Italy in 14 Days: From Rome to Milan

From Fiumicino, take the Leonardo Express to Termini (32 min, €14). Drop bags and head out to explore.

The most spectacular baroque fountain in the world. Toss a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder.

Rome's most photographed staircase. Via Condotti is the luxury shopping street.

Rome's most authentic neighborhood for dining. Try Da Enzo al 29 (legendary cacio e pepe) or Tonnarello.

The largest amphitheater ever built. 50,000 spectators watched gladiator battles here.

The center of ancient Rome. Walk where Julius Caesar was assassinated and emperors ruled.

One of Rome's best carbonaras. They also have a spectacular bakery and deli.

2,000 years of architectural perfection. The world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. Free entry.

Rome's most beautiful baroque square. Three Bernini fountains and street artist atmosphere.

The daytime market square transforms into a bar area. Aperol Spritz and bruschette at sunset.

One of the world's most important art collections. Michelangelo's ceiling is superhuman.

The world's largest church. Michelangelo's Pietà and the dome with views of all Rome.

Rome's best pizza al taglio. Crispy dough, creative toppings. Always a queue but worth it.

Hadrian's mausoleum turned papal fortress. Terrace with views of the Tiber and St. Peter's.

Stroll through ivy-covered cobblestone streets. Rome's most photogenic and bohemian quarter.

Rome's best supplì (stuffed rice croquettes). The classic supplì al telefono is perfection.

High-speed train Rome-Florence in just 1h30. Book on Trenitalia or Italo in advance for best prices.

Brunelleschi's dome is an engineering masterpiece. The pink, green and white marble facade is mesmerizing.

Family-run trattoria since 1953. Shared tables, daily menu on chalkboard. Legendary ribollita and bistecca.

The world's most famous medieval bridge. Jewelry shops have lined both sides since the 16th century.

The best panoramic view of Florence. The entire city, the Arno and the Tuscan hills at your feet.

Florence's Trastevere. Try Il Latini (shared bistecca) or Trattoria Sostanza (butter al piatto).

The world's most important painting gallery. Botticelli, Leonardo, Raphael, Caravaggio. 2-3 hours minimum.

Two-floor food market. Downstairs: fresh produce since 1874. Upstairs: gourmet food court.

Florence's 'Pantheon': tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli.

Michelangelo's David. 5.17 meters of perfection in Carrara marble. Far more impressive in person.

Florence is the birthplace of gelato. Vivoli (1930) is historic; La Sorbettiera has creative flavors.

The 'other' bank of the Arno: artisan workshops, galleries and Florence's most authentic, local side.

The 'Medieval Manhattan': 14 stone towers dominate the skyline. Tuscan landscape of cypress and vineyards.

Stroll medieval streets, climb Torre Grossa and try gelato at Gelateria Dondoli (world champion).

Pici with wild boar ragù, bruschetta with fresh olive oil and local Vernaccia wine.

Piazza del Campo is Europe's most beautiful medieval square. The Duomo has a unique marble floor.

Head back by bus or car. Light dinner in Florence with whatever energy remains.

Train Florence-La Spezia (2h30) then local trains between villages. Buy the Cinque Terre Card.

The southernmost village. Colorful houses stacked on the cliff. Tiny, photogenic harbor.

Focaccia di Recco with stracchino cheese and fresh Genoese pesto. Eat by the harbor with sea views.

1-hour coastal hike with spectacular Mediterranean views. Bring water and sun protection.

Perhaps the prettiest village. Natural harbor, medieval tower and the most accessible beach.

Trofie al pesto, mixed fried seafood and local white wine. Gambero Rosso or Ristorante Belforte.

The largest village with the best beach. Medieval old town and new seaside zone.

The most spectacular trail (1h30). Views of all the villages. Moderately challenging.

The clifftop village. 382 steps to reach it. Focaccia, Monterosso anchovies and limoncello.

Pick your favorite beach. Monterosso has sand; the others have rocks and crystal-clear water.

Fresh seafood with Sciacchetrà wine (local sweet wine made from sun-dried grapes).

La Spezia → Venice Santa Lucia (4-5h with transfer in Milan or direct). Book in advance.

From Santa Lucia, take vaporetto line 1 down the Grand Canal. The world's most beautiful 'bus ride'.

Napoleon's 'drawing room of Europe'. Byzantine basilica, Campanile and Doge's Palace.

Venetian 'tapas'. Bacari (bars) with baccalà mantecato, sarde in saor and spritz. Try All'Arco or Cantina Do Mori.

The power of the Serenissima. Tintoretto, council halls and the prisons with their famous bridge.

The Rialto market has sold fresh fish since the 11th century. Side streets hide secret bacari.

Classic Venetian trattoria by the Rialto. Risotto al nero di seppia and fritto misto are spectacular.

The finest collection of Venetian painting: Bellini, Tintoretto, Veronese and Titian.

The tip of the island with views of San Giorgio and the San Marco basin. Spectacular sunset.

The most local quarter. Avoid San Marco for dining. Osteria Boccadoro or Anice Stellato for seafood.

The glass-blowing island. Visit a working factory and watch master artisans in action.

Italy's most photogenic island. Houses painted in vibrant colors, handmade lace and traditional fishing.

Risotto de gò (lagoon fish) or bussolà (traditional cookie). Trattoria al Gatto Nero is the star.

The lagoon's oldest island. 7th-century Byzantine cathedral with extraordinary golden mosaics.

Walk without a map through Venice's sestieri at night. Without tourists, the city is magical.

1h10 on regional train. Leave bags in station luggage storage and explore Romeo and Juliet's city.

1st-century Roman amphitheater, nearly intact. Still used for open-air opera in summer.

The market square with medieval frescoes. Juliet's balcony is small but iconic.

Risotto all'Amarone and pastissada de caval (horse stew). Osteria al Duca is authentic.

1h20 on Frecciarossa. Arrive at Milano Centrale, one of Europe's most impressive stations.

Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece at Santa Maria delle Grazie. Only viewable with a reservation.

Milan's canals come alive at sunset. Spritz with buffet included (€10-15). Naviglio Grande is the epicenter.

Italy's largest Gothic cathedral. 135 spires, 3,400 statues. The rooftop terraces are spectacular.

Milan's 'living room'. The world's most elegant shopping arcade with Prada, Versace and historic cafés.

Since 1888: fried panzerotti stuffed with mozzarella and tomato. Eternal queue but just €3. Unmissable.

Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Corso Venezia. The world's most important fashion district.

Milan's great art gallery. Mantegna, Caravaggio and Hayez's The Kiss.

Bohemian streets, art galleries, pavement cafés and Milan's most charming quarter.

Saffron risotto is THE Milan dish. Trattoria Milanese (since 1933) or Ratanà are excellent.

The Renaissance fortress houses Michelangelo's Rondanini Pietà (his last, unfinished work).

An espresso at the counter of a historic bar. Marchesi 1824 or Cova are Milanese institutions.

Malpensa Express (50 min to Malpensa, €13) or bus to Linate/Bergamo. Arrive 2-3h before your flight.