The capital
Rome is where most first trips begin: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon and the Vatican, wrapped in a living city of piazzas, fountains and neighbourhood trattorias. Give it at least three full days.
The art cities of the north
Florence, ninety minutes north of Rome by fast train, is the cradle of the Renaissance, with the Duomo, the Uffizi and Michelangelo's David in a compact, walkable centre. It is also the best base for Tuscan hill towns and wine country. Venice, two hours further on, is a city built on water, with no cars at all, where getting lost in the back lanes is the whole point.
The south and the islands
The Amalfi Coast, south of Naples, is a road of hairpin bends above the sea, with Positano, Amalfi and Ravello clinging to the cliffs and ferries to Capri. Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, adds Greek temples, Baroque towns, Mount Etna and some of the best street food in Europe.
Putting it together
A classic ten day route runs Venice, Florence, Rome by train, with Naples and the Amalfi Coast as a five day add on. Sicily works best as its own week, reached by a short flight from Rome or Milan, or by overnight ferry from Naples. Milan, the lakes and the Dolomites suit a second trip, or a northern loop if you fly into Milan. Use our places to visit list for where to eat and stay, and the free trip planner to shape a route.