Italy Adventure: 11 Days of Culture and Cuisine Itinerary

Begin your day with a scenic drive to Lake Como, approximately an hour from Milan. Start with a visit to the charming town of Bellagio, often referred to as the 'Pearl of Lake Como.' Stroll through its picturesque streets and enjoy the stunning lake views.

Have lunch at a local lakeside restaurant before heading to Villa Carlotta, a beautiful villa and botanical garden located in Tremezzo. Spend about 2 hours exploring the lush gardens and admiring the art collections inside the villa.

For dinner, dine at one of Como's finest restaurants, where you can enjoy delicious Italian cuisine while overlooking the serene lake.

Drive from Como to Portofino, which takes about 2.5 hours. Upon arrival, take some time to explore this picturesque fishing village known for its colorful houses and stunning harbor views.

Enjoy lunch at one of Portofino's waterfront restaurants before visiting Castello Brown, an ancient castle offering panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea. Spend around 1-2 hours exploring this historic site.

End your day with dinner at another highly-rated restaurant in Portofino, where you can savor fresh seafood dishes while enjoying the coastal ambiance.

Travel from Portofino to Tuscany (approximately 3 hours). Start your Tuscan adventure with a visit to Castle of Meleto (Castello di Meleto). This historic castle offers guided tours that delve into its rich history and beautiful vineyards.

For lunch, head to Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence, one of Tuscany's most celebrated dining establishments. Afterward, explore Florence’s iconic landmarks such as Piazza del Duomo and Ponte Vecchio.

Conclude your day with dinner at another top-rated restaurant in Tuscany where you can indulge in traditional Tuscan cuisine paired with local wines.

Begin your day with a visit to the Collegio del Cambio, a historic building in Perugia known for its stunning frescoes by Perugino. Spend around 1-2 hours admiring the intricate artwork and learning about its history.

For lunch, head to La Pergola, a highly-rated restaurant in Florence known for its exquisite Italian cuisine. After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the Boboli Gardens, a beautiful park behind the Pitti Palace offering stunning views of Florence.

End your day with dinner at Enoteca Pinchiorri, one of Florence's most celebrated dining establishments. Enjoy an elegant meal paired with some of the finest wines from Tuscany.

Palio of Siena (Palio di Siena) is a must-see event if you are visiting during July or August. If not, start your day with a visit to the Piazza del Campo, where the Palio takes place. Spend around 1-2 hours exploring this historic square and learning about its significance.

Osteria Francescana in Modena is worth the drive for lunch. This three-Michelin-starred restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience with innovative dishes crafted by Chef Massimo Bottura. After lunch, return to Siena and visit the Siena Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that will leave you in awe.

Uliassi in Senigallia is another top-rated restaurant worth visiting for dinner. Enjoy fresh seafood dishes while taking in the coastal views.

Devil's Bridge (Ponte del Diavolo or Ponte della Maddalena) is your first stop today. Located near Lucca, this medieval bridge offers picturesque views and an interesting legend behind its name. Spend about an hour here before heading to Pisa.

Le Calandre near Padua is perfect for lunch if you're up for a bit of travel. This three-Michelin-starred restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience with creative Italian dishes. Afterward, visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and spend some time exploring Piazza dei Miracoli.

Return to Lucca for dinner at one of its charming local restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine.

Start your day with a drive to San Gimignano from Lucca (approximately 1 hour). Begin by exploring this medieval town known for its well-preserved towers and historic architecture.

Have lunch at one of San Gimignano’s local trattorias before visiting Barozzi Palace (Palazzo Barozzi). Spend around 1-2 hours admiring this Renaissance palace’s intricate design and art collections.

For dinner, dine at another highly-rated restaurant in San Gimignano where you can savor delicious Tuscan dishes while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Begin your day with a visit to the Castle of Meleto (Castello di Meleto). This historic castle offers guided tours that delve into its rich history and beautiful vineyards. Spend around 2 hours exploring the castle and its surroundings.

For lunch, head to a local trattoria in the Chianti region where you can enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine paired with some of the finest wines from the area. After lunch, take a scenic drive through the rolling hills and vineyards of Chianti, stopping at various wineries for tastings.

End your day with dinner at Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence. This renowned restaurant offers an exquisite dining experience with a menu that highlights the best of Tuscan flavors.

Pio Monte della Misericordia is your first stop today. Located in Naples, this historic building houses an impressive collection of art, including works by Caravaggio. Spend around 1-2 hours exploring its galleries before heading to Bologna.

Reale in Castel di Sangro is worth the drive for lunch. This three-Michelin-starred restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience with innovative dishes crafted by Chef Niko Romito. After lunch, return to Bologna and visit Piazza Maggiore, the heart of the city where you can admire historic buildings and enjoy some people-watching.

Combal.Zero in Rivoli is another top-rated restaurant worth visiting for dinner. Enjoy contemporary Italian cuisine while taking in views of Turin from this unique dining establishment.

Correale di Terranova Museum (Museo Correale di Terranova) is your first stop today. Located in Sorrento, this museum showcases a diverse collection of art and artifacts from various periods. Spend around 1-2 hours exploring its exhibits before heading to Venice.

Piazza Duomo in Alba is perfect for lunch if you're up for a bit of travel. This three-Michelin-starred restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience with creative Italian dishes crafted by Chef Enrico Crippa. Afterward, explore Venice’s iconic landmarks such as St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace.

Conclude your trip with dinner at one of Venice's finest restaurants where you can indulge in Venetian cuisine while enjoying views of the Grand Canal.