12 day itinerary for Italy

Itinerary

Here's a suggested itinerary for 12 days in Italy that includes hiking and allows you to travel at a relaxed pace:

Day 1: Arrival in Rome

Upon arrival in Rome, check into your hotel and take some time to relax and explore the city. You can visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.

Day 2: Rome

Start your day with a visit to the Vatican City, where you can see St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the charming streets of Trastevere and enjoy some delicious Italian food.

Day 3: Rome to Florence

Take a train from Rome to Florence, which takes about 1.5 hours. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the city. Visit the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and the Duomo.

Day 4: Florence

Spend the day hiking in the Tuscan countryside. There are many trails to choose from, but one popular option is the Chianti Trail, which takes you through vineyards and olive groves.

Day 5: Florence to Cinque Terre

Take a train from Florence to Cinque Terre, which takes about 2.5 hours. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the five picturesque villages along the coast.

Day 6: Cinque Terre

Spend the day hiking along the coastal trail that connects the five villages. The trail offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the colorful houses of the villages.

Day 7: Cinque Terre to Venice

Take a train from Cinque Terre to Venice, which takes about 4 hours. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the city. Visit St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and take a gondola ride through the canals.

Day 8: Venice

Spend the day hiking on the island of Lido, which is just a short ferry ride from Venice. The island has beautiful beaches and nature reserves that are perfect for hiking.

Day 9: Venice to Lake Como

Take a train from Venice to Lake Como, which takes about 3 hours. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the lake. Take a boat tour and visit the charming towns along the shore.

Day 10: Lake Como

Spend the day hiking in the mountains around Lake Como. There are many trails to choose from, but one popular option is the Sentiero del Viandante, which offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Day 11: Lake Como to Milan

Take a train from Lake Como to Milan, which takes about 1 hour. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the city. Visit the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Sforza Castle.

Day 12: Departure from Milan

On your last day, take some time to do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before departing from Milan.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Italy!