Rome is a hub of amazing culture and art, best explored on foot. Take at least one or two days to simply wander through the streets and see the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Vatican, the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona, the must-see attractions of Rome. Don’t skimp on the museums, either, or you’ll miss world-famous artwork. Head to Galleria Borghese to see breathtaking paintings by Carvaggio and Raphael. Palazzo Altemps, in the Museo Nazionale Romano, has some fine artwork, especially the Greek and Roman sculptures. Rome deserves at least three or four days of exploration.
Florence is another classic Italian destination. The top attraction in Florence is the Polo Museale Fiorentino, a museum complex that includes the Uffizi Gallery, one of the greatest collections of Renaissance art in the world, and the Accademia Gallery, where you'll find Michelangelo’s “David.” Take a morning walk to visit the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiori, more commonly called the Duomo, the cultural and historical center of the city, where a climb to the top will give you wide views of the impressive cathedral architecture. Make sure grab some ice cream at a gelateria, especially when wandering around Ponte Vecchio, the 14th-century bridge over the Amo River. Most travelers will want to spend two or three days in Florence.
Milan, the second largest city in Italy, is for fashion, opera and football lovers. For brand-name shopping and world-class fashion, stroll through Via della Spiga and Via Montenapoleone. If you’re looking for high culture, book tickets for La Scala, the grand opera house of composers such as Puccini and Verdi. If soccer -- football, to Europeans -- is more your style, catch a match at San Siro Stadium, home of the football clubs AC Milan and FC Internazionale. For cultural sightseeing, spend an afternoon at another famous Italian Duomo, the cathedral of Milan. Take the stairs to the top and see a captivating view of the city and the distant Alps. A stay of two to three days in Milan is ideal.
Any trip to Italy must include Venice. Take a day to wander through the labyrinth of streets, canals and bridges to appreciate the remarkable beauty of Venice. Be sure to take a gondola ride through the canals or even a guided boat tour of the Grand Canal. Don’t miss St. Mark’s Basilica, one of the country’s most beautiful cathedrals. St. Mark’s Square is also a must, especially in the evening when it’s quieter and less crowded than during the day. Take the elevator to the top of the Campanile for panoramic views of the city. A great day-trip option is Murano Island, where you’ll find gorgeous boutiques with glass sculptures and glass-blowing demonstrations. Spend at least three days in Venice.
One of the best ways to travel through Italy is by train. Like many European countries, Italy has a dependable rail system that allows for easy commute from one city to the next. For most travelers, it is probably best to begin in Rome since it's an international hub, convenient for plane travel from other countries and train travel to other cities in Italy, as well as the ideal start to the journey. From Rome, you'll find trains to Florence, Milan and Venice. Depending on your interests and time constraints, a week in Italy is best spent between Rome and Florence or Venice for a true Italian experience. For a more leisurely trip, allow for about one-and-a-half to two weeks.
