Italy: A Nine-Day Classic Romantic Journey
Italy, a name that evokes endless romantic dreams, is a country of unparalleled charm. It is the heart of the glorious Roman Empire, the cradle of the Renaissance, and a boot-shaped land embracing the Mediterranean's gentle waves. This nine-day itinerary meticulously connects the representative cities of Northern, Central, and Southern Italy: the fusion of fashion and history in Milan, the gentle romance of Venice, the Tuscan sunshine in Florence and Siena, the awe-inspiring Eternal City of Rome, and the passionate sunshine of the Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy. This journey through time allows you to experience Italy's most classic and romantic facets in just nine days.
Why Choose This Itinerary
Classic Coverage: A one-stop journey to Italy's most famous "must-visit" destinations, perfect for first-time visitors seeking a comprehensive experience.
Ultimate Romantic Elements: From gondola rides in Venice to sunsets at Florence's Piazzale Michelangelo, from Rome's Trevi Fountain to the cliffside views of Amalfi, every destination is imbued with unique romantic charm.
Rich Experiences: A blend of urban sightseeing, historical exploration, artistic pilgrimage, culinary indulgence, and seaside relaxation, with a well-balanced pace.
Efficiency and Depth: Utilizing Italy's efficient high-speed rail network to maximize time, minimize intercity travel, and ensure ample time for in-depth experiences at each location.
Nine-Day Classic Romantic Itinerary Details
Day 1: First Impressions of the Fashion Capital - Milan
Morning: Arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport, check into your hotel, and rest briefly.
Afternoon: Head to the city center to visit the world's second-largest cathedral, Milan Cathedral. Climb to the rooftop to admire the spires and city views. Stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and soak in the grandeur of this historic shopping arcade.
Evening: Enjoy a classic Italian aperitivo near the arcade to kick off your culinary journey.
Day 2: Dreamy Venice - The City of Water
Morning: Take a high-speed train (approx. 2.5 hours) from Milan to Venice's main island. Store your luggage and explore the Grand Canal via Vaporetto (water bus).
Afternoon: Visit St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, and the Doge's Palace, experiencing the grandeur of "Europe's drawing room."
Evening: Romantic Highlight: Ride a gondola at dusk, gliding through Venice's serene alleys and waterways while listening to the gondolier sing Italian folk songs. Dine at a local restaurant on the island, savoring seafood ink pasta.
Day 3: Transition from Colorful Islands to the Artistic Capital
Morning: Take a boat to Burano Island to admire the vibrant fishermen's houses, a perfect spot for photography.
Afternoon: Return to Venice's main island, collect your luggage, and take a high-speed train (approx. 2 hours) to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance.
Day 4: A Renaissance Romance - Florence
Morning: Visit the Uffizi Gallery (advance booking required!) to admire masterpieces like Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus."
Afternoon: Explore the Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore), climb Brunelleschi's massive dome for panoramic views of the city's red rooftops, and then head to Piazzale Michelangelo.
Evening: Romantic Highlight: Watch the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo, where golden sunlight bathes Florence's old town—a truly unforgettable romantic scene. Enjoy a dinner featuring Florence's famous T-bone steak.
Day 5: Tuscan Sunshine - Siena & Journey to Rome
Morning: Take a bus or train (approx. 1.5 hours) from Florence to the medieval city of Siena. Visit the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and the magnificent Siena Cathedral.
Afternoon: Stroll through the Tuscan countryside and sample local wines. Then, take a high-speed train (approx. 3 hours) from Florence to Rome.
Day 6: Ancient Epics of the Eternal City - Rome
Morning: Experience "Roman Holiday" by visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (purchase a combined ticket and book in advance).
Afternoon: Walk along the Imperial Fora to Venice Square and the Mouth of Truth.
Evening: Romantic Highlight: Follow in the footsteps of "Roman Holiday" by pausing at the Spanish Steps and tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain to wish for a return to Rome.
Day 7: Vatican & Southern Sunshine - Journey to Amalfi
Morning: Visit the world's smallest country, Vatican City. Tour the Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel, advance booking required months ahead!) and St. Peter's Basilica.
Afternoon: Take a high-speed train (approx. 1 hour) from Rome's Termini Station to Naples, then transfer via Circumvesuviana train or taxi to Sorrento, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast.
Evening: Check into your accommodation in Sorrento, enjoy a peaceful seaside evening, and sample Limoncello.
Day 8: Stunning Scenery of Paradise Coast - Amalfi Coast
All Day: Romantic Highlight: Travel along the Amalfi Coast by SITA bus or rent a boat. This world-renowned scenic route offers breathtaking views. Must-visit stops:
Positano: A postcard-perfect cliffside town with steps leading down to the beach.
Amalfi: The central town of the coastline, featuring the majestic St. Andrew's Cathedral.
Ravello: A hilltop town with stunning gardens (Villa Cimbrone, Villa Rufolo), offering expansive views and serene romance.
Day 9: Farewell to Southern Italy - Return Journey
Morning: Stroll through Sorrento's streets one last time, picking up lemon-based souvenirs.
Afternoon: Depending on your flight schedule, travel from Sorrento to Naples Airport (NAP) or return to Rome's Fiumicino Airport (FCO) for departure.
Photography Tips
Golden Hours: The hour after sunrise and before sunset offers the softest light for stunning photos. Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo, Venice's quiet waterways at dawn, and Amalfi's twilight are prime spots.
Classic Photo Locations:
Venice: Grand Canal from Rialto Bridge, side view of the Bridge of Sighs.
Florence: Panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo, Ponte Vecchio.
Rome: Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, panoramic view of Vatican City from Castel Sant'Angelo.
Amalfi: Positano beach view of the town, Amalfi Coast curves captured from SITA bus.
Outfit Suggestions: Solid-colored (especially red, white, yellow) long dresses look stunning against historic architecture and coastal scenery. Bring sunglasses for both style and sun protection.
Transportation Tips
Intercity Travel: High-speed trains (Italo or Trenitalia) are the best way to connect Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome, and Naples. Book tickets online in advance for significant savings. Use Omio or Trenitalia's official app for easy booking.
City Transport:
Venice: Purchase 24/48/72-hour Vaporetto passes for the best value.
Florence/Rome: Most attractions are walkable. Rome's ROMAPASS (48/72 hours) includes transport and 1-2 attraction tickets.
Amalfi: SITA buses are the main mode of transport between coastal towns; day passes are available.
Airport Transfers: Milan, Rome, and Naples airports have direct train or bus connections to city center train stations.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: April-May and September-October. These months offer mild weather, abundant sunshine, and fewer crowds compared to summer.
Advance Booking: This is the most crucial tip. Popular venues (Uffizi, Colosseum, Vatican) require tickets booked 1-3 months in advance to avoid long queues or sold-out situations. Early booking also applies to hotels and train tickets for better prices.
May this itinerary help you plan a perfect, romantic, and unforgettable trip to Italy! Bon voyage!
You need to exchange your tickets, but it was done quickly. It takes time to queue up, so it's best to queue up in advance, otherwise the queue will be very long. If you only choose one attraction in Florence, it must be the Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest and most famous art museums in the world. Founded in 1559, it was designed by Giorgio Vasari and commissioned by Cosimo de' Medici of the Medici family. It originally served as the administrative office building for the Duchy of Florence. The four-story building, arranged in an elongated "concave" shape, consists of two main buildings and a transverse overpass, forming a courtyard-style piazza. It covers an area of 13,000 square meters. Connected to the Pitti Palace across the Arno River via the Vasari Corridor, the gallery features Renaissance-style architecture, with a facade of classical Corinthian columns and an interior richly decorated with sculptures and frescoes. The collection houses approximately 100,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. Primarily from the Renaissance, it includes masterpieces such as Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" and "Primavera," Leonardo da Vinci's "The Annunciation" and "The Adoration of the Magi," Michelangelo's "The Holy Family," and Raphael's "Madonna of the Goldfinch."
As expected of an art history major, Sofy took us on a tour, highlighting key points and explaining them. She was always available to answer any questions we had, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of the sophistication of some of the works and appreciate their artistic value. I loved it!
To see the dazzling world famous paintings, it is recommended to join a tour group so that you can better understand the background stories, or rent an audio guide when you get inside. Otherwise, you are knowledgeable and don’t need help. Some paintings or sculptures require waiting in line to see them.
Florence must go to, this is one of the best art galleries in Europe! Make an appointment in advance, or you may have a long queue! ____________ Reservation tickets will be exchanged on time. It's very fast. Large shoulder bags need to be deposited. There were so many treasures in it that the feet became steel plates. Botticelli, Rafael, Michelangelo, Da Vinci and other exhibition rooms were crowded with people... But it's still very addictive to see so many treasures. Some of the studio paintings have changed, and according to the new layout, such as the birth of Botticelli's Spring and Venus, they moved to Hall 41.
When you go to Florence, even if you don't have any artistic wisdom and aesthetic cells, you should go to the Uffiz Gallery to experience the precious collection of amazing paintings, even amateurs can't help but admire them. The ticket price is 12.5 Euros, but because we only bought the ticket the day before, and each of us charges 4 Euros more, the ticket price we bought is 16.5 Euros. Entry should be queued in advance according to your appointed time. Entry needs security check. The main exhibits are on the third floor. After entering the exhibition hall, they go directly to the third floor and visit downstairs one by one. The treasure of the town hall is "Spring". The Medici family has also supported many famous artists, such as : Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, etc., so there are many famous works in the museum collection, which is worth seeing. Occasionally sitting on the corridor to rest, looking out at the surrounding scenery, quite European town style, feeling very charming.
It is definitely a visual feast! There are so many paintings by top masters that you can't even see them all. It is really shocking! When you are tired, take a break in the cafe and bask in the sun. You can continue to enjoy the scenery after fully charging! Be sure to book your tickets in advance
The collections in the Uffizi Gallery are dizzying, and the authentic works of masters such as da Vinci, michelangelo, and botticelli are all a complete visual feast. From spring to the birth of Venus, each painting is worth stopping for a long time. The pavilion has a reasonable design, soft light and a very comfortable visit. Standing in front of the window, you can also see the scenery of the Arnold River and the old bridge, and the beauty of the art and the city is just right. It is not only a paradise for art lovers, but also a more intuitive feeling about the glory of the Renaissance.