5-Day Itinerary for an Independent Trip to Italy: Explore the Classics

How many days do you need to get acquainted with Italy? If you don't mind a busy schedule, 5 days is enough to check off the major Italian cities. Of course, this only offers a glimpse into the country, as Rome alone deserves a week of exploration. A 5-day trip is perfect for those short on time but eager to see as much as possible. Day 1: Rome, A Journey Through Millennia Head straight to the Colosseum first thing in the morning. Buying tickets online in advance is a game-changer – no queues! Standing in the center of the arena, imagining gladiatorial combats, gave me goosebumps. For lunch, I found a small trattoria near the Trevi Fountain. Handmade pasta paired with red wine – perfection! In the afternoon, I visited the Vatican. The museums were crowded, but seeing Michelangelo's "The Creation" made it worthwhile. As evening approached, I sat on the Spanish Steps, watching the sunset paint the entire street gold. This is the way to experience Rome! Day 2: Florence, A Renaissance Journey I took an early train to Florence and was awestruck by the Duomo! Climbing to the top was tiring, but the panoramic city views were breathtaking. At lunchtime, I joined the queue at the Mercato Centrale for a Lampredotto sandwich. It's a local favorite, and at €5, a great deal. The afternoon was spent at the Uffizi Gallery. Botticelli's "Primavera" is a hundred times more stunning in person than in textbooks! In the evening, I climbed to Piazzale Michelangelo. The city bathed in the sunset looked like a painting. No wonder Xu Zhimo called it "翡冷翠" (Emerald Green). Day 3: Pisa's Leaning Tower + Venice: First Impressions Today's mission: Pisa and the obligatory "holding up the tower" photo! I left my luggage at the train station and walked 20 minutes to Piazza dei Miracoli. Watching tourists from all over the world striking funny poses was another highlight. After a quick lunch, I hopped on a train to Venice. The 3-hour journey was perfect for a nap. Arriving in Venice at dusk, I was greeted by the overwhelming number of pigeons in St. Mark's Square, but the bell tower in the sunset was unbelievably beautiful. Staying in Mestre, just outside the main island, saved enough money for a delicious dinner! Day 4: Venice, Lost in the Water City I took a vaporetto to Burano early in the morning. The colorful houses felt like a fairytale, and I couldn't stop taking pictures! Back on the main island, I visited St. Mark's Basilica, its opulence dazzling. Lunch was at a hidden restaurant tucked away in a small alley. The squid ink pasta turned my mouth black, but it was incredibly fresh! I spent the afternoon wandering near the Rialto Bridge, getting lost several times, but the unexpected discoveries around every corner made it even more enjoyable. In the evening, I sat by the canal, listening to the gondoliers sing. This is the most romantic side of Venice. Day 5: Milan, Where Fashion Meets History My last day was spent in Milan. The Duomo's spires are truly impressive! From the top, I tried counting them – apparently, there are 135. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is filled with luxury boutiques. I couldn't afford anything, but window shopping was fun. In the afternoon, I visited Sforza Castle. The fortifications designed by Da Vinci are incredibly cool. In the evening, I headed to the airport, already planning my return trip! Useful Tips 1️⃣ The Colosseum is least crowded at 8:30 am 2️⃣ The Uffizi Gallery in Florence is closed on Tuesdays 3️⃣ Take your Leaning Tower photos early; tour groups arrive after 10 am 4️⃣ A 24-hour vaporetto pass in Venice is a great value 5️⃣ Take the stairs to the top of Milan Cathedral; it's cheaper than the elevator and good exercise