Here is an itinerary that takes in a sampling of everything Italy has to offer in just two weeks. It is the most jam-packed two-week Italy tour on this site.
It spends several days each in the great cities of Rome, Venice, and Florence for all the ancient Roman ruins, Renaissance art, and canal cruises you can handle.
You visit the ancient ghost city of Pompeii and explore the hilltowns of Tuscany—Pisa with its Leaning Tower, Gothic Siena, the wines of Chianti, and the medieval towers of San Gimignano and Monteriggioni—and of neighboring Umbria—genteel Perugia and mystical Assisi, home of St. Francis.
Where to spend each night
Hotels in Rome (days 1-5)
Hotels on Amalfi Coast (day 4 option)
Hotels in Florence (days 6–9)
Hotels in Cinque Terre (day 10)
Hotels in Venice (days 11–13)
Hotels in Verona (day 13 option)
Hotels in Sirmione (day 13 option)
Hotels in Milan (days 14-15)
Hotels on Lake Como (day 15 option)
The tour is not all just about art, ancient Rome, and the Middle Ages, though.
You also get ot mingle with the jet set in the Amalfi Coast towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Sorrento (even Capri, if you're particularly ambitious).
You will hike the Cinque Terre fishing villages at the tip of the Italian Riviera, and check out the fair city of Milan and Verona, where Shakespeare set Romeo and Juliet and the ancient Roman amphitheater still hosts operas and rock concerts under the stars.
And at the end there is time to relax on the shores of two of the fabled nothern Italian lakes: Lake Garda and Lake Como.
The Pantheon in Rome.Take a tour
If you prefer an expert guide for your sightseeing, here are some walking tours from our partners at Viator.com that cover many of the sights featured on this day:
• Best of Rome Afternoon Walking Tour
• Baroque Rome Small Group Day Tour
• Rome Photography Walking Tour: Learn How to Take Professional Photos
• Classical Rome Morning Tour
• Rome Angels and Demons Half-Day Tour
• Private Tour: Classical Rome Art History Walking Tour
• Ancient Rome Half-Day Walking Tour
• Rome Hop-on Hop-off Double Decker Bus Tour (no site entries)
MORNING: Most transatlantic flights land in Rome in the early morning (around 8am), and by the time you collect your bags, go through customs/immigration, get downtown, and check into your hotel, it'll by 11am—plenty of time to check in, splash your face, and head out for an afternoon of sightseeing.
Just don't give in to the urge to lie down and take a cat-nap. Trust me. Those first-day "catnaps "have a nasty habit of lasting until 7pm, at which point it takes supreme willpower to drag yourself out of bed to find dinner. Best just to stay moving and stay awake.
Now I know the first day can be rough, what with jet lag and the fact that you probably didn't sleep well on the plane, so today, though it seems packed with activity, is really not all that taxing. It's mostly just poking around the greatest churches of the Tiber Bend, the center of the old city (plus one small museum). Plan to spend only about 10–15 minutes inside each church—give yourself permission just to look at the highlights and not to try and appreciate every altarpiece and architectural element—and you will keep on schedule and not feel too overwhelmed.
Piazza Navona.AFTERNOON: Sitting down to a leisurely lunch will only exacerbate the jet lag, so just grab a quick bite en route to Rome's prettiest square, the gracious, fountain-studded, cafe-lined Piazza Navona.
Pop out of the north end of the piazza to see the church of Sant'Agostino (works by Caravaggio and Raphael inside), then head south past San Luigi dei Francesi (more great Caravaggios) to the courtyard hiding the curly-cue dome atop Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza. Walk through the courtyard, past the church, and out the east side of the building to Piazza Sant'Eustachio, home to the most famous cappuccino in Rome at the Caffé Sant'Eustachio. Don’t linger too long, or the jet lag will start to catch up with you (an extra cappuccino or two helps).
Just a bit farther east is the noble Pantheon, the only ancient Roman temple to survive the millennia virtually intact and one of the best sights in all of Rome (if you skip everything else on this day, at least see the Pantheon).
The area around the Pantheon is the best spot in Rome for ice cream fans, so don't forget to try some gelato (Italian ice cream) in between the sights (gotta keep your strength up, after all).
Just south of the Pantheon, on the piazza with the Bernini statue of an elephant carrying a tiny obelisk on its back, rises Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, a gothic church with Michelangelo's Risen Christ statue and Filippo Lippi frescoes inside.
Head north, past the baroque optical illusions in the church of Sant'Ignazio and the ancient Roman Column of Marcus Aurelius, then turn east across the Corso to find the iconic Trevi Fountain, into which it's tradition to toss a few coins and will ensure that, one day, you'll return to the Eternal City.
The evening passeggiata along Via del Corso.
Head north again from the Trevi Fountain, perhaps pausing for another gelato at nearby San Crispino—after all, how will you know whcih is best if you don't try them all? You're aimig for the lovely and lively Spanish Steps. Mingle for a while, then window shop down fashionable Via dei Condotti and the surrounding streets.
By now, the evening passeggiata see-and-be-seen stroll will be in full swing, so you can strut your stuff with the Romans along main drag Via del Corso and Via del Babuino—both of which lead north to converge at Piazza del Popolo, home to the fabulous church of Santa Maria del Popolo at the far end of the square. If you manage to make it here before the church closes at 7pm, so much the better, as inside are works by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Bernini.
Passeggiata your way back south to find a hearty and well-deserved dinner somewhere in the Old City.
(I know you're exhausted, but Italians eat late, so try to hold out until at least 6:30 or 7pm before heading to a restaurant).
The Roman Forum in Rome.Take a tour
If you prefer an expert guide for your sightseeing, here are some walking tours from our partners at Viator.com that cover many of the sights featured on this day:
• Skip the Line: Ancient Rome and Colosseum Half-Day Walking Tour
• Private Tour: Ancient Rome and Colosseum Art History Walking Tour
• Ancient Rome Half-Day Walking Tour
• Imperial Rome Afternoon Tour
• Private Tour: Imperial Rome Art History Walking Tour
• Private Tour: Ancient Roman Art History Walking Tour
• Capitoline Museums and Origins of Rome Walking TourMORNING: Rome's all about Caesars, right? Start off day two in Rome by crawling around the ruins of the Roman Forum, where, two millennia ago, great orators held forth, senators debated, and Julius Caesar strode the streets.
Unfortunately, little is left to see in this dusty jumble of foundations, arches, and standing columns—and much left to the imagination. But so much the better, as this way you can be out by 11:30 and on your way to see Michelangelo's Moses in the church of San Pietro in Vincoli before it closes at 12:30pm.
AFTERNOON: After lunch (the old-school wine bar Cavour 313 is conveniently located nearby), pay a visit to the Colosseum. You just kind of look at it, take a peek inside at the floor plan, and you're done (save time in the often long lines by booking your entry ahead).
Now walk several long blocks farther south to tour the church of San Clemente, with medieval mosaics glittering in the apse, Renaissance frescoes in the chapels, and a door off the gift shop leading down to the first of several basements that provide an unparalleled tour through Rome's layer cake of history: below the current, medieval church is a 4th century church, and below that is a pagan temple to Mithras and the remains of several ancient Roman buildings, streets, and the splashing waters of a still-functioning aqueduct (go ahead and fill your water bottle; the water is clean, cold, and delicious).
Catch a bus to head back north to Piazza Venezia, at the north end of the Forum. Nearby is the elevated square Piazza del Campidoglio, where the Capitoline Museums will entertain you with ancient sculpture and Renaissance and baroque painting until 7pm.
Make sure that before sunset you nip around the back of the right side of the central building on Piazza del Campidoglio where you're treated to a surprise panorama of the Forum from above, with the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum as a backdrop. Have dinner in the Old City tonight.
The Sistine Chapel ceiling in Rome.Take a tour
If you prefer an expert guide for your sightseeing, here are some walking tours from our partners at Viator.com that cover many of the sights featured on this day:
• Skip the Line: Vatican in One Day
• Private Tour: Vatican Museums and St Peter's Art History Walking Tour
• Skip the Line: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica Half-Day Walking Tour
• Skip the Line: Vatican Museums Walking Tour including Sistine Chapel, Raphael's Rooms and St Peter's
• Skip the Line: Vatican Museums Tickets
• Private Viewing of the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums
• Private Tour: Vatican Museums Walking Tour
• Skip the Line: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tour
• Rome Angels and Demons Half-Day Tour
MORNING: Today we spend on the other side of the river from the bulk of old Rome. Be up bright and early (I know, you never seem to get to sleep in) so that you beat the legions of tour buses to the Vatican Museums. , which open at 9am.
Spend all morning in there, drinking in such artistic wonders as Raphael's Transfiguration, Caravaggio's Deposition, the Raphael Rooms, and Michelangelo's incomparable Sistine Chapel ceiling.
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Early risers who want to cram more in can visit St. Peter's first—it opens at 7am—spend 90 min. there, then walk around the Vatican walls to tour the Vatican Museums when they open at 9am. This'll free up more time later for Castel Sant'Angelo and some sights in Trastevere.AFTERNOON: They shoo you out in early afternoon, so grab a snack on your way around the Vatican walls to visit the grandiose church of St. Peter's. See Michelangelo's Pietà and tour the tombs of popes under the basilica before climbing its dome for a panoramic sweep of the city across the river.
If you finish with St. Peter's quickly, you may want to head to the pope's nearby Renaissance fortress, the Castle Sant'Angelo on the river, which has a nifty museum of arms and armor. (If, however, you left for this trip on Friday, today would be a Monday and the castello is closed—which is why you visited the Vatican today; its one of the few museums open Mondays in Rome.)
Either way, spend the evening in the medieval neighborhood of Trastevere, where you can find lots of excellent Roman restaurants.
Take a tour
If you prefer an expert guide and no-hassle transportation (and not have to bother switching hotels but rather continue to be based out of Rome), here are some Pompeii and Amalfi Coast day trip tours from Rome from our partners at Viator.com that cover many of the sights featured on this day:
• Pompeii Day Trip from Rome
• Pompeii and Amalfi Coast Small Group Day Trip from Rome
• Rome to Pompeii Shuttle Bus & Independent Day Trip
• Pompeii and Vesuvius Day Trip from Rome
• Naples and Pompeii Day Trip from Rome
• Pompeii and Amalfi Coast Small Group Day Trip from Rome
• Sorrento and Pompeii Small-Group Tour from Rome 
A street at Pompeii.ALL DAY: While it's possible to do Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast in a single day—and even to do so on your own—the train connections are confusing and time-consuming, so this is one trip where it pays either to take a direct shuttle, or best left to a group bus tour through Viator (www.viator.com)—which offers both a Pompeii-and-Naples day trip from Rome as well as a popular Pompeii-Amalfi Coast trip—or some outfit like Enjoy Rome (www.enjoyrome.com).
It'll take all day, include lunch, and probably also a stop to see some of the sights of Naples on your way south, past Mt. Vesuvius, to the ancient Roman ghost town of Pompeii.
If you take a tour, great; it means you get to spend all of tomorrow (Day 5) in Rome. If you decide to go it alone, however, I highly recommend staying the night down in the Amalfi Coast (or Capri), which does mean you'll spend the next morning simply returning to Rome, leaving only the afternoon for sightseeing.
OK, so to go it alone: Grab an early morning train (earliest you can drag yourself out of bed for; seriously: try the 7:34am IC, which will have you in Naples by 9:30am, then run downstairs, since the Pompeii train leaves at 9:40am) to Naples. At the Napoli Centrale train station, head downstairs to switch to the separate Circumvesuviana commuter line (a more-complicated-than-it-needs-to-be procedure detailed here). The ride takes 36 minutes. You should aim to get to Pompeii between 10am and 11am.
Spend the remainder of the morning and early afternoon amid the ruined city (either have packed a bag lunch, or grab a panino from one of the stands across from the entrance). Make sure you bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. Try to be out of the Pompeii site by 2pm.
Continue on the Circumvesuviana to the end of the line at Sorrento (about another 30 minutes). If you're staying here, drop your bags at your hotel before hopping the Amalfi Coast bus. If not, either leave the train station either to (a) hop one of the Amalfi Coast–bound buses parked just out front, or (b) catch the local city bus down to the docks and a ferry over to spend the night on the island of Capri.
If you choose to go the Amalfi Coast route, you have your pick of where to spend the night: posh Positano, historic Amalfi, or (via another bus from the Amalfi) the garden hilltown of Ravello. (If you're staying in Sorrento, after you've wandered around Amalfi a bit and seen its handful of sights, hop the return bus back up the coast.)
Real gung-ho types might even be able to swing hopping a ferry (in summer only) from Positano or Amalfi over to Capri to spend the night there—I wouldn't necessarily recommend this, as you're squeezing your time a bit too tightly, but some folks just dream of visiting Capri.
Real, real gung-ho types might even be able to ride the bus to Amalfi, then switch to another bus to continue down the (more scenic and less-developed) southern half of the Amalfi Coast to Salerno, and once there get aboard a late train all the way back to Rome. You can do it, but you'd have to be sure to be on the 7pm bus from Amalfi to Salerno at the latest; that gets into Salerno at 8:15pm, leaving you precious little time to make the 8:42pm train back to Rome—last one of the night, arriving at 11:15pm.
Take a tour
If you prefer an expert guide for your sightseeing, here are some walking tours from our partners at Viator.com that cover either of the sights featured on this day—you can even do both, as the Borghese Gallery tours are at 3pm, and the Trastevere one starts at 6pm (except in winter):
• Skip the Line: Borghese Gallery and Gardens Walking Tour
• Private Tour: Borghese Gallery and Baroque Rome Art History Walking Tour
• Skip the Line: Borghese Gallery Tickets (no tour; just the tickets)
• Trastevere and Rome's Jewish Ghetto Half-Day Walking Tour
Santa Maria in Trastevere in Rome.MORNING: Get up early and make your way back to Rome(or, if you did Day 4 as a day trip from Rome, feel free to sleep in and spend the morning as you wish).
You should arrive back in Rome in time for lunch.
AFTERNOON: After lunch, grab the 116 minibus to the Porta Pinciana (you'll see a park across the street; it's called the Villa Borghese). Enter the park and take the first path on your right (Viale di Museo Borghese) to get to the Galleria Borghese by your scheduled entry time (TIP: you will need to purchase tickets in advance for this; see the "Before You Leave" sidebar at the end of this itinerary). Tour its collections of amazing early Bernini sculptures and Raphael and Caravaggio paintings until they kick you out.
Take whatever time you have left in the day to do whatever the heck you feel like. You've earned it—and you're probably getting tuckered out. Personally, I'd spend it back in the medieval artisans district across the Tiber known as Trastevere, visiting its little churches, hanging out in a café, and soaking up the roman lifestyle until it was time for dinner—again, Trastevere is positively packed with restaurants, from the traditional to the trendy, so there's no way you exhausted the possibilites when you ate here back on Day 3.
The Duomo in Florence.Take a tour
If you prefer an expert guide for your sightseeing, here are some walking tours from our partners at Viator.com that cover many of the sights featured on this day (as a bonus, many include the Accademia, which would free up tomorrow morning):
All sights:
• Florence Half-Day or Full-Day Sightseeing Tour
• Private Tour: Florence Sightseeing Tour
Duomo:
• Skip The Line: Best of Florence Walking Tour including Accademia Gallery and Duomo
• Skip the Line: Florence Renaissance Walking Tour with Accademia Gallery
• Private Tour: Florence Walking Tour
• Florence Walking Tour
Uffizi:
• Skip the Line: Florence Uffizi Gallery Tickets
• Skip the Line: Florence Uffizi Gallery Tour
• Skip the Line: Uffizi Gallery and Vasari Corridor Walking Tour
• Skip the Line: Small Group Florence Uffizi Gallery Walking Tour
• Skip the Line: Florence Accademia and Uffizi Gallery Tour
MORNING: Grab an early train to Florence and drop your bags by the hotel.
Head directly to the Duomo(cathedral) to climb Brunelleschi's ingenious and noble dome for a panorama across the city, then duck into the adjacent baptistery to marvel at the mosaics inside and the massive bronze doors outside—the ones facing the Duomo are so beautiful they became known as the Gates of Paradise.
AFTERNOON: Be sure you extricate yourself from the cathedral group by 1pm so that you can wander a few blocks south for a lunch on-the-go at I Fratellini, a traditional fiaschetteria, a hole-in-the-wall joint with no seats, just a counter selling wine by the glass and scrumptious sandwiches to patrons who stand in a crowd on the flagstones of the sidewalk and pedestrianized street.
Then continue a few more blocks to the stage set of Piazza della Signoria, filled with statues and lined by buildings the Medici would still recognize.
Opening off the south side of the square is world's premier gallery of the Renaissance, the Uffizi (TIP: another museums for which you'll want to purchase tickets before leaving home). Spend the rest of the afternoon communing with Giotto, Botticelli, da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio, and Titian until they boot you out the doors at 7:30pm. Have a Tuscan feast at Il Latini before bed.
Piazza del Campo in Siena. (Photo by Zyance)Take the tour!
The only way to fit it all in on an all-day escorted tour with partners at Viator.com:
• Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour (12 hrs)
There are other day trip options if you want to take things more slowly and do just a few of the towns:
Siena/San Gimignano:
• Siena and San Gimignano Small Group Day Trip from Florence (8 hrs)
• Private Tour: Siena and San Gimignano (8.5 hrs)
• Siena and San Gimignano (8.5 hrs)
Pisa:
• Private Tour: Pisa and the Leaning Tower from Florence (4 hrs)
• Pisa and the Leaning Tower Half-Day Trip from Florence (5.5 hrs)
• Private Tour: Lucca and Pisa from Florence (10 hrs)
The Chianti
• Small Group Chianti Wine Region Day Trip from Florence (8 hrs)
• Chianti Region Wine Tasting Half-Day Trip from Florence (5 hrs)
• Private Tour: Chianti Wine Tasting (5–9 hrs)
• Chianti Region Wine-Tasting and Dinner Half-Day Trip (8 hrs)
• Horse Riding in Chianti Day Trip (6 hrs)
• Vespa Day Trip to the Chianti (6 hrs)
• Tuscany Bike Tour in the Chianti (7 hrs)
• 5-Day Best of Italy Trip (5 days/4 nights)
ALL DAY: OK, you could conceivably fit in two or three of those towns listed above on your own using public transportation—maybe four if you rent a car and do everything at a dead run.
But honestly, the only reasonable way to cram this much Tuscany into one day is to let someone else do the driving—and the parking, and the guiding, and the entry tickets, and the taking care of finding everything and knowing all the background information...
That's why I highly recommend the Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour offered by our partners at Viator.com. It is a long one—12 hours, getting up at 8:30am and not returning to Florence until 8:30pm—but you get a lot for your $108.
Cruise past the walled hilltown of Monteriggioni en route to the king of the Tuscan hilltowns, Siena, which you can tour with the guide or on your own. (If you opt for the latter, try to squeeze in both the wondrously frescoed rooms of the Palazzo Pubblico town hall on the main square, the gorgeous sloping scallop-shell of Il Campo, and a quick spin around the zebra-striped 12th century Duomo, with its medieval carved pulpit and a library frescoed in bright, Fujifilm colors by Umbrian master Pinturicchio—helped by a young apprentice named Raphael).
The towers of San Gimignano.After a drive through the Chianti—and lunch and a wine-tasting class at a Chianti vineyard—you check out the Medieval Manhattan of San Gimignano, a picture-postcard hilltown bristling with stone towers.
Last stop: Pisa, with its gorgeous gaggle of Gothic buildings on the Campo dei Miracoli (The "Field of Miracles"), and a chance to climb the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The tour drops you back off in Florence around 8:30pm—exhausted, but with loads of famous Tuscan sights added to your list of vacation accomplishments. Time for a celebratory dinner—and early bed time.
Michelangelo's David in the AccademiaTake a tour
If you prefer an expert guide for your sightseeing, here are some walking tours from our partners at Viator.com that cover many of the sights featured on this day:
• Skip the Line: Accademia Gallery Tickets
• Skip the Line: Accademia Gallery Tour
• Skip the Line: Accademia and Uffizi Tour
• Skip The Line: Best of Florence Walking Tour, incl Accademia Gallery and Duomo
• Skip the Line: Florence Renaissance Walking Tour with Accademia Gallery
• Florence Half-Day or Full-Day Sightseeing Tour
• Private Tour: Florence Sightseeing Tour
MORNING: Florence rule #1: Be in line at the Accademia when it opens to see Michelangelo's David before the crowds arrive. (Avoid the hour-long wait altogether by reserving your tickets.)
Don't linger since before lunch you need to swing by Santa Maria Novella church for a look at the first Renaissance painting to use perfect perspective and a Ghirlandaio fresco cycle on which a young apprentice named Michelangelo helped out.
AFTERNOON: After a quick lunch, and while the city is shut down for the mid-day riposo, make your way over to the Giotto frescoes in Santa Croce church (it stays open all day), Florence's version of Westminster Abbey and the final resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini, and Machiavelli with an excellent leather school in the back.
On your way back over to the heart of town, stop by Vivoli for the best gelato (ice cream) the world has ever known. Licking your cone, head back toward the center of town to cross the jewelry shop–lined medieval bridge Ponte Vecchio over to the artisans' quarter known as the Oltrarno.
Here you'll find the Medici's grand Pitti Palace, whose painting galleries will keep you occupied until closing time at 7pm. The Oltrarno is full of good, homey restaurants where you can kick back, toast your 48 hours in Florence, and avow a return.
ALL DAY: It's time to explore the two greatest hilltowns of Umbria, and the easiest way to do that is on yet another guided tour—this time a private tour of Perugia and Assisi. (It's not that I'm pushing guided tours here, it's that they are honestly the most convenient and, believe it or not, cheapest way to go. For up to two people, this will actually work out cheaper than renting a car and doing it on your own; for three people, you're about breaking even—and you still get a professional guide and driver to do all the work.)
The tour takes you first to the capital of Umbria, Perugia, which is really just a hilltown in city clothing, with some fantastic frescoes and carvings in its fountains, town hall, and churches. (Also the home town of Perugina chocolates; yum.)
You then head south to the famed pilgrimage hilltown of Assisi, where hometown hero St. Francis began his monastic career and the massive, two-story basilica erected in the saint's honor was covered inside, floor to ceiling and in all the chapels and nooks, with masterful frescoes by the Titans of pre-Renaissance Gothic painting—Giotto, Cimabue, Simone Martini, and the Lorenzetti brothers.
Eleven hours later, you are dropped back at your Florence hotel, ready for dinner.
Take a tour
If you prefer an expert guide for your sightseeing and want to stay based in Florence—which would make the transfer tomorrow to Venice far easier—you can take a day tour to the Cinque Terre with our partners at Viator.com; one is for hikers, the other for those who just wish to see a few of the villages:
• Cinque Terre Hiking Day Trip from Florence (13 hr.)
• Cinque Terre Small Group Day Trip from Florence (9.5 hr.)
Vernazza in the Cinque Terre.ALL DAY: If you're going to do this in a single day by public transport (as opposed to taking a roundtrip tour from Florence; see box to the right), it is imperative that you get the 7:27am train from Florence to Riomaggiore (via train changes at Pisa and La Spezia). This will get you into the southernmost of the Cinque Terre villages at 10:08am: plenty of time to check into your accommodations and start hiking. If you miss that train, the earliest you can get into the Cinque Terre is 1:02pm—and you've wasted the bulk of the day.
Set out as soon as you can to hike the coastal trail that links all five of the colorful fishing villages that make up the Cinque Terre, inaccessible by car (though linked by a regional rail line that spends most of its time tunneling from town to town through the sea cliffs) and as yet only moderately touched by tourism (except June through August, when its packed with Rick Steves' fans—Damn you, Rick!).
The trails from town to town get progressively steeper and more challenging as you move north—from and easy 45-minute Via del Amore stroll between Riomaggiore and Manarola, to the largely level path above a beach Manarola and Corniglia (the only cliff top village of the five), to a scenic mix of moderate-to-tough trails and one long staircase between Corniglia and Vernazza (the postcard village of the bunch, picturesquely curved around a cove), and finally the tough, two-hour steep ascent and descent between Vernazza and Monterosso, the northernmost of the Cinque Terre. Or, you know, vice versa. You can hike it either way.
My vote: Take the train all the way to Monterosso and start the morning with the two workout stretches. Besides, coming in this direction, the first view of Vernazza as you come around the cliff is unforgettable (and if you do forget, it's plastered on postcards everywhere). Also, this way lets the going get easier as the day winds down, allowing you to finish with a sunset stroll back into Riomaggiore.
The Grand Canal in Venice.Take a tour
Though no tours of the Accademia are offered, you can get book a gondola ride with our partners at Viator.com:
• Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade
• Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade with Dinner
• Venice Walking Tour and Gondola Ride
MORNING: There's really no way around this: to get from the Cinque Terre to Venice requires some tiresome train changes and long journeys. The best option leaves Riomaggiore at 7:27am and arrives in Venice at 1:17pm (with changes at La Spezia and Bologna.
(Another option for die-hards who don't want to waste a second of sightseeing is taking off the night before on the overnight train that leaves Riomaggiore at 8:52 and arrives in Venice at the yawningly early hour of 5:26am the next day, though note that the train changes—11:08pm at Parma, 12:54am at Bologna—aren't terribly convenient for sleeping.)
If, however, you've done the Cinque Terre as a guided day trip and are leaving from Florence, there's an hourly bullet train called the Frecciargento that makes the trip in a cool 2 hrs. 3 min.—leave Florence at 8:30am, you're in Venice at 10:33am; sleep in and leave on the 9:30am and you're still in Venice by 11:33am, with loads for time to check into your hotel and get a proper lunch.
OK: assume you're arriving from the Cinque Terre directly. At least those six hours on the train will give you plenty of time to rest up, grab lunch from the cart or restaurant car, and prepare, once you arrive in Venice, to dive into the city of canals (not literally). Luckily, the vaporetto (ferry—kinda the public bus system of Venice) from the train station to all sights in the historic center cruises right down the famous Grand Canal.
AFTERNOON: Check into your hotel as quickly as possible then spend the balance of the afternoon perusing the Renaissance masterpieces in Venice's Accademia Gallery(yes, it has same name as a museum in Florence; this is because both are part of their city's "Academy" of Fine Arts).
If you have time (and for a chance of pace), also try to fit in an hour or so admiring the modern art—yes! Italy has modern art, too!—at the lovely Peggy Guggenheim museum nearby.
Take a gondola ridebefore dinner (yeah, it's a bit cheesy—and expensive—but you wouldn't want to have come all this way and not done it, either), and wander the quiet, romantic streets a while after your meal.
The mosaics of San Marco.Take a tour
If you prefer an expert guide for your sightseeing in Venice, here are some walking tours from our partners at Viator.com that cover many of the sights featured on this day:
San Marco:
• Skip the Line: Venice Walking Tour with St Mark's Basilica
• Skip the Line: St Mark's Square Highlights Tour
• Skip the Line: Venice in One Day
Palazzo Ducale:
• Skip the Line: Venice Walking Tour with Doges Palace
Outlying islands:
• Murano, Burano and Torcello Half-Day Sightseeing Tour
• Private Tour: Murano, Burano and Torcello Half-Day Tour
MORNING: In the morning, head straight to one of Europe's prettiest squares, the canalside Piazza San Marco. Wander the glittering mosaicked wonderland of its Byzantine San Marco cathedral and ride the elevator up the bell towerfor a sweeping view across the city and its canals.
Take the "Secret Itineraries" tour of the Doge's Palace at 10:45am for a behind-the-scenes look at Venetian history and intrigue from its Renaissance days as the world's trading and shipping powerhouse.
(It’s wisest to book this tour ahead of time, but not necessarily from home before you leave. Dropping by the afternoon before or even first thing in the morning before touring San Marco, should be sufficient. Still, just in case you want to be sure you get a ticket by booking in advance, I've spelled out the process here.)
AFTERNOON: Spend the afternoon however you’d like: shoppingfor Venice's famous glass trinkets, popping into more museums (my vote: the Ca' d'Oro, the grandest of the Renaissance palazzi along the Grand Canal) and churches, or simply have fun getting lost in the twisting, confounding, unspeakably beautiful back streets of Venice.
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If any of your days in Venice happens to be a Sunday, do not miss the 6:345pm mass in the Cathedral of St. Mark's—the only time they throw on all the light switches to illuminate all of those amazing gold mosaics.Another option (and a personal favorite): take off on a ferry for the outlying islands of Murano, where the glass industry started and a bit like a Venice in miniature, and Burano, a fishing village of riotously colored houses along miniature canals. It’s about an hour's ride out and back, and you should spend about an hour on each island.
If you time things just right, you should be motoring back to downtown Venice (and a celebratory canal-side final dinner) right as the setting sun sends sparkling streamers across the waters of the lagoon with the bell towers of Venice as a backdrop. Perfect.
Take a tour
If you prefer not to hassle with the public transportation (or a rental car) and want an expert guide, you have the option to visit Verona, Lake Garda, and Lake Como entirely on escorted tours. There are two options:
OPTION 1: Escorted daytrips: These all leave from Milan, so on Day 13 you would take a train there first thing, spend the rest of Day 13 seeing Milan itself—as outlined for "Day 14" (below)—then take the following escorted tours from our partners at Viator.com, one each on Day 14 and Day 15:
• Verona and Lake Garda Day Trip from Milan
• Lake Como Day Trip from Milan
OPTION 2: Three-day tour: There is also a three-day tour of Verona, Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Milan that leaves from Venice (actually, day 1 of this tour is just free time in Venice, so bascially it is a two-day tour—but it includes that hotel night in Venice, which is nice)—saving you ever more hassle:
• 3-Day Northern Italy Tour from Venice: Verona, Italian Lakes and Milan
OPTION 3: On your own: If you do choose to do it all on your own, you still might want to take one of these tours of Verona once you are there:
• Verona City Hop-on Hop-off Tour
• Verona Segway Tour
The Venetian island of Murano.ALL DAY: You really have a choice today.
Option 1: You've been going pretty pell mell for two weeks straight, so feel free to spend another day in Venice just relaxing—perhaps taking that tour of Venice's outlying islands mentioned above and doing it today, taking a bit more time on each and also heading to a third island, Torcello, wonderfully undeveloped, with simple, swampy canals and a gorgeously mosaicked church.
Option 2: Or you can keep going full throttle and squeezed in a bit the Veneto's highlights. The main train line from Venice to Milan (where you need to end up tomorrow) has trains every half hour which stops at two equally compelling places where you might want to get off, Verona (of Romeo and Juliet fame) and Desenzano (gateway to Lake Garda).
You could try to squeeze in both, if you limit yourself in Verona to just taking in the bustling marketplace on Piazza delle Erbe and a peek at nearby "Juliet's balcony" (in short: Shakespeare chose approximations of the names of two real rival families in Verona for his play, but the plot is, of course, made up—or, rather, stolen from the Greeks; all the Romeo and Juliet–associated "sights" in Verona are fanciful, but fun). Also take a look at the Arena, a midget Colosseum—and most perfectly preserved ancient Roman amphitheater in Italy—where they still perform operas. It's well worth sticking around town and getting a hotel if there's a performance on for the night tickets are still available (not an issue, in my experience, and I've been three times).
No Opera? No problem. Hop back on the train and continue to Desenzano del Garda, where you can get a half-hourly bus to Sirmione, a pretty little medieval village-turned-resort (with the scenic ruins of a Roman villa) perched near the tip of an impossibly skinny peninsula jutting up into the massive Lago di Garda, largest of the Italian lakes. Twenty minutes later, you'll be walking over the bridge, under the guard tower, and past the pocket-sized castle that guards this little medieval island-village. Find your hotel, drop your luggage, and take a stroll to eat gelato or simply sit at a café and watch the sun set beyond the lake's shores, the Alps glowing purple off to the north in the distance.
Take a tour
If you prefer an expert guide, here are some tours from our partners at Viator.com that cover many of the sights featured on this day:
• Skip the Line: Small-Group Milan Walking Tour with Da Vinci's Last Supper Tickets
• Milan Half-Day Sightseeing Tour with Da Vinci's Last Supper
• Private Tour: Milan Walking Tour
• Milan Brera Museum Walking Tour
• Milan by Night Tour
MORNING: Grab a—you guessed it—early train and get to Milan by late morning.
From Sirmione: The total ride (bus plus train from Desenzano del Garda) takes about 2 hr. The latest train you can catch that gives you enough time in Milan to make it worthwhile leaves Desenzano at 9:52am and gets in at 10:55am, after which there's a 2.5-hour gap until the next train (which wouldn't get you to Milan until early afternoon—too late to do much of use).
From Venice: The ride takes about 2.5 hr. I'd try for the 7:50am or 8:32am train. As above, the latest useful train leaves Venice at 8:50am and gets in at 11:25am, after which there's a two-hour gap until the next train.
From Verona: The ride takes 1.5 to 2 hrs. There are 2–3 trains per hour starting around 6am, but the latest useful run is the 10:05am, which get into Milan at 11:25.
The two biggies to see in Milan are Leonardo da Vinci's faded by still mighty Last Supper(yet another thing you really should book ahead), and the massive Gothic Duomo, its exterior studded with hundreds of statues bristling with pinnacles and spires (climb to the roof for a chance to step through and around the buttresses and spires, admire the statues up close, and get a great city panorama).
If you've the time (and you're not all museumed out by now), check out Milan's greatest painting gallery in the Brera. I also love the smaller but choice collection in the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana (Da Vinci, Caravaggio, Titian, Botticelli, and Raphael's cartoon sketch for the famed School of Athens in the Vatican).
If you're really lucky, you might be able to nab last-minute tickets for a performance at Milan's famed opera house La Scala tonight (lines form along the lateral arcade to the left of the main entrance; ask at the tourist office for details).
If not (or after the show), head out for a last supper of your own in the southern Navigli district of canals, once a big part of Milanese commerce but today turned into a hopping nightlife district, the old canals lined by dozens of restaurants, trendy bars, and nightclubs.
Take a tour
If you prefer an expert guide, here is a day trip to Lake Como from Milan with our partners at Viator.com:
• Lake Como Day Trip from Milan (9 hrs.)ALL-DAY: The easiest way by far is to take a guided day tour like the nine-hour Lake Como Day Trip from Milan, which visits the town of Como, with time for sightseeing, shopping, and lunch, then takes a cruise along the lake to the village of Bellagio before returning to Milan in the early evening.
If you want to go it alone on public transportation, hop a train at Milan's Stazione Centrale direct to the lakeside town of Varenna (1:03 hr.). There is a train only once every two hours, so try for the 8:20am from Milan so you're there by 9:23am.
In Varenna, wander the terraced gardens of Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi, then board the 10:25am ferry across the lake to the postcard village of Bellagio. The boat takes only 10 minutes, giving you plenty of time to meet at Piazza della Chiesa 4, just up the main road from the port, for the 11am tour of the gardens and mansion of the famous Villa Serbelloni (you must book ahead: tel. +39-031-951-1555 or +39-031-950-204).
Splash out on lunch in Bellagio at Barchetta before moving on down the lake to the town of Como, famous for centuries for its fine silks. The bus is more frequent but slower (70 min). Faster and far more scenic is a Lake Como cruise (40 min.) along the lake's southwestern arm, sliding past elaborate villas surrounded by sumptuous gardens that run all the way down to the water's edge (www.navigazionelaghi.it). You might catch the 2:42pm ferry—which would give you more time in Como—if not, the next (and final) boat to Como leaves at 3:31pm (at 3:27pm on Sundays)
From Como's lakeside Piazza Cavour and adjacent Giardini Pubblici gardens, make your way to the town's main square, Piazza del Duomo with its statue-studded Gothic-Renaissance Duomo. South of here, amid the tangle of medieval alleys lined by wood-beamed buildings of shopping drag Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, rises the ancient church of San Fedele. Tucked into the city's southwest corner is the gorgeous Romanesque Basilica di Sant'Abbondio church, built in the 11th century and elaborately frescoed inside in the 14th century. In summer especially, you might have time to take a quick trip up the Brunate Funicular (Lungo Lario Trieste, tel. +39-031-303-608, www.funicolarecomo.it) on the northeast end of town for some spectacular lake views.
Though there are plenty of fine restaurants in town, my favorite is the simple home-cooking at the comfy, inexpensive trattoria favored by theater types, local ladies' auxiliary, and hometown soccer team: Ristorante Sociale (Via Rodari 6; tel. +39-031-264-042; www.ristorantesociale.it; closed Tuesday).
[This day is spelled out in more detail on the Lake Como in 1 day page.]
Stay the night in Como.
ALL-DAY: Most flights back to the U.S.leave either in the morning or early afternoon. Either way, the day's largely a wash. You'll spend the morning getting to the airport and the day in the air.
If you stayed last night in Milan, here are the details for getting to the airport.
If you stayed last night in Como, in the morning grab the Ferrovie Nord rail line (www.ferrovienord.it) from Como to Saronno, where you transfer (quickly! the trains don't stop for long) to another line out to Malpensa Aeroporto for your flight (2–3 trains per hour; total travel time: 60–80 min.).
Remember: Even if you have a 3pm flight, you have to check in by 1pm, which means you have to head to the airport by noon, which means you have to leave your hotel by 10:30... The day's pretty much shot by the time you wake up.
I hope you had a great trip. Try to catch up on your trip journal on the plane—oh, and be sure to grab some good plane snacks before you head to the airport (foccaccia's my favorite)—Italian food beats airline food any day of the week.
I'm all for planning your own trip‚ and this website is set up to help you do just that—but some people might just as well prefer to leave all the planning, logistics, transportation, lodging, and gathering of information to the professionals and simply sign up with a guided tour.
Nothing wrong with that. Just take my advice and choose a tour that emphasizes small groups over large crowds, local transport over big tour buses, and fun cultural experiences over sightseeing checklists. You'll have a better time, and probably spend less for it. Here are some Italy tours from a few of my favorite tour companies who emphasize just that.
Sometimes you just want a 2-, 3-, or 4-day tour within Italy—perhaps to make the rounds of Campania or Tuscany after several days spent in your own in Rome, or to visit the highlights of the Veneto and Nothern Italy during a stay in Venice.
Destinations: Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri
Take time out on this three-day excursion from Rome and see the highlights of some of Italy's most popular cities: Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri. You'll combine a love of food, history and coastal delights on this fascinating multi-day trip, and your friendly and knowledgeable guide will ensure you get a local feel for this engaging region...
Destinations: Naples, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii
Leave Rome behind and see panoramic Naples, visit historic Pompeii and Sorrento before taking a boat to Capri where you can see the Gardens of Augustus where you can get a splendid view of the Faraglioni...
Destinations: Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri
Take time out to tour four of Italy's most popular cities - Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri - on a two-day excursion from Rome. You'll visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites and discover the rich history of Pompeii and beautiful Sorrento and Capri...
Destinations: Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast
Spend three days exploring Naples, Pompeii and Amalfi. You'll visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and discover the rich history of Italy. Departing Rome, you'll travel through the Campania region where high-end hotels meet historical sites. This is also the capital of Italian comfort food, home to pizza, spaghetti and mozzarella cheese...
Destinations: Sorrento
Take advantage of the luscious sights, historical attractions, shopping options and holiday pleasures of the region of Campania. Travel from Rome to Sorrento, your home base for three days of exploring Naples and Pompeii and a ferry ride to explore the beautiful island of Capri...
Destinations: Matera
Sleep like a caveman on this exclusive 2-night vacation package that provides a glimpse of what life would have been like 9,000-years ago (if prehistoric people had had Wi-Fi and air conditioning, of course!). Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita (The Caves of Civita) in Matera is an extraordinary 4-star boutique hotel where tufa rock mixes with hospitality to create an atmosphere that's far from the traditional concept of luxury. Call it "minimalist eco-luxury" that coddles its guests in spacious but sparsely furnished caves spread over three levels that are all connected by a staircase and a system of private terraces, accessible through the individual rooms...
Destinations: Vallelunga
About halfway between Palermo, on the north coast of Sicily, and Agrigento, on the south, lies one of the island's premier wineries and cooking schools - Regaleali, which has been in the family of Count Lucio Tasca since 1830. The almost 3,000 acre Regaleali estate and its cooking school draws culinary professionals from around the world and is practically self sufficient, producing most of the vegetables, fruits, wheat, olives, cheeses and meats used in the classes. In the charming country kitchen of Le Case Vecchie, immersed in the vineyards, you will learn to make authentic Sicilian dishes like ...
Destinations: Val d'orcia, Pienza, Monatelcino, Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Carrara, Lucca
Get to know gorgeous Tuscany and the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre on this incredible 4-day tour from Rome! With 4-star hotel accommodation in Siena and La Spezia included, plus an expert guide, your tour offers everything you need to experience the best of these stunning regions. Discover charming hilltop towns like Pienza and San Gimignano, and then gaze in wonder at monuments like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Head to Liguria and explore the five fishing villages that make up the beautiful Cinque Terre before returning to Rome...
Destinations: Florence, Pisa (or, Nov–Feb, Siena and San Gimignano)
Escape to the romance of Tuscany on a 3-day tour from Rome! The rolling hills of Tuscany continue to shape Italy's rich culture, be it through art, history or the finest Italian produce. Departing Rome, you will travel to the heart of Tuscany in Florence. The city is home to an abundance of paintings and sculptures housed in numerous galleries and public squares. Next it's onto Pisa with its biggest attraction, the Leaning Tower...
Destinations: Florence, Rome
Not an escorted tour, but an independent package from Venice to the other highlights of Italy. Spend two nights in Rome and one night in Florence on this 4-day independent tour from Venice by train. Choose between 3-, 4- or 5-star hotel accommodation and a first- or second-class train ticket. With your train logistics and hotel reservations taken care of, all that’s left to do is sightsee independently as much of Rome and Florence as you want. Check out top Rome attractions like the Colosseum and the Vatican, and admire Renaissance architecture in stylish Florence...
Destinations: Venice, Verona, Lake Como, Milan, Genoa, Pisa, Siena, Rome
See the most beautiful cities and towns of Northern Italy. See Verona, the town of Romeo and Juliet; see Lake of Como, famous for villas and mountain scenery; see the world famous Duomo in Milan; visit the most important ports in Italy in Genoa; see the bell tower of the Pisa'ss cathedral; and view the Piazza del Campo and the Municipal Palace in Siena...
Destinations: Assisi, Montepulciano, Florence, Padova, Venice
A coach tour of the best of Central and Northern Italy leaving from Rome and touring the mystic town Assisi in Umbria, the medieval wine town of Montepulciano in Tuscany, the greatest Renaissance sights of Florence, the Cathedral of St. Anthony in Padua, and walking tours of Venice, the Most Serene city of canals....
Destinations: Venice, Verona, Lake Como, Milan, Genoa, Pisa, Siena, Rome
See the most beautiful cities and towns of Northern Italy. See Verona, the town of Romeo and Juliet; see Lake of Como, famous for villas and mountain scenery; see the world famous Duomo in Milan; visit the most important ports in Italy in Genoa; see the bell tower of the Pisa'ss cathedral; and view the Piazza del Campo and the Municipal Palace in Siena...
Destinations: Assisi, Montepulciano, Florence, Padova, Venice
A coach tour of the best of Central and Northern Italy leaving from Rome and touring the mystic town Assisi in Umbria, the medieval wine town of Montepulciano in Tuscany, the greatest Renaissance sights of Florence, the Cathedral of St. Anthony in Padua, and walking tours of Venice, the Most Serene city of canals....
Destinations: Florence, Padova, Venice
Visit Florence, Padua and Venice on this 3-day Italy tour that ends in Rome! With an expert guide at your side, discover the art and culture of these three northern cities during a mix of walking tours and free time. Sightsee independently in Florence, see Donatello’s Renaissance artwork in Padua, marvel at architectural landmarks like Basilica San Marco in Venice, and then watch a glass-blowing demonstration on the Venetian island of Murano. Your tour includes overnight accommodation in Florence and Venice as well as transport to Rome, where your tour ends....
Destinations: Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, Lake Como, Milan
Discover the romance of northern Italy on this 3-day tour from Venice to Verona, the Italian Lakes and Milan! After spending time at leisure in Venice, explore Verona (the city that inspired Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’), soak up heart-stopping scenery at Lake Garda and Lake Como, and then see Milan’s city highlights on a sightseeing tour. Your 3-day package includes overnight accommodation in Venice and Milan, as well as a drop-off at your choice of Milano Centrale or Rome Termini station at the end of your tour...
Destinations: Venice, Marca Trevigiana
Visit Venice and be seduced by the charms of its winding city streets and canals, the awe-inspiring architecture and the culinary intrigue of the Veneto region. Taste cicchetti (Venice-style tapas) in centuries-old bars, experience market traditions over 1,000 years old, learn to make regional specialties in a fun cooking class and explore the region of Marca Trevigiana, an area rich in agriturismo, where tastings of mountain cheeses, homemade salami, sumptuous gelato and sparkling Prosecco are all on the menu. See all of Venice’s attractions from St Mark’s Square to the provocative Bridge of Sighs, visit places not on any tourist map and indulge in the divine flavours of this intoxicating part of Italy...
Destinations: Venice, Veneto
It can't get more valuable than this. Seriously. 3 days to spend in Veneto and Venice to discover some of the oh-so-many other great destinations that the region has to offer. A Select Italy TRAVEL SMART package offered at an incredible price....
Destinations: Como, Bellagio, Varenna, Brunate
Explore Como in this three day tour. Admire the beautiful Villa Olmo and other nearby villas by the shore, take in the magnificent view of the lake from Brunate, go on cruises and tours of the area, and much more...
Destinations: Bologna
Description...
One-week tours of Italy. (Note that a "week" can really last from 5 to 9 days, depending on how long you want to tour—if you fly out one Friday and return the following Sunday, that's actually nine days in Italy)
Most one-week classic tours of Italy use a major city as a lynchpin—Rome, or in the north Venice—and then focus most of the trip on a general region: Southern Italy (usually Campania—Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast—or Apulia), Central Italy (Tuscany and Umbria), or Northern Italy (the Veneto and Lombardy, sometimes Piemonte)
One-week tours that visit much of Italy
Destinations: Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Montepulciano, Bologna, Padua, Venice
Take your time with five days to explore the best of Italy! After a taste of Italy's capital, venture north of Rome and navigate your way through Assisi, Siena, Florence, Padua, and Venice. Your journey will take you away from modern highways and large cities to discover the real Italy, where ancient villages are just waiting to be explored...
Destinations: Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Padova, Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, Lake Como, Milan
Explore enchanting Italy on this 8-day tour from Rome to Milan! With an expert guide at your side, visit Rome, Umbria, Tuscany, Veneto, the Italian Lakes and Milan, taking in world-class attractions like Rome Pantheon, Florence Duomo and Venice’s Basilica di San Marco. Hotel accommodation in the top cities of Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan are included, plus guided walks and a departure transfer to Rome (should you need it), ensuring you have everything you need to discover Italy with ease...
Destinations: Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Padova, Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, Lake Como, Milan
See the best of beautiful Italy on this 8-day tour from Milan! With an expert guide at your side, visit Rome, Umbria, Tuscany, Veneto, the Italian Lakes and Milan, taking in world-class attractions like Rome Pantheon, Florence Duomo and Venice’s Basilica di San Marco. Hotel accommodation in the top cities of Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan are included, plus guided walks and a free departure transfer to Rome (should you need it), ensuring you have everything you need to discover Italy with ease...
Destinations: Rome, Florence, Venice
Perfect for first-time visitors and experienced travelers alike, this package is focuses on the must-see marvels of the Bel Paese. From the ancient majesty of the Eternal City to the Renaissance splendor of Florence and the incomparable atmosphere of Venice, this affordable package includes accommodations in selectively chosen 3-star hotels, museum reservations, a private walking tour and ground transportation...
Destinations: Rome, Florence, Venice
Select Italy's Amazing Family Tours are a bonding experience for the whole family, with a pizza-making class in Rome, mask-making workshop in Venice, museum tickets, walkign tours, and more. We have created them by teaming up with Alphabet Kids, the go-to source for multicultural educational activities and adventures. The trip starts in Venice, and when you arrive a gondola ride will introduce you to the city's canals and to mesmerizing views of its ancient palazzo. The following day, explore Venice with a private guide in...
Destinations: Florence, Pisa (or, Nov–Feb, Siena and San Gimignano instead), Venice
Spend five days exploring three of Italy's most romantic cities: Florence, Pisa and Venice. This classic multi-day trip deaprting from Rome is ideal for those seeking to combine aspects of Italy's rich culture: art, history and authentic cuisine...
Destinations: Florence, Siena, Assisi, Montepulciano, Padova, Venice
Spend five incredible days exploring Assisi, the mystic town of St. Francis and passing by Siena, renowned for the Palio di Siena. See Florence, the cradle of Italian Renaissance; in Padua visit the famous Cathedral of St. Anthony guarded by Donatello's Gattamelata; sampel wines in Montepulciano; and wander through the streets of Venice, one of the most beautiful cities in the world...
One-week tours that focus on Southern Italy—Campania, Apulia, Basilicata
Destinations:Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast
Discover Rome and southern Italy on this exciting 6-day tour with an expert guide, 4-star accommodation included! Spend two nights in Rome and get to know the city on a walking tour, taking in iconic sites like Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. Then head south to Italy’s Campania region, where a hotel in Amalfi will be your base for two nights. Visit Naples and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii, plus enjoy free time to explore the glittering Amalfi Coast before returning to Rome...
Destinations: Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast
If you want a short trip packed with diversity, then this tour of southern Italy is the adventure for you. Acquaint yourself with Italy's 'Eternal City' of Rome and learn about the catastrophic fate of Pompeii. Soak up the sunshine in the coastal town of Sorrento and explore the beautiful Amalfi Coast. This trip offers the chance to delve into history, culture and cuisine and to live a little of la dolce vita....
Destinations: Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Capri
Exploring ancient Roman ruins, Discovering delicious Italian foods during a cooking class in Rome, Pondering ash-covered Pompeii under the shadow of Mt Vesuvius, Learning how limoncello is made before sneaking a taste, Walking the Amalfi coast and the island of Capri and feeling connected to all of Italy...
Destinations: Naples, Trani, Polignano al Mare, Lecce, Alberobello, Matera, Bari
Travel to the little-known area of Puglia, southern Italy's dramatically beautiful region bordering the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Awash with Roman ruins, medieval towns, remarkable architecture and jagged coastlines that drop sharply into cerulean seas, Puglia will entice and captivate. Swoon in delight while indulging in rustic local cuisine, enjoy a wine or two from this prolific wine growing region and immerse yourself in this friendly and resplendent part of Italy...
Destinations: Brindisi, Lecce, Ostuni, Locorotondo, Otranto, Trani, Andria
As one of the most celebrated but often overlooked wine regions of Italy, Apulia offers visitors a true taste of Italy. The best wines of the region will be your guide on this eight-day trip to a mysterious and enchanting corner of Italy and of the Mediterranean. During the tour you will stop at different vineyards and will have the chance to sample the flavors that have made this region famous and you will also discover Apulia from its historical, artistic and architectural point of view...
One-week tours that focus on Central Italy—Tuscany, Umbria
Destinations: Venice, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence, Perugia, Spello, Rome
Travel to Italy and savour the many flavours of this gastronomic haven on a journey from the canals of Venice to the cobblestone streets of Rome. Explore historic sites and picturesque villages on this special food-lovers' adventure through some of the most incredible places in Italy. There is plenty of time to indulge in everything from fresh seafood and hearty wines to the finest balsamic vinegars and pesto in the world. This 10-day trip is sure to tantalise all the senses....
Destinations: Venice, Gubbio, Assisi, Spello
Travel to Italy and explore the green heart of charming Umbria - mingling with pilgrims, eating delicious foods and seeing ancient sites along the way. Visit the most sacred places in Italy as you travel from Venice to Rome, via the ancient hilltop towns of Gubbio and Assisi. Encounter the religious and historical treasures of one of the most alluring regions in Europe on this delightful Italian adventure....
Destinations: Florence, Siena, San Donato - Tuscan farmstay, Greve in Chianti, Volterra, Colle di Val d'Elsa
Get to know Tuscany, one of Italy's finest wine regions, by walking through vineyards, quaint towns and impressive gothic architecture. Stay at a working farm that produces premium Tuscan wines and olive oil. Visit the medieval town of San Gimignano, peruse the museums of Siena, get a personal lesson in Tuscan wine making, check out the ancient ruins of Castelvecchio and shop at the markets of Greve. Take the time to get under the skin of this gorgeous landscape and use your own two feet to explore....
One-week tours that focus on Northern Italy—Veneto, Lombardy
Destinations: Venice, Marca Trevigiana
Visit Venice and be seduced by the charms of its winding city streets and canals, the awe-inspiring architecture and the culinary intrigue of the Veneto region. Taste cicchetti (Venice-style tapas) in centuries-old bars, experience market traditions over 1,000 years old, learn to make regional specialties in a fun cooking class and explore the region of Marca Trevigiana, an area rich in agriturismo, where tastings of mountain cheeses, homemade salami, sumptuous gelato and sparkling Prosecco are all on the menu. See all of Venice’s attractions from St Mark’s Square to the provocative Bridge of Sighs, visit places not on any tourist map and indulge in the divine flavours of this intoxicating part of Italy...
Active & adventurous tours of Italy
One-week walking and trekking tours in Italy
Destinations: Cinque Terre
Isolated from the rest of Italy by the impressive landscape, you're here to hike. The rugged villages of Cinque Terre still remain a world away from the bustle of Rome. Follow coastal trails and discover villages clustered on windswept cliffs and perched above beautiful coastlines. Hike and swim by day and sample the fresh seafood and local delicacies by night. For the active traveller who wants to experience a real slice of Italian life, this compact adventure tops the menu. ...
Destinations: Florence, Siena, San Donato - Tuscan farmstay, Greve in Chianti, Volterra, Colle di Val d'Elsa
Get to know Tuscany, one of Italy's finest wine regions, by walking through vineyards, quaint towns and impressive gothic architecture. Stay at a working farm that produces premium Tuscan wines and olive oil. Visit the medieval town of San Gimignano, peruse the museums of Siena, get a personal lesson in Tuscan wine making, check out the ancient ruins of Castelvecchio and shop at the markets of Greve. Take the time to get under the skin of this gorgeous landscape and use your own two feet to explore....
Destinations: Garfagana Valley, Tuscany
Pnce you’ve seen, smelled, felt and tasted northern Tuscany, you’ll want to devour as much of it as possible. This journey into Garfagnana—one of Italy’s top trekking regions—offers plenty of exercise for mind, body and soul alike. Over eight days, you’ll hike the unspoiled mountains by day, learn to prepare delicious local cuisine in the evening and put your well-used feet up at the end of it all to soak in the simple pleasures of country life....
Destinations: Garfagnana Valley, Tuscany
Embark on walks through the Garfagnana Valley, an area of Tuscany that is well away from tourist crowds. Enjoy forest walks, captivating views over mountain terrain, exploring hilltop villages and traipses through the woodlands of the Orecciella Natural Park. Get a different taste of Italy on this Tuscan walking tour....
Destinations:In Italy: Courmayeur, Planpincieux; In France: Chamonix, Lac du Miage, Le Buet, Les Houches, Les Contamines
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Destinations: Amalfi, Furore, Positano, Ravello, Valle delle Ferriere, Pompeii, Naples
Charming hilltop towns, acres of lemon groves and vineyards, mile after mile of stunning cliffs kissed by cobalt-blue waters… its official name is the Amalfi Coast, but this magical land answers to ‘heaven’. On this trip, you’ll live like one of the region’s (incredibly lucky) locals, discovering the small towns, mountain trails and local customs of this uniquely beautiful place. Explore the ruins of Pompeii in the morning, hike the coastline of the Med by afternoon, and tuck into bed at your converted 17th-century monastery homebase at sundown...
One-week cycling tours of Italy
Destinations: Siena, Chianciano Terme, Pienza, Montepulciano
In a country famed for its extensive (not to mention delicious) culinary traditions, Tuscany is top dog. And what better way to work up an appetite for all those gastronomic delights than by taking a leisurely ride through some of the most gorgeous countryside you’ll find anywhere? On this trip, you’ll explore the gently rolling hills and tiny villages of this idyllic patch of Europe from the seat of a bike, then dig in to expertly prepared meals and flavourful wines drawn from the land you’ve spent all day traversing. If you really are what you eat, expect to become exquisite....
Destinations: San Quirico, Pienza, Montepulciano, Bagno Vignoni, Siena, Castellina in Chianti, San Gimignano, Greve in Chianti, Florence
Cycle through Tuscany and explore some of Italy's most endearing countryside. Ride through Italian vineyards, quaint hamlets and small villages full of culture and a friendly local atmosphere. Admire classic gothic architecture lining lively market squares. Try traditional Italian cuisine, full of flavour and unmistakeably different form the copycats around the world. Finish in the stunningly beautiful city of Florence, full of classic artwork from the likes of Raphael, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci...
Destinations: San Salvatore Sinis, San Giovanni Sinis, Tharros, Piscinas/Costa Verde, Nebida, Sant'Antioco, Isola di San Pietro, Sant'Anna Arresi, Pula
Cycle over some of the most untouched, breathtaking coastal roads in Europe. Witness flocks of flamingos preening in the lagoons of the beautiful Sinis wetlands. Visit the ancient city ruins of Tharros. Spend a night in a charming agriturismo. Be wowed by the 400-foot-high seat stacks of Pan di Zucchero...
One-week sailboat tours in Italy
Destinations: Amalfi, Pompeii, Torre Annunziata, Naples, Ischia, Procida
Set sail across the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean on an Amalfi Coast Sailing adventure. Cast off from the oldest island in the Bay of Naples, Procida, which has featured in a number of films thanks to its pastel-coloured houses and quaint, atmospheric streets. Explore the medieval fortress Castello Aragonese near the vibrant island of Ischia and bathe in ocean hot springs. View original artefacts from Pompeii at the Archeological Museum in Naples before roaming through the 2,000-year-old city itself, and end the adventure on a high – on a cliff top in Amalfi, gazing out across the azure seas and bright blue skies...
Destinations: Amalfi, Capri, Pozzuoli, Procida
Cast adrift along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast and travel to the glittering jewels of the region - Capri, Pozzuoli and Procida. Visit the home of mythical sirens, the ancient holiday homes of great Roman emperors and the spectacular Blue Grotto. Hike along historic trails past olive groves, vineyards, lemon orchards and charming villages; dive into the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean; and sample mouthwatering Italian regional cuisine on this remarkable Amalfi sailing adventure...
Destinations: Amalfi, Capri, Pozzuoli, Procida, Pompeii, Torre Annunziata, Naples, Ischia
Imagine carefree days sailing from one stunning island to the next through the glistening Mediterranean. This awesome voyage along the spectacular Amalfi coast gives you the lot - gorgeous beaches, ancient ruins, beautiful landscapes, picturesque villages, sumptuous fresh seafood and chilled out waterfronts. The perfect escape to taste some of the best this region has to offer...
Family-friendly Italy tours
Destinations: Rome, Florence, Venice
Select Italy's Amazing Family Tours are a bonding experience for the whole family, with a pizza-making class in Rome, mask-making workshop in Venice, museum tickets, walkign tours, and more. We have created them by teaming up with Alphabet Kids, the go-to source for multicultural educational activities and adventures. The trip starts in Venice, and when you arrive a gondola ride will introduce you to the city's canals and to mesmerizing views of its ancient palazzo. The following day, explore Venice with a private guide in...
Destinations: Naples, Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius, Amalfi, Ravello, Furore
Eager to expose the kids to Italian cuisine that doesn’t come in a cardboard box in 30 minutes or less? Take ‘em to the Amalfi Coast. Long a secluded hideaway for adults, the Coast has the most for the younger set as well. Based in smaller towns amidst truly breathtaking scenery, there's a huge variety of activities for your family. Try a delicious cooking class, see the ruins of the doomed city of Pompeii, hike the hills of Tre Calli, explore Capri and more, all in a breezy and affordable seven days. This is pizza’s ancestral home, after all. Deliver yourself to its doorstep. ...
Destinations: Naples, Mt. Vesuvius, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Sorrento, Capri,
Visit the atmospheric Roman ruins of Herculaneum and of Pompeii preserved by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Explore Naples, the home of Pizza and relax in Sorrento, surrounded by lemon trees and Olive groves. Take a day trip to Capri and discover the Blue Grotto in a small boat. Climb the infamous Mt Vesuvius. Explore the Roman cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii. Make pizza and pasta with the help of Italian chefs...
Destinations: Pisa, Lucignano, Siena, Montepulciano, Pienza, Borgo Vignoni, Florence, Assisi, Cortona
Immerse the family in the cultural charms of one of Italy’s most famous regions for a holiday that’s as enjoyable as it is educational. Explore the treasure-trove of historic art cities, with awe-inspiring architecture at every corner. Delve deep into underground wine cellars, tuck into Tuscany’s famous dishes and learn how to make pasta in an authentic cooking class. Unwind in hot springs or by the apartment pool to ensure all the family return home relaxed after a fantastic family break...
Tours to more than just Italy...
Destinations: London (England), Paris (France), Interlaken (Switzerland), Milan, Rome
Crisscrossing four countries, this whirlwind tour of Europe’s most celebrated capitals squeezes unique culture, delectable food and drink, stunning scenery, wild nightlife and centuries of thrilling history into eight days without ever feeling rushed. Browse the galleries and museums of Paris, gape at the Swiss Alps' natural beauty, hike the verdant hills of Cinque Terre and more, for less than you’d ever dreamed possible...
This kind of trip mixes the best of independent travel with a degree of guided support.
If you like to bounce from one place to another, try a Intrpeid Travel BASIX trip. With this, you get your lodgings (generally in smaller, 1–2 star hotels, guesthouses, or hostels), group transfers from one destination to the next (usually by train), and the services of a group leader—not a guide in the traditional sense, but someone who handles all the logistics, accompanies you on transfers, and provides information on the destinations you visit. You are on your own for meals and sightseeing—though the group leader will recommend places to eat, top sights, and local guiding services.
If you prefer the home-base model of travel—staying in one central location and making lots of daytrips to explore the region—check out the GAdventures "Living Local" program. With this, you get a week in an apartment or agriturismo, transfers, a starter kit, and the services of a local Chief Experience Officer who can help you settle in, offer advice and tips, and orginize day trips and other adventures.
Though there may be other travelers on the same "tour" (staying in a neighboring apartment or room), your trip is entirely your own—though often there is a group meal and perhaps an activity, like a cooking class (or, in the case of the Amalfi Coast, many guided daytrips and hikes and most meals).
Destinations: Venice, Cinque Terre, Florence, Rome
Discover the sights and delights of Italy on this week long highlights tour. Begin amid the canals of Venice, visit the charming towns of the Cinque Terre, soak up beauty and history in Florence and wind up in the piazzas of Rome. With plenty of free time for independent exploration, and the freedom to discover Italy's history and culture at your own pace, there's no better way to see this wonderful pocket of Europe...
Destinations: Rome
This Local Living option situates you in a comfortable apartment—kitchen, wi-fi, dining area—within walking distance to St Peter's Basilica and Vatican City. Spend your time exploring Roman ruins, medieval sites and Renaissance highlights. You’ll share your home with like-minded travellers but your days are your own. ...
Destinations: Tuscany
Centred in San Gimignano, this Local Living adventure places you in the heart of Tuscany for eight days of exploring. After a chef-prepared lunch, you’re free to explore the town, visit vineyards, discover medieval highlights or embrace your inner artist wandering the Tuscan countryside. You’ll share the accommodation with like-minded travellers, and with a CEO there to point you in the right direction, prepare to fall in love with Italy...
Destinations: Chniaciano Terme, Montalcino
Experience life the local way and you’ll experience a Tuscany that most tourists miss. This trip offers plenty of opportunity to get your hands dirty in the kitchen as you’ll learn to prepare and enjoy this picturesque region’s culinary and viticultural delights. Peruse the local markets and delis in search of the finest organic fare, sample wines in the very vineyards that produced them, and work off all that deliciousness with walks across some of the world’s most beautiful scenery...
Destinations: Amalfi, Furore, Positano, Ravello, Valle delle Ferriere, Pompeii, Naples
Charming hilltop towns, acres of lemon groves and vineyards, mile after mile of stunning cliffs kissed by cobalt-blue waters… its official name is the Amalfi Coast, but this magical land answers to ‘heaven’. On this trip, you’ll live like one of the region’s (incredibly lucky) locals, discovering the small towns, mountain trails and local customs of this uniquely beautiful place. Explore the ruins of Pompeii in the morning, hike the coastline of the Med by afternoon, and tuck into bed at your converted 17th-century monastery homebase at sundown...
Destinations: Lipari, Aoelian Islands, Catania, Acitrezza
On this unique Local Living departure, you’ll get an up-close-and-personal glimpse of everyday life on this laidback island from three different yet equally charming towns, with five of the nights in a comfortable apartment. By day, you’ll stroll the streets of baroque Catania, the beautiful fishing village of Acitrezza, and the tiny, volcano-ringed Lipari—considered by some to be the 'Sicilian Santorini'. Pleasant seaside strolls? Volcano hikes? Kayaking excursions? Loads of downtime? Why leave?...
Destinations: Bari, Polignano al Mare
Some destinations are best experienced quickly in a single gulp. Puglia, on the other hand, is a place you sip and savour slowly. From a charming apartment inside the walls of an ancient city, this Local Living trip to Italy’s boot heel puts you in close contact with the people who are lucky enough to live here full-time. Discover the culinary secrets of the region’s age-old winemaking and olive oil trades, learn to make your own pasta, bike down dozens of scenic trails or simply soak up the splendour of your surroundings. Above all, make yourself at home...
Two-week tours of Italy. (Well, anything from 10 to 17 days, really.)
Classic tours of Italy
Destinations: Venice, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence, Perugia, Spello, Rome
Travel to Italy and savour the many flavours of this gastronomic haven on a journey from the canals of Venice to the cobblestone streets of Rome. Explore historic sites and picturesque villages on this special food-lovers' adventure through some of the most incredible places in Italy. There is plenty of time to indulge in everything from fresh seafood and hearty wines to the finest balsamic vinegars and pesto in the world. This 10-day trip is sure to tantalise all the senses....
Destinations: Venice, Lake Como, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Lucca, Florence, Siena, Rome
Description...
Destinations: Venice, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Rome, Naples, Amalfi, Sorrento, Pompeii, Mt. vesuvius, Herculaneum
Artists have always travelled to Italy to lift their spirits. This 2-week adventure offers you the same opportunity. Connect with the ancients at the ruins of Pompeii and in Rome and marvel at the Renaissance in Venice and Tuscany. You’ll explore tiny markets and walk the hills of Cinque Terre and with the gods in Amalfi. We’ve taken care of the planning so you’ll have plenty of time for solo exploring and optional activities. Connect with the culture—past and present—and discover what visitors have always known: the heart beats faster in Italy...
Destinations: Rome, Florence, Lucca, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Portofino/Italian Riviera, Asti/Piemonte, Milan, Lake Como, Venice
Starting in the "Eternal City" of Rome and ending by the canals of Venice, uncover the best of northern Italy. Experience classic Italian food, wine, history and style, and discover immense natural beauty while traveling through this spectacular corner of Europe. Marvel at the ancient wonders and modern attractions in Rome. Meet Michelangelo's David in Florence. Visit the gravity-defying Torre de Pisa. Cycle across the Tuscan hinterland. Soak up stunning views along the Cinque Terre coast. Sample local wines in Piedmont. Unwind by Lake Como. Explore charming canals and alleyways on a trip to Venice...
Destinations: Venice, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Herculaneum, Mt. Vesuvius
Save room in your luggage for extra memory cards, shutterbugs; on this travel photography tour through picturesque Italy, every second is a picture-perfect photo-op. From the inspiring ancient architecture of Venice and Rome to the rolling, impossibly lush hills of Tuscany, your shutter-finger is destined to get one hell of a workout. Best of all, you’ll get expert guidance in photography, travel writing and adventuring from our Wanderer-in Resident Gary Arndt, founder of Everything Everywhere, the internet’s most-visited travel blog. Between characteristic Renaissance flourishes, the somber beauty of Pompeii and plate upon plate of Tuscan cuisine prepared with the greatest care, the hardest decision you’ll have to make is which shot to frame first....
Destinations: Venice, Gubbio, Assisi, Spello, Rome, Naples, Mt. Vesuvius, Pompeii, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast
From the romance of Venice to the laidback charm of the Amalfi Coast, take time to experience the true delights of Italy. Travel through the rolling hills of Umbria, visit medieval towns, soak up culture on a trip to Rome, explore the ruins of Pompeii and fall in love with the beauty of Sorrento. La bella Italia is diverse and fascinating - experience seaside scenery, rustic city streets and delectable cuisine, all infused with that passionate Italian spirit. Be charmed by the romantic aura of Venice city. Travel to Rome and discover ancient sites and modern delights. Ride a cable car to a hilltop basilica in Gubbio. Experience Umbria's religious heart on a visit to Assisi. Hike Mt Vesuvius. Find ancient artefacts in Naples’s Archaeological Museum. Explore the haunting site of Pompeii. Take in sun and sea on the Amalfi Coast...
Destinations: Bari, Matera, Alberobello, Lecce, Polignano al Mare, Trani, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast
See another side of Italy on this trip through the astonishing Puglia region, one of the lesser-known places in Italy. Let the history, culture and cuisine of southern Italy enchant you as you explore 9,000-year-old sassi dwellings carved out of rock in Matera, marvel at ornate frescoes in Lecce, wonder at the beehive-shaped trulli houses of Alberobello and be left breathless at the sight of the Amalfi Coast. Take in modern delights at Naples and Sorrento and see its contrast in Italy’s ancient past at Pompeii and Polignano on this unique tour in Italy...
Active & adventurous tours of Italy
Destinations: Italy: Courmayeur, Planpincieux; France: Chamonix, Le Bossons, Les Frasserands, Val Montjoie, Les Chapieux; Switzerland: Trient, Champex, La Fouly
Undertake one of the most dramatic walks in Europe. No amount of training can prepare you for the staggering beauty and degree of diversity that is contained within the Mont Blanc Circuit. Postcard perfect villages, cerulean glaciers, striking alpine vistas, challenging passes and rewarding days await on this walking adventure through France, Italy and Switzerland...
Destinations: Italy (Coeurmayeur), France (Chamonix, Les Contamines, Les Chapiuex), Switzerland (Val ferret, Champex, Trient)
Experience the rarified air of Europe as you trek the Alps from France to Italy and Switzerland on this active 10-day adventure. This challenging hiking circuit will reward you with mesmerizing views of glaciers, steep valleys and, of course, Mont Blanc itself. Travel across high passes and through Alpine meadows and recharge at night with delicious mountain cuisine in simple refuges. Challenge yourself to conquer one of the world's premier hiking circuits and uncover the alpine heart of Europe on this incredible journey...
Destinations: Calalzo, Cortona d'Ampezzo, Canazei, Bolzano
Beloved by mountaineers and nature lovers alike, the Dolomites sit perched atop northern Italy like a rocky crown. This exhilarating trip through the mountains features day treks through some of Italy’s most unbelievable scenery, with plenty of visits to small villages along the way to soak up the unique local Ladin culture and cuisine. Nights are spent in mountain refuges, where your hosts will ply you with hearty home-cooked meals. Eat up; you won’t find tastier mountain-trekking food anywhere else...
Tours to more than just Italy...
Destinations: Italy (Rome, Viareggio, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Florence, Venice), Austria (Vienna), Czech Republic (Prague)
This trip is perfect for the young, budget-conscious traveller eager to check a bunch of boxes off their travelling to-do list in one fell swoop. Beginning in Rome—the crucible of Western civilization—and wrapping up in beautiful Prague, you’ll sample the regional specialities and delicious wines of Italy, get in touch with the continent’s rich culture in famed museums and galleries, and compare dance floors in the nightclubs of Europe’s party capitals...
Destinations: France (Paris, Beaune/Burgundy, Avignon, Nice), Monaco, Italy (Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence, Rome)
Sip wine in Burgundy, feast on local delicacies in Provence, follow scenic tracks along Italy's Cinque Terre coast and raise your glass to the best of France and Italy. Over 13 well-paced days, travel from Paris to Rome and savour the region's cultural and natural highlights. Your expert CEO will take the hassle out of travel but leave you with plenty of free time to explore. Witness the grandeur of Paris and Florence's great masterpieces, relax on the beach and fall in love with the beauty of this region...
Destinations: Italy (Rome, Siena, Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre), France (Nice, Arles/Provence, Carcassone, Pyrenees), Spain (Barcelona)
Lose yourself in three of Europe's most enchanting countries. From the vibrant streets of Barcelona, travel into the heart of the picturesque Spanish Pyrenees. Discover Provencal food and world-class wines then frolic with Europe’s high rollers in the French Riviera. Feast on breathtaking sights in the cliff-top towns of the Cinque Terre, see master works of art in Florence and marvel at the leaning Torre de Pisa. Call into beautiful Siena then conclude this European adventure tour in the ancient city of Rome....
Destinations: England (London), Belgium (Bruges), Germany (Berlin), Czech Republic (Prague), Austria (Vienna), Italy (Venice, Viareggio, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Florence, Rome)
With just 17 days to play with, time is tight on this tour, but the possibilities (and options) are wide open. It begins in Rome, home to more ancient landmarks than you could shake a centurion’s spear at. From there, you’ll explore elegant Prague, cut loose in the clubs of Amsterdam and Berlin, and savour the historical charms of romantic Bruges before the whirlwind drops us off in England. Hang on tight...
Destinations: England (London), France (Paris), Switzerland (Interlaken), Italy (Milan, Rome, Viareggio, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Florence, Venice), Austria (Vienna), Czech Republic (Prague)
Paris, the Swiss Alps, the Italian Riviera, modern Bohemia—you’d be surprised how much of Europe you can pack into 17 days. This excellent whirlwind tour of Europe for younger travellers reads like a greatest-hits compilation of classic Europe experiences: The bustle of busy London, cultural exploration in the French capital, postcard-worthy scenery in Switzerland, trekking in Cinque Terre and a frosty mug of Pilsner in an authentic Czech hospoda at the end of it all....
Destinations: Germany (Berlin), Poland (Krakow), Czech Republic (Prague, Cesky Krumlov), Hungary (Budapest), Slovenia (Lake Bled), Italy (Venice)
Take the long road through Bohemia on this adventure-filled tour from Germany to Italy. Travelling from historical landmarks and medieval squares to magical hilltop castles and romantic canals, this is an architectural extravaganza that cannot be missed. Wander among imposing Iron Curtain relics in Berlin, experience bohemian hospitality in an underground Prague bar and stroll the banks of the sparkling River Danube on a visit to Budapest. With the freedom to choose your own adventure in each city, you'll be captivated by the mysteries that are revealed on this tour of Central Europe...
Destinations: England (London), France (Paris), Switzerland (Interlaken), Italy (Milan, Rome, Viareggio, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Florence, Venice), Austria (Vienna), Czech Republic (Prague), Germany (Berlin), Netherlands (Amsterdam), Belgium (Bruges)
Description...
Tours: Intrepidtravel.com, Gadventures.com, Selectitaly.com, Tourpackagers.com, Viator.com, Infohub.com
Airfares: Momondo.com, Vayama.com, Cheapflights.com
, DoHop.com, AutoEurope.com, CheapTickets.com, CheapOair.com, OneTravel.com
,Orbitz.com
, Expedia.com
, Travelocity.com
, Priceline.com
, Hotwire.com
Rental cars: Autoeurope.com, Momondo.com, Priceline.com, RentalCars.com, AutoSlash.com, Europebycar.com, Renaultusa.com
Trains: Raileurope.com, Trenitalia.com
Lodging: Venere.com, Booking.com, Bedandbreakfast.com, Airbnb.com, Rentalo.com, Vrbo.com, Belvilla.org
, Hostelworld.com, Hostelbookers.com
, Couchsurfing.com, Homeexchange.com
Packages: SelectItaly.com, Gotoday.com, Orbitz.com, Expedia.com
, Travelocity.com
Maps & guides: Maps.com, BN.com, Maps.google.com, Tuttocitta.it
A tall order for just two weeks? You bet. But there are three tricks to fitting all you can into such a short time here.
Don't forget to pay attention to the "What to do before you leave" section (next) covering all the details you need to take care of before leaving home—and be sure to read the "Foolish Assumptions" page about how these itineraries are meant to work. (Note that there's also a brief, calendar-view of this itinerary with a much larger map available.)
The basic itinerary above is pretty packed—a lot of early morning wake-ups, a lot of churches and museums—because there's simply so much to see and do in Italy.
By all means, feel free to prune this itinerary down to something a bit slower paced if you don’t want to spend so much time running around (say, leaving out a few hilltowns—Pienza or Orvieto—or perhaps the Cinque Terre, or maybe Pompeii). I've even gone ahead and whipped up a sane version of this itinerary that leaves out Pompeii and the Cinque Terre.
Think of this more as a blueprint to squeezing in the maximum possible. You should, above all, have fun.
I will freely admit to being as guilty as anyone of this, but: Please try not to overplan your trip to Italy. That's a two-fold plea:
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Tours: Intrepidtravel.com, Gadventures.com, Selectitaly.com, Tourpackagers.com, Viator.com, Infohub.com
Airfares: Momondo.com, Vayama.com, Cheapflights.com
, DoHop.com, AutoEurope.com, CheapTickets.com, CheapOair.com, OneTravel.com
,Orbitz.com
, Expedia.com
, Travelocity.com
, Priceline.com
, Hotwire.com
Rental cars: Autoeurope.com, Momondo.com, Priceline.com, RentalCars.com, AutoSlash.com, Europebycar.com, Renaultusa.com
Trains: Raileurope.com, Trenitalia.com
Lodging: Venere.com, Booking.com, Bedandbreakfast.com, Airbnb.com, Rentalo.com, Vrbo.com, Belvilla.org
, Hostelworld.com, Hostelbookers.com
, Couchsurfing.com, Homeexchange.com
Packages: SelectItaly.com, Gotoday.com, Orbitz.com, Expedia.com
, Travelocity.com
Maps & guides: Maps.com, BN.com, Maps.google.com, Tuttocitta.it
This material was last updated February 2013. All information was accurate at the time.
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