Ultimate 18-Day Italy Adventure: Rome, Venice, Trieste, and Ravenna Itinerary

Kick off your day with a delightful breakfast at La Pergola, offering stunning views and a sumptuous spread. Then, head to the smallest state in the world, the Vatican City (Citta del Vaticano), to explore the Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani) and be awe-struck by the masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina). Conclude with a visit to the divine St. Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro).

For lunch, enjoy a casual yet delectable meal at Trattoria Da Cesare al Casaletto. Post-lunch, take a guided tour of the opulent Borghese Gallery (Galleria Borghese) and immerse yourself in the stunning art collection including works by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael.

Dine at Il Pagliaccio, a two-Michelin-star restaurant known for its innovative take on traditional Italian dishes. After dinner, take a well-deserved stroll through the picturesque streets of Trastevere, soaking in the bohemian atmosphere and street performances.

Start your day with a hands-on experience at the Rome Make Your Own Fettuccine and Tiramisù Cooking Class. Learn the secrets of traditional Italian pasta and dessert making. Enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch.

Post-lunch, take a leisurely walk through the charming Campo de' Fiori market, where you can sample local produce and delicacies. Then, visit the ancient Catacombs of Rome (Catacombe di Roma) for a fascinating journey into the underground burial chambers of early Christians.

For a casual yet satisfying dinner, head to Pizzarium and indulge in some of the best pizza by the slice in Rome. Cap off your evening with a visit to the Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo), once the largest stadium in ancient Rome, now a sprawling public park offering great views of the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local cafe and then set out to explore the lesser-known sites of Rome. Visit the Arch of Constantine (Arco di Costantino) and the lesser-visited parts of the Roman Forum (Foro Romano) and Palatine Hill (Palatino) to gain a deeper understanding of ancient Roman history.

For lunch, try the innovative dishes at Trapizzino, a popular spot known for its unique take on traditional Roman street food. Afterward, take a guided Rome Guided Golf Cart 3-Hour Tour to explore the city's hidden corners and off-the-beaten-path attractions.

Experience the quintessential Italian tradition of aperitivo at Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna). Enjoy a refreshing drink and complimentary snacks at one of the nearby bars or cafes. For dinner, head to Emma Pizzeria con Cucina for some of the best gourmet pizza in the city.

Embark on an early morning adventure with a From Rome Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Positano Day Trip. Explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, and then enjoy the stunning coastal views of the Amalfi Coast and the charming town of Positano.

Savor a delightful lunch with a view at Lo Scoglio da Tommaso, a cliffside restaurant known for its fresh seafood and panoramic vistas. After lunch, take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque coastline, or relax on one of the beautiful beaches.

Return to Rome and enjoy a relaxed evening with dinner at Il Gabriello, known for its cozy atmosphere and traditional Roman cuisine. Take a post-dinner walk to digest your meal, perhaps visiting some of the sites you passed by on your first day in Rome.

Arrive in Venice and start your day with a classic Venetian breakfast at Caffè Florian, the oldest café in the world. Then, take a gondola ride through the enchanting canals, admiring the elegant architecture and the serene beauty of the city.

For lunch, enjoy the fresh catch of the day at Trattoria Da Romano in the picturesque island of Burano. Post-lunch, visit the iconic St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco) and the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco).

Dine at Osteria Alle Testiere, a cozy seafood restaurant known for its exquisite dishes. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the narrow streets and over the romantic bridges, soaking in the magical atmosphere of Venice by night.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Hostaria da Franz, known for its traditional Venetian fare. Then, visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection to admire the impressive works of modern art in the former home of the art patron Peggy Guggenheim.

For lunch, head to Il Ridotto, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative cuisine in a refined setting. Post-lunch, take a boat trip to the nearby islands of Murano and Torcello to witness the famous glass-blowing tradition and explore the ancient cathedrals.

Dine at Lineadombra, a waterfront restaurant with a romantic ambiance and a menu featuring the best of Venetian cuisine. After dinner, take a moonlit stroll along the canals, perhaps stopping for a traditional Venetian aperitif at a local bacaro.

Start your day with a visit to the historic Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) and the adjacent Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri). Then, enjoy a guided tour of the palace to learn about the history and the art within.

For lunch, indulge in the flavors of Venetian cuisine at Trattoria Antiche Carampane. Post-lunch, take a stroll through the hidden alleys and backstreets of Venice, discovering charming piazzas and local artisan shops.

Dine at Quadri Restaurant & Cafè, a two-Michelin-star restaurant located in the heart of St. Mark's Square, offering a gastronomic journey through the flavors of Venice. After dinner, enjoy a traditional Venetian opera performance to complete your cultural experience.

Take a vaporetto to the island of Lido and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Gran Viale Restaurant & Bar, with views of the sparkling waters. Then, rent a bicycle and explore the island, visiting the sandy beaches and the historic Gran Viale.

For lunch, head to Ristorante Riviera, a beachfront restaurant known for its fresh seafood and panoramic views. Post-lunch, take a trip to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore and visit the San Giorgio Maggiore church for stunning views of Venice.

Dine at Al Covo, a cozy restaurant serving innovative Venetian dishes using the freshest local ingredients. After dinner, take a romantic gondola ride through the canals, enjoying the serenade and the magical ambiance of Venice by night.

Arrive in Trieste and start your day with a delightful breakfast at La Pergola, offering stunning views and a sumptuous spread. Then, take a leisurely walk to the heart of the city, passing by the historic Piazza Unità d'Italia, one of the largest squares in Europe.

For lunch, savor the flavors of Triestine cuisine at Trattoria Da Cesare al Casaletto. Post-lunch, visit the Castello di Miramare, a fairytale castle perched on the edge of the Adriatic, and explore the beautiful park and the museum.

Dine at Il Pagliaccio, a two-Michelin-star restaurant known for its innovative take on traditional Italian dishes. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Trieste, perhaps stopping for a coffee at one of the historic cafes.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local cafe and then set out to explore the literary side of Trieste. Visit the James Joyce Statue and the James Joyce House, where the famous author lived and wrote for over a decade. Then, take a walk along the Rive, the city's waterfront promenade, enjoying the sea breeze and the views of the Adriatic.

For lunch, try the innovative dishes at Trapizzino, a popular spot known for its unique take on traditional Roman street food. Afterward, visit the Arco di Riccardo, a Roman arch that serves as a reminder of Trieste's ancient past, and the nearby Castello di San Giusto, a medieval castle offering panoramic views of the city and the sea.

Experience the quintessential Italian tradition of aperitivo at Piazza Unità d'Italia. Enjoy a refreshing drink and complimentary snacks at one of the nearby bars or cafes. For dinner, head to Emma Pizzeria con Cucina for some of the best gourmet pizza in the city.

Start your day with a visit to the Trieste Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Giusto) and the adjacent Civico Museo Teatrale Carlo Schmidl, which houses a collection of musical instruments and memorabilia. Then, take a guided tour of the Arco di Riccardo, a Roman arch that serves as a reminder of Trieste's ancient past.

For lunch, enjoy a casual yet delectable meal at Pizzarium and indulge in some of the best pizza by the slice in Trieste. Post-lunch, visit the Castello di San Giusto, a medieval castle offering panoramic views of the city and the sea, and explore the nearby Museo Revoltella, a museum showcasing modern and contemporary art.

Dine at Hostaria da Franz, known for its traditional Venetian fare. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Trieste, perhaps stopping for a coffee at one of the historic cafes.

Arrive in Ravenna and start your day with a visit to the Basilica of San Vitale (Basilica di San Vitale), one of the most important examples of early Christian art and architecture. Then, explore the nearby Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, known for its stunning mosaics.

For lunch, savor the flavors of local cuisine at Ristorante Riviera, a beachfront restaurant known for its fresh seafood and panoramic views. Post- lunch, visit the Battistero degli Ariani, the only example of an Arian baptistery in Ravenna, and the Museo Nazionale di Ravenna, to gain a deeper understanding of the history and art of the region.

Dine at Al Covo, a cozy restaurant serving innovative Venetian dishes using the freshest local ingredients. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Ravenna, perhaps stopping for a gelato at one of the local gelaterias.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local cafe and then set out to explore the Byzantine wonders of Ravenna. Visit the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo (Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo) and the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe (Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe), both UNESCO World Heritage sites, to admire the stunning mosaics and the spiritual ambiance.

For lunch, head to Quadri Restaurant & Cafè, a two-Michelin-star restaurant located in the heart of St. Mark's Square, offering a gastronomic journey through the flavors of Venice. Post-lunch, take a guided tour of the opulent Palazzo Ducale, the former residence of the Doge of Venice, and explore the political and judicial heart of the Venetian Republic.

Dine at Lineadombra, a waterfront restaurant with a romantic ambiance and a menu featuring the best of Venetian cuisine. After dinner, enjoy a traditional Venetian opera performance to complete your cultural experience.

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