PM

Gelato at Gelato Temptations

Cool off with creative gelato flavors while overlooking Genoa’s historic port.
EUR5, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria L'Angolo

End the day with delicious seafood pasta in this cozy and authentic Genoese trattoria.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 8: Genoa to Milan

Milan, Italy on May 13, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last Ligurian breakfast before boarding a train to Milan.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Milan

Travel from Genoa to Milan, approximately a 2-hour high-speed train ride.
EUR15, 2 hours including transit

11:30AM

Check-in and Relax at Hotel

Check in to your Milan hotel and relax or explore your surroundings at leisure.
EUR130, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Panzerotti Luini

Try Milan’s famous panzerotti for a delicious and quick lunch experience.
EUR8, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Duomo di Milano

Explore Milan’s iconic cathedral and climb to the rooftop for spectacular city views.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Stroll through Milan’s elegant shopping arcade to admire architecture and shop or relax at a café.
FREE, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Pizzeria da Michele

Enjoy delicious Neapolitan pizza to finalize your Italian culinary adventure in Milan.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Departure

Milan, Italy on May 14, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast and pack for your departure.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Leisurely Morning or Last Minute Shopping

Spend your last morning enjoying Milan at your own pace, possibly visiting a local café or do some souvenir shopping.
FREE, 4 hours

2:00PM

Transfer to Milan Bergamo Airport

Leave your hotel with sufficient time to catch your 16:20 flight back to Sofia.
EUR25, 1 hour
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