12-Day Iconic Italy Itinerary: Milan, Florence, Naples & Rome

Day 1: Milan Arrival & Exploration

Milan, Italy on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pavé

Enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast at Pavé, a famous bakery known for its pastries and excellent coffee, open from 7:30am to 7:30pm.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Duomo di Milano

Visit Milan’s stunning Gothic cathedral, climb to the rooftop terraces to admire panoramic city views. Open 9:00am–7:00pm. Tickets required.
EUR15, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Luini

Taste the famous panzerotti in this popular spot close to the Duomo, perfect for a quick and delicious Italian street food experience. Open daily 10:00am–8:00pm.
EUR8, 1h

1:30pm

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Explore this historic shopping arcade known for its elegant architecture, designer stores, and cafés. Open all day.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Sforza Castle

Tour the historic fortress housing museums with Renaissance art and artifacts. Open 9:00am–5:30pm.
EUR10, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Nabucco

Enjoy traditional Milanese dishes like risotto alla milanese in the Brera district, open from 7:00pm.
EUR40, 2h

Day 2: Milan Art & Parks

Milan, Italy on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Marchesi 1824

Historic patisserie serving delightful sweets and coffee, open 7:30am–7:30pm.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper

Visit the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie to see the iconic mural; advance booking essential. Open 8:15am–7:00pm.
EUR20, 1h

11:00am

Brera Art Gallery

Explore fine art including Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. Open 8:30am–7:15pm Tuesdays to Sundays.
EUR12, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Osteria del Binari

Traditional Milanese dishes in a cozy setting with a courtyard, open noon to 3pm.
EUR35, 1.5h

3:30pm

Parco Sempione

Relax and stroll through this large central park adjacent to Sforza Castle, perfect for a break.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Aperitivo at Nottingham Forest

Enjoy Milan’s famous aperitivo culture with creative cocktails and small plates, open 6pm–1am.
EUR20, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Ratana

Contemporary Milanese cuisine in a modern setting near the park, open 7pm–11pm.
EUR45, 2h

Day 3: Milan to Florence Travel

Milan to Florence, Italy on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Marchesi

Enjoy a light Italian breakfast before departure, open 7:30am–7:30pm.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Florence by Train

Take a high-speed Trenitalia or Italo train from Milan Centrale to Florence Santa Maria Novella, approximately 2 hours.
EUR40, 2h

12:00pm

Check-in & Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Famous Florentine spot for traditional Tuscan home cooking, open 12pm–3pm, closed Sundays.
EUR25, 1.5h

2:00pm

Florence Cathedral & Baptistery

Visit the Duomo with its stunning dome and historic baptistery, open 10am–5pm.
EUR18, 2h

4:30pm

Ponte Vecchio

Stroll the medieval bridge lined with shops; open all day, great for photo ops and shopping.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Cozy eatery offering authentic Tuscan cuisine, open 7pm–11pm.
EUR40, 2h

Day 4: Florence Museums & Gardens

Florence, Italy on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Specialty coffee and light breakfast in a trendy café, open 8am–7pm.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Uffizi Gallery

Explore one of the world's most famous art museums, featuring Botticelli and Michelangelo. Open 8:15am–6:50pm Tuesdays to Sundays.
EUR20, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Sample local specialties and street food at this vibrant food market, open 10am–midnight.
EUR20, 1.5h

3:00pm

Boboli Gardens

Wander through this historic park offering sculptures and beautiful views, open 8:15am–7:30pm.
EUR10, 2h

6:00pm

Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo

Enjoy sweeping views of Florence at sunset, perfect for photos and relaxing, open always.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Romantic restaurant serving traditional Tuscan dishes with a cozy ambiance, open 7pm–11pm.
EUR50, 2h

Day 5: Florence to Naples Travel

Florence to Naples, Italy on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Quick breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Have a light breakfast before leaving Florence to catch the train.
EUR10, 0.5h

8:30am

Train from Florence to Naples

Take a high-speed train from Florence to Naples, approximately 3 hours travel time.
EUR50, 3h

12:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at Pizzeria Brandi

Famous for inventing the Margherita pizza, a must-visit Naples pizzeria, open 12pm–11pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

2:00pm

Naples National Archaeological Museum

Discover extensive Greco-Roman artifacts, including Pompeii relics. Open 9am–7:30pm Tuesdays to Sundays.
EUR15, 2h

4:30pm

Walk along Lungomare Caracciolo

Enjoy scenic views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius from the seaside promenade.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Da Michele

Sample authentic Neapolitan pizza at this legendary spot, open 6:30pm–11:30pm.
EUR20, 2h

Day 6: Pompeii Day Trip

Naples/Pompeii, Italy on June 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Gran Caffè Gambrinus

Historic café in Naples offering pastries and coffee, open 7am–10pm.
EUR15, 1h

8:30am

Train to Pompeii

Catch the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Pompeii, approximately 30 minutes.
EUR4, 0.5h

9:00am

Pompeii Ruins Tour

Explore the remarkably preserved ancient Roman city buried by Vesuvius' eruption. Open 9am–7:30pm.
EUR18, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Caupona Pompeii Restaurant

Dine near the archaeological site with food inspired by ancient Roman cuisine, open 12pm–3pm.
EUR30, 1.5h

3:30pm

Return to Naples and visit Castel dell'Ovo

Tour the seaside medieval castle with great views, open 9am–7pm.
Free, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Palazzo Petrucci

Upscale restaurant serving modern Neapolitan cuisine, open 7pm–11pm.
EUR60, 2h

Day 7: Naples to Rome Travel

Naples to Rome, Italy on June 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Gran Caffè Gambrinus

Enjoy a final Neapolitan pastry and espresso before departure, open 7am–10pm.
EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Train from Naples to Rome

Take a high-speed train from Naples Centrale to Rome Termini, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes.
EUR40, 1h 10m

11:00am

Check-in and Lunch near Piazza Navona

Enjoy lunch at Ristorante Santa Cristina al Quirinale, serving Roman classics, open 12pm–3pm.
EUR35, 1.5h

1:30pm

Pantheon

Visit the nearly 2000-year-old architectural marvel, open 9am–7pm.
EUR5, 1h

3:00pm

Piazza Navona

Relax at the lively square famous for Baroque fountains and street artists.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Trevi Fountain

Toss a coin and enjoy this iconic Roman fountain, accessible all day.
Free, 30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Da Enzo al 29

Charming trattoria serving authentic Roman cuisine; open 7pm–11pm.
EUR40, 2h

Day 8: Rome Ancient History

Rome, Italy on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Start the day with coffee and pastries at this popular Roman bakery, open 7:30am–8:30pm.
EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Colosseum & Roman Forum

Explore the legendary amphitheater and ancient ruins, book tickets online for early entry. Open 8:30am–7pm.
EUR18, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at La Carbonara

Enjoy famed Roman pasta dishes like carbonara in Monti district, open 12pm–3pm.
EUR30, 1.5h

2:30pm

Palatine Hill

Visit the birthplace of Rome offering archaeological sites and gardens, part of Colosseum ticket.
Included, 1.5h

5:00pm

Capitoline Museums

Art and history museum atop Capitoline Hill, open 9:30am–7:30pm.
EUR15, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Roscioli Restaurant

Enjoy a renowned eatery known for its exceptional Italian cured meats and pasta, open 7pm–11pm.
EUR50, 2h

Day 9: Vatican & Trastevere

Rome, Italy on July 2, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Quick breakfast before Vatican visit.
Included, 0.5h

8:00am

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Beat the crowds visiting world-famous art collections and Michelangelo’s ceiling; open 9am–6pm, Book skip-the-line tickets.
EUR30, 3h

11:30am

St. Peter’s Basilica

Marvel at the world’s largest church and climb to the dome for spectacular views, open 7am–7pm.
Free; Dome climb EUR10, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante Arlù

Cozy Trastevere restaurant with creative Roman dishes, open 12pm–3pm.
EUR35, 1.5h

3:30pm

Explore Trastevere

Wander charming cobblestone streets, visit Santa Maria in Trastevere basilica, open all day.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Aperitivo at Freni e Frizioni

Popular bar offering great cocktails and aperitivo snacks, open 6pm–2am.
EUR20, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Cesare al Casaletto

Loved by locals for traditional Roman dishes in a casual setting, open 7pm–11pm.
EUR40, 2h

Day 10: Rome Leisure & Departure

Rome, Italy on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Panella

Famous for its bakery goods and coffee, open 7:30am–8pm.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Villa Borghese Gardens and Gallery

Enjoy leisurely morning stroll through gardens and optional visit to Borghese Gallery (book tickets), open 9am–7pm.
Gallery EUR20, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Casina Valadier

Elegant dining inside Villa Borghese overlooking the city, open 12pm–3pm.
EUR40, 1.5h

3:00pm

Last-minute shopping and stroll near Spanish Steps

Shop luxury and boutique stores, relax by the iconic steps.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Il Gabriello

Classic Roman cuisine near Piazza Navona, open 7pm–11pm.
EUR45, 2h

Travel Requirements

Travelers to Italy should ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their stay. Most visitors from the US, Canada, and EU countries do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. It is recommended to check the latest entry restrictions and travel advisories due to occasional updates related to health or safety concerns. As of now, no mandatory vaccinations are required, but staying updated on COVID-19 policies and carrying proof of vaccination or negative tests may be necessary. Always check official sources before traveling.

Accepted Currency + Payment Types

The official currency in Milan, Florence, Naples, and Rome is the Euro (€). It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors and local markets, though credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are abundant in all cities, often offering competitive exchange rates, but be aware of potential foreign transaction fees from your bank. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are gaining acceptance, especially in urban areas. For the best rates, avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist hotspots; instead, use bank ATMs or authorized exchange offices.