Italy 8 Days: Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice
5 cities |
22 attraction(s) |
total distance 761
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day6
Day7
Day8
Day1: Rome
3 attraction(s) ·
3 km
1
The Colosseum is one of the most famous buildings of ancient Rome and the largest circular amphitheater of the empire. Built between 72 AD and 82 AD on the site of Nero's Golden House, it could accommodate up to 50,000 people. The Colosseum was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian and completed under his son Titus, with later renovations by Domitian. It served as a venue for animal hunts and gladiator games until 523 AD. According to Cassius Dio, the opening ceremonies lasted 100 days and 11,000 animals were killed. Earthquakes in 442 AD and 508 AD caused severe damage to the structure, and it was further destroyed during the Middle Ages and used as a fortress. In the 15th century, the Vatican began protecting the Colosseum as a holy site due to early Christian martyrs who were said to have been killed there. The design of the Colosseum was based on Greek theaters, but with the addition of arches, spectators' seats were built on top to form a circular amphitheater. There were also canopies suspended by cables to shade spectators and aid ventilation. Under the arena were various tunnels and chambers for storing props, animals, and gladiators, which could be lifted onto the stage during performances. The Colosseum even had a water channel to create a lake for naval battles.
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The Pantheon, located in Rome, is a religious building from ancient Roman times which was later converted into a church known as the Church of Santa Maria ad Martyres. The Pantheon was initially built in 27 BC to commemorate the victory of Octavian over Antony and Cleopatra. However, the original temple was destroyed by fire in 80 AD and was not rebuilt until 125 AD. Inscriptions on the colonnade wrongly attributed the building to the assistant of Octavian, Agrippa, until it was discovered in 1892 that the entire structure was built by Roman Emperor Hadrian. During the Renaissance, the Pantheon became a study point for Italian architects and had a significant influence on western architectural history. The building's structure is simple and circular, topped with a 43.3-meter diameter dome, which was the largest in the world until 1436. The interior of the dome has five tiers of recesses, giving a sense of upward movement. The colonnade of the building is made up of 16 granite columns, each 12.5 meters tall with a base diameter of 1.43 meters. The entire structure of the Pantheon was constructed using poured concrete, with the dome gradually thinning out to reduce the weight. The concrete used by the ancient Romans was a mix of natural volcanic ash from near Naples and various aggregates. The Pantheon is a testament to ancient Roman architecture and has influenced the design of many public buildings. It has also been a burial site for important figures since the Renaissance, including artists Raphael and Annibale Carracci.
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Aqueduct-fed rococo fountain, designed by Nicola Salvi & completed in 1762, with sculpted figures.
Day2: Rome
2 attraction(s) ·
1 km
1
Multiple galleries of classical & Renaissance art masterpieces, plus the Sistine Chapel frescoes.
1
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St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world and the spiritual center of the Vatican. It was designed by several great Renaissance architects, including Bramante, Raphael, and Michelangelo. The cathedral has a long history, undergoing multiple renovations and expansions, and its design and architectural style are among the finest representations of the Italian Renaissance. The spectacular exterior, grand architecture, and exquisite decorations of St. Peter's Basilica are awe-inspiring. Visitors can admire some of the most famous artworks here, including Michelangelo's "Pieta" and Raphael's "Madonna and Child with Saint Anne." In addition to its beauty, St. Peter's Basilica also holds significant historical importance and serves as a symbol of Catholic culture and faith.
Day3: Florence
3 attraction(s) ·
2 km
1
One of Italy's most important art museums, the Uffizi Gallery is also one of the most important art museums in Europe. It displays the richest and most precious treasures left by the Medici family, who funded Renaissance artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Donatello, hence the rich collection of their artworks. The museum has over 100,000 exhibits divided into 46 halls, each of which is worth visiting. However, if time is limited, it is best to visit a few key exhibition halls. The most famous exhibits at the Uffizi Gallery include Botticelli's "Primavera" and "The Birth of Venus," Leonardo da Vinci's "The Adoration of the Magi," as well as Michelangelo's "The Holy Family" and Titian's "Venus of Urbino." The name "Uffizi" means "offices" in Italian, and this was once the Medici family's office. Later, the family descendants donated all their collections to the government, making it a public art museum. Today, the museum mainly displays paintings, while other sculptures are housed in the Bargello Museum. If travelling during peak season (May to September), it is best to book online in advance and arrive early, otherwise the queues will be very long.
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The Pitti Palace, built in 1487, is a huge Renaissance palace commissioned by banker Luca Pitti and later purchased by the Medici family. It served as the residence of the city's rulers for hundreds of years until it was donated to the country by the Savoy family in 1919.
The front of the palace is 205 meters long and 36 meters high, built with massive stone blocks. The only decoration is the lion head sculptures between the window brackets on the ground floor. The protruding wings were built during the Lorraine period. Passing through the arched gate, you can enter the Ammannati courtyard, from where you can see the higher Boboli Hill behind it. The second floor of the palace houses the royal residence and the Palatine Gallery, and the third floor is the modern art museum. There are also the Silver Museum and the Carriage Museum.
Today, the Pitti Palace is one of the world's famous art galleries. It houses a large collection of paintings, jewelry, and sculptures, including 11 works by Raphael. The Palatine Gallery of the Pitti Palace contains precious paintings by artists such as Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, and Rubens.
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The Giotto's Bell Tower is located next to the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, facing the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Florence. It was designed by the renowned painter Giotto, hence it is also known as Campanile di Giotto. The tower is built in Gothic style, with a square plan measuring 14.45 meters in circumference, and four polygonal buttresses reaching a height of 84.7 meters. The entire structure is adorned with exquisite carvings and various colors of marble inlay. Its magnificent architecture and skillful design have won the admiration of many art lovers.
Day4: Florence
3 attraction(s) ·
2 km
1
Piazzale Michelangelo is a place located on the south end of the city center of Florence. It is often the first stop for many tourists visiting Florence because from this square, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and see the symbol of Florence, the David statue.
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Picturesque medieval arched river bridge with Roman origins, lined with jewelry & souvenir shops.
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Piazza della Repubblica is a beloved tourist destination in both the Roman Empire and medieval periods. This square, also known as the Old Jewish Quarter, was once the center of the Jewish community. However, over time, the area gradually changed. In the early 19th century, Florence became the capital of Italy, leading to the clearance and transformation of the Jewish quarter into what it is today. Although many changes have occurred, ancient Jewish culture and history can still be reflected here. There are also many famous cafes in the surrounding area, with the most popular being the Red Coat Cafe on the south side of the square. This is one of the oldest and most traditional cafes in Florence and is worth a visit for tourists to taste local traditional food and drinks.
Day5: Milan
3 attraction(s) ·
2 km
1
Mall housed in a glass-covered 19th-century arcade with luxury clothing brands & upscale dining.
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Milan Cathedral, also known as Duomo, is the iconic building in the center of Milan and the city's main cathedral. Construction of the cathedral began in 1386 and took over four centuries to complete, finally reaching completion in 1812. The intricate detailing continued until 1960, when the final bronze doors were installed. Over time, the cathedral has become a combination of multiple styles, with baroque decorations complementing gothic-style spires, creating an extravagantly divine atmosphere from top to bottom. The gilded statue of the Virgin Mary stands guard over the city, while the basement glass coffin inside the cathedral houses the remains of the red-robed archbishop San Carlo Borromeo, who passed away in 1584. In 1805, Napoleon was coronated as King of Italy in the cathedral. However, during World War II, the cathedral's front door was bombed, leaving visible scars to this day.
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The Sforza Castle in Milan is a historically significant building, dating back to the 14th century as the residence of the Sforza Count. Over time, it became the main residence of the Sforza family, witnessing their rise and fall. The castle is surrounded by high walls, with an exquisitely planned interior and a scenic view. Today, the castle has been transformed into a museum by the Milan municipality, including the Museum of Applied Arts and Music, the Archaeological Museum, and the Museum of Ancient Art. The castle's rear entrance is named the Peace Gate, remodeled by ruler Francesco. The Sforza Castle witnessed Milan's changing history and is one of the most important buildings in the area.
Day6: Milan
3 attraction(s) ·
5 km
1
Terracotta Renaissance church with elaborate Gothic interior, home to Da Vinci's The Last Supper.
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Mall housed in a glass-covered 19th-century arcade with luxury clothing brands & upscale dining.
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3
Day7: Venice
3 attraction(s) ·
1 km
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St. Mark's Square is a landmark of Venice, Italy, located in the city center. It is the only square in Venice that is referred to as a "Piazza," while others are referred to as "Campi." St. Mark's Square is unique among European cities because it is located in the city center yet is frequently traversed by relaxed water traffic, free from the noise of vehicles. It has become one of Venice's most iconic landmarks, attracting numerous tourists, photographers, and pigeons. In the 19th century, French Emperor Napoleon praised St. Mark's Square as the "most beautiful drawing room in Europe."
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St. Mark's Basilica, located in Venice, Italy, is a famous Catholic cathedral and a papal basilica. It is renowned as one of the world's most famous churches and is known for its Byzantine architectural style. The cathedral serves as the final resting place of St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice, and was once the largest church in medieval Europe. It is also considered a classic example of Venetian architectural art and houses a rich collection of artworks. The church is famous for its Greek cross exterior design and five domes, following the Byzantine style. After multiple renovations, it has become a masterpiece that combines Byzantine, Gothic, Islamic, and Renaissance art. The most famous feature of the cathedral is its mosaic-covered facade, decorated with gold. The interior is also renowned for its golden altar and mosaic decorations. When the sunlight shines on it, the cathedral glows with a golden brilliance, earning it the nickname "Golden Cathedral."
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Near the Rialto Bridge, there is a fruit market and a fish market. At the fish market, you can buy all kinds of fresh seafood, while also seeing many seagulls fighting over these delicious foods. Next to the seafood market is a small shop that sells various cooked seafood dishes, but customers must stand to enjoy these delicacies. Although the small shop is popular, it seems to only serve Chinese cuisine.
Day8: Venice > Mestre
3 attraction(s) ·
10 km
1
Color Island, also known as Burano Island, is located 7 kilometers from Venice. It is known for its lace textiles and colorful houses, and has been recognized by international magazines as one of the most colorful places in the world. Many artists, such as Baldassarre Galuppi and Remigio Barbaro, have been inspired on this island. Visitors can appreciate the reflection of the colorful houses in the surrounding canals – a paradise of colors. It is recommended to visit the island in the evening to enjoy the beautiful sunset casting a warm glow over the colorful houses.
6
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2
This area is famous for its glass products, which have unique manufacturing techniques, and the most famous of which is glass blowing. There is also a glass museum on the island, which displays a variety of glass products, especially those from the 14th and 15th centuries.
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