Day 1: Arrival in Venice
Day 2: Venice
Morning:
- Start your day with a visit to St Mark’s Square, where you can admire the stunning architecture of St Mark’s Basilica and explore the intricate design of the Doge’s Palace.
- Take a Basilica Tour to explore the intricate details of Venice’s stunning churches.
- Climb the Campanile tower for a bird’s-eye view of Venice.
Afternoon:
- Have lunch near St Mark’s Square.
- Enjoy a leisurely stroll to Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute, a beautiful church offering tranquility and breathtaking views of the Grand Canal.
Evening:
- Cross the Ponte dell’Accademia and enjoy the sunset while walking along the picturesque canal.
- Indulge in a delicious dinner at Al Giglio, where you can savor authentic Venetian cuisine.
Day 3: Venice to Florence
Morning:
- Head to the Contarini del Bovolo Staircase, a hidden gem offering another panoramic views of the city.
- Stroll over the Rialto Bridge and browse boutique shops that sell Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware.
- Experience the charm of Venice with a gondola ride through its enchanting canals.
Afternoon:
- Catch the train to Florence, which offers scenic views of the Italian countryside.
Evening:
- Check into your accommodation and head over to Piazza del Duomo.
- Enjoy a delightful dinner at Coquinarius, known for its delicious Tuscan dishes.
Day 4: Florence
Morning:
- Start the day early to explore the Duomo Complex. There can be a long line to get inside the Cathedral. Book your ticket before your trip to climb Giotto’s Bell Tower or Campanile for view of the dome and Florence.
Afternoon:
- Explore the Uffizi Gallery, home to an impressive collection of Renaissance art.
- Don’t forget to check out the Neptune Fountain and Piazza della Signoria nearby.
- Walk along the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge and explore the Vasari Corridor.
Evening:
- Dine at Signorvino Firenze, a charming restaurant offering a selection of fine wines and local cuisine, with a view of Ponte Vecchio.
- Catch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo, which offers panoramic views of Florence’s skyline. Get there early to get a good spot.
Day 5: Florence to Amalfi
Morning:
- Visit the Academia Gallery to admire Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David. Book a guided tour early to get a spot.
- Walk around Mercato Centrale to sample local delicacies and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Florence’s food scene before departing for Amalfi. Tip: Be very careful about pickpockets here.
Afternoon:
- Take the train to Salerno, followed by a bus ride or a ferry to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.
Evening:
- Check into your accommodation and unwind after your journey. (We stayed at Core Amalfi City Suites for a very convenient location and great views.)
Day 6: Amalfi Coast
Morning:
- Explore the charming town of Altrani, known for its winding streets and picturesque coastline.
Afternoon:
- Embark on an afternoon snorkeling cruise tour to discover the beauty of the Amalfi Coast from the crystal-clear waters.
Evening:
- Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at Lo Smeraldino by the water.
Day 7: Amalfi Coast
- Spend your day relaxing on the stunning beaches of the Amalfi Coast or exploring the nearby towns and villages at your leisure.
Day 8: Amalfi Coast to Rome
Morning:
- Catch the morning ferry to Salerno Port, where you’ll board a train to Rome.
Afternoon:
- Arrive in Rome and check into your hotel.
- Visit iconic landmarks such as the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain.
Evening:
- Take a leisurely stroll along the Passeggiata del Pincio, a scenic park offering panoramic views of the city, and watch the sunset from there.
Day 9: Rome
Morning:
- Get a very early start to experience the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain without a crowd.
- Climb up the steps to the top of the Altar of the Fatherland, soaking in the beauty of Rome’s historic center.
Afternoon:
- Join a guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill to uncover the rich history of ancient Rome. It can be 3 to 4 hours along so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring shades and water. (We went on this tour and recommend it.)
Evening:
- Walk by Palazzo del Quirinale, the official residence of the President of the Italian Republic, to see the sunset.
Day 10: Rome
Morning:
- Embark on a Vatican City Tour at 7:15 am to explore the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Even though our tour group was supposed to be an early entry small group, there were so many tours operating at the same time and it was very crowded.
Evening:
- Catch the sunset from Ponte Umberto I, offering stunning views of the Tiber River and Rome’s skyline.
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at Bernini Ristorante, known for its exquisite Italian cuisine.
- Take a leisurely stroll through Piazza Navona and admire the Fountain of the Four Rivers before concluding your Italian adventure.
