From the cobblestone streets of historical Rome to Tuscan wine lands and a picturesque Positano, Italy is a perfect blend of history, art, romance and indulgent beauty. It is one of the most visited countries in Europe with an old-world charm, a vibrant culture and fashion. If you wish to cover the entire country in one-go, keep at least 3 weeks at-hand-Italy isn’t a country you would want to rush through. From the ancient historical masterpieces of Rome and the art-filled streets of Florence to the romantic and tranquil canals of Venice and the picture perfect Positano cliffs and coastline of Amalfi-every place deserves its own slow chapter.
Planning a trip to Italy in the summer months would require you to make pre bookings few months in advance. Hotels and flights can get expensive as the summer gets closer. Accommodation would take up most of your budget, followed by food and travel. Pre booking your Euro rail tickets for internal travel can help save a significant amount on your travel budget.
The Colloseum
Rome
You would want to start your journey with Rome-an immersive historical experience awaits here. The city is a living monument from the grand Colosseum to the majestic Pantheon-centuries of history unfolds in every street here. Hiring a good guide could elevate your experience as the ancient gladiator tales bring the entire arena vividly to life. You could spend about four days in Rome-walking through its cobblestone streets while enjoying your Pistachio croissant and tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain. Rome would also be your base for traveling to pisa and Florence for a day trip. Start at the Roman Forum followed by the Pantheon-a stunning architecture marvel. If you plan during the peak summer (which I would advise against)- be prepared for long queues and heavy crowds. Late May or early June are far better choices than July offering a warm weather without the tourist rush.
The Colosseum deserves half a-day in Rome-the iconic amphitheater built to show Rome’s power and strength, often used for performances and animal hunts and the famous gladiator battles. You could book a guided tour for a more immersive historical insight. Later, you could head to the Palatine hill to enjoy incredible views of the Roman Forum.
Spaghetti Carbonaro
Food in Rome is as legendary as its history-enjoy a slice of Roman style pizza, carbonara or a creamy gelato-local favorite being Giolitti. In Rome, you dont sit down to enjoy a pizza-its something you grab and wander with. The locals call it “pizza al taglio“. Pizza is often ordered by weight here and not by slice.
A concept unique to Rome-you could simply pick few slices and pay by the weight. I personally enjoyed pizza more in Florence and Naples, while in Rome, it was the pistachio croissant that won over. Each city in Italy deserves a half-day food tour.
Giolitti Gelato
Florence & Tuscany
Florence is pure artistry, the piazza, art galleries and the Duomo Cathedral, all at walkable distance from the train station make it one of the most convenient cities to explore on foot. You could plan a full-day trip and cover Florence and Pisa all in a day, marvel at the Leaning tower and soak in at the Renaissance beauty in Florence and spend the night at Tuscany.
There’s nothing quite like ending your day in the Tuscany countryside, enjoying a glass of wine amidst the rolling hills and a golden sunset.
Pisa
Pisa truly exceeded my expectations. Like every traveler, I arrived thinking this would be a quick photo-stop at the Leaning Tower. The city has a pleasantly unhurried and unique charm. A train journey of a little over two hours from Rome brings you to this calm and cozy university town with bookstores and cozy cafes lined all around. You could shop for some souvenirs near the Tower. The Leaning Tower is a peculiar beauty, rising gracefully in the Tuscan skies. Be prepared for some crowd and wait time to click beautiful pictures before you hop on to the train to Florence.
Pistacchio Croissant by the Leaning Tower
Duomo Cathedral- Florence
Naples Capri and Amalfi
Moving down south, Naples gives your trip a fresh perspective-bursting with energy and vibrance. Naples-the run-down unfiltered city, acts as a gateway for Capri and Amalfi Coast. It is the birthplace of pizza. Once you taste the Neapolitan Margarita straight out of a wood oven, you would understand why nothing comes close to this.
Blue Grotto
Capri is a jewel in the sea, can be reached easily from Naples via a ferry. A 40-minute ferry ride from Naples brings you here. Enjoy a sunny lunch at one of cafes with bougainvillea-draped terraces. Later, take a quick boat ride to Blue Grotto. The Blue Grotto, a mesmerizing natural marvel, can be reached on a quick speed boat. It is an effortlessly elegant island. If time permits, you could spend a night in Capri for a more immersive experience.
There’s more to cover from Naples, if you are a history buff. A quick train ride from Naples would bring you to Pompeii– a city buried in volcanic ash and some stunning views Mount Vesuvius en-route. The intricate mosaics and public bath have innumerable tales to tell. You could spend half a day here and enjoy the stories of Roman life buried here. Don’t forget to grab pizza for all your meals in Naples-the best ones across Italy are served in Naples.
Spiaggia Grande
Positano
Picture perfect Positano captures Amalfi coast’s true essence-pastel-colored houses, Limoncello and lemon scented air-some beautiful ceramics at display-all add up to the vibrant sunlit streets of Positano. You could shop for airy linen dresses, olive oil, limoncello and ceramics here, prices, however, much higher than you would expect. Handmade sandals that can be customized for you are also something you could shop for. Positano is often overcrowded in July and August-early June being a much better time to visit. You could reach Positano by taking a train to Salerno or Naples and then a quick ferry. Spend a night here to enjoy the sunset at Spiaggia Grande and some delectable Italian cuisines.
Bohemian Escapades 