Italy is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan a trip. Here is a perfect itinerary for a 2023 trip to Italy, covering some of the most famous and must-see destinations in the country.
Day 1-3: Rome
Start your trip in Rome, the capital of Italy and one of the most historic cities in the world. Spend your first three days exploring the city’s ancient ruins and famous landmarks. Visit the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater in the world, and take a tour of the underground chambers. Walk through the ancient Roman Forum and see the remains of temples, government buildings, and markets. See the Pantheon, a temple dedicated to all the gods, and admire its beautiful architecture and engineering. Also, don’t miss the Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, home to the Pope and the famous Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Day 4-5: Florence
After exploring Rome, take a train to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Spend two days in this beautiful city, visiting its famous museums, churches, and palaces. See the famous sculptures of Michelangelo, including David, at the Galleria dell’Accademia. Admire the beauty of Botticelli’s “Primavera” and “The Birth of Venus” at the Uffizi Gallery. Take a stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence and see the goldsmiths and jewelers that line the bridge. Visit the Florence Cathedral, which is one of the most important examples of Gothic architecture in Italy.
Day 6-7: Venice
Next, take a train to Venice, the city of canals. Spend two days exploring this unique city, with its beautiful bridges and colorful buildings. Take a gondola ride along the canals and see the city from a different perspective. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica, one of the most famous churches in Italy and admire its beautiful mosaics. See the Doge’s Palace, the former residence of the leader of Venice and learn about the city’s history. Take a walk along the Rialto Bridge, the oldest and most famous bridge in Venice and shop for souvenirs in the local markets.
Day 8-10: Tuscany
Take a day trip from Florence to Tuscany, one of the most beautiful regions in Italy. Spend three days exploring the charming towns and villages, famous for their wine and olive oil production. Visit the city of Siena, known for its beautiful medieval architecture and the famous Palio horse race. Take a tour of the Chianti wine region and visit the many wineries, where you can taste the local wines and olive oils. See the beautiful cypress-lined roads, rolling hills, and picturesque countryside.
Day 11-12: Amalfi Coast
Take a train to Salerno and then a bus to the Amalfi Coast, one of the most picturesque coastal regions in Italy. Spend two days exploring this beautiful area, known for its crystal-clear waters, colorful buildings, and delicious seafood. Take a boat tour of the coast and see the famous towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Visit the famous Villa Rufolo in Ravello and enjoy the beautiful gardens and views. Take a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean and enjoy some delicious seafood.
Day 13-14: Milan
Take a train to Milan, the fashion capital of Italy, and spend the last two days of your trip exploring the city. Visit the famous Cathedral of Milan, one of the largest gothic cathedrals in the world, and admire its beautiful architecture. Take a stroll along the famous shopping street, Via Montenapoleone, and see the latest fashion trends in the designer boutiques. Visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls and admire its beautiful architecture. Visit the famous La Scala opera house and see a performance if you can get a ticket.
Day 15: Lake Como
Take a day trip from Milan to Lake Como, a beautiful lake in the Lombardy region of Italy. Known for its picturesque towns, beautiful villas, and scenic views, it is a popular destination among celebrities and the wealthy. Take a boat tour of the lake and see the famous Villa del Balbianello, a beautiful villa located on the tip of a peninsula on the lake. Visit the charming town of Bellagio, known as the pearl of the lake, and take a stroll along the promenade.
Day 16-17: Cinque Terre
Take a train to Cinque Terre, a beautiful coastal region in the Liguria region of Italy. Spend two days exploring the five charming towns of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. Take a hike along the famous Cinque Terre trail, which connects all five towns and offers beautiful views of the coast. Visit the charming fishermen’s village of Vernazza and see the colorful houses and boats. Take a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean and enjoy some delicious seafood.
Day 18-19: Pompeii
Take a train to Pompeii, an ancient Roman city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Spend two days exploring the excavations of the city, which have been preserved for centuries. See the well-preserved houses, shops, and public buildings and learn about the daily life of the ancient Romans. Visit the famous Villa of the Mysteries, a well-preserved Roman villa with beautiful frescoes. Admire the beautiful mosaics and frescoes in the houses of the wealthy and see the famous plaster casts of the victims of the eruption.
Day 20: Return to Rome
Take a train back to Rome, where your trip began. Spend your last day in the city, visiting any places you may have missed earlier in your trip. Take a stroll through the beautiful parks, such as Villa Borghese or Villa Ada. Visit the famous Spanish Steps and enjoy the views of the city. Take a final walk through the historic center of Rome and visit the famous Trevi Fountain.
This itinerary provides a great overview of some of the most famous and must-see destinations in Italy. Of course, there are many other destinations and activities to explore in Italy, such as the beautiful cities of Bologna, Turin, and Genoa, the beautiful beaches of Sardinia and Sicily, and the beautiful mountains of the Dolomites and the Apennines.