Here's a suggested 30-day itinerary to Italy and its surroundings,
along with some local food and wine specialties to try along the
way. This itinerary covers some of the major highlights of Italy,
but feel free to customize it based on your interests and
preferences.
Day 1-3: Rome
- Explore the iconic landmarks of Rome, including the Colosseum,
Roman Forum, and Pantheon.
- Visit Vatican City to see St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine
Chapel.
- Indulge in local specialties like spaghetti alla carbonara,
supplì (fried rice balls), and gelato.
Day 4-5: Florence
- Discover the Renaissance art and architecture of Florence,
including the Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo's David at the
Accademia Gallery.
- Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio and climb to the top of the
Duomo for panoramic views.
- Taste traditional Tuscan dishes like bistecca alla fiorentina
(Florentine steak), ribollita (a hearty vegetable soup), and
Chianti wine.
Day 6-8: Cinque Terre and Italian Riviera
- Explore the picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre, such as
Monterosso and Vernazza.
- Hike along the scenic coastal trails or take a boat ride to
admire the stunning views.
- Sample Ligurian cuisine, including focaccia, pesto sauce, and
local seafood dishes, paired with Vermentino or Pigato wines.
Day 9-12: Venice
- Wander through the enchanting canals and visit famous sites like
St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace.
- Take a gondola ride and get lost in the narrow streets of the
city.
- Enjoy Venetian specialties like cicchetti (small tapas-style
dishes), risotto al nero di seppia (black squid ink risotto), and
Prosecco wine.
Day 13-16: Tuscany and Chianti Region
- Explore the charming towns of the Tuscan countryside, such as
Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa.
- Visit vineyards and wineries in the Chianti region, and sample
renowned wines like Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino.
- Indulge in Tuscan cuisine, including pappardelle al cinghiale
(pasta with wild boar sauce), ribollita, and cantucci (almond
biscuits) with Vin Santo.
Day 17-20: Amalfi Coast and Naples
- Enjoy the breathtaking coastal views of the Amalfi Coast and
visit towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.
- Take a day trip to the island of Capri.
- Savor Neapolitan pizza, pasta alla Genovese, and sfogliatella
pastries, along with local wines such as Lacryma Christi and Greco
di Tufo.
Day 21-25: Sicily
- Explore the diverse attractions of Sicily, including the ancient
ruins of Agrigento, the charming town of Taormina, and the
volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna.
- Sample Sicilian cuisine, such as arancini (fried rice balls),
pasta alla Norma, cannoli, and Marsala wine.
Day 26-30: Lake Como and Milan
- Relax by the picturesque shores of Lake Como and visit the
elegant town of Bellagio.
- Explore the fashion and cultural capital of Milan, including its
famous cathedral (Duomo), La Scala opera house, and world-class
shopping.
- Taste Milanese dishes like risotto alla Milanese, ossobuco
(braised veal shanks), and panettone.
Remember to allocate travel time between destinations and consider
using trains or domestic flights for longer distances. This
itinerary provides a glimpse of Italy's diverse regions,
historical sites, and culinary delights, allowing you to
experience the country's rich cultural heritage.
Here are some of his reviews of the best attractions that you
can book: