12 Days in Italy: How to Plan an Itinerary (2024)

Spending 12 days in Italy allows for exploring several major cities, such as Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice, and their highlights or delving deeply into a specific region, such as Sicily. Read on for our recommended six itineraries.

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1. 12-Day Italy Outdoor Adventure from Rome to Venice

This classic 12-day itinerary is recommended for first-timers seeking a blend of history, culture, and outdoor experiences. You could explore the most classic Italian cities and you would also have the chance to explore the Dolomites in the north.

Days 1–3: Rome (a Colosseum and Vatican tour and a city biking tour)
Days 4–7: Florence (a city walking tour with a cooking class)
Days 8–12: Venice (a city walking tour with a boat ride)

Start your itinerary in Rome with the famous Colosseum and a biking tour to explore some beautiful plazas. Our private tour would take you to the Colosseum's top floor where you could enjoy a fantastic bird's-eye view with fewer tourists. Take a trip to explore the Vatican to see the marvelous fresco in the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo.

In Florence, take a walking tour to explore the city's oldest bridge, wonderful squares, and galleries, while feeling the atmosphere of the city as you wander through the streets and see the people coming and going. Besides the charm of the architecture, take part in a pizza and gelato cooking class to get a feel for the city's cuisine.

At the last stop, Venice, kick off the visit with a must-do gondola ride. Explore Venice's city highlights on a walking tour to see Piazza San Marco, La Fenice Theater, and the Rialto Bridge. The middle of the bridge is the best place to photograph the Grand Canal.

Take a day trip to explore the famous Dolomites. Capture the stunning beauty of the Dolomites, keep an eye out for native wildlife, and visit picturesque Alpine Lakes such as Lake Misurina. Beyond natural splendor, the Dolomites beckon with charming alpine villages steeped in tradition and history. Explore quaint towns like Cortina and try some local ingredients such as alpine cheeses.

10-Day Rome, Florence and Milan Family Tour

12-Day Italy Outdoor Odyssey for FamiliesItaly Adventure with Something for Everyone!

2. Enjoy Family Fun — 12-Day Venice, Florence, and Cinque Terre

This family itinerary would take you to Italy's most popular destinations — Venice and Florence, and to the famously-picturesque Cinque Terre to explore colorful villages built on rocky outcrops facing the sea.

Days 1–3: Venice (city sightseeing with an island-hopping tour)
Days 4–7: Florence (a city walking tour, a tour to Pisa, and a cooking class)
Days 8–12: La Spezia including Cinque Terre (explore seaside towns and parks)

With this itinerary, you would begin in Venice. You would take a family-friendly boat ride on Venice's canal, walk through the heart of Venice city, and head to Murano Island to witness its interesting glassblowing process.

Then, take a high-speed train to Florence. There, you and your kids could enjoy a family-friendly cooking class to learn how to make an authentic pizza and gelato, stroll through the art galleries, and go to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, taking some fun family photos with it.

Finally, you would relax on the Cinque Terre coast. There, you could explore colorful towns and Cinque Terre National Park. If your kids are active or even adventurous, we recommend an e-bike trip through the enchanting landscape or trying one-of-a-kind paragliding.

Your family could also enjoy a culinary adventure. From the appetizer to the main courses to the after-dinner gelato, you would taste the local specialties of La Spezia (the province where Cinque Terre is located.)

12-Day Venice, Florence and Cinque Terre Highlights Tour for Families Three Italian Gems in One Journey!

3. Deep Exploration on Sicily in 12 Days

This 12-day itinerary would enable you to experience Sicily's culture, scenery, and history in-depth.

Days 1–3: Palermo (a historical walking tour)
Days 4–6: Trapani (visit salt pans and villages)
Days 7–9: Syracuse (a trip to an archaeological park and an island)
Days 10–12: Taormina (a trip to a volcano, a cooking class, and some free time)

You would kick off your Sicily exploration from Palermo, Sicily's capital. First, experience a comprehensive exploration of the city's rich history through a guided walking tour, and then take a trip to visit Monreale's UNESCO-listed Duomo (Monreale Cathedral).

When transferring to Trapani, explore the salt pans, one of the city's top features. You could learn about traditional salt production and enjoy the unique landscape. Take a trip to Erice, a hill village and fort set on the mountains behind Trapani.

Next, you would go to Syracuse. Visit Neapolis Archaeological Park where you could learn about the Greek and Roman civilizations and their lasting impact on Sicily. Relax on Ortigia Island, the historical heart of Syracuse.

On the way from Syracuse to Taormina, take the opportunity to visit one of the most ancient chocolate factories and enjoy some chocolate there. When in Taormina, take a trip to its volcano, Mount Etna, and join a traditional Sicilian dishes and pasta cooking class. Finally, have some free time to explore the town.

4. Discover North and Central Italy from Milan to Rome

You would discover the highlights of Italy's northern and central must-see cities with this itinerary.

Following this itinerary, you would explore the fashion capital of Milan, explore the colorful seaside villages in Cinque Terre, and finally end your trip in Rome with Italy's history and culture.

Days 1–3: Milan (city exploration with a trip to Lake Como )
Days 4–6: La Spezia including Cinque Terre (village explorations and a food tour)
Days 7–12: Rome (the Vatican, the Colosseum, a city walking tour)

In Milan, take a walking day trip to see its top sights including Milan's Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world's oldest shopping malls with a fantastic glass-domed roof, and intricate mosaics, and witness the authentic work of Da Vinci's Last Supper. Then take a day trip to Lake Como to enjoy a food and wine tour around Lake.

Next, take a high-speed train to La Spezia, where Cinque Terre is located. Immerse yourself in the stunning landscape and fishing villages. Take a hiking tour to pass through vineyards, painted houses built on the cliffs, and along the seaside, allowing you to savor the refreshing sea breeze and stunning vistas.

Then head to Rome. In Rome, after your arrival, spend 3 days exploring the city's highlights including the Vatican and the Colosseum, and walk around the city to explore some of the famous squares.

On your final day in Rome, enjoy your free time to the fullest. Unwind at a sidewalk cafe, meander through the charming alleyways, or indulge in some shopping.

If you are interested in this itinerary, you could check out more details in our 12-Day Milan, Cinque Terre and Rome Scenic Wonders Tour

5. 12-Day Classic Italian Cities with the Amalfi Coast

If you want to have a leisurely vacation in Italy besides the history immersion, you could refer to this itinerary. In this itinerary, you would explore Italy's most famous Amalfi Coast.

Days 1–4: Milan sightseeing
Days 5–7: Rome highlights
Days 8–12: The Amalfi Coast (explore four towns for terraced gardens, historical sites, and food)

Following this itinerary, you would start your trip in Milan. Explore the city highlights on a walking tour with a gourmet food tour. Then, go down to Rome to visit the ancient ruins, such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Pay a visit to the Vatican and wander through Rome's historical plazas.

Continue south from Rome, and you would arrive at one of Italy's most beautiful coastlines — the Amalfi Coast. Spend 4 to 5 days there to explore the seaside towns with stunning landscapes.

As you are driven along the scenic coastline, you would explore its three most famous towns — Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello — to see terraced gardens, a millennium-old cathedral, and a historical mansion.

After that, you would go to Capri Island. There, you could discover the charming town of Anacapri, relax on its beautiful beaches, and enjoy a boat tour to explore hidden coves, caves, and swimming spots.

Then go back to Sorrento to enjoy its street food and have some time to explore the coastal town at your leisure.

12-Day Milan, Rome and Amalfi Tour Symphony of Fashion, History, and Coastal Bliss

6. 12-Day Rome, Florence, and Sardinia Tour

This itinerary offers a perfect balance of history, culture, and beach relaxation. Sardinia, Italy's second largest island after Sicily, is renowned for its serene ambiance, pristine beaches, and clear waters.

If you've already immersed yourself in the historical and cultural wonders of Rome and Florence and desire a tranquil seaside getaway, Sardinia is an ideal destination.

Days 1–4: Rome sightseeing
Days 5–8: Florence highlights
Days 9–12: Sardinia beach time

In Rome, the last stop, you would take a private tour of the Colosseum and enjoy an excellent view from the top floor. Go to the Vatican Museums to marvel at the fantastic frescoes and statues. Then, take a stroll to some of the famous squares and fountains.

Next, take a high-speed train to Florence. Spend a day visiting its galleries where the famous statue of David and other works are displayed. Another day is recommended for taking a walking tour for city sightseeing and a cooking class.

Then, you would find another side of Italy in Tuscany — its rustic scenery with medieval charm. Enjoy San Gimignano's medieval towers and visit Chianti to discover the hidden secrets of wine production at a family-operated winery.

At the last stop in Sardinia, spend your days lounging on white sandy beaches, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the sun.

12-Day Rome, Florence and Sardinian Coast Tour A Tranquil Italian Escape!

Feel Free to Contact Us

If you are interested in the above itinerary or you would like to create an itinerary based on your preferences and requirements, just contact us. Our travel consultant will listen to and answer your inquiries carefully and promptly and prepare the best tour plan for you. Here are some of our recommended Italy tours for your reference: