12 day itinerary for Italy

Itinerary

Italy is a fantastic destination for solo travelers, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Here’s a fun and engaging 12-day itinerary that will let you soak in the best of Italy while giving you plenty of time to explore on your own. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Rome

• Morning: Arrive in Rome! Check into your accommodation and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Head to the iconic Colosseum. Book a skip-the-line ticket to avoid long waits. Explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill nearby.
• Evening: Stroll through the charming streets of Trastevere. Enjoy dinner at a local trattoria and try some authentic Roman pasta, like Cacio e Pepe.

## Day 2: Rome

• Morning: Visit the Vatican City. Start with St. Peter’s Basilica and climb to the dome for breathtaking views.
• Afternoon: Explore the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance!
• Evening: Enjoy a gelato while walking around the Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. Dinner in the area is a must!

## Day 3: Rome

• Morning: Visit the Borghese Gallery (make sure to book ahead). The art collection is stunning!
• Afternoon: Rent a bike or take a leisurely walk in the Villa Borghese gardens.
• Evening: Head to the Spanish Steps and enjoy the sunset. Grab dinner in the nearby area.

## Day 4: Florence

• Morning: Take a train to Florence (about 1.5 hours). Check into your accommodation.
• Afternoon: Visit the Uffizi Gallery to see masterpieces by Botticelli and Michelangelo.
• Evening: Walk to the Ponte Vecchio and enjoy dinner at a local osteria. Try the famous Florentine steak!

## Day 5: Florence

• Morning: Visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David.
• Afternoon: Explore the Duomo and climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.
• Evening: Enjoy a cooking class where you can learn to make traditional Tuscan dishes!

## Day 6: Day Trip to Pisa and Lucca

• Morning: Take a train to Pisa (about 1 hour). Visit the Leaning Tower and the Piazza dei Miracoli.
• Afternoon: Head to Lucca (about 30 minutes by train). Rent a bike and ride along the city walls.
• Evening: Return to Florence and enjoy a relaxed dinner.

## Day 7: Venice

• Morning: Take a train to Venice (about 2 hours). Check into your accommodation.
• Afternoon: Explore St. Mark’s Square and visit St. Mark’s Basilica. Don’t miss the Campanile for stunning views!
• Evening: Enjoy a gondola ride at sunset, followed by dinner at a canal-side restaurant.

## Day 8: Venice

• Morning: Visit the Doge’s Palace and cross the Bridge of Sighs.
• Afternoon: Explore the colorful island of Burano. It’s perfect for solo wandering and photography!
• Evening: Return to Venice and enjoy cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at a local bacaro.

## Day 9: Cinque Terre

• Morning: Take an early train to Cinque Terre (about 3-4 hours). Check into your accommodation in one of the villages.
• Afternoon: Start your exploration in Monterosso al Mare. Relax on the beach or hike to Vernazza.
• Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood for dinner with a view of the sunset.

## Day 10: Cinque Terre

• Morning: Hike the scenic trails between the villages. The trail from Vernazza to Corniglia is particularly beautiful.
• Afternoon: Explore Corniglia and Manarola. Don’t forget to try the local focaccia!
• Evening: Return to your base village and enjoy a leisurely dinner.

## Day 11: Milan

• Morning: Take a train to Milan (about 3 hours). Check into your accommodation.
• Afternoon: Visit the Duomo di Milano and climb to the rooftop for stunning views.
• Evening: Explore the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and enjoy an aperitivo in the area.

## Day 12: Departure from Milan

• Morning: If time allows, visit the Last Supper (make sure to book in advance) or the Sforza Castle.
• Afternoon: Do some last-minute shopping or enjoy a leisurely lunch.
• Evening: Head to the airport for your departure.

Tips for Your Solo Trip:

• Stay Connected: Consider getting a local SIM card for easy navigation and communication.
• Stay Safe: Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Embrace Solo Dining: Don’t hesitate to dine alone; it’s a great way to enjoy the local cuisine and people-watch!

I hope this itinerary helps you have an unforgettable solo adventure in Italy! Enjoy every moment, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 🍝🇮🇹✨