12 days allows for enough time to go beyond the major cities in Italy and experience even more of the country’s natural beauty. That means you can visit not only Milan but the northern lakes region as well. Or leave the mainland and hike the famously beautiful coastline of Sardinia. Other options include discovering the lesser-visited region of Puglia, touring the scenic Amalfi Coast, and enjoying food and wine tastings throughout the country.
See our itineraries below or read our guide to the best 12-day trips in Italy.
Sardinians greet each other by saying, “A kent’annos” — “May you live to be a hundred.” Discover the landscapes that inspire these words on this incredible 12-day itinerary. Eat and drink your way through Sardinia's incredible food and heart-healthy red wine, walk alongside shepherds on rocky hillsides, and haggle for your lunch in bustling marketplaces. From stunning beaches to quiet towns this trip has it all.
From the sleepy towns of the Amalfi Coast to Rome's buzzing nightlife, this 12-day itinerary has something for everyone. Go wine tasting, tour the ruins of Pompeii, and take a day trip to the island of Capri, Ancient Roman's favorite summer getaway. End your trip with five days in the capital city of Rome to see the world-famous Vatican and explore family-run cafes and old city streets.
Explore Roman theaters, relax in small coastal towns, and soak in the sunshine on this twelve-day itinerary of the incredible Puglia region. From Baroque castles in Lecce and fairytale Alberobello to the white-washed buildings in Otranto, this trip hits the region's highlights with a focus on authentic Italian life. You'll learn to make a typical Pugliese meal and go swimming on rocky beaches, then eat delicious fried street food on the winding medieval streets of Bari.
A favorite with bikers and hikers, Sicily's hilly landscapes are also perfect for travelers who want big views, diverse cultures, and sunny weather. Explore all this and more on this packed 12-day itinerary, which starts in the food capital of Palermo. Tour medieval churches and relax on sunny beaches, then head to Taormina to dive into the arts and theater scene. Explore Mount Etna and the local winemaking culture, then end your trip in Catania, where churches, street food, and views of the Ionian Sea create the perfect Mediterranean atmosphere.
Is twelve days enough time to try every single gelato flavor? Likely not—but you can try your best with this food-centric tour of Italy. Start in Bologna, where artisanal cheese, cured ham, and medieval architecture dominate the scene. Then, head to Florence and visit a perfect Tuscan winery before soaking in the sunshine of the Amalfi Coast. End your trip in Rome, with nightlife, the iconic city highlights, and plenty of pizza.
This twelve-day itinerary in Northern Italy is perfect for adventurous travelers with some time to spare. Start in Milan, the fashion and cultural capital, to see world-famous art and shop for luxury and designer items. Explore botanical gardens and family restaurants in Bellagio, then tour the Borromean Islands and browse the lakeside market in Lake Maggiore. End at Lake Garda for a Dolomite day excursion and wine tasting.
Discover why Tuscany is a favorite second home to many celebrities on this 12-day trip. Check out the iconic Duomo dome and the world-famous Uffizi Gallery in Florence, then climb to the top of the leaning tower in Pisa. Tour the medieval cities of Siena and nearby village of Montepulciano to see 12th-century architecture and the rolling Tuscan countryside. Sample the renowned Brunello di Montalcino wine, then end your trip in Lucca where you will learn the art of pasta making and go horseback riding in the Tuscan hills.
From the top of the leaning tower of Pisa to the rolling hillsides of Tuscany, this 12-day itinerary is perfect for adventurous travelers. Start in Venice to explore ornate palaces and tour glassblowing workshops. Head to Florence for masterpieces by da Vinci and tour small vineyards and farms in Tuscany, then end in Rome—the world-famous home of the Vatican, bohemian neighborhoods, and a buzzing street food scene.
If spending 12 days exploring art and history in Italy's beautiful cities sounds perfect, this itinerary is for you. Tour the exquisite San Marco Basilica and bohemian San Samuele district in Venice, see Michelangelo's 'David' and go wine tasting in Florence, then spend three days in the stunning fishing villages of the Amalfi Coast. End in Rome for ancient Roman ruins and the world-class Vatican.
From a romantic gondola ride in Venice to exploring ancient ruins in Rome, this 12-day tour is the perfect harmony of history and nature. Aside from Venice and Rome, you'll also discover the ancient cities of Pisa, Florence, and Parma by sampling the region's famed prosciutto, visiting monuments and museums, eating traditional dishes in hip neighborhoods, and encountering some of Italy's most treasured art. Enjoy the country's natural charm with boat rides and scenic hikes in Lake Como, and walking from one colorful village to another in beautiful Cinque Terre.
Discover the Dolomites and Lake Garda on this 12-day journey. Experience unspoiled nature and the Northern Italian culture, heavily influenced by Austria and Germany. Visit popular ski towns and wander the medieval Old Towns of Belluno, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and Bolzano. Take a day trip to Tre Cime di Lavaredo (the Three Peaks of Lavardo) mountain range and do a short trek between refugios. On a guided tour of Lake Garda, explore historic villas and museums, and travel to the charming fishing village of Malcesine by boat. In Verona, expect Shakespearean romance, Roman history, and delicious wine before you head home.
From Tuscany to Veneto to the Italian Riviera, this 12-day itinerary is perfect for indulgent travelers who want to see and taste the best of Italy. You'll start in Northern Italy, with a tour of Verona and then see romantic Venice. You'll visit the birthplace of the Renaissance in Florence, then tourTuscan vineyards, and visit Pisa's 'leaning tower.' Your adventure will end with the former fishing villages of the Cinque Terre where you'll sample the foods of Liguria — the Italian Riviera — including seafood, pesto, and focaccia.
Bring the family and spend 12 days exploring Italy's top historic and cultural sites. Learn to make a carnival mask and visit medieval palaces in Venice, explore family-friendly museums and craft the perfect pizza in Florence, then head to Rome for 4 days in the bustling capital. Let the kids' imagination run wild as they tour the Colosseum and go back in time to Ancient Rome.
If spending 12 days exploring the rugged scenery and medieval fishing villages of the Cinque Terre sounds good, this trip is perfect for you. Start in Manarola, a small community with a big heart, for coastal hikes & a chance to learn traditional cooking from a local. Continue to Portofino for medieval fortresses and sunset kayaking, then end your trip in Pisa to see world-famous architecture and the Tuscan countryside.
Spend 12 days indulging in Italy's finest artwork, cuisine, and scenery on this luxurious itinerary. Explore Venice on a private guided gondola tour, dine at 3-star Michelin restaurant in Florence, and go wine tasting in the scenic hills of Tuscany. Travel to Rome to see the Sistine Chapel before the crowds arrive then head to the Amalfi Coast for old-world fishing villages and a luxury yacht trip to the famed island of Capri.
Southern Italy always makes for an unforgettable vacation. This 12-day itinerary guarantees that outcome, as it begins in Naples, continues along the ruggedly beautiful Amalfi Coast, and includes a jaunt to Capri, the crown jewel of the Mediterranean. You'll cap the adventure with a road trip from one side of Sicily to the other, during which you'll enjoy all the great food and historic sights that island has to offer.
Discover the best of Italy's northern regions, starting in the medieval city of Florence, with guided walking tours and wine tastings in Tuscany. Make your way through San Marino and the coastal cities of Riccione and Ravena before heading into Emilia-Romagna for a culinary exploration through Bologna and Parma. Take a cooking class and learn how to identify wine with a sommelier, then enjoy exploring the extravagant shores of Lake Como and the fashion-focused streets of Milan.
This 12-day trip perfectly combines the cultural and historic aspects of Italy's most notable cities with laidback relaxation on the Mediterranean sea. Admire the stunning Duomo in Florence and sip wine amongst the hills of Chianti before heading to the Cinque Terre coast to sail along the turquoise waters. Travel back in time in Rome's Colosseum and Vatican City, before finishing off your adventure strolling along the sunny streets of the Amalfi Coast villages.
This complete 12-day self-drive tour covers Sicily's best, from cultural stops in baroque-infused cities to the exploration of ancient Greek and Roman temples and archaeological parks. Explore medieval hilltop towns, lively markets, ancient ruins, and old Norman castles. You'll sip fortified wine in Marsala, hike the slopes of active Mount Etna, and relax on Cefalù's inviting golden-sand Lungomare beach.
Active travelers will get a full dose of sea and countryside views as they bike their way through southern Italy. Begin in the prehistoric town of Matera, then pick up your bike and ride to the whimsical settlement of Alberobello with its conical trulli houses. Sample local wines and culinary delights in Cisternino, then soak up some sun in charming beach towns on the Adriatic like Monopoli, Gallipoli, and Polignano a Mare. End your trip with excursions to spectacular grottos, and stroll past Baroque architecture and Roman ruins in Ostuni, Otranto, and Lecce.
Taste thousands of years of cultural influences on this 12-day tour through northeastern Italy. Sample prosciutto in San Daniele, sip signature white and orange wines in the Friuli countryside, and dine alongside the edges of the canals of Venice as you make your way through the region.
Your trip starts with tours through Rome's historical core, Vatican City, and the Roman Forum, with walks through the Colosseum and to the top of Palatine Hill. Head to Florence to experience its historic squares, cathedrals, and museums. End your trip in Verona, visiting the infamous romantic of Shakespeare's love story and the floating city of Venice.
This 12-day grand tour of Sicily is a perfect mix of culture and adventure and includes four nights on the Aeolian Islands. Beginning and ending in Catania, you'll discover historic ruins on Lipari, soak in a mud bath on Vulcano, and go on a sunset hike of Stromboli before picking up your rental car in Milazzo. Tour Palermo, the regional capital, wander amid the impressive Greek temples in Agrigento, and enjoy a passeggiata along Syracuse's seaside promenade in Ortygia.
Get away from it all for 12 days of unforgettable experiences in Italy. This includes touring the most famous sights of Rome, lazing on the pebbly beaches of the Amalfi Coast, and marveling at the cotton-candy-pink sunsets of Capri. The Mediterranean dream doesn't end there—you'll also embark on a road trip adventure around Sicily, from the historic streets of Palermo to the Greek ruins of Syracuse.
Take a 12-day trip and taste the best food and wine Northern Italy has to offer! Learn how to make fresh pasta and regional dishes in Verona and relax on Lake Garda, enjoying a guided tour and boat ride. From Padua, visit local wineries and spend a day in Venice at your own pace. Wander the Old Town of Treviso, exploring the medieval walled city and its cathedrals. Last but not least, Bologna's bustling markets and traditional tortellini await you at the end of your trip.
Take the time to traverse northern Italy and Switzerland at a slower pace over the course of 12 days. Traveling by train means that you can truly take in the views and lifestyle of the lakes, mountains, and towns that you'll encounter on your route.
Wake up in wonder every day of this 12-day trip plan through Northwest Italy. You'll fall asleep to the sounds of the sea in the resort town of Portofino, amid a renovated 17th-century monastery in Genoa, and high amid Alpine chalets as you make your way through the region's attractions.
On this 12-day holiday in Italy, you'll visit ancient ruins and historic sights in two of Italy's most beautiful southern regions: Puglia and Sicily. Moreover, you'll enjoy various activities, from cooking classes to beach trips and even a hike up Mt. Etna. The best part is you'll finish the trip with a road trip around Sicily, visiting its most famous locales like the ancient Greek ruins at Syracuse.
12 days is not only enough time to enjoy an unforgettable Roman holiday, but you can add a road-trip adventure through Sicily to the itinerary. In Rome, you'll tour famous sights like the Vatican and Borghese Gallery plus learn the secrets to Italian cuisine in a cooking class. Then, after jetting to Sicily, you'll hop in a rental car and drive from one beautiful coastal city to another, from Palermo to Taormina to Syracuse to Catania.
Start off your adventure in Italy exploring its capital city, delving into the rich history and cultural importance of Rome. From there, you'll head south to discover the incomparable beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Visit the ruins of Pompeii and admire Mt. Vesuvius before discovering sunny Sorrento. Indulge in fresh seafood and visit the stunning island of Capri before finishing off your trip along one of the world's most famous coastlines.
Your trip starts with tours through Rome's historical core, where ancient history, eclectic neighborhoods, and a vibrant food scene await. From there, head south to explore the glass-roofed Galleria Umberto shopping center, enjoy coffee on the medieval Piazza del Plebiscito, and try the seafood cuoppo in Naples. Visit the Pompeii ruins, hike around Mt. Vesuvius, and visit colorful bohemian villages on the Amalfi Coast.
Make the most of your 12 day Italian getaway with visits of the highlights. Start off in the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence. Admire the Duomo and stroll through its picturesque streets before continuing on to Rome, where ancient history and incredible art abound. From here, you'll make your way down to the Amalfi Coast to finish off your trip lazing on sandy beaches along the Mediterranean sea.
Experience Italy's famous food and wine scene with this 12-day itinerary. Tour grand piazzas in Bologna while working up your appetite for regional delicacies, eat cicchetti in Venice and visit Europe's largest open-air market, Porta Palazzo. Delve deep into Roman history and wine making in Verona, and get your apron on to prepare a traditional Italian meal at a cooking class in Milan.
Start your trip in Rome and visit the legendary Colosseum. Admire the Sistine Chapel and stroll through the streets of its buzzing nightlife. See Michelangelo's 'David' sculpture in Florence, meander through piazzas and across the famed Ponte Vecchio bridge before exploring the colorful, seaside villages of Cinque Terre. Finish off in Venice, shopping for carnival masks and handblown art.
This route takes you through the highlights of Italy while exploring more of each region. Start in Rome, visiting the Vatican and Colosseum before making your way up to the lesser-known Umbria region for a stopover in Orvieto. Enjoy your time away from the big city and delight in the local life. Continue up to the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence. This city's incredible plazas and cathedrals never disappoint. Finish off your trip in the Veneto region, staying in the lovely and romantic Verona and visiting its neighboring city, Venice.
Visit the highlights of Northeast Italy on this 12-day trip. Tour grand palaces and piazzas in Trieste. Take a day trip to Ljubljana in Slovenia. Be serenaded on an enchanting gondola ride in Venice before visiting the iconic St. Marks Square and dining in the former Jewish Ghetto. In Verona, Roman history, Shakespearean inspiration and wine tastings await you. For a sweet ending, spend a day on Lake Garda and take a tour of the charming villages with a local guide.
From the canals of Venice to Rome's buzzing nightlife, this incredible trip through the highlights of Italy is perfect for travelers who want to see it all, making your way across the country with a mix of trains and rental car. Start in Venice to see the famed Grand Canal, then head to Florence for its famed cathedrals and da Vinci's art. From here, start the self-drive portion of your trip exploring the stunning region of Tuscany to its fullest before ending in Rome, where ancient history, eclectic neighborhoods, and a vibrant food scene await.
Take a 12-day trip across Northern Italy and the Lakes region with this itinerary. Start your trip in Venice with a guided walking tour of Piazza San Marco and the canals of the 'Floating City'. Visit two Italian lakes rich in natural beauty, Lake Garda and Lake Como, and enjoy a cable car ride to the top of Monte Baldo for panoramic views and walking trails. Take a day trip to the romantic city of Verona, and tour elegant villas in the villages of Varenna and Bellagio. Explore history and art at Milan's Cathedral and eat your way through Turin's street food scene.
On this 12-day trip, begin your journey in the heart of the Piedmont region, enjoying a guided tour of the historic city of Turin, and going hunting for rare white truffles in Alba. On the Italian Riviera, collect relaxing days in Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, followed up by wine tasting and hiking glorious paths in the Cinque Terre. Take day trips to Genoa and Portovenere in search of the perfect plate of Genovese pesto, history in the Rolli palaces, and the inspired views of Byron's Grotto to round off your Riviera experience. End your trip with the soaring architecture of Milan, old juxtaposed against new in this center of modern Italy.
