Best of Italy: 2 Weeks - Self Guided Rail Tour

Begin your Italian adventure in the bustling metropolis of Milan, where modernity meets history. As the fashion capital of Italy, Milan offers a unique blend of style and tradition. Start your day with a visit to the iconic Milan's Duomo, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Continue to the historic Sforza Castle, where art and history intertwine. Don't miss Leonardo da Vinci's renowned painting, 'The Last Supper,' a testament to the city's rich artistic heritage. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Milan's chic shopping districts before settling into your accommodation at Hilton Milan (or similar). Savor authentic Italian cuisine at a local trattoria, indulging in the flavors of Lombardy.

Continue your exploration of Milan, diving deeper into its cultural and historical treasures. Revisit the awe-inspiring Milan's Duomo, taking time to climb to its rooftop for panoramic views of the city. Explore the lush gardens surrounding Sforza Castle, and immerse yourself in the artistic ambiance of the Brera district. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café, sampling Milanese specialties like risotto alla Milanese. In the afternoon, indulge in a shopping spree at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a haven for fashion enthusiasts. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at a traditional Italian restaurant, relishing the vibrant flavors of the region.

Arrive in the enchanting city of Venice, where time seems to stand still. Begin your Venetian journey with a gondola ride along the iconic Grand Canal, soaking in the city's unique charm. Wander through the narrow streets and hidden alleys, discovering quaint squares and bustling markets. Visit the magnificent St Mark's Square, home to the stunning St Mark's Basilica. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a canal-side café, savoring Venetian delicacies. In the afternoon, explore the artistic treasures of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. As the sun sets, indulge in a romantic dinner at a local osteria, experiencing the magic of Venice by night.

Continue your exploration of Venice, delving deeper into its artistic and cultural wonders. Start your day with a visit to the Doge's Palace, a symbol of Venetian power and grandeur. Stroll through the vibrant Rialto Market, where the aromas of fresh produce and seafood fill the air. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional bacaro, sampling cicchetti, Venetian tapas. In the afternoon, visit the island of Murano, renowned for its exquisite glassmaking. Witness skilled artisans at work and perhaps purchase a unique souvenir. Return to Venice for a delightful dinner at a trattoria, savoring the flavors of the Venetian lagoon.

Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Venice, exploring its hidden gems and iconic landmarks. Begin your day with a visit to the Accademia Gallery, home to a remarkable collection of Venetian art. Wander through the charming Dorsoduro district, discovering quaint boutiques and artisan workshops. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a canal-side trattoria, savoring Venetian seafood specialties. In the afternoon, take a vaporetto ride to the island of Burano, famous for its colorful houses and lace-making tradition. Return to Venice for a memorable dinner at a local osteria, experiencing the city's culinary delights.

Conclude your Venetian adventure with a day of leisure and discovery. Begin with a visit to the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, a stunning example of Baroque architecture. Explore the vibrant Campo Santa Margherita, a lively square filled with cafes and shops. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local bacaro, sampling traditional Venetian dishes. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along the Zattere promenade, offering breathtaking views of the Giudecca Canal. As the day draws to a close, indulge in a farewell dinner at a renowned Venetian restaurant, savoring the flavors of the city's culinary heritage.

Arrive in Bologna, the culinary heart of Italy's Emilia-Romagna region. Begin your day with a visit to the city's medieval towers, offering panoramic views of the historic center. Wander through the charming streets, admiring the architectural beauty of Bologna's arcades. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional trattoria, savoring local specialties like tagliatelle al ragù. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Quadrilatero district, a food lover's paradise filled with markets and gourmet shops. Sample authentic Italian delicacies and discover the essence of Bolognese cuisine. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at a renowned restaurant, experiencing the flavors of Bologna.

Continue your exploration of Bologna, delving deeper into its rich history and culinary delights. Begin your day with a visit to the Basilica di San Petronio, a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. Stroll through the picturesque Piazza Maggiore, the heart of Bologna's historic center. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café, sampling traditional Bolognese dishes. In the afternoon, visit the Archiginnasio, home to the world's oldest university. Discover the city's vibrant cultural scene, with galleries and theaters showcasing local talent. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at a renowned restaurant, savoring the flavors of Emilia-Romagna.

Arrive in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, where art and history come alive. Begin your day with a visit to the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's iconic statue of David. Explore the city's countless Renaissance chapels and churches, each a masterpiece of art and architecture. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local trattoria, savoring Tuscan specialties like ribollita. In the afternoon, wander through the charming streets of Florence, discovering hidden gems and artisan workshops. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at a renowned restaurant, experiencing the flavors of Tuscany.

Continue your exploration of Florence, delving deeper into its artistic and cultural treasures. Begin your day with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, home to an unparalleled collection of Renaissance art. Stroll through the picturesque Boboli Gardens, offering stunning views of the city. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café, sampling traditional Florentine dishes. In the afternoon, take a day trip to Pisa, marveling at the iconic Leaning Tower. Return to Florence for a delightful dinner at a renowned restaurant, savoring the flavors of Tuscany.

Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Florence, exploring its hidden gems and iconic landmarks. Begin your day with a visit to the Bargello Museum, home to a remarkable collection of Renaissance sculptures. Wander through the charming Oltrarno district, discovering artisan workshops and quaint boutiques. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a canal-side trattoria, savoring Tuscan seafood specialties. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along the Arno River, offering breathtaking views of the Ponte Vecchio. As the day draws to a close, indulge in a farewell dinner at a renowned Florentine restaurant, savoring the flavors of the city's culinary heritage.

Arrive in Rome, the Eternal City, where history and modernity coexist in perfect harmony. Begin your day with a visit to the Roman Forum, a testament to the grandeur of ancient Rome. Marvel at the iconic Colosseum, a symbol of the city's rich history. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional trattoria, savoring Roman specialties like cacio e pepe. In the afternoon, explore the Vatican City, home to St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at a renowned Roman restaurant, experiencing the flavors of the city's culinary heritage.

Continue your exploration of Rome, delving deeper into its rich history and cultural treasures. Begin your day with a visit to the Pantheon, a marvel of ancient engineering. Stroll through the charming streets of Trastevere, discovering hidden gems and quaint boutiques. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café, sampling traditional Roman dishes. In the afternoon, visit the Capitoline Museums, home to a remarkable collection of art and artifacts. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at a renowned Roman restaurant, savoring the flavors of the city's culinary heritage.

Conclude your Italian adventure with a day of leisure and discovery in Rome. Begin with a visit to the Trevi Fountain, a symbol of the city's romantic allure. Explore the vibrant Campo de' Fiori, a bustling market filled with fresh produce and local delicacies. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local trattoria, savoring Roman specialties like saltimbocca. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the Villa Borghese gardens, offering stunning views of the city. As the day draws to a close, indulge in a farewell dinner at a renowned Roman restaurant, savoring the flavors of the city's culinary heritage.