12-Day Cultural Odyssey: Italy, Greece, and Hungary Itinerary

Beat the crowds with an early-morning Rome Early-Morning Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tour, marveling at the masterpieces within the Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani) and the serene beauty of the Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina). After the tour, enjoy a breakfast with a view at Aroma, located near the Vatican.

For lunch, head to Pizzarium, a renowned pizzeria, and indulge in some of the best pizza in Rome. Spend your afternoon at the majestic St. Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) and the vast St. Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro), absorbing the spiritual and architectural grandeur.

Experience a unique dining concept at Rome Traditional Pasta with Cocktails Drunken Cooking Class [426997], where you'll learn to prepare traditional pasta dishes and enjoy the fruits of your labor with expertly paired cocktails.

Delve into the depths of history with a guided Rome Crypts & Catacombs Tour with Bone Chapel & Transfers, exploring the eerie yet fascinating underground catacombs and the haunting Catacombs of Rome (Catacombe di Roma). Afterward, enjoy a light breakfast at Campo de' Fiori, surrounded by the vibrant market atmosphere.

Have a leisurely lunch at Da Enzo al 29, a trattoria known for its authentic Roman cuisine. Spend your afternoon at the serene Borghese Gallery (Galleria Borghese), admiring its world-class art collection and strolling through the beautiful Borghese Gardens.

As the sun sets, enjoy a romantic dinner at La Pergola, the only three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Rome, offering breathtaking views of the city. Indulge in a culinary journey that perfectly complements your day of exploration.

Travel to Florence and start your day with a visit to the iconic Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore), including the breathtaking Baptistery (Battistero) and the majestic Giotto's Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto). Enjoy a Florentine breakfast at Cibreo Caffe to fuel your morning.

Afterward, immerse yourself in the world-renowned art at the Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi), home to masterpieces by the likes of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli. For lunch, savor the flavors of Tuscany at Trattoria 4 Leoni, known for its traditional dishes.

Take a relaxing walk across the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence, and explore the charming streets of the Oltrarno neighborhood. Dine at La Bottega del Buon Caffe, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering a contemporary take on Tuscan cuisine.

Embark on a day trip to the medieval city of Siena. Explore the Piazza del Campo, one of Europe's greatest medieval squares, and visit the magnificent Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena). Enjoy a traditional Sienese breakfast at Pasticceria Nannini before you begin your exploration.

After soaking in the beauty of Siena, indulge in a leisurely lunch at Osteria Le Logge, known for its refined Tuscan cuisine. Return to Florence and spend the rest of the afternoon at your own pace, perhaps visiting the San Lorenzo Market (Mercato di San Lorenzo) or the Basilica of Santa Croce (Basilica di Santa Croce).

For dinner, experience the innovative dishes at Ora d'Aria, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of Florence. End your evening with a stroll along the river or enjoy a performance at the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino if there's a show scheduled.

Arrive in Naples and start your day with a visit to the Naples National Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli), home to an impressive collection of Roman artifacts, mosaics, and the famous Farnese Bull. Enjoy a Neapolitan breakfast at Pasticceria Poppella, known for its sfogliatella and espresso.

After breakfast, take a guided tour of the Pompeii Archaeological Park (Parco Archeologico di Pompei), exploring the ancient city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. For lunch, indulge in authentic Neapolitan pizza at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele, one of the city's most famous pizzerias.

Return to Naples and visit the Castel dell'Ovo, the oldest standing fortification in the city, to enjoy panoramic views of the Bay of Naples at sunset. For dinner, experience the elegant ambiance and seafood specialties at Taverna dell'Arte, located in the heart of the historic center.

Begin your Greek adventure with a hearty breakfast at To Kati Allo, a local favorite. Then, dive into the ancient world with a guided tour of the Acropolis (Akropolis) and its majestic monuments, including the iconic Parthenon. Let the knowledgeable guide bring the history to life as you explore the hill.

After immersing yourself in the Acropolis, take a leisurely walk to the Acropolis Museum (Museo Akropolis), where you can admire the stunning artifacts and enjoy a delightful lunch at the museum's restaurant with a view of the Acropolis. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the charming streets of Plaka, the old neighborhood of Athens.

For dinner, experience the modern Greek cuisine at Varoulko Seaside, a Michelin-starred restaurant located by the sea. Enjoy the fresh catch of the day and the elegant ambiance. After dinner, take a relaxing evening stroll along the Marina Zeas, soaking in the sea breeze and the beautiful views of the yachts and the city.

Start your day with a visit to the Temple of Olympian Zeus (Naós tou Olympíou Diós), one of the largest temples of the ancient world. Then, explore the Ancient Agora of Athens (Agorá tou Athiná), the heart of ancient Athens, where Socrates and Plato once walked. Enjoy a traditional Greek breakfast at Karamanlidika tou Fani, a unique deli with a wide selection of local delicacies.

After breakfast, take a break from the ancient sites and visit the Benaki Museum (Museo Benaki), where you can learn about the rich history and culture of Greece. For lunch, head to Athiri, a restaurant that offers a modern take on traditional Greek dishes. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the National Archaeological Museum (Ethnikó Archaiologikó Mouseío), home to a vast collection of ancient artifacts.

Dine at Spondi, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant known for its elegant ambiance and exquisite French cuisine with a Greek twist. After dinner, take a walk to Lycabettus Hill (Lykavittos) and enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the sunset. If you're up for it, you can also visit the Lycabettus Funicular to reach the top.

Begin your day with a visit to the majestic Buda Castle (Budavári Palota), where you can explore the historical complex and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Hungarian breakfast at Ruszwurm, one of the oldest and most famous pastry shops in Budapest.

Spend your afternoon exploring the Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya) and the nearby Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom). Then, take a leisurely walk along the Danube Promenade (Dunakorzó), enjoying the beautiful views of the river and the city. For lunch, try the local flavors at Central Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok) [9880], where you can find a variety of traditional Hungarian dishes.

Dine in style at Onyx, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative and elegant cuisine. After dinner, take a relaxing Danube River Evening Cruise (Legends of the Danube) and enjoy the illuminated landmarks of Budapest from the water.

Start your day with a visit to the Hungarian Parliament Building (Országház), one of the most iconic landmarks of Budapest. Then, take a guided tour of the Great Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok), where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and find some unique souvenirs. Enjoy a traditional Hungarian breakfast at the market.

After breakfast, relax and rejuvenate at one of Budapest's famous thermal baths, such as the Szechenyi Baths and Pool (Szechenyi Furdo) or the Gellert Spa (Gellert Furdo). For lunch, try the local street food at Karavan Street Food, a popular food truck court with a variety of options.

Dine at Costes Downtown, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its creative and contemporary cuisine. After dinner, take a walk to Andrassy Avenue (Andrassy ut) and enjoy the beautiful architecture and the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

Explore the rich Jewish heritage of Budapest with a visit to the Dohany Street Synagogue (Dohany utcai Zsinagoga), the largest synagogue in Europe, and the Jewish Quarter (Zsidó negyed), where you can find many historical sites and vibrant street art. Enjoy a Jewish breakfast at Mazel Tov, a popular restaurant located in a beautifully restored courtyard.

After breakfast, visit the House of Terror Museum (Terror Haza) to learn about the dark periods of Hungarian history. For lunch, try the local flavors at Street Food Karavan, a popular food truck court with a variety of options. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Allami Operahaz) and enjoy the beautiful architecture and the rich history of the place.

Dine at 360 Bar, a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city, and enjoy the sunset with a cocktail in hand. After dinner, take a relaxing Danube River Evening Cruise (Legends of the Danube) and enjoy the illuminated landmarks of Budapest from the water.

Begin your day with a visit to the Buda Castle (Budavári Palota), where you can explore the historical complex and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Hungarian breakfast at Ruszwurm, one of the oldest and most famous pastry shops in Budapest.

Spend your afternoon exploring the Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya) and the nearby Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom). Then, take a leisurely walk along the Danube Promenade (Dunakorzó), enjoying the beautiful views of the river and the city. For lunch, try the local flavors at Central Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok) [9880], where you can find a variety of traditional Hungarian dishes.

Dine in style at Onyx, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative and elegant cuisine. After dinner, take a relaxing Danube River Evening Cruise (Legends of the Danube) and enjoy the illuminated landmarks of Budapest from the water.