Italy Itinerary

1:00PM - 6:00PM Dubrovnik to Venice. Private water taxi to hotel to catch the sunset over the Lagoon. 8:30PM - Dinner options: • Vineria all'Amarone Near Rialto offering flight tastings of Amarone wine (rich, heavy) and simple platters. It’s cozy, unpretentious, and restorative. • Vini da Gigio — classic Venetian dishes, no performance Evening Cicchetti crawl.

7:30AM: Early Venice walk (Dorsoduro or Cannaregio) Before crowds arrive, Venice feels fragile and real — deliveries, church bells, reflections. This is Venice at its purest. 9:30 AM–12:00 PM: Doge’s Palace (https://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/building-and-history/)and St. Mark’s Basilica (https://www.basilicasanmarco.it/en/)- Guided Tour bringing history to life. We skip the lines and have a rare certified guide take us through the Doge’s Palace and the dazzling St. Mark’s Basilica, sharing stories of politics, power, and hidden secrets behind the artwork. Dodge Palace https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_f01cb7a195564e539843a7e09e5ae6a7~mv2.jpg St. Mark’s Basilica https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_58ae5a40302542f8b23e8c3c9cfeca8b~mv2.jpeg We walk across the Bridge of Sighs,(https://www.historyofbridges.com/famous-bridges/bridge-of-sighs/) stand in rooms where major decisions were made, and get the kind of context that makes everything click. Bridge of Sighs https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_a417ce3b7e8c4fec91f86b02de3ee6df~mv2.jpg 2:30: Rialto Market (https://www.venice-information.com/Venice-Rialto-Market.html)lunch - Stroll along and eat where it looks good. Rialto Market https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_6172afcf93d14dd0b680c7f9cd9cff07~mv2.jpg We also have entry to Museo Correr,(https://correr.visitmuve.it/en/home/) the National Archaeological Museum,(https://www.venice-museum.com/archaeological-museum.php) and the M(https://www.venice-museum.com/biblioteca-marciana.php)onumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Marciana.(https://www.venice-museum.com/biblioteca-marciana.php) (https://www.venice-museum.com/biblioteca-marciana.php) 4:30–6:30 PM: Ghetto & Cannaregio architecture walk - Explore one of the most important landmarks of Venice, the streets and the history of the first Ghetto in history, hearing about its past and present. We'll stop in a local kosher family run bakery to taste the culinary Jewish culture. Then we stroll through the quiet streets leading to the Gothic Madonna dell'Orto Church, treasuring Tintoretto's tomb and a choice of his most significant artworks (visited only from outside). Listen to a Venetian legend about Tintoretto while marveling at his former home and workshop. Enjoy the picturesque view of a former boat workshop and the surprising sight of the only bridge without balustrade. The tour will end at Campo Santa Sofia from where you can continue on your own by foot to the Rialto Bridge and Rialto fish market or by taking a traditional gondola ferry. DINING OPTIONS: (TBD) • Cantina Do Mori (https://www.mycornerofitaly.com/cantina-do-mori/)(Snack) - Step into the shadows of 1462 where Casanova once drank; this is a standing-room-only rite of passage for serious eaters. You aren't here for comfort, you're here to devour a 'Francobollo'(https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2010/feb/13/venice-bar-snacks-cicheti-wine) sandwich under 500-year-old copper pots before the tourists wake up. • Cannaregio trattoria (https://thetourguy.com/travel-blog/italy/venice/best-restaurants-in-cannareggio-venice/) • Bacaro crawl in Cannaregio • Osteria del Sole (https://www.gamberorossointernational.com/news/in-bologna-there-is-an-ancient-osteria-where-you-can-bring-your-own-food/)- BYOF (Bring Your Own Food). A 15th-century pub that refuses to sell food, demanding you forage for your own meats and cheeses in the market first. It’s chaotic, cheap, and undeniably authentic—a time capsule where you drink Sangiovese shoulder-to-shoulder with the real Bologna. We'll pick up some Mortadella at Salumeria Simoni (https://salumeriasimoni.it/)nearby, then eat it here with a €3 glass of Lambrusco. LODGING: TBD

10:17AM: 10:17 AM:The Bullet Train to Bologna. Board the Frecciarossa ("Red Arrow") and watch the Italian countryside blur. You are trading the slow canals of Venice for high-speed precision, blasting towards the food capital of Italy at 186 mph. You’ll be in the heart of Emilia-Romagna in just 90 minutes. Italy's 186 mph train - The Frecciarossa https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_cce848fd8eae4932a3a24292f17d3a4b~mv2.jpg 12:00PM: Asinelli Tower Climb.(https://www.duetorribologna.com/discover/) Drop your bags and immediately attack the 498 steep, wooden steps of the medieval Asinelli. This isn't just a viewpoint; it's a vertigo-inducing workout that earns you the right to eat dinner. The reward at the top is the definitive view of "La Rossa"—a sea of terracotta roofs stretching to the hills. Note: You must book your specific time slot exactly 30 days in advance. Asinelli Towers https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_88ec96e1557d4aaab0b20c9461464f9b~mv2.jpg View from the Asinelli Tower https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_36c1deadb0364d76a45679bcb180690e~mv2.jpg 1:00 PM: Lunch: Mercato di Mezzo.(https://www.tastebologna.net/blog/mercato-di-mezzo-market?srsltid=AfmBOopy-Tiu5G2DZ0YG1aioCigyMGiErVEfJtNvTHpZELZq1s7JmTgi) Dive into the chaotic energy of Bologna's medieval market hall. This is high-speed grazing: grab a Mortadella sandwich (the real stuff, not "bologna") and a glass of fizzy Pignoletto wine, find a standing table, and soak up the noise. Mercato di Mezzo https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_bca419eea2ec4438a20b5b606d008505~mv2.jpg 3:00PM: The Archiginnasio & Anatomical Theatre.(https://www.archiginnasio.it/lang/en/visita-l-archiginnasio/il-teatro-anatomico) Enter the "Temple of Science." This is the oldest university seat in the Western world, but the showstopper is the Teatro Anatomico. You’ll stand in the 17th-century cedar classroom where surgery was pioneered, watched over by the "Spellati" (Skinless Ones)—eerie wooden statues of flayed men holding up the professor’s canopy. It is beautiful, slightly morbid, and the absolute peak of Bolognese design. Archiginnasio & Anatomical Theatre https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_b2b1f990ddca45ae83ba58d576281677~mv2.jpg The Spellati https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_2dacbdf9195c4e12977af18f56f496b7~mv2.webp 7:30PM: Osteria dell’Orsa Trattoria di Via Serra (https://www.tastebologna.net/blog/trattoria-via-serra?srsltid=AfmBOooRuEhh4g1uG-Smls6TgcfoeBqvqKQMO9YcAhP6tx8EeTBNvlev)- This is the current Holy Grail of Bolognese cooking, serving the kind of Tortellini in Brodo that makes grown men cry. It requires a sniper-like precision to book 30 days out, but the payoff is the most honest, rustic meal in the 'Food Capital of Italy'. LODGING: TBD

10:00 AM: The San Luca Portico Hike.(https://thetravelfolk.com/portico-di-san-luca-bologna/) This is the local religion. You walk the longest portico in the world (2.4 miles) of continuous arcades (666 arches)—up the Guardia Hill to the Sanctuary. It’s atmospheric, protected from the sun, and burns off last night’s pasta. San Luca Portico https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_388e619e4beb4df997a831a9784a0c38~mv2.jpg 1:30 PM: Sunday Lunch: Trattoria da Me.(https://www.trattoriadame.it/en/home/) It’s famous for the "Cheese Ice Cream" and incredible Lasagna. It’s loud, packed with families, and extremely authentic. Cheese Ice Cream https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_0b5485beaef748b6bc3f86c831555cdb~mv2.png 4:00 PM: The Hidden Canals. Walk off lunch by finding the "Finestrella di Via Piella"(https://www.bologna-guide.com/finestrella-bologna-little-venice-via-piella/)—a small window on Via Piella that reveals one of Bologna’s remaining canals, a reminder of the city’s medieval water system. It’s quick, visual, and genuinely surprising—even for visitors who think they’ve “seen” Bologna. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_2e9b510b350f42ff89d4236a1f8f9775~mv2.jpg Evening: Aperitivo & Pizza at Berberè (https://www.bolognawelcome.com/en/clubs/restaurant/berbere-en)o(https://www.bolognawelcome.com/en/clubs/restaurant/berbere-en)r just drinks in Piazza Santo Stefano (https://www.touremiliaromagna.it/en/places/63-piazza_santo_stefano/)watching the sun hit the "Seven Churches.(https://www.bologna-experience.eu/seven-churches-a-treasure-in-the-center-of-bologna/)"

7:30 AM: Pick up the rental car in Bologna and skip the highway to take the back roads into the Emilia-Romagna countryside. 8:30 AM: Parmesan Tasting. 4 Madonne Caseificio dell’Emilia (https://www.caseificio4madonne.it/en/)is a working Parmigiano-Reggiano creamery and since we arrive first thing, we will see how the wheels are formed, salted, and stacked for aging. The production is what makes this special. We end with a guided tasting of different ages, letting us taste how time, milk, and craft change the same cheese from nutty and elastic to crystalline and deeply savory. 4 Madonne Caseificio dell’Emilia https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_2976e2b1a8734fcf90a8cbd944c101ef~mv2.jpg Parmigiano-Reggiano wheels https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_6c3705bb86e84d92932b61e8fe9f177a~mv2.webp 11:00am: We start with the Ferrari Museum (https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/museums/ferrari-maranello)to trace the engineering lineage, from the early 1947 racers to the F1 champions. It gives you the context you need before you drive one. Then, while the morning air is still cool, you get the keys (https://www.motorsportmaranello.com/maranello/test-drive-en/ferrari-california-4-seater/)to a Ferrari California.(https://www.caranddriver.com/ferrari/california-t) You’ll take it out for half an hour with the top down, driving the local mountainous roads. The Ferrari Museum https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_1594935901f84edd9f0f3f8499263604~mv2.webp OUR Ferrari! https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_9af8a6b381d94dd7aaff674239ea4164~mv2.jpg 1:30 PM: Lunch: Trattoria Aldina.(https://www.tastebologna.net/blog/trattoria-aldina?srsltid=AfmBOorbF8MmKYE8gTkLeAO74O3BZTaRWGfSTUPaDbKNx2Ukne6109nu) We enter through a wine shop and head upstairs to a small, almost anonymous dining room where a handwritten daily menu centers on handmade pastas and classic Modenese dishes. The slightly hidden setting and no-frills service reinforce its role as a true local spot 3:00 PM: Wine Tasting - Colli di Scandiano e Canossa (https://www.reggioemiliawelcome.it/it/scandiano/enogastronomia/prodotti-tipici/vino-colli-di-scandiano-e-di-canossa)a quiet, non-touristy zone known for restrained, mostly still wines rather than celebratory sparkling styles. 5:00 PM: Cruise back to Bologna as the sun sets over the Emilia-Romagna plains. 8:00 PM: Dinner: Osteria dell'Orsa.(https://www.osteriadellorsa.com/) Bologna’s everyday food the way locals do it: handmade egg pasta, straightforward sauces, and no reinterpretation. It’s valued for consistency rather than creativity, especially for tagliatelle al ragù, and the informal setting reflects how central this food is to daily life rather than special occasions. LODGING: TBD

8:30am: Board the train for Alba (https://www.italia.it/en/piedmont/alba-langhe)in Piedmont. 1:00pm: Arrive Alba, rent our car for the duration of Italy, and check into our hotel. Alba cobblestone streets https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_c98c54fc99104b749befc1c8cb1b2484~mv2.webp 2:00pm: La Morra village (https://wanderyourway.com/5-fabulous-things-to-do-in-la-morra-italy/)walk offering first view of the Langhe,(https://www.italia.it/en/piedmont/things-to-do/langhe-roero-and-monferrato) a stunning picturesque, hilly wine region in Piedmont, Italy, famous for its world-class wines (like Barolo & Barbaresco), truffles (especially white), cheeses, and medieval villages, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its vineyard landscape. It's characterized by rolling vineyards, historic castles, and a rich culinary tradition centered around the Nebbiolo grape, offering exceptional food and wine experiences. View of the Langhe countryside from La Lorra Village https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_5238ebf9b18d44f5b8188058687bf807~mv2.jpeg Dinner: La Piola (https://ciaobella.co/2015-la-piola-alba/)centers on traditional Langhe dishes such as tajarin, braised meats, and seasonal vegetables prepared with restraint and consistency. The dining room is straightforward and local in tone, making it a dependable introduction to Alba’s food culture where the emphasis is on regional ingredients, classic techniques, and wines from the surrounding hills rather than presentation or novelty. THe menu changes daily based on seasonality and availability. La Piola's changing menu of the day https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_f66dbfaa023d412baffe472b2a52143d~mv2.jpg LODGING: TBD

9:30am: Barolo v(https://www.winekeller.com/blog/explore-the-barolo-villages-piedmont)illage and outside of the Museo del Vino a Barolo.(https://langhe.net/en/sight/wimu/) Walk the village and the exterior of the wine museum to understand how a very small place came to define one of Italy’s most serious wines. Barolo the town is about reputation management and restraint; this stop provides historical and cultural context, not tasting. Barolo https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_91839e5913f6450aa087d51827ddff83~mv2.jpg Museo del Vino a Barolo https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_109ca3266d0b4e548580a5f680b6fa2f~mv2.jpg 10:00am: Castiglione Falletto (https://flatiron-wines.com/blogs/the-latest/the-barolo-breakdown-part-4-castiglione-di-falletto)sits at the structural heart of Barolo. Castiglione Falletto https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_ad8b92ca457b4065905eb78615b0a2d9~mv2.jpg 11:45am: Serralunga d’Alba (https://wanderyourway.com/the-5-best-things-to-do-in-serralunga-dalba-italy/)is the most austere and powerful Barolo zone. It represents the most austere expression of Barolo, defined by older soils and steeper slopes that translate into firmer tannins and longer aging curves. Serralunga d’Alba https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_42ccb5b8ae934266960e861d597dba67~mv2.jpg 12:30pm: Lunch at Trattoria da Gemma (https://italysegreta.com/osteria-da-gemma/)serves classic Langhe dishes—tajarin, agnolotti, braised meats—in a simple dining room that prioritizes pacing over performance. Trattoria da Gemma https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_f5cefeae167e4db19cf81b2f23220ab8~mv2.webp 3:30pm: Cavallotto Winery.(https://www.cavallotto.com/en/) A single, focused winery visit centered on traditional Barolo: long macerations, restrained winemaking, and wines built for longevity rather than early appeal. Cavallotto Winery https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_10509f762c5843488afa792bbb0f09bd~mv2.jpg Dinner: Osteria dei Sognatori (https://www.smart-travelling.net/en/locations/osteria-dei-sognatori/)is a small, traditional Alba osteria focused on straightforward Langhe cooking rather than presentation or performance. The menu is compact and seasonal, built around regional staples like tajarin, agnolotti, braised meats, and vegetable dishes that reflect what’s available rather than what’s fashionable. The room is quiet and unassuming, with a local feel. Osteria dei Sognatori https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_2dfecca6ed1544c8b6545e213f7779d0~mv2.jpg

Morning: Walk Alba’s historic center at a slow pace, focusing on everyday food shops, bakeries, and small produce stands rather than formal sights. This is when Alba feels most lived-in, before lunch service begins and before truffle traffic reshapes the town. Alba center https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_dbc24c4517384d59a8625a7f053dff85~mv2.jpg 12:30pm: Lunch options in Alba • Vincafè (https://www.vincafe.com/)- Wine bar with a great panino counter. Panini with Langhe salumi or cheese • Il Salumiere - Old-school deli serving Pane + freshly sliced prosciutto, salame, or cooked meats. You can eat standing, take it to a bench, or be done in 10 minutes. Optional small glass of Dolcetto Afternoon: Free time or vineyard walk along flat paths by the Tanaro edge or low hills. Dinner Options: • La Libera (https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/piemonte/alba/restaurant/lalibera)an Alba restaurant that approaches traditional Piedmontese dishes with careful technique and attention to ingredients. The cooking sits between trattoria and formal dining—more precise than everyday fare, but without ceremony or theatrical presentation—making it well suited to a quieter evening after a low-key day. • Il Vicoletto (https://www.osteriadelvicoletto.com/it/)is a small, family-run trattoria. A short menu, traditional recipes, and a dining room that feels like it hasn’t changed much in years. This is where locals eat when they want something correct and familiar. Helpful city guides: Italy Segreta (https://italysegreta.com/a-locals-guide-to-alba/) Mama Loves Italy (https://mamalovesitaly.com/alba-travel-guide/) Bel Peomonte (https://www.belpiemonte.com/en/cities/alba/)

Sunrise: La Morra Belvedere. • East-facing overlook • Vineyards roll away in layers • October often brings low fog in the Tanaro valley • Church + vines + haze = classic Langhe composition La Morra → Barolo → Novello backroads. Ridge roads reveal vineyard “ribs” Tanaro River Edge + Vineyards. River reflections + vines Sunset: Serralunga d’Alba Ridge' • West-facing slopes • Castle silhouette anchors the frame • Vine rows catch side light • Long shadows = texture • Park below the castle and walk up slowly as light changes. Maps: • GPT GMap (https://maps.app.goo.gl/NM6fzv7pHJDLH7Cm7)

9:30AM: Alba White Truffle Festival:(https://www.fieradeltartufo.org/en/) Market Hall. Early entry avoids the midday crush and keeps the focus on the truffle as an ingredient rather than an event. This is where professional buyers, restaurateurs, and truffle hunters operate—judging aroma, size, and firmness. Skipping ceremonies and demonstrations preserves the seriousness of the experience and prevents sensory overload. We are observing negotiations between hunters and buyers. Smelling and comparing truffles (no need to purchase) Understanding grading, pricing, and seasonality in real time 12:30PM: Lunch centered on one simple dish topped with fresh white truffle, such as tajarin, eggs, or risotto. The cooking is deliberately neutral so the truffle’s aroma and flavor are the only focus. Afternoon — Rest OR Short Countryside Drive Activity: Choose one, based on energy Option 1: Rest in Alba — coffee, quiet streets, downtime Option 2: Short countryside drive — low hills or Tanaro edge Reason: Truffle mornings are dense: crowds, scent, negotiation, and decision-making. The afternoon should deliberately decompress rather than add another “experience.” This preserves attention and appetite for the evening. Dinner — Enoclub (Restaurant), Alba Enoclub Dinner at Enoclub, an Alba restaurant known for controlled, precise handling of Piedmontese cuisine and an excellent regional wine program. It is particularly strong with truffle dishes, offering careful execution without theatrics, making it well suited for revisiting the ingredient in a calmer, more deliberate setting. Why Enoclub tonight: Truffle-literate kitchen Balanced portions and pacing Serious wine handling without formality Feels intentional, not celebratory Why this day works ✔ Market first, before crowds distort the experience ✔ One truffle meal at lunch, one refined revisit at dinner ✔ Built-in decompression window ✔ No competing villages, wineries, or tastings One-line summary Friday is about understanding white truffle as a product, then enjoying it quietly and well. If you want, next I can: Recommend exact truffle dishes to order at lunch vs dinner Help you decide whether to buy truffle or only eat it Or adjust this day if the festival calendar shifts slightly

Sunday - Alba → Ligurian Coast https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_276083993593481a9c8d2c5a90b042aa~mv2.jpg 7:00am - Depart Alba. The landscape shifts quickly from vineyard geometry to the raw drama of the Ligurian Coast. As you descend toward the sea near Savona, mountains drop sharply into the Mediterranean, signaling a full change in Italy’s visual language. The afternoon unfolds along the Riviera di Ponente,(https://cinqueterre-travel.com/destination/riviera_di_ponente/) where stone villages cling low to the shore and life still revolves around fishing and beach rituals. Riviera di Ponente https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_4bbd9fd9d9c047a9b8b6cd7263bde3dd~mv2.jpg 10:00am - Varigotti (https://italian-riviera.com/en/varigotti/)Pastel Saracen houses pressed directly against the sand, fishing boats pulled up on the beach, and clean horizon lines introduce your first true Mediterranean light.. 12:00PM Noli (https://www.marthasitaly.com/articles/167/noli-italian-riviera)A real medieval town on the sea, with stone towers, arcades, and wide west-facing beaches. This is not Cinque Terre spectacle—it’s quieter, more human, and more photographic. Sunset is the anchor moment: towers silhouetted against open water, followed by blue hour reflections on wet stone. You sleep here on the coast, falling asleep to surf and salt air, fully reset from inland Italy. Varigotta https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_38af15d16ac94a5ea57dc0ee7862b4f0~mv2.webp Noli https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_6c1c8e43c6ff4944bf6172381e86ab23~mv2.webp Sleep: Noli Monday - Liguria → Portovenere → Lucca 8:30am - Depart Noli. You leave the quieter Riviera di Ponente and begin tracing the Ligurian arc east. The drive steadily intensifies: gentle beaches give way to tighter curves, darker stone, and rising cliffs as the mountains press closer to the sea. This stretch is cinematic even from the car—tunnels opening suddenly onto flashes of deep blue water and vertical coastline. 12:30pm - Arrive Portovenere,(https://italian-riviera.com/en/portovenere/) Portovenere is one of Italy’s most powerful landscape compositions: a dark stone village anchored by the Church of San Pietro (https://www.visitportovenere.com/en/things-to-do-in-portovenere/churches)perched on a cliff edge, with the Ligurian Sea stretching outward in every direction. This is a true stop-the-car place—wide coastal vistas, sheer drops to crashing water below, and a monumental, elemental scale that feels ancient rather than decorative. Spend the afternoon scouting angles and letting the light evolve. Epic sunset photos. Portovenere https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_ec7092bca200419886338c92224e6fb8~mv2.avif San Pietro church in Portovenere https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_ad2e2b4b3c3440f9be1ff0bb36ac8404~mv2.jpg 7:00pm - Head inland, crossing from maritime Italy into Tuscany through the marble-streaked mountains near Carrara, where white scars cut through green slopes in stark contrast. By evening you arrive in Lucca,(https://www.visittuscany.com/en/towns-and-villages/lucca/) an intact Renaissance town wrapped in walls. Golden-hour light on brick ramparts, cyclists circling the city, and calm piazzas create a perfect decompression after a high-output coastal day. Lucca is peaceful, deeply Tuscan, and sets your rhythm for what comes next. Lucca https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_5bd8f52390c5497193bd65834bd48a65~mv2.jpg Sleep: Lucca Tuesday - Lucca → Florence Morning in Lucca is hushed and luminous, with soft light sliding across stone streets and the tree-lined city walls offering one last quiet walk. Leaving mid-morning, the short drive south carries you fully into Tuscany’s heart, where the landscape smooths into rolling farmland and Renaissance order replaces coastal wildness. You arrive in Florence with time and energy to explore — entering not as an overwhelmed tourist, but grounded and visually tuned. The afternoon is ideal for wandering Oltrarno: artisan doors, worn stone thresholds, hands at work, and subtle street scenes rather than monuments. Florence now feels earned, not rushed, and you’re positioned perfectly for dawns, dusks, and deeper exploration ahead.

9:30am - After commuter traffic, we depart Lucca for the Oltrarno district (https://wanderyourway.com/why-the-wonderful-oltrarno-is-the-best-neighborhood-in-florence/)of Florence. Oltrarno is a quieter, more residential part of Florence with artisan workshops, small piazzas, and everyday local life. It’s less polished than the historic core and well suited to wandering without a set plan. Oltrarno District https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_bc085006b5714d4483809366608c20a8~mv2.jpg Lunch - Trattoria Sabatino,(https://www.cntraveler.com/restaurants/florence/trattoria-sabatino) an old-school Florentine canteen serving traditional Tuscan dishes at lunch to a mostly local crowd, with big portions, house wine, and zero pretense. Late Afternoon - Ponte Santa Trinita (https://florence-on-line.com/bridges/ponte-santa-trinita.html)bridge At sunset, Ponte Santa Trinita offers one of Florence’s cleanest compositions, with the Arno reflecting warm light and the Ponte Vecchio framed upstream. It’s ideal for symmetrical shots, soft color transitions, and blue-hour reflections once the lights come on. Ponte Santa Trinita bridge https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_53c1b17fc3d54b62a414b824b2787ed6~mv2.jpg Sunset - San Miniato al Monte (https://www.visitflorence.com/florence-churches/san-miniato.html), At sunset, San Miniato al Monte looks out over the full sweep of Florence, with rooftops, the Duomo,(https://www.florence-museum.com/duomo-florence-cathedral-santa-maria-del-fiore.php) and the Arno river laid out below in soft evening light. The elevated view is wide and uncluttered, making it one of the clearest places to see the city transition from day into dusk. View of Florence from San Miniato al Monte https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_8143ac8d7ef5437eb5a353815238c2ba~mv2.webp Dinner: Il Santo Bevitore,(https://www.ilsantobevitore.com/) a neighborhood restaurant in Oltrarno known for seasonal Tuscan cooking, a relaxed local crowd, and solid value without fine-dining formality. Santo Bevitore https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_924590360e3a424789c3c0ab0be380bf~mv2.webp

Early Morning (7:00–9:00) - Walk the historic center before tour groups—Duomo backstreets through Via dei Servi to the San Lorenzo edges—for quiet streets, stone textures, doorways, and empty piazzas; mid-morning browse ingredients at Mercato Centrale.(https://www.visittuscany.com/en/attractions/mercato-centrale-in-florence/) Mercato Centrale https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_95879c10a7bf42a1a2c617ea0df059de~mv2.jpg Lunch: Da Nerbone,(https://eatwanderexplore.com/blog/da-nerbone-florence) which is Florence’s most honest lunch counter. Or Tucci advised, Tripperia Pollini.(https://www.tripperiapollini.com/) Lampredotto (https://www.mykindofitaly.com/post/florence-street-food-lampredotto)sandwich is a must! https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_8225ff4f3c8342cdb901097de6c8751d~mv2.jpg Tripperia Pollini (Stanley Tucci approved) https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_9b5b888640ca496c82aeb99264fa89be~mv2.jpg Midday - Galleria dell’Accademia (https://www.galleriaaccademiafirenze.it/en/)is a compact museum best known for Michelangelo’s David,(https://www.florence-museum.com/michelangelo-david.php) which dominates the space with its scale and presence. The visit is focused and efficient, making it ideal if you want one iconic Florentine masterpiece without museum fatigue. David https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_3c8706cedd724f7ab118b6f88c04c19a~mv2.jpg Late Afternoon - Oltrarno wine bar tastings. Dinner - Trattoria Mario (https://thecuriousappetite.com/2014/07/07/trattoria-marios-in-san-lorenzo-florence-italy/)is a lively, no-reservations Florentine institution near San Lorenzo where communal tables, shouted orders, and daily specials define the experience. It’s classic Tuscan cooking done simply—bistecca, ribollita, beans—served fast, loud, and unapologetically local. Trattorio Marco https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_83eecd2bc7d6476a9b83764d280c3cf1~mv2.jpg

8:00am - Walk or bus up to Piazzale Michelangelo,(https://www.visittuscany.com/en/attractions/piazzale-michelangelo-in-florence/) then walk down through quiet lanes for evolving views over Florence. Ideal for layered rooftops, cypress silhouettes, and soft morning light. View of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_d0ef7237411042db87441cc1d8cd27ee~mv2.jpg 10ish - Spend time around Santo Spirito (https://www.visittuscany.com/en/attractions/santo-spirito-in-florence/)and nearby bookshops, where markets, conversation, and everyday routines set the neighborhood rhythm. Santo Spirito https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_b905abd37edd4021a32909f1e65c2f89~mv2.jpg Lunch - Gustapizza (https://www.caramelizedblog.com/blog-roll/2013/06/caramelized-critique-gusta-pizza.html)is a casual Oltrarno pizzeria known for chewy, wood-fired crusts, simple toppings, and a fast-moving local crowd. It’s unfussy, affordable, and ideal for a relaxed lunch without committing to a long sit-down meal. Gustapizza https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_acb53962aef140ad943b611c208b6d1c~mv2.jpeg Afternoon - Free exploration (leather school courtyard, artisan streets). Florence rewards wandering more than planning. Aperitivo - Wine bars near Santo Spirito One drink, small bite, move on. Farewell Dinner - Vini e Vecchi Sapori (https://www.elizabethminchilli.com/2016/01/vini-e-vecchi-sapori-florence/)is a tiny, fiercely traditional trattoria where handwritten menus and bold Tuscan flavors keep the focus squarely on the food. It’s the kind of place locals return to for pici, peposo, and seasonal dishes that taste unmistakably Florentine. Vini e Vecchi Sapori https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_3388adafea104aaf8fbbb87deac3a6a0~mv2.jpeg

12:30 PM: Lunch TBD 2:30 PM: The Pantheon. It is the only building from ancient Rome that remains structurally perfect after nearly 2,000 years, allowing you to walk on the same original marble floors where Emperors stood. The massive unreinforced concrete dome is an engineering miracle that still baffles architects, featuring the famous open "Oculus" that lets a single shaft of light (or rain) stream into the sanctuary. It is not a ruin but a living monument—housing the tomb of Raphael Pantheon https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_c50ee80e54cf41c4955fc363dbc570d6~mv2.jpg Piazza Navona (https://www.turismoroma.it/en/places/navona-square)It is the city's baroque living room, built directly on top of an ancient Roman stadium which gives the square its unique oval shape. Anchored by Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers,(https://www.turismoroma.it/en/places/fountain-four-rivers) it’s the best place in Rome to sit with a coffee and watch the city go by. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_78d9cec144d94a73a8582237651cdaf5~mv2.jpg Dinner: Al Pompiere (https://anamericaninrome.com/2019/01/al-pompiere-restaurant-in-rome/)(Jewish Ghetto). Located on the first floor of the historic Palazzo Cenci in the Jewish Ghetto, this restaurant feels like dining in an elegant Roman living room rather than a tourist canteen. It serves the definitive version of Carciofi alla Giudia (fried artichokes)—crispy, golden, and deeply traditional.

07:00 AM: St. Peter's Basilica.(https://theromanguy.com/italy-travel-blog/vatican-city/st-peters-basilica/st-peters-basilica-facts-and-history/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pmax&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22657618044&gbraid=0AAAAADM-palLj-x1hplA1Y-3PRAxrNK-Q&gclid=Cj0KCQiAp-zLBhDkARIsABcYc6vFiTme-zll73mTRXzRTgJzjXByIUfD6Dj5AWpuadQOQUFHupi1WfAaAroHEALw_wcB) As the largest church in the world, its scale is difficult to comprehend; you could fit the Statue of Liberty comfortably beneath its massive dome. The interior is a breathtaking cavern of gold and marble, housing masterpieces like Michelangelo’s tragic Pietà and Bernini’s twisting bronze altar canopy. It is a monument to Renaissance ambition designed to leave you feeling incredibly small. St. Peters Basilica https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_ce18c1472200485e9f490f4b2946ed30~mv2.jpg Michelangelo’s P(https://www.portraitsocietygallery.com/the-pieta-a-story-in-five-parts)ietà (https://www.portraitsocietygallery.com/the-pieta-a-story-in-five-parts)(first chapel on the right) and Bernini’s massive bronze canopy (Baldacchino)(https://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/71605) over the altar. The Dome (https://theromanguy.com/italy-travel-blog/vatican-city/st-peters-basilica/is-climbing-worth-it/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pmax&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22657618044&gbraid=0AAAAADM-palLj-x1hplA1Y-3PRAxrNK-Q&gclid=Cj0KCQiAp-zLBhDkARIsABcYc6v13HVqyCtV6UYdlcQL9Fkp_zvCgOC5fIP_2Skgr8ZHHPDics4_2ucaAieLEALw_wcB)If you have the energy. Pietras https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_4eb2afb2c3944f32a9ff737142e0cb34~mv2.webp The Dome https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_4cddca4482f34dcbb47b8f8e588ff770~mv2.jpg 10:00 AM: The Vatican Museums (https://theromanguy.com/italy-travel-blog/vatican-city/vatican-museums/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pmax&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22657618044&gbraid=0AAAAADM-palLj-x1hplA1Y-3PRAxrNK-Q&gclid=Cj0KCQiAp-zLBhDkARIsABcYc6uZlQMRL1YIYyxDaIZWjhGansmpLunbnMnTA_fxkPuMSUeroKr56FsaAnfCEALw_wcB)This immense complex contains one of the world's greatest art collections, spanning 54 galleries and over four miles of corridors. You will walk past the stunning Gallery of Maps and the Raphael Rooms, which feature some of the most famous frescoes of the Renaissance. The journey culminates in the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s ceiling and The Last Judgment offer an overwhelming finale to the experience. Sistine Chapel.(https://theromanguy.com/italy-travel-blog/vatican-city/full-explanation-of-sistine-chapel-by-local-guide/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pmax&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22657618044&gbraid=0AAAAADM-palLj-x1hplA1Y-3PRAxrNK-Q&gclid=Cj0KCQiAp-zLBhDkARIsABcYc6uZpZWCRPExHyPnSspE9yMZVBdCx182_KeM8DA-MP7WXY6STrdu1EQaApZEEALw_wcB) It is the Pope’s private chapel and the site of the Papal Conclave, but the real draw is Michelangelo’s ceiling, which he painted while lying on his back for four years. The altar wall features his terrifying masterpiece The Last Judgment, a swirling mass of bodies that changed the course of art history. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_64e804b82ccb4016a35c6dfae9850016~mv2.jpg Lunch: Il Sorpasso (https://starwinelist.com/wine-place/il-sorpasso)(Prati).This buzzing wine bar in Prati is the local antidote to the Vatican tourist traps, serving rustic-chic boards of cured meats and a Cacio e Pepe that rivals any in the city. The vibe is effortlessly cool, with a lively counter crowd and a kitchen that treats simple ingredients with reverence. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_b58009f0be3043ce902aabc926641f91~mv2.jpg Afternoon: Relax. You just did 5 miles of walking. Dinner: Trattoria Da Teo (https://trattoria-da-teo.menu-world.com/)Tucked away in a quieter corner of Trastevere, this ivy-covered trattoria delivers the loud, high-energy Roman dinner experience you are looking for. Their Amatriciana is legendary, and the outdoor tables offer the perfect setting to soak up the neighborhood's chaotic charm. Trattoria da Teo https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_60826a2d160b4e7582f1d8fb912c25a4~mv2.jpg

8:30am: The Colosseum (https://www.rome-museum.com/colosseum-rome.php)To beat the crowds. It is the ultimate symbol of Imperial power and cruelty, a massive stone amphitheater where 50,000 spectators once screamed for blood. Standing in its shadow, the sheer scale of the engineering is overwhelming, especially knowing it was built to host everything from gladiator duels to mock sea battles. Even as a ruin, it remains the most visceral connection to the raw energy of ancient Rome. The Colosseum https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_a4abe5f6395b494e906651deb2c17664~mv2.jpg • The Dungeons: Known as the Hypogeum,(https://www.whatalifetours.com/what-lies-beneath-the-colosseum/) this dark underground labyrinth served as the complex "backstage" where gladiators and wild beasts waited in terror before their fights. Walking through the ruins, you can still see the remains of the elevator shafts that hoisted them up through trapdoors to suddenly appear on the sunlit arena floor. The Dungeons (the Hypogeum) https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_f9b3f21b84ce46e2a07fc0015233f575~mv2.jpg The Arena: Then, rise to the Arena Floor.(https://theromanguy.com/italy-travel-blog/rome/colosseum/colosseum-arena-floor-info/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pmax&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22657618044&gbraid=0AAAAADM-palLj-x1hplA1Y-3PRAxrNK-Q&gclid=Cj0KCQiAp-zLBhDkARIsABcYc6vZnyjqdm1Ssa14umwpQ0H8jSPZ0y-CaQH2eULOdduDDr92GjBjUXMaApSgEALw_wcB) Stepping onto this reconstructed stage puts you in the boots of a gladiator, forcing you to look up at the towering stands rather than down from the safety of the seats. It is a visceral shift in perspective that allows you to truly feel the overwhelming scale of the arena exactly as the fighters did moments before combat. 10:00am: The Roman Forum.(https://www.britannica.com/topic/Roman-Forum) (Via Sacra,(https://visit-colosseum-rome.com/via-sacra/) Senate,(https://www.britannica.com/topic/Senate-Roman-history) Caesar's Temple)(https://www.italyguides.it/en/lazio/rome/ancient-rome/roman-forum/temple-of-caesar) Once the political and social brain of the ancient world, this valley is where the Senate debated laws and citizens gathered for daily life. Walking the ancient Via Sacra, you tread the same stones as Julius Caesar and the victorious generals who marched here in triumph. It is a dense landscape of ruins containing the Curia and the Temple of Caesar, making it arguably the most historically significant site on earth. The Forum https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_aeafc26d8a7643f0beb0b85ee9cd79a3~mv2.jpg Lunch: Taverna dei Fori Imperiali.(https://www.shermansfoodadventures.com/2023/10/la-taverna-dei-fori-imperiali.html) Taverna dei Fori Imperiali https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_a129e16952e94948bf8cb448a4eae408~mv2.jpg 5:00pm: Leave the Imperial Forums area. Walk up the Cordonata (the ramped stairs designed by Michelangelo) to the Palazzo Senatorio (https://www.turismoroma.it/en/places/piazza-del-campidoglio-capitoline-hill)(the main building) to Via Monte Tarpeo.(https://mindtrip.ai/attraction/rome-lazio/via-monte-tarpeo/at-9gPEys1R) Piazza del Campidoglio https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_5e8c64663a6b4e1bb0c177ee8f0b99ce~mv2.jpg Farewell Dinner: Trattoria Da Cesare al Casaletto.(https://katieparla.com/cesare-al-casaletto-rome-best-trattoria/) Worth the tram ride to the edge of the city, this unassuming local favorite is widely hailed as serving the absolute best Carbonara in Rome. It is a culinary pilgrimage for those who want to end their trip with perfect pasta and legendary fried starters in a place devoid of tourists. Trattoria Da Cesare al Casaletto https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_6b693c6d7b5f4dc9a24d2318dc344e07~mv2.webp

9:00 AM: Train Rome Termini -> Naples Centrale (1h 10m). 10:30 AM: Private Driver or Ferry to Sorrento. Ferry to Sorrento https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_879e55fcf0424004839effd08bf7c067~mv2.jpg 1:00 PM: Lunch at Da Emilia (https://www.daemilia.it/)Situated directly on the wooden pier of Marina Grande, this historic trattoria allows you to dine with the water lapping just inches from your table. It is the definition of rustic authenticity, serving simple, fresh seafood and their famous Gnocchi alla Sorrentina without a hint of pretension. Da Emilia https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_2c17c922707248d4a464d7e302ee9a8a~mv2.jpg 04:00 PM: Check-in & Explore Sorrento Old Town.(https://www.positano.com/en/e/sorrento) The historic center is a dense labyrinth of narrow cobblestone lanes where the air is perpetually thick with the scent of lemons and leather. It is a sensory overload of artisan workshops, crowded trattorias, and hidden baroque churches tucked unexpectedly between the shops. At night, the energy spikes as the traditional passeggiata turns the entire quarter into a lively, open-air salon. Sorrento https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_e755db10e9e24987bea69299742e447f~mv2.jpeg 07:30 PM: Dinner at O'Parrucchiano La Favorita.(https://www.parrucchiano.com/en/) Dining here feels like entering a secret garden, where you eat beneath a sprawling canopy of lemon trees and hanging vines in the heart of Sorrento. It is a historic landmark with a unique claim to fame: over a century ago, the owner invented Cannelloni right in this kitchen. You can still order the original recipe today, enjoying a piece of culinary history in one of the most romantic settings on the coast. O'Parrucchiano La Favorita https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_79a430d3234b4d369dfbf536845675ae~mv2.jpg

8:30 AM: Fast Ferry Sorrento -> Capri.(https://www.capri.com/en/e/capri?srsltid=AfmBOooAY7Qdb0DAYpGRGZ02aEj6Od622pBsqr0vqawG6gFWbbCoXr1z) 9:15 AM: Blue Grotto.(https://www.capri.com/en/e/la-grotta-azzurra?srsltid=AfmBOoq0o94BCWefiF8139CDlkEpNPbgWN3vNot8KM3qporq8z9-JSw1) Immediately upon arrival to beat the line and transfer to the small rowboats. Famous for its electric blue water, this sea cave glows with an ethereal light caused by sunlight passing through an underwater cavity. To enter, you must lie flat on the bottom of a small wooden rowboat as the skipper navigates through a tiny opening in the rock face, often timing the surge of the waves to squeeze inside. Once through the darkness, the water beneath you illuminates the cavern in a surreal, neon blue that feels entirely otherworldly. Blue Grotto https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_58d2b46d2c3048cc91b5c1c10e8549fc~mv2.jpg 11:00 AM: Bus/Taxi to Anacapri (https://www.capri.com/en/e/historic-center-of-anacapri?srsltid=AfmBOorhTwX-tsWoYcYGnp3ocH3L3k95PeCQM-2w45ZQJBac3LyTY3Pz)((https://www.capri.com/en/e/historic-center-of-anacapri?srsltid=AfmBOorhTwX-tsWoYcYGnp3ocH3L3k95PeCQM-2w45ZQJBac3LyTY3Pz)the upper town).Perched high above the glamour and crowds of the main port, Anacapri offers a more tranquil, authentic side of the island with whitewashed streets and slower rhythms. View from Anacapri https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_8875de097d6646568df482408a4dfef7~mv2.jpg 11:30 AM: Monte Solaro Chairlift.(https://www.capri.com/en/e/mount-solaro-cetrella?srsltid=AfmBOorkEBcBQ1iuzVaQNU7PslbfNuTUkVgOC_VJE_ogkeRSki8fHIdl) This open-air, single-seat chairlift glides silently up the mountainside, allowing you to float over private gardens and vineyards with your feet dangling in the air. It deposits you at the very highest point of the island, rewarding you with a stunning 360-degree panorama that stretches from the Faraglioni rocks to Mount Vesuvius and the distant Amalfi Coast. Chairlift to Monte Solaro https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_9fa5792566ea4e3998c804df50baf1e6~mv2.jpg 1:30 PM: Lunch at Da Gelsomina (https://www.capri.com/en/c/da-gelsomina?srsltid=AfmBOoqp2pf9qqGijXdLU6AJ-Q0LITM2uziWKIdgoLSVa5tsTBJCr6z2)(Anacapri). Tucked away in the quiet vineyards of Anacapri near the Migliera lookout, this family-run gem offers sweeping panoramic views of the sea far removed from the tourist crowds. It is the perfect place to relax with a glass of their own house wine and a plate of authentic Ravioli Capresi while gazing out at the Mediterranean. Da Gelsomina https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_c8203248b55c492c90dcceec6464b35f~mv2.jpg 3:30 PM: Return to Capri Town for a Spritz and people-watching. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_90ec1104d0674f6aafd892c7801ef16d~mv2.jpg 5:05 PM: Ferry back to Sorrento.

8:00 AM: Private transfer to high up the mountain to the village of Bomerano (https://www.summerinitaly.com/guide/bomerano).(https://www.summerinitaly.com/guide/bomerano) This ensures you arrive at the trailhead fresh and ahead of the crowds, ready to start the walk before the sun gets too high. 09:00 AM: Start Hike. This legendary four-mile "Path of the Gods"(https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/hike-path-of-the-gods-amalfi-coast) trail clings to the high limestone cliffs, offering dizzying views of the coastline that truly live up to its divine name. You will walk primarily downhill with the sea glistening below you, watching the vertical landscape of the Amalfi Coast unfold with every step. Path of the Gods hike https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_7bc6cc4d59934a46926cc1c22c4e4b10~mv2.jpg 12:30 PM: Arrive in Nocelle.(https://www.summerinitaly.com/guide/nocelle) The trail concludes in this tiny, quiet hamlet that feels suspended in the sky above the sea. Pause at the main kiosk for a legendary granita di limone, a refreshing reward made from local lemons that gives you the energy for the final leg. Nocelle https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_8229b07c765645b884cf5f5ec23d2693~mv2.jpg 01:30 PM: Take the local shuttle bus down to the town center to save your knees from the punishing 1,700-step staircase. This drops you right into the pastel-colored maze of Positano,(https://www.positano.com/en/e/positano) leaving you with enough energy to explore the chic boutiques and steep alleyways. Positano https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_253f2fa9ba47421c90dc4450da82e0aa~mv2.jpg 02:30 PM: Late Lunch at Chez Black (https://foodgps.com/chez-black-positano-italy/)(Positano beachside). Located right on the Spiaggia Grande, this celebrity-favorite institution is the place to see and be seen while dining on fresh seafood. It offers the quintessential Positano vibe, with energetic waiters and a front-row seat to the glamorous beach scene. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_5d4b8969f2fa4a67938ca5e63052824e~mv2.jpg 05:00 PM: Ferry Positano -> Sorrento (The sunset view from the water is a must).

8:30 AM: Circumvesuviana Train to Pompeii S(https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/pompeii-italy)cavi (30 min). Frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of 79 AD, this sprawling archaeological site offers an unparalleled look into the daily life of the Roman Empire. You will walk the original chariot-rutted streets to see the vibrant frescoes of the The Villa of Mysteries,(https://seepompeii.com/en/luoghi/the-villa-of-the-mysteries-of-pompeii/) the cramped cells of the Brothel (Lupanare),(https://blainebonham.com/the-brothels-of-pompeii-may-i-see-a-menu-please/) and the grand open space of The Forum.(https://seepompeii.com/en/luoghi/foro-di-pompei/) The experience culminates at the Garden of the Fugitives,(https://seepompeii.com/en/luoghi/the-garden-of-the-fugitives-of-pompeii/) where the haunting plaster casts of victims serve as a stark reminder of the human tragedy that preserved this city. Pompeii https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_af3df5225ee04019bd1abda79d88de2f~mv2.jpeg The Brothels https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_a086668c41ce4076a990d94a8bf402cd~mv2.jpg 01:00 PM: Train back to Sorrento. After the dust and heat of the ruins, head back to Sorrento to cool off and recharge. Stop at Raki (https://raki-1.wheree.com/menu)for artisan gelato that uses local ingredients like candied figs and walnuts, offering a perfect, creamy palate cleanser to end the day. Raki's famous Gelato https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_f70360b6d95f487b9a1242a6d39832c4~mv2.webp Dinner at Ristorante Bagni Delfino.(https://www.ristoranteildelfinosorrento.com/) Located at the very end of the Marina Grande pier, this family-run institution offers spectacular sunset views over the fishing boats with Vesuvius in the distance. It is widely considered the best seafood in town, famous for its impeccable service and fresh catch served literally above the water. Ristorante Bagni Delfino https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_cf51a19864eb4afaa37ac81e6c965c57~mv2.jpg

9:30AM: Driver to Ravello, (https://www.positano.com/en/e/ravello)k(https://www.positano.com/en/e/ravello)nown as the "Balcony of the Amalfi Coast" Ravello https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_5caae2cd4c2e4ec49a9dbf0d49c94f66~mv2.jpeg 10:30 AM: Villa Cimbrone.(https://www.ravello.com/attractions/villa-cimbrone/) Famous for its "Terrace of Infinity," this estate offers a dizzying balcony lined with marble busts that hangs 1,200 feet directly over the sea. The rest of the grounds are a lush, romantic English-style garden that feels miles away from the chaos of the coast. Villa Cimbrone https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_4b869b27803c40dabdffdc0e1041f45f~mv2.jpeg 1:00 PM: Lunch at Mimi Pizzeria.(https://foodlifelovebyrachel.com/amalfi-coast-ravello-and-capri/) Tucked away from the main piazza, this cozy pizzeria serves authentic Neapolitan pies with a fluffy, charred crust. It is a favorite among locals and offers a warm, unpretentious break from the grandeur of the villas. Mimi Pizzeria https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_32b4f3d47aff4342bc8f51ad5bfa964b~mv2.webp 3:00 PM: Villa Rufolo.(https://www.ravello.com/attractions/villa-rufolo/) This historic villa is the jewel of Ravello, blending Arab and Norman architecture with cascading gardens that inspired Wagner’s opera Parsifal. The iconic view of the umbrella pine framed against the blue domes of the Annunziata church and the sea below is the most photographed spot on the entire Amalfi Coast. Villa Rufolo https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_725dd13b737d4d0e8acf6ec5674f5e31~mv2.avif Evening: Back to Sorrento for a farewell dinner at Il Buco.(https://kfax.com/travel/travel-destinations/review-il-buco-sorrento-italy) Located in the cellars of a former monastery, this Michelin-starred restaurant transforms simple local ingredients into sophisticated tasting menus without feeling stuffy. It is the ideal venue for a celebratory farewell dinner, offering impeccable service and a deep wine list in a setting full of character. Il Buco https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_a4ba4ad26ef0486bbbd15bd03f73437d~mv2.jpg

9:30 AM: Private Driver to Naples. Herculaneum, along the way. Buried by volcanic mud rather than ash, this smaller site is often better preserved than Pompeii, retaining original wood, upper stories, and vibrant colors. The most haunting sight is the ancient boat houses, where hundreds of skeletons were discovered huddled together, frozen in their final moments waiting for a rescue that never came. 1:00 PM: Arrive Naples. Settle into your hotel in either the upscale, seaside district of Chiaia or the vibrant, historic heart of the Decumani. 02:00 PM: L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele. This legendary institution is a culinary temple that strictly serves only two varieties: Marinara and Margherita. It is a no-frills experience where you share marble tables with strangers to devour what is widely considered the purest, most authentic pizza in the world.

• 10:00 AM: Naples National Archaeological Museum. This massive museum houses the world’s most important collection of Roman artifacts, including the greatest treasures recovered from Pompeii and Herculaneum. The highlight for many is the "Secret Cabinet" (Gabinetto Segreto), a separate room containing the explicit erotic frescoes and statues that were locked away by the church for centuries. • 01:00 PM: Spaccanapoli. Literally meaning "Naples splitter," this long, narrow street cuts a straight line through the historic center and is the beating heart of the city. It is a sensory tunnel of chaotic energy, lined with artisan workshops, bakeries, and crumbling palaces that have stood for hundreds of years. • 03:00 PM: Cappella Sansevero. This small baroque chapel holds The Veiled Christ, a marble sculpture so impossibly realistic that the stone veil appears to be transparent fabric resting on the figure's face. Down in the basement, the mood shifts from divine to macabre with the "Anatomical Machines," two centuries-old skeletons with their entire circulatory systems preserved in mysterious detail.

10:00 AM: Catacombs of San Gennaro. Unlike the cramped tunnels of Rome, these spacious paleo-Christian burial chambers are grand underground basilicas carved directly into the volcanic tufo. They offer a fascinating journey through early Christianity, featuring ancient frescoes and the tomb of the city's patron saint. 01:00 PM: Lunch at Pizzeria Di Matteo. Located on the busy Via dei Tribunali, this historic fry-shop is the perfect place to grab a Pizza Fritta (fried pizza) straight from the street window. It is a greasy, delicious Naples staple that famously stopped traffic when Bill Clinton dropped by for a bite. 03:30 PM: The Bourbon Tunnel (Galleria Borbonica). Originally drilled as a secret military escape route for the King, this cavernous passage later served as a crowded WWII bomb shelter for thousands of citizens. Today, it is a time capsule filled with rusting 1940s cars and motorcycles that were abandoned in the darkness decades ago.

9:00 AM: Mount Vesuvius. This active volcano dominates the skyline of the Bay of Naples, offering a steep but rewarding 20-minute hike from the parking area to the crater rim. Peering into the smoking mouth of the giant while looking down at the cities it once destroyed is a humbling reminder of nature's power. 01:00 PM: Wine Lunch at Cantina del Vesuvio. Located on the fertile slopes of the volcano, this winery produces the famous Lacryma Christi (Tears of Christ) wine using grapes grown in nutrient-rich volcanic ash. It is the perfect place to relax after the hike, enjoying a wine-pairing lunch with zero-kilometer ingredients while overlooking the bay. Evening: Pizza Pilgrimage #2 at Sorbillo. Gino Sorbillo is arguably the most famous pizza maker in the world, and the perpetual crowd outside his historic location proves it. The pizza here is massive, with an impossibly thin crust and high-quality organic toppings that justify the wait.

9:00 AM: Train Naples to Paestum (1h). 10:30 AM: Greek Temples of Paestum. These three massive Doric temples are among the best-preserved ancient Greek ruins in the world, standing majestically in a grassy field that feels timeless and serene. Unlike many other sites, the lack of barriers allows you to walk right up to the towering columns and truly grasp the scale of architecture that predates the Roman Empire. 01:00 PM: Lunch at Tenuta Vannulo. This organic estate is the gold standard for buffalo mozzarella, allowing you to see the pampered water buffaloes before tasting cheese that was made by hand just hours earlier. It offers a true farm-to-table experience where the "white gold" is served so fresh it weeps milk when cut, ruining you for supermarket cheese forever. 5:00 PM: Return to Naples. Evening: Farewell Dinner at Tandem. While Naples is famous for pizza, this cult-favorite restaurant is dedicated entirely to the slow-cooked art of Neapolitan Ragù. It is the ultimate comfort food farewell, where you are encouraged to use fresh bread to mop up every drop of the rich, meaty tomato sauce in the traditional "scarpetta" style.

Ready to celebrate Halloween inside Castle Dracula!

2:00pm - Arrive Catania.(https://www.visitsicily.info/en/localita/catania/) Pick up rental car. Catania https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_788c6e9d54894fbe9a704dc974297a8f~mv2.jpeg 2:30pm - Drive to Taormina.(https://margieinitaly.com/2025/02/cool-things-to-do-in-taormina/) (45 min) Check into hotel. 5:00pm - Sunset cocktails. Walk to Piazza IX Aprile.(https://www.traveltaormina.com/en/monuments/piazza-ix-aprile-taormina.html) Watch the sunset turn Etna pink while holding an Aperol Spritz at Wunderbar Caffe. Piazza IX Aprile in Taormina https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_f74cc201f929492e9b3de9a9ade1b5f1~mv2.jpg Dinner at Osteria Rosso Divino (https://osteriarossodivinotaormina.com/?lang=en)run by a team of Sicilian sisters in a hidden courtyard, focusing on daily caught seafood rather than heavy tourist sauces. Order the Spaghetti with Sea Urchin (Ricci) or the daily fish crudo; it’s elegant but deeply traditional. Osteria Rosso Divino https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_e406fdef8a9a497c8064d63a7c041d64~mv2.jpg Spaghetti with Sea Urchin (Ricci) https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_da02c7a0783b4c73bff439b36890161f~mv2.jpg

Godfather Towns: Savoca (Bar Vitelli, Wedding Church) Forza d'Agrò (The cobblestone streets/Churches) Fiumefreddo (Castello degli Schiavi - Explosion) Motta Camastra (Don Ciccio’s Villa Entrance) https://www.getyourguide.com/wishlists/63aceccd-4b94-44a8-b0b7-46d0a04ccb7f https://www.sicilygrandtour.com/package/the-godfather-tour/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

All depends on how rough the sea is that day. • Stromboli -(https://www.calabriatheotheritaly.com/stromboli-sicily/) Drive 1 hour North to Milazzo.(https://www.thethinkingtraveller.com/italy/sicily/towns-and-cities-in-sicily/milazzo) Board the Stromboli Night Boat.(https://www.getyourguide.com/milazzo-l1163/from-milazzo-panarea-and-stromboli-boat-trip-by-night-t334481/) Watch the lava. Return late. Stromboli https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_05e44d540ba34e1ab4d55de6a2c047fb~mv2.jpg Lunch: Trattoria la Casalinga (Milazzo). A no-nonsense institution near the port where fishermen eat, serving massive portions of fried fish on paper tablecloths. The Fritto Misto (mixed fried seafood) to fuel up before your boat trip; it’s fresh, salty, and perfect. • Ortigia (https://www.thethinkingtraveller.com/blog/ortigia-sicily-top-places-to-stay-and-things-to-do)- Drive 1 hour South to Ortigia . Movie set of Malena.(https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1101561-1101561-malena) Eat the famous sandwich at Caseificio Borderi.(https://thatbestbite.com/2018/05/15/two-epic-sandwiches-at-caseificio-borderi-in-syracuse/) A legendary market stall where the owner, Andrea, builds towering, custom sandwiches while handing out samples of cheese and wine to the line. There is no menu; just ask for a "Panino Completo" and let him work his magic with the homemade mozzarella and truffles. Ortigia https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_57858e990a7343f5b1bd96a3795023f8~mv2.jpg Caseificio Borderi https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_7ccfdd1855a14bca80a8d43e0db99fbc~mv2.jpg

8:30 AM: Greek Theatre.(https://www.traveltaormina.com/en/monuments/greek-theatre-taormina.html) Single most famous view in Sicily, where the ancient red brick ruins frame the smoking peak of Mt. Etna (https://www.visitsicily.info/en/attrazione/mount-etna/)perfectly. By arriving exactly at opening, you get 15 minutes of silence and clear photo angles before the massive cruise ship tour groups flood the arena. Greek Theater https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_94d32b0b52924e11a5702154fe14f6a4~mv2.jpeg Mount Etna https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_f4a706a9d47443bd9e80eb327bf8d87c~mv2.jpg 12:00 PM: Take the cable car down to Isola Bella.(https://www.traveltaormina.com/en/beaches/isola-bella-taormina.html) Ride the Funivia (https://www.traveltaormina.com/en/how-to-reach-us/cable-car.html)((https://www.traveltaormina.com/en/how-to-reach-us/cable-car.html)gondola) from the town center down to the coast to explore the "Pearl of the Ionian,(https://themediterraneanlifestyle.com/taormina-the-pearl-of-the-ionian-sea)" a tiny nature reserve connected to the pebble beach by a thin strip of sand. You can wade through the crystal-clear shallow water to the islet or just rent a lounge chair and admire the villa built into the rock. Isola Bella https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_ff92316db6334f23bcf76f1c6da90bdf~mv2.webp Funivia Cable Car https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_92a81bc96d8747beab16f6e95cfcd41d~mv2.jpg https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_32e2aff0191f4410bc7fbddcbb18b85d~mv2.jpg Evening: Final Sicilian feast at Tischi Toschi Taormina (https://stefangourmet.com/2013/04/23/dining-in-sicily-tischi-toschi/)Order the Pasta alla Norma. This is the signature dish of the region, created in honor of Vincenzo Bellini’s famous opera. It is a simple but powerful masterpiece of fried eggplant chunks, rich tomato sauce, and a heavy dusting of snowy Ricotta Salata (salty sheep cheese) that you won't find anywhere else in the world. Tischi Toschi https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8ce0ed_498fc6d4f5af457795d748b989927b2c~mv2.jpg

Drive back to Catania Airport (CTA). 2:30pm - Depart CTA arriving Malta 3:20pm. Ryanair