18 Days Exploring Italy's Gems Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to Vatican City, home to some of the world's most famous art and architecture. Start with St. Peter's Basilica, where you can marvel at Michelangelo's Pietà and climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of Rome. Allocate around 3 hours for this visit. For breakfast, stop by Supplizio for some delightful Italian pastries.

Next, head to the Vatican Museums, where you can explore countless galleries filled with masterpieces from various periods. Don't miss the Sistine Chapel, where you can admire Michelangelo's breathtaking ceiling frescoes. Spend about 3-4 hours here. For lunch, dine at Osteria da Fortunata, known for its fresh pasta dishes.

Conclude your day with a visit to St. Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro), an architectural marvel designed by Bernini. Spend about an hour here before heading to dinner at Il Pagliaccio, another Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative Italian cuisine.

Start your day by visiting one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks: The Pantheon. This ancient temple is remarkably well-preserved and features a stunning oculus that lets in natural light. Allocate around an hour for this visit. Enjoy breakfast nearby at Cul de Sac Wine Bar, known for its great selection of wines and delicious morning bites.

Next on your list should be a visit to another Roman treasure: The magnificent Trevi Fountain (Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)). Make sure you toss a coin into it as tradition suggests it will ensure your return to Rome! Spend about an hour here soaking in its beauty before heading over for lunch at Antico Arco, which offers fantastic Italian dishes.

In the evening take time out at The Spanish Steps (Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna)). These steps are not only architecturally beautiful but also provide great people-watching opportunities! Allocate around an hour or so before ending your night dining atRistorante Aroma at Palazzo Manfredi which provides not only excellent food but also spectacular views over Colosseum.

Begin Day Four by taking short trip from Rome out towards Tivoli; start off exploring Villa d'Este (Villa d'Este), renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated especially due its terraced hillside Italian Renaissance garden & numerous fountains; spend good part morning enjoying beauty & tranquility offered by these gardens . Have breakfast prior departure back in Rome itself perhaps trying out something local like pastries/coffee from{ R-Moma Pizzeria Romana } .

Continue exploring Tivoli post-lunch making sure you don't miss Hadrian’s Villa ({ A-Hadrian’s Villa}) , another UNESCO World Heritage Site; sprawling remains this large countryside villa built during reign Emperor Hadrian are truly sight behold – give yourself ample time wander through ruins appreciate grandeur scale construction undertaken back then ; grab bite eat somewhere locally within vicinity perhaps trying out something authentic yet simple like trattoria style meal .

Head back into central part town winding down day leisurely stroll along Piazza Navona({ A-Piazza Navona[9880]}) ; baroque square built atop site former stadium Domitian now bustling hub activity featuring street artists , cafes & fountains including famous Fountain Four Rivers designed Bernini himself ; relax enjoy atmosphere while having dinner nearby perhaps trying out{ R-Le Mani Pasta Trastevere } – highly rated spot serving up delectable pasta dishes perfect way end day .

Start your day with a visit to the Florence Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria dei Fiori). This iconic cathedral, with its stunning Brunelleschi's Dome, is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Allocate around 2 hours to explore the cathedral and climb to the top for breathtaking views of Florence. For breakfast, head to Trattoria Mario, known for its traditional Tuscan dishes.

Next, make your way to the Uffizi Galleries (Gallerie degli Uffizi), one of the most famous art museums in the world. Spend about 3-4 hours here admiring works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. For lunch, enjoy some delicious Italian cuisine at All'Antico Vinaio, famous for its mouth-watering sandwiches.

In the evening, take a leisurely stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge lined with jewelry shops. Spend about an hour here before heading to dinner at La Giostra, a highly-rated restaurant offering exquisite Tuscan cuisine.

Piazza della Signoria is your first stop today. This historic square is home to numerous statues and is dominated by the imposing Palazzo Vecchio. Allocate around an hour here before heading to breakfast at Gustapizza, known for its delicious pizzas.

Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia) awaits you next. This gallery houses Michelangelo's David, one of the most famous sculptures in the world. Spend about 2 hours here appreciating this masterpiece and other artworks. For lunch, dine at Osteria Santo Spirito, which offers fantastic Italian dishes.

Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli) will be your evening destination. These beautiful gardens behind Pitti Palace are perfect for a relaxing stroll amidst nature and art. Allocate around 2 hours here before heading to dinner at Enoteca Pinchiorri, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its exceptional wine selection and gourmet cuisine.

Duomo di Siena should be your first stop in this charming city. This stunning cathedral is renowned for its intricate façade and beautiful interior decorated with frescoes and marble floors. Spend about 2 hours exploring this architectural gem before enjoying breakfast at a local café.

Piazza del Campo is next on your list – this shell-shaped square is one of Europe's greatest medieval squares and hosts the famous Palio horse race twice a year! Take time wandering around absorbing atmosphere while grabbing bite eat from nearby trattoria .

Conclude day by visiting{ A-Torre del Mangia} - tall tower offering panoramic views over cityscape below ; spend good part hour taking vistas then head over dinner perhaps trying out something authentic like{ R-Ristorante La Grotta Guelfa } back Florence itself upon return journey .

Begin day exploring picturesque town Positano located along Amalfi Coast ; start off morning walking down towards Spiaggia Grande beach – largest beach area where you can relax soak up sun amidst stunning coastal scenery ; allocate couple hours enjoying beachside activities perhaps having light breakfast somewhere nearby like small café or bakery .

Continue exploring Positano post-lunch making sure visit Church Santa Maria Assunta({ A-Church Santa Maria Assunta}) featuring beautiful Byzantine icon Madonna Child ; spend good part afternoon wandering through narrow streets lined boutique shops & cafes capturing essence this charming town .

End day dining out perhaps trying out something special like{ R-Ristorante La Sponda }– highly rated spot offering not only delectable dishes but also spectacular views overlooking coastline perfect way wrap up evening .

Start your day with a visit to the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra). This stunning sea cave is known for its mesmerizing blue light, created by sunlight passing through an underwater cavity. Allocate around 2 hours for this visit. For breakfast, enjoy a light meal at a local café near the marina.

Next, take a chairlift to the top of Monte Solaro, the highest point on Capri. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea. Spend about 2 hours here before heading to lunch at Da Paolino, known for its delicious seafood dishes.

In the evening, explore the charming town of Anacapri. Wander through its narrow streets, visit local shops, and soak in the relaxed atmosphere. Allocate around 2 hours for this exploration before heading to dinner at L'Olivo, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering exquisite Italian cuisine.

Amalfi Cathedral (Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea) should be your first stop today. This stunning cathedral is renowned for its beautiful façade and rich history. Spend about an hour exploring this architectural gem before enjoying breakfast at Pasticceria Pansa, known for its delicious pastries.

Villa Cimbrone Gardens awaits you next. These beautiful gardens offer stunning views of the Amalfi Coast and are perfect for a relaxing stroll amidst nature and art. Allocate around 2 hours here before heading to lunch at Trattoria da Lorenzo, which offers fantastic Italian dishes.

Ravello will be your evening destination. This charming town is known for its beautiful villas and gardens, as well as its vibrant cultural scene. Spend about 2 hours exploring Ravello before heading to dinner at Ristorante Rossellinis, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its exceptional cuisine.

Start your day with a visit to the Lecce Basilica of Santa Croce (Basilica Di Santa Croce). This stunning example of Baroque architecture is a must-see in Lecce. Allocate around 1-2 hours to explore the basilica and its intricate details. For breakfast, head to a local café such as Caffè Alvino, known for its delicious pastries and coffee.

Next, make your way to the Lecce Roman Amphitheatre (Anfiteatro Romano di Lecce). This ancient structure is a testament to Lecce's rich history. Spend about an hour here before heading to lunch at Osteria degli Spiriti, which offers traditional Apulian cuisine.

In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through Piazza del Duomo. This beautiful square is surrounded by impressive buildings and offers a peaceful atmosphere. Spend about an hour here before heading to dinner at Le Zie Trattoria, known for its authentic local dishes.

Begin your day with a visit to the Trulli of Alberobello World Heritage Site (Trulli di Alberobello). These unique limestone dwellings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer a fascinating glimpse into traditional Apulian architecture. Allocate around 2 hours for this visit. For breakfast, enjoy some local delicacies at Trullo Antichi Sapori, known for its fresh pastries.

Next, explore the charming streets of Alberobello and visit the Trullo Sovrano, the largest trullo in town. Spend about an hour here before heading to lunch at La Cantina, which offers delicious Apulian dishes.

In the evening, take a relaxing walk through the picturesque town center and soak in the unique atmosphere of this enchanting place. Allocate around an hour for this stroll before heading to dinner at Evo Ristorante, known for its innovative cuisine that blends tradition with modernity.

Start your day with a visit to the St. Nicholas Basilica (Basilica San Nicola). This historic basilica is an important pilgrimage site and houses relics of St. Nicholas. Allocate around 1-2 hours for this visit. For breakfast, head to La Tana Del Polpo, known for its delicious seafood dishes.

Next, make your way to the Swabian Castle (Castello Svevo). This impressive fortress offers stunning views and rich history. Spend about 2 hours exploring the castle before heading to lunch at Al Pescatore, which offers fantastic seafood cuisine.

In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along Bari's seafront promenade (Lungomare Nazario Sauro). Enjoy the beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea and relax in one of the many cafes along the way. Allocate around an hour for this walk before heading to dinner at Ristorante Biancofiore, known for its exquisite Italian dishes.

Bari Private Food and Walking Tour is your first stop today. This tour will take you through Bari's historic center, where you can sample local delicacies and learn about the city's rich history. Allocate around 2-3 hours for this tour. For breakfast, head to La Tana Del Polpo, known for its delicious seafood dishes.

Bari St. Nicholas Basilica and Crypt Guided Tour awaits you next. This guided tour will take you through one of Bari's most important religious sites, where you can learn about its history and significance. Spend about an hour here before heading to lunch at Al Pescatore, which offers fantastic seafood cuisine.

Bari Alleys of the Ancient Village Exploration Tour will be your evening destination. This tour will take you through Bari's charming alleys and hidden corners, offering a unique perspective on the city's history and culture. Allocate around 2 hours for this tour before heading to dinner at Ristorante Biancofiore, known for its exquisite Italian dishes.

Start your day with a visit to the Sassi di Matera. These ancient cave dwellings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of human habitation. Allocate around 2-3 hours to explore the caves and learn about their significance. For breakfast, enjoy some local delicacies at a nearby café such as Caffè Tripoli, known for its fresh pastries.

Next, make your way to the Madonna delle Virtù Church (Chiesa di Madonna delle Virtù). This beautiful church is carved into the rock and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Spend about an hour here before heading to lunch at Trattoria Lucana, which offers traditional Basilicata cuisine.

In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Matera and soak in the unique atmosphere of this enchanting place. Allocate around an hour for this walk before heading to dinner at Ristorante Francesca, known for its innovative cuisine that blends tradition with modernity.