2. Italy is a diverse place with twenty regions that include
beautiful islands, snow-capped mountain ranges, miles and
miles of beaches and acres of vineyards.
3. This suggested itinerary will consist of seven art, shopping,
wine and pasta-filled days. You will see ancient and modern
Italy and three distinct regions of this diverse country.
4. Begin your seven-day Italian experience in Rome, the capital
of Italy. The Coliseum is the best way to start your tour, then
walk through the Roman Forum.
5. After lunch you can spend the afternoon shopping along the
via del Corso, then take a break and order some gelato and sit
on the Spanish Steps.
6. End your first day in Rome at the Trevi Fountain, which is
particularly beautiful when lit up at night.
7. Vatican City is on your agenda for your second day in Rome.
This independent city-state is home to Saint Peter’s Basilica
and the treasure-filled Vatican Museums.
8. Book your tickets in advance so you will have more time
exploring the museum.
k for the post office while you are in Piazza San Pietro.
9. The nearby neighborhood of Prati has plenty of cafes, bakeries
and restaurants to refuel after the Vatican City. The
Amatriciana and cacio e pepe are must-try Roman delicacies.
Cacio e Pepe
Amatriciana
10. Head out to Pompeii on the third day of your tour and discover
what ancient life was like in the ruins left by the eruption of
Mount Vesuvius in the year 79 A.D.
13. Take a train north and you can be in Florence from Rome in
time for a late breakfast. Choose a window seat to marvel at
the beautiful Umbrian and Tuscan countryside on your journey.
14. Begin your 2-day tour of the city at the Piazza del Duomo. Visit
the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the
Duomo with Brunelleschi’s famous dome, the bronze Gates of
Paradise of the Baptistery and Giotto's bell tower.
17. The next must-see square is Piazza della Signoria. Visit the
sculpture-filled Loggia della Signoria. You will also see a copy
of one of Michelangelo’s most famous statues outside of the
Palazzo Vecchio, David.
19. The Ufizzi galleries hold a legendary collection of art. The 50
rooms are filled with works by Botticelli, Giotto, Tiziano,
Michelangelo and Raffaello.
20. The beautiful Santa Croce church hold frescoes by Giotto and
is the final resting place of some very famous Florentines,
including Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo Galilei.
21. To end your two days in Florence, head to the Piazzale
Michelangelo. This square overlooks the entire city from the
Oltrarno side of town.
22. Florence is also famous for its food. For a quick meal, try the
schiacciata and look for wines on the menu.
Schiacciata
23. One last short train ride to Stazione Santa Lucia and you will
be on the Grand Canal in Venice. Hop on a vaporetto (water
taxi) to your hotel and start your last 2 days in Italy filled with
art, great food and gondola rides.
24. Head straight for Piazza San Marco and then the Rialto
Bridge, which are two of the most famous sites in Venice.
25. The famous piazza has many historic sites such as the ItaloByzantine style Basilica di San Marco, Campanile di San
Marco and the Doges Palace.
27. Take an afternoon gondola ride, passing under the Bridge of
Sighs. Spend your evening wandering in the tiny calle
(alleyways) and have dinner in a quiet campo (square).
28. For contemporary art lovers, the Peggy Guggenheim museum
in an 18th century palace right on the Grand Canal is a must.
29. Venetian specialties include a lot of seafood. Look for Sepe al
nero (squid ink pasta) and try a glass of sparkling prosecco.
Sepe al Nero
Prosecco
30. For more information
about travel to Italy,
visit our website
www.touritalynow.com
or call our travel experts
at 800.955.4418.