Amalfi, Sardinia, Calabria
Trip Overview
Florence, the capital of the Tuscany region, is the “cradle of the Renaissance”.
Itinerary
See Michelangelo’s David
Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (or Duomo di Firenze or Florence Cathedral)
The Piazza della Signoria
Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy
Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy
The Piazza di Santa Croce
The Piazza di Santa Maria Novella
Wander through the charming streets and enjoy Tuscan cuisine.
Departure for Cinque Terre
Exploring Villages and Coastal Views
Morning: Riomaggiore
Start your day in Riomaggiore, the southernmost village.
Wander through its charming streets and enjoy the colorful buildings.
Visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista and enjoy views from the cliffside.
Take a stroll along the Via dell'Amore (Lover's Lane) to Manarola (Note: as of my last update in September 2021, Via dell'Amore might be closed due to maintenance; check its status before your visit).
Late Morning: Manarola
Explore Manarola, known for its postcard-perfect views.
Enjoy some gelato and take photos of the iconic harbor.
If the weather is warm, consider swimming or sunbathing at the rocky beach.
Lunch: Vernazza
Head to Vernazza for lunch.
Enjoy seafood dishes at a local trattoria with a view of the sea.
Afternoon: Monterosso al Mare
After lunch, take the train to Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five villages.
Relax on the sandy beach or explore the old town.
Visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista with its beautiful interior.
Local Flavors
Morning: The Blue Trail
Start your day early with the popular Cinque Terre Blue Trail, a coastal path that connects all five villages.
Choose a section that suits your fitness level and time: Vernazza to Monterosso is a moderate option.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline and terraced vineyards.
Make sure to carry water and wear comfortable shoes.
Lunch: Corniglia
After your hike, take a train to Corniglia, the only village not directly on the water.
Have lunch at a local cafe and try some Ligurian specialties.
Afternoon: Explore Corniglia and Wine Tasting
Explore the narrow streets of Corniglia, which offers a quieter and more local vibe.
Visit the Church of San Pietro for panoramic views of the coastline.
Consider a wine tasting session at a local vineyard. Cinque Terre is known for its delicious white wines, particularly Sciacchetrà.
Morning:
Duomo di Milano: Start your day at this iconic cathedral. You can either explore the interior or take an elevator to the rooftop for stunning views of the city.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Adjacent to the Duomo, this upscale shopping gallery is known for its beautiful architecture. Enjoy some coffee or breakfast at one of the cafes here.
Late Morning:
3. La Scala Opera House: Visit the world-renowned La Scala, one of the most famous opera houses in the world. If there's a performance, consider getting tickets in advance.
Lunch:
4. Brera District: Head to the Brera district for lunch. This area is known for its charming streets, art galleries, and restaurants. Enjoy a leisurely meal at a local trattoria.
Afternoon:
5. Pinacoteca di Brera: Explore the art collection at the Pinacoteca di Brera, which houses works by Italian masters like Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian.
Evening:
6. Sforza Castle: Visit the Castello Sforzesco, a historic fortress that now houses museums and art collections. It's particularly beautiful in the evening light.
Dinner:
7. Navigli District: Head to the Navigli district for dinner. This area is known for its charming canals and a vibrant nightlife. There are plenty of restaurants offering Italian cuisine.
Modern Milan and Culture
Morning:
Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper: Start your day with a visit to see Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, "The Last Supper." Make sure to book tickets well in advance, as they are limited.
Late Morning:
2. Sempione Park and Arch: Take a stroll through Parco Sempione and enjoy the greenery. Visit the Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace) located at one end of the park.
Lunch:
3. Chinatown: Milan's Chinatown is a great place for a diverse range of dining options. Enjoy some Asian cuisine for lunch.
Afternoon:
4. Contemporary Art: Visit the contemporary art museum, Fondazione Prada, designed by architect Rem Koolhaas. It features a mix of contemporary art, exhibitions, and unique architecture.
Evening:
5. Aperitivo Time: Experience Milan's aperitivo culture. Head to a local bar for pre-dinner drinks accompanied by small snacks. The Navigli district is a good option for this as well.
Dinner:
6. Porta Garibaldi District: Explore the Porta Garibaldi district, known for its modern architecture and trendy dining scene. There are many upscale restaurants offering a variety of cuisines.