My recent trip to Italy was an absolute dream come true! I spent 9 days and 8 nights exploring the beautiful cities of Milan, Florence, Rome, and Venice, and it was an experience I'll never forget.
Milan:
Weather:
- Milan has a humid subtropical climate, with warm, humid summers and cool, damp winters.
- Summer temperatures range from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F), with occasional heatwaves.
- Winters are cold, with average temperatures between 2°C to 10°C (36°F to 50°F), and frequent rain/fog.
Travel Tips:
- Visit the iconic Duomo and see da Vinci's The Last Supper.
- Explore the fashion district and go shopping.
- Try the local cuisine, including risotto alla Milanese and panettone.
- Use the efficient public transport system to get around.
Florence:
Weather:
- Florence has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, damp winters.
- Summer temperatures range from 27°C to 33°C (81°F to 91°F).
- Winters are mild, with averages of 7°C to 14°C (45°F to 57°F), and occasional rain.
Travel Tips:
- See the famous Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Michelangelo's David.
- Wander the charming streets and markets of the historic city center.
- Try Florentine steak, gelato, and Chianti wine.
- Take a day trip to the Tuscan countryside.
Rome:
Weather:
- Rome has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
- Summer temperatures range from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F).
- Winters are cool, with averages of 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F), and frequent rainfall.
Travel Tips:
- Visit iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican City.
- Explore the vibrant neighborhoods and piazzas.
- Indulge in Roman cuisine, such as carbonara and cacio e pepe.
- Use the metro and bus system to get around efficiently.
Venice:
Weather:
- Venice has a humid subtropical climate, with warm, humid summers and cool, damp winters.
- Summer temperatures range from 22°C to 29°C (72°F to 84°F).
- Winters are cool, with averages of 3°C to 11°C (37°F to 52°F), and frequent rain and fog.
Travel Tips:
- Take a gondola ride through the canals.
- Visit St. Mark's Square and Basilica.
- Explore the charming islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
- Be prepared for the possibility of acqua alta (high water) during certain times of the year.
Hotel:
Flight: Check Here
Day 1: Milan - A Fashionable Start
I arrived at Milan Malpensa Airport (T1) in the morning and was immediately struck by the city's vibrant energy. After checking into my stylish hotel, BC MAISON bed & cafe Milano,
I headed to Emporio Armani Caffè & Ristorante (MAP) for a delicious Italian lunch (around €26-€40 per person).
My afternoon was filled with iconic sights. I explored the majestic Sforza Castle (MAP) (BuyTicket For Tour: Here), recommended to explore the medieval fortification and its extensive citadel and visit the museums and art collections housed within, including Michelangelo’s last sculpture, the Rondanini Pietà.
Marvelled at the intricate details of Milan Cathedral (MAP), and wandered through the bustling Piazza del Duomo (MAP) and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (MAP) (expect to spend around €100-€500 per person on shopping!). Explore the Duomo Complex, including the interior of the cathedral with its ornate columns and Italian marble floors.
Recommended For Piazza del Duomo: Admire the iconic Gothic cathedral and consider visiting the rooftop terraces for a panoramic view of Milan.
Recommended For Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Enjoy the luxurious shopping arcade, home to high-end brands like Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.
Don’t miss the mosaic of the bull on the floor, where spinning on the bull’s testicles is a local tradition for good luck. Try the famous Luini Panzerotti, a traditional Milanese snack, for a taste of local cuisine.
The day ended with a delightful dinner at Marea Seafood & Beverage (MAP) (around €30-€50 per person) (Just 14 mins walk from Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II).
Recommended: Scallop dishes, Tiradito, Tartare, etc.
Day 2: Milan - Culture and Culinary Delights
I started my day with a hearty breakfast at Best Cafè (around €1-€10 per person) (MAP), then spent the morning exploring the opulent Milan Royal Palace (around €17 per person for tickets) (MAP) and the world-renowned Teatro alla Scala (MAP) (BuyTicket For Tour: Here).
Lunch at Viaggi Nel Gusto (around €12-€20 per person) (MAP) was a treat for my taste buds.
Recommended: Lobster, Carbonara, Bolognese, Panna cotta, Tiramisu
Followed by a delicious dinner at Locanda alla Scala (around €20-€50 per person).(MAP)
Recommended: Riso mantecato alla milanese, Linguine AOP, Gigli di Gragnano,
Raviolone ‘70 Amarcord, Pacchero UNO.61 all’Astice,etc.
Day 3: Florence - Renaissance Beauty
I boarded a train from Milan Centrale Station to Florence Station (around 1 hour 55 minutes). After checking into Palazzo Lombardo (MAP), I immersed myself in the Renaissance era at the Uffizi Gallery (MAP) (BuyTicket For Tour: Here). The Uffizi Gallery is a must-visit destination for art lovers and anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage of Florence and the Italian Renaissance. The Uffizi's collection includes over 1.5 million works of art, with around 100,000 pieces on display at any given time, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world.
Recommended: View Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Admire Caravaggio’s works, See Michelangelo’s paintings, Explore the Medici collection, Visit the balcony overlooking the Duomo.
The day ended with a satisfying dinner at Auditore Ristorante Braceria (MAP) (around €10-€20 per person), just 1 min walk from Gallery.
Recommended: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Antipasti, Pizza, Tuscan delights starter, T bone Florentine.
Day 4: Florence - Artistic Treasures and Gardens
My day began with a delicious sandwich breakfast at I Due Fratellini (MAP) (around €1-€10 per person), followed by a visit to the Santa Maria del Fiore (MAP).
Today, the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral remains one of the most iconic and celebrated landmarks in Florence, drawing millions of visitors each year to marvel at its architectural and artistic splendor.
Recommended: Admire the baptistery, Climb Giotto’s Bell Tower, Enjoy the view from the Duomo Terraces
I enjoyed a delightful lunch at Trattoria Bordino (MAP) (around €20-€30 per person),
Simple sausage Pasta before strolling through the serene Boboli Gardens (MAP) (around €10 per person), offering a peaceful respite from the bustling city and a chance to immerse oneself in the rich history and beauty of Florence's past.
Recommended For Trattoria Bordino: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Risotto al gorgonzola, Spaghetti alle vongole veraci in bianco, Pears walnuts tart.
Recommended For Boboli Gardens: Visit the Kaffeehaus, Stroll down the Viottolone, Discover the Isolotto.
The day concluded with breathtaking views from Piazzale Michelangelo (MAP)
(free entry), The piazzale was designed in the 19th century by the architect Giuseppe Poggi as part of a larger urban renewal project in Florence.
The square features a large bronze statue of Michelangelo's David, which serves as the centerpiece of the viewpoint.
For dinner, we had a delicious dinner at Finisterrae (MAP) (around €20-€30 per person). It primarily serves classic dishes from the Tuscan region, including pasta, pizza, meat, and seafood. The restaurant is conveniently located in the center of Florence, near many sights and shops, just 22 mins walk from Piazzale Michelangelo.
Day 5: Florence to Rome - Ancient Wonders
After a quick visit to the bustling Mercato Centrale (MAP) (around €10-€50 per person for breakfast and shopping), It houses some of Florence's most famous restaurants, eateries, and food vendors.
A wide variety of Italian specialties are available, such as fresh produce, meats, pasta, cheeses, and wines.
I boarded a train from Florence to Rome Termini Station (around 1 hour 37 minutes).
Upon arriving in Rome, I checked into Santamaggiore Hotel and immediately headed to the Capitoline Museums (MAP) (BuyTicket: Here). The Capitoline Museums are home to iconic ancient Roman sculptures such as the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius and the renowned Dying Gaul.
Other notable works include the original bronze She-Wolf statue, believed to represent the she-wolf that suckled the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus.
The Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo buildings that house the museums feature beautiful Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
And we headed to Capitoline Square (MAP) after visited Museums. a famous public square located on Capitoline Hill.
The day ended with a light dinner at Bono Bottega Nostrana - San Pietro (MAP) (around €5-€10 per person).
Recommended: Porchetta / truffle sandwiches, Pizzas, Hamburger with bacon and carbonara sauce, Panini bread, Tiramisu.
Day 6: Rome - The Eternal City
I started my day with a delicious breakfast at Rosemary - Terra E Sapori (MAP) (around €9-€20 per person) and embarked on a fascinating journey through time with a guided tour of the Colosseum (MAP), Roman Forum (MAP), and Palatine Hill (MAP) (BuyTicket For Tour: Here).
Recommended For Colosseum: Visit the underground chambers, Stand on the ancient arena floor, Admire the architecture from the upper tiers.
Recommended For Roman Forum: Walk along the Via Sacra, See the Arch of Titus, Explore the Temple of Julius Caesar.
Recommended For Palatine Hill: Discover the Lupercal, View the Temple of Apollo Palatinus, Inspect the House of the Griffins.
I then admired the grandeur of the Pantheon (MAP) (BuyTicket: Here), The Pantheon is regarded as a masterpiece of Roman architecture and engineering.
It has had a lasting influence on Western architecture, inspiring the design of many domed buildings.
Today, it remains an active place of worship as well as one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions.
We enjoyed a delightful lunch at Osteria Barberini (MAP) (around €30-€50 per person), The restaurant specializes in classic Roman cuisine, with a menu featuring dishes like cacio e pepe (a Roman pasta dish with pecorino cheese and black pepper), carbonara, and amatriciana.
We explored the magnificent Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (MAP) (free entry).
The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is an important pilgrimage site for Catholic faithful, who come to venerate the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary that is housed inside. It is also a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its stunning Byzantine-era mosaics and rich history.
The day ended with a sweet treat at Giolitti (MAP) (around €1-€10 per person), Giolitti is known for its high-quality, artisanal gelato made using traditional Italian recipes and techniques. The shop offers a wide variety of flavors, from classic Italian favorites like stracciatella and pistachio, to more unique and creative options.
Recommended: Rice flavor gelato, Pistachio gelato, Hazelnut gelato, Whipped cream (Panna) topping.
For dinner, we had a delicious burger at T. & C. Burger Lab (MAP) (around €9-€20 per person). The restaurant specializes in gourmet burgers, made with high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations. The menu features a variety of signature burgers, such as the "Truffle Burger" with truffle mayo, and the "Chicken Burger" with panko-breaded chicken.
Day 7: Rome - Vatican City and Spanish Steps
After a quick breakfast at Brancaccio Cafè (MAP) (around €1-€10 per person), I explored the Vatican Museums (MAP) and the Sistine Chapel (MAP) (BuyTicket: Here).
The museums house some of the most renowned classical sculptures and most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world. Highlights include the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, the Museo Pio-Clementino, the Borgia Apartments, and the Pinacoteca Vaticana (Vatican Picture Gallery).
I then relaxed at the iconic Piazza di Spagna (MAP) (free entry),a renowned shopping district, with numerous high-end fashion brand stores surrounding the square. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome.
After that, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at La Fata Ignorante - Rooftop Restaurant & Bar (MAP) (around €20-€40 per person).The restaurant serves Italian cuisine and features an extensive wine list.
It is praised for its scenic rooftop terrace, providing a romantic and relaxing dining experience.
Recommended: Braised beef cheek, Prawns for starters, Sea bream, Antipasti sharing board, Pasta dishes, especially carbonara and gnocchi with octopus ragu.
In the evening, I boarded a train from Rome Termini Station to Venice (around 9 hours 23 minutes).
Day 8: Venice - A City of Canals
I arrived in Venice in the morning and checked into Anda Venice Hostel. It is located in the city center and just around 13 mins walk from the Train station.
After a delicious lunch at Ristorante Ai Pini (MAP) (around €20-€30 per person), The restaurant specializes in traditional Venetian and northern Italian cuisine, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The prices are reasonable and the quality of the food is authentic, delicious, and well-presented. This is one of my recommended restaurant in Venice.
I explored the magnificent St. Mark's Square (MAP), St. Mark's Basilica (MAP), the Campanile (MAP), and Doge's Palace (MAP) (BuyTicket: Here).
Recommended For St. Mark’s Square: Visit the Correr Museum,
Recommended For St. Mark’s Basilica: View the golden mosaics, See the Pala d’Oro, Tour the Treasury.
Recommended For The Campanile: Climb to the top for views, Observe the bell ringing.
Recommended For Doge’s Palace: Explore the Bridge of Sighs, Visit the Great Council Chamber, See the Doge’s apartments.
I also took a romantic gondola ride along the Grand Canal (MAP) (BuyTicket: Here) and enjoyed a delicious dinner at Osteria del Lovo (MAP)(around €20-€40 per person) the food tastes incredibly fresh and flavorful.
Day 9: Farewell Venice and Return to Milan
After a leisurely morning in Venice, I boarded a train from Venice to Milan Centrale Station (around 2 hours 27 minutes). From there, I made my way to Milan Malpensa Airport for my flight home.
Overall, my Italian adventure was an unforgettable experience, filled with art, culture, delicious food, and romance. I highly recommend this incredible journey to anyone looking for a truly magical trip!