What are the most beautiful cities in Italy to see at least once in a lifetime? There are many beautiful Italian cities, but what are the main ones? I personally mention 5, also perfect for a long itinerary. An itinerary of (at least) 12 days to enjoy Italy, the best country in the world.
The reason is that every single city is special in its own way. Every single city will make you feel something different: culture, history, art, and people. Each one is ready to amaze you with everything it has to offer. Below I list them according to a possible itinerary of 12 days.
- Napoli (4 days)
- Rome (3 days)
- Florence (2 days)
- Venice (2 days)
- Milan (1 day)
The reason why I start from Naples is because it is a city (together with Rome) where you are going to spend a lot of energies. Leaving them for last (on a 12-days trip for example) wouldn't be exactly ideal. Naples and Rome are two cities with many things must see and incredible experiences to live.
Let's discover them one by one with the premise that I wrote a detailed article for each one. This will be an overlooking of each city and all what your eyes will meet. I think 12 days are the minimum if you decide to take a long journey throughout the italian boot. At the end of the article I also leave you some useful links (transport and accommodation) between one city and another.
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Best time of year to visit Italy
Spring – summer is undoubtedly the best time to visit Italy. Let's say from April until early October is the perfect period. To avoid perhaps very hot months such as July and August, not ideal for long walks. The perfect months for me are May, June, early July, September, and early October.
Italy itinerary 12 days: Napoli ideal city where to start
My city. The city where I was born. The most beautiful city in the world. Sorry, every time I talk about Naples my volcanic spirirt comes out . Naples is a city of a thousand facets, colors, and flavors. A city with always smiling and carefree people. Naples is full of things to see and its landscape gives it that extra gear (a way to say in Italy when something is unique).
Naples, with its view of the gulf and Vesuvius, is a real postcard to be envied. And this is the main reason why I love this city. Naples manages to alternate history, art and culture with breathtaking landscapes.In addition to that, visiting Naples does not mean visiting "only" Naples.
Consider that in front of Naples you have 3 of the most beautiful islands in Italy: Capri, Ischia and Procida. About an hour from Naples you have the two most beautiful coasts of the World: the Sorrento and Amalfi coast. I could go on but I wrote an article about Naples for you, take a look at it.
What is Naples Italy known for?
- Trekking Vesuvius
- Walking tour in the historical city centre
- Naples underground
- Kayak tour
- Veiled Christ
Day trip from Naples Italy
- Explore at least one of the 3 islands (Capri, Ischia or Procida)
- Pompei ruins
- Sorrento and Amalfi coast tour
Italy itinerary 12 days: Rome
Welcome to the eternal city, welcome to the museum, welcome to Rome. Do you know what says a very famous phrase in Italy? All roads get to Rome and I hope for you, one day, they will take you there too. Rome is a city that oozes history from every pore, in every corner of this city there is a story to tell.
Rome needs no introduction, it is one of the most visited cities to the World. Like Naples, it needs many days to be visited well. Not because you have to move so much, but because visit Rome takes time. Keep in mind that a visit to one of the many main attractions takes about 2 hours.
Also, consider that a day in Rome should only be spent walking around the city. This has to be a "must" to appreciate its works and its ancient beauty. In Rome there are also many experiences “100% made in Italy ” that you can do to make your trip unique.
Once again, I will leave your curiosity for further reading. My article on 'walking Rome' in 3 days is waiting to be read and explored for insights.
Unique experiences in Rome
- Colosseum
- Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- Imperial Roman Fora
Italy itinerary 12 days: Florence
The city of arts and great masters who made the history of my country. The city that hosts (after the Louvre) one of the most beautiful museums in the world, Uffizi. Florence (together with Venice) is my favorite city in Italy. There is a reason why I love these 2 cities besides the fact that they are extremely beautiful.
Both Florence and Venice are easy to visit because they are small and then because the center is pedestrian. I love walking and when I find a city to visit that allows me to do it, I grind km every day. Florence, in addition to the Uffizi, has as its main attraction the Accademia delle arti.
Florence is also very beautiful for the architecture and I take this opportunity for a suggestion. If you want to admire it in all its splendor from a higher point, there is one not to be missed. From this point, you can also admire a wonderful sunset making it even more "special". If you are curious, don't worry, I wrote an article about Florence to guide you.
Top attractions in Florence Italy
- Uffizi Gallery
- Academy of Fine Arts
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Italy itinerary 12 days: Venice
A city that fascinates me so much and that competes with Florence in my personal ranking. Venice is a city in which is impossible not to fall in love. It is no coincidence that is considered the Italian city of love and I can't blame this statement. Think for a second…gondola ride, a nice romantic dinner overlooking one of the city's canals.
Or a nice trip out of town to the beautiful islands of Burano and Murano . Cross the city via one of its more than 350 beautiful bridges. Venice is all this and much more. It is a city of harmonious, elegant, graceful architecture. I consider the architecture of Venice perhaps one of the most beautiful if not the most beautiful in Italy (in my opinion).
One thing I love about Venice is walking through its alleys in the evening, they are incredibly charming. A city that is definitely worth seeing and which you can find out more about thanks to my article. I wrote one on Venice in 2 days.
Unique things to do in Venice
- Gondola ride
- Visiting Basilica San Marco
From Venice to Burano and Murano: "must do" day trips
- Visiting the islands of Burano and Murano
Italy itinerary 12 days: Milan
Milan closes the circle of our tour of the main Italian cities. Furthermore, if you are an expatriate, it is convenient for taking the plane. I also go for the idea that this tour can be done by those who no longer live in Italy. Milan is a city that can offer more than you think. In Italy it is considered the financial city, the one where you work hard, the one where you work and that's it.
In reality, it is not so because Milan has so many interesting things to see. To name a few: the Duomo, the Pinacoteca di Brera, Castello Sforzesco, Leonardo's Last Supper. The things just mentioned make Milan a city to see at least one day. In addition to the artistic-cultural side, Milan is also a very active city in terms of movida.
Milan is the city of after-office aperitifs, cocktail bars and of clubs. Reason why from 5 pm every day you will find so much fun. It is certainly a city to be included among those to visit in Italy and for a long itinerary. If you want to know more about Milan there is my article ready to be read.
Milan top attractions
- Visiting the Duomo
- Pincacoteca Museum
- Leonardo da Vinci's last supper
Best way to travel in Italy
For this tour the best way to move is public transport (train and/or bus). Below I leave you all the useful links for routes and ticket purchases from city to city. I think you already know that if you buy them in advance you can save a lot of money.
- Napoli centrale - Rome Termini by bus or train
- Rome Termini - Florence by bus or train
- Florence - Venice by bus or train
- Venice - Milan by bus or train
Flights to Naples
Booking a flight in advance is always a great idea to already get in the “holiday mood”. Start taking a look at the period and prices. Below you can enter your departure airport and compare prices.
Naples Airport shuttle bus: official tickets
The alibus is the official bus of Naples for transfers to and from Capodichino airport. You can book your ticket (which the driver then only has to scan) below.
Italy itinerary 12 days: conclusions
Italy is a wonderful country. 5th world tourist destination with around 65 million arrive every year. There is a reason why about 65 million people from all over the world choose it, despite its small size. Indeed in Italy there is a way to say: in the small barrel there is good wine.
I hope this article has been helpful and inspired you for your choices. If you have between 10 and 14 days of vacation, I highly recommend this 100% Italian tour. To the next stop and remember: who travels lives twice…
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