Destination: Italy

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION

Itinerary: Classic Cities

Rome to Milan, via Florence and Venice, is a breathtaking 935km trip that you can do in a couple of weeks, but which easily merits as much time as you can give it.



Two weeks is not a long time to spend in Italy but, with a bit of planning and a desire to make the most of every moment, it’s possible to undertake a whistle-stop tour of the tried and tested, throwing in a couple of hasty side tours.

Start with three days in the ancient capital of Rome, home to the dome of St Peter’s, the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and more. From Rome push onto Florence for a mind-blowing collection of Italian art in the splendid Uffizi Gallery and elsewhere. Squeeze in a couple of day trips to Siena, a labyrinth medieval city, and Pisa, with its renowned leaning tower and majestic cathedral. After four days in Tuscany it’s time to head north. You might make a one-day stop in Bologna, with its graceful monuments, bustling boulevards and great food, before proceeding onto the illustrious jewel of the Adriatic, Venice.

Spend three precious days marvelling at the mosaics of the Basilica di San Marco, exploring the picturesque waterways of the lagoon city and gazing in awe at the grand houses of the Grand Canal. You can then set off west for a one-day stopover to explore the beautiful streets of historic Verona, home to the majestic Roman Arena and the utterly fictitious Romeo and Juliet. From there proceed west to the great metropolis of Milan, the financial hub of the country blessed with Leonardo da Vinci’s remarkable The Last Supper (Cenacolo Vinciano), and the chic Monte Napoleone area, one of Europe’s most exclusive shopping districts.

Travelling to Italy?
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