Ciao, travelers! I’m Rileigh, the owner of Travel Mellow, and I’m thrilled to share my personalized itinerary for a two-week trip to Italy in the fall. Having lived in Italy for two years, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the country’s rich culture, history, and cuisine. This itinerary is designed to help you experience the authentic side of Italy, avoiding tourist traps and embracing the local way of life.
Day 1: Exploring Verona, the City of Love
Start your Italian adventure in the charming city of Verona, known for its romantic atmosphere and stunning architecture. Begin your day at the iconic Verona Arena, a well-preserved Roman amphitheater that still hosts operas and concerts. Stroll through Piazza Bra, the lively square surrounding the arena, and grab a gelato or a coffee at one of the cafés. Next, visit Juliet’s House, the famous balcony where Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers shared their tragic love story. Don’t forget to rub the statue’s breast for good luck in love! End your day with a leisurely walk across the Ponte Scaligero, a stunning medieval bridge offering picturesque views of the Adige River. For dinner, I recommend Osteria dal Cavaliere, a cozy trattoria serving delicious local dishes like risotto all’amarone and bigoli with duck ragù.
Day 2: Exploring Verona’s Historic Gems
Start your day at the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, a magnificent Romanesque church known for its intricate bronze doors and stunning frescoes. Next, visit Castelvecchio, a 14th-century fortress that now houses an impressive art museum. Spend the afternoon wandering through Piazza delle Erbe, Verona’s lively market square, and browse the stalls selling fresh produce, local handicrafts, and souvenirs. For dinner, try Bottega del Vino, a cozy wine bar serving delectable small plates and an extensive selection of regional wines.
Day 3: Day Trip to Lake Garda
Take a break from the city and embark on a day trip to the stunning Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake. Start your journey in the charming town of Sirmione, known for its thermal spas and the picturesque Scaliger Castle. Stroll along the lakefront promenade, admiring the crystal-clear waters and the breathtaking mountain scenery. In the afternoon, head to Malcesine, a quaint village nestled at the foot of Monte Baldo. Explore the narrow streets, visit the medieval castle, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the lakeside restaurants.
Day 4: Verona’s Hidden Gems
Begin your day at the Giardino Giusti, a beautiful Renaissance garden featuring intricate hedge mazes, fountains, and grottoes. Next, cross the Ponte Pietra, a Roman stone bridge offering stunning views of the Adige River and the city skyline. End your day with a visit to Castel San Pietro, a hilltop fortress that provides panoramic vistas of Verona and the surrounding countryside. For dinner, I suggest Locanda Ristori, a cozy trattoria serving traditional Veronese dishes like pasta e fasoi (pasta and beans) and baccalà alla vicentina (salted cod).
Day 5: Valpolicella Wine Region
Spend the day exploring the renowned Valpolicella wine region, located just outside Verona. Join a guided tour or rent a car and visit some of the region’s top wineries, such as Quintarelli, Allegrini, and Masi. Learn about the unique winemaking techniques used to produce Amarone, Valpolicella’s flagship red wine, and enjoy tastings paired with local cheeses and cured meats. In the evening, return to Verona and savor a glass of Amarone at one of the city’s cozy wine bars.
Day 6: Traveling to Venice
Bid farewell to Verona and take a train to the enchanting city of Venice. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the winding canals and picturesque bridges on foot or by vaporetto (water bus). In the evening, enjoy a traditional Venetian dinner at Trattoria da Luca, a cozy restaurant serving delicious seafood dishes and regional specialties.
Day 7: Exploring Venice’s Iconic Sights
Start your day in St. Mark’s Square, the heart of Venice, and marvel at the stunning Byzantine architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica. Climb to the top of the basilica’s bell tower for breathtaking views of the city and the lagoon. Next, explore the Grand Canal, Venice’s main waterway, by taking a traditional gondola ride or hopping on a vaporetto. End your day with a stroll across the iconic Rialto Bridge, and enjoy a spritz (the classic Venetian aperitif) at one of the lively bacari (wine bars) in the area.
Day 8: Exploring the Venetian Islands
Spend the day exploring the islands of the Venetian lagoon. Take a vaporetto to Murano, famous for its centuries-old tradition of glassmaking, and watch skilled artisans at work in one of the island’s factories. Next, visit Burano, a charming fishing village known for its brightly colored houses and lace-making traditions. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Osteria al Portego, savoring fresh seafood and regional specialties like risotto di gò (goby fish risotto).
Day 9: Discovering Venice’s Hidden Gems
Venture off the beaten path and explore some of Venice’s lesser-known gems. Start your day at the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, a stunning Renaissance building adorned with masterpieces by Tintoretto. Next, visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, a Gothic church housing works by Titian and Bellini. End your day with a visit to the Libreria Acqua Alta, a unique bookstore where books are stored in bathtubs and gondolas. For dinner, try Cantina do Mori, a cozy bacaro serving delicious cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and regional wines.
Day 10: Traveling to Florence
Bid farewell to Venice and take a train to the Renaissance city of Florence. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the city’s iconic sights, such as the Duomo (Florence Cathedral) and the Piazza della Signoria. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Tuscan dinner at Trattoria Sabatino, a cozy trattoria serving delicious dishes like ribollita (Tuscan bread soup) and bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak).
Day 11: Florence’s Art and Culture
Spend the day immersing yourself in Florence’s rich artistic heritage. Start your day at the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s iconic statue of David. Next, visit the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s most renowned art museums, housing masterpieces by Botticelli, Raphael, and Caravaggio. In the afternoon, cross the Ponte Vecchio, the famous “Old Bridge” lined with jewelers’ shops, and climb to the top of Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic views of the city. For dinner, I recommend Il Latini, a lively trattoria serving hearty Tuscan fare in a rustic setting.
Day 12: Traveling to Rome
Depart Florence and take a train to the eternal city of Rome. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the iconic Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the vibrant neighborhood of Trastevere. In the evening, indulge in authentic Roman cuisine at Armando al Pantheon, a cozy trattoria serving classic dishes like cacio e pepe (pasta with pecorino cheese and black pepper) and saltimbocca alla romana (veal with prosciutto and sage).
Day 13: Ancient Rome and the Vatican
Start your day at the Colosseum, the iconic amphitheater that once hosted gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. Next, explore the Roman Forum, the ancient city’s political and commercial center, and marvel at the ruins of temples, basilicas, and public buildings. In the afternoon, visit Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent state. Admire the stunning architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica and the breathtaking masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel. For dinner, try Felice a Testaccio, a beloved trattoria serving classic Roman dishes like bucatini all’amatriciana and coda alla vaccinara (oxtail stew).
Day 14: Rome’s Hidden Gems
Spend your final day in Rome exploring some of the city’s lesser-known gems. Start your day at the Baths of Caracalla, the ancient Roman public baths that once hosted lavish social gatherings. Next, visit the Catacombs of San Callisto, an underground network of tombs and burial chambers dating back to the 3rd century. End your day with a visit to Pizzarium, a beloved pizzeria serving innovative and delicious pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice). Enjoy your final evening in Rome with a leisurely stroll through the charming neighborhood of Trastevere, savoring the vibrant atmosphere and the city’s eternal charm.
General Travel Tips for Verona, Italy
- Pack comfortable walking shoes, as exploring Italy’s historic cities involves a lot of walking on cobblestone streets.
- Learn a few basic Italian phrases to help you navigate and interact with locals more easily.
- Be mindful of opening hours and closures, as many attractions and restaurants may have reduced hours or be closed on certain days.
- Consider purchasing a city pass or skip-the-line tickets for popular attractions to save time and avoid long queues.
- Embrace the Italian way of life by slowing down, savoring your meals, and immersing yourself in the local culture.
Italy is a country that captivates the senses with its rich history, stunning architecture, delectable cuisine, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re exploring the romantic canals of Venice, admiring the Renaissance masterpieces in Florence, or uncovering the ancient wonders of Rome, this itinerary will guide you through an unforgettable journey filled with authentic experiences and lasting memories. Buon viaggio!