Italy is perfect place to go on a trip with practically no preparation. Every corner of Verona, Pisa, Rome and Naples is beautiful. Ancient masterpieces of architecture together with the rugged scenery of the Mediterranean nature and the friendly atmosphere of happiness arealways pleasing to the eye. Where else but in Italy can you find as much romance as in this eight-day tour?
Welcome to beautiful Italy! Stroll through the authentic city of Verona and explore its unique atmosphere, admire the magnificent urban architecture and, of course, enjoy the delicious local cuisine. There are a lot of wonderful discoveries and stunning cities ahead; use a comfortable car, which can be rented directly at the airport, to travel freely between them. There are many wonderful discoveries and amazing cities waiting ahead, moving between which is most convenient with a comfortable car, which you can rent right at the airport.
Get on the ancient Ponte Pietra bridge. This is not the very building, built in 89 BC, however, it was restored several times, and after complete destruction during the Second World War it was restored from the fragments pulled out of the river. There is a beautiful view of the river banks and a quiet and temperate life of the city.
Piazza San Nicolò is suitable for relaxation in a beautiful and quiet place. Take a walk, sit down near the temple of the same name and think of eternal things. What is this temple? One of the many architectural monuments of Verona with striking architectural features which faces the guests. So you can spend a long time looking at the architectural features of the San Nicolò Church. It was carefully built for 67 years, but the main reason for the periodic stops in the construction works was the lack of money, later the construction was resumed due to the new patron. The interior of the temple didnt's change much since its first day, the facade of the building was renovated in 1950 in the neoclassical style under the guidance of architect Giuseppe Barbieri.
The first evening in Italy should be marked by original Italian joys: long walks, beautiful views and facades of buildings, as well as delicious food. You could also consider another brewery bar with a pleasant atmosphere and interior. Here you can have a snack or eat plenty of pizza, sipping good beer.
Start the day with a visit to the Juliet's house, a museum dedicated to the history of two lovers of Verona, who conquered the whole world. After a lunch at a cozy local pizzeria, you are scheduled to move to Bologna, where you can see another fine example of Italian architecture, the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca. And you can meet the sunset next to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The ancient house of the Capello family of the XIII century became a prototype or, on the contrary, was later discovered by admirers of the Shakespeare play about unhappy love. It was here, in the courtyard with a balcony, that Romeo confessed love to Juliet, and today thousands and hundreds of thousands visitors gather here, making wishes, sad about unhappy lovers, admiring the romance of the mansion. Excursions are held on Mondays from 13:30 to 19:30, from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 to 19:30.
Dine in the simple but very cosy Vito a San Luca restaurant. The menu is very diverse, it includes a good Italian pizza, high-quality fresh cheeses and homemade desserts. The restaurant is open from 12.00 to 00.00, and from 9.00 to 00.00 on weekends.
Near the restaurant is the Catholic basilica in which the Blessed Virgin Mary lived, standing on the Guardian Hill (Colle della Guardia) 300 meters above sea level south-west of the historic centre of Bologna. Pilgrims, admirers of the picture of the Virgin Mary with the child, painted by Saint Luke, flock here. A 3.5 km long covered gallery leads to the basilica just from the Porta Saragozza of Bologna.
Stroll through the old part of the city, which offers the picturesque views of the Arno River and the ancient buildings of Pisa, including the ancient tower of Gibellin, built in 1290.
Dine in the centre of Pisa. The restaurant specializes in seafood, a fresh catch of the day and a variety of wine list. It has worked here since the 1800s and become the culinary centre of the city. Located near the famous Piazza dei Miracoli, the restaurant attracts both locals and numerous visitors of the city, so it’s better to book a table in advance.
Despite the fact that the main attraction of the city is the Leaning tower of Pisa, the city is full of interesting and unusual places. Travelers will be interested to visit the botanical garden and admire amazing and unusual plants, enjoy the urban architecture, and, of course, taste delicious ravioli and pizza.
Walk to Piazza dei Miracoli, which means Square of Miracles. This place is also known as the Cathedral Square and houses the real wonders of Pisa. Four world-famous masterpieces of medieval architecture are built on the square: the Cathedral of Pisa, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Baptistery and the Camposanto cemetery. In 1987, the architectural ensemble was placed in the List of World Heritage of UNESCO. The cathedral is the heart of the square. The massive bronze doors of the main entrance were created in the workshops of Giambologna, and they replaced the original doors destroyed by fire in 1595. The interior is as good as the exterior of the building, which could be looket at for hours. The Tower of Pisa itself is distinguished not only by its “falling” profile. This is practically the only bell tower in the world, which is located in some distance from the cathedral, which is explained by the square development project. Another unusual feature is noted by cultural experts, who claim that Muslim motifs and some vague resemblance between the chapel and the minaret can be found in the external design of the bell tower. Inside the tower are many indoor galleries linked by ornate arches. The following architectural components of the bell tower should be mentioned: a spacious hall with an open ceiling, its walls are lined with bas-reliefs depicting sea creatures, three twisted staircases, and a belfry with weighty ancient bells, the oldest of which is about 400 years old.
The fact that the best pizza is Neapolitan one is common knowledge, but this does not mean that you should not taste it in other cities of Italy. Dine at Quarto Ora and enjoy the quality and taste of an inexpensive pizza prepared in a small central restaurant with friendly service and pleasant atmosphere.
A small hidden paradise almost in the centre of Pisa is worth a visit to explore the oldest botanical garden in the world. This fact is disputed by the Botanical Garden of Padua, as it has changed its location several times. Nevertheless, the oldest representatives of the flora of this region and some other unique climatic zones are growing here. In addition, you can visit a small local museum in the park and a lecture hall located nearby. Visit the garden any day of the week from 8.30 to 20.00. Admission is 4 euros per person.
Dine at a restaurant nearby, where you can indulge in high-quality home-made wine at low prices, enjoy fragrant lasagna and desserts for any taste. This small restaurant is notable for its unusual setting with Christian motifs of reproductions of paintings by Pierre et Gilles and a friendly Italian atmosphere.
To the observer the XIV-century church won't seem a small single nave construction. However, the church is characterized by many original elements of the facade decor and interior. The church was previously part of the Carmelite Monastery, but it became the only building spared. By the XV century, a number of additional chapels and altars were built in the church. The interior of the church is generously decorated, there are monumental baroque altars with numerous paintings, including "The Madonna and Child with Saint Barbara, Saint John the Baptist, Saint Anthony of Padua and Saint Margaret" by Baccio Lomi, "Assumption of the Virgin" by Santi di Tito and many others. The church got an organ, which was rebuilt and restored many times, around the XVI century.
Your acquaintance with the amazing sights of Rome starts today. In the Italian capital, the heritage of antiquity echoes the grace of the Renaissance and the luxury Baroque, and as exciting as it may sound, the city looks very technological and modern.
Take a break after a long journey and have a lunch. Here you can taste a variety of Italian cheeses and prosciutto or get a good meal and choose the right high-quality wine to the dish you ordered.
Stroll to one of the symbols of Rome, the oldest architectural monument of ancient Rome. Enjoy the atmosphere of the eternal city and its architecture, located on the square around the Colosseum. If you want to visit this building of the imperial Flavius family, built in 80 AD, it is best to check in advance the museum closing time. Depending on the season, the Colosseum can only be visited from 8.30 to an hour before sunset. Buy tickets to the Roman Forum to get to the museum without waiting in line.
La Carbonara specializes exclusively in meat dishes and traditional Italian cuisine, which is very popular with the locals. That is why there are usually a lot of people here in the evenings. Make a reservation in advance. The atmosphere is great for dinner.
Spend relaxing moments walking along the sunny streets of Rome and enjoying the luxurious Italian architecture at its best. Today you will see the spacious city squares, decorated with amazing fountains, right before your eyes, visit the ancient sanctuary, the Pantheon, and explore the last point in the cultural program, the famous Villa Borghese Park.
Since this scenario assumes a relaxed walk through the most famous cities of Italy, have breakfast in a generous and cheerful Italian cafe with a pleasant atmosphere and a proper breakfast menu. There you won't find a lot of facts about the complex history of the Roman Empire heir, just the beauty of the eternal city and its amazing combinations of tastes, sounds and shades.
You can take a photo of the largest fountain in Rome without tourists except in the early morning, when the whole city is still peacefully sleeping. However, every visitor of the city, who has come here for the first time, has to see this beauty with his own eyes. It is believed that if you throw a coin into the fountain, you get every chance to return to Rome again. It is said that two coins will lead you to a romantic date, three to the wedding, four to untold riches, and five to the separation. The amount of coins annually pulled out of the fountain demonstrates the strength of travelers' faith in miracles, as well as the number of city guests visited the fountain. In 2017, 1.4 million euros were pulled out of the fountain.
The temple of all the gods is the oldest monument of centric and domical architecture. This is a former pagan temple, which became a Christian basilica. Behind the ancient history and simple facade are hidden architectural treasures: one of the largest domes in the world, with a hole in the centre of which lets in the natural light, scattering it in a fanciful way. Raphael and King Victor Emmanuel are buried here. A visit here does not require pre-purchase of tickets, it costs only two euros, and you can learn more about the design from the Pantheon Rome application.
Get to the elegant baroque square, which houses several churches and palaces, three magnificent fountains by the greatest Italian masters, an obelisk brought from Egypt. All these sights are concentrated in one place and give it a special charm, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience for visitors. Behind one of the fountains (the Fountain of the Four Rivers) is the church of Saint Agnes. According to legend, lonely hearts can ask her for help. Due to its popularity among the Romans and guests of the city, the square abounds in different cafes for every taste. You will definitely find a place to sit and admire all the beauty of this place.
Near Piazza Navona there is a real treasure, an Italian restaurant happy to welcome you to lunch and dinner. Everything attracts your attention here: an interior with many different details, pleasant service, generous portions and delicious Italian dishes. Indulge in a great homemade wine and seafood prepared here.
Walk through the wide and green park, which is name after the villa, around which it is planted. It is here that the famous Borghese Gallery is located, requiring separate and sufficient time allocations for all the masterpieces of Titian, Botticelli, Van Gogh, Modigliani and many others. If you just want to stroll through the Borghese gardens, 70 hectares of spacious glades and neat paths among the cooling greenery on hot days are at your service. A monument to the great Russian writer Alexander Pushkin is also installed here.
It is one of those places where you want to stay for a long time, because here you can not only enjoy large portions of delicious food, but also draw inspiration from attitude towards guests. You will be pleasantly surprised with the bar prices and a relaxed atmosphere that encourages communicating between people regardless of age and in whatever language you happen to speak. Here is a special atmosphere called Rome, where everything is saturated with happiness and love for authentic Italian cuisine.
All roads lead to Rome, and especially to its centre. Having walked around all the main attractions of the city, you will again find yourself close to the Roman Forum on Piazza Venezia. This place is located right at the foot of the Capitol. It offers unforgettable views of the city, and the square itself is adjacent to the many sights of Rome: the ruins of the Basilica Ulpia, the Column of Trajan, the monument to Victor Emmanuel II and others.
We move to colorful Naples from the majestic Rome. The city is known to the whole world for its breathtaking view of the powerful silhouette of Vesuvius and the most delicious Neapolitan pizza. Today you are going to visit excellent local restaurants, enjoy the picturesque coast, and stroll along the walls of the impregnable fortress.
Meet a new day and have a fresh Roscioli pastry for breakfast near the famous Campo dei Fiori, in the very centre of historic Rome. Enjoy coffee and drinks from the full bar, free Wi-Fi and the quick and really friendly service here.
This contrasting and whirling city has a wonderful feature. It attracts people with all its attractions and drawbacks. One of the greatest attraction of Naples is its traditional Vomero pizza. Try it for lunch, being in the city for the first time, and you will love the whole city forever with its bustling streets, whirling markets and constant controversy, with its magnificent combination of tastes and gorgeous views of the blue bay.
The Fountain of the Giant has got its name for a reason. Its height is over 10 meters. This is one of the most famous landmarks of the city, giving it the exquisite look. The fountain is located in the historic centre of Naples and offers a breathtaking view of the city and the bay. Since its creation in the XVII century (by the architects Pietro Bernini and Michelangelo Naccherino), the fountain has changed its location several times. The design with marble emblems and majestic high arches symbolizes the king's power over the city. Among the details of the construction, it is also important to list the statues of gods fighting the sea monsters, and the entire structure is supported by the female figures, classical for such structures, the caryatids.
The beautiful view of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the medieval structure of Castel del Ovo is extremely picturesque. It reflects not only the romance of medieval architecture, but also a century-long history of battles and captures of the port city. In addition, the castle served not only as a fortification from which the city started, but also as a state prison, which had seen many famous prisoners in its time.
Piazza del Plebiscito is the largest, most beautiful and rich in historical edifices square in Naples. This is the main city square, located near the port, with attractions of the period, ranging from the Middle Ages to the New Age, on its territory. The Castle of Lutsilia and Greek city walls were here in antiquity. The piazza got its modern look in the XVII century, when several palaces were built around it. The square was named after the 1860 referendum, in which the inhabitants of Naples voted to join the Piedmont region. Piazza del Plebiscito is framed by the Royal Palace, and closed with the neoclassical building of Basilica di San Francesco di Paola on the opposite side.
End the day by dining in a refined restaurant with a pleasant service. Here you will find a varied menu and a wide bar list. Enjoy an unforgettable dinner with beautiful views in the window, a refined interior and a warm welcome. This place has long attracted celebrities and even the royal family, who came here to drink coffee after a walk aroud the city.
A great many beautiful places have been seen on your tour to wonderful Naples, and not to visit its magnificent and historically significant cathedrals and churches, built many centuries ago and keeping the spirit of those immemorial times, would be an unforgivable mistake. Romantic walks in unusual places of the city, which offer absolutely enchanting views, and, of course, a visit to the best Neapolitan restaurants, also awaits you today.
Stroll through the green park, the area, surrounding the Royal Palace, the country residence of the Neapolitan kings in Campania. The palace is considered the largest building built in the XVIII century, and the largest palace in the world. There are 1,200 rooms with a total area of 61 thousand square meters.
Near the royal residence is a cafe, which offers perfectly cooked fish and seafood. The owner of the place will always advise something to your taste, and the waiters will serve you quickly and with special attention. The prices here are not the lowest, but the quality of the dishes is high, and each of them is a labour of love. Also, try the local desserts.
Naples is famous for a huge number of churches. There are more than 400 valuable religious buildings in the city. It is just impossible to visit them all in one trip, but to see at least some of them is very important. One of these buildings is the Sansevero Chapel, considered to be the hidden treasure of the city, because the chapel is a thoroughly ordinary from outside, but its interiors are amazing. Imagine you get in another world just by opening a simple chapel door.
The Basilica of Saint Clare is located on the picturesque Gesù Nuovo square. The Basilica of Saint Clare served as the tomb of the Neapolitan kings. It is a religious complex consisting of a monastery, a tomb and an archaeological museum. It has long been believed in the city that couples married in this church will never know separation, distrust and poverty, so the church is very popular among Naples couples praying ceaselessly for patronage of Saint Clare.
Have a lunch at Il Pomodorino, a restaurant serving Italian cuisine and large portions. It offers a pleasant service and high-quality dishes prepared from the freshest products, delicious pizza, main dishes and salads, snacks, desserts and anything else you choose from the menu.
Have a walk and enjoy picturesque views of the city. On the boardwalk, the city visitors walks, local residents play sports, and street musicians play their music in the atmosphere of an authentic whirling Naples.
Bidding farewell to Naples means bidding farewell not only to its clean streets, beautiful cathedrals, galleries and squares, but also to romance, extraordinary historical atmosphere and spirit of hospitality and comfort of this unique city. As we all know, Naples is home to such a fine dish as pizza, and since time is limited today, the most symbolic farewell to this amazing city is dinning at Italian pizzeria.
There won't be much time left before departure, so go to breakfast in a small bright café nearby, take another stroll through sunny Naples and come back to the hotel to check out.