12 Days of Italian Wonders Itinerary

Begin your second day at the renowned Uffizi Galleries (Gallerie degli Uffizi). This world-famous art museum houses masterpieces by artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. Allocate ample time to explore its vast collection. Afterward, have breakfast at Caffè Rivoire, located near Piazza della Signoria. Their pastries and coffee are highly recommended.

In the afternoon, head towards Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia) to witness Michelangelo's iconic statue of David. This masterpiece is an absolute must-see when visiting Florence. For lunch, try out traditional Florentine dishes at Trattoria Mario, which offers an authentic dining experience.

Join an engaging culinary experience with the tour: Florence: Pizza and Gelato Preparation Class. Learn how to make these Italian favorites from scratch under expert guidance. Afterward, enjoy your creations for dinner and end your evening on a sweet note with some freshly made gelato.

Take a morning train from Florence to Pisa (approximately 1 hour). Start your exploration at Pisa’s most famous landmark: Leaning Tower of Pisa. This architectural wonder is not only visually stunning but also offers great photo opportunities. For breakfast in Pisa, visit La Bottega del Gelato for some delightful pastries and coffee.

Continue your exploration at Piazza dei Miracoli where you can find other significant attractions like the beautiful Pisa Cathedral (Duomo) and the impressive Pisa Baptistery (Battistero). These sites offer rich historical insights into Pisa’s past. Enjoy lunch at Ristorante La Scaletta, known for its excellent seafood dishes.

In the evening, join this insightful tour:  Pisa: All-Inclusive Guided Tour with Optional Leaning Tower. It provides detailed information about Pisa’s history and architecture while giving you access to multiple attractions within Piazza dei Miracoli. Return to Florence for dinner at  Osteria Santo Spirito, where you can relish more Tuscan delights before resting up for another exciting day.

Start your day with a visit to the world-renowned archaeological site of Pompeii. Begin by exploring the well-preserved ruins of this ancient Roman city, which was buried under volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Wander through the streets and marvel at the remarkably intact buildings, including homes, shops, and public baths. Don't miss the Forum, the heart of Pompeii's public life, and the Amphitheater, one of the oldest surviving Roman amphitheaters. For breakfast, enjoy a traditional Italian coffee and pastry at Café Vittoria, located near the entrance to the archaeological site.

In the afternoon, continue your exploration with a guided tour: From Rome: Pompeii Guided Tour & Amalfi Coast Day Trip. This tour provides in-depth insights into Pompeii's history and daily life while also offering stunning views of the Amalfi Coast. The knowledgeable guide will take you through some of Pompeii's most significant sites and explain their historical context. For lunch, dine at Ristorante Caupona, which offers dishes inspired by ancient Roman recipes.

After returning from your tour, take some time to relax and reflect on your day. Stroll through modern Pompeii and perhaps do some shopping for souvenirs. For dinner, head to Osteria Nonna Cherubina, where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine in a cozy setting.

Rome: Colosseum Underground, Arena & Forum Tour is an excellent way to start your day in Rome. This comprehensive tour takes you beneath the Colosseum’s arena floor to explore its underground chambers where gladiators once prepared for battle. You'll also visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill to gain a deeper understanding of ancient Rome’s political and social life. For breakfast before your tour, stop by Caffè Sant'Eustachio, famous for its exceptional coffee.

Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is an iconic landmark that should not be missed. Toss a coin into this stunning Baroque fountain to ensure your return to Rome. Afterward, head over to Pantheon, one of Rome’s best-preserved ancient buildings with its impressive dome. Enjoy lunch at Armando al Pantheon, known for its traditional Roman dishes.

Rome: Traditional Pasta with Cocktails Drunken Cooking Class offers a fun and interactive way to spend your evening. Learn how to make authentic Italian pasta while enjoying cocktails in a lively atmosphere. Afterward, savor your homemade pasta for dinner before heading back to your accommodation.

Rome: Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Official Guided Tour is an essential experience when visiting Vatican City. This guided tour takes you through the Vatican Museums' vast collection of art and artifacts before leading you into Michelangelo’s breathtaking Sistine Chapel. Begin your day with breakfast at Caffè Vaticano, conveniently located near the entrance to the Vatican Museums.

St. Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) is another must-see attraction in Vatican City. Marvel at its grand architecture and explore its richly decorated interior. Don't forget to climb up to St. Peter's Dome (Cupola di San Pietro) for panoramic views over Vatican City and Rome. For lunch, dine at Ristorante Arlu, offering delicious Italian cuisine just steps away from St. Peter's Square.

Rome: St. Peter's Basilica, Papal Tombs, and Dome Climb Tour provides an insightful end to your day in Vatican City. This guided tour covers more details about St. Peter’s Basilica along with access to areas not typically open to general visitors such as papal tombs beneath it. Finish off with dinner at Taverna Angelica, where you can enjoy fine dining in an elegant setting.

Start your day with a visit to St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco), the heart of Venice. This bustling square is surrounded by stunning architecture, including the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco). Explore the basilica's opulent interior and climb up to the terrace for a breathtaking view of the square. For breakfast, stop by Caffè Florian, one of Venice's oldest cafes, located right in St. Mark's Square. Enjoy a classic Italian espresso and pastry while soaking in the historic ambiance.

In the afternoon, take a guided tour: Venice: Guided Tour of St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace. This tour provides an in-depth look at two of Venice’s most iconic landmarks. Learn about the history and art of St. Mark’s Basilica before heading to the Doge’s Palace, where you can explore its grand halls and cross the famous Bridge of Sighs. For lunch, dine at Trattoria Al Gazzettino, known for its delicious Venetian cuisine and warm hospitality.

End your day with a romantic gondola ride through Venice’s picturesque canals: Venice: Shared Gondola Ride Across the Grand Canal. This quintessential Venetian experience offers unique views of the city from its waterways. For dinner, enjoy fine dining at Ristorante Alle Corone, offering exquisite Italian dishes in an elegant setting.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection (Collezione Peggy Guggenheim) is a must-visit for art lovers. This modern art museum houses an impressive collection of works by artists such as Picasso, Pollock, and Dalí. Spend your morning exploring its galleries and beautiful sculpture garden. Have breakfast at Caffè del Doge, known for its excellent coffee and cozy atmosphere.

Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) is another iconic landmark that should not be missed. Walk across this historic bridge and visit the nearby Rialto Fish Market (Mercato di Rialto), where you can see locals buying fresh seafood. For lunch, try out traditional Venetian dishes at Osteria Bancogiro, located near the Rialto Bridge.

Venice: Vivaldi's Four Seasons Concert & Music Museum Visit offers a delightful way to spend your evening. Enjoy a live performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in an intimate setting followed by a visit to a music museum. Afterward, have dinner at Osteria da Fiore, renowned for its refined Venetian cuisine.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco is known for its stunning collection of paintings by Tintoretto. Spend your morning admiring these masterpieces in this historic building. For breakfast, stop by Pasticceria Tonolo, famous for its delicious pastries.

Burano is one of Venice’s charming islands known for its colorful houses and lace-making tradition. Take a boat trip to Burano and explore its picturesque streets. Enjoy lunch at Trattoria al Gatto Nero, offering fresh seafood dishes on Burano island.

Venice: Catamaran Sunset Jazz Cruise with Aperitivo provides a perfect end to your day with live jazz music as you cruise through Venice’s lagoon during sunset while enjoying aperitifs. Return to Venice for dinner at Antiche Carampane, where you can savor authentic Venetian flavors.

Begin your day with a visit to Palazzo Strozzi, a Renaissance palace that now hosts contemporary art exhibitions. The blend of historical architecture and modern art creates a unique experience. For breakfast, stop by Ditta Artigianale, known for its specialty coffee and delicious pastries.

In the afternoon, explore the charming Oltrarno district. Visit Oltrarno, an area known for its artisan workshops and vibrant atmosphere. Wander through the narrow streets and discover local crafts. For lunch, dine at Trattoria La Casalinga, offering traditional Tuscan dishes in a cozy setting.

Florence: Dark History Walking Tour with Bar Stops is an intriguing way to spend your evening. This tour takes you through Florence's darker history while stopping at some of the city's best bars for drinks. Afterward, enjoy dinner at Osteria Santo Spirito, where you can savor more Tuscan delights.

Rome: Colosseum Arena Floor and Ancient Rome Guided Tour is an excellent way to start your day in Rome. This comprehensive tour takes you through the Colosseum’s arena floor and explores ancient Rome’s political and social life. For breakfast before your tour, stop by Caffè Sant'Eustachio, famous for its exceptional coffee.

Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most beautiful squares, surrounded by stunning Baroque architecture. After exploring the square, head over to Pantheon, one of Rome’s best-preserved ancient buildings with its impressive dome. Enjoy lunch at Armando al Pantheon, known for its traditional Roman dishes.

Rome: Crypts and Catacombs Underground Tour with Transfers offers a fascinating look into Rome's underground history. Explore ancient catacombs and crypts with knowledgeable guides who provide insights into their historical significance. Afterward, have dinner at Taverna dei Fori Imperiali, offering delicious Roman cuisine in a charming setting.

Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel Tour & Basilica Entry is an essential experience when visiting Vatican City. This guided tour takes you through the Vatican Museums' vast collection of art and artifacts before leading you into Michelangelo’s breathtaking Sistine Chapel. Begin your day with breakfast at Caffè Vaticano, conveniently located near the entrance to the Vatican Museums.

St. Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) is another must-see attraction in Vatican City. Marvel at its grand architecture and explore its richly decorated interior. Don't forget to climb up to St. Peter's Dome (Cupola di San Pietro) for panoramic views over Vatican City and Rome. For lunch, dine at Ristorante Arlu, offering delicious Italian cuisine just steps away from St. Peter's Square.

Rome: St. Peter's Basilica, Papal Tombs, and Dome Climb Tour provides an insightful end to your day in Vatican City. This guided tour covers more details about St. Peter’s Basilica along with access to areas not typically open to general visitors such as papal tombs beneath it. Finish off with dinner at Taverna Angelica, where you can enjoy fine dining in an elegant setting.