Curator’s statement
Italy holds a special place in my heart, stemming from my great-grandmother's birth there. Her cooking and culture deeply influenced me, igniting a lifelong love for Italy. From its stunning landscapes to its warm hospitality, Italy's allure never fails to captivate me. My connection to Italian culture only enhances my connection to this remarkable country.
Week 1: Rome and Northern Italy Exploration
Week 2: Venice, Florence and Cinque Terre
Week 3: Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Departure
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Days 1-5 (5 days): Rome
Week 1: Rome and Northern Italy Exploration
Day 1–5 (5 days): Rome
Explore iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. Dive into the rich history and culture of Rome by visiting additional attractions such as:
Vatican City (St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel)
Piazza Navona
Castel Sant'Angelo
Piazza del Popolo
Villa Borghese Gardens
Campo de' Fiori
Piazza Venezia (Altare della Patria)
Capitoline Hill (Capitoline Museums)
Circus Maximus
Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità)
Roman Catacombs
Baths of Caracalla
Days 6-9 (4 days): The Dolomites
Days 6–9 (4 days): The Dolomites
Explore the stunning alpine scenery and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing. Highlights include:
Pragser Wildsee (Lake Prags)
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Seceda
Val Gardena
Alpe di Siusi
Lake Misurina
Sella Pass
Alta Badia
Cinque Torri
Lago di Braies
Days 10-12 (3 days): Lake Como
Days 10-12 (3 days): Lake Como
Continue your journey to the picturesque Lake Como. Take boat rides across the lake and visit charming lakeside towns like Bellagio and Varenna.
Days 13-15 (3 days): Venice
Week 2: Venice, Florence and Cinque Terre
Days 13–15 (3 days): Venice
Explore the enchanting city of Venice and visit:
Canal Grande
Doge's Palace
Basilica di San Marco
Piazza San Marco
Campanile di San Marco
Ponte di Rialto
Murano glass factories
Dorsoduro
Days 16-19 (4 days): Florence and Day 20-22 (3 days): Cinque Terre
Days 16–19 (4 days): Florence
Discover the cultural heart of Tuscany and visit:
Uffizi Gallery
Arno River
Days 20–22 (3 days): Cinque Terre
Explore the charming villages of Cinque Terre and enjoy:
Coastal trails
Fresh seafood in seaside trattorias
Days 23-25 (3 days): Pompeii, Days 26-28 (3 days): Amalfi Coast and Day 29: Departure
Week 3: Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Departure
Days 23–25 (3 days): Pompeii
Journey to the archaeological site of Pompeii and explore:
Ancient ruins
Days 26–28 (3 days): Amalfi Coast
Relax on family-friendly beaches and explore:
Charming towns of Amalfi and Positano
Breathtaking views from coastal roads
Day 29: Departure
Bid farewell to Italy as you transfer to the airport for your journey home.
Need to know
Notes: Get ready for an amazing trip through Italy with this itinerary! It's best to go in spring or fall when the weather's nice and there are fewer crowds. Explore the historic sites in Rome, visit the charming villages in the Dolomites and unwind by the lakes in Como and the Amalfi Coast.
Restaurants:
Rome:
Budget-friendly ($$): Pizzeria da Baffetto (popular pizzeria near Campo de' Fiori).
Luxury ($$$$): Aroma Restaurant (Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the Colosseum).
The Dolomites:
Budget-friendly ($$): Rifugio Friedrich August (mountain hut offering hearty meals with scenic views).
Luxury ($$$$): Rifugio Fanes (elegant mountain lodge serving gourmet Alpine cuisine).
Lake Como:
Budget-friendly ($$): Trattoria Baita Belvedere (cozy trattoria with affordable Italian dishes and lake views).
Luxury ($$$$): Il Gatto Nero (renowned restaurant in Cernobbio, offering upscale Italian cuisine).
Venice:
Budget-friendly ($$): Osteria Ai Do Pozzi (traditional Venetian trattoria with affordable seafood dishes).
Luxury ($$$$): Quadri Restaurant (historic Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking St. Mark's Square).
Florence:
Budget-friendly ($$): Trattoria ZaZa (popular trattoria offering affordable Tuscan specialties).
Luxury ($$$$): Enoteca Pinchiorri (three-Michelin-starred restaurant known for its gourmet cuisine).
Cinque Terre:
Budget-friendly ($$): Trattoria dal Billy (charming family-run trattoria serving affordable Ligurian dishes).
Luxury ($$$$): Belforte Restaurant (elegant restaurant in Vernazza offering gourmet seafood).
Pompeii:
Budget-friendly ($$): Pompei Pizza & Fish (casual pizzeria and seafood restaurant near Pompeii ruins).
Luxury ($$$$): Villa dei Misteri (fine-dining restaurant offering upscale Mediterranean cuisine).
Amalfi Coast:
Budget-friendly ($$): Ristorante Lo Guarracino (seaside restaurant in Positano with affordable seafood dishes).
Luxury ($$$$): Il San Pietro di Positano (Michelin-starred restaurant with stunning views and gourmet Mediterranean cuisine).
Travel Advisor
Michelle Malter
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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Italy.